Lani Panico

facing the beast

Facing the Beast: Practicing Courage and Reflection

By Lani Panico / October 16, 2023 / Comments Off on Facing the Beast: Practicing Courage and Reflection

What does facing the beast mean? In this time of uncertainty, we must practice regular reflection to achieve optimal happiness and health. The metaphor below gives insight into confronting and facing it, regardless of what “the beast” is to you. The following is. an excerpt from Facing the Beast by Naomi Wolf. It has been adapted for the…

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cidermaking

Fall In Love With Cidermaking: Guides to Making Cider

By Lani Panico / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off on Fall In Love With Cidermaking: Guides to Making Cider

Get ready to take a bite out of the world of cidermaking! These seven guides are sure to help you make delicious, crisp cider this fall. PLUS, try out the bonus recipe at the bottom of this list to create a delicious dessert with the cider you make. Fermenting Apples for Cider Fermenting apples is…

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Designing Leather Goods: Cutting & Shaping

By Lani Panico / October 12, 2023 / Comments Off on Designing Leather Goods: Cutting & Shaping

In a personal investigation into ethical and traceable leather, fashion designer Alice Robinson begins a ground-breaking journey into the origin story of leather and its connection to food and farming. Keep reading to learn more about her process of cutting & shaping leather to create handbags, shoes, clothing, and more! The following is an excerpt from…

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worms in soil

Soil Is Alive: What Lives In Our Soil?

By Lani Panico / October 5, 2023 / Comments Off on Soil Is Alive: What Lives In Our Soil?

Ever wonder what worms and centipedes are doing as they crawl through your soil? They’re actually working to improve the soil’s health, which benefits the environment and all living things in the long run. The following is an excerpt from Farming on the Wild Side by Nancy J. Hayden and John P. Hayden. It has been adapted…

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big year

Starting A Big Year of Birdwatching: Bicycle Beginnings

By Lani Panico / October 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Starting A Big Year of Birdwatching: Bicycle Beginnings

At a personal and professional crossroads, a man reset his life and found sobriety, love, and 618 bird species, cycling his way to a very Big Year. Join him on his journey as he recounts beginning his Big Year on bicycle! The following is an excerpt from Birding Under the Influence by Dorian Anderson. It has…

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kale

All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green

By Lani Panico / September 21, 2023 / Comments Off on All About Kale: The Evolution of This Popular Green

Chances are, you’ve heard of kale. In recent times, this leafy green is known as a delicious addition to meals and smoothies — but it didn’t always have the stellar reputation it does today.  Once known as an undesirable vegetable that was mainly fed to cattle, kale has evolved over the years to become a…

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lean vegetable farm

5 Steps to Achieve A Lean Vegetable Farm

By Lani Panico / September 18, 2023 / Comments Off on 5 Steps to Achieve A Lean Vegetable Farm

Looking to create a lean vegetable farm? The lean system, designed to cut out waste and increase profits, allows you to operate a successful and healthy farm with a fraction of the work it usually takes. Here are five simple steps to help you get started! Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2017 by Ben…

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medicinal herbs

Growing Medicinal Herbs: An Agricultural Revolution

By Lani Panico / September 18, 2023 / Comments Off on Growing Medicinal Herbs: An Agricultural Revolution

Growing & using your own medicinal herbs keeps you healthy AND helps improve our environment. So what’re you waiting for? Check out these quick tips and get ready to start an agricultural revolution with medicinal herbs! The following is an excerpt from The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, Revised Edition by Jeff and Melanie Carpenter. It has been adapted for…

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hazelnuts

A Guide to Harvesting Hazelnuts

By Lani Panico / September 13, 2023 / Comments Off on A Guide to Harvesting Hazelnuts

Today, hazelnuts are all the rage. These small nuts, known for their one-of-a-kind flavor, are both delicious AND hearty enough to be grown and harvested in almost any weather conditions. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start harvesting hazelnuts! The following is an excerpt from Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts by Scott Serrano and Allyson…

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feeding your flock

Naturally Feeding Your Flock: Feed Poultry With Fresh Greens

By Lani Panico / September 8, 2023 / Comments Off on Naturally Feeding Your Flock: Feed Poultry With Fresh Greens

“Nothing we can buy in a feed bag can match the breadth and depth of nutrition to be discovered right at home.” — Harvey Ussery Feeding your flock naturally comes with a variety of benefits, from boosting poultry health to saving you money on feed bills. Resources that are readily available at your farm or…

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squash

What’s In A Name? The Story of Squash

By Lani Panico / September 6, 2023 / Comments Off on What’s In A Name? The Story of Squash

“As soon as the squash begins to run its arms across the ground it is ready for the kitchen.” — Antonio Francesco Doni (1513–1574) – La Zucca (c.1541) Squash…this one simple term somehow encapsulates a variety of delicious vegetables that play a vital role in some of our favorite dishes. This species has come a long…

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Wild Dijon Vinaigrette: A Spin On Classic Salad Dressing

By Lani Panico / September 5, 2023 / Comments Off on Wild Dijon Vinaigrette: A Spin On Classic Salad Dressing

Move aside, store-bought salad dressing! Delicious and unique, this Wild Dijon Vinaigrette is bound to be your new salad staple. All you need to get started is some vinegar, a little bit of mustard, and a few more simple ingredients that you can find at home. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal…

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boreray sheep

Boreray Sheep: A “Woolly” Remarkable Flock

By Lani Panico / September 4, 2023 / Comments Off on Boreray Sheep: A “Woolly” Remarkable Flock

