So you have some land. Maybe a large backyard. And think “I could grow things and sell them at farmers’ markets!” Making a bit of cash on the side. If you’re a well-seasoned visitor to farmers’ markets you’ll know that the booths you see there aren’t strictly vegetables. And there’s good reason for that: profit. […]
Types of Canning Lids
When researching this article I realized that types of canning jars and canning lids are not universally available around the world. In fact some folks do canning in re-used grocery store glass jars, mostly because they can’t get ahold of regular canning jars and lids where they are. There was a heated discussion recently on […]
Making and Using Pectin
Can’t get a hold of commercially made pectin? If you have a good quantity of apples you can make your own. To manufacture your own pectin start with 10 pounds of tart apples (green apples work the best) and a large kettle. Wash them and cut off any rot or insect damage. Remove stems. Quarter […]
Pickled Red Onions
Looking for an unusual recipe for some of those onions you just grew in your garden? Try pickled red onions for something really zesty! This makes one pint jar of pickled onions. Peel and slice onion as thinly as possible. If you have a mandolin slicer then that works great in this application. Personally, I […]
Why You Should Not Meet Your Heroes
We all look at them with admiration. Or desire. Or lust, affinity, respect, awe, deference, esteem, honor, etc. etc. Our Heroes. The people we would most like to be like. The people we would most like to live next to. Become best friends with. Whatever they do in their lives – give great speeches, create […]
Crock Pot Apple Butter
Using a crock pot slow cooker is a great way to make apple butter! Whether you start with pre-made applesauce or whole apples first get out your slow cooker. Start with a typical 4-5 quart slow cooker crock pot. Peel, core, and dice the apple variety of your choice to completely fill the slow cooker, […]
Homemade Jams, Jellies, and Preserves
Making strawberry jam at home brings back fond memories of my grandparents, who made large batches every summer. They would load up on strawberries from a you-pick farm and spend hours in the kitchen. I remember the vast amounts of sugar they added and the jam bubbling away on the stove for what seemed like […]
Beetles in my Bedsheets
There he was, the crunchy little bastard, laying on my bedsheet as I whipped the covers back. Something tickley was touching my leg as I awoke from slumber this morning. “What has gotten into my house now?”It was a Japanese beetle. About a half inch, roundish, greenish, brownish. Slow in walking, fast in flying. And how the hell did it get in my bedsheets?
Making Jelly Without Added Pectin
As a homesteader, I’ve recently delved into the art of making apple jelly without added pectin. With so many apples off of one of my apple trees (I think the variety is Jonathan) I wanted to do something else besides making more pies. My journey has been both enlightening and a bit challenging, especially when […]