Monthly Homesteading & Prepping Themes: Seasonal Self-Sufficiency & Preparedness

Impress your loved ones with DIY Valentine's Day treats! Learn how to make champagne-flavored chocolate rose donuts for a stunning edible bouquet.

Learn how to create unique Cricut card ideas for Valentine’s Day with fun designs, homestead themes, and educational value!

From DIY valentine craft ideas to great ways to enjoy the day with your special someone, these all about Valentine's Day posts are sure to have something that sparks your imagination. Of course, we also have healthy eating, party and entertaining ideas to help you show your loved ones how much you care.  

Explore the ultimate guide to Parmesan cheese and uncover tips, recipes, and techniques for mastering this culinary gem.

Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a culinary masterpiece celebrated for its rich flavors and granular texture. But what makes this cheese truly extraordinary? The secret lies in the intricate interplay of chemistry, biology, and artisanal craftsmanship. From the quality of milk and the role of enzymes to the transformative aging process, every step contributes to the complexity we savor.

Whether it's understanding why raw milk enriches the flavor, exploring the science behind rennet and starter cultures, or marveling at the perfect conditions for aging, Parmesan cheese-making is as much about science as it is about tradition. Its versatility shines on charcuterie boards, in pasta dishes, or paired with bold wines. Dive into the fascinating world of Parmesan to uncover the artistry and science behind one of the world's most iconic cheeses.

Is mold on Parmesan cheese harmful? Discover how to safely handle moldy Parmesan, prevent spoilage, and store your cheese effectively. Learn from my experience with homemade Parmesan cheese, tips for proper storage, and why tools like a cheese vault can make all the difference for homesteaders.

Learn how to perfect your homemade noodles with practical tips on drying, storing, and troubleshooting for consistent, delicious results.

Drying homemade noodles is an easy way to preserve their freshness and flavor for future meals. Whether you use a dehydrator or opt for traditional air drying, the process ensures your noodles are ready whenever you need them. Learn step-by-step instructions to properly dry and store your pasta, along with tips to keep it tasting great for weeks or even months.

Looking for ways to preserve and cook eggplant? This eggplant preservation and recipe guide has everything you need, from freezing tips to delicious meal ideas.

Feeling overwhelmed by a bountiful harvest? Learn how to freeze one eggplant for beginners with this easy, step-by-step guide to start small and build your confidence in food preservation.

Discover the versatility of eggplant from your food storage! Whether dehydrated, frozen, or freeze-dried, this guide shares creative ways to preserve and transform eggplant into delicious meals. From hearty soups to crispy chips, learn how to make the most of your preserved harvest with practical tips and inspiring ideas.

Grilled eggplant is the ultimate summer dish, with its smoky flavor, tender texture, and ability to absorb bold marinades and fresh herbs. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options, this versatile vegetable is a showstopper that’s perfect for any homesteader’s table. Discover how to turn your garden’s bounty into a celebration of summer flavors!

Learn how to freeze raw eggplant with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for homesteaders, this method preserves your garden harvest for up to 9 months.

Fire up your grill and enjoy the flavors of summer with this easy recipe for Grilled Eggplant With Fresh Herbs. Perfect as a side dish or main course, this Mediterranean-inspired dish highlights fresh garden ingredients and simple grilling techniques.

As we approach the holiday season, the air is filled with the promise of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It's that special time of year when our homesteads take on an extra layer of enchantment, as we prepare to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones. But let's face it – while the holidays can be …

This DIY feather Christmas tree is super cute and oh so easy to make! While this is not the same as the German Feather Trees from the 1800's, it is also called a feather tree.  

Show your love of butterflies this holiday season by making your own polymer clay Christmas glass butterfly ornaments.

As we enter the heartwarming season of Christmas, our homesteads take on a special kind of magic. The aroma of freshly baked treats fills the air, and the twinkle of holiday lights dances in the night. It's a time for celebration, decoration, and, of course, delicious homemade recipes. In our existing Christmas recipes and DIY …

If you're looking for quick and easy Nutter Butter Christmas Cookie ideas that you can make at the last minute, then these cute Santa Claus Nutter Butter Cookies are perfect!  

Have you ever wondered how to easily make polymer clay Christmas ornaments for your tree or even to put on a package as a decoration? In this tutorial you will learn how to easily create unique polymer clay Christmas ornaments using cookie cutters, a skewer and of course, polymer clay.

