Say hello to Donna from Rural Montana!
Food interests: Pretty much everything with emphasis on chocolate!!
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, being outdoors
Q. What are your favorite things to cook?
I think my first love is baking cookies and breads, bagels, and pitas. I enjoy making new recipes, with new techniques. I’ll try just about anything at least once!
Q. How/when did you learn to cook?
I learned a lot from my mom, but my daughter-in-law has been a true inspiration. Since my friend, Angela, told me about CiTR, I’ve been inspired to try more. Everyone here is so talented!
We also do “International Dinner” with a neighbor couple and that can be very challenging, too!
Q. Tell us about some of your cooking triumphs.
It was making a pork loin with a mushroom/shallot/ham filling baked in puff pastry, served with a green peppercorn sauce. I had tasted it at our daughter-in-law’s house. I was totally pumped when it turned out when I made it!!
Q. What was your most memorable cooking tragedy?
The first time I made home made pasta and it was a humid day (we lived in Tennessee then). It stuck in the machine and gummed it all up…..it was a mess!
Q. Describe your kitchen. Do you love it, hate it, and why?
Oh, I love my kitchen! I had input in the design and though it’s smaller than the other house, it’s quite efficient! I do have a nice pantry to stash stuff! We live rather remote, so a well-stocked pantry is essential!
Q. Is your pantry organized and are your kitchen drawers tidy? We need to know.
Oh yeah, organized and tidy to a fault! We only do grocery shopping about every 4 to 5 weeks, so one needs to be organized.
But I could be called a bit compulsive….I probably wouldn’t be able to sleep with dishes in the sink.
Q. Do you have any favorite family cooking traditions?
Sorry to say, not really. I haven’t lived near family for many years, but holidays always include dinners with “adopted” family!
We do “drink date” on speakerphone or SKYPE with my daughter-in-law and her husband for special occasions. It’s our way of keeping in touch over the miles.
Q. What is the one gadget (or ten) you couldn’t do without in your kitchen?
My MAC knife, KitchenAid and iron skillet!
Q. If you had to take one food to a deserted island, what would it be?
Only one food….cheese! Any kind! But some Sweet Tea to wash it down would be nice.
Q. What is your go-to comfort food?
Grilled cheese!
Some of Donna’s favorite recipes she’s submitted to Farm Bell Recipes include:
- Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- Baked Potato Soup
- Ham Bone Stew
- Lemon Artichoke Chicken
- Black Olive Tapenade
See all of Donna’s recipes!
Do you have a recipe post or kitchen-related story to share on the Farm Bell blog? See Farm Bell Blog Submissions for information and to submit a post.
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lisabetholson says:
Is that reading outdoors, Donna, how do you find time for all of that? I would have to take a book to the woods.
On April 16, 2011 at 9:57 am
rileysmom says:
Hi lisabetholson!
Yes, in the summer! We like to hike and take folding chairs and this backpack cooler with “refreshments” and of course, Riley. Sometimes, I’m torn between reading and observing Nature.
We also have a front and back porch where we spend a lot of time.
On April 16, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Mary says:
Hi Donna! I’m so glad I got to meet you and Riley here! I do believe you own a piece of heaven on earth! 🙂
On April 16, 2011 at 6:36 pm
CindyP says:
Hi rileysmom!!!
Would love to live rural Montanta! I believe plans are being made for me to take a trip with my dad out there this summer…and if I remember right, it’s not too far from you!
On April 16, 2011 at 7:44 pm
rileysmom says:
Thank you Mary….we sure feel that way!
On April 17, 2011 at 12:51 pm
rileysmom says:
Awesome CindyP!
We would love you as a neighbor!
On April 17, 2011 at 12:53 pm
angela p says:
Awwww. Thanks Donna for mentioning little ole me… I do have to say Donna is a CHEF! Amazingly talented and inspiring woman. Im honored to know her and that she calls me friend/ sister. Her cooking is amazing. Delicious as it is beautiful.I often have cooking dilemas and I turn to her. Cooking comes naturally to her. Hugs to you my sister in MT!
On April 30, 2011 at 8:53 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
Hey Bagel Buddy! Congratulations on your interview! Donna is one smart, talented lady! As Angela stated: She, too, is my friend/sister…we adopted each other…and I love to hear about her cooking experiences. Her exotic cuisine dinners are my favorite. Here’s to one talented cook and a really cool friend!
On April 30, 2011 at 3:44 pm
rileysmom says:
Aww, thank you, you all are making me blush!
I’m the fortunate one!
On May 1, 2011 at 10:46 am