A smoker is a wonderful piece of equipment. We use it as an extension of our kitchen, and on hot summer evenings, it is a great way to have the cooking take place outside on the patio, rather than heating up the kitchen. For those of you who are not familiar with a smoker, it […]
Homestead Recipes
Preserving the Summer Harvest
Cool morning temperatures, yellowing Honeylocust leaves, plus plants weighted down with vegetables point towards late summer harvest season. A quick pass through my yard revealed ripe tomatoes, several cauliflower, onions, currents, and another round of green beans. Meal planning is easy this time of year given the abundance of fresh produces. Each day means more […]
Making Mead: Liquid Gold in a Bottle
As urban homesteaders, we keep bees; two hives to be precise. Two hives for two people is more than enough honey for a couple to eat. If conditions are right (good nectar flow and ample pollen) we can harvest approximately 90 pounds of honey. Even if we gift honey to friends and family, eat fresh […]
Fresh Broccoli-Scallion-Tomato Quiche
One of my favorite Sunday morning breakfast meals can be made year round. However, during summer, I love this dish even more because I can use fresh ingredients straight from the garden which just enhances the flavor. I am talking about quiche! Now quiche has gotten the reputation in some circles as taking quite some […]
From the Farm Yogurt
As a farmer’s daughter, I grew up on a farm with a milk cow. Milk cows produce milk… or more accurately stated, the cow NEEDS to be milked. Every. Day. In my family, it was a right of passage; a sign of growing up when it became your turn to milk the cow. No one […]
Summer Fresh Basil Pesto Base
To me, July means fresh herbs, whether it is from the farmer’s market, a friend’s garden or my own back yard. Each morning in anticipation, I walk through the garden beds with a basket and pruners in hand. And while I pick thyme, oregano, sage, chives, my favorite greets me with it’s large, bright green […]