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Melissa K. Norris

Melissa K. Norris

Simple Modern Homesteading for a Healthy & Self-Sufficient Life

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Preparedness/Survival

A snowy road lined with trees.

Surviving Winter Without Power & Great Depression Christmas Traditions

Read moreSurviving Winter Without Power & Great Depression Christmas Traditions
Dry goods in jars for pantry staples.

Keeping a Well-Stocked Pantry for Easy Weeknight Meals

Read moreKeeping a Well-Stocked Pantry for Easy Weeknight Meals
Two quart mason jars filled with freeze dried eggs sitting on a counter with a basket of eggs beside it.

Freeze Dried Eggs for Long-Term Storage (+ Reconstituting Freeze Dried Eggs)

Read moreFreeze Dried Eggs for Long-Term Storage (+ Reconstituting Freeze Dried Eggs)
A woman standing beside a mobile chicken tractor with chickens inside.

How to Keep Animals Cool in Hot Weather

Read moreHow to Keep Animals Cool in Hot Weather

6 Rules for Bartering Success

Read more6 Rules for Bartering Success
Dehydrated tomato slices on a dehydrator tray.

5 Reasons Dehydrated Food is a Preparedness Must & 5 Tips for Dehydrating at Home

Read more5 Reasons Dehydrated Food is a Preparedness Must & 5 Tips for Dehydrating at Home
Picture of an antique violin hanging on a painted barn wood door. Text overlay says, "6 Things to Do for Fun When the Power Goes Out".

6 Things to Do for Fun When the Power is Out

Read more6 Things to Do for Fun When the Power is Out
Picture of an antique kerosene lamp sitting on a bed of hay with barn wood in the background. Text overlay says, "4 Things You Need When the Lights Go Out".

4 Things You Need When the Lights Go Out

Read more4 Things You Need When the Lights Go Out

8 Tips for Bulk Food Storage

Read more8 Tips for Bulk Food Storage
Five bags filled with dried beans. Text overlay says, "6 Tips on Buying Food in Bulk".

6 Tips on Buying Food in Bulk

Read more6 Tips on Buying Food in Bulk
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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

Best Beginner Sourdough Sandwich Bread No Yeast

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

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe

Buttermilk biscuits in a cast iron pan.

Easy Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits Ready to Eat in 20 Minutes

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
  • Homesteading
  • Recipes
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Podcast

Why I’m Pressing Pause (And How You Can Help Shape What’s Next)

Root Vegetable Storage Without a Root Cellar: Simple Methods That Work

From-Scratch Cooking Made Easy: Myths vs. Reality

Refreshing Summer Drinks You Can Make at Home

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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