encourager of simple eats + happy living
Baking completely intimidates me. Cooking? Well now, I can literally do that allll day. Meal prep, ditto. But baking? It freaks me out. Something about how precise measurements are and well, I love to experiment. Which is soooo funny because I like rules! In a nutshell, baking is unforgiving. At least, that is how I’ve always approached it. I’ve always thought that if I mastered baking bread then that would mean that I’ve “made it.” So, I put on my big girl pants and typed in “Dutch Oven ...
PSA: It is time to use up some of those dried beans we’ve hoarded. If you’re like me, you stocked up on dried beans and they are either (1) still sitting in your pantry, (2) still in a grocery bag stuck away in the basement/closet/root cellar/prepper dungeon (is that a thing?), or (3) you been using those dried beans in meals like a pro. My answer is all three. You? Because I like white space and order, I realllllly need to use up some of those beans. One quick and easy way I like to do ...
You know that phrase, “Bloom where you are planted?” I’ve always kind of liked that saying because well, clichés speak to me. Blooming where you are planted means that you make the best of where you are, grow in that space, and do the right thing. Even when that time doesn’t feel right. So my twist on the phrase is this: “Fish where you are planted.” You see, we live on the lake and it is overflowing with fish. Bass. Crappie. Panfish. I love to fish. Do you? And yet, I hardly ...
Want to know how to declutter kitchen gadgets? It is simple if you have this mindset: Gadgets are only useful if used. It’s kinda a life lesson that applies to so many things in our lives from physical to mental clutter. Gadgets, such as Instant Pots, air fryers, toaster ovens, toasters… these all take physical space and honestly, mental space if we let them. How many times have you found yourself saying, “I need to use my ___________. It’s taking up too much space.” Let them go. ...
I interrupt your normal daily life with this very important announcement: you need refreshing cranberry mint mojitos in your life today. I just needed you to know this. If you think that mojitos are the quintessential refreshing drink, just wait until you try these refreshing cranberry mint mojitos. This post is sponsored by Cape Code Select Premium Frozen Cranberries. #FrozenCranberries #YearOfTheCranberry #CapeCodSelect #SelectTheBest What makes a mojito so ...
Hello friends! If you want to delight your friends and family, make this super-easy cranberry simple syrup and keep it stocked in your pantry. It’s delicious when added to lemonades, popsicles, drizzled on pound cake, mocktails, and cocktails like cranberry mint mojitos. This post is sponsored by Cape Code Select Premium Frozen Cranberries. #FrozenCranberries #YearOfTheCranberry #CapeCodSelect #SelectTheBest What is simple syrup used for? Simple syrup is exactly what it sounds like, ...
There is a reason why certain cocktails are called classic. But there’s an even better reason why you should make classic cocktails with an Italian twist. That reason is vinegar. This post contains recipe links to sponsored content created for DeNigris 1889 #ItalianVinegar. Italian vinegar in a cocktail is a secret weapon. Basically, I desperately want to get the word out that stocking good quality vinegar in your pantry means that whenever you have a recipe that calls for an acid, ...
Are you ready for something new and delicious? You're going to want to make this Better than Whole Foods Chicken Tortilla soup recipe pronto! Several years ago I posted the original recipe for Whole Food’s chicken tortilla soup. It still amazes me that it remains one of my most popular posts of all time. Not surprising - actually - because who doesn’t like the chicken tortilla soup at the soup bar at Whole Foods? Fast-forward several years and that soup is now a staple in our home. Only it ...
Hi friend (I’m waving to you). You are probably experiencing all types of new habits lately, including once a week grocery shopping. Wait a moment before you raise your fists and exclaim, “arghhhhh!” Maybe it’s time to reframe. Why? Because once a week grocery shopping is a gift to yourself. Let me explain. It means that you have access to hearty vegetables and fruits. If you haven’t already figured it out, buying for the long haul means we have to reallllly pay attention to what we ...
Have you ever wondered how to cut up a whole chicken? We ate a lot of chicken backs when we were a kid. Yes, chicken backs... I often wonder why you can't purchase them in the grocery stores anymore. Back then they were plentiful and economical and that little nested oyster spot was my absolute favorite part. The first time I remember cutting up a whole chicken was during Food Lab at college. This class was a companion class to Nutrition 101 and I remember being surprised how easy it ...
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on the linked items within this post (and there is no cost to you). Are you new to meal planning or need a refresher? If so, this simple bullet journal meal planning template is for you! As you know, I like to keep things pretty simple around here. If something is "pretty" yet is too complicated, then out.it.goes. In fact, this meal planner layout is not about pretty… it is about efficiency. What is a bullet ...
Ad. This delicious and comforting cashew chicken noodle soup was created for JSL Foods. #fortunenudonoodles #cheftyaki #udonsoups I love a good sheet pan meal and it’s hard to beat a cashew chicken for ease and deliciousness. But then I got to thinking; why not make it into a soup? Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the best cashew chicken noodle soup in the world! This soup is the best simply because I could not find a recipe for it - and after a quick Google search, I ...
This delicious and healthy five-ingredient low-carb taco meatball recipe will be ready in thirty-minutes, from start to finish. And you’ll only need to wash three things: a mixing bowl, a skillet, and your hands. Which taco meat is the best? Meatballs come in all shapes, sizes, and ingredients such as beef, pork, turkey, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan. My personal favorite meatball base is ground chicken breast. The consistency is extremely fine and therefore you avoid any mystery ...
Hello. If you’re buying pre-packaged oats so that you can get your day started with healthy fiber, may I suggest this healthy overnight oats recipe? This recipe is packed full of oats, hemp seeds, chia seeds, buckwheat groats, and dried coconut flakes. Yum, right? Not only will you save money in the short and long term – you’ll be surprised how easy this is to make AND how good it makes you feel when you know that you always have a healthy morning start right at your fingertips. Now THAT's ...
Why not make your own velvety, delicious, and super cute egg bites in the oven and skip the Starbucks egg bites drive-thru? And (happily) for just a fraction of the cost! When Starbucks added a hot breakfast item to their menu called Sous Vide egg bites, I instantly knew they would be a hit with consumers. They are velvety, delicious, and - honestly - super cute with their little bite-size plus adorable paper tray. However, for the menu price of almost four and a half bucks… the price isn’t ...
I choose to eat happily. Food is a necessity of life, right? We live in a world of extremes with food starvation on one side - and gluttony on the other. There are those who live with abundance at their fingertips as well as the means to healthy and delicious meals... yet choose to feast on empty nutrition. Living in the moments I love this photo. It tells a story of an impromptu dinner with my husband Dennis and our niece Codi. We picked up a few things at the store to ...
ABC Kitchen's beet and yogurt salad is one of my favorite go-to-dishes. I think it may end up being yours, too. It's healthy AND delicious! ABC Kitchen in NYC One of my favorite hidden spots in NYC is the ABC Kitchen restaurant located in the ABC Carpet building in Union Square and close to the Flatiron Building. Okay, “hidden” is stretching it. A lot. This little restaurant is anything but hidden. Reservations go fast and yet somehow I am able to find an intimate little ...
