My Blog - The Better Home Life

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
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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.

Spring Break Staycation Bingo Printable:

Printable Spring Break Staycation Bingo

Find the printable staycation Bingo here.

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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Tags fun ideas for spring break at home, fun spring break things to do at home, fun things to do at home during spring break, fun things to do at home for spring break, fun things to do at home over spring break, fun things to do for spring break at home, spring break at home, spring break fun at home, stay home spring break ideas

Healthy Recipes Recipes Salads

Easy Asian Cabbage Slaw Salad

Post author By Kristin
Post date February 6, 2026
No Comments on Easy Asian Cabbage Slaw Salad

This easy Asian cabbage slaw salad is a little more filling than the typical cabbage salad because it has more protein. Fresh lime, ginger and cilantro paired with garlic and miso give this salad a unique and very addictive flavor. Keep the dressing on the side until ready to serve, this way it can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Perfect for packed lunches, picnics, or potlucks!

Disclaimer: This Post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission on qualified purchases at no additional costs to you.

Tools needed to make Slaw Salad

Asian Cabbage Salad Ingredients:

3 Cups finely chopped cabbage
3 carrots, grated
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 seeded cucumber diced
1/2 Cup red onion, diced
1/2 Cup chopped fresh cilantro

Asian Cabbage Dressing Ingredients:

1/2 Cup olive oil
1/2 Cup white miso
1/2 Cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/2 Cup soy sauce
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime
2 garlic cloves
1 Tablespoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated pepper

How to make Asian Slaw Salad:

Toss the cabbage, carrots, chickpeas, onions, cucumbers, and cilantro in a large salad bowl.

Place all of the dressing ingredients into a mini food processor. Process until well combined.

Keep the dressing on the side until ready to serve, this way it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Printable Recipe

Asian Cabbage Slaw Salad Recipe Download

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Tags addictive asian cabbage salad, Asian cabbage dressing, asian slaw recipe, Asian slaw salad

Breakfast recipes Desserts Healthy Recipes Recipes

Easy Homemade Granola Bars, Six Ways

Post author By Kristin
Post date January 25, 2026
1 Comment on Easy Homemade Granola Bars, Six Ways

Are you tired of reading labels for allergens? Would you like to eat more real food? Why not make your own homemade granola bars? These easy homemade granola bars are simple to modify to add real food ingredients and avoid allergens. One recipe is nut-free. They are so tasty!

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

Tools Needed to make homemade granola bars:

Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish
Sheet pan

Coconutty Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1 Cup unsweetened shredded dried coconut
1 Cup Nuts (any nut)
1/4 Cup nut butter
2/3 Cup honey
2 Tablespoons Avocado or Canola oil
Cooking spray

How to make homemade Coconutty Granola bars:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place oats, coconut and nuts on a sheet pan. Bake the oats, coconut and nuts for 15 minutes to lightly toast them.

Meanwhile, combine oil, honey and nut butter in a sauce pan. Mix and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove form heat.

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts, coconut and oats with the honey mixture.

Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars.

Store in an airtight container.

Nut Free Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1/2 Cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 Cup sunflower seeds
1 Tablespoon flax seeds
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
2/3 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Sunflower Butter
2 Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 Cup of dried fruit of your choice

Note: Make sure all ingredients are nut-free.

How to make nut-free granola bars:

First ensure all ingredients are labeled nut-free.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place oats and seeds on a sheet pan. Bake the oats and seeds for 15 minutes to lightly toast them. Meanwhile, combine oil, honey and sunflower butter in a sauce pan. Mix and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove form heat.

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted seeds and oats with the dried fruit, cinnamon and the honey mixture. Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

Fruity Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1 1/2 Cups Nuts (any nut)
2/3 Cup honey
1/4 Cup nut butter
2 Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
1/2 cup raisins or diced dried fruit of your choice
cooking spray

How to make fruity Granola Bars:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place oats and nuts on a sheet pan. Bake the oats and nuts for 15 minutes to lightly toast them. Meanwhile, combine oil, honey and nut butter in a sauce pan. Mix and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove form heat.

