Cheesy ham and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, homemade creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The homemade bechamel sauce adds a smooth and creamy texture that takes this casserole to the next […]
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole with Creamy Sauce Read Post »
Did you know that there are things you should not cook in a cast-iron Skillet. Cooking in this pan can be a fantastic way to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges and a hard sear on savory foods like fried chicken or thicker cuts of steak. However, as versatile as cast iron pans are, there are certain
What Things Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet Read Post »
We spend so much time and effort in our gardens, storing squash for the winter is just as important to us. We had to do some research to find the best methods. Don’t worry, we are sharing with you so you can be successful in preserving your harvest too. As the growing season winds down
The Homesteader’s Guide to Storing Squash for Winter Read Post »
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to make use of your fresh grass clippings and yard waste, turning them into mini hay bales is a fantastic idea. Not only is it a great way to recycle lawn clippings for fall decorations, but it’s also a good hay source for small animals like miniature horses,
How to Make Mini Hay Bales from Lawn Grass Clippings Read Post »
Locals love their Upper Michigan Pasties. Each year, they have a tasting contest to see who will reign as the number one best tasting pasty. My love for pasties runs deep, thanks to my mother-in-law, who grew up in Ahmeek, Michigan, and attended school in nearby Calumet. She shared with me the authentic way to
How to Make Upper Michigan Pasties Like a Local Read Post »
When the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing beats the satisfaction of turning a bushel of apples into homemade applesauce. On the farm, apple-picking was always a family tradition. The apple trees were scattered throughout our 200 acres. But we knew where to find them. We’d head out to the apple orchards, and by the
Easy Homemade Applesauce Canning Recipe for Beginners Read Post »
We make large batches of this homemade chicken stock regularly and store it in freezer-safe containers for future use. It’s a staple in our kitchen, ready to be added to soups, stews, and grains or simply enjoyed on its own. Not only does this stock add depth and flavor to our meals, but it’s also
Nourishing Homemade Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) Recipe Read Post »
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest to get a bountiful Autumn harvest. As summer’s heat fades, the fall months bring cooler temperatures, making it a great time to plan your fall vegetable garden in Wisconsin and neighboring areas like northern Illinois. The crisp cool weather is perfect for growing cool-season crops that
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest Read Post »
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways. As the crisp days of fall set in, many gardeners think the harvest season is over. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can extend your gardening season into winter, even in cold climates like Wisconsin. We try and extend our vegetable garden
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways Read Post »
If there’s a recipe that embodies fall, it’s these soft and gooey Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. They’re made with rich browned butter, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of salted apple butter for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Topped with a creamy cinnamon maple glaze, every bite is full
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Read Post »
Making French butter at home is one of those satisfying skills that brings you closer to the roots of traditional homesteading. In a time when convenience often trumps quality, taking a step back and crafting your own butter from fresh cream gives you control over your ingredients and connects you to an age-old process. The
How to Make French Butter at Home Read Post »
Learn how easy it is to make your own butter. Making butter at home is not only a rewarding experience but also a simple way to connect with traditional homesteading practices. If you’ve ever wanted to savor fresh, creamy butter made from scratch, you’re in for a treat. With just a few basic ingredients and
How to Make Your Own Butter: A Simple Homestead Recipe Read Post »
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade tomato sauce made from fresh, ripe tomatoes. Whether you’re using garden tomatoes or the best tomatoes from your local farmers’ market, the deep, rich flavor of a homemade sauce is unbeatable. Are you tired of cooking down tomato juice to make a thick sauce. Are you tired
Easy Hack for Thick Tomato Sauce: Freeze, Blend, and Can Read Post »
If your apple tree looks like it’s struggling, you may be wondering, “Why is my apple tree dying?” The good news is that there are natural ways to revive it, but first, it’s important to understand the root causes. For years and years, we’ve had apple trees growing all over our farm. At the back
Why Is My Apple Tree Dying: How to Revive It Naturally Read Post »
Let’s delve into 17 types of mushrooms, exploring their flavors, textures, and culinary uses across various cuisines. Exploring the vast array of mushrooms available is like uncovering nature’s hidden treasures. From the robust meatiness of shiitake mushrooms to the delicate earthiness of porcini, each variety brings its own unique charm to the table. Navigating the
17 Types of Mushrooms: How to Choose and Cook Read Post »
Let’s talk about how to manage bugs in a compost bin. If you’ve started composting, you’re already contributing to reducing food waste and creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden. But when it comes to managing bugs in your compost bin, things can get a little buggy—literally! You might spot fruit flies, pill bugs, or even
How to Manage Bugs and Unwanted Bugs: Compost Like a Pro Read Post »
Raising animals for meat on a homestead can be a fulfilling and sustainable way to produce your own food. Whether you’re interested in filling your freezer with fresh meat or providing your family with high-quality, locally sourced animal products, there are many livestock options to consider. From backyard chickens to larger animals like dairy cows
Animals for Meat on a Homestead: Livestock Options Read Post »
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home. They are a common household pest that can be both frustrating and difficult to eliminate. Whether you’re dealing with sugar ants, carpenter ants, or odorous house ants, you’re likely searching for effective solutions to keep your home ant-free. The good news is that there are
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home Read Post »
I’ve been making this homemade playdough recipe for my toddler for quite some time now, and it’s become a favorite activity in our house. Not only is it a fun recipe that we can whip up in no time, but it’s also a great way to bond with my little one. The diy playdough recipe
Make the Best Homemade Playdough Easy Recipe Read Post »
Growing onions can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any home gardener. There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing these versatile vegetables from tiny seeds or sets into robust bulbs that grace our kitchens with flavor. The journey from planting to harvest offers invaluable lessons in patience, care, and the joy of cultivating your
Best Soil Choices and Planting Tips for Growing Onions Read Post »
