Month: March 2024

How to make Spring Break Fun at Home

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 28, 2024
No Comments on How to make Spring Break Fun at Home

So all of your friends are going away for Spring Break, and you are staying home. Don’t despair, you can have just as much fun in your home town. Here are some great ideas for how to make spring break fun at home.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

In order to make Spring Break at home feel more like a vacation, you first have to think about things you would do on vacation and do them at home. Make your break like a staycation.

Try a new restaurant

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash

When I go on vacation, part of the fun is trying new foods. There are many restaurants in my hometown that I have never tried. Some even have unique foods or interesting themes. Look around, maybe you have a restaurant in or near your hometown that you have not tried.

Try a new recipe for dinner

Probably not something I would normally do on vacation, but staycation is different. Challenge yourself. Get out of you culinary comfort zone. Try a new recipe. Here are a couple of suggestions that are a little more challenging, but worth the effort:

How to make Authentic Polish Pierogi

Caribbean Rice with Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Make a fun Spring dessert

Flower pot cupcakes. Just put a chocolate cupcake covered with chocolate frosting and Oreo crumbs in a 2.5 inch terracotta pot. Top with berries, Oreo filling and mint leaves.

Rice Krispie Bird nests. Just make rice Krispie treats according to package directions (add one extra tablespoon of butter -total of 4 tablespoons). Instead of pressing the hot mixture in a pan, shape it into birds nests. Coat your hands with canola oil, shape into 2 inch balls then pinch into nests, just like making a pinch pot. (be carful the mix is hot!) Top with M&M eggs or robin eggs.

Bunny Pretzels are really easy to make. Start with pretzel snaps, top with a Hershey kiss, bake at 200 degrees for 5 min. Top with one flat and 2 sideways M&M candies.

Do a puzzle

Find this Michigan puzzle here. Or find another state here.

If you are tired of your current puzzle selection, you could exchange it at a local puzzle exchange. Or get a new puzzle. Try this cute mini figure puzzle.

Play a new family game

Spring break means it’s finally warm enough to play outdoor games. Try Throw Throw Burrito Extreme! Find it here.

For more great family games ranged by age from preschool to adult, check out this post:

Fun Games to Play

Plant something

What says Spring more than growing something? You can grow some lavender with this kit.

Plant your own herb garden. You can find a kit, or make your own. I used a cutlery caddy with 6 slots to make my own herb garden.

Just pick up some potting soil, herb seeds and some clothes pins. All set! This will also make a great gift for mother’s day!

You can also start your herb seeds in a seed starter tray with a heat mat and a grow light. It’s best to use seed starter soil. I use popsicle sticks to identify my plants.

Once your herbs have sprouted you can transplant them into pots with other vegetables.

Go to a Museum

Photo by Mihai Surdu on Unsplash

This is a popular vacation activity. Have you been to every museum within 50 miles (~1 hour) of your home? Even if you have, museums are constantly adding new exhibits. Give it a try!

Family pizza night

This is great fun! Make or buy some pizza dough. Provide a selection of toppings and give each person a piece of parchment paper to assemble their own pizza.

Cut the parchment paper around each pizza and use a pizza peel to transfer it to a hot pizza stone on a grill or in the oven.

Go to a local candy store

Photo by Iwona Castiello d’Antonio on Unsplash

Enjoy your staycation like a kid in a candy store, literally! Have you ever noticed that touristy locations and hotel lobbies often have candy stores? Just like a vacation a candy store is a treat. Why not treat you kids to a visit to a local candy store?

Go to a Zoo or Aquarium

Are you tired of your local zoo? Could you make a day trip to another zoo? Try a new zoo or aquarium. You could even try a local petting zoo.

Go out for ice cream

What says vacation more than going out for ice cream. Better yet, try making your own ice cream. The Ninja Creami makes the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

Try a new activity

My home town and surrounding areas have plenty of interesting activities. Maybe your hometown does too. Try something new:

An escape room
A trampoline park
Amusement park
Water park
Arcade
Bowling
Curling
Ropes Course
Zip line
Rock climbing
Skating
indoor skydiving

Watch a Movie

Whether you choose to go to the theatre or watch a movie at home, this can be a fun activity. If you choose to stay home make it fun with a new popcorn maker or movie theater candy!

