Author: Kristin

I am a part-time pediatric pharmacist, full time wife and mother of three teens. I’m also a home chef, gamer, and love to entertain in my home. I know how to relax and enjoy my home life and would love to share my ideas with you.

Categories
Healthy Recipes Recipes Salads

Best 4 Bean Salad Recipe, Simple and Delicious

Easy 4 bean salad

Beans are the most underutilized, economical superfood. This 4 bean salad recipe is not only simple and delicious, it is also low cost and very healthy. It is a perfect side for any meal, makes a tasty and healthy addition to packed lunches, and it is easy to take to a party.

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

Four Bean Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 – 14.5 ounce can cut green beans, drained
  • 1 -14.5 ounce can cut wax beans, drained
  • 1 – 15.5 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 – 15.5 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste

How to Make Four Bean Salad

Open the green bean and wax bean cans, drain and place in a salad bowl.

green beans and wax beans

Next, open the kidney bean and garbanzo bean cans, drain and rinse the beans. Add the kidney and garbanzo beans to the salad bowl.

kidney beans and garbanzo beans

Dice the yellow pepper and onions. Add to the salad bowl.

peppers and onions

Add the dressing (recipe below), mix and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Mix well immediately before serving.

4 bean salad

How to make 4 bean salad dressing:

Combine the seasoned rice wine vinegar with the olive oil. Add fresh ground pepper to taste. Mix and pour over the salad.

four bean salad

More Great Salad Recipes:

4 Bean Salad Printable Recipe

Four Bean Salad RecipeDownload

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Salads Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

minutes

Preparing Time

minutes

Cooking Time

minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 1 – 14.5 ounce can cut green beans, drained

  2. 1 -14.5 ounce can cut wax beans, drained

  3. 1 – 15.5 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  4. 1 – 15.5 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  5. 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

  6. 1 small onion, diced

  7. 1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar

  8. 1/4 cup olive oil

  9. Fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTION

  1. Open the green bean and wax bean cans, drain and place in a salad bowl. Next, open the kidney bean and garbanzo bean cans, drain and rinse the beans. Add the kidney and garbanzo beans to the salad bowl.<br>Dice the yellow pepper and onions. Add to the salad bowl.<br>Add the dressing (recipe below), mix and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Mix well immediately before serving.

    To make the dressing: Combine the seasoned rice wine vinegar with the olive oil. Add fresh ground pepper to taste. Mix and pour over the salad.

NOTES

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

Pear Cranberry Crisp Recipe – Easier than Pie

Cranberry Pear Crisp

This pear cranberry crisp recipe really is easier than pie. A crisp, also known as a crumble or cobbler, is basically a crustless pie. The combination of sweet pears along with the tart cranberries is just right! Serve it at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.

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

Tools you need to make Pear Cranberry Crisp:

Pear Cranberry Crisp Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 Bartlett Pears, peeled and sliced thin (1/4 inch slices)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted

How to Make Pear Cranberry Crisp

First preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the fresh and dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl with 1 cup of the sugar, 2 tablespoons of water and the vanilla. Use a potato mashed to lightly crush some of the cranberries.

Mashing Cranberries with a potato masher

Add the pears, cinnamon, nutmeg and 2 tablespoons of the flour and toss.

pear cranberry crisp mixture

Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.

pear cranberry crisp ready for topping

Next make the crumble topping. Mix the remaining 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of sugar with the pecans, oats and salt.

crisp topping ready for butter

Then pour the melted butter over the mixture and mix.

pear cranberry crisp topping

Use your fingers to pull small clumps of the topping placing them evenly on top of the fruit mixture.

pear apple crisp ready to bake

Bake until the fruit is warm and bubbly and the topping is golden brown, approximately 40 minutes.

baked pear apple crisp

Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a side of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream if desired.

Pear apple crisp

Printable Recipe

Pear Cranberry Crisp RecipeDownload
The Secret to Homemade Whipped Cream
Easy Apple Pie Recipe

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

Best Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms, otherwise known as Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect everyday cookie but can also be made festive for any holiday by adding colored sugar instead of plain sugar. That extra touch is what makes this the best Hershey kiss peanut butter cookie recipe.

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

What tools do you need to make Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies?

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Colored sugar
  • 36 Hershey kisses, unwrapped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment to mix the peanut butter, butter, sugars and salt, until well blended.

Mixing the first ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined. Sift the flour and baking soda into the bowl. Scrape down the sides as needed to incorporate all of the ingredients.

Mixing the cookie dough

Form the dough into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball into colored sugar. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a lined cookie sheet.

preparing the cookies for baking

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops look slightly cracked and the bottoms are lightly browned.

baked cookies

Immediately press a Hershey kiss in the center of each peanut butter blossom cookie.

Hershey kisses added to the cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before attempting to stack them. At room temperature this will take several hours.

More Great Cookies

Printable Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies (1)Download

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Dessert Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

36 minutes

Preparing Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

10 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  4. 1/2 cup light brown sugar

  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

  6. 1 egg

  7. 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

  8. 1.5 cups all-purpose flour

  9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  10. Colored sugar

  11. 36 Hershey kisses, unwrapped

DIRECTION

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br>Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment to mix the peanut butter, butter, sugars and salt, until well blended.<br>Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined. Sift the flour and baking soda into the bowl. Scrape down the sides as needed to incorporate all of the ingredients.<br>Form the dough into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball into colored sugar. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a lined cookie sheet.<br>Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops look slightly cracked and the bottoms are lightly browned.  <br>Immediately press a Hershey kiss in the center of each peanut butter blossom cookie.  <br>Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before attempting to stack them. At room temperature this will take several hours.

NOTES

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Easy Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Categories
Recipes Soups

How to Make Chicken or Turkey Stock

chicken or turkey stock

Make the most of your leftover chicken or turkey. Don’t just throw away that rotisserie chicken or Thanksgiving turkey! This homemade chicken stock recipe is easy to make. Here’s how to make chicken or turkey stock.

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

Homemade stock ingredients:

  • Chicken or Turkey carcass
  • 2-3 celery stalks with leaves
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1-2 carrots
  • 2-3 Quarts of water
  • 1.2 teaspoon peppercorns, optional
  • Herbs of your choice, optional (For example: bay leaf, rosemary, or cilantro stems)

How to make stock

Place your leftover chicken or turkey carcass into a large pot. Add the celery, onion, garlic, carrots and optional seasoning of your choice. Cover the carcass with water.

Turkey stock simmering

Bring the pot to a boil. Turn it down to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 4 hours, adding additional water as needed to keep the carcass covered.

Strain the stock to remove all solids. I use a large colander over a second large pot. Pour the warm stock through the colander and catch it into the second pot.

turkey strained
Turkey
Stock ready to cool
Stock

Allow the solids and liquid to cool separately. Once the stock is cool, all of the fat will be easy to scrape off the top if desired.

Cooled stock
Cooled stock
Scraping fat of the top
Scraping fat off the stock.

Strip the remaining meat off the bones once the chicken or turkey is cool enough to handle. You may be surprised how much meat will remain on the chicken or turkey you were ready to toss. Use this extra meat in soups or to make chicken salad.

Extra meat for soups or salads.
Extra meat for soups or salads.

How to use Homemade Stock

Homemade chicken or turkey stock can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken or turkey broth or stock. Chicken stock is found in many homemade soups, casseroles and pasta dishes. Try some of these great recipes:

How to store homemade stock

If you do not use the homemade stock immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or you can freeze it in soup containers.

Printable Stock Recipe

Homemade Chicken or Turkey Stock RecipeDownload

Categories
Entertaining at home

Best New Games of 2024

Best new games of 2024

This list of the best games of 2024 was compiled from a poll of board game enthusiasts. There are new cooperative, worker placement, adventure, strategy, luck, wargames and more. Themes include sci-fi, prehistoric, under water, LEGO, and Lord of the Rings to name a few.

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

First Quarter New Games of 2024 January-March

Wyrmspan – Wingspan fans interested in dragons will love this new take on the original game. This time in order to win you will need to excavate caves to house your dragons.

Pixies – A quick and easy card game for 2-5 players. Easy to learn, but it takes several round to master.

Second Quarter New Games of 2024 April-June

Harmonies – Settle as many animals as possible by creating a habitat for them in this fun and engaging game.

Lets go to Japan – Win by getting the most points at the end of your trip. An amazing Kickstarter game of 2024.

