The Prairie Homestead

Homesteading | Self Sufficient Living | Living off the Land

Jill Winger

59 Comments | |    Last Updated: February 12, 2015

Fill In The Blank Homesteading

(Photo Source) I think contentment is an incredibly important quality. I can't imagine a more miserable life than one where you are always wanting to be someone or somewhere else. Even though it's a continual process, it's always been a goal of mine to try to make the best of where ever I happen to be at that point in my life. (Though some times have definitely been easier than others!) ;) The Bible talks a lot about ...Continue Reading

8 Comments | |    Last Updated: June 13, 2023

Cheddar Pear Pie

When I was younger, I remember my Dad always cutting a slice of cheddar cheese for his warm apple pie. As a young girl, I always thought it was a rather strange habit, and couldn't imagine how cheese and apple pie could possibly go together. Now that I'm older and have developed more 'mature' tastebuds, I can totally see where he was coming from! This is a lightly sweet, very refreshing pie. It can be served warm or chilled ...Continue Reading

1 Comment | |    Last Updated: March 17, 2018

Seven Ways to Make Use of Your Shady Spots

  In order to successfully homestead (whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural homestead),  it's vital to learn how to use what you have to it's fullest potential. You may have lots of moisture, or none. Plenty of bright sun, or very little. Many homesteaders and gardeners must deal with having too much shade. So, I've brainstormed and come up with a list of ways you can use those shady spots to their full ...Continue Reading

468 Comments | |    Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Practical and Creative Uses for Whey

Don't toss your whey! This list of practical and creative uses for whey will give you plenty of ideas for ways to use whey for your household. There are so many amazing possibilities for the whey after cheesemaking! Remember the nursery rhyme about little Miss Muffet eating her curds and whey? Back before I began my real food journey, I didn't even know what whey was... I never would have dreamed I would be as familiar with it as I am ...Continue Reading

30 Comments | |    Last Updated: May 3, 2020

Orange Creamsicle Milkshake (without the Ice Cream!)

I tend to be a bit lazy on Sunday afternoons, so rather than cook a big supper, my husband and I usually opt for popcorn and smoothies. (Hey, it's ok for real foodies to take a break once and a while too!) :) I especially love it when we have an abundance of raw goat or cow milk, since it gives me lots of chances to experiment! I love a good milkshake, but rarely have ice cream just hanging around. So, I've learned to be creative ...Continue Reading

29 Comments | |    Last Updated: June 13, 2023

Steakhouse Baked Potato Recipe

  I am a potato-aholic. But I come by it honestly, considering I am from Idaho... (You do know that Idaho potatoes are the best in the nation, right?) I love potatoes in any form: homemade hash browns, baked, boiled, fried, mashed, roasted, french fries, scalloped, you name it! On the rare occasions we do eat out, one of my favorite steakhouses serves the most incredible baked potatoes. The skins are crispy ...Continue Reading

Nice to Meet You

I’m Jill. I’ve never been very good at following prescribed paths.

For the last 15 years, that instinct has led me through homesteading, entrepreneurship, and creating a life my younger self could have only dreamed of.

These days, I’m less interested in living the perfect "old-fashioned life" and more interested in knowing which ideas are worth carrying forward. The first half of this story was about building a homestead. The next part is about building a life that actually fits.
Read My Story