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New Home

What do you need to make your dorm your home?

When you are leaving your home to make a new home in a dorm room, there are a few things you will need. What do you really need to make your dorm your new home? This post contains useful dorm items. A few items are not absolute needs, but would be very handy. This list does not contain any items that would be desirable, but not are not useful like decor.

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

You need bedding – sleep is important

Most dorm rooms will supply you with an extra long twin bed. If you already have this type of bed at home, then you can just use you current bedding. The only problem with that idea is that you will not have any bedding when you return home for breaks. Therefore, it is best to pick up a new set of bedding for your dorm room. Better yet, pick up some zip on sheets. They are easy to change on bunk beds.

zip on sheets
zip on sheets

Here is a list of bedding essentials:

Dorm Bathroom Essentials

Hygiene is very important. The type of bathroom you have will determine what you need. If you have a traditional bathroom, a shared community bathroom down the hall, then this is the list of essentials:

If your dorm room is suite style, meaning you share a bathroom with a roommate or suite mate you will need the following items:

Find this college dorm medication list here.

Space Saving and Storage Essentials

What could be more useful in a small dorm space than space saving storage items? Here are some suggestions.

Space saving dorm shelf

Dorm room technology needs

I’m sure you have selected a laptop and maybe even a tablet to take with you. Here are some other tech items you may have forgotten. We forgot the cordless mouse batteries.

Dorm laundry essentials

College dorm school supplies

In elementary school and often in high school, teachers will supply students with a list of school supplies they will need for the upcoming year. Once you reach college, you are on your own. Since you are leaving home it does help to have a list of the most common school supply items you will need in college. Keep in mind, you may have last minute schedule changes.

We ended up forgetting more things in this category than any other category. The lab coat was not packed, but needed due to a last minute schedule change. It’s much cheaper to pack one, just incase. We also forgot the graphing calculator and extra batteries for it. The most ridiculous thing we forgot was #2 pencils. I mistakenly assumed they were old school, and no longer needed for testing. I was wrong.

Assuming you already have a laptop, this is a comprehensive list of the other school supplies most college students will require.

college school supply list

Dorm room food prep basics

Even if you have a full meal plan there may be times that you will need to prepare small meals in your room. You may have to leave for a break before the dining hall opens, or maybe return from a sporting event after the dining hall closes. Be prepared!

Other useful dorm room items

Medications and first aid items for dorm rooms

Be sure to check out Pharmacist recommended College dorm medications for a list of medications and first aid items you should pack for your dorm. Be prepared!

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Categories
Entertaining at home Save Money

Summer Staycation: Fun-Filled Ideas for Every Age Right at Home

There is some much fun to be had right at home in the summer. Why spend a bundle travelling in the summertime? Have you checked out all of the tourist attractions in your hometown? If not, here are some summer staycation ideas have fun right at home.

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

Try a New Restaurant with Outdoor Seating

One thing I always try to do on vacation is dine outdoors. Especially when travelling somewhere tropical in the winter. Why not find a hometown restaurant with beautiful outdoor dining in the Summertime? This is a perfect summer staycation experience.

outdoor dining
Photo by Datingscout on Unsplash

Try Grilling Something New

Nothing says summer more than outdoor cooking. If you do not have a grill already, I’d suggest a Traeger Grill! If you are interested in all of the wonderful things you can make on a Traeger grill, check out this post on how to use a Traeger.

Try a New Beach or Local Pool

beach

I make take it for granted living in Michigan, there are plenty of Great Lake beaches as well as many other smaller lakes to enjoy nearby. If you live near any body of water, make a day trip and enjoy! If not, try a local pool.

Tubing

Visit an Amusement Park or Water Park

water park

No need to book a vacation to visit a local water park or amusement park. Sure, it’s fun to travel and try something new once in a while, but why not enjoy what you have near home? I have both a water park and an amusement park near my home. A quick day trip for the family. If you do, give it a try.

Make a Fun Summer Dessert

flower pot cupcake

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.

Play a New Outdoor Family Game

throw throw burrito game

Throw Throw Burrito Extreme is a very fun outdoor summer family game.

