All the things I'm excited to eat | Kitchen VLOG

Hey there darling! Welcome to my kitchen. Here I share recipes from a real family that loves to grow and eat real food. Don't say you can't cook! You just haven't learned yet. I'm so happy to have a chance to encourage you in the journey to eating nourishing, whole foods!
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Jess Sowards
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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[@galeharris6696]

Please don't worry that your kitchen looks like a real kitchen, because we'll feel more at home with your kitchen looking like you actually cook in it, ha ha!! I watch both your channels, and love them for their down-homeness and coziness. Thank you, Jess!💕

[@steveegbert7429]

I absolutely concur Gale! Real life in a real home and kitchen is so much better and more relaxing than some that are obviously a staged studio setting that is phony as all get out. I love hanging out here as well as Roots and Refuge. Much love to Jess and family.

[@galeharris6696]

So true--Jess and Miah are the real deal, love them and their family! 🌻

[@helenpenner9899]

Absolutely ❤

[@LoveGrowLiveFree]

I love that you're REAL ❤

[@emilymcclain591]

Amen! I actually wish we could have a tour of your favorite places in your home. Like where you enjoy to drink your tea, read a book and watch movies with your family. I often times find myself going back through your videos to find that little glimpse of parts of your home that inspire me to add more color and more layers. Your home and style is beautiful to me!

[@thesimplelife6037]

You should consider a farmer's table cookbook. I'd buy it. I already have your other two books, and I think they're fabulous! You make things to where I can understand the why behind things, which helps me be able to make informed decisions on my own with the knowledge you've given. You're an inspiration!

[@doulacoach6801]

YES! 💯 a recipe book! PLEASE Jess??

[@thegardnersgarden]

Yes please chili crisp! I neeeeeeeed to know!

[@revonda5204]

I don't even like chili's....but you make me want to try it! 😂😂😂 (I'm spicy...but I don't like my food spicy! 🌶😎🤣)

[@kmcollins84]

Came here to say the same thing!

[@cindinesler6605]

I would like to see that recipe myself. I hope you do share it.

[@CynthiaHollenberger]

Please!

[@msdebbiep]

1. The perfect kitchen space? As a “friend”, I hope you’d invite me into your space without having to clean first ;) 2. Video-worthy activity? I became a gardener by “walking with you” through your garden, checking on things … nothing was not video-worthy. I’m guessing that the same is with in the kitchen. I like hanging out with someone who is not hooked into the magazine-ready life. And as for the lemons? I wish my little Meyers tree would produce more

[@lisalink6976]

Yes, please on the chili crisp.

[@donnaporto6732]

Thank you for inspiring other momma's by demonstrating love. Your messy is normal. I do not see the messy. I see your love of family, cooking, eating😘, dealing with every day stress, overcoming obstacles, and joy in life. I am a grandma of 5, mother of 2. How I wish that I would have had access to something as beautiful as both your channels when my boys were young.

[@FoldintheFlour]

Hey Jess, it’s your warmth and enthusiasm that’s got me coming back and appreciating your content - not looking for perfection. Please just keep doing what you do however you want to do it! 😊

[@beckymartinez9926]

Thanks for not worrying if you are all fixed up. Thats what real friends do. ❤

[@katherineb6102]

Perfect people make me nervous. Real people make me happy and inspired.

[@mamat5264]

The first thing I say to someone if I visit and they apologize for a mess, “I’m here to see you, not your house”. Love u Jess, don’t care how you or your kitchen/farm shows up to the party.

[@apiecemaker1163]

I say the same exact thing. I have a great friend who is a borderline hoarder. I just push stuff over and enjoy her. Not my house. Not my business. Lol

[@travie786]

That’s beautiful because some people will isolate out of fear of being judged.

[@michiganhighfiveliving]

I had a real estate coach who always said "Perfect is the enemy of done, Just get it done." He also said we should all "Do the best we can with what we've got". Both work in all aspects of life not just business. I hope you know how your channels make my heart happy! You are so real. I appreciate that more than you know. God Bless you and your beautiful family.

[@MrsThebault]

That’s an impressive resume: a decade of growing your own food and cooking from scratch feeding a large family sounds like a professional to me! Love you Jess!

[@kathryntroyer6503]

Mia is so wise ❤ This platform you have is so valuable to so many. While I grew up doing all the things, I don’t have the opportunity to share with as many people as you do. Please don’t ever stop!

[@treasurecarp111]

Wow! I've never caught a video that was uploaded this close! Just wanted to say that I appreciate you and all of your insights and have been following your journey for years, thank you for all the love you've invoked in me, I truly appreciate you!

[@WildWestHomesteadMama]

I love your realness, and the fact that your home is a real home not staged❤❤

[@Cgirlphoto]

In response to your opening... I honor and value you too, dear Jess! I bless your vision, joy, passion, intelligence and the pure love that fuels & directs you in your calling. Your content has all become a very special blessing in my life.🍋

[@karenm5681]

Your husband is a wise man. I agree. Finished and uploaded is better than “perfect”. I like your casual “just hanging out” style videos…I can easily pretend I’m actually a guest in your home!😊

[@permieforlife]

The longer they sit, the better the preserved lemons taste. The juice concentrates down to a thick, clear, lemony au-jus. I have a year-old jar in the fridge (the last bit of last year's preserved lemons in the fridge).

[@susanrichards4844]

Miah is right. None of us are perfect. You are so real. Your life is real. That one of the reasons we all love you so much. 💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@drlaurawhite2175]

I use chunks of fermented lemon in homemade mayo. It adds great flavor.

[@domesti-city]

I have some fermented sweet limes, and I think I'm going to try this in my next batch of mayo.

[@piperhomestead5698]

I love seeing real with you. That's why I love both of your channels. Knowing we can eat unbalanced meals and still remain healthy is so comforting. Thank you!

[@shesatitagain234]

As a fellow KZbinr with a cooking channel, I always clean my prep area….NOT to be deceptive about how perfect my kitchen is, but rather to provide less distractions. I want viewers to be able to focus on the food/ project/ point of the video rather than “ hey look at that painting over there!” or “I wonder what she’s making in that OTHER container at the end of the island”. Your kitchen is fine; it’s not distracting. Proceed with confidence; we love your content. ☺️

[@wolrdp]

I have such a terrible relationship with food due to past traumas and 70s -current diet culture. If I never had to eat again I would be thrilled! Cooking and growing things is an absolute chore. This is why I'm here, too find joy in eating and cooking and growing food Thank you soo much for your content on both channels ❤

[@BrokenAnguissette]

I have dietary restrictions due to health issues, and it was so warming to my heart to hear someone else talk about getting away from or redefining what a "meal" means. A meal might be a piece of meat with some veggies, but it might also be some seed crackers and cheese and fruit. Both can be nourishing meals in line with my needs, but so often aren't seen that way

[@wildzenventures]

Always appreciate when you post, I’ve learned a lot from both your channels. I definitely think it’s a balance! Thanks for being upfront and keeping things real

[@ONEderfulHomestead]

Jess- I love and appreciate when you and your house come as is. It makes you so much more relatable. My kitchen isn’t perfect either 😂

[@debraschwicht9741]

I admit that I’m always disappointed when I don’t find a video from you, but you’re a real person, a real wife and mom, a real farmer. So…I’ll be trying to be patient when I’m not your #1 priority 😂❤️. Thank you for the years of lessons I’ve learned from you!!!

[@lmullens75]

Jess, we need the imperfect vlog farmers table content. It’s REAL and relatable and helps those of us struggling with lactose and gluten intolerances as well (since you are on that journey also). My GI doc just told me I should try to eat like a celiac because he thinks I’m undiagnosed… so here we go.

