Hand Made: The Modern Woman's Guide to Made-from-Scratch Living

by Melissa K. Norris

Homemade Shouldn't Be Hectic Do you wish you could slow down and create a home you and your family love and enjoy spending time in? Melissa K. Norris, author of The Made-from-Scratch Life and voice of the Pioneering Today podcast, offers down-to-earth tips and guidance to help you learn how to... Open your heart to God-given rest and discover practical and tangible ways you can craft your home into a refuge for yourself and the ones you love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Cooking, Gardening, How To, Food, Lifestyle

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Melissa K. Norris is a 5th generation homesteader who helps others use old-fashioned skill sets and modern homesteading to grow, cook and preserve their own organic food no matter where they live. She's a Mason jar addict and thinks one can never have too many because everything looks and tastes better when it's in a Mason jar.

Reviews

[Letty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It has a lot of good tips, some of which were new to me, and it also has recipes that I will be trying soon. At the top are the Pumpkin Applesauce Cake, Chocolate Custard Bread Pudding, Pumpkin Sugar Cookies and the White Sauce Chicken Pizza, just to name a few. There are many others I will be trying. I did make the Chocolate Chip cookies and they were delicious. It makes a lot of dough so I ended up freezing half of it as she suggests in the book. That's not something I think of doing when I make cookies but will definitely do that more in the future. Now I'll have cookie dough ready to make more cookies once my husband finishes this first batch. (Okay, I'll probably eat my share, too!)

There were some good tips on herbs as well that I wasn't aware of like growing basil without any dirt. I do grow my own basil in a pot outside but was not aware you could grow it without dirt. Very good to know as I love basil and use it often.

There are some good tips and suggestions for kitchen organization, something I actually started doing before reading this book. There are also recipes for making soap and candles, not something I've ever done but might consider doing. Great idea for gift giving.

I enjoy cooking and baking quite a bit, although I do have those days when I ask: "I have to cook again?" I do make a lot of things from scratch now. Every so often I'll buy certain pre-made things for those lazy days but for the most part I find that home made is definitely better.

I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy making things from scratch or want to learn to do it more often. The recipes do not look complicated to me, and I think even a novice cook would be successful at making them. Melissa Norris includes personal stories and some scripture in some parts of the book that I enjoyed reading as well. Since I received a digital review copy of this book, I ended up purchasing a paper copy because I love collecting hardcover cookbooks and this is one I'd like to add to my collection, even though it's not strictly a "cookbook" but that is something I really like about this book. I might have to check out Melissa Norris' other book, The Made From Scratch Life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa K. Norris gives us a great perspective on trying to slow down in our crazy, frantic world. Recognizing the modern day stresses of work, family, etc. that demand our time but trying to figure out a way to give a nod to a homemade, maybe simpler way of life.

Homemade cooking, recipes, health and beauty items, medicindal herbs, etc.

She writes in a nuance that is biographical, devotional, and real. Through her own health conditions and growing up we learn how she and her husband are trying to create a different home life from relying solely on modern day conveniences.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

TONS of great recipes! Super easy to follow. Cant wait to start making them.

[Nissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hand Made is an ode to a different era, one of making do and using what is at hand, an era of making a little go a long way. Melissa Norris approaches this ode, however, from a distinctly modern perspective, recognizing that full-time work, parenting expectations, and busy lives have accumulated for most of us since the Depression. This juxtaposition is what makes Hand Made so refreshing and approachable - the way Norris works Depression-era wisdom into modern life seems so do-able and so worth doing. Nuggets of Christian wisdom and musings tied to household activities are embedded in the start of each chapter. These thoughts are lovely for those who appreciate them, and easily skipped for those who don't. The depression-era tips for living, and the economical and simple recipes are to be savored. The tested, illustrated, step-by-step instructions for making things like soap, sauerkraut, and fudge make all the difference for the modern homemaker who may never have been taught such things growing up. This book is beautiful and has tremendous shelf appeal, and will also appeal to a wide range of readers - an excellent addition to a public library collection.

