Cook with Me ~ A Week of Large Family Pantry Meals ~ Meal Planning on the

[@jenniferoverturf1064]

You keep talking about how ‘thrown together’ or ‘ugly’ you food is … no ma’am! You cook three meals a day from scratch for your family, and they are creative and resourceful. I love these videos 🥰 I wish I were as organized and creative as you are.

[@kathleenritter4532]

I totally agree. Nothing ugly here.

[@cynthiamyers4265]

@@kathleenritter4532 So true! I think all these creative combinations sound good.

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

100% agree!! I wish I was 1/2 as creative as Jessica in the kitchen!!

[@carlabuxton8251]

I got on here just to say 'stop calling your food ugly!' I found your channel after watching acre homestead and thought I'd try the pantry challenge. I don't put up much but I'm a sale shopper and we buy half cows and my husband hunts. I have stocked freezers and pantry so thus is really helping. I noticed in the last video you mentioned some people and not very nice comments about your food. And then today's video you kept calling your food ugly. No! There's always someone who has to be negative. Know that the majority of us watching you are in awe of all you do!

[@Nan-1017]

To be “organized” is a gift…both you and my mother have/had “the gift”. Idk what happened to me but my poor brain just can’t relate! Lol 🤣😂

[@growingtraditions2264]

I think I speak for many of us when I say your food looks delicious! For anyone who has grown a garden, preserved food, or cooked from scratch, we all know the time and energy that goes into it! And you do all three! What you make from all that hard work is creative, resourceful, nourishing and delicious! You inspire many of us moms and home cooks. No need to ever apologize for how it looks!

[@lisachatham8690]

I didn't think any of it was "ugly" it looked healthy and yummy. If it is nutritious, healthy and the kids eat it then who is complaining? Not me, I have 3 of my own children and have assisted in raising 600 other children, so I understand what you are saying. If my kids ate it then it was a n A+ meal.

[@mllee2008]

600? 👀

[@summerlove0426]

l have to say....cooking from scratch 3 healthy meals every single day while raising 7 homeschooled children is beyond impressive!! it takes me half a day to cook a healthy whole foods dinner from scratch & l am exhausted. l don't know how you do it, you are talented and wise, and your family is very blessed to have you.

[@OkieJammer2736]

👏 No negatives needed - thought or spoken. My Mom used to give us advance notice on "What's for dinner?" On her creative meals, she'd say, 'CHEF SURPRISE!' and if pickin's were slim or not as attractive, we might get 'Slumgullion'. Always tasty, filling and we were grateful. Some 50 yrs. later? My gratitude for my Mom is boundless. You do You, which is simply Amazing!

[@kelleywalker2117]

Did you know you can use mayo as a substitute for eggs or even butter? It is great for making grilled cheese sandwiches!

[@lisachatham8690]

My mom made slumgullion but it wasn't edible. My mom would make it and my dad would round up us kids and we would go have fish sandwiches and french fries at a roadside restaurant that we loved. Mom could eat the slumgullion or she would go with the rest of us and feed the pigs slumgullion. The problem with my mom's slumgullion was it was a everything in the fridge meal, it didn't matter what it was it all got mixed up in a soup pot and heated up.

[@colleenbussey692]

@@kelleywalker2117 a

[@justpatty7328]

I like Chef's Surprise!

[@karenfisher7753]

My dad used to say it was bread and scratch it. Scratch it on and scratch it off.

[@nicolemmetzger]

I don't know why you keep calling everything ugly! Everything you make looks amazing and delicious and it is so inspiring. :)

[@jenniferraiche5052]

As a fellow homeschool/homestead family, it is SO good to hear that we aren’t the only ones that realized that schedules don’t happen when my husband is off work! 😂💖

[@Favorite-catNip]

👍😁💕

[@jenniferfardello2033]

Same here.

[@dreamsincolor10]

I don't see any ugly meals or pies in your home Jessica. Only love and yumminess and nourishment and comfort and the most amazing memories of childhood your children will have. I so love watching your videos. Thank you.

