Old-Fashioned Skills

Dark Chocolate-Drizzled Almond Biscotti Recipe & Video

September 20, 2021 by Sylvia Rose 3 Comments

These crispy dark chocolate-drizzled almond biscotti are studded with almonds and are seriously addictive. Will you be able to stop at one?

dark chocolate almond biscotti with almonds and dark chocolate

It probably goes without saying, but biscotti are cookies. Italian cookies.

Biscotti also means twice baked, which is the secret behind their crispiness. They are baked not once, but twice.

Biscotti are also lower in sugar than most cookies, and I made this recipe just a tad bit healthier by cutting half of the flour with whole wheat.

But then I threw away its whole wheat virtues and had it mingle with dark chocolate.

I don’t normally drizzle or dip my biscotti in chocolate and I quickly discovered why.

Regular almond biscotti, without the chocolate treatment, last three times as long as their decorated brethren in my house.

If you’re not careful, yours will disappear, too.

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30 Foods Our Great-Grandmothers NEVER Bought

September 6, 2021 by Sylvia Rose 6 Comments

Making these foods from scratch is not only healthier, but it’ll save money, too! How many of these staples are you making at home?

I’ll admit it. Making food from scratch isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially when you’re balancing multiple plates. Work. Kids. Cleaning. Meals.

In the case of my own great-grandmother, she stayed at home to take care of her family.

It was pre and post-war Germany, so food was scarce and while some of the things on this list weren’t within her scope, everything she placed on the table was homemade.

I personally stay at home, so I have the time to make food from scratch, but if that’s not you, don’t worry.

I’ll explain how you can start making some of your own pantry staples without getting overwhelmed.

Because at the end of the day, food prepared at home not only tastes better, but it’s healthier and cheaper, too.

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How to Make Beet Kvass in a Mason Jar

August 30, 2021 by Sylvia Rose 7 Comments

Beet kvass is a fizzy fermented drink. Tangy and traditional, this elixir is flush with health benefits. It’s also easy to make!

If you’ve never had beet kvass before, you’re in for a treat.

Making beet kvass is a simple fermentation project for beginners and only takes a week or two until it’s ready to drink.

It can be ready in less time, too, if you have whey to speed along the fermentation process.

Some people love kvass, others hate it, but there’s only one way to find out which camp you belong in.

Are you an initiate when it comes to this wonderful elixir? Let’s begin.

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27 Vintage Bucket List Ideas for Fall (how to make it magical)

August 23, 2021 by Sylvia Rose 6 Comments

Fall bucket list ideas with a vintage twist to make your autumn days (and nights) cozy, bright and memorable.

blue vintage pick up truck full of pumpkins

Autumn is a gorgeous season. Don’t let it go to waste!

Here are 27 vintage-inspired bucket list ideas for fall to help you make the most of this stunning season.

Whether it’s heading outside to make the most of the cooler days, celebrating the holidays, or staying warm and cozy inside, there’s something for everyone on this list of old-fashioned autumn activities!

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Fermented Jalapeño Pickles (better than store-bought!)

September 18, 2020 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

These vibrant jalapeño pickles are rich in probiotics, easy to make and pack a mean spicy punch.

FERMENTED JALAPENO PICKLES: THE PERFECT SPICY CONDIMENT

Are you one of those folks who can’t get enough spice in their life?

Or maybe you’re looking for a homemade edible gift idea for someone who NEEDS hot sauce on EVERYTHING?

I’ll tell you one thing: these fermented jalapeño pickles will not disappoint!

Unlike the sodium-heavy pickles that can be found beside the salsa at the grocery store, these are actually good for you.

Pull them out for Taco Tuesday.

Dress up your breakfast eggs.

Add a spicy twist to savoury baked goods, and stick them in sandwiches.

You will want these in your burgers for a little kick that burns oh, so good.

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Hate Grocery Shopping? Stock up the Pantry this Fall!

September 3, 2020 by Sylvia Rose 3 Comments

Do you hate grocery shopping as much as I do these days? Here’s how to preserve the summer harvest this fall. Let’s fill up that larder!

stocking up the pantry with homemade salsa

STOCKING UP THE PANTRY THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY

Once upon a time, grocery stores weren’t the primary destination to put a meal on the table.

Soup didn’t come out of a can, a helper didn’t come out of a box, and fast food had to be caught.

Families worked long and hard together to store up enough food to last them through the winter, and the majority of that supply was produced on their own land.

Before the dawn of modern refrigeration, almost every home had a root cellar or some sort of cold room to store their goods.

Potatoes, carrots, cabbages, and other hardy vegetables were carefully packed away.

There were bushels of apples, large crocks of homemade sauerkraut, and cured meats.

In the attic, there might be braids of onions and garlic and herbs hanging to dry for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

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