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Final Day 6 for $6 Summer Survival Package!

July 1, 2018 by Laura Leave a Comment

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Didn’t pick up this amazing package, designed especially to help you survive your summer in style? Grab it today while it’s only $6!

It’s an eBook package worth $32.70, but for one last day, we’re charging $6.

This package is extra special because it focuses on simple summer food, gardening, getting your kids to eat fresh summer veggies, and even finding awesome activities to do with your kids that do not involve a screen. It’s ridiculously fun, and it’s all for just six bucks!

What’s in the 6 for $6 Summer Survival Package

Simple Summer Suppers – $6.95 Value

Screen Free Summer – $3.95 value

How to Eat Your Fruits…and Veggies Too! – $4.95 value

Heavenly Homemaker’s Guide to Gardening and Preserving – $6.95 value

Beat the Heat! – $4.95 value

What to Do with the Chicken in Your Kitchen – $4.95 value

Ready to dig in? Read all the book details here. Get this entire Summer Survival Package for just $6! Offer ends Monday, July 2.

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Simple Summer Suppers: BLT Wraps

July 1, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

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Through the month of July, we’re going to share Simple Summer Supper recipes. First up: BLT Wraps!

Like this recipe for BLT Wraps, some of the ideas we’ll share have been on our site for quite a while. We figured this was the perfect time to refresh your memory and pull out some oldies but goodies. These BLT Wraps are a big favorite at our house for sure! (Pssst! We’ve got some new ideas to share too!)

Are you like me in the summer? I love the sunshine and the heat, but figuring out our evening meal often leaves me stumped! I don’t want to turn on the oven. I don’t have a lot of motivation to stand over a stove. I like our food to be simple…

Oh wait. I like our food to be simple every day of the year; not just in the summertime. :)

So here we are, avoiding soups and casseroles but still needing to eat. I highly recommend making bacon bits like this, then taking a few minutes to make these fabulous BLT Wraps!

Simple Summer Suppers: BLT Wraps

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Author: Laura

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

4 ounces softened cream cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
½ cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup shredded spinach, romaine, or green leaf lettuce
3 eight-inch whole wheat tortillas

Instructions

Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Stir in bacon crumbles and chopped tomatoes.
Spread mixture onto tortillas.
Sprinkle shredded lettuce on top evenly.
Roll tortillas up tightly.
Cut each into 5 diagonal slices.
Chill until ready to serve.

Helpful Hint: When cooking your bacon for these wraps, I recommend cutting your bacon with kitchen shears. I also recommend cooking several pounds at a time so you can get ahead and pull out bacon bits for easy recipes like this one!

What are your favorite Simple Summer Suppers?

You can look forward to getting more ideas like this during the entire month of July. Stay tuned! (Be sure to subscribe here for free so you don’t miss any of these ideas and posts!)

Have you become a Simple Meals member yet? You will LOVE how simple all the recipes are, and better yet, you’ll love that we do all the planning for you!

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Just Say No to Russet Potatoes and Red Delicious Apples (When Sub-Par Food Doesn’t Inspire You to Eat Well)

June 28, 2018 by Laura 13 Comments

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Could it be that you’ve only been eating sub-par food and have been missing out on what better varieties of real food have to offer? It’s possible that you might actually enjoy healthy eating – you just don’t know it yet!

While ordering a burger with a friend during a dinner out recently, I said, “No cheese please.” The person taking my order teased me by saying, “Ok, but you’re missing out on the best part!”

I agree. Cheese on a burger is fabuloso. But not when it’s fake, American cheese. I just can’t. It ruins the taste of my burger, it sticks to the roof of my mouth, it comes off the bun like a weird piece of plastic. I certainly don’t want to appear to be a food snob. I just like my food to taste good.

This is why I don’t buy russet potatoes any more. I mean, they’re fine. They’re okay. But Yukon Gold potatoes? Now those are incredible!!! They make every potato dish taste better. And they are more nutritious too. Score!

Red delicious apples? I’ve never liked them. They are flavorless and grainy and the skin is weird (bless their hearts). But give me a Gala, a Pink Lady, an Empire apple – oh the list goes on. There are so many fabulous apples choices available to us. Why settle for what doesn’t taste great?

I usually skip Iceberg Lettuce and go for more nourishing greens that are more flavorful and fun. Margarine is a non-food and you already know how I feel about that. But I will say that since I switched over to real butter a few years ago, my baked goods and all food using butter tastes 100% better.

Fresh or frozen veggies vs. canned veggies? There’s no comparison. Real cream compared to commercial creamer? Oh my.

In summary: Real food tastes incredible and when you eat it you will feel that you are eating like royalty.

Stop settling for sub-par food and go for what tastes amazing!

The prices of these great food varieties are only slightly higher (if they are higher at all) than their sub-par food counterparts. (I did a big real food price comparison here. You’ll LOVE the results I found about the price of real, healthy food!!)

Leave a comment to share what some of your favorite real foods are! It’s fun to hear what inspires others to eat well!

Did you get this awesome FREE PRINTABLE yet? It shares all our favorite real food substitutions that makes food tastes so delicious! Get yours here.