[@bshay5354]

We are always our own worst critics, however it hurts my heart everytime I hear you down play your meals. You are doing a wonderful job, remember a lot of families are eating out and processed food every night. You are filling bellies and warming our hearts. Please be easier on yourself momma. ❤

[@stephaniemartinez5870]

Anyone complaining about the LOOKS of your food. . . obviously aren't busy parents. Kudos to you for the warm meals you cook and feed your family every single day!

[@jenniferr2057]

Please don't disparage my favorite You Tuber's meals... They are amazing! Cooking around allergies is hard enough, nutritious IS beautiful! I taught my son to cook by thinking what would smell good or taste good with whatever ingredient we are building around... We have discovered some great combinations that we love but might raise some eyebrows. We make dump meals, too. But we call them musgo... Everything in the fridge must go!

[@melodysfiresidefarm]

This video shows just how amazing you are Jessica! I watch videos of people trying to recreate meals from the great depression and think to myself that really, it's impossible to do that!! Growing up with my grandma and mom both who lived through it talked of things they did to get through it. Both being country women there really were no true recipes they did just like you and cooked meals based on what they had in their larders, garden and smoke house. The better they were stocked the better they ate. But they used everything just like you, nothing was wasted. They were both amazing barterers to get things they needed. They taught me well! Or actually I was an old soul and gleaned everything they did along with elders from my growing up when we went to visit other country women. You are a woman that if times ever get tough your family will adjust easily. It is a pioneer spirit just like the women who were part of the wagon trains who had to do without much and kept their families alive. I am just so proud of you because you did not grow up learning the skills like I was able to, you learned it all on your own! God is also so proud of you for finding a way to share your skills with other folks! Thank you for sharing!!

[@threerivershomestead]

Thank you so much for the kindness ❤️ I truly appreciate it

[@JustTheTwoOfUsHomestead]

I keep picturing your fridge like Mary Poppins bag…you keep taking things out of it BUT you turn everything into nutritious, healthy meals again and again. You’re amazing 🤩

[@victorialg1270]

Going through your planner system is very helpful. I think the meal prep column is key.

[@patriciagale5047]

Benjamin is a very good eater and precious like all your other children. You are a great mom.

[@erinb.5103]

I’m sorry but your pies are certainly not ugly, they’re beautiful because they’re made with love and to fill your family’s bellies with comfort food. That’s truly beautiful!

[@cassandras1688]

I love how you use up everything! You’re so resourceful and your family obviously LOVES your food! You’re a terrific steward for your family and even when you forget never think you failed in ANY way to keep your family healthy and well fed! Hugs from a 58 y/o mom of 1 who is grateful to you for making me truly look at what I have and USE it!

[@PhoenixIsFierce]

I dont understand why you dont have more subscribers on here... you are AMAZING!!! And for the parents among us you are an inspiration and a blessing x

[@hobocamp1072]

Jessica, I am always amazed at how much nutrition you fit into every meal. My children were great eaters as babies and littles, but as they have grown, seeing a green spice or veggie in their food makes them very picky! I feel so limited and then with my own food allergies- your cooking looks seamless! Your food is always so thought out and your style is just very relaxing and informative. You are doing great things! Thank you🌼

[@shannonjones6094]

I think your meals are beautiful and amazing that you make 3 meals a day everyday for a big family! I love that you don't waste anything! I strive to be more like you! Such an inspiration!

[@quilterinthewoods62]

I am amazed how organized you are. The children are beautiful. Love the Pantry Challenge!

[@SM1075]

Thanks for showing your food planner and how it went during the week. Well done. Great video.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

All those beautiful children around your table and you look like a teenager yourself. Even though I had only 3, i truly miss those days. How smart and organized you are.

[@rebeccakaczmarek5598]

Jessica, this pantry challenge has been a huge success. Yesterday I shopped for the first time in 7 weeks. Only spent $80. Found myself turning my nose up at packaged foods.

