freezer meals

From Farm to Freezer

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Splitting a Half Steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary

If you know me, you know I like to keep my freezer stocked and support local farms whenever I can. There’s just something satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from — and that it was raised with care.

Recently, my cousin and I decided to go in on half a butchered steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary in Elkton, Maryland. Their beef is processed and packaged by ClarkCo Meats in Pennsylvania, and the quality really shows. Everything came vacuum-sealed, clearly labeled, and ready for the freezer. My cousin and I split it evenly, and now I’ve got about 115 pounds of fresh, local beef stuffed in my freezer.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary is a gem in the area; they sell beef, pork, eggs, and honey, all produced right on the farm. You can truly taste the quality and care in their products.

The first cut I decided to try was a tri-tip, and oh my goodness — it was delicious! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. There’s nothing quite like grilling up a piece of beef that was raised just a few miles away. It feels great to support local farmers while stocking the freezer with something wholesome and genuine.

I love the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with this — knowing I have a good supply of quality meat for the months ahead. If you’re near Elkton, MD, I definitely recommend checking out Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary. Local farms like theirs are what keep communities strong, healthy, and connected.

✅ What Caught My Eye

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary really stood out to me for several reasons:

  • They offer grass-raised, grass-finished beef with no hormones or vaccines.
  • The farm is located right here in Elkton, Maryland.
  • They also raise heritage pork, produce honey from their own apiary, and provide animal feed and farm supplies.
  • Founded in 2018 by Chris and Stephanie Dodds, along with their son, they’ve built a strong family-run operation rooted in quality and care.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary
360 Williams Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(302) 650-4688
https://sunnybrook.ag/

Homemade Lasagna

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Last night I pulled the heaviest pan of lasagna out of the oven, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it had to weigh at least five pounds. This isn’t just a dinner, it’s a full-on event — the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and leaves plenty for the next day. My cousin is the one who hooked me on ZENB pasta, and I instantly fell in love with their Yellow Pea Lasagna Sheets. They bake beautifully, hold up to all the layers, and my kids absolutely love them. Best of all, they’re oven-ready, which means no boiling required. Sadly, ZENB has decided to stop all sales to the United States. Their website says products are still available in some retail stores while supplies last, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re gone. Luckily, I can still find the lasagna sheets at Ocean State Job Lot here in town, though who knows for how long. Even if you can’t get your hands on them, don’t worry — just use any lasagna noodles you have on hand. If you’re using regular noodles, you’ll want to start by cooking them in salted water until they’re just tender, then toss them with a little olive oil so they don’t stick.

The best part about making lasagna is that it’s two dinners in one. I always refrigerate the leftovers overnight, then the next day I cut the lasagna in half. One half goes back in the fridge for quick lunches or second helpings, and the other half I wrap up and freeze for another night. It’s like having a homemade meal ready to go on a busy evening — and that makes all the effort of layering and baking feel even more worth it.

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