Kitchen Basics
Easy One Avocado Guacamole
A dollop of guacamole adds a little something special to so many meals, and it’s a heart-healthy snack, too. But sometimes you don’t need a big batch, or perhaps you only have one avocado. This speedy recipe is for those times and more! Fun fact: avocados are also known as alligator pears, and less…
Doctored Up Spaghetti Sauce
Comfort food at its best, this meaty sauce starts with a jar of your favorite marinara and can be customized in a variety of ways. Easy to make a big batch and freezes well! First and foremost, how is everyone doing? If you’re feeling sad, scared or lonely and just want…
Creative Cooking & Practical Tips from the Pantry (and Freezer!)
How to stock the perfect pantry (and freezer) for your own tastes and needs－and then cooking creatively from it－is easy with the following tips and ideas. (Plus lots of relevant recipes!) To say we’ve entered uncharted territory in the last week or so is an understatement for sure. We were visiting family…
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup has become my go-to remedy for fighting colds and flu and is very easy to make. For best relief, take it at first sign of a virus. A spoonful a day also works well as a preventative measure. (As a bonus, this all-natural remedy tastes far better than conventional, store-bought syrups－and is less…
How to Roast the Perfect Turkey
When it comes to the perfect turkey, more work doesn’t mean a better bird. With the following step-by-step instructions, a perfectly seasoned turkey with crisp skin and white meat that’s just as juicy as the dark meat truly is possible. And it isn’t difficult. If you already have a tried-and-true recipe, you may simply like…
Healthier Spreadable Butter
Soft, spreadable butter is easy to make and contains a dose of heart healthy Omega-3s! Why pay a premium for soft, spreadable butter when you can make it healthier and tastier at home? Even if you think ahead and soften butter before using (or simply manage with firm butter－yes, there are bigger challenges in life!)…
Quick Classic Marinara Sauce
The long-simmered flavor reminiscent of your grandmother’s classic marinara sauce can be yours in short order thanks to a brief list of key ingredients and one easy method! A great tasting marinara sauce is often associated with a long simmer on the stovetop. Many sauce recipes also require a lengthy list of ingredients to…
Easy 2-Ingredient Fermented Sauerkraut
2-ingredient homemade sauerkraut is loaded with gut-healthy probiotics and incredibly easy to make thanks to these step-by-step instructions. If pork & sauerkraut is part of your New Year’s Day tradition, you’re in luck! I wear many hats in my role of food writer and recipe development. Writing, photography, editing, managing a website, the proverbial…
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Mix and match an extensive list of options to create a healthy, economical alternative to store-bought flavored instant oatmeal packets. Perfect for busy mornings, college dorm rooms, camping, traveling (all you need is hot water) and a fun project with kids! Apparently America’s relationship with boxed cereals is in a slump. Amidst a recent…
Homemade Sazón Seasoning
Homemade Sazón Seasoning is an easy-to-make alternative to the store-bought packets that eliminates MSG and lets you control the salt. Ideal for homemade chicken & rice, a variety of Latin dishes, and as a dry spice rub. Maria is a faithful and utterly delightful employee at my longtime gym, and over the years…
Miso Butter
When kitchen motivation is lacking, multi-purpose, 2-ingredient miso butter is the answer. This incredibly simple condiment has the power to transform basic meat, vegetables, and pasta into something special. And chances are that the more you use it, the more ways you will find to work it into your weekly repertoire. (If you’re new to…
Easy Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables
This quick and easy refrigerator method requires no canner or hot water bath and is a clever way to use any odds and ends in your produce drawer! Pickles are summertime favorites that, in our house, vanish almost as quickly as I can make them. There’s a flavor for every palate (dill, sweet, seven-day,…
