Amanda Brantley Amanda Brantley

The “Linoleic Acid” Question: What’s Actually in Chicken Feed (and What It Means for the Meat)

A recent customer question about “linoleic acid” in chicken feed opened the door to a bigger conversation about what’s actually in poultry diets—and what really matters. Linoleic acid is a naturally occurring omega-6 fat found in common feed ingredients like corn and soy. It’s essential for chickens, not an additive or toxin. The more meaningful discussion isn’t whether it exists, but how feed, pasture access, and management practices influence the balance of fats in the finished meat.

Read More
Amanda Brantley Amanda Brantley

Pasture-Raised vs. Factory-Farmed: What That Actually Looks Like in Real Life

Pasture-raised and factory-farmed chicken aren’t just different labels—they’re completely different day-to-day realities for the birds. From where chickens live and how much room they have to move, to what they eat and how they grow, those differences show up in texture, moisture, and flavor once the chicken reaches your kitchen. This post breaks down what pasture-raised actually looks like in real life, without marketing language or guilt—just clear information to help families make confident food choices.

Read More
Amanda Brantley Amanda Brantley

What I Keep in My Freezer So I Can Cook Like I Have Time (Even When I Don’t)

Cooking like you have time doesn’t require elaborate meal prep or starting from scratch every night—it requires a freezer that actually works for you. This post breaks down what I intentionally keep in my freezer so I can get real, nourishing meals on the table even on the busiest nights, from whole chickens and weeknight-friendly cuts to broth and pre-cooked protein. It’s about strategy, not perfection—and using good chicken to make dinner easier, not harder.

Read More
Amanda Brantley Amanda Brantley

How I Stretch One Whole Chicken Into 4 Dinners (Even in a Busy Week)

Stretching one whole chicken into four dinners isn’t about elaborate meal prep—it’s about reducing decision fatigue during a busy work week. This post walks through how one intentional cook becomes an anchor for multiple fast, family-friendly meals, using chicken that reheats well, holds its texture, and actually tastes good on day two. It’s a practical approach for feeding your family without adding stress or starting from scratch every night.

Read More
Charlotte Smith Charlotte Smith

Farm-Fresh Eggs: Why They’re Different and How to Use Them in Everyday Cooking

Farm-fresh eggs aren’t just prettier — they’re richer, firmer, and more flavorful thanks to hens raised on sunshine, pasture, and high-quality feed. In this guide, we break down what makes pasture-raised eggs so special and how to use them in everyday cooking. From baking to breakfast, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

Read More
Charlotte Smith Charlotte Smith

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Local Meat (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Buying local, pasture-raised meat shouldn’t feel intimidating — and with a few simple tips, it becomes one of the easiest upgrades you can make for your family’s meals. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through cuts, pricing, freezing, thawing, and planning so you can shop with confidence. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to buy and how to use it without any guesswork.

Read More
Charlotte Smith Charlotte Smith

Real Food on a Real Schedule: How Our Family Eats Nutritious Meals When Life Is Chaos

Feeding your family well doesn’t require perfect routines — just simple meals, shared moments, and a little flexibility. In this honest look at our own busy, kid-filled, farm-running life, we share how we make nutritious, real-food dinners happen even on the most chaotic weeks. If you’re juggling a nonstop schedule too, this guide will help you find a rhythm that feels doable and grounding.

Read More
Charlotte Smith Charlotte Smith

Why Pasture-Raised Chicken Actually Does Taste Better: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Choosing Quality Protein

Pasture-raised chicken isn’t just a trend — it truly tastes better because of how the birds live, move, and grow. In this mom-to-mom guide, we break down the flavor, texture, and nutrition differences that make high-quality local chicken worth choosing, even on the busiest nights. If you want meals your family actually gets excited about, this is the place to start.

Read More
A small chick standing inside a woven basket filled with eggs, near a window with blurred outdoor scenery.

    Download Cook Smarter, Not Longer

    Four Fast + Family Friendly Chicken Recipes