Save money by making your own seasoning blends. Homemade Jamaican Jerk seasoning is a must have. It’s so easy to make and a great one to have on hand for some fabulous Caribbean flavor. Traditionally it is used for seasoning chicken and pork, but there are plenty of other uses for it.
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What can you use Jamaican Jerk Seasoning for?
Seasoning chicken, pork or fish
Seasoning grilled or roasted vegetables
Add to rice or risotto for Caribbean flavor, try this Caribbean Rice
Measure and mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Use a funnel to put the mixture into a 4 ounce spice jar. Label it and you are all set.
Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Gluten Free?
This is one of the best reasons to make your own seasoning blends. Some seasonings contain anticaking ingredients that contain gluten, especially seasoning blends. If you make your own blend you can make sure all of your ingredients are gluten free.
Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning healthy?
Many of the ingredients in Jamaican Jerk seasoning have health benefits. Really the only unhealthy ingredients are salt and sugar. If you make your own, you could eliminate those ingredients, but keep in mind they are minimal when you only plan to use a couple tablespoons of the blend at a time.
Pork Schnitzel is a family favorite! The leftover pork Schnitzel can be re-heated to make delicious Schnitzel sandwiches aka: Schnitzelwiches. Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels used to make a delicious crumble. They stopped making it, but read on to find out how to make it. The pretzel coating adds so much flavor and it does not burn like other coatings, making it a great choice for Pork Schnitzel.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.
What is Schnitzel?
Schnitzel is a German term for thin meat pounded until tender then breaded and fried. It is similar to Chicken-fried steak.
What kind of meat is used to make Schnitzel?
Traditionally veal is used, but other meats can be just as tasty. For this recipe I used pork chops, but you can also use beef or chicken.
First you must trim off all of the fat. This is important because after you bread the pork, you will not be able to see where the fat is.
Trimming pork chops
Next you need to pound out the pork chops until they are approximately 1/4 inch thick. The best way to do this is to cover the meat with plastic wrap (to avoid splashing) and pound it with the flat side of a meat tenderizer mallet. It is best to do this on a plastic cutting board to protect your kitchen counter.
Tenderizing Pork.
How to make Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
I was sad when Dot’s stopped selling their crumble. I contacted the company to find out where to buy it. They responded telling me they no longer make it. Fortunately, they told me I could make my own by crushing or food processing Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels . Here’s how:
Measure out 2 cups of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzel’s for every 4 pork chops you desire to coat. Place them in a food processor and process until evenly crumbled.
Original Dot’s Homestyle pretzels in a food processor.Homemade Original Dot’s Homestyle pretzel crumble in a food processor.
How to Bread Schnitzel
First coat the pork chops with flour.
Coating pork in flour
Then dip the breaded pork chops into the egg mixture (see recipe).
Dipping pork into egg mixture before adding pretzels
Then coat the pork chops in the homemade Dot’s Pretzel Crumble. Hint: Only put a little crumble at a time on the plate. That way you can save the leftover crumble. If it touches raw meat you will have to dispose of it.
Breading pork in Homemade Dot’s Pretzel CrumblePork coated in Homemade Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
How to Cook Pork Schnitzel
First add 1/4 inch of canola or vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat. Add your breaded pork 3-4 at a time to the pan. Cook 3 minutes then flip and cook another 3 minutes.
Browning the first side of schnitzelBrowning Pork Schnitzel
The pork will not be fully cooked at this time. Place the fried pork chops on a jelly roll pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 min. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F.
Pork Schnitzel with Dot’s Pretzel Crumble, ready to bake.
This mini fruit pizza cookie recipe is fun for any occasion. It's …
How to serve Pork Schnitzel
Serve with any side dish you wish. Some great suggestions include: roasted vegetables, rice, risotto, and/or potatoes. Alternatively, you can serve it on a bun as a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mayo/mustard, onions, pickles or slaw. Get creative!
Pork Schnitzel served with roasted vegetablesPork Schnitzel Sandwich served with kohlrabi slaw.
