Tackling More Homestead PANTRY Projects: Canning, Organizing and Good Habits

[@carolynmills513]

Sweet memories! My mom had a pantry like this and she kept a special area for her great grandson that he could reach. He knew that was his area. One day, he saw a bagbof marshmallows on the shelf above. He asked my son, and dad told him no. He runs to my mom and said, "come here quick! See what you bought me, way way up there." Of course, he got the marshmallows. 😅

[@vickiiluvboxers4191]

Hi Kelsey, Carter @ Grow and Preserve has two wonderful videos on dry canning hash browns and French fries that doesn't involve peeling, and one where she prepares them 3 ways, in the oven, on the stove top and in the air fryer. I've canned them the way she does and the potatoes are awesome, not mushy. Just food for thought. She has a lot of awesome canning videos. Have a blessed week! ♥

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you Vicki, I’ll check it out! Blessings friend 🤍

[@erikalouwrens3992]

Yes, I agree, Carter has amazing recipes

[@vickiiluvboxers4191]

@@erikalouwrens3992 Yes she does Erica. I've learned so much this year watching her channel. She's helped me feel confident to dive deeper into canning! She's a lovely lovely lady!!

[@kittyrichards9915]

Blessings on your day too.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thanks so much 🤍

[@kathleenritter4532]

I think your braids are beautiful. The shelf looks incredible. Looking at it has to bring you so much joy plus peace of mind. All those potatoes. Wow!!! Love canning potatoes. Makes life a little easier.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Aw thank you! I’m so very grateful 🤍

[@alyssaadam6]

Yes purple potatoes turn a bit brown when canned but taste fine. I have stored them in my basement like other potatoes and they did great.

[@alizaterrell7607]

Just a thought on the Ruth Stout potato bed... IF you have indigenous trees, in your area. I always collect and save my leaves, my neighbors save theirs, as well. Shoot you can collect curbside, if you need more. And because trees are rarely sprayed, they are pretty safe. I layer tons of dry leaves on my bed first to save on straw cost. Then put my straw layer on top to "hold" the leaves in place. I didn't have any green potatoes this year. The plants seem to make it through with no problem. Might be worth a shot.

[@alizaterrell7607]

Oh and I try to avoid walnut leaves...

[@bearzhere]

Was totally enjoyable hearing your kids playing with their dad! You get so much done, it seems like everything takes me forever anymore lol. Potatoes looked great, I am not looking forward to that task. Thank you for sharing your day with us! Blessings

[@carolynmills513]

Freeze dried "hash browns" or small cubed potatoes make great breakfast casseroles too.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Yes! I need to do some of those too ☺️🤍🤍🤍

[@marciadonnelly4693]

Miele is my all time favorite for a vacuum have had mine for 15 years and it’s still going strong. Love your organizing skills

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check it out! 🤍

[@robingirven4570]

I freeze dried some watermelon a couple days ago. It’s so good. I’ve got mashed potatoes in the FD right now! Next up ground beef

[@erikalouwrens3992]

I think you did a great job of braiding your onions, Kelsey! And i have never noticed the laundry in the background

[@claireskinner9077]

Your pantry looks great! For a vacuum I highly recommend the Miele complete C3 cat and dog. It’s a bit more pricey than some, but everyone I know that has one gets years and years out of them, they have great filters so are allergy friendly and can take the knocks of family life.

[@KristinaBakerSmith]

Im glad you mentioned the green potato thing, that was starting to look like a pandemic. 😂 I peeled my way past many a green potato my entire life without a problem.

[@cbass2755]

Me too…

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

😂😂😂 Ive also eaten about 30 years worth of the occasional green potatoes too.

[@crus5112]

I reported to cold packing, I used to hit pack but by the time I did the parboil and the cook time in the canner the potatoes were very soft and mushy. When I switched to cold packing the potatoes came out a perfect texture and they were clear and not cloudy.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I get it! Like I said, your kitchen your rules. We all have to decide what we are most comfortable with ☺️

[@ljtminihomestead5839]

I've been raw packing for yrs, yields better quality. Blanching you're double cooking. I did my own research, I'm comfortable with it. Sometimes guidelines if you dig deeper are more for aesthetics. I've seen ppl dry can potatoes, I'm not comfortable with that.

[@nancyrasmussen2016]

My mother in law had a pantry like that, it's a great space to store a lot of things. Give yourself a break, you have 2 kids, life is busy. I recently was cleaning ceiling fans, and I had my husband cleaning windows. Great job. Nancy from nebraska

[@dlmelotte5340]

If you could sometime I would take out the swinging pantry and just build shelves so you could see everything when you open it and then you could use bins and baskets to organize

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I’ve thought about this! Just seems time never allows, my hubby is so busy and I’m not too sure I could tackle it myself! I’d love it though!

