Pass The Mayo

I like to consider myself an urban homesteader. I grow, bake, make, dig, clean, I love my chickens and I have way more than my city allows( I'm lucky my neighbors are so infatuated with my feathery girls), we are getting honey bees, looking into growing our own pork, and I have already started certain seeds so their growing season will be prolonged. Anyways, I like making things that others are content buying at the store. So, I decided I wanted to make mayo. It's healthier, much cheaper, and I can customize the taste to my exact preference. Also, the ingredients are basic and usually always in my fridge! I've tried a couple of recipes and found one that works for us! Here it is, friends!




* 2 large yolks
* 1 teaspoon mustard (I used Dijon)
* 4 teaspoons lemon juice (I used 1 teaspoon lime, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice)
* 1 cup vegetable oil (I used half olive oil and half vege oil)
* Coarse salt and ground pepper (sometimes I even toss in garlic powder)

1. Place yolks in food processor (or Kitchen aid)
2. Add mustard and lemon juice. Pulse ingredients until well combined.
3. With motor running, slowly add oil in an even stream (mixture should become thick and emulsified) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Put in small jar and seal with lid for up to 1 to 1 1/2 weeks.

WE love this recipe! Chicken salad has never tasted so great! And dont be afraid to add sun dried tomatoes, pesto, balsamic vinegar, or curry! The possibilities are endless!

Happy Homesteading!

Plans, Plans, and More Plans

It's January, it's cold, but it's not too early to start thinking of planning your garden. When the winter months rolled around, I'd get so depressed. All I could think about were the dead plants, the lifeless ground, and buying produce from the store. Luckily, one day wisdom came down from above and I actually use this chilly time as a time of rest and research. Gardening is A LOT of work. It's definitely a labor of and those of who who haven't gardened or don't think it's involved...talk to me after class. Gardening is sort of like marriage, if you don't put work in, you wont get very much out (forget the plants that can be planted and left alone and somehow seem to thrive.) 

Anyways, expect some labor and expect lots of love! 

This year, considering we just bought our first home, I am planning a mecca of greens, pinks, purples, yellows, and white GALORE! I have big plans, really BIG plans. I probably wont see most of them born into life this season, but they are there and they give me daily inspiration for making the yard an extension of our home. 

This year I am excited to try my hand at growing cut flowers and edible flowers (more to come on that) as well as, fruit trees, and heirloom veggies (my absolute favorite). 

A few new varieties I am excited to try are: 

Charentais Melon

Green Macerata Califlower

Violetta Fava Beans

Garden Huckleberry

Heirloom Tomatoes (Green Zebra Heirloom pictured)

Desiree Dwarf Garden Peas

Those are just a few! 

So sit down, write down your ideas, plans, and dreams for your garden! This is a great time to read up on each item, get to know it, and decide where you'll place it. Look up diy trellis ideas for your peas, moonflowers, or runner beans, or the most efficient and space savvy way to grow mounds of red and yellow potatoes. 

Oh, the excitement!  

Have questions, just ask! 

Happy planning, friends!

* I purchase my seeds from Baker Seed Company