A Bite Of Life

We’ve collected some of our favorite recipes, plus articles on food and food related topics and have broken them down into the following categories to make them easier to locate:

 

Table Of Contents

Appetizers & Refreshments
Brunch
Desserts & Snacks
Entrees & Sides
Food & Lifestyle

 

Appetizers & Refreshments

 

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5 Minute Black Bean Party Dip

This dip is quick, easy and great anytime. Black beans are high in fiber.  Hey, that means they’re good for you.

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Fig ‘n Pig In A Blanket

This one takes that old pig in a blanket party favorite to an entirely new and different level.

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In Search Of The Perfect Guacamole

Guacamole is easier to make than you think. Avocados are hearty healthy.

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We All Love The Figgie Cheesies

I never knew I liked figs before I tried this.  In fact, I almost missed out entirely.

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Make Your Own Hummus

Hummus is made from chickpeas which are also known as garbanzo beans.  It’s highly nutritious and delicious and easy to make.

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Sautéed Peppers and Onions

I just love these with goat cheese and crackers.  You will too.

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Simple Spicy Artichoke Party Dip

A good dip is always a hit at parties, but here’s a great one!

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Snacking On A Budget: A Tale Of The Kernel

Why pay for all that packaging?  Make your own microwave popcorn.

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Tomato Juice: Preserving The Taste Of Summer

Making your own make take some effort, but the taste and quality of juice make it all worthwhile.

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Summer Perfect Iced Java Nudge

If you’re ready to try something cool and thoroughly decadent, this drink’s for you.

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Super Simple Sangria

Take a load off.  Kick back and enjoy this easy to make and incredibly refreshing drink.

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Take A Peek At My Pico

Delicious summer produce makes Pico De Gallo a favorite summer recipe in our family.

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Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

A great recipe to impress your guests as you go to entertain.  Stuffed mushrooms are delicious and once you have the basics down it’s fun to add new ingredients into the mix.

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Brunch

 

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A Woman Sconed: Furiously Good

They always talk about The Woman Scorned. What about the woman sconed? Count me in with the latter as I take on whole wheat scones. Here’s my yummy recipe!

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Fried Veggie Hash Browns

Tired of plain old hash browns?  Here’s a super easy way to jazz them up.

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Incredible Buttermilk Buckwheat & Walnut Pancakes

Pancakes are simple to make from scratch so why spend extra.  Besides, you’re not going to find a mix that compares to these.

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Instant Presto Candy Bacon

I love the sweet flavor of brown sugar mixed with the smoky goodness of bacon.  Here’s my instant version of candy bacon—one without the mess.

 

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Kathryn’s No-Fail Quiche

If you like eggs, you’re bound to love this sure bet for making quiche.  The possibilities are endless.

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Not Your Grandmom’s Tuna Melt

I loved Grandma’s cooking, but she never made a tuna salad melt like this before.

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Pacifico Pancakes: There’s Beer In That Batter

Pancakes made with beer?  You bet!  And they’re delicious, too.  Try this recipe.

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Salty Dog Clam Chowder

My Dad was an “Old Salty Dog” who would occasionally break from his routine and cook a huge pot of clam chowder.  Here’s my attempt to recreate it.

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Sweet Onion, Basil And Tomato Sandwich

Here’s a recipe for a quick veggie feast that includes my favorite onions—sweet and succulent Walla Walla’s.

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Pancake Puffery

Try this Baked Pancake for breakfast.  It can turn any breakfast into something special.

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Desserts & Snacks

 

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Abracadabra Chocolate Microwave Cake

Make a cake from scratch in the microwave in less than 10 minutes.

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A Chocolate Cake A Man Can Bake

This chocolate cake comes out perfect every time.  Hey, even the kids can make this one.

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Bailey’s Butterscotch And Chocolate Fudge

A easy fudge recipe that make just be the very definition of decadent.

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Bliss Bars – Yum!

A delicious twist to an old family treat.  If you liked Scotcheroos, these are even better.

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Butter Toffee Crunch Cookies

If you like the taste of toffee, these cookies will win you over in the first bite.

