What's the Difference? Enameled cast iron has both benefits and drawbacks as compared to "naked" black cast iron cookware. It's the basic black dressed up with enamel paint, and looks prettier! Benefits: it's easier to maintain - the enamel coating doesn't require the process of seasoning it gets hot and stays hot just like plain … Continue reading Enameled Cast Iron Pros and Cons
Bacon Grease Is Liquid Gold
My mom always had a grease container in the fridge that we poured bacon fat into. It was just a give, something that tasted great could be reused in other ways. Since then, fats have been banned as unhealthy, but really animal fats are a healthy kind of fat, especially compared to some manufacturer fats … Continue reading Bacon Grease Is Liquid Gold
Americans Waste Too Much Food
I read a disturbing fact recently about wasted food - almost 40 percent of the food produced in the USA is wasted between the time is is grown and harvested and then spoils or goes uneaten. Homesteaders and farmers are close to the land. We grow a lot of what we eat. And precious money … Continue reading Americans Waste Too Much Food
Buying and Using Cast Iron Skillets & Pots
I love cast iron skillets. At least one of mine is always at home on the top of the stove. I have little ones small enough for individual servings, up to a large 15.5" Lodge that will feed a dozen people. I have a set that was my grandmothers - so well seasoned the inside … Continue reading Buying and Using Cast Iron Skillets & Pots
Is your Homestead Prepared?
Everyone, from individuals to businesses to your homestead, should have an emergency preparedness plan. Don't think you will have any emergency? Consider items beyond what we normally consider "emergencies" or disasters, like flooding, a hurricane, a tornado, or the like. The Red Cross has a list of emergencies. Here in the Adirondacks heavy icing can … Continue reading Is your Homestead Prepared?
Scalloped Potatoes and Corned Beef
Family Recipes are one of the best things passed down through generations. Usually they are not too fancy or complicated - just good down home food best served family style. When that dish is put on the table everyone dives in. Such is the case with my mom's Scalloped potato and corned beef casserole. Potatoes sliced … Continue reading Scalloped Potatoes and Corned Beef
Pets need all that fluffy hair in winter!
Pet people are used to hair. It's on our clothes, on the bed, and hair balls float around anywhere in the house. We pick it off the table and out of our food. And we wouldn't change a thing. But all the hair has a purpose and a value to the pet. In this season, … Continue reading Pets need all that fluffy hair in winter!
Can you handle a Pet Emergency?
Whether we like it or not, things happen. A pet emergency is no different. Many things are seemingly unpreventable - When a dog dashes into the road, or a cat eats tinsel - but are they? Just as with children, we have to be aware of items in our homes that have potential danger. So … Continue reading Can you handle a Pet Emergency?
Beef and Navy Bean Casserole
Here's an easy one pot meal, that you stick in the oven and leave alone for a few hours. Perfect for winter weather. And the kitchen will smell great too! Roast Beef and Navy Bean Casserole 1 pot roast – rump roast, chuck roast, round roast…3.5 – 4 lb. Seasoned salt – make your own! … Continue reading Beef and Navy Bean Casserole
Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or Do Without
My grandmother used to use this phrase. It's from the depression era, in a time when flour came in sacks that could be re-used to make aprons or other items. It was a time when food, clothing and work was lean. People learned to re-purpose all kinds of items, and in some cases, adjust to … Continue reading Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or Do Without