What can you do with Leftover Pork Schnitzel?
Air fry your leftover Schnitzel for best results. I air fry on high in my Ninja Foodi for 6 minutes. You can serve with your leftover sides or make a sandwich and serve with fries, chips or slaw!
Is Pork Schnitzel Healthy?
Absolutely not. This is why I suggest serving it with some roasted vegetables or a side of coleslaw! Try sauteed beet tops for another healthy side.
Recipe for Pork Schnitzel with Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
Parties are a great way to enjoy your home. Food is always expected at a party. Awesome appetizers can help to bring people together for great conversations, or can help accent any planned activity. It is not always easy to find great recipes for tried and true appetizers that will be loved by everyone. These 14 Awesome Appetizers will be a great addition to your next home party.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission on sale at no extra cost to you.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Appetizer
This Buffalo Chicken dip is really easy to make, and it has relatively few easy to find ingredients. In other words, it is a simple appetizer. It is gluten free and keto friendly if served with celery instead of chips. The recipe includes 3 different cooking methods, slow cooker, baked and smoked. It is best for Big Game Day parties, New Year’s Celebrations, and Potlucks.
Jalapeno Poppers
These Jalapeno Poppers are quick and easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. These jalapeno poppers can be prepared ahead of time, then baked right before serving. They are gluten free and keto friendly. They are best for small gatherings, Big Game Day parties, backyard parties, and family get togethers.
Chicken Strips aka Boneless Wings
This chicken strip recipe is more difficult than your average appetizer, but it is worth the effort. Your guests will be pleased. These chicken strips would best be kept warm in a chafing dish. Pick up some great dipping options: Ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard and serve them in a cute tray. Chicken strips or boneless wings are perfect for small parties, game night, and football parties.
Easy Bean Dip
Easy Bean Dip
This bean dip recipe is so easy! The dip can take on the shape of any container, making it simple to match any party theme. Most of the ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe includes suggestions for alternative ingredients. It is gluten free. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. There are suggestions for how to make it work for different holidays, such as serving in a football shaped bowl for a super bowl party. Overall this is the most versatile appetizer on the list, it is really great for any occasion.
Chips and Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash
If you are looking for an easy appetizer, this one is for you. Just open a bag of chips, dump it in a bowl, open a can of salsa and dump it in a smaller bowl. If you want to get fancy about it, get a cute chip and dip set.
If you want to be even more fancy, make your own Pico de Gallo. Both Pico de Gallo and some canned salsas are gluten free, and keto friendly. This appetizer is also vegan and vegetarian.
Homemade Pico de Gallo recipe
5-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
1 onion minced
2 jalapenos minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup mince fresh cilantro
salt to taste
Mix all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips!
Pulled Pork Street Tacos
These street tacos are made with 4-inch street taco shells. Certainly small enough to be an appetizer. This recipe is easy to make, especially if you have leftover pulled pork. If you do not have leftover pulled pork you can buy pulled pork at the grocery store, or make your own. To use this recipe as an appetizer, the pulled pork could be kept warm in a crockpot. The other toppings are all cold, and could be set up like a taco bar. Your guests will enjoy putting together their own taco. They are so tasty, you better plan on your guests eating more than one! Best for small gatherings, perfect for summer.
Polish Roses
Polish roses, aka onion wraps are really easy to make. Just wrap a green onion and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese in your choice of lunchmeat. If you don’t like onions, use pickles instead. This is a very easy appetizer, gluten free and keto friendly. It can be made ahead of time and is perfect for any occasion.
Charcuterie Board
Photo by Ana Maltez on Unsplash
This is a very easy appetizer. You will need to start with a charcuterie board and it would help if you had some ramekins for jams and dips. Once you have the basics, all you need are a variety of meats, soft and hard cheeses, fruits, veggies, olives, jams and dips. Get creative, don’t worry your guests will be pleased. This appetizer is best for wine tastings, book clubs, and bible studies.
