By Sarah Zubiate
Founder and Farmer at ZUBI’S
As the calendar turned to a new year, many of us harbored hopes for fresh beginnings, renewed optimism, and a deeper sense of unity. Yet, it’s undeniable that the lingering echoes of 2020’s stresses and challenges seem to have cast a long shadow, propelling 2021 into what already feels like a demanding and strenuous period. In these turbulent times, finding anchors of peace and inspiration becomes more crucial than ever before. It’s a journey my family and I have embraced with dedication, striving to infuse every aspect of our lives with fresh perspectives and rejuvenated spirits.
Amidst the global uncertainties and the cacophony of daily news, our refuge has increasingly become our family ranch in the serene heart of East Texas. Here, the landscape unfolds with breathtaking beauty, a tranquil and charming escape that stands in stark contrast to the often-overwhelming images we encounter in media. This special sanctuary allows us to reconnect, to breathe, and to remember the simple, profound joys of life. Today, I’m delighted to offer you a glimpse into our East Texas oasis, to walk you through the captivating beauty of this land, and to share the enriching experiences that define life on our ranch.
An Idyllic Retreat: Discovering Peace on Our East Texas Ranch
Stepping onto our property is like entering an entirely different realm, a world far removed from the urban sprawl and the prevailing chaos of modern life. The majestic, towering trees stand as silent, welcoming guardians, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Beyond them, a landscape of luscious, rolling hills stretches out, inviting the eye to wander and the spirit to settle. This natural grandeur is complemented by the unexpected delight of various exotic animals, each contributing to the unique tapestry of our ranch environment. This profound “escape” offers more than just a change of scenery; it provides a vital opportunity to cultivate inner peace, find comfort amidst uncertainty, and consciously release the burdens of despair and negativity that so often accompany our fast-paced lives.
The journey down the winding dirt road leading to our main house is an experience in itself. With the windows rolled down, allowing the fresh East Texas air to fill the car, I invariably feel my spirits lift, replaced by a profound sense of hope and tranquility. This drive is a ritual, a transition from the outer world to our personal haven. Our main ranch house isn’t just a structure; it’s a dream realized, serving as the quintessential getaway for our family and friends.
As I’ve shared previously, we are currently immersed in the exciting process of re-staining the exterior of our home. Witnessing the progress each day is incredibly encouraging, bringing a fresh vibrancy to our beloved dwelling. Internally, my focus has shifted to the initial planning stages for a significant kitchen “facelift.” My vision is to transform this central hub into a space that is not only brighter and more exquisitely lit but also radiates a welcoming warmth through thoughtful design choices. Imagine a kitchen where natural light floods every corner, complemented by carefully selected materials and finishes that evoke both rustic charm and modern elegance. This isn’t merely a renovation; it’s about crafting an environment that nourishes both body and soul.
This renewed kitchen will play a pivotal role for my plant-based food company, ZUBI’S. I find myself increasingly recording content, developing new recipes, and creating culinary magic in this space. I am genuinely thrilled for it to evolve into a chef’s ultimate working dream – a place where creativity flows effortlessly, and healthy, delicious food comes to life. Given my passion for cooking with wine, our bar and entertainment area is also undergoing thoughtful redesigns to perfectly harmonize with the revitalized aesthetics of the kitchen, ensuring a seamless flow for entertaining and enjoyment. Every detail is being considered to enhance both functionality and visual appeal, creating a truly integrated living and working space.
While our ranch undeniably serves as our cherished “great escape” from the clamor of the outside world, life here is far from idle. My days are filled with a myriad of engaging projects across our expansive property. A significant part of my work involves close collaboration with our dedicated estate manager, Cody. Cody’s responsibilities are extensive, encompassing the meticulous upkeep and maintenance of all the homes on the property. Beyond this, he is the indispensable Farm Manager for ZUBI Farms, where we proudly cultivate an array of vibrant produce, including mini sweet peppers, succulent jalapeños, robust onions, and aromatic garlic.
Among all the endeavors on the ranch, our 5-acre ZUBI Farms stands out as my most cherished passion and profound undertaking. As many of you may recall from earlier posts, ZUBI’S is more than just a business to me; it is, in essence, my third child. This venture provides me with the incredible opportunity to intertwine my deep-seated love for the soil, for wholesome food, for sustainable Organic farming practices, and, most importantly, for my family. It’s a holistic approach to life and business that resonates deeply with my core values.
Our children are actively involved in and witness to the day-to-day operations of ZUBI Farms. This direct exposure offers them an invaluable education, allowing them to truly appreciate the journey our food takes from the earth to our table. They learn firsthand about the cycles of nature, the effort required for cultivation, and the immense satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce. Simultaneously, they are learning essential life skills, gaining confidence and adaptability as they navigate and thrive within the great outdoors. Their connection to the land is a legacy I hope to instill. It’s thanks to the unwavering hard work, expertise, and dedication of both Cody and Heidi that our farm has consistently yielded an abundant bounty, providing the fresh, high-quality ingredients that are the very heart of my ZUBI’S products.
A Bounty of Flavor: From Our Farm to Your Table
Speaking of ZUBI’S and the exciting culinary developments in our ranch kitchen, I recently had the pleasure of recording a truly fantastic recipe: Plant-Based Buffalo Cauliflower. As a self-proclaimed “buffalo-style” fanatic, I simply cannot overstate how incredibly tasty, effortlessly easy, and utterly delicious this recipe truly is. It perfectly encapsulates our philosophy of making healthy eating both accessible and intensely flavorful. This dish is a testament to the versatility of plant-based ingredients and a vibrant celebration of flavor that will excite even the most discerning palates.
While I may not personally adhere to a vegan lifestyle, I am deeply committed to the mission of incorporating more of the vibrant, wholesome vegetables harvested directly from ZUBI Farms into both my company’s products and my family’s daily meals. There is an unparalleled joy and satisfaction in knowing that the food we prepare is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and sustainably grown. This commitment extends beyond our immediate family, reaching out to inspire others. I can confidently assure you that both men and women, regardless of their dietary preferences, will absolutely fall in love with this Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, especially when generously dunked in the creamy, rich goodness of my ZUBI’S Organic and plant-based queso. The combination is simply irresistible.
In my humble opinion, nothing encapsulates the true spirit of Texas better than a combination of food cultivated directly from our rich land, the bold, tangy kick of authentic buffalo sauce, and an undeniably good, wholesome dip. These elements come together to create a culinary experience that is both comforting and exhilarating, a true taste of home. As we look ahead, the trajectory of 2021 may remain largely unknown, filled with its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. However, one truth remains steadfast: we possess the inherent ability to cultivate our own “peaceful escape,” whether that means finding solace in nature, creating a calming home environment, or simply pausing to enjoy wonderful, healthy, and delicious food that nourishes our bodies and uplifts our spirits. Food, after all, is not just sustenance; it is a source of joy, connection, and profound well-being.