Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave

It’s August and anyone with a garden tends to be overflowing with summer squash by now. So I bring a simple way to make zucchini and yellow squash in the microwave. This recipe will help break up your routine a little, yet it is still easy to make, which is perfect for these hot days of August. Why is zucchini so prolific? Zucchini is considered one of the easiest plants to grow in a garden. In addition, its production is cyclical, meaning the more you harvest, the more the plant will produce (harvestright.com). As my friend Dawn told me, “when

Recipes

Baked Potato on the Grill

I love a good baked potato, yet I have always considered it “winter food.” But, because a baked potato is great with many things, it can easily be transformed to year-round food by throwing it on the grill. How to grill a baked potato Start by prepping the grill and potatoes. Preheat the grill using medium-high heat. The target temperature for inside the grill cover is 400-425F. Allow 10-15 minutes for the grill to get nice and hot. While the grill is warming, prep the potatoes. Russet potatoes are the classic choice, because their high starch content creates a light

Recipes

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

It’s time for a dessert. But in liquid form. Dessert drinks can be so fun! And this one is fun, for sure. An Orange Creamsicle Cocktail. Or a Creamsicle martini, if you prefer. It’s delicious, no matter what you call it. Creamsicle vs. Dreamsicle Speaking of the name debate, does everyone remember the Creamsicle vs. Dreamsicle discussion? I researched the names when I made my Creamsicle Pie, and determined that since the Popsicle people use the term “Creamsicle” it must be the most accurate. Although, I do think that for an alcoholic drink, the term “Dreamsicle” might be a little

Recipes

Chickpea Avocado Salad

I am always looking for simple healthy salads in the summer, especially those containing plant proteins. So, a salad that includes chickpeas and avocados will always get my vote! Chickpea salad made simple This gluten free salad was inspired by one found at Forks Over Knives. But I must confess, I changed so much that the only ingredients it shares with the original are avocado and chickpeas. I did manage to avoid adding cheese, so it remains a vegan salad for maximum health points. It’s a simple salad, with simple instructions. Start by draining and thoroughly rinsing the chickpeas. Place

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Vegetarian Baked Beans

I have always loved baked beans in a thick sweet sauce. It’s a universal side dish during grilling season, and a welcome addition to any backyard barbeque. I’ve been trying to make my own vegetarian version — without pork — for years and have finally found a combination of flavors that works for me. This makes them vegan, since no animal products are required. Ingredients needed for these vegan baked beans Beans – clearly the main ingredient. I use canned beans for convenience, and 3 different types to give that “calico” bean appearance and some variety in texture. My preferred

Recipes

Corn Salad

Every time I look at one of Ina Garten’s cookbooks, I think “Now, why didn’t I name myself something like The Barefoot Contessa?” I really think I could’ve pulled it off! Ina has some fun recipes, and one of these is her Fresh Corn Salad, a fantastic way to take advantage of the amazing fresh flavor of sweet corn while it’s in season. A big plus for this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can put it all together and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve the rest of your

Recipes

Toll House Brownies (Double Chocolate)

For a chocoholic, there is perhaps no bar more perfect than a brownie. What’s not to love? Crackly edges and a slightly fudgy middle. Certainly, you can use a mix, but I personally feel that making brownies from scratch is almost as easy. Is this a copycat Nestle Toll House Brownie recipe? This recipe is not a copycat. It’s an actual copy of the original. Nestle used to print this recipe on the back of Toll House chocolate chips, right next to their chocolate chip cookie recipe. Thankfully, I cut this from the bag long ago, because at some point

Sula and Spice

and everything nice!

Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave

Baked Potato on the Grill

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Vegetarian Baked Beans

Corn Salad

Toll House Brownies (Double Chocolate)