Author: ktwolfe

  • Homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni

    Better Than the Box and more than a quick side dish Some recipes become pantry staples because they’re easy, while others stay because everyone asks for them again. This homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni is both. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s an inexpensive meal starter or side dish that tastes better than the boxed version. I…

  • FARMacy, Not Pharmacy

    Why We Believe Health Begins Long Before We Ever Need Medicine If you’ve spent any time here on the homestead, you’ve probably heard me say, “We believe in the FARMacy before the pharmacy.” It’s a phrase that sometimes catches people off guard. Some assume it means we don’t trust doctors or that we’ve sworn off…

  • Chamomile

    It’s More Than a Cup of Tea Chamomile has been treasured for centuries as one of the world’s most beloved calming herbs. Known scientifically as Matricaria chamomilla, this cheerful member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) has been used in kitchens, herbal medicine cabinets, and gardens for generations. While most people recognize chamomile as a relaxing…

  • Yarrow

    It’s more than a roadside wildflower For centuries, yarrow has been treasured as one of nature’s most versatile healing herbs. Known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae family and has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Its delicate clusters of white flowers may appear unassuming, but this resilient plant…

  • Homestead Helper Mix

    The Pantry Base It’s more than a seasoning mix This is the foundation behind several of my homemade meal kits. Making one large batch means several dinners are already halfway finished. Ingredients Mix together and store airtight. Use ½ cup per pound of meat in Homestead Helper recipes. Keep It Handy Store in mason jars…

  • Homemade Homestead Helper Bowtie Lasagna

    It’s more than boxed pasta This homemade version brings the convenience of a boxed dinner with ingredients you mixed yourself. It’s perfect for keeping on the pantry shelf when you need a comforting meal without a lot of planning. Jar Ingredients Additional: Make Dinner Brown and drain the beef. Add the jar mix, tomato sauce,…

  • Spanish Rice Mix

    Better than Boxed It’s more than a boxed side There’s a certain comfort in having meals you can count on—especially on days when time and energy are both running low. Over the years, I’ve started keeping simple mixes like this Spanish rice on hand so I can still serve something homemade without extra effort. It’s…

  • Homemade Pancakes from Scratch

    It’s A Family Thing It’s more than a weekend breakfast Some of my favorite memories in the kitchen are the slow mornings—the ones where no one is rushing out the door and the griddle stays warm a little longer. Pancakes have become a staple in those moments. With a big family, I’ve learned to rely…

  • Easy Homemade Goulash Recipe

    One Pot Family Meal It’s more than a simple supper Feeding a big family day in and day out teaches you quickly that meals don’t need to be fancy—they just need to be filling, dependable, and made with care. Goulash has been one of those steady recipes in our home for years. It’s the kind…

  • Homemade Brownie Mix in a Jar

    A “From Scratch” Recipe It’s more than a quick dessert In a busy homestead kitchen, not everything can be made from scratch in the moment—and I’ve learned that’s okay. With a house full of kids, there are long days, unexpected messes, and evenings when everyone just wants something sweet without a whole production behind it.…