“Ewe” won’t believe how much Boreray sheep have to offer! This breed provides much more than just a cute face and a full coat of wool. When raised in an ideal environment, Boreray sheep can have a huge positive impact on your farmland. The following is an excerpt from The Lost Flock by Jane Cooper.…

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gut health

Easy 15-Minute Meals to Promote Gut Health

By Lani Panico / August 31, 2023 / Comments Off on Easy 15-Minute Meals to Promote Gut Health

Want to improve your gut health, while also enjoying the food you love? Try out these easy, 15-minute recipes to indulge in a delicious meal while still being good to your gut.  The following is an excerpt from Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide by Caroline Pover. It has been adapted for the web. Recipes to Promote…

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making jams and syrups

A Guide to Making Jams and Syrups With Wild Ingredients

By Lani Panico / August 22, 2023 / Comments Off on A Guide to Making Jams and Syrups With Wild Ingredients

One of the best parts of cooking with ingredients you forage for yourself is discovering how they work on their own to deliver delicious flavors. This is especially true when it comes to making jams and syrups with wild ingredients.  The possibilities are pretty much endless with wild ingredients — use almost any fresh fruit or…

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demand for real meat - chickens

A Game Of Chicken: The Demand for Real Meat

By Lani Panico / August 14, 2023 / Comments Off on A Game Of Chicken: The Demand for Real Meat

Meat production can be a tricky business. Everyone wants to consume real chicken and pork, but meeting this demand can be difficult for farmers and food companies. To ensure that we’re eating high-quality chicken and poultry, we must even out the demand for real meat. The following is an excerpt from Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future…

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fruit-infused vinegars

Fruit-Infused Vinegars: Making Vinegar With Blueberries and Blackberries

By Lani Panico / August 11, 2023 / Comments Off on Fruit-Infused Vinegars: Making Vinegar With Blueberries and Blackberries

Looking for something to do with the berries you’ve been growing all season? Try making fruit-infused vinegars! These recipes for blueberry-mugwort and blackberry infused vinegars allow you to get creative with ingredients to concoct unique flavors. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE:…

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All In The Sting: Health Benefits of Honey Bee Venom

By Lani Panico / August 1, 2023 / Comments Off on All In The Sting: Health Benefits of Honey Bee Venom

Tired of trying different traditional medicines to relieve inflammation and joint pain? Give bee venom therapy a try. Apitherapy and bee venom therapy is an emerging medicinal treatment that uses the stinger of a honey bee to alleviate pain and aid in healing. Bee venom therapy works by catalyzing the body’s natural healing processes. Most…

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grain storage

From Field to Storage: Grain Storage Container Options

By Lani Panico / July 28, 2023 / Comments Off on From Field to Storage: Grain Storage Container Options

Wondering where to put all the grains you grew? Storing grains accurately is essential for a successful harvest; and how you store them can make or break the quality of your crops. Check out the following grain storage container options to see which is best for your farm or homestead. The following is an excerpt from The…

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lemon gremolata

The Perfect Slice: Watermelon Radish and Preserved Lemon Gremolata

By Lani Panico / July 23, 2023 / Comments Off on The Perfect Slice: Watermelon Radish and Preserved Lemon Gremolata

Gremolata is most commonly used for a final flourish of flavor to add a fresh taste to rich meaty dishes. This traditional Italian condiment is sprinkled over any number of dishes and it will make every mouthful pop with its bright flavor. It is a great addition to grilled meat, roasted or grilled vegetables, and pasta…

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forest garden seven layers

The Seven Layers of A Forest Garden

By Lani Panico / July 19, 2023 / Comments Off on The Seven Layers of A Forest Garden

When you create a forest garden, you give nature the reigns and let it take the hard part off your hands. All you need to do is get to work on creating the seven layers, and the forest will take care of the rest.  The following is an excerpt from The Home-Scale Forest Garden by Dani…

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storing cucumbers

Harvesting and Storing Cucumbers: Capturing the Crunch

By Lani Panico / July 14, 2023 / Comments Off on Harvesting and Storing Cucumbers: Capturing the Crunch

As the weather heats up, now’s the perfect time to grow and pick cucumbers! With these easy tips and tricks, you’ll be prepared to successfully harvest and store the cucumbers you grow until they’re ready to eat. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2017 by Andrew Mefferd. The following is an excerpt from The Greenhouse and…

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queen bee rearing

Natural Queen Bee Rearing: Make Way For the Queen!

By Lani Panico / July 14, 2023 / Comments Off on Natural Queen Bee Rearing: Make Way For the Queen!

Queen Bees are essential for a hive. No colony can truly “bee” successful without one. How do you get this almighty queen? It’s all in the honeycomb. Below is a formula for natural queen bee rearing that will help you run a productive hive. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs copyright © 2023 by Eric and…

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mint salt

Mint Salt: A Fresh Take on Seasoning

By Lani Panico / July 10, 2023 / Comments Off on Mint Salt: A Fresh Take on Seasoning

Searching for a new way to use salt and seasonings in your kitchen? Look no further than this recipe for mint salt! This fresh, natural salt is a game-changer that is bound to mix up the way you season your dishes. The following is an excerpt from Salt and the Art of Seasoning by James Strawbridge.…

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galium panna cotta

Panna Cotta With Galium: A Sweet Stand-In For Vanilla

By Lani Panico / July 6, 2023 / Comments Off on Panna Cotta With Galium: A Sweet Stand-In For Vanilla

Who needs a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down when you have galium? This wild herb not only has a sugary sweet aroma on its own, but can also add a delicious vanilla-like flavor when added to desserts. Forage for your own galium in the woods or even your own backyard to…

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