[@barbarasingleton6756]

I'm going through my house now and organizing and cleaning out. So I totally understand that when the seasons change so that life is just that much easier to get to.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sherryswanson8810]

I am new to your channel. I watched several of your videos. Girl, you need to get a chamber sealer! I see all those zip lock bags and I am thinking of the cost of those. I will admit it took a long time to bite the bullet to buy one but it was the best kitchen tool ever!,,,,

[@sherylh4780]

Your shelving pantry in the kitchen looks really great. Good for you following approved canning recipes.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you ☺️ 🤍🤍🤍

[@tammystewart7615]

The shallots are beautiful! I am almost through my home canned foods but still have a broken humerus so no canning this season, but I enjoying the fruits of your labors, absolutely beautiful!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that, I hope you are recovering well. Thank you so much! I’m very thankful 🤍

[@juliespencer1164]

I loved that keeping everything in its place is not easy I know only too well, that de-clutter is the answer we tend to store things and forget about them. I need to do my cupboards now. I live in England in the countryside. thanks for your inspiration, love the idea of canning potatoes. many thanks, Julie xxx

[@brandymurphy6373]

I think the"nesting" is completely normal. I do a spring cleaning and with the crazy that follows, a fall cleanup is absolutely necessary! Even before I started gardening or canning I've done this.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Exactly! I’m in need of a total reset in every space 🤍 Thank you ☺️

[@woodchuckmichelle8053]

Such a timely video. I just sorted my potatoes yesterday and am working to can them and mash them for the freezedryer. I am glad I'm not the only one who always needs more shelves and storage. Lol

[@michellemorris732]

I do raised beds for our potatoes.. only a few green.. yea they will dirty, but real food comes dirty..

[@nancysadewater964]

Thank you for sharing with us. I love your "nesting", I do it every fall prepping for winter.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

☺️ thank you!

[@FarmersWifeHomestead]

Wow, what an interesting pantry shelf you have. I'm in New Zealand so it's always nice to see other homes and kitchen set ups. Another lovely video 😊

[@Blessedmomma2015]

I always look forward to your videos…they are my favorite! 🩵

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Aw thank you! I’m so grateful you’re here 🤍

[@patsyrenew1174]

Where did u find a cabinet with swing-out doors? I have no storage space. A cabinet like that would make a huge plus in my house. Your potatoes are beautifully canned. I never knew to rinse potatoes after they were blanched. I know now. Thank you!

[@mandyc534]

Hi. I’m new to your channel but am really loving your content and your calm peaceful nature. The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving book has 3 (really delicious) recipes for raw-packing potatoes. They have one that’s seasoned to be turned into mashed potatoes (add cream/butter when you go to serve), Chipotle potatoes, and hash brown style potatoes with bell pepper and onion. They’re really yummy and quick to make since you don’t have to parboil the potatoes first. 😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Hello and welcome! Thank you for that reminder! I totally forgot about those recipes! I’m going to definitely give those a try ☺️

[@setapart6937]

Thanks for showing your failures with the Ruth Stout method. I’ve only ever planted potatoes in the ground. I’ve heard of other planting methods but the amount of green potatoes you got makes me think I’ll probably just continue to plant mine in the ground too. Could you possibly plant your green seed potatoes in the ground this year in hopes of them coming up next spring? I just know when I’ve missed potatoes they usually make an appearance the following spring. Maybe that could be an option instead of having to store them and worry about them rotting or sprouting too soon. Great video! Hope your kids feel better soon :)

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Sure thing! Ya know that’s a thought, maybe if they are deep enough and I mulch them... perhaps an experiment is in order! Thank you!!! 🤍

[@lorimcmichael5846]

I think it’s something about the weather, now that it is not so hot I get the energy to organize etc. thanks for sharing!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

It really is! Thanks for watching 🤍

[@carolsmith2603]

Chalkboard paint and labels to keep you organized. Helps kiddos learn where to put things too...

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

We are working on it! Little guy is two and still learning 🤍

[@anneb726]

I think all of us homemakers get the tidy up thing in the early fall lol looks great busy lady😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you! I’m rearranging my living room on a whim today 😂 Just because it needs refreshed ☺️

[@cathykillion6544]

Enjoyed the video

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! 🤍🤍🤍

[@conniewach7872]

You fry the F.F.'s don't touch or stir them otherwise they will fall apart. Make sure oil is hot b4 you add the potatos.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Perfect, thank you so much! 🤍

[@jackiek4159]

Your pantry is such a dream! Loved this video! 😍🙌🏻💕

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you 🤍🤍🤍

[@kittyrichards9915]

If you have a Dollar Tree near you, they have canning lids quantity 10 for $1.25. I did a couple test runs before buying larger quantities and the seal rate was excellent. I have already bought a bunch for next year.

