Fortiflex Bucket

Homestead Happenings Blog, Livestock and Poultry Items

Fortiflex Buckets

Last Updated: September 12, 2023

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A PM Homestead pick: Fortiflex Bucket

We use these buckets for water for our goats and other animals at the homestead. They are a rugged bucket, BPA free, and made in USA, The Fortiflex buckets are very durable and built to last. We have many that are a least a decade old and are still in use. They do not crack if frozen. The best part is the handle which is a thick metal that is affixed with metal to the bucket rim. I have never had a handle break on me while using these buckets.

We regularly wash the buckets with a dish soap and nylon brush to keep them clean. Over time you will see minor scratches, but it does not affect the functionality. The only time we take them out of circulation is if the handle becomes so bent that it no longer will lie flat. This problem is normally caused by an unruly goat.

When we do remove a bucket from animal use, we remove the handle and use it for storing items like fence staples, insulators, or other items we need to keep organized at the homestead barn.

Here’s the thing. Caring for your livestock is a daily commitment. You don’t want to be replacing items that you need daily. Fortiflex buckets are extremely rugged and have lasted many, many years for us. – Bren

Other products or information you may be interested in:

Mini Feeder
Bucket

Barnyard in your
Backyard

Bottle Feeding
Kid Goats

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this page or post may be “affiliate links”. This means that if you click on the link, Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC may receive an affiliate commission at no direct cost to you. Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC only recommends products or services that the owners, managers, or employees of Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC use or believe will add value to the readers of this website. This disclosure is made with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Forjars Canning Lids – Regular and Wide Mouth

Homestead Happenings Blog, Kitchen Items

Forjars Canning Lids
(Regular and Wide Mouth)

Last Updated: September 6, 2023

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A PM Homestead pick: Forjars Canning Lids (Regular and Wide Mouth)

I was recommended these and decided to check them out. I know many of you can relate to the shortage of canning lids we’ve experienced in our recent past. There was a year when I was forced to try other brands, and I experienced seal issues, buckling lids and disappointment.

The Forjars Canning Lids have made my canning experience pleasant again. They come in regular and wide mouth sizes and are reasonably priced. They can be used in water bath, pressure, steam and vacuum seal canning.

As a life-long high volume canner averaging about 500 to 600 jars per year, I find these to be a quality lid. They are rust proof, BPA free, and from a company in America. I’ve tried them with several canner loads and I’m impressed with the quality.

Here’s the thing. Cheap lids are not always your friend. Your time is valuable and as all of us homesteaders know, we are always needing more time and less frustration. Get the right product for the job. – Bren

Other products or information you may be interested in:

How to Can
Tomato Sauce

Gifts for
Homesteaders

Silicone
Baking Mat

Banana Bread at the Homestead

Homestead Happenings Blog

Banana Bread at the Homestead

Last Updated: September 3, 2023

I realize that we don’t grow bananas at our homestead in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and you are probably asking “why is this here?”. I know I have a lot of pride in producing nearly everything we eat. But,….well…sometimes you just want banana bread. Plus someone had asked me about my easy peasy banana bread recipe. So, here you go!

If you can, save yourself a little money and buy the marked down over ripe bananas at the grocery store. Overripe bananas are sweeter and seem to make the bread more moist. (Don’t forget to buy organic, too)!

Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients:
3-4 ripe bananas
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1/2 cup course chopped nuts (I use walnuts)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease loaf pan.
3. Mix ingredients together and pour into loaf pan.
4. Bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

That’s it! Easy peasy! Enjoy! Don’t forget to put your banana peels in the compost heap.

Other products or information you may be interested in:

Homestead Happenings