What do you think?
Rate this book
Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life
As our modern lives demand more and more from us, many people long for a slower pace of life. While picking up and moving to the country may not be an option for everyone, it is possible to embrace simple living and more traditional skills no matter where you live. Learn the lost art of from-scratch cooking, practice food security by keeping a deep pantry, find out how easy it is to raise backyard chickens, experience the joy of growing your own food (even in a small space), and preserve your own harvest through a variety of methods.
For the last ten years, Victoria Pruett of A Modern Homestead has guided her readers through the process of discovering that they truly can incorporate traditional skills into their everyday routines while they also juggle work, children, and social lives. Though the idea of including traditional skills may conjure images of spending eight hours a day in the kitchen, nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, Victoria teaches you how to deepen your skillset and understanding of self-reliance and how to easily fit simple living into your life in a way that works for you. Chapters
Cooking from 126 recipes for breads, main dishes, and dessertsBuilding a robust food supply for your familyFood water bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-dryingBest practices for backyard chickensCustomizing your backyard garden—including traditional and Back to Eden methods—for your zone and growing season, companion planting, and natural pest controlHow to make sourdough work for youAnd more!
For the last ten years, Victoria Pruett of A Modern Homestead has guided her readers through the process of discovering that they truly can incorporate traditional skills into their everyday routines while they also juggle work, children, and social lives. Though the idea of including traditional skills may conjure images of spending eight hours a day in the kitchen, nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, Victoria teaches you how to deepen your skillset and understanding of self-reliance and how to easily fit simple living into your life in a way that works for you. Chapters
Cooking from 126 recipes for breads, main dishes, and dessertsBuilding a robust food supply for your familyFood water bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-dryingBest practices for backyard chickensCustomizing your backyard garden—including traditional and Back to Eden methods—for your zone and growing season, companion planting, and natural pest controlHow to make sourdough work for youAnd more!
296 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
5 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
So this is mostly a cookbook, but also has nice chapters on how to do all types of food preservation, how to start and maintain your own garden and even how to raise chickens- all very cool info that I find interesting!
I think I just don't fit in with this crowd though, despite thinking this stuff is cool. It is definitely leaning to the conservative doomsday prepper vibe but I will give her props that she does not specifically mention anything about that! I think she is trying to appeal to a wide audience but I still got this vibe, you know? I would also take the health advice here not super seriously and do your own research, and warn you that most of the recipes are very very much typical American food.
However, I am excited to try some of the recipes for homemade things like mayo and bread, and maybe even try to can some of my own peppers or something that I grew! Makes me wish I lived on a farm with a lot of space so I could try some more of these tips, but as she makes it a point to write, it can be very rewarding to try even small stuff and start to be more aware of how you interact with the global food industry.
So this is mostly a cookbook, but also has nice chapters on how to do all types of food preservation, how to start and maintain your own garden and even how to raise chickens- all very cool info that I find interesting!
I think I just don't fit in with this crowd though, despite thinking this stuff is cool. It is definitely leaning to the conservative doomsday prepper vibe but I will give her props that she does not specifically mention anything about that! I think she is trying to appeal to a wide audience but I still got this vibe, you know? I would also take the health advice here not super seriously and do your own research, and warn you that most of the recipes are very very much typical American food.
However, I am excited to try some of the recipes for homemade things like mayo and bread, and maybe even try to can some of my own peppers or something that I grew! Makes me wish I lived on a farm with a lot of space so I could try some more of these tips, but as she makes it a point to write, it can be very rewarding to try even small stuff and start to be more aware of how you interact with the global food industry.
June 24, 2025
This is a good cookbook, gardening guide and preservation guide if you are brand new to the topics. There are basic recipes for things like tortillas, bagels, pancakes, roast chicken and mashed potatoes, along with basic instructions for making homemade versions of things like yogurt and hot cocoa mix and a fair amount of standard canning recipes. Keep in mind that these tend to be very high in sugar, often more sugar than fruit since she doesn’t use pectin. There is also information about keeping chickens for eggs, stocking a survival pantry and a few other homestead topics.
The recipes tend to be for SAD (standard American diet) cooking –– lots of breads, cake, meat and potatoes kind of stuff, especially for bread products.
She recommends einkorn flour and erroneously says that it is safe for people with celiac disease, which is absolutely untrue and dangerous advice. While this kind of flour is more easily digested it still contains gluten and I double checked on the celiac association website and they say it is definitely not safe. She writes:
“As a result, it’s been my experience that even those with Celiac disease can easily tolerate and process einkorn flour! Over the last twelve years, we have been blessed to help more than sixteen million people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity learn how to bake with einkorn flour, including three diagnosed Celiacs in our own family. While I have only ever heard from people with Celiac disease that they were able to enjoy einkorn without consequences, it is possible that some with the disease may not be able to tolerate it fully. However, I have watched customers hold an EpiPen, due to their past severe reactions to wheat, while taking a bite of an einkorn pastry and they had no reaction to einkorn!”
I don’t even know where to start with this. How has this woman interacted with 16 million people with celiac and gluten sensitivity???? Verywellhealth says about 2 million people in the USA have celiac and while we know that more people have sensitivity, I’ve never even heard of this woman who claims she’s seen 16 million allergic people eat einkorn wheat. And people with celiac disease are not even helped by EpiPens, since it is an autoimmune disease and not an anaphylactic reaction.
All that aside, this is a great starter guide for those new to urban homesteading, baking, canning, etc and there were sections I really enjoyed. Recommended specifically for newbies who enjoy a traditional American diet and would like to start living a more self sufficient lifestyle.
I read an advance copy of this book via netgalley.
The recipes tend to be for SAD (standard American diet) cooking –– lots of breads, cake, meat and potatoes kind of stuff, especially for bread products.
She recommends einkorn flour and erroneously says that it is safe for people with celiac disease, which is absolutely untrue and dangerous advice. While this kind of flour is more easily digested it still contains gluten and I double checked on the celiac association website and they say it is definitely not safe. She writes:
“As a result, it’s been my experience that even those with Celiac disease can easily tolerate and process einkorn flour! Over the last twelve years, we have been blessed to help more than sixteen million people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity learn how to bake with einkorn flour, including three diagnosed Celiacs in our own family. While I have only ever heard from people with Celiac disease that they were able to enjoy einkorn without consequences, it is possible that some with the disease may not be able to tolerate it fully. However, I have watched customers hold an EpiPen, due to their past severe reactions to wheat, while taking a bite of an einkorn pastry and they had no reaction to einkorn!”
I don’t even know where to start with this. How has this woman interacted with 16 million people with celiac and gluten sensitivity???? Verywellhealth says about 2 million people in the USA have celiac and while we know that more people have sensitivity, I’ve never even heard of this woman who claims she’s seen 16 million allergic people eat einkorn wheat. And people with celiac disease are not even helped by EpiPens, since it is an autoimmune disease and not an anaphylactic reaction.
All that aside, this is a great starter guide for those new to urban homesteading, baking, canning, etc and there were sections I really enjoyed. Recommended specifically for newbies who enjoy a traditional American diet and would like to start living a more self sufficient lifestyle.
I read an advance copy of this book via netgalley.
August 1, 2025
Book Review: Creating a Modern Homestead by Victoria Pruett
Rating: 3 Stars
I recently picked up Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life by Victoria Pruett, and I have some mixed feelings about it. Overall, I’d give it a solid 3 stars.
The book aims to help readers bring simple living and self-sufficiency into their daily lives, no matter where they live. Victoria emphasizes that you don’t have to move to the countryside to adopt traditional skills like cooking from scratch, raising backyard chickens, growing your own food—even in small spaces—and preserving your harvest through canning, freezing, or dehydrating. Her approach is practical and flexible, fitting these skills into a busy modern lifestyle that includes work, family, and social commitments.
The chapters cover a good range of topics: there are 126 recipes ranging from breads and main dishes to desserts, basics on building a pantry for food security, detailed preservation methods (water bath and pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, freeze-drying), chicken keeping tips, and gardening advice tailored to your climate and season. I especially appreciated the section on sourdough since I recently started my own starter and found her tips handy.
One thing that stands out is the book’s accessibility for beginners. The recipes are straightforward—think pancakes, roast chicken, biscuits, french fries, pizza—and there are easy-to-follow instructions for making staples like homemade mayonnaise, yogurt and chicken salad. If you’re just starting out with homesteading or want a gentle introduction to these skills, this book could be a great gift or resource.
On the downside, if you’re already familiar with homesteading or cooking from scratch, some of the content might feel a bit basic or surface-level. It doesn’t dive deep into the complexities or challenges of homesteading life but rather keeps things light and manageable.
In short, Creating a Modern Homestead is a nice starter guide for those curious about simple living and traditional skills but not quite ready to overhaul their lifestyle. It’s practical without being overwhelming, making it a decent pick for newcomers who want to dip their toes into homesteading without diving in headfirst.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
I recently picked up Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life by Victoria Pruett, and I have some mixed feelings about it. Overall, I’d give it a solid 3 stars.
The book aims to help readers bring simple living and self-sufficiency into their daily lives, no matter where they live. Victoria emphasizes that you don’t have to move to the countryside to adopt traditional skills like cooking from scratch, raising backyard chickens, growing your own food—even in small spaces—and preserving your harvest through canning, freezing, or dehydrating. Her approach is practical and flexible, fitting these skills into a busy modern lifestyle that includes work, family, and social commitments.
The chapters cover a good range of topics: there are 126 recipes ranging from breads and main dishes to desserts, basics on building a pantry for food security, detailed preservation methods (water bath and pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, freeze-drying), chicken keeping tips, and gardening advice tailored to your climate and season. I especially appreciated the section on sourdough since I recently started my own starter and found her tips handy.
One thing that stands out is the book’s accessibility for beginners. The recipes are straightforward—think pancakes, roast chicken, biscuits, french fries, pizza—and there are easy-to-follow instructions for making staples like homemade mayonnaise, yogurt and chicken salad. If you’re just starting out with homesteading or want a gentle introduction to these skills, this book could be a great gift or resource.
On the downside, if you’re already familiar with homesteading or cooking from scratch, some of the content might feel a bit basic or surface-level. It doesn’t dive deep into the complexities or challenges of homesteading life but rather keeps things light and manageable.
In short, Creating a Modern Homestead is a nice starter guide for those curious about simple living and traditional skills but not quite ready to overhaul their lifestyle. It’s practical without being overwhelming, making it a decent pick for newcomers who want to dip their toes into homesteading without diving in headfirst.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
July 25, 2025
*This book was received as an Advanced Reviewer's Copy from NetGalley.
I've been trying to decide who the audience for this book is. I don't think it was me - but that doesn't mean it won't hold some value for other folks. I'd definitely say that it's more for newbies to cooking, gardening, etc. And for those that like your typical "American" foods.
It's interesting, because it's half cookbook - soooo many recipes for your basic things that most people enjoy, it would be a benefit to someone in that way. But purportedly healthier because you're making the stuff yourself from whole ingredients. Which may be partially true but I don't quite think all the way there as opposed to some diets you can do from your own gardened produce.
There were also sections on keeping chickens, gardening, etc. which had some helpful tidbits, but again for newer people to the "hobby". Which I keep saying newer - there's some stuff in here that people feel very strongly about - in both directions (raw milk, etc.) and if you feel some sort of way about it, you might not like this book. Or if you're newer to the life, I would just make sure to read everything from all sides and form your own opinion. There was also a lot on disaster prepping, despite the author proclaiming they were not one of the hardcore type of preppers. Which - given why most people go into homesteading makes sense in a way, but I'm not sure as much for new homesteaders who may still be learning the cook the simple recipes the author has included.
Again, some gems in here for newbies, I just think that maybe I wasn't the goal audience for this one.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
I've been trying to decide who the audience for this book is. I don't think it was me - but that doesn't mean it won't hold some value for other folks. I'd definitely say that it's more for newbies to cooking, gardening, etc. And for those that like your typical "American" foods.
It's interesting, because it's half cookbook - soooo many recipes for your basic things that most people enjoy, it would be a benefit to someone in that way. But purportedly healthier because you're making the stuff yourself from whole ingredients. Which may be partially true but I don't quite think all the way there as opposed to some diets you can do from your own gardened produce.
There were also sections on keeping chickens, gardening, etc. which had some helpful tidbits, but again for newer people to the "hobby". Which I keep saying newer - there's some stuff in here that people feel very strongly about - in both directions (raw milk, etc.) and if you feel some sort of way about it, you might not like this book. Or if you're newer to the life, I would just make sure to read everything from all sides and form your own opinion. There was also a lot on disaster prepping, despite the author proclaiming they were not one of the hardcore type of preppers. Which - given why most people go into homesteading makes sense in a way, but I'm not sure as much for new homesteaders who may still be learning the cook the simple recipes the author has included.
Again, some gems in here for newbies, I just think that maybe I wasn't the goal audience for this one.
Review by M. Reynard 2025
August 23, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Creating a Modern Homestead is a well written practical guide to planning, prioritizing, and implementing some more self-sufficient tasks in daily life by Victoria Pruett. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Globe Pequot on their Lyons Press imprint, it's 296 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book has a logical and accessible format with an understandable progression. The author starts with scratch/slow cooking, deep pantries and stocking needs, through safe shelf-stable food preservation, gardening, and incorporating chickens and other lifestock, and even a solid chapter on sourdough.
