As with most homesteads, preserving food is a primary focus of a homestead lifestyle. At Kowalski Mountain not only do we raise most of the meat that we consume, but Philip is also an avid hunter. While we have multiple freezers, that limited freezer space is a hot commodity! Whenever we can, we like to…
Almost three years ago we jumped feet-first into beekeeping when Philip did a tree job and discovered a beehive inside the tree. While he had spent a lot of time studying beekeeping before we got our first colony, we both have learned so much in the last few years. Bees are fascinating! If you’ve been…
As families are becoming more aware of the challenges and shortcomings of the commercial food industry, many are looking for a better way to feed their families. With the ability to ship frozen foods, there are options for families to purchase ethically sourced, organic meats, however, it can be cost-prohibitive for many families. Raising your…
As Philip and I get closer to making the move to the homestead permanent, it’s time to secure the resources we need to get the farm off the ground successfully. Since attending the lectures of Shawn and Beth Dougherty at Homesteaders of America in 2022, we are workings towards the goal of producing not only…
Raw honey is the purest form of honey, exactly as the bees make it! In its liquid state, honey is a supersaturated solution. Regular raw honey crystallizes over time. The crystallization of honey is a natural process. It occurs when the glucose separates from the water creating large crystals. So what’s the difference between creamed…
Home food preservation is not only a big part of a homesteading lifestyle, but it’s also a great way for any home cook to stock the pantry and saves money. Buying a whole chicken is the cheapest way to buy chicken, but it takes a lot of freezer space to store. Freezer space on the…
Honey naturally does not spoil when stored properly. There are several factors that make this possible. The first is the high concentration of sugars, such as fructose and glucose in the honey. Additionally, the low moisture level of honey makes it practically impossible for organisms to grow. Natural raw honey is acidic. It has a…
Preserving the harvest can seem intimidating as you look at the different canning methods. However, home canning is a safe and effective means of home food preservation. There are two methods of canning: water bath canning vs pressure canning. Let’s look at the two canning methods to determine what method you should choose. The appropriate…
Home canning is an integral part of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Possibly you plant a large garden and preserve the harvest, or maybe you purchase produce in bulk from local farmers to ensure you are serving the most wholesome produce you can for your family. Having the right canning supplies on hand is a necessity for…
In April, we moved four of our strongest colonies of honey bees from Florida to our homestead in Kentucky. Even then the fields were full of flowers and the trees were in bloom. We felt good that when we returned to Kentucky in the late summer that the hives would be full of honey ready…