Meatballs
These Thai Inspired meatballs are an amazing appetizer. Find the video recipe here. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate until you are ready to bake for your party. They would be best kept warm with a chafing dish rather than a crockpot. These meatballs would be best for a small get together. They are great for any season. Don’t expect any leftovers.
Guacamole
Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash
Guacamole is very easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find. It is the healthiest appetizer on this list. It is gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and keto friendly. Guacamole is versatile. It is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a vegetable dip or spread on crackers. You can make it ahead of time, but it can brown a bit. To prevent browning, place a piece of plastic wrap right on top to protect the top from the air. Due to the versatility of this appetizer it would be a great addition to any gathering.
Cheese and Crackers
Photo by Raychan on Unsplash
This appetizer can be a simple as arranging a variety of crackers and cheese slices on a platter or you can make your own cheese spread.
Easy Homemade Cheese Spread recipe
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
dash of hot sauce, more if desired (optional)
Mix all ingredients with a hand mixer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving with crackers.
Pierogi
Pierogi served with sauteed onions and sour cream
This is a difficultrecipe, but it is worth the effort. It is also an awesome vegetarian option. Your guests will be amazed! Pierogi can be prepared ahead, they can even be frozen. To serve as an appetizer you will need to fry them up, then keep them warm in a chafing dish. Be sure to fry up plenty of onions to serve with the pierogi. If you are willing to put in the effort pierogi are a great appetizer for any event especially Christmas Eve parties, where they are a polish tradition.
Chips and Dip
Another easy appetizer. The key to great chip dip is to make it yourself. The best chip dip is A Spice Above – Oven Roasted Garlic. Just mix the packet with 1 cup full fat sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving. It is gluten free and keto friendly. This appetizer will be gone no matter where you bring it. It is a simple appetizer perfect for any event.
Easy Deviled Eggs for all Occasions
Deviled eggs are an easy and inexpensive appetizer for all occasions. They are gluten free and keto friendly. Make them cute or sophisticated. Find many recipes here:
Mix Olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt in a bowl to make the dressing. In another bowl mix all the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the other ingredients. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips.
Are you in need of a quick and easy appetizer for your next party? Look no further, this easy crock pot buffalo chicken dip is so simple and it always goes. You will receive plenty of compliments if you make this Buffalo dip for your next get together.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn commission on product sales at no additional cost to you.
Turn your crockpot on high. Add the cream cheese first so it can start to melt while you add the other ingredients.
Wash and chop the celery, then add it to the crockpot.
Cube the cooked chicken and add it to the crockpot. Alternatively, you can substitute canned chicken if you prefer.
Add the dressing. Choose either blue cheese or ranch. I recommend a fresh dressing from the refrigerated section of the produce department. Marzetti, Lighthouse, or Marie’s.
Add the Franks Red Hot Buffalo sauce. Choose Frank’s mild, regular or hot depending on how spicy you want your buffalo chicken dip to be.
Lastly, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker.
Mix all of the ingredients together inside the crockpot and cover. Continue to mix every 10-15 minutes until the cheese is starting to melt and the cream cheese is mixed into the sauce. ~60 min.
Once the cheese is starting to melt, turn the slow cooker heat to low and continue to warm, stirring every 20 minutes, until you are ready to serve. 1-2 hours.
Serve this easy buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips.
Can you make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix all of the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and put the insert in the fridge overnight. Pull it out 2-3 hours before your party and follow heating directions. Alternatively, you can mix all of the ingredients in a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish, and refrigerate over night, then follow the baking or smoking directions.
Can you bake Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can bake Frank’s red hot sauce buffalo chicken dip instead of using a slow cooker. To bake this dip, just mix all of the ingredients on a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish and bake a 375 degrees F until cheese is melted and dip is hot. ~ 20 min.
Can you smoke Buffalo Chicken Dip?
You sure can! If you choose to smoke the dip I would recommend using smoked chicken. Mix all of the ingredients in a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish or a foil pan. Smoke at 180 degrees F for 30 min, then increase the temperature to 375 degrees F and continue to smoke until the cheese is melted and dip is hot. ~10 min.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Healthy?
