How to stop avocados from turning brown is a common concern for anyone who loves this creamy, nutritious fruit. As most cooks know, once avocados are cut, they will quickly turn brown. This happens because avocados contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which will cause them to oxidize and darken when they come in contact with…
Growing butternut pumpkins in a home vegetable garden is easy to do. This versatile vegetable is delicious and packed with nutrients. Butternut pumpkin is a type of winter squash, which means that the skin is hard and the fruit can be stored for several months after harvest. It is planted in spring and harvested in…
This collection of cocktails containing amaretto will please anyone who loves the flavor of almonds. Whether you prefer a drink that is sweet, creamy, tart, or tropical, amaretto can seamlessly blend into a variety of cocktails, adding its signature nutty taste. Many amaretto-based recipes require just a few ingredients, making them easy to whip up…
This recipe for salmon with mango salsa is refreshing and super quick to prepare. The dish pairs perfectly baked salmon with a vibrant salsa that is full of summer’s best produce. The juicy sweetness of mango, the crispness of fresh corn, and the creamy texture of avocado unite to create a salsa that is sure to…
Loaded baked potatoes (AKA twice baked potatoes and stuffed baked potatoes) are the ultimate comfort food. If you love them as much as my family does, these variations on loaded baked potato recipes are sure to please. Cooking potatoes this way – baking them first, then scooping out the potato filling and adding other flavors –…
These vegetarian twice baked potatoes are a favorite in my house. We love the texture and taste that comes from potatoes cooked with this technique. Twice baked potatoes are a cross between a normal baked potato and a creamy potato casserole. The potato is baked and then, when it has cooked, you scoop out the…
What are portobello mushrooms? This question may pop up for people new to gourmet cooking, or those seeking healthy diet options. Portobello mushrooms belong to a family of mushrooms known as Agaricus bisporus, which includes portobello, cremini, and white button mushrooms. When left to grow, white button mushrooms will spread out and develop a large…
This recipe for vegetarian stuffed portobello mushrooms has been adjusted for a meatless diet without sacrificing any of the delicious taste of a meaty dish. I love portobello mushrooms in just about any dish that calls for mushrooms. They are hearty, filling, and just delicious. The next time you want something different for dinner, instead…
Do you want to make your backyard both eco-friendly and enchanting? These solar outdoor lighting ideas can turn a plain space into a wonderland at night and don’t need electricity to work. Solar lighting is energy-efficient, easy to install, and adds a magical touch to your outdoor space. It’s the perfect way to light up…
This recipe for stuffed eggplant with ground beef uses small eggplants that hold the fillings perfectly. The individual-sized servings are colorful and the look is the ultimate in comfort food recipes. The dish is packed with nutritious ingredients that will tempt even the fussiest of eaters. It’s a tasty way to encourage kids to try…
This Dark Russian Kahlua cocktail combines the taste of a Black Russian with vodka, chocolate milk, and cream for a great-tasting drink. Here is another of my favorite Kahlua cocktail recipes. I’m not a coffee drinker but the smoothness of Kahlua is a great taste sensation and this flavor has totally won me over. If…
Hydrangeas are the rockstars of summer gardens, but with uncontrolled growth, these perennials can become unruly. Knowing when to prune hydrangeas is important if you wish to maximize your blooms each season. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for when to prune this summer shrub. However, if you know what type of hydrangea you are…
This DIY seed starting mix is a cost-effective way to provide your spring garden seeds with the ideal environment for germination and early growth, and ensure they develop into healthy, thriving plants. Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding way to get a head start with plants that will be ready to transplant later this spring…
As the heat of summer approaches, many vegetable gardeners face a familiar problem – tomato sunscald. This phenomenon, caused by too much sunlight and made worse by improper pruning practices, can pose a significant threat to your tomato yields. Tomato plants love sunlight, but sometimes it can be a case of “too much of a…
Today, let’s explore a variety of creative ways to make use of cooked rice in some of my favorite leftover rice recipes. What to do with leftover rice is something I ask myself all the time. We order Chinese, Indian and Thai takeout often and always have an extra container of cooked rice when we…
Let’s have a look at cooking with bay leaves. These little green leaves pack quite a punch when it comes to adding flavor and aroma to your recipes. Bay leaves are commonly used in soups and stews, sauces, and marinades, where they simmer alongside other ingredients. Whole bay leaves are most commonly used due to…
Welcome to our guide for how to dry bay leaves from your own backyard bay laurel plant. It is so much easier than you might think! Dried bay leaves are sold at most supermarkets, but if you have your own plant, you can easily dry the leaves to use in your recipes (and the flavor…
Summer just got a little more special with our recipe for stuffed zucchini flowers. The savory blend of creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and spinach goes beautifully with the crispy Panko breadcrumb coating. This elegant appetizer showcases the edible flowers of summer squash and is sure to impress your guests. It also gives us a…
Growing zucchini (AKA summer squash) involves selecting the right variety, spacing plants correctly and being effective with pest control. Otherwise, most gardeners will tell you that zucchini almost grows itself! Be careful though! Your neighbors might have to lock their door when they see you coming over with armfuls of zucchini! Growing summer squash will…
Growing tomatoes in pots can be a space-saving way to enjoy fresh homegrown tomatoes, especially if you have a small space for gardening. Tomato container gardening is perfect for apartment dwellers or those without access to a traditional garden. This method will let you to grow delicious tomatoes on patios, balconies, rooftops, or even windowsills….
When to plant peas depends on your local climate and the type of peas that you plan to grow. However, as a general rule, peas are cool-season crops that like cooler temperatures for germination and to start growing. There is even a gardening saying “plant peas when daffodils or forsythia bloom.” This tells us clearly…
Leggy succulents are those that have elongated stems or a stretched out appearance. This typically happens when succulents don’t receive enough light. In their natural habitat, succulents grow in sunny, dry conditions. If they don’t receive enough light, they may stretch out as they try to reach the sunlight. Many succulents, such as echeveria, hens…
It’s time to learn the secrets of watermelon peperomia care! This tropical plant is a perfect indoor plant for beginners. Watermelon peperomia grows naturally in the rainforest, but adapts exceptionally well to indoor growing. It is a charming, compact houseplant known for its eye-catching foliage, which resembles the pattern of a watermelon rind. Keep reading…
This vegetable manicotti recipe is loaded with the wonderful taste of fresh vegetables to delight vegetarians, but the richness that comes from the sauce and cheese that will delight even meat eaters. My whole family is very fond of Italian meals. We are also trying to eat a bit less meat, so Italian vegetable recipes…
The lipstick plant, also known as Aeschynanthus radicans, is a popular houseplant known for its attractive, tubular flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. The plant is quite easy to grow, and perfect for those who love the look of trailing indoor basket plants with pretty flowers. Keep reading to get some tips for successfully growing a…
Snake plant care is simple and easy. If you are looking for a plant that will thrive even with neglect, this indoor plant is for you! Also known as mother in law’s tongue, this tough plant has stiff, sword-like leaves with stripes and creamy yellow borders. The plant grows slowly indoors, and is comfortable even…