[@angellaarceneaux8986]

Catalons farm cleaning out that freezer. Still had some beautiful pork roasts and chops. Great meals enjoyed, no "shopping " for 2 1/2 weeks! Seafood, okra gumbo today for the whole weekend. 🙏🏿🐓

[@InspirationLed]

I have been binge watching your videos again the last few days! I just moved to my first ever homestead and am a single mom of one 15 year old daughter. I have been reinspired by your videos and dedication to cooking from scratch and preserving what I can. I have been picking raspberries from our land every morning and freezing and today was just offered to buy a huge bag of older bananas for $5 from our local market (literally like 50 bananas for that price!) and I was so proud and thought of your every bit counts challenge. They’ll also go to the freezer for many futures muffins etc. I still have lots to learn about canning etc but have been preparing for us getting to this point for many years now. So excited to actually have the kitchen, pantry and land to grow so much more food than I’ve been able to up to this point. We moved in too late this year to plant much, but I’m observing the land and planning for next year, so nothing is a loss. I love your dedication as a mother and homemaker and I love your channel and thank you for everything you share so we can all learn and grow our skills by watching you!

[@threerivershomestead]

Thank you for watching!!

[@Minnesota_Mama_Bear]

The mayonnaise suggestion is a game-changer for me! I'm just getting into making my own.💚🌞

[@ladybugcrafts2014]

I really like the way you use up every bit of your food. I would have never thought about using pickled pepper juice in a recipe, but now I'm gonna be more vigilant on ways to use the juices and stuff from my canned foods. Also, "thrown together" meals are usually better for some reason. And how BIG is your freezer, or do you have more than 1. I had 3 pigs processed last year and they took up all my freezer space and then I had to get another smaller one too. I would really love to have a walk in freezer, but it will have to wait for finances to be ready.

[@aramintaverwys1934]

Hi Jessica!!! Have a beautiful Sunday and home church with your beautiful family!!!!! Love and Light 💜💜

[@tammygeorge2756]

Soooo happy with finding things in the “back of the freezer” like your frozen jam. This week I took out a pork roast that I had been moving around for months, cooked it in the Instant Pot in a sauce made partially from a jar of barbecue sauce that needed to be used up (sound familiar?) and it made the most amazing shredded pork barbecue. Along with that I shredded up some cabbage and carrots and we had a terrific cole slaw with the barbecue. Thank you so much for all your inspiration, and especially for your tips and ideas for those of us that are dairy free and don’t want to use “fake cheese.”

[@kellyh8218]

Yay! Been looking forward to this video all week!

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

This challenge has been great. You have so many good ideas for meals. It's just me (for now) so I've been doing a lot of stews and soups. My three grandbabies are coming back for two weeks near the end of Feb while their Daddy has surgery. I'll be using some of your meal ideas. Thanks.

[@denisebozung126]

I love seeing how creative you are with combining various bits of food into a whole new meal. You are a real inspiration, I'm so glad I was informed about your channel from Living Traditions Homestead. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@kniddelliz7512]

I was also thinking how creative she is with her meals!

[@ceepark114]

She doesn't waste anything!

[@janiceeno7039]

nothing "ugly" about good food cooked with love! We all need to remember how blessed we are with the bounty God provides and tend to our own families nutrition half as well as the example you set for us. God Bless!

[@aziza0990]

Please don’t call your food ugly. I appreciate you so much and respect you greatly. There is NOTHING ugly about what you do or share with us.

[@patriciakoester1580]

The baby, all of your children are so precious!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Krishna-mr6ju]

Watched a few of your cooking videos and noticed your baby is such a great eater He eats anything, so cute too

[@deloresmiller6468]

You are amazing. Your. Children will be survivors. .

