How to Properly Store Preserved Food

How to Properly Store Preserved Food

by | Sep 17, 2021 | Gardening, In the Kitchen

One of my favorite ways to boost your food supply is the start preserving your own food.  It can take a lot of time and effort but the satisfaction and security you will experience once you have the skills and knowledge and a stocked pantry are so worth it. Knowing how to properly store preserved food is the next step.

Once you have put forth the time and effort necessary for food preservation, it is important to make sure that your jars they are being stored properly and safely.

While preserving food using a method such as water bath or pressure canning, depending on the food, will allow the food to be shelf stable, you could ruin your seals, spoil your food, or damage your jars if not stored correctly.

Read on for all the information you need on how to store preserved food properly.

properly store preserved food

Should I remove the rings?

Once you have processed a batch of something using waterbath or pressure canning, and after you let the jars sit for several hours and enjoy the lovely sound of pinging.  The very first thing you want to do with your jars once they have cooled down, is to remove the rings and check the seals.

I always remove the rings for several reasons.

  1. I only have so many rings, so I don’t want already jarred food to be taking them up on the shelf.
  2. If you keep the rings on, you may not know if your seal breaks and you may have what is called a false seal.  A false seal is wheren the seal will stick but it won’t actually be airtight or safe.

I definitely recommend removing them before putting away for storage.  You may find varying opinions on this, but from the research I have done, removing rings is necessary to store preserved food properly.

Should I stack my jars?

In addition to removing rings, you also want to avoid stacking your jars. Do not put them on top of one another to store for long periods of time. I know that can make storage very difficult since it usually leads to wasted space between shelves. It has taken me a few years to figure out the best space to store my jars and my canning supplies and honestly it seems to change every year depending on how much I preserve.

Stop wasting your fruits and vegetables!

Grab the Ulimate Fruit and Vegetable Seasonal Guide for FREE to start properly storing your produce so you can stop throwing it away and start enjoying it longer.

Ideal Storage Environment

There are a couple of important factors to consider when choosing a safe place to store your jars, Make sure you are choosing somewhere that is out of direct sunlight and a place that is between 50-70 degrees F.  

Direct sun and high temperatures will cause your contents to spoil.

If your temperatures are too low, you could run the risk of freezing and your jars may break or your the texture of your contents could be altered.

You also want to make sure that the location is a relatively dry location.   If your storage location has too much moisture, it could cause your metal lids to rust. 

dried pasta

Storage Solutions

I have changed the location of my jar storage several times, it really depends on how much room I have and how much I have preserved at that time.

Some of my prettier jars,  I love to store in a built-in that I have in my kitchen and  show it off as a seasonal decor.  This past year I made some pickeled zuchinni which were so pretty.  The vibrant green and yellow colors with the spices was the perfect jar to keep up front in my built-in.

Anything that isn’t so pretty, like the really ugly sliced peaches I stored a few years ago (perfectly edible though) I sent downstairs to the storage shelves.

I would love to purchase a jelly cabinet, but my kitchen has no room for one. The benefits of a jelly cabinet are that the shelved are make specifically for mason jars so there is very little wasted space, like you may find if you are using a larger shelving system.

One of the biggest hesitations that I hear from people about home food preservation is that they don’t have the room for all of the storage needed.  You can always find room, even if it isn’t th most convenient. I have seen people store their jars under their beds for example or use bedroom closets to keep large amounts of canned food.

You can definitely make it work! 

For more information, listen to the podcast epsiode: Storage Solutions for your Preserved Food

Stop wasting your fruits and vegetables!

Grab the Ulimate Fruit and Vegetable Seasonal Guide for FREE to start properly storing your produce so you can stop throwing it away and start enjoying it longer.

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.
Fresh eggs: Common practices for your newly laying hens

Fresh eggs: Common practices for your newly laying hens

by | Sep 14, 2021 | In the Kitchen, Simple Living

You got your first homegrown, fresh egg!  Nothing quite beats the satisfaction and excitement of finding the first eggs from a newly laying hen.  My hens have just started laying and it has been a learning experience.  I have done a lot of research on wat needs to be done to ensure that bothe the fresh eggs and your hens are clean, safe, and healthy during this exciting time.  I share all of it here with you!

properly store preserved food

Preparing for the arrival of fresh eggs

It can seem like forever when waiting for that first egg! A lot of time and effort goes into raising chicks and the payoff usually takes some time to occur in the form of fresh eggs.  The typical laying hen can expect to start producting fresh eggs around 18-20 weeks old, or about 4.5 – 5 months.

I got my chickens the very beginning of April when they were only 1 day old so I was expecting to start seeing eggs late August – early September.  Our first eggs were right on time!

To prepare for the arrival of fresh eggs, I did some research but was honestly caught alittle off guard.  I had been feeding the chickens a medicated chick starter since birth as recommended by the feed store person.  I did not think that I needed to switch them prior to laying.  It is important that the medicated feed is out of thier system prior to comsuming thier eggs.

All of my research said to give it at least 2 weeks to get out of the chickens system.  In the meantime, my chickens produced 17 eggs during that time and since I did not want to waste them, I scrambled them up and fed them back to the chickens, which they thouroughly enjoyed.

This is something you may want to consider, make sure that once you start approaching the first egg milestone, you start feeding your hens a feed that is free of medication and is suitable for encouraging good egg production.

