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Simple Joyful Food

"...and they ate with gladness and simplicity of heart"

recipes

10 healthy and simple fall menu ideas.

September 24, 2019 Leave a Comment
fall menu ideas - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

It was bound to happen. Once summer fatigue set in… it was just a matter of time before we all started thinking about and talking about cozy sweaters, PSL, and yummy comfort food.  While I can’t help in the cozy sweater or PSL camps, I can help with comfort food. Here are ten healthy and simple fall menu ideas that will fast-forward us into autumn.  Technically, each one of these are links to sponsored recipes I created for Riceland Foods, Taste Arkansas, and De Nigris vinegars ...

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appetizers

Delicious baked balsamic chicken wings.

September 17, 2019 Leave a Comment
balsamic chicken wings (c)thejoyofeatingwell

If you're in the mood for wings, it better be fast and easy. More importantly, it better be delicious. And while we're talking about... shouldn't it be fast, easy, and delicious baked balsamic chicken wings? I vote yes! Ad. This post includes a link to a sponsored recipe. Let's talk delicious. So there I was. Hunched over the kitchen trashcan, vying for space next to Dennis. Each one of us working in unison as we greedily devoured chicken wing after chicken wing. Their sticky ...

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hospitality

How to make an appetizer platter from Aldis.

September 2, 2019 2 Comments
how to make an appetizer platter from aldis - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

It’s always good to be prepared for an impromptu party or unexpected guest and have the confidence that you can quickly pull together an inexpensive appetizer platter. The secret is to have key items on hand that are healthy, simple and inexpensive. And, if said impromptu party or unexpected guest doesn’t arrive… rest easy knowing that stocking the right ingredients means they are versatile enough for your every day life. In other words, you’ll be eating them throughout the week anyway! To ...

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appetizers

How to make creamy hummus from scratch.

August 22, 2019 Leave a Comment
how to make hummus from scratch -main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

If you’ve ever been frustrated by gritty store-bought hummus, today is your lucky day because we’re going to learn how to make hummus from scratch. And not just any old hummus, we are going to make CREAMY hummus from scratch. Pull up a chair and let’s get started! Have you ever wondered why store-bought hummus is so gritty? Technically, there could be several reasons beyond just a quick examination of the listed – and sometimes mysterious- ingredients. Most often it is ...

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kitchen basics

20 ways to clean and organize your fridge.

August 13, 2019 5 Comments
1 - 20 ways to clean and organize your fridge - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

I want to change lives. I believe that it starts simply with learning how to clean and organize your fridge. With just a little bit of planning, you will have delicious and healthy foods at your fingertips. In case you are skeptical, don't worry. You don’t have to be a “super planner” or a “Type A” person to be a meal planner or learn to eat well. It just takes a little confidence builder that starts with cleaning and organizing your fridge. A clean fridge gives you an idea of what you ...

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main dish

How to make grilled flank steak stuffed pinwheels.

July 25, 2019 Leave a Comment
ad #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Grilled Flank Steak Stuffed Pinwheels - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. This tasty grilled flank steak recipe was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Hi friends! Sometimes I wonder if there is a way to make a grilled flank steak taste better than it should. As you already know, flank steak is a tough cut to reallllly make it stand out without days and days and days of marinating and/or cooking in the slow cooker.  So, I decided to reinvent the grilled flank steak. Mind if I suggest… a grilled ...

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meal planning

How to clean your gas grill.

June 28, 2019 Leave a Comment
1. ad #Arkansassoybeans how to clean your gas grill stainless steel – main ©thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. This “how to clean your gas grill” post is sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board in support of our Arkansas soybean farmers. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Once a year, at the beginning of summer grilling season, it is always a good idea to clean your gas grill. If you’ve always wondered how to clean your gas grill, then bookmark this post, print off the instructions, and review the step-by-steps. My goal is to have you thoroughly equipped, ready to get to work, and most of ...

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hospitality

A fun tip for summertime entertaining.

June 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
4th of July invitation ad Paperless Post (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. This cute digital announcement was created for Paperless Post. The sun is shining and * begging * us to get outside already! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the to-do list and the 9-to-5 and before we know it another hour has passed by and then we’re off to pick up the kids, get the groceries, or whatever else that grabs our attention. One way to ensure we are making the most of summertime is to up our summertime entertaining game plan! A five-minute summertime entertaining ...

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NWAFOODIE

OnlyInArk review of LOUISE Café in Bentonville.

June 23, 2019 2 Comments
screen shot of OnlyInArk review of Louise cafe in Bentonville

This post contains a link to a compensated OnlyInArk restaurant review of Louise Café in Bentonville. Dennis and I went for a mid-morning drive the other day with nothing other than the sole purpose of a leisurely stroll. We found ourselves in Fayetteville, exploring side streets with overgrown trees shading our path and ending up sitting on a park bench on Wilson Park. It was gloriously and decadently slow living at its best as we happily munched on quite possibly the tastiest fried green ...

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desserts

Chocolate peanut butter soy milk ice cream.

May 24, 2019 Leave a Comment
ad #Arkansassoybeans Chocolate peanut butter soy ice cream - main

Ad. This homemade soy milk ice cream was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Let’s get right to the most important point of this message: chocolate peanut butter soy ice cream NEEDS TO BE IN YOUR LIFE. You know you clicked on this post because you were curious. I mean, go to any supermarket and you see whole milk ice cream, light ice cream, rice milk ice cream, cashew milk ice cream, coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ...

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side dish

10 healthy vegetarian recipes.

