Deanna from Little Mountain Ranch 
Chive blossom vinegar is one of those little kitchen projects that feels a bit like magic. In the early summer, when the garden is just beginning to hit its stride, you can take a handful of blossoms from your chive plants and steep them in vinegar. Just a few days later, you’ll have a stunning pink infusion that smells wonderful and adds the perfect kick to salad dressings, marinades, and roasted veggies.
Sweet cherries and cardamom are a match made in summer kitchen heaven. This jam is warm and rich with just a hint of spice—perfect for spreading on toast, spooning over yogurt, or layering in desserts. And if you’re looking for something a little different, the same base can be turned into a cherry concentrate for … Read more
Every summer, just as the fireweed starts painting the roadsides in shades of pink, I gather a basket and head out for one of my favourite preserving projects. If you’ve got a handful of fresh fruit and a sunny windowsill, you have everything you need to make beautiful, naturally thickened fruit preserves. I call it …
Every summer, just as the fireweed starts painting the roadsides in shades of pink, I gather a basket and head out to harvest for one of my favorite summer preserving projects: fermented fireweed tea. In our modern world, it’s a beautiful link to the past, known traditionally as Ivan Chai or Koporye Tea. This Russian …
There’s something deeply comforting and healing about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s made from ingredients you’ve grown and preserved yourself. Home-canned soups offer a range of health benefits, from providing gentle support during illness to offering nourishing, nutrient-rich meals during busy seasons when you need a quick, satisfying option. This winter, I … Read more
When you’re cooking on a tight budget, it can feel like comfort food is off the table. But some of the best meals are the simplest! In this post, I’m sharing 4 budget meals under $1 that make the most of pantry staples, stretch ingredients, and deliver that cozy, home-cooked feeling we all crave—without breaking … Read more
When life gets busy (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it?), having a few budget weeknight meals in your back pocket can make all the difference. These four easy dinners are quick to pull together, full of flavor, and cost less than $6 for a family of four—without feeling like “budget food.” Made with everyday … Read more
A nostalgic holiday treat with a buttery, flaky crust, a delicate almond-flavored filling, and a sweet glaze that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Life has gotten increasingly busy around here, with activities and errands filling up the week. To keep the chaos in check, I’ve been doing some weekend meal prepping to make sure dinner is ready to go on those hectic evenings. One of my go-to recipes is my Grandma Pam’s Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe—a comforting meal … Read more
