Have you ever noticed that people cook a roast so long at such a high heat that it may fall apart, but you can't chew it, and the flavor is somewhere near an old rockport? I love roast beef, but could never stand a traditional pot roast, mostly because all the flavor gets cooked out in the relatively hot oven, and long cooking time (when I first started playing with this I found my meat hit well done in about an hour, most recipes say cook for 3 hours), so I took a cue from the Bar B Que people, low and slow. Some cooks like to sear theirs first, and it does make it look pretty, and may impart some flavor, but it was more effort than it was worth to me (I'm lazy).
Ingredients:
3 lb beef roast (I prefer leaner cuts)
10 cloves garlic peeled, and halved
1 large onion quartered
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef stock
Herbs de Provenance (a wonderful spice blend that should be in every kitchen)
Kosher salt
Pepper
Directions:
place onion, garlic, and bay leaves in bottom of roasting pan. Sprinkle the herbs de provenance, salt and pepper on all sides of roast, and lay on top of onions. Add stock to pan, may need more so just covers bottom of roast. Cover and cook in a 275 degree oven for 3-3 1/2 hours or until tender. A real lean roast may require more liquid (add water to keep level) you will have a flavorful, and juicy roast
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Vegetable beef soup
This is a simple soup that my mother in law makes, is really easy, makes a ton, and tastes pretty good. Another plus is there are no rules on what veggies get used.
Ingredients:
3 lb stew beef
4-6 cloves garlic
1 medium onion sliced
1 large can whole tomatoes
3 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, could use canned, but add them later)
3 large potatoes (cut into chunks)
2 cans kidney beans
4 carrots sliced
4 stalks celery cut into chunks
3 cans corn
2 packages frozen cut okra
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
2 cups beef stock
water
Hot sauce
Crackers
Directions:
in a large pot brown the meat lightly (just the outside seared), then add stock, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and corn, add water to fill pot, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste (adjust during cooking, I add early, and add more later). Bring to boil, and cook for 1-2 hours, add beans, and okra, and cook for additional hour or 2 until meat and potatoes are tender.
Serve in large bowls with crackers, and a dash of hot sauce. You can add more veggies, just put them in long enough ahead that they cook, but not fall apart.
Ingredients:
3 lb stew beef
4-6 cloves garlic
1 medium onion sliced
1 large can whole tomatoes
3 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, could use canned, but add them later)
3 large potatoes (cut into chunks)
2 cans kidney beans
4 carrots sliced
4 stalks celery cut into chunks
3 cans corn
2 packages frozen cut okra
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
2 cups beef stock
water
Hot sauce
Crackers
Directions:
in a large pot brown the meat lightly (just the outside seared), then add stock, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and corn, add water to fill pot, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste (adjust during cooking, I add early, and add more later). Bring to boil, and cook for 1-2 hours, add beans, and okra, and cook for additional hour or 2 until meat and potatoes are tender.
Serve in large bowls with crackers, and a dash of hot sauce. You can add more veggies, just put them in long enough ahead that they cook, but not fall apart.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Paczki
Growing up in Michigan paczkis were a yearly treat. They are basically deep fried jelly doughnuts, and always available for Fat Tuesday (or as they call it here Mardi Gras). You can use just about any fruit filling, but rosehip, prune, apricot, strawberry, raspberry or sweet cheese filling are considered traditional (raspberry are my favorite, and we also would get lemon). All the ones I ever had are coated with powdered sugar as well. I went on a quest to find some, and found that they all added alcohol, I don't cook with alcohol, and don't see a need for it in a doughnut (and doubt my local bakery went and bought rum just for this)
Ingredients
Dissolve yeast in warm milk, and set aside.
In large bowl combine nutmeg, eggs, sugar, and vanilla
Add butter, and mix until well blended
Add yeast mixture, and mix well
Slowly add flour, until dough is no longer sticky (after about 4 cups or so)
Knead gently
Place in bowl and cover with tea towel and allow to rise for a couple hours until doubled
punch down, and then allow to rise again
Dump onto lightly floured surface, and roll out to a 1/2 inch thickness, and use a canning jar lid (or a cookie cutter about the same size) to cut dough
let dough rise again
Fry in 325* oil until deep brown (turning while cooking)
Allow to drain, and then using a piping bag fill each with fruit, and then coat in powdered sugar, they don't keep well so either eat them, or freeze them (eating is much better of course)
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter melted
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1 cup warm (room temperature) milk
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbs. vanilla
- 4 ½ to 5 cups white flour
- Fruit filling jam works best, will vary depending how full you make them
- Powdered sugar to coat
Dissolve yeast in warm milk, and set aside.