More fun family outdoor games:

Tossing a foxtail
Tossing a foxtail

Sleep in a Tent in your Backyard

tent

It’s fun to go to a campground, but it can also be fun to “camp” at home. Give it a try!

Make Dinner Over a Fire

camp 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.

Try Gardening

Tomatillo plant in a pot

You don’t need a huge space for a vegetable garden. You can plant many different vegetables in pots. Just add a few flowers and enjoy the beauty all summer. The pictured pot above contains two tomatillo plants, two sweet potato vines and a variety of marigolds.

Take a Lesson

Don’t just ship your kids off to a bunch of camps this summer. You can learn plant of new things by taking lessons. First of all everyone should learn to swim. Start with that lesson if any of your family members need it. Then try something else. Try pottery, golf, pickleball, knitting or anything else you may want to learn.

learn to golf

Go to a Museum

Museum

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!

Run!

run finish line

Sign up for a race or just enjoy a run near your home. Either way running can be lots of fun.

Go to a Farmer’s Market

Farmer's market

Check out your local farmer’s market. Try something new every week. You will be surprised how many different fruits and vegetables you will find.

Pick your own Produce

Blueberry picking
Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash

Many local farms offer U-pick fruits and vegetables. Summertime in Michigan is a perfect place to pick strawberries, blueberries, cherries and peaches. If you pick blueberries, try this amazing Peach blueberry pie recipe.

Family Pizza Night

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.

Pizza on the Traeger
Pizza on the Traeger

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

Candy Store

Have you ever noticed that many vacation destinations have candy stores. You will find them in hotel lobbies and popular tourist shopping districts. Why not shop one in your hometown? Candy is a nice staycation treat!

Go to a Zoo or Aquarium

aquarium

Have you been to every zoo or aquarium near home? Even if you have give it another try, they always have something new to see.

Go out for Ice Cream

Ice cream is not just for vacations. Sure you can scoop some in a bowl at home, but once in a while it’s nice to go out for a cone. Ice Cream is a staycation must!

ice cream cone

Try a New Sport

Pickle ball is a great new sport to learn this summer. 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!

pickle ball
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Try a New Activity

  • An escape room
  • A trampoline park
  • Arcade
  • Bowling
  • Ropes Course
  • Zip line
  • Rock climbing
  • Skating
  • indoor skydiving
zipline

Walk a New Trail

Hiking with family

Go for a Bike Ride

Bike ride
Photo by Yiwen on Unsplash

Watch a Movie

Of course a drive in movie would be the best summer staycation expirience, but if you don’t have drive in nearby you can still enjoy a good flick at home. If you choose to stay home make it fun with a new popcorn maker or movie theater candy! For even more fun get a projector and project your movie on a large white sheet outside.

Join a Summer Reading Program at you Local Library

Reading is a great family activity for summertime. It’s great to keep the kids reading all summer, and a perfect time to join a reading program at your local library.

Summer reading

Try a New Park

fun park

Visit a park near home that you have never been to before. You never know what you might find.

Do an Outdoor Craft

Take your creativity outside. Anything from sidewalk chalk to painting rocks can be fun.

rock painting kit

Have a Spa day or get a Pedicure

pedicure
Photo by Konstantin Shmatov on Unsplash

Fly a Kite

If all else fails, go fly a kite!

fly a kite
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

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Categories
Healthy Recipes Recipes Salads

Best Summer Farro Salad with Lemon and Capers

This Summer farro salad is fresh and delicious. Loaded with whole grains, plant based protein and Summer vegetables. This salad is perfect for a picnic, potluck or packed lunch. A tasty side for a Summer BBQ.

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

Tools needed to make Farro Salad

Farro Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup Farro, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 small zucchini, cubed
  • 1 can of corn or corn from 2-3 smoked cobs
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 4-5 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed
  • 6 ounces of capers, drained
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Start by preparing the farro according to package directions. Place it in the refrigerator to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Place the zucchini, corn, cherry tomatoes, peppers, onions, garbanzo beans, capers and fresh basil into a large salad bowl.

