Understanding the gun debate, part 2

By Massad Ayoob Issue #162 • November/December, 2016 Click Here to read Part 1 When debating any controversial issue, the first thing one has to do is sort the lies from the truth. On the pro-gun side, mistruths...

The perfect holiday meal

By Jackie Clay Issue #108 • November/December, 2007 There are no cultures in the world, nor have there been, that did not have feast days. From prehistoric times to yesterday, food has always played an important...

Who were the best…and worst U.S. Presidents?

By John Silveira Issue #49 • January/February, 1998 It was one of those days I love. We were between deadlines and Dave, Bill, Mac, and I had gone fishing on the lake. Dave, of course, is...

From Martha and Abigail to Dolley and Louisa, America’s earliest First Ladies were fascinating

By John Silveira Issue #29 • September/October, 1994 (This is a four-part series. Click the links to navigate to parts one, two, three, and four.) It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...wait...

Artichoke Omelet Appetizer

Recipe of the Week  Artichoke Omelet Appetizer  Courtesy of Patti LaBeck  Ingredients 2 jars marinated artichoke hearts 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 4 eggs, beaten slightly 1 small onion, chopped 1/4 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon...

These salads are hearty dishes

By Jennifer Stein Barker Issue #43 • January/February, 1997 When most people think of a salad, they first think of lettuce or fruit, but a salad may also be made of vegetables or fruit, combined with...

Uncooked Peanut-butter Candy

Recipe of the Week  Uncooked Peanut-butter Candy  Courtesy of Ruth Dasche   Ingredients 1/2 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey (any kind you like) 3/4 to 1 cup powdered milk Method Using a 1 quart or larger bowl, add...

Essential oils

By Joseph Alton, M.D. and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P. Issue #135 • May/June, 2012 As a medical doctor/registered nurse practitioner team, we received conventional medical training at university hospitals while getting our degrees. Since that time, however,...

The greatest American who was never President

By John Silveira Issue #60a • November/December, 1999 "The election's next year, right?" I asked. Dave Duffy, the publisher of Backwoods Home Magazine, was editing a rather lengthy article on water. I don't know if he didn't...

Of guns and snakes

By Massad Ayoob Issue #151 • January/February, 2015 Mas safely kills a rattlesnake in a populated area. (Note angle of gun and trajectory.) Pistol is a Springfield EMP loaded with 9mm 127 grain +P+ Winchester Ranger-T...

CHILI MANIA — This all-American food came out of Texas to conquer the whole...

By Richard Blunt Issue #64 • July/August, 2000 Whenever you discuss peppery issues like religion or politics your emotions and blood pressure are at risk of running high. This is because the conversation is likely doomed...

Brining pickles by the quart or gallon

By Vicky Rose Issue #113 • September/October, 2008 The ancient art of brining pickles produces a product similar to the expensive "deli-style" pickles in the supermarket. The process is not difficult; however, older recipes call for...

Putting it all on the Amtrak line for Self-Reliance magazine

By Dave Duffy Issue #163 • January/February, 2017 As publisher of Backwoods Home Magazine for 28 years, I have not had to work as hard in recent years, as younger people like Managing Editor Jessie Denning...

Baby bok choy with tofu

Recipe of the Week  Baby bok choy with tofu  Courtesy of Leland Edward Stone   You'll find this recipe and over 400 more in Backwoods Home Cooking.Click Here Ingredients 3 cups baby bok choy, cut in half lengthwise or veggies of...

Keep those gadgets working after the power goes out

By Jeffrey Yago, P.E., CEM Issue #84 • November/December, 2004 The recent 2003 northeast electric grid failure taught the residents of many large cities what most rural residents learned years ago: Lights, air conditioners, televisions, stereos,...

Your kitchen pharmacy — How common culinary herbs and spices can help you feel...

By Rebekah L. Cowell Issue #122 • March/April, 2010 In a perfect world, we would get all the nutrients and medication we needed from the food we ate. However, our diets and the foods available to...