Family * Travel * Food

How To Cook Chicken Thighs In An Air Fryer

If you haven't already hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, you better get with it! I have had one for about 6 months now, and use it every day, sometimes even a few times a day. It really is a very versatile kitchen appliance that every home cook needs. I recently decided to try some boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer for the first time. Normally I grill them either on my cast iron grill pan or the outdoor gas grill. I didn't feel like dealing with the pollen outside so I wanted to see how the air fryer would work.


I started with one package of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime, and an assortment of dried seasonings. I simply washed the chicken with the fresh lime, and then rinsed and patted dry. I seasoned to my liking with my go-to spices. I also recently discovered Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning, and it has become a new must-have. If you are located near Trader Joe's, you have to grab a bottle!

After my chicken is seasoned, I set it aside for a bit while I heat the air fryer to 400° for five minutes. You can lightly spritz your chicken with olive oil if you are worried about them sticking to the basket, but I didn't have any issues. Place chicken in fryer basket according to how many you can fit for them to lay flat. Cook for 7 minutes, and flip. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until nicely brown. They come out super juicy and perfectly cooked! This was so much easier than using the grill.


Chicken thighs are so versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, or on top of a salad. We have been eating lower carb meals lately, so I threw together some delicious vegetable fried "rice" (riced cauliflower). What a tasty combination!


Don't forget to grab this chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe's. It's only $1.99 so I will be grabbing a few extra to stock up.

Be sure to check out these other recipes:


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How Smokers Can Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

Many people who get into the habit of smoking don’t often think of it as a problem, usually until non-smokers point it out. Smokers make up a large portion of the general population; in the U.S., there are well over 30 million smokers. And the truth is, although smoking is associated with several adverse health effects, you can still lead a full, healthy lifestyle despite the "bad" habit.

If you are a smoker, it doesn’t matter how you got into smoking, why you smoke, or whether you’re looking to quit or cut down. You should put extra effort into taking care of your physical health. It's unfair to think that smokers don't care about their health or well-being. Smoking is not a behavioral defect or an indication of a flawed personality or character traits. Here are a few ways you can help to maintain a healthier lifestyle, even as a smoker.

Moderate Your Smoking

The first step towards leading a healthy lifestyle as a smoker is moderating the smoking. Quitting is often a tall order for many smokers, but moderation is the next best thing. Try cutting down on smoking or looking into safer alternatives like patches and ecigs to take the edge off from time to time. Begin slow, for instance, by cutting one or two cigarettes every week and gradually work up to an optimum amount. Baby steps is often the way to go.
Photo by Louise Burton on Unsplash

Eat a Healthy Diet

Everyone, and especially smokers, need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Include lots of rich fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your daily diet. Some of the essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients can help counteract some of the negative effects of smoking. For instance, smoking is known to block calcium and vitamins C and D from being absorbed into the body, increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet can help restore these essential nutrients.

Engage in Physical Activity 

Engage in regular physical activity to maintain physical health. Physical exercise makes the blood flow faster and increases breathing, both of which are beneficial towards strengthening the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You can go to the gym for rigorous exercises, go on hikes and bike ride, or try mild physical exercises such as cardio and yoga. Physical activities can also help you manage cravings if you're trying to quit or cut down on smoking.
Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
It makes total sense to be a smoker and still want to improve your physical health and wellness. You can practice regular health routines, just like non-smokers. All you have to do is find the perfect health and wellness rhythm that aligns with your goals and abilities. 

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Perfect Roasted Salmon From Sitka Salmon Shares

If you're anything like me, you might be very particular about the food you buy for your family. When it comes to fresh foods, we tend to buy mostly organic, and almost all non-GMO only products. My husband is the one who does his research and makes his suggestions of what he would like for me to buy or what to avoid. One thing he does not mess around with is fish and seafood. He tells me to never purchase farm-raised fish. We end up spending a good bit more, but stick to wild-caught or locally-caught fish.

