As we select fruit trees for our homestead orchard, I’m considering how we will actually use the fruit we grow. With apples, for instance, one of the primary ways we preserve and enjoy apples is making hard apple cider. So, as I research apple varieties that will do well in our zone 4 climate, I’m […]
Boozy, fruity, and delicious these brandied cherries are a fantastic addition to your favorite cocktail. If you have the luxury of delicious fresh cherries, you’ll want to make this luxurious treat. I’ve never been a huge fan of maraschino cherries. The artificially bright red, flavor-lacking garnishes just don’t do cherries justice. These brandied cherries are […]
Looking for a quick and delightful dinner that the whole family will love? These easy chicken chimichangas are filled with tender, slow-cooked chicken and topped with your favorite fresh ingredients, making them the perfect weeknight meal that comes together in no time. When life gets busy and errands seem to stretch from dawn till dusk, […]
Preserve pears in this flavorful pear chutney for a quick, delicious weeknight meal or appetizer. I have a confession… I’m not a big fan of pears. Or peaches for that matter. I guess maybe I’ve just never had a good pear? I’m not sure, but when I came across a recipe for pear chutney I […]
A twist on classic corned beef this corned venison combines lean, flavorful, venison infused with aromatic spices and brines it to perfection to create a tender, succulent meat bursting with flavor. While I love venison roast and venison steaks as much as the next person, corned venison is a great change of pace. While it […]
Canning applesauce is a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of autumn, allowing you to enjoy homemade, fresh-tasting applesauce all year round. With just a few simple steps, you can fill your pantry with the comforting taste of fall. Canning applesauce is a wonderful way to capture the delightful flavors of autumn and enjoy them […]
Root cellaring is one of my favorite methods of food storage, so much so that we built a homestead root cellar on our Missouri homestead (and even wrote this eBook with instructions to teach you how to build one!). When we moved to Vermont and started to build our new off grid homestead and house, […]
Tender venison steak and crisp vegetables combine to make this delicious venison stir fry! Full of lean protein and veggies, this quick and healthy meal will make it on your regular meal rotation. Between homesteading, homeschooling, and running a business quick and easy meals are my middle name. Something simple to prepare, quick, and loved […]
Making homemade pizza is a simple and joyful way to bring the family together around the table. With this easy, foolproof pizza dough recipe, you’ll be creating delicious, personalized pizzas in no time. Pizza dough was one of the first recipes I ever tried with yeast, and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. […]
The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is a fantastic source of food and medicine. Unfortunately, too many people let these nuts go unused, frustrated by the mess they cause in their yard rather than appreciating all of the many uses for black walnuts. Although Central Vermont is not within the native range of black walnut […]
I don’t like being dependent on products shipped from the far corners of the planet, especially when local ingredients can get the job done. Many common garden plants weren’t just food, they were medicine. I think it’s time to rediscover these old ways. In this article, I’m diving into horseradish medicinal benefits. I’ve noticed a… […]
Canning plums is an easy way to preserve this fruit for the colder winter months. All you need is plums, water, sugar, and spices if you desire, and some jars to properly can them as halves or wholes. Plums have a pretty short harvest season and don’t store very well. In the autumn, I like […]
This easy pan fried deer heart recipe makes delicious use of very underutilized meat from your harvest. Flavorful, easy to prepare, and great use of tasty meat. I always find it interesting when we look back into our past about all of the meat that did not go to waste from an animal. Be it deer, cattle, […]
Living a homesteading lifestyle, the rhythm of my year is an extension of the seasonal changes and activities of the homestead. Planting in spring, tending in summer, harvesting in fall, resting in winter. But while the agrarian calendar is rather firmly integrated into my life, I still rely on a homestead to do list to […]
Maintaining a rural property comes with its own set of unique challenges and responsibilities. From managing vast landscapes to ensuring the infrastructure remains in top condition, rural property owners must stay proactive in preserving the beauty and functionality of their land. In this guide, we will explore essential tips and strategies for effectively maintaining your rural property. Whether it’s landscaping, infrastructure repairs, pest control, or water conservation, implementing these practices will help you keep your property in optimal condition year-round.
Upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea and other stomach problems can make you miserable. These home remedies for upset stomach help soothe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Keep these items on hand, and you’ll be set to treat an assortment of ailments. Before we dive in, this article is mainly focused on indigestion. vomiting, or diarrhea. You… […]
Like many gardeners, when Autumn comes around I obsessively check my weather app for signs of frost or a hard freeze. I put a lot of work into growing a late summer and fall garden, and know that my future harvest depends on protecting plants from frost. Luckily, it’s easy to protect plants from frost […]
I was talking with a friend about statin use, which now makes drug companies about $19 billion a year globally. Pretty amazing for substances that weren’t even on the market until the late 1980s. Given that I am not a fan of Big Pharma, I put together this list of 15 ways to reduce cholesterol… […]
Canning oranges is a great way to preserve the fruit’s delicious flavor all year round. Whether you have a surplus of oranges from your yard or you simply want to enjoy them long after their season has ended, canning is a simple and effective method to keep them fresh. To a lot of people, winter […]
Root cellaring is one of my favorite methods of food preservation. Once you have a root cellar, and have learned more about ideal conditions for root cellaring, the next step is to grow or source fruits and vegetables that will store well in a root cellar. In this extensive guide, I share some of the […]
Looking for the perfect lasagna recipe? This classic Italian-style lasagna, featuring rich homemade Bolognese sauce and layers of three delicious cheeses, is sure to become a family favorite. If you’re looking for the ultimate lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This classic Italian-style lasagna, filled with three kinds of cheese and homemade Bolognese […]
Venison summer sausage is a delicious and savory treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a flavorful appetizer, this sausage is sure to satisfy your cravings. When my husband got a deer a few weeks ago I knew that I wanted to make some venison summer sausage […]
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial plant known for its pungent roots. It also helps deter pests, and has a long history of medicinal use. I’ll share how to grow horseradish, from planting to harvest, including tips for small gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, horseradish thrives in most climates. We got a start… […]
I didn’t plan to write this article, but after the great results I had, I decided to share how I healed my cracked heels. Then we’ll go over other options, plus tips for preventing cracked heels. I never had problems with dry skin on my feet, even though I go barefoot regularly. Then, like so… […]
Perfect for family meals, this warm and southern-inspired golden skillet cornbread will quickly become a favorite at your table. I have to admit something—I wasn’t always a fan of cornbread. Growing up, the cornbread in my home was the boxed kind, and it never really won me over. As a child, I assumed that was […]