One more when each of our kids were born we planted 1 apple 1 peach trees 1 grape vine and 1 blueberry bush..By the time my oldest was 7 they could go in the backyard for lunch 😅❤
My parents did that too. I’m 70 years old and one of 5 children. We each had a tree planted in our names. I was a sweet Cherry Tree. We had fresh fruit all the time. It’s a great idea! And Mom was a Prepper too. I learned much from them….Happy New Year to you and family! 🥂
A little hint if you turn your sour cream and yogurt upside down on its lid it can last 6 months plus. All looks yummy. Been living this lifestyle 40 yrs. Having a 1 year stock pile makes life alot less stressful. Have fun
Regarding the soapnuts, I boil some in water and let them cool down. The soapy water makes a fantastic natural face cleanser and it doesn't dry out our sensitive skin. We also use the soapy water to spray our fruit trees so they don't get fungus. We were astonished when it actually worked and improved the health of the leaves. It worked for our squashes, too, so they didn't get that powdery mildew.
That's interesting about the fruit tree spray. I'll have to try that. I tried the soap nuts years ago and it smelled so bad as I boiled the water, I hated it. My solution also grew mold, so maybe I did something wrong?
@@theleefamily6446 I make lactic acid bacteria from a rice water rinse, ferment it, then add it to milk. The bacteria feed off the milk and make a wonderful probiotic, which is also a natural preservative. I pour some into my soapnut water and it keeps for a year or more. I feed the curds to my chickens and it makes their shells even stronger. I also make rose water spray from distilled water and rose petals then add some lactic acid bacteria and it makes the BEST face spray. I feed it honey to ensure it doesn't get hungry. I've given some to my mom and sister and they request more regularly. It helps replenish our skin's microbiome after showers and baths. Who needs artificial preservatives when you can use natural probiotics?!
We just paid off our home about four weeks ago after 18 years of scrimping and saving like crazy! I can’t even begin to express the relief. Our goal is to gradually get to the point where we only go grocery shopping once or twice a month. Ideally once…. With the exception of our milk. Our Case lot sales will be starting up here I. About two months. A good reminder to go through the pantry and get everything reorganized and take stock. For us we can’t/won’t do a challenge…. But it is a good reminder to get the pantry in order non the less! Already planning a simple greenhouse for the spring and garden plans and ideas! I’m ready for a new year and a new growing season! With renewed focus on all we can grow and produce without the stress of paying off a home, as we had this last summer when we were laser focused on paying it off!
2:40 This might not be for everyone, but for anyone who likes to bake and cook with brown sugar, I have found that coconut sugar is an incredible substitute. It can occasionally be used in recipes that call for white sugar - chocolate cake and banana bread are my top 2 favorite recipes that you cannot tell it’s made without regular sugar.
Hi from Australia, I just wanted to let you know how inspiring you and your family are!! I am now growing and planting food, setting small goals hoping to eventually be mostly self sufficient. I look forward to your videos , they are so relaxing to watch as well as very educating. I often am saying to my partner “this is how the seasonal homestead do it” i have been following along silent for a while now but I hope you know how amazing what your doing is. Living a more intentional and sustainable life 😊
What a fun challenge. I bet it will teach you a lot about your needs and don't need as much in food terms. Our Bishop once called up 5 of us families and told us to pretend there is a disaster and you can not go to the store for the next week. I had just gotten back from the store. So it wasn't too much of a challenge. He had us report on our week on a 5th Sunday. It was interesting to see how some families couldn't make it one week! Other families went as far as telling their kids their was no electricity. In the end, we all learned a lot about what we needed to buy or do more of. Good luck with your challenge. I wish i could go months.
A butter supply is important to me and I always have 4-5 lbs in the freezer. I also make a year's supply of ghee every year. It's shelf stable for two years and real easy to make.
Please don't get overwhelmed doing videos. We appreciate anything you share.❤ I can't wait for garden season. I'm sure your enjoying the new giant high tunnel. Have a great weekend.
One thing you might look into if your family likes dairy products is culturing your own. Yogurt is a super simple process with an instant pot. You can cut your cost substantially and it's very hands off. I turn one gallon of milk into 3 quarts yogurt and 1 quart whey, and the whey goes right into my sourdough bread.
A big fat hello to Julia Child. She’s kinda like Elvis. She just keeps popping up all over the place. Have a very happy new year and a fantastic 2024. Peace and love ☮️💕
I look forward to anything you have to show us 😁 I can ot wait to see the high runnel and whats growing in it! I sure do wish we got to enjoy your videos more often ❤️
For the guacamole, I can' red onions. They're actually pickled, they are delicious in anything. They're just absolutely delicious and it would make it more instant I originally can them in small jars, thinking that we wouldn't go through that many of them. And when I do them again, I'm going to be making half heights or larger because they're so good. We put them in almost everything
Did you water bath them? I haven't really thought about canning them, good idea! I make some every now and then for the refrigerator but to just be able to grab a jar would be super convenient!
