The Old Rustic Cottage

10/13/2023

09/25/2023

Fire cider recipe, anyone?

I received so many requests for a written recipe on my fire cider video. So, I thought I’d pass it along here for you!

This is just the recipe I use but you can tailor it to your liking! If you don’t like jalapenos, use whatever spicy pepper you enjoy. (Original post by Barefoot Earth Apothecary) If you’re allergic to onion, leave it out or try horseradish instead. Easy peasy!

What is fire cider?

Fire cider is an immune boosting, digestive supporting, energy giving, circulation stimulating, respiratory clearing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant tonic.

Here’s my recipe using a half gallon mason jar. If using a quart size, just decrease by half. Try using organic produce where possible.

1 red onion
1 large orange
1 lemon
1 head of garlic
2 ½ jalapenos
7 dried cayenne peppers
1 tsp peppercorns
10 cloves
1 bunch of rosemary
1 bunch of thyme
1 handful ginger
1 handful turmeric
1 cinnamon stick
Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) - if you can’t find it, use whatever apple cider vinegar you have access to.

Chop your produce, adding to your mason jar as you go. Add the rosemary, thyme, peppercorns, dried cayenne peppers, cloves and cinnamon stick. (Original post by Barefoot Earth Apothecary) Fill your jar to the tip top with ACV. Place a sheet of parchment paper between the jar and your lid. This keeps the ACV from corroding the metal lid. If using a plastic lid, you can skip this step.

Let your fire cider sit out on the counter or in the pantry for 4-6 weeks, gently shaking daily. Open the lid every couple of days and check the level of your ACV. If it’s not to the tip top, just top it off.

After 4-6 weeks, strain it and squeeze all your cider from the produce. At this time you can add honey, maple syrup, agave or whatever sweetener you prefer. This is optional. I like mine unsweetened.

Store your fire cider in a clean mason jar in the pantry or in the fridge. Refrigeration and adding a sweetener will help it to keep longer. Most fire cider will keep for approximately one year. (Original post by Barefoot Earth Apothecary) If it starts looking different, tasting different, smelling different or getting slimy, it’s time for a new batch.

You can take a tbsp each morning or reserve it for when you’ve come down with something, taking it 2-3x a day.

What about the leftover produce?

You can dehydrate it and grind it for a tasty food seasoning!

Happy herbing! 🌱

09/25/2023

Turn a bag of river rocks from Lowe's into these adorable pumpkins!
instructions: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/pumpkin-painted-rocks.html

09/20/2023

If you have snake plants, it's time to propagate them. 🌿
4 Easy ways: https://gardeningsoul.com/ways-propagate-snake-plants/

07/22/2023

Lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan and basil come together for a silky and vibrant sauce that makes this weeknight-friendly pasta sing. https://nyti.ms/3rpHc3w

12/25/2022

Wishing you a Rustic & Beautiful Merry Christmas….and a wonderful upcoming New Year. 🎄🎁♥️

12/08/2022

Back by popular demand in the shop today…..My “worry stones” and heart gemstones. Worry stones are smooth, polished gemstones, in the shape of an oval or heart with a thumb-sized indentation, used for relaxation or anxiety relief…. I just think they’re kinda purdy♥️. Fun gift idea….🎄

12/04/2022

Beautiful smelling goodness for your home, office, or that special someone. These reed diffusers are the perfect addition for everyday fragrance. Choose from White Selenite & Sandalwood or Eucalyptus Lavender Bouquet Reed bundle…. Both are amazing!!

11/29/2022

Love these nature inspired activity books. They are time tested and kid approved. One of my favorite items that I carry in my little shop. Great for your nature lover or soon to be one… ❤️

11/18/2022

To all my procrastinators and last minute shoppers, come on down for some Fall decor before Santa wipes it out with his sleigh! 🛷🎄

10/02/2022

Corks & Hops was a HuGe success tonight…. It’s been a privilege to be able to host being a pour station this summer. So grateful for all the wonderful people we have met the last few months …..you have made it so worth it!! Many many thanks to my partner in crime, Rob, who does the hard work of standing for five hours pouring, rinsing and serving the many people who come through our little shop. Huge shout out to Laneisa who helps me tremendously and is my right arm …. I couldn’t do it without you, friend. Special thanks to for putting on this event for our wonderful community. You guys ROCK! Until 2023…🔥

09/23/2022

Happy Fall y’all! The shop is full of all kinds of lovely goodies. Come visit us this weekend! 🍁