Heart of the Homestead Family

Beef in the Kitchen

Today we’re diving into one of the biggest staples of homestead kitchens everywhere: beef. From ground beef to roasts, steaks, organ meats, bones, and even tallow — we’re talking about how to use every part of the cow and make it stretch in practical, delicious, and nourishing ways.
Heidi and Sarah share how they source their beef locally, what cuts they love most, how they work with grass-finished meat, and their favorite ways to cook, preserve, and prepare different cuts.
Whether you buy a quarter, half, or whole cow — or you’re just curious about using beef more intentionally — this episode is full of practical wisdom from real homestead kitchens.
Plus, we talk about how to stretch your beef, reduce waste, and make your freezer work for you during busy seasons of life.
Listen to our podcast episode "Animal Fats" for more on how to use beef tallow 
You also can watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube.
 
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Using Farm Fresh Eggs

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a mountain of eggs on your counter one week… and then none the next, this episode is for you.
On today’s Heart of the Homestead episode, Heidi and Sarah dive into the wonderfully unpredictable world of farm-fresh eggs—whether they’re coming from your own chickens, your neighbor’s flock, or the ducks who suddenly decide to lay like crazy.
 
Whether you’re drowning in dozens or scraping the bottom of the basket, this episode is full of practical tips, homestead hacks, and simple ways to make eggs work for any season.
Follow us on social media for more homesteading tips @heart_of_the_homestead_family

November Update on Our Homesteads

We’re back! It’s been a little bit, but life on the homestead hasn’t slowed down — and today we’re catching you up on everything happening as we slide into the colder months. ❄️
In this episode, we chat about:🌱 Greenhouse projects — ducks, fertilizing soil, and getting winter greens ready💧 Installing permanent water lines (a total game-changer!)🥶 Frozen vents, chewed hoses & other winter headaches🥕 What’s still growing in the garden + what will be in the December veggie boxes🐓 Which animals are heading to the freezer before Christmas🏡 Winterizing barns & outdoor shelters✨ Natural Christmas décor we’re loving this year🍲 AND… our first ever in-person podcast event: Simmer & Share!
We had a blast making broth, swapping stories, and learning new tricks from our listeners (who knew you could grow your own bay leaves?!).
If you’re curious about winter gardening, greenhouse hacks, preparing for cold weather, or simply want a cozy catch-up from two homesteading friends — this episode is for you.
Watch our video about the hot or cold debate! - https://youtu.be/EsYP7qHbTiA 
Pull up a warm drink and join us for this November homestead chat!

Our Favourite Herbs for Cooking & Healing

In this episode, we’re talking about some of our favourite herbs to grow and use — from kitchen staples like basil and parsley to medicinal powerhouses like calendula, yarrow, and stinging nettle.
Whether you’re growing for flavour, healing, or beauty, herbs bring so much life and connection to the garden.
 
And — exciting news! — we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th at 10 AM! Come hang out with us for some broth making, homesteading tips, and real conversation with our community.
Save your spot here →homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com
 
If you love growing, learning, and connecting with fellow homesteaders, this one’s for you!
 
Watch this episode on YouTube!

Harvest Hustle - October Update

It’s been a whirlwind on the homestead — tomatoes still ripening, beets to pickle, potatoes to dig, and animals to move before the frost sets in. 
In this episode, Heidi and Sarah sit down for their October homestead update to share:✨ The never-ending fall harvest (and the joy of full shelves and freezers)✨ Lessons learned from a busy growing season✨ Why rain and dew point can make or break your frost forecast✨ How they’re wrapping up the year — and making space for rest
And! We’ve got exciting news… our first Simmer & Share community event is happening November 8 at 10am.Come simmer up a pot of comforting broth, share stories, and connect with other homesteaders.
Register at homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com
 
Watch this video and more on our YouTube Channel!

Hot or Cold? The Ultimate Debate

Is it better to boil water starting with hot or cold? 🤔 What seems like the simplest kitchen task turned into one of the biggest debates of all time here on Heart of the Homestead!
In this episode, we share our own hot vs. cold water habits, dive into the “why” behind each method, and laugh over how something so small can stir up such strong opinions.
From canning and cooking to showers, drinks, and even seasonal preferences, this chat covers it all. Tune in, join the conversation, and let us know: Are you Team Hot or Team Cold? Jump in on the conversation on our social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family
Plus — don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Simmer & Share community event on November 8th! Email us at homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register!
 
Watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube

Extending the Growing Season on the Homestead

Just because summer planting is behind us doesn’t mean the gardening season is over! In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re diving into simple, practical ways to keep fresh food growing well into the colder months. From low tunnels and row covers to caterpillar tunnels and unheated hoop houses, we share how we extend the harvest of greens, root crops, and more—all without fancy equipment.
And for those who are local to Norfolk, Ontario - don’t miss our special event: we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th—a cozy time to make broth together, share homestead tips, and connect with you, our listeners. Email homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register!

Vacationing from the Homestead

Can you really get away from the homestead? In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re sharing what it looks like to step away—even in the middle of garden and harvest season. From prepping long lists for family and staff, to planning around animals, produce, and community commitments, we talk honestly about the work it takes to make time off possible.
🎧 Listen in and be encouraged that yes—it is possible to step away from your homestead.
 
And for those local to Norfolk, Ontario, join us for our "Simmer and Share" event on November 8! Email homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register (location will be provided once registered). We look forward to meeting you!
 
Watch this episode on YouTube

September Homestead Update

It’s been a while since our last homestead update — and for good reason! September has us knee-deep in harvest season, freezers filling, shelves stacking, and to-do lists that never seem to end. 🌿🥕
In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, Sarah & Heidi share:✨ The reality of juggling homestead life with family life✨ How to prioritize when everything feels urgent✨ Why some crops can wait (and others can’t)✨ The importance of perspective in different seasons of life
Homesteading isn’t about doing it all — it’s about finding your sane point. Join us for an honest look at the messy, beautiful chaos of this season.
 
Are you local to Norfolk, ON? Then you should join us for our "simmer and share" event happening on November 8! Register by emailing homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com with your name. Location will be provided upon registration. We look forward to seeing all of you!
 
Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family or on YouTube!

Mini Moment: Squash

It’s squash season! 🎃🍂 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we dive into all things winter squash—from heirloom varieties you won’t find in the grocery store, to simple (and safe!) ways to cook and preserve them for the months ahead.
Whether you’re growing them yourself or bringing them home from the market, squash is a homestead staple worth celebrating. Tune in for practical tips, funny kitchen confessions, and a few family-favorite recipes that make the most of this hearty harvest.
Check out Sarah's Squash Pie recipe!
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
And follow us Facebook and Instagram for details about the Simmer & Share - @heart_of_the_homestead_family