Blog
Black Beans – A Pantry Staple
Last week, Christine shared with you how she uses plant-based protein in her home cooking. This week I am doing the same with black beans. A can of black beans is a pantry staple in my home. I almost always have one on hand. With three busy kids, I need to be able to create a quick meal on the days our schedule is packed. Canned black beans allow me to do that. Here are three Spend Smart. Eat Smart. main dish recipes that use canned black beans for the protein.
Plant Protein Made Simple
I had an interaction with a friend recently that I decided to use as inspiration for a blog. She shared with me that she had heard a lot of buzz about plant protein and how it was important for good health. However, when she went to the grocery store to buy plant protein products, she could not find any that seemed appetizing to her. She looked at ground meat substitutes, ‘chicken-less’ nuggets, and soy-based cheese and sausage. She shared that these products were expensive, had a whole lot of ingredients, and she did not think her family would like them. How was she supposed to get plant protein? I can relate to this challenge. I grew up eating mostly animal products for protein and learning to incorporate plant proteins took some time.
Refreshing Summer Salsa
Now that school is out for the summer, my kids are constantly reaching for snacks during the day. My grocery list has grown quite long over the past several weeks! To stay on top of my grocery budget, I have been trying to buy less pre-packaged snack foods and opt for items that have more fiber and nutrients to keep my kids full while waiting for our next meal.
Recipe Round-Up: Flexible Ways to Use Produce
Vegetables here, vegetables there, vegetables everywhere! Gardens and farmers’ markets are bursting with produce. You may have some tried and true ways you like to use summer vegetables. If you’re looking for some new ideas, here is a round-up of some of our recipes that allow for flexibility in the vegetables that are used.
Garden Check In
Back in April I wrote a blog about good places to find free garden seeds. I also shared about how, in the summer of 2024, deer ate everything in our garden except the marigolds and zucchini. This year, we made some changes to our garden and we are feeling successful. We used a deer repellent spray around the outside of our garden, and we placed dog hair in and around our garden.
Boost Your Produce Confidence
Have you ever skipped a recipe or passed on fresh fruits and vegetables because you weren’t sure how to choose or prepare them? You’re not alone! Fresh produce can feel intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how to prepare it. When I first met my husband, I noticed he often had pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge. While convenient, those pre-packaged items were expensive. I soon learned he was buying them simply because he didn’t know how to prep some of his favorite produce himself. With a little bit of guidance and practice, he was able to prep those produce items in his kitchen, saving quite a bit of money in his food budget. If you’re looking to try new fruits and vegetables while reducing food waste, check out the Food Preparation videos on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. There are several produce videos, and the ones we have found most helpful in our house are how to prepare a melon (my husband’s favorite!) and how to prepare asparagus.