We were so lucky to get a special shipment of wild-caught Alaskan Coho Salmon and Pacific Cod courtesy of Sitka Salmon Shares. It's pretty wild (pun intended) to receive fish that was caught by fisherman and blast-frozen to maintain the freshness.



Sitka Salmon Shares is:

  • Wild: Wild-caught from the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific
  • Sustainable: Harvested using hook-and-line methods to minimize negative ecological impact
  • Traceable: Our relationships ensure that your fish is traceable to the boats of our fishermen-owners and trusted community partners
  • Fishermen-centered: Individually caught by one of our fisherman-owners or partner fishermen (who we hope are on their way to ownership!). Fishermen ownership makes us distinct from our competition and creates a more just system that values hard work, high-quality fish and low-impact harvesting methods.
  • Just: Our fishermen receive an average of 20-30% more for their harvest, which can equate to $10,000 extra income in a given season
  • Premium: Blast-frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure the highest quality, guaranteed
  • Convenient: Home delivered directly to your door, with recipes and a newsletter about the fishermen who caught that month’s share
  • Conscious: Carbon offsets purchased and 1% of revenue donated to efforts promoting small-scale fisheries and conservation in Alaska.  

How does Sitka Salmon Shares work? 

Community Supported Fishery (CSF) members purchase their very own "shares" of their harvest. Similar to preorders or vegetable shares ordered through your favorite CSA, these purchases determine how much fish their fishermen catch! After that, CSF members receive a monthly home seafood delivery - their "share" - of their wild Alaskan catch, ranging 4.5-5lbs per month and ranging 3-9 months during the CSF season (April thru December). Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy. Shipping is also FREE, which is a plus! 

You're probably wondering if the fish is worth it or not. Let me tell you, it is beyond worth it. My husband and I both agree that it is the absolute best salmon we have ever eaten, period! Even better than what we have had from some swanky high-priced restaurants. I simple placed the sealed packs of coho salmon in the kitchen sink with enough water to submerge it. The salmon thawed quickly and I was completely in awe of the beautiful color. I did find some pin bones that I was able to pluck out. I always judge any fish by the smell. This salmon smelled clean and ocean-y, not overly fishy. If fish smells too fishy, I won't mess with it. 


The way I make my roasted salmon is quite simple. I start with rinsing the fish and patting it dry with paper towels. I place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Next, I season with a blend of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, creole seasoning, complete seasoning, and garlic powder. I then lightly rub the dry seasonings onto the fish filets, and top with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices. The last step is to melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the top of the filets. I place the fish in the oven set on broil for 3 minutes, and then at 395° on the convection setting for 10 minutes. If you do not have the convection feature, you might need to add a few additional minutes of cooking time. 



I squeezed some fresh lemon over the top of the salmon when it came out of the oven. I had to sneak a little piece before I plated it and it made me close my eyes. The salmon completely melted in my mouth! SO GOOD! I served the roasted salmon with some simple maple brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed asparagus. This was a high-end restaurant-quality meal without a doubt. 





Getting hungry? If you use this special discount code - SITKA25, it will take $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share. Be sure to follow Sitka Seafood Shares on Facebook and Instagram for the latest product updates and recipes. I definitely plan to cook the cod in a couple weeks. I will browse some recipes and decide from there. My family will co-sign when I say that I highly recommend trying Sitka Salmon Shares. 

Many thanks to Sitka Salmon Shares for providing a seafood box for my family to try. All opinions are my own as always. Thank you for stopping by today. 
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Health Benefits of Eating Meat Snacks

Although most people today prefer going vegan as their daily nutritional routine, we can't rule out that meat consumption has increased rapidly over the years.

Meat is an essential source of protein which must be included together with other types of food for one to have a balanced diet. It is often classified into white, red, or processed products.

Given the fact that excessive consumption could be harmful to your body, consider consuming it sparingly and avoid processed meat. With this said, let's look at the various health benefits of eating meat. For healthy products, you can checkout The New Primal meat snacks.

