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Melissa K. Norris

Melissa K. Norris

Simple Modern Homesteading for a Healthy & Self-Sufficient Life

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Melissa Norris

Woman in a red and white apron holding a plate of date nut bars. Text overlay says, "Old Fashioned Italian Date Nut Bar".

Old-Fashioned Italian Date Nut Bars Recipe

Read moreOld-Fashioned Italian Date Nut Bars Recipe

DIY Homemade Cinnamon-Oatmeal Shaving Soap in a Mason Jar

Read moreDIY Homemade Cinnamon-Oatmeal Shaving Soap in a Mason Jar
Image of a homemade Christmas ornament with text overlay, "Homemade Christmas Ornament using old canning lids".

DIY Homemade Christmas Canning Lid Ornament

Read moreDIY Homemade Christmas Canning Lid Ornament

6 DIY Re-Purposed Sweater Projects

Read more6 DIY Re-Purposed Sweater Projects
Pumpkin roll sliced on the counter.

Grandma’s Easy Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe

Read moreGrandma’s Easy Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe
Ginger cream cookies on a plate with holiday decor on the table.

15 Cookie Baking Tips for the Best Cookies Every Time

Read more15 Cookie Baking Tips for the Best Cookies Every Time

DIY Canning Ring Wreath

Read moreDIY Canning Ring Wreath

3 Ingredient Homemade Lip Balm Recipe

Read more3 Ingredient Homemade Lip Balm Recipe
A cast iron skillet with fresh made bread rolls.

Grandma’s Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls (With Fresh-Milled Flour)

Read moreGrandma’s Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls (With Fresh-Milled Flour)

6 Rules for Bartering Success

Read more6 Rules for Bartering Success
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A woman in the kitchen with jars of home canned food.

Howdy, I’m Melissa!

I’m so glad you’re here. This is the place for all of us who loved Little House when we were young and thought Laura was our best friend. It’s where we grow dinner in the backyard and think everything looks and tastes better when it comes from a Mason jar. Here, you’ll find my favorite from-scratch recipes, herbal remedies and tutorials, and all my gardening tips from my 20+ years of growing and raising our own food.

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My Most Popular Posts

Sourdough starter in a jar with a loaf of bread in the background.

How to Make a Sourdough Starter + Tips for Success

Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread (Beginner Friendly Recipe)

Homemade chili in a white bowl topped with sour cream, onions and cilantro.

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe

A buttered biscuit served on a white plate.

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

A jar of homemade cream of potato soup with potatoes on the counter.

Cream of Potato Soup Recipe

Homemade Pop Tarts From Scratch (Hand Pies)

Plated by Season: Home‑Cooked. Home‑Grown. On Your Table in 30 Minutes or Less.

75+ seasonal, from‑scratch recipes + a monthly harvest chart. Real meals. Minimal fuss.

Grab Your Copy ($20, Free Shipping)

Winter Preserving Recipes

Jars of home canned applesauce.

Homemade Applesauce Recipe (+ How to Can Applesauce)

Fermented cranberry sauce in a white bowl.

Fermented Cranberry Sauce

How to Can Bone Broth at Home

Homemade Cranberry Sauce + Canning Instructions

Jar of fermented lemons on a counter with a bag of citrus and sliced lemons on a plate

How to Store Lemons (For a Year!) – Fermented Lemons

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Melissa K. Norris

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Articles

  • Gardening
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Podcast

How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Naturally

How to Winter Sow Seeds

The “Healthy” Oils That Are Fueling Inflammation (And What to Use Instead)

Chronic Inflammation, Blood Sugar & Why Your Body Feels Off

Books

  • Everything Worth Preserving
  • The Family Garden Planner
  • Handmade
  • The Made from Scratch Life
  • The Family Garden Plan

Education

  • Organic Gardening Workshop
  • Home Fruit Preservative Canning e-course
  • Home Canning With Confidence
  • Homemade Bread & Baking Class
  • Natural Homemade Bath and Beauty
  • Pioneering Today Academy


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