Everybody has little tricks they do to make their meal preparation a little easier. These are some of mine: See that pot of boiling pasta? It can boil at high temperatures and not boil over because I kept a metal spoon in it. The spoon does get hot, so don't grab it with your hands! If you oversalt some soup, throw a peeled potato in to absorb the excess! To … [Read more...]
5 Tips for How to Make Homemade Bread
Learn 5 Important Tips and Strategies for How to Make Homemade Bread The smell of fresh bread baking in your own oven. The thought of adding a dollop of butter to it, watching it melt and soak into the warm bread. Then biting into it and letting the warm, fresh bread melt in your mouth and fill your heart and tummy with that cozy comfort that only … [Read more...]
How to Cook Asparagus
Seeing amazing prices on asparagus at the grocery store these days? We are right in the middle of asparagus season right now...and we're gonna be seeing prices of $.99/lb - $1.4/lb, maybe less! I'm all about eating seasonally and taking advantage of these great prices. No sense paying full price for other green veggies like broccoli or green beans, when you can get a bunch of … [Read more...]
Setting the Table – My New Strategy…
Having my kids in the kitchen during "those final moments before dinner is on the table" is not ideal (for me anyways)...they trapse through the kitchen, leaving a trail of toys behind, causing me to almost trip. They dilly-dolly when it comes to getting spoons, cups, forks to the table. I want the boys to be responsible and helpful members of our family...so they set the … [Read more...]
Hidden Cork Boards in Your Kitchen
Photo Credit Loving this concept from Young House Love...I love it because I don't have a whole lot of counter space in my kitchen. This would be a great way for me (and you) to keep that small stack of recipes, meal ideas, shopping list and coupons off of your counters and out of the way. This would work in just about anyone's kitchen and would only cost a few dollars to … [Read more...]
Homemade Pumpkin in the Slow Cooker
Alright...for those of you were wondering about cooking your own pumpkins...here you go. Couple things you should know before you embark into the land of homemade pumpkin puree: You have to use a certain kind of pumpkin. The kind that you get for carving...yeah, those won't work. *bitter Look in your store for the "pie pumpkins"...they will be on sale and super cheap … [Read more...]
What to Do with Half Full Boxes of Pasta?!
I always end up with just a little bit of pasta left in each box. We usually need about 12 oz. of pasta to feed our family dinner...leaving 3-4 oz. in the box. So the other night I decided just to combine a few of the different varieties...and boy did the little people get a kick out of it! (Note: I did combine varieties with the same cooking times.) What do you do with … [Read more...]
Make Ahead Freezer Smoothies
Here's one for all you Type-As, Type-A-wannabes, or Type-Bs who love smoothies! Perfect way to streamline the smoothie making process. Since we don't use yogurt in our smoothies, I think I'll just create bags with a variety of fruits. Get the make ahead freezer smoothie lowdown here. … [Read more...]
4 Things You Can Make With Pizza Dough
I always like to keep some pizza dough on hand in the freezer for those nights that we just need a quick meal, but there are lots of other things that you can do with the dough in addition to making pizza! These Garlic Knots are super quick and easy, and there are never any leftover when I make them! Divide the dough into eight pieces and roll them into ropes using your … [Read more...]
How to Store Cookie Cutters for Sandwiches
I know how I'll be using my empty paper towel holder from August 24th on... (It's empty because I don't use many paper towels.) Store all your cookie cutters on the paper towel rack, then set it out while you're making sandwiches and let your kids choose which shape they want for their lunch. Or do it in secret and surprise them! Fun! And smart! Photo Credit: Better … [Read more...]