1. Excellent source of protein

This type of food is known to be a complete source of protein in terms of quality and quantity. For every 3-ounce portion consumed, you get 21 grams of protein, which is the recommended dietary portion for an average woman.

Moreover, our bodies acquire amino acids that cannot be made by the body or consumed from other types of food.

Eating animal protein is also linked to improved muscle and skin tissues. Apart from this, many studies show that it is associated with strong bone formation, lowering the risk of getting fractures.

2. Improves metabolism

We all love having a lean and fit body. For this reason, it's essential to include foods that boost metabolism in our diet.

Increased metabolism helps break down fats in the body, making it easier to distribute them evenly. Research has it that animal food sources are a good source of vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-12 improves the production of digestive juices in the stomach, which in turn increases metabolism and promotes fullness by reducing hunger.

3. Boost brain health

Everyone wants to be considered smart and sharp at all times. The best way to achieve that is by increasing your daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Organic food like fish, beef, chicken, goat, and pork are considered to have the highest concentration of omega-3s. In this case, organic foods are a better option when it comes to the provision of omega-3 than non-organic.

Besides, medical specialists worldwide recommend daily omega-3 intake to help in the overall mental growth. See this link to see more reasons for eating meat https://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-to-eat-meat-2013-9?IR=T

4. Boosts strong immune system

An excellent immune system allows the body to fight diseases and ensures you stay healthy mostly when there is a flu or any other viral outbreak.

Therefore, it's in your best interest to incorporate food rich in zinc in your diet. According to various studies, zinc is commonly found more in beef than in other non-organic foods like cereals.

Likewise, it is better absorbed from organic meat. In case you accidentally cut yourself, the amino acids in beef works to speed up the healing process of the torn muscle tissues in due time.

5. Increases energy levels 

Animal protein, like red meat, is an excellent source of iron. Iron is a very crucial nutrient in the body, especially for pregnant women, adolescents, and premenopausal.

Also, it increases the production of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The primary role of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen across the body via the blood cells. This means that iron plays an essential role in maintaining the body's energy levels which reduces.

According to health experts, the body absorbs heme iron (found in animal beef pork or mutton among others) faster than non-heme iron found in plants. Plus, if you have an iron deficiency, you are likely to have severe migraines, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

6. Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Health

Excessive consumption of starch or carbohydrate is a cardiovascular risk factor. This is why medics recommend replacing that with fruits, animal proteins, and healthy fats.

A low carbohydrate meat plan has a minor effect on the blood cholesterol hence making it heart-healthy. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the body treats saturated fats from processed and non-processed flesh differently.

For instance, a freshly cooked beef steak and a piece of sausage will have similar saturated fats, but the latter will have a more negative effect on your health. Click here to find out more about some of the healthy meat products you can consume.


Conclusion:

Eating meat has more benefits than disadvantages. This is because it comes with a compelling number of nutrients that contribute to a healthy body. Plus, it is also delicious and refreshing when cooked well. However, to protect yourself from various health risks that may arise from eating it, avoid burnt and non-processed meat.

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How BI-LO Delivery By Shipt Saves Busy Families Time

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Shipt + BI-LO. All opinions are my own. 

Do you ever find yourself at home browsing recipes on Pinterest, and you find the perfect dinner or dessert recipe that you actually have all of the ingredients for? Yeah, me either. I always seem to be off by one or two ingredients. It's hard for me since I do not have access to a vehicle during the day, so this means waiting until after 5:30 before any of the working adults get home. By that time, it's too late to try to put dinner together after getting to and from the store.

I am so grateful to live in the age of technology where you can get just about anything you need, sometimes as quickly as you need it. Thankfully Shipt grocery delivery service is available for the days I can't get to the store right away. Shipt is a membership-based service that you can join with an annual or monthly subscription, and you can cancel at any time. I'm thrilled that they now deliver from BI-LO stores.

