Author: Ol' Fuzz Face

sous vide
SFH Food Talk & Recipes, Test Kitchen

Unboxing the Anova Nano: A Sous Vide Birthday Surprise

For years, we’ve watched sous vide cooking on various shows and wondered if it could fit into our homestead lifestyle. With a freezer full of meats and a curiosity for precision cooking, it was finally time to give it a try. The Nano seemed like the perfect entry point—affordable, well-reviewed, and simple enough for beginners.

Inside the box, we found the immersion circulator itself and a quick start guide. No frills, no fluff—just the essentials. We also discussed the accompanying app, which has recently received mixed reviews. But here at Serendipity Farmhouse, we prefer hands-on cooking over remote control. If we’re going to cook, we’re going to be in the kitchen.

sous vide

I demonstrated how the Nano clamps onto a pot and explained its digital controls, water level markings, and cord length (which, thankfully, is generous enough for most kitchen setups). We even brought out a second box—a birthday bonus accessory to help retain heat during cooking.

Tonight’s dinner? New York strip steaks, cooked sous vide style. We won’t be filming that part, but rest assured, we’ll report back with results once we’ve mastered the technique.

This video marks the beginning of our sous vide journey, and we’re inviting you to come along. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about cooking under vacuum, we hope you’ll enjoy the laughs, the learning, and the love that fills our kitchen.

Stay tuned for more sous vide adventures, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Together, we’ll make the Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen world famous—one gadget at a time.

Wegmans
SFH Food Talk & Recipes

Why This Practical Man Drives to Wegmans

A Serendipity Farmhouse Reflection on shopping at Wegmans by Old Fuzz Face

Let’s be honest—I’m not the kind of man who takes grocery shopping lightly. I’ve got a system. I’ve got maps. And yes, I’ve got notes. So when Blondie and I drive 37 miles to Wegmans in Gainesville, it’s not just a whim—it’s strategic.

Now don’t get me wrong: Aldi is our go-to. Low prices, fast checkout, no frills—just the way we like it most weeks. But every now and then, we need something more. Something fresh, varied, even a bit—dare I say—fancy.

That’s where Wegmans comes in.

Why Wegmans?

They’ve got a prepared food section that could feed a small army or two weary farmhouse cooks. Hot bar, sushi, pizza—the works. We usually stop for lunch in the mezzanine and plot our course like seasoned generals.

Prepared Foods
Wegmans
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Fresh Market

And the wine, beer & spirits? Aldi’s got value, but Wegmans has Virginia wines and staff who know their pairings. Blondie likes that. I like not guessing.

We make our way through dairy, floral, cheese, and produce—all noticeably better stocked and styled than what you’ll find at the budget chains. Blondie’s eyes light up in the cheese department. Me? I push the cart and hope for samples.

Then there’s the fresh market—seafood, charcuterie, artisan pastries. Aldi doesn’t even try. Wegmans makes it easy to say yes to quality. And yes, I do say yes to the bakery rolls for the ride home.

No, we’re not there every week. That wouldn’t be practical. But when we go, it’s intentional. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about finding things that make cooking better, shopping more enjoyable, and Blondie smile.

That, folks, is what I call a smart decision.

Until next time, Keep it Simple! & Keep it Practical!
—Old Fuzz Face

goat milk yogurt
Daring Dairy, Recipe, SFH Food Talk & Recipes

Thick & Creamy Goat Milk Yogurt – The Practical Way

Folks, let’s get one thing straight—I’m not here to waste time. Cooking should be practical, efficient, and get the job done right. And that’s exactly why goat milk yogurt has earned its place in the Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen.

You see, I don’t mess around with overcomplicated recipes. If there’s a way to make it better, cheaper, and smarter, I’ll find it. That’s why we’re using raw goat milk, yogurt culture starter, and Knox gelatin to produce thick, creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt—without the ridiculous markup you’ll find at the store.

🐐 Why Goat Milk? Because It Works

I’ve tried cow milk yogurt, and while it’s fine for some, it doesn’t hold a candle to goat milk when it comes to digestibility. Smaller fat globules, lower lactose, and a naturally smooth texture mean it’s easier on the stomach and better in consistency. This holds true for the goat milk cheese we make here at Serendipity.

goat milk yogurt

⚙️ Instant Pot: The Workhorse of Yogurt-Making

Instead of fiddling with thermometers every two minutes, I rely on the Instant Pot’s Yogurt Mode to keep temperatures precise, letting the bacteria do their thing without interference. Just set it, forget it, and check back when it’s done.

