I was awkward as a teenager – though, let's be honest, who isn't? Heck, I was awkward in college. And early adulthood. Maybe I'm still quite awkward, but at least I feel more comfortable in my skin these days.
It happened somewhere in my mid-twenties. I began to understand who I was and what I was supposed to be doing here.
Not to sound dramatic (*heavy sigh*) but part of that is cooking. It just is. My deepest mental fogs and anxious thoughts can be lifted while kneading bread, dusting scones with powdered sugar, or roasting tomatoes.
It's just the way I am. So it's about to get real.
We've spent the better part of eight years building this blog and in it, we've covered everything from cloth diapers to mental breakdowns to cleaning the house to everything in between. But I hear you and your feedback to me over these past few years has been quite clear: you want more FOOD.
This past fall when our pilot premiered on Food Network, I thought this is it! We're taking real food to the masses, baby. Move aside white sugar, prepackaged meals, and freezer food. It's time for fatty meats, fermented vegetables, and whole grains. It's time for sourdough! For kombucha! For cheese! For rich, cleansing, fulfilling, real whole foods.
*Insert tire screeching noise*. Hold on Shaye. Not so fast.
When we heard from the Food Network that they weren't going to pick up our series of Homestead Table, the news came with subsequent pain – you know the kind of tears you really don't want to cry, so you hold them in your chest, and as they climb your throat against your will, the pain is almost unbearable? It was a little like that.
But then, as the wound began to heal and the tears dried, I started to see this “No.” as an opportunity to share – without thought given to ratings or acceptance. Perhaps the world isn't quite ready for sauerkraut, homemade sausage, raw milk, and pastured eggs – but my guess is that you are.
And that's part of why you're here.
Though I can't share our mission entirely just yet (it's BIG, y'all), I wanted to share with you a taste of what is to come. I've spent the past few weeks piecing together a handful of autumn recipes, with photos and detailed instructions, for you to try as we drift through these last few weeks of summer. These recipes are designed to get you in the kitchen – not because you have to be there, but because you're inspired to create something delicious. It's that inspiration that'll keep your kitchen full of joy!
The blog is no longer in its awkward adolescent stage. We know why it's here and what it needs to be for our community. These new, fresh recipes are the first of much to come this season.
Thank you for being a part of it.
Melody A
August 19, 2018 at 11:35 pmLooks like a fantastic idea, get to the people that are interested in what you are interested in!!! so CONGRATULATIONS!!! on a new direction!! from Iowa
Liz
August 20, 2018 at 10:06 amThank you! It’s beautiful!
Laurie
August 22, 2018 at 7:16 pmThe Food Network made a big mistake in my opinion, but you never know what’s around the corner. I’ve been reading your blog for years and look forward to each new one. Thanks…beautiful food, beautiful photos.
Val
August 23, 2018 at 8:13 amThe quality of shows on Food Network has deteriorated over the past few years. It is nothing more than advertisements, phony/unrealistic competitions, celebrities, and political correctness. I hardly watch the network anymore. You are better off not associated with them. Your time is better spent here and working on your other big projects. I look forward to your blogs, videos, and beautiful photos.
Rachel
August 23, 2018 at 8:14 amLooking forward to more recipes! Enjoy the rest of summer!
Donna
August 23, 2018 at 9:18 amI found you by way of Great American Farm tour. I’m going back through your past blogs – enjoying reading about your journey. I’m a passionate gardener (vegetables and flowers), cook (your recipes are so easy to follow and delicious), beekeeper and chicken whisperer. I think I’ve binged watched all your YouTube vids – I especially enjoy this years garden vids. As for Food Network everything happens for a reason- bigger and better things are in store for you and your family. From NH with love
Dianna
August 29, 2018 at 6:27 pmI found her that way, too! I love her beautiful videos.
Ashley Pullen
August 23, 2018 at 11:06 amI am so ready for a cooking show exactly like that. I can’t wait to see what is to come!
Sharon at Southern Bella Home
August 24, 2018 at 5:50 amI just found your blog and YouTube channel! They are both so ,so lovely! I can relate to you in many ways; homeschool mom/ classical school , acreage, farmhouse, gardener, lover of great real food,. I enjoy your beautiful photography! I agree with the other comment that that the food network messed up, but God has better “yes” for you coming! (my little humble blog is in the works),but really love yours)
Jackie
August 24, 2018 at 2:34 pmShay, you like me, have a romance with food and gardening….that just cannot be expressed on a Food Network show. Keep doing what your doing, it so much more engaging than commercial laden cooking shows. Thanks for loving your life and sharing it with us….inspiring.
Autumn
August 27, 2018 at 5:10 pmI admire your spirit and conclusion in the face of such disappointment. And, as stated by others, I think you should carry on in a way that allows the true Shaye Elliot to shine through! It isn’t just the food, photos or tutorials we love. It’s who you are as a person! And I’m excited to see where things go!
Kati P
August 30, 2018 at 6:03 pmFood Network, as seems to be the case in recent years, misses the mark and really missed out! Looking forward to more content related to DIY food and recipes. 🙂
Alicia
September 8, 2018 at 10:47 pmI’m so glad to hear there are more recipes coming. I definitely need the kitchen inspiration.
Lady Grace
July 14, 2019 at 1:40 pmYour show was probably cancelled because of your Christian faith. It surely wasn’t “ not picked up” for lack of fabulousness and inspired living galore!
I just found your YouTube channel and I’m so overjoyed. It’s a treasure.
Dawn
August 11, 2019 at 5:42 pmActually I think your work is too sophisticated for Food Network. They have become an “entertainment/sensational competition” network. You are lucky you’re not there! Stick to a path of sophisticated rustic simplicity and you will end up with a loyal following that will steadily increase versus the transient audience of Food Network. Love your YouTube channel. Content choices and the voice over descriptions are very artistic and professional.