Right now if you become a new Shipt member, you can get 2-weeks of same-day delivery free, and receive a $20 credit on your first order from BI-LO! Who doesn't want FREE groceries? Now all of those recipes that I want to make can actually happen. Shipt grocery delivery is not only convenient since you don't have to leave your home, but it helps prevent all of those unnecessary purchases. I can't ever seem to not have that urge to buy things that are not on my list for a variety of reasons. Also, not having to make a trip to the grocery store is a huge time saver, especially for busy families.

I was super excited to make my first order from BI-LO using Shipt. This just happened to be one of those times where I seemed to have run out of so many of my kitchen and household staples at the same time. Also, since it is the baking season, I stocked up on a few baking supplies so I won't run into the issue of not having all of the ingredients for a recipe. But you know what? If I do run out it's no problem! I can just log into my Shipt account and make a quick delivery order, and receive my items in as soon as one hour. As long as I keep my order $35 or more, my delivery is free.



I feel like once you get Shipt delivery, there is no turning back. I enjoyed receiving my groceries from BI-LO, and I look forward to placing my next order. My Shipt shopper alerted me via text when she made it to BI-LO and asked if I needed any additional items. She shopped my order, and as soon as she was done, she texted me to let me know she was on the way to my home. You can start your Shipt account online or through their free app available through your phone's app store. Don't forget to take advantage of their special promotion to get your $20 credit to shop at BI-LO.


So now the question is which dessert or entree do I make first? I guess the next thing I need to work on is my meal planning. That's definitely not my favorite thing to do, but at least I can grocery shop in my pajamas! If you have any questions about BI-LO delivery by Shipt, leave me a comment or send an email. Thank you for stopping by today!
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Little Bites® Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes + Giveaway

Today's post is sponsored by Entenmann’s® Little Bites®. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s® Little Bites®

Can you believe that it's almost Halloween? It seems like the last couple of months flew on by. If you haven't already prepared for those little ghouls and goblins to come knocking on your door, you better get to it. Of course, Halloween is known for tons of candies, chocolates, and treats, but this year, why not hand out something different? Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies are a delicious alternative that are sure to please your trick-or-treaters.


They are also a fun snack for classroom parties since they are available in perfectly pre-portioned pouches, contains no high fructose corn syrup, and zero grams of trans fat per serving. Little Bites Fudge Brownies are a snack “momsters” can feel good about! If you are having a Halloween party at home, you should check out this fun DIY dessert for these Wicked Fudge Brownie Bites:



Find out about Little Bites® Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes:


  • Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks is giving fans a spook-tastic opportunity to win a family trip to Myrtle Beach! Consumers can enter the Little Bites Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes from October 1 - October 31 by visiting https://www.littlebites.com/Halloween-goodies.
  • Fans will be prompted to complete and submit the registration form to receive one (1) entry in the Grand Prize drawing.
  • In addition to the grand prize, fans can enter for a chance to receive a one (1) week supply of Little Bites product awarded in the form of five coupons, each redeemable for one (1) Little Bites product up to $5.00 in value.
  • For more information and official rules, please visit https://www.littlebites.com/Halloween-goodies.
Information about Visit Myrtle Beach:
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is where cherished memories are made along 60 miles of beautiful coastline.
  • Discover stunning sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean, fun days at the beach, lush natural wonders, and grand new adventures.
  • Savor our warm Southern hospitality, fresh coastal cuisine, and our unique flavor of fun.
  • Cherish these moments together.
  • Visit Myrtle Beach — where happiness comes in waves.
Special Reader Giveaway: 
Mom Files is thrilled to offer our readers a sweet prize pack giveaway including a $25 Visa digital gift card and (3) coupons for $5.00 off the purchase of any Entenmann’s® Little Bites® courtesy of Entenmann's. Enter below: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on October 28, 2019. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks.
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Easy Small Batch Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

For ages, macaroni and cheese has been one of those quintessential comfort foods that most anyone enjoys. Of course, it is not considered a diet-friendly dish, but we don't really eat it for that reason, to begin with. Nothing beats a nice creamy, cheesy scoop of homemade baked macaroni and cheese. There is something irresistible about the corner edges that crisp up just a little while baking that is the perfect texture and bite.


