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
Tag: Cooking
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
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
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
What is your House Seasoning Mix?
I just won't pay several dollars for a tiny bottle of mixed spices or seasoned salt. Not when it's so easy to make your own, which will be a lot more flavor-able and smell wonderfully fresh compared to something made and jarred weeks or months ago. There are all kinds of spice seasonings and mixes … Continue reading What is your House Seasoning Mix?
Coping with RA on the Homestead
I have Rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed in 2000, but I probably had it long before that. It flared dramatically after having Lyme's disease. It's difficult working full time with RA, and the homestead work is no exception. Sore joints in the morning, limited movements, and swollen joints all inhibit what I feel like doing. … Continue reading Coping with RA on the Homestead
In the Beginning
 Fox Pines Homestead began as an idea - a return to the farm, being close to nature, growing my own food again. An introduction to a slower life for my family, without the rush of an suburban life. A chance to slow down and live life again, to enjoy the sunshine, the rain, fog … Continue reading In the Beginning