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How to Make Strawberry Syrup for Canning (No Corn Syrup, No Red Dye)

August 2, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Homemade strawberry syrup in a mason jar surrounded by fresh strawberries, ready for canning

Capture summer in a jar with this easy homemade strawberry syrup recipe. Made with fresh strawberries, a hint of vanilla, and no artificial junk, this shelf-stable syrup is perfect for milk, waffles, lemonade, or sneaking by the spoonful. There’s something about strawberries that just is summer. Maybe it’s the color. Maybe it’s the scent that […]

Canning Peach Sweet Tea

July 21, 2025 by Elle 4 Comments

Glass mason jars filled with canned peach sweet tea surrounded by fresh peaches and a linen cloth

Canning Peach Sweet Tea is a Southern-inspired recipe that gives you the best of both worlds: a sweet, steeped tea to sip and tender, syrupy peaches to eat. This right here? This is summer in a jar... and not just in a cute, Pinterest-y way. We’re talking rich, full-bodied black tea brewed with ripe peaches […]

Venison Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

July 17, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Close-up of tender venison Salisbury steak smothered in rich onion gravy and garnished with parsley.

Venison Salisbury steak is the kind of comfort food that feels both nostalgic and new. Tender venison patties seared to perfection and simmered in rich onion gravy. It’s a simple, satisfying way to turn ground venison into a cozy, family-friendly meal that even skeptics will love. Some meals are born from necessity. A freezer full […]

Cheesy Venison Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

July 8, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Fork lifting a cheesy serving of ground venison Philly skillet with red peppers, onions, and melted provolone from a cast iron pan.

This venison Philly cheesesteak casserole is cheesy, flavorful, and ridiculously simple to throw together. It’s protein-packed comfort food that comes together in one skillet and no one will know it’s not beef. If you’ve got ground venison in the freezer and no idea what to make with it, this is your sign. This easy weeknight […]

Vanilla Bourbon Peach Butter (Easy Recipe for Canning or Freezing)

July 7, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Close-up of homemade vanilla bourbon peach butter in a glass jar with a spoon on top, perfect for canning or spreading on toast.

Smooth, rich, and gently spiced, this peach butter is a slow-cooked summer favorite perfect for toast, biscuits, or gifting. There’s something about the scent of simmering peaches that stops time. I made this peach butter on a hot July afternoon, the kind where the air hums with cicadas and the kitchen smells like sunshine and […]

Smoked Chicken Thighs with Mop Sauce (Juicy & Flavorful)

July 6, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Close-up of juicy smoked chicken thigh with crispy skin and dry rub, garnished with fresh rosemary.

These smoked chicken thighs are everything I want in a barbecue recipe... simple to prep, impossible to mess up, and flavorful enough that even my pickiest eater asked for thirds. There’s nothing like the smell of seasoned chicken thighs hitting a hot smoker, the scent of applewood curling into the evening air, and the promise […]

Sweet Zucchini Relish (So Good You’ll Eat It with a Spoon)

July 4, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Homemade zucchini relish preserved in canning jars with fresh zucchini on the side.

I made this zucchini relish because the garden was overflowing, but now I make it because I can’t stop eating it straight from the jar. It’s sweet and tangy, just the right kind of crunchy, with a flicker of heat from red pepper flakes and a whisper of warmth from nutmeg. A spoonful tastes like […]

Grilled Venison Kabobs with Summer Veggies

July 3, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Grilled venison kabobs with zucchini, red onion, bell pepper, and summer vegetables on metal skewers.

These venison kabobs are marinated in a bold, slightly sweet mop of balsamic, honey, garlic, and herbs, then skewered up with garden veggies that blister just enough to taste like summer. Grilling kabobs is one of my favorite summer rituals. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for evenings when the sun’s still hot but the fire’s […]

Lavender + Lemon Balm Iced Tea

June 27, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A glass cup filled with golden lavender and lemon balm iced tea, with loose lavender buds scattered on a rustic wooden table in soft natural light.

