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Guide to Using Dried or Canned Beans: + Fagioli Recipe

Dried beans that are cooked well can elevate the flavor of many slow carb recipes, from soups and stews to side dishes, to refried beans. But are they always best for any kind of recipe? There are some types of dishes where the flavor (and texture) shines more when you use dried beans and some …

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Mini Vegetables for Small Space Container Gardening

Short on garden space? You can still grow your favorite vegetables on a balcony, on a deck, on a roof top, or in a small side yard. Growing vegetables in small urban spaces is easier however if you opt for growing baby vegetables (aka mini vegetables). Jump to: Benefits and Nutrition of Baby Veggies | …

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Winter Squash Varieties For the Italian Kitchen Garden

Love cooking Italian food? Winter squash is one of the more important vegetables to Italian cuisine. The tastiest traditional Italian winter squash varieties aren’t available in-store however, so you need to either grow them yourself or find them at select farmers’ markets. With this guide, I’ll help you discover the best Italian squash varieties, and …

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Tips for Pollinating Fruits and Vegetables

Did you know that most of the fruits and vegetables in your home garden rely on bees, insects, and other pollinators to be able to produce their delicious crops? Learn which plants need insect pollination and how to get beneficial bugs to visit your garden. Jump to: |Why Pollination is Needed | Which Crops Need …

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Essential Mexican Pantry Ingredients for Celebrations & Fiestas

Mexican cuisine is quite diverse, with many different regional variations of traditional or authentic recipes. However, during the Winter holidays there are a few key staples that can be found in nearly every Mexican household. Below are the essential pantry ingredients that will help you be prepared to take on making most Mexican celebration meals. …

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Holiday Care Packages: 7 Homemade Treats to Send

Have a kid in college or a loved one living abroad? This holiday season, let them know you’re thinking of them by sending a themed holiday care package filled with homemade treats and other goodies. Below, you’ll find 7 festive recipes that ship well. Jump to: Chocolate Cherry Bark | Pumpkin Seed Brittle | Zucchini …

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Comprehensive Guide to the Pesco Mediterranean Diet

Before noting health benefits or weight loss success of the Pesco Mediterranean diet, here is a summary of the key components: Jump to: Weight Loss? | Intermittent Fasting | Comparison to Other Diets | Key Foods | Recipes How is it Different from a Regular Mediterranean Diet? The traditional Mediterranean diet has been endorsed for …

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8 Specialty Martini Drinks For the Holidays

Looking for a nice martini recipe for the holidays, to wow guests at your next party, or just to celebrate Friday night? I’ve got you covered! Have a look at my 8 favorite martini drinks for every occasion. What Exactly is a Martini? Let’s clarify one thing first. Traditionally, a martini is just a mix …

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10 Drinks to Make with Homemade Vanilla Vodka Recipe

Move over, fake-tasting and sugary supermarket vanilla vodka! Find out how to make delicious vanilla vodka yourself at home using just two ingredients: vodka and real vanilla beans. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Method | Ideas for Drinks I love playing around with making my own liqueurs! Whether it’s something summery like blueberry-infused liqueur …

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10 Ways to Use Chai in Food and Drink: + Chai Latte Recipe

Did you know you can do much more with chai tea than just make a basic chai latte? This comforting Indian blend of black tea and spices works wonderfully in a range of other drinks and even baked goods or desserts. Try using the delicious blend of warming chai spices in one of these 10 …

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Orange Chocoflan (Impossible Cake): Tips for Avoiding Failure

I wanted to make this remarkable cake for a fiesta party, but the first two attempts were total failures. The third time around was perfection and raves from the friends and family on the both the taste and the presentation. Learn from my mistakes below and get your layered, sweet Impossible Chocoflan to turn out …

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Blueberry Toast: 6 Best Blueberry Breakfast Pairings

Pair blueberries with a high protein spread like peanut butter or cottage cheese and you have the healthiest, tastiest breakfast ever! Blueberries are not only intensely flavor packed, but they are also low in sugar and high in antioxidants, which makes them one of my favorite breakfast ingredients. Here are 10 ideas for blueberry toast, …

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When to Plant Tomatoes and Veggies using Nature’s Cues: Phenology

Old gardener stories are often based around a science called phenology. “Plant potatoes on Good Friday; prune trees on Presidents Day, and never plant anything during the full moon.” Homilies or science? Is there a reason phenology has existed for thousands of years, across the world, and more importantly, can we use it to help …

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