# Home + Gathering Canonical: https://4rjournal.farm/issues/winter-edit-2026/articles/home-gathering/ Issue: The Winter Edit · No. 001 · Winter 2026 Pages: 11–26 ## Journal page 11 Madison County Catholic Community Come worship with us. Fr. John Crutchfield Diocese of Helena A place for faith, prayer & fellowship. Mass Schedule - Nov - April WEEKEND MASS St. Theresa - Whitehall Saturday 5:00 p.m. St. Mary’s - Laurin Sunday 8:00 a.m. St. Patrick’s - Ennis Sunday 10:00 a.m. WEEKDAY MASS Tuesdays & Thursdays - 7:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s - Sheridan Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. St. Patrick’s - Ennis First Fridays - 9:00 a.m. St. Patrick’s - Ennis Reconciliation by appointment or before Mass. (406) 842-5588 Madcocathcomm@gmail.com View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-11 ## Journal page 12 HOME + GATHERING | ENNIS, MONTANA A Spirit Made Here Willie's Distillery with 4R Journal In Ennis, Willie’s Distillery turns grain, mountain weather and a deeply rooted family history into spirits that carry the character of the place. At Willie’s Distillery in Ennis, the sense of gathering is closely connected to the work itself. The bottles on the back bar may travel far beyond the Madison Valley, but their story begins here—with grain, water, weather, skilled hands and an independent Montana spirit. Willie’s was founded in 2012 by Willie and Robin Blazer with the intention of creating spirits that reflected the authenticity of the American West while supporting the people and economy around them. Their respective histories gave the distillery both its character and its foundation. Willie came to the work after serving as an Army Ranger, Special Forces Medic, Hotshot Wildland Firefighter and Smokejumper. Robin was raised on a grain farm in southwest Montana and brought both her agricultural knowledge and her experience in business development and marketing. Together, they built something that felt inseparable from its setting: a small-town distillery with a distinctly Montana point of view. Photograph © 2026 Bailey Jo Mill. Supplied by Willie’s Distillery. Photograph © 2026 Bailey Jo Mill. Supplied by Willie’s Distillery. Willie Blazer, CEO/Founder Join us in the Tasting Room Monday - Sunday 9am - 9pm Ennis, Montana View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-12 ## Journal page 13 WILLIE'S DISTILLERY | STORY CONTINUED From Grain to Glass, by Hand Willie’s Distillery Small-batch spirits, made and bottled by hand in Ennis, Montana. WILLIESDISTILLERY.COM That sense of place is present throughout the production process. Corn, barley, oats and rye are milled, mashed, fermented and distilled on site. Other spirits draw flavor from ingredients such as honey, cream and locally gathered chokecherries. A custom copper pot still anchors the work, but much of what defines the finished bottle comes down to judgment: tasting each batch, selecting the heart of the spirit and knowing when a barrel has reached the right point in its aging. Montana participates in that process, too. Shifts in temperature, dry mountain air and elevation influence the interaction between whiskey and wood. No two barrels pass through those conditions in exactly the same way. Blending them requires attention rather than a formula—a willingness to listen to what the spirit has become. Even as Willie’s has grown, much of the work remains deliberately hands-on. The spirits are still produced, bottled, labeled, corked and packed by hand in Ennis. That commitment gives the operation a kind of intimacy. Each bottle has passed through a series of decisions and through the hands of people who know the work firsthand. Willie’s is a production space, but it is also part of the social life of Ennis. Its Main Street tasting room hosts live music and gatherings as varied as dance lessons, yoga, comedy and collaborative community events. In winter, that role feels particularly important. When the days grow shorter and the distances between towns feel a little longer, the places that invite people inside become part of how a community keeps itself connected. A bottle brought to the table can do something similar. It can mark a celebration, welcome someone home or turn an ordinary evening into a reason to stay awhile. It might be bourbon poured over ice, a warm drink passed around after dinner or a Montana liqueur shared with someone who has never tasted a chokecherry. The value is not simply in what is poured. It is in knowing something of the grain, the barrel, the family history and the hands behind it. That is what provenance offers: not a claim that something is precious because it is rare, but an understanding of why it belongs to its place. At Willie’s, that place is Ennis. It is the Madison Valley and the surrounding mountains. It is agricultural knowledge carried forward, work still completed by hand and a tasting room with the lights on as evening settles over Main Street. And in winter, when we gather a little closer and stay at the table a little longer, that story feels especially worth pouring. 