Jennifer Beltz
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Science in Baking: Butter, Oil, and Texture
Fat is the unsung hero of baking, transforming simple recipes into delightful textures. From tender cakes to melt-in-your-mouth cookies, butter and oil work together to create the perfect bite. Discover how these fats enhance flavor and structure, making your baking… Continue reading
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Hatch Weekend: How We’re Caring for 16 Baby Chicks (And Exactly What We’re Doing to Help Them Thrive)
Hatch weekend at the homestead brings excitement and responsibility as 16 chicks are expected to hatch. The first 48 hours are crucial, focusing on warmth, hydration, and nutrition. New strategies include using dog pee pads for easier cleanup, administering a… Continue reading
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The Science of Baking: Eggs in Baking: Binding, Moisture, and Structure
Eggs play a crucial role in baking, serving multiple functions such as binding ingredients, adding moisture, and providing structure. Their proteins help unify batters and stabilize baked goods, ensuring proper texture and rise. Understanding the distinct roles of egg whites… Continue reading
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The Hard Truth About Raising Cornish Cross Chickens: Lessons in Loss, Growth, and ResilienceDraft
Raising Cornish Cross chickens at J & J Homestead is a significant responsibility that differs greatly from keeping laying hens. These birds grow rapidly but face health challenges, including sudden death syndrome. The experience teaches valuable lessons about care and… Continue reading
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The Science of Baking: Sugar in Baked Goods – Moisture, Sweetness, and Structure
Baking revealed to me that sugar is not merely a sweetener but a crucial structural ingredient. Initially perceived as simple, I learned it influences moisture, texture, and flavor balance in baked goods. The right sugar levels keep items fresh and… Continue reading
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The Science of Baking: The Role of Flour—Gluten, Protein, and Structure
When I first started baking for our farmstand, flour felt like the simplest ingredient in the bowl. Scoop it, level it, move on. But after a few batches of muffins that didn’t rise quite right—and a loaf of bread that… Continue reading
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How We Ended Up With a Pet Bunny
Rabbits make wonderful household pets due to their affectionate nature, indoor adaptability, and low maintenance needs. Initially an impulsive decision, bringing a rabbit home became a rewarding experience filled with learning. They offer calming companionship, unique personalities, and enrich home… Continue reading
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The Science of Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda: How They Make Your Baked Goods Rise
The post recounts a baking journey that transformed from following recipes to understanding the science behind them, particularly focusing on baking powder and baking soda. These leavening agents create gas bubbles that help baked goods rise. Understanding their differences and… Continue reading
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From Farmstand to Flour: How Starting a Farmstand Sparked My Love for Baking
From necessity to love, the farmstand’s journey highlights the rewarding aspects of homesteading and the unexpected pleasures of baking. Continue reading
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Life in Full Swing: A Busy Week on the Homestead
J & J Homestead is bustling with spring activity, including capturing a bee swarm, adding Cornish Cross chicks for meat production, successfully introducing a tom turkey to hens, and completing garden planting. As they prepare to open their farmstand, the… Continue reading