Signs that your hens are ready to start laying

There are several indicators that you can look out for that may suggest that your hens will start laying soon.

  1. Thier wattles and combs will start to become redder and larger.  If this occurs really early than you may have a rooster on your hands.  From what I have read there is actually a 10% chance of incorrect sexting amount baby chicks sold in feed stores so there defintely is a chance of that!
  2. An increase in appetite can occur when it is getting close to laying time.  I did not necessaryily notice this, my chickens always eat fast, aggressively, and a lot so I am not sure an increase in this would be so clear.
  3. They talk more!  I definitely noticed this one.  A few weeks leading up to laying time, I noticed that they started sounding more and more like chickens.  I hard squarks, clucks, and normal adult chicken sounds than the normal bird sounds that you tend to hear from a younger chicken.  The coop as a whole started getting a lot noiser.
  4. They spend more time in the coop during the day.  My chickens were noticebly spending more time in the coop sitting in the nesting boxes.

I know that there was real anticipation in our family for that first egg sighting so these indicators were a real help that it was coming soon.

 

Stop wasting your fruits and vegetables!

Grab the Ulimate Fruit and Vegetable Seasonal Guide for FREE to start properly storing your produce so you can stop throwing it away and start enjoying it longer.

How to handle and store fresh eggs

Homegrown eggs can and should be handled a little differently than your storw-bought eggs.  Homegrown eggs do not have to be refrigerated if you don’t wast them immediately.  Unwashed, fresh eggs can sit on the countertop for a few days to a couple of weeks. If you wash them or are unsure, store them in the fridge.

Homegrown, fresh eggs have what is called a protective “bloom” which is a cuticle layer that protects the eggs from bacteria.  It completely covers the pores of the egg so if you keep that intact, they are perfectly safe to store on the countertop.  When you wash them, this layer is washed off and will be needed to be stored in the fridge until use.

I have been storing in on the countertop unless I get a particularly dirty egg, then I wash them and keep them in the fridge.  Sometimes I will find eggs covered in mud and/or poo and will wash them once I find them.

When you decide to wash your eggs, make sure you are using warm water instead of cold or hot.  Then dry carefully and store in the fridge.  I have been saving egg cartons leading up to this point so that I can easily store them.

dried pasta

Tips for encouraging good egg production

There are a few things that you are able to control that may help encourage your chickens to maintain a good egg production.  

Happy chickens will produce the most eggs so it is important to make sure that they are comfortable and healthy. 

Periodicaly checking them for ailments or injury is necessary, especially once they start laying.  You do not want the to become impacted or have injury.

The egg production and the amount of eggs that a laying chicken will produce is dependant on breed, environment, diet, comfort, health, and age.  You want to provide them with an environment that will be encouraging for laying.  Make sure they have plenty of room and that thier nesting boxes stay clean and dry. 

If chickens are scared or constantly at threat from predators, they will have trouble producting to thier full potential.

Chickens are good for full production for about 2-3 years and then they start to slow down.  Chickens will also slow down production in the winter months or when the temperature drops.  

The most important aspect is to just provie a safe, clean, and roomy environment for your chickens to thrive and you will enjoy all of the amazing benefits they provide!

For more information, listen to the podcast epsiode – Epsiode 20: When your Hen Starts Laying.

baking ingredients

Stop wasting your fruits and vegetables!

Grab the Ulimate Fruit and Vegetable Seasonal Guide for FREE to start properly storing your produce so you can stop throwing it away and start enjoying it longer.

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.
Pantry Staples You Need to Start Making From Scratch Meals

Pantry Staples You Need to Start Making From Scratch Meals

by | May 5, 2021 | In the Kitchen

Building a from scratch pantry is one really important thing you need to do if you are looking to start cooking from scratch or be more efficient in the kitchen.  Now, I don’t mean hoarding or stockpiling food per say, I mean knowing what the essential staples are and making sure you have one or two on hand so that you can cook pretty much any meal at any time. This pantry will help you save money over the long run.  Read on to find out exactly how to do this,  what you need in your pantry, and somethings that you can buy in bulk to help you save even more. 

 

Building up your Pantry Staples

When you are first getting into cooking from scratch, one of the first steps to making the entire process so much easier is to make sure that you have pantry staples on hand so that you can always cook your family’s favorite meals. No hoarding but having one or two of an item so you are not running out the the store daily for everything you need for dinner.

If you have to run to the store daily, it’s also going to be hard for you to meal plan and prepare your food efficiently.

It may take you some time to establish a good stocked pantry because getting all your spices, oils, and all your other kind of cooking ingredients may be expensive to do all at once.

So it may take a little bit of time for you to establish a well stocked pantry because  stockpiling all of your grains, baking goods, spices and oils may be too expensive to do all at once.  You may need to slowly build it over the course of a couple months but when done intentionally you will have a from scratch pantry built in no time.

Purchasing your ingredients

It may take some time to establish your pantry because running out to the store and buying everything would be extrememly costly.

I recommend over the next few months, taking advantage of any sales at the store.  When an item on this list is on sale, grab two, one to use and one to keep on hand.  Always try to have one sitting in your pantry so you don’t run out.