312 E Main Street Ennis, MT (406) 682-4117 View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-13 ## Journal page 14 Caramel Russian 2 oz Willie's Snowcrest Vodka 1 oz Willie's Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur 1 oz heavy cream Ice Place ice in a glass, pour Vodka, Caramel Liqueur, then cream over top. Stir gently and enjoy. (Substitute Willie's Huckleberry Cream Liqueur for a Purple Russian) 2 oz Willie's Honey Moonshine 2 tsp honey 2 tsp lemon juice 3⁄4 cup hot water Optional tea bag Add Honey Moonshine, lemon juice, and honey to a mug; pour hot water over top. Throw in a tea bag if desired. Hot Toddy Western Coffee 1.5 oz Willie's Bighorn Bourbon 1 oz Willie's Coffee Cream Liqueur 4-6 oz brewed coffee Pour all ingredients into a warm mug and warm up with Willie's. Cheers! Berry White 2 oz Willie's Huckleberry Cream Liqueur 1 packet white hot chocolate 1 cup hot water Make the white hot chocolate according to directions and pour in Willie's Huckleberry Cream Liqueur. Top with whipped cream and enjoy the taste of winter! Salted Caramel White Hot Chocolate 2 oz Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur 1 packet white hot chocolate 1 cup hot water Stir ingredients together until smooth. Top with hot water, mix, and add whipped cream. Enjoy the perfect sweet winter cocktail! Mocha Mint 1.5 oz Willie’s Coffee Cream Liqueur 1 oz creme de menthe 1 packet hot chocolate 1 cup hot water Stir together until a smooth paste. Top with hot water and mix. Add an optional whipped cream garnish. Stockman's Cider 1.5 oz Willie’s Stockman’s Whiskey 1 packet hot apple cider 1 cup hot water Make apple cider with hot water and add Stockman’s Whiskey for a classic cozy drink. View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-14 ## Journal page 15 HOME + GATHERING | AT THE WINTER TABLE Garlic & Steak Crostini with Creamy, Chive Horseradish Sauce RANGE MARKET Created by @shelikesmilk in partnership with Range Market (www.rangemarket.com) A sophisticated appetizer for this holiday season that is simple to make & doesn’t break the bank using strip steaks from Montana’s Hagerman Ranch (found at www.rangemarket.com) & only a few ingredients that you likely have on hand. These elevated apps are sure to please a crowd & feed many this Christmas and holiday season! INGREDIENTS 1 lb of NY strip steak S&P 3 tbsp cold butter 1 french baguette 1-2 tbsp truffle oil (can substitute for olive oil) 1-2 whole cloves of garlic 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Fresh chives to garnish FOR THE HORSERADISH CREAM SAUCE: 3/4 cup sour cream Horseradish— start with 1 Tsp and add more to taste 1.5 tsp salt 1.5 tsp cracked black pepper 1.5 tsp garlic powder 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce Fresh chives, minced METHOD 01 Begin by patting your steaks dry with a paper towel and seasoning with salt and pepper generously on both sides. 02 Add 3 tbsp butter to a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until melted and frothy, the skillet should get very hot but not smoking. Add steaks to skillet and cook on each side for 4-5 mins each. Remove from skillet and allow them to rest while you prepare the baguette. 03 Slice the baguette in about 1” thick pieces. Drizzle with oil and toast in oven or toaster oven until lightly golden and crispy. Rub garlic clove on the face of each individual baguette slice. 04 Slice your steak across the grain into thin slices and arrange on top of each toasted baguette slice. 05 Combine all ingredients for horseradish sauce and dollop a tsp at a time onto each crostini. Garnish with fresh chives. A holiday appetizer made to feed a crowd. PHOTO COURTESY OF RANGE MARKET View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-15 ## Journal page 16 HOME + GATHERING | RANGE MARKET From empty grocery shelves to farm-direct Christmas gifts THE RANGE MARKET STORY How a graduate school idea became a marketplace connecting American farmers and ranchers with families across the country—and why we think farm-direct food makes one of the best Christmas gifts. HOW RANGE MARKET GOT ITS START In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of our daily lives, something strange was happening in the meat industry. Grocery store meat shelves were sitting empty. Consumers were struggling to find beef and other meat products. Meanwhile, major meatpacking companies were reporting record profits, and many independent livestock producers weren't seeing those same financial benefits. For those of us involved in agriculture, it was a frustrating situation to watch. At the time, I (Cassi) was attending graduate school at Colorado State University, working toward my MBA. I had grown up in the ranching industry and spent my career in agriculture, so I understood both the challenges facing livestock producers and the opportunities that were emerging. Consumers wanted a more direct connection to their food. They wanted to know where their meat came from and who raised it. And plenty of farmers and ranchers wanted to sell their products directly to consumers. But there was a problem. Selling meat directly isn't as simple as raising a great animal. It requires a website, marketing, customer service, payment processing, shipping logistics, and a whole lot of time. Many producers had the desire to sell directly but lacked the knowledge, resources, or time to build an entire e-commerce