DIY CRAFT read more PARTY DECOR read more PATTERNS read more RECIPES read more DIY CRAFT read more PARTY DECOR read more TRAVEL TIPS read more Party Planner and DIY Projects Memorial Day CraftsMay 25, 2022Memorial Day crafts offer a great way to kick off summer fun and decorating. Whether your craft of choice is quilting or jewelry making, there is something for everyone to create in honor of this patriotic holiday. Crochet Crafts for Memorial Day Afghans and cup cozies offer two unique ways to decorate your home for Memorial Day. American Star Afghan This charted star afghan pattern uses a J hook and simple stitches to create a beautiful throw featuring a red, white and blue star in the center. This is a project for a crocheter with some experience and a lot of tenacity, but the finished project is fabulous. You will need to get the following amounts of yarn for a 38 inch by 47 inch throw: Light blue – 7 ounces Navy blue – 9 ounces Red – 12 ounces White – 4 ounces Cup Cozy Keep your iced tea cold at this year’s Memorial Day BBQ with this patriotic crocheted cup cozy that is easy enough for beginners. Make a set of them; the design matches the afghan above. This also uses a J crochet hook, and you can use scrap yarn to make the cozies. Once the cover is made you apply purchased appliqués in patriotic patterns to finish the look. This is really a quick, super-simple project and would be great for bazaars and fund raisers. Patriotic Apparel Creating crafts with T-shirts, shoes, flip flops, and other apparel is a lot of fun for teens and adults alike. Wearing something that you have made is a great way to show the world your creative side as well as expressing your unique style. Tennis Shoes What do you get when you combine some fabric paint, a few stencils, and a pair of white tennis shoes? You come up with these adorable patriotic sneakers. You will need the following materials, available at most craft stores: Stars and Bars stencil ¼ inch stencil brush Folk Art Acrylic in 641 Brilliant Blue Folk Art Acrylic in 437 Lipstick Red Folk Art Textile Medium Stars and Stripes T-Shirt Here is another stenciling project. This T-shirt has plenty of patriotism. You could even make the shoes above to match it. You will need to purchase a plain, white T-shirt in the size you need. Other supplies that you will need are listed on the website. Outdoor Décor for Memorial Day If you are planning a picnic or get together at your home, you will want to make sure your landscape is full of Memorial Day charm. Here are a few quick and easy crafts that you can make for your yard or garden. Signs Whimsical signs to stick in your garden are fun additions to your party. Use wooden letters, acrylic paints and dowels to spell out your Memorial Day message. Consider these ideas: Liberty Memory Memorial Day Honor Flag Banner You can make this flag banner to hang either inside or outside in a protected area like on a patio or porch. It’s a quick and easy paper craft that you can put together in under 30 minutes. Memorial Day Memorial Day is more than the first picnic of the summer. It is a day that people are asked to stop and remember those who have given their lives in war over the past decades. Creating patriotic crafts is one way of honoring the fallen while enjoying a craft or two.... Read more...Memorial Day Party IdeasMay 23, 2022I’m always on the lookout for new party ideas, and as Memorial Day weekend festivities approach, I’ve been scouring the internet for fun, unique ideas to share with you… I’m excited to tell you that I think you will . I love some of the ideas I found in Her Royal Heinous, Queen Bee by Alm Chandler and Emily by Magnolia Creative. So cute and patriotic! ! Colorful tin buckets double and triple as place settings, card holders and party favors. It’s easy to make something so simple look so festive just by adding some colorful ribbons, labels, and an American flag. Wrap the old-fashioned Coca-Cola in patriotic wrapping paper! Nothing says America more than Coca-Cola. I love that they keep traditional food…hot dogs, chips, cookies, cupcakes and cherry pie! Salute…so American! ! ! Wrapped in colorful ribbons and tied with twine, these hot dogs are so cute and festive…every detail has been thought out. To make this cute and highly creative apple wreath, they bought apples (not real apples) at a local hobby store, threading yarn through them, and adding ribbon decoration at the end. I like this idea. Thanks for the great Memorial Day inspiration! ! ! If you don’t have a Memorial Day party, consider hosting it on July 4th or another patriotic event. ... Read more...Flag day activity for kidsMay 20, 2022Today is Flag Day, and instead of sitting in and making stars and stripes, we’re scouring our gardens for them. This Flag Day activity for kids is simple yet perfect for this special day. After playing, we discussed the flag, its development, and what the flag is used for. I’m also planning to repeat multiple times before July 4th. 1. Gather your materials. You will need a container and some flags. We got everything at the dollar spot at Target and as far as I know it’s all still there! We have 8 flags and a tin bucket. 2. Hide the flags around your yard. I just pushed mine right into the ground. 3. Gather your search party. I explained it was not a race that they are working together against the clock. This turns my super competitive 6 year old into a supportive team player and gives my daughter a chance to participate at a more equal level. 4. Go! I used my phone to time although really they didn’t care about the time they just liked the hunt. 5. I spaced the flags out a lot. I wanted them to run as much as possible . 6. As they returned the flags to the bucket I had them count and my son figure out how many more we needed to find. See what I did there? Throwing in a little bit of math. 7. All in all it took three minutes and 43 seconds to find all 8 flags. Clearly I need to hide them better …. or give fewer hints. If an inside activity is really what you are after check out these Patriotic Crafts.... Read more...Handprint FireworksMay 18, 2022We are here looking forward to July 4th! Parades, fireworks, barbecues, beach or pool tours, all wrapped up in a lovely long weekend. I fondly remember celebrating July 4th as a child—especially decorating my bike for local parades and watching fireworks on my streets. I’m so glad my daughters are looking forward to July 4th too. I knew I wanted to do some red, white and blue crafts with the girls this year and had a vision for a handprint fireworks display. I love a good hand or footprint project. One of the most important parts of successful handprint and footprint art is planning ahead. Gather all your supplies, including cleaning materials, before involving your child. Are you ready to make handprint fireworks? Let’s get to work! Supplies White cardstock Red and blue cardstock Acrylic paint in red and blue Silver glitter glue A container to hold the paint – I like to use recycled baby food containers for easy clean up! Paint brushes – I used a small foam brush for the actual prints and a finer bristle brush to add the details Cutting Board – I used a heavy weight plastic board Masking tape or painters tape Baby wipes and paper towel Paper cutter or scissors Glue stick Black pen or fine tipped marker Step One – Paper Carefully tape a piece of white cardstock to your cutting board – this will give you a nice hard surface for your child to press their hand onto when making the prints. Step Two – Planning Think about how to best place the handprints on the page. You will be cutting your handprints out later so spacing isn’t that important other than to get as many prints on a page as you can to save on cardstock. I like to make multiple prints at a time (like 6-8) – this way I can pick the best ones once they dry or send the extras to friends and family as holiday greetings. Step Three – Making the Prints Make sure you have your supplies within arms reach before you start painting. This includes extra paper, paint and your wipes and paper towel for clean up. The key is work quickly and efficiently once you begin. I started with my youngest child who I contained in her highchair for the painting. Using the foam brush I carefully painted one hand with red paint making sure it was thoroughly covered but not too thick. Be sure to get those little fingers good! We made it fun – making sound effects and pretending to tickle her palm worked well. Once the paint is applied, quickly and firmly place the hand onto the paper, pressing down gently on each finger to get good contact with the paper. Young babies have a tendency to curl their toes and fingers under. In my infant massage training, I learned that by gently running a finger across the top of the toes, you can trigger a reflex that causes a baby to fan out their toes briefly. This also works to open clenched up little fingers. I reapply paint lightly between each print. After the last print is done, I wipe off the hand with baby wipes and then follow up with a paper towel to remove the remainder of the paint. I repeated the process with my preschooler by having her sit on a kitchen chair and press her hand down onto the paper on the hard surface of a table. Using the same red and blue paint, I even out inconsistencies with the handprints to make them look more finished. You can use your pinky finger or a cotton swab to round out finger prints that didn’t make full contact with the paper if necessary. Let the prints dry thoroughly before adding the final details. Step Four – Adding the Detail On a separate sheet of white card stock, I painted the fireworks. I started by making an “X” in blue paint and then adding another “X” through that. Next I switched to red paint adding another two “X”s to the firework. I then add a few more “sparks” using both blue and red. The final touch is to add some silver glitter glue to give some shimmery sparks coming out of all sides of the firework. Glitter glue is pretty forgiving – in fact, I spilled a big glob of it on one of my handprint pictures when the squeeze tip popped off of the bottle accidentally. I used a plastic spoon to pick up the glob and gently rubbed the rest off with paper towel. Crisis averted! Allow your firework to dry slightly. Cut out your handprint fairly closely to the paint using a pair of scissors. Stick it to the middle of the firework. Use a glue stick to attach it if needed, but I found that the slightly wet paint and glitter glue held it on just fine. I gently bent the fingers of the print up a bit so the looked like part of the firework as well. Step Five – Framing Using my paper cutter, I trimmed up my firework to my desired size and cut a square of coordinating red or blue paper just slightly bigger than the print to act as a frame. I attached the print to the frame using just a few dabs of glue stick. Don’t forget to finish the project by adding your child’s name and their age or the year somewhere on the print. As I have mentioned before, I just love hand and footprint art. My girls have come home from daycare with some adorable projects. I asked their teachers if they had any tricks for getting such great prints from even the littlest kids. They told me they teach the toddlers to give them high fives and practice it regularly in the classroom. Then when it comes to making a handprint they simply tell the child to give a “high five” and the child knows just what to do. How clever! My kids have gotten so used to doing these kinds of projects that they know just what to do without much fuss or mess. I hope you enjoy making these handprint fireworks as much as we did. Wishing you and yours a safe and fun 4th of July! Please take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to have our freedoms and to live in this great country. Cheers! My posts are partying at these fun Link Parties and Blog Hops!... Read more...Patriotic Wreath Craft For KidsMay 16, 2022We’re taking apart our red, white, and blue decor and craft supplies as the summer holidays approach. We love our paper plate Easter wreath and decided to make a patriotic star wreath for summer. This star wreath is perfect for Memorial Day and Independence Day. First, we pulled out one of our favorite craft supplies, paper plates. We pick these from the dollar tree and use them in many of our crafts. SUPPLIES: Paper plate Red paper Blue paper Red, White, & Blue Ribbon Glue Scissors Star Craft Papr Punch 3-Inch Note: You could also use a star cookie cutter as a template for the stars. Directions: 1. Cut center from paper plate. Most paper plate have line you can cut along. 