Freeze dried guacamole is amazing 🙌. Once reconstituted you can not tell the difference from fresh. By far this is the best way to preserve avocados 🥑 👌
If you have horse chestnuts on your property, try cutting them in half and drying those when in season and use them instead of soap nuts when doing laundry :) you can also make liquid detergent using the dried chestnuts.
You are such full of knowledge! I’ve told you before you are definitely my hero! I wish I had a homestead I would follow your example for sure!! Happy new year!!
Hi, Becky! Not sure if it’s on your radar, or if you’ve done it and it hasn’t worked out well, but I just started making our peanut butter and cashew butter in our food processor and will never go back! It’s much cheaper than buying jars and really quick and easy. And only one ingredient: nuts! Thanks for all you do!
Did you know you can put fresh avocados in a tall tupperware full of water, put a lid on it (not sure that matters) and cover with cold water and I had them last for 3 months in the refridgerator. I know that won't work for all of them, but just to have some onhand fresh you might want to try it. They were perfect when I went to use mine after 2 months, at three there was just a small amount of waste. Just an FYI. I love Azure too! Awesome order!
Was gonna recommend the same thing for your next haul. I just cut into my first one from a batch I bought December 1st. It was perfect! I was so excited.
@@sparrowsknow8491 I would think so. I assume them being cut off from any air is what is keeping them fresh. If I am only using half I spray the other half with cooking spray and it keeps it pretty fresh for another day (especially in the fridge)
I usually challenge myself in august September and October as my garden is still producing, I have gone 7 weeks between shopping trips! It’s a fun thing to challenge yourself with. I find it difficult to do the challenge in the winter as I am zone 5 so my garden doesn’t produce in the winter. Someday soon I hope to get a cold frame so that I can get greens in the winter. Good luck! On a side note we have given up dairy and wheat recently 😔due to a newly discovered food intolerance. Switching our normal recipes to dairy free and wheat free has been a real learning curve so some of our pantry storage will need to be revamped.
How would I love to have enough storage room for that kind of challenge. ❤ Living in an apartment makes seasonal living more complex. But each jar counts! 😊 Happy 2024!
My goal is to have 90 - 95% food grown we eat and have very very little that I have to buy. I am just getting started so it might be awhile before I can reach it. Thanks for this video to keep me grounded and not in an illusion.
I bought the large tub of that brand of peanut butter - we like unsweetened and crunchy. I make hubby peanut butter mini chocolate chip protein balls for snaking. I'm not a peanut fan, but that is the best peanut butter I've ever tasted.
I find it interesting that people prepare. We do 2 months a year, non consecutively. We eat only what we have on hand. This helps us to use it up, all the things that we have stored.
Thank you for sharing your haul AND what you intend to use things for! We love Azure and do the Bentonville drop (technically in Bella Vista). It seems we got a lot of the same things! For pricing (I always price check before ordering)- Azure is sometimes more expensive than our local stores but the quality is better. It is ALWAYS cheaper than Akin's in Rogers though!
I could definitely do pantry challenge for yr but dont want to go through preps and replace whatever we use on regular basis. We fortunately are financially able to save lot of money every month and live on farm which supplies many needs like eggs and planing large garden on top of already orchards and garden. Also looking to do Azur haul and do 2 large sams hauls a month and order lot online and make aldi runs. Just did inventory of everything and happy have our family's needs for over yr. Along with medical and other items. Paying down house and thats last of what we owe on anything and will be paid off by next yr. God bless and everyone 🙏 take care and prepare and plan.
I freeze dried sour cream and it's perfectly fine when reconstituted, I did however find that the immersion blender made it truer to the fresh from the store consistency.
Oh awesome, I'm going to get my first azure order next month, so this is really valuable. I'm mostly planning on wheat berries since I have a good quality wheat grinder
I love this annual challenge - to learn from so many different people and also to find new things for our family. It is exciting! So glad you will be part this year, also.
I really should buy the 40# cranberries too. I tend to buy the 10# bags, which I just add to quart jars with a little bit of sugar and boiling water. I leave the berries in there, so I can use it both as juice, but also to add to muffins, pancakes and other breakfast stuff. But, I have actually bought that 3 times this year, so I should probably switch to buy the 40# bags.
I had no idea they sell these here in the US now. We used to wash our hair with soapnuts as children in India. You soak them in warm water for a 1/2 hour, squeeze out the juice, and scrub on your hair. It was such an event because the dang juice burns if any falls in your eye. Soap nuts are the best soap to use for washing silks.
Agreed. Just shopping prior to challenge. Not like all of a sudden trying to survive without going to the store like when Covid hit. That was a true pantry challenge.
What pot was that in the video you were using when you mentioned making cranberry juice? My daughter and I make cranberry juice in small batches, want something that will make big batches. We boil the cranberries, then blend it and then strain it. Looking for a faster method, any suggestions? We love your house.
We use is this steamer/juicer from rootsandharvest.com: www.theseasonalhomestead.com/how-to-make-and-can-grape-juice-with-a-steam-juicer/ I've also linked a similar one that is more inexpensive in the video description.