No, this is not a healthy recipe. It is meant to be a party food to be shared by many people on a special occasion. Not an every day snack. If you would like to make it healthier, you can use Neufchatel cheese instead of the cream cheese for 1/3 less fat. You can also serve it with celery sticks instead of tortilla chips. These substitutions will not make it much healthier, so portion control is probably your best option.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Gluten free?
Chicken, cream cheese, celery, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese are gluten free. Make sure you read the label on the salad dressing you choose because some may contain gluten. Also, it would be best to shred your own cheese, because some pre-shredded cheeses may contain gluten. If you season your chicken before you cook it, make sure all of the seasonings are gluten free. Make sure the chips you serve it with are gluten free.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Keto?
Chicken, cream cheese, celery, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese are keto friendly. Marzetti Blue cheese dressing is Dirty Keto. You will have to serve it with something keto friendly, like celery sticks, instead of tortilla chips.
Turn your crock pot on high. Add the cream cheese first so it can start to melt while you add the other ingredients.
Wash and chop the celery, then add it to the crockpot. Cube the cooked chicken and add it to the crock pot.
Add the dressing, hot sauce and shredded cheese.
Mix all of the ingredients together inside the crock pot and cover. Continue to mix every 10-15 minutes until the cheese is starting to melt and the cream cheese is mixed into the sauce. ~60 min.
Once the cheese is starting to melt, turn the slow cooker heat to low and continue to warm, stirring every 20 minutes, until you are ready to serve. 1-2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.
Save a ton of money by making your own smoothies and smoothie bowls at home. Learn how to create your own recipes and which ingredients provide the best nutrients for your health.
A smoothie is a simply a beverage made by pureeing fruits and vegetables with other ingredients in a blender. A smoothie bowl is a thicker more nutrient packed smoothie, thick enough to eat with a spoon, and often topped with fruit, granola, nuts, and seeds. Lets review some common smoothie vs. smoothie bowl questions and how to pack them with nutrients.
Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these recipes have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these recipes have not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These recipes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Smoothie vs. smoothie bowl
A smoothie is thin enough to drink through a smoothie straw. For a smoothie bowl you can use the same ingredients to make a smoothie, but it will be thick enough to eat with a spoon.
Basic smoothie vs. smoothie bowl ingredients:
Smoothie: 1 cup (8 ounces of fruits and veggies) to 1/2 cup to 1 cup of liquid. Less liquid will make a thicker smoothie, more liquid makes a thinner smoothie.
Smoothie bowl: 2 cups (16 ounces of fruits and veggies) to 1/4 cup liquid.
Optional additives can be mixed in in small quantities. For example, a tablespoon of honey or a scoop of protein powder.
Basic Smoothie recipe example:
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 frozen banana (sliced before freezing) ~1/2 cup
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup milk
Optional: 1 tablespoon elderberry syrup.
Puree in a blender
Serve in a cup with a straw.
Basic Smoothie bowl recipe example:
1.5 cups frozen mixed berries
1 frozen banana (sliced before freezing) ~1/2 cup
2 tablespoons yogurt
2 tablespoons milk
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Puree in a blender
Top with fresh blueberries, almond slices, and hemp hearts. Serve in a bowl with a spoon.
Which blender is best for making smoothies?
I personally prefer the Ninja Professional Blender. It has a large capacity, it blends everything smoothly. It is also dishwasher safe for quick and easy clean up.
Another awesome option for delicious smoothies is the Vitamix Blender. The only drawback is the price. Although it is expensive, it has a few features that the Ninja does not have. It will heat soups, but that is not necessary for smoothies.
Lastly, there is the Ninja Creami which is perfect for making smoothies and best for making smoothie bowls with the added benefit of making ice cream.
Can you make a smoothie the night before?
The best way to make a smoothie the night before is to prepare all of the ingredients. Chop and freeze the fruit you wish to use. Measure out the liquid ingredients and place them in the refrigerator. Then you can quickly blend them together in the morning.