[Kay Defreese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand Made is not just a book of recipes although it does have plenty of them. Melissa shares memories from her childhood. She gives tips on simplifying your life, cooking from scratch, soap making, herbal solutions, money saving tips, tips on making the holidays special and much more. Although she did not grow up during the depression she had loved ones who passed on their stories and tips to her.

I had read her previous book The Made-from-Scratch Life and enjoyed it so I knew this book would be just as enjoyable. I follow her blog and listen to her podcast regularly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. This book is due to be released on October 1, 2017 just in time to order and give as a Christmas gift to that special lady in your life.

[Laura M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this book...BUY IT. There is so much information here, you will want to have it on hand to reference back to time and time again. There are recipes for everything from chocolate gravy (is that a thing?) to candles to soap. Find tips on simplifying and organization. Yes, there is some scripture and I found it thought provoking, but it isn't distracting if that's not your thing. If you read a lot of this type of book, there is a bit of duplicate information (as there often is), but I found so much good, new information, I recommend this without hesitation. Now I just need to find time to try all of the tips!!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand Made: The Modern Woman's Guide to Made-from-Scratch Living by Melissa K. Norris is a great book, part memoir and part cook book. The book examines ways to make things homemade and the wisdom of the Depression era that can help make recipes simpler and more inexpensive even today. I really loved this book because she shared a lot of recipes that had been handed down to her and most were incredibly easy and versatile. What a fantastic book overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve already tried the biscuit recipe twice and it’s a winner. Looking forward to trying more recipes from this book.

[Tali Thomason · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a book about Hand Made living but a Religious book

I was interested in the book based on the description but the heavy handed "Jesus take the wheel" vibe ruined it.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book about baking, cooking, growing herbs, creating hand-made soaps or candles, and decorating and organizing your home, I want to try it all! I want to cook every recipe, and start an herb garden, and make little gifts for all my friends! I want to organize my kitchen, and plan for holiday decorating, and fill my house with the yummy smells of baking.

The best thing about this book is the personal childhood stories of the author, detailing her mother's cooking, her father's warm spirit, and her grandmother's wisdom. With each little anecdote, the author invites us to share in her family's home heritage, and then she shows us how to create that cordial atmosphere in our own homes and hearts.

The only drawback is that some of the recipes and instructions are a little too "from scratch" making them time-consuming or difficult. Nobody cooks with lard anymore. I don't want to make my own buttermilk or sauerkraut. I just don't have 7 weeks to create yeast starter, when I could buy an active yeast packet at the store and be done with it. I'm all for being "natural", but.... ain't nobody got time for that!
Thankfully, the author usually adds a quicker recipe, a store-bought substitute, or a more tech-friendly option for those of us who don't live in the country with our own acre-wide garden and a butterchurn on the back porch.

The thing that truly made me fall in love with this book is the way the author ties in Scripture and Christian lessons with her stories and anecdotes about her childhood and family. She reminds us to let our light shine, give up on being perfect all the time, follow our truth, and trust in God through each situation. These are little lessons we hear all the time, but this author weaves them into the book in such a unique way, with her own perspective and delightful humor, and they feel new and pertinent again.

A charming and wholesome book with roots in the frugality of the Great Depression era!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Made is chock full of practical advise that has something for every lifestyle be it living in the country, the city, apartment living or Tiny Home living. This truly is one of the most practical, informative and delightful books I have read in a long time! The author's focus on finding balance in all areas of life (home, work, family, faith in God) is inspirational. She's a regular Mom, wife, woman trying to juggle a family, full time work while providing a home that lovingly supports herself, family and nurtures her faith in God.

My favorite things about this book?

Ms. Norris' writing style ~ it wasn't preachy ... she shared her triumphs and failures, the lessons she learned on the way and her faith in God so openly that I honestly felt like I was at my kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee and chatting with a friend!