Im pretty sure you can freeze your dairy products! We cut and vaccum seal our 5lb blocks of cheese and I freeze my homemade yogurt with no issues as well. Just a thought 😊
I look forward to following all the channels including Jessica on the challenge. I was exposed to the Big C last week thankfully I did not get it but have been self isolating so no grocery shopping this week for those last minute things I will be out of isolation on Monday so will be joining a little late. This week I have been Canning Pinto Beans 14 quarts from beans I already had in storage. Pulled out a ham yesterday and cooked it in the crockpot and will be cutting it up and putting in to freezer containers to use during the challenge. I may not be able to do 100% but these videos show how to go longer lengths without going to the store which for me is the optimum goal. I love Azure Standard. Anna In Ohio
Yes, I will definitely do some sort of seed starting or garden planning type video! For the time being, I do have a list of everything I plan to grow this year here www.theseasonalhomestead.com/2024-seed-picks-for-the-garden/
Muchas gracias por enseñarme muchas cosas sobre ala alimentación de mi familia te agradezco y q Dios siga bendiciendo su bella familia q tienen felicidades espero hacer mi granja sustentable pronto primero Dios para q sigan disfrutando de todos esos videos juntos de su granja . feliz navidad 🎄 y próspero año nuevo 🎉feliz fiestas hermosa familia desde Chihuahua México
Hi from Wisconsin! Where did you buy your apron? I love it! And another question I have is regarding sourdough baking. I’ve tried making my own starter but haven’t had success, would you consider sharing or even selling some of your starter? My kids and I love your channel!
I suggest dairy goats (This animal doesn't contract TB ) Sheep also require a lot more land/grazing than goats. Maybe you want sheep for wool or ..... Thank you for this video. Most people don't pay much attention to pure ,wholesome foods ❤
You mentioned salsa and chips.... what is your go to salsa or Pico recipe? I started a small garden last year and still have a few things growing in my detached workshop like bell peppers, habaneros, blueberries, and strawberries with grow lights. I plan on doing more tomato's this summer again and it would save a ton $$ to make my own salsa and I am always willing to try something new!
I see some people put their azure in other products that are like flour and oats in the freezer and I'm not quite sure why? Anyone have an idea? I'm assuming to help with bugs killing but I don't know if that would work when they come back alive
Looking forward to following you during the pantry challenge, wishing you and your family a Healthy 2024. Oh yeah loved Cam’ s humor when he was in kitchen with apron on.
If you do a huge shop prior and after, does it really change your budget? I find I need items in between when I do a challenge, as I don’t stick up prior. I just try to use up what I have already and lower my monthly budget
Yes, it does. We are in the grocery store less so we spend less. No impulse buys. Although, saving money wasn’t the purpose for us. Just a side benefit.
I'm so jealous of Azure Standard. Our nearest drop off is over 3 hours away and since they don't always drop on the specified day it's not something we can do. 😢
I just want to note, organic or not brown rice usually has higher toxic levels of chemicals naturally. They are a heavy leeching plant. For rice, unlike wheats the best option would be a white, hulled rice. Because most of the absorbed toxins like lead and arsenic are found in the husk.
I love to see the Azure videos. I learn about new things all the time and I get ideas of new ways to use the bulk items I may already be purchasing. I just purchased olives at the grocery store and wondered what my options were for quality and a better buying source. Then, here you are sharing you bought olives at Azure! I did the challenge last year in a very modified way. This year my plan is a small budget for dairy and fresh fruit. I don’t like to shop so having a challenge that gives me permission not to shop is wonderful! We don’t have hard water but my folks do and she is always commenting about it. I’m going to see if she knows about adding a little salt to the laundry to help with that aspect. Thank you for the tip. I’m ready to say goodbye to 2023 and to begin putting into place our goals for our garden etc. in 2024. You are an inspiration and are appreciated. God Bless you and your family. Happy New Year!
In these days of very high food prices, I have always been curious how people can afford organic food items. I can not believe the difference in price for organic. I would love to go organic but I would be broke in two months!
I'm on a tight budget, too. So, I purchase organic about every 2 wks, but only things that fit my budget. Like: peanut butter, butter, milk, whole cream, strawberries, celery & carrots. I live in a senior apt bldg. No garden to speak of. I dehydrate some fruit in my iven!!! Make preserves and jelly in very small batches. It's just me, 1 person. What a challenge. So, choose a few things that you can squeeze out of your budget and go organic with those. Regulary. I'll be 76 in June. If I can start/ do this new habit, maybe you can, too. God bless you and keep you until the coming day!
Looking forward to your plan on up coming videos - good topics. I don’t have a high tunnel and it’s a bit colder where I am - but fresh lettuces for salad is my pantry challenge - challenge - so next year I’m looking forward to a cold frame area against my house. How did you like the freeze dried avocado?
The guacamole was good but a little to light on the seasonings. I rehydrated a small amount with lime juice and added more salt and pepper. Since the avocado was already smashed it the texture was surprisingly similar to the original!
I love your channel! I've been going through your old videos to see what you do first in the garden and then each month. I'm nearby in 7a and I'm going to follow along with your timing. You clearly know what you're doing. I'm doing the pantry challenge, too, but everything is store bought. I'm using it up in the hopes that I can fill it with food from the garden next year. Thank you for sharing with us! Blessings to you and your family in 2024.