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and oats with the dried fruit and the honey mixture. Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1 1/2 Cups Hazelnuts (slightly crushed)
2/3 Cup honey
1/4 Cup nut butter
2 Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
1/2 Cup mini dark chocolate chips
Cooking spray

How to make homemade Chocolate Hazelnut granola bars:

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and oats with the chocolate chips and the honey mixture. Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

Tropical Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1/2 Cup unsweetened shredded dried coconut
1 Cup Pecans, slightly crushed
2/3 Cup Honey
1/4 cup nut butter
2 Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
1/4 diced dried pineapple
1/4 diced dried mango
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
cooking spray

How to make homemade Tropical Granola Bars:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place oats, coconut and nuts on a sheet pan. Bake the oats, coconut and nuts for 15 minutes to lightly toast them. Meanwhile, combine oil, honey and nut butter in a sauce pan. Mix and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove form heat.

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts, coconut and oats with the dried fruits, nutmeg and the honey mixture. Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

Lemon Blueberry Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 Cups rolled oats
1 1/2 Cups Almonds, slightly crushed
2/3 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup nut butter
2 Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
1/2 Cup dried blueberries
Zest of one lemon
1 teaspoon lemon extract
cooking spray

How to make Lemon Blueberry Granola Bars:

Prepare the baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and oats with the dried blueberries, zest, extract and the honey mixture. Toss to coat. Press the mixture into the prepared Pyrex 2 Quart 11 x 7 inch dish.

Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour, then slice into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

More Oatmeal Recipes:

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Tags baked granola bar recipe, breakfast granola bars, granola bar recipe, healthy granola bar recipe, healthy granola bars, homemade granola bars, homemade healthy granola bars, oat bars recipe, simple granola bar recipe

Health Tips Healthy Home Healthy Recipes Lunch ideas

How to add more Whole Grains to your Diet

Post author By Kristin
Post date January 9, 2026
3 Comments on How to add more Whole Grains to your Diet

From simple swaps to tasty recipes, it is really easy to add more whole grains to your diet. Whole grains have many health benefits, they can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help prevent type 2 diabetes. They are also good for gut health, keeping you regular! Read on to learn how to get started with adding whole grains to your diet.

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

Benefits of eating whole grains:

The new food pyramid just released by the Department of Health and Human Services placed whole grains in the smallest section on the newly inverted pyramid. This makes it appear that whole grains are not important. This is far from the truth, and if you actually read the statement they are trying to promote whole grains. The focus is on eating real food not processed food. Dramatically reducing refined carbohydrates while incorporating 2-4 servings per day in whole grains.

Whole grain health benefits:

Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
Lower your risk of stroke
Help you maintain a healthy weight
Lower your risk of Type-2 Diabetes
Support healthy digestion
Reduce chronic inflammation
May reduce risk of cancer
Could extend your life

List of whole grains:

Amaranth*
Barley
Black rice*
Brown rice*
Buckwheat*
Bulgur
Corn*
Einkorn
Farro
Freekeh
Kamut
Millet*
Popcorn*
Quinoa*
Red rice*
Rye
Oats*
Sorghum*
Spelt
Teff*
Triticale
Wheat berries
Whole wheat
Wild rice*

* Gluten Free Grains. Note oats are sometimes contaminated with wheat. Look for gluten free oats if you are very sensitive to gluten.

Add more whole grains to your favorite recipes:

You can add easily add whole grains to many of you favorite recipes. Try swapping out some white flour for whole wheat flour. Don’t just swap all of the flour at once, or you may end up with very dry pastries. Try these tasty morning glory muffins with half of the flour swapped with whole wheat flour. They will turn out great, I promise.

Try fajita bowls instead of using flour tortillas. Just serve the meat and veggies on a bed of quinoa or brown rice instead of wrapping it in a tortilla. Top with salsa and guacamole for a tasty dinner.

