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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. 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
Health Tips Healthy Home

How to Prepare your Medicine Cabinet for Winter

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

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

Start by disposing of expired medications

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

Where should you dispose of expired medications?

Take your medications to a local take back program.

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

Winter Health Concerns:

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

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

Why should you stock your medicine cabinet for Winter?

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

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

Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials:

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

Pain and Fever

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

Nasal Congestion

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

Cough

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

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

Sore Throat

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

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

Nausea and Vomiting

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

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

Heartburn

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

Diarrhea

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

Shopping List for Winter Medicine Cabinet

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

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

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Categories
Healthy Recipes Recipes Sides

Easy Savory Low Carb Sweet Potato Recipe

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

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

What tools do you need?

Ingredients:

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

2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil

2-3 Tablespoons fresh thyme

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

How to make Savory Sweet potatoes

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

seasoned sweet potatoes

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

Roasted sweet potatoes

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

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

More Thanksgiving Sides:

Printable Savory Sweet Potato Recipe

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

Servings

8 minutes

Preparing Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

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

  2. 2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil

  3. 2-3 Tablespoons fresh thyme

  4. Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTION

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

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

NOTES

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Entertaining at home Healthy Home

Screen Time Alternatives: Gifts that Inspire Creativity and Connection

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

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

Gifts that Help Separate you from Screens

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

Gifts that Encourage Reconnecting with Nature

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

Hiking or Camping Equipment

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

Nature Viewing Gifts

Backyard Games

throw throw burrito extreme

Gifts that Encourage Family Time

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

Family Games

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

Family activities

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

Gifts that Encourage Creativity

Crafts or books are a great creative escape.

diamond painting kit
Diamond painting

Gifts that Encourage Physical Activity

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

pickle ball
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Gifts that Encourage the Other 4 Senses

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

Touch

Sound

Taste

Smell

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Categories
Recipes Sides

Spaghetti Squash, Nature’s Low Carb Pasta

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

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

What tools do you need to make baked spaghetti squash?

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

Preparing the squash

Spaghetti Squash

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

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

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

Spaghetti squash seeds removed adding olive oil

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

How to bake spaghetti squash

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

Spaghetti squash ready to bake

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

Baked spaghetti squash

Preparing your pasta

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

Scooping spaghetti squash into a baking dish

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

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

Baking the pasta

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

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

More Low carb Recipes

Printable Recipe

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

Servings

4 minutes

Preparing Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 3 pound spaghetti squash

  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil

  3. salt and pepper to taste

  4. 1 medium onion diced

  5. 1 jar pasta sauce

  6. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTION

  1. Prepare the Squash

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

  2. Bake the squash

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

  3. Prepare the pasta

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

  4. Bake the pasta

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

NOTES

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Categories
Recipes Save Money

Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte, Save on Starbucks

Stop paying too much for your pumpkin spice latte. I know it’s tasty and convenient to pick it up at Starbucks, but you can make it for less at home. It’s so easy! Try this pumpkin spice latte recipe and save on Starbucks!

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

What tools do you need to make a pumpkin Spice Latte?

Ingredients:

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

First brew strong coffee and warm the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop. Watch the milk closely, stirring nearly continuously. Do not allow it to boil.

Use the milk frother to froth the milk.

Pour the coffee into a 16 ounce cup. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice to the coffee and mix until well blended. Next, stir in the milk.

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

More ways to save money

  • Brew your own coffee at home. Take it to work or school in a travel mug
  • Pack your lunch

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

How to Make Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

This mini fruit pizza cookie recipe is fun for any occasion. It’s fun to get creative with fruit. The best part is they are so delicious you will not have to worry about leftovers. These cookies are tasty with any fruit toppings you choose.

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

What tools do you need to make mini fruit pizza cookies?

Ingredients:

  • Sugar cookies, store bought or homemade

Cream cheese frosting ingredients:

  • 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Fruit toppings

  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Kiwi
  • Mandarin oranges, fresh or canned
  • Pineapple
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Lychee – for Halloween eyeballs

Other optional toppings

How to make mini fruit pizza cookies

Start by baking your sugar cookies. Use your favorite recipe, buy store bought sugar cookies, or use frozen sugar cookie dough.

baked sugar cookies

Make the frosting:

Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Prepare the fruit:

Wash, peel and slice the fruits you choose to use.

Assemble the pizzas

Frost the cookies, and top with fruit of your choice.

Fruit Pizza cookie

Halloween Fruit Pizza Cookie Ideas:

Halloween Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

Mandarin Orange pumpkin cookies

orange pumpkin cookie

Peel a mandarin orange, Slice it into three slices. Use the top and bottom to make the pumpkin cookies. Add a slice of honeydew for the stem.

I used the center slice to create the clown pumpkin pictured in the bottom right above. Just added eyeballs a blueberry nose and a strawberry mouth.

