That HomeSteading Mama

Summer means gardens are overflowing! If you suddenly find yourself with more peppers than you know what to do with, try this! It's great on crackers with cream cheese, collard wraps, or collard sandwiches. SN: there is also a blog post about making collard sandwiches! My absolute favorite way to preserve this sweet summer harvest is by making a big batch of small-batch Bell Pepper Jam. If you’ve never had true, Southern-style pepper jelly or jam, you are in for a massive t

Author: Anastasia N. Oxendine If you peek into the pantry of any traditional southeastern North Carolina homestead, past the pressure-canned green beans and the rows of sweet jams, you are almost guaranteed to find a few jars filled with a bright, beautiful golden-flecked mixture. I’m talking about Old-Fashioned Lumbee Chow-Chow Relish. Chow-chow is the absolute king of Southern condiments. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, it has a tiny bit of a vinegar bite, and it packs an incredibl

If you’ve ever raised a backyard flock, you know the "Spring Surge." One day you’re buying eggs at the store, and the next, your counters are overflowing with more than you can eat, sell, or give away. Before the era of the electric refrigerator, homesteaders didn't let that abundance go to waste. They turned to waterglassing—a traditional preservation technique that can keep eggs fresh on the shelf for 12 months or more. An "Old-School" Heritage Skill Waterglassing isn't a n

Freezer mashed potatoes are the ultimate "homestead hack" for busy weeknights. Most people assume that potatoes don't freeze well—and they’re right if you’re talking about a plain boiled potato, which can turn mealy and watery. However, the secret to a successful freezer mash lies in the fat content. By using a high-fat ratio of butter and milk, you create a barrier that protects the potato's texture, ensuring they come out of the freezer just as fluffy and rich as the day yo

There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from looking at a row of golden jars filled with homemade chicken broth. Whether that broth started with a chicken you raised in your own backyard or a whole bird you picked up at the grocery store, you are looking at "liquid gold"—a nutrient-dense, flavorful base that beats the store-bought cartons every single time. A Quick Note: This post contains affiliate links for the kitchen tools I use and love (like my favorite pre

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please note that I only recommend products or services that I believe in and would use myself. Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey? If you are swimming in a berry bounty this summer, here's a way to combine your berries in a nice jelly. This mixed berry spice jelly is a delightful fusion of sweet, tart, and warm spices. It gives a

Summer harvest season can mean that cucumbers are plentiful. It's no surprise that I had to deal with the plethora of cucumbers this year, so I have had to be creative. So when I shared on social media that I was drowning in cucumbers one of my followers shared a method that I was immediately intrigued by. Salt pickles or better known as lacto fermented pickles. It is a simple process of submerging cucumbers sliced or whole in brine and allowing the natural bacteria to ch

Summer's vibrant harvest is a feast for the senses. Lush vegetables, plump fruits, and fragrant herbs burst with flavor, making it a time of abundance in the garden and kitchen. But what happens when the season starts to wind down? Don't let those precious summer flavors fade away! With a little planning and know-how, you can preserve your harvest and enjoy its goodness throughout the year. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to extend summer's boun

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. This is at no additional cost to you . There's nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato. But what do you do when your garden explodes with juicy red goodness and you can't eat them all fresh? Canning! Water bath canning tomatoes is a fantastic way to preserve the summer harvest and enjoy delicious tomatoes all year long. It's easier than you migh