From the farm
Can Milk be Grass Fed During the Winter?
Dec 5, 2024
Can milk actually be "grass fed" in the middle of a Vermont winter? While the pastures are buried under three feet of snow, the answer lies in the art of high-quality hay and fermented "haylage." This post explores why heritage breeds like Lynch Linebacks thrive without grain, producing milk that is a nutritional powerhouse of CLA and Omega-3s. Discover the difference between factory-raised dairy and cows that spend their winters soaking up Vitamin D outdoors, why even the pi...
Root Cellaring: The Lazy Gardener's Other Alternative to Canning
Nov 28, 2024
If you think growing your own food requires a grueling schedule of canning and freezing, it’s time to rediscover the root cellar. This "biological storage" method allows your vegetables to hibernate through the winter with almost zero effort. Learn how to turn a corner of your basement into a cold storage oasis, the truth about humidity vs. micro-climates, and why you should wait for the first snow to harvest your carrots and cabbages. From curing onions to the secret of perf...
Cider Cured Ham Recipe (Chemical Free!)
Nov 21, 2024
A Chemical-Free Holiday Masterpiece Summary: Love a festive ham but hate the nitrates, nitrites, and sodium erythrobate found in store-bought versions? This guide shows you how to transform a fresh ham into a savory, apple-infused feast using only salt, maple syrup, and cider. Learn why "natural" ham turns brown instead of pink, how to master a 5-to-7-day brine for maximum tenderness, and the secret "two-stage" roasting method that ensures juicy meat with a perfectly crispy f...
Top 5 Essential Oils I Couldn't Live Without
Nov 15, 2024
Top 5 Essential Oils I Couldn't Live Without Summary: Essential oils are far more than just pleasant scents they are potent, plant-based tools for healing, fighting inflammation, and boosting your mood. In this guide, I share my "can’t-live-without" list, from the skin-soothing power of Lavender to the joint-repairing benefits of Palo Santo. Discover how these super-concentrated phytochemicals can replace over-the-counter painkillers for tight muscles, clear up respiratory co...
My Happily Ever After
Nov 7, 2024
The Surprising Secret to a Joyful Life Summary: What happens when the retirement you’ve spent decades dreaming of finally becomes your reality? As my husband Kevin retires from the National Guard, I’ve been reflecting on what actually makes a "happily ever after." It isn't just about a change in schedule it’s about a radical shift in perspective. From the struggle of "50/50" fairness in marriage to discovering the profound joy of selfless love, this post explores how seeking...
Maple BBQ Sauce Recipe
Oct 31, 2024
The 5-Minute Upgrade for Pasture-Raised Pork Summary: If you’re investing in high-quality pasture-raised pork, don’t mask it with store-bought sauces full of sketchy ingredients. This 5-minute, one-pot Maple BBQ Sauce uses real pantry staples like apple cider vinegar, ginger, and pure maple syrup to create a tangy, sweet glaze that honors your meat. Learn the perfect basting technique to get that rich, caramelized finish in the oven and discover how easy it is to keep a jar o...
How I Stopped Being Gluten Intolerant
Oct 24, 2024
My Journey to Healing a Leaky Gut Summary: Is bread really the "staff of life," or is it the cause of your health crisis? After a decade of chronic illness, rashes, and gluten intolerance, I discovered that the problem wasn't just the grain it was a damaged gut. This guide reveals the "critical last step" that holistic healers couldn't reach: the transformative power of fasting to finish the healing process. Learn how giving your digestive system a rest can starve bad microbe...
The Truth About Pigs
Oct 17, 2024
The Truth About Pigs: Fact vs. Fiction in the Pasture Summary: Pigs are often the most misunderstood animals on the farm. From myths about their "dirty" habits to fears about parasites and digestion, this post addresses the common claims used to discourage people from eating pork. Drawing on ten years of experience raising pigs on pasture, I debunk the fictions of factory farming and share the reality of these intelligent, adaptable creatures. Learn why pasture-raised pork is...
An Apple a Day
Oct 10, 2024
An Apple a Day: The Prebiotic Secret to Gut Health and Regularity Summary: Is there actual science behind the old folk wisdom? Discover why the humble apple might be even more effective than prunes for maintaining a healthy, regular system. This post explores the power of pectin a unique prebiotic fiber that survives digestion to feed your "good" gut bacteria. Learn how apples help balance your microbiome to fight inflammation and obesity, why fresh fruit beats processed alte...
