Staying safe and warm this winter

snow storm

Staying safe and warm this winter

Being prepared and weather aware is so important. It can literally save your life!

Ensuring your safety and warmth during the winter months is crucial. Being prepared and staying informed about weather conditions can truly be a matter of life and death.

Unfortunately, I experienced a heartbreaking loss a couple of winters ago when a dear friend lost her life in a tragic accident. During an ice storm, my friend's only heat source was lost due to power outages. Stranded at home without heat, she made a fatal mistake by attempting to use an old butane heater with a small tank inside. The resulting explosion took her life and destroyed her home. This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the dangers we face during winter emergencies.

To prevent similar tragedies, it is important to avoid certain actions during winter emergencies:

- Never bring butane tanks inside your home.

-Exercise caution when using small butane cans in camp stoves or portable heaters, as manufacturing flaws can lead to explosions, gas leaks, and overheating.

- Avoid sitting in a running vehicle inside an enclosed garage for extended periods, as this can cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.

Additionally, it is essential to protect yourself by checking gas lines for leaks. Listen for hissing noises around fittings, as this may indicate a gas leak. If you suspect a leak, use soapy water to identify the source.

By following these safety precautions and remaining vigilant during winter emergencies, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm. Stay safe and warm this winter.

Homemade pasta dough

Homemade pasta dough

It's extremely easy and so satisfyingly fun to make this homemade pasta dough. It's a simple no egg, no milk dough that requires only flour, water, and garlic salt (for seasoning). You can use the pasta dough to make homemade spaghetti noodles, linguine, fettuccine, lasagna, ravioli, and pot pie squares, etc.. The dough can be created by using a manual or electric pasta machine, or rolled out thinly (with a rolling pin) and cut with a knife, pasta cutter, or pizza cutter.

If you don't have a manual, or electric pasta machine, don't run out and buy one just to make this recipe. Pasta can easily be made in your kitchen by hand in little time, with little effort, and for a lot less money. Today, I will show you how I make pasta by hand.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of warm water, plus a little extra (should your dough get dry)

• ½ teaspoon of garlic salt

Pasta ingredients for a larger family:

• 6 cups of all purpose flour

• 2 cups of warm water, plus a little extra (should your dough get dry)

• 1 teaspoon of garlic salt

Instructions:

Add the all-purpose flour, water, and garlic salt to a large bowl. Mix with a large fork; combine well. The mixture should form into a ball of dough. (Sprinkle a bit more water on the dough if needed. If it is too wet, sprinkle a little more flour over it.)

Cover the dough. Allowing it to rest for twenty-five to thirty minutes.

Now knead the dough for a few minutes. Then lightly flour your countertop. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out as thin as you want it. (I just eyeball it, I don't use a ruler, but you can.)

Cut your pasta into the size of noodles that you prefer. To make spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine noodles, dumplings, pot pie squares, etc.. 

Now, lightly dust your noodles with flour and let it dry for a few minutes before cooking it. 

Fill a pasta pot with water. Allow the water to come to a rapid boil and transfer your fresh pasta in the pot. Cook for about eight to twelve minutes. (The cooking time will vary depending on how you cut your pasta.)

Or hang your pasta up to dry on a pasta rack, dehydrate it, or place it into freezer bags and freeze it.

Get Ready for a Cozy Country Christmas at Your Homestead

Image by Albertfotofilms

Get Ready for a Cozy Country Christmas at Your Homestead

Are you ready to bring some holiday cheer to your homestead this Christmas? With a few simple touches, you can create a cozy country Christmas that will make your home feel warm and festive. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Decorate with Nature

Instead of buying expensive decorations, why not bring the beauty of nature into your home? Gather pine cones, branches, and berries to create simple but beautiful decorations. You can also make your own wreaths and garlands using materials from your own backyard.

DIY Ornaments

Get creative and make your own ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree. You can use salt dough, cinnamon sticks, or even old mason jar lids to create unique and personalized ornaments that will add a special touch to your tree.

Cook Up Some Holiday Treats

What's Christmas without some delicious treats? Spend some time in the kitchen baking cookies, pies, and other holiday goodies. You can even make homemade gifts like jams or flavored oils to give to friends and family.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a hot cocoa bar with different toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks. It's a fun and festive way to warm up on a cold winter day.

Cozy Up Your Home

Add some cozy touches to your home to make it feel warm and inviting. Use blankets, pillows, and candles to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also play some holiday music and light a fire in the fireplace for extra warmth.

