Easily found in many areas, Japanese knotwood has a slightly tangy flavor that makes it useful in any recipe calling for rhubarb. In the Spring, Japanese Knotwood comes into season. Also known as Fallopia japonica, it can be identified by simple leaves that alternate and appear to be a broad oval. This native species comes from… [read more]
Top Natural Sweeteners & Sugar Alternatives
What are the healthiest natural sweeteners? A comparison of natural sweeteners and sugar alternatives. In the beginning, we didn’t need a lot of sugar. Although carbohydrates are important for energy, we didn’t get them from cookies, candy, and soda. We got our sugars in a natural form-fruits and vegetables. As our diet became more “modern”,… [read more]
Clipping Chicken Wings-How And Why You Should
Have flighty birds that escape their pens? Learn how safely clipping chicken wings can help decrease this problem. Having a backyard flock of chickens means you get fresh eggs. They require little care; only freshwater, good food, a safe place to roost and to lay eggs. Unfortunately for most chicken owners, keeping chickens were they… [read more]
How To Make Herb Flavored Butter (Compound Butter)
Growing herbs in the garden is amazing. They really help flavor food and I feel like an expert in the kitchen when I use fresh herbs. There are so many ways you can use fresh herbs for cooking. You can use them in foods directly, making herbal vinegars, and even herb flavored butter. Making a… [read more]
Dandelion Infused Shampoo Bar
Dandelion infused shampoo bars are the best shampoo bars, great for any type of hair. They will leave your hair soft, shiny, and very manageable. Are dandelions popping up all over your yard? Don’t spray them, use them! Dandelions are excellent for a beginner forager because they are easily recognizable. Their bright yellow flower head… [read more]
Vegetarian Black Bean Soup With Sweet Potato
I love beans, and I really love black beans. I love them in burgers, and I love this vegetarian black bean soup! Unfortunately, my family doesn’t share my love of the bean, so I don’t get to make this very often. But when I do, lookout! This recipe comes out, and the soup making begins. Beans… [read more]
The Best Vegan Black Bean Burger Recipe
Ah, the wonders of the black bean. Full of 15 grams of protein, 15 grams of fiber with few calories and fat. Who knew this little bean had so many wonderful attributes? [source] Yet, in my home, it has magical powers as well. It can make my kids disappear faster than you can say, “Dinner’s… [read more]
Grape Hyacinth-How To Forage For, Grow Yourself, and USE
Learning to forage for your food is perfect for keeping your reliance off of others and on yourself. In the Spring and Summer, you will find a lot of edible plants, flowers, and roots to stock your own pantry with. The best part is that you can even plant some of these yourself, and have… [read more]
How To Host A Canning Party-Preserve Food With Friends
Get your canning on in a FUN way by hosting a canning party! Get a group of friends together and share the work. Learn how to get a canning group started. Getting your garden produce can sometimes be a chore. There’s food to clean, chop and prepare, jars to wash, canners to fill with water… [read more]
Egg Bound Chicken~what it is and how to help
Think you have an egg bound chicken? You will need to act quickly to help save them! Here’s some tips to get that egg to pass! What is an egg bound chicken? A chicken typically starts laying eggs when they are 6 months of age. When a hen lays an egg, it can sometimes be… [read more]