This is especially helpful when building up your spice cabinet because spices can be on the pricier side.  My stores often have buy 2 get 1 free sales which I always take advantage of.  After awhile you will get a better idea of some of the ingredients that you are using the most and can consider buying those in bulk to save even more money.

Want a printable version of the the From Scratch Pantry Checklist?  Grab it below!

 

Want you build your From Scratch Pantry?

Grab the From Scratch Pantry Checklist and Pantry Inventory Sheets to get start building your well stocked pantry today!

    Pasta and Rice

    Having a variety of pasta and rice on hand is a necessity.  Great for streaching meat or using as a side dish.  In my opinion, a good quality rice is necessary.  While I usually purchase store brand when I can, there are a few things where quality does really matter. Cheap rice will be mushy and gross when cooked.  A variety of rice such as white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, and long grain rice are a few that I like to keep on hand,

     Pasta, of course, can be homemade pretty easily and homemade pasta is always better than a dried store-bought version. However, I always keep a variety of pasta’s on hand for easy meals and easy side dishes.  The pastas that I always have are: spagetti, linguini, rontini, rigatoni, shells, egg noogles and tortillinis.

    I make a lot of mac and cheese, chicken noodle soups, and pasta salads so I love have different kinds available.

     

    dried pasta

    Oils and Vinegars

    A variety of oils is a must as there are so many perfect for different uses.

    • Coconut oil
    • Vegetable Oil
    • Corn Oil
    • Olive Oil
    • Grapeseed Oil

    Many of these are very versatile and I use them not only in cooking, but also in making personal products.

    In addition to this list of oils, I also save my bacon grease.

    Typically, I will bake, yes bake, bacon several times a month.  Baking bacon is a really great option because it is easier and less messy.  I then save the bacon grease in a bowl and freeze for later use.

     Vinegars are also a must have ingredient.  Vinegar is very versatile and is can be used for cooking, cleaning, and personal products.  I definitely recommend having these vinegars on hand:

    • White distilled vinegar (I buy this in bulk)
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • White wine vinegar
    • Red wine vinegar
    • Malt vinegar 

     

    Baking Ingredients

    Baking ingredients is another area that I buy in bulk.  If you do a lot of baking, you definitely want to make sure you have plenty of these ingredients available.

    White all-purpose flour is a must, I use it for everything from making pizza crust, bisquits, cookies, cakes, thickner agent, etc.

    You can also choose to use a substitute for all-purpose flour such as wheat, rye, almond flour, spelt, or amaranth flour to name a few.

    In addition to flour I make sure that I have these on hand:

    • Baking Soda
    • Baking Powder
    • Cocoa Powder
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Cornmeal
    • Bread Yeast
    • Powdered Milk
    • Condensed Milk
    • Evaporated Milk
    • Cornstarch
    baking ingredients

    Spices and Condiments

    Spices and condiments are typically  where I tend to cut corners and favor convenience over homemade.  I don’t typically make my own condiments although, making your own ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise is definitely doable.

    Condiments you want to keep on hand:

    • Ketchup
    • Mayonnaise
    • Mustard
    • Soy Sauce
    • Lemon Juice
    • Worcheshire Sauce

    For the spice cabinet, you want a variety of spices but most commonly;

    • Dried Basil
    • Dried Oregano
    • Garlic Powder
    • Onion Powder
    • Pepper
    • Salt
    • Thyme
    • Sage
    • Parsley
    • Cinnamon
    • Cayenne Pepper
    • Paprika
    • Crushed Red Pepper
    • Cumin
    • Rosemary
    • Nutmeg

    Preserving my own herbs is something that I am really focusing on this year with my herb garden. We typically grow herbs and I dry what I can but this year I am planting  a ton of extra so that I can actually dry it and then just have our own dried spices.

    Building a spice cabinet  may take a little bit of time to build up, but I know the grocery stores have sales like buy two get one free that really help with this. Definitely try to use these sales to your advantage to quickly build your spice pantry.

    spice pantry

    Want you build your From Scratch Pantry?

    Grab the From Scratch Pantry Checklist and Pantry Inventory Sheets to get start building your well stocked pantry today!

      Nuts and Dried Fruits

       Nuts and dried fruits are another pantry staple because of how versatile they are as an ingredient.

      • Peanuts
      • Walnuts
      • Almonds
      • Peanut butter
      • Chocolate chips
      • Granola
      • Dried cranberries
      • Dried Bannanas

      These ingredients are not only really great for baking, adding to cakes and cookies, but also really great for just eating as snacks. 

      I use these ingredients for healthy snacks, make granola bars with them. They can be self stable, for a long time, so I like to transfer most of these ingredients into mason jars for easier storage.

      Canned and Jarred Food

      Canned goods are something else I keep on hand, vegetables, fruit, beans, etc. If you can can your own that is really great as well.  I like to have these on hand:

      • Pinto beans
      • Kidney beans
      • Tomato paste
      • Diced tomatoes
      • Green beans
      • Corn
      • Carrots
      • Peas

      As we work to improve our self-sufficiency skill, I am trying to increasing the amount of food we preserve each year.  We typically do tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. 

      I also keep a variety of frozen vegetables and canneg vegetables.  Frozen are must better for some meals, while canned is good for other recipes.

      Canned fruit such as fruit cocktails,  jellies, jams, and preserves are also a must for our pantry.

