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  • DIY Sour Cream - who would have known it tastes this good?

    Homemade sour cream is more than just a creamy condiment; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate various dishes while providing numerous health benefits. With its tangy flavor and creamy texture, homemade sour cream can transform everything from baked potatoes to dips and dressings. Let’s explore the health benefits of making sour cream at home, along with practical tips on how to prepare it. Nutritional Value of Homemade Sour Cream Homemade sour cream packs a nutritional punch. Unlike store-bought versions, which may contain preservatives and stabilizers, homemade sour cream is made with minimal, wholesome ingredients. The nutritional profile includes: Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria promote gut health, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. Studies show that regular consumption of probiotics can reduce the risk of digestive diseases by 25 percent. Calcium: Essential for bone health, calcium also plays a key role in muscle function and nerve signaling. One serving of homemade sour cream can provide around 10% of your daily calcium needs. Vitamins: Homemade sour cream is a source of vitamins A and B12, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin and nerve function. When consumed regularly, these nutrients can contribute significantly to a balanced diet. Control Over Ingredients Making sour cream at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can select high-quality dairy, resulting in a fresher and healthier final product. You can choose: Organic cream: This helps you avoid harmful pesticides and hormones often found in conventional dairy, contributing to a safer product. Raw milk: If available, raw milk can be utilized for its rich nutrient content. However, ensure to follow safety guidelines when using raw products. Organic Lemons or Lemon Juice: This can absolutely be found just about everywhere. By handpicking your ingredients, you align your sour cream with your dietary needs, whether you’re avoiding additives, lactose, or gluten. It's really all up to you! Enhanced Flavor and Freshness The taste of homemade sour cream surpasses that of store-bought brands. The rich, tangy flavor adds depth to any dish, transforming ordinary meals. Using fresh ingredients ensures that your sour cream is free of preservatives. This leads to a vibrant taste that can enhance the overall flavor profile of your dishes. When making your own sour cream, you can also experiment with flavors. Add fresh herbs like dill or chives, spices such as paprika, or even fruits for a unique twist. Supporting a Healthy Gut Homemade sour cream is rich in probiotics, crucial for maintaining gut health. These beneficial bacteria help promote a balanced digestive system. A healthy gut can significantly improve nutrient absorption and overall wellness. Research indicates that individuals consuming probiotic-rich foods can experience a 30% reduction in symptoms like bloating and constipation. Incorporating homemade sour cream into your diet ensures a steady supply of good bacteria, helping combat issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Versatility in Cooking Homemade sour cream is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including: Dips: Combine it with herbs and garlic for a quick and tasty appetizer. Dressings: Mix it with vinegar, mustard, and spices to create tangy salad dressings. Baked goods: Incorporate it into cakes, muffins, and pancakes for added moisture. Toppings: Use it as a topping for baked potatoes, tacos, or chili for a zesty burst of flavor. This adaptability not only encourages cooking creativity but also includes a nutrient-rich ingredient in your meals without sacrificing taste. Cost-Effectiveness Making sour cream at home can also be financially savvy. By using just a few basic ingredients, you can create a large batch that lasts for weeks. For instance, a pint of homemade sour cream can cost approximately $2, significantly less than premium store-bought versions, which often retail at $5 or more. That means you can enjoy high-quality sour cream while saving money. Easy to Make One of the greatest benefits of homemade sour cream is its simplicity. You need only a couple of ingredients. Heavy Whipping cream, Lemons or Lemon Juice, and Milk can be found in most grocery stores or online. Here's a straightforward recipe: Combine 1 cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of Lemon Juice. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and cover it loosely with a lid or cheesecloth. Let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until it thickens. Once thickened, refrigerate to stop fermentation. With only a small amount of effort, you can enjoy the rich creaminess of homemade sour cream. Here is the result: Sour Cream made with Lemon Juice We've also tried another Variety... Combine 1 cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of Vinegar. Let stand for 15 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of whole or 2 % Milk. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and cover it loosely with a lid or cheesecloth. Let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until it thickens. Once thickened, refrigerate to stop fermentation. And here is the second one: Sour Cream made with Vinegar Sour Cream with Vinegar has more of the consistency and taste of what you are used to from the store, while the Lemon one has more vibrancy and freshness. Give it a try; it really is worth it and tastes so much better than store-bought!

  • Will your plants make it through Florida's Arctic blast?

