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Propagate Elderberry from Cuttings
Elderberry bushes grow tiny bunches of elderberries that are a great antioxidant and boost the immune system. Elderberries are harvested in the late summer to fall. Elderberry plants can get expensive if buying more than one. I will show you how to propagate elderberry from cutting with just a few steps. They are surprisingly easy to grow and no special hormone powders to purchase. The elderberry plants get 7-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. It grows best in full sun to part shade, at least 6 hours of sun. Elderberries like moist but not soggy soil, although they can tolerate drought. The elderberry is a self fertile plant, meaning…
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Sauerkraut (lacto fermented)
Homemade sauerkraut has a tangy spice and salt flavor. It is cabbage that has been fermented in a salt brine made from the juices the cabbage naturally makes. Sauerkraut is packed full of nutrients and probiotics that help heal the gut and strengthen immunity. It may even help improve heart heath, reduce heartburn (GERD), and support brain function. Start with a clean head of cabbage. Any color works fine but regular green cabbage is the go-to. I will usually do half of a head of cabbage at a time, using the other half for a meal. Shred up the cabbage into bite size pieces. Place into a large bowl or…
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Homemade Mayonnaise
Thick and creamy mayonnaise made with avocado oil. Homemade mayonnaise is healthier than store bought with the right ingredients. I use avocado oil, fresh pastured eggs, lemon juice and seasonings to taste. Learn how I mix it all together to make homemade mayonnaise. In a wide mouth jar or open container, add one cracked fresh egg. Add 1/2 cup of avocado oil. Using a hand blender/ immersion blender, place the blender blades at the bottom of the bowl. I use the Kitchenaid hand blender. Cover the egg with the blender blades and turn on the blender. Keep the blender at the bottom of the container and allow it to blend…
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Milling Wheat Berries
Milling wheat berries seems like a huge task. People often think of the old millers that needed to use an ox, windmill or water mill to crush wheat into flour. The good news is that, over the past 50 years, home-use grain mills have really changed for the better. Instead of needing such large mills, people can purchase a mill that sits on the counter. It is quite easy and fast milling wheat berries with an electric grain mill. A wheat berry is a kernel of wheat. It is the most intact form in which we use to make flour. It contains 4 layers, which are full of vitamins and…
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Donuts made with Hard Wheat
Soft, airy and fried donuts made with hard wheat berries. These donuts are so delicious and healthier than the store bought ones. Packed full of vitamins and minerals. Plus, fried in avocado oil instead of highly processed seed oils. Top with a cane sugar, maple, chocolate glaze or cinnamon sugar. Donuts are not the best breakfast choice when looking for a healthy diet but when using freshly milled flour, I feel better about the ingredients. I use hard white wheat berries for this but hard red wheat can also be used for a nuttier flavor. I have been milling my own wheat for awhile now. When I found out about…
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Growing Tomatoes
Tomatoes are such a versatile crop to grow with thousands of varieties, shapes, flavors and textures. I use tomatoes in many meals throughout a week. Plus, tomatoes are one of first things I learned how to can. Growing tomatoes can be a beginner garden crop. They grow almost everywhere and can supply you with mountains of fresh produce during the summer and fall. Learn how I start tomatoes from seed and how I manage the growing season to harvest. There are many types of tomatoes but I like to break it down to 3 main groups. First group are small, cherry like tomatoes. They are also called grape tomatoes. Most…
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Pavlova
Light and fluffy, delicate dessert made with egg whites and powdered sugar. Top with whipped cream and your favorite fresh fruits! Pavlova is a meringue type cake. It has an airy outer layer that melts in your mouth, while a silky creamy interior. Sweet and delicious that gives summer freshness vibes. My whole family loves pavlova! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Between two bowls, crack and separate 5 medium to large egg yolks from the egg whites. Absolutely no yolk can get into the egg white bowl for best results. Measure out 200 grams (about 1 & 2/3 cup) of powdered sugar. Measure out 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice and…
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Growing Garlic
Garlic is a bulb plant within the onion family. It grows by reproducing new bulbs each year. Planting garlic is simple. Growing garlic is great not only to use in cooking but it often repels pests trying to invade the garden. Grow garlic with tomatoes and onions for a salsa garden or plant in between carrots to confuse the carrot rust fly. Anywhere with plenty of sun is a great place for garlic. There are two main types of garlic. Soft neck and hard neck. Soft neck garlic is usually grown in warmer climates. It has a mild flavor with strong flexible leaves to braid during storage. They last between…
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Growing Lettuce
Growing lettuce is an easy vegetable to start. I love growing fresh lettuce all year. A lot of varieties grow in medium containers and do not get too big for indoor use. While, in the summer, I grow bigger varieties like head lettuces that harvest 12 plus inches across. Learn how I start lettuce from seed and save you money by growing your own lettuce. Lettuce is a cool season crop. It does best in the spring or fall. However, some lettuce will grow in the summer. Look for heat tolerant varieties such as Bibb and Butterhead. Start seeds about 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Lettuce like full sun or…
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Pretzel Bites made with Hard White Wheat
Chewy and salty pretzel bites made with hard white wheat. They are a great snack or appetizer. Pair with a creamy cheese sauce or mustard dip. If you like the taste of a traditional soft pretzel but do not want to shape them, these bite size pieces are for you. I use freshly milled flour in all my current recipes, but I did use a bread flour in the past for this recipe with good results. I have been milling my own wheat for awhile now. When I found out about the chemicals and toxins in the store bought flour, I knew I had to make a big change. Thankfully…