Can you store a smoothie in the refrigerator or freezer?
If you prepare a smoothie with ice or frozen ingredients then it will thin with refrigeration because the ice will melt and the frozen ingredients will thaw. The smoothie will be thinner, but still tasty. It will probably need to be stirred before consuming.
You can freeze a smoothie, but it will thicken like ice cream or sorbet. Frozen smoothie would require a spoon to consume. You can defrost it but depending on the ingredients, it may not remain smooth. It is possible to blend it again, but the consistency may not be the same.
Are smoothies and smoothie bowls healthy?
Smoothies and smoothie bowls can both be very healthy depending on the ingredients you choose. Read on to learn about healthy and unhealthy ingredients found in smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Which smoothie is anti-inflammatory?
Most smoothie ingredients are naturally anti-inflammatory, which makes smoothies and smoothie bowls a great option for an anti-inflammatory diet. Here are some ingredients to avoid and some to include in anti-inflammatory smoothies and smoothie bowls:
Smoothie ingredients to avoid because they can increase inflammation:
There are plenty of fad diets out there that will each have their own smoothie recipes. The key to consuming smoothies for weight loss is choosing the right ingredients. Fruits and vegetables are typically the main ingredients in most smoothie and smoothie bowl recipes. The reason why fruits and vegetables are good for weight loss is because they have low energy density. Meaning they have few calories in a large volume of food. This way you can fill up, and feel full while consuming fewer calories. There is some research to prove that consuming low-energy-dense foods will lead to weight loss without feeling hungry.
If you choose low-energy-dense ingredients for your smoothie, you can stay full longer on fewer calories and lose weight.
Best ingredients for a weight loss smoothie or smoothie bowl (low-energy-dense foods)
Fresh or frozen vegetables
Fresh or frozen fruits
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products with no sugar added
Whole grains
Water or ice
Worst ingredients for a weight loss smoothie or smoothie bowl (high-energy-dense foods)
Fruits canned in heavy syrup
Juice
Sweetened yogurt
Sugar
Full fat dairy products
Dried fruits
Refined grains: white rice or cereal made with white flour
Smoothie vs. smoothie bowl, which is good for diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea hydration is important. If you are recovering from a stomach bug and have been vomiting also, you should probably start with clear liquids. Once you are feeling better, then a smoothie would still be better than a smoothie bowl because smoothies have more liquid. In the past a BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet was often recommended as a bland diet to eat for the first day of solid food after a stomach bug. These four foods are still a great option, but many experts recommend adding in a few more foods for better nutrition. There are still some foods that should be avoided when you have diarrhea.
Ingredients to avoid adding to a smoothie when you have diarrhea:
Dairy (with the exception of yogurt or kefir-especially with antibiotic associated diarrhea)
Citrus fruits
pineapple
leafy green vegetables
raw vegetables
Spices
berries or seedy fruits
oils
caffeine
Best smoothie ingredients to add when you have diarrhea:
Hydration and fiber are both important for prevention and treatment of constipation. Smoothies will help more with hydration, but you can pack more fiber in a smoothie bowl. Both are good options for constipation. I unusually try to help my patients choose good foods to treat occasional constipation before resorting to medications.
Best Smoothie and smoothie bowl ingredients for constipation
Which smoothie is best when you are sick with a cold or flu?
If you are sick with a cold or flu you need hydration, especially if you have a fever. Smoothies are a great way in increase hydration. Fruits, vegetables and other immune boosting foods are also beneficial when nursing a viral infection. A cold smoothie made with frozen fruits and/or ice can help to sooth a sore throat. Top your smoothie bowl with my immune boosting granola.
Best Immune boosting smoothie and smoothie bowl ingredients:
Although both smoothies and smoothie bowls contain hydration, smoothies are more hydrating because they contain more liquid. There are some fruits and vegetables that have a higher water content and are better for improving hydration. Electrolytes are important for improving hydration lost due to sweating from exercise or illness. For more hydration tips, check out my post on hydration.