[@auntieverasbackyardgarden4152]

Jess being just you is what we love about you. Who cares what you kitchen looks like I’d rather watch someone who is real than someone who thinks life is always perfect so the kitchen should be during a video. Miah is correct if someone walks through that’s real and we like that 😊 My best friends Grandmother would always say if you want to come by and see me stop by anytime. If you want to see my house make an appointment 😂 it’s my favorite saying cause it’s true we are so busy in our life can’t always keep up with the house to the perfect way we like it but it’s okay cause life comes first. Here we are just stopping by 😊 thanks for all you do for us! ❤

[@gardeningoutsidethebox]

My husband is a chef. He chops up the preserved lemons to sprinkle on top of Caesar salads, and it's so good.

[@RosemaryJenks]

I’ve had home-preserved lemons in my fridge for well over a year and they are still AMAZING!

[@donettebeall7780]

You’re the most relaxing person. I watch everything you do. It’s positive and makes me feel good. I do wish you would do some carnivore recipes. We need them and we need them from someone like you. Anyways, just throwing it out there. Thank you for all the great RR content

[@vjohnson2400]

I love preserved lemons for cooking and they look so pretty in jars too. I reckon you’ve got at least $150 of preserved lemons, good job. When I’m gifted a bag of lemons (plus I often bring them back from holidays in Portugal, Greece and Italy) I make lemon marmalade with whole lemons, lemon pepper seasoning with the grated rind and I freeze the lemon juice in ice cube trays for future use.

[@silvermoon3486]

I grew up on a farm & every kid a job, no matter how young there was something you could help with & helped us to learn from experience 😊❤☝️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼❤️😁

[@debichats8634]

I miss you when you don’t post new videos here, but I watch R&R all the time! This one is fun for a lot of us! I love what you make! I’m patient…..keep posting! We love you!!! ❤❤❤

[@thepraticalgardener]

Thank you for making time for us... And all the days that you do. 🙂

[@annjohnson543]

You are so right, Jess! Some folks see meat, starch and vegetable as "THE" correct meal. That was always ingrained in me, but it doesn't have to be that way. Thanks for all you do and remember that none of us are perfect and our homes don't all look perfect. Just film! LOL.

[@silvermoon3486]

So rewarding to teach ur kids to get back in touch with nature & seasons of taking care of urself with food that is healthy 😊❤👍🏼❤️☝️😁

[@deborahq7251]

We love to see family life happening around you. ❤

[@CJ-jl4cx]

Jess, your "realness" is why I love your videos! Never change and you will succeed in all you do!

[@gardenair700]

Thank you for the videos...been watching you since Roots and Refuge, so for a few years now. I've been doing my owns foods for about 2 decades now... and you know, there is always something more to learn and grow on. It's awesome how we can all benefit from each other's knowledge and experience.

[@rachaelcocke4788]

Love your outlook on life, Jess! You have been so inspirational and kind and joyful to watch. What a blessing you are to all of us.

[@amanda112903]

Yes, Jeremiah is 100% correct. I’d definitely watch whatever kitchen content you can create. :) I am so interested in how you can use your goat milk. We are planning on getting Dairy Goats this year and are curious how to utilize the milk.

[@jeanniecarter3933]

Please keep doing them I have learned so much for you

[@amandabrook5089]

I was actually thinking about this the other day. This concept of a balanced plate is a new thing because we became detached from food and started living in a sugar filled, fast food world and people weren't lving naturally anymore. I think what matters is rotating food so you get what you need over time not in one sitting

[@marilynprietto1162]

We also use those here is Hawaii except after it has fermented for a while we take them out and rise off the salty liquid. Next we place them back in the jar and add brown sugar and molasses(to taste depends on the sweetness you want) and ferment again. These make a great soothing treat for a sore throat or cough.

[@domesti-city]

Do you scrape off the pulpy part when you make the syrup? I've always just tossed the whole chunk in a recipe. I currently have a sore throat from a cold, and two jars of salted limes sitting on my counter. Not the same as lemons, but these were sweet limes.

[@marilynprietto1162]

@@domesti-city do I do not scrape anything out. It does need to sit out in the jar for at least a month.

[@ThisandThatOutdoors]

I agree with Miah! I watch you on this channel to see what you're cooking, not what the kitchen looks like. Honestly, I don't see how you are able to do everything you do along with raising a family.