🍧 The Gelatin Trick

Now, goat milk yogurt tends to run a little thin—that’s just how goat milk works. So, instead of straining it forever, I pre-mix Knox gelatin into one cup of reserved goat milk before heating. When mixed back in, this helps cool the milk faster while ensuring a smooth, evenly thickened final product. No lumps, no nonsense. And there are other benefits as well.

Knox gelatin

⏳ How It’s Done—The Practical Steps

  • Heat milk to 165°–180°F to ensure a proper texture.
  • Mix gelatin with reserved milk before heating.
  • Cool quickly below 110°F before adding the starter.
  • Set Instant Pot to Yogurt Mode for 8 hours—longer for tangier yogurt.
  • Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

💰 Why Pay More? Make It Yourself

This homemade yogurt costs half of what store-bought goat milk yogurt does. You control the probiotics, the thickness, and the flavor. Instead of paying extra for additives and stabilizers, you just make it right the first time.

goat milk yogurt

🥣 My Breakfast Ritual

A bowl of thick goat milk yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and some toast made with fresh sourdough bread—that’s how I start my day. If you want better food, you make it yourself. If you want smarter cooking, you simplify the process. And if you want to see more practical farmhouse skills, subscribe and follow along.

Now, go make yourself some yogurt. Happy Cooking!.

This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe at Frieda Loves Bread.

This is an adaptation of a recipe at frieda loves bread.

Mother's Day surprise
Uncategorized

A Mother’s Day Surprise – Fuzzy’s Gift to Chef Blondie

Well, folks, I did it. I went all out this Mother’s Day. No flowers, no chocolates—nope, I found something truly unique for the one and only Chef Blondie. Yep, I gave her a true Mother’s Day surprise. Now, whether she thinks it’s brilliant or baffling, well, that remains to be seen.

What was the Surprise?

You see, my dear wife is a phenomenal chef, the mastermind behind countless meals and the keeper of family traditions. And since she spends quite a bit of time cracking and separating eggs, I figured it was only right to equip her with some high-tech kitchen innovation—an egg opener. Yes, you heard me right. An egg opener.

Now, before you judge me too harshly, this gadget promises to crack eggs cleanly, keep hands free from the mess, and even separate yolks. Sound useful? Maybe. Sound like something that belongs on the list of weird-but-intriguing kitchen tools? Absolutely.

So, what better way to test this thing out than by making Chef John’s famous lemon bars? With a Mother’s Day lunch on the horizon and a kitchen filled with laughter, we put this little contraption to the test. And let’s just say—there were a few moments of doubt (mostly on Chef Blondie’s part) and a few mishaps, but also some surprisingly successful results.

Will she like it?

In the end, was it worth it?
Did this little gadget win Chef Blondie over? Will it end up in the “Fuzzy’s Kitchen Experiments Gone Wrong” pile? Or will it end up in a place of honor right next to her Rapid Egg Cooker?

There’s only one way to find out—watch the video and see for yourself! A belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there—I hope your day was filled with love, laughter, and maybe even an unexpected Mother’s Day surprise.

📽️ Watch the full video here:

🥚💛 Let me know in the comments—would YOU use an egg opener?

rapid egg cooker
SFH Food Talk & Recipes, Test Kitchen

We Tested the Rapid Egg Cooker: Should You Get One?

Wonderous Daughter #2 gifted my dear Chef Blondie with one of our favorite kitchen gadgets, the Rapid Egg Cooker made by DASH. In this post, Miss Blondie and I share our fondness for this versatile gadget. We were greatly pleased by its affordability, efficiency, and stunning results in cooking eggs.

Hi! Old Fuzz Face here. Chef Blondie and I aren’t alone in loving kitchen gadgets. From responses to a survey we took, we know that there are those out there who share the same interests. So, that’s why we made a YouTube video about the Rapid Egg Cooker. It’s one of the newest and most used gadgets in our vast collection.

What to Know about the Rapid Egg Cooker

Chef Blondie and I were surprised to learn about the amazing versatility and functionality of the egg cooker. It can produce hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached eggs, and even scrambled eggs. The gadget is user-friendly, boasting an all-in-one design for easy storage, operation, and cleanup. In our video we demonstrate the cooking process step-by-step. We give hints on how to pierce the eggs correctly, measure the water for different cooking preferences, and ensure safe operation.

rapid egg cooker

Our video emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid unintentional hazards. We show you the steps to achieve perfectly cooked eggs that look visually appealing. For example, because the cooker uses steam instead of boiling water, the device prevents unsightly green edges typical of stove-boiled eggs.

