Homestead Cooking with Carol – Bountiful Make Ahead Meals

As so many of you know from the Hearth and Soul Blog Hop, I have a real heart for local, seasonal home-cooked food. This is what attracted me to Carol J. Alexander’s new book ‘Homestead Cooking with Carol – Bountiful Make Ahead Meals.’

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You may already know Carol from her blog ‘Everything Home with Carol’. Her new book, Homestead Cooking with Carol, shows the busy homesteading homemaker – as well as those of us who may source our provisions from local farmers and suppliers – how to prepare food at harvest time so we spend less time making supper the rest of the year. Carole specialises in simple, healthy recipes that are perfect for those nights when you lack the energy to chop, braise, caramelize, or glaze.

While I could not call myself a homesteader by any stretch of the imagination, I really enjoyed reading Carol’s book and took a lot of great ideas from it. The recipes are tasty and there were many make-ahead meals I know would work really well in our home. Carol also gives advice on meal planning and budgeting – including a great chapter on how to get eighteen – yes eighteen! – delicious meals from one ham.

In addition to this, Carol provides sound help and advice for those who are venturing – or considering a venture – into homesteading territory. While that isn’t me, I found it incredibly interesting to read about the joys and practicalities of this way of life.

I asked Carol some questions about Homestead Cooking with Carol and the things that inspired her to write it.

What is the most challenging thing you have faced as a homesteader?
The growing up of my sons. We moved to the country and bought property to give our children something to do besides reaching the next level on the latest video game. They put up the fencing, they built the barn and animal housing, they handled the goats, milked the goats, butchered the pigs and chickens, etc. The year our oldest married and the second oldest left for the mission field within a few months of each other was tough. My daughter graduated from high school then and started working outside the home. The next child had no interest in homesteading whatsoever. My workforce was reduced to a six and nine year old. We seriously had to scale back.

What is your favourite recipe in the book?
My favorite recipe to eat would be the hummus made with black beans and red peppers. My favorite recipe story is about the Power Patties.

How would you encourage someone who is thinking of moving away from the pavement and embracing the homesteading way of life?
Live like you want to live in the country before you ever move. Learn and practice all the skills you can. Then, when you do move, start small and simple. You have time. No need to take it all on at once and become overwhelmed.

To purchase your copy of Homestead Cooking with Carol – Bountiful Make Ahead Meals click here.

I received a free copy of Homestead Cooking with Carol for review purposes and the giveaway copy is being provided free of charge.