Render pure lard from pork fat and create a liquid gold. It’s a rewarding process that connects homesteaders to traditional cooking practices. When I was first married years ago, my mother-in-law taught me how to render lard. She just used a roasting pan to melt the fat at a very low temperature. On the farm, …
Made from Scratch
Made from scratch recipes. Perfect for a home cook looking to perfect your family’s favorite recipes. If you’re a home baker eager to try new treats, you’ll find homemade recipe and tips to suit your needs.
Learn how to achieve the perfect rise on your bread, keep cookies from spreading too much, and make the flakiest pie crusts. Discover how to use pantry staples creatively, store ingredients properly, and make meal prep a breeze.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
An easy sourdough starter is made from a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the environment, which will naturally ferment to become the base for many tasty sourdough breads. Creating your own sourdough starter is simpler than it seems, and with a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll …