We Work Like Dogs So We Can Eat Like Kings... || Summer on the Homestead || July 2026

Summer has a way of keeping us on our toes. Just when one job is finished, another one is waiting. Today we're picking cucumbers, pulling up green bean plants, peeling fresh peaches, and spending the afternoon in the kitchen making pickles, freezing peaches, whipping up dirt cake and yum yum, all while Andy keeps working to clean up the garden for what's next. One thing we've learned over the years is that the work never really lets up this time of year but that's exactly why we do it. Every jar on the pantry shelf, every bag in the freezer, and every meal shared around the table this winter starts with days like these. Thanks so much for spending part of your day with our family. We hope these videos encourage you to slow down, enjoy the simple things, and remember that a life built with your own two hands is always worth the effort. Plant Tier https://amzn.to/4vf2hJf Fly trap https://amzn.to/3R6Jm5j Blueberry Yum Yum Crust 2 cups graham cracker crumbs ½ cup melted butter ¼ cup sugar Cream Cheese Layer 8 oz cream cheese (softened) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip) Blueberry Layer 3 cups frozen blueberries ½ cup sugar (adjust depending on sweetness) 2 tbsp cornstarch ½ cup water 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice 1. Make the crust Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter Press into a 9x13 dish Chill Let cool completely 2. Cook the blueberry topping In a saucepan add: frozen blueberries sugar water Bring to a gentle simmer Mix cornstarch with a little cold water, pour in Stir until thick and glossy Add lemon juice or vinegar 👉 Let this cool completely (important or it melts your layers) 3. Cream cheese layer Beat cream cheese until smooth Add powdered sugar + vanilla Fold in whipped topping Spread over cooled crust 4. Assemble Spoon cooled blueberry mixture over cream layer Spread gently 5. Refrigerate Dirt Cake 1 pack family size Oreos 1 big box of instant vanilla pudding Milk for pudding 1 block cream cheese (softened) 1 regular size container of whipped cream Make vanilla pudding in a large mixing bowl (following the directions on the box). Let sit for 5-10 min. Crush half of the oreos as fine or as big as you'd like, cover bottom of 9x13 dish. Add softened cream cheese to vanilla pudding once pudding has set. Combine completely. Fold in entire container of whipped cream. Pour mixture over Oreo crust in bottom of dish, smooth it out. Crush other half of the Oreos and spread over the top of mixture. Store in the fridge. This dessert is best after it has set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but can sit overnight as well. #TrueGritAppalachianWays #Homesteading #CountryLiving #PuttingFoodBy #FoodPreservation #GardenHarvest #Peaches #Pickles #SummerHarvest #HomesteadKitchen #SimpleLiving #FromScratch #FarmLife #Appalachia #SelfSufficient