Note: That’s Spiced, as in “with spices.” Not spiked, as in “with rum.” Although I did have rum there, thanks to Margo. And several people mentioned that it was extra-yummy with rum. It’s a delightful beverage for an autumnal gathering, and it’s even good cold the next day (and reheats just fine). Get some spices… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Other
How to Cut a Bell Pepper the Easy Way
I used to cut bell peppers in half lengthwise, rip out the seeds and the stem, rinse the loose seeds off in the sink, then cut it up… That’s simple enough, but honestly, this way is even nicer because you don’t have to deal with the seeds at all. I think after cutting 3 bell… Continue Reading
Cantaloupe and Strawberry Fruit smoothie recipe – For Catherine
Catherine, correct me if I’m wrong… but I think this is how it went. The first time I met my dear friend Catherine, she had just moved into my hall (I was a Resident Assistant) as a freshman in college. She knew that there was a no-hotplate rule in our residence hall, and concerned, asked… Continue Reading
How to Boil Corn on the Cob Perfectly – Too Easy for a Recipe!
If there’s one thing that says “summer” to me, it might just be corn on the cob. When my family visited my grandmother in Michigan every summer, “Doo-Dah” would bring us corn on the cob for the requisite family cookout. My dozens of cousins and second cousins (well, close to dozens) and I sat in… Continue Reading
How to Easily Peel Tomatoes
Tomatoes are such a lovely fruit. I enjoy them so many ways… but I am insanely picky about them. I don’t like to eat the ooky seed/slime part, so I always de-seed my tomatoes before slicing them or cooking them. I am also kind of weird about the skin. It’s fine if I’m eating slices… Continue Reading
“Ron’s Rub” – Delicious (and simple!) steak rub
If you’re looking for a deliciously simple way to dress up a steak, a whole chicken, or any number of other things you might be cooking, this rub may just be the answer! Named “Ron’s Rub” after my dad, this is a yummy mixture of only four ingredients. Equal parts: black pepper kosher salt brown… Continue Reading
Vanilla Extract Follow-Up… Finally!
Can you tell I’m trying to tie up loose blog ends? First the quilt, now the vanilla. In June, I started making vanilla extract … basically you just get an air-tight container, fill it with liquor (vodka, rum, or brandy are good choices) and stick in several split vanilla beans (just cut them lengthwise with… Continue Reading
Vanilla Extract Update
A few weeks ago, I started making vanilla extract , and I wanted to give you an update about how it’s going. It’s not clear anymore! It still basically just smells like rum, but I’m going to add a few more vanilla beans soon, and I’m sure that by Christmas it’ll be vanilla-y and ready… Continue Reading
How to Cut an Onion Without Crying
So, I watch the Food Network. Kind of a lot. And I’ve learned a LOT of things from it. I don’t think I’ve ever made a recipe directly from a show… maybe the closest was when I mimicked Rachael Ray’s mustard-based potato salad. But I didn’t use her measurements. I get ideas from the shows.… Continue Reading
Naughty Little Girl
It’s a tasty refreshing twist on a Shirley Temple. Put a bit of rum in a glass, then fill it up the rest of the way with coconut soda (which you can find with the Mexican food in the grocery store). Add some cherries, cherry juice, and ice cubes. And it’s delicious. But nameless. Anyone… Continue Reading
Meagan’s Homemade Frappucinos
This is a guest article by my dear friend Meagan. One of the quirks I share with my boyfriend is an inordinate fondness for buying iced-blended coffee drinks at bookstore cafes and, drink-in-hand, wandering around the store for hours. He likes the late-day caffeine buzz, while I enjoy the icy-chocolaty goodness. However, those prissy coffee… Continue Reading
Vanilla Extract
I love baking, especially from scratch. And one of my favorite smells is vanilla. But have you ever actually tasted store-bought vanilla extract, straight from the bottle? It’s vile! Imagine how fabulous it would be if the vanilla you put into your baking actually tasted like something you wanted to drink? Or eat in your… Continue Reading
Hi! I'm Emily. I'm a Navy wife and stay at home mom of two beautiful children. I cook simple, delicious, grain-free recipes, do crafts, decorate my home on a budget, and keep a happy household. I tandem breastfeed, babywear, cloth diaper, practice elimination communication, homebirth, and co-sleep, but I'm not a hippie.
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