      Lastly for this section is a variety of broths. Beef, chicken, and vegetable broth is something I always have on hand.

      I use a crazy amount of chicken broth when I am making pasta or soups.   I’ve gotten into freezing a lot of the chicken bones and chicken pieces that we have left over after a chicken meal, that I then use to cook down and make broth.  I haven’t exactly worked making chicken broth into my daily or weekly routine but I do make it when I can.  Therefore, to make sure I have enough whenever I need it, I keep store-bought broth on hand.

      pretty vegetables

      Onions and Potatoes

      Onions and potatoes are also on the list because I use them so much in cooking and baking. I make sure I have white and red onions on hand, as well as, russett potatoes, and usually either white or red potatoes.

      Sweetners

      While I use a lot of plain white sugar in my baking, I also like to stockup on other sweetners like honey, brown sugar, molasses, and maple syrup.

      Other Pantry Items

      Lastly, there are some ingredients that do not fit into any other category but are still really important to have on hand.

      Some of these ingredients are:

      • Popcorn kernels
      • Dried Kidney beans
      • Dried Pinto beans
      • Split Peas
      • Oatmeal
      • Bread crumbs
      • Coffee
      • Butter
      • Eggs

      These are all of the most essential ingredients to have stocked in your pantry! Stock your pantry with these ingredients and you will be well prepared to make a home cooked meal any day of the week.

      For a printable list of these grab the From Scratch Pantry Checklist below!

      Want you build your From Scratch Pantry?

      Grab the From Scratch Pantry Checklist and Pantry Inventory Sheets to get start building your well stocked pantry today!

        We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.
        The Best Homesteading and Gardening Podcasts for Self-Sufficiency

        The Best Homesteading and Gardening Podcasts for Self-Sufficiency

        by | Mar 18, 2021 | Gardening, In the Kitchen, Simple Living

        One of the first steps to starting a homestead is conducting a LOT of research.  When we really started entertaining the idea of becoming more self-sufficient, I read many articles, watched lots of  videos, and listened to many podcasts.  What I love about homesteading podcasts are that they are typically FREE and that I can utilize dead time, like doing dishes, folding laundry or commuting, by listening to them.  Podcasts allow me to mutiltask and that is super important.

        One of the major challenges in homesteading is just having the confidence to take on such a large, lifestyle-changing project.  What I love about homesteading podcasts is that you can really get a sense for the challenges and successes of those who have been doing it for a long time.  Many of the podcasts that I listen to primarily focus on the host’s challenges and successes of their homestead.  Some also showcase guests who can further provide insight into the reality of homesteading.  This insight is so valuable as it provides the listener with confidence and encouragement that they can also achieve such a goal.

        This list is comprised of the best Homesteading and Gardening podcasts that I have found.  I have listened to several episodes of each one of them and have chosen the best ones in my opinion to share with you!

        Here is a list of Homesteading/Gardening podcasts that could really help you out as you start on your homesteading journey.

        Homesteading Podcasts

        Pioneering Today Podcast with Melissa K. Norris

        The Pioneering Today Podcast with Melissa K. Norris was also one that I started listening to a while ago when I really started to plan and research starting a homestead.  I love how she covers a variety of topics with her episodes.  I feel as though I come away from each one with many actionable tips and tricks. 

        One of my favorite aspects of the Pioneering Today Podcast is the amount of episodes dedicated to homestead kitchen topics. From baking ingredient substitutions, to meal planning, to how to build your homestead pantry, a behind the scenes look into a homesteader’s kitchen is not a perspective that I have found in any other podcast.  I also love how you really get the sense of the pride and honor Melissa has in sharing her family’s recipes and traditions.

        Here are some of my favorite episodes:

        Episode 155: Batch & Freezer Cooking – 12 Time Saving Tips for Homemade Meals

        Episode 131: Homesteading for Beginners – 9 Transition Tips from City Life

        Episode 119: How to make soap at home – Beginners Guide to Soap Making

        Old-Fashioned On Purpose

        I have been a fan and follower of Jill Winger ever since I got the first urge to start a garden.  So when she started a podcast, I was all about it!  As with all of her content, her podcast, Old-Fashioned On Purpose, is well done, informative, relatable, and inspiring.

        She really has a way of making all of the things homesteading and self-sufficiency seem attainable and doable regardless of who you are!  So much good content, she really is your one-stop shop for homesteading and gardening.  One of my favorite aspects is learning how she weathers the harsh winters of Wyoming and how she makes the most of her garden regardless of her short growing season.

        Dreaming of Having a Vegetable Garden this year?

        Grab the Your Dream Vegetable Garden Plan for FREE to get you started today!  Start growing your groceries this year!

        Rural Women Inspired with Mindy Young

        One of the things that I love about homesteaders producing their own podcasts is that after listening to them for a while, you really get a feeling that you are along for the ride with them on their homesteading journey.  That is how I feel when I listen to Rural Women Inspired with Mindy Young.  She is an impressive homesteader.  When she talks about her market garden, I swoon!  Who wouldn’t love a market garden?

