Recently on a fantastic spring day, Ever-lovin’ and I decided to visit the Homestead Heritage community outside of Waco, Texas near Elm Mott. I had heard of the village from friends, and also some of the local restaurants in Dallas proudly serve grits from the Homestead’s 1760’s gristmill. I had not connected the dots, but Super Sister had been to the Homestead Heritage festival last Thanksgiving with her grandchildren, and they had a wonderful experience. There were craft demonstrations, and many farm activities for the entire family to enjoy.
We began by eating lunch in the Cafe Homestead. What a pleasure! I could have made a meal of the fresh bread served with our soup. Molasses from the farm is used as sweetener. Oh, my! The bread was so good. From what I understand, the farm supplies most of the food for the members of the community and the restaurant.
Ever-lovin’ had a sweet potato soup, and I enjoyed the tomato soup. The hearty tomato soup was unusual in that it included broccoli. So tasty! This is certainly a soup to try to duplicate.
Check out these sandwiches. Again, I was most impressed with the fresh bread. Ever-lovin’ had a burger with grilled onions and pepper jack cheese. It was served with sweet potato fries. I had a Mediterranean chicken sandwich with a salad. Delicious! This is farm to table eating.
I want to remember this presentation! The Lemon Tarts looked so good we had to try one, and we were not disappointed. I loved the smooth tart lemon filling in a crumb crust, topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries and a lemon wedge. Be still my heart. But, I did notice that many other customers ordered the homemade ice cream. Note to self: Try the ice cream next time.
What most intrigued me in the restaurant were the artesian cheeses from Brazos Valley Cheese. Three of their cheeses won awards last year at a cheese competition. I can’t remember the numbers, but the hostess told me that they beat out tens of thousands of other cheeses for the awards. I bought Swiss, Cheddar (2nd place), and Eden(1st place). The Eden is a Brie with a “vegetable ash” layer in the middle, and then it is wrapped in edible fig leaves. Cannot wait to try them. Wouldn’t a cheese tasting gathering be fun?
Walking around the farm was fantastic. To begin with, the weather was perfect. How refreshing to feel the serenity of nature. While walking along the paths, I could not help but think of the song, “Simple Gifts” written by a Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
I know there are times when I yearn for the simple life.
Even with their simple life, they work hard, and many traditional crafts are produced at the farm.
Lovely handmade textiles, quilts, furniture, pottery, baskets, woodworking and blacksmithing items were for sale at the gift barn. Most of the items were a little expensive for my blood—not that they aren’t worth the cost, but… I did bring home a bag of grits. (You see what I buy–food!)
Interesting fact: One site mentioned that members of the Homestead Heritage Farm built President George W. Bush’s Crawford ranch house. Wow!
During the year, classes are taught for outsiders wanting to learn furniture making, blacksmithing, weaving, pottery skills, and more. In the furniture making barn ( sorry no picture) were gorgeous handmade Windsor chairs, and chests. Cooking classes in canning and bread making are also offered. I would like to learn how to make that bread.
A beautiful day, good food, and friendly people. Couldn’t ask for anything more!