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3 strips of venison (deer) jerky on white plate

Choose the best jerky: Smart buying tips and homemade techniques

October 21, 2026

From hunters and campers trying to pack light to desk workers looking for a snack, jerky and other "shapes" of meat sticks and bar are tasty examples of using dehydration to preserve food for longer storage. By taking out water, it is...

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Sliced apples and apple halves on wood cutting board with knife

3 apple side dishes for fall

September 9, 2026

Live Well. Eat Well.

USApple notes that the U.S. grows more than 100 apple varieties. So, no matter what flavors, colors, or crispness level you're looking for, there's likely a variety you'll enjoy. Now that we're close to autumn and it's apple season, I'm ready to...

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Red nonstick skillet cooking two venison steaks

Flavorful venison recipes for winter

December 17, 2025

Live Well. Eat Well.

Partnerships are a big part of Illinois Extension programs. This one started more than five years ago with a conversation about deer hunting and turned into recipes, videos, a webinar, and Hunters Feeding Illinois. As someone who did not grow up hunting...

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Bowl of red pepper flakes next to 3 red chilis on dark gray background

Make your own red pepper flakes

August 20, 2025

Live Well. Eat Well.

Although National Pepper Month is celebrated in November, sweet and hot peppers are coming out of gardens and farmers markets in mid- and late-summer here in Illinois. While the peppers are peak quality, I'll enjoy them fresh as a crunch snack with dip or use in...

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Whole pomegranate, open pomegranate and pomegranate arils on gray background

Practice mindfulness while opening pomegranates

January 15, 2025

Live Well. Eat Well.

Once (maybe twice) each winter, my rural grocery store will stock whole pomegranates. They are a highlight of my winter fruit picks because of their sweet taste and pop of vibrant ruby red. Plus I get a chance to practice mindfulness while freeing the little arils...

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Acorn Squash Are Not for Just Squirrels: With Tips on Eating, Shopping, and Storage

Acorn (squash) are not just for squirrels

October 30, 2024

Live Well. Eat Well.

There are more varieties you can grow and buy, but the main winter squashes I see sold in grocery stores and from farm stands around me are butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squashes. Acorn squashes are typically small, and if winter squash is new to you,...

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Make use of your extra farm eggs

July 10, 2024

Live Well. Eat Well.

"I have more eggs in the summer than I know what to do with," said a community member calling into my office. If you have backyard chickens, there might come a time when you have more eggs than your household will eat. Let's talk about some...

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Why is open kettle canning unsafe?

September 29, 2023

Live Well. Eat Well.

Canning food at home has been around since the early 1800s, with the first mason jar designed for canning distributed in 1884. Canning, freezing, and drying is a science and has evolved over the last 100 years. The only safe way to can food at home and store at room temperature is by using...

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I can bake with cantaloupe?

July 12, 2023

Live Well. Eat Well.

Summer means lot of choices for fresh fruits and vegetables, including melons. Today I want to share some recipes with melon I developed for a program back in 2018 for those receiving Community Supported Agriculture subscriptions. I shared...

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Glass top stove built into counter top, with plant near by and water facet for sink

Should I use my ceramic cooktop when canning?

June 30, 2023

Live Well. Eat Well.

Canning season is in full swing, and a common question I get asked each year is, "Can I use my glass or ceramic cooktop when canning?” To answer this question, begin by contacting your cooktop manufacturer to find out what they recommend. But then I want you to ask yourself, "Is it a...

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Food Preservation Blogs