Easy Weeknight Meals
Discover quick and delicious weeknight meal ideas perfect for busy evenings with school and activities in full swing. Get inspired and simplify your family dinners tonight!
Continue reading “Easy Weeknight Meals”
Category: Home
Back to School 2023 Deals
With the summer days winding down, it’s time to gear up for the exciting new academic year! And what better way to kickstart the back-to-school season than with incredible deals and savings? In my latest blog post, I’ve curated a list of must-know tips and tricks to help students and parents score the best back-to-school deals on everything from backpacks and stationery to laptops and books. Discover the hottest discounts, exclusive offers, and savvy shopping strategies to make this academic year a budget-friendly success. Don’t miss out on this chance to save big and start the school year with a smile!
Continue reading “Back to School 2023 Deals”
Share this:
Back to School Lunch Ideas 2023
As the vibrant hues of summer fade and the first hints of the new academic year approach, it’s time to gear up for an exciting back-to-school season! As parents and caregivers, we understand the significance of providing our children with lunches that are both nourishing and delightful. These lunches not only sustain their growing bodies but also stimulate their minds, setting the stage for a day filled with learning and discovery. In this blog post, we’ll delve into a variety of back-to-school lunch ideas that strike the perfect balance between nutrition and taste, ensuring a successful and energized school year for our young scholars.
1. Bento Box Bonanza: Bento boxes are not only visually appealing but also a practical way to offer a balanced meal. Create a colorful array of bite-sized fruits, veggies, whole-grain crackers, cheese cubes, and lean protein such as grilled chicken or tofu. Kids will love the variety, and you can involve them in selecting their preferred ingredients, making it an interactive experience!
2. Wrap it up: Whole-grain wraps are versatile and can be filled with endless combinations. Opt for whole-grain tortillas and layer on lean meats like turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like hummus. Add some crunchy veggies like lettuce, carrots, and bell peppers, and finish with a light dressing or spread for extra flavor. Roll it up and slice into pinwheels for a lunch that’s both wholesome and easy to eat.
3. DIY Lunchables: Skip the store-bought lunchables with their processed ingredients and preservatives, and create your own healthier version. Slice up some whole-grain crackers, lean deli meats, and cheese. Add in some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a side of berries for a sweet treat. It’s a balanced meal that mirrors the convenience of store-bought lunchables, but with better nutrition.
4. Pasta Pleasures: Pasta salads can be a great way to incorporate vegetables and protein into a lunchbox. Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber and toss in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and some feta cheese for a Greek-style pasta salad. For a protein boost, you can add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken. Dress it with a light vinaigrette, and your kids will be eager to dig in.
5. Fresh and Fruity: Fruit is nature’s candy and an essential part of any lunch. Include a variety of seasonal fruits like sliced apples, berries, grapes, or mandarin oranges. For an exciting twist, make fruit kebabs by threading fruit pieces onto wooden skewers. These colorful and juicy treats will surely be a hit!
6. Soup in a Thermos: As the weather cools down, a warm and hearty soup can be incredibly comforting. Invest in a good-quality thermos and fill it with homemade vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, or lentil stew. It’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and provide a warm and nourishing meal for your child.
7. Nut-Free Snacks: With the rise in nut allergies, it’s important to pack nut-free snacks. Opt for alternatives like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Pair them with whole-grain crackers or apple slices for a tasty treat that is safe for all to enjoy.
Remember to keep your child’s preferences in mind while planning their lunches and involve them in the decision-making process. By making lunches exciting, delicious, and nutritious, you’ll set the stage for a successful school year, ensuring they have the energy and focus they need to excel academically and enjoy their time with friends.
Lastly, don’t forget to include a little note or a small surprise in their lunchbox now and then. It’s a wonderful way to show them some extra love and brighten their day while they are away at school.
If you would like more ideas, follow me on Instagram or Facebook. Throughout the year, I will be posting the lunches I pack for the kids and adding them to the Kids Meal tab on my highlights.
Wishing all the students and parents a fantastic back-to-school season filled with learning, growth, and delightful lunches! Happy school days ahead!
Share this:
Top 15 Recipes of 2022
The year 2022 has been very eventful for us. We’ve had lots of travel, covid, a kitchen renovation, and so much more. Crafting and creating has been challenging but fun nonetheless in all of these environs. So here are my top 15 recipes that were the most popular this past year. I’m so happy you enjoyed them as much as me!
I wish all of you a healthy and Happy New Year as you read the top 15 from this year based on reader reviews and responses. I hope to continue growing and sharing my love of cooking with you in 2023. Here are the top 15 recipes of 2022.
Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style
Growing up, my Mom would make Moong Bean Sprouts Sabzi often. My brother and I weren’t the biggest fans (though a big part was that we wanted American food like the rest of our friends, not DBRS (Dar Bhaat Rotli Shaak) everyday.
Now as an adult, I see that Mom was making one of the healthiest plant proteins out there to make sure her kids got their nutrition. And now I’m doing the same. Maybe not as a child, but definitely as an adult I love this sabzi. Super simple to make, in less than 10 minutes, a depth of flavor from various spices, and packed with a powerhouse of nutrients, it’s a win win!
Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake
A simple bundt cake that is moist, light, fluffy, and a little crunchy. Fresh ground pistachios in the cake with some more drizzled over the top of a beautiful sugar glaze, this Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake is beautiful to look at and divine to eat.
Roasted Rainbow Veggies
Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to eat any vegetable. Having several different colors and cooking them together is the best in my book! You get plenty of vitamins and minerals and the different colors are just so pretty to look at! These Roasted Rainbow Veggies are the perfect way to serve your veggies for adults and kids, making them fun, easy, and healthy.
Mango Lassi Loaf Cake
Light, moist, and elegant loaf that tastes like Mango Lassi and is made without butter and eggs.
Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet
An effortless one skillet vegan recipe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, chickpeas, spinach, grilled lemon slices, and of course orzo! Simple, healthy ingredients that come together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal, this Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet is a dish that everyone can enjoy!
Teriyaki Tofu Noodle Bowl
Crispy, sweet, and salty bites of tofu paired with sauteed bright broccoli on a bed of rice noodles. It can’t get any better than this. Filled with protein, this Teriyaki Tofu Noodle Bowl is perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch prep.
Blackened Fish Tacos with a Garlic Sriracha Aioli
BBQ season is for grilling and though I love making the traditional burgers and hot dogs, I wanted to get away from the usual and do something different. These Blackened Fish Tacos are perfect with a Garlic Sriracha Aioli. A flavorful rub, crunchy carrot and cabbage slaw, the aioli to cool things down a bit and the jalapeños to add just a kick at the end of each bite is the perfect summer combination for me.
Couscous Arancini
Arancini is quite possibly one of the best things anyone could have created! Creamy, cheesy, fried balls dipped in warm marinara….yep, definitely calling my name. For a little twist, I used leftover pearl couscous instead of the traditional arborio rice risotto to make these.
Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl
Simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes, this Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl has everything to make your belly happy! Hint of tangy, spicy, herby, crunchy, and creamy, I love every bite I take! Filled with almost 20gm protein, 50% of your daily recommended fiber, and 40% of daily recommended iron, it is one of the most nutrient dense meals out there! Side benefit, you get 4 different colors of veggies in 1 meal!
Rainbow Farro Salad
I love eating in color and this gorgeous Rainbow Farro Salad has an abundance of it. Vivacious and crunchy purple cabbage, bright red bell pepper, pretty yellow cauliflower, tangy feta, earthy dill, and so much more. All of this drizzled with just enough olive oil and lemon juice to bring it all together so beautifully that each bite has you saying Mmmmmmmm.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan, these chickpea chocolate chip cookies are out of this world. Pillowy soft, fluffy, sweet, melt in your mouth, chunky chocolate chip cookies.
Rose Pistachio Ice Cream
Creamy, luscious, velvety, and decadent, this delicious Rose Pistachio Ice Cream is sure to make you smile in satisfaction. Bonus, it requires no cooking and no churning! It has become my new obsession and I’m sure it will become yours too!
Rosemary Olive Artisan Bread
Rosemary Olive Artisan Bread has a beautiful crust with a chewy inside filled with olives and fresh rosemary. It is easy to make because there is no kneading required. The scent and taste of warm bread and the ease of this recipe will want you making this bread over and over again.
Creamy White Bean Soup with Spinach
What is more comforting than a hot bowl of bean soup on chilly winter days? This quick recipe will have you feeling warm in no time. It’s also great for preparing large quantities so everyone can enjoy it! Nutrient dense and full of fiber, each bowl is also filled with 15gm protein!
Almond Butter Muffins
These healthy almond butter muffins are the perfect tasty treat. They are ideal to add in the lunchbox for a snack or dessert, or even to eat for breakfast. Each muffin is so soft, fluffy, and creamy all at the same time that I have to try not to gobble them down myself!
Thank you so much for making 2022 so special for me. I have enjoyed and embraced cooking for you. Which recipes have you tried? Feel free to leave comments below, or tag me with your pictures on Facebook or Instagram.
Share this:
Pomegranate Curd and White Chocolate Tart
This Pomegranate Curd and White Chocolate Tart is a showstopper that is perfect to take to your next holiday or special occasion party. The crust is made from a combination of graham crackers and macadamia nut, with a pomegranate curd layer topped with a sweet, white chocolate layer. Decorated with sugared rosemary and pomegranate arils, it’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Continue reading “Pomegranate Curd and White Chocolate Tart”
Share this:
Classic Muddy Buddies
A classic crowd favorite that is made from a combination of melted chocolate and almond butter then tossed in powdered sugar and mixed with M&M’s for the epic sweet snack.
Continue reading “Classic Muddy Buddies”
Share this:
Chewy Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, all spice, and a little black pepper, these yummy snickerdoodles are hard to resist. Cozy up with a cup of tea or coffee and a plate of these delectable cookies.
Continue reading “Chewy Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies”
Share this:
Chai Spice Pumpkin Muffins
The perfect afternoon snack with your cup of coffee or chai. Soft and moist muffins filled with pumpkin flavor and loaded with chai spices, this muffin is sure to be your new fall favorite.
Continue reading “Chai Spice Pumpkin Muffins”
Share this:
Back to School Dinners Made Easy
My oldest is going off to 1st Grade on Tuesday. I still can’t get over the fact that she is in grade school. When did she grow up? The school season starting also means sports, after school activities, homework, loads of laundry, and the list goes on. As much as I love cooking, on many of these nights, I’ll be looking for a nutritious but quick meal. And definitely meals that the kiddos are going to eat. I’ve compiled below some of our favorite family approved recipes. The best is that most of these take about 30 minutes to prepare so you can focus on homework, preparing lunch for the next day or spending time with your family.
Click on the recipe title below each image to get the recipes!
Easy Chicken Ramen with GF Noodles
Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas
Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad
Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl
Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style
One Pan Baked Salmon and Rainbow Veggies
Italian Stuffed Artichoke with a Garlic Cayenne Dip
Citrus Herb Salmon with a Mango Pico and Cilantro Lime Rice
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry
Share this:
Back to School Breakfast on the Go!
Summer is practically over in less than a week for us. I’m going to miss the lazy mornings, the relaxed schedules, and eating pancakes and french toast for breakfast. I’m looking forward to having a regular schedule in the mornings but planning them out will take some effort.
If you are looking for easy and healthy breakfasts then you’re in the right place! I’ve compiled some of our favorite breakfast recipes below. There are several chia pudding recipes as that has become a family favorite lately. Others, like the Apple Pie Oatmeal takes 3 minutes in the Instant Pot. I also like to make Almond Butter Breakfast Bars and Breakfast Oat Muffins over the weekend for on the go days.
If you want to see certain recipes on the blog, leave a comment below. I would love to create recipes for you!
