What is Cilantro? What is Parsley? How to tell the difference…

5 Comments | Written on April 16, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

I grew up in a household where we were always cooking.  Day in and day out for family meals, entertaining at holidays, or, more often than not, testing recipes for cooking contests.  My mom was constantly busy in the kitchen, which meant my dad was often given the task of running to the grocery store for a last minute essential ingredient.

Now, my dad is an excellent food taster and even better dishwasher, but the culinary arts are certainly not his forte.  Inevitably about 20 minutes after he left the house the phone would ring.  Before even picking up the receiver my mom would know, “Daddy has a question…”  This was a much better outcome than the times he would just guess then come home with the wrong ingredient.  I can remember many instances when my mom opened up the grocery bag, ready to finish off a recipe, and sighing, “Bill!  You got cilantro instead of parsley!”

For the novice cook, the difference between Italian Flat Leaf Parsley and Cilantro can be confusing at first since they are often located near each other in the produce aisle.  There is one very easy rule of thumb that can help anyone (even my dad) differentiate between the two.

Keep reading for an easy trick to always tell the difference…

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How to Re-Cover Dining Room Chairs

No Comments | Written on April 9, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

If you saw my post here on Friday, you will see that I have been busy giving my kitchen a bit of a facelift.  The only problem?   Once it was all done, I looked over at my dining room and thought, now it’s your turn…

I was tired of my dingy, boring white chairs.  They looked so plain with the sparkling new kitchen looking over from the other side of the room.  I was short on time and budget was a concern, so I decided that re-covering the chairs would be the best way to enjoy a new “look” in a matter of minutes.

Let me show you how I gave my dining room a whole new look in about 30 minutes with only $30.

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What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season? April

1 Comment | Written on April 2, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

In March I created the first “produce buying guide” for finding the best fruits and vegetables in season during the month.  Everyone seemed to like it, so I figured I would make another one for April!

Keep this infographic handy throughout the month of April to buy your favorite produce while it is in season.  I like to print it out and keep it near my grocery list for meal planning and shopping.   You can also “pin it” to your Pinterest account boards or share with your friends via Facebook and Twitter.

Keep reading for seasonal recipe ideas…

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What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season? March

3 Comments | Written on March 5, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

When buying produce in season, you are not only getting fruits and vegetables at their peak of flavor, you are also getting the best price!  I have created this handy info graphic to help you find the best produce in the month of March.

I like to print it out and keep it near my grocery list for meal planning and shopping.   You can also “pin it” to your Pinterest account boards or share with your friends via Facebook and Twitter.

Let’s spread the word about the beautiful fruits and vegetables in season this month!

Keep reading for seasonal recipe ideas…

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How to Make Homemade Breakfast Cereal

5 Comments | Written on January 9, 2013 at 12:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

If you resolved to eat better, cook more, and save money in the New Year, you have come to the right place.  It seems like every time I go to the grocery store, the price of breakfast cereal goes higher and higher.  It got me wondering, would it be possible to make my own cereal from scratch at home?

 Keep reading to learn how to make homemade breakfast cereal…

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How to Display a Cookbook Collection

1 Comment | Written on January 3, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Raise your hand if you resolved to get organized in the New Year!

(Yep, that one is right up there with eating healthier and hitting the gym….)

If your bookshelf looks like this messy “before” picture, I have a solution for you.  It is an inexpensive and chic way to show off your cookbooks.

Keep reading to see the “after” photo!

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20 Easy Ways to Burn 100 Calories

No Comments | Written on January 1, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Living a healthier life in 2013 doesn’t mean you have to log endless hours at the gym to achieve your goals.  In fact, small changes in your everyday life can increase your activity level and burn calories.  Every little bit helps!

Here are 20 easy ways to burn 100 calories without feeling like a “workout.”

Keep reading to learn how to burn calories without even trying!  

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Chalkboard Pumpkins

10 Comments | Written on November 19, 2012 at 6:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Happy Thanksgiving Better Recipes!

If you are searching for a budget-friendly centerpiece to your holiday table, here is your answer…

Keep reading to learn how to make this festive display!

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Jack O’ Lantern Halloween Cocktail

11 Comments | Written on October 24, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

This Halloween, serve up a spooky mixed drink!  Can you guess the main ingredient in a Jack O’ Lantern cocktail?

Keep reading for the recipe…

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How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash

5 Comments | Written on October 23, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Have you ever looked at a spaghetti squash and wondered where to begin?  I mean, how can something resembling pasta come from that crazy gourd!  I am here to break it all down for you.  This is a step-by-step lesson on how to prepare spaghetti squash!

Keep reading for an easy visual tutorial… 

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