[@jodydix9606]

I love that you said each plate doesn't have to be "balanced"! I literally just said this to my mum (who also watches your channels!!!). So long as your overall diet is balanced! Please share your chili crisp recipe. Sounds like something my husband would love! God bless, and your family!❤

[@falinegallagher1218]

I love when real life happens while your filming. It shows how to function when things happen and keeps it real. Please just turn on the camera and cook.

[@Elizabeth45840]

I just want videos not perfection. You are loved and appreciated just the way you are.

[@WindyRidge3348]

Chili crisp recipe? Yes, please! Patiently waiting...

[@Tiffany_chan-nel]

I think you would really like “cheong”. It’s a Korean preserving method. It’s basically what you did here with salt but you use sugar instead. Kind of like simple syrup but you don’t need to use any heat. You layer the fruit and sugar into a jar and leave it for I think a week or more. I hope you try because I think you would love it!

[@user-dw2bf4os5b]

Jess, what you can do with preserved lemons is to make up either a chutney or pickle with spices, etc. which goes well with Indian food, i.e. if you like Indian. Yum.

[@marcycampbell4118]

We use preserved lemons on fish, roasted veggies and chicken, and in rice and on salads. Any time we want to brighten up the flavor of a dish. Just got a box of lemons from Azure standard to preserve lemons for the upcoming year.

[@thenodiggardener]

You know about some of the things in my personal life, & why I stepped away as I did. I generally do for a few months in the winter over the holidays as I need the mental health breath. The best piece of advice I had from a lovely friend of mine was "be the best friend to yourself that you are to others. Give yourself that same time". She's a very wise artist in NZ. As for your lemons: they look wonderful, and I'd love to have a go at making them. I've often thought of it, but you can imagine how naff the lemons can be that we get here in the UK. The only time I bought a ready made jar, they tasted how diesel smells. No idea what that was about, but they went in the bin! I was going ask for the chilli crisp recipe too lol

[@caydancebloom]

you are preserved lemon rich! I believe the word you are looking for (anticipation for good food) is salivating.... and I believe it's normal for gardeners to be salivating for at least three months out of the year!

[@stefflcus]

Chili crisp is a GAME CHANGER, even if you have to go for the store-bought stuff in a pinch (or to see if you like it but you probably will!), and it makes EVERYthing better. A video on that would be great!

[@Beckaboo1982]

I have preserved lemons from before Covid. I use it in Chicken piccata and for a rub for roasted lamb. My kids love to eat them and put them in a hot tea when having cold or sinus issues. One thing I thought was interesting was they use it to make lemonade in Morocco.

[@debihuntsman9314]

Miah is right about just turning the camera on and talking to us. I, for one, really enjoy getting a peak into your regular, everyday life.

[@MorePranaGardens]

As a solo eater I do that too; make sure I get in all I need over the course of a few days.

[@mariselabaron5249]

❤

[@cathykillion6544]

I am glad you picked up the camera to film today. I was laughing with you. Watching you is a JOY.

[@sarahihrig606]

I enjoy your channels because I see it as real life. Real life means kids are walking through the video, the kitchen is dirty, and animals are muddy. Life is not perfect.

[@theheardhomestead]

I see you every day on roots and refuge so seeing you here is an extra treat😊

[@Thegardenwhatcanbedone]

Thank you for showing us such wonderful things!!!! You are such an inspiration

[@silvermoon3486]

I’m just amazed at the energy 😮you have to do all you do on ur farm & garden & cooking & canning & making videos etc. long list. I only want 1/3 or ur energy ha ha 😊❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁☝️

[@c.chines9418]

I like the way you share your perspectives.

[@The_Farmers_Table]

I appreciate that!

