Gretchen Kruesi

black raspberries

Growing Cold-Hardy Black Raspberries

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 20, 2024 / Comments Off on Growing Cold-Hardy Black Raspberries

Black raspberries are unique, delicious fruits that can be grown in almost any weather condition. Keep reading for tips & tricks on growing these delightful berries yourself! The following is an excerpt from Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts by Scott Serrano and Allyson Levy. It has been adapted for the web. Growing Cold-Hardy Black Raspberries For many years…

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mushroom beer

Candy Cap Mushroom Beer: Brewing Wild Beers

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 19, 2024 / Comments Off on Candy Cap Mushroom Beer: Brewing Wild Beers

Yes, you read that right…mushroom beer! This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try making their own wild, homemade brews. The following is an excerpt from The New Wildcrafted Cuisine by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. Making Wild Beers There is something primal and almost magical about making beers using…

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insects - ladybugs

Love Bugs: Why We Need to Love Insects

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 14, 2024 / Comments Off on Love Bugs: Why We Need to Love Insects

Remember when bugs used to be all the rage? This fascination  is something that we need to re-gain as a society and instill in the next generation. Instead of shying away from these controversial creatures, it’s time to teach kids (and ourselves) how amazing insects really are! The following is an excerpt from Rebugging the…

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flower farm

Starting & Growing A Flower Farm: What to Consider

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 13, 2024 / Comments Off on Starting & Growing A Flower Farm: What to Consider

Want to start a flower farm? Most of your decisions when starting and growing a farm are interdependent, so it can be hard to know where to start. The following is an excerpt from Flower Farming for Profit by Lennie Larkin. It has been adapted for the web. Featured photo by Molly DeCoudreaux. Take Stock…

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amazake

Making Amazing Amazake Rye Bread

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 12, 2024 / Comments Off on Making Amazing Amazake Rye Bread

Ready to take your rye bread to the next level? Whether you’re in the mood for a piece of toast or an elaborate sandwich, this new twist on an age-old amazake bread is sure to satisfy your cravings! Note: This recipe calls for koji. If you don’t know how to make it, check out our…

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layoffs

Mass Layoffs: Destructiveness and Doubt

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 9, 2024 / Comments Off on Mass Layoffs: Destructiveness and Doubt

Addressing the pressing issues affecting everyday Americans is essential—and one of our nation’s most profound challenges is the devastating impact of mass layoffs. Layoffs upend people’s lives, cause enormous stress, and lead to debilitating personal debt. The societal harm caused by mass layoffs has been known for decades. Yet, we do little to stop them.…

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herbalism

9 Ways to Improve Your Health with Herbalism

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 8, 2024 / Comments Off on 9 Ways to Improve Your Health with Herbalism

Herbal remedies are a great way to naturally support overall bodily health. Here are some useful tips on all things herbalism — from starting your own herb garden to making remedies for any number of everyday ailments. Start Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden with These 3 Herbs Want to start your own medicinal herb garden? Passionflower, lemon balm,…

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collecting seeds

The Art and Joy of Collecting Seeds

By Gretchen Kruesi / February 2, 2024 / Comments Off on The Art and Joy of Collecting Seeds

It all starts with a seed. Collecting seeds from your plants will propagate more life from what you already have. Different plant species require varied methods of seed collection. Below are some tips to help you understand plants’ specific wants and needs when collecting their seeds! The following is an excerpt from The Ecological Gardener by…

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miso

Greater Flavor: How to Make A Basic Miso Paste

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 30, 2024 / Comments Off on Greater Flavor: How to Make A Basic Miso Paste

There are reasons that miso paste has become popular around the world: it’s versatile, relatively inexpensive, and can be made in a range of flavors you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. And better yet, you can even make miso at home! The following is an excerpt from Koji Alchemy by Jeremy Umansky and Rich…

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Medicinal Uses for 8 Herbs Already in your Kitchen

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 29, 2024 / Comments Off on Medicinal Uses for 8 Herbs Already in your Kitchen

We all know a dash of cayenne pepper is great on roasted sweet potatoes and a little bit of cinnamon goes a long way in a batch of cookies, but did you know many of the kitchen herbs already in your spice rack can also be used medicinally? The following is an excerpt from Energetic Herbalism by…

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gardening tools

Must-Have Tools for Successful Indoor Gardening

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 25, 2024 / Comments Off on Must-Have Tools for Successful Indoor Gardening

Who says cold weather has to stop you from gardening? With the right tools, you’ll be all set to create your own indoor garden at home. The following is an excerpt from Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening by Peter Burke. It has been adapted for the web. Tools for Indoor Gardening The list of tools you…

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Starting A Flower Farm: 7 Steps to Crop Planning

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 23, 2024 / Comments Off on Starting A Flower Farm: 7 Steps to Crop Planning

Thinking about starting your own flower farm? Before putting seeds in the ground, it’s important to plan out which crops you want to plant. The following is an excerpt from Flower Farming for Profit by Lennie Larkin. It has been adapted for the web. Crop Planning for A Flower Farm in 7 Steps Crop planning…

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recipes

5 Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 22, 2024 / Comments Off on 5 Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