DIY Stockings

Make your own stockings to hang by the fireplace. You can use old sweaters or fabric scraps to create unique and personalized stockings for each member of your family.

With these simple ideas, you can create a cozy country Christmas on your homestead that will bring joy and cheer to your home this holiday season.

Guide to Creating Chicken Diapers

Guide to Creating Chicken Diapers

Have you ever wondered why someone would need to know how to make chicken diapers? Well, in the unfortunate event that one of your chickens falls ill or gets injured and needs to be brought indoors, chicken diapers can be a lifesaver in managing the mess. They can also be beneficial if you have a special needs chicken that requires indoor care. These instructions can also be adapted for creating diapers for ducks or any other bird with special needs. Simply measure your bird and determine the appropriate size needed. I trust that this guide will be both informative and practical.

The chicken diaper pattern provided here is for a one-piece slip-on design. If you prefer a diaper that is easier to put on your bird, you can modify the back piece by cutting it in half and attaching velcro for a quick fastening solution.

Please note that this diaper pattern was specifically designed for a gentle and docile Black Australope hen.

In developing this pattern, my goal was to create a durable double-sided diaper. Each piece of fabric was cut in duplicate and sewn together to ensure longevity. All edges are seamed to prevent fraying, and the design accounts for frequent washing. I hand-sewed this particular diaper, but it can be stitched up even faster on a sewing machine. 

Measurements:

Base of tail to base of neck:

• Back piece: 5 inches in length, 2 inches wide

• Upper chest to vent: 10 inches in length, 2 inches wide

• Width of tail: 3 inches

• Width of neck: 3 inches

The chest piece and back piece should each have a width of 2 inches, but cut them slightly larger to accommodate seam allowance. Adjust the size accordingly if you have a bantam or young chicken. Cut each piece of fabric in duplicate, ensuring that the design sides are facing each other when sewing. Leave an inch unsewn to allow for turning the pieces inside out, then stitch the openings closed.

To create the poop pouch, cut two 3 to 5 inch square pieces of fabric, sew them together with right sides facing, and then flip them right side out.

When cutting fabric for your bird diaper, be sure to include a seam allowance for each piece to ensure they can be sewn together properly.

To create a bird diaper, you will need the following materials:

• 2 pieces of stretchy elastic ribbon, each about 4 to 6 inches long (length depends on the size of the bird you are making the diaper for).

• 1 chest piece (2 pieces of fabric cut the same size, approximately 10 inches long, allowing for seam allowance and measuring your bird's size).

• 1 back piece (2 pieces of fabric cut the same size, about 5 inches long, allowing for seam allowance and measuring your bird's size).

• 1 poop pouch (approximately 5 inches x 5 inches for a larger bird).

• 2 thin feminine pads to criss-cross inside the poop pouch. Consider using a waterproof material as the inside liner for easier maintenance.

• 1 15-inch long x 2-inch wide piece of material or wide ribbon to create a ruffle on the poop pouch. Hem the sides of the ruffle, stitch, and gather the top edge before sewing it onto the backside of the poop pouch. (Optional)

• 1 fabric or ribbon bow for decoration on the back piece. (Optional)

Instructions:

To assemble the bird diaper, sew the poop pouch onto one end of the chest piece, creating a shape resembling a dipping spoon or shovel.

Attach the elastic pieces to the back piece by slip-stitching them onto the fabric's edges.

Sew the back piece onto the chest piece by sewing the elastics onto the two front corners.

Line the pouch with thin feminine pads in a criss-cross pattern or sew a waterproof liner inside for easier cleaning.

To properly secure the garment on a chicken, begin by placing the chicken's head through the middle of the front piece of elastic. Then, bring the back piece over the head and secure it around the tail, ensuring the poop pouch is positioned through the legs and covering the cloaca.

It is normal for the chicken to fuss with the garment initially, but it is important to ensure there is enough room around the neck for comfort. You should be able to easily slip two fingers underneath to check for proper tightness. If the garment is too loose, adjust it accordingly for a snug fit.

Rendering Lard: A Sizzle of Tradition and Flavor

Rendering Lard: A Sizzle of Tradition and Flavor

In light of rising prices, allow me to demonstrate how you can save money on cooking oil by creating your own lard at home.

Rendering lard, the process of melting down and purifying pork fat to create a versatile cooking ingredient, has a rich history deeply rooted in culinary traditions around the world. While lard fell out of favor for a period, it is experiencing a resurgence due to its unique flavor profile and various benefits in cooking. My article today explores the art of rendering lard, from understanding its origins to selecting the right fats, different rendering methods, storage techniques, culinary uses, and essential tips for achieving optimal results.