[@lindapoe4124]

I have been canning french fries for years. I use pickle crisp in each jar and that seems to keep them from getting mushy. They are good browned in the oven or air fryer.

[@KristinaBakerSmith]

That sounds very interesting🤔

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Ohhh interesting! Thanks for the tip!

[@cindyparker9920]

How much pickle crisp and in what size jar?

[@evaarnim]

on the french fries, i coat the fries with olive oil and can without liquid. when done the can go into the air fryer to crisp up

[@ShakinaRiley-v1j]

Thanks for sharing❤

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you for watching 🤍

[@SandraMalone-pq4mn]

Good Evening Kelsey, Watching this video as I'm canning cowboy candy for the first time. I've canned for decades, but love trying new things. Here in Maine, potatoes are relatively inexpensive, however, with the supply chain being what it is, I decided to grow potatoes for the first time in years. I will be harvesting my potatoes soon and am looking forward to canning them for the first time as well. I so appreciate all you share! I also appreciate your being "real"! I feel so blessed to have found your channel. I agree, with the transition to Fall, "nesting" comes naturally. I love the look of organization in the pantry, kitchen, storage areas, and living spaces. Organization helps create a peaceful mind! Continued prayers for your health and family.

[@evaarnim]

on the potatoes. i really like dry canning them the flavor is so good

[@charlenehamm]

We canned French fries last year after seeing a vlog, however we were not happy with them. We ended up cutting them into pieces and using them for hash browns.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Good to know, thank you!

[@karenpage9383]

I *love* a good reorganization!!! And both spring and fall make me "nesty" too!!! I recently redid my canning pantry and feel so much better! I didn't realize how much stress it was causing me. I'm a little Type A / OCD about organizing, and at the rate I was canning stuff and just shoving mixed boxed everywhere it was causing me so much anxiety, which sounds silly, but its true. My main pantry isn't disorganized, but we have changed how we eat and would benefit from clearing out the products I'd rather our family not eat. BTW, your wall of carbs in the pantry made my heart happy both for the organization and just my carb loving soul. LOL I would recommend using labels or stickers for the sections of the pantry the kids are allowed to grab from and make it clear that they should only pick stuff from there and always put it back there, which will keep 90% of the pantry tidy and limit how much you need to clean out on a regular basis. My freeze dried foods need a total reorg, more than the canning did, but since its out of sight and out of mind most of the time, its on the back burner. Hubby said he'd help tackle that after he organizes his part of the basement, so at least I won't have to deal with it solo. OK, now potatoes: I have done the approved canning technique and we are not a fan of the end results. Maybe I just need a different way to prepare the canned potatoes but they don't pan fry or roast well, and as mashed I find them kinda pasty. Carter @Grow and Preserve has a couple vids on rebel canning potatoes, and I think I'm going to do that tonight with my Red Norlands. I am not worried at all about the safety of the technique and the results seem so much superior. The Canning Diva has a post about the technique and had them lab tested to confirm they were safe. Since then I've learned how they can food in other countries, and I've lost most of the paranoia about using recipes and techniques that simply haven't been tested for approval. Hopefully I can carve out the time to get it done tonight after dinner. Last year we lost at least half of our harvest because they just didn't store well and I refuse to let that happen again! And honey, even if that was the same laundry in the background... as much as you post, we all have a pretty good idea of how busy and productive you are and the fact that you do that with 2 little ones, well... I think you are Superwoman and would not be critical at all if the laundry sat for a few days while you dealt with higher priorities. Honestly, I had not even noticed it.. and anyone being judgemental needs to get over themselves!!! Back to organization, I know storage space is at a premium and this may not help you but I installed racks on the inside of my pantry doors. Mine are deep enough to hold ball jars or canned goods. I use one whole door rack for just spices, and the other door is for oils, vinegars, sauces, and small baking ingredients like baking powder & soda, arrowroot, cocoa, extracts, molasses, etc. If you have room on the back of the doors for even just spices, that can free up a ton of space for heavier, bulkier items on the actual pantry shelves and save you some trips to the extended storage. Just a thought!