[@ashlyfuller7146]

I’m watching you on my tv and I found you at the beginning of your challenge and I’m like you all food is not beautiful but the kids most favorite meals are just thrown together and you and don’t have to apologize to people that think all food has to be beautiful in order to eat it or show it!! The most honest people about food flavors are year children and elderly people opinions are all that matter and your children are clearly happy ! I can’t wait to start a channel and you openness and honesty on your channel has made want to move that way with our small homestead and my 4 homeschooled children . So thank you and don’t apologize for what makes your children happy 😊

[@DavidSmith-bw3bk]

I wouldn't say that I am following the food "pantry challenge" as devotedly as you and others are, I am making an effort to use what i have on hand in every pantry. Today, I made a batch of laundry detergent with a partial box of washing soda and a bar of Fels Naptha soap. I'd been rearranging this shelf for months. I've also made a tomato pie with a frozen pie shell and 3 lonely tomatoes, oven donuts with frozen candy roaster squash... and more. Thank you for your inspiration and creativity. Lee

[@jenniferr1279]

I had never thought of adding eggs to oatmeal! We have 5 boys and oatmeal just doesn’t stick with them long enough so the egg idea is genius. I’m going to try that soon! Also I really love the list of meal ideas. One of the hardest things for me as a mom is decision fatigue, and having a list there helps so much!

[@jeneaneherzog4626]

You& Acre Homestead got me (everyone!) motivated to do a challenge!💕love it!!! Today I'm cleaning out my freezers! LOVE your channel!☺

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

This reminds me of school and how I took 📝. No wonder your a great teacher🤗 You apply the skills you know into every part of your life such as meal planning. Too cool.

[@susanshaw4831]

I love your creativity for meals. And "fillin' bellies" with highly nutritious food is a SKILL! Thanks for sharing all of this and inspiring me♥️

[@carlapierle8623]

I am simply amazed with how creative you are with meals and how you home cook three of them a day for such a large family. I know it has taken experience and organization but you make it look easy.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

I always mix brown rice with my wild rice and toast it a bit before cooking. Ii love the difference in textures and love the flavor!

[@MargaretUIUC]

When I was about 14, my dad bought half a beef, which included a tongue and a heart. My mom was too grossed out to cook either, so I ended up cooking them with help from my grandmother. They were both delicious! Glad you missed the heavy snow. I used to live in Illinois, and my friends there got about a foot of it along with some chilly temperatures. Stay warm!

[@sheilastewart1699]

It's jus Sooo amazing that no matter what you fix your kids eat anything...

[@andreabeth]

Thank you!! I'm so glad you showed us how to use the beef tongue. I have a tongue in the freezer from when we got beef from our rancher friends from church. I've been kind of scared to use it but not anymore! I plan to make tacos with it this week! This is my 3rd year doing the pantry challenge along with you. I love it!!

[@renamaemcdonald2075]

Another great video with all the healthy meals! I love how your children are not picky eaters. They seem to enjoy most everything ♥️

[@littlebird585]

PS I too think your meals are great and not ugly. They are healthy and you are blessing your family.

[@sbayles5593]

It amazes me what your little ones will eat.

[@csekegabi]

This is real home cooking at its best! It’s so inspiring Jessica! Well done! x

[@kajehomar7503]

Beef tongue tacos is a really good idea, I’ve never thought of that. The last time I ate beef tongue, an Asian family friend shaved the tongue paper thin marinated it with Asian seasonings and homemade soy sauce before grilling it. It was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

[@desert_moon]

It's common in the Hispanic/Latinx community where I live. They call it lingua and they eat it in tacos and many other ways too.

[@janicesims6574]

Jessica, you do a great job taking care of your family. I really enjoy watching your videos. So many good tips for moms.

[@heythere12]

Amazing meals! My mouth is watering! You are incredibly creative and a very good cook. I dream about having my own garden one day and some chickens. Until then, I am trying to learn about gardening and preserving the amazing home grown food.

[@sasssass6090]

We had snow days too. It has been so much fun !