2. Using paper punch cut out stars from red and blue paper. 3. Glue stars to the paper plate alternating red and blue. If you are doing a craft with a preschooler, you could talk about creating a pattern by alternating the two colors. (By understanding patterns, children are able to make predictions about what should come next.) 4. After the kids finish gluing their stars, attach a piece of ribbon to the back of the paper to hang the patriotic wreath. 5. Make a bow from the ribbon and attach to the top of the wreath. (Our bow is made using 3 different ribbons.) ... Read more...Uncle Sam Paper Plate CraftMay 13, 2022With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July approaching, we looked at crafts from patriotic children, especially ideas from the Fourth of July tradition. This paper plate craft from Uncle Sam is perfect for you! You probably have everything you need at home – paper plates, gooey eyes, construction paper and felt. Beards and whiskers can easily be replaced with white construction paper or cotton if you don’t feel it. The reason I like to make with paper plates is that we always have some disposable plates on hand. Even if we don’t have the white one, we can flip the colored one to use the white side. easy to die. Make this Uncle Sam craft and hang it on your door for a patriotic look on July 4th! Let’s start creating… here’s what you’ll need. Materials for the Uncle Sam Paper Plate Craft Small paper plate Skin colored and white craft paint White fleece or felt Navy and red cardstock Googly eyes Glue Foam star stamp Black permanent marker Scissors Paint brushes Instructions for the Uncle Sam Paper Plate Craft 1. Paint the front of your paper plate with your skin colored craft paint and let dry. 2. Cut a rectangle from your blue card stock that measures across the top of your paper plate for the brim of the hat. 3. Then cut a large square out of your red card stock for the top of the hat. 4. Glue the blue rectangle to the bottom of your red square and use your white paint to draw stripes on to the red square and stamp stars onto the blue rectangle then glue onto the top of The skin colored plate. 5. Glue your Google he eyes right below the brim of the hat and draw a nose underneath with your black marker. 6. Cut out a mustache and beard from your white fleece and a glue the beard around the bottom edge of the plate and the mustache under the nose. 7. Now draw a small mouth under the mustache and your uncle Sam craft is complete. I love this craft! So cute.... Read more...Ginger Snap CraftsMay 11, 2022I shared this craft last year just about this time! It’s a great last minute craft to do with the kiddos. I had seen a similar idea over at A Pumpkin & a Princess. I think this was one of the first times I met Crystal & featured her on my blog! Now she’s one of my closest blogging friends, & I’m still getting great ideas from her. Thanks, Crystal! We turned our flags into a banner! Love how festive & fun it makes the mantel look. It’s super simple & easy to do, and if your kiddos love to glue & paint {like mine do!} then this is the perfect craft for them. You’ll need jumbo popsicle sticks. {Did you know that you can cut popsicle sticks with scissors?} I didn’t either, but it was super easy to do with a pair of my kiddo’s school scissors. You’ll need to cut (2) 3 1/2 inch sticks and (3) 3 inch sticks. You’ll also need 5 uncut popsicle sticks. You’ll also need some stars. I cut mine out of white card stock with my star punch. {You could also use stickers, paint or whatever you have around.} Paint your popsicle sticks. You won’t need to paint the 3 1/2 inch sticks. You’ll use those to glue your stripes on. They’ll be in the back, so you won’t see them. You’ll glue your blue sticks on top of your stripes. {We just used Elmer’s glue to hold our flags together.} Glue on your stars. Then let the flags dry really well. I hot glued our flags to a long piece of red ribbon. Then I tied 6 inch pieces of ribbon between each flag after I hung our flag banner on the mantle. It’s sad…but my mantel pretty much looks the same today a year later. Hmmmmmm…..I might need to change it up a bit! Thank you so much stopping by my blog! If this is your first time visiting I’d love to keep in touch.... Read more...DIY Army WreathMay 9, 2022I have been wanting to make a military wreath for a while, I can’t remember where I saw one at but I thought it was so cool that I wanted to make my own. Since the Army upgraded to OCP uniforms my husband hasn’t used his old ACU’s for a while. He has a few of the ACU uniforms so I asked if he could part with a pair of pants so I could use them for my project, which he gladly agreed to. I bought my foam wreath and fabric at Hobby Lobby and the pins I got at Target(I got them on the second day while I was running a few errands). The things you will need: A foam wreath About 300 pins Red, white and Blue fabric 1 yard each Old ACU’s or any military uniform or military camo fabric Time Optional: Last name Dog tags American Flag The first thing to do is cut your fabric, I cut about 3×3 inch squares. They weren’t exact, I free handed it using a scissors. The pants were kind of hard to cut just because all the pockets, I used some of the pieces that had velcro and buttons to add a little bit of character to it. Make a triangle with your square piece of fabric by bringing two opposite corners together, then bring the other two opposite ends together so all four ends meet, put the pin through all the corners, then fluff it out and pin it to the foam. To make the stars, just add a few white pieces to the blue sporadically. For the finishing touches I added our last name, dog tags and the American flag. I love the way it turned out! I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial!... Read more...Mom, I Love You Pop Up Cards with Free Silhouette Cut FilesMay 6, 2022You, like me, might have seen a picture of an “i {heart} you” pop up card floating around on the Internet. I even pinned it to my Paper Crafts board. But I decided to change it up a bit and make it on my Silhouette instead of cutting it out by hand. And since I can’t let a good thing go, I also made a Mother’s Day card to go with it. So, today I’m sharing the free Silhouette cut files for my “Mom, I Love You” pop up cards! Go ahead, pin the image below. You know you want to, and I’d love for you to share this post on your social media outlets! Of course, the “mom” card is appropriate for right around now with Mother’s Day coming up, but the “i {heart} you” card can be used for all sorts of occasions, year-round. We’re sending these to our moms this year…which reminds me, I should probably get these in the mail! There’s nothing special you need to do with the Silhouette file – no print and cut, no double cut, no switching of blade depths. I’ve included which lines are perforated so one pass is all you need. Cut it out on plain cardstock, then back it up against colored or patterned cardstock of your choice. THE DIMENSIONS FOR EACH CARD ARE AS FOLLOWS: “i {heart} u” card: Inner card: 5″ x 7.5″, which when folded = 5″ x 3.75″. Outer card (full card size): 5.5″ x 8.5″, which when folded = 5.5″ x 4.25″. Fits in an A2 envelope, which is 5.75″ x 4.375″. “mom” card: Inner card: 6.75″ x 9″, which when folded = 6.75″ x 4.5″. Outer card (full card size: 7″ x 10″, which when folded = 7″ x 5″. Fits in an A7 envelope, which is 7.25″ x 5.25″. After the card is cut, peel it off your mat carefully, and remove the little bits of cut-outs. Fold along the perforated lines to “pop out” the letters. You should be able to fold the card in half along the center fold. Then, just assemble with glue or tape to your outer card. I’ve also included a cut-out heart in each cut file that you can use for the outside of the card, so it’s not super plain. But that’s completely up to you. You can decorate the front (and back) any way you’d like. I’m really loving paper crafting and having a Silhouette makes things so much more fun! I hope your loved ones enjoy these cards as much as I did making them!... Read more...Mason Jar Picture Frame VaseMay 2, 2022Upcycle a mason jar into an affordable and thoughtful gift using supplies you most likely have on hand! This makes a great DIY gift! This post originally appeared on the blog several years ago and I recreated the project just for fun today! I’m Savvynana and every month we get a project challenge…should we choose to accept it? In March, we were tasked with presenting the Radiant Orchid color of Pantone’s Valspar. I recently gave you 3 tips for decorating with Radiant Orchid. This is a bold color and definitely not for everyone. For this project, I wanted to create something in Radiant Orchid that is easy to replicate, appeals to many, and screams YAY SPRING! I came up with a simple mason jar photo frame vase. I think this would make a great Mother’s Day gift, right? It’s simple, and kids can do most of the steps on their own with adult supervision. SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR MASON JAR PICTURE VASE For this project you will need the following: Clean mason jar Pantone’s Radiant Orchid paint by Valspar Paint brush Vinyl shape or sticker and picture Painter’s tape Clear spray paint STEP 1: PLACE VINYL OR PAINTER’S TAPE OVER JAR AND PAINT. To create your picture frame window on your jar, place vinyl or painter’s tape on the area that you don’t want painted. I used my Silhouette machine to cut out a decorative square in black vinyl. There were some gaps in my vinyl, so I filled them with painter’s tape. If you don’t own a Silhouette, you could create a square using painter’s tape and decorative edge scissors. Paint the outside of the jar and immediately remove your sticker. You do not want to wait until the paint is dry or else it will be difficult to remove your sticker. STEP 2: CUT A PICTURE TO SIZE AND ATTACH TO JAR WITH PAINTER’S TAPE. I tried out a few different pictures before deciding on the one I liked best. I sized my pictures in a Word document and then just printed them off on my laser printer. The painter’s tape allows you to easily change out the picture. STEP 3: “DISTRESS” THE LETTERING ON THE JAR. This is an optional step. I like the look of the lettering and pictures on mason jars and wanted it to show more clearly. I took a metal file and scraped off the paint where I wanted the lettering to show. Here you can see what the back of the jar looks like with the paint scraped off of the lettering. STEP 4: SEAL THE OUTSIDE OF THE PAINTED JAR WITH CLEAR SPRAY PAINT. The paint will easily scrape off of the jar if it is not sealed. To add durability to the paint, spray it with a clear spray paint. STEP 5: PLACE PAPER CUP INSIDE JAR TO HOLD FLOWERS. Your picture will be ruined if you fill the inside of the jar with water. Place a paper cup inside the jar, fill the cup with water, and place your flowers in the cup. I used a foam cup and had to cut off the lip of the cup in order for it to fit but it worked great. You can also fill the jar with epsom salts or a sugar scrub! Or just fill the jar with your loved one’s favorite candy for a thoughtful and inexpensive gift! Note: Some of you are having difficulty finding the right mason jars. Use Golden Harvest mason jars which do not have writing on both sides. ... Read more... Recipes, Parties, Crafts & Travel Grilled Fish Tacos With Citrus Carrot SlawMay 24, 2022Fish tacos with grilled Alaskan cod are topped with a delicious citrus carrot slaw. They’re light, bright, sweet, tangy and perfect for spring and summer. You’ll definitely go back for seconds! This fish taco recipe is easy to make, super flavorful and will be the fan favorite at your next Taco Tuesday party. AN EASY FISH TACO RECIPE I’m excited to introduce you to a healthy fish taco recipe that’ll knock your socks off. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s literally bursting with flavor, thanks to the juicy citrus, lime juice and cilantro. Many fish taco recipes use battered and fried fish (and usually a low quality farmed tilapia). But grilled cod fresh from Alaska makes all the difference. Grilling, rather than battering the fish allows the fish to really shine (which is what you want in a fish taco recipe) and highlights the bold flavors of the slaw. So what’s in the citrus carrot slaw? Two types of oranges (navel and cara cara), carrots, green cabbage, cilantro and some lime juice. And let me warn you, it’s highly addictive. I had a little leftover after making these tacos, so literally just scooped it up and ate it plain for a snack…it’s that good. WHAT’S THE BEST FISH TO USE FOR FISH TACOS? I always recommend starting with some good quality (preferably wild caught) fish. I’m using fresh Alaskan cod in this recipe (the same I use in my garlic herb baked cod recipe), but you could also use halibut, mahi mahi, salmon or another flaky white fish. HOW TO MAKE FISH TACOS There’s really two parts to making this fish taco recipe – grilling the fish and making the slaw. And then it’s just assembling everything together! Grill the Fish: Heat a grill on medium high heat and grill the fish for a couple of minutes each side, drizzling with fresh lime juice as its grilling. After a few minutes on each side, your fish should be cooked through. Remember, you don’t want to overcook fish or else it ends up dry and rubbery. Make the Slaw: Stir together the oranges, carrots, green cabbage, cilantro and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Once your fish is grilled and your slaw is made it’s as simple as piling it onto a tortilla. I’m using my favorite Cassava Flour Tortillas, but you could use any type of tortilla. And that’s it! An easy, quick, healthy and tasty fish taco recipe with a Baja and SoCal vibe. Serve these up with a Classic Margarita or Mango Margarita (to match the orange color!). And if you love coleslaw, make sure to check out my Classic Coleslaw (with mayo) and Vinegar Coleslaw (without mayo). They’re both delicious! GRILLED FISH 3 filets, cod (or other fish) 1 lime 1/2 tsp garlic powder salt and pepper, to taste CITRUS CARROT SLAW 2 navel oranges, peeled and diced 2 cara cara oranges, peeled and diced 1 large carrot, julienne peeled 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 1 lime, juiced salt and pepper, to taste OTHER INGREDIENTS 6 tortillas, (I use my Cassava Flour Tortillas, but you can use any) avocado and limes, for garnish INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix all of the citrus slaw ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. 2. Heat a grill (or grill pan) on medium-high heat and grill the fish for 2-3 minutes on one side. Squeeze the lime over the fish and season with garlic, salt and pepper. Flip the fish and grill for another 2-3 minutes. The fish will likely break apart and that’s okay. 3. Assemble the fish tacos by placing small pieces of fish in each taco, then top with the slaw. Garnish with avocado and lime slices. LISA’S TIPS If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or reversible grill/griddle pan and make these in your kitchen. Super easy! NUTRITION CALORIES: 243kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 31g, PROTEIN: 24g, FAT: 3g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 50mg, SODIUM: 279mg, POTASSIUM: 755mg, FIBER: 4g, SUGAR: 11g, VITAMIN A: 1932iu, VITAMIN C: 62mg, CALCIUM: 85mg, IRON: 1mg ... Read more...Cedar Plank SalmonMay 19, 2022Cedar Plank Salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon that tastes great. The fish gets a wonderful smoky flavor, the salmon stays juicy and you don’t have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush salmon with my maple ginger frosting and you’ll have a new favorite salmon recipe in no time. Cedar Salmon! Did you make it? If not, you have to try it because it’s so easy and gives the salmon a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’ve ever tried grilled salmon, you know how hard it can be. Salmon often sticks to the grill (even if you have oiled it) and if you try to turn or remove the salmon, it will fall apart and you will lose half of it between the grill grates. It’s not funny. But the good news is that cedar planks solve that problem. Cedar plank salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon with enormous flavor. You get that lovely smoky flavor in the fish, the salmon stays extra moist and you don’t have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush the salmon with my maple ginger glaze and you’ll soon have a new favorite salmon recipe. Cedar plank salmon! Have you ever made it? If not, you’ll have to give it a try because it’s so darn easy and imbues a wonderful smokey flavor into the salmon. If you’ve ever tried to grill salmon you know how difficult it can be. The salmon often sticks to the grill (even if you’ve oiled it) and as you try to flip or remove the salmon, it falls apart and you lose half of it between the grill grates. That’s not fun. But good news, the cedar plank solves that problem. Because there’s no direct heat charring the bottom of the salmon, the salmon also stays incredibly moist when cooked on a cedar plank. But there’s one more reason why I love cedar plank salmon, as a gluten-free gal. And it’s a biggie – I don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. That’s a huge consideration, especially during the summer months when everyone is using public grills or at friend’s houses using their grills. Unfortunately, the heat from the grill doesn’t “kill” any gluten that may be lurking on the grill grates. If high-heat did that, all deep fried foods would be gluten-free – and of course you know they’re not. So cedar planks to the rescue! HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SOAK CEDAR PLANKS? Cedar planks should be soaked for at least 1-2 hours. I buy these ones that are extra long to better accommodate a big filet. But if you plan to grill smaller salmon pieces, you could opt for a shorter length. CAN YOU REUSE CEDAR PLANKS? No, they’re a one-time use item. Even if yours isn’t completely charred, it’s not safe to use it again from a food safety standpoint. HOW TO MAKE CEDAR PLANK SALMON Once you make this recipe you’ll wonder why you haven’t made cedar plank salmon sooner. Here’s how easy it is: Soak the planks for at least 1-2 hours in water, then dry with a kitchen towel. Preheat your grill to medium high. Toast the planks (optional) to dry them off. Just place them empty on the grill for 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Place the salmon on the planks. If your salmon doesn’t fit, you can use more than one plank or place it on a diagonal across several planks. Season your salmon with the maple ginger glaze on the plank. You can add more glaze halfway through as well. Cook the salmon for 12-15 minutes on medium indirect heat. Once your salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill with tongs. Place it on a baking sheet or other surface that can handle the hot temperature of the wood (and remember this will get dirty from the charred wood). Slice the salmon into pieces and enjoy! What to serve with the salmon? I love my Bok Choy, Coleslaw and Potato Salad. And if it’s an outdoor party, don’t forget the Guacamole and Pico de Gallo to nibble on. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 lbs Salmon, (Sockeye, Coho, King) GLAZE 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup tamari, or coconut aminos 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp grated ginger GARNISH green onion (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Submerge your cedar planks in water for at least 2 hours. You may need to put something heavy on them to keep them under water. Add the maple syrup, tamari, lemon juice, garlic and ginger to a small pot on high heat. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn it down to low, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced in half and becomes thicker, then remove from the heat. Turn the grill on medium high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If possible, use indirect heat. While the grill is heating, pat down the salmon to remove any extra moisture. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the soaked cedar plank and brush the glaze over the whole salmon. (Optional: You can remove the skin from the salmon before placing on the plank.) Once the grill has heated, place the cedar plank in the middle of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes. It’s better to slightly under cook the salmon than overcook, as it will continue cooking once removed from the grill. You can add a little more glaze to the salmon halfway through the cooking process. Once the salmon is done, turn the grill off and use 2 tongs to transport the cedar plank to a large baking pan. Add optional toppings like green onion and serve immediately. TIPS If you’re grilling a large filet as I’m doing in this recipe, make sure you get cedar planks that are 15″ long. The standard 12″ ones are usually too short, but they work fine for 2-4 individual pieces. NUTRITION CALORIES: 246kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 20g, PROTEIN: 24g, FAT: 7g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 62mg, SODIUM: 773mg, POTASSIUM: 660mg, FIBER: 1g, SUGAR: 17g, VITAMIN A: 45iu, VITAMIN C: 4.4mg, CALCIUM: 48mg, IRON: 1.2mg ... Read more...What Parts Of A Big Party Should You Outsource?May 18, 2022If you’re planning a particularly big party, such as one that has more than a hundred guests or one that is for a particularly special event, then it can become clear that you shouldn’t try and handle everything yourself. Thankfully, you don’t have to. There’s a big old industry of party planning help out there, but what can you outsource to the professionals and how can it help? The venue Your backyard might be good for a couple dozen people but if the invite list starts getting too big then you need to start looking at which venues can host you. Choosing the right venue is all about asking the right questions. You need to be well aware of what the venue provides in terms of beverages and food, whether you can bring your own food and vendors, and what the fees for the venue include. Different vendors all do things very differently, with some being more restrictive and others being looser about letting you plan your own thing within their space. The entertainment Most parties are going to involve some entertainment. It’s all about matching that entertainment to the vibe. For instance, DJs can be great for high-energy events, whether it’s for kids or for the whole family, but they might not be as well suited to events that are supposed to be a little more formal or serious. There are plenty of party entertainment agencies that can help you choose the right act to keep your crowd in the mood to keep partying, so take a look at those located near you. The food Of course, no party is complete without the right food. You might find that your choice of venue will take care of the food for you but, if that’s the case, you have to ensure that you try it ahead of time. In many cases, working with a catering service that is dedicated to serving food and nothing else will result in higher quality. Try to match the type of food to the kind of event, as well. An outdoor event in the summer might go great with a barbecue, but it might not be as fitting for an event with a more formal dress code. The details Of course, there are plenty of other providers who can help you put together all of the little details that help bring the whole party together. This can include designers, photographers, florists, sound and A/V, as well as party decoration hire. There are also