Plenty of people eat ducks and chickens, but many are unaware they are throwing out some of the best bits with the entrails. Hearts, livers and even gizzards can make excellent eating, though that last one will take some serious prep work. Read on for how to clean a gizzard for use in gravy, or as even more substantial fare. Method 1: The Shallow Slice The easiest way to … [Read more...] about How to Clean a Gizzard
Homestead
Types of Tobacco
Tobacco and tradition are synonymous in the United States, particularly its southeastern reaches. One of the many crops native exclusively to our shores, tobacco was once widely grown and widely exported, American tobacco being a gold standard among connoisseurs abroad. That said, its wide production stateside has become a shadow of itself; almost a mere memory. Obviously there … [Read more...] about Types of Tobacco
Fabricating Feathersticks
Looking for a fun family activity to while away the hours during the holiday lull? Have the kids run you out of tinder for your fireplace? Maybe its time to show them how to create one of the world's oldest fire starters: the humble featherstick. History The origins of the featherstick, as is usual with such simple forms of technology, are rather vague. Many civilizations … [Read more...] about Fabricating Feathersticks
Wintertime Rainwater Collection
Water access is one of the most overstated, yet still somehow underrated components to a successful homestead. Everyone knows its important, but its almost impossible to fully fathom just how much it is. From watering plants, to animals, to keeping your own self healthy, water is truly the basis for life. In the winter, however, water access (and specifically retention) can get … [Read more...] about Wintertime Rainwater Collection
At-Home Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners
As we enter the cold season, plenty of people's minds are on germs and flus. Namely, of course, people are focused on how to avoid them. But lots of folks are also leery of the sort of harsh, and often toxic household products used to keep surfaces clean. Luckily, there are some easy way to whip up non toxic variants. Read on for a few natural analogues to your favorite … [Read more...] about At-Home Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners
