There’s something about a new year on the farm that feels different.
The holidays slow down, the calendar clears just a bit, and the kitchen becomes the heart of our home again. After weeks of casseroles, potlucks, and quick meals between chores, January feels like an invitation to get back to basics — simple ingredients, homemade meals, and food made with intention.
This year, I’m committing to cooking more from scratch — not perfectly, not every meal — but more often. And if you’re a busy farm wife, ranch wife, or just someone craving a slower, more intentional kitchen rhythm, you might feel this pull too.
Why From-Scratch Cooking Makes Sense on the Farm
Life on the farm already revolves around hard work and real food. Cooking from scratch isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about simplifying it.
For us, it means:
Fewer processed ingredients Stretching groceries further Knowing exactly what’s in our meals Feeding our families hearty food that keeps them full longer
It’s also about connection — passing down recipes, teaching kids kitchen skills, and creating meals that bring everyone back to the table at the end of a long day.
Start Small (You Don’t Have to Do It All)
If the phrase from scratch feels overwhelming, here’s the secret: start with one thing.
Instead of trying to overhaul every meal, choose one area:
Homemade bread once a week From-scratch soups instead of canned Making breakfast staples ahead of time Swapping store-bought snacks for simple homemade ones
Those small changes add up quickly — and they stick.
Having the right tools on hand makes scratch cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Cast Iron Skillet – perfect for eggs, cornbread, skillet dinners, and even baking
👉 [Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot – essential for soups, stews, roasts, and bone broth
👉 [Enameled Dutch Oven – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – makes bread dough, cookies, and rolls effortless
👉 [KitchenAid Stand Mixer – Amazon Affiliate Link]
👉 [Hand Mixer – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Glass Food Storage Containers – great for leftovers, prepped ingredients, and freezer meals
👉 [Glass Meal Prep Containers – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Quality Measuring Cups & Spoons – accuracy matters when cooking from scratch
👉 [Stainless Steel Measuring Set – Amazon Affiliate Link]
These are the tools I reach for week after week — nothing fancy, just reliable and practical.
Simple From-Scratch Meals to Start With
January meals should be comforting and practical. Some easy wins:
Homemade chicken noodle soup Chili or beef stew Fresh bread with butter Breakfast casseroles or baked oatmeal Roasted chicken with simple sides
A slow cooker is also a lifesaver on busy farm days — dinner can cook while chores get done.
👉 [Programmable Slow Cooker – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Nothing fancy. Just filling, nourishing food that warms the house and feeds hardworking people.
Pantry Staples I Keep Stocked
From-scratch cooking is easier when the pantry is ready. A few essentials I always keep on hand:
Flour (all-purpose & bread flour) Sugar & brown sugar Baking powder & baking soda Yeast Olive oil Spices stored in airtight containers
👉 [Airtight Pantry Storage Containers – Amazon Affiliate Link]
Giving Yourself Grace in the Process
Cooking from scratch doesn’t mean no freezer meals.
It doesn’t mean no shortcuts.
And it definitely doesn’t mean perfection.
Some nights are still frozen pizza nights — and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to do everything homemade. The goal is to do more than you did last year, in a way that fits your life.
A New Year, A Slower Kitchen
As the new year begins, I’m choosing progress over pressure. A pot simmering on the stove. Bread rising on the counter. Meals that feel rooted, not rushed.
If you’re starting this journey too, know this — you don’t have to be an expert cook. You just have to start.
Here’s to a new year of simple meals, full tables, and kitchens that feel like home. 🤍
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