The Best Apples for Hard Cider

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 […]

Canning Tomato Juice

Preserve the taste of summer with our easy guide to canning tomato juice! Get tips on preventing separation, safe recipe adjustments, and how to use your canned tomato juice in soups, stews, and more. There’s nothing quite like preserving the fresh taste of garden tomatoes to enjoy all year long. Canning your own tomato juice […]

Brandied Cherries

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 […]

Growing Garlic in Raised Beds

Growing garlic in raised beds has been a huge success on our homestead. We’ve gotten excellent production from every bed with minimal effort. I don’t weed, fertilize, or irrigate these beds, and each 4×8 bed has produced buckets of garlic! We love using fresh garlic in our cooking, and for most people, it’s a low-maintenance… […]

Shelf Stable Recipe Book

There are many reasons that people choose to build a food storage. There are certain scenarios where it is highly likely that there will be no electricity for cooking. While it is great to use food storage in combination with fresh ingredients for everyday cooking, there is also a need to plan for meals, snacks, etc. that use only ingredients that can be stored on a “shelf”. Thus the term shelf stable recipes.

How to Freeze Dry Mango

Freeze-dried mangoes are a sweet and tangy treat, and they’re easy to make at home with a home freeze dryer. While store-bought versions can be pricey, freeze-drying mangoes at home yields a simple, cost-effective snack.  Freeze-dried mangoes are delicious snacks to keep on the pantry shelf. Kids love these crunchy treats as much as candy,… […]