Wow i wish we had azure standard here. This truly is a great company for all aspiring homesteaders. Tha ks for sharing this video. What microphone do you use for your videos?
We have the month of July. It is a crazy month of tourists and heavy fishing. I challenge myself to not go to the grocery store the whole month just because it is crazy in town. I am going to do January and July this year.
Oh gosh, I'm at the store 3 or 4 times a week 🙈My kids are grown and we have 5 acres but haven't raised any of our own meat yet 😬 I do grow veggies and we have fruit trees/bushes but just haven't pulled the trigger on the meat thing. We don't really have any grazing where we live because of the lack of rain, so we'd have to be feeding a cow all the time. I am considering doing meat birds this year, but would have to pay someone to butcher them. Being a homesteader or self sufficient is not easy or for the faint of heart that's for sure!!
We did meat chicks for the past two years. It’s a lot of work. We butchered all ourselves. And they are super small. So we usually have to do two per family. It cost us so much money on feed this year. Not so sure if we would do it again.
Definitely walk don’t run. Meat birds are all about the right breed and if you have the setup to butcher. Our favorite heritage breed to raise are Freedom Rangers. They are full size in 12-13 weeks, process nicely, and are good size. It took a few years for us to get the process down. Be patient and it will all come together 🙏🏼❤️👨🏽🌾 -Cam
Op you answered the question on the dairy lol. Still curious about the peanut butter though because it’s very easy it takes like 20 minutes in a blender and you don’t have to add any oil or anything just a little salt if you want salt and peanuts which you can get organic.
So here's the thing with hard water song. I would definitely get a filter system cuz this is going to take a toll on all your appliances and your pipes. I went with a chunky salt filtration system. It's better with chunky salt and I also had them install a reverse osmosis system in my kitchen. It would have probably been an extra $1,000 to get the whole house I think he said. Cuz I don't have a big house but I chose not to. Cuz I'm not drinking it in the bathroom. But I do that because of my lupus. Even though the water doesn't taste salty. And it's filtered a couple times before coming to me I just was going on to the safe side of things. And also having a well you should be checking your water at least once a year or every couple years just for bacteria. Because with hard water there's a lot of minerals and whatnot and bacteria can come about with that
One more when each of our kids were born we planted 1 apple 1 peach trees 1 grape vine and 1 blueberry bush..By the time my oldest was 7 they could go in the backyard for lunch 😅❤
Great idea!!!
What a great idea!
My parents did that too. I’m 70 years old and one of 5 children. We each had a tree planted in our names. I was a sweet Cherry Tree. We had fresh fruit all the time. It’s a great idea! And Mom was a Prepper too. I learned much from them….Happy New Year to you and family! 🥂
Wow, I respect that a lot. Wise, hardworking people 🌸🌼🌺
Just did that when my grand-son was born, apple, pear, plums and cherry so lets hope by the time he's 7 he can do the same.
So glad you are joining us this year! Can't wait to see your videos.
Thanks Jessica! I will be getting ideas from you too. You're inspiring!
A little hint if you turn your sour cream and yogurt upside down on its lid it can last 6 months plus. All looks yummy. Been living this lifestyle 40 yrs. Having a 1 year stock pile makes life alot less stressful. Have fun
Thank you for sharing!
I give this a try, thank you
Love that tip
While it is in the fridge or freezer?
I did not know this! Thanks for sharing this tip!
Regarding the soapnuts, I boil some in water and let them cool down. The soapy water makes a fantastic natural face cleanser and it doesn't dry out our sensitive skin.
We also use the soapy water to spray our fruit trees so they don't get fungus. We were astonished when it actually worked and improved the health of the leaves. It worked for our squashes, too, so they didn't get that powdery mildew.
That's interesting about the fruit tree spray. I'll have to try that. I tried the soap nuts years ago and it smelled so bad as I boiled the water, I hated it. My solution also grew mold, so maybe I did something wrong?
@@theleefamily6446 I make lactic acid bacteria from a rice water rinse, ferment it, then add it to milk. The bacteria feed off the milk and make a wonderful probiotic, which is also a natural preservative. I pour some into my soapnut water and it keeps for a year or more. I feed the curds to my chickens and it makes their shells even stronger.
I also make rose water spray from distilled water and rose petals then add some lactic acid bacteria and it makes the BEST face spray. I feed it honey to ensure it doesn't get hungry. I've given some to my mom and sister and they request more regularly. It helps replenish our skin's microbiome after showers and baths.
Who needs artificial preservatives when you can use natural probiotics?!
Your husband has a great sense of humor. I love watching your videos.
We just paid off our home about four weeks ago after 18 years of scrimping and saving like crazy! I can’t even begin to express the relief. Our goal is to gradually get to the point where we only go grocery shopping once or twice a month. Ideally once…. With the exception of our milk. Our Case lot sales will be starting up here I. About two months. A good reminder to go through the pantry and get everything reorganized and take stock. For us we can’t/won’t do a challenge…. But it is a good reminder to get the pantry in order non the less! Already planning a simple greenhouse for the spring and garden plans and ideas! I’m ready for a new year and a new growing season! With renewed focus on all we can grow and produce without the stress of paying off a home, as we had this last summer when we were laser focused on paying it off!