Key Insights

Here are some of the key insights we uncovered during our extensive testing:

  • Versatility in Cooking: The Rapid Egg Cooker is an all-in-one solution for various egg types, catering to diverse culinary preferences. This versatility makes it an essential tool for families or individuals who enjoy multiple egg styles without needing separate appliances for each type.
  • Cost-Effective Kitchen Tool: With a price point under $20, the cooker offers a budget-friendly option. It’s perfect for those looking to enhance their kitchen efficiency without overspending on expensive gadgets.
  • User Safety Awareness: Because the Rapid Egg Cooker uses steam, use proper care and safety procedures. This is especially true while handling the cooker and sharp piercing tools.
  • Ease of Use Instructions: In our video, Chef Blondie provides clear, methodical steps for operation, highlighting crucial actions such as not locking the lid during cooking and ensuring that the eggs are placed properly in the boiling tray. This clarity is essential for first-time users wanting to optimize their cooking results.
  • Increased Gadget Collection Awareness: The mention of multiple gadgets highlights a trend in modern cooking where small appliances facilitate culinary endeavors without requiring extensive skill or space. It’s an important consideration for those who are increasingly focused on convenience and practical cooking solutions.

Summary

The way we see it, our test of the Rapid Egg Cooker not only shows how to use this novel gadget, it hopefully will inspire you to explore the culinary potential that such convenient appliances can offer. We know that many traditional cooking methods are irreplicable, yet we also understand that embracing technology in the kitchen can lead to a more enjoyable and efficient cooking experience, one egg dish at a time.

In closing, Chef Blondie and I hope to test many other intriguing kitchen gadgets as we add them to our kitchen appliance collection.

Until then – Happy Cooking!!

spring cleanup
Farmhouse Living, Garden Talk

Spectacular Spring Cleanup – It’s Serendipity

Join me (Old Fuzz Face) and Miss Blondie on a fun-filled spectacular spring cleanup at our beautiful 1.203-acre Serendipity Farmhouse estate! Watch as we tackle our to-do list of repairs, replacements, and maintenance tasks with laughter and teamwork. We need to spruce up the farmhouse and revitalize the vegetable gardens and sheds. I’m determined to impress Miss Blondie and earn her coveted thumbs up! 👍👍

Hi! Old Fuzz Face here. Our spring cleanup video is one of our least professional most unplanned videos ever. But we made it because some people have asked us about the ups and downs of farmhouse living. Well, it was a long winter and everything is a mess. We’ll have to fix and replace a lot of things. So, we thought we’d take you on a little tour around Serendipity. We’ll show you what we need to do what we’ve already done.

The Official SFH Spring Cleanup To-Do List

spring cleanup

About two or three weeks ago, we took our first walk around. It was cold and we said as soon as the weather gets warm, we’ll start to work. There were several to-do items that we outlined. In our video, we’re going review our list. As we go through those items, Miss Blondie is going to inspect the work that I’ve already done. I know she’s going to give me thumbs up and gold stars and everything because. She’s always very pleased with everything I do.

It’s All Serendipity

Oh, by the way, this week Miss Blondie and I are celebrating our 53rd wedding anniversary. Taking care of this old farmhouse has become an important part of our lives. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or with anyone else. That’s the best part of serendipity.

So, join us on this little Serendipity tour and see if Miss Blondie is happy with my work and gives me her Blondie Approved thumbs up. 👍👍

sourdough sandwich bread
Breads, Recipe, SFH Food Talk & Recipes, Sourdough

Practical Man’s Guide to The Rose Homestead Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Join us in the Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen as we put The Rose Homestead’s sourdough sandwich bread recipe to the ultimate test! 🍞 Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your quest for great sourdough bread, this post and our YouTube video have something for everyone. Let’s see if The Rose Homestead’s recipe lives up to the hype! 🚀

sourdough sandwich bread

Hi! Old Fuzz Face here! Between the recent cold spell and my unique ability to capture defeat from the jaws of victory, this SFH-TK test has been a real challenge. Nevertheless, I’m happy to report that our test of this bread recipe by Mary Rose produced a great loaf of bread.

When I started putting our YouTube video together, Executive Chef Blondie cautioned me that some of the content would put viewers into a deep sleep or even a vegetative state. Of course she wasn’t able to tell me that until I woke her up. So, this post will provide you some of the geeky material that I edited from the video.

When you go to the video you will find these highlights:

  • Step-by-step tutorial: Follow along as we mix, prepare, and bake this highly recommended recipe.
  • Essential tips: Learn the techniques to achieve a perfectly fluffy and flavorful sourdough loaf.
  • Ingredients: Discover the ingredients that make a difference.
  • Test results: See how this recipe stacks up and hear honest feedback from our dear friend Miss Nancy.