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Chili Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies

If you’re a chocolate fan like I am, you’re going to want to taste these cookies.  Wow!  Chocolate and chili pepper powder—who would have guessed these taste so good?

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Chocolate Syrup Brownie Magic

When the “just gotta have some chocolate” mood strikes these moist and delicious brownies are a sure hit.

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Chocolate Dipped In Chocolate

What’s better than chocolate dipped in chocolate?  How about we start with peanut butter and then add some chocolate.  Now, let’s dip it.

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Coconutterchip Cookies

A variation on a theme—these chocolate chip cookies also have coconut, almonds and a hint of cinnamon.

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Coco-Nutty Topping

Need a way to spice up your ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal or even a salad?  Try this topping.

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Coo-Coo For Coconut Lemon Squares

These terrific morsels contain the succulent flavor of fresh lemons and coconut. What’s not to love?

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Cookie Making Demystified (& Stained-Glass Cookies)

Here’s a humorous take on the art of cookie making as well as a really fun cookie recipe to make with the kids.

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Easier Than Pie – An Apple Crisp

Here’s a great way to enjoy the taste of apples and cinnamon, without all the fuss that goes into pie.

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Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

When it’s too hot to stand around an bake, try this delicious no-bake recipe for a delicious and easy treat.

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Easy Oaties

Here’s a quick recipe the kids will love, that’s healthier than most treats.

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Fe Fi Fo Fum Banana Bread Delirium

If you like banana bread, this recipe takes it to a whole new level. We start by adding flaxseed meal and whole wheat flour, but that’s not all.

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Flipping Out Over Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I’m head over heels in love with this quick and easy upside down cake recipe.

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Frozen Honey Blended Yogurt

Here’s a delicious alternative to ice cream—one that’s easy to whip up and has less fat.

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Harvest Fresh Italian Plum Crumble

We harvested the plums off our tree yesterday and made a delicious plum crumble last night.  Here’s the recipe…

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Hearty Twist On Chocolate Chip

Everybody likes chocolate chip cookies, but these don’t use butter and taste sensational.  A great alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies.

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Honey Nut Butterscotch Brownies

Here’s a brownie recipe that substitutes honey for sugar and is chock full of nuts.

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Instant Presto Candied Walnuts

Here’s a super quick and simple way to prepare candied walnuts—one without all the mess.

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Instant Presto Roasted Coconut

Like the smell of fresh roasted coconut?  Here’s the quickest and easiest way to go about it.

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JW’s World Famous Almond Crunch Cookies

We bet you’ve never read a recipe quite like this before.  Believe us, these cookies are incredible.

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Kahlua Cinnamon Coffee Date Bars

Here’s a taste to start your mouth watering.  These treats are not to be missed.

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Kahlua, Coconut & Cashew Blondies

Even for those who prefer brownies to blondies, this recipe is not to be missed.

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Kahlua Crunch

What’s better than coffee?  How about a little chocolate with your coffee.  Here’s a yummy treat.

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Lemon Cross Cookies

What do you get when you mix lemon with coconut and walnut? How about these delicious Lemon Cross Cookies?

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Let Me Try The Quinoa Pudding

Quinoa is a gluten-free, high-protein, whole-grain substitute for rice that just happens to make a great pudding.

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Make Your Own Granola Bars

Ever surprised by the ingredients in your favorite snack bar?  Does it bother you that sugar or corn syrup is often one of the main ingredients?  Maybe it’s time you tried making your own.

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Monstrously Good Creme De Cocoa Squares

Here’s a surprising and delicious treat based on an old “Lemon Square” favorite, only this one is all about chocolate.

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Nutmeg Logs: The Best Cookies Ever?

I’m a cookie monster and I know a good cookie when I eat one.  Believe me, this is one good cookie!

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On A Roll

What’s the best way to start the day?  How about a fresh out of the oven, whole-wheat, home-made cinnamon roll. Mmm !

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Pumpkin Bread – The Taste of Fall

I don’t like fall for the colder temps and the return of rain, but I sure like my wife’s pumpkin bread.

