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How to Freeze and Dehydrate Elderberries for Long-Term Use
Freezing and dehydrating elderberries is the most reliable way to preserve their immune-supportive goodness for year-round use. By freezing, you lock in freshness, and by drying, you create a shelf-stable herb that’s easy to store and use in teas, syrups, jams, or tinctures. In this post, you’ll learn both methods, freezing for quick access and dehydration for long-term storage, plus tips for safety, storage, and using elderberries throughout the year. For more herbal preservation ideas, check out my Herbal Remedies Page. Quick Summary Items You’ll Need for Preserving Elderberries Why Preserve Elderberries Now? Elderberries have a very short harvesting window between late summer and early fall. Fresh berries don’t store…
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Homemade Apple Recipes for Fall: Pie Filling, Jellies, and More
Homemade apple recipes are the perfect way to welcome fall into your kitchen! As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to make the most of this season’s sweet, tangy apples. From warm baked goods to pantry staples you can enjoy all year, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. Whether you’re stirring up a cozy apple pie spice blend, canning classic apple pie filling, or whipping up apple butter, these recipes will fill your kitchen with the aromas of autumn. You can also try homemade applesauce, apple jelly, or even a batch of soft, spiced apple cider donut bread for…
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How to Make Pumpkin Spice Tallow Sugar Scrub
Pumpkin spice tallow sugar scrub is the ultimate fall self-care treat, blending gentle exfoliation with deep skin nourishment. Made with creamy grass-fed tallow, this scrub leaves your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing, perfect for combating dry autumn air. The warm, cozy scent of pumpkin spice makes it a seasonal favorite, while its all-natural ingredients keep your skincare routine toxin-free. If you prefer a plant-based option, coconut oil can be easily substituted. For more ways to craft simple, wholesome products at home, explore my Natural Living page. Quick Summary Instructions Why Make a Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub? There’s something cozy and indulgent about blending the warm spices of fall with a…
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How to Water Bath Can Salsa with Apple Cider Vinegar
Making salsa for water bath canning with apple cider vinegar is one of the best ways to preserve your summer harvest. With a simple mix of fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, garlic, and spices, you’ll have jars of homemade salsa ready for winter meals, taco nights, and snacks. This recipe balances flavor and safety, giving you a tested canning method you can trust. If you’re looking for more canning inspiration, don’t miss our Water Bath Canning Page. How to Make Salsa at a Glance Why Make Salsa with Apple Cider Vinegar? If you’re water bath canning salsa, you need to add an acid like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon/lime…
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How to Save Tomato Seeds for Next Year’s Garden (Step-by-Step)
Learning how to save tomato seeds is one of the simplest and most rewarding skills you can add to your gardening routine. Whether you’re growing heirlooms or open-pollinated varieties, saving seeds lets you carry your favorite tomatoes into next year, and beyond. It’s also a great way to become more self-reliant and preserve varieties that do especially well in your unique climate. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to collect, ferment, dry, and store your own tomato seeds step by step. No fancy tools needed, just a few tomatoes, a jar, and a little patience. Once you try it, you’ll never want to toss tomato seeds again!…
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How to Make Elderberry Gummies
Elderberry gummies are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the immune-boosting power of elderberries — but if you’ve ever ended up with lumpy, rubbery pieces, you know the frustration. The secret? Blooming your gelatin before mixing. In this recipe, I’ll show you the step-by-step process for smooth, flavorful elderberry gummies every time. Not only are they great for cold and flu season, but they’re also a healthy snack kids love. For more herbal and natural remedy recipes, check out my Herbal Remedies pillar page. Quick Summary at a Glance Why Make Elderberry Gummies Elderberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids, making them a powerhouse for supporting…
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How to Can Tomato Sauce (Two Different Methods)
Homemade canned tomato sauce is the ultimate way to capture the rich, fresh flavor of summer tomatoes for year-round cooking. Whether you prefer a smooth, seed-free sauce or a blended version, learning how to can tomato sauce at home gives you full control over the ingredients and the taste. In this post, you’ll find two simple methods for preparing tomatoes, along with step-by-step canning instructions to make the process easy and safe. For more water bath canning ideas, check out my full Water Bath Canning Page. Quick Summary Why Make Your Own Canned Tomato Sauce? Making your own tomato sauce has the same great benefits of any other homemade food.…
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How to Grow Rhubarb: A Perennial Favorite for the Homestead Garden
If you’ve ever dreamed of harvesting your own fresh rhubarb stalks, you’re in luck; it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding perennials you can grow. This guide will walk you through everything from planting and caring for rhubarb to harvesting and dividing it for years of bounty. Along the way, we’ll cover common problems, seasonal care tips, and culinary uses, with links to my favorite rhubarb recipes. If you want more tips on growing plants, check out our Gardening Page. Why Grow Rhubarb? Benefits of Rhubarb in a Homestead Garden Rhubarb is a low-maintenance perennial that keeps producing for years with minimal care, perfect for busy homesteaders. It thrives…
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How to Make Thimbleberry Crumble
This thimbleberry crumble recipe is the perfect way to showcase the unique flavor of these rare, ruby-red berries. With a buttery, golden topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, this dessert lets the thimbleberries shine. Whether you’re lucky enough to pick them fresh in season or have frozen berries tucked away, this crumble comes together in minutes and bakes into a bubbling, sweet-tart treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a truly unforgettable dessert. For more cozy, from-scratch treats, explore my Desserts from Scratch collection. Thimbleberry Picking Traditions Every year, around the last week of July or the first week of…
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What to Plant in a Fall Garden (By USDA Zone)
Knowing what to plant in a fall garden by zone is the key to getting the most from your growing season. Fall crops often thrive with cooler temperatures and fewer pests, but timing is everything—especially when you’re racing against that first frost. Whether you’re aiming for a late-season harvest of carrots and greens or planning garlic and cover crops, your USDA zone will determine what works best and when to plant it. This guide breaks it all down so you can plant confidently this autumn and enjoy fresh food well into the colder months. Looking for more seasonal planting tips? Explore our Gardening page for practical ideas that grow with…