A Gest of Robin Hood – A new 2 player wargame with a family friendly theme.

Star Tycoon – Build your galactic corporation by buying and selling on the galactic exchange. Timing is everything.

Ezra & Nehemiah – An ancient Jerusalem strategy game. The goal is to gain the most victory pints by rebuilding the city, teaching the Torah, and building the Temple.

Third Quarter New Games of 2024 July-September

Slay the Spire – The goal of the cooperative deck building game is to slay the spire. Another Kickstarter game of 2024

Inventions: Evolution of Ideas – Cards in this game stimulate the creation of humanity’s most noteworthy inventions. Use strategy to gain the most points spreading inventions.

Flip 7 – An easy to learn new card game that involves both strategy and luck. Flip cards without flipping the same number twice.

River of Gold – A beautifully illustrated, easy to learn game with playtime of less than one hour. Build your trade empire in legendary Rokugan.

Doggerland – Help your prehistoric clan gain the most points in this exciting new game.

Castle Combo – Recruit the best characters to create the best tableau in the 2024 card game.

Rock Hard 1977 – A worker placement game of 2024 set in 1977. The goal is to become the most famous rock star!

River Valley Glassworks – Another Kickstarter game! Collect river glass to gain the most points on your board.

Bomb Busters – A new cooperative deduction game. Players must work together to diffuse a bomb.

Foundations of Metropolis – If you enjoyed Foundations of Rome, you will enjoy this new game with the same rules in a new theme. Build the best building in order to become the Grand Architect.

Undaunted 2200 – A new science fiction game in the Undaunted series.

Fourth Quarter New Games of 2024 October-December

The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth – There are three routes to victory for Lord of the Rings fans in this new game for 2024.

Men-Nefer – A new worker placement strategy game based in ancient Egypt.

Endeavor Deep Sea – Dive into this new deep sea exploration strategy game.

ARCS – A trick taking game featured on Kickstarter where players compete to gain galactic supremacy.

Andromeda’s Edge – A very in demand game of 2024. You might want to hold off for a lower price before you embark on this game of gathering resources to expanding your space station.

Fromage – A new Kickstarter worker placement game of 2024. The goal is to become the best cheese maker.

Civolution – A heavy game with long playtime of 2-3 hours. Develop your civilization using evolution.

Kelp – Another Kickstarter game for 2024. A 2 player game shark vs. octopus. A deck building and dice bag building game.

Monkey Palace – A new LEGO game. Gain banana points while rebuilding the monkey palace.

Rivages – A new adventure game where players explore islands to uncover relics. The player with the most parchments at the end of the game wins.

Fashion Police – Better dress for the correct occasion in this hilarious new party game. Play competitive or cooperative.

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Screen Time Alternatives: Gifts that Inspire Creativity and Connection
Fun Games to Play
Categories
Desserts Recipes

Easy Pumpkin Apple Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Apple Pie

Add a little apple to this seasonal favorite pie. This easy pumpkin apple pie recipe is sweet and delicious! Perfect paired with homemade whipped cream! This recipe makes two pies.

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

Pumpkin Apple Pie Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 Pie crusts – Try this easy pie crust recipe
  • 2.5 Cups Pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
  • 1 Cup Applesauce
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 -12 ounce cans evaporated milk
  • 1/4 Cup flour
  • 1.5 Cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2.5 teaspoons pumpkin spice

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Prepare 2 bottom pie crusts. This easy pie crust recipe makes 2 bottom crusts. Line 2 – 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dishes with the bottom crusts.

Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt and pumpkin spice in a large mixing bowl.

In a second mixing bowl: crack the eggs and beat slightly. Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, and evaporated milk. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

pumpkin apple pie batter in crust
pumpkin apple pie before baking

Pour the batter into the two pie crusts. Cover the crust with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven, but reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.

pies on cooling rack

Place the pies on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate the pies until ready to serve.

Slice and serve with whipped cream!