Grate the garlic and place it in a mini-food processor with the lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.

farro salad dressing

Add the chilled farro into the salad bowl and mix well. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until well coated.

farro salad

Printable Recipe

    Recipe By Kristin
    Course: Salads Cusine: Difficulty:

    Servings

    minutes

    Preparing Time

    minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 1 cup Farro, cooked according to package directions

    2. 2 small zucchini, cubed

    3. 1 can of corn

    4. 1 pint cherry tomatoes

    5. 1 red pepper, diced

    6. 4-5 green onions, finely sliced

    7. 1 can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed

    8. 6 ounces of capers, drained

    9. 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

    10. 3 garlic cloves, grated

    11. Juice of one lemon

    12. 1/2 cup of olive oil

    13. Salt and pepper to taste

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by preparing the farro according to package directions. Place it in the refrigerator to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

    2. Place the zucchini, corn, cherry tomatoes, peppers, onions, garbanzo beans, capers and fresh basil into a large salad bowl.
    3. Grate the garlic and place it in a mini-food processor with the lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
    4. Add the chilled farro into the salad bowl and mix well. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until well coated.

    NOTES

      If you are using fresh basil add it in with the other vegetables. If you use dried basil, blend it with the dressing.

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    Categories
    Healthy Recipes Recipes Salads

    Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe

    This easy Mediterranean lentil salad is tasty and packed with protein and whole grains. A perfect addition to a packed lunch, an awesome appetizer or a unique side dish.

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

    Helpful tools for making Lentil salad

    Lentil Salad Ingredients:

    • 1 cup Brown lentils
    • 1 cup bulgur
    • 2/3 cup minced sun dried tomatoes
    • 1 small shallot, finely minced
    • 4-5 green onions finely sliced (both whites and greens)
    • 3/4 Cup minced fresh parsley
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • Juice of one lemon
    • 2 Tablespoons ground sumac
    • 2 Tablespoons cumin
    • 2 tablespoons tomato powder

    How to make Mediterranean lentil salad

    Start by cooking the bulgur and lentils according to package directions. Chill the lentils and bulgur in a bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients. Once chilled, add the tomatoes, shallot, green onions, and parsley to the bowl and mix. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and mix well. Finally add the sumac, cumin and tomato powder. Mix until well incorporated. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. If your salad is too dry add additional olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

    Printable Recipe

    More Salad Recipes

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

    Servings

    8 minutes

    Preparing Time

    20 minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 1 cup Brown lentils

    2. 1 cup bulgur

    3. 2/3 cup minced sun dried tomatoes

    4. 1 small shallot, finely minced

    5. 4-5 green onions finely sliced (both whites and greens)

    6. 3/4 Cup minced fresh parsley

    7. 1/2 cup olive oil

    8. Juice of one lemon

    9. 2 Tablespoons ground sumac

    10. 2 Tablespoons cumin

    11. 2 tablespoons tomato powder

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by cooking the bulgur and lentils according to package directions. Chill the lentils and bulgur in a bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients. Once chilled, add the tomatoes, shallot, green onions, and parsley to the bowl and mix. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and mix well. Finally add the sumac, cumin and tomato powder. Mix until well incorporated. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. If your salad is too dry add additional olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

    NOTES

    As an Amazon associate I earn on qualified purchases.

    Categories
    Breakfast recipes Desserts Recipes

    Easy Whole Wheat Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Turn some zucchini into a tasty breakfast treat with this delicious whole wheat chocolate zucchini muffin recipe. These muffins are great way to sneak some vegetables and whole grains into your kiddos. Warning, they will disappear fast!

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

    Tools needed to make zucchini muffins:

    Whole wheat chocolate zucchini muffin ingredients

    • 1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
    • 1/2 Cup packed light brown sugar
    • 1 cup canola oil
    • 3 eggs
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
    • 1 Cup whole wheat flour
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 Cups grated zucchini, drained
    • 1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/675751119125944329/

    How to make chocolate zucchini muffins

    Start by grating the zucchini in a food processor. If you are using a large zucchini, remove the seeds before grating. Set aside in a colander to drain off excess moisture while you prepare the muffins.

    grated zucchini in a colander

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla with an electric mixer until well combined.

    mixing muffin ingredients

    In another bowl whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.

    whisk together dry ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.

    chocolate zucchini muffin batter

    Spray 2 large muffin pans with non-stick spray or line with paper liners. Fill each muffin well 2/3-3/4 full with the batter. This recipe makes approximately 20-22 muffins.

    Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a fork comes out clean.

    baked muffins

    Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    chocolate zucchini muffins

    Printable Recipe

    More Muffins and Breads

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

    Servings

    20 minutes

    Preparing Time

    20 minutes

    Cooking Time

    20 minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar

    2. 1/2 Cup packed light brown sugar

    3. 1 cup canola oil

    4. 3 eggs

    5. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

    6. 1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

    7. 1 Cup whole wheat flour

    8. 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder

    9. 1 teaspoon salt

    10. 1 teaspoon baking soda

    11. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    12. 2 Cups grated zucchini, drained

    13. 1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by grating the zucchini in a food processor. If you are using a large zucchini, remove the seeds before grating. Set aside in a colander to drain off excess moisture while you prepare the muffins.<br>

    2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    3. In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla with an electric mixer until well combined.<br>In another bowl whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.
    4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.<br>Spray 2 large muffin pans with non-stick spray or line with paper liners. Fill each muffin well 2/3-3/4 full with the batter. This recipe makes approximately 20-22 muffins.<br>
    5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a fork comes out clean.<br>Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack.

    NOTES

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    Categories
    Desserts Healthy Recipes Recipes

    Tropical No Bake High Fiber Energy Balls

    These Tropical no bake high fiber energy balls are also a great source of protein. They are made with all natural ingredients with no added sweeteners.

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

    Tools needed to make tropical energy balls

    Tropical Energy Balls Ingredients:

    • 2/3 cup diced unsweetened dried mango
    • 1/2 cup diced unsweetened dried pineapple
    • 6 dates, pitted and diced
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • 30 macadamia nuts
    • 1/4 cup flax seeds
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice, or tropical juice of your choice
    • Lime zest to taste (optional)
    Tropical energy ball ingredients

    How to make Tropical energy balls

    Place the dried fruits and 1/4 cup of the oats into a food processor. Pulse until well processed. If it clumps together, break up the clumps and add the macadamia nuts. Pulse again until evenly processed. Add the seeds and pulse again until well blended. Add the remaining oats and zest if desired pulse until evenly mixed. Although the mixture is very sticky, it will appear dry at this point.

    tropical energy ball ingredients in a food processor

    Finally add the juice, and pulse until it starts to clump.

    Tropical energy ball ingredients ready to roll

    Remove from the food processor and roll into one inch balls.

    tropical energy balls

    Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

    How to store energy balls

    Store your energy balls in an air tight container the refrigerator for 3 weeks. If you don’t plan to use them in 3 weeks, store them in the freezer. If they are too hard when you remove them from the freezer, allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

    More energy balls

    High protein energy balls

    Printable Recipe

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

    Servings

    12 minutes

    Preparing Time

    20 minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 2/3 cup diced unsweetened dried mango

    2. 1/2 cup diced unsweetened dried pineapple

    3. 6 dates, pitted and diced

    4. 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

    5. 1 cup rolled oats

    6. 30 macadamia nuts

    7. 1/4 cup flax seeds

    8. 2 tablespoons chia seeds

    9. 2 tablespoons lime juice, or tropical juice of your choice

    10. Lime zest to taste (optional)

    DIRECTION

    1. Place the dried fruits and 1/4 cup of the oats into a food processor. Pulse until well processed. If it clumps together, break up the clumps and add the macadamia nuts. Pulse again until evenly processed. Add the seeds and pulse again until well blended. Add the remaining oats and zest if desired pulse until evenly mixed. Finally add the juice, and pulse until it starts to clump.

    2. Remove from the food processor and roll into one inch balls. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.<br>

    NOTES

    As an Amazon associate, I earn on qualified purchases.

