How do you correct weak egg yolk membranes and get perfect sunny-side up eggs? When you cook the egg does it run all over the pan? This was a question I received recently from a reader. It's fairly well known that a firm, strong egg shell requires plenty of free choice calcium for the hen to indulge in. But what about yolks that break apart as soon as the shell is cracked. The egg hits the pan and poof, there goes the yolk, spreading all across the pan. The reader who contacted me had … [Read more...]
How to Use the Whole Pumpkin
Do you try to use the whole pumpkin when you cook? Pumpkins are simply amazing, as a decoration and in taste, and nutritionally. A great vegetable all wrapped up in a very cute package. Since the pumpkin is such a wonder of nature we should learn how to use the whole pumpkin! I look forward to pumpkin season every year, and as soon as September gets rolling, I am looking for ways to decorate with pumpkins in my home and yard. I have been accused of … [Read more...]
6 Fall Chicken Coop Preparations to Make Now
The end of summer is the perfect time to think about fall chicken coop preparations. This isn't a huge job for most of us. The chickens most likely spent a lot of time outside the coop during the summer. Feathers are everywhere at this time, due to the fall molt, so it's a good time to clean up. Making sure that you are ready for the changeable fall weather, makes life much easier. Some years we have gone from beautiful fall weather to an over zealous cold front over night. Scrambling to get … [Read more...]
Free Range Ducks Pros and Cons
My ducks are very happy. Free range ducks are happy ducks! When we first started raising ducks, we didn't let the ducks roam the farm. We didn't feel that the property was set up for free range ducks. The poultry area backs up to woods. Woods, where raccoon, fox and an occasional coyote make their homes. Eventually we gradually began letting the ducks and chickens out of their pens for free ranging. Other property modifications were made to add safety to the free range. Free … [Read more...]
Homegrown and Handmade Review and Giveaway Offer
Homegrown and Handmade is a new book by Deborah Neiman. It's actually the revised, 2nd edition. If you haven't seen it yet, you should see it available soon. Over the weekend I had an opportunity to review this book! Homegrown and Handmade, A Practical Guide to More Self-Reliant Living, is a guide to all the good things that await you in the homesteading/handmade lifestyle. Making small daily or weekly changes can bring you far into the journey. Cooking from scratch? Check … [Read more...]