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Is it too early to start counting down to Christmas??

June 27, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

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Special thanks to Mojosavings.com for sponsoring this post.

We have a fun countdown calendar in our living room that includes a special tile for every occasion: graduation, birthday, Easter, you name it. We can change the tile depending on what holiday or special day is pending, and change the number blocks to help us count down to the big day. Cute as it is, I’m kind of terrible with keeping up with it, so often it says 0 Days until Graduation for an entire month or as of late, 47 Days until Birthday. (I think I switched it last Tuesday??)

My kids are too old and too boy to think much about the cuteness of a countdown calendar. (Unless it happens to be their birthday that’s coming up. That’s when they tend to pay a little more attention. They do tend to get pretty excited as we count down to Christmas (don’t we all?!). In case you were wondering, there are only 181 days until Christmas. You’re welcome.

As much as I love Christmas, I don’t even want to think about it right now. I’m currently soaking up every minute of summertime! Christmas will come soon enough, and that is when it is worth taking a good look at the Lego Advent Calendars featured at Mojosavings. This is a very fun site that finds all the great deals and shares them with us so we don’t have to work so hard!

Now I really hate to bring it up as it’s also a little bit too early to start talking about Back to School savings. But seeing as that’s going to be right around the corner also (sniff), you’ll want to remember Mojosavings as they post all the latest and greatest of relevant deals and coupons.

COUPONS!!! The only thing better than a good deal is a good deal paired with a coupon, right?!

Now, I’m sort of done with the task of cutting coupons (no time for that!), but if I find great coupons that are digital and take no effort to use? I am all over it. Mojosavings does the work for us so all we have to do is search their site for the latest Kohls, Target, Walmart, etc. deals and coupons. And boom. There’s the deal, here’s a coupon, go therefore and save money.

So for whatever occasion you’re counting down the days, be sure to remember Mojosavings as a great site for finding deals and coupons to save you money on the big day!

As for me, I should probably go change the numbers on our countdown calendar. After all, it’s MY birthday coming up next and I’d hate for my family to think it is still 47 days away…

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Make-Ahead Mac-n-Cheese For a Crowd

June 26, 2018 by Laura 5 Comments

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I’d never tried Make-Ahead Mac-n-Cheese before, but figured it was worth a shot! I wondered: Could I make my easy Mac-n-Cheese for a crowd, then put it in the crock pot to stay warm? After all, I didn’t want to be a slave to the stove just as my guests were arriving.

Obviously it worked marvelously, otherwise I wouldn’t be here telling you about it. I definitely feel that this dish is best fresh, right off the stove. But the day I was feeding 25 teens, I needed a side I could make ahead and keep warm. As it turns out, we can make Creamy Mac and Cheese en mass, then put it in a crock pot to stay warm until serving time.

A few small details about making Mac-n-Cheese for a Crowd: Plan to use lots of sea salt. It can be rather bland otherwise. I even go the extra mile and stir in some garlic powder for a little extra pazazz.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: When making this Creamy Mac and Cheese, always remove it from the heat BEFORE you add the cheese. It’s not difficult, but breaking this creamy mac-n-cheese rule will give you weirdly textured pasta. So cook your pasta in the milk, slide it off the heat, then add cheese. See how simple?

Make-Ahead Mac-n-Cheese for a Crowd

Make-Ahead Mac-n-Cheese For a Crowd

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Author: Laura

Serves: 25-30

Ingredients

32 ounces dry pasta (I use whole wheat noodles)
6½ cups whole milk
Sea salt to taste (1-2 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3-4 cups shredded cheese (I use Colby jack; cheddar is also great)

Instructions

Mix pasta, milk, sea salt, and garlic powder in a large sauce pan. (I've found it best to divide ingredients into two large pots for faster and more even cooking.)
Cook over medium-high heat stirring almost constantly until the pasta is tender (10-15 minutes).
Remove from heat. (IMPORTANT!)
Add cheese and stir until melted.
Transfer Mac-n-Cheese to a large (6-8 quart) crock pot.
Keep warm at "lo" setting for up to three hours.
Stir in a bit more milk at serving time as needed.

When making a large amount of Mac-n-Cheese like this, I usually use this variety of whole wheat elbow noodles.

Need more ideas for cooking for a crowd? Check out this link:

44 Meals to Feed a Large Crowd

Did you download a free Simple Ingredients list yet? Keep all the basic ingredients on hand that you need to put together delicious, Simple Meals!

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Summer Survival 6 for $6 eBook Package

June 25, 2018 by Laura 2 Comments

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In case you didn’t know this already: I LOVE SUMMER!! I love the break from all the crazy schedules, I love the church camps, the people we get to see, the swimming, the food, and the SUNSHINE. I love everything about summer and yes, I even love being hot. So in celebration of summer and everything I love, I created this:

It’s an eBook package worth $32.70, but for one week only, we’re charging $6. BECAUSE IT’S SUMMMMMMMERRRRRRRR!!!