Pomegranate Pistachio Chia Pudding
Share this:
Back to School Lunch Ideas
Last year, I had this beautiful plan of meal planning and prepping during the school week. The goal – to provide as many nutritious and yummy meals as I possibly could for the family. By May, I gave in to grilled cheese and mac and cheese being on the weekly rotation too often. I did have a great run of healthy meals most of the year though which empowers me to write another Back to School blog post. Continue reading “Back to School Lunch Ideas”
Share this:
My Visit to Clif Family Winery
**This is not a paid blog post. I have written this solely because of my impression of Clif Family Winery during my visit.**
A few weeks ago during Memorial Day Weekend, we took a trip up to Napa. I quickly learned that I should have planned this trip months before instead of calling wineries the week of to find a reservation for tastings. Calling everywhere last minute did show me the beautiful relationship each establishment has with the others in the area. Almost every winery I called, no one had space but they were kind enough to give me names of others who might. In a world where competing businesses hardly ever refer you to someone else, this was a refreshing and welcome change. Even more impressive to me was the fact that at least 4 different places referred me to Clif Family Winery.
When I called Clif Family Winery, I was just as impressed. Friendly service over the phone, they also gave me a few more names, and offered their Piazza as their tables were fully booked. Man was I excited to visit them after hearing of them from so many different places. Added to that, they are family friendly and since we were taking my two little ones, this was a bonus.
Saturday morning rolls around and I am so excited to see Napa for the first time since Covid hit. We get to the Tasting Room, which has cycles hanging from the wall that Sanaya loves and are greeted by Jordan. He shows us to the Piazza which is this lovely outdoors area in the front where my girls can run around and also explains the different wines and bottles we can grab to take with us to the front. We settle in and I give the girls a Z Bar for a quick snack, as the hubby and I look over wine options until the rest of our party shows up. Come to find out as I’m talking to Jordan and Chef John (the executive chef) that Gary Erikson, owner of the Clif Family Winery, founded the Clif protein bars!
That’s not all they have their hands in! The Clif Family also has fruit orchards, olive trees, they harvest solar honey in Idaho and everything is grown organically. Along with this, from the produce they grow, Clif Family also makes organic and sustainable jams, preserves, and hot sauce. I came back with one of the hot sauces, the Fatalii, which I think was the spiciest one they have.
As for me, I’m a Malbec girl and their pre-release of Malbec is one of the first I noticed (it’s now released as of a few weeks ago I believe). Of all the Malbecs I’ve had, and there have been plenty of those, The Clif Malbec was one of mine and the rest of my party’s favorite. It was lighter than the Malbecs I usually have and I actually liked that. If you haven’t tried it yet, you have to. We also had the Grenache which was just as good, a little more full bodied than the Malbec but perfect to finish off our day at Clif Family Winery.
Aside from the wine for me and the space for the girls to hang out, food is the other major point I look for and Clif Family Winery does not disappoint. They have delicious culinary bites that are beautifully designed and taste like a slice of heaven. My personal favorite is the brie with the lemon marmalade. And if you’re looking for more than just a bite, their Bruschetteria Food Truck has a great selection.
So, what are you waiting for? Next time you plan to go to Napa, make sure you include Clif Family Winery on your list. They have become one of my favorites, and I’m sure they will become one yours too!
Share this:
Blogger Interview With Sapna — Lifesfinewhine
I really hope you guys enjoy this interview with Sapna and I hope you take some time to check out her amazing blog which will be linked below! 1. Thanks so much for being a part of this interview. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what your blog is about. Thank you so […]
Blogger Interview With Sapna — Lifesfinewhine
Share this:
21 Healthy Recipes to Kick Start the New Year
The holidays this year have been as non-traditional as possible but that hasn’t kept many of us from cooking and baking our favorite foods. I have definitely been doing my share of baking, cooking and eating massive amounts of desserts, drinks, and carbs. As always, this leads me to making New Year’s resolutions which have standards that are set too high. Instead of setting impossible standards and going on an extreme diet, one of my resolutions is to eat healthy, nutrient dense foods. Less processed, more home made where I can control the ingredients, especially the salt and sugar.
