In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Melissa K. Norris—homesteader, author, and founder of the Pioneering Today Podcast! Melissa shares practical, real-life tips for cooking from scratch, even during the busiest seasons on the homestead.
From batch cooking to freezer-friendly favorites and mastering one dough recipe for everything from rolls to pizza—this conversation is packed with helpful advice to make homemade meals doable and delicious. Whether you’re new to homesteading or just looking for ways to make real food fit into real life, you’ll love this episode!
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Why Cooking from Scratch Matters
Cooking from scratch means making food with real ingredients instead of using pre-made mixes or packages. It’s healthier, tastes better, and usually costs less. Plus, it’s a big step toward self-sufficiency. When you grow and prepare your own food, you know exactly what’s going into your meals.
Fancy Meal Plans Aren’t For Everyone
Some people love making meal plans for the whole month. That’s great if it works for them! But for a lot of folks, that’s too much to keep up with. Instead, think small. It can help just to have a plan for the next day or two. Know what protein or veggies you want to use, and keep it simple. Even a short list can save a lot of last-minute decision-making.
Batch Cook to Save Time
One great way to cook from scratch without spending all day in the kitchen is to cook more at once. Make a big batch of food—like a whole chicken or a roast—on the weekend. Then use the leftovers in new meals throughout the week. Chicken on Sunday can turn into soup or sandwiches on Monday!
You can also make things like muffins, breakfast egg cups, or waffles ahead of time and freeze them. Just pull out what you need during the week and warm them up.
Homemade Convenience Foods
Store-bought frozen meals might be fast, but they aren’t always healthy. Try making your own “fast food” at home. Cook biscuits, rolls, or cookie dough in big batches and freeze what you don’t use. You can bake most of them straight from the freezer—just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time!
Here are some easy things to freeze:
- Biscuit or pie dough
- Cooked waffles and pancakes
- Cookie dough logs
- Sourdough or yeasted bread (bake it first, then freeze)
Stock the Right Pantry Staples
A well-stocked pantry makes scratch cooking way easier. Keep basics like:
- Flour
- Rice
- Beans
- Salt and pepper
- Dried herbs and spices
Don’t forget healthy fats like butter, lard, or olive oil. And if you’ve got home-canned goods, use them! If you’re out of seasoning packets, it’s no problem when you have your own spice mix ready to go.
Embrace Modern Tools
Old-fashioned cooking doesn’t mean skipping modern help. Tools like slow cookers and Instant Pots are lifesavers when you’re short on time. Forgot to thaw meat? Toss frozen chicken in the Instant Pot, and it’s done in no time.
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Keep Breakfast Simple
Mornings can be busy. Having grab-and-go breakfast options can make all the difference. Try these:
- Egg muffins with veggies and cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Homemade muffins
- Yogurt with fruit and granola
Make a bunch on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Learn the Basics (Then Get Creative)
You don’t need a packet to make taco seasoning or a can to make cream soup. Learning a few basic recipes opens up a world of choices. Once you know how to make simple sauces, dressings, or doughs, you can mix and match to create your own meals.
Try mastering a “master dough”—a simple bread dough that can become dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, sandwich loaves, or even pizza crust!
Start Small and Build Skills
If you’re just starting out, don’t feel like you have to change everything overnight. Pick one thing—like baking your own bread or cooking dinner from scratch three nights a week—and go from there. The more you practice, the easier and more natural it becomes.
Cooking Is a Homestead Superpower
Whether you live on a farm or in an apartment, cooking from scratch is one of the most powerful skills you can have. It saves money, improves health, reduces waste, and helps you make the most of everything you grow and preserve.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Remember the 80/20 rule—do your best most of the time, and don’t feel bad if you order pizza once in a while!
Check out Melissa’s Website
See all that she is doing and check out her latest book – Home and Hand Made: https://melissaknorris.com/books/hand-made/