Pumpkin apple pie

Printable Recipe

Pumpkin Apple Pie RecipeDownload

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Dessert Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

16 minutes

Preparing Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

60 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 2 Pie crusts 

  2. 2.5 Cups Pumpkin puree, canned or homemade

  3. 1 Cup Applesauce

  4. 5 eggs

  5. 2 -12 ounce cans evaporated milk

  6. 1/4 Cup flour

  7. 1.5 Cups sugar

  8. 1 teaspoon salt

  9. 2.5 teaspoons pumpkin spice

DIRECTION

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.<br>Prepare 2 bottom pie crusts. This easy pie crust recipe makes 2 bottom crusts. Line 2 – 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dishes with the bottom crusts.<br>Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt and pumpkin spice in a large mixing bowl.<br>In a second mixing bowl: crack the eggs and beat slightly. Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, and evaporated milk. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.<br>Pour the batter into the two pie crusts. Cover the crust with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven, but reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.<br>Place the pies on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate the pies until ready to serve.<br>Slice and serve with whipped cream!

NOTES

As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualified purchases.

Best Pie Crust
How to make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice
Easy Pie Pumpkin or Jack-o’-Lantern Puree Recipe
Categories
Health Tips Healthy Home

How to Prepare your Medicine Cabinet for Winter

How to Prepare your medicine cabinet for winter

Winter months bring the cold and flu season. Spending more time indoors and with more people at multiple holiday gatherings increases the risk of illness. How should you prepare your medicine cabinet for the winter months? Here are some winter medicine cabinet essentials.

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

Start by disposing of expired medications

Go through your current stock of medications. Keep anything that is still in date, dispose of any expired medications responsibly.

Where should you dispose of expired medications?

Take your medications to a local take back program.

If a local take back program is not available then check to see if your medication is on the FDA flush list. Flush list items can be flushed down the toilet. If not, then follow the instructions on the FDA website for proper home disposal.

Winter Health Concerns:

Note: Not all of these concerns can be treated at home.

  • Viral illness is more common in winter months
  • Viral respiratory infections: Cold, Flu, RSV, COVID-19
  • Viral Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the “stomach flu”
  • Heartburn from over eating at Holiday parties
  • Chapped lips
  • Dry cracked skin
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Frostbite
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Over exertion from snow shoveling
  • Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight

Why should you stock your medicine cabinet for Winter?

The main focus of this post is to prepare your medicine cabinet with winter essentials you may need in the middle of the night, on a holiday or a holiday weekend. Think of it like an insurance policy for not having to run out to buy something you might need. It might expire before you need it, but if you need it, you will be very happy to have planned ahead. Be prepared!

Note: Always keep medications in the original container and always read and follow all of the packaging safety and dosing information before taking.

Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials:

Disclaimer: If you have any health conditions, are pregnant or breast feeding, have allergies or are taking any medications always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of the over-the-counter medications listed.

Pain and Fever

  • Pain reliever and fever reducer medication: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin). Always read the package directions and warnings.
  • Thermometer: Check out this link for selecting a home thermometer.
  • Batteries for your thermometer. Winter is a good time to check your batteries and obtain a spare if needed.
Which Thermometer is best for your home?

Nasal Congestion

  • Extra soft tissues
  • Oral nasal decongestant: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is the only effective oral nasal decongestant available. In most states, you must obtain it from a pharmacist, but no prescription is required. It is nice to have a small amount on hand just incase you need it, since it can’t be obtained everywhere and you never know when those symptoms will start. Always read the package directions and warnings.
  • Nasal decongestant: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) -Use is limited to three days. I always keep an Afrin nasal spray on hand for each family member over the age of six. It is hands down the best nasal decongestant! Always read the package directions and warnings.
  • Nasal Suction device for babies – A Nose Frida is an awesome device for suctioning nasal congestion from babies unable to blow their own nose.

Cough

Cough is not usually the first symptom of a viral infection. You could wait to purchase a cough medicine until you end up having a cold. Hydration is the best first line treatment for cough especially for kids. Check out this link for some hydration tips.

  • Cough Suppressant: Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an option for adults and teens. It is not recommended for kids. This medication cannot be purchased online and it is not universally available. Having a small stock on hand is not a bad idea, if you do not have any health conditions that prevent you from taking it. Always read the package directions and warnings.
  • Steamer: I prefer the warm mist humidifier for adults and teens because it is easier to keep clean. Kids can get burned by the warm mist so it is best to choose a cool mist humidifier for young children. A steamer is a great item to have on hand for the winter months.
  • Menthol Cough drops: A helpful and inexpensive item to keep on hand for help treating cough in adults and teens.