Visit your local Library

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

Pick up a new book at your local library to read over your break. If you don’t like to ready, maybe you can find another fun activity or event at the library.

Build a huge LEGO set

Your saving a lot of money by not going on trip, so maybe you could use some of your savings on a huge LEGO family project. It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal, but that set was really fun.

Try a New Park

Have you been to every park within 50 miles of your home? Maybe there is a park you have been wanting to try. If not, maybe you should. Sometimes these gems are found by accident, but you can also ask some friends for a suggestion. Maybe you will find a new favorite!

Have you driven by that new pickle ball court at your local park, thinking that looks fun? Pick up a couple paddles and some balls and find out!

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Have a Big Breakfast

Weather you choose to go out for breakfast or make a big breakfast at home, it will feel more like a vacation. There is little time during a busy week to really enjoy breakfast. Why not use your break to make a fun breakfast. Here are some great breakfast ideas:

Easy Breakfast Casserole – Smoked or Baked

Easy Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Nutrient Packed Smoothie vs. Smoothie Bowls

Do a craft

Crafts can be so much fun! Have you ever tried diamond painting? Find a kit here.

Diamond painting is really fun, but sticky mosaics would be a better craft for younger kids.

Try making your own soap. We made all of these cute soaps with a klutz kit.

Sleep in a different room

Photo by Kate Darmody on Unsplash

Part of being on vacation is sleeping in a new place. You can do this at home too. Let your kids sleepover in each others rooms for a night. You can even set up a tent in the living room and have a “campout” at home.

Make dinner over a fire

If your hometown allows bonfires, you can make dinner or at least some s’mores over the fire. If you cant have a regular firepit, try a patio firepit.

Have a Spa day or get a pedicure

Photo by Konstantin Shmatov on Unsplash

Go get your hair done or enjoy a pedicure. There are also may spa at home kits you can purchase.

Take a class or get a lesson

Sewing
Pottery
Golf
Archery
Dancing

Try a new trail

Hiking or biking are typical vacation activities. Why not try a new trail near your home?

Fly a kite

If all else fails, go fly a kite!

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

More Family Fun Ideas

Frugal Family Fun Ideas at Home

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Appetizers Recipes

Easy Deviled Egg Recipes for all Occasions

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 21, 2024
2 Comments on Easy Deviled Egg Recipes for all Occasions

Deviled eggs are an easy and inexpensive appetizer. They are a great addition to parties and potlucks any time of year. They can be decorated for all occasions. Try mixing up the filling and garnishes to keep all of your guests happy. Here are some suggestions:

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

What tools do you need to make deviled eggs?

Classic Deviled Egg Recipe:

Ingredients:

6 large eggs
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
salt and pepper to taste
paprika for garnish

Directions:

Hard boil the eggs, I recommend using this easy peel technique. Cool and peel the eggs. Slice the eggs in half with the non-serrated knife. It helps if you wipe the blade clean in between each egg. Remove the yolks and place the yolks in the mini food processor along with the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend well. Remove the mixture from the food processor and place it into the piping bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and squeeze the mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika.

Dilly Bird Deviled Eggs Recipe

Dilly Bird Deviled eggs are a cute appetizer that adds fun to many occasions. Perfect for backyard BBQs, Potlucks, Baby Showers, classroom parties, and more.

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled egg recipe without paprika garnish
Fresh Dill
Orange pepper triangles
black or kalamata olive slices

Directions:

Prepare classic Deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Garnish instead with Fresh Dill “feather”, Olive “eyes”, and an orange pepper “beak”.

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs Recipe

These smoked salmon deviled eggs are a nice delicacy for many occasions. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, office parties, Fridays during Lent, and more.

Ingredients:

6 hard Boiled eggs – using this easy peel technique
3 Tablespoons Mayonnase
1 teaspoon capers
1 teaspoon fresh dill
Smoked salmon for garnish
more capers for garnish
more fresh dill for garnish

Directions:

Cool and peel the eggs. Slice the eggs in half with the non-serrated knife. It helps if you wipe the blade clean in between each egg. Remove the yolks and place the yolks in the mini food processor along with the mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon capers and 1 teaspoon of fresh dill. Blend until smooth. Remove the mixture from the food processor and place it into the piping bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and squeeze the mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with capers, smoked salmon and fresh dill.

Parisian Deviled Eggs Recipe

Parisian deviled eggs are like mini charcuterie boards. They are a great addition to any event you would bring a charcuterie board to.

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled Egg Recipe minus the paprika
Cornichon pickles
ham for garnish
salami for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled eggs with the addition of 1 cornichon pickle in the yolk mixture. Blend until smooth. Omit the paprika garnish. Garnish instead with a slice of cornichon pickle, ham and salami.

Polish Deviled Egg Recipe

These Polish deviled eggs are an excellent addition to sporting events, office parties, and backyard BBQs.

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled eggs recipe
1 Tablespoon of fresh grated horseradish
Smoked polish Kielbasa

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled eggs recipe with the addition of 1 tablespoon of fresh grated horseradish in the yolk mixture. Alternatively you can use 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish instead of one of the tablespoons of mayonnaise. Garnish with paprika and a slice of smoked kielbasa.

Buffalo Deviled Egg Recipe

Buffalo deviled eggs are perfect for a Super Bowl party, potluck or backyard BBQ.

Ingredients:

6 hard Boiled eggs – using this easy peel technique
1.5 Tablespoons cream cheese – softened
1.5 tablespoons blue cheese dressing
1 teaspoon hot sauce
celery for garnish
green onions for garnish

Directions:

Cool and peel the eggs. Slice the eggs in half with the non-serrated knife. It helps if you wipe the blade clean in between each egg. Remove the yolks and place the yolks in the mini food processor along with the cream cheese, blue cheese dressing, and hot sauce. Blend well. Remove the mixture from the food processor and place it into the piping bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and squeeze the mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with celery and green onion.

Bunny Deviled Eggs Recipe

These adorable bunny hard boiled eggs are perfect for an Easter celebration.

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled egg recipe minus the paprika
Carrots cut into little triangles
red pepper cut into little squares
peppercorns
green onion ends or chives

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Instead garnish with carrot “ears”, peppercorn “eyes”, red pepper “nose”, and green onion or chive “whiskers”.

Yoda Deviled Eggs Recipe

Yoda deviled eggs are great for any Star Wars themed party.

Ingredients:

6 hard Boiled eggs – using this easy peel technique
1/2 Avocado, peeled and pitted
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 garlic clove
salt to taste
peppercorns
celery, cut into triangles

Directions:

Cool and peel the eggs. Slice the eggs in half with the non-serrated knife. It helps if you wipe the blade clean in between each egg. Remove the yolks and place 3 of the 6 yolks in the mini food processor along with the avocado half, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend well. Remove the mixture from the food processor and place it into the piping bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and squeeze the mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with peppercorn “eyes” and celery “ears”.

Halloween Deviled Eggs

Mummy Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe minus the paprika
Pepper corns
Munster or another white cheese sliced into strips

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe, omit the paprika garnish. Instead garnish with 2 peppercorn eyes and strips of Munster cheese slices. Any white cheese variety will work. You could use white cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or even string cheese.

Devil Deviled eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
1 teaspoon paprika
Red peppers sliced into horns

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika to the filling, start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more until your filling is orange. Garnish with paprika and red pepper horns.

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic devilled egg recipe
1 teaspoon of paprika
Green onion

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika to the filling, start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more until your filling is orange. Omit the paprika garnish, instead add a green onion stem.

Spider Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe, minus the paprika
Black olives

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Instead garnish with black olives. Use a half an olive for the body, and half circle slices for the legs.

Eyeball Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
Black olives
Sriracha Sauce

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Add an olive slice for the eye, then sprinkle some sriracha sauce for blood.