[@ChandraBrownHines]

It's funny because when you were talking about a balanced meal that was my struggle lately it's been ingrained in my head you MUSt have a protein, starch and vegetable . I have shifted to making most meals at home using what we have and I needed to hear someone say that apparently to free my mind of that idea. It's ok to prepare a good meal even if it doesn't have all of the parts of that dang pyramid. Love your channel.Thank you.@@The_Farmers_Table

[@annpittaro6551]

YES Miah111 Jess I want to see the mess, people walking, Real Life!!! Love your content!!! Whatever you video always is inspiring, knowledgeable, and fun!!! Thanks!!

[@silvermoon3486]

I love ❤️ ur just Real & honest about everything you do & helping people 😊❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁☝️

[@sharonmaresh]

I grew up in Hawaii and we preserved lemons in a gallon jar with sugar. It was a snack for us. Loved it! This looks similar, just with salt.

[@dorykoszewski3162]

Preserved lemons are wonderful in homemade hummus. Just add them to the food processor and blend them in. Fantastic flavor.

[@greenrockgarden2851]

Yes girl! I’m looking forward to fresh-made pico de gallo, beans and cucumber over cilantro rice.

[@tiffanyconway3641]

Oh my goodness yes! Chili crisp is life! We put it on everything! So glad I learned to make it as the small jars you can buy at the store don't last us long. I'm excited to see that video.

[@joanmackie6865]

Don’t worry about what is normal when you have a family your doing a great job we all love to listen to your content we love you ❤️❤️

[@daniellel2926]

YES PLEASE chili crisp recipe. I buy this and didn't even think to make it😁

[@zannaB60]

Hi Jess, I checked my local grocery store's website, they do not have preserved lemons, but Amazon does! They start at just under $10. A good option if someone wants to try before they buy a bushel and preserve it just to find that they are not a fan. I hope this is helpful for someone! Hugs, Zanna

[@marcycampbell4118]

You can also make a single pint or quart in a few minutes using a regular jar. Just remember it every day!

[@rebeccawolf3196]

Hi Jess, I am a new subscriber and starting my own garden journey this year. I am so amazed at all you do! I have been watching older episodes and I just wonder how you do it all? You have the garden, animals (plus new goats), children, new home construction about to start and a shop in town plus two KZbin channels and also your coffee/tea business. Whew, I am tired just listing all this. I just have one job, one dog, grown children and one new about to be garden space. i am in awe of all you do! In several videos you have alluded to an autoimmune health issue and I am curious about that. I know that might be a private thing or perhaps you have spoken of it in an older video but I am so glad you are able to keep it at bay with all the home grown "real" food and avoiding dairy. You are a true wonder to me and I am so enjoying your channel, your smile and your sunny disposition. Much love.

[@clairetitus6904]

Keep sharing so we keep learning with you.

[@silvermoon3486]

Ur channel is soo important for healthy living, especially in the age of fast food & the way things are nowadays in this world 😊❤❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼☝️😁

[@glennadavis3711]

I absolutely love everything about you!! You have a way that just pulls you in and captivates you. I truly do feel like a friend and look so forward to each and every video you share with us. Thank you so much for being a much needed blessing in the madness we are walking through.

[@laniejones8747]

We aren’t going to judge the state of your kitchen any more than you would judge any of us if you walked into ours. Friends don’t worry about such things. 💙

[@amyharris7337]

I was just watching you put chili crispy on your eggs and thinking "I need to know how to make that!" I'm glad to see you back in the kitchen with your camera again ❤

[@faithintouch6426]

I love scrambled eggs with an onion cooked in butter first, then put on plate with a stripe of picante tomatoes in the middle), and a stripe of hot sauce on both sides (sometimes sour cream stripe for variety). It is delicious. 🌹🙏💯♥️ R R Faith

[@katehassen6021]

Learned something. Never thought of using a French Press for making tea. I drink one kind and my husband another. I only have one tea pot and tea ball. Great idea. Thanks.

[@Pepper5655]

one year I made candied lemon rinds and gave them as Christmas gifts and wow they were a hit. One of my granddaughters has asked me to make some more just the other day. For some of them I dipped half a piece in dipping chocolate and they were such a delight and tasted so good. thnx Jess for sharing.

