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How to Make Dandelion Jelly with Fresh Spring Dandelions
Dandelion jelly is a sweet and sunny way to welcome spring and put those golden backyard blooms to good use. Often considered a weed, dandelions are actually edible from root to petal and offer gentle medicinal and skin benefits. They also support early pollinators and add cheerful color after a long Midwest winter. This jelly recipe uses only the petals to create a mild, honey-like flavor — a fun and simple addition to your canning shelf. Want more ideas like this? Visit our Jams and Jellies page to learn how to make homemade jams and jellies. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help…
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Easy Grape Jelly Recipe for Beginner Canners
This easy grape jelly recipe is made from grape juice, giving you all the rich, fruity flavor with less prep. It’s perfect if you want to skip the store-bought versions full of preservatives, food dyes, and excess sugar. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth, flavorful jelly that tastes like childhood — but better. Whether you’re new to canning or just looking for a quick batch, this recipe is a great place to start. Looking for more homemade spreads? Visit our jams and jellies page to learn how to make more homemade jams and jellies. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything…
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How to Render Tallow for Skincare or Cooking
If you’re into nontoxic skincare and cooking, you’ve probably heard about tallow! It’s easy to learn How to Render Tallow if you can get your hands on some good-quality suet. Once you have your rendered tallow, you can make your own skincare products, soaps, candles, or use it for cooking. Reap the benefits of this high-quality and nutritious product at a lower cost by rendering it yourself. Check out our other Natural Living Recipes if you want to learn more. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything, but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would…
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The Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Planting the best companion plants for tomatoes can make a big difference in how your garden grows — and how pest-free your harvest stays. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of reliable companion plants that not only boost my tomato yield but also help keep pests like hornworms to a minimum. In fact, since I started using companion planting, I rarely see more than one hornworm all season — and that alone is reason enough to give it a try! Scroll through the list to see which plants I always include in my tomato beds each year. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but…
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Pizookie Recipe: How to Make a Big Cast Iron Cookie
I grew up loving to bake, but I do not like making batches of cookies. I want to make my dessert, throw it in the oven, and be done. That’s why this Easy Pizookie Recipe is PERFECT. It’s got the ooey-gooey delicious center, and there’s no need to make batches and batches of cookies. Grab your ingredients, throw them in the cast iron, and in the oven it goes. Top with ice cream, and you’ve got a new favorite dessert. For more dessert recipes, check out my From Scratch Dessert Collection. What is a Pizookie? A pizookie is a delicious and giant cookie that has a gooey center (if that’s…
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Low Sugar Black Raspberry Currant Jam Recipe and How to Juice Red Currants
Black Raspberry Currant Jam is a unique, richly flavored preserve made with foraged or garden-grown berries. This combination balances the deep sweetness of black raspberries with the tartness of red currants for a jam that’s both bold and beautiful. It’s one of our favorite ways to use up a variety of berries, and it’s easy to customize with what you have on hand. Whether you’re picking from your own yard or a neighbor’s, homemade jam always tastes better. Want more ideas like this? Visit our Jams and Jellies page to learn how to make homemade jams and jellies. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but…
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The Ultimate Monthly Canning Guide For Zone 5 Gardeners
It can be so overwhelming during the spring and summer months when you’re garden is ready to harvest and you’re trying to preserve what you can. Having a Monthly Canning Guide for Zone 5 Gardeners can be very helpful during the planning process. If you’re just starting your gardening or canning journey, don’t feel like you have to do it all. Start with a few things this year and step up when you’re ready. You’ll find ideas for canning, dehydrating, and making fresh recipes with your produce & herbs in the post. Canning Supplies & Common Ingredients: Prepare your canning supplies. Make sure you have jars, rings, and lids in…
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How to Dry Calendula Flowers 3 Different Ways
There are many ways to dry herbs and flowers; learn How to Dry Calendula in 3 ways in this article! If you’re short on time, you can use the oven or dehydrator method, and if you have lots of time, you can set your calendula flowers out to dry. Regardless of how you dry your calendula, you’re going to love these dried flowers in any DIY skincare recipe. Once you have your dried calendula, try this Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil Recipe so you can start to see the amazing benefits! If you want more DIY herbal recipes, check out our page on Natural Living. This post contains affiliate links. This will…
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How to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Tips, Timeline, and Best Plants
Learn when to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 5, plus grab some tips and tricks along the way. If you’re new to gardening, this is a great place to start! Starting your seeds indoors can help combat the shorter growing season that we have in zone 5. Learn when to start some popular seeds so that they are ready to be transplanted after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re thinking big, learn more about gardening on our Growing Food Page. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use…
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Easy Penne Pasta Bake Recipe with Mozzarella and Marinara
A delicious twist on the classic mostaccioli, this Easy Penne Pasta Bake is just as comforting with its delicious cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce! You can call it mostaccioli, baked ziti, or penne pasta bake; this classic recipe is versatile and customizable with whatever kind of noodles you have. If you’re in the mood for more cozy, satisfying meals, browse our favorite Comfort Foods and Classic Recipes. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would recommend to a friend. Thank you for your support! Click ‘HERE’ for more info.…