Congratulations! That is amazing!
That's awesome! Congrats :)
Awesome on paying your house off 🎉🎉🎉
Hallelujah!!!!!
2:40 This might not be for everyone, but for anyone who likes to bake and cook with brown sugar, I have found that coconut sugar is an incredible substitute. It can occasionally be used in recipes that call for white sugar - chocolate cake and banana bread are my top 2 favorite recipes that you cannot tell it’s made without regular sugar.
Hi from Australia, I just wanted to let you know how inspiring you and your family are!! I am now growing and planting food, setting small goals hoping to eventually be mostly self sufficient. I look forward to your videos , they are so relaxing to watch as well as very educating. I often am saying to my partner “this is how the seasonal homestead do it” i have been following along silent for a while now but I hope you know how amazing what your doing is. Living a more intentional and sustainable life 😊
You are so nice! Best of success with your growing garden and homestead down under!!! 🙏🏼
What a fun challenge. I bet it will teach you a lot about your needs and don't need as much in food terms. Our Bishop once called up 5 of us families and told us to pretend there is a disaster and you can not go to the store for the next week. I had just gotten back from the store. So it wasn't too much of a challenge. He had us report on our week on a 5th Sunday. It was interesting to see how some families couldn't make it one week! Other families went as far as telling their kids their was no electricity. In the end, we all learned a lot about what we needed to buy or do more of. Good luck with your challenge. I wish i could go months.
A butter supply is important to me and I always have 4-5 lbs in the freezer. I also make a year's supply of ghee every year. It's shelf stable for two years and real easy to make.
I should do this too! Thank you!
Please don't get overwhelmed doing videos. We appreciate anything you share.❤ I can't wait for garden season. I'm sure your enjoying the new giant high tunnel. Have a great weekend.
Looking forward to the nuggets you will be sharing. So excited you are doing this and sharing it with all of us ❤
One thing you might look into if your family likes dairy products is culturing your own. Yogurt is a super simple process with an instant pot. You can cut your cost substantially and it's very hands off. I turn one gallon of milk into 3 quarts yogurt and 1 quart whey, and the whey goes right into my sourdough bread.
A big fat hello to Julia Child. She’s kinda like Elvis. She just keeps popping up all over the place. Have a very happy new year and a fantastic 2024. Peace and love ☮️💕
Looking forward to all and any videos you share as they are always great 👍👍👍👍 As always a pleasure to watch 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Love from the UK x
I’m still hoping on getting my a freeze dryer. Maybe next year.
I look forward to anything you have to show us 😁 I can ot wait to see the high runnel and whats growing in it! I sure do wish we got to enjoy your videos more often ❤️
For the guacamole, I can' red onions. They're actually pickled, they are delicious in anything. They're just absolutely delicious and it would make it more instant I originally can them in small jars, thinking that we wouldn't go through that many of them. And when I do them again, I'm going to be making half heights or larger because they're so good. We put them in almost everything
Did you water bath them? I haven't really thought about canning them, good idea! I make some every now and then for the refrigerator but to just be able to grab a jar would be super convenient!
Love that idea!
I love your videos. Very wholesome, informative and instructional. Happy New Year! 🎆
Freeze dried guacamole is amazing 🙌. Once reconstituted you can not tell the difference from fresh. By far this is the best way to preserve avocados 🥑 👌
Do you add onions and tomatoes then freeze dry the guacamole?
Thank you for sharing!!! I’m excited to see what you cook!!! I love watching your videos!!!
If you have horse chestnuts on your property, try cutting them in half and drying those when in season and use them instead of soap nuts when doing laundry :) you can also make liquid detergent using the dried chestnuts.
I’m so excited for the upcoming videos!! I also love watching acre homestead and pantry challenge videos are some of my favorites!
You are such full of knowledge! I’ve told you before you are definitely my hero! I wish I had a homestead I would follow your example for sure!! Happy new year!!
A pantry challenge would be fun! But I think we’d only be able to do a week or two bc our freezer isn’t big enough to store much.
Jessica is a blessing. She is someone to learn a lot from 🙏🏻🌷
I dont mind watching you cook even if its old stuff, its relaxing can always just link the recipe vid if anyone wants it.
Hi, Becky! Not sure if it’s on your radar, or if you’ve done it and it hasn’t worked out well, but I just started making our peanut butter and cashew butter in our food processor and will never go back! It’s much cheaper than buying jars and really quick and easy. And only one ingredient: nuts! Thanks for all you do!
Absolutely love your azure hauls. Gives me good ideas of new products to try
Did you know you can put fresh avocados in a tall tupperware full of water, put a lid on it (not sure that matters) and cover with cold water and I had them last for 3 months in the refridgerator. I know that won't work for all of them, but just to have some onhand fresh you might want to try it. They were perfect when I went to use mine after 2 months, at three there was just a small amount of waste. Just an FYI. I love Azure too! Awesome order!
Was gonna recommend the same thing for your next haul. I just cut into my first one from a batch I bought December 1st. It was perfect! I was so excited.
