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Winter squash is one of our favorite fall foods here at Pleasant Grove Homestead. From kabocha squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and classic butternut squash, these vegetables are versatile, nutritious, and store beautifully all winter long. Unlike many other vegetables, winter squash doesn’t require freezing unless you have leftovers — in fact, a whole squash…
Here in Iowa, growing kale is a rewarding challenge. From the rolling fields of our homestead to farmers markets in Oskaloosa, Des Moines, and beyond, different types of kale thrive in our climate, especially as temperatures drop in late October and after the first frost. As a produce farmer, I love sharing the story behind…
Homemade beef and noodles are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy families. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and transforms leftover roast beef or chuck roast into a delicious meal that’s ready to join your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or planning a whole meal with sides like green beans, this classic dish is always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover pot roast, stretch your meat budget,…
A Handy guide for home cooks to store, thaw, and enjoy beef later If you’ve cooked an entire beef roast and found yourself with more leftovers than your family can eat in 3–5 days, you’re not alone. Many home cooks wonder about the best way to store cooked beef for future use without sacrificing flavor…
While ground beef substitutes and plant-based meat alternatives are trending in every grocery store aisle, we’re taking a different approach here at Pleasant Grove Homestead. Beef—especially pasture-raised beef—is one of the few animal products that contains all nine essential amino acids in comparable amounts to what our bodies need. It’s also rich in vitamin B12, zinc, and iron—nutrients that are often…
Why This Is a Great Way for Garlic Lovers If you’ve seen the latest TikTok make-ahead hacks or are searching for the best way to preserve garlic, you’ll love this method. Roasted garlic brings a sweet, mellow flavor that transforms everything from garlic bread and pasta dishes to homemade salad dressing and dips. By freezing…
If you’ve ever grown cherry tomatoes, you already know how it goes. You plant one or two tomato plants in the spring, dreaming of sweet, juicy little tomatoes to snack on in the summer months. But then—suddenly—you’re swimming in them. Buckets, baskets, and bowls of plump cherry tomatoes cover your counter, and you’re left asking: What’s…
Preparing meals on a budget is easier than you think! In this blog, we will discover how healthy eating can be budget friendly with easy family dinners. “Hey, what’s for dinner?” Ah, the age-old question that gets asked every. single. night. And yet, we still rarely know the answer. After a day of making so…
Looking for an easy recipe for your weekly meal plan? This pork roast recipe in the oven will melt in your mouth and create different meals for your busy week. No thawing required! If you are short on time and forgot to thaw meat, cooking a pork roast from frozen will get dinner on the…
Learn how to defrost and use frozen cooked shredded chicken for an easy option to get a quick dinner on the table. One thing that we always keep on hand is options for quick dinners or lunches are prepped proteins. Whether we are stocking our pantry with canned goods, or our freezer with farm-fresh products, we…