Embark on the thrilling and gratifying practice of “cottage economy” right where you are.
What does “cottage economy” mean? Cottage economy is the sweet spot between old-fashioned values (like thrift and DIY) and modern conveniences (like a good electric mixer and a sewing machine).
Cottage economy isn’t about doing without or working yourself to the bone. Far from it! Cottage economy means learning the 🕰 time-honored skills our grandparents knew and adding a dash of 💐 sparkle to make the most of what we have right now.
The good news is you don’t need acres of land to practice cottage economy – though it’s great if you have it! You can turn your kitchen into a center of production instead of merely a center for consumption – no matter what size it is or where it’s located. And you can start where you are.
Skills like…
- Creating simple, nourishing soups from whatever is in season (or in the cupboard!) using a simple Soup Template.
- Setting up a working pantry to ward off a budget crisis or emergency
- Sewing a simple drawstring bag that can serve as a bread bag, produce bag, or a treasure sack for children!
- Honoring elderly relatives by preserving their recipes for posterity
- Saving seeds from favorite open-pollinated garden vegetables to replant
See the difference? When your kitchen is a center of production food almost seems to create itself…
May I suggest you begin with one of these posts/videos?
- Bake up a batch of the light, fluffy sourdough English crumpets just riddled with those holes that trap all the butter and honey
- Recycle your Christmas tree into sweetly spiced Christmas Tree Potpourri
- Craft an old-time potpourri from roses that retains its scent for up to 50 years.
- Make perfect fruit leather from backyard fruit – practically for free!
- Grow salad shoots in a cupboard any time of year
- Make silky smooth lemon curd, then grow lemon trees from the seeds!
🌸 Do crumpets, potpourri, and homemade fruit leather conjure visions of scarcity? I think not!! Just start where you are. Pick something to learn. Practice it a few times. Keep adding to your skills. I’m here to help. Soon enough you’ll have that “country feeling” in your heart and in your home.
20 Comments
I’m so looking forward to the education and the community. Thank you.
Hi Jill! Thanks for visiting! I am really excited about having this lusciously pretty space for us all to share about and enjoy country living. I know you are live in a rural place, but also for those who are living in town and making the most of what that has to offer. So much of life is mindset, wouldn’t you agree?
I hope some day that I can meet you in person. ❤
That would be fun! If you are ever planning to be in southern Oregon, leave me a comment and we can try to arrange it.
Looking forward to these beautiful things to bake for my family. This is so special!
Some more practical advice, tips and tricks from you Michelle. You are amazing!
Thank you, Tracy! So good of you to stop by.💐
Hi my lovely friend
I would like to learn more about gluten-free recipes to teach to my communities.
Congratulations you are the best
Sweetheart lady
Ana María 🥰
How wonderful to hear from you, Ana Maria! I will keep you in mind for gluten-free cooking. XOX
What a wonderful place this is Michelle! I will be reading this with a cup of herbal tea. Thank you for sharing these heartwarming homemaking skills with us xo
Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate your comment. XOXO❤️
Dear Michelle
I’m curious …..have you ever tested blenders? Frankly, I’m frustrated with blenders that wind up burned out after a year or so. I use mine prolifically! …..applesause, tomato sauce, etc, chopping nuts, grinding coffee beans and so forth. Maybe I need another type of ‘workhorse’! Lol..any ideas?
The blenders sold at departments stores for household use generally only hold up for a year, as you have noticed. Have you tried Vitamix? All the tasks you listed are a breeze with a Vitamix. Mine is 25 years old and going strong.They’re expensive, but over the long run end up paying for themselves.
I just stumbled upon your Facebook page that lead me here; I love what you’re doing! You’re welcome to visit my art studio here: https://fairyfiberfancies.com/ Perhaps you’ll find some perfect items for you Chocolate Cottage! Be sure to visit the Musings page for my daily art posts!
I’m looking for a Recipe for Pineapple Leather but can’t seem to find one
Hi Adele, here is a link to the method. You would puree the pineapple, just like any other fruit, and I would suggest using part applesauce, up to 1/2 to give your fruit leather good texture and flexibility. ~Michele
https://chocolateboxcottage.tv/videos/best-fruit-leather-recipe/
I enjoy your Facebook page so much, and look forward to reading the blog too. So glad to have found your beautiful, encouraging pages!
Hi Amber, likewise! I enjoy your page very much. Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit!
I like your bread recipe.
hello, i loved your show great! recipes, but i am having trouble with your website? unable to move through your recipe box? hope this information helps you and others.