These addictive little tortellinis...in chilled pasta salad form! What exactly is it about tortellinis that make them so irresistible?! It's probably as simple as - it's cheese plus pasta. But I think it's because they're so cute. And they cook so easily and quickly. And they make for a lovely Tortiellini Pasta Salad - perfect for a summer lunch … [Read more...]
DIY Scrabble Tile Herb Garden Markers
These almost make you want to plant an herb garden, don't they?? Last week, I shared a simple DIY Herb Garden post with you...and now, here are the markers! I may be able to whip up dinner in a jiffy, or set up amazing meal plans for you...but I'm really not the most crafty person in the world! But this is a craft that I can get behind and get done. Craft sticks … [Read more...]
DIY Container Herb Garden
OH. If only you could reach through your screen and add this beautiful container herb garden to your porch or backyard! I adore fresh herbs. I don't adore paying for those little packets. You can get an entire plant right now, for the same price as a packet. If you've never had an herb garden, they are super easy to set up, manage and maintain. Don't let your black … [Read more...]
Cool Uses for Cucumbers
With a larger family of five children from preschool to high school, I am all the time looking for new ways to eat healthy and fill tummies! Thanks to our small, square foot garden, we've enjoyed large amounts of cucumbers. We are eating cucumbers in all kinds of ways for lunches and sides for suppers and I'll share them below. Cucumber Dippers - With homemade hummus (my … [Read more...]
Sauteed Okra Recipe
Learn how to make a simple sauteed okra recipe to accompany your favorite summer meals. Summer comes and it's always time for fried okra. But it's also always good to have a lighter version of a garden favorite. That's when it's time to slice up and saute your okra. Four cups of sliced okra makes a wonderful side for my family of seven. Yum! Sauteed Okra … [Read more...]
Greek Salad
This Greek Salad recipe comes from my Greek babysitter. She makes the most delicious, tangy salad dressing that cannot be beat over crunchy vegetables topped with yummy feta cheese. This is a great salad to add to your family's "salad rotation," as it will help keep veggies tang-iliciously interesting. Dana's Greek Salad 2/3 cup olive oil1/3 … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Vegetables Feed the Larger Family
As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save is by having veggie night once a week. And sometimes the slow cooker helps me out. All I do is rinse and slice … [Read more...]
Ways to Save on Fruits and Veggies
(photo credit) As a registered dietitian, one recommendation that I make to almost all of my patients is to increase the number of fruits and vegetables that they consume. Why? Produce is bursting with nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber. They help control blood sugar and weight while nourishing the body. In fact, research has shown in folks that eat 9-10 servings per … [Read more...]
Late Season Garden Update
So there hasn't been much happening in my garden lately. After the squirrel attacks, not much was left :( There is, however, Swiss chard, Kale and Brussel sprouts growing strong. It's making a comeback as the weather has cooled off again! I also noticed that there are a number of green tomatoes again on the plants out back...the squirrels must be full from them now. I … [Read more...]
Savory Slow Cooker Chicken and Butternut Squash
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! We've been enjoying lots of butternut squash lately, after buying some at Kroger, then more at Aldi the next week for just $.59 each! We've had this...a beef stew with butternut ...and I made the same beef stew mix for the guys to enjoy while I'm out of town this … [Read more...]