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    20! Recipes using Fresh Mint!

    20! Recipes using Fresh Mint!

    Aug 23, 2021 · 4 Comments

    Chicken salad with text reading 20 recipes using fresh mint.

    If you are looking for recipes to use your abundance of fresh mint, this is the perfect collection for you!

    We have main dishes, side dish, condiments and even cocktails to use up all of your lovely fresh mint!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Salad with chicken and mint and text reading recipes using fresh mint.

    Let's face it, if you grow mint, you probably have a lot of it! It's the gift that keeps on giving!

    Luckily there are so many great recipes that use mint!

    We've rounded up our favorite 20 recipes using fresh mint! We have condiments, sides, salads, mains and cocktails.

    Condiments.

    You might not think of mint when you think of condiments, but we have 3 favorite ways to use mint.

    If you bake during the holidays, you probably go through a lot of mint extract, luckily our DIY Homemade Mint Extract is super easy to make.

    One of our most versatile simple syrups is our Lemon Mint Simple Syrup. It is perfect in cocktails and also great stirred into hot or iced tea! Since the sugar is already dissolved, it's especially nice in iced tea!

    Mint adds such a fresh flavor to this Three Fruit Salsa. We use it on everything from grilled chicken to tacos!

    Jar filled with mint leaves and vodka.
    Homemade Mint Extract
    No need to buy store bought extract when you can make your own easily! Perfect for holiday baking or gift giving, lovely in hot chocolate and great in the summer in mint chocolate chip ice cream!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Mint Lemon Simple Syrup in a bottle next to a glass of iced tea.
    Mint Lemon Simple Syrup
    Bursting with citrus and tingly with mint this simple syrup is so easy to make and so versatile! Perfect in cocktails or stirred into tea!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Three Fruit Salsa
    Three Fruit Salsa
    This Three Fruit Salsa is easy, healthy and delicious! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Mint Salads and Sides Recipes.

    Of course fresh mint shines in salads and sides!

    You'll make our Apple and Avocado Mint Salad is a favorite of kids and adults.

    This Fresh Herb Salad uses not only mint, but a lot of the other herbs you might be growing - and don't forget the edible flowers!

    We serve our Mango Salad with Mint with a lot of our Asian inspired recipes. It goes so well and is so light and refreshing.

    If you've got an abundance of zucchini along with your mint, then you have to try our Zucchini, Green Bean and Mint Slaw! It's the perfect summer side dish!

    If you think you're not a fan of eggplant, then out Grilled Eggplant, Haloumi and Mint Salad will definitely make you change your mind! It's a show stopper!

    This Yellow Squash with Farro and Mint Salad is the perfect transition to fall salad. It uses up your mint and your squash all in a healthy grain salad!

    Bowl with Green Salad and wooden salad tossers.
    Apple and Avocado Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime
    This Apple and Avocado Salad with Fresh Mint and Lime is full of flavor! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Platter of an herb salad.
    Herb Salad
    This Herb Salad is so easy to make and absolutely bursting with flavor! Use whatever herbs you love and have on hand!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Small bowl with mango salad
    Mango Salad with Mint
    This easy mango salad has only 3 ingredients, ready in minutes and is so light and refreshing!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Zucchini slaw
    Zucchini, Green Bean, and Chile Slaw
    This Zucchini, Green Bean and Chile Slaw is the perfect way to use some summer zucchini! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Grilled Eggplant Salad with Mint and Haloumi
    This grills in under 10 minutes, so you can make this side salad while your meat or chicken is resting.  This Grilled Eggplant Salad with Mint and Haloumi also makes a great light lunch. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Yellow Squash and Farro Salad
    This Yellow Squash and Farro Salad is a great way to use up some summer squash!  In addition you get some healthy whole grains for a bonus! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Main dish recipes using fresh mint.

    Chicken and mint go so well together so it's no surprise that we have a good amount of main dish chicken recipes using mint!

    All of our chicken main dishes are so light and refreshing and loaded with flavor! Our Chile Chicken with Snow Peas, Vietnamese Chicken Salad and Spicy Chicken and Mint Salad all have an Asian flair.

    The Tabbouleh Salad with Chicken brings a little mediterranean vibe to dinner.

    It's easy to go meatless too, with our Pasta with Zucchini and Mint Pesto and Vietnamese Zoodle Salad.

    But don't worry, we have you meat lovers covered with Slow Cooker Beef Pho.

    Chile Chicken and Snow Pea Salad
    Chile Chicken with Snow Peas Salad
    This Chile Chicken with Snow Peas Salad is easy and delicious! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Vietnamese Chicken Salad
    This Chicken and Cabbage Salad with Fresh Mint has flavors from one of my favorite cuisines - Vietnamese. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Two plates of chicken salad with mint.
    Spicy Chicken and Mint Salad
    All the flavors of larb in a quick and easy salad!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Bowl with chicken tabbouleh.
    Tabbouleh (Tabouli) Salad with Chicken
    A favorite easy weeknight dinner salad!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Bowl of zucchini and mint pasta garnished with mint.
    Pasta with Zucchini and Mint Pesto
    The perfect way to use up a surplus of summer zucchini, yellow squash and mint!  Your family will love this Pasta with Zucchini and Mint Pesto
    Click here to see the recipe
    Vietnamese Zoodle Salad
    Vietnamese Zoodle Salad
    Spiralized carrots and zuchinni make a refreshing salad in this Vietnamese Zoodle Salad with fresh flavors from the mint and cilantro. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Slow Cooker Beef Pho
    The slow cooker makes the most amazing Slow Cooker Beef Pho. 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Cocktail recipes!