business on their own. That's when the idea for Range Market was born. What if we could create one online marketplace where independent farmers and ranchers could sell their products directly to consumers without having to build and manage everything themselves? And what if consumers could shop products from multiple farms and ranches, learn about the people raising their food, and have high-quality meat shipped right to their door? In 2021, Range Market officially launched. Photo courtesy of Range Market View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-16 ## Journal page 17 A marketplace built around connection “Every purchase supports a real farm or ranch family.” Not long after launching the business, I became a mom. And, as any working mom knows, there are only so many hours in the day! Between a full-time career, a growing family, and a new business, I quickly realized I needed some help. That's when I asked Lindsey, one of our Range Market producers and a fellow mom, to join me on the Range Market journey. Together, we've continued building Range Market while balancing careers, motherhood, and everything else life throws our way. We certainly haven't figured it all out, but we've remained committed to the same mission that inspired Range Market in the first place: helping independent farmers and ranchers reach more customers while making it easier for consumers to purchase food directly from the people who raise it. Today, Range Market is home to a growing collection of independent producers offering premium beef, pork, and other farm-direct products. And one of the things we're most proud of is that every purchase supports a real farm or ranch family. WHY WE LOVE GIVING MEAT FOR CHRISTMAS Now, let's talk about Christmas shopping. We all have those people on our lists who are impossible to buy for. The parents who insist they don't need anything. The grandparents who already have everything. The husband who doesn't want another shirt. Or the friends and family who live far away. Our solution? Send them something delicious! We happen to think a box of premium, farm-direct meat is one of the best gifts you can give. It's practical, thoughtful, and something the whole family can enjoy. Whether it's beautiful steaks for a special dinner, bacon and sausage for Christmas morning, or a selection of favorite cuts to fill the freezer, it's a gift that won't end up collecting dust in a closet. And the best part? Your gift supports an independent American farm or ranch. Photo courtesy of Range Market View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-17 ## Journal page 18 WINTER GIFTING | FOOD WITH A STORY We can help you make it personal But there's something else that makes giving a Range Market gift especially meaningful. One of the things we love most about working with independent producers is that they're real people who genuinely care about their customers. And that means there's often a lot more flexibility than you'd find ordering from a big-box retailer. Our producers are happy to work with customers to create thoughtful, customized gifts. We've had customers who wanted to include artwork from their children in a meat box being shipped to grandparents. Others have wanted to add a special food item, a favorite seasoning, or something personal to make the gift extra meaningful. Those are the kinds of requests we love! If you have something special in mind, reach out to us or directly to one of our producers. We'll do our best to help you put together the perfect gift. Our recommendation is to reach out in early December if you're interested in a customized Christmas order. That gives everyone time to coordinate the details and make sure your gift is just right. We have gifts for the steak lover, the family who has everything (but can always use more staples for weeknight dinners), and someone who takes their grilling and smoking meats seriously. A box of meat (or cheese!) is a thoughtful and practical gift, especially for busy families who appreciate having good food around. A box from Range Market is perfect for the person who insists they don't need anything. It's also a great option for friends, neighbors, employees, and clients. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING: RANGE MARKET MEAT SUBSCRIPTIONS One of our favorite Christmas gift ideas is a Range Market meat subscription. Imagine it's the middle of February. It's cold, the holidays are long over, and suddenly a box of premium farm-direct meat shows up on your doorstep. Now that's a pretty great surprise! Our subscriptions can be customized to fit your gift-giving needs. You can choose a delivery every other month (six boxes throughout the year), or you can give a subscription for just a few months. And because we work with our subscription customers to customize their boxes, we can help make sure recipients receive products they'll actually use and enjoy. It's a Christmas gift that brings a little happiness long after the decorations have been put away. HOW TO ORDER CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM RANGE MARKET We've tried to make ordering as simple as possible, but here are a few tips to help make your Christmas shopping a success. 