April 29, 2019 2 Comments
Ad. 10 healthy vegetarian recipes. National Soy Foods Month. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans #vegetarian (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. These healthy vegetarian recipes were created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans You would think that using the words healthy vegetarian recipes would be redundant. I mean… vegetarian IS healthy, right? Well... not always. If you think about it, it is the same principle of gluten-free foods. This is why we are so vigilant when reading labels so we can weigh the ingredients with the carbs, calories, and ...

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soups

How to make an easy beef pho soup at home.

March 28, 2019 Leave a Comment
ad #arkansassoybeans easy beef pho soup recipe - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. This easy beef pho soup recipe was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans You know those times when you are craving beef pho soup from your favorite restaurant and you just don’t feel like getting dressed, jumping in your car, and heading into town to pick it up? Of course you do! Well, I have good news – it is INCREDIBLY simple to make an easy beef pho soup at home.  All it takes is a little know-how. First things first, ...

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kitchen basics

Pantry inspiration: Beth Stephen’s minimal pantry.

March 13, 2019 4 Comments
pantry inspiration - Beth Stephens - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

There are reasons why there are an overwhelming amount of decorating magazines, home remodeling shows and zillions of photographs pinned on Pinterest boards marked pantry inspiration or simply as “inspiration.” Let’s face it; we live in a world bursting with creative geniuses at our fingertips. We watch from afar and dream. Dream about marbled kitchen countertops with the perfect hint of pink quartz peaking through, that walk-in closet with clothes organized so cleverly, and that garden that ...

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breakfast

How to make your own pastrami bacon.

March 7, 2019 Leave a Comment
pastrami bacon - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

It seems like bacon comes in all forms these days from meatless bacon, beef bacon, uncured beef bacon, turkey bacon, uncured turkey bacon and bacon bacon.  Well, add one more to the plate, my friends. Pastrami bacon is a game-changer and you can make it yourself! There is one small caveat. I have not found much success from buying pre-packaged pastrami from the refrigerated section at the grocery store. From what I can tell, there must be an ingredient that keeps it from crisping ...

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kitchen basics

A simple way to use up fresh veggies before they go bad.

February 20, 2019 Leave a Comment
Don't throw away those fresh veggies - veggie drawer (c)thejoyofeatingwell

One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is up your vegetable intake! Let’s face it… those cold and flu germs are everywhere right now and before you know it – BAM! – you’re under the weather, your energy is low, you’re dragging, heads in a fog and the last thing you want to do is get out from under those covers and exercise. Amiright? Our mom was right. It IS good for us to eat our vegetables! So each week we drive to the grocery store or farmers market and dutifully stock up on ...

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salads

How to easily make your own salad dressing.

February 18, 2019 Leave a Comment
#ad Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board make your own salad dressing - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Ad. This salad dressing recipe was created for #ARSoySupper #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Even if you haven’t run out of salad dressing, there absolutely is no reason why you can’t make your own salad dressing. All it takes is a few key ingredients to keep on hand. And (pretend that I’m whispering to you right now)… you probably already have these ingredients stored in your pantry! February is American Heart Month, a subject that is near and dear to me after losing my father-in-law to ...

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live happily

Let’s follow each other on Instagram!

February 7, 2019 2 Comments
Instagram snapshot of thejoyofeatingwell profile

Twitter was the first social platform that I whole-heartedly embraced. I loved that you could instantly find people based on location, interests and key words. It opened up a world of opportunity. I still remember the day when I was tweeting, asking for recommendations about places to eat in NYC for an upcoming trip. Suggestions came pouring in from strangers all over the internet. One lady, in particular, was extremely helpful and we talked back and forth quite a bit. I realized exactly who she ...

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My name is Lyndi Fultz, and I live in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, which span Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.

I like to share small ideas for living simply and eating happily.

You will find that I talk a lot about food because we all need to eat. Why not add little bits of food joy where possible?

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simplejoyfulfood

In pursuit of small joys that add simplicity to life. + @nwafoodie

There are signs of spring everywhere, and I am rea There are signs of spring everywhere, and I am ready for it! Yet..... that doesn't mean that I'm still hopeful for some cool mornings where we can light a fire!
So, you're at a restaurant, and this is your place So, you're at a restaurant, and this is your place setting. In what order do YOU proceed?

My answer in the comments - share yours!
There is something quite glorious about simplicity There is something quite glorious about simplicity. I'm really feeling it as Dennis and I sit here in our living room, next to the crackling fire. Full disclosure, this picture isn't me BUT I do have the exact same coffee cup. Anyoo, I'm reminded how wonderful it is to be still. Not that I ever forget that reminder, it's just easier to revel in it, next to a fire. With snow softing falling outside. You know what I mean?
My coffee routine is alllll over the place! Firs My coffee routine is alllll over the place! 

First, it was a percolator.
Then came the Breville coffee maker.
Next, along came a bodum pour over.
Quickly replaced by a French Press.
Then came an Aeropress.
Followed by a rediscovery of a favorite instant brand we enjoyed in Isreal.
Now, Aeropress is making a comeback. 
And our beloved LaVazza espresso.
Which tastes like vacation at the Sonnelap in Vail.

Am I the only one who does coffee in phases?

What's next?

Probably need an espresso maker!
Isn't it interesting how two things with the same Isn't it interesting how two things with the same word can convey entirely different moods?

Microwave turntable = quick, fast, speed

Record player turntable = slow, easy, chill

Both have their places. But man, oh man, I am finding myself craving more of the latter: slow, easy, chill. 

Now, to get a record player...
Arkansas Black Apples are in season, and the persi Arkansas Black Apples are in season, and the persimmon trees are loaded down hard. Even though many markets are closed for the season, there is still a bounty if we look around!

What seasonal goodies have you discovered lately?
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inspiration

“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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