About Beth Neels

Hi! I’m Beth Neels, affectionately known as Binky. Welcome, and thanks for stopping by!

Life on the Farm

I live on a 30-acre farm in rural Upstate New York with my husband, son, three dogs, chickens, and quail. Nestled in the heart of apple country, we’re surrounded by lush countryside, which means fresh, seasonal produce is always within reach.

A Passion for Nature and Sustainability

I hold an Associate in Applied Science in Environmental Conservation and a Bachelor’s in Ornamental Horticulture from Cornell University. My formal education and lifelong interest in nature, birdwatching, and animal husbandry have shaped my approach to food, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of every recipe.

From Farm to Table – Garden to Plate

Each year, I begin planning my garden in January, starting seeds indoors by February and March, and planting them in May. This effort results in an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables that make their way into my kitchen. If you’re interested in growing your own food, check out my How to Plant a Vegetable Garden Series, which includes detailed guides on planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting.

I create delicious recipes, preserved goods, game foods, and weeknight dinners with fresh ingredients from my garden. My blog has a dedicated section for canning and preserving, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Tomato juice in tall glasses with a stalk of celery. — Tomato Juice

Field to Table: Hunting and Fishing Adventures

Sustainability goes beyond the garden. My family and I are avid hunters and fishers, and I take pride in preparing wild game and fresh-caught fish. I’ve assembled a comprehensive guide on cooking venison, covering everything from sourcing to preparation. We also share step-by-step videos on filleting fish and butchering venison, making it easy for you to master these skills.

About the Blog

Sliced venison summer sausage on a wooden slab with jalapeños. — Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

I started Binky’s Culinary Carnival in 2014 to share the recipes, skills, and seasonal ingredients that make our way of life so rewarding. You’ll find fresh cooking ideas, preserving tips, and garden-to-table inspiration throughout the site.

Also from Beth: Bees Haven 🐝

When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m often outside photographing bees, gardening, or birdwatching. That passion led me to create a second site, Bees Haven, where I share tips on pollinator-friendly gardening, bee facts, and sustainable outdoor living.

If you’re curious about honey, native plants, or creating a thriving garden ecosystem, Bees Haven is a great place to start.

Stay Connected

Join me in exploring fresh, seasonal cooking! Follow along on:

📌 Pinterest
👍 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
🔗 LinkedIn
📸 Instagram
🎥 YouTube
🌱 Email Newsletter (Only two emails per week!)
📖 Muckrack

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the world. Let’s cook something amazing together!

I would love to hear your comments or suggestions. Please leave me a comment in the Contact box.

Featured In

Binky’s Culinary Carnival has been featured in MSN.com, Associated Press, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Buzzfeed, Honest Cooking Magazine, Taste of Home Magazine, Foodgawker, Tastespotting, Yummly, Bloglovin’, Shutterstock, Foodista, and Dishing with Delishes podcast, among many others. Our work has also been syndicated on hundreds of news outlets.

Work With Me

It has been a pleasure working with incredible brands to showcase high-quality products through original recipes. Some of these brands include Fleischmann’s® Yeast, Argo® Corn Starch, PAM® Cooking Spray, Mazola® Corn Oil, FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System, Silk® Almond Milk, and Gorton’s® Fish Sticks.

Interested in collaborating? Check out my Media Kit or Portfolio, and feel free to reach out via my Contact Page or email beth@binkysculinarycarnival.com.