Add buckwheat or quinoa to your favorite soup.

Simple swaps to add more whole grains to your diet:

Choose brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice
Try whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta
Choose whole wheat or rye bread instead of white bread
Use rolled oats instead of bread crumbs in meatloaf
Snack on popcorn instead of potato chips
Choose corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas

Make your own Gain Bowl

These grain bowls are easy to make. They can be served warm or cold. Simple choose a grain for the base, then choose some vegetables, seasonings and a protein. Then garnish as desired. Use the options on the chart below or make your own creation.

Grain bowl suggested combinations:

Quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sliced chicken breast, chickpeas, lemon pepper, lemon juice and hummus.
Brown rice, sauteed onions and bell peppers, corn, chicken breast, black beans, fajita seasoning, queso fresco, guacamole and salsa.
Bulgur, tomato, bell peppers, baby spinach, chickpeas, Greek seasoning, hummus, feta, lemon juice, olives.
Millet, sweet potatoes, onions, black pepper, thyme, eggs, and avocado.

grain bowl

Easy ways to add whole grains to breakfast Lunch and Dinner

Whole Grain Breakfast Ideas:

Steel Cut Oats – steel cut oats can be made ahead of time. Refrigerate and reheat them each morning for a quick and easy breakfast. Top with blueberries, slivered almonds and flax seeds. Sweeten with honey or agave if desired.
Add a side of quinoa to your eggs – Quinoa can be prepared ahead of time. Just warm it up and serve it with eggs and sauteed vegetables for a tasty breakfast. Or make these delicious Quinoa egg bites.
Yogurt topped with granola – Sprinkle some homemade granola on unsweetened yogurt for breakfast.
Baked Oatmeal – Baked oatmeal is perfect for feeding a crowd for breakfast, but is also a great way to prepare one breakfast that can be reheated each morning. Try this tasty pumpkin apple baked oatmeal.
Toss some grains or granola on a smoothie bowl – Find some smoothie bowl recipes here. Sprinkle some granola or cooked quinoa or millet on top of your prepared smoothie bowl.
Toast made with whole wheat or rye bread – Choose whole wheat, rye or even multigrain bread instead of white bread. Try this tasty multigrain sourdough bread.
Whole wheat muffin – Try these tasty whole wheat chocolate zucchini muffins.

Immune boosting-granola served with yogurt.

Whole Grain Lunch Ideas:

Choose whole wheat or rye– Make sandwiches with whole wheat bread. Choose whole wheat crackers for your soup. Add whole grain croutons for your salads.
Use whole grains as a base for you salads – Try Mediterranean Bulgur salad, Farro salad, wild rice salad or Quinoa salad.
Make a grain bowl – See the chart above for ideas.

farro salad

Whole Grain Dinner Ideas:

Choose whole wheat buns for burgers – Try these homemade whole wheat sourdough hamburger buns.
Add a side of whole grains – Try this easy baked chicken with wild rice recipe.
Add whole grains to soup – Try this tasty Quinoa Minestrone
Make a grain bowl – See the chart above for ideas.

Baked chicken and wild rice

Make whole grains more convenient:

It takes a while to cook whole grains. If they are sitting in a bag in your pantry they are probably not going to make it into your diet!

Invest in a rice and grains cooker. I’m usually not a fan of extra kitchen gadgets, but this one really helped me get more grains in my diet: Green Life Go Grains! rice and grains cooker. It is small, it fits easily into my cupboard when not in use. It is easy to clean and makes cooking all of my grains so much easier.

Green Life Go Grains Cooker

Once your grins are cooked, you can store them in a air tight container in your refrigerator for 5-6 days. Steel cut oats reheat nicely in the microwave each morning.

Add a side of cooked quinoa or millet to your dinner plate, add a little to your salad or soup. You can even use them to make a grain bowl for lunch or dinner.

Try a new whole grain

Take a look at the list of whole grains above. Have you tried them all? I doubt it. I certainly have not. I’d like to try them all. I’ve already found a few I really enjoy. Give a new grain a try!