Sore Throat

Many people do not realize that mild sore throat pain can be treated with oral pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin. Other options for sore throat include lozenges, sprays or warm or cold beverages.

If your sore throat worsens or does not improve after a few days, you may need to see a doctor.

Nausea and Vomiting

The best treatment for nausea and vomiting is avoiding dehydration by staying as hydrated as possible. There are not many options for treating nausea and vomiting over the counter. There is a product called Emetrol, but it is basically just sugar water. I usually just use cola or ginger ale.

The best thing to keep in your medicine cabinet for occasional vomiting are Pedialyte packets or liquid IV. These will help you rehydrate.

Heartburn

Occasional heartburn can be treated quickly with Tums or Gaviscon. If heartburn persists, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

Diarrhea

The number one thing you will not want to have to leave the house for in the middle of the night is diarrhea relief! I always keep a small package of Imodium A-D in my medicine cabinet. It is usually good for a couple of years, if I don’t use it, I replace it. It’s a small price to pay to have the medication needed if anyone in my family ends up needing it. If you have diarrhea be sure to stay hydrated! Pedialyte packets or liquid IV will help you rehydrate. Always read the package directions and warnings.

Shopping List for Winter Medicine Cabinet

Note: Always keep medications in the original container and always read and follow all of the packaging safety and dosing information before taking. This list contains affiliate links.

Disclaimer: If you have any health conditions, are pregnant or breast feeding, have allergies or are taking any medications always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of the over-the-counter medications listed.

Five Sneaky Tricks to Increase Your Hydration

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Categories
Healthy Recipes Recipes Sides

Easy Savory Low Carb Sweet Potato Recipe

Savory sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. They are most commonly loaded with sugar and sweetness. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, there is no need to add more sugar aka carbs. Why not try this easy savory sweet potato recipe this Thanksgiving, or as a side for any everyday meal?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualified purchases.

What tools do you need?

Ingredients:

4-6 Red Garnet Sweet Potatoes (or any variety)

2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil

2-3 Tablespoons fresh thyme

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

How to make Savory Sweet potatoes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss the sweet potatoes with oil, Thyme, salt and pepper.

seasoned sweet potatoes

Spread the potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes, toss and flip the potatoes. Rotate the pan and continue to roast for another 10-12 minutes.

Roasted sweet potatoes

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

Sweet potatoes are a very healthy addition to your diet. They are a great source of vitamin A. They are also rich in fiber and vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

More Thanksgiving Sides:

Printable Savory Sweet Potato Recipe

Savory Sweet PotatoesDownload

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Side Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

8 minutes

Preparing Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 4-6 Red Garnet Sweet Potatoes (or any variety)

  2. 2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil

  3. 2-3 Tablespoons fresh thyme

  4. Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTION

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss the sweet potatoes with oil, Thyme, salt and pepper.

  2. Spread the potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes, toss and flip the potatoes. Rotate the pan and continue to roast for another 10-12 minutes.

NOTES

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Categories
Entertaining at home Healthy Home

Screen Time Alternatives: Gifts that Inspire Creativity and Connection

Screen time alternatives

There are plenty of health benefits to reducing screen time. Reducing screen time benefits both mental and physical health. Finding screen time alternatives for your family and friends shows that you really care about their health and wellbeing. Here are some ideas for screen free gifts that inspire creativity.

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

Gifts that Help Separate you from Screens

  • Alarm Clock – Many people keep their phone inside their room at night in order to use it as an alarm clock. If you have a separate alarm clock this will enable you to keep your phone away from your night stand. This helps reduce the urge to grab it first thing in the morning.
  • Hands free adapter – Of course newer cars have Bluetooth adapters for hands free calls. If you need a gift ides for someone driving an older car without a handsfree option a hands free Bluetooth adapter would be a great gift.
  • Wall Calendar – Stop your loved one from picking up their phone to check the date. Find a cute wall calendar for them to check instead.
  • Wall clock – A decorative wall clock can stop the urge to pick up a phone to check the time.
  • Activity books – Help your loved one find something else to reach for for entertainment.
  • Phone jail – A novelty gift for your phone addicted loved one.

Gifts that Encourage Reconnecting with Nature

Spending time outdoors is great for mental and physical health. Here are a few gifts that can encourage outdoor fun and can serve as great screentime alternatives.