Maybe a dumb question but is that only for whole avocados? Like once you cut into one, this doesn’t work right? Thanks for the tip!
@@sparrowsknow8491 I would think so. I assume them being cut off from any air is what is keeping them fresh. If I am only using half I spray the other half with cooking spray and it keeps it pretty fresh for another day (especially in the fridge)
I usually challenge myself in august September and October as my garden is still producing, I have gone 7 weeks between shopping trips! It’s a fun thing to challenge yourself with. I find it difficult to do the challenge in the winter as I am zone 5 so my garden doesn’t produce in the winter. Someday soon I hope to get a cold frame so that I can get greens in the winter. Good luck!
On a side note we have given up dairy and wheat recently 😔due to a newly discovered food intolerance. Switching our normal recipes to dairy free and wheat free has been a real learning curve so some of our pantry storage will need to be revamped.
How would I love to have enough storage room for that kind of challenge. ❤ Living in an apartment makes seasonal living more complex. But each jar counts! 😊 Happy 2024!
Thankful for azure. standard🌹🌹🌹🌹
You can freeze avocadoes as well. Freeze in halves and put into a zip lock bag or something like that. Defrost and it si just the same!.
My goal is to have 90 - 95% food grown we eat and have very very little that I have to buy. I am just getting started so it might be awhile before I can reach it. Thanks for this video to keep me grounded and not in an illusion.
Great ideas in the video and comments!
I bought the large tub of that brand of peanut butter - we like unsweetened and crunchy. I make hubby peanut butter mini chocolate chip protein balls for snaking. I'm not a peanut fan, but that is the best peanut butter I've ever tasted.
Yes, we have tried it now and it is so good!
I find it interesting that people prepare. We do 2 months a year, non consecutively. We eat only what we have on hand. This helps us to use it up, all the things that we have stored.
always a pleasure to watch thank you for sharing
Loved the cranberries in the freezer and Cam cooking humor moments 😊
Thank you for sharing your haul AND what you intend to use things for! We love Azure and do the Bentonville drop (technically in Bella Vista). It seems we got a lot of the same things! For pricing (I always price check before ordering)- Azure is sometimes more expensive than our local stores but the quality is better. It is ALWAYS cheaper than Akin's in Rogers though!
I could definitely do pantry challenge for yr but dont want to go through preps and replace whatever we use on regular basis. We fortunately are financially able to save lot of money every month and live on farm which supplies many needs like eggs and planing large garden on top of already orchards and garden. Also looking to do Azur haul and do 2 large sams hauls a month and order lot online and make aldi runs. Just did inventory of everything and happy have our family's needs for over yr. Along with medical and other items. Paying down house and thats last of what we owe on anything and will be paid off by next yr. God bless and everyone 🙏 take care and prepare and plan.
Yes please make videos of the recipes that use your garden bounty and what your kids eat! I'm in desperate need of help in that area!
Respect and best wishes! Thank you for sharing
I freeze dried sour cream and it's perfectly fine when reconstituted, I did however find that the immersion blender made it truer to the fresh from the store consistency.
Oh awesome, I'm going to get my first azure order next month, so this is really valuable. I'm mostly planning on wheat berries since I have a good quality wheat grinder
We will have to try freeze drying the guacamole for long term storage it looks to turn out just like mashed butternut squash or eggs when done 👍
I think you’re a fine cook and I would enjoy seeing your pantry meals
I love this annual challenge - to learn from so many different people and also to find new things for our family. It is exciting! So glad you will be part this year, also.
I really should buy the 40# cranberries too. I tend to buy the 10# bags, which I just add to quart jars with a little bit of sugar and boiling water. I leave the berries in there, so I can use it both as juice, but also to add to muffins, pancakes and other breakfast stuff. But, I have actually bought that 3 times this year, so I should probably switch to buy the 40# bags.
What a fantastic idea with the avocado!
Excited to see your videos!
Used saran wrap to seal out the air anytime you do guacamole, put the wrap directly into the top of the guacamole. Then freeze and freeze dry.
Love that idea!!
Love that idea!!
This is very inspiring. Any chance you'll be showing us how you used the food (i.e. reconstituting guac)? Thank you!
I had no idea they sell these here in the US now. We used to wash our hair with soapnuts as children in India. You soak them in warm water for a 1/2 hour, squeeze out the juice, and scrub on your hair.
It was such an event because the dang juice burns if any falls in your eye.
Soap nuts are the best soap to use for washing silks.
This awesome to hear a story of how they were originally used. Validates that they WORK!!! 👍🏼👍🏼
I have a large can of sesame oil that I have trouble using up - it's such a strong/distinctly flavored oil that it's hard to use for every 'oil' use
I freeze dry guacamole. It is so handy and is one of my favorites.
I've seen a few people freeze the avocado halves. I'm waiting for them to go on sale and try a big patch.
If I were you I would experiment with one first. I tried freezing avocado and it thaws disgusting.
Just watched Little Mountain Ranch and she talked about stocking up prior to the pantry challenge.
Kind of defeats the whole purpose of the challenge IMO.
