My family and I recently returned from an amazing vacation around the Mediterranean. I had never been to that part of the world before, so I was really looking forward to exploring! My children have never been outside of the United States and my husband and I were most excited about all of the different cultures they would experience. And … Read More
Homemade Cheese Sauce
Homemade cheese sauce, made from four simple ingredients, can be an amazing addition to your cooking skills. I mean, come on, what CAN’T you put cheese sauce on? In our house, cheese sauce is most often used for macaroni and cheese. Making your own cheese sauce doesn’t need to be so scary. As long as you follow a few … Read More
How to Ferment Vegetables – Quick Start Guide
Fermenting fruits and vegetables at home can be a daunting task. I know when I first started, I was afraid I was doing it all wrong. But, fermenting doesn’t have to be frustrating! There is a simple technique that can be used to ferment almost everything! Do you ever wonder how to ferment vegetables? Well, wonder no more! You know we … Read More
How to Make Beef Jerky
A year ago, my husband and I purchased half of a cow to feed our growing family. I was able to speak with the butcher and customize all of our cuts. It was really cool. Anyway, when she got to the round roasts, our least favorite cut, I asked her to just ground them up for ground beef. She reminded … Read More
Nicely making whey
It is no secret that Tamara and I love to ferment foods. If you take a look through our recipes, it shouldn’t take long to stumble across a fermented food or two! In fact, Oh Lardy has presented a series on fermented foods. We love the stuff! You may notice that we mention the use of whey, or some other … Read More
How to Season Cast Iron
When my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I knew exactly what I wanted. An 8-inch unseasoned cast iron skillet. This would be my FIRST cast iron kitchen tool, can you believe it? Well, I guess that isn’t entirely true. I do have several pieces of enameled cast iron. Don’t get me wrong, I love my enameled … Read More
Fermenting Fail – ’cause I like to keep it Real
Last week at the Farmer’s Market, I found these beautiful beets and decided that they simply must be fermented. I brought them home and set about my fermenting business. I decided that I wanted them shredded up, like cabbage. So, I ran them through my food processor. This is where I went wrong, friends. However, at the time, I didn’t … Read More
How to use a Fermenting Crock – An Update!
Two weeks ago, I wrote a post on how to use a fermenting crock. In case you have been wondering how things are going, its your lucky day!! I was a good girl and followed the instructions to not even peek for two weeks. I waited very patiently and on Saturday I finally got to look AND taste! When I … Read More
How to Use a Fermenting Crock
I received this Fermenting Crock from my husband for Christmas and I am so excited!! Up until this weekend, I have only ever used mason jars for my ferments. On Saturday morning, the kids and I headed to the Farmer’s Market and I brought home 5 pounds of cabbage (among other things) to make a sauerkraut! But, before I get … Read More
Natural Homemade Vapor Rub
We are constantly doing a lot to support our healthy immune systems. We eat fermented foods, take elderberry syrup, eat lots of green veggies and take Juice Plus. Awhile back, I was on the hunt for a salve with soothing vapors that I could make at home. Besides, I have been on the hunt for non-toxic recipes or products to replace the … Read More
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Every year, my husband and I give a Holiday goodie bag to our friends and family. The bag always includes homemade salsa, but each year I like to add something different. Last year I decided to prepare a Homemade Vanilla Extract. Locating a homemade vanilla recipe online was simple. There are many tutorials to choose from. All it took was … Read More
Ditch the store bought Mayo!
If you happen to be a newbie in the Real Foods arena, one of the simplest things you can do is to make your own condiments. Personally, I started with Mayonnaise. By mastering the basics (homemade broth, dressings, sauces, marinades, condiments, etc) you set a great foundation from which to build your healthy kitchen. When I cleaned out our kitchen … Read More
Homemade Bone Broth – A Lost Art
In Traditional Societies all around the world, bone broth was a common kitchen staple not only because cultures wanted to use every bit of an animal, but also because broths are a nutritional powerhouse, full of minerals and micronutrients essential for good health. These days, when people think of broth, they think of the carton on the shelf at the … Read More
Dilly Carrots – How to Make Pickled Carrots
I just love pickled foods. So does my family. Pickles, in particular. My kids would eat an entire jar of pickles if I let them. There is just something magical about the combination of salt, dill, and garlic.
What the Heck is Beet Kvass?
Beet Kvass Recipe Very simply, beet kvass is a probiotic beverage made from beets! It can taste salty and sour, or mild and earthy. From what I have read, this particular tonic is an acquired taste. Yet, this particular food has mystified me, so much so that I had to try it.
How to make your own Greek yogurt
If you want to be sure your Greek yogurt is the real stuff, make your own!! Making your own Greek yogurt/yogurt cheese/strained yogurt is a pretty simple task. You need the following ingredients: full fat, plain yogurt (organic if possible) cheesecloth or a very thin dishtowel strainer bowl a large jar with wide mouth (or blender) wooden spoon … Read More