Olden Oasis

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...

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 w...

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 goodie...

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...

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 popu...