    Categories
    Recipes Soups

    Polish Easter Soup – Barszcz Bialy 4 ways

    There are several ways to make Polish Easter soup aka: Barszcz Bialy or white borscht. The traditional way involves fermenting rye flour for weeks. There are also a couple of easy ways to make it with packets or bottled Zur. Lastly, you can make it with sourdough discard.

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

    Polish Easter Soup Ingredients:

    • Sour Broth (see below for 4 ways to make the broth)
    • 1 large onion
    • 1 teaspoon Marjoram
    • Hard boiled eggs
    • Smoked polish sausage
    • Fresh grated horseradish
    • Rye bread

    Step 1 Make the Sour Broth in one of 4 ways:

    Option 1: Using a packet to make sour broth

    This is the easiest way to make the sour broth needed to make Polish Easter soup. When served with quality Polish sausage this broth is quite tasty and very easy. You will need to purchase Barszcz Bialy White Borscht Soup Mix packets. You can find them in a Polish or European market or find them here.  The directions are printed on the back, but may be in Polish. Just add 1 Liter of water, and simmer for 5 minutes. Simply heat and serve!

    Barszcz biaty soup packet

    Option 2: Using Bottled Zur to make Polish Easter Soup

    There are several different brands or Zur you can purchase to mix and make your sour broth. These bottles can be found in Polish or European markets. They may or may not have directions in English or Polish on them.

    Typical directions, if available suggest mixing the contents of a 500 mL bottle of Zur with 2.5 Liters of vegetable stock. This results in a broth that is not very sour in my opinion. I prefer to mix the liquid portion of the contents half and half with vegetable broth. Allow the bottle to sit until all of the flour is on the bottom. Carefully pour the liquid portion into the pan, leave as much flour as possible in the jar. The flour will thicken the soup too much if you add less water. I recommend starting there, heat the soup to a simmer before tasting it. If it is too sour add more vegetable broth.

    Homemade vegetable stock is best. I use this recipe, but when I make it for Polish Easter soup I add a couple slices of horseradish before simmering the broth.

    bottled zur

    Option 3: Make Homemade Zur

    Sterilize a 1 quart mason jar with boiling water. Allow the boiled water to cool to room temperature. Add 1/2 cup of rye flour to the jar, then pour the cooled water over top to nearly fill the jar. Cover the jar with a fermentation lid. Allow this jar to sit in a warm dark place for 2-4 weeks. The result will be a sour liquid you can use to make Polish Easter soup.

    fermenting zur

    Option 4: Make sour broth with Sourdough Discard

    Add 1/2-2/3 cup of sourdough discard to 2-3 Tea bags. Tie off the tea bags as tightly as possible. Place the filled bags into a mason jar filled with water and store in your refrigerator for at least one week. Squeeze the remaining sour flavor from the bags and use the sour broth to make your soup.

    sourdough discard in tea bags

    Alternatively you can fill the bags and soak them in your pot of water or vegetable stock as you heat it. Add as many bags of sourdough discard as you like to make your soup as sour as desired. Some of the flour will escape to slightly thicken your soup.

    Sourdough teabags in a pot

    Step 2: Make the Polish Easter Soup

    Sautee onions in a small amount of olive oil until softened. Add the sour broth and 1 teaspoon of marjoram. Simmer until heated to serving temperature, stirring occasionally.

    Note: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the onions to make roux before adding the sour broth. Another way to thicken the broth is to add the hot broth 1 tablespoon at a time to 2 tablespoons of sourdough discard until the discard is heated. Then slowly pour the warm discard into the soup until the desired thickness is achieved.

    Step 3: Serve the Polish Easter Soup

    To Serve, spoon the broth into a bowl, then add a hard boiled egg, sliced smoked sausage and fresh horseradish to taste. Serve with a slice of rye bread for dipping.

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    Categories
    Desserts Healthy Recipes Recipes

    No Bake High Protein Energy Balls

    These high protein energy balls are the perfect healthy snack. No protein powder in this recipe, just all natural ingredients.