I love her stories and references to the Great Depression era. That generation sure knew how to improvise, make do, go without the extras and make things stretch as far as they could possibly go. Each tip from that era and the stories that go with it touched my heart and inspired me. Here's an example of one tip that I would never have dreamed of ... Starchy potato water can be substituted for milk when making bread. Who knew? You'll find so MANY more of these wonderful tips and "how to's" throughout this book!

Home Made is one of the BEST books I've read on going back to the basics and blending "the old fashioned ways" with today's life. The tips are fantastic and there is such a wealth of knowledge with in his book that I know I will be using it for a lifetime. I plan on gifting this book to some of my friends who have wanted to get more back to the basics. I know they're going to love it!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Norris and as well as Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding to four stars but I would say this is more of a 3.75
I did enjoy this book. However, I did not realize this was her second work (not her fault! My own for not researching), and it was not necessarily more about her way of living, but more of a blurb on how she grew up or what she is doing now in her life as an introduction to whatever recipe she is going to share. For example, each chapter as a one word title, like Simmer. She uses the first few pages describing a childhood dreams of hers. It is simmering on the back stove of her life. Over time the idea is growing and circumstances bring the dream to the surface, she ties in some devotional type thoughts and wraps up her personal thoughts, and then the rest of the chapter is recipes on things that take time and slow cook. For the chapter titled Culture, we have reflections on the culture of our past and present, and then Norris ties in cultured foods to help create a more hand made and nurtured home.
All in all, it was a very interesting read. Again, while the recipes are fantastic and I can see the benefit of having them all in one source, I felt like they could easily be found on her website and that the book was just a collection of blog posts with recipes and ways to do things all combined into a handy printed version. Again, it isn't bad, but it wasn't necessarily anything extraordinary. That being said, I do enjoy watching a lot of homesteading YouTubers and most of what is here wasn't new to me.
Except the vinegar with the beans! I do have to say that I think Norris nailed why I have been having harder beans because I thought it was the better way to do things. ;)

So, if you are a beginner in the hand made, natural world, this may be a valuable tool. I would be interested in reading Norris' Made From Scratch Life and see if it has more of the stories I am interested in.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not someone who is trying to live off the land or make everything from scratch but I still liked this book. It was full of tips and recipes and ideas. It talked about ways to make your home a refuge for your family and others. I found it very compelling.
One of my favorite tips was to stretch a meal by adding another side dish. Sometimes I’m not sure if a meal I’m making will be enough for the number of people I’m serving, but I don’t want to make a whole second pan. Adding another side dish is a great, easy option.
Each chapter has a different focus and everything is tied in to that theme. For instance, a chapter entitled “Simmer” talks about how God calls us to wait at times and the lessons that are learned in the waiting. This section included recipes that take a bit more time, like soups.
I loved the selection of recipes in this book and can’t wait to try some. I’ve read about many pioneer women making biscuits and now I know how to do that myself. There are helpful ideas like making a double batch so you’ll have some to freeze or substitutions if you don’t have buttermilk.
There is information on growing herbs indoors, prioritizing daily tasks, simplifying your life, decorating, gift making, etc. It doesn’t cover these topics extensively but it gives a person like me a place to start. The ideas and recipes don’t require a lot of fancy tools or ingredients. I marked many things that I want to try.
Thank you to Harvest House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note from the start: this is a CHRISTIAN book and it contains many Bible verses and messages of faith. Since I am Christian, this was not a problem for me.

I don't know what I expected from this book, but I'm not sure I am the intended audience. It has a lot of good information for someone who is maybe new to homemade things.

The author shares a lot of easy recipes for a variety of foods, as well as holiday meals ideas. The sourdough starter recipe is what I used in 2020 to create mine, and her discard recipes are great. She shares a lot of personal stories about the recipes, which is nice to read but I wasn't particularly interested.

There were recipes for non edible things, like lotions, soaps, etc, but they contained ingredients I do not use and would not purchase. Again, this is just a personal preference but you might like using coconut oil or cocoa butter.

