Think you need a traditional root cellar to keep your harvest fresh through the winter? Think again. In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Melissa K. Norris sits down with Sam Knapp of Off Beet Farm in Alaska to talk about practical, no-fuss ways to store root vegetables without a root cellar.

You’ll learn the three keys to long-lasting storage—temperature, humidity, and airflow—as well as simple methods like using a spare fridge, Rubbermaid totes, or packing in sand or shavings. Sam also shares which crops are the most forgiving, the best varieties for long-term storage, and how to troubleshoot common problems like shriveling and rodents.

Whether you’re a backyard gardener or growing a year’s supply of food, this episode will give you the confidence to keep carrots, beets, potatoes, and cabbages fresh for months.

For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/480

This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Think from-scratch cooking is hard or takes too much time? The truth is, with a stocked pantry, a few simple substitutions, and some foundational kitchen skills, you can make healthy, homemade meals in less time than it takes to run to the store.

In this podcast, we're busting the top myths about from-scratch cooking and showing you how to:

✅ Swap ingredients with easy substitutions (no last-minute store runs!)

✅ Make boxed food favorites from scratch—faster and healthier

✅ Save time with meal planning that actually fits your family

✅ Reheat leftovers so they taste fresh and delicious

✅ Build a stocked pantry that makes dinner stress-free

You’ll see how learning just a handful of simple techniques can transform your kitchen, your budget, and your confidence as a home cook. From homemade cream-of-soup that takes four minutes to a DIY biscuit mix that beats Bisquick, cooking from scratch has never been easier.

👉 Want to go deeper? Join me for my FREE live training, “From-Scratch Cooking Made Easy,” on September 8th where I’ll share pantry staples, substitution secrets, and time-saving tips: https://melissaknorris.com/kitchen

Related Videos & Resources:

• Homemade Cream of Soup Substitute: https://melissaknorris.com/the-best-cream-of-soup-recipes-youll-ever-make/

• How to Meal Plan Without the Stress: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-meal-plan-for-easy-healthy-meals-from-scratch/

• Homemade Biscuit Mix Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/homemade-biscuit-mix/

✨ If you’re ready to ditch the boxes and serve your family nourishing meals every night—without the overwhelm—this podcast is for you!

Looking for healthy and refreshing summer drinks that aren’t soda? In this podcast, we’re sharing our favorite homemade beverages to help you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. From sparkling lemon spritzers and fruity mocktails to herbal iced teas, iced coffee, and smoothies. You’ll find plenty of delicious options made with real ingredients right from your kitchen or garden.

What you’ll learn in this podcast:

• Easy soda alternatives you can make at home

• Seasonal fruit mocktails like watermelon basil & rhubarb lemonade

• How to use herbs for refreshing iced teas and infused waters

• My go-to protein shake and iced coffee recipe

• Simple tricks like herbed ice cubes & chia pudding for cool summer treats

Say goodbye to sugary sodas and hello to nourishing drinks that actually hydrate and satisfy!

For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/478