Homemade vanilla extract is a perfect DIY holiday gift, and very easy to make. It's only two ingredients! Even if you don't need it for gifts, there are several good reasons for making your own vanilla extract: Homemade vanilla extract costs much less than most store-bought non-artificial varieties It has a long (virtually indefinite) shelf life It's simple to make There are no Continue Reading
RECIPE: Juicy, delicious stovetop grilled pork
Pork is a lean, healthy meat that is low in fat and high in protein. Here's a recipe for something I make regularly and we really enjoy. These delicious pork chops are grilled the easy way - on the stove. No need to fire up the grill! Marinating the pork chops ahead of time makes them especially tasty and tender, and the grilling technique really brings out the wonderful flavor. I like to Continue Reading
3 healthy, easy and delicious classic soup recipes
Soup is one of my favorite make-ahead meals. Here are some of the reasons why: A big pot of soup provides days of family meals at the ready. Soup works for either lunch or dinner. It's great on its own, or you can pair it with a salad or grilled sandwich. These soup recipes are super nutritious. Homemade soup is free of artificial ingredients, additives, and high sodium that are Continue Reading
RECIPES: Easy, delicious one-pot meals
Cooking at home is almost always a healthier option than eating out or grabbing fast food, because you have control over the ingredients. But let's face it, most of us are pretty busy with work, family or other obligations. Who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? With these easy recipes, you won't have to. Indulge your cravings for comfort food -- and have leftovers for healthy lunches or Continue Reading
RECIPE: High Protein Triple Berry Smoothie
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you're not the type to eat a lot of fruit by itself -- or even if you are -- a smoothie is a refreshing fruity treat that's surprisingly easy to make. My delicious Triple Berry Smoothie packs a lot of nutrition and extra vitamins and protein in as well, with the inclusion of a whey protein powder. The issue with many smoothies, especially the Continue Reading
RECIPE: Energizing No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bites
I absolutely love no-bake snacks, probably because I've always loved eating cookie dough and it's kind of like that. But these no-bake oatmeal balls are certainly a healthier choice than consuming raw cookie dough. My Energizing No-Bake Oatmeal Bites are free of processed sugar and wheat, and provide an easy grab-and-go snack. I like to have one or two at a time, instead of packaged granola Continue Reading