Gretchen Kruesi

Sweet & Salty: Salted Caramel Sauce

By Gretchen Kruesi / November 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Sweet & Salty: Salted Caramel Sauce

Add a salty twist to your next dessert dish! This salted caramel sauce is a perfect addition to cheesecake, ice cream, and other decadent desserts. The following is an excerpt from Salt and the Art of Seasoning by James Strawbridge. It has been adapted for the web. The Salted Caramel Craze We have pastry chefs…

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candied tree leaves

Crunchy Candied Tree Leaves: A Natural Fall Dessert Topper

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 27, 2023 / Comments Off on Crunchy Candied Tree Leaves: A Natural Fall Dessert Topper

Instead of raking and throwing away fallen leaves this autumn, what if we repurposed them and turned them into something beautiful & delicious? Embrace the natural flavors of fall with this recipe for candied tree leaves. The following recipe is from The New Wildcrafted Cuisine by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web.…

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recycling mushrooms

Composting and Recycling Mushrooms

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 26, 2023 / Comments Off on Composting and Recycling Mushrooms

Beyond guaranteeing a bountiful harvest, cultivating mushrooms on various surfaces has plenty of benefits. Growing, composting, and recycling mushrooms reduces waste and helps the environment. The following excerpt is from Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter. It has been adapted for the web. (Photographs courtesy of Tradd and Olga Cotter unless otherwise noted.)…

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roasted root veggies

Roasted Root Veggies with Pomegranate Drizzle

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 20, 2023 / Comments Off on Roasted Root Veggies with Pomegranate Drizzle

Do you still have an abundance of root veggies from your final fall harvest? You’re in luck! This  pomegranate drizzle will add just the right amount of “oomph” to your favorite dish of roasted root veggies. The following recipe is from The Fruit Forager’s Companion by Sara Bir. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE:…

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facing the beast

Facing the Beast: Practicing Courage and Reflection

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 16, 2023 / Comments Off on Facing the Beast: Practicing Courage and Reflection

What does facing the beast mean? In this time of uncertainty, we must practice regular reflection to achieve optimal happiness and health. The metaphor below gives insight into confronting and facing it, regardless of what “the beast” is to you. The following is. an excerpt from Facing the Beast by Naomi Wolf. It has been adapted for the…

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cidermaking

Fall In Love With Cidermaking: Guides to Making Cider

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off on Fall In Love With Cidermaking: Guides to Making Cider

Get ready to take a bite out of the world of cidermaking! These seven guides are sure to help you make delicious, crisp cider this fall. PLUS, try out the bonus recipe at the bottom of this list to create a delicious dessert with the cider you make. Fermenting Apples for Cider Fermenting apples is…

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Designing Leather Goods: Cutting & Shaping

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 12, 2023 / Comments Off on Designing Leather Goods: Cutting & Shaping

In a personal investigation into ethical and traceable leather, fashion designer Alice Robinson begins a ground-breaking journey into the origin story of leather and its connection to food and farming. Keep reading to learn more about her process of cutting & shaping leather to create handbags, shoes, clothing, and more! The following is an excerpt from…

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low-risk silvopasture

Low-Risk Silvopasture: Chickens, Turkeys, Guinea Hens, Ducks and Geese

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 10, 2023 / Comments Off on Low-Risk Silvopasture: Chickens, Turkeys, Guinea Hens, Ducks and Geese

Want to get started with silvopasture? The first step is figuring out which type of livestock works best for your ecosystem. Luckily, we can help with that! Keep reading to learn about the different low-risk silvopasture options for  your farm.  The following excerpt is from Silvopasture by Steve Gabriel. It has been adapted for the web. Photographs courtesy…

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apple snack cake

Triple Apple Snack Cake: The Perfect Autumn Treat

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 5, 2023 / Comments Off on Triple Apple Snack Cake: The Perfect Autumn Treat

Nothing says “autumn” like the smell of baked apples and spices fresh out of the oven. This triple apple snack cake uses applesauce, apple cider, and fresh apples to give it a one-two-three apple punch. Don’t take our word for it though, give this recipe a go yourself! The following recipe is from The Fruit Forager’s…

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big year

Starting A Big Year of Birdwatching: Bicycle Beginnings

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Starting A Big Year of Birdwatching: Bicycle Beginnings

At a personal and professional crossroads, a man reset his life and found sobriety, love, and 618 bird species, cycling his way to a very Big Year. Join him on his journey as he recounts beginning his Big Year on bicycle! The following is an excerpt from Birding Under the Influence by Dorian Anderson. It has…

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October garden planning

October Garden Planning: 10 Tips for Success

By Gretchen Kruesi / October 2, 2023 / Comments Off on October Garden Planning: 10 Tips for Success

Just because fall is here, that doesn’t mean gardening season is over! There’s still plenty of time to wrap up the season, prepare for next year, and tackle all of those pesky to-dos around the homestead. So without further ado, here’s your October garden planning cheat sheet. October Garden Planning: The Harvest 1. Pumpkins and…

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applesauce

Homemade Applesauce: A Life-Changing Fall Snack

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 20, 2023 / Comments Off on Homemade Applesauce: A Life-Changing Fall Snack

Want an on-the-go snack without having to go to the grocery store? Whip up a batch of this must-try homemade applesauce for a fresh fall snack whenever you get the craving! The following recipe is from The Fruit Forager’s Companion by Sara Bir. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Life-Changing Applesauce Makes about 2…

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How to Harvest, Store, and Cure Squash

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 19, 2023 / Comments Off on How to Harvest, Store, and Cure Squash