To help “reboot” our bodies and cleanse it of the all the heavy (and mostly unhealthy) foods eaten over the holidays, I’ve compiled a list of 21 Healthy Recipes to Kick Start the New Year. It is my sincere hope that this list will help you eat healthier without having to sacrifice great taste. Welcome to 2021 everyone!
Breakfast Oat Muffins
An easy make ahead, these delicious oat muffins are versatile and fun to make with kids. Grab one on your way to work, school, or your home office!
Almond Coconut Porridge
A delicious porridge that you can make ahead the night before and add so many healthy toppings to, this Almond Coconut Porridge is the perfect healthy start to your day!
Apple Pie Oatmeal
Steel cut oats cooked with apples and cinnamon to give you a creamy apple pie taste are one of our favorite types of oats. Try them out and you will want a bowl of this Apple Pie Oatmeal over and over again!
Breakfast Soufflé Bites
These easy egg bites filled with fresh and healthy veggies. Perfect to make ahead, freeze and reheat for busy mornings.
Sweet Potato and Beet Hash with Fried Eggs
A superfood dish that can be used for breakfast or brunch, this delicious meal is the perfect start to any day. Packed with fiber, non-dairy calcium, beets help fight inflammation, detox the body, and boost energy!
Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad
The perfect winter salad that keeps you full, nourished and packs a punch with a variety of flavors and textures, this Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad is a great lunch or dinner option!
Rainbow Fajita Bowl
Filled with colorful and fresh veggies, this healthy bowl is low on carbs and calories but provides a good source of nutrition.
Paneer Cabbage Cups
A fun healthy option with a bit of Indian fusion, these Paneer Cabbage Cups are light and filling.
Adai Waffles / Lentil Waffles
Who says waffles have to be for breakfast only? Or that they have to be sweet? These savory lentil waffles are filled with 4 different types of lentils and lots of veggies. Have a couple with a side of Masala Salsa or Chutney, you can’t go wrong!
15 minute Masala Pasta
Make a batch of this pasta sauce filled with veggies and delicious spices to freeze and use for any meal. Combine it with your gluten free or fresh pasta and you will have a veggie loaded pasta that even fussy kids will eat in less than 15 minutes!
Fresco Carpaccio
A light and healthy salad, this Carpaccio is very simple to make and disappears just as quickly! A great afternoon snack or side salad, you must try this!
Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh fruit, this delicious salad is perfect to take to work or have on the side with a meal!
Microgreens Salad
A nutrient-dense salad that is light to eat and will make you wanting more, it’s very simple and quick to put together.
Roasted Masala Chickpeas
A healthy snack that will keep you going when you have munchies in the afternoon. Store these in an air tight container and enjoy whenever your tummy desires!
Roasted Chili Almonds
Another great snack to have or one to add to a cheese board, these Roasted Chili Almonds take only 5 minutes to make. Store in an airtight container and enjoy for up to 2 weeks.
Rainbow Lentil Stew
This stew is filled with fresh, colorful veggies that are packed with nutrition and flavor. You can make it in a dutch oven or slow cooker and enjoy it for one of the many rainy days ahead this winter and spring.
Sweet & Spicy Harvest Bowl
Just as it’s name implies, there are plenty of sweet and spicy notes in this bowl. Beets, brussels sprouts, acorn squash, and pears over a bed of quinoa is just the beginning of the deliciousness here. The veggies are roasted with chipotle powder to give it hints of spicy and smoky that bring together the perfect amount of pepper.
Spinach Dal
On a consistent rotation in our home, this Spinach Dal has becoming popular. Taking only 10 minutes to make, you can’t go wrong with this delicious Indian lentil dish.
Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
This Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash is filled with fruits and veggies and topped with a delicious Apple Cider Vinaigrette, every bite will burst with a multitude of flavors.