This won't be the *only* book needed to get from dreamer phase to self sufficient homesteader, but it is a very useful resource and will be a welcome addition to the smallholder's library. This would also make a good choice for public or possibly school library acquisition, as well as for community gardens and allotments. The photography throughout is superlative; clear and colorful.
Four and a half stars. The information contained in this volume is slanted toward readers in North America, but there are good takeaways for readers living elsewhere.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Creating a Modern Homestead is a well written practical guide to planning, prioritizing, and implementing some more self-sufficient tasks in daily life by Victoria Pruett. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Globe Pequot on their Lyons Press imprint, it's 296 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
The book has a logical and accessible format with an understandable progression. The author starts with scratch/slow cooking, deep pantries and stocking needs, through safe shelf-stable food preservation, gardening, and incorporating chickens and other lifestock, and even a solid chapter on sourdough.
This won't be the *only* book needed to get from dreamer phase to self sufficient homesteader, but it is a very useful resource and will be a welcome addition to the smallholder's library. This would also make a good choice for public or possibly school library acquisition, as well as for community gardens and allotments. The photography throughout is superlative; clear and colorful.
Four and a half stars. The information contained in this volume is slanted toward readers in North America, but there are good takeaways for readers living elsewhere.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 15, 2025
For anyone who has ever dreamed of slowing down, growing their own food, or just ditching processed stuff for a more intentional way of living, without having to move to a 40 acre farm in the middle of nowhere, this book is for you.
Victoria Pruett does such a great job of breaking down homesteading into manageable, real life steps that feel accessible no matter where you live (yes, even in a small backyard or an apartment). Her tone is friendly and encouraging, never judgmental, and she’s honest about the fact that most of us don’t have eight hours a day to bake bread or grow tomatoes.
From sourdough tips and scratch recipes to gardening basics, canning, and raising backyard chickens, she covers a lot of ground without making it overwhelming. I especially loved the deep pantry tips and the reminder that food security doesn't have to mean prepping for the end of the world, but it can just mean peace of mind for your family.
If you're even a little curious about how to bring more simple, self-sufficient habits into your life, whether it’s growing herbs on a windowsill or trying out your first loaf of homemade bread, then this book is a great place to start. It’s both practical and inspiring, and I’m definitely bookmarking a bunch of sections to return to.
Highly recommend for anyone craving a slower, more grounded lifestyle without having to go totally off grid.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Pruett, and Lyons Press for the eARC of this book.
Victoria Pruett does such a great job of breaking down homesteading into manageable, real life steps that feel accessible no matter where you live (yes, even in a small backyard or an apartment). Her tone is friendly and encouraging, never judgmental, and she’s honest about the fact that most of us don’t have eight hours a day to bake bread or grow tomatoes.
From sourdough tips and scratch recipes to gardening basics, canning, and raising backyard chickens, she covers a lot of ground without making it overwhelming. I especially loved the deep pantry tips and the reminder that food security doesn't have to mean prepping for the end of the world, but it can just mean peace of mind for your family.
If you're even a little curious about how to bring more simple, self-sufficient habits into your life, whether it’s growing herbs on a windowsill or trying out your first loaf of homemade bread, then this book is a great place to start. It’s both practical and inspiring, and I’m definitely bookmarking a bunch of sections to return to.
Highly recommend for anyone craving a slower, more grounded lifestyle without having to go totally off grid.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Pruett, and Lyons Press for the eARC of this book.
July 18, 2025
" While picking up and moving to the country may not be an option for everyone, it is possible to embrace simple living and more traditional skills no matter where you live."
I know I've been happier with my meals since I've been cooking from scratch, and this cookbook has plenty of recipes, tips, and shortcuts for the modern home chef looking to try and make more things from fewer ingredients. Biscuits, tortillas, breads, and snacks are a great start to changing how we eat at home. There's a lot of information about growing food, storing dry goods, preserving, and freezing cooked food. Lots of information on freeze drying and dehydrating ingredients and meals too. There's even a chapter on keeping livestock, like chickens, if your location allows it.
