Category Archives: Cooking

Blog, Cooking, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Do Electric Canning

#electriccanning #foodpreservation

I got some money for Christmas/Yule this year and I purchased an electric canner with some of it. I’m so excited about my new electric canner! It’s a great way to preserve food and make delicious meals. I love the convenience of being able to can my own food without having to use a stovetop. Plus, it’s much safer than traditional canning methods, since electric canners are designed to maintain a consistent temperature while preserving food. I’m looking forward to experimenting with different recipes and creating some delicious homemade meals!

Electric canning is an increasingly popular way of preserving food for longer periods of time. With the help of electric canning, you can preserve fruits, vegetables, sauces, and even meat, without the need for refrigeration. Electric canning is a process of sealing food into airtight containers, often called jars, to prevent spoilage and bacteria from entering. The process of electric canning has been around for centuries, but it has become more widely used in recent years, due to the convenience and safety it offers.

The first step in electric canning is to select the right type of canning jar. The type of jar to use depends on the food you are preserving. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of jars available, so you should select the jar that best suits your needs. You should also make sure to purchase a canning lid that fits your jar and can be sealed properly.

Next, you will need to fill the jars with the food you want to preserve. You will need to pay attention to the amount of food you are placing in each jar and make sure that it is filled correctly so that the food has adequate room to expand during the canning process. You will then need to add a small amount of liquid, usually water, to each jar to help the food to move freely during the canning process.

Once you have filled the jars and sealed the lids, you will need to place the jars into the electric canner. The electric canner will heat the jars to a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature for canning. Once the jars have been heated for the required amount of time, the canner will then shut off automatically.

Finally, the jars will need to be removed from the canner and allowed to cool completely before storing. This is a critical step in the electric canning process, as it prevents the food from spoiling. Once the jars have completely cooled, you can store them in a cool dark place for up to one year. Electric canning is a great way to preserve food for long periods of time, and it is a safe and convenient method of preserving food.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Dry Food in the Microwave

#foodpreservation #microwavemethod

Drying food in the microwave can be an efficient way to quickly remove moisture from food. While it may not be the first thought when it comes to drying food, this method can be incredibly useful for a variety of foods. 

The first step in drying food in the microwave is to preheat the appliance to the lowest power setting. This will help ensure that the food is not cooked while it is being dried. Next, place the food onto a microwavable plate or tray. For best results, it is recommended to leave a bit of space between each piece of food so that the air can better circulate around it. 

Once the food is in the microwave, it is important to check on it periodically. Depending on the food, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to dry out completely. If the food is not dry enough after the specified time, it is possible to remove the food from the microwave and place it in a dehydrator or air-dry it. 

Typically, it is best to start with a short microwave time and then increase it if needed. Additionally, some microwaves have a ‘defrost’ setting for drying food. If this is available, it is recommended to use it since it will take less time than the standard drying cycle. 

When the food is dry, it is important to cool it down before consuming or storing it. This will help ensure that the food is safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to store the food in an airtight container to prevent moisture from re-entering and ruining the food. 

Drying food in the microwave can be a great way to quickly and easily remove moisture from food. However, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the food is dried safely and properly. With a bit of patience and the right settings, it is possible to successfully dry food in the microwave.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Sun-dry Food

#sundrying #sundriedfood #foodpreservation

Sun-drying is an ancient method of preserving food that is still in use today. It is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and other food products. Sun-drying involves exposing food to direct sunlight for a period of several days, until the moisture content of the food has decreased significantly. Sun-dried food has a longer shelf life than fresh food, because the heat and drying process kills bacteria and other micro-organisms that cause food to spoil.

One of the main benefits of sun-drying is that it preserves the nutritional content of the food. The process of sun-drying prevents the oxidation of vitamins and minerals, which ensures that the food remains nutrient-rich. The heat of the sun also helps to kill off any harmful bacteria or micro-organisms that may be present in the food. Sun-dried food is also considered to be more flavorful than fresh food, as the process enhances the natural sugars and flavors of the food.

Sun-drying is also an environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It does not require the use of electricity or additional packaging materials, and does not produce any waste products. The process also does not require any additional energy or resources, as the energy from the sun is used to dry the food.

Sun-dried food is typically produced in a variety of ways. The most common method is to simply spread the food out in a single layer on a tray and leave it in direct sunlight for several days. Another popular method is to hang the food on a line in the sun and allow it to dry. Food can also be placed in a basket or container and left outside in the sun.

Sun-dried food is a healthy, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It preserves the nutritional content of the food, while also killing off harmful micro-organisms. The process is simple and does not require any additional energy or resources. Sun-dried food also has a longer shelf life than fresh food, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste and nutritional value of food for longer periods of time.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Freeze Dry Food 

#freezedrying #foodpreservation

Freeze-drying food is an effective way to preserve the flavor, nutrition, and texture of many foods. Freeze-dried food is created by removing moisture from the food while it is frozen. This process is used to preserve a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats. 

The freeze-drying process begins with the food being frozen at temperatures below -50 degrees Celsius. This freezes the water content within the food. Next, a vacuum is created that removes the moisture from the food. This process is called sublimation and it is a critical step in the preservation of food. The food is then sealed within a package or container, preventing any further moisture from entering.

