Render Unto Me: DIY Tallow the Lazy Genius Way (Double Rendered, Double Strained, and Darn Near Divine) There comes a point in every self-reliant soul’s journey where they look down at a hunk of raw beef fat and think, “Well… I guess we’re doing this.” If that’s you—welcome. You’re about Read more…
Why My Pantry Has a Better ROI Than My 401(k) Because lentils don’t crash with the market—and they actually feed you. I never thought I’d say it, but powdered milk is outperforming my retirement fund. Flour has outpaced my mutual funds. And cocoa? Let’s just say that sweet, brown powder Read more…
Let’s be real—when the world feels like it’s being run by a committee of caffeinated raccoons, the last thing you want is for your green beans to go soft on you. But what happens when the vinegar is gone, the lids are on backorder until the next presidential administration, and Read more…
Next-Level Shepherd’s Pie (a.k.a. “The Can-Do Comfort Casserole”) Some nights call for culinary acrobatics; others beg for a spoonful of self-reliance straight from the pantry. This dish is for the latter—when you want the warm hug of shepherd’s pie but only have the energy to wrangle a can opener and Read more…
When the Chips Are Down: How to Make Comfort Food from Prepper Staples (Yes, Including Nachos) Let’s talk about a universal truth: when chaos is knocking on your door—or when the power’s out, the beans are bubbling over, and your teenager just found out the Wi-Fi is down—you need comfort Read more…
From flush to fertilizer—why your morning pee might just be the secret sauce your tomatoes have been begging for. Picture this: It’s dawn. The birds are chirping, your morning beverage is brewing, and you stumble bleary-eyed into the bathroom. As you do your business, little do you realize—you’re producing liquid Read more…
No-Till Gardening: Because Sometimes Your Soil Just Wants a Nap…and that’s OK, Steve. Before we dig in (yes, the puns are staying), let me be clear: I’m not suggesting that if you’re not doing no-till, you’re gardening wrong. Far from it. I’m a big believer in the Mittleider method, and Read more…
Let me start by saying: I didn’t mean to break up with my fridge. It just…happened. One minute I’m standing in front of it, trying to remember why I opened the door (probably cheese), and the next I’m staring into the gaping, lukewarm void of compressor failure. Now, most people Read more…
Let’s be honest, not every tomato in the garden deserves a love letter and a back massage. Sometimes, you need crops that are more “independent cat” than “needy golden retriever.” Welcome to the Passive-Aggressive Garden—a plot where survival-of-the-fittest meets “plants, you’re on your own,” and somehow, it’s still harvest time. Read more…
The Great Depression Diet: What Grandma Ate That Kept Her Alive and Sassy(A throwback to resilience cooking—lard, vinegar pie, and how to make do without Instacart) Before there was keto, paleo, or that juice cleanse that turned your insides into a Slip ‘N Slide, there was Grandma’s Depression-Era Diet—the original Read more…