[@helenmcclellan452]

Jess, always be yourself! Although I an vegan, I still enjoy watching you cook and getting inspiref to try the dish, my way. 😊

[@leahortiz4063]

I have friends with lemon trees and always am gifted with lots of lemons in the winter, and I always make preserved lemons. I use them in salads, in soups, stews, even cut them up and sprinkle on salmon before I pop it in the oven. They up the flavor of everything they are added to. Enjoyed seeing that you make them also.

[@ericarogers8718]

Oh my goodness, I love preserved lemons! If you haven’t already discovered it, Canal House has an absolutely swoon worthy chicken thigh dish called quite literally, Canal House Lemon Chicken. So simple, so easy, so crispy, soooo lemony. Love it.

[@ittybit922]

I think it’s funny when you were talking about buds forming on different shrubs, I’m sitting here looking outside at the 8+ inches of snow we just got! 😂

[@theresaparodi6027]

I definitely appreciate authenticity. . . When I cook, my kitchen is messy and often feel bad because I’m not perfect-so if your kitchen is busy, yay! Will you consider growing citrus in your greenhouse?

[@joseyjogirl]

Hey Jess, the other day I was watching a recent video you posted about getting the goats and I could see in your face you are kinda struggling and look kinda worn out. And I did wonder if you're having a tough time managing all of you all big endeavors and responsibilities. ((Hugs)) you're truly an amazing human. I look up to you. Your hubby Miah is right, lol (I know we don't ever wanna admit that), but seriously. We are here because we support you and adore you. We all know you have growing boys and a ton of things on your plate. I've always seen this as a judgement free zone with you. The content you give us is real life stuff! That's one of the reasons I fell in love with your channel. Please don't feel like we would ever judge you for a messy house or things are not picture perfect for a video. And please take some time for you hun. ❤ I rewatch old content all the time, lol. Take a break girlie. Just love you. Please take care

[@tammelvin1181]

Do you have a goat cheese making video? I’d love to see that !

[@diablomom]

I ❤ perserved 🍋. My mom has a huge lemon tree in AZ. Our favorite way to use them is in chicken salad sandwiches. Lemon mayo spread. Garlic lemon aioli for artichokes. So yummy.

[@crissytuttle2132]

Thank you for sharing in such a real way. And YES the chili crisp recipe is anticipated!❤

[@kwranchandkitchen4655]

Again I love the passion you have for food. I watch; well listen to you while I’m in the kitchen myself. Today making bread, English muffins and pancakes for the youngest. I can completely relate with the excitement you get when the farm starts to come alive. I’m way up in northern NY so grow area 3b/4a. Nothing in the ground til the first full moon in June. Although I do plant cold hardy items in the end of April sometimes. It’s almost time to start my seeds for outside as well. Our adventure is suppose to be taking us to warmer climate. And I honestly can’t wait to learn the ins and outs of another grow area.

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

A simple " HI" on a community post easily solves both issues. We know you're OK and haven't quit yt😂

[@dianetm8557]

These lemons are amazing in meat dishes too! Absolutely delicious. Some purchased jars taste chemically. Home brined ones are delicious!

[@aprilhampton6298]

I'm in Kentucky and my roses are starting to show signs of life. I may have jumped the gun a little. I planted lettuce, carrots, peas and onions.

[@cultivating_home]

That "not doing what you want/need to do" is happening to me with seed starting 🤦🏻‍♀️ I'm soooo pregnant and everything is just so hard... But I need to just do the thing, because my soul needs the garden during this season of life.

[@zoeshorthouse7913]

That chili crisp looks like something my husband is going to want to be a staple in our home. I'm looking forward to the video.

[@talkandeattv]

i remember back in culinary school we made preserved lemons then used them when we made chicken tagine soooooooooooo good

[@karenjackson6884]

Jess, since you were talking about the food you're looking forward to eating I wanted to mention last Fall I froze Shishito peppers on cookie sheets and vacuum sealed. I blistered the peppers from frozen and served with your garlic aioli and they were fabulous! I will definitely be freezing more this year!