    You didn't think I'd do a whole mint roundup without some cocktails, did you?

    Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is a mint julep and we have you covered with a Classic Mint Julep and a Blackberry Mint Julep.

    Another favorite mint cocktail is a mojito and once again we have two for you - a Gin Mojito and a Strawberry Mojito!

    Two mint julep cocktails.
    Classic Mint Julep
    This Classic Mint Julep has only three ingredients, packs a punch and is oh so refreshing!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Two glasses of dark purple cocktail.
    Blackberry Mint Julep
    Turn a fun derby day cocktail into a fruity treat with blackberries!!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Mojito in a plaid glass with a cocktail shaker.
    Gin Mojito
    This refreshing riff on a mojito features gin and sherry! You'll love how refreshing it is and it's a lower alcohol content - perfect for summer
    Click here to see the recipe
    Strawberry mint mojito on a white table.
    Strawberry Mojito
    This Strawberry Mojito is an easy and refreshing summer cocktail that combines red ripe strawberries with fresh mint!  
    Click here to see the recipe

    Which recipe are you going to try first?

    Spicy Chicken and Mint Salad

    Aug 16, 2021 · 29 Comments

    Two plates of chicken salad with mint.

    All the flavors you love in a larb in this Spicy Chicken and Mint Salad! The perfect blend of hot, sweet and spicy!

    Ground chicken gets loads of flavor from fish sauce, garlic, peppers, lime juice and brown sugar, tossed with fresh mint, cucumbers and red onion, it's so light and delicious!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Bowl with grown chicken salad with mint, cucumbers and onions.

    All the flavors of larb...

    I have been making this Spicy Chicken and Mint Salad since I first saw it in a Donna Hay magazine back in 2008.

    It doesn't have the toasted rice that is usually called for in a larb, but it does have all the flavors that you associate with larb. So, if you love larb (like I do) you will definitely love this.

    It's similar to my Thai Beef Cabbage Wraps, which also has a very much larb vibe going on!

    What I love about this, besides it's delicious, is that you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes! It's super light, perfect for a hot day. In the winter, we like to serve it with rice or noodles. One of our favorite salads!

    ...

    Read On →

    Cool and Creamy Frozen Yogurt Recipes to Get You Through Summer!

    Aug 9, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Two bowls of frozen yogurt with text overlay.

    Homemade frozen yogurt is the perfect way to treat yourself! Made with fresh yummy ingredients and so delicious!

    No need to buy froyo when you can make frozen yogurt at home! This collection of frozen yogurt recipes will surely inspire you!

    Click here to pin this now!

    The best frozen yogurt recipes!

    Two bowls of pink frozen yogurt with text reading frozen yogurt recipes.

    If you are looking for a yummy homemade frozen yogurt recipe, you have come to the right place!

    We love frozen yogurt, it's healthy and delicious and made even better when you know exactly what's going into it! Fresh, wholesome ingredients that you choose!

    Fruity frozen yogurt.

    One of the best things about making your own is using fresh fruit when it is in season. Though, you can also use frozen fruit too, so really you could make these year round!

    We have 3 blueberry bushes and we make blueberry frozen yogurt all summer long!

    I don't have a raspberry bush, but whenever they go on sale, I make this raspberry chocolate chip frozen yogurt. Raspberries and chocolate chips are a match made in heaven.

    Our Strawberry Amaretto Frozen Yogurt uses a bit of amaretto for a little almond flavor, making it a fun grown up dessert.

    The Cherry Frozen Yogurt Recipe highlights sweet cherries in a vanilla yogurt base! So good!

    Two bowls of blueberry frozen yogurt
    Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
    This homemade frozen yogurt is so easy to make! Just look at that gorgeous color and it's bursting with blueberries!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Raspberry Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt
    This raspberry chocolate chip frozen yogurt is bursting with raspberries and little bits of chocolate.  Gorgeous color and good for you too!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Strawberry Amaretto Frozen Yogurt
    Strawberry Amaretto Frozen Yogurt
    Rich and creamy and bursting with strawberries!  The Amaretto adds a subtle almond flavor and keeps the yogurt from freezing too hard, keeping it extra creamy! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Two bowls of cherry frozen yogurt.
    Cherry Frozen Yogurt
    Homemade vanilla frozen yogurt gets a delightful cherry swirl! Cherry and vanilla flavor in every bite!
    Click here to see the recipe

    Matcha Green Tea.

    This matcha green tea frozen yogurt is so delicate and such a pretty pale green color.

    It is the perfect dessert after an Asian inspired meal.

    Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt
    Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt
    This Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt is so good and so good for you! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Frozen yogurt popsicles.

    Of course you could turn any of the above recipes into popsicles, but I also have a few recipes that I specifically made into popsicles.

    Raspberry yogurt popsicles are so pretty and delicious!

    The banana in the strawberry banana yogurt pops make them even richer and creamier!

    You'll love the layering in these strawberry pineapple yogurt pops. So pretty and so easy!

    Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles
    Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles
    These Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles are healthy and delicious! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pops
    These Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pops are so easy and they are good for you! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Strawberry-Pineapple Yogurt Ice Pops
    These Strawberry-Pineapple Yogurt Pops are a such a good for you treat! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Which one are you going to try first?

    Click here to pin this now!

    Extra Yummy Cherry Frozen Yogurt

    Aug 3, 2021 · 11 Comments

    Two bowls of cherry frozen yogurt.

    This cherry frozen yogurt is smooth and creamy and filled with cherry goodness!

    Vanilla frozen yogurt is made even more delicious with a flavorful cherry swirl! Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy and fresh cherries are perfect though you can also use frozen.

    Click here to pin this now.

    Frozen yogurt with a cherry swirl on a blue background.

    Creamy frozen yogurt!

    Who doesn't love a sweet frozen treat in the summer! Especially one that you can make your own ingredients so you know exactly what's in it.

    I've been making this cherry frozen yogurt for years, it's an old Cooking Light recipe. When I went to make it this summer, I noticed that you now have to pay to access their recipes. Luckily, I had my recipe, with any changes that I made, written down.

    I decided to share this recipe because it is just so good! I make it every single time I pick up fresh cherries and then I make it a few more times with frozen cherries.

    ...

    Read On →

    Laurel Falls in the Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness

    Jul 26, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Laurel Falls in Dayton Tennessee.

    A waterfall rewarding hike just about 30 minutes north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the hike to Laurel Falls is one you don't want to miss!

    There is another Laurel Falls trail located in the Smoky Mountains, this trail is located in the Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness in Dayton, Tennessee.

    Hike at a Glance

    • Distance: 5.35 miles
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Elevation Gain: 686 feet
    • Highlights: waterfall
    Map showing the route taken for the Laurel Falls Hike.

    You can see on our trail map that there are several trails in the Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness.

    We could have continued our hike to the top of Laurel Falls and then on to Laurel Creek Overlook and Bryan Overlook or taken the trail to Snow Falls and the two overlooks on that trail: Buzzard Point and Dunn Overlook.

    We chose to hike to the base of Laurel Falls, which was a 5.35 mile total hike.

    Elevation map showing the increase in elevation on the way to the falls and decreasing on the way back.

    The elevation map shows a slow but steady increase in elevation for about the first 2 miles. The third mile has a fairly steep increase, but there are plenty of switchbacks making it very doable.

    The best part of this elevation map is it shows it's all downhill on the hike back!

    Click here to pin this hike for later!

    ...

    Read On →

    14 Delicious Beet Recipes

    Jul 19, 2021 · 6 Comments

    Beet salad with text overlay.

    Calling all you beet lovers with this collection of 14 of the BEST beet recipes!

    We have everything from classic pickled beets, to beet salads to main dishes using beets!

    Guaranteed to turn everyone into a beet lover!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Beet salad with text reading 14 delicious Beet Recipes.

    I've heard that there are some people out there that don't love beets! How can that be? They are so so sweet and so gorgeous with that deep purple or golden yellow color.

    I think they just haven't found the perfect beet recipe. Luckily I am here to change all that!

    This collection of beet dishes covers everything from pickled, to sides, to main dishes and even a dessert!

    ...

    Read On →

    Roasted Beets and Carrots

    Jul 12, 2021 · 14 Comments

    Casserole with roasted beets and carrots.

    Beets and carrots get even sweeter when roasted and this roasted beets and carrots recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and sour!

    The combination of maple syrup and cider vinegar is perfect with the roasted vegetables and the herbs really kick it up a notch.

    So easy to make, it's a delightful year round side dish.

    Click here to pin this now!

    Roasting pan filled with roasted beets and carrots.

    Easy roasted side dish!

    When my local CSA gave me some gorgeous beets and some equally gorgeous carrots in the latest pick up I knew that I needed to update this old blog post from 2011!

    I make these easy roasted beets and carrots all the time, but kept forgetting to take photos and update this!

    Beets and carrots get so sweet when roasted! They are tossed with lemon herb vinaigrette, roasted and then drizzled with a maple syrup and cider vinegar glaze and finished off until they are sweet, tender and tasty!

    This recipe is similar to my Balsamic Honey and Roasted Root Vegetables, so be sure and check it out also!

    ...

    Read On →

    Wood Pellet Smoked Pork Chops

    Jul 5, 2021 · 23 Comments

    Platter of smoked pork chops.

    These smoked pork chops are so juicy and tender be sure and make plenty for leftovers!

    A quick brine, an easy rub and then these pork chops are grilled on our favorite wood pellet grill. We use a Traeger, but this recipe will work on any wood pellet grill.

    Click here to pin this now!

    Four pork chops on an antique platter.

    Easy smoked pork chops!

    Last week, I shared with you my Quick and Easy Pork Chop Brine. In case you were wondering what I did with those brined pork chops, here you go!

    Brining the pork chops is optional, but it's so easy, I encourage you to give it a go!

    After the pork chops were brined, I made a quick rub, then put then smoked them for a little over an hour and ended up with the best smoked pork chops!

    I wish I had taken a photo to show you how juicy they were inside, but I was too busy enjoying their smoky goodness!

    ...

    Read On →

    Quick and Easy Pork Chop Brine

    Jun 28, 2021 · 31 Comments

    Bowl of brine with pork chops.

    For the juiciest most flavorful pork chops the answer is brining!