Growing up Guyanese, our macaroni and cheese wasn't like the classic American style. Ours had extra things in it like onion, scallions, and hot pepper. It was also baked firm so it could be cut into thick slices. While it was still delicious, I always preferred the more classic version. One of the things that can sometimes be a turn off when making mac and cheese is having such a huge amount left over. While that might not be a bad problem to have, some of us do not want to have too much of a good thing.

I have been working on a small-batch mac and cheese recipe that is perfect for smaller families. This recipe is so good since it doesn't require a lot of ingredients, and doesn't take a whole lot of time to prepare. Of course, you can always make a double batch for larger families, potluck meals, or if you simply can't get enough. Check out the recipe below.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (optional) OR 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk

How to make it:

1. Heat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water, then drain. 
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan and add flour. Whisk until butter and flour are well combined. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. 
3. Whisk in milk and bring to a low boil, until slightly thickened. 
4. Add shredded cheese, reserving a little to sprinkle on top for baking. 
5. Add in drained pasta to cheese sauce mixture, then pour into a 9x9 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.  
Tips: 
  • Sprinkle either cayenne pepper or paprika on top before baking for extra color and flavor. 
  • Crush buttery crackers and top before baking if you like extra texture and crunch. 
  • Add ham or crumbled bacon or turkey bacon, and sweet green peas or green onions to make it an entree. 
  • You can experiment with other types of cheese like Swiss, colby-jack, or gouda. 
  • Make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter, cheese and milk. I have made it before and t comes out great! 
This small batch mac and cheese is sure to please anyone who wants an ooey-gooey comfort classic. As a matter of fact, it's so easy to make that it can be whipped up in no time, even on a school night. You can Pin this recipe for later.


Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
Shelly's Easy and Moist Meatloaf
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Perfect Greek Pasta Salad
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How To Better Understand The Correct Food for Toddlers


Raising a toddler can be an immensely rewarding challenge for new parents. The toddler years are full of many changes and exciting developments in your child’s life. These changes can bring a great deal of joy to your life but also a great deal of stress.

Transitioning from caring for an infant to caring for a toddler can be a tricky process for those who are unfamiliar with what to expect. Food for toddlers is an area of particular interest for those new to toddler care. Here, we will look at some specific tips and advice on how to better understand the correct food for toddlers.

Let’s delve into this topic in more specific detail with some advice and recommendations.


Toddler Food Basics

Children start to accommodate new foods at different ages. At the one-year mark, toddlers should be able to tolerate cow’s milk and more solid foods. However, this transition point is somewhat arbitrary and can vary between children.

Remember that even though your child is becoming more independent by the day, you are still the caregiver responsible for all your child’s needs. They cannot think for themselves regarding what they should eat or how much of some things they should eat. Controlling portion sizes, especially of less healthy snacks, is an effective means of ensuring that your toddler develops healthy eating habits and avoids conditions like obesity and heart disease later in life.

One great place to start for nutritional advice is the government food guide. These guides often have explicit recommendations for how much of different types of foods your toddler should be consuming each day for optimal health. Using these guides may even give your own personal dietary habits a health boost. Eventually, making sure to plan healthy and nutrient-dense meals for your family can ensure the well-being of your entire household.

Toddler Milks

If your child is having difficulty in transitioning from breast milk to cow’s milk, toddler milks are a great stepping stone solution. While ideally, your child will be receiving more of their nutrition from solid foods during the toddler years, toddler milks can ensure that these needs are met as a temporary measure.

Toddler milks are made from a preparation that is similar to most infant formula with a cow’s milk foundation. These milks are full of vitamin D, iron, calcium, and many other nutrients that are essential to the healthy development of your toddler.