Christmas Deviled Eggs

Jalapeño Wreath Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
Jalapeño seeded and sliced into rings (remove seeds after slicing)
Red pepper diced or red peppercorns
Fresh dill

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe, omit the paprika garnish. Instead garnish with one jalapeño ring wreath, fresh dill and red pepper or red peppercorns.

Holly Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley
Pomegranate seeds

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe, omit the paprika garnish. Garnish with a cilantro or parsley leaf and 3 pomegranate seeds.

Christmas Holly Deviled Eggs with Green Filling

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled egg recipe
Green food coloring
Diced Red Pepper

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the filling. Garnish the egg with paprika before piping the filling into the egg with a #32 tip. Add 3 diced red peppers for holly berries.

Tall Christmas Tree with Star Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled Egg recipe
Green food coloring
Monterey Jack Cheese, cut into stars with a micro cutter

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the filling and mix. Place the colored filling into a piping bag. Use a #32 tip to pipe the filling in a tree shape onto the egg. Top with a cheese star.

Cucumber Christmas Tree Deviled egg

Ingredients:

Classic Deviled Egg Recipe
Cucumber, sliced thin with a peeler or mandoline
Green onion slices (white part)
Pomegranate seeds
Toothpicks

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe, omit the paprika garnish. Fold the cucumber back and forth into a tree shape onto a toothpick, add a slice of green onion between the folds to hold them apart. Top with a pomegranate seed and stick the toothpick into the filled egg.

Radish Dill Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
Radish slices
Fresh dill

Instructions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe. Omit the paprika garnish. Pipe the filling into the eggs with a #32 tip. Garnish with 2 radish slice quarters and a sprig of fresh dill. These deviled eggs look great served in a ring to resemble a large wreath.

Flat Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

Classic deviled egg recipe
Green food coloring
Red peeper, diced
Fresh Dill
Monterey Jack Cheese, cut into stars with a micro cutter

Directions:

Prepare the classic deviled egg recipe, omit the paprika garnish. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the filling. Pipe the filling into the egg with a #32 tip, then make a Christmas tree shape with more filling on top of the egg. Top with fresh dill, red pepper and a cheese star.

How to make Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Check out this post for the secret to easy peel hard boiled eggs.

Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

More Great Appetizers

14 Awesome Appetizers for your Next Party at Home

Please tell us which recipe you would like to try!

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Breakfast recipes Recipes

Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 21, 2024
No Comments on Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Turns out that easy to peel hard boiled eggs are not boiled! Instead they are steamed. Who knew! All of those useless additives to the water, unusual cooking times, and silly contraptions are rubbish! All you need to do is steam the eggs instead! Here’s how:

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

What do you need to make eggs easy to peel?

12 eggs
A pot with a lid. The pot should be large enough to lay the eggs flat across the bottom. A 4.8 quart Dutch oven should be large enough for 12 eggs.
A steamer insert for your pot.
A large bowl
Water and Ice

How to make hard boiled eggs easy to peel

Add 1-1.5 inches of water to the bottom of your pot.

Add your steamer insert. Make sure the water level is below the insert.

Cover, and bring the water to a boil.

Add the eggs and steam for 14 minutes.

Remove the eggs and immediately place them in a bowl of water and ice for 15 minutes.

Now for the easy part! Remove the eggs from the ice water and peel.

What can you use easy peel hard boiled eggs for?

A quick and easy breakfast
Make deviled eggs
Add to a bento boxed lunch
Add to a salad

Easy Deviled Egg Recipes for all Occasions

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Healthy Recipes Recipes Soups

Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 10, 2024
No Comments on Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

This easy cream of broccoli soup recipe is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. It pairs well with a salad or sandwich for a quick and easy meal. This soup makes great leftovers for packed lunches.

This post may contain affiliate links. I ear commission of qualified purchase at no additional cost to you.

What special tools do you need to make this soup?