        She has been doing the homesteading thing her whole life and she offers some really awesome tips and insights for inspiring homesteaders.  She just seems so sweet and friendly!  I also love real stories that she tells because it is always great to hear how even seasoned homesteaders struggle with aspects of the lifestyle and it really helps me relax and slow down a little!  The topics covered are great for beginners, they are not so advanced that they do not seem attainable and doable which I think is so important for podcasters and bloggers who are targeting new homesteaders.  Homesteading can be intimidating!

        Farmish Kind Of Life with Amy Dingman

        Amy Dingman is the host of the Farmish Kind of Life Podcast.  Amy podcasts about her Minnetosa homestead and gives the listeners an honest and transparent view of homesteading.  This candid look into an established homestead is so helpful for any new homesteader.  What I really like is that while her episodes are concise, usually less than 30 minutes, she manages to pack a lot of information into each episode without too much filer.  After listening to her for a while, I really value her advice.  She finds a nice balance between illustrating the tough reality of homesteading while also maintaining a funny and encouraging tone.  Some unique topics she has covered in the past include; weather prediction tips, rendering lard, and hatching chicks.

        Episode 47: Old Fashioned Weather Prediction Tips

        Episode 41: Two Ways to Render Lard… And What to Use it For

        Episode 43: Hatching Chicks? Incubator Vs. Broody Hen

        Dreaming of Having a Vegetable Garden this year?

        Grab the Your Dream Vegetable Garden Plan for FREE to get you started today!  Start growing your groceries this year!

        Mother Earth News and Friends Podcast

        Professional production quality and engaging hosts and guests are only some of the strengths of the Mother Earth News and Friends Podcast.  This is a really awesome podcast.  I love how they tend to find unique homesteading, gardening, and small farm topics that are not commonly covered by other podcasts.  One of my favorite episodes is focused on grant opportunity for small farms and homesteads.  I am willing to bet that there are SO many people who have never even considered this option.

        I also love how they really create the feel of a homesteading community, one in which is not just open to experts, but welcomes anyone interested in learning more about self-sufficiency!

        Small Farm Nation with Tim Young

        While the Small Farm Nation Podcast with Tim Young primarily focuses on the business aspects of managing a small farm, Tim provides so much valuable information that serious homesteaders will find useful and exciting.  Even though I do not have a farm business nor do I ever really plan to have one, I find his tips on marketing your farm, leasing your land, and product pricing so interesting that it makes me want to start a farm business!  I highly recommend listening to his podcast if you even have the inkling of wanting to sell your homestead products.  Not only is the podcast super informative, I haven’t found one that gets so deep in the weeds about farm business, but it is also very professionally done and easy to listen to. Highly recommend!

         

        Gardening Podcasts

        Epic Gardening

        The Epic Gardening Podcast with Kevin has quickly become one of my favorites.  The Epic Gardening podcast consists of a pretty large library of awesome short episodes on very focused topics.  These are usually on topics that I didn’t know that I needed or wanted to know more about.

        Kevin drops a new episode everyday,  listening to the newest episode has become a daily ritual for me.  Some examples of topics are: the science of poison ivy, seed starting tips, perennial edibles, grafting and how to grow plants in the bathroom, just to name a few.  As a guest based podcast, the guests are always knowledgeable.  I am enjoying catching up on past episodes. Check it out!

        The Daily Gardener with Jennifer Ebeling

        If you are looking for something that blends history and intellect with your love of nature and gardening, you cannot miss The Daily Gardener with Jennifer Ebeling.  This podcast is showcases daily episodes releasing every week day, Monday – Friday.  Jennifer offers gardening thoughts and breveties that are sure to help educate and inspire her listeners.  I am also in love with the historical and modern looks at how gardening has evolved and shapes our lives. It really is such a unique focus of this podcast. If you are a garden lover you can’t miss this one!

        While you are getting hooked on The Daily Gardner Podcast, don’t miss out on Jennifer’s previous podcast: The Still Growing Podcast.  Even though this podcast is not still in production, there is still a huge library of episodes with really valuable information available.

        The Still Growing Podcast fouses on helping listeners to make the most out of their gardens, as well as, to live a more natural life.  This show covers flower, vegetable, and herb gardening in great detail.  It is a very organized and well produced show.  Most episodes showcase an interview with an expert guest on a particular topic.

        Gardenerd Tip of the Week

        The Gardenerd Tip of the Week podcast is another well done podcast that covers a wide variety of gardening topics.  This podcast showcases a different garden expert each week. They generally discuss a topic and then the expert gives the audience a gardening tip of the week.  The upbeat and lively conversations between the host and her guests are always very indepth and useful.  Some of my favorite topics covered in this podcast are cooking from the garden, foraging, and growing squash.

         

        Dreaming of Having a Vegetable Garden this year?

        Grab the Your Dream Vegetable Garden Plan for FREE to get you started today!  Start growing your groceries this year!

        Tending Seeds: Adventures in Farming, Gardening, and Herbalism

        Tending Seeds is a podcast that I have been listening to and really love.  Her main focus is herbalism but she also talks about other topics like flower gardening.  I think it is awesome to start listening to a podcast at its very beginning.  I definitely feel like I am along for the ride with her.  Her episodes are really well done and fun to listen to.  I recommend checking it out, it will be awesome to follow the progress of her gardening journey!

        The Joe Gardner Show with Joe Lamp’l

        The Joe Gardener Show with Joe Lamp’l  is a very well done podcast.  It is very focused on the ins and outs of vegetable gardening.  There is not much straying from the primary topic which is really great because Joe goes into so much detail in his episodes that you can’t help but find real actionable tips and tricks in every one.