What To Avoid

There are some things that toddlers simply should not eat at their age. This is because some foods pose a choking or health hazard for young children. Whole grapes, for example, are slippery and may block your child’s windpipe if not consumed with care. Small and hard foods like peanuts or seeds may also present a hazard. If your child wants to enjoy such foods, be sure to chop them up sufficiently before offering them.

Always be mindful of how your child seems to be tolerating certain foods, especially foods that are commonly associated with allergies. Milk, peanuts, wheat, and shellfish are all foods to exercise caution around.


Find More Toddler Food Facts

The best way to ensure that your toddler receives the food and nutrition they need to thrive is to orient yourself towards continual learning and improvement. Nobody knows everything when it comes to proper toddler nutrition and optimal growth. Therefore, taking the time to go through a variety of sources and soliciting expert advice can serve you well. Always consult with your family physician before making any serious modifications to your child’s diet. Your toddler will be all the happier and healthier for your efforts.

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Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Muffins Recipe

Looking for a healthier option for breakfast or snacks? We have hit back-to-school season, and many of us are time-crunched. Having grab-and-go items is a must for those busy mornings, as well as after school lets out. I've always liked having a variety of snacks available ranging from fruit, cheese, crackers, and baked goods. You definitely have to try out this recipe for vegan cinnamon sugar muffins. I promise you won't know they are vegan! 

Ingredients
For the muffins:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 spelt flour (or you can use what you have)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 ounces applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 cup organic almond milk
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup

For the topping:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 390 (F). Grease or line muffin tray and set aside.

In a large bowl stir together all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, almond milk, oil, and maple syrup. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until combined.

Fill the muffin cups 2/3 of the way full, sprinkle each with a little cinnamon sugar, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Each family member tried a muffin and the reaction was all the same. They all said it tasted like any regular homemade muffin and they would never have guessed it was vegan. The dozen I made seemed to have disappeared in one day. I was lucky to get one! They had the same texture and flavor of a regular muffin using dairy or egg. This recipe is a keeper!

Check out these other recipes:
Best Banana Bread
Blueberry Lemon Bread
Glazed Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
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Perfect Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

We are in the heart of the summer weather here in South Carolina. The scorching sun and humidity do not push me to want to be in the kitchen for very long. I have been utilizing my air fryer a lot to avoid going outside in the heat to grill or to have to turn on the oven. It seems to take forever for my house to cool down once the oven is on. I have been making a variety of lighter dishes, as well as salads. I came across a recipe for Greek pasta salad from Skinnytaste and decided to try it out. I did make a few adjustments because I felt like some of the fruit and vegetable quantities were way too much.

One thing that I love about pasta salad or potato salad is that you can make enough for leftovers for the next day or two. When I made this pasta salad, I was afraid it was too much for my family. It turned out to be so delicious, that it all got devoured over the course of a few days. The recipe is super simple and is definitely one you will want to hang on to. It makes a great side dish for family meals and cookouts.


Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients: 
one 16-ounce box of pasta (Bow ties or rotini work well)
2 cups of diced English cucumber (skin on)
1 small orange bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1/2 of a small red onion finely chopped
1/2 pint of either cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half
4 ounces crumbled or cubed Feta cheese
1/2 cup of kalamata olives sliced in half

dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp kalamata olive brine
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Kosher salt
cracked black pepper (optional)

How to make it: 

  • Boil pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Test for desired doneness and drain. Rinse with cold water, and let it cool at least 10 minutes. 
  • Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.
  • In an extra-large bowl, toss pasta, chopped fruit/veggies, and dressing together.
  • Add feta at the end. 
Refrigerate and enjoy! Be sure to Pin this recipe for later. 

You might also enjoy these recipes:



Thank you for stopping by today!
Shelly
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Bao and Broth Now Open In Optimist Hall, Charlotte NC #LiveNoodsWarmBuns #WeDontCutCorners

After its announcement in 2018, the long-awaited Bao and Broth officially began serving customers at the opening of Charlotte’s new Optimist Hall on Thursday, August 1, 2019.