Agreed. Just shopping prior to challenge. Not like all of a sudden trying to survive without going to the store like when Covid hit. That was a true pantry challenge.
What pot was that in the video you were using when you mentioned making cranberry juice? My daughter and I make cranberry juice in small batches, want something that will make big batches. We boil the cranberries, then blend it and then strain it. Looking for a faster method, any suggestions?
We love your house.
We use is this steamer/juicer from rootsandharvest.com:
www.theseasonalhomestead.com/how-to-make-and-can-grape-juice-with-a-steam-juicer/
I've also linked a similar one that is more inexpensive in the video description.
@@TheSeasonalHomestead
Thank you for sharing. It’s on my list for next year.
Im pretty sure you can freeze your dairy products! We cut and vaccum seal our 5lb blocks of cheese and I freeze my homemade yogurt with no issues as well. Just a thought 😊
Would you be willing to share your menus for a month? I am trying to go to the grouse once a month. Thank you for sharing!
Yes, I will share the menu on my blog!
love watching your vids, keep up the great work
We just did a huge haul in December too. It’s really the best.
You mentioned you are freeze drying some of the food, I am looking into purchasing a freeze dryer and wanted your opinion on a large purchase?
Our veggie garden suffered again severe drought in Ut...
I look forward to following all the channels including Jessica on the challenge. I was exposed to the Big C last week thankfully I did not get it but have been self isolating so no grocery shopping this week for those last minute things I will be out of isolation on Monday so will be joining a little late. This week I have been Canning Pinto Beans 14 quarts from beans I already had in storage. Pulled out a ham yesterday and cooked it in the crockpot and will be cutting it up and putting in to freezer containers to use during the challenge. I may not be able to do 100% but these videos show how to go longer lengths without going to the store which for me is the optimum goal. I love Azure Standard. Anna In Ohio
Can you please go over the seeds you’re planning for
This Spring garden and when you’ll start them?
Yes, I will definitely do some sort of seed starting or garden planning type video! For the time being, I do have a list of everything I plan to grow this year here www.theseasonalhomestead.com/2024-seed-picks-for-the-garden/
Muchas gracias por enseñarme muchas cosas sobre ala alimentación de mi familia te agradezco y q Dios siga bendiciendo su bella familia q tienen felicidades espero hacer mi granja sustentable pronto primero Dios para q sigan disfrutando de todos esos videos juntos de su granja . feliz navidad 🎄 y próspero año nuevo 🎉feliz fiestas hermosa familia desde Chihuahua México
Your kids crack me up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hi from Wisconsin! Where did you buy your apron? I love it! And another question I have is regarding sourdough baking. I’ve tried making my own starter but haven’t had success, would you consider sharing or even selling some of your starter? My kids and I love your channel!
Neat stuff! 😀
Sounds like you are ready.
One question. How big is your electric bill with so many chest freezers, fridges, freeze drying unit, etc.
So happy for you ❤
I suggest dairy goats (This animal doesn't contract TB ) Sheep also require a lot more land/grazing than goats. Maybe you want sheep for wool or ..... Thank you for this video. Most people don't pay much attention to pure ,wholesome foods ❤
You mentioned salsa and chips.... what is your go to salsa or Pico recipe? I started a small garden last year and still have a few things growing in my detached workshop like bell peppers, habaneros, blueberries, and strawberries with grow lights. I plan on doing more tomato's this summer again and it would save a ton $$ to make my own salsa and I am always willing to try something new!
The recipe I use comes from the book Foolproof Preserving. It’s the best canned salsa in my opinion!
@@TheSeasonalHomestead Thanks! I'll have to check this out! Thanks for the info!
We would love to add a freeze dryer to our home. How’d y’all like the guacamole? I’m looking forward to see how the challenge goes.
It's really good! I ended up adding extra lime juice and salt and pepper after rehydrating though... I guess we didn't add enough initially.
I see some people put their azure in other products that are like flour and oats in the freezer and I'm not quite sure why? Anyone have an idea? I'm assuming to help with bugs killing but I don't know if that would work when they come back alive
Yes, as long as it’s in the freezer for long enough it will kill any weevils or pantry moths and eggs.
Looking forward to following you during the pantry challenge, wishing you and your family a Healthy 2024. Oh yeah loved Cam’ s humor when he was in kitchen with apron on.
If you do a huge shop prior and after, does it really change your budget? I find I need items in between when I do a challenge, as I don’t stick up prior. I just try to use up what I have already and lower my monthly budget
Yes, it does. We are in the grocery store less so we spend less. No impulse buys. Although, saving money wasn’t the purpose for us. Just a side benefit.
I'm so jealous of Azure Standard. Our nearest drop off is over 3 hours away and since they don't always drop on the specified day it's not something we can do. 😢
I just want to note, organic or not brown rice usually has higher toxic levels of chemicals naturally. They are a heavy leeching plant. For rice, unlike wheats the best option would be a white, hulled rice. Because most of the absorbed toxins like lead and arsenic are found in the husk.