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Quickie Granola Snack Bars

Want a quick snack bar that’s low in sugar and still tastes great? You can make these in minutes.

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Shockingly Good Almond Butter And Date Cookies

I call this an “adult” version of peanut butter cookies to scare away the kids.  That leaves more for me.   These delicious cookies are a whole lot healthier because I use almond butter, spelt flour and dates.

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Shortbread: Decadently Delicious

Hey, what’s not to love about sugar and butter?

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Snickerdoodles So Good They Make Me Laugh

If you thought all sugar cookies were the same, you’ve got to try these. We skip the butter and use whole-grains, instead. Best of all, they’re delicious.

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Spicy Microwave Walnut Brittle

Spicy brittle? You bet. This stuff is amazing and so easy, too.

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The Frosting Straight From Heaven

There’s nothing like penuche frosting.  If you’ve never tried it before and this is your first time you may never go back.

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The Magic In The Ramekin

Life’s better with new dishes and chocolate.  Try this amazingly gooey and delicious Chocolate Lava Cake recipe.

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Tommy Cake: Oatmeal And Feathers

This hearty cake features oatmeal, whole grain goodness, cinnamon, brown sugar and coconut.  Delightfully delicious!

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Triple Chocolate Low Fat Brownies

Believe me low fat can taste terrific.  Chocolate lovers beware!

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Vanilla Cloud Graham Crumble Pie

We can’t quite remember who started making this one, but ever since it’s been a dessert favorite with our clan.

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Zucchini, Coconut and Carrot Bread

Got zucchini?  Maybe it’s time to try zucchini bread.  This is a delicious hearty bread packed full of goodness.

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Entrees & Sides

 

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2  Bean Chicken Chili Soup

Here’s a chili soup recipe that even the pickiest eaters will like.  Believe me, I was one of them so I know.

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A-maize-ing Corn Veggie Relish

Here’s a terrific way to enjoy corn:  Add some onions and peppers and a touch of spice.  This vegetable dish makes a great accompaniment to any meal.

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Chili Cheese Cornbread

Hold on there, cornbread lovers, this might just be the best cornbread ever!

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Crazy About Cranberries

I used to hate ‘em and now I love ‘em thanks to my wife’s delicious Cranberry Relish recipe.  Discover her secret ingredient.

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Fish Fillet Gourmet

Here’s a great method for cooking fish fillets to avoid all that extra deep fried fat.

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Gluten-Free Gnocchi

With or without gluten, this easy to make gnocchi is delicious.

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Grilled Taters On The BBQ

One of the most delicious way to prepare potatoes is by roasting them on the grill. Here’s a way to do it that shortens the time considerably and keeps them from scorching.

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How To Grill Fresh Salmon

Salmon is a delicious and healthy meal, but the way it’s cooked makes all the difference. For a really moist salmon, here’s what you need to know about grilling it.

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Hamburger Rice – No Boxes Here

Make your next hamburger rice casserole from scratch.  Not only will it taste better, but it’s bound to be healthier.

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Homemade Chicken Barley Soup

Forget the can!  All you need is one hour of time and some basic ingredients and you’ll end up with delicious soup.

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Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

If you haven’t ever had homemade then you really haven’t had cream of mushroom soup.  This delicious soup makes a great meal and will even impress the toughest critics at the family table.

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I Love Oven Roasted Asparagus

This quick easy preparation could turn asparagus haters into asparagus lovers. If you’ve never tried asparagus roasted you’ll be amazed.

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Java Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

This famous duck makes a mean green bean casserole that’s great on a holiday or anytime people gather around.  Cheesy beans – yum!

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Marcia’s Spicy Macaroni And Cheese

This mac n cheese recipe calls for pepper jack cheese and cayenne. Put a little zing in your pasta!

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Meatloaf On My Mind

What’s downsizing have to do with making meatloaf?  Find out here.

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Moose Drool Soup

Hey, it may sound disgusting, but this lentil soup made with beer turns out to be terrific.

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My Delicious House Special Fried Rice

This brown rice version of fried rice beats most restaurant fried rice hands down.  Rice never tasted so good.

