Foxhollow Poultry Farm

Last year the Iowa Lottery called us again for some of our barnyard "talent". Our white Orpington hen named Mattie was chosen as the Iowa Lottery's spokeschicken for their Cheaper by the Dozen Promotion. They came to the farm to take some digital pictures (CGI) of her beak in order to be able to manipulate it on the computer so she could appear as if she was speaking. The next day she had to go to the studio so we could get the rest of the shots (her sitting on a nest of golden eggs with microphones in front of her as if she were a celebrity at a press interview.) the whole thing was hilarious to watch as they filmed it. Well that was last year and I thought Mattie's fame and fortune days were over. I was watching tv during lunch and happened to see Mattie's commercial was being run again this year. "Crazy", I thought jokingly saying to myself that she should surely be due some residuals. HA. Well the studio that did the spot called the next day to say that Mattie woud have another check in the mail as they would run the spot all of April  due to popularity. It makes me laugh so hard to think that this chicken's commercial was so popular that the lottery brought it back. Mattie is worth her weight in gold, not only as a tv star, but also as a pet. She is the tamest calmest bird I have ever seen. I told her she could retire now, but she still lays an egg daily. Check out the Iowa lottery's website to view her commercial. It is funny. Here is the link:: http://www.ialottery.com/PressRoom/N08-26-08_player.html

Here is an awesome recipe for pickled eggs. We use either quail or small pullet hen eggs. This recipe has almost a barbeque flavor to it. Good way to use up those extra eggs.

1. Hardboil about 2 dozen eggs and cool.

2. Peel eggs.

3. Make pickling liquid.