Spider web fruit pizza cookies

First pipe on the frosting in the shape of a spider web. I used a #4 tip. Next slice a black seedless grape in half and use one half for the body. Add a large blueberry for the head. Slice another grape for the legs. Add frosting eyes, topped with red gel.

Fruit Candy Corn Cookie

For the candy corn fruit pizza cookie I used thin slices of pineapple, cantaloupe and banana for the yellow bottom, orange middle and white top. Pictured on the tray above.

Fruit Eyeball Cookies

Stuff a blueberry inside the hole of a Lychee fruit, then add a candy eyeball if desired. Get creative, add eyeballs to any fruit you wish. I added them to sliced black grapes and kiwi above.

Ghost or Mummy Cookies

To make a banana ghost, slice off the top 2 inches of the peeled banana. Slice the 2 inch piece lengthwise. Place the banana flat side down on the cookie. Add 2 drops of melted chocolate for the eyes and a larger drop for the mouth. Alternatively you could use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a regular chocolate chip for the mouth.

To make the banana mummy, first make the ghost, then pipe on the frosting with a #4 tip.

To make the honeydew ghost, start with a thin slice of honeydew melon. Cut a section from the ring. Use a metal straw to make two eye holes and a mouth hole.

To make the strawberry creature, add some eye balls to the strawberry and cut some black grapes for antennae.

Apple Lips Fruit Pizza Cookies

To make the creepy apple lips, first quarter an apple. Use a paring knife to remove the remaining core and seeds, then carve out a mouth. Insert pumpkin seeds for the teeth. Add a slice of strawberry for the tongue.

Barfing Pumpkin Cookie

Barfing pumpkin cookie

To make the barfing cantaloupe pumpkin cookie, start with a thin slice of cantaloupe. Use a small champagne glass to cut a circle. Cut eyes with a metal straw and carve out a mouth with a pairing knife. Next, add some frosting and a variety of small fruit scraps.

Patriotic Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

These patriotic mini fruit pizza cookies are great for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, Veteran’s Day, or any other patriotic event.

Patriotic mini fruit pizza cookies

Two make these patriotic fruit pizzas, simply add 4 small blueberries to the upper left corner, then add strawberry slices for the stripes.

More Great Party Snacks:

Check out these amazing appetizers for your next event:

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

The Secret to Homemade Whipped Cream

Are you frustrated with runny homemade whipped cream? Do you just want to give up and buy store bought whipped cream? Don’t give up! Here is the secret to homemade whipped cream.

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

What tools do you need to make homemade whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Make sure you read the tips below before you start.

Place all of the ingredients into the chilled bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip for approximately 3-4 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl and check for peaks. Once the whipped cream forms peaks, stop whipping. Do not over whip.

What are the secrets to making the best whipped cream?

Chill the bowl

This trick alone will help you make the best homemade whipped cream. Just put the bowl of your stand mixer in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Remove it right before adding your ingredients.

Use the right tools:

You can use a whisk or a hand held mixer with whisk attachments, but for best results use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. If you insist on using a handheld mixer, use a chilled metal bowl. If you use an immersion blender with a whisk attachment, it is very easy to over mix, if you do you will end up with butter instead of whipped cream.

How do you store homemade whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream is best used immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. If you store it longer it may become soupy. If your whipped cream gets soupy, simply rewhip it. Just add the whipped cream to the chilled bowl of your stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to whip it for a minute or two. Do not over whip.

What can you use homemade whipped cream for?

Strawberry Shortcake

Peach Blueberry Pie

Apple Pie

Homemade whipped Cream Printable Recipe

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Categories
Recipes Sides

Best Homemade Whole Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a staple at any Thanksgiving dinner. It’s so easy to just open a can of either whole cranberry or jellied cranberry sauce. Why trouble yourself with one more thing to make? You may wonder until you try the best homemade cranberry sauce recipe. This recipe is quick and easy, and it can and should be made ahead. This way it will be no trouble on Thanksgiving, when you are busy with other food. Give it a try, your family and friends will love you for it!

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

What tools do you need to make homemade cranberry sauce?

  • Sauce pan
  • Colander
  • silicone spatula

Ingredients:

  • 20-24 ounces of fresh or defrosted frozen Cranberries
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make homemade cranberry sauce

Start by rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries.

rinsed fresh cranberries

Pour the apple cider into a sauce pan and bring to a boil.

Apple cider in a sauce pan

Reduce to a simmer and add the sugar. Stir constantly until all of the sugar is dissolved.

cider and sugar

Then add the cranberries and cinnamon.

add cranberries to pan

Continue to simmer on medium heat and stir occasionally until most of the cranberries have burst, approximately 10 minutes. Watch it close so it does not boil over. After about 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.