    A quick brine made from easy pantry ingredients gives you the most amazing pork chops! Once you see how easy it is, you'll always brine your pork!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Pork chops in a ziploc bag with a brown brining liquid.

    Why brine pork chops?

    Sure pork chops are pretty delicious even when they aren't brined, but one bite of a yummy brined pork chop and you'll be hooked.

    The brining process draws in all the flavors of your brine deep into the pork, resulting in amazing flavor.

    They also come out incredible juicy and and tender!

    The best part is the brine I'm showing you today is your very basic brine, made with ingredients that you already have in your pantry!

    ...

    Read On →

    19 Delicious Cucumber Recipes!

    Jun 21, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Cucumbers on a wooden board with text reading 19 Cucumber Recipes.

    The best Cucumber Recipes to make this summer (or year round!)

    Cucumbers are so versatile and this recipe collection really lets their versatility shine! We have condiments using cucumbers, main dishes with cucumbers, cucumber salads and even cocktails!

    Click here to pin these now!

    Cucumbers on a wooden board with text reading 19! Cucumber Recipes.

    We eat a lot of cucumbers at our house, we love them! We either get them from our CSA, our local farmer's market or the grocery store.

    We have them all summer long during cucumber season, but we also enjoy the hot house cucumbers you can now get easily at the grocery store all year long!

    This collection of recipes covers everything from condiments to cocktails!

    ...

    Read On →

    Greek Salad with Lettuce

    Jun 14, 2021 · 28 Comments

    Greek salad in a white bowl.

    The traditional Greek chopped salad gets and American spin with the addition of lettuce.

    All the flavors you love in a Greek salad - tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese and a lemon vinaigrette plus lettuce.

    Click here to pin this now!

    Greek salad with lettuce in a white bowl.

    Perfect summer salad!  

    There is one salad I make all summer long and that is either a Traditional Greek Salad, an American Greek Salad or a Kale Greek Salad.

    The traditional salad is also called a chopped salad. All of the veggies are chopped into bite sized pieces and tossed with their dressing.

    The American version adds lettuce to the mix.

    I don't have a favorite, I love them both. The traditional version is great for make ahead or cookouts because you don't have to worry about the lettuce going limp.

    ...

    Read On →

    Hiking to Margarette Falls

    Jun 11, 2021 · 1 Comment

    Margarette Falls water cascading over rocks.

    If you're looking for a fun, moderate hike in the Cherokee National Forest, then you need to check out Margarette Falls!

    It's an out and back trail located in Greeneville, Tennessee that follows a lovely creek, so constant water sounds and a waterfall reward at the end!

    Margarette Falls Hike at a glance:

    • Distance: 3.24 Miles
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Elevation Gain: 611 Feet
    • Highlights: Waterfall!
    Trail map of Margarette Falls hike.

    As you can see on the trail map, we started the trail at the trailhead on Shelton Mission Road. Two other trails branch off of the trail, but we stayed on the center trail to Margarette Falls.

    Elevation map for the Margarette Falls Hike.

    My favorite kind of hike, downhill on the way out! There is a steady incline on the way to the falls. However the elevation gain of 611 feet is even spaced and is very doable.

    There are plenty of rock stairs to help along the way. We stopped frequently to take photos and enjoy the cascading water, our time was 2 hours and 38 minutes and that was at a very leisurely pace!

    ...

    Read On →

    22 of the BEST Zucchini Recipes

    Jun 7, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Zucchini salad with text overlay.

    A collection of 22 of our favorite zucchini recipes to get you through zucchini season!

    With all of these delicious zucchini recipes, from condiments to salads, to sides and main dishes, you are going to hope someone sneaks some zucchini on your porch on National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day!

    Click here to pin these for later!

    Zucchini scalloped with text reading 22 Zucchini Recipes.

    Ideas for using zucchini.

    Yes, I know zucchini is so prolific that it has it's own holiday - you know the day where you try and sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch.

    Luckily there are plenty of recipe ideas to use zucchini!

    I have a collection of 22 that I loosely organized by categories, the hardest part is going to be trying to decide which ones to try first!

    Condiments using zucchini.

    Up first if the category I call condiments.

    Did you know that you can make delicious pickles using zucchini?

    If you like to can, I've got Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles.

    If you would rather not can, then quick pickles are the answer like Quick Summer Squash Pickles (that I make with zucchini and yellow squash) and Italian Garden Pickles.

    Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles
    Bread and Butter pickles don't have to be made out of cucumbers, you'll be hooked once you try these zucchini bread and butter pickles 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Yellow squash pickles in a jar with a red gingham lid.
    Quick Yellow Squash Pickles
    A bumper crop of summer squash means you need to make a couple of jars of these quick summer squash pickles.
    Click here to see the recipe
    Jar of pickles with a rosemary sprig.
    Italian Garden Pickles
    These Italian Garden Pickles (giardiniera) are so easy to make and so easy to eat! They make a great appetizer, snack or even side dish!
    Click here to see the recipe

    Main dish zucchini recipes.

    You probably think of side dishes when you think of zucchini recipes and don't worry, I have plenty of those, however I love using zucchini in main dishes!

    Up first I have some fish recipes using zucchini - Glazed Salmon with Zucchini and Tilapia with Squash Salad.