        As the host of Fresh from the Garden on the DIY Network and Growing and Greener World on PBS, Joe has ample experience in broadcasting.  He is so easy to listen to, sometimes I just tune in to listen for a few minutes and end up listening to a a whole show because his show is so immersive.  He is the ultimate expert in organic gardening and you really can’t miss his show if you are looking for guidance in the garden.

        Sustainable World Radio

        Sustainable World Radio with Jill Cloutier is much more than just another gardening or homesteading podcast.  This podcast focuses on the topics of ecology and permaculture.  One aspect that I love about this podcast is that the topics often focus on environment projects from around the world.  Jill does a great job spreading positive awareness on taking care of the earth through permaculture and provides the audience with some great ideas on how to live a greener life.

        My favorite episode so far is a recent one focusing on growing Paw Paws.  I am sad to say that I have never heard of Paw Paws before but after listening to this episode, it made me want to just run out and plant one in my garden.  This is definitely a project that will be added to my list.

        Dreaming of Having a Vegetable Garden this year?

        Grab the Your Dream Vegetable Garden Plan for FREE to get you started today!  Start growing your groceries this year!

        Archived Podcasts not currently producing content but have an awesome library of episodes

        Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Loe

        The Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Lowe is the first homesteading podcast that I started routinely listening to.  Theresa has an impressive background as a canning and food preservation expert and focuses her podcast on small space homesteading.  She delivers her podcast with such a welcoming and supportive tone that I always finish her episodes with a much higher sense of confidence and drive to pursue new projects and challenges.

        She also features a wide range of guests on the podcast. I have learned a lot about from other’s experiences. While she is not currently uploading podcasts and the last upload was in 2019, there is still a huge collection of super helpful episodes.  Here are some of my favorite episodes:

        Episode 142: Farming on 5 Acres or Less

        Episode 166: Backyard Chicken Keeping Hacks

        Episode 120: How to make Natural Household Cleaners

        The Modern Homesteading Podcast with Harold Thornbro

        The Modern Homesteading Podcast with Harold Thornbro is an all inclusive homesteading podcast which covers everything you need to help you start your homestead.  He focuses of animal husbandry, food preservation, gardening, and other many other self-sufficient skills.  His show is primarily guest based, featuring a wide range of homesteading experts.  I also love hearing about his family’s journey on thier homestead.  Most of his shows are right around a half hour, making it so easy to put on in the car while you are doing errands or driving to work.  This is a must have in your weekly lineup if you are looking to really immerse yourself if the homesteading lifestyle.  While the episodes are not currently being produced, two of my favorite episodes are:

        Episode 99: What to Do First to Turn A New Home Into a Homestead

        Episode 114: Family Homesteading with Guest Teri Page

        Homesteady Podcast

        The Homesteady Podcast is such a unique and interesting homesteading podcast that I just had to include it!  Even though new episodes are not being produced right now, I love catching up to all of thier older episodes.  Often times podcasters, bloggers, and writers portray homesteading as a picture perfect endeavor.  The host, Aust makes a point to show homesteading from all angles, the good and the ugly.  Not to mention, his show is really funny and honest.  While he sometimes gets off on tangents about a topic that especially excites him, it is always entertaining, refreshing, and authentic.

        His series of episodes on homestead side hustles was extremely insightful and helpful.  As a new homesteader, I found his realistic and honest approach to homesteading very encouraging; as it makes homesteading seem much more attainable when you remove the “magazine cover” feeling.  Check it out!

        What is your favorite homesteading or gardening podcast?

        Are there any great podcasts that are missing from this list?

        Dreaming of Having a Vegetable Garden this year?

        Grab the Your Dream Vegetable Garden Plan for FREE to get you started today!  Start growing your groceries this year!

        We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.
        How to Make Vintage Dried Orange Slices

        How to Make Vintage Dried Orange Slices

        by | Dec 12, 2020 | In the Kitchen, Simple Living

        Can you relate?

        I tend to swoon for anything vintage or traditional especially when it comes to decorating for the holidays.  Have you ever seen those beautiful dried orange slices that are typically found during the holidays? They are often associated with vintage, old-fashioned Christmas decor. Good news, they are SO easy to make!

        mint extract pin

        Why Dry Orange Slices?

        Dried Orange slices are very easy to make, very versitle and add a wonderful homemade element to crafts and cooking.

        Believe it or not, oranges and other citrus fruits are in season during the winter months, which is why it is so commonly used in holiday decor.

        Traditionally, people utilized fruits and vegetables as they were in season. In the winter, they also use preserved foods from thier spring/summer harvests.

        This is typically why we see so many oranges and cranberries both in Christmas decor and seasonal winter recipes.

        There are many different uses for dried orange slices. Some of them are:

        • Holiday decor – Ornaments, garlands, or  embelishments for homemade gifts.
        • Potpouri – Simmer on the stove with other seasonal ingredients to make your whole house smell wonderful.
        • Garnish for fancy dishes

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

         

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        What Type of Oranges?

        You will notice that during the winter seasons, oranges and other citrus fruits may be on sale.  Since they are in season, this is a great time to grab a bag or two. One to enjoy and one to preserve.