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

    Tools needed to make energy balls

    • A coffee grinder, if you choose to grind flax seeds instead of using flaxseed meal
    • Parchment paper

    Energy ball ingredients:

    How to make no bake high protein energy balls

    Grind flaxseed in a coffee grinder or mix flaxseed meal and all other ingredients in a large bowl, start by using a spoon or spatula. You will end up having to use your hands to mix it well.

    energy ball ingredients

    Once mixed roll into 1 inch balls and place them on a parchment lined rimmed cookie sheet. Place the balls in the freezer for one hour before serving.

    energy balls

    Storing energy balls

    After freezing for one hour, you can remove the energy balls from the freezer and store them in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 3 weeks. If you don’t think you will use them in 3 weeks, then place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. If the balls are too hard to eat when removed from the freezer allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

    More energy balls

    Printable Recipe

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

    Servings

    16 minutes

    Preparing Time

    10 minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 2 cups rolled oats

    2. 1 cup golden flaxseed meal or ground flaxseeds

    3. 1 cup crunchy peanut butter

    4. 2/3 cup honey

    5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    6. 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

    DIRECTION

    1. Grind flaxseed in a coffee grinder or mix flaxseed meal and all other ingredients in a large bowl, start by using a spoon or spatula. You will end up having to use your hands to mix it well. Once mixed, roll into 1 inch balls and place them on a parchment lined rimmed cookie sheet. Place the balls in the freezer for one hour before serving.

    NOTES

    As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

    Categories
    Easy meals Recipes

    Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

    A quick and easy homemade chicken pot pie recipe perfect for a family meal. Pair the delicious filling with our simple flaky 3 ingredient pie crust.

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

    Tools needed to make chicken pot pie

    Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients:

    • Best Pie crust: find the recipe here
    • 1 medium onion diced
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter
    • 3 Tablespoons flour
    • 1 can or 2 cups of homemade chicken stock
    • 1.5 teaspoons poultry seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
    • 1 – 16 ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables
    • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 2 cups diced baked chicken breast

    How to make chicken pot pie

    Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until just soft enough to break with a fork.

    Sauté the diced onion in the olive oil or butter until softened. Mix in the flour.

    Add the stock 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until well absorbed before adding more. A thickened sauce will form. Mix in the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add the frozen vegetables and mix until warmed.

    preparing chicken pot pie filling

    Remove from heat and stir in the drained potatoes.

    add potatoes

    Finally add the diced baked chicken.

    add the chicken

    Place the bottom crust into a 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dish. Pour in the filling then place the top crust over it. Pinch the edges shut with the handle of a butter knife. Cut a few slits in the top.

    Cover the edge of the pie with foil to protect from over browning.

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.

    chicken pot pie

    Printable Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

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

    Servings

    minutes

    Preparing Time

    minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. Best Pie crust

    2. 1 medium onion diced

    3. 2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter

    4. 3 Tablespoons flour

    5. 1 can or 2 cups of homemade chicken stock

    6. 1.5 teaspoons poultry seasoning

    7. 1 teaspoon salt

    8. 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

    9. 1 – 16 ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables

    10. 3 medium potatoes, diced

    11. 2 cups diced baked chicken breast

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until just soft enough to break with a fork.<br>Sauté the diced onion in the olive oil or butter until softened. Mix in the flour. Add the stock 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until well absorbed before adding more. A thickened sauce will form. Mix in the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add the frozen vegetables and mix until warmed. Remove from heat and stir in the drained potatoes. Finally add the diced baked chicken.<br>Place the bottom crust into a 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dish. Pour in the filling then place the top crust over it. Pinch the edges shut with the handle of a butter knife. Cut a few slits in the top. Cover the edge of the pie with foil to protect from over browning.<br>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.

    NOTES

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualified purchases.

    Categories
    Healthy Recipes Lunch ideas Recipes Salads Sides

    Healthy and Easy Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe

    This healthy and easy Greek quinoa salad recipe is a great way to increase whole grains and vegetables in your diet. This salad is loaded with vegetables and has the added benefit of whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A perfect prepare ahead quick lunch.