Baker’s Percentage Analysis

Baker’s Percentage is a way of expressing the ratio of ingredients to the total weight of flour in a recipe. It may not look like much fun working with percentages, but it can be very helpful in scaling a recipe up or down. Here’s the baker’s percentage analysis for this recipe:

  • Flour: 100% – (assuming 3.25 cups as the average) 3.25 cups = 390 grams (assuming 1 cup of flour weighs 120 grams)
  • Water: 60.8% – 1 cup = 237 grams (assuming 1 cup of water weighs 237 grams)
  • Sourdough Starter: 30.8% – 1/2 cup = 120 grams (assuming 1/2 cup of starter weighs 120 grams)
  • Olive Oil: 13.8% – 1/4 cup = 54 grams (assuming 1/4 cup of oil weighs 54 grams)
  • Honey: 10.8%- 2 tbsp = 42 grams (assuming 1 tbsp of honey weighs 21 grams)
  • Salt: 2.3% – 1.5 tsp = 9 grams (assuming 1 tsp of salt weighs 6 grams)

Yes, it adds up to more than 100%. But don’t sweat the small stuff. That’s a problem for mathematically inclined bakers.

Why this Recipe Works

When you break out a recipe this way, you can see beforehand what characteristics will be present in the bread. Here’s the breakdown for Mary Rose’s recipe:

  • Hydration: The hydration level (water to flour ratio) is around 60.8%, which is typical for sandwich bread. It should yield a dough that is a bit sticky and easy to work with. It will give the bread a soft crumb and help in achieving a tender texture. It’s perfect for sandwich bread.
  • Sourdough Starter: Adds a mild tangy flavor characteristic of sourdough bread. The starter provides natural leavening and flavor. The 30.8% starter is a substantial amount of starter, which will result in a noticeable sourdough flavor and quicker fermentation. The bread should have good structure and a nice tang from the natural fermentation process.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, rich flavor and tenderness to the crumb. It also helps keep the bread soft and moist.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness which balances the tanginess of the sourdough, and also creates a slightly caramelized crust.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by bringing out the sweetness and sourness, while also strengthening the gluten network for better structure.

Substituting Freshly Milled Hard White Wheat

If you substitute 1 cup of freshly milled hard white wheat for 1 cup of all-purpose flour, here are some changes you might need to consider:

  • Hydration: Freshly milled flour tends to absorb more water. You might need to increase the water slightly to achieve the same dough consistency.
  • Texture: Freshly milled flour can make the bread denser. Consider sifting the flour to remove some of the bran for a lighter texture. (We prefer not to sift in order to retain the natural nutrients in the bran.
  • Fermentation: Whole wheat flour ferments faster due to higher nutrient content. Keep an eye on the dough and adjust fermentation times as needed.

Potential Improvements

As you will notice, I have converted the test recipe to grams to improve consistency. Weighing the flour instead of using cups can help achieve results that are reliable and repeatable.

In our video, I have a special section showing how I totally destroyed a loaf of bread due to over proofing. The lesson here is that you need to adjust the fermentation time based on room temperature. Warmer temperatures may require shorter fermentation times, while cooler temperatures may need longer. In this case I tried to compensate for very low room temperatures. In my own characteristic way, I managed to overcompensate. Let me tell you, Chef Blondie was not amused.

sourdough sandwich bread

Resources

thermal cooker
RV Living, SFH Food Talk & Recipes, Test Kitchen

Exciting Christmas Gift: Tayama Thermal Cooker Unboxed

Hi everyone, Old Fuzz Face here! This Christmas, I received the perfect gift from my beautiful Miss Blondie—a Tayama thermal cooker. As a practical man, I couldn’t wait to unbox it and share it with you.

In our video, I unboxed my new Tayama TXM-70CFZ thermal cooker. That video and this post will answer most of your questions about the thermal cooker and its uses. Later this week, Chef Blondie and I plan on preparing a test meal with it. So, make sure you come back to see how Chef Blondie and the SFH Test Kitchen staff evaluate this thermal cooker’s performance.

Remember to subscribe to the Serendipity Farmhouse blog and to our YouTube channel.

Thermal Cooker Unboxing

Let’s dive into the unboxing! I won’t describe every single detail, but I’ll give you an overview of what I found inside. Opening the box felt like Christmas morning all over again. – As usual, my cat, Mr. Monte, was there, ready to steal any stray pieces of styrofoam or plastic wrapping. Here are the main items I found inside.

The first item I found was the Insulated Carry Pot. This is the unique component of a thermal cooker. It provides the insulation needed to ensure continuous cooking over an extended period of time.

