Canning chickens for the pantry

By Samantha Biggers Issue #135 • May/June, 2012 For the past three years my husband and I have raised Cornish Cross broilers in chicken tractors on our farm in western North Carolina. This past year we...

The real “Q” — Barbecue the way it’s supposed to be

By John DePresca Photos by Carolyn DePresca Issue #119 • September/October, 2009 The next time you go to the grocery store or supermarket check out the price of a pound of already prepared barbecue. If you're shocked...

Preserve the harvest naturally through wild fermentation

By Jereme Zimmerman Issue #154 • July/August, 2015 Little hands are ideal for helping to stuff jars with vegetables. Just be sure to "pay" your help — but don't let them eat it all! For a homesteader,...

Braised venison pepper steak

William Shepherd Ingredients 1 1/2 lbs. venison steak shoulder or round steak 2 Tbsp. cooking oil 1 4 oz. can mushrooms 1 cup water 1 beef bouillon cube 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 green pepper,...

Freeze a holiday turkey to enjoy it all year long

By Linda Gabris Issue #174 • November/December, 2018 When I was a kid, Grandpa and Grandma would put in an order with the local turkey farmer in November for a “Christmas” bird, which would be picked...

Smoked Salmon

Recipe of the Week  Smoked Salmon  Courtesy of Lisa Nourse  The best meals are made from stuff you grow--or catch. Here's a tasty smoked salmon treat made from a 38-pound king salmon caught by 11-year-old Ian Nourse, who...

Nana V’s fire sauce

Recipe of the Week  Nana V’s fire sauce  Courtesy of Richard Blunt   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients 1 pint homemade pickled chili peppers (See previous recipe.) 1 12 oz. bottle chili sauce...

Ginger beer

Recipe of the Week  Ginger beer  Courtesy of Jackie Clay   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients 4 oz. dried ginger root 1 gallon water juice from...

Hungry enough to eat a horse?

By Don Chance Issue #88 • July/August, 2004 Okay, it's not everyday dining fare, I agree. But, tell someone you're having horse steaks for supper, grilled to perfection and garnished with plenty of fresh herbs and...

The wonderful world of lavender

By Sharon Palmer, RD Issue #98 • March/April, 2006 I briefly brush past my favorite lavender bush and my skirt is fragranced for the entire day. Every time the fabric rustles, the aroma wafts up to...

Cooking from long-term food storage

By Jackie Clay Issue #55 • January/February, 1999 All self-reliant families know they should have at least a year's worth of food and essential supplies stored up in a large pantry. Unfortunately, actually eating from long-term...

Canned bacon — Roll your own

By Enola Gay Issue #127 • January/February, 2011 I have to admit, I am somewhat of an extreme canner. I love to can unusual things—canned foods you just don't find on everyone's shelves. My latest canning...

Old-fashioned meat pie casserole

Recipe of the Week  Old-fashioned meat pie casserole  Courtesy of Richard Blunt   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients 1 4-5 lb. roasting chicken or stewing hen 2 cups low fat, low salt canned chicken...

Picnicking with class!

By Jean Louis L’Heureux Issue #63 • May/June, 2000 Picnic weather has arrived and there's nothing like enjoying good food with family or friends in the scenic outdoors. I have several recipes that have made my...

Pistachio-Mocha Chicken

Recipe of the Week  Pistachio-Mocha Chicken  Courtesy of Minnie Gottfried  Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup coffee liquor Sauce 3 cups chicken stock 1 Tablespoon coffee liquor 3/4 cup pistachio meats 1 chile pepper, chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion 3 Tablespoons chopped...

Orange honey pudding

Recipe of the Week  Orange honey pudding  Courtesy of Sharon Freeman   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients 3 Tbsp. cornstarch 1/2 cup honey 1 1/2 cups water 1 tsp. butter 1/8-1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup yogurt 3 Tbsp....