        There are several different types of oranges that you may find in the grocery store. Clementines, tangerines, blood oranges, valencia, and cara cara are just a few that are in season during the winter. The Spruce does a really great breakdown of the types of oranges that you can find in season during the winter months. You can find it here: Winter Citrus.

        As far as making dried orange slices, stay clear of tangerines or clementines and look for a large slicing orange with a thick peel.  I typically buy a large bag of naval oranges for about $2.00.

         

        What you need

        A dehydrator is a really great option or drying fruits and vegetables quickly.  They can be pricey, although you can probably find a decent one for around $30.  You do not need one though!

        I simply use an oven at low temp will get you very similar results.

        A cookie sheet and oven safe rack is also necessary.

        That is pretty much it!

        What you need:

        • Dehydrator or oven
        • Cookie sheet
        • Oven safe rack (optional)
        • Knife
        • Oranges
        • Powdered sugar (optional)

         

         

        Slice oranges about 1/4 inch thick

        The most important thing to make sure you do is to cut the orange slices consistently for even baking.

        Having slices of difference thickness will cause some to cook faster and possibly burn.

        Bake at 250 degrees F

        If you have a dehydrator, use it according to directions. I have not purchased a dehydrator so I do not know the exact settings necessary.

        For drying without a dehydrator, set your oven to 250 degrees F.

        Lay out your slices on the rack on the cookie sheet. I did not use a cookie sheet so it is not absolutely necessary.

        Sprinkle slices with powdered sugar.

        Cook the slices for 2.5 -3 hours.

         

        I recommend to start with cooking the orange slices for about 2 hours.  Isn’t that fresh orange smell that is filling your kitchen just wonderful!

        After 2 hours, check them and flip them.

        Let them go another 1/2 hour.  Typically you can let them go another hour but check them first to be sure.

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

         

        A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

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        Do not let them turn brown

        I have made the mistake of letting them go until they dry completely. Once that happens, they have usually turned brown and have an overcooked appearance to them.

        You want the peels to be dry but the fruit can still be slightly moist.  You can let them air dry the rest of the way.

        Once done cooking, pull them out and lay them on a kitchen towl to finish drying for a few hours.

        Perfect for the Christmas season!

        Vintage dried orange slices are so versatile and definitely worth the minimal time and effort required to make them.  If you can take advantage of oranges while they are season, you can save a lot of money.

        Christmas decor is one of the most common uses.  I like to incorporate it onto wreaths, garlands for the tree, and ornaments.

        Potpourri is also a really great use for dried orange slices.  Add oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, pine/juniper needles, or whatever you have on hand to a small sauce pan.  Cover with water and simmer on low heat on the back burner. Delicious holiday smells adds such wonderful atmosphere to your Christmas season.  This is so easy to do and is a great way to use up scraps that would otherwise be thrown away.

         

        holiday potpourri

        How to store them

        Before storing them, make sure that they have completely air dried.  If you package them up before they are completely dry, they can start to mold.

        I like to store them in mason jars, which make beautiful decor all on thier own.

        Vintage Dried Orange Slices

        What you need:

        • Dehydrator or oven
        • Cookie sheet
        • Oven safe rack (optional)
        • Knife
        • Oranges
        • Powdered sugar (optional)

         

        Easy Drying Technique

        1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
        2. Cut Oranges into 1/4 in slices.
        3. Lay Orange Slices on oven safe rack onto of cookie sheet.
        4. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
        5. Cook for 2 hours.
        6. Check and flip orange slices.
        7. Cook for another 1/2 hour to 1 hour until almost dried.
        8. Remove from oven and lay on towel to finish drying.
        9. Use in decor and cooking as desired.
        10. Store in mason jars after completely dried to avoid mold.

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

         

        A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

        With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

        Enjoy doing your own projects and making it yourself?

        Don’t miss my FREE Simple Living DIY eBook.

        We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.
        How to Create a Family Mealtime Routine

        How to Create a Family Mealtime Routine

        by | Nov 22, 2020 | In the Kitchen

        It is no surprise that having a solid mealtime  routine is beneficial to the wellbeing of the entire family.  Being able to set aside 30 min – 1 hour every evening, or at least a couple of times a week, does wonders to improve communication among family members.

        I know, for some the thought of getting a meal on the table and having the starts aline so that every member is sitting at once might seem like a fairytale. 

        I have good news though! Establishing a stress/choas free mealtime routine may be easier that you imagined and I have tons of tips and trick to make it a reality for you.

        mint extract pin

        Why Family Meals are Important

        Before we jump into the when, where and how, lets discuss the why.

        It should be no surprise that there are many benefits to spending time with your family for an hour each day.  This intentional time does SO much to stregthen the communication bonds between family members, as well as it allows you as parents to keep a pulse on the wellbeing of the family.

        Some other benefits are:

        • Brings family together intentionally
        • Establishing routine increases confidence and reliability for kids
        • Encourages healthy eating habits
        • Encourages good manners
        • For working parents, it creates dependable family time at the end of the day

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

        A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

        With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

        Creating a family mealtime routine

        A family mealtime routine does not have to be extravagant. Keep it simple.  You also do not have to, nor should you, make an elaborate fancy dinner for every meal.