Whole Grain Recipes:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

How to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Five Sneaky Tricks to Increase Your Hydration

Tags how to add more whole grains to your diet, whole grains diet, whole grains for weight loss

Easy meals Healthy Recipes Recipes Soups

Easy Quinoa Chickpea Minestrone Soup

Post author By Kristin
Post date January 2, 2026
No Comments on Easy Quinoa Chickpea Minestrone Soup

Try this tasty and very healthy vegan quinoa chickpea minestrone soup. It is perfect to warm you up on a cold winter day. This soup also makes great leftovers. It is perfect for packed lunches.

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

Tools needed :

Large 7 to 8 quart Dutch oven or pot with lid
Garlic grater

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 large celery sticks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 14 ounce can of tomato sauce
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 Cup Quinoa (dry)
1 zucchini, cubed
2 – 14.5 ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
2 Quarts vegetable stock – find a recipe here
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 a bunch of kale (about 4 stalks), stems removed and shredded
salt and pepper to taste

How to make quinoa chickpea minestrone:

In a large pot or Dutch oven sauté the onions, carrots and celery in the olive oil until slightly softened. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute.

Next stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, zucchini, chickpeas and stock. Stir until well mixed. Bring to a boil. Add the quinoa then simmer partially covered for 20-25 minutes. Add additional stock if needed.

Finally add the lemon juice and kale. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Serve with warm bread or crackers.

Printable Recipe

Quinoa Chickpea Minestrone Download

Recipe By Kristin

Course: Dinner Cusine:Italian Difficulty:Easy

Servings

10 minutes

Preparing Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 large celery sticks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 14 ounce can of tomato sauce
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 Cup Quinoa (dry)
1 zucchini, cubed
2 – 14.5 ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
2 Quarts vegetable stock
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 a bunch of kale (about 4 stalks), stems removed and shredded
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTION

In a large pot or Dutch oven sauté the onions, carrots and celery in the olive oil until slightly softened. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute.
Next stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, zucchini, chickpeas and stock. Stir until well mixed. Bring to a boil. Add the quinoa then simmer partially covered for 20-25 minutes. Add additional stock if needed. Finally add the lemon juice and kale. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve with warm bread or crackers.

NOTES

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

Tags bean and quinoa soup, chickpea quinoa soup, easy quinoa soup recipe, quinoa chickpea minestrone, quinoa soup

Desserts Recipes

Easy Peppermint Candy Spoons Recipe

Post author By Kristin
Post date December 16, 2025
No Comments on Easy Peppermint Candy Spoons Recipe

These easy peppermint candy spoons make great gifts especially when packaged with hot chocolate.

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

Tools needed to make peppermint candy spoons:

Silicone spoon mold
Parchment paper
Meat tenderizer
Cutting board

Ingredients:

Starlight peppermint candies – 3-4 candies per spoon

How to make DIY Peppermint spoons:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to crush 3 candies per spoon. Crush the candies inside of a plastic bag. It’s best to do this on top of a plastic cutting board. Tap lightly, it’s just candy so it will not require much force. Place one whole candy in the top of the Silicone spoon mold, then add the crushed candy to the remainder of the mold.

Place the candy mold on top of a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Add additional crushed candy if needed, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Remove the mold from the oven and allow it to cool completely before removing the candy spoons.

Use the candy spoons to stir your hot chocolate to make peppermint hot cocoa.

Peppermint spoon gift idea:

In a cone shaped treat bag, add one serving of hot chocolate, a tablespoon of freeze dried marshmallows and top with a peppermint candy spoon. Tie of the top with a twist tie or ribbon. Place the cone in a cute festive mug. Add additional cookies or candy if desired. Be sure to add directions for making the serving of hot chocolate you included.

