To Fry or Steam, that is the question

As I was perusing recipes earlier today (ok, just before dinner) I got to thinking, So many recipes, so many variations, so much deliciousness, but one difference I just don't understand. Why is it that some say saute the onions, peppers, garlic before adding the meat while other brown the meat then add the onions etc?

So, why the difference?  Please remember we are talking same recipe's here. Is it taste, personal preference, or just technique?   I love to play in the kitchen just as much as the next person but just don't understand why so many great chefs/cooks are split on the order in which they do things. I have my own ideas on why this is, but I'd love to know your opinions on the subject. Do you steam or do your saute?

I have no fancy or mouth watering pictures to post here. Just plain and simple, what do you all think? How and when do you what you do?  I would really love your feedback.

Oh, and if you have a great eggplant recipe i'd love to know that too!!!!!

As always, thanks for coming,
~ Amy G

Time with Dad.

Unlike most 9-5 jobs, farmers don't/can't always have a set working schedule. Some times of year simply include daily chores and making sure all is well. However, there two times of year, harvest and spring work, when a farmer and his family just know that their beloved family member will simply not be around. It is during these times when you have to take the family to the field to get some daddy time. Admittedly, this was one of the hardest adjustments for me as I tried to settle into my new marriage and then mommy life. Yesterday, was one of those go find daddy days, bring him some lunch, and take a tractor ride

Not sure what he was more excited about. Seeing daddy or the tractor. Either way

it was just one of those "all is right with the world" feelings.

After the tractor ride we found a nice shady spot under an almond tree to enjoy some lunch.

It was a great way to spend some time with dad.

Yes, Farmers always do complain about the weather.

If it's been said once, its been said a thousand times. Farmers are always complaining about the weather. When it's supposed to be sunny it's rainy and when it's supposed to be rainy it's sunny. They just never seem to be happy.

Our farmers, your farmers, work hard to nurture their crops and plan to make the most of every stage of their life cycle.

 I'm by no means an expert, but I can pass along what little knowledge I do have as to why this is.

Here it is. 

When it's bad, it's really bad. For example, it's Spring.

 The trees are blooming.

 The sun is shining and the bees are buzzing.

Perfect conditions for the making of a great upcoming crop.

A quick note for those that may learning along with me:

    1) Almond trees are cross pollinators. Hence, a minimum number of  bee work hours is very helpful, if not essential, for the start of a good crop. Bees are, by nature, fair weather workers and will not come out of the cozy hive if the weather conditions are not perfect.

    2) These trees will only bloom once. If you loose your blooms, your loose your crop. If you loose your crop you've lost your annual income.

Back to spring conditions. Perfect conditions until the wind starts to blow,

 the rain continues to fall, temperatures drop to freezing multiple nights in a row,

 and it starts to hail and in some cases snow.

Another quick note:

     When temps. do reach close to freezing, the farmer sets his frost alarm, gets woken up, usually in the middle of the night, and goes out into the orchard to "turn water on", turn on the sprinklers in an attempt to keep the blooms from freezing.

So, as you can see, mother nature can be a cruel mistress and as such, farmers will continue to complain about the weather.

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While this entry might be oversimplified I hope that I was able to shed some light as to why, yes, farmers always complain about the weather. All this, and they still LOVE what they do! Thank you Farmers.

As always, thanks for visiting.

~Amy G.