Hiking or Camping Equipment

Even if you are not a camping enthusiast, some camping equipment can be used at home. A tent or hammock can be set up in your own backyard. For hours of fun!

Nature Viewing Gifts

Backyard Games

throw throw burrito extreme

Gifts that Encourage Family Time

Spending time together as a family is important for staying connected.

Family Games

Card games and board games encourage screen free family fun. Check out this link for a list of really fun board games listed by age of family members. If you need a small game that will fit in a stocking, Easter basket or care package, check out this list of small games.

Fun Games to Play

Family activities

  • Jigsaw Puzzles
  • LEGO sets – Try to find a large set that will take lots of time and cooperation to complete.
  • Family Outings – Try bowling, a museum visit, zoo or aquarium passes.
bowling

Gifts that Encourage Creativity

Crafts or books are a great creative escape.

diamond painting kit
Diamond painting

Gifts that Encourage Physical Activity

Encourage a sport your loved one enjoys already, or encourage them to try a new sport with lessons or equipment.

pickle ball
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Gifts that Encourage the Other 4 Senses

Screen time is most engaging for the sense of sight, why not attempt to engage the other four senses in order to distract your loved one from their screen.

Touch

Sound

Taste

Smell

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Best New Games of 2024
Categories
Recipes Sides

Spaghetti Squash, Nature’s Low Carb Pasta

Spaghetti squash pasta

Whether you are trying to cut carbs or you just want to sneak more vegetables into your diet, baked spaghetti squash may be just what you need in your life. Spaghetti squash is nature’s low carb pasta and it is also gluten free. Although it only comes in only one pasta shape: spaghetti, it is still quite versatile. In this recipe I make a classic spaghetti with red sauce, however, you can add any pasta sauce you wish.

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

What tools do you need to make baked spaghetti squash?

Ingredients:

  • 3 pound spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 jar pasta sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preparing the squash

Spaghetti Squash

First rinse the squash. Place it on a cutting board and use an 8 inch chef’s knife to slice it in half. If you find this difficult here are some tips:

  • First cut off the end with the stem, because this is the most difficult part to cut.
  • Make slits all around the middle with a paring knife then microwave the squash for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Spaghetti squash sliced in half

After your squash is sliced in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

Spaghetti squash seeds removed adding olive oil

Then use a silicone spatula to spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each half. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

How to bake spaghetti squash

Place the squash cut side down on a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Spaghetti squash ready to bake

Bake for 25 minutes or until the flesh separates easily when pricked with a fork. Note, this time is for a 3 pound squash, the time may vary with a larger or smaller squash. While your squash bakes, sauté the onion.

Baked spaghetti squash

Preparing your pasta

Allow the squash to cool for 15 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh aka: pasta. Use 2 forks to separate any large chunks.

Scooping spaghetti squash into a baking dish

Place the squash into a greased 9×9 baking dish.

Add onions
Add onions
Add pasta sauce and parmesan
Add pasta sauce and parmesan

Mix in sauteed onions and pasta sauce. Top with grated parmesan.

Baking the pasta

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly.

Baked spaghetti squash spaghetti
Try to get a photo before your family digs in, I dare you!

More Low carb Recipes

Printable Recipe

Baked Spaghetti SquashDownload

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Dinner Cusine:Italian Difficulty:Easy

Servings

4 minutes

Preparing Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 3 pound spaghetti squash

  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil

  3. salt and pepper to taste

  4. 1 medium onion diced

  5. 1 jar pasta sauce

  6. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTION

  1. Prepare the Squash

    First rinse the squash. Place it on a cutting board and use an 8 inch chef’s knife to slice it in half. After your squash is sliced in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Then use a silicone spatula to spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each half. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

  2. Bake the squash

    Place the squash cut side down on a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes or until the flesh separates easily when pricked with a fork. Note, this time is for a 3 pound squash, the time may vary with a larger or smaller squash. While your squash bakes, sauté the onion.

  3. Prepare the pasta

    Allow the squash to cool for 15 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh aka: pasta. Use 2 forks to separate any large chunks. Place the squash into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Mix in sauteed onions and pasta sauce. Top with grated parmesan.

  4. Bake the pasta

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly.

NOTES

How to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

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