In large bowl combine nutmeg, eggs, sugar, and vanilla
Add butter, and mix until well blended
Add yeast mixture, and mix well
Slowly add flour, until dough is no longer sticky (after about 4 cups or so)
Knead gently
Place in bowl and cover with tea towel and allow to rise for a couple hours until doubled
punch down, and then allow to rise again
Dump onto lightly floured surface, and roll out to a 1/2 inch thickness, and use a canning jar lid (or a cookie cutter about the same size) to cut dough
let dough rise again
Fry in 325* oil until deep brown (turning while cooking)
Allow to drain, and then using a piping bag fill each with fruit, and then coat in powdered sugar, they don't keep well so either eat them, or freeze them (eating is much better of course)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Pepper Sauce
Ok I talked about pepper sauce yesterday, it's something in almost every southern kitchen, even the restaurants keep it on the table. I had never had it before I moved south, but making it is extremely easy, as a matter of fact it's 2 ingredients vinegar (white) and hot peppers (store bought uses thai chilis, I use habaneros). Just get a jar that has a large enough opening for the peppers (I use salsa jars, but we have a nice decorative one too) fill it as full as possible with peppers (don't be afraid to press them in) then fill with vinegar, put the lid on and keep in the cabinet, let it sit for a couple of weeks, the peppers will lose their color, then pour on whatever you like (great on black eyed peas, and green beans).
Friday, February 17, 2012
New Mexico Taco Skillet
While looking for something for me to eat tonight, I came across a seasoning mix in a liquid pouch. The chef on it is one of my favorite Mexican cookbook authors Rick Bayless. It's all natural and the only thing I don't normally use that's in it is agave nectar. So I bought it, some chicken thighs, and a pack of corn tortillas. I don't make my own tortillas very often, I can never get them as thin, and the ones I get are really good. Now this isn't really a recipe as much as a review since I just followed the package directions (really easy) I did have to add just a little salt, and some hot sauce. It has a roasted pepper flavor, and I actually ended up having to share with my son (who ate a concoction of my mother in laws of hot dogs in tomatoes over mashed potatoes before I fixed mine) it wasn't bad at all, but could use just a bit more spice, if I make it again I'll probably add some fajita mix to the chicken while it browns. I should note that I have not been contacted by the manufacturer at all. Sorry the pics are fuzzy, had to use my phone since I'm at the in-laws (I don't like the hot dog stuff). Enjoy
Red beans and rice a Southern thing
This is a dish I love, but sadly it is banished from my diet since it causes my stomach pain to flare up to a point where I if lucky sleep all day, and feel like I have the flu, and at it's worst has sent me to the ER. My kids can't get enough though, and my ex and her family love it as well, so it gets made, and I find something else. It is also a very easy recipe, and there seem to be as many variations as there are people. The important thing is good quality sausage, and always start with dry beans, canned ones just turn to mush.
Ingredients:
2 lbs dry red kidney beans
1 lb smoked kielbasa sliced into chunks
1 lb conecuh sausage sliced into chunks (a good spicy sausage works if the real stuff isn't available)
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
salt
about half a pack of smoked pork jowls (thick bacon will work, it's just for flavoring the beans)
rice (we use instant and use 2 packs, basically you make a bed of the rice so amounts will vary based on individual tastes)
Directions:
The night before you make it soak the beans (cover with water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let sit overnight, but a minimum of 4 hours)
Drain soaking liquid (makes beans easier to digest)
Transfer beans to crock pot (can be done in a regular pot, but tends to stick) add pork, salt to taste (start small and add later) and cook on medium heat for 2 hours.
Add onion and garlic, and cook an additional 2 hours.
add sausages, and let cook for 1-2 hours or until beans are tender.
Serve over rice with cornbread, and pour a little peppersauce (recipe tomorrow) over top
Ingredients:
2 lbs dry red kidney beans
1 lb smoked kielbasa sliced into chunks
1 lb conecuh sausage sliced into chunks (a good spicy sausage works if the real stuff isn't available)
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
salt
about half a pack of smoked pork jowls (thick bacon will work, it's just for flavoring the beans)
rice (we use instant and use 2 packs, basically you make a bed of the rice so amounts will vary based on individual tastes)
Directions:
The night before you make it soak the beans (cover with water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let sit overnight, but a minimum of 4 hours)
Drain soaking liquid (makes beans easier to digest)
Transfer beans to crock pot (can be done in a regular pot, but tends to stick) add pork, salt to taste (start small and add later) and cook on medium heat for 2 hours.
Add onion and garlic, and cook an additional 2 hours.
add sausages, and let cook for 1-2 hours or until beans are tender.
