#bettermadethanbought

[akwardkisses]

Do you use extracts in your baking? Did you know you can make them yourself at home? I've made my own vanilla, mint extract from mint I grew, and now I'm making coffee extract. No, I don't grow my own coffee beans. Yet. All you do is fill your jar up about 3/4 of the way with coffee beans then top it off with vodka. Put a lid on it and put it somewhere dark for about six months. You can use it after six weeks but it'll be much better if you wait at least six months. After six months strain the extract off and put it in a bottle. Then pour more vodka on top of the beans and put them in the dark again. You can do this several times, you don't have to throw out those beans as long as they don't smell rancid. I would go with a vodka that you would drink. This is not the time for cheap booze. Even if you buy a very expensive vodka your cost per use is going to be very small because you only use a little bit at a time. It takes about five minutes with of work and it's so good. #poverty_hill #homestead #homesteading #homesteadersofinstagram #homemade #extracts #makeityourself #realfood #slowfood #cookingfromscratch #makeitdontbuyit #bettermadethanbought #frugal #frugalliving #wastenotwantnot #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #simplepleasures #slowliving #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHgvJWjHkMO/?igshid=16nedp3qg5lb4

[akwardkisses]

I like to call this piece "I need more counter space". For the majority of the year my little kitchen works perfectly. It should, it was built for me based on what I need and want and I love it. Then there's canning season. Between washed jars waiting to be filled, processed jars cooling and whatever I'm working on that particular day... There's just not enough space for everything. Then there's the dehydrating, which I have to do on the back porch because there's just no room. Don't forget about the dishes, they add up quick when you're canning. Especially since everything tends to be huge. Someday (soon please) I will have a canning kitchen with enough room for these big projects. Just harvest, canning and pickling is stretching the capabilities of my tiny kitchen to the breaking point. Wait till I start making butter, cheese and yogurt. Where will I put a cream separator? I have no idea. Forget serenity, grant me counter space. I already know exactly what I want/need and where to put it. Now it's a simple matter of bribing John to build it for me. Have I mentioned what an awesome guy he is? Always so willing to help. Once I have a canning kitchen there'll be no stopping me, I'll be canning all the things. The cat better hide or I'll be stuffing him in a jar too. Ok not really, he'd never fit. He's massive. I think he's got his own gravitational pull. Have a beautiful Tuesday my friends. Stay safe and well, it's scary out there lately. #poverty_hill #homestead #canning #canningseason #canningjars #projectpantry #foodpreservation #foodsecurity #stockingtheshelves #stockingupforwinter #realfood #slowfood #puttinguptheharvest #ruralpa #countryliving #simplelife #slowliving #aaforcanners #bettermadethanbought #frugalliving #growwhatyouneed #homemaking #imbeat #makingmyownfun #keeperoftheoldways #keepingtheoldwaysalive #playwithyourfood #isitwineoclockyet #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwlKGNghUF/?igshid=1i5j2okgii9my

[akwardkisses]

I've been wanting to make more of what I use here at home so this weekend I tried my hand at hamburger buns. I used a silicone mold and I think they turned out pretty well. I might need to experiment a bit more with the recipe though because these are really delicious and delicate but I don't think they would hold up to a juicy burger without disintegrating. As usual it's a work in progress but I'm pleased with the initial results. I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend, stay safe my friends. #poverty_hill #homestead #baking #homemade #cookingfromscratch #bettermadethanbought #slowfood #slowliving #realfood #simpleliving #simplepleasures #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CABGNSkgMOA/?igshid=1jvftjrsubnr4

[akwardkisses]

Citrus is in season and lemons were on sale so I sliced some up to be preserved in honey to make tea with. Because honey lemon tea is delicious. All it takes is a slice of lemon and a spoonful of the liquid per cup of hot water then adjust it to suit your tastes. This tea is nice anytime but especially when you're not feeling your best. This also makes a nice syrup for minor cough or sore throat. You can also add ginger but I don't have any right now so that will have to wait for the next batch. The addition of ginger makes this a nice treatment for nausea and upset tummies. Adding whiskey, small amounts let's not get silly, will make this more soothing to a raw painful throat as a syrup. I wouldn't add more than a tablespoon per dose but you do you boo. Are these miracle cures, no. But they are comforting and when you're sick comfort is everything. While I'll go to the doctor if necessary I prefer to take a less is more approach when it comes to medication. I start with the gentlest and work my way up only when I have to. Although this would be soothing in addition to prescribed medication I'd check with a pharmacist to be sure there weren't any negative interactions as I'm no expert. It never hurts to check and you know what you put in your tea/syrup. I hope you're all healthy and happy on this cold blustery Monday my friends. #poverty_hill #homestead #citrus #lemons #raworganichoney #gingermaybe #homeremedies #gentle #soothing #warming #whatsbetterthantea #homemade #homesweethome #homecrafts #bettermadethanbought #easydoesit #whiskeytoo #backawayfromthewiskey #werefamilyfriendlyhere #stayinghealthy #ruralpa #myhappyplace #myhappylife (at Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7joWPFA1R2/?igshid=197rlot7srpgy