Baked barbeque beans

Jackie Clay Ingredients 2 cups dried beans 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 lb. chopped ham or other smoked meat 1 cup barbecue sauce 1/2 tsp. salt dash black pepper 1 Tbsp. molasses 1 medium onion, chopped Method Soak beans overnight, adding a little baking soda...

A view of self-reliance from a more timid perspective — A woman’s opinion

By Claire Wolfe Issue #94 • July/August, 2005 My fellow Backwoods Home writer Jackie Clay is a domestic wonder woman who can do anything from can kumquats to butcher an elk. Not me. Unh uh. No way....

Walden Pond — the solar version: Part 2

By Jeffrey Yago, P.E., CEM Issue #100 • July/August, 2006 In the last issue I provided the initial steps required to design your remote cabin or retreat for off-grid power. We also reviewed the types of...

Here are some cucumber pickles to make at home

By Olivia Miller Issue #41 • September/October, 1996 Preserving produce by "pickling" is one of the oldest and most delightful ways to save your summer harvst for your winter table. The word "pickle" applies to any...

Survival/utility vest

By David Eddings Issue #144 • November/December, 2013 Editor's Note: Several readers have contacted us asking about the exact model number of the vest pictured in this article. We contacted the author and he replied: The vest...

The chances of global disaster

By John Silveira Issue #57 • May/June, 1999 We were preparing the current issue and the office hummed as it always does during deadline. Dave Duffy, the fellow who publishes this magazine, explained to our new...

Lessons for My Children…Chapter 3: Hiding from the government

By Dave Duffy Issue #138 • November/December, 2012 After opening the discussion in this column last issue about the underground economy, I thought it would be a good idea to explore it more thoroughly since it...

Sunday night dinner

By Ilene Duffy Issue #121 • January/February, 2010 "Tradition! Tradition!" I can still hear the bellowing song from Fiddler on the Roof that we listened to over and over as kids. Some of us have religious...

Caribbean Barbecued Pork Steaks

Recipe of the Week  Caribbean Barbecued Pork Steaks  Courtesy of Willy Borsheim  Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork chops/steaks, about 1/2-inch thick 1 large red onion, sliced 3/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Method Lay pork in a glass...

Grouse Hunting — The Ultimate Joy of Autumn

By Linda Gabris Issue #83 • September/October, 2003 Nothing instills such excitement or makes my heart flutter louder than the sudden whir of a flushed out grouse. No matter how many times I've heard it, the...

The coffee mug knife sharpener

By Michael Cantrell Issue #105 • May/June, 2007 Not too long ago, I watched a man open his pocket knife by pulling it partway open to a wide L-shape with his hands, and then push it...

Raspberry chocolate torte

Recipe of the Week  Raspberry chocolate torte  Courtesy of Tanya Kelley   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients Cake: 1 devil’s food cake mix butter for cake Filling: 2 cups raspberries or pitted cherries (fresh or...

Fixing a broken jury system

By John Silveira “I blame every juror who let him go, every juror who sat on that trial and believed this man over those little girls. I will never understand. And that is why he...

Use Non-Hybrid Seeds and Save Big Bucks in This Year’s Garden

By Jackie Clay Issue #51 • May/June, 1998 Every person who is striving for self-reliance should, and most do, plant a garden from which to raise a good portion of their own food. But how many...

Solar Power 101 — Batteries: Part 2

By Jeffrey Yago, P.E., CEM Issue #88 • July/August, 2004 This article is the second in a series of what will be a beginner's course in solar electricty. Simultaneously we have instituted a Home Energy Information...

Making a great rug from the rag bag

By Lois A. Adams Issue #18 • November/December, 1992 Recycling makes a lot of sense in these days of dwindling landfill space and non-renewable resources. But I can remember practicing recycling in my home when I...