Gary

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

    • The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      The Secret to Soup That Tastes Homemade, Not Bland

      With bite-sized chicken pieces and carefully chosen veggies, this soup comes together with a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Perfect for canning or enjoying right away.

    • How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      How I Used a Cheap Turkey to Stock My Pantry

      That sale turkey turned into 10 half-pint jars of meat plus two jars of stock. It’s an easy way to build pantry meals without buying anything special.

    • Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Why My Jalapeño Cheddar Smokies Almost Didn’t Happen

      Cellulose casings failed. Collagen failed. The smoker controller failed. At that point I was committed, so I adapted—and I’m glad I did, because these smokies still delivered where it counts.

    • Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      Smoked Pepperoni Snack Sticks Without Fermentation

      These pepperoni sticks skip fermentation and go straight to smoking and cooking. The focus is on seasoning, tight stuffing, and controlled heat to get a juicy, flavorful finished stick.

    • Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      Make Head Cheese Without Using a Pig Head

      You can skip the intimidating pig head and still make classic head cheese. Pork hocks deliver great flavor, perfect texture, and an easier process.

    • How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      How I Canned Beans in Tomato Sauce

      This detailed guide walks through every step I used – from overnight soaking and pre-boiling to sauce prep and processing times – so you can follow along and feel confident doing it yourself.

    • Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Canning Crushed Tomatoes (Pressure Canner, No-Liquid Method)

      Sometimes the tomatoes decide what you’re making, not the other way around. In this case, I started with frozen Roma tomatoes. My original plan was diced tomatoes, but once they were thawed, that idea went out the window. Frozen tomatoes don’t dice cleanly, and forcing it just turns into a mushy mess. Since the texture…

    • How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      How I Made Venison Ham (And How You Can Use Moose, Elk, Bison, or Even Beef)

      If you’ve ever looked at a venison roast and thought, this would make a great ham, you’re absolutely right. With a basic wet brine, cure #1 for safety, and a low-and-slow smoke, you can turn lean wild game into a fully cooked, sliceable ham that works just as well for sandwiches as it does for…

    • How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      How I Canned Homemade Ketchup (Small-Batch Bernardin Recipe)

      The ketchup recipe in Bernardin Home Preserving is written for 24 pounds of tomatoes, which is a lot more than I had on hand. Since I was working with 9 pounds, I scaled the entire recipe using a simple calculation: 9 divided by 24 equals 0.375. Every ingredient in the recipe was multiplied by 0.375.…

    • A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      A Beginner’s Guide to Rendering Lard (No, It’s Not As Hard As It Sounds)

      If you’ve ever been curious about making your own lard, I can tell you that it’s way easier than you might think – and it makes your baking and cooking so much better. Here’s my experience, step-by-step, on how I rendered my own lard at home!

Gary Caine

Hi, I’m Gary Caine. I grew up in rural Saskatchewan in the 50s and 60s, where growing, preserving, and making your own food wasn’t a hobby-it was just part of everyday life.

Those early years shaped how I live to this day.

When I’m not in the kitchen or working on a project, you’ll usually find me outdoors fishing, hunting, or camping, enjoying the same simple, hands-on lifestyle I was raised with.

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