Historical Significance of Lard

Lard holds a prestigious place in culinary history, being a key ingredient in traditional recipes across various cultures. It was prized for its versatility and ability to enhance the taste of dishes.

Benefits of Rendering Lard

Contrary to popular belief, lard is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and contains less saturated fat than butter. It is also rich in vitamin D, making it a nutritious alternative for cooking.

Flavor Enhancement in Cooking

Lard adds a unique depth of flavor to dishes, whether used for frying, baking, or sautéing. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for creating crispy and delicious dishes.

Types of Fat Suitable for Rendering

When selecting fat for rendering, look for high-quality pork fat with a good balance of lean and fatty tissue. Back fat, leaf lard, and belly fat are popular choices for rendering.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Fat

Consider the source of the fat, its freshness, and whether it is free from any additives or preservatives. Opt for organic or pasture-raised pork fat for the best results.

Methods of Rendering Lard

Traditional Rendering Methods

In the past, lard was traditionally rendered by simmering chunks of pork fat in water to extract the fat. The rendered fat was then strained and cooled to solidify into lard.

Modern Techniques for Rendering Lard

Modern methods of rendering lard include using a slow cooker or oven to melt the fat slowly, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent final product. This method is convenient and yields high-quality lard.

Rendering lard is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the essence of tradition and flavor to your cooking. So, embrace the sizzle and let lard cast its magic in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

Finely chopped pork fat (amount as desired)

Today, I am using pork fat, but this method can be used with various types of animal fat, including beef, sheep, goat, bear, chicken, duck, goose fat, or venison.

Instructions:

Use a Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot and maintain low heat throughout the process. Remember, low and slow.

Start by adding a small amount of fat to the Dutch oven and heating it on low, stirring constantly, until a thin layer of melted fat covers the bottom. Add more fat as needed.

Add the remaining fat and stir to coat with the melted fat.

Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Continue cooking and stirring until there are no more bubbles and the cracklings are a light golden brown.

Remove the cracklings with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with a clean paper towel to drain. Season to taste, and enjoy. Store the cooled cracklins in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. (My pooch loves cracklins as a doggie treat.)

Proper storage techniques

Wash and dry glass jars, and keep them warm. Place a canning funnel in the warm jar, followed by a metal strainer lined with clean cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

To properly store your lard, first turn off the burner and proceed to carefully ladle the melted fat into the jar. It is crucial to exercise caution during this process, as the fat will be extremely hot.

Next, ladle the melted fat into the jar through the cloth and strainer to ensure that any remaining crispy bits are removed. Fill the jar completely and immediately cap each one.

After capping the jars, set them aside to cool. Once cooled, store the lard in a cool, dark pantry, or alternatively, in the refrigerator or freezer for longer preservation. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any funky odors from infiltrating its pure goodness.

Best Practices for Using Rendered Lard in Cooking

When it comes to cooking with rendered lard, the world is your crispy, flavorful oyster. Use it for frying, sautéing, or even as a butter substitute in baking for an extra-tender crumb. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so don't overdo it unless you want your dishes swimming in luscious porky goodness.

Culinary Uses of Rendered Lard/Baking with Lard

Lard isn't just for savory dishes; it's a secret weapon in the world of baking too! Swap out butter or vegetable shortening for lard in your pie crusts, biscuits, and pastries for a flakier, richer result that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Cooking Techniques that Benefit from Lard

From perfectly crispy fried chicken to tender braised meats, lard adds a depth of flavor and mouth-watering texture to a variety of dishes. Use it for roasting vegetables, searing meats, or even popping popcorn for a movie night snack that will make you the star of the show.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Lard Rendering

Common mistakes to avoid when it comes to rendering lard: patience is key. Don't rush the process or crank up the heat too high, or you'll end up with a funky-tasting final product. Also, make sure to strain out any crispy bits or impurities for a clean, pure lard that's ready to elevate your cooking game.

Expert Tips for High-Quality Rendered Lard

For the highest-quality lard, begin with premium pork fat sourced from a reputable supplier. By cutting the fat into small, consistent pieces, you can improve the efficiency of the rendering process. Additionally, adding a small amount of water during rendering can help prevent scorching.

In summary, the process of rendering lard provides a gratifying culinary experience that enhances the flavor and versatility of your dishes. Furthermore, it can lead to significant cost savings over time.