helping you cook better, smarter, faster
Is your kitchen countertop littered with gadgets and gizmos? If you’re registering for your wedding, are you tempted by all the items made specifically for one purpose? Everyone’s needs are different, but with years of experience in my own home, I’d like to share what I consider the essential small appliances for the kitchen.
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Several years back, we hosted a Tastefully Simple tasting party. We loved trying all the dips, beer bread, and so on. When all was said and done, we agreed on our favorite: Garlic Garlic made into dip! So bold and tasty, and really great with just about anything…crackers of all sorts, pretzels, cut veggies. Recently I wondered if I could make a copycat recipe for it…I think I came pretty close on Garlic Garlic Dip…even if you want it Whole30 compliant!
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Ever wonder how much actual meat is left once you brown ground beef? Yeah, I lay awake at night thinking about things like these…I’m a cost-efficiency nerd. I figured out how to compare the cost of meat off and on the bone for chicken (check that out here), so it’s only natural next I would turn to ground beef. I was born a Texan so beef for chili is a big deal for me. Ground beef is also one of the best meats for one-pot meals! So, here are some nerdy tips for saving on ground beef.
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Growing up, we have our favorite restaurants and dishes…things we can ONLY get at those particular restaurants. And then as adults we often end up living somewhere else, and a trip home means a chance to revisit our favorites. But you can’t always travel right when you want (COVID, thank you very much), but what if you came up with your own copycat recipe?
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We all love a treat now and then…a little something tasty after a hard workout or at the end of a hard work week. Something that gets those taste buds tingling and happy. Something you can feel good about feeding the kids. Now you can reward yourself with healthy, frozen fruit treats!
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Bananas are one of nature’s best fruits! They come in their own packaging, they’re packed with nutrition, they’re easy to eat (even if you have teeth problems), and they can be used in treats. In fact, no other fruit is quite as versatile as a banana.
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Mangos are everywhere now, but back in the 70’s, my only exposure was via a mango-scented fancy soap…and it did NOT smell good to me. Thankfully, when the fruit itself started being readily available in the US, I took the chance and tried it. SOOOO glad I did! I love both colors and use them abundantly, but they’re a little harder to deal with than other fruits with a core or pit. Here’s some thoughts on mastering the mango.
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Lately we’ve been reminded how fragile life is (courtesy of COVID 19) and how much we can take our health for granted. It made me think (I know, dangerous!). But seriously, how does a family get by on a day-to-day basis when mom or dad is sick or injured? What happens when the cook can’t cook?
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While chips are often a dangerously addictive snack, there are times when I just really need a good crisp crunch. No, carrots don’t cut it…though English cucumbers come close. I don’t care for water chestnuts (pretty much no taste) or jicama raw (a strange, sweet flavor that’s not my thing). Imagine my excitement when my daughter shared an Instagram video from @blogilates on how to make the ultimate “chips” yourself!
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I’m sure you’ve seen these gorgeous “buffet on a board” creations in magazines and on social media. Meat and cheese (and more) artistically arranged to be appealing to the eye as well as the tastebuds. Perhaps cooking isn’t an area you feel is creative. What’s creative about following someone else’s recipe? Well then here’s your answer…anyone can get creative with a charcuterie board!
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