If you are searching for a great way to use up your leftover turkey, search no more. This quick and easy leftover turkey enchilada soup is sure to please. It’s simply a twist on the more traditional chicken enchilada soup. Certainly better than Campbells or chili’s chicken enchilada soup. As long as you have the stock prepared, you could be enjoying this soup in about 20 minutes.
How do you prepare turkey stock?
Start by boiling the leftover turkey carcass in a pot of water for 4-5 hours. You can add a few cilantro stems to the pot to enhance the flavor. Strain the stock while it is still warm. Then allow the meat to cool a bit before stripping the remaining meat from the bones.
What is the secret to the best enchilada soup?
The first secret ingredient that makes the best enchilada soup is masa harina. It is the flour used for making corn tortillas. Turns out it is also the best flour to use when thickening your enchilada soup.
The second secret ingredient is Monterey Jack cheese shredded from the block. If you by the block of cheese and shred it yourself it will melt into the soup creating a creamy broth. Do not try to melt pre-shredded cheese into your soup. It does not melt well and will always have little strings of not quite melted cheese in the broth.
Then make a roux by adding the masa harina until the onions are garlic are evenly coated.
Add the stock 1 cup at a time while stirring.
Once the stock is warm and slightly thickened, add the enchilada sauce, cumin, turkey, chilis, tomatoes, beans, and corn.
Optional: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. If you choose to do this, I would recommend using cheese shredded from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese.
Top with Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro and cubed avocado.
I have been scrambling to use up the abundant supply of apples from my 2 apple trees. Good things do come to those who wait. The first few years didn’t provide many, but now it’s almost a chore to use up all the apples 2 trees provide. So, it seems like a great time to share my easy apple pie recipe. Sure to please! Especially if made with my best pie crust recipe, which also happens to be very easy!
Which apple variety is best for apple pie?
Honestly any variety of apple will make a delicious apple pie, except maybe red delicious which I personally think tastes like Styrofoam. My mom always likes to use McIntosh for pies because they are softer and quite tart. I actually prefer the apples stay a little more firm in my pie, so I prefer to use Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
Easy Apple Pie Filling:
6 cups of peeled and sliced apples
2 tablespoons tapioca
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons of butter
Best Pie Crust Ingredients:
2 Cups + 2 tablespoons flour
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
pinch or salt
Easy Apple Pie assembly:
Mix all of the ingredients in the apple pie filling above, except the butter. I’ll admit that I often use more than 6 cups of apples.
Prepare the bottom crust and place it in your Pyrex pie dish. Add the filling mixture. Top with the butter.
Top with the crust, add some slits, and crimp the edges as desired. See my best pie crust recipe for more instructions. Cover the edges with foil. Bake at 425 degrees F for 30 min, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 min. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool before serving.
It’s easy to make healthy packed lunches for kids and adults using a bento box. Use the healthy bento box packed lunch ideas for kids and adults above to make a balanced meal. School lunches sometimes get a little boring and repetitive, but these bento box packed lunch ideas will help you spice it up a bit. The free school lunches are mostly made up of processed food that lack fiber and fresh fruits and veggies. These bento box lunches are easy to prepare ahead and a much healthier option to the school lunches. They will also help your child learn to pack and eat healthy options for life.
Bento Box packed lunches are great for adults too. Make a quick and easy well balanced packed lunch for work. Packing a lunch saves time and money. No more waiting in line for food on your lunch break. Just sit down and enjoy your packed bento box, then use the extra time for a relaxing walk instead of waiting in line.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
What are Bento Boxes?
Bento Boxes are lunch boxes with sections that separate the different food options. They originated in Japan and initially contained common foods from that region. Mostly rice, fish, pickled vegetables and some fruit, to make a balanced meal. Bento is a Chinese slang term for convenient, which is fitting since they are very convenient for packed lunches.
Why Choose a Bento Lunch Box?