    Our most used protein around here is chicken and chicken and zucchini are a match made in heaven! Try our Spice Rubbed Chicken Tacos, Spicy Chicken Corn and Couscous and Lime Grilled Chicken with Vegetables.

    Glazed Salmon with Zucchini and Bulgur Pilaf
    Glazed Salmon with Zucchini and Bulgur Pilaf
    This Glazed Salmon with Zucchini and Bulgur Pilaf is healthy, easy and delicious! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Tilapia with Squash Salad
    Tilapia and Squash Salad - a great way to use up some zucchini! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Spice-Rubbed Chicken and Vegetable Tacos with Chipotle Cream
    Spice-Rubbed Chicken and Vegetable Tacos with Chipotle Cream
    These good for you tacos are filled with lots of veggies! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Spicy Chicken with Corn and couscous salad
    Spicy Chicken, Corn and Couscous Salad
    This Spicy Chicken, Corn and Couscous salad is healthy, delicious and ready in under 30 minutes! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Lime Grilled Chicken with Vegetables and Herb Sauce
    Lime Grilled Chicken with Vegetables and Herb Sauce
    Chicken, zucchini, corn and cherry tomatoes are grilled and topped with a basil herb sauce in this Lime Grilled Chicken with Vegetables and Herb Sauce. 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Meatless is always an option with a Roasted Vegetable Frittata, Pasta with Zucchini Walnuts and Raisins, Roasted Vegetable Pasta or a Slow Cooker Summer Squash Casserole.

    Cheesy frittata in a cast iron skillet.
    Roasted Vegetable Frittata
    Ina Garten's Roasted Vegetable Frittata with few tweaks. Cheesy, filling, warm and comforting and best of all - easy and delicious!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Two bowls of pasta with zucchini.
    Pasta with Zucchini, Walnuts and Raisins
    This is the perfect recipe to use up some surplus summer zucchini! It's so easy and the raisins add a nice sweetness and the walnuts add some crunch! Meatless Mondays just got a whole lot easier!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Summer Squash Enchilada Casserole
    This Summer Squash casserole cooks up tender and delicious in the slow cooker.
    Click here to see the recipe

    Zucchini is perfect and soups and we have a couple of classics for you, a Minestrone and a French Vegetable.

    Bowl of minestrone soup garnished with Parmesan Cheese.
    Slow Cooker Minestrone
    The classic Italian soup made even easier in the slow cooker!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Slow Cooker French Vegetable Soup with Pesto
    French Vegetable Soup with Pesto
    The soup is loaded with vegetables, you won't even miss the meat! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Zucchini sides and salads.

    If you are serving the same old zucchini side dish recipes, you need to check out our variety!

    For salads try our - Scalloped Zucchini Salad, Zucchini and Green Bean Slaw, Zucchini with Corn and Bean Salad, a fun Vietnamese Zoodle Salad and Yellow Squash and Farro is a healthy grain salad.

    Scalloped Zucchini Salad
    Scalloped Zucchini Salad
    This Scalloped Zucchini Salad is so easy to make and the perfect way to use up an excess of zucchini! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Zucchini slaw
    Zucchini, Green Bean, and Chile Slaw
    This Zucchini, Green Bean and Chile Slaw is the perfect way to use some summer zucchini! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Zucchini, Corn and Bean Salad
    Zucchini, Corn, and Bean Salad
    This Zucchini, Corn and Bean Salad makes the perfect summer side dish!   With no mayo, it's great for picnics and potlucks.
    Click here to see the recipe
    Vietnamese Zoodle Salad
    Vietnamese Zoodle Salad
    Spiralized carrots and zuchinni make a refreshing salad in this Vietnamese Zoodle Salad with fresh flavors from the mint and cilantro. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Yellow Squash and Farro Salad
    This Yellow Squash and Farro Salad is a great way to use up some summer squash!  In addition you get some healthy whole grains for a bonus! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    For our side dishes you can choose to use your oven for the Roasted Summer Vegetables or even your grill with our Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash!

    Roasted summer Squash
    Roasted Summer Vegetables
    Zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes become meltingly tender and oh so delicious in this simple recipe! One pan and under 30 minutes!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Platter of grilled zucchini.
    Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
    Zucchini and summer squash are marinated in a lemon herb marinade and then quickly grilled for the perfect summer side dish!
    Click here to see the recipe

    I hope you enjoyed this collection of easy, healthy zucchini recipes! Which ones are you going to try first?!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

    May 31, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Platter of grilled zucchini.

    This grilled zucchini and summer squash is the perfect summer side dish! Why just grill your main dish when it is so easy to grill your side dish?

    Zucchini and yellow summer squash are marinated in lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, fresh thyme and olive oil.

    The squash soaks up all that herby lemon flavor and come out amazingly delicious!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Platter with grilled zucchini and yellow squash.

    Grill your side dishes!

    Let's face it, when you are grilling you don't want to be running inside every few minutes to check on your side dishes. That's why potato salad and coleslaw are such favorites when you are grilling.

    But what about if you grilled your side dish?! It turns out, it's easy and delicious!

    I've been making this marinated zucchini and summer squash from Giada for years and years. It's in her Family Dinners Cookbook which was published in 2006, so that's how long I've been making it!

    I love that it goes with everything, it's the perfect side for chicken, pork, beef or seafood!

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    26 of the Best BBQ Sides

    May 24, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Bowl of salad with text overlay.

