Blog
Versatile Winter Vegetable
I moved to Iowa 11 years ago and still have a difficult time appreciating Midwest winters. Although I am not a fan of the snow and brutally cold temperatures, I do look forward to transitioning my family’s meals to dishes that bring us warmth and comfort during the colder months. Many of the comforting foods that are traditional in my family in the late fall and winter are rich and heavy. To add some variety, I have begun to incorporate recipes with winter squash to add in more vegetables throughout the week. Below are a few of my favorite recipes to use winter squash.
Split Pea Soup
I am happy to share one of my favorite recipes with you today. I have made this Split Pea Soup recipe since my husband and I were first married. Now, quite a few years later, it made its way on to Spend Smart. Eat Smart.
Staying Active in the Winter
We are in the thick of winter here in Iowa and it’s not always easy to get enough physical activity. In the summertime there are options but many of those options disappear when the temperature drops, and the days get shorter. It is recommended to exercise at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes every week. If you need some inspiration to raise your activity levels in the winter, don’t worry, we have some ideas!
Skip Disposable when Reusable will do
Disposable and single-use items bring a lot of convenience to our lives. We can skip washing something and throw it away instead. There is no doubt that these items make some things easier for a busy household but they also generate a lot of trash. Two years ago I set a resolution to reduce my use of single-use disposable items. I was particularly interested in reducing my use of zip-top plastic bags. I wanted to see if I could change these habits to save some money and reduce the amount of trash I generate.
Party Boards for Every Day
Have you seen those beautiful party boards that people post pictures of online? They usually have tasty cheeses, meats, crackers and fruit. Mine are not typically fancy, but I absolutely love these as an appetizer or party dish. I have not had the opportunity to throw holiday parties this year and I was really missing these foods. So, I decided to make a party board for a meal at home.
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Happy New Year from all of us on the Spend Smart.Eat Smart. team!