I love to see the Azure videos. I learn about new things all the time and I get ideas of new ways to use the bulk items I may already be purchasing. I just purchased olives at the grocery store and wondered what my options were for quality and a better buying source. Then, here you are sharing you bought olives at Azure! I did the challenge last year in a very modified way. This year my plan is a small budget for dairy and fresh fruit. I don’t like to shop so having a challenge that gives me permission not to shop is wonderful!
We don’t have hard water but my folks do and she is always commenting about it. I’m going to see if she knows about adding a little salt to the laundry to help with that aspect. Thank you for the tip.
I’m ready to say goodbye to 2023 and to begin putting into place our goals for our garden etc. in 2024. You are an inspiration and are appreciated. God Bless you and your family.
Happy New Year!
Where did you get the bucket lids? Those are nifty
They are gamma seal lids. Azure Standard sells them!
In these days of very high food prices, I have always been curious how people can afford organic food items. I can not believe the difference in price for organic. I would love to go organic but I would be broke in two months!
I'm on a tight budget, too.
So, I purchase organic about every 2 wks, but only things that fit my budget.
Like: peanut butter, butter, milk, whole cream, strawberries, celery & carrots.
I live in a senior apt bldg. No garden to speak of.
I dehydrate some fruit in my iven!!!
Make preserves and jelly in very small batches.
It's just me, 1 person.
What a challenge.
So, choose a few things that you can squeeze out of your budget and go organic with those. Regulary. I'll be 76 in June. If I can start/ do this new habit, maybe you can, too.
God bless you and keep you until the coming day!
Really would like to see what the avocado looks like when you prepare it.
Looking forward to your plan on up coming videos - good topics. I don’t have a high tunnel and it’s a bit colder where I am - but fresh lettuces for salad is my pantry challenge - challenge - so next year I’m looking forward to a cold frame area against my house. How did you like the freeze dried avocado?
The guacamole was good but a little to light on the seasonings. I rehydrated a small amount with lime juice and added more salt and pepper. Since the avocado was already smashed it the texture was surprisingly similar to the original!
Lime juice to rehydrate some🤗 brilliant!!👍🏼@@TheSeasonalHomestead
I love your channel! I've been going through your old videos to see what you do first in the garden and then each month. I'm nearby in 7a and I'm going to follow along with your timing. You clearly know what you're doing. I'm doing the pantry challenge, too, but everything is store bought. I'm using it up in the hopes that I can fill it with food from the garden next year. Thank you for sharing with us! Blessings to you and your family in 2024.
Hi from snowy, icy Mississippi.
Wow i wish we had azure standard here. This truly is a great company for all aspiring homesteaders. Tha ks for sharing this video. What microphone do you use for your videos?
If you put the avocado in bucket and cover it with water, lasts 3-4 weeks.
How do you store and preserve so much cheese?
We have the month of July. It is a crazy month of tourists and heavy fishing. I challenge myself to not go to the grocery store the whole month just because it is crazy in town. I am going to do January and July this year.
That's awesome!
What type of pot is that around the 1:52 mark -the you’re pouring cranberry juice out of and into jars.
I just linked it in the description!
Thank you so much for the quick response. Can’t wait to buy one.
Oh gosh, I'm at the store 3 or 4 times a week 🙈My kids are grown and we have 5 acres but haven't raised any of our own meat yet 😬 I do grow veggies and we have fruit trees/bushes but just haven't pulled the trigger on the meat thing. We don't really have any grazing where we live because of the lack of rain, so we'd have to be feeding a cow all the time. I am considering doing meat birds this year, but would have to pay someone to butcher them. Being a homesteader or self sufficient is not easy or for the faint of heart that's for sure!!
We did meat chicks for the past two years. It’s a lot of work. We butchered all ourselves. And they are super small. So we usually have to do two per family. It cost us so much money on feed this year. Not so sure if we would do it again.
Definitely walk don’t run. Meat birds are all about the right breed and if you have the setup to butcher. Our favorite heritage breed to raise are Freedom Rangers. They are full size in 12-13 weeks, process nicely, and are good size. It took a few years for us to get the process down. Be patient and it will all come together 🙏🏼❤️👨🏽🌾 -Cam
How do you guys make the dairy products last 5 months also curious why you don’t make ur own Peanut butter. Just curious.
Op you answered the question on the dairy lol. Still curious about the peanut butter though because it’s very easy it takes like 20 minutes in a blender and you don’t have to add any oil or anything just a little salt if you want salt and peanuts which you can get organic.
How did the rehydrated avocados taste?
I love my soap nuts!
So here's the thing with hard water song. I would definitely get a filter system cuz this is going to take a toll on all your appliances and your pipes. I went with a chunky salt filtration system. It's better with chunky salt and I also had them install a reverse osmosis system in my kitchen. It would have probably been an extra $1,000 to get the whole house I think he said. Cuz I don't have a big house but I chose not to. Cuz I'm not drinking it in the bathroom. But I do that because of my lupus. Even though the water doesn't taste salty. And it's filtered a couple times before coming to me I just was going on to the safe side of things. And also having a well you should be checking your water at least once a year or every couple years just for bacteria. Because with hard water there's a lot of minerals and whatnot and bacteria can come about with that