This recipe for cheeseburger macaroni is the result of my efforts to make a healthier, homemade equivalent to the Hamburger Helper® variety that bears the same name (this was one of my husband’s favorite meals back before we got married). This homemade version is simple and calls for affordable ingredients. It’s also pretty … [Read more...] about Cheeseburger Macaroni
Keeping the Home
Convenient Freezer Labels
Have you ever pulled a dish or baggie from the freezer and been unable to determine what is frozen in it? You can eliminate this problem by diligently labeling foods before freezing them. This sounds straightforward, but I know I sometimes omit this step when I’m in a hurry. Hopefully these cute, convenient freezer labels will make it … [Read more...] about Convenient Freezer Labels
Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
As I’ve adopted the habit of menu planning, I’ve realized that there are a number of basic recipes that are essential to preparing the meals on my menus. Paramount among these are cheese sauce and cream of mushroom soup. If I wanted to save a little time and effort, I could use a processed cheese product (e.g., Velveeta) instead of … [Read more...] about Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
Secure Your Home While You Travel
When you plan a travel itinerary and begin packing, do you also take steps to keep your home safe? There are some common sense things we always do before leaving on a trip. I took a closer look before my husband and I traveled to visit family for Thanksgiving to make sure our approach is thorough. Ways to keep your home safe while you … [Read more...] about Secure Your Home While You Travel
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
I absolutely love wrapping gifts! There’s something about lovely wrapping paper and shiny bows that sparks creativity in me. I’ve become increasingly aware that wrapping gifts in traditional gift wrap and using disposable bows isn’t particularly beneficial to the environment. Fortunately, I’ve discovered several creative, eco-friendly … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
I don’t know why I’d not previously considered combining pears, maple syrup, and spice cake, but I’m sure glad I thought of it last week! In order to make my idea come to life, I augmented a spice cake recipe that I found on allrecipes.com (you can see the original, pear- and maple-free recipe here). Ingredients 2 pears (firm enough that … [Read more...] about Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
Winter 2013 Menu
Brrrrrr! Cold temperatures have set in and Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time to start using this year’s winter menu. As you may recall, I periodically develop monthly menus. We use each for 3 consecutive months before moving on to a new one (read more on why I plan monthly menus here). We only include dinner selections … [Read more...] about Winter 2013 Menu
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Fruits and Vegetables?
It’s clear that fruits and vegetables are key components of a nutritious diet. What’s not so clear is what impact various forms of preservation have on the nutrients in these foods. Are there significant differences in the nutritional content of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables? If the answer to this question is yes, then … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Fruits and Vegetables?