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

Hi Jessica! Thank you for the video. Portillo's, a hot dog place in my area, makes their chocolate cake with mayonnaise and it's super moist and so delicious. Perhaps David can incorporate some of the failed mayonnaise into a cake recipe. Have a great week. Stay safe and warm!

[@gratielarusu4342]

I have learnt so much from.your videos lately! I just discovered your channel and I must confess i am obsessed :) i try to use your ideas and I have changed a lot of my cooking with your advice. And my kids are eating way better! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@MiraSky]

Here I am just watching any old videos that I haven’t seen all of yet!! The little tips I get from bits of these videos is so helpful in my own homestead kitchen!! You were the one that started me on freezing liquids for later in ice cube trays!! Can’t wait for my garlic scapes!!

[@kathleenritter4532]

So glad you guys did ok from the storm. We had 10 hrs of freezing rain followed by 4-6 inches of snow. Thank you for the creative ideas of uses for ingredients and suggestions for things to use when out of stuff.

[@Favorite-catNip]

Wow. Stay safe & warm.

[@alihall4443]

Love your videos, you have a lovely family and are such an inspiration. Greetings from England. 👋😊

[@jordynupchurch7071]

I just adore watching your kids, especially your older sons, interact with you! You can tell they just absolutely adore and love you so much. It's something I strive to have from my son every single day!

[@desert_moon]

I used to freeze watermelon for slushies when my kids were still at home! It's like a natural slushie as is...so good!!!

[@sandysimpson9]

What a great way to save those squash. Would never have thought to

[@patriciagale5047]

You made some awesome meals. Benjamin is a very good eating and very precious

[@audreynanapreps2543]

I am always amazed at the meals you put together!

[@JenniferPerryMyScraproom]

Ok first off I PAID for an "ugly" breakfast this morning - naked burritos from my fav local restaurant and while it was truly ugly I darn near licked at plate in public! I do not care if my food is ugly as long as it tastes good. I am 52 years old and you are teaching me and giving me great ideas.

[@bellabailey1183]

New to the channel. I live in Hocking Hills in S.E. Ohio. We got that ice and snow. No power x 6 days.

[@annas1008]

Home cooking is never ugly! great job! looks delicious.

[@ambethk77]

I love how much you take your husband into account.

[@glendaharding4884]

As always, you are such an inspiration!

[@afterthought72]

I used to use Friday as a clean out the closet day .. Best meals are the ones created with love when pickin's are slim !!

[@terraranch1459]

I loved your creativity with your ingredients. You really used up all you have. I am 60 and I am learning from you! Hugs❤️

[@bakerhomesteading]

I really enjoy your videos! As a homesteader myself, I love looking at your meal ideas! You have a beautiful home and family!

[@thewoodenspoon9679]

Jessica I am extremely impressed with your choices and methods of cooking and baking!

[@threerivershomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@lisakaye2110]

There is nothing wrong with "ugly" meals! It's home made. If it were perfect, a machine would have to make it. That's not better. Great job, Momma!! You can see how much you love your kids. An FYI, my Granny used to oven roast her beets before making borscht. It just added a little something extra. Love it!! I haven't had it in YEARS! Now I'm gonna have to make it. It looks so good!! I'm so hungry for it!!! Lol Thank you

[@Abbi67]

Super easy, simple cobbler if you're interested. 1 cup self rising flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup of milk mix together. Melt one stick butter in oven. When melted add fruit (your choice) and pour flour, sugar, milk mixture over top. Bake until golden brown on 350. I hope you try and enjoy this.

[@ellenradford8582]

My daughter loved beets from the first taste. It's been 33 years and she still loves them!

[@jenniferb4200]

Yay! I was hoping for another one of these videos this morning!

[@leanneogburn5982]

Your pie to me looks beautiful!💛Authentic pies like yours you know will be delicious!🎉 - all the same same looking manufactured ones in the store- not so much.

