Given that anything can happen at any time, it’s safe to say we can’t always know what is headed our way (or how long it will last) -- but starvation is not an option. If the power goes out for …
Growing Food From Scraps
“Don’t throw that out,” my friend scolded (I was about to compost the core of a lettuce head)! “Why not?” I asked. “It’ll grow more lettuce and provide you with an economical source of food. …
Water Glassing Eggs: Benefits, Applications, and More
When I learned about water glassing eggs (an excellent way to preserve these precious gems), I was beyond excited. Research led me down a rabbit hole, where I discovered that water glassing extends …
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6 Ways to Preserve Summer Squash
Summer squash is an excellent garden vegetable that can produce large harvests in small spaces and a short period of time. One zucchini or crookneck plant can provide an abundance of deliciousness -- …
6 Methods for Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning
When food preservation comes to mind, the first words to follow in the modern homesteader’s thoughts are likely “canning” and “freezing.” These two methods to stop food decomposition have become …
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17 DIY Smoker Plans
Smoking is a prehistoric practice, and we have records of it in ancient sources of food and cooking. At its most basic, smoking meat just means hanging salted meat over a slow, smoky …
Canning
For several years after I started cooking and farming, I avoided canning. It intimidated me. I was afraid of making someone sick. I was overwhelmed by recipes. I didn’t have any of the special …
How To Store Apples
It sounds like the title of a Hulu-only horror movie but it's a fact: Picked apples are alive! "Fruit does not die when harvested," cautions agricultural experts at Iowa State University. "It …
Canning Peaches
After spending many memorable summers in the south, I am addicted to the smell and taste of peaches. Aunt Mildred and Uncle Elmer nurtured several different varieties in the peach orchard of their …
Canning Peppers
Whether you overplanted peppers in your garden this year -- or stockpiled a bunch that were on sale at the store -- don't let them go to waste! After you've made your red pepper soup and spicy …
Canning Green Beans
To reduce our reliance on commercially grown produce, we grow as much of our own food as possible and preserve it for the offseason. Preserving fruits and vegetables is a centuries-old homesteading …
How To Make Dandelion Wine
I wish I knew decades ago what I know now about the medicinal and nutritional benefits of dandelions: I remember my dad spending hours trying to get these sunny little "weeds" out of our suburban …
How To Dry Herbs From Your Garden
Growing fresh herbs is a delightful task. Raising basil, dill, cilantro, oregano, mint, parsley, and other fragrant plants provide a fun distraction each day as you caretake your little greens. But …
How To Cure Meat
Most meat eaters have had salumi, ham, lox, pancetta, beef jerky, or bacon. All those foods fall into the same category of cured meats, but we don’t often stop to think about what curing means and how …
How To Smoke Meat
Nothing quite complements the savory flavor of meat as well as the tang of smoke. Smoking meat is a low and slow cooking method that gives delicious flavor to any type of meat or other foods like …
How To Make Sausage
Do you love sausage but get tired of the limited options your grocery store sells? Making your own sausages gives you control over the quality of the ingredients, the spice mix, the link size, and any …
40 Fermentation Recipes
Fermentation is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the mid-1800's when the study of yeast first began. Since then, we have created recipes that ferment everything from milk to pickles. And of …
Best Canning Recipes
Canning is a fun project that gets your hands dirty, keeps your food fresh, and gives you a last-minute gift option when the holidays roll around. The key to successful canning is starting with a …
