Out here on the South Dakota prairie, the kitchen isn’t just a room—it’s a rhythm. It’s where muddy boots meet bubbling stews, chickens cluck outside the window, and the kids shuffle in with tales from the flower garden. Our kitchen works hard, and so do we. That’s why every tool, ingredient, and setup has to earn its place. Especially when you are like me and cooking has been a chore not always the enjoyable gift it is for me today.
These are the staples we reach for again and again. They save us time, stretch our budget, and hold up through the chaos of farm life and family meals. And what is great, I have linked in the blog to these wonderful products! If you choose to buy through the shared link, I do receive a small commission. So thank you for helping support my family!
One of the unexpected joys of rural living is how food brings us together—especially when it’s food we’ve raised ourselves. Gathering eggs from the coop, seasoning a pork shoulder we harvested, or prepping veggies the kids helped grow—it turns every meal into a shared experience.
Our oldest loves cracking eggs while I prep the skillet. The littles take turns stirring, and somehow everyone ends up gathered around the table before the food’s even finished. It’s messy. It’s noisy. And it’s beautiful.
These staples help us lean into that: meals that aren’t just nourishing, but woven with love and laughter.
Cookware That Lasts a Lifetime
Cast Iron Everything
- Our go-to for everything from skillet cornbread to Sunday hash.
- Especially perfect for frying up fresh eggs or searing raised pork chops.
Sturdy Baking Sheets & Roasting Pans
- Great for bulk cooking, one-pan dinners, and even drying herbs.
- Roasting garden veggies and pork together makes weeknight meals simple.
Storage That Works Hard
Glass Jars with Screw Tops
- Perfect for pantry items and homemade spice blends.
- We also use them for storing extra egg whites or yolks when baking.
Freezer-Safe Containers
- Batch cooking soups with raised meat, or eggy breakfast bakes, is a game-changer.
- Stackable and durable, ideal for prepping ahead during busy seasons.
Bulk Bins for Staples
- Flour, oats, grains—stored in repurposed bins, always within reach.
Pantry Essentials for the Long Haul
Dried Beans, Pasta, and Whole Grains
- Stretch meals and stay shelf-stable—great when paired with rich farm proteins.
Farm-Friendly Seasonings
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, curry blends—flavors that make our eggs and pork sing.
- Consider creating a downloadable spice pairing guide for farm-fresh cooking.
Cozy Extras That Bring Us Joy
Coffee Corner Essentials
- Our percolator never leaves the stove.
- Check out these fun loving coffee cups
- https://amzn.to/3UR1caE
Tea Towels That Actually Work
- Durable and pretty—indispensable when kids are “helping” in the kitchen.
Evening Candle + Oil Diffuser Combo
- After dinner, we wind down with lavender in the diffuser and stories around the table.
Cooking on the farm isn’t just about getting meals on the table—it’s about gathering. It’s letting your kids help crack eggs, watching them sprinkle salt with intense concentration, and sharing meals made from the land you call home.
These staples don’t just support our lifestyle—they deepen our connection as a family. I hope they do the same for you.