Lavender and lemon balm iced tea is a light, refreshing herbal drink that’s both calming and incredibly easy to make at home. With its soft floral notes and bright citrusy undertone, it’s the perfect way to cool down and savor the flavors of summer. There’s something deeply grounding about brewing tea beneath the sun. No […]

The Green Witch’s Summer Altar

June 25, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A summer altar featuring a bundle of sage, green herbs, ritual candles, crystals, and a jar of honey on a rustic wooden table, symbolizing the sacred energy of the season for green witchcraft rituals.

Creating a summer altar is a simple, beautiful way to anchor yourself in the season. To bring the energy of growth, warmth, and fertility directly into your home. It’s not about elaborate ritual or perfect aesthetics, it’s about presence. It’s about honoring what is growing both around you and within you. As the wheel of […]

Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil with Rosemary

June 23, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Close-up of a glass jar filled with sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, infused with fresh rosemary, surrounded by cherry tomatoes and herbs on a dark rustic surface.

These sun-dried tomatoes with rosemary carry the essence of the season long after the vines have withered. They’re simple to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for both kitchen use and seasonal kitchen witchery. There’s a particular kind of alchemy that happens when summer tomatoes meet time, air, and patience. Their bright, tart sweetness slowly concentrates […]

Dandelion Honey

June 20, 2025 by Elle 2 Comments

Two small glass jars filled with golden dandelion-infused honey, one with a honey dipper dripping amber sweetness. Dried chamomile and a soft golden cloth add a cozy, seasonal touch to the rustic dark wood background.

Dandelion honey is one of my favorite seasonal recipes. It captures the bright, gentle sweetness of these little blooms, creating a beautiful plant-based honey alternative that echoes the warmth of early summer. Floral, light, and subtly citrusy, it’s like bottling the sun. There’s something almost magical about the dandelion... a flower so often overlooked, yet […]

How to Harvest + Preserve Summer Herbs

June 18, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

“Fresh herbs like oregano and basil on a black wooden table, surrounded by herb fragments.”

There’s something almost sacred about harvesting herbs at the peak of summer. The leaves are full, the oils are potent, and the energy of the season hums through every stem. Whether you're gathering rosemary, lavender, mint, or lemon balm, this is the season when your herbs carry their strongest magic. Harvesting with intention transforms simple […]

Summer Solstice Honey: A Sweet Herbal Offering for Litha

June 18, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Jar of herbal-infused honey with lavender, chamomile, and rosemary, styled for a summer solstice ritual on a dark wooden surface

There’s something deeply sacred about honey. Liquid sunlight gathered and spun by bees, infused with the wildflowers and herbs of the land. When the Summer Solstice arrives, everything is at its peak: herbs stand tall, flowers bloom wide, and the bees hum with life. Infusing honey with summer herbs is a simple, beautiful way to […]

What is Litha? Celebrating the Summer Solstice with Ritual + Intention

June 18, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Golden sun setting over a glowing ocean horizon, symbolizing the radiant peak of summer and the sacred light of Litha.

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, marks the height of the sun's power. The longest day, the shortest night. It’s a moment when the world feels full, vibrant, and abundant. The earth hums with life: flowers bloom, fruits ripen, herbs stand tall under the warmth of the sun. Everything feels wide open. For centuries, […]

Strawberry Preserves with Honey + Vanilla

June 18, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A rustic glass jar filled with homemade strawberry preserves, sweetened with honey and infused with vanilla. A black spoon rests in the jam, surrounded by jars of honey and sliced strawberries on a dark wooden surface with moody, warm lighting.

These strawberry preserves blend ripe berries with honey and vanilla, creating a simple but deeply flavorful preserve. The honey brings a soft floral note, the vanilla adds warmth, and together they turn ordinary preserves into something just a little bit wild, just a little bit sacred. June is strawberry season. That perfect, fleeting window when […]

How to Make Herbal-Infused Vinegars

June 18, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A glass bottle of golden herbal-infused vinegar with floating dried chamomile, surrounded by fresh herbs and a linen cloth on a dark wooden surface — styled in a warm, rustic, earthy aesthetic.

There’s something deeply sacred about turning the abundance of your garden into something lasting. Herbal-infused vinegars do more than flavor your meals, they carry the medicine, memory, and magic of the plants themselves. With every jar, you’re bottling sunshine, soil, and intention. These aren’t just recipes. They’re rituals. Whether you use them in dressings, teas, […]

Anointing Oils for Summer Solstice: Recipes + Ritual

June 8, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Amber glass bottles filled with herbs sit beside a black triple moon cauldron on a dark wooden altar, surrounded by scattered botanicals and soft candlelight—capturing the essence of summer solstice anointing oil preparation.

As the sun lingers at its highest point on the Summer Solstice, Litha, we are invited to honor the fullness of our own fire, the richness of life, and the golden pulse of the earth at her most abundant. It's a potent time for solar magic, sensual embodiment, and heart-centered rituals. Anointing oils are one […]

10 Herbs Every Green Witch Should Grow (And What They’re Really For)

June 1, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A rustic flatlay of dried lavender, white ritual candles, glass herb vials, and a black velvet pouch arranged on dark wood—evoking green witchcraft and herbal magic.

In the garden of a green witch, nothing is planted without purpose. Every leaf has a whisper. Every root holds memory. These ten herbs for the green witch's garden aren’t trendy, they’re timeless. Sacred. And when grown with intention, they become more than plants. They become partners in your practice. Herbs hold ancient wisdom, passed […]

Fire Pit Rituals for the Summer Solstice: Grounded Magic for Litha

May 26, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A glowing backyard fire pit with dancing orange flames and smoke rising into the night. Twigs and logs crackle in the fire as sparks lift upward, symbolizing transformation and celebration during a summer solstice ritual.

The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha, is the longest day of the year. A moment of radiant fullness and high summer magic. It’s a time to celebrate abundance, transformation, and the sacred shift as we begin to turn once again toward the dark. And at the center of this celebration? Fire. Every year, as […]

Easy Herbal Remedies for Summer Bug Bites

May 22, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Flat lay of natural herbal ingredients on a dark wooden surface, including plantain leaves, dried calendula petals, lavender buds, a tin of salve, amber roller bottle, glass jars of witch hazel and aloe vera gel, and wooden spoons.

Bug bites are one of the most frustrating parts of summer. Especially when you're trying to enjoy a warm night around the fire, tend your garden, or just exist outdoors without becoming a buffet. Fortunately, there are several easy herbal remedies for summer bug bites that soothe the itch without the use of harsh chemicals […]

Garlic Knots with Parmesan & Herb Butter – Soft, Buttery Perfection

March 5, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Golden homemade garlic knots topped with parmesan, garlic butter, and herbs, served on a wooden board with a side of marinara sauce.

There’s something about tearing into a fresh, buttery garlic knot that just hits different. It’s soft, chewy, loaded with garlic, herbs, and straight-up indulgence. Exactly how bread should be. These garlic knots are simple but damn good. No weird techniques, no overcomplicated steps. Just perfectly golden, garlicky bread knots that disappear in minutes. Why These […]

How to Make Natural DIY Wax Fire Starters

January 27, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Close-up of handmade wax fire starters in natural parchment liners, featuring pinecones, dried lavender, and cinnamon sticks. A warm, rustic setting with soft linen and green fabric in the background.

Creating your own DIY wax fire starters is a simple and rewarding way to bring warmth and convenience to your hearth. These beautifully crafted fire starters not only make lighting a fire effortless but also fill your space with a natural, rustic charm. Nothing sets the mood for a cozy evening quite like a crackling […]

Fermented Honey Cranberries

January 22, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

A ball jar with honey fermented cranberries with a jar of honey in the background and a honey dipper and fresh cranberries are in the foreground.

Looking for a simple, delicious way to enjoy cranberries beyond the usual sauce or juice? These fermented honey cranberries are a fantastic way to preserve the tart, antioxidant-rich berries while creating a probiotic-rich food that enhances gut health and adds a burst of flavor to your dishes. One of my favorite easy ferments, these honey […]

Herbal Infused Honey for Winter Wellness

December 31, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

A beautiful display of jars filled with herbal infused honey featuring dried herbs like rose hips, chamomile, and lavender. The honey jars are styled on a rustic dark table with scattered herbs, a honey dipper in use, and a cozy backdrop.

Herbal infused honey is a fantastic way to combine the healing properties of herbs with the natural benefits of raw honey to make a soothing remedy to boost winter wellness. In just a few simple steps, you can craft your own flavorful, health-boosting infusion to help ward off the winter yucks. Winter is full of […]

Hearty Fall Vegetable Beef Soup with Garden Vegetables

September 10, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

A warm and inviting bowl of hearty fall vegetable beef soup, filled with tender beef chunks, garden-fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. The soup is garnished with fresh herbs and served in a rustic bowl, with vibrant carrots and garlic resting nearby on a light-colored surface, creating a cozy and comforting autumn-inspired scene.

This hearty vegetable beef soup is the perfect comfort meal for fall, packed with tender beef and fresh garden vegetables. Ready in just an hour, it's a delicious and easy way to enjoy the rich flavors of the season. As the leaves turn golden and a crisp breeze fills the air, there's nothing quite like […]

Back-to-School Made Simple: Tips for an Organized and Stress-Free Start

August 8, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

A dark and moody flat lay featuring back-to-school essentials on a rustic wooden background. The scene includes a planner, a cup of tea, pencils, notebooks, and a small potted plant, illuminated with soft, dramatic lighting to highlight textures and create a cozy, natural atmosphere.

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many of us feel a blend of excitement and nervous energy. Transitioning from carefree summer days to the structured rhythm of school can be a challenge for parents and children alike. With some thoughtful planning and intentional steps, we can approach this season with ease and […]

A Simple Nighttime Routine and Why You Need One

July 30, 2024 by Elle 2 Comments

A dark and moody scene showcasing a calming nighttime routine. A rustic bedside setup features a glowing candle, an open journal with a pen, and a steaming cup of herbal tea on a wooden tray. Soft, dramatic lighting highlights the textures of the wood and blanket, with a touch of greenery adding a serene, natural element to the atmosphere.

The day can often feel overwhelming, leaving us longing for calm and balance. A soothing nighttime ritual is the perfect way to wind down, honor your body, and prepare for restful sleep. Routines, unlike rigid schedules, flow naturally with your day, helping you transition from activity to relaxation with ease. Starting your day with intention […]

20 Perennial Vegetables You Need In Your Garden

March 13, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

image showcasing a variety of freshly harvested perennial vegetables arranged on a rustic wooden table. The selection includes leafy greens, asparagus, rhubarb, and leeks, accented with fresh herbs like chives or oregano. Soft, dramatic lighting highlights the textures and earthy tones, creating an inviting and natural gardening theme.

Providing endless harvests and sustainability, perennial vegetables are crops you can plant once and reap the benefits of harvest for years to come. A perennial food garden allows you to avoid planting from scratch each year while still giving you plenty of fresh produce to bring in. Asparagus Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, asparagus takes […]

Corned Venison Recipe (A Bold, Wild Twist on Corned Beef)

March 6, 2024 by Elle 4 Comments

A rustic plate of tender, shredded corned venison served with roasted potatoes, sautéed cabbage, and baby carrots. The meat glistens with spices and mustard seeds, creating a hearty, comforting dish with a warm, moody aesthetic.

Forget bland, store-bought corned beef. This corned venison recipe brings deep, rich flavor with a brined, spice-infused kick while keeping that lean, wild-game edge. Whether you're making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just want to switch up your venison game, this recipe is bold, tender, and packed with flavor. Corned venison takes time but […]

Best Natural Squirrel Repellent Ideas for Home

February 18, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

image featuring natural squirrel repellents arranged on a rustic wooden surface. Items include a small bowl of cayenne pepper, an amber spray bottle, fresh mint leaves, and a scattering of black peppercorns. Soft, dramatic lighting emphasizes the natural textures and earthy tones, creating a practical and inviting setup for home and garden pest control.

Looking to keep those pesky squirrels away from your garden or bird feeders? Thankfully there are plenty of natural squirrel repellent ideas that are safe, effective, and easy to make right at home. Squirrels are kind of cute, but they don't come without their own list of destruction. Squirrels can dig up flower bulbs out […]

The Best Quick and Easy Venison Stir Fry Recipe

February 14, 2024 by Elle 2 Comments

A hearty venison stir fry served over a bed of brown rice on a rustic ceramic plate. The dish features tender venison, vibrant bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and green peas coated in a savory sauce, with a fork resting beside the plate. A cast iron pan in the background adds a cozy, home-cooked feel.

Tender venison steak and crisp vegetables combine to make this delicious venison stir fry! Full of lean protein and veggies, this quick and healthy meal will make it on your regular meal rotation. Between homesteading, homeschooling, and running a business quick and easy meals are my middle name. Something simple to prepare, quick, and loved […]

Canning Apples | How to Can Apple Slices

February 13, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

Jars of freshly canned apples sitting on a counter

Canning apples is an easy way to preserve the crisp, delicious flavors of this beloved fruit to enjoy all year long. Canned apples are a versatile, preserved fruit you can quickly turn into your favorite apple recipes. Canned apple slices are a great way to preserve apples to use in a variety of ways. Instead […]

What to Plant in February

February 5, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

Basil seedlings sprouting in a peat pot

While the weather may still be cold and frosty, depending on where you live, there are plenty of things you can plant in February to get your hands in the dirt and get started on your spring garden. February is a month that I usually look forward to. It's short, to be sure, but it […]

20 Best Ground Venison Recipes to Make with Deer Meat

January 28, 2024 by Elle 2 Comments

Have an abundance of ground deer, elk, or moose meat in your freezer? These are some of the best ground venison recipes you'll ever try! A lot of folks turn most of their deer into ground meat and for good reason... ground deer meat is versatile and a delicious, healthy, lean alternative to ground beef! […]

Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe | How to Make Sauerkraut

January 28, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

Closeup of hoemade sauerkraut on a fork

This simple and satisfying sauerkraut recipe is perfect for those that love the tangy, sour taste of this simple fermented cabbage dish. With just two simple ingredients, a mason jar, and a couple of add-ons you can make a flavorful batch of sauerkraut right in your kitchen. Humans have been fermenting food for preservation for […]

The Best Baked Venison Meatballs - Easy Recipe

January 25, 2024 by Elle 4 Comments

Closeup of venison meatballs in a bowl covered with tomato sauce.

Tender, meaty, and delicious these venison meatballs are a fantastic alternative to traditional meatballs. Whether you're a fan of spaghetti and meatballs or just want to try something different, this recipe will become a keeper and the only meatball recipe you'll ever need. We always have ground deer meat in the freezer and I'm always […]

Quick and Easy Pastina Soup | Italian Penicillin Soup

January 16, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

A rustic bowl of pastina soup with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, styled on a dark wooden table. The soup is surrounded by scattered dry pastina, lemon slices, and fresh parsley for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Easy, delicious, and healing comfort food Pastina soup is traditionally made with small pasta shapes, carrots, celery, and onions cooked in a rich chicken broth. Known as Italian penicillin soup, this version is boosted even more with the addition of garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and ginger. I love simple foods and natural remedies. […]

Silver Appleyard Ducks - Everything You Need to Know

January 8, 2024 by Elle 5 Comments

Silver Appleyard ducks in a yard

Silver Appleyard ducks are a beautiful duck breed raised for egg production, meat, and exhibition. Known for their foraging capabilities and friendly disposition, they're an excellent addition to your backyard flock. We love raising ducks often preferring them to raising chickens. We've raised a multitude of duck breeds over the years, but our favorite and […]

How to Make The Best BBQ Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends

January 3, 2024 by Elle Leave a Comment

BBQ brisket burnt ends on a white plate.

Brisket burnt ends are a delicious and flavorful dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This mouth-watering, fall-apart brisket dish originated in Kansas City and has since become a favorite among barbecue lovers all over the world. These delicious, smoky pieces of meat candy are the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet. […]

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Elle McCoy stands in a warm, rustic kitchen wearing a white dress, softly smiling as sunlight streams through the window behind her. Her long brown hair cascades over one shoulder, and a canning pot and mason jars sit in the foreground.

Hi, I'm Elle McCoy.

Writer, wild food lover, and the hands behind The Rustic Elk. I help home cooks, gardeners, and seasonal souls build a pantry rooted in simplicity, tradition, and the rhythms of the earth. From preserving summer peaches to roasting venison from the freezer, I believe food should be as real and grounding as the hands that make it.

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Copyright © 2025 The Rustic Elk “Aspire to live quietly… work with your hands.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11