I'm not sure why knitting needles and yarn were included on the cover because there is nothing about needle craft at all.

There is a section on gardening and growing your own food, but again it seems more suited for a total novice.

It was interesting to read the tips from the great depression throughout.

There is a section about simplifying your home and life, which is likely to be helpful for most people.


Overall, this is not an instruction manual but more of a book of suggestions, helpful hints, and recipes. I would recommend this book if you are looking for an introduction to a "handmade" lifestyle. Do not expect to learn how to homestead though.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa works her magic again.

I LOVE this little tome; for pleasure and for instruction. Her stories of her history draw us in and make Melissa a real person and her recipes are scrump-delly-icious.

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE sourdough. My own sweet little sourdough "mother" is named Mary Jane and she just turned 14 years old. I featured her in my own book "Favorite Flu Fighters" available on Amazon. So, when I read Melissa's recipe for "Sourdough White Bread" on page 103, I rushed to the kitchen to try it out. OUI!!! Now here is a sourdough bread the whole family will love....the whole county...the whole state!! Because not everyone likes that perky sourdough tang. A lot of children prefer the regular taste of bread...a lot of families prefer the regular taste of bread. And, THIS sourdough bread recipe gives you that regular taste of bread!!! In fact, my family and friends love it so much I had to rename it "PERFECT BREAD". Now, mine may taste a little different (better?) because I use goat milk!

In contrast I didn't have good luck with the Old Fashioned White Bread recipe on page 40. The crust was very tough and hard...and perhaps some of you like that. But, every other recipe I've tried (the Pudding Cake p. 30 is to die for) has been a home run. So, thank you, Melissa. You're a jewel.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand Made is a fantastical and I do mean fantastical book. It is all about recipes from the authors grandparents recipes from World War II-but not just recipes but tips as well - and they are also valuable and informational - what is your favorite? I wonder if it is the same as the books? Well one of mine is shepherd's pie - and guess what? - yes it is the same way that you do it back then in World War II as I do it today Dash or shall I say I do it today and they did it back in World War II -you have to get this book the tips are great for instance "a biscuit had more versatility than a loaf of bread." it also gives you Herbal Remedies which my grandfather used and gave to us to use and it worked wonderfully. Also crafts gifts and decor she has so much personal information about her life and their families life and faith. I can't wait to try all the recipes. Come join me. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to see more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[Shirelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this book! I grew up doing many things from scratch, so much of it was not new to me, but some of it was, and what was new was very helpful, so I imagine that if you are completely new to mailing stuff from scratch, this whole book would be incredible.

Really recommend for basic helpful knowledge on how to make many things from scratch, particularly easy cooking.

I feel that where it fell short is in how many food recipes it has - I think there are a good many cookbooks out there, so the sheer amount of “regular” recipes was surprising. A recipe to make soap or my own pumpkin puree or to start my own sourdough starter? Sure.
But recipes for chicken n dumplings, pancakes, or shepherd pie? Those felt a bit like filler, since there are already so many recipes for that.
But again, if you’re brand new to anything like this, I’m sure those are helpful too. Just not as necessary for an experienced cook.

[Sarah1983 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this via Netgalley.

I've mostly skimmed through this so far. Lots of recipes I'd like to try. I wouldn't say the book itself is anything special, there's nothing there you couldn't really find online or in other books but nice to have so many different ones in just one book. A lot of the recipes are very time consuming although the author does generally offer a quicker, more modern alternative which is the one I'd use for any of the recipes I try.

There are lots of little stories about the authors childhood and family which are a nice touch. For me though there's way too much emphasis on God. I'm not religious and personally I find it irritating having it rammed down my throat in books. I don't need preaching to through a recipe book.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the good old fashioned wisdom and folklore that Melissa K. Norris delivers in Hand Made. Her recipes are good, filling, and simple. Great recipes that don't require a lot of ingredients and that anyone could make to help keep their family satisfied.

