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How to Make Fresh Homemade Ricotta Cheese (The Old-World Way)
There is something deeply satisfying about turning a gallon of milk into soft, cloud-like cheese with nothing more than heat and a splash of lemon. No cultures. No complicated tools. No aging. Just a simple, beautiful kitchen transformation that feels almost magical. Ricotta is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, traditionally made from leftover whey. Today, we can recreate that same creamy, fresh cheese right in our own kitchens in under an hour — and the taste is far su

Ashley Kiser
20 hours ago2 min read


The Many Gifts of the Mulberry Tree
Different Types of Mulberries & Their Medicinal Uses Mulberry trees are generous, resilient, and deeply medicinal. They grow quietly along fence lines, in old farmyards, and on forgotten edges of property, often unnoticed until their berries begin to stain the ground a deep purple. But mulberries are far more than a sweet summer fruit. Every part of the tree — the berries, leaves, bark, and even the roots — has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries across cul

Ashley Kiser
1 day ago3 min read


Spring Seed Starting: A Simple Guide to Growing Strong, Healthy Plants from the Very Beginning
There is something deeply satisfying about starting your garden from seed. Tiny, unassuming specks transform into vibrant, living plants right before your eyes. Seed starting is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to grow unique varieties you won’t often find at garden centers—and gives your plants a strong, healthy head start before they ever touch the soil outside. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by seed starting, this guide will walk you through it step by step

Ashley Kiser
2 days ago3 min read


Homemade Activated Charcoal Toothpaste (Natural & Simple)
If you’re looking to simplify your routine and avoid the long ingredient lists found in commercial toothpaste, this homemade version is a gentle, natural option. Made with coconut oil, activated charcoal, and essential oils, this toothpaste can help freshen breath, support oral health, and naturally polish teeth. 🌿 Why These Ingredients Work Coconut Oil: Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, coconut oil is well known for supporting oral health. It helps reduce harmful bac

Ashley Kiser
3 days ago2 min read


Homemade Herbal Deodorant (Coconut, Lavender & Patchouli)
If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that actually works, this is one of the simplest and most reliable recipes you can make at home. With just a few ingredients, you get odor control, gentle skin care, and a calming herbal scent that lasts all day. This blend combines coconut oil for its skin-soothing and antimicrobial properties, arrowroot powder for moisture absorption, and lavender and patchouli essential oils for their powerful odor-fighting and grounding aroma. Ing

Ashley Kiser
4 days ago2 min read


The Benefits of Clover: Why You Should Plant Clover in Your Yard & Garden
For many years, clover was treated like a weed. Homeowners were told to spray it, pull it, and replace it with thirsty grass lawns that demand constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing. But nature had it right the first time. Clover is not a nuisance. It’s a soil-healing, pollinator-feeding, low-maintenance powerhouse that quietly improves your yard, garden, and surrounding ecosystem with very little effort from you. If you’re looking for a greener, easier, and more sustaina

Ashley Kiser
5 days ago3 min read


Protecting Your Rabbits in Snowy Weather (Without Risky Heat Sources)
Rabbits are far more cold-tolerant than most people think. With the right shelter, bedding, and wind protection, a healthy rabbit in a dry hutch can handle freezing temperatures better than damp, drafty conditions with artificial heat. In fact, many winter rabbit losses come not from the cold—but from wind exposure and unsafe heating methods like heat lamps, space heaters, and extension cords in hutches. Here’s how to keep your rabbits safe, warm, and comfortable in snow— t

Ashley Kiser
6 days ago3 min read


Pineapple Ginger Lime Cold & Flu Soother
A warm, immune-supporting drink made from simple kitchen scraps When cold and flu season hits, sometimes the best remedies are the ones made right in your own kitchen. This soothing pineapple ginger lime drink is a favorite in our home because it uses ingredients you may normally throw away — the pineapple rind and core — and turns them into a comforting, nourishing brew. This drink is warm, slightly sweet, gently spicy, and packed with natural compounds that support the body

Ashley Kiser
Jan 242 min read


Why Every Homestead Should Consider a Rabbitry
This is a bit of a late post as we are busy, busy over here prepping for winter weather coming in! 🐇 Raising Rabbits for Meat and Garden Fertilizer When most people think of livestock, they picture cows, chickens, or goats. But one of the most productive animals you can raise on a small property — even in a backyard — is the humble rabbit. A small rabbitry can provide your family with a steady source of lean, healthy meat and one of the best natural fertilizers you can put o

Ashley Kiser
Jan 233 min read


Winter Storm Preparedness for Your Home, Homestead, and Farm Animals
Winter storms don’t just bring pretty snowfalls. They bring power outages, frozen pipes, dangerous travel, and real risks for farm animals if you’re not prepared ahead of time. For homesteaders and rural families, winter preparedness isn’t optional — it’s part of responsible animal care and protecting your home. The key is simple: prepare before the first storm hits. Prepare Your Home Before the Storm Winter storms often mean losing power and water access. Make sure your hom

Ashley Kiser
Jan 223 min read


The Cost of Raising Farm Animals: What’s Best for Homesteading?
One of the biggest decisions new (and seasoned) homesteaders face is which animals to raise . While the dream often includes a full barnyard, the reality is that each animal comes with its own costs, space requirements, labor demands, and long‑term commitments. This guide breaks down the average costs of raising common farm animals , along with the pros and cons for homesteading , to help you decide which animals best fit your land, budget, and lifestyle. 🐔 Chickens Startup

Ashley Kiser
Jan 213 min read


Ready to Start Foraging With Confidence?
Foraging doesn’t have to feel intimidating or expensive. With a few practical tools and mindful habits, you can begin harvesting wild foods safely and confidently—whether you’re exploring your backyard, a local trail, or a quiet weekend spot. At The Wild Pantry , we believe foraging should be approachable, respectful to the land, and rooted in safety. Below is my simple, low-cost checklist that I personally use and recommend for beginners and weekend explorers alike. 🌿 A Sim

Ashley Kiser
Jan 202 min read


Foraged Nettle & Potato Bake: Cozy Comfort from the Wild
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a wild, overlooked plant into a nourishing family meal. This Foraged Nettle & Potato Bake is one of those recipes—simple, comforting, and rooted in the idea that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Nettles are one of the first green gifts of the season. When handled correctly, they transform from a prickly nuisance into a mild, spinach-like green packed with nutrients. Paired with humble potatoes, this

Ashley Kiser
Jan 192 min read


Three Principles We Live By Outdoors
As a family who lives for time outdoors, foraging and taking small game aren’t just hobbies—they’re opportunities to slow down, learn together, and stay connected to the land. Over the years, we’ve found that keeping things simple helps us stay grounded and respectful. Everything we do outside is guided by three core principles: take only what you need, leave the land better than you found it, and put safety first—for everyone. 1. Take Only What You Need Foraging teaches pati

Ashley Kiser
Jan 182 min read


A Gentle Week Into Foraging & Backyard Self-Reliance
FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF! If you’ve ever felt drawn to foraging or backyard self-reliance—but unsure where to start—you’re not alone. Many people imagine it requires vast knowledge, endless time, or acres of land. The truth is, it can begin quietly, right where you are, with just a few intentional moments each day. This week-long routine is designed to be gentle, flexible, and encouraging . One small habit a day. No pressure. No perfection. Just curiosity, confidence, and connec

Ashley Kiser
Jan 172 min read


The Cultivated Pantry
🌾 Discover The Cultivated Pantry — Your Source for Wholesome Kitchen Essentials Are you ready to bring natural, farm-fresh goodness into your home? I’m thrilled to introduce my latest Amazon launch — The Cultivated Pantry ! This collection/product celebrates simple, nourishing ingredients that help you eat well and cook with confidence. 👉 Check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GH2ZTTF4 Whether you’re a home chef, a busy parent, or someone who loves real fo

Ashley Kiser
Jan 162 min read


The Wild Pantry: Foraged Foods You Can Trust
🌿 Welcome to The Wild Pantry — Nature’s Goodness Delivered to Your Door Have you ever wanted to bring the rich flavors and wholesome nutrition of nature straight to your dinner table? Today, I’m thrilled to introduce my brand-new Amazon listing — The Wild Pantry ! Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or someone who loves real, wild-sourced goodness, you’re going to love what this product brings to your pantry. 🔗 Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GH3DJVC8 �

Ashley Kiser
Jan 162 min read


Warm Up Your Winter Pantry 🌿
Winter doesn’t mean the end of foraging—it simply invites us to slow down, look closer, and lean on preservation skills that keep wild flavors alive through the cold months. With the right knowledge and a careful approach, you can build a winter pantry that’s both nourishing and resilient. In this post, we’ll explore three simple foraged recipes that bring warmth, depth, and confidence to your kitchen all season long: a nutty seed mix a preserved berry syrup a nettle‑infused

Ashley Kiser
Jan 152 min read


Wild Wholesome Adventures: 3 Safe Winter Foraging Plants for Beginners
Winter doesn’t mean the wild pantry is closed. In fact, some of the safest, most beginner‑friendly plants are easiest to identify when the landscape is quiet and bare. This guide walks you through three reliable winter foraging plants , with clear photo explanations, simple identification tips, and easy ways to enjoy them at home. Foraging reminder: Always positively identify plants, harvest from clean areas away from roads or chemicals, and take only what you need. 1. Chick

Ashley Kiser
Jan 142 min read


Cold Weather Hunting: Be Prepared
Winter conditions demand more than just skill — they demand preparation. From layered clothing and cold-weather gear to emergency essentials and planning ahead, this video walks through what you need to stay safe, warm, and ready during a winter hunt. Cold temperatures, short daylight hours, and unpredictable weather can turn dangerous fast, but the right preparation makes all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or heading out in cold conditions for the first tim

Ashley Kiser
Jan 131 min read
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