Anita Keys
About Anita
Elsmere, Nebraska
I live and work with my husband, Kerry Keys, on a fourth-generation cow-calf ranch in the Sandhills near Elsmere. We are proud to have raised our two adult daughters, Stacey and Amanda, on this ranch. I substitute teach at area schools and enjoy making jams, jellies and denim hot pads that I sell at craft fairs.
Agriculture has always been a major part of my life. Growing up on the family farm in Wayne County, I was active in 4-H, which has fostered my current involvement judging local and state 4-H events. I also have a passion for global awareness, which began during my participation in the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program.
After obtaining a home economics degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I spent six months in Germany as part of the IFYE program and then worked in extension.
I enjoy bringing my professional and life experiences together when conversing with others about rural life. Whether I’m sharing our way of life on the ranch and promoting Nebraska agriculture in the classroom, through interviews on Pure Nebraska, or with other moms at the grocery store, I’ve found that we truly do have CommonGround.
News from Anita
Canning Tips
For some people this time of year, canning seems to be a constant pastime, or maybe I should say passion—like when I was still peeling cucumbers at midnight after judging at the state fair. Who doesn't enjoy seeing shelves of jars of home canned tomatoes, peaches...
Beefy/Veggie Burritos
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Beefy/Veggie Burritos with Pure Nebraska viewers. 16 oz. ground beef or sausage2 cups veggies, diced (red pepper, green pepper, onion, summer squash or zucchini)8 large eggs, whisked1 cup cheddar cheese,...
Crispy Burger Wrap
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for a Crispy Burger Wrap with Pure Nebraska viewers. Crispy Burger Wrap 1 lb hamburger, divided into portions, prepare and set asideTortilla shells, one large and one small per personketchup - to tastemustard - to...
Baked Spaghetti
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Baked Spaghetti with Pure Nebraska viewers. Baked Spaghetti 8 oz. thin spaghetti2 eggs3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese3 tablespoons butter, melted1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning1 clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic...
Mama Mia Pizza
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Mama Mia Pizza with Pure Nebraska viewers. Mama Mia Pizza 1 tube large refrigerated biscuits in a tube, 8 in a pkg.1 cup browned hamburger1/2 cup pepperoni slices2 cups grated cheeseother pizza toppings of choice...
Planting Tomatoes for a Bountiful Harvest
https://youtu.be/XcioVPw1e2Y Pure Nebraska interview about planting tomatoes. As gardening time approaches, here are a few tips for getting the most from your tomato planting experience. Seed selection is the first decision. Look on the seed packet or the plant...
Cowboy Beans
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Cowboy Beans. Cowboy Beans 2 pounds hamburger, browned and drained2 cups assorted cooked meats, (ham, bacon, hot dogs, cocktail wieners)4 15.5 ounce cans assorted beans of choice (pinto, dark red kidney, baked...
Ground Beef Supreme
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Ground Beef Supreme with Pure Nebraska viewers. Ground Beef Supreme 1 ½ lbs. ground beef1 onion (chopped)½ c. celery (chopped)½ c. butter1 1/3 c. hot water1 can cream soup (mushroom, celery, or chicken)¼ c. milk1...
Charcuterie Board Basics
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares some tips on Charcuterie Board Basics with Pure Nebraska viewers. Charcuterie Board Basics MeatsCheesesBreads/CrackersFruits/ Vegetables/ PicklesSpreadables Place large itemsAdd meats and cheesesAdd breads/ crackersAdd...
Zucchini Meatballs
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Zucchini Meatballs with Pure Nebraska viewers. Zucchini Meatballs 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)1 cup grated zucchini1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 400°F.Combine all...