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Quick Comfort Food – Easy Cheesy Rigatoni

Always a crowd pleasing favorite, this yummy pasta recipe is so simple even the kids can make it. In fact, when you’ve had a bad day at work give them a call and tell ‘em to get started.

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Quick & Easy Potato Salad

What BBQ is complete without potato salad. You won’t go back to store bought after trying this recipe.

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Portabellas: No More Gut Bombs For Me

I love hamburgers, but they no longer love me. I tried a lot of alternatives, but thank goodness I discovered fresh grilled portabellas.

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Smoked Salmon Wild Rice Medley

Whether you’re trying to cut back or just want a quick and healthy meal that tastes terrific, you’ll enjoy this recipe.

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Spicy Chicken Curry Cashew

When I want to spice things up, I cook up this healthy and delicious recipe.

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Spinach Au Gratin

Spinach may just be the healthiest vegetable of all.  Are you getting yours?

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Survival Shopping: 8 Tasty Recipes

What do you do for dinner when money is extremely tight?  Don’t give up.  Try one of these inexpensive recipes, instead.

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The Best Carrot Is A Burnt Carrot

I know carrots are good for me, but I never loved them until I tried them oven roasted.

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Veggie Stew

Who says stew has to have meat in it?

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Whip Up The Best Tuna Casserole

Sure there are lots of tuna casserole recipes, but if you want to try one the whole family will be begging to have again, you’ve got to try this one.

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Food & Lifestyle

 

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Are You Cooking With Olive Oil?

If you’re not cooking with olive oil yet, there are plenty of reasons to start.  See what you’re missing.

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Community Supported Agriculture

Is there a difference between store bought and fresh from the farm?  You bet there is!  Eat and live better for less by joining a CSA.

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Great Savings Tip #66: Smorgasbord

What do you do with all those leftovers in the fridge? Here’s an answer that not only eliminates waste and spoilage, but is bound to become a favorite family event.

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Great Savings Tip #68: Fast Foods

If you’re buying prepackaged frozen foods at the store you’re paying a lot more for your groceries than you need to. Learn how easy it is to make you own fast foods and save money in the process.

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Great Savings Tip #79: Entertain With A Potluck

Entertaining friends is a lot of fun, but can quickly add up. Here’s a great tip for bringing people together and getting more out of less.

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How To Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is the prime ingredient in lots of recipes.  See how easy it is to roast and make your own pumpkin puree.

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Losing Weight Via The Bob Diet

Does dieting really have to be so hard. Maybe not. Check out what I’m doing as I try to shed 10 pounds.

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My Precious In A Cup

Nothing says yum like a hot, frothy mocha.  Learn why I call my new morning routine my preciousssss.

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Playing By The Rules Of The Kitchen

Okay, there are 2 basic types of cooks. You’ve got those who strictly follow the recipe and the those that make it up as they go. Which are you?

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Save Money Buying Wine

Wine adds a touch of flair to any meal, but where do you get the best deals.  This post offers a number of tips including a new online service.

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Sour Grapes: Are Home Wine Cellars Worth It?

What’s the best way to store wine? Is all wine the same when it comes to storing it? Does the way you store it really affect the taste? Find out.

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The Spice Of Life

When you spice up a meal everything tastes better.  So where do you get the best deals on spices?  And what about some of those spices you’ve never heard of before?  Can you try them before you buy them?

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Sprouting Your Way To A Greener Future

Sprouts are incredibly healthy for you and amazingly easy to grow.  Best of all you can do it right in your kitchen.  Get all the facts in this post.

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Sugar Sugar Honey Honey

Here’s what you need to know about added sugar and why it’s so important to cut back.

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The Stuffing Wars

What do you like in your stuffing?  Watch out!  Them could be fightin’ words.

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Wine Tasting Part I: Skewing The Palate

If you’re only drinking one type of wine, you may be missing out.  Find out why here.

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Wine Tasting Part II: 5 Qualities

Learn how to describe and distinguish good wine from bad.

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We hope you enjoyed these posts.  Come back soon for more.

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