The ramen and steamed bun shop has long been in the back of Executive Chef Larry Schreiber’s mind. Since 2014, Schreiber served as Executive Chef at and helped open Moffett Restaurant Group’s Good Food on Montford, where his steamed bun was a hit. Now, Larry’s thrilled to be opening his own restaurant purely dedicated to the food concept that has earned him recognition across the Charlotte food scene. This time, he’s added ramen and other Asian delectables that will have Optimist Hall perusers stop in their tracks when they smell his chef-d'oeuvres.

Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something at the highly customizable eatery. For $12, those longing for a hot bowl of ramen can choose from a variety of broths, proteins, and toppings to satisfy their craving. There are also vegetarian options, such as the Unctuous onion broth. Ramen not your thing? Check out the listing of baos offered. Despite the title referencing pork belly buns, Bao and Broth ensures that all eaters can enjoy their menu, with additional bun options including schnitzel, chicken, bulgogi, and falafel. If you still can’t get enough, side items, dessert, and the house specialty – rice cakes and pork belly kimchi – are also available.


“I’ve been a part of a few restaurants before but creating these recipes [for Bao and Broth] and testing them has been one of my favorite experiences,” said Schreiber. “Back at Good Food on Montford, we only served one option – the pork bun. Now with this restaurant, we have the capability to expand on it, and it’s been so fun putting together all sorts of flavors to see what mixes well. I think the schnitzel bun has to be my favorite, but I’m excited to see which items our guests like the most.”


The opening of Bao and Broth is part of the first of three restaurant opening phases at Optimist Hall, with the other two set to occur in the early fall. The stall is order-at-the-counter style, and guests can devour their meals either indoors or outdoors at the community seating hall, or at one of the few seats alongside the ramen bar. Schreiber also mentioned there are plans to include online ordering once the stall gets up and running, which will make it even easier to get this delicious food in your mouth as fast as possible.

Bao and Broth’s hours will be 11AM to 9PM Sunday – Thursday, and 11AM to 10PM Friday – Saturday.

Photo credit: Stefanie Haviv
About Bao and Broth:
Open August 1, the ramen and steamed bun shop is owned and operated by head Chef Larry Schreiber. Bao and Broth offers a full menu consisting of traditional Asian bao’s and broths with sides and desserts in accompaniment. Located in Optimist Hall in Suite 5. Head to BaoandBroth.com to learn more.
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Southern Caviar aka Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe

Over the years, I have been to several events where a special dish called "Southern Caviar" was on the buffet table. I have tried it a few times and loved it so much. If you've never tried it before, it's a flavorful and fresh dip/salsa/salad that you eat with tortilla chips. I recently got to thinking about making it myself and did a Pinterest search for recipes. I was overwhelmed by the number of recipes that popped up. I think I gave up after viewing so many and finally decided on a few that really looked delicious. 

I ended up using those recipes as a guide to making my own version. When I made it, I was afraid because it was A LOT. Trust me, we didn't have a whole lot left over once the family tried it. It is so good that you can't stop eating it. The best part is that it's easy to make with no cooking required, which is perfect during the hotter months. Check out the recipe below. 

Ingredients:
2 cans of black eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
1/2 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 bag of thawed frozen sweet corn
1/2 cup of finely diced cucumber
1/2 of a medium red onion finely minced
1 jalapeno seeded and finely minced
1 rib of celery finely diced
3 Roma tomatoes chopped
chopped cilantro to your taste, about 3 tbsp

Dressing:
Kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste
5 tbsp olive oil
5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp of sugar

Place all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Toss everything together and serve with your favorite tortilla chips. Easy, huh?


You are supposed to let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours, but some of us could not wait. It is so good with the scoopable variety of tortilla chips or even corn chips. This would be perfect on top of Jasmine rice and then topped with chopped avocado as a vegetarian bowl. Yum!

Check out these other delcious recipes:
The Perfect Potato Salad To Take To A Cookout
Perfect Margarita Recipe
4 Ingredient Greek Pasta Salad

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by!
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