Here's the Home Garden and Homestead list of the Best Gardening Gifts for the Holidays The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays bring their own stresses. What gifts do you buy for everyone on your holiday shopping list? Don't worry, We've got you covered--at least for the gardeners on your gift list. Here is are our choices for the best gardening gifts for the holidays for all of the "green thumb gardeners" on your list! Editor's Note: Click on the photos in this story to buy any of these best gardening gifts for the holidays. Changshou Kumquat Tree Produces Edible Fruit Changshou Kumquat is a rare and hard-to-find plant that produces large juicy fruit. Fragrant white flowers bloom from May to September, and the fruit ripens year-round. Changshou’s pear-shaped fruit is larger than other kumquat tree varieties. Each delicious fruit usually has five or six segments inside the sweet, thin skin. Kumquats are among the … [Read more...] about Best Gardening Gifts for the Holidays
baking
Discover the Joys of Baking Fresh Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread baking tips including benefits of fresh sourdough, Dutch ovens for baking sourdough bread, and more! Few kitchen traditions are as rewarding—or as delicious—as baking your own sourdough bread. What begins as a simple mix of flour, water, and salt evolves into a living, breathing sourdough culture that connects us to centuries of baking history. Sourdough baking is both an art and a science. And it’s gaining renewed popularity among home bakers who crave wholesome, flavorful bread made with time, care, and natural ingredients. A Brief History of Sourdough Sourdough is one of the oldest forms of leavened bread, dating back more than 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians discovered that when flour and water were left out, wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria naturally fermented the dough. This produced bubbles in the dough and a pleasant tang in the baked bread. For thousands of years, sourdough was the only way to make bread rise. It wasn’t until the 19th century, … [Read more...] about Discover the Joys of Baking Fresh Sourdough Bread
Easy Sourdough Bread Recipes
Try these easy sourdough bread recipes to bake fresh and delicious loaves of homemade goodness. In a world of fast food and instant gratification, sourdough bread bakers have learned the joy of slowing down. Making their own sourdough starter and using easy sourdough bread recipes to bake delicious sourdough bread is a truly sumptuous experience. Baking fresh bread helps us connect with our roots and savor life’s simple pleasures. The world of homemade bread begins a culinary journey that has been cherished by generations. Home-baked sourdough bread transcends cultures and continents. Join us as we embark on a journey that delves into the heart and soul of sourdough bread. We will reveal its rich history, demystifying its intricate process. Want recipes? We’ve got delectable and easy sourdough bread recipes that will inspire your own sourdough baking adventures. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, it’s time to venture into the captivating world of … [Read more...] about Easy Sourdough Bread Recipes
Never Fail Homemade Pie Crust
Never fail homemade pie crust isn’t just a dream. That’s right! Now you really can make the most delicious and beautiful pie crust—every time. A homemade pie is always a treat to eat. But when you make a homemade pie with my Never Fail Homemade Pie Crust recipe, you will make a perfect pie every time. But wait, there’s more. In addition to my original Never Fail Homemade Pie Crust, I also have two more never fail pie crusts that are sure to delight. Butter Pie Crust uses unsalted butter and a touch of vodka. Cheddar Cheese Pie Crust uses freshly shredded cheddar cheese to add an extra dimension to the crust. All three of these never fail homemade pie crusts are simply scrumptious when you’re making an apple pie. So, I’ve included my recipe for the best apple pie filling I’ve ever tasted. Is your mouth watering yet? Good! It’s time to bake a delicious pie! Recipe for Never Fail Homemade Pie Crust 1 cup butter flavored shortening that is cold (I keep mine in the … [Read more...] about Never Fail Homemade Pie Crust
Teach Kids About Kitchen Safety
Teach kids about kitchen safety and start them on a delicious lifelong journey. Children can be introduced to the kitchen and the concepts of kitchen safety sooner than you think. Yes, the safety precautions can seem overwhelming and stressful. This is especially true if you’re allowing them to help out in the kitchen for the first time. The kitchen has been called the heart of a home. Your kids will spend lots of time in the kitchen, especially when you are cooking. But kitchens can be dangerous places. About 350,000 people are injured by kitchen knives each year according to Beaumont Emergency Hospital, and kitchen burns are also very common. Yet these dangers shouldn’t prevent you from introducing your children to the art of cooking healthy meals — and the safety precautions involved. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering cooking together as a family. Start Small When You Teach Kids About Kitchen Safety Many parents are eager to teach kids about kitchen … [Read more...] about Teach Kids About Kitchen Safety