Cream of Broccoli Soup Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 Medium Onion, diced
1 Pound Broccoli
3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 15-ounce can of peas, drained
5 celery sticks, diced
1 quart vegetable broth
1 Tablespoon golden balsamic vinegar
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Broccoli Soup Directions:

Sauté the onions and celery in the olive oil until slightly softened. Then, add the garlic and continue to sauté for another minute. Toss in the broccoli and sauté a couple minutes until slightly softened. Finally, add the broth and canned peas. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Use an Immersion blender to cream the ingredients until smooth. Stir in the cream, vinegar and peeper.

If you need some extra cute in your life, this Nessie Ladle is a great addition to get kids more interested in eating this delicious and healthy soup. Our Nessie served up so much soup, we hardly had any leftover!

Cream-of-Broccoli-Soup Download

Recipe By Kristin

Course: Soup Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

6 minutes

Preparing Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

15 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 pound broccoli
3 cloves garlic
1 15-ounce can of peas, drained
5 celery stalks, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 quart vegetable broth
1 tablespoon golden balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

DIRECTION

Sauté the onions and celery in the olive oil until slightly softened.
Add the garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
Toss in the broccoli and sauté a couple minutes until slightly softened.
Finally, add the broth and canned peas. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes.<br>
Use an <a href="https://amzn.to/3wI765c">Immersion blender</a> to cream the ingredients until smooth. Stir in the cream, vinegar and peeper.

NOTES

You can peel and slice the broccoli stems and add those too.

More soup recipes:

Easy Pumpkin Apple Soup Recipe

Easy Leftover Turkey Enchilada Soup

Zuppa Toscana – Better than Olive Garden

Quick and Easy Chili

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Tags best broccoli crem soup, best cream of broccoli soup recipe, cream of broccoli, cream of broccoli soup, cream of broccoli soup recipe, easy broccoli soup, easy cream of broccoli soup, easy cream of broccoli soup recipe

Breakfast recipes Casseroles Recipes Traeger Recipes

Easy Breakfast Casserole – Smoked or Baked

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 9, 2024
No Comments on Easy Breakfast Casserole – Smoked or Baked

After I tried this breakfast casserole, I stopped looking for another egg bake recipe. It is so easy and so versatile. It can be assembled the night before for easy morning baking. This casserole can be baked it in an oven or smoked on a pellet grill. Use this casserole to feed a crowd, or use it for leftover breakfast for a few days.

Follow The Better Home Life:

This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

Breakfast Casserole Ingredients:

10 eggs
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups diced cooked or smoked ham
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup minced onion
1 dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

For best results used leftover smoked ham!

How to make easy breakfast casserole

Crack all of the eggs in a mixing bowl, whisk lightly. Add the milk, whisk again. Mix in remaining ingredients.

Pour into a greased 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.

Preheat oven or Traeger to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set.

Can you use Pyrex on a pellet grill?

Pyrex is rated to 425 degrees, but I never go higher than 400 degrees when I use a 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish on my Traeger Silverton 620 because the temperature does fluctuate + or – 10 degrees. It is also important to make sure you keep you grill clean to avoid flare ups from grease fires.

Can you prepare breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes, this recipe can be prepared the night before. Overnight directions: After you pour ingredients into the greased 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish, place the lid on the dish and store the prepared/unbaked casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Remove it from the refrigerator in the morning, remove the lid and bake or smoke it. Note this may increase the baking time slightly.

How do you reheat egg bake?

This casserole can make mornings easier because it makes great leftovers. Just cut a piece, put it on a microwave safe plate, cover, and microwave for 45 -60 seconds. Easy breakfast in 1 minute or less!

Optional Variations

Swap out the ham for 1 pound of browned bulk breakfast sausage or chorizo. Drain the sausage and allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the eggs.

Swap out the onions for peppers, spinach or mushrooms!

Swap out the cheddar cheese for any cheese you like! If you try goat cheese, I would recommend slicing it on top, rather than mixing it in.

Get creative!

