Learn how to make homemade extracts and you will be able to add an amazing amount of flavor into your kitchen creations! Making your own extracts is easy to do, although you will have to be patient. Vanilla extract, mint extract, or citrus extracts are a great way to add natural flavorings to your homemade baked goods. How are extracts made? So, what is an extract exactly? As opposed to a flavoring? Homemade extracts use a solvent (the liquid itself) to 'extract' the flavor from something else (your flavoring … [Read more...]
How to Roast Fresh Beets for Maximum Flavor
August 4, 2019 by · 7 Comments
Roasted beets are a year-round staple in my house. They are fantastic right out of the foil or used for tossing into salads or made into beet smoothies. Learn how to roast fresh beets and your family will stop turning up their nose at them! Roasted whole beets are a great way to use up fresh herbs! How do you serve beets? When I was growing up, my mom loved to serve us beets. Only, she didn't serve us FRESH beets...oh, no. Our beets came in a can, sliced up and rather unappealing to the teenage … [Read more...]
Easy Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
June 24, 2019 by · 2 Comments
This easy coconut milk chia seed pudding recipe was a simple way to make a healthy dessert. Loaded with dried pineapple and plenty of coconut, this dairy free pudding was absolutely delicious! What is Chia Seed Pudding? So, you are on your way to eating healthier but you have no idea what chia pudding is. Maybe you are looking at this easy dessert a bit suspiciously and wondering what chia seed pudding tastes like. Well, basically, chia seed pudding is just chia seeds that have been left to soak in liquid, … [Read more...]
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Basil
June 7, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
When I think of warm weather recipes, one of the first things that comes to mind is homemade pasta salad. I whipped up this Italian orzo pasta salad recipe recently and it took less than 15 minutes from start to finish. It's an easy pasta recipe to take to your next back yard barbecue or neighborhood pool party. Homemade Pasta Salads for the WIN! What I really love about pasta salad is that you can cook the pasta and assemble the dish in the morning while the temps are relatively cool. Then just stick it in the … [Read more...]
Basil and Spinach Salad with Blackberries and Feta
May 17, 2019 by · 2 Comments
This Basil and Spinach Salad with Blackberries and Feta is a healthy summer salad recipe that takes only minutes to make. Sweet blackberries pair with tangy feta cheese for a healthy side salad or simple lunch recipe. Instead of using fresh red onion, try topping this basil salad with pickled red onions instead. Yay for Simple Summer Salads! Ah, the lazy days of summer have almost begun and that means I have nothing going on, right? Oh that is so very, very wrong! Some days, I have plenty of time for cooking … [Read more...]
Easy Homemade Baking Mix Recipe for Pancakes and Biscuits
April 15, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
This easy homemade baking mix recipe takes only minutes to make and will save you money! With one kid in college and another heading there soon, I am looking to save money at the grocery store. How many times have you put something in the cart that you could make at home for less? From precut fruit to premade biscuit mix, you pay for the convenience of many foods. Making your own baking mix is easy and you can use it in any recipe that calls for a boxed baking mix. Making Your Own Baking Mix Is Easy There are many … [Read more...]
Citrus Avocado Salad Recipe with Mint and Feta
April 9, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
The weather is warming up and spring and summer mean more fruit salad recipes in my house! This citrus avocado salad recipe is SO much more unique than your average everyday fruit salad. Top with a bit of fresh feta cheese and some chopped pecans and you have loads of flavor and texture. Get creative with your fresh citrus and look for grapefruit, blood oranges, or maybe even a kumquat! How to Make a Citrus Salad So, you want to make a citrus salad. Where do you start? The only real time consuming part … [Read more...]
Easy Black Bean Corn Salsa Recipe
April 3, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
The weather is warming up and that means spring and summer entertaining are not far behind. Grilling out, pool parties, and block parties are popular ways to socialize when the sun is shining. If you are looking for a summer side dish or appetizer, try this easy black bean corn salsa recipe. Black bean salsa is a great topping for grilled fish or chicken. You can also scoop it up with tortilla chips or just pile it on your plate to eat by itself! What I Love About Black Bean Salsa There are a lot of things to love … [Read more...]
Sweet Pickled Red Onion Recipe with Rosemary and Garlic
March 25, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
This sweet pickled red onion recipe takes only 5 minutes to make. Sweet pickled onions are a delicious salad topping or an easy addition to sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or tacos. Spring and summer are fast approaching and that means changes to our weekly menu. Warm weather foods in my house include lots of salads, sandwiches, and burgers on the grill. I love red onions on my salads and came across a delicious kale salad recipe that called for picked red onions. Pickling red onions is so incredibly easy so I thought I … [Read more...]
Avocado Fruit Smoothie Recipe with Blueberries and Chia Seeds
March 18, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
For the last couple of months, my blender has gotten quite a workout. My daughter was in a bad accident and broke her jaw in three places. She is, thankfully, on the road to recovery but I am plying her (and all of us!) with loads of healthy smoothies for maximum nutrition. This avocado fruit smoothie recipe is loaded with healthy ingredients and easy to make. If you are looking for nutritious smoothies to start your day, this one is perfect! Avocado Smoothie Benefits So, why add avocados to your fruit … [Read more...]