Besides the great recipes Hand Made also has some great ideas to help you get back to a simpler, stress free way of life like; how to handle cooking for unexpected company with enough food and grace, make inexpensive crafts for Christmas, and how to enjoy the things you have.

I've already tried an idea out of this book and we loved it. Great read!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a preview/promotional copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.*

This is a lovely book. Although it seems to be pitched as a "Christian lifestyle" book, there isn't as much preaching as I expected, and as someone who does not ascribe to any particular religion, I find that refreshing.

The recipes are simple, soothing and accessible. Have already made two of them (berry dumplings are amazing!) and have bookmarked a couple more. The memoirs and tales of home and living between the recipes are charming and sweet.

The first word that comes to mind while reading is the Danish word-du-jour "hygge". It is a very comforting and charming read, and a lovely addition to a house collection.

[Alexandria Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. I originally picked it up at the library just for the sake of making the recipes, but I couldn’t resist reading the rest of it too. Norris is so practical and a lot like me!

She’s great at incorporating spiritual lessons into everyday life which some people might find cliche or annoying but I find it a total bonus.

It’s just a little bit of everything in her books- cooking, creating, hosting, making, memoir, country life, devotional, even simple living and organization. I really loved the Homespun Holidays section as well- so many practical recipes and ideas for the holiday season.

Couldn’t get better.

[Carissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is filled with many, many recipes as well as a few non-edible recipes that could make for great gifts; however, nothing within the volume really came across as different or unique to me. Most of these recipes are ones I could find anywhere, with perhaps just the slightest tweak, and there were not many tips or tricks that came across as useful to someone who has read plenty of crafting or recipe books. While some of the content could still be of interest to others, it was not to me.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be your average kinda cookbook. The references to the great depression were interesting but really didn't add to the recipes or why they were being used other than they were hand made, homemade.
Some of the recipes were interesting and different but most were basic and in all other cookbooks.
Making your own crackers is pretty cool. Be forewarned there are not a lot of pictures, none of the finished recipes which was disappointing.

[Eileen Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me want to cook, clean and grow everything mentioned!
Although there are similar books covering this subject on the market, there is always room for one more.
The recipes seem straightforward and the ingredients relatively easy to obtain, although some may not be found in here in UK.
All in all a very useful reference book.
Recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Harvet House Publishers via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Brekke · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this had some good recipes, I feel that both of Melissa’s books are completely mismarketed. This is a Christian devotional book with tips for a slower, more “handmade” life. I like the Pioneering Today podcast. I didn’t hate the book. But, I was annoyed that it wasn’t marketed as a devotional. I had unmet expectations based on the title and blurb, and because if that I’m hesitant to recommend it to others.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

UMMMMM! I don't know what I was thinking when I requested this book; I believe I thought it was a craft book! Baking book is just as good! Happy mistake on my part! The recipes sound lovely! Not sure if the book will contain photos, the Kindle version didn't. But I am looking forward to trying out a few of them!

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this book is so full of ideas for simplifying your lifestyle that you should just go out and buy it...I certainly will! Offering much more than just recipes, this is a must if you have any interest in making healthy and simpler lifestyle choices.

[Ashley {_xamountofbooks} · Rating 4 out of 5]

The publisher provided me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for providing feedback. (via NetGalley)

Well written. The recipes were organized well and easy to follow. I didn't catch that this would have religious undertones, which aren't really for me. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book is the author reflecting on 'simpler' times calling the reader to slow down and embrace the world of scratch living.

There's a nice blend of story and ideas in this title. My (personal) issue is that I can't make many of the recipes as is with my need to eat gluten-free for now. But, I can let my boys eat them all!

[Stacey Holderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to encourage healthy living in our homes. There are numerous recipes and ideas throughout the book and the author writes eloquently and shares her life with the reader. If you are someone who homesteads, who has dietary concerns, or who just wants to try making more things in your home, this book is for you!