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How to Roast a Pumpkin and Make Puree: It’s Easy!
How to Roast a Pumpkin is easier than you might think, and the flavor is unbeatable when you do it yourself. There’s something special about roasting your own pumpkins in the fall! Whether you grow your own or pick up a few from a local farmer (my plants didn’t do very well this year), roasting sugar pumpkins is simple and rewarding. I roasted two pumpkins and used the flesh to make homemade pumpkin puree, and then to make my favorite Pumpkin Pie with a Pecan Crumble Top…YUM. One of the best things about learning how to roast a pumpkin is that it requires very little prep: just wash, cut, season,…
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Give the Gift of Homemade: 5 Things You Can Make
I love giving gifts around the holiday time. There is nothing better than making a gift and seeing the smile and excitement on a loved one’s face when they open it! It means so much more when I give or receive a homemade gift because I know that person put their time and love into it. I put together a list of 5 Homemade Gifts that you can make this holiday season. Plus, I threw in the queen of homemade gifts as a bonus at the bottom. They are inexpensive and your friends and family will love them. If you try any of these homemade gifts please comment at the…
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Easy Apple Jelly Recipe Made with Juice
Canning truly is for everyone, especially if you’re just getting started. This easy Apple Jelly recipe uses powdered pectin and apple juice, so you don’t even need fresh apples to make it! It’s a fantastic beginner-friendly recipe that shows just how simple and rewarding home canning can be. There’s something magical about pulling a jar of homemade jelly off the shelf in the middle of winter—a delicious reminder of summer’s bounty and your hard work. If you’re looking to try more jelly and jam recipes, be sure to explore our Jams and Jellies page for plenty of tasty, approachable ideas to get you started. This post contains affiliate links. This…
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Free Little Pumpkin Crochet Pattern
This cute little Pumpkin Crochet Pattern is part of the collection of appliques I made for my daughter’s monthly photos when she was a baby! These were so fun to make and personalize. I wanted to share the patterns with you because they are great for beginner crocheters. These pumpkins are a great little project for fall decor, Halloween, and Thanksgiving too. You can use them as appliques on larger crochet projects, like bags, pillows, wall hangings, gift bags, clothes, etc. The options are endless on what you can do with these easy crochet pumpkins. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us…
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How to Make Canned Tomatoes: Water vs. Juice Methods Explained
If you’re a gardener who plants tomatoes or someone who likes to buy tomatoes while they are in season or on sale, you HAVE to know this simple canning recipe to preserve that freshness all year. Canning tomatoes is one of the best ways to save them for later. I love using Canned Tomatoes in my recipes. Every time I open a new can I am so excited that I was able to grow part of our meal. I especially like that I know there are no harmful chemicals or additives in it! So grab this recipe and get some canning done next time you have a few tomatoes. Want…
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Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins: An Easy, One-Bowl Recipe
This is such a simple recipe and delicious and one I bet you will use regularly once you know it. I don’t know about you but when I buy bananas my family either eats them all in 3 seconds or they suddenly don’t feel like eating bananas for weeks. So, I often find myself with a whole bunch of bananas that are too ripe to eat. Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins to the rescue! The best part is that you can throw them in the freezer and they are just as good coming out of the freezer as they are the day you made them. For more mouthwatering recipes, explore the…
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Easy + Luxurious Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub for Smooth, Radiant Skin
This Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub is a simple, nourishing way to put spring-foraged dandelions to good use. After drying and infusing the blooms into oil, I blended that golden goodness with whipped tallow, organic sugar, and a touch of lavender for a scrub that gently exfoliates and deeply moisturizes. Perfect for tired feet, rough hands, or even as a facial polish, this recipe is a lovely way to treat yourself with homegrown ingredients. Got extra dandelion oil? Learn How to Make Dandelion Salve next; another herbal favorite to keep in your natural skincare stash. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us to…
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How to Make Apple Pie Filling and Preserve it Two Ways
This Apple Pie Filling is one of my favorite ways to use apples in the fall. My neighbor has a bunch of apple trees on his property, so we have made it a new tradition to pick a ton of apples every year that we can. We go over there with a few five-gallon buckets, and you can’t even tell we took an apple off of those trees! They’re so delicious, and it is so fun testing the different varieties of apples as they ripen. Each year, we make new memories, from my older daughter climbing in the trees to my one-year-old realizing her love of apples while she’s plopped…
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Simple Apple Butter Recipe & Waterbath Canning Tips
If you like fall flavors, you’re going to LOVE this Apple Butter recipe. A super sweet and thick butter with an apple cinnamon taste. You can pair it with toast, yogurt, granola, pancakes or waffles, biscuits, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats. This is a super-easy recipe that you can make if you have some extra apples or applesauce. You can make it on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or in a crockpot. Whichever you choose, I know you’re going to love it. Want more step-by-step tips and recipes? Visit my complete Water Bath Canning Guide for safe, delicious canning ideas all year long. This post…
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6 Fall Recipes You’ll Love This Season
Fall recipes bring the best kind of comfort when the air turns crisp. Here in Northern Illinois, the chill has officially set in, and it’s the perfect time to fill the kitchen with the cozy aromas of hearty soups, savory casseroles, and slow-roasted dinners. This roundup of favorite fall dinners, like comforting chicken pot pie, rich rib roast, and apple-cider chicken with butternut squash, will warm you from the inside out and make weeknight meals feel extra special. For even more soul-warming ideas, visit our Comfort Foods & Classic Recipes page to keep your fall menu full of cozy favorites. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you…