The primary component of this thermal cooker is the Large Inner Cooking pot. It is similar to the inner cooking vessel on an Instant Pot. But, unlike that pot, you can use it on a stovetop for bringing food items to a boil or to to brown meats and saute vegetables.

thermal cooker
thermal cooker

The Small Inner Cooking Pot serves two purposes. You can use it to prepare a second course to accompany the food cooked in the large inner cooking pot. It can also be filled with boiling water to increase the amount of heated mass in the insulated carry pot. This ensures that the inner temperature is maintained over an extended period.

Product Overview

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Tayama Thermal Cooker. This model has a 7-quart capacity. It’s stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand regular use. One standout feature is the energy-saving design.

Unlike traditional cooking methods, this cooker uses heat retention to cook food without continuous energy, similar to a slow cooker but more energy efficient. This design is ideal for use in an RV and perfect for families, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Originating in medieval Europe with the concept of a “haybox,” modern thermal cookers have evolved, using advanced technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. With rising energy costs, this thermal cooker is a fantastic way to save on your gas or electric bill.

Stay tuned for our next video, where we’ll test this cooker with a simple beef stew recipe. As always, our reviews are completely unbiased as we have no sponsors or affiliates.

Azorean bean soup
Main Dishes, Recipe, SFH Food Talk & Recipes, Test Kitchen

How to Make Azorean Bean Soup: A Comfort Food Recipe

Today, we’ll be exploring the rich culinary history of the Azores, focusing on a traditional and frugal dish—Azorean Bean Soup with Linguiça.

Azorean bean soup

Hi! Old Fuzz Face here. Welcome to the soon-to-be-world-famous Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen!

In the late-1800s and early 1900s, life on São Miguel was simple and community-oriented. Meals were often prepared with whatever was locally available, making use of seasonal ingredients and foods like linguiça sausage.

Our video will show you how to use linguiça in a traditional bean soup that tastes great and is warm and satisfying. – A perfect meal for this time of year.

By the way, don’t be worried if you don’t have any linguiça. A number of grocery chains such as Harris Teeter sell various brands of authentic linguiça sausage. And if you are really daring, try making your own linguiça using my recipe here.

Sous Chef Lessons Learned

Mr. Monte claims that I’m not the sharpest claw on the paw. I’m not saying our video proves him right. I will say that I learned three important lessons while making this about how to make Azorean Bean Soup. Watch the video to see what those three lessons were.

A Recipe on a Journey from the Azores

In 1903, my dad’s parents emigrated from São Miguel to Massachusetts. They didn’t bring much with them, and they had to start here from scratch. But my grandmother did bring one very important thing with her, that was her skill at cooking traditional Azorean dishes.

My grandfather died young, and I never got to meet my grandmother. My dad became the head of the household in the late 1920’s. I learned through my cousin Emma what types of meals my grandmother made for my dad and the family. This bean soup we’re preparing today is an example of what my grandmother would make back in those days. We think you’ll enjoy this bean soup because of its great flavor and ease of preparation.

RV Trip
Autumn, RV Living, Uncategorized

The Best RV Trip We Never Had – Monte’s Revenge

Our 25-pound Maine Coon cat gave us the best RV trip we never had. He did it through a premeditated act of sabotage.

Every year in October, Miss Blondie and I take our Class C RV to Shenandoah River State Park to bask in the colors of Autumn. First we pick up our reservation pass at the Contact Station. With our pass in hand, we head directly to our RV site, hook up our utilities, and set up camp. Then we just sit back and take in all the wonders of the park in this most beautiful time of year. – And that, dear friends, was the plan for this last October 24th.

Malicious Maine Coon Sabotage

If you follow our YouTube channel, and we hope that you do, you know that Mr. Monte sabotaged our hot water system and we had to cancel our reservation. – Little did he know, that in performing his evil prank, our cat gave us … the best RV trip we never had. (To see how he performed his malicious act of sabotage, click here.)

Our Backup Plan – Let’s Have a Day Trip

Yes, Mr. Monte forced us to cancel our trip scheduled for the peak Autumn foliage. Yes, that dang cat thought he had won this round. But Miss Blondie and I resolved that we would not miss the splendors of Autumn. We would see the Shenandoah Valley at its best. – We had devised a backup plan.

A quick telephone call is all it took. Our cancelled RV trip morphed into a magnificent day of exploring and picnicking in the park. It was an unbelievably pleasant day with three of the most charming ladies I know – Miss Blondie, Daughter #1, and Granddaughter #1.

I won’t burden you with a lengthy description of all we did on our day trip. Words would only get in the way. Instead, let’s just look at some of what we saw. Perhaps someday you will be able to visit Shenandoah River State Park in October and see it all for yourself.