In addition to trying to enjoy a more rural, simpler life, all of us who contribute to this site believe in the value of cooking at home. When you set a goal to live more sustainably, to be more self-reliant, and to grow or raise food, you know how much food matters. Use these easy recipes to get started.
We will be adding recipes as we expand this section. Our recipes will use using vegetables, fruits, meat, and eggs. Some of the ingredients we will have grown or produced on our homesteads and farms. Many of us enjoy baking as well so we will be including breakfast goodies and desserts.
Cooking and baking from scratch get easier the more you do it. It especially helps to have some basic kitchen tools. Some of my most essential cooking aids are my food processor, crockpot, hand mixer, and cast iron skillet. I use each of these multiple times each week… sometimes all three in a day.
It also helps to have pantry staples such as flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, pure vanilla extract, and baking soda. If you have these along with butter, milk, and eggs, you can bake bread, desserts, and delicious breakfasts.
We hope you will bookmark this site and use it for recipes and to gain inspiration to cook, bake, grow, and explore homesteading ideas.
Making camping corn bread Dutch oven is easy to make when camping with a group. You can also make it outside at home around a firepit or fire. It relies on using corn bread mixes so it’s quick to prep. Cornbread is simple, moist and dense comfort food. Dutch ovens, known for even heat distribution, help create cornbread with a crispy, golden crust. A staple in American southern cuisine, you can enjoy cornbread as a … Read more
This is an easy 4-ingredient white cheddar and red onion dip lots of my midwestern family and friends make. The other ingredients are mayonnaise and raspberry preserves on top… that’s it! It’s deliciously savory and sweet. Ideal as a no-bake appetizer, this dip is simple to prepare for your next social gathering or casual snack at home. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but the longer it sets, the … Read more
Whether you buy fresh turnip greens from the store or are trying to make the most from your harvest, I explain how easy it is to prepare turnip greens. They are edible but bitter and peppery when fresh so most people cook them instead of eating them raw. Cooking or sautéing them with herbs and spices helps minimize the sharp taste. Turnip leaves, turnip tops and turnip greens are all the same thing. The green … Read more
Whether you want to make au gratin potatoes or have lots of potatoes and want to make something with them, this recipe is the answer. It uses ingredients you may already have. You can improvise as well because it’s a forgiving recipe. Pull out your oven-safe dish, and use enough potatoes so it fills the dish. You can make these potatoes in an 8×8, 9×9, 8×10, or 9×12 casserole dish. I make as many potatoes … Read more
This roasted turnips recipe is easy to make and tasty. Whether you grow turnips in your home garden or buy them at the grocery store or farmers market, roasting turnips is simple. Here, I focus on preparing and roasting turnips. In a separate recipe, I’ll explain how easy it is to sauté turnip greens. You can prepare them separately, and mix them together if you choose. I prefer to serve them separately. Whether you have … Read more
This is a quick leg of lamb with rosemary recipe with just 6 ingredients. I make it in my Dutch oven. I season it with rosemary, garlic, onions, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. It’s always savory and juicy. I wanted to share this easy leg of lamb recipe because it is delicious and easy to make. Lamb is expensive. The last thing you want is for it to be dry or overcooked. While the fat … Read more