[@ada5229]

My family loves using jam to sweeten their oatmeal and cream of wheat!

[@tammyr2966]

Everything looks delicious! I’ve made some “ugly dishes” from just what we had on hand and my now grown kids always ask what those meals were and I said I have no idea, it’s just what we had on hand! I love how you don’t let anything go to waste! I love beef tongue tacos and have made that at home before! Delicious! I also love how your kids eat almost everything and are grateful!

[@AT-hy9cq]

The beef thong is my best dish ever from the childhood. ❤️❤️❤️ and the soup that you cooked, in our countries also calls “borsh”. 👍👍👍 love it.

[@iartistdotme]

One thing I learned - take a bit of veg you fix for supper, breakfast, etc., and save it in the freezer to make later in an stir fry. Actually cook more bacon than you will need and keep leftovers, chopped in the freezer for later one pot meals. Love all the ideas for using up (or making extra) stuff. Now I learned about mayo, also. I peeled a fresh orange and dropped the peel into a tiny crock pot with a few old cloves and old lemon zest for a delicious room deodorizer this morning. I LOVE THIS CHALLENGE and it's only me and my daughter brings me most of my meals. I have a tiny garden for herbs, some veg, and some fruits. I'm really using this challenge so it is for so many more people than just large families with a large pantry. THANK YOU for hosting this! UPDATE: The tongue is cooking in my crock pot and had to let you know I appreciate you showing this. I was 'gifted' one a few months ago and after your video I decided I could do this. Thank you so much for introducing me to this muscle.

[@ALouiseA]

God bless you. Nothing about your cooking is ugly. It's full of love. Have a blessed week. 💜♥️🤗

[@slowandsimplelivingdiaries]

I just came across your channel and absolutely loving it! It amazes me how much work and effort and love you are putting into creating these meals. I absolutely love your videos! Look forward to a new one!

[@nicolelakra]

Arkansas Blacks are the BEST for storage. ...and, they are an outstanding baking apple.

[@leonorabradley9134]

Also, your creativity appears to be boundless. I pray your strength endures as your priorities are absolutely in order. I am so glad Largefamilylove told me about you! I am inspired and learning.🌵💚🙏

[@melissamontoya8190]

You are so organized and very smart what an amazing women. Love watching your channel 😀

[@trishcuster3343]

I am really enjoying watching you cook for your family! I have issues digesting dairy and wheat so getting Sooooo many ideas from you. Thank you so much!

[@COWELLGIRL]

God bless yall. Looking good !

[@susiemeade6404]

You're creative and inspiring!

[@johnandjess9134]

Jessica! I love your videos. I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@bearzhere]

You are the only person besides myself that uses everything! It is a joy to see you save so much money for your large family by using it all! I think you are proving to everyone that food doesnt have to be magazine worthy ( altho I disagree with you on the ugly part ) to taste good, things can substitute and change and still be fantastic! I often throw things together and it looks odd at times but it sure taste good! ALtho I am not doing a pantry challenge so to speak you have gotten me to get things used up more around here, I actually got all the potatoes going soft made into fries and in the freezer, the spag and butternuts stored in the basement (from 2020 harvest) got baked and into the freezer for baking over the next few months. I think too much food is wasted today and its just a shame, especially with the prices and the way things are heading. Thanks for the wonderful ideas and sharing your wonderful children once again!

[@meluvs2read]

I really enjoy your review of your meals and I love seeing the kids enjoying your meals as well.

[@alexachenbach821]

Meals.Look so good.

[@ashlyfuller7146]

Also my 9 year old son and myself think your blueberry pie looks 😋 keep up your awesome work !

[@mommamoore]

Good morning from Indiana! We had 3 snow days from school, I’m ready to get the children back into a routine and back in class. Blessings to you and your family! 💜

[@katrinajones107]

i absolutly love these videos and get so many great ideas from you.

[@1940sDream]

I've never seen anyone but me cross the letter z. Loved seeing that you do too!