Freeze-dried food has a long shelf life, sometimes up to 25 years. This makes it ideal for long-term storage, as well as for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, and other outdoor recreation. Freeze-dried food also retains much of its flavor, nutrition, and texture. This makes it an excellent option for those who are looking for a convenient, healthy, and tasty food option.

The freeze-dried food process also has environmental benefits. Since the food is preserved without the use of additives or preservatives, the process is much more sustainable than traditional methods. Additionally, because of the lack of water content in the food, it is much lighter, making it easier to transport and store.

Overall, freeze-drying food is an effective way to preserve the flavor, nutrition, and texture of many foods. It has a long shelf life, retains much of its flavor and nutrition, and is environmentally friendly. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for a convenient, healthy, and tasty food option.

Blog, Cooking, Crafting, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Air Dry Food

#airdrying #foodpreservation

Air drying food is a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks for future consumption. Air drying food is an ancient practice that has been used by many cultures over time to preserve food for long periods of time. The process of air drying food is simple and requires minimal effort. The food is placed in a warm, dry environment, where the air can circulate around the food and remove the moisture. By removing the moisture, the food will not spoil as quickly, allowing it to be stored for longer periods of time.

The process of air drying food begins by selecting the food that is to be dried. Fruits and vegetables are the most common foods to be air dried, but meats and fish can also be preserved using this method. Once the food has been selected, it should be washed and cut into the desired shape and size. After this, the food should be placed on a drying rack or in a dehydrator to begin the air drying process. When air drying food, it is important to ensure that the temperature is kept between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will provide the optimal environment for air drying food.

It is also important to remember to turn the food periodically during the air drying process. This helps to ensure even drying and prevents the food from sticking together or becoming too dry. The length of the drying process will vary depending on the type of food being dried and the temperature at which it is being dried. The food should be dried until it is completely dry and has a crispy texture.

Once the air drying process is complete, the food should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to ensure the food does not spoil or spoil too quickly. Air drying food can also be a great way to prepare food for long-term storage. This method of food preservation has been used for centuries and is still a popular way to store food today.

Air drying food can be a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks and meals. The process is simple and requires minimal effort, and can be used to preserve a variety of different types of food. By following the proper steps and storing the food in an airtight container, air drying food can provide a safe and reliable way to store food for long periods of time.

Cooking, Crafting, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

4 Ways to Preserve Food for Long-term Storage

Drying food is a great way to #preserve it for long-term storage. #Food drying has been used for centuries, and it is still a popular method of food preservation today. Dried foods are #lightweight, easy to store, and can last for months or even years without spoiling.

There are several methods of drying food. The most common is air-drying, which involves removing moisture from the food by exposing it to air. This can be done with natural air flow, or with the use of a food dehydrator. Air-drying works best with vegetables and fruits, as they have high moisture content.

Another method of drying food is freeze-drying. This involves freezing the food, then subjecting it to a vacuum. This removes the moisture, leaving behind food that is lightweight and has a long shelf life. Freeze-dried food can also be rehydrated and used in recipes.

Sun-drying is another way of drying food. This method involves exposing the food to the sun for several days, until the moisture content is sufficiently reduced. Sun-drying is best suited for vegetables and fruits, as well as herbs and spices.

Finally, a more modern method of drying food is microwave drying. This method involves using a microwave to reduce the moisture content of the food. Microwave drying is best used for herbs, spices, and delicate fruits and vegetables.

No matter which method of drying food you choose, it is important to make sure that the food is completely dried before storing it. This will ensure that it lasts for months or even years without spoiling. Dried food can be used in a variety of recipes, and it is a great way to preserve food for the long-term.

Blog, Cooking, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

5 Healthy Recipes to Try for the New Year

Here, you’ll find delicious and nutritious recipes that are great for all occasions. From light and healthy breakfasts to hearty dinners and everything in between, you’ll find recipes that use fresh ingredients and are easy to make. So, get your taste buds ready for a flavor experience and start cooking today!

Here are 5 healthy recipes that are sure to please everyone!

1. Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowl

2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

3. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

4. Roasted Vegetable Salad

5. Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Basil

Remember to focus on making balanced meals with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, consider adding herbs and spices to your recipes for extra flavor and nutrition. Finally, don’t forget to have fun with your cooking and enjoy the process!

Cooking, Crafting, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

New blog!! Pleasant St Homestead!

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New blog!! One of my goals in my new space is to learn to be more self-sufficient. I’ve always thought that meant having a large plot of land to do farming activities and other related projects but I’m learning that that’s not always the case. My Pleasant St Homestead Blog will document that journey in becoming more and more self-sufficient. Here are the things I’ve been doing since moving to accomplish this goal

1. Zero-waste lifestyle
Really paying attention to my consumables and seeing where I can reduce waste. Recently I replaced battery operated candles with rechargeable ones so I wouldn’t have to deal with the waste of batteries. Another are reusable produce bags as the farm I get my veggies from uses plastic which drives me nuts.

2. Hydrogardening
I recently got into hydro gardening which is growing vegetables (and plants) in a bed/tub of water and nutrients rather than soil. It’s a little less maintenance as you don’t have to worry about them getting enough water. I’ve been struggling but I recently had some success with cilantro. My plan is once I have a tub fully flourishing I will learn about canning.

3. Dehydrating
This interest came to be as a result of my CSA (community supported agriculture) memberships and having excess of veggies going bad. Dehydrating food can preserve them and you can learn how to use them later. So far I’ve done onions, spinach and a few others.