Egg casserole with chorizo sausage and goat cheese

Breakfast-Casserole Download

Recipe By Kristin

Course: Breakfast Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

15 minutes

Preparing Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

10 Eggs
2 cups cubed cooked or smoked ham
2 cups cooked rice
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup minced onion
1 dash Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

DIRECTION

Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and lightly whisk.
Add the milk and lightly whisk.
Mix in remaining ingredients.
Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch Pyrex baking dish.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes, or until eggs are set.

NOTES

More Recipes:

Peach Blueberry Pie on the Traeger

Prepare Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches

Easy Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Pharmacist Shares Immune Boosting Granola Recipe

Smoked Shepherd’s Pie on the Traeger Recipe

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Healthy Home

How to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Post author By Kristin
Post date March 6, 2024
No Comments on How to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Are you trying to eat more healthy food? Fruits and vegetables pretty much top the list for health benefits, when paired with other healthy food groups. There are many ways to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Here are some suggestions for how to eat more fruits and vegetables:

This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

Add more fruits and Vegetables to your favorite recipes

Problem: Your favorite recipes don’t have many fruits and vegetables.

Solution: Take your favorite recipe and add more vegetables or fruit. Start with a small amount, like 3 carrots instead of 2. I do this all the time. For example, try comparing my Italian Mac & cheese with Rachel Ray’s. Mine has more vegetables, and it is better! I dare you to add an extra half cup of shredded carrots to my morning glory muffins! You will get another muffin and they will have more vegetables! I know this because I have tried it. Try adding a 1/2 cup of blueberries to your favorite banana bread or lemon bread. Be brave! It’s fun!

Make fruits and vegetables more convenient

Problem: If you need a quick snack, it’s much easier to grab a cheese stick or a handful of pretzels than to chop up some vegetables or peel an orange.

Solution: Prepare a container of sliced vegetables. Keep it in the refrigerator, along with your favorite dip or hummus. This way you can easily pull out the tray to have a quick and easy snack. Slice up the vegetables on the weekend, when you have more time. Many vegetables will last a whole week this way, if stored in the right container. The same strategy works well for fruit. Simply having the fruit peeled, sliced, and ready to eat will make it easier to consume when you are in a hurry.

Note: I recommend storing cucumber slices separate from other vegetables, since they will not last as long. Slice fresh cucumber slices every 2-3 days.

Keep fruits and vegetables where you can see them

Problem: If you keep all of your fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator, they can get lost and forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind.

Solution: Many fruits and vegetables can be stored on the counter for a few days. It’s best to store fruits and vegetables in a wide, flat fruit bowl with holes for better air circulation. This type of design will help your fruit last longer. Although, the goal would be to eat it quickly so you don’t have to worry about self life. If you buy a bag of oranges or apples, put 2 in the fruit bowl and store the rest in the refrigerator. Keep refilling the fruit bowl throughout the week. Some fruits and vegetables should be stored outside of the refrigerator. Bananas and tomatoes prefer the counter. Keep them where you can see them. Also, be sure to haul out that fruit or vegetable tray during premium after school or after work snack time!

Make salad prep easier

Problem: Salads are delicious, but they are time consuming to make. It’s easier to buy lunch than pack lunch.

Solution: Lettuce is the most difficult part of the salad. Some types of lettuce do not last as long as other varieties. Iceberg lettuce will not last long once washed. Meanwhile, washed romaine can last a week if washed, patted dry and placed in a gallon Ziplock bag with a paper towel. If you prefer Iceberg lettuce because of the crunch, add some chopped cabbage to your romaine.

Alternatively, you can purchase baby spinach, mixed greens, or other lettuce that is ready to eat.

Use the washed lettuce and the already sliced vegetables from your tray to make a quick and easy salad anytime.

Try to eat a new fruit or vegetable

Problem: You need to eat more fruits and vegetables, but you really don’t like very many.

Solution: Try a new fruit or vegetable, maybe you will like it.

Try it, you’ll like it was a silly song on Yo, Gabba, Gabba. My kids used to watch it when they were younger. I would sing it when I wanted them to try a new food. As a parent you may feel like this strategy does not work. Don’t give up! It will work eventually! It took about 17 years for my son to eat asparagus. We always encouraged it, but never forced it. One day he ordered it at a restaurant. I was thrilled!