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

    Tools needed to make quinoa salad

    Greek quinoa salad ingredients:

    • 1 cup tri-color quinoa
    • 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
    • 1 bell pepper, chopped
    • 6 green onions, chopped
    • 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
    • 2 kale stems, stems removed and chopped
    • 1/2 cup kalamata olives
    • 5 ounces of fat free feta, crumbled
    • 1 – 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
    • Juice of one lemon
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • salt and pepper to taste

    How to make Greek quinoa salad:

    Start by preparing the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of the tri-color quinoa in a mesh strainer. Add the quinoa and 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to remain covered for 5 more minutes.

    Tri-color quinoa

    Place the tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, kale, olives, feta and chickpeas in a large bowl. Add the quinoa once it has cooled.

    Vegetables

    Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl. Add the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl. Whisk until combined.

    Quinoa salad dressing

    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.

    Greek quinoa salad

    More Great Salad Recipes:

    Check out this post for more great salad recipes for packed lunches.

    Printable recipe

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

    Servings

    6 minutes

    Preparing Time

    30 minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 1 cup tri-color quinoa

    2. 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes

    3. 1 bell pepper, chopped

    4. 6 green onions, chopped

    5. 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped

    6. 2 kale stems, stems removed and chopped

    7. 1/2 cup kalamata olives

    8. 5 ounces of fat free feta, crumbled

    9. 1 – 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    10. 1/3 cup olive oil

    11. 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

    12. Juice of one lemon

    13. 1 teaspoon oregano

    14. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

    15. salt and pepper to taste

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by preparing the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of the tri-color quinoa in a mesh strainer. Add the quinoa and 2 cups of water to a sauce pan. Bring it to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to remain covered for 5 more minutes.<br>Place the tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, kale, olives, feta and chickpeas in a large bowl. Add the quinoa once it has cooled.<br>Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl. Add the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl. Whisk until combined.<br>Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.

    NOTES

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualified purchases.

    Categories
    Easy meals Healthy Recipes Recipes

    Baked Chicken Breast and Wild Rice Recipe

    So easy and so healthy, this baked chicken and rice recipe is an easy meal to serve for your family , but also makes amazing leftovers for packed lunches. Bonus: it helps add whole grains to your diet which will make your nagging doctor happy when your cholesterol drops.

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

    Tools needed for Chicken with Wild Rice:

    Chicken and wild rice ingredients:

    • 4 chicken breasts, trimmed
    • 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
    • 2-3 stalks of celery, sliced
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 8 ounces (1 package) of mini bella mushrooms, sliced
    • 1.5 cups wild rice blend
    • 3.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or 2 -14.5 ounce cans)

    How to make baked chicken and wild rice

    Start by trimming the chicken breasts. Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour it over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinade for at least one hour.

    Rinse the rice
    Rinse the rice

    Rinse the rice. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

    Vegetables and rice in the dutch oven

    Place the carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms in the Dutch oven. Add the rinsed rice and mix. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the vegetable mixture.

    Add chicken stock to the rice and vegetables

    Top with 4 marinated chicken breasts. Drizzle the remaining marinade over top.

    add chicken to the wild rice

    Cover and bake for 60 minutes.

    remove the dutch oven lid

    Remove the cover and continue to bake for another 45 minutes or until the chicken stock is completely absorbed and the chicken breast is lightly browned.

    Chicken and wild rice, ready to serve

    More easy one pan meals

    Printable Recipe

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

    Servings

    minutes

    Preparing Time

    minutes

    Cooking Time

    minutes

    Calories

    kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    1. 4 chicken breasts, trimmed

    2. 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

    3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    4. 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

    5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

    6. 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

    7. 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced

    8. 2-3 stalks of celery, sliced

    9. 1 large onion, chopped

    10. 8 ounces (1 package) of mini bella mushrooms, sliced

    11. 1.5 cups wild rice blend

    12. 3.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or 2 -14.5 ounce cans)

    DIRECTION

    1. Start by trimming the chicken breasts. Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour it over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinade for at least one hour.<br>Rinse the rice. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.<br>Place the carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms in the Dutch oven. Add the rinsed rice and mix. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the vegetable mixture. Top with 4 marinated chicken breasts. Drizzle the remaining marinade over top.<br>Cover and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to bake for another 45 minutes or until the chicken stock is completely absorbed and the chicken breast is lightly browned.

    NOTES

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

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