Serve over rice with cornbread, and pour a little peppersauce (recipe tomorrow) over top
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Is organic meat free from chemicals?
Following up my post from yesterday about the produce, I said I'd cover livestock today. Chicken is marketed as being hormone free, but if you read the label on the package it will tell you that all chicken has to be hormone free. Now organic meat is not supposed to get any hormones, or antibiotics (except as directed by a vet, who may prescribe them like a Hollywood Dr. for all we know). Here is a list of allowed synthetics:
In accordance with restrictions specified in this section the following synthetic substances may be used in organic livestock production:
(a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical treatments as applicable.
(1) Alcohols.
(i) Ethanol-disinfectant and sanitizer only, prohibited as a feed additive.
(ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.
(2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to reduce inflammation.
(3) Atropine (CAS #–51–55–8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and
(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 56 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 12 days after administering to dairy animals.
(4) Biologics—Vaccines.
(5) Butorphanol (CAS #–42408–82–2)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR Part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and
(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 42 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 8 days after administering to dairy animals.
(6) Chlorhexidine—Allowed for surgical procedures conducted by a veterinarian. Allowed for use as a teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers have lost their effectiveness.
(7) Chlorine materials—disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and equipment. Residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
(i) Calcium hypochlorite.
(ii) Chlorine dioxide.
(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.
(8) Electrolytes—without antibiotics.
(9) Flunixin (CAS #–38677–85–9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required by the FDA.
(10) Furosemide (CAS #–54–31–9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required that required by the FDA.
(11) Glucose.
(12) Glycerine—Allowed as a livestock teat dip, must be produced through the hydrolysis of fats or oils.
(13) Hydrogen peroxide.
(14) Iodine.
(15) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #–1309–42–8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.
(16) Magnesium sulfate.
(17) Oxytocin—use in postparturition therapeutic applications.
(18) Paraciticides. Ivermectin—prohibited in slaughter stock, allowed in emergency treatment for dairy and breeder stock when organic system plan-approved preventive management does not prevent infestation. Milk or milk products from a treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this part for 90 days following treatment. In breeder stock, treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during the lactation period for breeding stock.
(19) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS #–79–21–0)—for sanitizing facility and processing equipment.
(20) Phosphoric acid—allowed as an equipment cleaner, Provided , That, no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land occurs.
(21) Poloxalene (CAS #–9003–11–6)—for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires that poloxalene only be used for the emergency treatment of bloat.
(22) Tolazoline (CAS #–59–98–3)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;
(ii) Use only to reverse the effects of sedation and analgesia caused by Xylazine; and
(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
(23) Xylazine (CAS #–7361–61–7)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;
(ii) The existence of an emergency; and
(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
(b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or local anesthetic as applicable.
(1) Copper sulfate.
(2) Iodine.
(3) Lidocaine—as a local anesthetic. Use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.
(4) Lime, hydrated—as an external pest control, not permitted to cauterize physical alterations or deodorize animal wastes.
(5) Mineral oil—for topical use and as a lubricant.
(6) Procaine—as a local anesthetic, use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.
(7) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s–42922–74–7; 58064–47–4)—in accordance with approved labeling.
(c) As feed supplements—None.
(d) As feed additives.
(1) DL–Methionine, DL–Methionine—hydroxy analog, and DL–Methionine—hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #–59–51–8; 63–68–3; 348–67–4)—for use only in organic poultry production until October 1, 2012, at the following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: laying chickens—4 pounds; broiler chickens—5 pounds; turkeys and all other poultry—6 pounds.
(2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.
(3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.
(e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.
(1) EPA List 4—Inerts of Minimal Concern.
(2) [Reserved]
(f) Excipients, only for use in the manufacture of drugs used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is: Identified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe; Approved by the FDA as a food additive; or Included in the FDA review and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application.
The scary one is the list of specifically banned, because an unscrupulous farmer may use the fact it's not explicitly banned as being ok to use. There is only 1 chemical named as banned:
The following nonsynthetic substances may not be used in organic livestock production:
(a) Strychnine.
(b)–(z) [Reserved]
I don't tend to buy organic, especially chicken, but I buy from stores I know, and have talked to the butcher (I'm picky about meat anyway since we always had our own cows we butchered). If you can go to the slaughterhouse, they may be able to tell you about the farm (they'll know the farmer), plus it will be cheaper, and they aren't typically getting the corporate farm stuff that uses the hormones, and over-medicating (can you tell I'm not a fan of those huge farms) Now all the organic farms are supposed to keep organic, and non-organic separate, but again the inspection isn't done constantly (and just look at what has gotten overlooked on the regular side that is supposed to be inspected regularly). Not all farms that grow organic are certified either (they pay a fee that may be too high for them) so again buy local, and know who you buy from, if they have to look you in the eye on a regular basis they are more apt to be safe.
