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Early gardening tips : What to sow indoors and directly in January
January in northern Spain often brings unexpected weather, including unusual snowfall. Despite the cold and occasional frost, this month offers a valuable window to start planning and preparing my spring and summer garden. With the right approach, I can get a head start by sowing certain crops directly outdoors and starting others indoors. This guide will help you ( and me) decide what to plant now and how to care for your early seedlings. This foto was taken at 10 o clock th
ourspanishfarm
Jan 103 min read


Unlocking the Secrets to Smart Shopping at Costco for Savvy Savers
Costco’s $5.99 rotisserie chicken is more than just a tasty meal, it’s a smart way to stretch your grocery budget and boost your kitchen efficiency. Many shoppers grab one for dinner and call it a day, but with a little planning, you can turn that single purchase into multiple meals and even homemade staples like bone broth. This post will walk you through how to make the most of this rotisserie chicken, save money, reduce waste, and build a more self-sufficient kitchen. 3 fu
ourspanishfarm
Jan 53 min read


Harvesting Pumpkins and Canning Butternut Squash Soup for Winter
Learn how to harvest pumpkins at the right time and preserve your butternut squash by pressure canning it in cubes—ready to blend into a cozy soup all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 24, 20252 min read


From Orchard to Jar: Apple Cinnamon Jam with Local Apples
I brought home 10kg of apples from a local farmer and turned part of the harvest into a small batch of low-sugar apple cinnamon jam. A taste of autumn, preserved in jars.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 20, 20253 min read


Preserving the Harvest: Canning Garden Ragu
Turn your garden harvest into jars of rich, hearty ragu. This simple recipe transforms tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and more into a sauce that’s perfect for pasta—and with pressure canning, you can enjoy it all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 10, 20253 min read


Harvesting Summer Squash and Dehydrating for Winter Use - (Preserving squash for winter)
Learn how to harvest summer squash at peak ripeness and preserve your bounty by dehydrating it. A step-by-step guide for stocking your pantry with shelf-stable squash all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 6, 20252 min read


Harvesting Melons and Making Homemade Melonchello
Learn the best tips for harvesting ripe melons and transform your summer bounty into a refreshing homemade liqueur—melonchello. Perfect for sipping chilled on warm evenings or gifting to friends.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 3, 20252 min read


Bringing Home a Whole Goat: Why Buying a Whole Goat Matters
This autumn I ordered a whole goat from a local herdess in the Penedès. After butchering, I vacuum sealed each cut and filled the freezer—ensuring flavorful, sustainable meals all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Sep 29, 20252 min read


Why Removable Canning Labels Beat Writing on Canning Lids
If you’ve been canning for a while, chances are you’ve grabbed a permanent marker and scribbled the contents and date right on the lid....
ourspanishfarm
Sep 26, 20253 min read


In Between Gardens – Breathing Space Before Winter Planting
After the rush of summer harvests comes a quiet pause before winter planting. This “in between gardens” season is where homesteaders rest, reflect, and prepare for what comes next.
ourspanishfarm
Sep 22, 20253 min read


The Comfort of Swedish Cinnamon Rolls
There are few aromas as welcoming as freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. In Sweden, these beloved kanelbullar...
ourspanishfarm
Sep 19, 20252 min read


The magic of the first egg - Bringing backyard chickes home
There’s something timeless about the soft clucking of hens in the garden. For many of us, the decision to get backyard chickens begins...
ourspanishfarm
Sep 15, 20252 min read


Harvesting and Preserving Corn: A Taste of Summer Stored Away
There’s something almost magical about walking through the corn patch in late summer. The tall stalks rustle in the breeze, the golden...
ourspanishfarm
Sep 8, 20253 min read


Building an outdoor kitchen!
First time trying to build! Summer in Penedès is a season of abundance. The garden overflows with tomatoes, peppers, melons, figs, and...
ourspanishfarm
Sep 4, 20251 min read


How to Can Bolognese Sauce with meat: A Pantry Staple for Easy Dinners
Bolognese sauce right out of the canner If there’s one sauce that deserves a spot in your pantry, it’s Bolognese. Rich, meaty, and...
ourspanishfarm
Jul 24, 20252 min read


How to Can Goulash: A Hearty Homemade Meal in a Jar
Jars ready for the canner Here in Spain we have been having a long and hard heat wave for a couple of weeks, with no end in sight at the...
ourspanishfarm
Jul 20, 20253 min read


Spice Up Your Pantry: Homemade Tomato and Jalapeño Jam
If you love the idea of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors coming together in a delicious jam, then Tomato and Jalapeño Jam is just what...
ourspanishfarm
Mar 14, 20252 min read


Starting Tomato Seeds Indoors in March: A Guide to a Bountiful Harvest
March is the perfect time to start sowing tomato seeds indoors, especially if you want a strong, healthy crop ready for transplanting...
ourspanishfarm
Mar 4, 20253 min read


Sourcing local produce when cooking, canning or making preserves
Go to local markets, ask the vendors. Where is the origin of the things you prepare and eat? Have they been flown from half way around...
ourspanishfarm
Feb 12, 20252 min read


Canning Texas Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Staple for Your Pantry
This recipe makes 9 pints. Jars out of the canner It has been a little while since I posted, but I have not been totally idle. Lots of...
ourspanishfarm
Feb 9, 20253 min read


The Perfect Pairing: Strawberry & Rum Jam
Delish jars all done! Homemade jam has a special way of capturing the season in a jar. When strawberries are at their peak, their vibrant...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 21, 20253 min read


Canning Garbanzo Beans with Veggies: A Nutritious Pantry Staple
Canning garbanzo beans (chickpeas) with vegetables is a great way to create a ready-to-eat, nutrient-packed meal or side dish. Whether...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 17, 20252 min read


Canning Refried Beans: A Guide to Convenience and Flavor
A winning refried bean-side-dish If you love the creamy, savory taste of refried beans but dread the hassle of cooking them every time,...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 13, 20253 min read


Canning Korean Beef: A Flavorful Preservation Method
Stocking my pantry with these beauties We already know that canning is a fantastic way to preserve food for long periods while retaining its flavor and nutritional value. One of the most delicious and versatile options for canning is Korean beef. This blog post will guide you through the process, providing tips and the recipe to ensure your canned goods are both safe and delicious. Why Canning Korean Beef? Convenience: Having a can on hand means you can whip up a meal in min
ourspanishfarm
Jan 8, 20252 min read
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