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Homemade soap
This homemade soap recipe requires tallow, if you would like a tallow free recipe please head here. For the novice homesteader, venturing into the realm of homemade soap-making represents a rite of passage, a tangible symbol of self-sufficiency and a step towards mastering the art of sustainable living. It embodies the spirit of independence and resourcefulness, transforming basic ingredients like tallow and beeswax into a luxurious staple of daily life. However, the journey towards crafting the perfect bar of soap is not without its challenges, especially for the apprehensive beginner. The process requires careful attention to detail, from mastering the delicate balance of ingredients to navigating the complexities of saponification.…
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Apple Pie
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about homemade apple pie, isn’t there? It’s a timeless classic that transcends generations, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Picture this: a golden crust, perfectly flaky and buttery, encasing a luscious filling of tender, caramelized apples infused with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Each slice promises a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, bringing back fond memories of childhood and cozy family gatherings. What’s better than a slice of warm apple pie? Pairing it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s the…
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Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Savor the comforting flavors of this creamy mushroom pasta, a delightful dish that harmonizes earthy mushrooms with a sumptuous cream sauce. Ideal for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases tender pasta embraced in a velvety sauce, brimming with the robust essence of sautéed garlic, onions, and a diverse array of mushrooms. Garnished with a hint of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, each bite presents a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to captivate your palate. Whether you’re in search of a swift weeknight meal or orchestrating a special dinner, this creamy mushroom pasta guarantees to satiate cravings and enliven spirits with its rustic allure and…
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Dog Treats
Get ready for a fun-filled family activity that both kids and pets will adore! These homemade dog treats are not only a delicious biscuit for your furry friend but also a delightful project for the whole family. With simple ingredients like vegetable oil, peanut butter, honey, and more, these biscuits offer a tasty and nutritious snack that your pup will wag their tail for. Follow our easy-to-follow instructions to whip up a batch of these delectable treats, and watch as the kids eagerly roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create adorable shapes. After baking to golden perfection, let the kids delight in feeding their homemade creations to…
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Cottage pie
Upon our relocation to the picturesque Hills, our commitment to sustainable living and support for local farmers led us to forge a connection with a nearby farm that prides itself on raising grass-fed beef. Ever since, our kitchen has been infused with the rich flavors of this ethically sourced meat. As autumn descends upon the hills, casting a soft veil of mist over the landscape, there’s an undeniable allure to crafting hearty meals that offer warmth and comfort. Among the repertoire of dishes that grace our table, cottage pie stands as a quintessential favorite. With its savory aroma wafting through the kitchen, this humble yet deeply satisfying pie evokes a…
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Egyptian walking onions Part 2
We have an update on the Egyptian walking onions, albeit slightly delayed due to contracting Covid and subsequent appointments related to our house build. Roughly 3-4 days after placing the order for the onions from Edible Jungle Nursery, our package arrived. Alongside the onions, we had also ordered a cutting of a Frangipani named “Col’s Cooktown Sunset.” The packaging was excellent, with each type of plant carefully placed in a labeled paper bag. These bags were then packed into a sturdy cardboard postage box. Upon inspection, we found not only the expected 5 onion bulbs but a generous extra, totaling 6 bulbs. This unexpected addition was a pleasant surprise, and…
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Colours, fixtures and fittings.
Embarking on a journey to decorate or design your space can be an exciting endeavor. For some, like myself, it can also be a daunting task. I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to making cosmetic decisions I often find myself second-guessing and feeling a tad overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. It’s not just me Lanky shares a similar sentiment, albeit for different reasons. While I grapple with indecision, Lanky struggles with visualizing how various colours and designs would complement the room. So you can imagine how intimidating it felt when we were told we had to pick colours. Outside before inside. Before we submitted the…
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Fencing Part 1
It’s time to prioritize fencing to secure the cows during the house build. Over the past few months, I’ve been brainstorming various paddock layout ideas. The photo below depicts the current plan, although it’s subject to change once we’re on the property. Fencing and paddock layout are crucial for several reasons: Animal Welfare and Pasture Management: Well-designed paddocks provide adequate space, shelter, and access to food and water, ensuring livestock welfare and reducing stress. Additionally, effective paddock design enables rotational grazing, essential for maintaining healthy pastures, preventing overgrazing, and enhancing soil health. Maximizing Productivity and Environmental Sustainability: Proper paddock design boosts livestock productivity by providing quality forage, space for exercise,…
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Trenching, Plumbing and Power. Part 1
We purchased a tractor primarily for trenching work related to power and water systems. This investment not only saved us approximately $15,000 on plumbing and electrical expenses but also aids in other tasks around the property, you can see some of the tasks on our to-do list. All of the tasks help justify the investment in the tractor and its attachments. Dealing with Leaks This post is about the third task on our “to-do” list, which involves trenching for plumbing and electrical needs. Initially, we planned to start trenching around late March or early April. However, a $600 water bill and a neighbor’s call about a leak in the plumbing…
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Delays for the Friesian Holsteins
Regrettably, due to a COVID outbreak in the Adelaide Hills, we must postpone the butchering of the Friesian Holstein steers. One challenge with Friesian Holsteins is their large size. If they age too much some abattoirs may refuse to handle them due to the size of their carcasses and associated handling regulations. Therefore, we are hopeful that the abattoirs will reschedule their booking as soon as possible to avoid the need to seek a home butcher. However, utilizing a home butcher presents legal constraints, as we are prohibited from transporting the meat off our property. This poses significant issues for our plans to share some of the meat with family…
