Strawberry Jam is one of my favorites. It’s a sweet reminder of summer berries that is enjoyed when the snow is blowing and it’s freezing cold outside. I have not made jams and jellies in a couple years, so this year I have been making lots to stock up our winter pantry. Jams are different…
Author: Our City Homestead
Catsup from 1846
It’s Pioneer Days so what better than to make an old fashioned recipe for Catsup from 1846! Originally, catsup was a condiment made from fermented fish used in Asian cooking. In the 1800s, lots of cooks produced various versions of catsup to flavor soup and meats. Meat was often sold at outdoor markets during this…
Garden Update — August 2025
Happy August!! It’s hard to believe it’s already August!! I thought I’d show you a little of our garden throughout August! Part of our mission at Our City Homestead is to share all about our city homestead, and what we are doing. Just because we are in the city, doesn’t mean we can’t grow some…
Crabapple Jelly
This year has been a good year for crabapples. Let’s preserve summer by making crabapple jelly.
Cornmeal Griddlecakes
This morning I made Cornmeal Griddlecakes from 1796. In 1796 they were not called Cornmeal Griddlecakes (not until the 1940s) and instead, were called “Indian Slapjacks” because it used a meal made of corn (they called it Indian Meal whereas its later called Cornmeal) that the settlers learned how to make from local Indigenous peoples.
Crabapple Pie
We have some beautiful crabapples we picked from my folks’ — they’re sweet and so good this year! It was suggested we make an apple pie, with the crabapples — I thought that was a great idea, so we did!! Usually we cook the apples first and then toss it into the pie crust, but…
Chicken Soup with Pioneer Style Noodles
We love chicken soup so we decided to make chicken soup with pioneer cut dumplings/noodles. This soup smells just like I’m back at gramma’s house! It’s warming, comforting and great any time of the year! Since we are having pioneer days, a hearty soup that can feed the whole family is a must! We have…
Pie Crust from 1873
I have always been fascinated with pioneer cooking. I think it’s the simple ingredients that make cozy homemade food to nourish the body and soul. They toiled for several hours over an open hearth or cook stove just to feed their family. It’s that hard work and tenacity that calls out to me. I especially…