1. Start by browsing Range Market and reach out for any special requests. Visit www.rangemarket.com to explore our selection of beef, pork, and other farm-direct products from independent American farmers and ranchers. Several producers have gift bundles already created. If you're interested in creating a customized gift, we encourage you to contact us or one of our producers in early December. 2. Consider a subscription. If you want to give something that lasts beyond Christmas, ask us about setting up a subscription for your recipient. We'll help you customize the number of deliveries and the products included. 3. Place your Christmas order by December 20! To ensure your gift arrives in time for Christmas, all Christmas orders need to be placed by December 20, 2026. We always recommend ordering earlier when possible, especially for customized gifts. View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-18 ## Journal page 19 THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVE A GIFT WITH A STORY “Every order represents a connection between a family who raises food and a family who enjoys it.” Merry Christmas! — CASSI + LINDSEY Thank you for supporting Range Market and the hardworking farmers and ranchers who make it possible. When I started Range Market in 2021, the goal was never simply to sell meat online. It was to create more opportunities for independent farmers and ranchers and to make it easier for consumers to support them. Five years later, that mission is still at the heart of everything we do. Every order placed through Range Market represents a connection between a family who raises food and a family who enjoys it. And we think that's something pretty special. So this Christmas, whether you're sending steaks to your parents, a box of bacon and sausage to a friend, or a few months of meat deliveries to someone you love, know that your purchase means more than just what's inside the box. You're giving a thoughtful gift, supporting an independent farm or ranch, and helping keep the connection between producers and consumers alive. From our families to yours, thank you for supporting Range Market and the hardworking farmers and ranchers who make it possible. Photo courtesy of Range Market Photo courtesy of Range Market Cassi Hammerness and Lindsey Anson Connecting families with independent American farmers and ranchers through thoughtfully sourced, farm-direct food. RANGEMARKET.COM CHRISTMAS ORDERS BY DECEMBER 20, 2026 View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-19 ## Journal page 20 HOME + GATHERING | WINTER AT HOME Beyond the View What Makes a Montana Home Work in Winter WORDS BY JAIME EDMUNDSON A mountain view can stop you in your tracks. Winter is when you find out how well the rest of the house works. A few years ago, I helped a family buy a home tucked into the trees and rocks. They fell in love with the privacy, the yard, and the big family room. When I checked in with them later, they told me something I’ve thought about ever since. The spaces they loved in summer weren’t where they spent their winters. Their favorite spot turned out to be the south-facing dining room, where they started most mornings catching up over coffee with the sun pouring in. Most homes I show in the area have something beautiful going for them: a mountain range out the kitchen window, a creek at the back of the property, breathtaking farmland, a whole lot of sky. That’s what gets people in the door. What makes them love a place for years is how it feels on an ordinary January morning. Coffee in a sunny kitchen, an easy drive to town, and a warm spot to drop the boots. Here’s what I look for when I’m helping someone find that. FOLLOW THE WINTER SUN On a clear Montana winter day, the sun on the snow is stunning. A room that catches it can become everyone’s favorite place in the house. When you tour a home, notice which rooms are bright in the morning, and which get the afternoon light. Trees, hills, and outbuildings all shape how the light falls, so if you’re visiting in summer, ask the sellers where the sun shows up in winter. They usually love telling you. If you already own your home, notice where everyone ends up on a sunny February afternoon. Moving a reading chair or a desk closer to that window is one of the easiest upgrades there is and helps you get some much-needed Vitamin D on your face during that cold February season. MAKE THE DRIVE EASY A good driveway, an easy road, and a reliable plow plan are a big part of what makes winter feel easy. When you’re looking at a property, picture it after a fresh snowfall and ask a few simple questions. Who plows the road? Where does the snow go? If it’s a private or shared road, is there a written maintenance agreement, and what does it cost? Then drive the whole route to work, school, or the grocery store. Yes, we get lots of snow (most years) in the area, but each road has a different plowing schedule with the county, are you ok to stay at home a bit longer on our big snow days while roads are plowed, or do you need to be out at six in the morning to make it to work? In town, notice sidewalks, steps, and the walk to the front door. A sunny, south-facing entry is a quiet luxury in January. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAIME EDMUNDSON View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-20 ## Journal page 21 BEYOND THE VIEW | CONTINUED GIVE THE BOOTS SOMEWHERE TO GO A good entryway makes coming home feel good. It doesn’t need to be a big mudroom. A bench, a few hooks you can reach, a boot tray, and a basket for gloves will do. If you have kids like I do, you’ve probably come home with an armful of groceries to find the entryway buried under boots, hats, gloves, and snow gear. A well-organized entry, even a small one, gives all that winter gear somewhere to go. And it gives you a clear path to the kitchen. GET TO KNOW THE HEAT There’s nothing like a warm house on a cold night. When you tour a home, walk through every room, not just the one with the thermostat, and notice how evenly it holds the heat. Basements, additions, and rooms over the garage are worth a second look. If you’re buying, ask about the heating system’s age, service history, fuel source (propane, natural gas, electric, or wood), and past utility bills. Your own costs will depend on how you live, but the records give you a good starting point, and your inspector can tell you more. If you’re staying put, winter is the perfect time to notice which rooms feel coziest and which could use a little help. Make a note now and you’ll have a clear list when you talk with a contractor. There are so many ways to improve heat retention in cooler rooms so it’s worth noting where you might be losing heat. CHOOSE THE WINTER YOU WANT One of the best things about this part of Montana is how many ways there are to live here. Some people love acreage, with a shop, a barn, and morning chores under a sky full of stars. Others want to walk to coffee and spend their weekends skiing instead of plowing. One client dreamed of acreage on the river. Once she saw how much winter upkeep it would take, she chose a home closer to town with river views instead. She kept the scenery and lost most of the chores. There’s no wrong answer. The goal is a home that gives you the winter you’re hoping for. Winter shows you how a home really works, and it often shows you what you love most about it. Notice the sunny corners, the easy routines, and the spots where everyone gathers. That’s useful to know whether you’re buying, selling, or just making your current place a little cozier. So, keep the view on your list. Just make room for a sunny kitchen, an easy drive, and a good spot to kick off your boots. ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Jaime Edmundson Realtor® Keller Williams Montana Realty Jaime Edmundson is a real estate agent serving buyers and sellers across Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater and Gallatin Counties. She’s known for straight answers, practical advice, and helping people find a place that fits the way they actually live. Logo supplied by Jaime Edmundson. jaime-edmundson.kw.com Keller Williams Montana Realty View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-21 ## Journal page 22 LEARN BY DOING Big Sky Wranglers 4-H CLUB Learn something new. Make a difference! Explore animals, agriculture and life skills. Build friendships, grow as a leader, and serve your community! Make the best better. ANIMALS · LEADERSHIP · LIFE SKILLS · SERVICE · FRIENDSHIPS Meetings once a month on Sundays at 5:30pm. AM Welles Center More information: katie@amwelles.com New members always welcome! HEAD · HEART · HANDS · HEALTH SPORTSMAN’S LODGE E N N I S , M O N T A N A Stay awhile. Make yourself at home. Gather for a meal, unwind over a drink, or settle into a cozy cabin. WELCOMING LOCALS AND TRAVELERS SINCE 1945. CABINS • RESTAURANT • BAR & CASINO 310 North Main Street • Ennis, Montana 406-682-4242 • sportsmanslodgemt.com View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-22 ## Journal page 23 HOME + GATHERING | FOOD + TABLE What's your cut? REBEKAH CLARK | PRESIDENT, MADISON COUNTY CATTLEWOMEN A practical guide to choosing the right beef for every holiday table PRIME RIB BEEF TENDERLOIN The holiday season is a time for gathering around the table, sharing stories and enjoying a good meal with the people who matter most. When planning your holiday meal, consider making beef the centerpiece of your table. Whether you are hosting an elegant dinner, gathering a crowd or preparing a cozy winter meal, there are a variety of beef cuts to fit your menu, budget and cooking style. With so many cuts available at the meat counter, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there is a cut of beef for nearly every holiday table, from impressive roasts to slow-cooked favorites that make the house smell wonderful all afternoon. When it comes to a traditional holiday dinner, prime rib is hard to beat. Known for its rich flavor, tenderness and beautiful presentation, this roast is a favorite for holiday celebrations and special family gatherings. Prime rib comes from the rib section of the animal, where the meat's marbling helps create a juicy, flavorful result. For the best results, season the roast generously, use a meat thermometer and allow it to rest before carving. Serve it with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a flavorful pan sauce or horseradish sauce for a meal worthy of a special occasion. BEST