[@tammyr2966]

Beautiful pantry organization and enjoyed learning about the potatoes. I too feel the need to organize and do Fall reset.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you 🤍🤍🤍

[@sharonpeta2390]

I can imagine that doing French fry’s canning would be good, I’ve always found that par-cooking potatoes or chips cook up crispier than if you don’t. ❤❤❤

[@stephencameron1709]

Your pantry looks wonderful! Great job. Val C ❤🙏🏻

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you ☺️ 🤍

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

I have never canned potatoes but seeing your jars and how beautiful they looked makes me want to give it a try. I have potatoes that are cured and ready for storage so we will see if canning some of those happens. As always, you provide great motivation to get things in order. I love the cozy that comes with the seasonal change from summer to fall. I’m craving a slower pace and a time for resetting things. I always look forward to the quotes or scriptures you choose for the end of each video. Thank you, Kelsey. Have blessed day.

[@leahrowe7275]

I feel like I’m constantly subscribing to you channel. I wonder if that’s Ann issue any one else may have experienced? I love your videos! I’ll just keep hitting the button until KZbin decides I can subscribe LOL 😂

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Well thank you! I’ve heard this from a few people! Apparently KZbin doesn’t like giving me subscribers 🤷‍♀️😂

[@a.b.2458]

Thank you for the video. Not sure if you have tried Superb lids, got them from Azure. I like them a lot. I thought my jars were breaking in the canner but it was the lids sealing. But, they all do good as long as it seals. haha I have not bought a vacuum in years. My sister gave me a Dyson stick vac and its awesome, I have no carpet. I do miss not having the hose, so I just use my small shop vac if I need to get something up high or in the corners. Potatoes look great and I will rinse mine next time.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! I had heard of superb but saw some not so great reviews of jars exploding and lids buckled. I’m not sure how true it is but it’s made me stay away. If they have worked well for you that’s great! I’ll take a look a that vacuum, thanks 😊

[@deblanfair8510]

Great video, as always! I started using canning jars ,plastic food grade buckets and clear plastic bins to store most of my pantry items in. I love it. Pantry stays a lot more organized now. I had a mouse get in our house last year. Didn't just get into a few items but a lot b4 we realized it was in our house. I know you use all your canning jars for food preserving right now. Just thought I'd share thar it works well for me. Glass might not be safest for your little ones though.

[@ChelseaNichole2911]

Another great video! random but I love the colors in your kitchen. The pale blue against the white subway tiles against the wood on your counters. It’s so pretty!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! My kitchen has had many transformations 😂 I love switching it up but I’m enjoying this color combo for sure! 🤍

[@serobinson1]

I use a plastic chip stick to de bubble

[@cbass2755]

Try using your Apple Peeler if you got one. It does help in the process

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I tried, if they weren’t perfectly round it would skip over a bunch of skin and unfortunately took me just as long to do that and go back with the peeler 😕 I wish it wasn’t so!

[@cbass2755]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead Ah….I can see that happening. I didn’t before…👍

[@msp9071]

Hi just caught your channel for the first time and enjoyed it, yes I canned some French fries and so enjoy frying them in olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil , they are delicious! I got the idea from Tony on her homestead skills!

[@sitcheyr9352]

I love freeze dried broth! I make a bunch of broth and then freeze dry and keep in a jar instead of Mylar since we go through it so fast! 😅 I order the purple Ramen noodles from Azure (forgot the name) and miso paste. It makes for a healthy, delicious snack my kids can grab. They usually add 1 ramen, 3 TBS dried broth, coconut aminos, miso, and sesame oil. It’s soooo good on a chilly day or when sick! TBH though, the broth is good in so many things.

[@morristeeluk9962]

Why not stock up prior to your busy season with stuff you know you'll need like powdered and brown sugar and storing them to reduce your grocery costs? Can fill buckets of various sizes to keep them in...

[@evanorvell8368]

Most of us are homemakers~don't worry about the laundry. We all have the same household things to do. 🙃 Have you ever considered reconfiguring your pantry? I wonder if deeper shelves in the back would hold more and be easier to keep. It's a little frustrating not to be able to see everything at a glance in a deeper shelf, but it might work. Somebody really worked to build that pantry, but it's a thought.... I've been married for over 50 years and I've had every vacuum brand. For the last 20 years I've had a Shark. They used to be very inexpensive, but are more now. I don't think I'll ever buy anything else!

[@cindymoore9096]

“It felt right” is totally how I organize because otherwise it’s just like a tiny pebble in my shoe constantly bugging me. Sometimes the bugging isn’t conscious, it just makes me avoid that particular space, or makes me annoyed to interact with that space, even if the activity in that space would normally be something I enjoy. (Sorry if that was hard to follow.)