    A collection of 26 of our best BBQ side dishes! These go with chicken, ribs, hamburgers, anything you like to grill we have a side dish for you!

    Classic takes on potato salad, several veggie salads, some grilled side dishes and of course some baked beans!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Bean salad in a bowl with text reading 26 of the best BBQ side dishes.

    Potato salads for the win!

    I start this round up of favorite BBQ side dishes with potato salad. It's what you think of first, right?

    We have two versions for you!

    First up is a Sweet Pickle Potato Salad. This is the potato salad my grandma made. It has mayo, sweet pickles and hard boiled eggs.

    If you're worried about sitting mayo out on a table in the middle of summer, than our French Potato Salad is for you! It is super simple, delicious and uses olive oil instead of mayo.

    Red bowl filled with potato salad.
    Sweet Pickle Potato Salad
    Another delicious potato salad to add to your collection! This one is sweet from the sweet pickles!
    Click here to see the recipe
    French Potato Salad
    French Potato Salad
    This simple potato salad is so delicious and easy!  The warm potatoes soak up all the flavor from the tangy white wine and Dijon mustard vinaigrette! 
    Click here to see the recipe
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    Sweet Pickle Potato Salad

    May 19, 2021 · 7 Comments

    Red bowl filled with potato salad.

    Everyone loves this traditional sweet potato salad made with mayo and sweet pickles!

    This potato salad is a blend of both Northern and Southern! Creamy and delicious with mayo, sweet pickles, and hard boiled eggs.

    Click here to pin this now!

    Red bowl filled with potato salad on a vintage tablecloth.

    The side dish everyone loves!

    The one side dish that is universally loved is potato salad! Kids, adults and even picky teenagers.

    Everyone has their favorite. Some like a Northern version which uses mayo and some like the Southern which uses mayo and mustard. Some like a French Potato Salad which has no mayo!

    This version uses mayo and sweet pickles, so it's a sweet potato salad. Kids especially love this one!

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    Easy Skillet Corn with Peppers

    May 10, 2021 · 7 Comments

    Cast iron skillet with corn and green peppers.

    Skillet corn sautéed in butter with green peppers is the easy side dish you'll want to make all year long!

    Make it in the summer with fresh corn on the cob, or use frozen or canned for the rest of the year.

    Ready in just five minutes it's the perfect side dish!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Corn and green peppers in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

    Classic Southern side dish.

    I hesitated to post this super simple, but super delicious side dish on the blog. I mean it's got only 3 ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes.

    But then I remembered my Skillet Fried Potatoes. I also hesitated with those. A childhood favorite that I've been making all my life. Turned out to be one of the most popular posts!

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    Mojo Smoked Chicken Thighs

    May 3, 2021 · 8 Comments

    Smoked chicken thighs on a platter.

    Chicken thighs are marinated in a bright and citrusy Mojo marinade and the smoked to perfection on a wood pellet grill.

    These smoked chicken thighs come out so juicy on our Traeger grill. Crispy skin, juicy inside, with citrusy smoky flavor!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Crispy smoked chicken thighs on a vintage platter.

    If you're looking for an amazing juicy, flavorful, smoky and delicious chicken thigh recipe than you have come to the right place!

    These couldn't be any easier!

    They only need to marinade for about 2-4 hours to pick up all that fresh citrusy flavor. Then 35-45 minutes on the grill and you have the best chicken thighs!

    This is my new favorite way to have chicken thighs and I can't wait to try other chicken marinades!

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    Hiking to Edwards Point and Rainbow Lake!

    Apr 26, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Feet on an overlook over the Tennessee River.

    Signal Mountain is just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga, delivering great hiking opportunities with scenic views! 

    Edwards Point is definitely one of those!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Edwards Point Hike at a Glance

    • Distance: 5.65 miles
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Elevation Gain: 971 feet
    • Highlights: Overlook of TN river, suspension bridges, Rainbow Lake Dam.
    Map of hike to Edwards Point.

    The Signal Point Trailhead follows the official Cumberland Trail out to Edwards Point while the Rainbow Lake Trailhead approach gives you several hiking options along Signal Mountain trails before eventually connecting with the Cumberland Trail at one of the Middle Creek crossings.

    On this hike we chose to start the hike from the Rainbow Lake Trailhead (black dot on map) as an alternative to the Signal Point Trailhead. We hiked out heading north to the Bee Branch Trail then hiked south to Edwards Point. On the way back we hiked north from Edwards Point, but took the shorter route back by returning on the Rainbow Lake Trail.

    Graph showing elevation of hike.
    Graph showing elevation from low to high at the end of the hike.

    We have two elevation graphs because unlike a typical out and back, we varied our route on the way back.

    We would rate this trail as “moderate”, with a few steep climbs along the way.  You can see the climb at about the 2 mile mark on the way out and then the climb out back up to parking lot for the last mile. It took us approximately 5.5 hours to complete, which includes some wandering-around time and our lunch stop at Edwards Point.

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    5 Tiki Cocktails to Make You Feel Like You Are on a Tropical Vacation!

    Apr 21, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Collage of tiki cocktails.

    Even if you can't make it to a tropical island, you can feel like you are there with this collection of Tiki Cocktails!

    Classic Tiki Cocktails that everyone loves. From Mai Tais to frozen daiquiris.