Sauce ready to cool
Sauce ready to cool

It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate the sauce overnight, where it will continue to thicken. Remove the sauce from the refrigerator 1-2 hours prior to serving.

homemade cranberry sauce

More Thanksgiving Sides

Printable recipe

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

Servings

10 minutes

Preparing Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

10 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 20-24 ounces of fresh or defrosted frozen Cranberries

  2. 2 cups apple cider

  3. 1.5 cups sugar

  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTION

  1. Start by rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries. Pour the apple cider into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the sugar. Stir constantly until all of the sugar is dissolved. Then add the cranberries and cinnamon. Continue to simmer on medium heat and stir occasionally until most of the cranberries have burst, approximately 10 minutes. Watch it close so it does not boil over. After about 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate the sauce overnight, where it will continue to thicken. Remove the sauce from the refrigerator 1-2 hours prior to serving. 

NOTES

Categories
Recipes Sides

Easy Baked Potato Croquette Recipe

This easy baked potato croquette recipe is sure to please any family. The croquettes are so easy to reheat for leftover sides. They pair nicely with any meat and potatoes meal. Baking the croquettes is healthier than frying them, don’t worry, the panko coating will still be crispy and delicious. Serve with a side of sour cream if desired.

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

Tools needed to make potato croquettes

Potato Croquettes Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 5 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

How to make potato croquettes

First boil the potatoes until they break apart easily with a fork, drain the water.

Boiled potatoes

Meanwhile, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the butter.

Sauteed onions

Place the warm potatoes in a mixing bowl along with the remaining butter, cheddar cheese and salt and pepper. Use a hand mixer to blend well.

Add the sauteed onions and continue to blend until smooth and creamy.

Measure out approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue to roll the balls until all of the mixture is used up.

Pour the panko bread crumb on a plate.

Panko on a plate
Panko on a plate

Roll each potato ball into the crumbs until well coated. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on a parchment lined sheet pan.

Croquettes on a sheet pan

Sprinkle each croquette with smoked paprika.

Croquettes with paprika

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the croquettes are lightly browned and crispy.

Baked croquettes

Serve with sour cream.

Croquettes served

Printable recipe

More Tasty Side Dishes

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

Servings

12 minutes

Preparing Time

30 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 4 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces

  2. 5 Tablespoons butter

  3. 1 medium onion, diced

  4. 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

  5. 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs

  6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  7. salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTION

  1. First boil the potatoes until they break apart easily with a fork, drain the water.<br>Meanwhile, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the butter.<br>Place the warm potatoes in a mixing bowl along with the remaining butter, cheddar cheese and salt and pepper. Use a hand mixer to blend well.<br>Add the sauteed onions and continue to blend until smooth and creamy.<br>Measure out approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue to roll the balls until all of the mixture is used up.<br>Pour the panko bread crumb on a plate. Roll each potato ball into the crumbs until well coated. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on a parchment lined sheet pan.<br>Sprinkle each croquette with smoked paprika. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the croquettes are lightly browned and crispy.<br>Serve with sour cream.<br>

NOTES

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Categories
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How to Clean a Traeger Silverton 620

Deep cleaning your Traeger Silverton 620 is recommended after every 2-3 cooks or 20-24 hours of cook time. You should also clean the grates after every cook. Cleaning is important to prevent grease fires and also helps ensure the best performance of your grill.

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What tools do you need to clean a Traeger grill?

How to get started cleaning a Traeger

Dirty Traeger

First make sure your grill is completely cool. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your last cook before attempting a cleaning. Use a Grate Cleaning brush to remove as much as possible from the grates. Remove the grates and Drip tray liner. Don’t get anything wet yet, you will need to vacuum first.

Note: You can reuse the drip tray liner by wrapping the liner in foil. This way you can just replace the foil, and reuse the liner until there is too much grease build up.

dirty Traeger drip tray

Next remove the drip tray.

interior full of ash

Finally remove the fire pot cover.

How to vacuum ash form your Traeger

vacuuming out the ash

Use an Ash Vacuum to remove the ashes from inside the Traeger. Once again, please make sure it is completely cool before doing this. Don’t forget to clean the ash from the fire pot as well. You can scoop out the pellets before you use the vacuum there, replacing them when the ash is cleaned out.

How to clean the grease from inside your Traeger

Spray the Traeger All-Natural cleaner on all surfaces and wipe down with a rag or heavy duty paper towels.

Once clean and dry, you can replace the pellets in the fire pot and begin to reassemble with clean parts, or clean them as you go.

How to reassemble the Traeger after cleaning

Traeger interior scrubbed clean

First, replace the fire pot cover.

Clean Traeger inside

Then replace the drip tray.

Clean Traeger Drip tray

Replace the drip tray liner, I recommend covering it with foil to get more uses out of it.

Clean Traeger interior

Lastly, replace the clean grates. I usually clean these separately, while they are outside of the grill. They really do require the most scrubbing.

Final steps for cleaning your Traeger

Next, wipe down the exterior of the grill including the back vents. Replace the Grease bucket liner below, if necessary.

Clean Traeger grease bucket

The pellet hopper should also be emptied and vacuumed out, but I recommend doing this when you need to change the pellets.

Clean Traeger

Check out this post for some great tips on how to use your Traeger Silverton 620.

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