The Bento box makes a very convenient lunch box. It is so simple to choose items to fill the sections. The sections encourage small servings of a variety of foods to help include more food groups to make a more balanced lunch. The convenient sections also reduce waste from packaging. If your box doesn’t have enough sections you can purchase extra dividers. You don’t have to wrap sandwiches in paper or plastic. Many items like yogurt and apple sauce can be purchased in bulk instead of individual servings which not only reduces waste but also saves money. Check out my other post for more ideas on how to save money on groceries.
Which type of bento box is right for you?
Bento boxes are made in a variety of different materials, shapes and layouts. They are also available in reusable and disposable format. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
Wooden Bento Box:
Traditional wooden bento boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can have a variety of layouts. Some are stacked. Pros: They are traditional, all natural, BPA free, stylish and reusable. Cons: They are difficult to clean, not dishwasher safe, not microwavable, and my be difficult for young children to open and close. Wooden boxes are not able to keep liquid ingredients separated.
Lacquered Bento Box:
Traditional lacquered bento boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are most often found in restaurants. Pros: They are traditional, stylish, and reusable. Cons: Many do not come with tight lids for transport. If they do have lids, they may be challenging for kids to open and close. They are not dishwasher or microwave safe. They lack a tight seal and my not be great for liquids.
Plastic Bento Box:
Plastic bento boxes come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. These are the easiest type to use for a packed lunch. They are available in reusable and disposable varieties. Pros: They are lightweight, and easy to open and close, Plastic bento boxes can be dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe, and are often BPA free. Cons: They are not traditional. Disposable varieties are not good for the environment.
Metal Bento Box:
Metal bento boxes are the most durable option. Pros: They are easy to open and close, dishwasher safe and BPA free. Cons: They are not microwave safe. Metal boxes do not have a tight seal may not be the best option for liquids.
Glass Bento Box:
Glass bento boxes usually have plastic lids. Pros: They are microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe. Glass is BPA free and lids usually are also. They have a tight seal. Cons: They are fragile and heavy.
Paper bento boxes are single use and disposable. Pros: They are lightweight and disposable. Perfect for situations when you do not want to carry a container around with you for the rest of the day. Cons: They will not handle liquid ingredients, and they can leak. Disposable products are not environmentally friendly.
What are some Healthy Bento Box Packed Lunch Ideas for kids and Adults?
The Asian Bento box
This traditional bento box includes: sushi, snow peas, pickled ginger, and kiwi.
The Superfood Bento box
This bento box includes: Broccoli salad, blueberries, almonds, and Greek yogurt.
The Berry Nutty Bento Box
This bento box includes: Almond Butter and Jam sandwich triangles on Whole Wheat bread, blueberries, Greek yogurt, and granola. For a very healthy granola recipe check out my other post. This Bento box could also be a breakfast bento.
The Quick and Easy Box
For this Bento Box I just used whatever I had in the fridge. This Bento Box includes: Pasta salad, Raspberries, Oranges, and a hard boiled egg. Use the chart above to make any box you would like using the current contents of your fridge.
Greek Bento Box
This Greek bento box includes a Greek salad, grapes, Hummus, and whole wheat Pita bread. Find a great homemade pita bread recipe here.
Very Fruity Bento Box
Sometimes you just want some extra fruit. This bento box is a great example of that. It is loaded with healthy berries, with a side of mandarin oranges, pecans and Greek yogurt. It still has some protein to help keep you full!
Farmer’s Market Special
This bento box includes potato salad, with a side of fresh blueberries, Greek yogurt and fresh tomato slices. Find the potato salad recipe here.
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A pulled pork leftover street taco recipe so good it must be shared. I’m a big fan of using my leftovers. It is a great way to save money on groceries. For more info on how to save money on groceries check out my other post.
I made my pulled pork on my Traeger Silverton 620. This is the recipe I used to smoke the pulled pork on my Traeger. I did not add anything to the pulled pork after shredding it. I prefer to allow each person to choose their own BBQ sauce.
