Blog

What is Fire Cider?Fire cider or fire tonic is a spicy, vinegar-based natural remedy used as an immunity-booster, cold remedy, for sinus relief and general wellness, particularly during the cold and flu season. Most fire ciders are technically an oxymel, which is a medicinal tonic made with both vinegar and honey. Several key spicy ingredients are infused in an apple cider vinegar base, along with herbs and citrus, to create this tangy, uplifting tonic that will burn the bug right out of you!How …

What is Bone Broth?Whether you have had bone broth at a friend’s house, restaurant, or packaged from the store, it is all very simple - bone broth is animal bones simmered in water over a long period of time to create a nutritious and easily-digested broth. Healing broths have been around for ages because they are so simple to make, they utilize parts of the animal like chicken frames or neck bones, and they are just plain comforting to drink. A small batch makes almost three quarts of broth, an …

For the aspiring homesteader, making your own homemade cranberry sauce has to be one of the easiest recipes to follow. Unlike many fruits, cranberries contain a lot of natural pectin and gel up perfectly without having to add any store-bought pectin. Basic recipes include just three ingredients: cranberries, sugar, and water, and cook up in only 15 minutes. What could be simpler? Customize your flavors to lean towards sweet or savory, and enjoy this healthy cranberry sauce year after year!Additi …

What is Kimchi?Kimchi is a staple dish in Korean cuisine made of salted and fermented vegetables. The name kimchi encompasses any vegetable that is fermented in the Korean style. Believe it or not, there are almost 200 documented types of kimchi!Many people are familiar with the traditional napa cabbage kimchi also known as baechu kimchi. It usually includes napa cabbage, radish, and gochugaru (Korean chili pepper powder) with a few additional spices and vegetables. In Korea, kimchi is tradition …

How to Make Black Garlic Quickly and Easily at HomeFamed for its many health and medicinal benefits, as well as its skill for warding off vampires, garlic has long been touted as a must-have dietary ingredient for ultimate health. Not only may garlic be able to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease, but it may also help people live longer with reduced risks of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Sounds great, right? Let’s eat all the garlic! The proble …

Last summer, I sat in my basement faced with a dilemma. We were moving and I needed to pack up 500 glass canning jars. At the time, most were empty but a few dozen still had food in them. Packing the empty glass jars was a chore but not impossible. I wrapped each individual jar in paper and set them carefully in a box.The nerve wracking part came with the jars that were filled with food. They were heavier and I couldn’t pack them in a regular box for fear of the bottom falling out from the weigh …

Sprouting is Easy!If you have been interested in sprouting seeds at home, it’s always a good time to start. Regardless of the weather outside, you can sprout on your kitchen counter all year round, and in as little as two days you will have a batch of inexpensive, nutritious sprouts. Sprouting is also a fun activity for kids, and they can be recruited to grow their own little “garden” indoors. For the most basic set-up, all you need is a glass mason jar, seeds to sprout, water, and a bit of ligh …

The Perfect Celebration of Fall FlavorsIf you’re craving refined sugar-free sweet treats, this honey ice cream is for you! It’s a great way to use that honey harvest, is perfect for hot days, and is absolutely delicious served over homemade apple pie! Even people who say they don’t like honey will enjoy this recipe. You’ll want to make this fabulous dessert anytime you’re craving homemade fresh ice cream!Why Use Honey in Ice Cream?Lots of people want to eat less refined sugar. Did you know the a …

Did you have a bumper apple harvest this year or do you enjoy vising apple orchards each fall with your family? If so, I highly recommend making a batch of Apple Jelly out of part of your bounty! This sweet, fresh apple jelly recipe is a great way to preserve some of your apple harvest to enjoy in the dead of winter.If you’re trying to be more self-sufficient, making homemade jams and jellies is a great place to start. Each year I make a goal to make, grow, can, or produce enough of at least one …

Create Herbal Tea BlendsWhen cool weather sets in, all of the comfort food recipes come out, but one area of kitchen comfort you may not have explored is blending your own herbal teas! Growing and gathering flavorful and aromatic plants for tea can be a year round hobby, but you can just as easily create your tea blends with ingredients purchased in bulk, peppering in your own farmed or foraged additions. Even a small amount of garden space can yield a significant amount of tea makings – a patch …