Easy Chicken Ramen with GF Noodles
For those rainy nights, this Ramen is the perfect way to cuddle up and enjoy a warm broth filled with veggies and gluten free fresh pasta noodles. The best part, it takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats
A fun fusion dish that is filled with the traditional Tandoori flavor. Roasted in the oven then broiled, the cauliflower give hints of the charred smoky flavor combined with the Tandoori marinade. Serve it with a side of cooling Mint-y Pomegranate Raita and be prepared to have your taste buds take a trip to India!
Well, I hope you enjoyed this list of healthy recipes to kick start your New Year! I’m going to be adding more to continue our journey of healthy eating. In the meantime, tag me when you make a recipe of mine on Facebook or Instagram or feel free to leave a comment below. Let me know what recipes you would like to see also.
I wish all of you a Happy New Year filled with lots of healthy eating (and a little not so healthy eating).
~Sapna
Share this:
Top 15 Recipes of 2020
The year 2020 has not been without its challenges though I feel stronger coming out of it and ready to start a new year. One thing I am very proud of myself for doing is relaunching my blog and getting more creative with my work. I’ve managed to publish quite a few recipes and many of them were pretty popular. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to visit my blog and trying my recipes.
I wish all of you a Happy New Year as you read the top 15 from this year based on reader reviews and responses. I hope to continue growing and sharing my love of cooking with you in 2021. Here are the top 15 recipes of 2020.
Sweet Potato and Beet Hash with Fried Eggs
A delicious, nutrient dense brunch dish that will become of one your favorites right away. Easy to make it vegan by omitting the egg, this recipe is also sustainable using the beet greens along with spinach for the base of the hash.
Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad
A warm lentil salad with a sweet butternut squash, the crunchy seeds, apples and pomegranates with feta crumbles adding a little creaminess is the perfect blend for this salad. Another nutrient dense dish that can fill you up for lunch or dinner.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
A quick and easy soup that is packed with flavors and perfect for a winter weeknight. Settle in with a bowl of this Instant Pot Tortilla Soup which takes only 4 minutes to cook!
Pineapple Fried Rice
A quick stir fry that takes only 20 minutes to make this Pineapple Fried Rice is filled with texture, flavor, and an exotic touch. Try it out for your next Thai night.
A staple in almost every Indian home, Aloo Parathas are perfect for brunch, a rainy day, or pretty much anytime!
Spiced Plum Crumble Bars
A delicious treat that can be eaten for snack, breakfast, or as a nibble with your afternoon tea.
Rangoli Ladoos
These sweet Ladoos (truffles) are a delicious and easy recipe that can be made any time of the year, but especially for festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. Try them out and you will have your very own batch made in less than 15 minutes!
A delicious, light, and healthy appetizer, these are perfect for any type of party or dinner. Brighten up your table during the Holidays with these colorful Tinseltown Tostadas.
Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats
A quick and easy recipe that is packed with traditional Indian flavors, make these healthy Tandoori Gobi Zucchini Boats to bring some spice to your table.
Skinny Skillet Veggie Enchiladas
These are a great way to Enchiladas while cutting down the carbs significantly. The flavor is still there and packs a good punch! No wonder they are so popular.
A delicious salsa with the addition of mango makes for a yummy sweet and spicy bite. So versatile, you can eat this Mango Pico with practically anything!
A delicious Indian Fusion recipe, this Pear Halwa Cake is a great dessert to have at any holiday or birthday table! Make it for Easter, Mother’s Day, Birthdays and Anniversaries alike!
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
These light and fluffy pancakes have become a weekend staple in our home. Try them once and you’ll be addicted too!
Chocolate Samosa
A sweet twist on the traditional Samosas, these irresistible Chocolate Samosas are filled with Nutella. I promise it will be very hard to stop at Just one!
Adai Waffles / Lentil Waffles
Healthy Lentil Waffles that are packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These are your one stop shop for a complete meal.
Thank you so much for making 2020 so special for me. I have enjoyed and embraced cooking for you. Which recipes have you tried? Feel free to leave comments below, or tag me with your pictures on Facebook or Instagram. See you in 2021!