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Totally get it! Made perfect sense to me 🤍

[@cnk2hoo]

Omg, is that a free standing pantry?! Does it have an official name just in case I decide to try to find one? It's beautiful and would be perfect for my small home. In other news, they also have stainless chopsticks (I'd also never considered splintering)

[@buckeyedav1]

When I Can potatoes I always add a splash of lemon juice it stops them from browning. Anna In Ohio

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Good tip! Thank you 🤍

[@preppingmama]

What would we do without canning jar boxes?😅

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

😂 I use them for so much!

[@cbass2755]

I got NO excuse. I live alone…you should see my cabinet pantry!! Lol…

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

😂 no judgment, it happens!

[@SauerPatchGardening]

Ive been reorganizing my pantry, canning area and even cleaned my gardening area in my garage this weekend. So its not just you. I think we all like things ready for fall and winter cooking. we tend let things go inside the house when we are so busy outside. Its ok! That pantry is really cool! Definitely utilized that space. Did you build it? Or is it original to the house?

[@afterthought72]

Where did you get your shirt ? I love it !!

[@maryegerton6848]

Good morning Kelsey. I thought your onion braid looked great 😊 I have never canned potatoes before but I think I will do some. I was thinking of doing French fries in the bottles. I’ll let you know how it goes. I would toss them in a little olive oil and either airfry or bake them. I did chicken in the canner for the first time and I wasn’t thrilled. I liked the legs but the breasts were dry. I raw packed them dry. Maybe that’s the reason. Do you put liquid in with the raw chicken?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! Yes please, let me know how those go! I do find chicken can be a bit drier when canned but it’s definitely better when canned with broth or water rather than dry. I use my canned chicken in soups and casseroles mostly and not on its own, it’s not so dry then!

[@evaarnim]

was wondering when the freeze dryer has moisture on the door is there moisture in the broth and not completely dry. i am new at this

[@cydney3283]

Curing them under lights, could be causing the green.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

They are coming in from the garden that way, no lights are on if I’m not working in there. Total bummer.

[@cydney3283]

Too bad. I appreciate you showing us how to do things, canning, gardening etc. Have a blessed day!@@seedandsparrowhomestead

[@AndreaRuralMN]

I think that pantry is really inefficient use of space. I'd take out whatever those vertical things are and put in plain old shelves, maybe using some of the wood to make shelves...

[@rachealrumbo3806]

Fryer, Fry or bake French fried potatoes.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! I’m gonna try some!

[@Salutaris13074]

Vacuum cleaner - can you get Dyson Vacuum cleaners in the US? I got my first one probably 20 0r 25 years ago when we had a load of pets and it spoilt me for any other vacuum. They are expensive and so I have at times tried cheaper replacements but have always regretted the purchase. You notice the difference. So, if they sell them in the US and you don't mind splashing out, I have never found a better one than a Dyson.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

We can! I know that’s probably the best bet but man, that price tag 😂 But like you said, you ending getting what you pay for!

[@LadyCinnamon312]

Do the potatoes be one mushy? I want to try this but I’m not sure how to use them

[@jamieclark7945]

Do you choose to raise your own meat birds and pig for cost reasons or for quality reasons?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Both! Quality is important, I like to know what they are fed and their living conditions. Cost comes in to play because if I were to purchase pastured organic meat elsewhere it would cost a lot. More than we could afford. A single organic pastured chicken(5lbs) costs about $27 around here. A pastured pig, $1600. That just isn’t doable with how much meat we consume. For us to raise chickens it’s about $9.50 per bird and about $600 for the pig. I’m thankful we have enough space for the chickens and friends to raise a pig for us!

[@jamieclark7945]

Thank you for sharing the cost figures! That's great information to consider. I'm not sure, of course, what ours are like in my area of SE Georgia.

[@bearridgefarm]

When I saw your powdered sugar I thought maybe you had stopped making it yourself. I can’t seem to get it fine enough in my vita mix blender. It gets hot at the bottom and starts clumping together.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I go through seasons of everything homemade to absolutely nothing homemade 😂 Try smaller batches! Too much can take a bit longer and heat the engine up more.

[@bearridgefarm]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead makes sense!

[@baderi1747]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

🤍🤍🤍

[@ericaharris6897]

My first time canning potatoes and they turned out yellow? Is this normal?

[@jenniferr2057]

I have canned the most beautiful people potatoes! They end up looking get and yucky. Sadly!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Such a bummer! I guess I’ll enjoy their beautiful colors fresh!

[@jenniferr2057]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead Purple. Purple potatoes. No canning people anything. Lol. Autocorrect! Bah!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

😂 I knew what you meant! I often fall victim to auto correct LOL.