Sunday at the Farm

Nina and Jonathan with one of the family.

Today we drove to Bobolink, the dairy and bakehouse that H.'s classmate from hippie high school--Jonathan White--owns with his wife, Nina, in Milford, New Jersey. They have 100 cows--and artisanal cheeses and rustic breads.

This was a celebration in honor of the 10th anniversary of their business. I would love to write a nice long piece, but the clock is going around, as my mother used to say, and before I know it, I'll be sluggishly lacing my sneakers for morning boot camp. Therefore, will resort to a list of things we loved:

• The cows. Jonathan knows them all by name. "How about that one?" I asked, pointing to a black and white cow. "That's Ling Ling. We named him that because he looks like a panda," Jonathan said. 
• The colorful guests. Not just Jonathan's mom and Nina's mom and H.'s friend Abby but also David Amram, a famous musician, conductor and composer, and Bob McGrath, one of the main hosts of "Sesame Street" for 43 years. [Click on their names to read about them.] Funny story: Years back, Jonathan and Nina lived near David, and David had goats and goat milk but his kids wouldn't drink it. Jonathan took it and made an award-winning goat cheese. Now Bobolink even has a cheese named Amram.
• The cheeses. They're pricey [$24 per pound] but a luxury worth every penny.  One called Frolic is very nice, as is the cave-ripened Cheddar. We bought a few different chunks and wedges. The Medieval Rye Levain with Kalamata Olives is a great, robust bread to serve with them.
• The farm. Jonathan said their family is only the third to own it since 1780. 
• The farmhouse. Front porch, big hearth and glass-door pantry in kitchen.
• The roosters. Nina pointed out her prized ones--multi-colored, gorgeous and walking proudly. Truly ruling the roost.
• The food. The Whites have three children--the youngest, Jacob, is autistic.  A $10 donation went to his school and then there was a small charge for plates of roast pork, roasted squash and eggplant, and grains. Also: excellent coffee and a big homemade cake. Even beer brewed there, which H. had.
• The warm peach pie with streusel topping!!!! The Whites' friend Dawn McBeth arrived near 6 bearing two beautiful pies she had baked. "Milk and pie!" said Jonathan, and he headed into the farmhouse for plates, forks and a big glass jar of fresh raw milk, as delicious as the pie. Dawn manages Stockton Market. Bobolink sells its wares there. I loved talking to Dawn about baking--she grew up in Minnesota and later had her own bakery for a while, and was a dessert chef for a restaurant. I just checked out the market website and would love to go there some day....road trip, anyone?

Good night.

TCOY

1. Rode my bike, though very short ride.
2. Made a call to a supportive friend.
3. Listened to John Denver CD in car when I drove to pick up Figgy from Sis's tonight. I miss John Denver! Used to listen to him a lot.