There's often an element of "doomsday prepping" or "tradwife" to many homesteading books, but this one seems to avoid that trap for the most part. Lots of useful info for people wanting to try some different things!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I know I've been happier with my meals since I've been cooking from scratch, and this cookbook has plenty of recipes, tips, and shortcuts for the modern home chef looking to try and make more things from fewer ingredients. Biscuits, tortillas, breads, and snacks are a great start to changing how we eat at home. There's a lot of information about growing food, storing dry goods, preserving, and freezing cooked food. Lots of information on freeze drying and dehydrating ingredients and meals too. There's even a chapter on keeping livestock, like chickens, if your location allows it.
There's often an element of "doomsday prepping" or "tradwife" to many homesteading books, but this one seems to avoid that trap for the most part. Lots of useful info for people wanting to try some different things!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
August 21, 2025
I daydream of being able to live a simple life out in the country. Away from the chaos of life. However for now I'll slowly learn the essentials and more- all to create a homestead for my family.
The wonderful author, Victoria Pruett, did an amazing
job in creating this guide. you can tell the hard work, research and dedication that was put into it. We are shown and told about how to get started and explained what you need and what you want to accomplish.
I learned so much from this book. We are taught how to grow
our own food, how to preserve food & herbs, and even raising chickens. I loved the variety of recipes from sour dough to
fudgy brownies. The photos in the book add to the outstanding
advice & guides in the book.
Gift to the future homesteader in your life, and enjoy it together
The wonderful author, Victoria Pruett, did an amazing
job in creating this guide. you can tell the hard work, research and dedication that was put into it. We are shown and told about how to get started and explained what you need and what you want to accomplish.
I learned so much from this book. We are taught how to grow
our own food, how to preserve food & herbs, and even raising chickens. I loved the variety of recipes from sour dough to
fudgy brownies. The photos in the book add to the outstanding
advice & guides in the book.
Gift to the future homesteader in your life, and enjoy it together
August 7, 2025
You do not have to live on a farm with a 5-acre garden to appreciate the skills our ancestors learned from necessity. Today's preservation processes and equipment make preserving fresh food safer and easier. Victoria Pruitt shares her expertise with readers, drawing on the teachings she learned from generations before. Her instructions are clear, easy to follow, and adaptable to personal tastes. The recipes she provides use ingredients found in most pantries and produce excellent results with little effort. This is another book I'm adding to my list of those I share and gift. The book makes interesting reading as well as practical guidelines.
June 12, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Pruett and Lyons Press.
Creating a Modern Homestead shows us that we can go back to a slower way of life, a more self-sufficient way of life, a healthier way of life, even if we can’t live in the country. This book is a must have for anyone wanting to learn the basics of from scratch cooking, preserving food, stocking a pantry, making your own sourdough, or even raising your own chickens.
Creating a Modern Homestead shows us that we can go back to a slower way of life, a more self-sufficient way of life, a healthier way of life, even if we can’t live in the country. This book is a must have for anyone wanting to learn the basics of from scratch cooking, preserving food, stocking a pantry, making your own sourdough, or even raising your own chickens.
August 6, 2025
I have always loved cooking. I even used to canned foods when I was younger. But then first, my family grew and then career took off, leaving me with less time to do the things I enjoyed. Now that I’m retired that all changes!
This book is filled with recipes that spans so many areas that I think I’ll be spending a full year exploring the ones I find most interesting. I think I might be buying a copy of this for my daughter for Christmas!
This book is filled with recipes that spans so many areas that I think I’ll be spending a full year exploring the ones I find most interesting. I think I might be buying a copy of this for my daughter for Christmas!
October 16, 2025
A nice Homestead guide. There’s basic recipes, growing your own food, different ways to preserve your foods (canning, freezing, dehydrating), raising chickens, how to calculate costs. It’s really nice if you need a BASIC understanding.
I just started my first garden this year & was happy to see one of the methods we used in the book.
& we also got chickens for the first time so also super fun.
Overall good beginner guide, thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!
I just started my first garden this year & was happy to see one of the methods we used in the book.
& we also got chickens for the first time so also super fun.
Overall good beginner guide, thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!
January 2, 2026
This is a neat book full of good ideas of how make a homestead. There are tips in this that I think even if you live in an urban area that you might be able to use. This is a well written book that I would recommend! Special Thank You to Victoria Pruett,Globe Prequot and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
The book is fantastic at setting you up for success no matter how big or small your space is. I loved the receipes and the tips. This is essential to learning how to be more sustainable and thinking forward during our current economic crisis. I cannot wait to put some of these ideas into practice.
December 31, 2025
This was informative and chock full of good ideas! Not all of them will work for everyone, but everyone interested in this lifestyle will be able to walk away with something from this book. The recipes are easy to follow and descriptive. This was a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews