Hello There!
We’ve been talking a lot about our transition from Cook It for 2 to Semi-Homesteaders lately, and today, I want to share with you why we chose to build a barndominium instead of a traditional home. It’s a move that feels right for us as we embrace a new chapter of life as “Semi-Homesteaders.”
Why a Barndominium?
So, you may be wondering, why a barndominium? A lot of people picture a barn turned into a house, but it’s so much more than that. For us, a barndominium means getting the space and layout we’ve always wanted while keeping things budget-friendly and functional. After considering everything, we realized this was the best way to achieve the open-concept feel we love while staying practical and resourceful. Many many years ago we fell in love with the “Metal Building” houses. That’s what they used to be called. I am from Texas so we have always made yearly trips there. That was where we were first introduced to “Metal Building” Houses. I have to admit Barndominium sounds so much cooler! Also at this point in our lives, we are considering this to be our “forever (EARTHLY) home. Kyle is close to retirement so we wanted to have our home to be durable and low-maintenance—especially as we begin to embrace more self-sufficiency on our little slice of land. A barndominium fits all our needs while keeping costs manageable.
Our House Plans
We’re beyond excited about our plans! Here’s a sneak peek at what we envision for our new home: This is only about the 5th plan we have decided on. Lol!
- Open Living Area: We wanted to maximize the space with an open-concept living area where we can gather and enjoy time together. There’s nothing like an open, spacious room to keep everything flowing.
- Kitchen Focal Point: The kitchen will be the heart of our home—big, bright, and open, with plenty of room for cooking and sharing.
- Plenty of Windows: We’re big fans of natural light, so our house plans include tons of windows, bringing the outdoors in and filling the space with warmth.
- Cozy Porch: We can’t wait to have a porch where we can enjoy our morning coffee, eat our meals, pay a few rounds of “Wahoo”! All while enjoying the beautiful view!
It’s going to be a place where we can continue to build memories, take on new projects, and live life with intention.
Biscuits & Compound Butters: A Perfect Homesteader Recipe
While we’re on the topic of building and growing, we thought it was the perfect time to share one of my go-to recipes. Whether you’re cooking in a big farmhouse kitchen or a tiny cabin, biscuits are a classic comfort food that never disappoints. Paired with compound butter, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This is an old recipe but it is the best for quick, easy, and just 2 ingredients!
Here’s how I make the best biscuits:
Bare Basics Biscuits
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Self-Rising Flour
- 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a mixing bowl combine the self-rising flour and heavy cream. Stir until just combined. Don't over mix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently need a few times. Pat or roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Now, to elevate those biscuits, let’s talk about compound butters. You can make them as sweet or savory as you like! We love making a quick and easy Maple Cinnamon Compound Butter and Tarragon, Chive, and Garlic Compound Butter to pair with our biscuits.
Compound Butters
Ingredients
- 4 Sticks Softened Butter
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Cinnamon I make it a heaping tsp.
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Terragon
- 1 tsp Finely Chopped Chives
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- For the Maple Cinnamon Butter. Add two sticks of the softened butter into in a mixing bowl. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Mix with a hand mixer until whipped and fluffy. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Spread generously on your warm biscuits and enjoy!
- For the Tarragon, Chive, and Garlic Butter, add Tarragon, Chives, garlic powder, honey and a pinch of salt to a bowl. Mix well with a hand mixer until whipped and fluffy. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Spread generously on your warm biscuits and enjoy!
Why We Love This Recipe:
Not only is this recipe quick but it’s also comforting and delicious. Biscuits are a great base for adding whatever flavors suit your mood, and with the compound butter, you’ve got an irresistible treat that feels like a cozy, homesteading moment. They are good for breakfast, lunch, supper, or a snack!
Looking Ahead
As we move forward in building our barndominium and settling into this new season, we’re finding more and more that it’s these quiet, simple things that make us feel at home. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
We’re so thankful for all of you who have joined us on this journey so far. Whether you’re here for the home-building tips, the recipes, or just the little stories along the way, we’re so glad you’re with us.
I’d love to hear what you think—have you ever made biscuits like this, or do you have a favorite recipe that brings you comfort? Let me know in the comments below.
Until next time, friends—keep dreaming big, living fully, and savoring every moment.
Lord Bless You, Michelle
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