    As winter approaches in Florida, many homesteaders and gardeners start to worry: will my plants survive the chill? Unlike northern states covered in snow, Florida usually experiences mild winter temperatures but can face the threat of frost, although I bet no one had snow and this weather on their bingo card this year. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or ornamental plants, knowing how to protect your garden is essential for making it through this mess. Florida Winter 2025 Understanding Florida's Winter Climate Winter in Florida can be both exciting and challenging for homesteaders. While northern states deal with freezing temperatures, Florida enjoys average winter temperatures, generally ranging from 40°F to 70°F. However, cold snaps can happen, particularly in northern areas and places away from the coast, where temperatures may drop suddenly. This year, however, this affected many areas of Florida, and pretty much no one was saved from the frigid cold. Frost can be a concern, especially for plants not adapted to chilly weather like most things we have in our garden. It’s important to understand your specific growing zone. For example, in North Florida, average low temperatures can dip below 35°F, which can be damaging to sensitive plants, especially our Tropicals. Choosing the Right Plants Selecting the right plants is the first step to ensuring they survive Florida's winter. Some varieties do well under cooler conditions and occasional frosts. Collard greens, kale, and mustard greens are top choices. These leafy greens thrive in colder weather and can even taste sweeter after a frost. Research shows that collard greens can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, making them ideal for winter gardens. If you have specific varieties of apples, plums or peaches, those also need a certain amount of "chill hours" - temperatures below usually 45F or so - before they'll bloom in spring and produce fruit. If you want to grow fruits that need chill hours in Florida, look for "low-chill" varieties specifically developed for warmer climates (although it's certain to say that this year, this is no issue!). However, tropical fruit trees like papaya, banana, and avocado are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures and can be easily damaged or killed by frost, making them the most susceptible to cold weather among tropical fruit options in our state. In the Flower department, Ornamental plants like Pansies, Cornflower, Grape Hyacynth and Snapdragons also flourish during these months. Studies indicate that snapdragons perform well in temperatures down to 25°F, adding vibrant colors to your landscape. Conversely, tropical plants such as Hibiscus and Bougainvillea may struggle when temperatures drop too low. Always check the temperature needs of plants before adding them to your garden. Preparing Your Garden for Winter To help your plants thrive during winter, taking proper steps to prepare your garden is crucial. Here are a few effective tips: Mulching : A thick layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, keeps the soil warm, prevents frost from reaching roots, and curbs weed growth. A study showed that mulch can lower soil temperature fluctuations by up to 10°F. Covering Plants : Utilize row covers or frost blankets for more delicate plants. These coverings protect against frost and can maintain soil warmth. Alternatively, if you have a greenhouse, this may also be a good way to protect some plants from the frost. Watering Wisely : Keeping your plants hydrated is essential, especially before a cold snap. Watering in the morning ensures that moisture helps roots before nighttime temperatures plummet. Soil Care : Check your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Healthy soil enhances root strength, helping plants withstand colder conditions. Indoor and Container Plant Care Gardening indoors or with containers presents unique challenges and opportunities in winter. Container plants can be relocated to shelters during frost warnings. For tropical varieties, consider bringing them indoors when forecasts predict cold weather. We've had our Vanilla Bean Orchids, for example, in the house all of January this year. Use natural light or grow lights to provide adequate illumination. Avoid overwatering, as lower light levels during winter can reduce the moisture requirements of indoor plants. Knowing When to Harvest Harvest timing is key to plant survival in Florida's winter. Many winter vegetables can be picked at different stages, allowing you to choose the best time based on weather conditions. Leafy greens like kale and collard greens are best harvested when young and tender. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth, leading to a more abundant crop throughout the winter. Root vegetables such as carrots and beets are robust and can stay in the ground until you're ready to use them. They actually taste sweeter after exposure to frost, making them a great addition to meals. Dealing with Pests and Diseases Even in winter, pests remain a concern, although they are far less active. Many can survive cooler temperatures and might become more active on warmer days. Regularly inspecting your plants is vital for managing these pests. To handle pests naturally, consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or using neem oil as an organic pesticide. Ensure there's good airflow around your plants, as this reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can thrive in damp conditions. Final Thoughts Keeping your garden healthy through Florida’s winter requires understanding the local climate and actively protecting your plants, and sometimes planning for unforeseen weather. Selecting the right varieties, preparing your garden, and harvesting at the right times are all vital for success. Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to keep your garden thriving, adapting to the season is crucial. With careful planning, your plants can not only survive but also thrive, ready for another growing season. Hang in there; this cold should be almost over, and happy gardening!

  • Can You Believe It? Making Authentic North German Schwarzbrot is Easier Than You Think!

    Schwarzbrot, often called "black bread," is a beloved staple in Northern Germany, where I'm from. The history of rye bread in Germany dates back to the 12th century when Germans discovered rye after a wheat crop failure. Rye is an ancient grain that grows well in Northern Europe's cool, wet climate. There are different iterations of Schwarzbrot, but we're making the one that I grew up with. With its rustic appearance, seeds, and rich, hearty flavor, this bread stands out for its dense texture and deep taste, which result from whole grains and a traditional sourdough discard. Yep, we're using Sourdough Discard for this! When I moved to the States 33 years ago, I was surprised to find that there was, what I felt at that time, a lack of good ole German bread; after all, German is known for its rich bread culture with over 3000 types of different breads. The one thing I couldn't find here, however, was Schwarzbrot. A staple in my youth growing up, this dense sourdough rye bread is found in just about every North German Household and similar varieties all over Germany. What really distinguishes this bread is its sourdough component, which not only helps it rise but also enhances its flavor and nutritional benefits. This results in a robust and filling bread that pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings like butter, cheese, or meats! Imagine my surprise and delight when I came across a Youtube Video from The Bread Code and showed me precisely how to make this! So, in this post, we’ll walk you through each step of the bread-making process. Prepare to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Ingredients You'll Need Although making Schwarzbrot may seem intimidating, the ingredient list is straightforward. Here’s what you need: 400 grams sourdough starter (can be discard) 400 g of rye seeds 200 g of rye flour 200 g of water 8 g of salt 1-2 tablespoons malt extract or dark syrup (optional for additional flavor). I use this kind from Grafenschafter . 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional, but they add great flavor) Preparing the Dough Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir until well blended. Let is sit: Put the dough into a container and cover it with a lid or a towel. You'll wait until it's almost double in size. For myself, that takes about 5-6 hours, based on the temperature in my kitchen at that time. Choose your Vessel: Take your loaf pan (I use a Pullman loaf pan with a lid - this one , to be precise) and spray it with some nonstick cooking or baking spray. Toss a handful of rolled oats in the pan and move them around until all sides of your loaf pan are covered. Put your dough in it and spread it out. Let is sit covered for another 2 hours or so. At this point, you can also add more rolled oats to the top of your loaf. I did not do that here. Fermentation Process Do I bake or wait?  You have two options here. At this point, you can either proceed with the baking, or I prefer to put the Loaf pan in the fridge overnight for slower fermentation and better-developed flavor. This will also help soften the hard Rye seeds you added earlier. Baking the Bread Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 450F. A preheated oven is essential for achieving that perfect loaf. Bake: If you don't have a lid for your baking vessel, cover your loaf pan with aluminum foil. Bake until the bread's Internal temperature is between 200F and 205F. (This took about 50 minutes in my oven.) Cooling: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Be patient—allow it to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture. Out of the Oven Tips for Perfect Schwarzbrot Experiment with Flour: While dark rye flour is traditional, incorporating whole wheat flour can enhance flavor and texture, creating a bread that is both delicious and nutritious. Sourdough Starter: If you are without a sourdough starter, consider creating your own from scratch or purchasing a store-bought one. Just make sure it is active for the best results. Storage: Keep your Schwarzbrot fresh by wrapping it in a cloth or storing it in a paper bag. Proper storage can maintain its quality for up to two weeks. I often cut mine into slices, wrap it as air-tight as possible, store it in the freezer, and remove some bread when needed. Since I am the only person in our Household eating Schwarzbrot, it allows me to have some on hand but not have it go stale because I didn't make it through the entire loaf at once. Serve and Enjoy! With your Schwarzbrot cooled and ready, it’s finally time to slice and serve! This flavorful bread complements aged cheese, cured meats, and a simple pat of butter. You can also use it for a hearty sandwich or as a base for bruschetta topped with your favorite ingredients. Schwarzbrot on the inside Schwarzbrot with Summer Sausage and Lacto-fermented Stoneground Mustard Wrapping It Up Making North German Schwarzbrot from scratch is not just a baking project; it’s a way to connect with a rich culinary tradition. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create bread that fills your kitchen with aromatic goodness and is oh-so delicious! So, are you ready? Gather up those ingredients and start your Schwarzbrot journey today! You'll be thrilled with what you create! :) On Our Own Homestead

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  • TERMS & CONDITIONS | On our Own Homestead

    TERMS & CONDITIONS CUSTOMER CARE At On our Own Homestead, we value our customers and strive to provide the best possible service. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to help! Privacy & Safety PRIVACY & SAFETY We take your privacy and safety seriously at On our Own Homestead. We only collect the personal information necessary to process your order, and we never share it with third parties. We use secure payment methods to protect your sensitive information.

  • Meet our Animals | On our Own Homestead

    Our Animals Meet the Homestead Family Our Turkeys Write a bio for each team member. Make it short and informative to keep your visitors engaged. Ashley Jones Tech Lead Write a bio for each team member. Make it short and informative to keep your visitors engaged. 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Tess Brown Office Manager Write a bio for each team member. Make it short and informative to keep your visitors engaged. 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Lisa Rose Product Manager Write a bio for each team member. Make it short and informative to keep your visitors engaged. 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com

  • OUR STORY | On our Own Homestead

    And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. AND THIS IS US In a bustling city where the rhythm of life never missed a beat, Chris and Mel found themselves navigating the bustling streets, unaware that destiny had its own romantic script in mind for them. Their story began on a rainy afternoon, with Chris, a perpetually cheerful optimist, darting through the downpour, determined to reach his destination without turning into a soggy mess. Meanwhile, Mel, a pragmatic realist with a penchant for overthinking, was quietly cursing her luck as she wrestled with an umbrella that seemed determined to defy the laws of physics. Their paths collided in a classic "umbrella bump" moment, reminiscent of a scene straight out of a romantic comedy. As they exchanged sheepish apologies and laughter over their shared predicament, little did they know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Over cups of steaming coffee and slices of decadent cheesecake at their favorite neighborhood cafe, Chris and Mel discovered a shared love for old movies, cheesy jokes, and late-night conversations about life, love, and everything in between. They became each other's confidants, sounding boards, and partners in crime, navigating the highs and lows of city life with a blend of humor and heart. As the seasons changed and the cityscape transformed, Chris and Mel's bond only grew stronger, evolving from friendship to something more. They laughed, they cried, they danced in the rain, and with each passing day, they found themselves falling deeper and deeper in love. In a city where millions of stories unfolded every day, Chris and Mel's love story stood out as a testament to the power of serendipity, friendship, and the magic of finding your perfect match in the most unexpected of places. And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. As life will have it, we lived in different states but soon figured out we were two peas in the same pod. Chris loved Bugs, and Mel loved Bug Photography. We are both avid Gamers and Sci-Fi Lovers. Mel hates Pickles, and Chris loves them. Chris was bald, and Mel had enough hair for two people. You get what we mean ;) About a year into the relationship, we decided to do the strangest thing possible and became Roach breeders. Yep, you read that correctly. We breed Cockroaches. Discoid Roaches, to be exact, and it bloomed into a thriving business that is now in Year 6! You wouldn't believe how many people there are in Florida who also love Reptiles, and those Reptiles have to eat too. We ship Roaches all over the United States and have the most amazing Customers on the planet! Come check us out over on LUNA ROACHES ! Eventually, we had to expand, and so we moved right before COVID-19 at the end of May 2020. Away from the Beach and into Rural Florida onto 1.25 acres. Image this: A blank slate. An entire property with nothing but the new home on it. Nothing was planted, no landscaping, and about 60% of the Land was cleared. We were all in! You would think that would have been enough to wake up our Homesteading gene, but not so much. That didn’t happen until 2021 and it started slowly. We knew some about growing stuff, but not enough to be successful, and the first year, we failed. A LOT! In year two, we started to tackle this with all of the enthusiasm of newlyweds on their wedding night! We researched, we pivoted, we researched, and ended up with a bit of success but not enough to be self-sufficient. But we got smarter and experimented. Due to Mel’s Lupus, growing things that required a lot of maintenance in the garden were out. The Sun triggers Lupus flare-ups, so that was a no-go. (This also re-started the love for Herbalism, and we went all in with School, classes, learning, and research!) We decided to plant ten crops in all of the spirit of “May the odds be ever in your favor!” Seed in the ground, water until germination, and then you are on your own little Plant. We had a LOT of Success that way and had a great harvest of Seminole Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas, Cassava, Grapes, Mulberries, Cranberry Hibiscus, Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes. We also learned to bake everything from scratch, canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and adding a Freeze Dryer. Now, in Year three of our Homesteading Journey, we have five Turkeys, a flock of Barnyard mix egg layers that give us the prettiest eggs, and a newly raised flock of Bielefelders and Jersey Giants that will be our Dual-Purpose birds for Meat and Eggs. But that wasn’t enough, and we also decided to become Bee Keepers this year. On top of that, we expanded our growing garden, started our Food Forrest, and now have about triple the space to grow and become more self-sufficient because, after all, that is the goal! Chris and I are the kind of people who don’t mind being together 24/7. We work well together and have a ton of fun doing it, it just works in our marriage. There is rarely a day when we don’t have a belly-aching laugh over something or the other. We hope you come join us on our Journey, it’ll be weird because… weird is what we do best!

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