    You'll have a hard time deciding which of these tropical drinks is your favorite!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Photo collage of cocktails with text reading 5 Must Make Tiki Cocktails.

    What are tiki cocktails?

    What are tiki cocktails, besides being delicious? They are a category of tropical drinks, usually made with rum and usually fruity with fun garnishes.

    Tiki drinks are also deceptively easy to drink!

    I've been fascinated with all things Tiki after finding a bunch of stir sticks, tiki mugs and umbrellas from Trader Vic's in my grandmother's bar. Apparently she visited there a lot in the 60's and 70's!

    After a few sips of the perfect Mai Tai, I can see why!

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    Smoked Teriyaki Chicken Legs

    Apr 12, 2021 · 6 Comments

    Golden brown smoked chicken legs on a white platter.

    Smoky and savory, these Smoked Teriyaki Chicken Legs are so delicious!

    After an overnight marinade (or shorter) in soy sauce, honey and garlic these drumsticks are smoked on a wood pellet grill to pick up even more amazing flavor.

    They are sweet and smoky and oh so juicy!

    Click here to pin this now.

    Deep golden brown smoked chicken legs on a white platter.

    I am notorious for buying appliances for cooking and then never using them - I'm talking to you pasta attachment that I just had to have.

    Determined to not let our Traeger wood pellet smoker be another one of those appliances, I have made a commitment to try and use it weekly.

    Well, let me tell you, if everything turns out as amazing as these Teriyaki Smoked Chicken Legs, using it weekly is going to be easy and delicious!

    So, thrilled my success with these Traeger chicken legs, that I'm making beer can chicken next week - stay tuned for the recipe.

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    18 Sweet and Savory Lemon Recipes

    Apr 2, 2021 · 5 Comments

    Collage of recipe photos with text reading lemon recipes.

    Enjoy this collection of our best lemon recipes from sweet to savory!

    Lemons are an indispensable ingredient in cooking and we celebrate their sweet tart flavor in a variety of easy lemon recipes.

    Everything from dinner recipes with lemon, to condiments infused with lemon to sweet lemon desserts!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Photo collage of recipes with text reading Sweet and Savory Lemon Recipes.

    Main dishes and sidesusing lemons.

    Let's start out with mains, shall we. Let me first say, that I use lemons in cooking as much as I use garlic. They show up in practically every dish, giving that final bit of acid that so many recipes benefit from.

    To keep this from being a roundup of my entire blog, I've limited it to recipes that actually have lemon in the title or where lemon plays such a star roll, it should be in the title!

    Lemon and fish are a match made in heaven and I will start off with some simple salmon recipes featuring lemon.

    Up first we have simple broiled salmon topped with lemon and served with a green lentil salad. This is such an easy way to make salmon and you'll want to serve the lentil salad with everything.

    Lemon salmon shows up again, this time in an easy sheet pan dinner with some extra delicious spicy roasted cauliflower.

    Salmon Broiled with Lemon and Green Lentil Salad
    Salmon Broiled with Lemon and Green Lentil Salad
    This Salmon Broiled with Lemon and Green Lentil Salad is healthy and delicious and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Lemon Salmon with Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
    Lemon Salmon with Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
    This Lemon Salmon with Spicy Roasted Cauliflower is an easy one sheet pan dinner! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Lemon and chicken are another favorite pairing at our house and I have 3 favorite lemon dishes featuring chicken.

    The first is a lemon cumin grilled chicken with a farro salad. The chicken is so flavorful and goes so well with the healthy farro salad.

    The second is the simplest of grilled chicken recipes! An easy marinade of lemon and garlic makes amazing chicken! You can use this chicken as is or add it a salad or use it to top some pasta.

    Grilled Chicken and Farro Salad.
    Lemon and cumin make a flavorful grilled chicken is served with a delicous farro grain salad.
    Click here to see the recipe
    Lemon-Grilled Chicken Breasts
    Lemon-Grilled Chicken Breasts
    An easy lemon garlic marinade gives these Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts plenty of flavor and keeps them moist! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    One of our most requested recipes at our house is this Smoked Paprika Chicken and Lemon Bake. Chicken, chorizo, olives and lemons make an easy flavorful dinner. So easy to toss together.

    Baked Chicken and Chorizo
    Chicken, chorizo, olives and lemons roast together in one pan creating an amazing flavor! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Need a super fast and easy weeknight recipe using lemons? This Tuna, Arugula and Lemon Pasta dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

    You can add peppers to give it a little kick or leave them out if you want it more kid friendly.

    Tuna pasta on a scalloped plate.
    Spicy Canned Tuna Pasta
    The easy pasta made from pantry ingredients like canned tuna and capers can be on the table in 30 minutes!
    Click here to see the recipe

    A favorite year round side dish is a chickpea salad with lemon and thyme. This goes great with winter dishes and is just as lovely next to grilled meats. It's perfect for a potluck or picnic.

    Bowl of Lemon and Thyme Chickpea Salad
    Lemon and Thyme Chickpea Salad
    This healthy side dish recipe is so easy to make and so delicious! It's gets even better after sitting, so it's perfect for make ahead!
    Click here to see the recipe

    Click here to pin this now!

    Condiments using lemons.

    Lemons add such a brightness to recipes and a favorite way to use them is in condiments. So easy to drizzle a little lemon brightness whenever you want!