FOR | Traditional holiday dinners, special occasions and feeding a group. If tenderness is your top priority, beef tenderloin is an excellent choice. This cut comes from a muscle that does relatively little work, making it exceptionally tender. Its mild flavor and refined presentation make it popular for formal dinners and smaller holiday gatherings. Tenderloin is naturally leaner than many other premium cuts, so careful cooking is important to prevent it from drying out. Roast it whole for a beautiful centerpiece or cut it into individual filet mignon steaks. A garlic-herb crust, mushroom sauce or red wine reduction pairs wonderfully with its delicate flavor. Tenderloin generally costs more per pound, but its tenderness and special-occasion appeal can make it worth the splurge for a memorable holiday meal. BEST FOR | Elegant dinners, smaller gatherings and special celebrations. Holiday beef serving inspiration (stock image) View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-23 ## Journal page 24 HOME + GATHERING | HOLIDAY BEEF Cuts for every kind of gathering CHUCK ROAST STRIP LOIN OR TOP SIRLOIN ROAST BEEF BRISKET AND SHORT RIBS Not every holiday meal needs to be fancy. A chuck roast is an excellent option for families who want a hearty, comforting meal without the price tag of premium roasts. Because chuck roast comes from the shoulder, a well-used muscle, it is best cooked low and slow to break down the connective tissue and create tender, flavorful beef. Braising a chuck roast with beef broth, onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes transforms it into a satisfying meal with a flavorful gravy. Once the roast is in the oven or slow cooker, it requires relatively little attention - leaving more time for visiting with family and friends. BEST FOR | Casual holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners and cozy winter meals. Looking for something special without choosing the most expensive cut at the meat counter? A strip loin roast or top sirloin roast can be a wonderful alternative. These cuts offer classic beef flavor and a great presentation, making them well suited to holiday meals. Strip loin is known for its tenderness and rich flavor, while top sirloin offers a satisfying beefy taste and can be a good value for a larger gathering. Both work well with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic and herbs. Roast until the desired doneness is reached, let the meat rest and slice against the grain for the best eating experience. BEST FOR | A traditional roast with a balance of flavor, tenderness and value. If you are looking to switch things up this holiday season, brisket and beef short ribs offer flavorful alternatives to the traditional holiday roast. These cuts are known for their rich, beefy taste and can turn an ordinary winter dinner into something special. Brisket can be smoked, braised or roasted in the oven, making it a great option for a holiday gathering or New Year's dinner. Beef short ribs offer a hearty, restaurant-quality meal when cooked with onions, garlic, herbs and broth until the meat is tender and full of flavor. Serve them over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting winter dish. While both cuts require some extra time, their deep flavor and variety of cooking options make them well worth considering. BEST FOR | Winter gatherings, make-ahead meals and anyone ready to try something new. Photo: Gil Goldman / Pexels (stock image) View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-24 ## Journal page 25 HOME + GATHERING | AT THE WINTER TABLE A few practices for a successful roast CHOOSE FOR THE METHOD PLAN AHEAD USE A THERMOMETER ALLOW THE MEAT TO REST USE THE LEFTOVERS BRINGING BEEF TO THE HOLIDAY TABLE Tender cuts such as rib roast and tenderloin are suited to oven roasting, while chuck, brisket and short ribs benefit from low, slow cooking. Ask your local butcher about availability and order specialty roasts early, particularly during the holiday season. Cooking times vary. Whole beef roasts should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F, followed by a rest of at least three minutes. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees F. Resting helps the juices redistribute before carving and makes serving easier. Leftover roast beef can become sandwiches, beef stew, breakfast hash or a hearty beef-and-vegetable soup. Here in Madison County, cattle are an important part of our agricultural heritage, our rural communities and the livelihoods of many local families. Choosing beef for a holiday meal is one way to bring a versatile, nutritious protein to the table while celebrating the work that goes into raising and caring for cattle. Whether your family gathers around a prime rib roast, enjoys a slow-cooked chuck roast after a day outdoors or tries a new recipe with short ribs, there is no single right way to make beef part of the holidays. The best cut is the one that fits your gathering, your budget and the traditions you want to carry forward. View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-25 ## Journal page 26 HOME + GATHERING | MADISON COUNTY CATTLEWOMEN A butcher's guide to beef cuts View designed page: https://4rjournal.farm/#page=pdf-page-26