The homestead journal - recipes, memoirs and lessons
Welcome to the space where I share my homestead discoveries and dreams! Farm life is a beautiful, wild ride—utterly exhausting but full of wonder and reward at every turn. Step into the heart of farm-to-table living with me, where every meal tells a story of freshness and purpose. Here, you'll find time-honored techniques like canning, curing, fermenting, and baking—reviving the lost skills that turn simple ingredients into nourishing, toxin-free food. Let’s get back to real food, made the way it was meant to be.
Top 10 Gut-Healing Foods You Can Grow or Source Locally
Gut health is the cornerstone of immunity, mood, and long-term wellness — and some of the best support comes straight from the soil. In this post, we’re diving into 10 nutrient-dense, gut-friendly foods you can grow yourself or find locally. From leafy greens and garlic to pasture-raised eggs and chia seeds, these real foods nourish your microbiome and reduce your need for supplements. It’s time to heal your gut the way nature intended — farm-to-table.
Gut Health Begins in the Garden: Why What You Eat Matters More Than You Think
Bloating, fatigue, brain fog—your gut could be the hidden culprit. In this post, we explore how true gut healing starts in the garden with whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods. If you’re ready to feel better from the inside out, this is where the journey begins.
Are We Wrong About Gluten Being Public Enemy No. 1?
We’ve been told to fear gluten—but what if the real issue is what’s missing from our flour? In this personal post, I explore food scientist Sue Becker’s take on why chronic illness may have more to do with how we process wheat than the gluten protein itself. From the history of commercial milling to the revival of home-milled bread, let’s rethink everything we thought we knew about bread, nutrition, and gut health.
The 5 Essential Food Sources You NEED in Your Diet – Part 5: Antioxidants
Antioxidants are your body's frontline defense against aging and disease. In this final post in our 5-part series, discover the best farm-to-table sources of antioxidants—and how your body makes its own with the right whole foods.
The 5 Essential Food Sources You NEED in Your Diet – Part 4: Pro-biotic foods
In Part 4 of our series on essential food sources, we’re diving into probiotic-rich foods — the unsung heroes of gut health. From sauerkraut to kefir and kombucha, these living foods offer powerful benefits for digestion, immunity, and even mental clarity. Discover why your microbiome needs these fermented favorites and how to easily incorporate them into your whole-food lifestyle.
Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding: A Gut-Loving Omega-3 Boost
Creamy, refreshing, and naturally sweet, this strawberry chia seed pudding is more than just a treat — it’s a nutrient-dense, gut-friendly powerhouse. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, this easy make-ahead breakfast will keep you full and fuel your body right. Whether you blend in fresh berries or go for a chocolate twist, it’s a no-fuss recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
The 5 Essential Food Sources You NEED in Your Diet – Part 3: Omega-3s
Omega-3s are one of the most essential nutrients for brain health, heart function, and reducing inflammation—yet most people aren’t getting enough. In this post, we dive into the best farm-to-table sources of omega-3s, including wild-caught fish, pasture-raised eggs and meats, and omega-rich seeds you can even grow at home. Learn how to easily reach your daily omega-3 goals and why these healthy fats are critical for overall well-being.
The 5 Essential Food Sources You NEED in Your Diet: Part 2 – Protein
Protein is a macronutrient powerhouse—it keeps you full, supports muscle maintenance, and fuels your metabolism. Yet, many people, especially women, aren't getting enough. As we age, protein becomes even more crucial to maintaining strength and overall health. This guide will help you understand how much protein you really need, the best farm-to-table sources, and how to build balanced meals with the right portions. Plus, we’ll cover what to look for in protein powders to avoid hidden fillers and unnecessary additives.
Grow Your Own Fibre: The Top 10 High-Fibre Plants for Your Garden
Want to boost your fibre intake while cutting down on grocery costs? Growing your own high-fibre foods is easier than you think! From chia and basil seeds to black beans and raspberries, discover the top 10 fibre-rich plants you can grow at home—whether in a container, raised bed, or in-ground garden. A fibre-rich diet supports gut health, digestion, and overall wellness, and the best part? You’ll know exactly how your food was grown, free from pesticides and unnecessary processing.
5 Essential Food Sources You Must Have in Your Diet: Part 1 – Fibre
Fibre is the unsung hero of a healthy diet, yet most people are getting only a fraction of what they need. With the average intake hovering around 12g per day—far below the ideal 50g—it's no wonder digestive issues and chronic disease are on the rise. In this post, we’ll break down the best whole-food sources of fibre, why fruit isn’t as fibrous as you might think, and how you can easily incorporate fibre-packed foods into your daily meals.
How to Start a Whole Food Diet: A Guide to Eating Clean and Thriving
Tired of feeling sluggish, bloated, and out of balance? The culprit may be hiding in your food. Processed, artificial ingredients wreak havoc on your gut, hormones, and overall health. A whole food diet is the key to feeling vibrant, energized, and truly nourished. In this guide, we break down exactly what to eat, what to avoid, and how to transition effortlessly to a real-food lifestyle.
Farm-to-Table Chicken Pot Pie: A Nourishing, Comforting Classic
Nothing beats the comfort of a homemade chicken pot pie, especially when it’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients from your own farm. This farm-to-table version is the perfect blend of nourishing flavors, featuring pasture-raised chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy filling wrapped in a buttery, golden crust. Whether you're using leftover roast chicken or cooking a fresh bird, this recipe ensures nothing goes to waste while providing a warm, satisfying meal. Plus, with a simple dairy-free option, it’s adaptable to fit a variety of dietary needs, making it a versatile classic for any family.
The Hidden Toxins Lurking in GMO Crops—What You Need to Know
Many people believe that GMO crops are safer because they require fewer pesticides—but the truth is far more alarming. Not only are GMO crops heavily sprayed with toxic herbicides like glyphosate, but some are also designed to produce their own pesticides internally. This means every bite contains hidden toxins that could be harming your gut microbiome and overall health. Learn the shocking truth about what’s really in GMO food and how to protect yourself.
Why You Need to Eat Organic: The Science Behind Real, Nutrient-Dense Food
Organic food isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a critical choice for protecting your health, supporting your gut microbiome, and avoiding harmful chemicals linked to chronic illness. With synthetic pesticides, depleted soil, and declining nutrient content in conventional crops, it’s more important than ever to know where your food comes from. Learn how to source the best organic foods, avoid the most contaminated produce, and why farm-to-table eating is the key to real nutrition.
Spanish Frittata: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast
This Spanish Frittata is the ultimate nutrient-packed breakfast—loaded with fresh vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and gut-friendly ingredients. Made in a cast iron skillet for a perfect finish, it can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick, nourishing meal every morning. With the added benefits of gut-boosting vegetables, healthy fats, and powerful antioxidants, this dish is as intelligent as it is delicious!