    I always have bottles of lemon herb vinegar and lemon infused olive oil on hand. They are perfect to use in vinaigrettes or to drizzle on roasted or grilled vegetables or meats.

    Lemon vinaigrettes brighten up any salad. The lemon vinaigrette is my everyday vinaigrette and the poppy seed dressing is especially nice on fruit salads.

    Finally, I urge you to make you own preserved lemons. They are so easy to make and having a jar of these in your fridge allows you to instantly elevate any dish!

    Bottle of lemon herb vinegar - bright yellow in a pretty painted bottle.
    Lemon Herb Vinegar
    This bright lemon yellow vinegar is so easy to make and adds a burst of lemon herb flavor wherever you need it!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Bottle of lemon infused olive oil.
    Lemon Infused Olive Oil
    So delicious and so easy! You'll find thousands of uses for this delicious oil - from vinaigrettes to marinades to drizzling over cooked meats or fish!
    Click here to see the recipe
    Small jar of lemon poppy seed dressing.
    Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
    No need to buy store-bought dressing when you can whip up this delicious sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Jar of homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing.
    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
    This easy homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing will become your go to salad dressing.  With only five ingredients and ready in about 5 minutes! 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Jar of preserved lemons.
    Preserved Lemons
    Preserved Lemons add an almost sweet tart flavor to dishes! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Lemon desserts, appetizers and cocktails.

    Lemon desserts are such a sweet tart way to end a meal.

    Lemon rosemary sorbet and lemon sherbet really let the bright crisp flavors of the lemon shine through and are so refreshing!

    The lemon yogurt bundt cake is so light and flavorful.

    Glass with a scoop of sorbet garnished with a rosemary sprig.
    Lemon Rosemary Sorbet
    A refreshing sorbet that is elegant enough for after a dinner party! Sweet and tart with a hint of rosemary.
    Click here to see the recipe
    Lemon Sherbet
    This lemon sherbet is so refreshing.  A wonderful combination of sweet and tart. 
    Click here to see the recipe
    Lemon Yogurt Bundt Cake with Limoncello Glaze
    This light lemony cake makes the perfect desssert! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    It doesn't get much easy than Lemon Rosemary Goat Cheese for a delicious appetizer. Keep a jar of this in your fridge and plate it up with some crackers when your friends stop by!

    Marinated goat cheese in a glass jar.
    Lemon Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese
    With a jar of this Lemon Rosemary Goat Cheese in the fridge you are always ready for a party or just a yummy snack while watching tv! 
    Click here to see the recipe

    Most of my cocktails use lemon juice, it such a part of almost any cocktail. So I have limited this to cocktails that just have lemon in the title.

    First is my Lemon, Lime and Orange Margarita - this whole fruit margarita will become you favorite.

    Next is a Mint, Lemon Simple Syrup. This turns any cocktail into a minty, lemony cocktail. It's also amazing in iced tea!

    Whole Fruit Margarita
    Whole Fruit Margarita
    This Whole Fruit Margarita gets lots of citrus flavor from lemons, limes and oranges
    Click here to see the recipe
    Mint Lemon Simple Syrup in a bottle next to a glass of iced tea.
    Mint Lemon Simple Syrup
    Bursting with citrus and tingly with mint this simple syrup is so easy to make and so versatile! Perfect in cocktails or stirred into tea!
    Click here to see the recipe

    Click here to pin this now!

    Savory Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding

    Mar 25, 2021 · 27 Comments

    Savory bread pudding in a square pan.

    This savory bread pudding is the perfect leftover ham recipe! With about a cup of ham, you can make a cheesy casserole that everyone will love and it serves 4!

    With just a handful of ingredients, you'll turn to this ham and cheese bread pudding every time you have any leftover ham! Kid friendly and adults love it too!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Close up of ham and cheese bread pudding in a square baking pan.

    When I have leftover ham, there are usually three things I do with it:  ham fried rice, this bread pudding, and then a bean soup with the hambone. 

    I am not adventuresome with it comes to leftover ham.  I have found what works and I am sticking with it. 

    I have been making this savory bread pudding since 2004 when I first saw it in that year's Cooking Light Annual. I make a few modifications, which I'll note in the ingredient list, but once you get the formula down, it's so easy to make variations.

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    Five Spice Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

    Mar 19, 2021 · 22 Comments

    Glazed salmon on a foil lined baking sheet.

    A quick marinade in honey, soy sauce, five spice powder and garlic give this easy glazed salmon recipe so much flavor!

    The broiler does magical things to that marinade and makes the most amazing glaze! Just look at that color!

    Broil some green beans along side it, serve with some rice and you have a delicious weeknight dinner!

    Click here to pin this now!

    Salmon with a dark shiny crust and green beans on a colorful plate.

    If easy recipes that take minutes, but taste like they came from a restaurant make you happy, then you are about to be really happy!

    This honey, soy, garlic and five spice glazed salmon is your answer to what's for dinner tonight!

    A simple marinade provides flavor and a gorgeous sticky sweet glaze for the salmon.

    If you want similar flavors, but a bit of heat, you have to try 15 Minute Honey Sriracha Salmon!

    Click here to pin this now!

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    Pam Greer from Sidewalk Shoes

    Hi, I'm Pam. I'm the person who plans whole vacations around where to eat and drink. Beautiful scenery is optional.

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