Homemade and handmade Christmas gifts are becoming the trend again. But what if you’re not crafty, not really that handy in the kitchen, or simply do not have the time to make anything? Do the next best thing, give a gift of practicality. A practical gift is plain, practical, and useful. Things that people don’t think to buy for themselves but really enjoy once they have them – my idea of a perfect gift! Whether you’re shopping for someone that just set up a household or someone that has had their kitchen stocked for years, you’re sure to find...

Canned potatoes are an absolute must in my cellar. I love the convenience of being able to grab a jar of potatoes off the shelf to heat up as a side dish or add to a roast. I recently bought 30 pounds of potatoes on sale and couldn’t wait to get them in the pressure canner.  Since potatoes are in the low acid category, they do require pressure canning as opposed to water bath.  I’m going to share my method of canning potatoes, however, be sure to follow the instructions specific to your own pressure canner.  I also highly...

As a child, I remember both of my Grandmothers wearing aprons almost all the time. Whether they were cooking or doing chores, their aprons were tied around their waist. I thought aprons were just another part of a lady’s wardrobe. Little did I know at the time just how useful these garments were to the housewife. My Grandma Bea had a variety of aprons. I mostly remember her wearing the type of apron that tied around the waste. I can picture her stirring apple butter and wiping her hands and face with the apron. I’m sure her aprons were...