In the Kitchen with This Farm Girl Cooks

This week, Mary and Leah welcome Deanne, creator of This Farm Girl Cooks, for a heartfelt conversation about food, family, farming, and finding joy in the kitchen. Deanne shares her journey from growing up in a small farm town to becoming a farm wife in northern Illinois, raising four children, helping on the family farm, and building a successful food platform that inspires thousands of home cooks. Together, the ladies discuss everything from favorite comfort foods and family recipes to the realities of farm life, meal planning, and preserving connections through shared meals. The conversation explores how cooking can nourish more than just our bodies. Food brings people together, preserves traditions, and creates lasting memories. Deanne also shares practical insights for busy families who want to cook more at home without feeling overwhelmed. In This Episode Spring weather updates from Nebraska and Minnesota Wildflowers, Dame's Rocket, and roadside blooms Favorite desserts and comfort foods, including carrot cake and cheesecake Why food is about more than nourishment Deanne's journey into farm life and agriculture Learning to drive tractors and grain carts as an adult The importance of documenting farm procedures and passing on knowledge Simple meal planning strategies for busy families How social media has changed food content and recipe sharing Raising children who know how to cook The value of authenticity in both farming and food creation Challenges facing today's farm families The future of family farms and agricultural advocacy Memorable Takeaways "Food nourishes more than our bodies. It nourishes our spirit, builds community, and creates connection." "Doing something is better than doing nothing. Cooking does not have to be perfect." "Get a few meals in your pocket that you feel good about making and build from there." "Food heals, nourishes, and brings people together." Resources Mentioned This Farm Girl Cooks Meals in Motion cookbook From Table to Tailgate cookbook 4-H Youth Development Programs Connect with Deanne Follow Deanne online at This Farm Girl Cooks across social media platforms and visit her website for recipes, cooking inspiration, and information about her cookbooks. Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture Website: GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com Thank you for joining us for another episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland. Until next time, have some grit and grace.