This method works for adults too. I used to dislike mushrooms and olives, but i kept trying them, now I like them. Try it, You’ll like it!

Try different cooking methods

For example, if you don’t like boiled or steamed brussels sprouts, you might like them roasted. They taste totally different.

Some cooking methods can increase the nutritional value of certain vegetables, others can decrease the nutritional value. When you are mainly concerned with increasing your overall consumption, it’s best to focus more on which method will encourage you to eat more, rather than concerning yourself with which way is best. Any way you choose to eat more vegetables is healthier than not eating them. Bottom line, feel free to experiment with many cooking methods with many vegetables. Find what you like!

Boiled Vegetables

This is the most common, yet least desirable way to cook vegetables. They end up soggy and not very appetizing. If this is the only method you use, try one of the other suggestions. If it’s your preferred method, use it!

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming vegetables gives a little better flavor, texture and color than boiling. All you need is a steamer insert and a pot with a lid. Just add some water to the bottom of the pot, place the insert inside and put you vegetable of choice on top, cover and steam the vegetables to desired firmness.

Roasted Vegetables

Many vegetables are very tasty roasted. Brussels Sprouts are my favorite! Sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are awesome roasted! Just place them on a sheet pan, coat with olive oil, season as desired and roast in the oven at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Grilled Vegetables

Choose a tasty marinade, then place your vegetable of choice on kabobs, in a grilling basket, or wrap in aluminum foil and grill to desired firmness.

Smoked Vegetables

Vegetables can be smoked! Smoke low and slow to maintain some crispness with a nice smoky favor.

Vegetable Stir Fry

This is a great way to cook vegetables. Traditionally stir fry is done on a large grill or in a wok. Start with some stir fry oil , add the carrots and cauliflower first, fry for a couple minutes. Then add broccoli and snow peas, add more oil and some soy sauce to coat. Fry for a couple more minutes. Add bell peppers, onions and a few drops of sesame oil. Continue to fry for a couple more minutes. Add minced garlic, canned bamboo shoots, canned water chestnuts, and sesame seeds. Continue to fry until all vegetables are warm and slightly softened.

Pressure cooked vegetables

Many vegetables can be pressure cooked faster than roasted. One of my favorites is pressure cooked beets. I use a Ninja Foodi. Just place the washed beets in the Ninja Foodi, add 1 cup of water. Close and pressure cook on high for 15-20 minutes with quick release. Peel and slice the beets!

Pressure cooked Chioggia beets

Go meatless one day per week to eat more vegetables

Meatless Monday is gaining popularity. Some Catholics go meatless on Fridays. Whatever your reason, if it helps increase your consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables it’s worth a try. Here are a couple of great meatless recipes:

Puree your fruits and vegetables

Problem: You don’t like the texture of fruits or vegetables.

Solution: Puree them! Make a smoothie or a pureed soup! Soups and smoothies are a great way to eat more fruits and vegetables. Check out this post for more great smoothie ideas:

Try a cream soup:

Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

Try a New way of preserving your fruits and vegetables

There are many different ways to preserve fruits and vegetables. Each will give your produce a new flavor and texture. These methods are worth a try to give you some more variety.

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canning is quite a project, but it is worth a try. If you are interested in canning, I recommend the this book. Canned fruits and vegetables have a different flavor and texture than fresh or frozen. Some people prefer it, if you like canned fruits and vegetables better, then canning it is a good way to eat more of them.

Fermented vegetables

Try it, You’ll like it! Fermented cabbage is sauerkraut. It is a very healthy way to enjoy cabbage. Here is a recipe for homemade Sauerkraut.

Pickle your vegetables

Pickling isn’t just for cucumbers, aka pickles. You can pickle many vegetables: beets, peas, beans, asparagus, and more. Give it a try.

Fill half your plate with vegetables

Problem: You need to eat more vegetables.

Solution: Put more on your plate! It really is that simple.

Pork Schnitzel served with roasted vegetables

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