Raising backyard chickens is feasible for many families, even those in suburban neighborhoods. A small flock of 5 to 6 hens will produce enough eggs for most families. Chickens are easy keepers and a great way to extend age-appropriate responsibility to children. Additionally, a backyard flock is a great way to introduce kids to where…
Whether you process meat at home or buy meat in bulk at the grocery store and repackage it, proper packaging of meat is essential for long-term storage in the freezer. Knowing how to wrap meat for freezing preserves the quality of the meat, reduces food waste, and saves you money. While there are several good…
At our farm, we process all our meat from field to fork. Processing your meat at home is more time-consuming than using a local butcher, but for us, the advantages far exceed the time spent. Philip has spent years studying and practicing butchering techniques. While there is certainly some skill required in identifying muscle groups…
For most new beekeepers, the prospect of honey production in your backyard is one of the most exciting aspects. As beginner beekeepers, the terms and parts of a beehive can become quite confusing. However, as you build your apiary, understanding hive configuration is important in managing your bees. One component that is talked about frequently…
Traditional black forest cake is a German dessert that gained popularity in the 1930s. Layers of chocolate cake, cherries, cherry brandy, and creamy whipped cream frosting make an impressive holiday dessert. While I am not a fan of cooked cherries, my not-so-traditional black forest cake recipe is a delicious and alcohol-free variation of this classic…
When it comes to home canning, properly preparing your jars is essential to ensure safe and successful food preservation. Whether you’re canning fruits or homemade jams, taking the time to properly clean, sterilize, and prepare your jars can make all the difference in preventing spoilage or contamination. Preparing your canning jars is simple and gives…
Around our house, venison is the staple red meat in the kitchen. While we love venison in all forms, one of my favorite meals is classic country-fried venison. When it comes to wild game, keeping the seasonings simple allows the flavor and tenderness of venison backstrap to shine. Backstrap, also known as venison loin is…
As the holiday season approaches, the best gift for your homesteading friend or family member is a gift that they will use! My daddy always said the right tool makes the job so much easier, and he was right! As Philip and I prepared for full-time homesteading, we gathered essential, high-quality tools that would make…
No matter where you live unexpected life events will affect you. Natural disasters, medical emergencies, power outages, unexpected job loss, and inclement weather affect us all! When it comes to emergency preparedness, off-grid living comes with its own set of challenges. In the event of a power outage, most people settle in and wait for…
Being prepared for an emergency is something that every family should strive for. No matter where you live emergency situations happen! Natural disasters, severe weather, power outages, medical emergencies, and unexpected job loss are just a few of the unpredictable life events we all experience. In some situations, you may be able to prepare for…