Share this:
How to clean your Cast Iron Skillet
I think I’ve lost track of the amount of times I have been asked how I clean my iron skillet. The actual process is very easy and doesn’t take as much time contrary to what many people believe. It does seem daunting and intimidating, but trust, cleaning an iron skillet is simple.
Here are a few rules to remember:
- Don’t use soap and water to wash your skillet. This will actually create rust which is the last thing you want to worry about.
- Don’t use steel wool for those stuck on foods – that will actually strip away the seasoning of the pan.
- Don’t put it in the dishwasher
- Clean your cast iron after every use. You don’t have to season it after every use but definitely clean it to prevent ruining your seasoning layer
There a few tools that you will need to clean your skillet.
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Microfiber cloth OR Stainless steel Chainmail
- Paper Towels
- Flaxseed Oil or Sunflower Oil
That’s it! That’s all you need to clean your pan! Now let’s get to it!
Here are a couple of examples of food really crusted on. I made sure I used these as examples because I wanted to show that even with food stuck to your skillet, it’s still pretty easy to clean.
There are two options to cleaning a skillet with food crusted to it.
- Heat it up over the stove and use a spatula to scrape off the the food. Then remove the skillet from the heat and gather the remnants with a paper towel to toss in the trash.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt liberally over the skillet and scrub lightly with a microfiber cloth or chainmail to loosen the food particles, then use a paper towel to gather them up and toss in the trash.
It’s kind of gross but so satisfying to see it clean!
Look at how good that looks! Now all you need is a little oil on a paper towel, rub it lightly over the pan and heat the pan on high flame for a few minutes to re-season it. You’re done!
It really is a very simple and easy process!
I know this is not a typical food blog recipe but I believe that your tools should be taken care of too! The type of equipment that you use makes a huge difference in the outcome of any meal you make.
Here are the tools I used:
Share this:
Meal Planning Ideas
The first couple of days back to school reminded me of how I felt when I had my kids. I thought I was prepared but you never are. So this weekend, I’m working on some meal prepping and planning so that I can save time and focus on work and the girls’ school time. Continue reading “Meal Planning Ideas”
Share this:
Food Safety and Stocking during a Crisis
As the panic of being quarantined and working from home during a now declared pandemic of the coronavirus surrounds us, many people have started to stock up not only on toilet paper and hand sanitizers, but also on food. People are running to their local Costco and grocery stores trying to stockpile on food, but really, should you? And if so, what do you need to get versus what just doesn’t make sense? In an effort to spread food safety, awareness, and hopefully, help those who are confused as to what to store and how to store for your quarantine period, I’m going to outline a few basics in this article. Continue reading “Food Safety and Stocking during a Crisis”
Share this:
Top 20 Brown Rice and Quinoa List!
The other day, I opened up my blog to type up a recipe and I got a notification. Most of my notifications are the usual responses to my recipes but this one was different. I had to read it a couple of times to make sure I was reading it correctly. Rebecca, from www.simplerecipeideas.com, had compiled a top 20 list of the best Brown Rice and Quinoa recipes and mine made the list! I was honored that my Quinoa, Brown Rice and Black Beans was chosen for her top 20 and thank you Rebecca for including me and mine in your list!
When I came up with this recipe, I was had just discovered the Seeds of Change Brown Rice and Quinoa pouches. They are so delicious, I could finish a whole pouch in one go (which could usually be enough for 2 servings!). To make myself feel a little less guilty, I decided to add some veggies and beans, give it a southwest-ish flavor profile, and voila! I ended up making a delicious meal out of the pouch! It’s great because this is a 10 minute meal recipe, or a great side dish. Check it out at the link above and tell me what you think!
Share this:
The last Indian movie I saw in the cinema was Padmaavat/Padmavati (whatever) which was okay, but it wasn’t really my cuppa chai. I’m always touched by stories that are relevant to people today and make an impact. Films that empower people; male or female and Pad Man does just that. It’s also been a while […]
via Why Pad Man is such an important film for India —