event coordinators or event planners that you can hire that might take care of many of these for you. Unless they are specifically caterers, however, they tend not to do food, so you should make sure to plan for that, yourself. If you’re feeling like the weight of planning a party is getting a little too much for you and you have the budget to cover it, why not outsource a little more of the planning efforts? You can ensure a great party without stressing yourself out quite as much.... Read more...Carne AsadaMay 12, 2022When it comes to the best carne asada, nothing beats this tried and true recipe that’s reminiscent of my travels to Mexico. It’s incredibly tender, big on authentic flavor, and perfectly charred on the outside. From roadside stalls to 5-star luxury restaurants, I’ve devoured my fair share of carne asada throughout Mexico. And no matter the source, it’s always juicy, tender and packed with bold spicy flavor. But the truth is, there’s no “one” authentic carne asada recipe. Depending on the region, you’ll often find subtle tweaks and variations to the spices and ingredients. So I’ve put together what I call my ultimate carne asada marinade to grill up the best carne asada (which of course turns into carne asada tacos). The ingredients itself are simple, as they should be, but are distinctive, bright, and super fresh. Just as traditional Mexican food should be! WHAT IS CARNE ASADA? Carne asada literally translates to “grilled meat.” Pretty basic, eh? And that grilled meat can be anything from sirloin steak to tenderloin to skirt steak or flank steak. Though I’d say flank steak is most commonly used. You don’t need an expensive or fancy cut of meat, especially as you’ll thinly slice it, then chop it up into small, bite-sized pieces for tacos, burritos, nachos or fries. But what makes carne asada so deliciously flavorful is two things – the marinade and the fire-grilled char on the outside. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CARNE ASADA MARINADE Instead of teasing you with an authentic marinade (which, as you’ve learned doesn’t exist), just know that this version is one that will make your taste buds happy. Here’s what’s in it: Olive Oil and Lime Juice: Makes the steak extra juicy, with that trademark punch of lime acidity! Garlic and Cilantro: Essential aromatics for fresh, bold flavors. Spices: Nothing beats this bold combo of cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. I’ve always found simple is best, but feel free to tweak! If you want it sweeter, add an orange. If you want it more spicy, add paprika and oregano. Heck, I’ve even seen carne asada marinated in beer and soy sauce (though spoiler, those aren’t gluten-free). HOW TO MAKE CARNE ASADA Now that you’ve got your marinade ingredients lined up, let’s get grilling! Here’s how to make this delicious carne asada. Marinate: Whisk all of your marinade ingredients together and marinate your steak for 1-4 hours in the fridge. Grill: Once your steak has marinated, heat a grill on medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes each side, for a flank steak. That’ll get you a good char on the outside but maintain a medium-rare inside. Depending on the thickness of your meat and personal preference, feel free to adjust this cook time. Rest: After your steak has cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice: Thinly slice the meat against the grain for the most tender pieces. From there, you can chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for use in other recipes. WAYS TO SERVE CARNE ASADA You can of course it eat carne asada on it’s own, but it’s also delicious turned into: Carne asada fries with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese. Carne asada tacos with a sprinkle of cilantro, onion, and fresh lime juice. A steak burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice, black beans, guacamole, fajita veggies and pico de gallo. You could also drizzle a little lime crema or chipotle sauce on top! HOW TO STORE IT Let the meat cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. It will also stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months, if you’d like to meal prep it. Yes, that means you can have a quick-and-easy Mexican feast any night of the week! INGREDIENTS 1 ½ lbs flank steak ⅓ cup olive oil 3 limes, juiced ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp cumin powder ½ tsp chili powder salt and pepper, to taste INSTRUCTIONS 1. Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. 2. Add the steak to a glass or non-reactive baking tray and pour the marinade on top. Ensure both side of the steak are well coated, cover the baking tray with plastic wrap and marinate for 1-4 hours. Alternatively, you could marinate in a plastic bag. 3. Heat a grill on medium-high heat. Add the carne asada and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for another 5 minutes. 4. Using a sharp knife, slice the carne asada at an angle against the grain. From there, you can further chop the carne asada into smaller pieces, if you’d like. TIPS I think carne asada is best when cooked on an outdoor grill. But if you’re without one (as I currently am) this reversible grill/griddle is great for your stovetop. Remember to double-check the angle of the grain before cooking. Then, it’s easy to determine how to slice against the grain once it’s done. NUTRITION CALORIES: 293kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 2.3g, PROTEIN: 31.9g, FAT: 16.8g, SATURATED FAT: 4.9g, CHOLESTEROL: 90.7mg, SODIUM: 78.2mg, FIBER: 0.3g, SUGAR: 0.3g... Read more...Garlic grilled shrimp skewers.May 10, 2022Shrimp skewers grilled with garlic are what summer is all about. The prawns are marinated in a delicious garlic and herb mixture, then grilled to perfection in under 10 minutes. You can’t beat easy-to-make yet fancy enough recipes to enjoy at your next party. If you’re going to throw shrimp on the barbie (yes, I just said that), better make it these garlic grilled shrimp skewers. They’re one of the easiest recipes you can make and loaded with bright, zesty flavor. But be forewarned, these shrimp disappear blazingly fast. And once they’re gone, your family and friends will be begging you to make another batch. SHRIMP BUYING TIPS When shopping for shrimp, always take quality and source into consideration. Fresh catches of the day are great if you live on the coast, but they can be hard to come by and expensive. And the “fresh” shrimp on ice at your grocery store is anything but fresh. It’s typically frozen, then thawed shrimp, and you don’t know how long it’s been sitting out (and shrimp can spoil quickly). So oddly enough, frozen shrimp is the ideal choice. It’s frozen as soon as it’s caught, preserving the freshest flavor. Then, you can simply thaw right before preparing. Here’s a few other things to look for in your freezer aisle: Jumbo shrimp. Since you’re putting these on skewers, you want your shrimp to be large and juicy. To make sure you’re buying the right frozen bag, take notice of the number of shrimps per pound. Jumbo shrimp will typically be between 16-20 shrimp per pound. Shell and tail on. Frozen shrimp with its shell on will hold a bit more flavor than ones that are peeled. They’re also less processed. But I certainly understand the convenience of peeled and deveined shrimp, so grab what you can. Wild shrimp. Check the source of your shrimp. Wild shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic is better than farm-raised shrimp from Southeast Asia. Wild shrimp will be free from antibiotics and injected hormones, and they’re better for the environment. A SIMPLE YET TASTY GRILLED SHRIMP MARINADE Now that you’ve got your bag of shrimp, it’s time to put together the marinade. I’m keeping it simple today with olive oil, herbs, and lots of garlic. But trust me, this is a holy grail combo that never fails. Just whisk together the ingredients below – and you’re done. Olive oil: Using olive oil allows the flavors to infuse into the shrimp. Cilantro and parsley: These two herbs add just the right amount of freshness. But feel free to switch it up and add basil, thyme, or oregano into the mix. Garlic: I’m using four large cloves for some garlicky goodness. Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up. Salt and Pepper: For perfectly seasoned shrimp. Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch or so adds spiciness, a hint of heat, and a little color to the shrimp. HOW TO GRILL SHRIMP JUST RIGHT First, make sure to thaw your shrimp the night before in the fridge. But if you forgot to do so, don’t worry. Just run the frozen shrimp under cold water for 5-10 minutes in a colander. When they’re completely thawed, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Then let’s get grilling! Marinate the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, toss the thawed shrimp with 80% of the marinade until they’re completely coated. Timing is key. Let the marinated shrimp sit in the covered bowl for about 30 minutes in the fridge. Pop on skewers. Thread the shrimp on skewers and brush some more of the marinade on top. It’s grilling time. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Then place the skewers on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them! Drizzle. Transfer the skewers to a place and drizzle the remaining marinade on top for extra garlicky flavor. BEST SKEWERS TO USE Both wood and metal skewers work just fine. But I prefer metal ones because they can be re-used indefinitely and don’t have to be soaked in water before using. I also recommend you purchase flat skewers rather than round ones. The flat shape prevents the shrimp from rotating around the skewer when you flip them over. GRILLED SHRIMP PAIRS NICELY WITH… Vibrant veggies, fresh sides, and tons more. Here’s a few ideas to add to your menu. Vibrant vegetables: grilled corn on the cob, steamed broccoli, garlic herb roasted potatoes and green beans. Fresh sides: coleslaw, vinegar coleslaw, or potato salad. Toss it into a salad with spinach, arugula, avocado slices, red onions, and asparagus. Wrap them into shrimp tacos with a drizzle of lime crema. Make a rice bowl with cilantro lime rice or broccoli rice, avocado, bell pepper, and tomatoes. HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS If you have a few shrimp leftover, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for about 3 months in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze them within 1-2 hours of grilling, to prevent bacteria from growing. GARLIC GRILLED SHRIMP RECIPE VIDEO Want to see how I make this recipe? Watch the video below! INGREDIENTS 1 pound large shrimp 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper pinch cayenne pepper, adjust to spice preference INSTRUCTIONS Add the olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and spices to a small mixing bowl and whisk together. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour 3/4 of the marinade on top of the shrimp. Mix together gently until the shrimp are well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. Thread the shrimp on the skewers and make sure to get all the good garlic and herbs from the bowl and spread on to the shrimp. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate and spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving.... Read more...Melt In Your Mouth ChickenMay 5, 2022If you’ve never had it, Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a classic dish that transforms boring chicken breast into a superb dinner. Chicken breast isn’t exactly my number one choice of meat, but this recipe has completely changed my mind. A blend of mayo, parmesan, and seasonings guarantees unbelievably moist and tender chicken that literally melts in your mouth. This is chicken heaven! Sure, it’s not the healthiest way to cook chicken, but come on, live a little! Indulge yourself once in a while. Trust me, it’s worth every calorie. Do you know what else makes this dish a must-try? It’s effortless to make. Just 5 minutes of prep, and the oven takes care of the rest. If you only cook one thing this week, let it be this. Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a definite show-stopper. Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages. Its origins are unclear, but I’m glad whoever came up with it did. The idea of topping chicken breast with mayo and parmesan is pure genius! The mixture turns beautifully golden post-baking, and it smells phenomenal, too. The flavor is so rich, so creamy, and so addictive! More importantly… OMG… the chicken is insanely tender and moist! That’s something that’s hard to come by with baked chicken breast. Best of all, this recipe is impossible to mess up. Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you can easily pull it off. If you’re looking for a dish to shock and impress your family and friends, this is the one. Ingredients Chicken Breast – The star of the dish. Chicken breast is the most traditional cut for this recipe, but I’ve tried it with tenders and thigh fillets and they work just fine, too. In fact, they’re more tender and flavorful. Keep in mind that the baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken, so adjust accordingly. Mayonnaise – The main ingredient for the topping. Apart from flavor, it also helps prevent the chicken from drying out in the oven. Have diet restrictions? You can swap it out with Greek yogurt and sour cream. Parmesan – Because you can never go wrong with chicken and cheese! Aside from parmesan, you can also use gruyere, sharp cheddar, asiago, or mozzarella. Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder – To add flavor to the topping. Feel free to add more herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. Tips for the Best Chicken Get a block of parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-grated parmesan won’t melt as well as freshly-grated cheese. It’s pricier, too! No one wants over or under-cooked chicken. Be sure it’s cooked all the way through by checking it with a meat thermometer. The temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to chicken, there’s no such thing as an exact length of baking. The duration varies depending on how thick or thin the meat is. This is why a meat thermometer is extra handy. If you want extra flavor and moisture in the chicken, coat it with seasonings and let it marinate for 30 minutes. This recipe is a great make-ahead dish. Make the topping, spread it over the chicken, cover the baking dish in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake! This recipe calls for only three seasonings: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. That already yields pretty flavorful meat, but you can more herbs and seasonings as you please. Thyme, rosemary, cumin, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon slices all add great flavor to the chicken. Have fun with it, and feel free to mix and match! Did your dish turn out too runny? That’s okay, it happens. Chicken releases its juices during baking, and all of it gets stuck in the baking dish. Here are some ways to avoid having too much juice: Do not overcrowd the baking dish. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to use a bigger dish. Pan-sear the chicken beforehand. This will seal in the juices, preventing them from leaking out during baking. If, despite all these efforts, the dish is still runny, simply drain the liquid. What To Serve with Chicken As tasty as MIYM chicken is, it’s hardly a complete meal. Round out your dinner with these awesome sides. The dish is super creamy, so you’ll want light and refreshing sides to balance out the richness. Any veggie dish, such as oven-roasted cauliflower and broccoli, baked potatoes, steamed asparagus, garden salad, or baked Brussels sprouts all make great options. If you don’t mind more richness, though, pair the chicken with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. It’s a drool-worthy combo that will make the child in you ecstatic. Feeling extra hungry? Serve the chicken over a bowl of white rice or buttered noodles. It’s a simple pairing, but believe me, it’s so good, you’ll want to have seconds. What Does the Mayo Do? Aside from forming a rich and creamy sauce, mayo plays another crucial role in this dish. Without it, the chicken breast will dry up as it bakes, resulting in tough and dry meat. Mayo is the best way to keep the chicken moist and tender, so do not skip it! If you can’t stand it, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Servings: 4 servingsPrep time: 5 minutesCalories:250k cal INGREDIENTS 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4 boneless chicken breast halves DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken breast halves in a single layer in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined. Spread the mayo/yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping has browned and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayo.... Read more...Penne with Asparagus and Cherry TomatoesApril 28, 2022Giada’s quick pasta is easy to make on weekdays, but impressively, some fans even serve it as a holiday dinner. Level: Easy Total: 15 min Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Yield: 4 to 6 servings Ingredients Deselect All 8 ounces penne pasta 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes 1 cup shelled fresh peas 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock 1 cup grated Parmesan 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves Directions 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. 2. In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. 3. Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil. ... Read more...Savory Spiced Quinoa and Chickpea Breakfast BowlApril 26, 2022Fuel your day with this hearty quinoa breakfast bowl recipe – packed with protein, packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic organic spices like cumin and anchovy paprika. Total Time:30 mins Hands-on Time:10 mins Makes:4 servings Ingredients 3/4 cup dry, uncooked quinoa 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 small onion, diced 1 1/2 teaspoons Simply Organic Cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons Simply Organic Ancho Chili Powder 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Garlic Powder 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, plus more to taste 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced, no-salt-added fire-roasted tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon minced lemon zest 4 eggs 2 cups baby arugula Crumbled feta, for serving (optional) Fresh parsley, for serving (optional) Directions 1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, toast quinoa, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, until fragrant and toasty. 2. Stir in 1 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork. 3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onion for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and starting to brown. Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cinnamon and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. 4. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup broth, chickpeas and tomatoes. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in zest and season with additional salt, if needed. 5. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add eggs and reduce heat to low. Lightly season with salt and cook until whites are set. Gently flip eggs and cook until desired doneness is achieved. 6. Divide quinoa, chickpea mixture and arugula among bowls. Top each bowl with a cooked egg and a sprinkling of feta and parsley, if desired. ... Read more...Chicken with Creamy Mushrooms and Snap PeasApril 21, 2022Golden-brown chicken chops are always a family favorite—nothing beats a rich, creamy sauce dipped in every bite. This recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Level: Easy Total: 35 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Yield: 4 servings Ingredients Deselect All 4 chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds), patted dry Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil All-purpose flour, for dredging 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 scallions, thinly sliced 8 ounces mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake or a combination), quartered 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3/4 cup heavy cream 2 cups sugar snap peas, stemmed and halved lengthwise Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Dredge 2 chicken cutlets in flour, shake off any excess and place in the skillet. Cook until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes per side; transfer to a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the other 2 chicken cutlets. Cover the dish loosely with foil; place in the oven while you prepare the vegetables. 2. Add the butter to the hot skillet, then add the scallions and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown, about 4 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and boil until the sauce thickens slightly, 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir in the snap peas and heat through; season with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy vegetables. 3. Photography by Antonis Achilleos ... Read more...Breakfast Tacos with Refried Black BeansApril 19, 2022Breakfast tacos are a cinch with this Texan-developed recipe that’s easy to vegetarianize. For more recipes featuring Southwestern inspirations with an Austin flare, visit savvynana.com Total Time:35 mins Hands-on Time:15 mins Makes:4 servings Ingredients FOR THE BACON AND EGS: 8 slices bacon (optional) 8 eggs 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or pink Himalayan salt 1/8 teaspoon Simply Organic Black Pepper 1 dash Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon olive oil FOR THE REFRIED BLACK BEANS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (15 ounces each) organic black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic Chipotle Powder 1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic Cumin 1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic Paprika 1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic All-Season Salt 1 can (about 2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth FOR ASSEMBLY: 8 tortillas 1 cup fresh baby spinach, sautéed 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Mexican-blend cheese 1 cup salsa Directions To Make the Bacon and Eggs: If using bacon, preheat oven to 380 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. On baking sheet, evenly spread bacon. Bake for about 15 minutes, then drain grease and pat bacon with a paper towel. In a bowl, combine eggs, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well blended. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil. Add egg mixture and scramble for about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. To Make the Refried Black Beans: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add beans, chipotle powder, cumin, paprika and salt. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add broth and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Return mixture to saucepan and cook, stirring, for about 2 more minutes. To Assemble: Warm tortillas individually, then divide bacon (if using), eggs, beans, spinach, cheese and salsa evenly among them. Alternatively, arrange all ingredients taco-bar style and let people make their own tacos! ... Read more... Get Our Newsletter Success! First Name Last Name Email Subscribe Latest Posts Grilled Fish Tacos With Citrus Carrot SlawMay 24, 2022Main Course / Recipes / SeafoodFish tacos with grilled Alaskan cod are topped with a delicious citrus carrot slaw. They’re light, bright, sweet, tangy and perfect for spring and summer. You’ll definitely go back for seconds! This fish taco recipe is easy to make, super flavorful and will be the fan favorite at your next Taco Tuesday party. AN EASY FISH TACO RECIPE I’m excited to introduce you to a healthy fish taco recipe that’ll knock your socks off. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s literally bursting with flavor, thanks to the juicy citrus, lime juice and cilantro. Many fish taco recipes use battered and fried fish (and usually a low quality farmed tilapia). But grilled cod fresh from Alaska makes all the difference. Grilling, rather than battering the fish allows the fish to really shine (which is what you want in a fish taco recipe) and highlights the bold flavors of the slaw. So what’s in the citrus carrot slaw? Two types of oranges (navel and cara cara), carrots, green cabbage, cilantro and some lime juice. And let me warn you, it’s highly addictive. I had a little leftover after making these tacos, so literally just scooped it up and ate it plain for a snack…it’s that good. WHAT’S THE BEST FISH TO USE FOR FISH TACOS? I always recommend starting with some good quality (preferably wild caught) fish. I’m using fresh Alaskan cod in this recipe (the same I use in my garlic herb baked cod recipe), but you could also use halibut, mahi mahi, salmon or another flaky white fish. HOW TO MAKE FISH TACOS There’s really two parts to making this fish taco recipe – grilling the fish and making the slaw. And then it’s just assembling everything together! Grill the Fish: Heat a grill on medium high heat and grill the fish for a couple of minutes each side, drizzling with fresh lime juice as its grilling. After a few minutes on each side, your fish should be cooked through. Remember, you don’t want to overcook fish or else it ends up dry and rubbery. Make the Slaw: Stir together the oranges, carrots, green cabbage, cilantro and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Once your fish is grilled and your slaw is made it’s as simple as piling it onto a tortilla. I’m using my favorite Cassava Flour Tortillas, but you could use any type of tortilla. And that’s it! An easy, quick, healthy and tasty fish taco recipe with a Baja and SoCal vibe. Serve these up with a Classic Margarita or Mango Margarita (to match the orange color!). And if you love coleslaw, make sure to check out my Classic Coleslaw (with mayo) and Vinegar Coleslaw (without mayo). They’re both delicious! GRILLED FISH 3 filets, cod (or other fish) 1 lime 1/2 tsp garlic powder salt and pepper, to taste CITRUS CARROT SLAW 2 navel oranges, peeled and diced 2 cara cara oranges, peeled and diced 1 large carrot, julienne peeled 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 1 lime, juiced salt and pepper, to taste OTHER INGREDIENTS 6 tortillas, (I use my Cassava Flour Tortillas, but you can use any) avocado and limes, for garnish INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix all of the citrus slaw ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. 2. Heat a grill (or grill pan) on medium-high heat and grill the fish for 2-3 minutes on one side. Squeeze the lime over the fish and season with garlic, salt and pepper. Flip the fish and grill for another 2-3 minutes. The fish will likely break apart and that’s okay. 3. Assemble the fish tacos by placing small pieces of fish in each taco, then top with the slaw. Garnish with avocado and lime slices. LISA’S TIPS If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or reversible grill/griddle pan and make these in your kitchen. Super easy! NUTRITION CALORIES: 243kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 31g, PROTEIN: 24g, FAT: 3g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 50mg, SODIUM: 279mg, POTASSIUM: 755mg, FIBER: 4g, SUGAR: 11g, VITAMIN A: 1932iu, VITAMIN C: 62mg, CALCIUM: 85mg, IRON: 1mg ... Read more...Cedar Plank SalmonMay 19, 2022Main Course / Recipes / SeafoodCedar Plank Salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon that tastes great. The fish gets a wonderful smoky flavor, the salmon stays juicy and you don’t have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush salmon with my maple ginger frosting and you’ll have a new favorite salmon recipe in no time. Cedar Salmon! Did you make it? If not, you have to try it because it’s so easy and gives the salmon a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’ve ever tried grilled salmon, you know how hard it can be. Salmon often sticks to the grill (even if you have oiled it) and if you try to turn or remove the salmon, it will fall apart and you will lose half of it between the grill grates. It’s not funny. But the good news is that cedar planks solve that problem. Cedar plank salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon with enormous flavor. You get that lovely smoky flavor in the fish, the salmon stays extra moist and you don’t have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush the salmon with my maple ginger glaze and you’ll soon have a new favorite salmon recipe. Cedar plank salmon! Have you ever made it? If not, you’ll have to give it a try because it’s so darn easy and imbues a wonderful smokey flavor into the salmon. If you’ve ever tried to grill salmon you know how difficult it can be. The salmon often sticks to the grill (even if you’ve oiled it) and as you try to flip or remove the salmon, it falls apart and you lose half of it between the grill grates. That’s not fun. But good news, the cedar plank solves that problem. Because there’s no direct heat charring the bottom of the salmon, the salmon also stays incredibly moist when cooked on a cedar plank. But there’s one more reason why I love cedar plank salmon, as a gluten-free gal. And it’s a biggie – I don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. That’s a huge consideration, especially during the summer months when everyone is using public grills or at friend’s houses using their grills. Unfortunately, the heat from the grill doesn’t “kill” any gluten that may be lurking on the grill grates. If high-heat did that, all deep fried foods would be gluten-free – and of course you know they’re not. So cedar planks to the rescue! HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SOAK CEDAR PLANKS? Cedar planks should be soaked for at least 1-2 hours. I buy these ones that are extra long to better accommodate a big filet. But if you plan to grill smaller salmon pieces, you could opt for a shorter length. CAN YOU REUSE CEDAR PLANKS? No, they’re a one-time use item. Even if yours isn’t completely charred, it’s not safe to use it again from a food safety standpoint. HOW TO MAKE CEDAR PLANK SALMON Once you make this recipe you’ll wonder why you haven’t made cedar plank salmon sooner. Here’s how easy it is: Soak the planks for at least 1-2 hours in water, then dry with a kitchen towel. Preheat your grill to medium high. Toast the planks (optional) to dry them off. Just place them empty on the grill for 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Place the salmon on the planks. If your salmon doesn’t fit, you can use more than one plank or place it on a diagonal across several planks. Season your salmon with the maple ginger glaze on the plank. You can add more glaze halfway through as well. Cook the salmon for 12-15 minutes on medium indirect heat. Once your salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill with tongs. Place it on a baking sheet or other surface that can handle the hot temperature of the wood (and remember this will get dirty from the charred wood). Slice the salmon into pieces and enjoy! What to serve with the salmon? I love my Bok Choy, Coleslaw and Potato Salad. And if it’s an outdoor party, don’t forget the Guacamole and Pico de Gallo to nibble on. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 lbs Salmon, (Sockeye, Coho, King) GLAZE 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup tamari, or coconut aminos 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp grated ginger GARNISH green onion (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Submerge your cedar planks in water for at least 2 hours. You may need to put something heavy on them to keep them under water. Add the maple syrup, tamari, lemon juice, garlic and ginger to a small pot on high heat. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn it down to low, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced in half and becomes thicker, then remove from the heat. Turn the grill on medium high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If possible, use indirect heat. While the grill is heating, pat down the salmon to remove any extra moisture. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the soaked cedar plank and brush the glaze over the whole salmon. (Optional: You can remove the skin from the salmon before placing on the plank.) Once the grill has heated, place the cedar plank in the middle of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes. It’s better to slightly under cook the salmon than overcook, as it will continue cooking once removed from the grill. You can add a little more glaze to the salmon halfway through the cooking process. Once the salmon is done, turn the grill off and use 2 tongs to transport the cedar plank to a large baking pan. Add optional toppings like green onion and serve immediately. TIPS If you’re grilling a large filet as I’m doing in this recipe, make sure you get cedar planks that are 15″ long. The standard 12″ ones are usually too short, but they work fine for 2-4 individual pieces. NUTRITION CALORIES: 246kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 20g, PROTEIN: 24g, FAT: 7g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 62mg, SODIUM: 773mg, POTASSIUM: 660mg, FIBER: 1g, SUGAR: 17g, VITAMIN A: 45iu, VITAMIN C: 4.4mg, CALCIUM: 48mg, IRON: 1.2mg ... Read more...Greek Chicken KabobsMay 17, 2022CornerThese greek chicken kabobs are incredibly flavorful and a perfect option for both outdoor and indoor grilling. Chunks of chicken breast are drenched in lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil before being skewered with loads of colorful vegetables. Everything comes off the grill tender, juicy, and insanely delicious. While the original döner kebab originates from Turkey, today’s recipe is a fusion with Mediterranean cuisine. And since easy meals loaded with flavor are my specialty – believe me when I say that no one can resist these light and healthy chicken and vegetable skewers drenched in the flavors of Greece. Using my Greek salad dressing as the base for the marinade, all you need to do is thread everything onto a skewer, grill it and voila – you’re done! Serve these with my tzatziki sauce (or vegan tzatziki) for an extra punch of flavor. INGREDIENTS FOR GREEK CHICKEN KABOBS Let’s be honest, these kabobs are all about that bright and zesty marinade. Not only does it flavor the chicken, but can be brushed onto the vegetables while grilling. For the best results, you’ll need… Chicken breasts: Cut into 1 ½-inch pieces, they’ll cook quickly. Fresh vegetables: Choose red onion, bell peppers, zucchini and squash for their bright colors and fast cooking time on the grill. Lemon: Only fresh will do! Olive oil: Look for a Greek blend for authentic flavor, but any good quality olive oil is fine. Red Wine Vinegar: Gives that robust, punchy flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves are best, but garlic powder will work too. Dried oregano: Lends a touch of Greek flavor to the marinade. Dijon mustard: My secret ingredient for adding depth of flavor. HOW TO GRILL CHICKEN KABOBS Skewers make this recipe easy when it comes to grilling. But first, let’s make sure your chicken and vegetables are prepped and ready to go. Cube the chicken. Cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Marinate the chicken. Whisk together the marinade ingredients and mix with the cubed chicken. Then cover and place it in the fridge to marinate for about one hour. Prep the vegetables. Cut all of the vegetables into the same-size chunks as the chicken. Assemble the kabobs. Thread the marinated chicken on metal or bamboo skewers, alternating with vegetables. Grill the kabobs. Turn the skewers and baste with remaining marinade until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are lightly charred. CAN YOU BAKE CHICKEN KABOBS IN THE OVEN? Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, oven baked kabobs are just as good. Here’s how to do it: Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Prep and assemble your kabobs, then place them on a rack on top of a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. TIPS FOR THE BEST GREEK CHICKEN KABOBS While this recipe is super simple, here’s a few tips to make your kabobs even better. Cut all ingredients the same size. Slice the chicken and vegetables into 11/2-inch cubes or pieces so everything on the skewers will be ready at the same time. Soak your skewers. To keep bamboo skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs. Or better yet, buy my favorite metal skewers! Thread skewers tightly. Since the chicken and vegetables will shrink as they cook, you’ll want to pack the skewers with ingredients so they stay looking full and beautiful! INGREDIENTS MARINADE 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper CHICKEN KABOBS 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 3 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1 1/2-Inch pieces 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 1 red onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks 1 zucchini, sliced INSTRUCTIONS 1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. 2. Place chicken pieces in a glass dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least one hour. 3. Light a gas or charcoal grill on medium-high heat. Thread the skewers with pieces of red onion, chicken, zucchini, and bell pepper. You can alternate the order. 4. Place the kabobs on the preheated grill, and cook about 5-7 minutes per side. The kabobs are done when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 5. Serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce. TIPS To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days in the fridge. To Freeze: Use a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To Reheat: Simply re-heat in the microwave until the chicken and vegetables are warmed through. This is the indoor grill pan I use on top of my stove. NUTRITION CALORIES: 135kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 11g, PROTEIN: 10g, FAT: 6g, SATURATED FAT: 1g, CHOLESTEROL: 24mg, SODIUM: 460mg, POTASSIUM: 487mg, FIBER: 3g, SUGAR: 6g, VITAMIN A: 1395iu, VITAMIN C: 77mg, CALCIUM: 42mg, IRON: 1mg... Read more...Set The Clock – It Is Time To Speed Clean Your LaptopMay 17, 2022House Hold TipsOr most of us, our laptops are filled with everything from photos (and plenty of them are double), files, big old files you don’t remember using, music, videos, work, work and more work… Not to mention many apps that you haven’t opened after the free trial expired – it is time to clean house. Laptops that are filled with old, big and unused files are still going to use memory and power to hold all of that information. And, when you need to search for something, the laptop will go through those files, too – making the process take much longer. So without taking too much time, who really has a lot of free time to clean up a laptop? Here are things you can do to quickly and efficiently get your laptop back in excellent working order – without the fuss. Duplicates When you take photos, do you take three or four in a row and then never get around to choosing the best one and getting rid of the rest? If that sounds like you, then you could have more duplicates than you know what to do with. They take up a lot of space and pretty quickly. Most people don’t have the time or the inclination to find the duplicates manually, but there are great software options that can help you find duplicates at speed – and delete them. Most of the software options will show you all of the duplicates they have found so you can double-check them. But if you are going for speed, then you most likely won’t want to check them all. But it is worth taking a second glance if you know there are some treasured memories on there – like photos of your childhood pet or people you have lost. Downloads Do you still need the downloaded tickets from the family event you went to 3 years ago? Do you still need the brief that your client sent you a few months ago? Anything that is still in your emails you can do without. In which case, it is time to head into the downloads folder and get rid of everything you don’t need. If you diligently move everything out of your downloaders folder, then you might have to take a little extra time to find things. Cache You’d probably be surprised about just how many temporary files are clogging up your computer and slowing it down. Clearing your computer’s cache is one of the longer tasks, but there are some software options that make it much quicker. For a windows laptop: Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar, and click Disk Cleanup when it appears. Let it work its magic – you will see a list, and you can select which files get cleaned. Tick temporary files and decide on the rest. Click delete files. For a MacBook: open Disk Utilities, go to first aid and click repair. This will scan and patch anything that needs to be taken care of. Files This might be the longest part of the job if you can’t make decisions, but otherwise, it can be very swift. To make grouping easy, choose broad subjects like client work, household, reading, writing, art – or whatever makes sense to you. Start working through your files and putting them where they should go – it can be a working process; this is more about making a start. Once the folders are in place, it is time for you to make sure that every new thing that you add to your computer is put in the correct file straight away. This will prevent clutter. Any files that haven’t been opened in the last 6 months can be shipped to an external hard drive or deleted. Apps If you can’t remember the last time you opened a specific file type and the app that it pertains to, it is time to say goodbye to that app. Applications take up a huge chunk of memory, and often it is a case of out of sight out of mind. Since you aren’t opening them constantly, you might forget that they are there. Be ruthless, even if you have a soft spot for that Adobe software that you used once or the app that is designed to help you work more productively that you never used after the first week. Commit to them or bin them! As you go, it can be pretty interesting to see just how much memory you are getting back. Cleaning your laptop is a great way to prepare it for your next big project, and if you’re into DIY, then check out this: Craft Room DIY for $120 or less! – Savvy Nana.... Read more...The Importance of VPNs for TravelersMay 16, 2022Travel TipsWhen you’re traveling, it’s essential to take steps to protect your privacy and keep your data safe. One of the best ways to do this is by using a VPN. A VPN encrypts all of your data and will keep you safe and private while you’re on the internet. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of using a VPN while traveling and give you some tips on setting one up. So, whether you’re going on a short trip or a long journey, protect yourself with a VPN! What is a VPN? A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It’s a way to stay secure online and keep your browsing private. When you connect to the internet, your data is sent through an encrypted tunnel so that no one can see what you’re doing. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi since anyone on the same network can snoop on your traffic. So why should travelers use a VPN? There are many good reasons to use a VPN while traveling: To keep your data safe: A VPN encrypts all the data that travels between your device and the internet so that no one can spy on what you’re doing. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured. To access blocked websites: Many countries block certain websites, such as social media sites or news outlets. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the internet freely. To stay anonymous online: A VPN hides your IP address from the websites you visit so that no one can track your online activity. This is useful for protecting your privacy and avoiding unwanted targeted advertising. To save money on flights and hotels: Some airlines and hotels offer different prices based on your location. By connecting to a VPN server in a foreign country, you can trick these companies into thinking you’re somewhere else and get lower prices. How to Set Up a VPN for Travel If you’re planning on doing any international travel, it’s essential to set up a VPN before you go. A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts all the data in and out of your devices, so your personal information will stay safe and confidential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for travel: First, you’ll need to choose a cheap vpn provider. There are many different options available, so do some research to find one that suits your needs. Once you’ve found a provider, sign up for an account and download their app. Next, open the app and select a server location. For most travelers, it’s best to choose a server in their home country so they can still access all their favorite websites and apps. However, if you’re traveling to a country with strict internet censorship laws (like China), you’ll need to connect to a server in another country. Once you’ve chosen a server, click the connect button and wait for the app to establish a connection. Once it’s connected, your data will be encrypted, and you’ll be able to browse the internet safely and privately. What to Look for in a Good VPN Provider When looking for a good VPN provider, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the provider offers robust security features like military-grade encryption and a kill switch. These will ensure your data is always protected, even if your connection drops. Second, look for a provider with an extensive network of servers in different countries. This will give you more flexibility when choosing a server location and help you avoid any potential internet censorship issues. Third, choose a provider that offers 24/ seven customer support if you have any questions or run into any problems while using their service. And finally, make sure the provider offers a money-back guarantee so you can try out their service risk-free. In conclusion, using a VPN is essential for anyone who wants to keep their data safe and private while traveling. By following the steps above, you can easily set up a VPN on your devices and enjoy a worry-free vacation.... Read more...Carne AsadaMay 12, 2022Beef / Main Course / RecipesWhen it comes to the best carne asada, nothing beats this tried and true recipe that’s reminiscent of my travels to Mexico. It’s incredibly tender, big on authentic flavor, and perfectly charred on the outside. From roadside stalls to 5-star luxury restaurants, I’ve devoured my fair share of carne asada throughout Mexico. And no matter the source, it’s always juicy, tender and packed with bold spicy flavor. But the truth is, there’s no “one” authentic carne asada recipe. Depending on the region, you’ll often find subtle tweaks and variations to the spices and ingredients. So I’ve put together what I call my ultimate carne asada marinade to grill up the best carne asada (which of course turns into carne asada tacos). The ingredients itself are simple, as they should be, but are distinctive, bright, and super fresh. Just as traditional Mexican food should be! WHAT IS CARNE ASADA? Carne asada literally translates to “grilled meat.” Pretty basic, eh? And that grilled meat can be anything from sirloin steak to tenderloin to skirt steak or flank steak. Though I’d say flank steak is most commonly used. You don’t need an expensive or fancy cut of meat, especially as you’ll thinly slice it, then chop it up into small, bite-sized pieces for tacos, burritos, nachos or fries. But what makes carne asada so deliciously flavorful is two things – the marinade and the fire-grilled char on the outside. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CARNE ASADA MARINADE Instead of teasing you with an authentic marinade (which, as you’ve learned doesn’t exist), just know that this version is one that will make your taste buds happy. Here’s what’s in it: Olive Oil and Lime Juice: Makes the steak extra juicy, with that trademark punch of lime acidity! Garlic and Cilantro: Essential aromatics for fresh, bold flavors. Spices: Nothing beats this bold combo of cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. I’ve always found simple is best, but feel free to tweak! If you want it sweeter, add an orange. If you want it more spicy, add paprika and oregano. Heck, I’ve even seen carne asada marinated in beer and soy sauce (though spoiler, those aren’t gluten-free). HOW TO MAKE CARNE ASADA Now that you’ve got your marinade ingredients lined up, let’s get grilling! Here’s how to make this delicious carne asada. Marinate: Whisk all of your marinade ingredients together and marinate your steak for 1-4 hours in the fridge. Grill: Once your steak has marinated, heat a grill on medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes each side, for a flank steak. That’ll get you a good char on the outside but maintain a medium-rare inside. Depending on the thickness of your meat and personal preference, feel free to adjust this cook time. Rest: After your steak has cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice: Thinly slice the meat against the grain for the most tender pieces. From there, you can chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for use in other recipes. WAYS TO SERVE CARNE ASADA You can of course it eat carne asada on it’s own, but it’s also delicious turned into: Carne asada fries with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese. Carne asada tacos with a sprinkle of cilantro, onion, and fresh lime juice. A steak burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice, black beans, guacamole, fajita veggies and pico de gallo. You could also drizzle a little lime crema or chipotle sauce on top! HOW TO STORE IT Let the meat cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. It will also stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months, if you’d like to meal prep it. Yes, that means you can have a quick-and-easy Mexican feast any night of the week! INGREDIENTS 1 ½ lbs flank steak ⅓ cup olive oil 3 limes, juiced ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp cumin powder ½ tsp chili powder salt and pepper, to taste INSTRUCTIONS 1. Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. 2. Add the steak to a glass or non-reactive baking tray and pour the marinade on top. Ensure both side of the steak are well coated, cover the baking tray with plastic wrap and marinate for 1-4 hours. Alternatively, you could marinate in a plastic bag. 3. Heat a grill on medium-high heat. Add the carne asada and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for another 5 minutes. 4. Using a sharp knife, slice the carne asada at an angle against the grain. From there, you can further chop the carne asada into smaller pieces, if you’d like. TIPS I think carne asada is best when cooked on an outdoor grill. But if you’re without one (as I currently am) this reversible grill/griddle is great for your stovetop. Remember to double-check the angle of the grain before cooking. Then, it’s easy to determine how to slice against the grain once it’s done. NUTRITION CALORIES: 293kcal, CARBOHYDRATES: 2.3g, PROTEIN: 31.9g, FAT: 16.8g, SATURATED FAT: 4.9g, CHOLESTEROL: 90.7mg, SODIUM: 78.2mg, FIBER: 0.3g, SUGAR: 0.3g... Read more...Garlic grilled shrimp skewers.May 10, 2022Main Course / Recipes / SeafoodShrimp skewers grilled with garlic are what summer is all about. The prawns are marinated in a delicious garlic and herb mixture, then grilled to perfection in under 10 minutes. You can’t beat easy-to-make yet fancy enough recipes to enjoy at your next party. If you’re going to throw shrimp on the barbie (yes, I just said that), better make it these garlic grilled shrimp skewers. They’re one of the easiest recipes you can make and loaded with bright, zesty flavor. But be forewarned, these shrimp disappear blazingly fast. And once they’re gone, your family and friends will be begging you to make another batch. SHRIMP BUYING TIPS When shopping for shrimp, always take quality and source into consideration. Fresh catches of the day are great if you live on the coast, but they can be hard to come by and expensive. And the “fresh” shrimp on ice at your grocery store is anything but fresh. It’s typically frozen, then thawed shrimp, and you don’t know how long it’s been sitting out (and shrimp can spoil quickly). So oddly enough, frozen shrimp is the ideal choice. It’s frozen as soon as it’s caught, preserving the freshest flavor. Then, you can simply thaw right before preparing. Here’s a few other things to look for in your freezer aisle: Jumbo shrimp. Since you’re putting these on skewers, you want your shrimp to be large and juicy. To make sure you’re buying the right frozen bag, take notice of the number of shrimps per pound. Jumbo shrimp will typically be between 16-20 shrimp per pound. Shell and tail on. Frozen shrimp with its shell on will hold a bit more flavor than ones that are peeled. They’re also less processed. But I certainly understand the convenience of peeled and deveined shrimp, so grab what you can. Wild shrimp. Check the source of your shrimp. Wild shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic is better than farm-raised shrimp from Southeast Asia. Wild shrimp will be free from antibiotics and injected hormones, and they’re better for the environment. A SIMPLE YET TASTY GRILLED SHRIMP MARINADE Now that you’ve got your bag of shrimp, it’s time to put together the marinade. I’m keeping it simple today with olive oil, herbs, and lots of garlic. But trust me, this is a holy grail combo that never fails. Just whisk together the ingredients below – and you’re done. Olive oil: Using olive oil allows the flavors to infuse into the shrimp. Cilantro and parsley: These two herbs add just the right amount of freshness. But feel free to switch it up and add basil, thyme, or oregano into the mix. Garlic: I’m using four large cloves for some garlicky goodness. Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up. Salt and Pepper: For perfectly seasoned shrimp. Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch or so adds spiciness, a hint of heat, and a little color to the shrimp. HOW TO GRILL SHRIMP JUST RIGHT First, make sure to thaw your shrimp the night before in the fridge. But if you forgot to do so, don’t worry. Just run the frozen shrimp under cold water for 5-10 minutes in a colander. When they’re completely thawed, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Then let’s get grilling! Marinate the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, toss the thawed shrimp with 80% of the marinade until they’re completely coated. Timing is key. Let the marinated shrimp sit in the covered bowl for about 30 minutes in the fridge. Pop on skewers. Thread the shrimp on skewers and brush some more of the marinade on top. It’s grilling time. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Then place the skewers on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them! Drizzle. Transfer the skewers to a place and drizzle the remaining marinade on top for extra garlicky flavor. BEST SKEWERS TO USE Both wood and metal skewers work just fine. But I prefer metal ones because they can be re-used indefinitely and don’t have to be soaked in water before using. I also recommend you purchase flat skewers rather than round ones. The flat shape prevents the shrimp from rotating around the skewer when you flip them over. GRILLED SHRIMP PAIRS NICELY WITH… Vibrant veggies, fresh sides, and tons more. Here’s a few ideas to add to your menu. Vibrant vegetables: grilled corn on the cob, steamed broccoli, garlic herb roasted potatoes and green beans. Fresh sides: coleslaw, vinegar coleslaw, or potato salad. Toss it into a salad with spinach, arugula, avocado slices, red onions, and asparagus. Wrap them into shrimp tacos with a drizzle of lime crema. Make a rice bowl with cilantro lime rice or broccoli rice, avocado, bell pepper, and tomatoes. HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS If you have a few shrimp leftover, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for about 3 months in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze them within 1-2 hours of grilling, to prevent bacteria from growing. GARLIC GRILLED SHRIMP RECIPE VIDEO Want to see how I make this recipe? Watch the video below! INGREDIENTS 1 pound large shrimp 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper pinch cayenne pepper, adjust to spice preference INSTRUCTIONS Add the olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and spices to a small mixing bowl and whisk together. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour 3/4 of the marinade on top of the shrimp. Mix together gently until the shrimp are well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. Thread the shrimp on the skewers and make sure to get all the good garlic and herbs from the bowl and spread on to the shrimp. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate and spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving.... Read more...The Importance Of Keeping Moving In Old AgeMay 6, 2022Health & FitnessMany people become less active as they get older. This can be due to various factors such as health conditions or giving up work in retirement. While old age is a time for relaxing and taking things slowly, it’s important that you don’t give up being physically active and mobile altogether. Below are just a few important reasons to keep moving in old age. Stay independent Keeping active is so important for staying independent. Lots of people that aren’t mobile in older age aren’t able to complete tasks themselves like going shopping or carrying out housework. This can lead to a sense of frustration and helplessness. Even if you have health problems that stop you from being as mobile, it could still benefit you to use technology to help you get around. A power wheelchair could allow you to still carry out tasks like shopping by yourself rather than having to ask loved ones to shop for you. There are guides that you can use to help you when choosing a power wheelchair. Choose one that is right for your lifestyle. Stay social Staying mobile and active can also help you to stay social. It’s important to get out of your home and meet people so that you don’t get lonely. As mentioned already, mobility issues shouldn’t hold you back from staying mobile. Provided you don’t have severe mobility issues, you can still use a wheelchair or mobility scooter to go out and meet people, even if it’s just a coffee with a close relative or a game of bingo at your local bingo hall. It can become harder to meet people as you get older as many social clubs and places are aimed at young people. However, there are still quite a few ways to stay social as you get older. Check out this guide for different ways to stay social as you age for inspiration. Stay healthy Most importantly, keeping moving will keep you healthy in old age. There are many different ways in which it can keep you healthy. Firstly, many people gain weight as they get older from being less active. Weight gain can cause all kinds of added health problems from diabetes to joint problems. By exercising, you can keep off any excess weight and reduce the risk of developing certain health problems. Exercise may also help to slow down the progression of any current health problems you already have. Many people who continue to engage in moderate exercise are able to slow down the progression of things like lung disease, arthritis and heart disease. This is because exercise can help to strengthen your muscles, organs and joints. Going outside can meanwhile be great just for providing your body with fresh oxygen and vitamin D from the sun. On top of this, staying active is healthy for the mind. As already mentioned, it can help you stay social and independent, which can ultimately help beat depression and anxiety. Regular exercise may also reduce the risk of dementia.... Read more... Shop Fun.com for Back to School supplies!