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In this episode of The Quiet Rebellion, Kathie chats with Kris Bordessa—author and founder of Attainable Sustainable about the deep, empowering reasons behind building a homemade pantry. Together, they explore how returning to the kitchen isn’t just about food; it’s a small act of resistance against modern consumerism and a path toward deeper self-reliance.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The Pantry as a Form of Rebellion: Building a homemade pantry reduces dependency on commercial systems and fosters resilience, especially in uncertain times. “If you’re making your own things, you’re not trusting that food will just appear in the supermarket.”
- Simple Pantry Swaps: Kris recommends starting with small substitutions like homemade salad dressings or pancake mix—simple, affordable, and confidence-boosting.
- Cost vs. Value: While some ingredients like vanilla powder have upfront costs, they stretch over time. Kathie adds, “It’s an investment—like buying half a cow—it saves so much in the long run.”
- Learning Curve and Grace: Both women stress that kitchen mistakes are part of learning. “Most ‘failures’ just become croutons or ice cream toppings,” Kathie laughs.
- Canning and Preservation: The episode emphasizes the importance of safety and sticking to trusted sources. “Botulism doesn’t always show up—but when it does, it’s deadly. Why risk it?” warns Kris.
- Making Time in Busy Lives: Kris offers permission and encouragement: do what makes sense for your household. “You don’t have to do everything. Choose what fits your life.”
Memorable Sound Bites:
- “It’s not that it won’t be edible—it just might need a new name and a different plate.” – Kris
- “Start by canning water if you’re nervous. No risk. Just learning.” – Kris
This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that simple, intentional steps in the kitchen are both practical and revolutionary. From baking bread to reading recipes, it’s all about embracing the journey, not perfection
Where to Find Kris
The Attainable Sustainable Blog
Attainable Sustainable on Facebook
Attainable Sustainable on Instagram
The Attainable Sustainable Pantry – her newest book