Are you running out of toilet paper - or afraid you are going to? The rush to stockpile toilet paper during times of crisis highlighted a critical issue homesteaders have long been aware of: supply chains are fragile. While the panic buying may seem irrational, it underscores a larger problem—natural disasters, longshoremen strikes, or even …

Foraging through the seasons is a key skill that benefits homesteaders, offering both nourishment and the joy of self-sufficiency. A well-rounded seasonal foraging guide helps you know what’s available right in your own backyard, whether it's fresh spring greens, fall nuts, or those hardy berries that brave the winter frost. Each season has its unique …

Knowing these freeze drying food storage tips can be a game-changer for us homesteaders, ensuring our harvests stay fresh and nutritious for the long haul. Imagine being able to preserve your garden's bounty or bulk purchases for years without compromising on quality or taste. Freeze drying, a process that removes moisture while preserving the food's …

Disclaimer: I received this product/service at a reduced price or for free. All opinions are my own and are my honest opinions based on my own experience with the product. With over two decades of tapping maple trees every February, my anticipation for the new Maple Tapping Tree Kit was undeniable. As a seasoned homesteader, …

Keeping dehydrated food fresh is not just a phrase but a crucial skill in the realm of food preservation. Understanding the intricacies of preserving dehydrated foods is crucial for maintaining their freshness and maximizing their life span. Right from the initial hydration methods to the final storage strategies, every step plays a vital role. So, …

Disclaimer: I received one or more items mentioned in this post for free or at a reduced price in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.  You can't live without water for very long, which is why these prepper water storage tips and ideas are so important. Above all else, being …

Have you ever pondered the magic behind those deliciously crunchy banana chips that seem to stay fresh forever in your snack stash? Well, fellow homesteaders, let's take a journey into the world of freeze drying bananas, a technique that's almost like something out of a sci-fi novel. It's the key to preserving your favorite yellow …

Today, we're diving into the delightful world of a Caramel Pecan Apple Butter recipe – a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, nutty, and subtly tangy flavors that's tailor-made for homesteaders like you. As we embark on this culinary journey, we'll walk you through the nitty-gritty details, starting with selecting the perfect apples, and then mastering the …

Can you freeze fudge? That's the golden question for homesteaders who are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season and looking for smart ways to save time in the kitchen. As we embark on a journey through the art of making and preserving homemade fudge, we're not only exploring the delicious realm of fudge creation …

Imagine savoring a luscious, juicy ear of corn in the middle of a cold winter, transported back to the height of summer with every delicious bite. The good news is that you can experience this joy with just a little preparation and planning. Can you freeze corn on the cob? Absolutely! Freezing corn on the …

Homesteading skills and crafts are at the heart of this timeless way of life, offering a bridge between our ancestors' wisdom and the needs of our modern world. Homesteading is a journey filled with rewarding challenges and beautiful simple pleasures, an age-old way of life that is making a resurgent comeback in modern times. It's …

Today, I'm thrilled to embark on a creative journey that blends the art of crafting with our love for homesteading. We'll not only learn how to create "Easy Handmade Cards: Make a Halloween Card in Under an Hour" but also explore how the Cricut Maker can be our faithful companion in adding that personalized touch …

Halloween Eyeball Decorations are a fantastic way for homesteaders who love to DIY to embrace the spook-tacular season. As October approaches, our homesteads become canvases for creativity. It's a time when we can let our imaginations run wild, crafting eerie wonders for our homes. For those who relish hands-on projects, I'm thrilled to present not …

When it comes to Halloween, it's all about the treats, and what could be more delightful than these cheese broomsticks? They're not just delicious; they're also a creative and healthy addition to your Halloween party spread. Imagine the smiles on your guests' faces as they see these adorable broomstick snacks. In this DIY-inspired post, we'll …

Halloween main course dinner ideas can be tough to come up with, especially if you are planning a Halloween dinner party on your homestead. The pressure is on to create dishes that are not only delicious but also delightfully spooky. As someone deeply involved in DIY crafts, food preservation, and homesteading, I understand the importance …

Have you ever wondered how to glitter a pumpkin at home? If you're a homesteader who enjoys DIY crafts, you're in for a delightful treat! Glittering pumpkins is not only a fun and creative project, but it also allows you to save money on your Halloween decorations, a boon for the budget-conscious homesteader. In this …

Disclaimer: I did receive the contact lenses for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Halloween is creeping closer, and you know what that means – it's time to get creative with those costumes! Spooky Eyes Contacts are the game-changer for Halloween attire. While anyone can toss on a costume, …

Are you ready to host the spookiest Halloween party ever? Well, you're in for a treat (no tricks here!) because we're about to dive into the world of homemade Halloween party drinks. These are not your ordinary beverages; they're non-alcoholic, kid-friendly, and designed to send chills down your spine (in the best way possible). So, …

Are you looking for the best way to store potatoes for your homestead, especially if you're off-grid and rely on long-term food storage to sustain you through the winter? We've got you covered. Anyone who's tried to store purchased potatoes for extended periods has faced the unfortunate reality that they don't stay fresh forever - …

As the crisp autumn air fills our lungs and the golden leaves carpet the ground, our thoughts turn not only to Halloween but also peek around the corner at the holiday season. It's that time of year when the magic of canning and preserving Halloween treats allows us to capture the essence of one season …