4-H for Adults?
I can't say enough about the 4-H program. With the demise of home-economics and agriculture programs in our public schools, the 4-H program picks up the slack and offers youth 'hands on learning' in arts of back to basic living. But what about all the adults who would benefit from such a program?
Cheap, Easy, Basic Shed
The location of your homestead often determines the kind of buildings you can have and the materials you need or can get by with.
Preparedness vs. Self-sufficiency
Why prepare for disaster when you can begin living self-sufficiently now? Being self-reliant is the best preparation because you have already tackled the learning curve.
Tweezer Weeding - Part 5
It might look like a giant weed but it's the future. Part five in a short series of experiences and deeper contemplations on the trials of 'tares' in the field.
Tweezer Weeding - Part 3
A weed is a plant growing where you don't want it. Use discernment and don't dis the volunteers. Part three in a short series of experiences and deeper contemplations on the trials of 'tares' in the field.
Tweezer Weeding - Part 2
No weeds, Ever, is not practical and at times even detrimental to the crop. Part two in a short series of experiences and deeper contemplations on the trials of 'tares' in the field.
Tweezer Weeding - Part 1
Since I saw that first advertisement for Troy-bilt rototillers, I thought the perfect garden was to have NO weeds, EVER. This is a series of experiences and deeper contemplations on the trials of 'tares' in the field.
Tip on Tuesday
This is my daughters favorite granola recipe. Try adding new things that your family will enjoy like different dried fruits, or chocolate chips for a special treat.
Tip on Tuesday
Save $ now and be prepared for later by becoming familiar with another aspect of thermal mass.
Tip on Tuesday
Having things like a toothbrush will keep a much needed sense of normalcy in an abnormal and stressful situation.
Tip on Tuesday
Now is the time to make a list and a plan for acquiring all the things necessary for a successful harvest!
Dehydrated Rose Hips
There
are many culinary uses for rose hips. They can be used fresh, dried, or
preserved. Rose hips can be used in apple sauce, soups and stews,
syrups, puddings, marmalade, tarts, breads, and pie, or made into a jam
or jelly.
Making Jerky: Part 3
Look folks, we've a clear choice here before us. It's either hand over the big bucks to that heartless fake Billy Bob guy at "Food Inc." for your jerky or make the stuff on your own. My vote? See instructions above, or at least consult some recipes from someone competent and then make it on your own. Regardless, "Just do it!" "Surprise yourself!" "Amaze your friends!"
Now go jerk some meat!
Making Jerky: Part 2
After you have accomplished all the steps outlined so far, grab your dehydrator and place it on the counter. Remember to plug it in and then turn the switch to "On." Remove the bowl of marinated meat from the fridge and then deftly lay out each strip of meat on the trays, leaving enough room between them for proper air circulation.
Dehydrate until they are dehydrated, but not to the point of being dessicated. None of that "The Mummy Returns" stuff here. Avoiding that means you will have to check them every now and again, rotating the trays as necessary. Sample as needed when they look about done.
Making Jerky: Part 1
Jerky is actually the end result of the most primitive methods of meat preservation ever used by human beings, so why not give it a try? And why pay thirty bucks a pound for something you can make at home for maybe a tenth of the cost?
An average roast will do just fine, and believe it or not, making it from regular old hamburger is a doable thing as well.
Homemade Bread
As I was making bread the other day, I thought about my first few batches and how difficult this brand new world seemed to be.
Busy Fall
We can't grow our own grain here, but it was always rewarding to grind our own grain for the bread and other pastries.
Zucchini Relish
This is one of my most prized recipes, made every Fall and often requested by all who try it.
Book Review
It's been a while since I (and many other stores) was able to keep up selling books, since Amazon pretty much has the entire book market in the bag. But I wanted to share with you one of my very most favorite books.
Grain Grinders
The ability to grind grain is a necessity in a long-term food storage program.
The Fall Home Garden
I snapped this picture earlier of a White-tail doe standing suspiciously close to my garden. While I would like to believe that her intentions were harmless, years of experience have taught me better than that
Desperate Gardening
In my quest for a greener earth and healthier meals for my family, I have to stoop to a level that the cool mountain air has made me quite accustom to, I will do anything to ensure that I have at least a few truly vine ripened tomatoes.
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