More Gift Ideas:

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Tags candy cane spoon recipe, diy candy cane spoons, diy peppermint spoons, homemade peppermint spoons, make peppermint spoons, make your own peppermint spoons, peppermint hot chocolate spoons, peppermint spoon recipe, peppermint spoons diy

Desserts Recipes

Quick and Easy Hot Cocoa Bombs

Post author By Kristin
Post date December 15, 2025
No Comments on Quick and Easy Hot Cocoa Bombs

These hot cocoa bombs are so easy to make and make great gifts. Although they take some time to cool before you can package them, they only take about 10 minutes to prepare.

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

Tools needed to make hot cocoa bombs:

Ingredients:

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips
Freeze dried mini marshmallows
Crushed candy canes (optional)
Pirouline creme filled wafers (optional)

How to make easy cocoa bombs:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Fill the silicone mini muffin pan with the chocolate chips of your choice. Fill each cup level to the top with chips.

Half milk chocolate, half dark chocolate

Put the pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove the pan and top each cup with mini marshmallows or crushed candy cane bits. Add both candy and marshmallows if desired. Press down slightly with the back of a spoon so the marshmallows and candy stick to the chocolate before it hardens.

Wait about 10 minutes, then press a Pirouline creme filled wafer into each cup. If the chocolate is still too melted to hold it in place, wait a few more minutes to insert the wafers.

Wait for the chocolate to harden, approximately 8-10 hours depending on the temperature of your home. You can speed up the cooling by placing the pan in the refrigerator or freezer, however your chocolate may turn slightly white on the surface. This will not harm the hot cocoa or change the flavor, but it may not look as nice.

Once hardened. Push up on the bottom of each cup to remove the hot cocoa bombs. They come out very easy.

Bag each bomb in a food grade plastic bag with a twist tie closure.

How to serve hot cocoa bombs:

To serve: Mix each bomb in 6-8 ounces of warm milk until fully melted. Use a spoon or the wafer handle to stir.

More Gift Ideas

Printable Hot Cocoa Bomb Recipe:

Easy Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe Download

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Tags best hot chocolate bombs, chocolate bombs for hot chocolate, easy hot cocoa bombs, hot chocolate bombs recipe, hot cocoa bombs, mini muffin pan hot cocoa bombs

Recipes Traeger Recipes

Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey on the Traeger

Post author By Kristin
Post date November 21, 2025
No Comments on Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey on the Traeger

After several attempts I have determined that the best way to smoke a turkey on a Traeger is to first brine and spatchcock the turkey. This is the best smoked turkey recipe!

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

Tools needed to smoke a turkey on the Traeger

Smoked Turkey Ingredients:

14 pound Turkey
Turkey brine – find the best recipe here
5-6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
2 Tablespoons olive oil

How to brine a turkey

Please don’t skip this step if you plan to smoke your turkey. The brine with help to season your turkey and make it more tender. Most importantly it will help the turkey resist drying out, which can occur if you overcook it. Choose your favorite brine recipe, or use this recipe.

Place your thawed turkey in the brine, in the refrigerator, 12-24 hours prior to cooking.

How to Spatchcock a Turkey

Remove the neck. Place your turkey breast side down on a large cutting board or platter. Cut along both sides of the backbone with a poultry shears. Remove the backbone.

Flip the turkey over and press down until you hear a crack. The turkey should lie flat.

How to season your Turkey prior to smoking

Coat both sides of the turkey with the olive oil. Stuff the butter, rosemary leaves and smashed garlic cloves under the skin, on top of each breast.

How to Smoke a spatchcocked Turkey

Start by preheating your Traeger to 275 degrees F. Place the seasoned spatchcocked turkey directly on the grate. Insert the meat thermometer into one breast.

Smoke for 4 – 4.5 hours or until the meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees F in the breast.

Remove the turkey from the Traeger and allow it to rest for 15-30 minutes before carving.

More Thanksgiving Recipes:

Printable Recipe:

Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey on the Traeger Download

Recipe By Kristin

Course: Dinner Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

minutes

Preparing Time

30 minutes

Cooking Time

240 minutes

Calories

kcal