        If having family meals is completely foreign to you, I definitely recommend starting with a simple meal, carryout, or delivery and focus on getting everyone to sit at the table together at the same time.

        Clear off the table and just sit together.

        You should consider:

        • Setting a specific dinner time
        • Establishing a routine for before dinner
        • Establishing a routine for after dinner

        Set a specific dinner time

        While it may be difficult at first to stick to a specific dinner time, it is really important to set that expectation if you are hoping to make family mealtime a priority.

        If all members know what time they are expected to be at the table, there are not surprises or reasons for arguement. 

        Make the time work for you. If you don’t get home until 4:30, don’t try to have dinner on the table at 5:00.

        For us, my husband gets home at 5:00 and I like to try to have dinner at 5:30.  This helps him avoid snaking as soon as he gets home and it allows us time after dinner to spend with the kids.

         

        A before dinner routine

        Once of the most chaotic times of the day for my family is right before dinner. The kids are restless and the baby is usually between naps.  In order to get dinner done and on the table, it is important to have a gameplan for this time.

        For the hour leading up to dinner, have an activity or something that can occupy them with little interaction from you.  Many times I try to limit the kids screen time throughout the day so that I can save it for this time.

        In addition, it is important to make sure the kids snack before this time.  I try to cut off the kitchen from snacks 45 minutes leading up to meals.  If the kids are hungry, they can snack on something I am preparing if possible.  Hungry kids begging for food does not make your job any easier!

        Have a transition plan

        There is nothing worse than working your butt off to get everything on the table, piping hot, at once, and then having to hunt and beg everyone to stop what they are doing and come to the table.

        By the time you wrangle everyone, everything is cold!

        This can easily be taken care of by offering a 10 minute warning.  This allows for plenty of time for games or TV to be turned off, homework to be put away, hands washed and everybody sitting at the table.

        That would be glorious, wouldn’t it?

        Hand washing before sitting at the table is a routine that can be established. (Getting the kids to wash thier hands is something I ALWAYS forget, I know… gross… but it is something I am trying to work on!)

        Also, having assigned seats may seem unecessary, although they tend to happen naturally, they can be helpful because they can prevent any arguement from kids who want to decide thier seats every night.

        Setting Mealtime Expectations

        While we are hoping that family mealtime is an enjoyable experience for everyone it is also a good idea to establish some expectations.

        Here are some examples of the expecatations that we have:

        • Kids drink milk at dinner
        • Must try everything on your plate
        • Decide if you will enforce a clean dinner plate or eat until you feel full.
        • We have some form of dessert every night if you earn it.  You must eat enough meat and vegetables and be well behaved to earn dessert.

        Obviously whatever works for your family is ideal.  There is not perfect plan or structure for a family mealtime routine.

         

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

        A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

        With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

        Get your kids involved

        There is no reason that you should be doing everything.  Encouraging kids to help and pitch in, allows them to learn much needed kitchen skills.

        Have someone help you set the table. You can also have an older kid help with food prep or cooking.  Cleaning up after the meal is definitely NOT something you should do yourself nor should you have to revisit a messy kitchen after the kids go to bed.

        Instead, encourage everyone to help. Put on music and clean up the kitchen and dinning room before heading to the next activity.

        In my earlier years, it was not uncommon for me to have dinner and then leave everything to move onto the kid’s bath and bedtime.  Coming back to a messy kitchen was so hard because I was tired and ready to wind down. The last thing I wanted to do was was scrub pans and wipe surfaces.

        Kids like helping and you will be amazing at how much of a different a couple of helping hands can make.

        Making it work for your family consistently

        Having a special dinner every so often is not difficult, but creating a consist family mealtime routine is something that may take a little more effort to keep in place.

        Some ways that I am able to get dinner on the table and everyone eating together everynight is by utilizing some of the following:

         

        • Meal planning – plain and simple.
        • Prepping some food before hand, either earlier in the day or in bulk earlier in the week.
        • Have an arsenal of simple meals that I can accomplish without thinking and with kids running around.
        • Keeping weeknight meals simple! (Think: soup and sandwiches, tacos, sheet meals, instapot/slowcooker).
        • If you don’t meal plan, spend 5 minutes in the morning, before kids get up or before you go to work to determine what dinner will be. This allows you to pull anything out of the freezer to defost in plenty of time.

        Making Family Mealtime Pleasant

        Ok so now that you have everyone FINALLY at the same table eating together, what happens next?

        I know you want this to be enjoyable and a sucess, not something that makes you say “Never Again”!

        Here are some tips for surviving the family mealtime.

         

        • No phones or screens at the table – and that goes for parents also!
        • No lecturing, save this for a quiet more intimate one-on-one time with the individual.
        • Keep conversation engaging by asking open ended questions.
        • Take it as an opportunity to teach younger kids about good manners and dinner ettiquite.
        mint leaves

        I think there is no denying the importance of sitting down every evening and sharing space and time with your family.

        This time becomes a reliable means of connecting among family members and allows children time with thier parents that is unrushed, attentive, and routine.

        Start small with one night this week.

        Even if you are grabbing takeout, sit together and eat it. It does not have to be complicated.

        Try it this week!

         

        Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

        A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

        With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

        Enjoy doing your own projects and making it yourself?

        Don’t miss my FREE Simple Living DIY eBook.

        We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.