In accordance with restrictions specified in this section the following synthetic substances may be used in organic livestock production:
(a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical treatments as applicable.
(1) Alcohols.
(i) Ethanol-disinfectant and sanitizer only, prohibited as a feed additive.
(ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.
(2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to reduce inflammation.
(3) Atropine (CAS #–51–55–8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and
(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 56 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 12 days after administering to dairy animals.
(4) Biologics—Vaccines.
(5) Butorphanol (CAS #–42408–82–2)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR Part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and
(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 42 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 8 days after administering to dairy animals.
(6) Chlorhexidine—Allowed for surgical procedures conducted by a veterinarian. Allowed for use as a teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers have lost their effectiveness.
(7) Chlorine materials—disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and equipment. Residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
(i) Calcium hypochlorite.
(ii) Chlorine dioxide.
(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.
(8) Electrolytes—without antibiotics.
(9) Flunixin (CAS #–38677–85–9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required by the FDA.
(10) Furosemide (CAS #–54–31–9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required that required by the FDA.
(11) Glucose.
(12) Glycerine—Allowed as a livestock teat dip, must be produced through the hydrolysis of fats or oils.
(13) Hydrogen peroxide.
(14) Iodine.
(15) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #–1309–42–8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.
(16) Magnesium sulfate.
(17) Oxytocin—use in postparturition therapeutic applications.
(18) Paraciticides. Ivermectin—prohibited in slaughter stock, allowed in emergency treatment for dairy and breeder stock when organic system plan-approved preventive management does not prevent infestation. Milk or milk products from a treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this part for 90 days following treatment. In breeder stock, treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during the lactation period for breeding stock.
(19) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS #–79–21–0)—for sanitizing facility and processing equipment.
(20) Phosphoric acid—allowed as an equipment cleaner, Provided , That, no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land occurs.
(21) Poloxalene (CAS #–9003–11–6)—for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires that poloxalene only be used for the emergency treatment of bloat.
(22) Tolazoline (CAS #–59–98–3)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;
(ii) Use only to reverse the effects of sedation and analgesia caused by Xylazine; and
(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
(23) Xylazine (CAS #–7361–61–7)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;
(ii) The existence of an emergency; and
(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
(b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or local anesthetic as applicable.
(1) Copper sulfate.
(2) Iodine.
(3) Lidocaine—as a local anesthetic. Use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.
(4) Lime, hydrated—as an external pest control, not permitted to cauterize physical alterations or deodorize animal wastes.
(5) Mineral oil—for topical use and as a lubricant.
(6) Procaine—as a local anesthetic, use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.
(7) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s–42922–74–7; 58064–47–4)—in accordance with approved labeling.
(c) As feed supplements—None.
(d) As feed additives.
(1) DL–Methionine, DL–Methionine—hydroxy analog, and DL–Methionine—hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #–59–51–8; 63–68–3; 348–67–4)—for use only in organic poultry production until October 1, 2012, at the following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: laying chickens—4 pounds; broiler chickens—5 pounds; turkeys and all other poultry—6 pounds.
(2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.
(3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.
(e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.
(1) EPA List 4—Inerts of Minimal Concern.
(2) [Reserved]
(f) Excipients, only for use in the manufacture of drugs used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is: Identified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe; Approved by the FDA as a food additive; or Included in the FDA review and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application.
The scary one is the list of specifically banned, because an unscrupulous farmer may use the fact it's not explicitly banned as being ok to use. There is only 1 chemical named as banned:
The following nonsynthetic substances may not be used in organic livestock production:
(a) Strychnine.
(b)–(z) [Reserved]
I don't tend to buy organic, especially chicken, but I buy from stores I know, and have talked to the butcher (I'm picky about meat anyway since we always had our own cows we butchered). If you can go to the slaughterhouse, they may be able to tell you about the farm (they'll know the farmer), plus it will be cheaper, and they aren't typically getting the corporate farm stuff that uses the hormones, and over-medicating (can you tell I'm not a fan of those huge farms) Now all the organic farms are supposed to keep organic, and non-organic separate, but again the inspection isn't done constantly (and just look at what has gotten overlooked on the regular side that is supposed to be inspected regularly). Not all farms that grow organic are certified either (they pay a fee that may be too high for them) so again buy local, and know who you buy from, if they have to look you in the eye on a regular basis they are more apt to be safe.
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