Friends, I often hear from other individuals "Why do you spend so much time growing your own food and then canning it when you can just get it from the grocery store?" Well, friends, what most people don't know is that have significant anxiety when it comes to having food on hand at any given time.

There was a time when I was a single mom of three kids, and I didn't have the money to buy food for them.  I would sell household items to pay for veggies, milk, etc. Rely on friends or family for leftovers. From then on, I have vowed to never be in that position again. I grow a large surplus of veggies and fruit every year, process, and can.  It brings me significant security knowing that I have a huge pantry full of food that my kids can just pop in, grab a jar of applesauce, and sit down to have a sugar-free snack. 

Since the time of being a single mom, I've remarried.  I got 5 wonderful children that love being in the garden, in the kitchen and in the barn.  I've gotten to a point in my full-time job where I could easily afford to go to the grocery store for all our food needs, like the majority of the population.  But I continue to can, there is something just so satisfying about the process and final product.

Everyone has a why for the vast majority of practices they do day to day.  Now you know my why.  I hope to continue to use this platform to provide my favorite recipes, progress on the farm, and the growing number of projects.

Blessings my friends, Jessica