Squash newbies, this one’s for you! Learn how to harvest, cure, and store squash with these tried-and-true techniques.  The following excerpt is from The Resilient Gardener by Carol Deppe. It has been adapted for the web. Featured Image Credit: Johnny’s Selected Seeds Harvesting Squash When we harvest, we don’t want to break the fruit off…

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lean vegetable farm

5 Steps to Achieve A Lean Vegetable Farm

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 18, 2023 / Comments Off on 5 Steps to Achieve A Lean Vegetable Farm

Looking to create a lean vegetable farm? The lean system, designed to cut out waste and increase profits, allows you to operate a successful and healthy farm with a fraction of the work it usually takes. Here are five simple steps to help you get started! Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2017 by Ben…

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medicinal herbs

Growing Medicinal Herbs: An Agricultural Revolution

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 18, 2023 / Comments Off on Growing Medicinal Herbs: An Agricultural Revolution

Growing & using your own medicinal herbs keeps you healthy AND helps improve our environment. So what’re you waiting for? Check out these quick tips and get ready to start an agricultural revolution with medicinal herbs! The following is an excerpt from The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, Revised Edition by Jeff and Melanie Carpenter. It has been adapted for…

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hazelnuts

A Guide to Harvesting Hazelnuts

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 13, 2023 / Comments Off on A Guide to Harvesting Hazelnuts

Today, hazelnuts are all the rage. These small nuts, known for their one-of-a-kind flavor, are both delicious AND hearty enough to be grown and harvested in almost any weather conditions. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start harvesting hazelnuts! The following is an excerpt from Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts by Scott Serrano and Allyson…

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bokashi bins

Bokashi Bins: Easy and Affordable Kitchen Composting

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 10, 2023 / Comments Off on Bokashi Bins: Easy and Affordable Kitchen Composting

Looking for a new way to compost? With Bokashi bins, the organic matter from your compost is broken down and turned into a preserved or pickled substance. Plus, the whole design is affordable and easy to build & use! The following is an excerpt from The Ecological Gardener by Matt Rees-Warren. It has been adapted for the…

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boreray sheep

Boreray Sheep: A “Woolly” Remarkable Flock

By Gretchen Kruesi / September 4, 2023 / Comments Off on Boreray Sheep: A “Woolly” Remarkable Flock

“Ewe” won’t believe how much Boreray sheep have to offer! This breed provides much more than just a cute face and a full coat of wool. When raised in an ideal environment, Boreray sheep can have a huge positive impact on your farmland. The following is an excerpt from The Lost Flock by Jane Cooper.…

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gut health

Easy 15-Minute Meals to Promote Gut Health

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 31, 2023 / Comments Off on Easy 15-Minute Meals to Promote Gut Health

Want to improve your gut health, while also enjoying the food you love? Try out these easy, 15-minute recipes to indulge in a delicious meal while still being good to your gut.  The following is an excerpt from Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide by Caroline Pover. It has been adapted for the web. Recipes to Promote…

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Enrich Your Soil

How to Use Vinegar Extracts to Enrich Your Soil

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 21, 2023 / Comments Off on How to Use Vinegar Extracts to Enrich Your Soil

Want to enrich your soil and get the most out of your garden? Mastering soil amendments is a must! Soil amendments, such as composting and natural sprays, enhance soil and increase nutrients available to your plants.  Use just a little bit of vinegar and some leftovers in your kitchen to create an extraction that will give your crops a…

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fruit kvass

Fruity Ferments: End of Summer Fruit Kvass

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 15, 2023 / Comments Off on Fruity Ferments: End of Summer Fruit Kvass

Fruit kvass is a great first ferment for beginners. All you need is fruit, whey or ginger bug, and jar to hold the ferment. Start this recipe today, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious fizzy drink in about three days! The following excerpt is from The Wildcrafting Brewer by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for…

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demand for real meat - chickens

A Game Of Chicken: The Demand for Real Meat

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 14, 2023 / Comments Off on A Game Of Chicken: The Demand for Real Meat

Meat production can be a tricky business. Everyone wants to consume real chicken and pork, but meeting this demand can be difficult for farmers and food companies. To ensure that we’re eating high-quality chicken and poultry, we must even out the demand for real meat. The following is an excerpt from Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future…

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medicinal herb garden

Start Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden with These 3 Herbs

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 11, 2023 / Comments Off on Start Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden with These 3 Herbs

Want to start your own medicinal herb garden? Passionflower, lemon balm, and goldenseal are the best place to begin! These herbs are not only jam-packed with medicinal properties; they’re also extremely easy to grow in a majority of climates. With a little background information on the proper growing conditions, medicinal uses, and harvesting and drying tips,…

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activities for summer vacation

5 Activities for Summer Vacation Fun

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 7, 2023 / Comments Off on 5 Activities for Summer Vacation Fun

School’s out for summer! Fill the lull between beach trips and camp with some of our favorite kid-friendly activities for summer vacation fun. From sunrise to sunset, there’s always something to do in the kitchen or the garden that will keep the kids entertained and educated all season long. How to Get Your Kids in the…

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raspberries

The Radiant Raspberry: Foraging For and Cooking With Wild Raspberries

By Gretchen Kruesi / August 4, 2023 / Comments Off on The Radiant Raspberry: Foraging For and Cooking With Wild Raspberries

Raspberries: they’re sweet, flavorful, extremely versatile, and can be found in your own backyard or local forest. Forage for raspberries yourself and use them to create delicious dishes, as well as some lasting memories! The following excerpt is from The Fruit Forager’s Companion by Sara Bir and has been adapted for the web. The Freedom of Foraging For…

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