We eat tacos a lot in this family, but there are three ingredients I could really do without when it comes to commercial seasonings: sugar, MSG and caramel coloring. Many taco seasoning packs are also high in sodium. If your family would like to enjoy a Mexican-style meal without those additives, try this easy homemade taco seasoning mix. My recipe makes one small batch of the dry mix, and you can use it for several meals. You can double the recipe to make even more to keep on hand in an Continue Reading
Pereg’s Natural Gluten-Free Flours + a Giveaway
Is someone in your family eating eating gluten-free? Or have you been searching for more unique, nutrient-dense flours? If so, then I'm sure that having more variety would be most welcome. Pereg Natural Foods to the rescue! Pereg offers a wide variety of gluten-free flours, giving bakers better results and lots more options. All Pereg flours are certified gluten-free and non-GMO, all are 100% natural, non-dairy and certified kosher. And thanks to Pereg's generosity, you can Continue Reading
Steeped Single-Serve Coffee Review and Giveaway
If I didn't have nine children and a packed homeschooling schedule, I'd probably visit a coffee shop every day. There I would sit, for an hour or so, reading recipe books, Far Side cartoons, and H.G. Wells. The next best thing, I suppose, is to enjoy a cup of coffee while blogging at home. And it's really nice when you don't have to turn on a coffee maker or get out the French press. In the past, the single-serve answer was instant coffee granules, but I don't think much needs to be said here Continue Reading
Holiday Side Dish: Broccoli, Cranberry & Nut Salad
How about something a little bit different for a Christmas or New Year side dish? This pretty salad is easy to make, and easy to customize to your tastes and to the season. My friend brought this salad over when our newborn arrived, and it quickly became a favorite. It's easy to adapt with your preferred ingredients. Add more veggies, or substitute dried cherries for a little more sweetness. Use sunflower seeds instead of toasted walnuts for shorter prep time. First, cut up fresh broccoli. Continue Reading
How to Safely Cook Kidney Beans (They Can Be Toxic)
I don't use kidney beans that much in cooking. When making red beans and rice, one of our favorite Southern dishes, I always use red beans, not kidneys. The same goes for chili. We also like pintos, northern beans and black beans. But after visiting relatives in Louisiana, my mother-in-law brought back a little Southern treasure for me: a bag of dried Camellia kidney beans from New Orleans. The excellent flavor and creamy texture are such that many Southern families won't use anything but Continue Reading