Hi friend,
Over the weekend, we tackled something we’ve been looking forward to for so many years: our very first honey harvest!
We thought we were prepared: we’d watched the YouTube tutorials, borrowed a big, shiny uncapping knife, and figured it would go as smoothly as it looked online. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. 😂 That knife made quick work of the wax in the videos, but in real life it was slow, sticky, and way harder than we expected. We took large chunks of the wax off the frame (we had been hoping to be able to preserve it so the bees can get back in there quicker!) We spent a good chunk of the afternoon laughing at ourselves, covered in honey and wax shavings, trying to make it work.
After about four frames, we decided there had to be a better way, so we ordered a honey roller tool. It just arrived, and we’re already itching to get back out to the hives tomorrow and finish the harvest properly. We still have eight frames to go, with a couple sections in the original four still slightly capped.
So far, it looks like we’ve collected what we think is mostly clover honey from our yard. But we still have a few older frames left that we suspect are cherry blossom honey from the spring. It’s fascinating how you can see the difference right there on the frames. The older cherry blossom honey is a deeper, darker color compared to the fresh clover. At least, that’s our guess! We’ll see what it all tastes like once it’s bottled up.
It’s humbling to realize just how much work our bees have done all season and how much more there is to learn. But that’s half the fun of homesteading, isn’t it?
Before we get to the rest of the regularly scheduled content, I wanted to give a little shout-out to my
Facebook group:
30-Minute Meals.
A lot of new subscribers found me through the group — but if you didn’t, come join us! It’s a growing little community where we share our favorite recipes that take 30 minutes or less, start to finish. Feel free to join the group, share what you’re making, and invite a friend or two. The more ideas we all bring to the table, the better. Hope to see you there!
🍲 What’s On My Table
It’s hot, the garden is full, and the last thing I want to do is stand over a stove for an hour. These light, flavorful recipes from the blog are perfect for summer — and one of them is already a reader favorite!
🍜 Salmon Soba Noodle Salad
A refreshing cold noodle salad with tender salmon, crisp veggies, and a bright, savory dressing. My newest recipe, and it’s already a hit — perfect for a make-ahead lunch or easy dinner.
🥗 Creamy Chickpea Salad
A protein-packed, no-cook salad that’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying — ideal for quick lunches or meal prep.
🍑 Burrata Avocado Toast
An easy way to use summer tomatoes and herbs, with creamy burrata and buttery avocado.
🍗 Honey Hot Chicken Wings
Sweet and spicy with a sticky glaze — ideal for a backyard dinner.
🌱 Pepita Pesto with Basil and Parsley
Got basil about to bolt? This nut-free pesto is quick to whip up and great on everything from pasta to sandwiches.
🍓 Bonus: Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
A little something sweet and fresh to stir into sparkling water, lemonade, or cocktails — tastes just like summer in a glass.
🌟 Want even more ideas? Check out the full recipe collection. And if you try any of these, reply to this email and let me know — I’d love to hear how it turns out!
🧺 Homesteading Tip of the Week: My Basil is Bolting
My basil decided it was done with me this week: tall stalks, little white flowers, and hardly a nice big leaf left in sight. It’s called bolting, and it happens when herbs (and greens) get stressed by heat and decide it’s time to make seeds instead of more leaves.
The good news? You can slow it down a little and still get a decent harvest.
Here’s what I’m doing:
🌿 Pinching off the flowers as soon as I see them.
🌿 Harvesting a bunch at once (and making the pesto above or freezing it in olive oil cubes).
🌿 Giving it some afternoon shade to keep it from frying in the sun.
Even if it’s too far gone, don’t worry. Bees love the flowers, and you can always start another little pot of basil for later in the summer (or do what I do and buy another plant at Trader Joe's).
💛 Until Next Time
Have you ever tasted different types of honey side by side? Or tackled a project that turned out a lot messier than expected? I’d love to hear your stories; just hit reply and tell me!
Here’s to warm ovens, clean sheets, and five peaceful minutes for yourself.
Thanks for being here. Your time and trust mean the world.
With warmth,