What is the best way to use leftover pulled pork?
My favorite way to use my left over pulled pork is by making pulled pork street tacos. I got the idea for this recipe from a Hello Fresh recipe. I gave Hello Fresh a try and really enjoyed it. My family ended up with a couple of new favorite recipes from our trial subscription. This recipe is a creative spin on one of our favorites. It will not work if you have already added BBQ sauce to your pulled pork.
How to prepare leftover pulled pork for pulled pork street tacos.
Put your leftover pulled pork in a frying pan. Toss it around in the pan until warmed evenly. Add sweet soy sauce to coat. I used ABC Sweet Soy Sauce. Add about 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce per 1 cup of leftover pulled pork, and mix. If not fully coated add 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce and mix, continue adding 1 tablespoon at a time until fully coated but not soupy.
Pulled pork for street tacos.
How to prepare coleslaw for your leftover pulled pork tacos.
I always make coleslaw as a side dish with my pulled pork. personally, I do not like soggy leftover coleslaw so I only dress (add dressing to) what I think my guests will eat. This way any leftover coleslaw mix will last weeks in the refrigerator and I can dress more whenever I feel like eating some. Also, I’m able to switch up the dressing for different recipes such as leftover pulled pork tacos.
Here is my basic coleslaw mix: 1 head of cabbage chopped (I like to use half red and half green), 3-4 carrots peeled and shredded, 1 sweet onion chopped. This mixture will last for 2-3 weeks in your refrigerator. For this leftover pulled pork street taco recipe I use 2-3 cups of my coleslaw mix, 3-4 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, and 3-4 tablespoons of Seasoned rice vinegar. Mix right before serving. If you prefer less crunch, mix 20-30 min before serving and add a little salt.
Coleslaw for pulled pork street tacos.
What other toppings are needed?
For my leftover pulled pork street tacos I also make a quick crema. Just add a tablespoon or two of Sriracha hot sauce to 3 tablespoons of sour cream and mix!
Crema for pulled pork street tacos.
You can also add some shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
1 head of cabbage chopped (or ½ a head of each green and red cabbage)
3-4 Carrots peeled and shredded
1 onion chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Pinch of salt (optional)
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
4 cups leftover pulled pork
½ cup sweet soy sauce (more if needed)
½ cup sour cream
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce ( more if desired)
4 ounces grated Monterey jack cheese (optional)
16 4-inch street taco shells
DIRECTION
Prepare the crema:Â
Mix the sour cream and sriracha. Add more sriracha if desired.Â
Prepare the coleslaw mix.Â
Mix the chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and onion. Measure out 4 cups of the mix. Save the remainder for another use. Add the cilantro and vinegar. Mix to coat. Add salt if you prefer a softer coleslaw, and mix.
Prepare the pulled pork.
Put the pulled pork in a frying pan and warm it while mixing. Add the sweet soy sauce. Mix until coated but not soupy, add extra sauce if needed to coat the pork. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Tacos.
Warm the taco shells if desired. Top with pork, slaw, crema and cheese.
NOTES
You can store the extra coleslaw mix in your refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
It has been 15 years since I first tried Rachel Ray’s Italian Mac ‘n Cheese. A friend from my mom’s group brought me the dish after I had my third child. It was part of a meal train we put together to help out moms for the first couple of weeks after giving birth. Of the meals I received, this one was by far my favorite. I asked my friend for the recipe and for the past 15 years I have been modifying this recipe. I believe I have perfected the recipe now, because it is always a hit at my home. I am now ready to share with you my Better than Rachel Ray’s Italian Mac ‘n Cheese recipe.
Please feel free to compare my recipe with Rachel Ray’s Italian Mac & Cheese. My recipe is better because it has onions and because it has more sauce. The sauce in my recipe is also more flavorful due to the addition of more tomatoes and seasoning.
Pre heat the broiler to high. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix. Top with remaining Italian blend cheese. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 min until the cheese in lightly browned. Serve with parmesan cheese.
