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A Basil Appraisal: Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe {Basil recipes | recipes with basil | sweet basil recipes}

Basil is an herb that is a member of the mint family. It is most commonly found in Italian dishes like bruschetta or pizza, and it’s the main ingredient in pesto. Basil is fragrantly sweet, with a slight tea-like scent. Basil has a…
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Beet you to it! Are Beets Healthy? Beet Recipes {roasted beets | roasting beets}

Are beets healthy? With their deep, ruby color and natural sweetness, it’s surprising that the humble beet doesn’t get more attention! The rich colors are a good indication that the beet is chock full of nutrients. But which is more nutritious,…
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The Squash Scene: Parmesan Zucchini Recipe {Healthy Zucchini | Summer squash recipes}

Summer squash are members of the gourd family, and come in many varieties including zucchini in various colors, yellow crook neck or straight neck varieties, and pattypan, which are a small round squash with a scalloped edge that are generally…
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Cool as a Cucumber: Freezer Pickles Recipe {storing cucumbers | growing cucumbers | refrigerator pickles}

Feeling a little hot this time of year? Cucumbers can help keep you “cool as a cucumber” during summer because they’re actually 95% water, which can help you stay well hydrated during the dog days of summer. Cucumbers are easy to grow…
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Is Coffee a Healthy Brew for You? {How to Make Iced Coffee | Cold Coffee}

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world, along with tea, of course. But, there’s often confusion about coffee. Is coffee healthy? Or does it lead to bone loss and heart attacks? Here are some coffee facts for you. The…
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Peas Please! How to Cook & Store Fresh Peas {creamed peas and potatoes recipe}

Green peas aren’t usually the star of the meal, but we think they deserve more attention! And we aren’t the only ones – many public health organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and…
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Spears at the Ready! How to Prepare Honey Roasted Asparagus & More

Asparagus is a spring perennial that’s been considered a delicacy since early ancient times. Pictures of it have even been found in ancient Egyptian paintings, and the name asparagus comes from the Greek language meaning "sprout" or "shoot."…
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Creamy Parmesan & Garlic Pasta with Kielbasa

Sometimes I long for creamy pasta. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan is very elegant, yet simple to throw together. When I first posted this about a year ago, I wouldn't have dreamed that this would be one of my most popular posts. This…
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Meals in Minutes: Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash (Foot Steps to Health*)

Halloween is over and Jack Frost will be here soon. But, before the air turns to ice this winter, take time to enjoy the taste of fall in Southeastern Minnesota with this easy microwavable recipe. This recipe is sure to warm your tummy with…
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Cocadas…A Brazilian Coconut Treat!

I wanted to make my new Brazilian son (aka exchange student) feel at home here in the US, so I decided to look for a recipe for something native to his home country. I was quickly drawn to a coconut dessert recipe on the internet called…
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Greek Roasted Chicken…So Easy Yet so Elegant!

  1 whole roasting chicken (about 6 lbs.) 4 to 6 baking potatoes, peeled & quartered salt & pepper, to taste 2 tsp. dried oregano 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup butter, melted 3 Tbs. lemon juice Preheat oven to 350º.…
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Pesto…rific! With 3 Great Recipes, Too

This year I decided to grow basil for the first time. I got a late start on the planting, but ended up with a whole row of basil bushes, well I think they are actually called plants, but they were much bigger than I had expected. Now with so…