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 …

These stuffed yellow squash boats are the perfect way to use up a plentiful harvest of summer squash that seems to happen this time of the year. One of our good friends showed up yesterday with a bag of yellow summer crook neck squash. We all know the story of locking your doors so that …

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 …

Mulching leaves is a great way to prevent cold-tolerant weed seeds from sprouting over the winter, and will help your soil hold moisture next year. Best of all – as long as you have trees in your yard –  it’s free! Don’t let autumn’s natural treasure go to waste; it’s time to recycle those fallen …

With October comes the cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and, of course, pumpkin carving time. For the perfect carved Jack O Lantern, be sure to familiarize yourself with this list of the best pumpkins for carving. When it comes to choosing pumpkins for carving projects, not all pumpkins are equal. As a matter of fact, there …

These easy egg recipes are some of my favorites.  Most take no time at all and some are even good alternatives to fast food take away breakfasts. There is nothing like an egg to start the day off right.  I love them, especially when the yolks are runny and perfectly cooked.   Protein-rich eggs are taking …

Chinese Five Spice Powder is often called for in Chinese recipes but can sometimes be hard to find at the store or you may have run out of it. No problem!  Make your own recipe at home. The popular spice uses a mixture of popular winter spices and is super easy to prepare. Keep reading to …

This baked barramundi recipe is quick and easy to prepare. In fact, it’s on the table in less than 20 minutes! Barramundi is a sustainable fish with a mild and delicate taste. Normally, I cook it on the stove top with a garlic lemon butter sauce. Today we’ll take the recipe to a new level …

It is coming to the end of the herb growing season for many of us. Did you know that you can freeze herbs to make them last longer? When summer turns to fall, the thought of losing those fresh herb flavors in your recipes because of the cold can be disheartening. Fortunately for us, there …

This easy cheese quiche combines cream, eggs and onions for a simple breakfast that is also hearty enough for brunch. I get tired of the same old traditional egg breakfast. A quiche makes a nice change of pace. Today we’ll be making a basic quiche. It is how all quiches start, but you can add …

Creative gardening ideas really appeal to the whimsical side of me. I love to recycle existing items from around the house for my garden decor ideas. Not only will you save money, but you’ll help to save the earth, too. I must admit that I am not a normal gardener.  I don’t enjoy conventional landscape …

Transform your garden with these creative wheelbarrow planters ideas. Are you looking to add a unique decorative touch to your garden? Do you have an old wheelbarrow that’s been gathering dust in your shed that you would like to repurpose? Well, look no further! I’ll be sharing a group of inspiring and whimsical wheelbarrow planter …

Discover how to grow rosemary easily with this step by step tutorial. Fresh rosemary is one of my favorite spices.  I use it all the time in Italian cooking and also in many of my chicken recipes. This herb easy to grow and is a great one to start with for those who are new …

This vegan broccoli pasta is an adaptation of the regular recipe that contains full cream and butter. It’s a great choice for those who don’t eat dairy products. This dish is the epitome of comfort and flavor. It has perfectly cooked pasta coated in a velvety sauce infused with the rich aroma of garlic, onions …

Growing tomatoes is a popular summertime experience, but things don’t always go as expected! It’s time to troubleshoot some tomato plant problems. Millions of people in the US have a vegetable garden each year, and a large percentage of them grow tomatoes. It’s not hard to imagine their dismay if their tomato plants don’t grow …

Are you ready to try growing broccoli in your own garden? Contrary to what you may have read, it’s not a difficult vegetable to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips for broccoli gardening. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll give you …