The Ispwich Backyard Chicken Movement

Traveling the back roads between the two Lucia’s takes us from Brookline and Hollis NH, through Pepperell and Groton to Ayer.  Along the way we pass farm stands, ice cream stands and even a new hot dog stand has popped up along way.  Hand painted signs advertising fresh asparagus, homemade pies, bedding plants, local honey and farm fresh eggs from happy hens.

Just last week a new sign at one of the local farms caught our attention “Baby Chicks & Coops” “All your backyard chicken needs”.

Backyard chickens allow urban and suburbanites the opportunity to eat healthier eggs and offers hand’s on lessons to our children about the food supply and the care of other living things.  Many people find it enjoyable, relaxing and a great conversation starter.

It seems backyard chickens are seeing resurgence in New England.  Many town and cities are in the process of rewriting or implementing laws that allow chickens to be housed.  Even my hometown of Ipswich MA has laws that allow for a small flock of chickens to be raised in the backyard.   Some laws across the state limit the amount of roosters and some require a building permit for the coop.

Backyard chickens in Ispwich were not always trendy or welcomed by your neighbors, so I would like to think the diCicco family started the “Ipswich Backyard Chicken Movement” decades ago. As we all know Italians are known for being trendsetters.

It all started when I was in Jr High and my first job was picking potatoes at Marini’s Farm.  One fateful summer afternoon eight Plymouth Rocks escaped and I was told “if I could round them up, I could keep them”…and I did.

My mother relented to me and my four younger siblings and the “Ipswich Backyard Chicken Movement” began.

 Throughout the years many other chickens found their way to our backyard and our family.  My mother fussed, the neighbors talked and the chickens gave us dozens and dozens of eggs.  

My mom shared some of the eggs with the neighbors and in the end we all coexisted and everyone was better for it, including the chickens who wandered free in our backyard.

If backyard chickens just aren’t for you , you can always pick up a dozen eggs from your local farmer and a few bunches of asparagus to make this quick easy family breakfast.

Fresh Asparagus Frittata

1 Dozen eggs – preferably from happy local hens
Couple of bunches of thin young asparagus - chopped
Olive Oil
¾ cup Diced Pancetta or Bacon
2 Tsp Diced onion, shallot or garlic
½ cup Fresh grated Romano cheese
Chopped Fresh Herbs – I like Rosemary or Parsley

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Cook the Panchetta with olive oil and onion  in a sauté pan.  Remove from heat
Mix eggs in large bowl                                                                                                                                Add asparagus, cheese, herbs and salt and pepper to taste.

In a large nonstick or well-oiled iron skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until hot.  Add egg mixture to hot pan. Cook on the stove top until underside is almost done, then pop it in the oven to finish.

Flip out of pan on larger serving platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated cheese.

If you family is not as large as mine you can always half this recipe.

Enjoy!