Looking for some delicious and simple recipes that will keep everyone in your house warm while snow rages outside? You’ve come to the right place! The following recipes are some of our favorites and will help you ward off the cold. Winter Root Veggie Potpie From Black Trumpet by Evan Mallett Looking for new ways…

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simple sugars

Simple Sugars & The Sweet Side of Fermentation

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 16, 2024 / Comments Off on Simple Sugars & The Sweet Side of Fermentation

As the name suggests, simple sugars are very easy to work with — especially when used as a ferment. From tepache in Mexico to mauby/mabí in The Caribbean, fermented simple sugars are often used to create delicious beverages all around the world. The following is an excerpt from Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys by Sandor Ellix…

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ghee

Cooking With Nutrient-Dense Fats: How to Make Ghee

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 12, 2024 / Comments Off on Cooking With Nutrient-Dense Fats: How to Make Ghee

Get your ghee on! With this quick guide, you’ll learn how to make ghee and use it as an ingredient in delicious recipes (like the Citrus-Glazed Chicken one below) in no time. The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen by Sophia Nguyen Eng. It has been adapted for the web. Cooking With…

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Mastering the Actions of Herbs

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 12, 2024 / Comments Off on Mastering the Actions of Herbs

Want to become a master in medicinal herbs? The first step to using these herbs successfully is understanding the actions of each one and how they work to treat an individual patient’s symptoms. The following excerpt is from Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 2  by Dr. Jill Stansbury. It has been adapted for the…

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winter harvest

The Winter Harvest Project

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 11, 2024 / Comments Off on The Winter Harvest Project

Four-season farmer Eliot Coleman strikes again with inspiration for all you cold-loving farmers out there! A master of extending the growing season, Eliot explains his strategies for a successful winter harvest and greenhouse design. The following excerpt is from The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition by Eliot Coleman. It has been adapted for the web.…

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Natural Yogurt: Using Kefir As A Yogurt Starter

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 4, 2024 / Comments Off on Natural Yogurt: Using Kefir As A Yogurt Starter

Yogurt making is having a moment. See what all the fun is about by making your own natural yogurt! This recipe uses kefir as a starter for an end result that is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. The following excerpt is from The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher. It has been adapted for the web.…

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herbs

10 Herbs for Family Health

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 3, 2024 / Comments Off on 10 Herbs for Family Health

Growing your own herbs  is a great alternative to over-the-counter medicine. Not only do these plants help with general wellness, they’re also an easy fix for small cuts, be used as a calming agent, and boost your immune system. Have more control of what goes into your body with these 10 herbs to promote natural…

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pigs

Perfect Pigs: Which Pig Breed Is Best?

By Gretchen Kruesi / January 3, 2024 / Comments Off on Perfect Pigs: Which Pig Breed Is Best?

Every homestead or farm could use a few pigs! Add a little “oink” to your life by raising your own. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips for deciding which pig breed is best for your farm or homestead! The following is an excerpt from The New Livestock Farmer by Rebecca Thistlethwaite and…

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Firm & Crumbly Feta-Style Cheese: An Easy Cheesy Recipe

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 28, 2023 / Comments Off on Firm & Crumbly Feta-Style Cheese: An Easy Cheesy Recipe

Want to learn how to make different kinds of cheese this winter? With this simple recipe, you’ll be ready to create a crumbly and decadent feta-style cheese at home. The following is an excerpt from Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking by Gianaclis Caldwell. It has been adapted for the web. How to Make Feta-Style Cheese Fortunately, feta-type…

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soothe coughs

How to Decipher and Soothe Coughs: A Guide to Getting Through Cold & Flu Season

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 28, 2023 / Comments Off on How to Decipher and Soothe Coughs: A Guide to Getting Through Cold & Flu Season

During cold and flu season, finding an alternative way to soothe coughs could save you an unnecessary trip to the doctor’s office. Understanding different kinds of coughs and how to identify them can also provide comfort and peace of mind. Keep in mind that for symptoms that go beyond the common cold, you should always…

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Pears Wrapped in Pastry with Crème Anglaise

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 22, 2023 / Comments Off on Pears Wrapped in Pastry with Crème Anglaise

These pears wrapped in pastry not only smell and taste amazing, they’re very easy to make and are ‘pear’-fect for serving guests. The following is an excerpt from The Book of Pears by Joan Morgan. It has been adapted for the web. How to Make Pears Wrapped in Pastry Peel and core the pears as…

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chicken noodle soup

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup: A Better Way to Feel Better

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 20, 2023 / Comments Off on Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup: A Better Way to Feel Better

Beat the winter blues with this chicken noodle soup recipe! Delicious and nutritious, this soup is perfect for the whole family. The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen by Sophia Nguyen Eng. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup Yield: 4 to 6 servings This soup is…

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gifts for gardeners

9 Books for Backyard Gardeners

By Gretchen Kruesi / December 12, 2023 / Comments Off on 9 Books for Backyard Gardeners

Searching for the perfect book to give the gardener in your life? These books are great gifts for gardeners at any level. Head over to our Gardening page for even more great gardening reads! In The Home-Scale Forest Garden, Dani Baker shares what she learned as she became a forest gardener, providing a practical, in-depth…

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