It’s time for a reader’s question: Dear Frugal Upstate, We have a good sized patch of mint that my husband is determined to mow down. It seems like such a waste–I’d rather pick it and put it to use before he mows, but I’m not really sure what to do with it. How can I… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Fragrance for Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Dear Frugal Upstate, Do you have a homemade liquid laundry soap recipe with scents? I was buying some from a person who was making this. She had many different scents. That lady is now pregnant and can’t make the soap until her baby is born so I need to make my own. I haven’t been… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: What do I do with Bell Pepper that’s about to go bad?
Dear Frugal Upstate, Good morning! I need some advice. I have several bell peppers that are close to going bad, but I won’t be home to cook dinner tonight or tomorrow. Is there a way to preserve them? Macey What a good question. I really find it frustrating when food spoils and has to be… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Can you use “carving” pumpkins for cooking and dehydrating?
Dear Frugal Upstate, I was looking at your How to Dehydrate Pumpkins post and was wondering–do you have to use pie pumpkins or can you use uncarved pumpkins from Halloween? Britty That’s a good question Britty! The short answer is yes, you can use an uncarved Halloween pumpkin, but the flavor might not be very… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: How Long to Dehydrate?
Dear Frugal Upstate I LOVE all the information you’ve been posting on dehydrating! I tried dehydrating bags of mixed veggies this week (to save freezer space and make them last longer), and I wasn’t sure about how long to dry them. They are teeny tiny when done, right? Can you dry them too much? I… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Are Ball & Kerr the Only Source of Safe Canning Recipes?
Dear Frugal Upstate, I am trying to learn about canning. I called our local home economist and she told me not to try any recipes except for what is in the current Ball or Kerr canning books. Does that mean I can’t use recipes from any other source? Do you have any sources where I… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Why so much Walmart?
Hi Frugal Upstate! I really enjoy your blog. Your thoughts on gardening, your frugal lifestyle ideas, and your take on things can be helpful and even inspirational. Lately, though, the blog feels a little….Walmart heavy. And while I can appreciate some of the bargains they offer as much as the next gal, (and I know… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Storing Rice and Bulk Goods
Dear Frugal Upstate, How do you store your rice? I am always tempted to buy a big bag at SAMs or Costco because of the great cost per pound–but I’m afraid it will go bad before I had a chance to use it up. What about other bulk foods? I would love to know how… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Forgot to Process Canned Figs
Dear Frugal Upstate I am in a real pickle. Yesterday i put up 16 jars of figs, boiled the lids and jars, filled them, but did not water bath them. Can I do that today or is it too late. I am so upset, I guess i was tired and didn’t follow through. Please advise,… Keep Reading
Reader’s Question: Water Boiling Off While Canning
Dear Frugal Upstate, I am new to canning and processed cherries in quarts. While I was processing the water boiled out of the canner and even though I started out with 2″ of water I ended up with only 1/4 in. over the jars after processing. The jars are sealed. Are they safe? What is… Keep Reading