What’s in the 6 for $6 Summer Survival Package:

Simple Summer Suppers – $6.95 Value

Simple Summer Suppers is a brand new eBook that we’re releasing just in time to include in this offer! (Notice that the full price of this one new book is higher than the cost of the entire package? Whooop!) This book gives you a sneak peek into the 13 great simple summer supper ideas we’ll be sharing here during the month of July. Too hot to cook, too tired to care, but the people still need to eat? This book’s got you covered!

Screen Free Summer – $3.95 value

This book is also brand new!! (Yep, we’ve been busy!) Get dozens of great ideas for fun to have as a family to make the most of your summer days. Get fun recipes, cute printables, oodles of games and activities to do inside and out. Wait till you see all the creative ways to use sidewalk chalk!

How to Eat Your Fruits…and Veggies Too! – $4.95 value

We pulled out this oldie-but-goodie that I originally wrote in 2008 and re-worked it to add more and better ideas. There’s no better time than summer to focus on adding more fruits and veggies to your diet. Learn fun new ways to encourage your kids to eat these gems, and who knows? You might start liking a few new fruits and veggies too!

Heavenly Homemaker’s Guide to Gardening and Preserving – $6.95 value

I wrote this back in 2009 and just like the book above, we re-worked it a little bit just for this occasion! There are picture of my babies in this eBook, because in 2009, my boys were little guys helping me snap green beans, shuck corn, and plant potatoes. Be still my heart. They still do all of the above, they’re just a lot taller than they were in 2009. Learn some simple gardening and preserving basics in this eBook. Get the kids involved!

Beat the Heat! – $4.95 value

Get 33 fabulous ideas and 49 simple recipes to help you beat the heat this summer! From fun ways to use the crock pot (while avoiding the oven) to some awesome summer snack ideas, this eBook is delightfully refreshing!

What to Do with the Chicken in Your Kitchen – $4.95 value

Aww, this gem is one of the first eBooks I ever wrote. I loved the chicken in 2007, I love it today. This eBook is everything chicken – basic, simple, delicious recipes you’ll love!

Ready to dig in? Get this entire Summer Survival Package for just $6! Offer ends Monday, July 2.

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The Easiest 4th of July Menu

June 24, 2018 by Laura Leave a Comment

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The 4th of July menu I’m about to share with you is going to make you drool. You’ve been warned. Grab a napkin.

The Easiest 4th of July Menu

What I love about the food on the 4th of July is well, eating it I suppose. The flavors, the atmosphere, the excitement – well, 4th of July food tastes so amazing!

This is the 4th of July Menu I suggest as it is incredibly simple and absolutely mouth watering! It comes with plenty of options to fit your family’s preferences!

1. Select Your Meat

Burgers and dogs are great, but my absolute favorite meat to grill is this Simple Grilled Chicken. The key is to select boneless chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breasts. This will create the most flavorful, juicy chicken you ever did grill.

Prefer to grill chicken legs? I suggest that you follow these great recipe options, then grill them instead of bake them. SUPER easy, and inexpensive too!

2. Select Simple Side Dishes

Fruits and veggies are the easiest foods to prepare and serve, and they are the healthiest too! So don’t stress over the sides. It’s as easy slicing a watermelon!

Our favorite simple side dish ideas for the 4th of July are:

The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World (or make them in an Instant Pot if you have one!)
Simple Slow Cooker Party Potatoes (to avoid turning on the oven)
Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
Simple Cream Cheese Corn
Corn on the Cob
Watermelon
Cherries
Strawberries
Fresh Pineapple
Pineapple Fluff Salad
Angeled Eggs
Baked Beans

3. Select a Dessert

Though why stop with one? It’s a holiday, after all. :) Our favorites include:

Americana Cheesecake Parfaits
Strawberry-Blueberry Shortcake
Flourless Peanut Butter Star Cookies
Super Moist Peanut Butter Brownies
The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade Ice Cream (our family tradition!)

4. Select Fun Drinks

I’m usually a “do you want water or ice water?” kind of a gal. But on a special holiday, I enjoy serving special drinks! Here are some fun options:

What are your favorite foods to eat on the 4th of July?

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Love inspiration for menu planning? Want us to plan your meals for you? You got it! Simple Meals makes putting food on the table for your family easier than ever. For just $1/week? Sure thing!

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Simple Cream Cheese Corn (4 Ingredients!)

June 21, 2018 by Laura 8 Comments

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I just realized I’ve never shared my Simple Cream Cheese Corn recipe here. As such, I’m terribly afraid that you’ll try this recipe and wag your finger at me. “Laura!!” you’ll exclaim. “This corn is incredible! Where has this recipe been my whole life? Why have you not shared it with us before today? You’ve been blogging and sharing recipes for years and years!! And you wait until today to finally disclose this?”

I hang my head in shame. I have no excuses. There are no words I can say to explain this away. I have withheld one of the best recipes in the world, and if I could go back in time and erase this mistake, I most certainly would.

Please forgive me and know that I’ll never do it again. All of my tried and true, very best recipes are yours to be had. I’ll never not share one again. Except for when I do. After all, how am I to know what I am forgetting to remember?

Rest assured, as soon as I remember what I have forgotten, you’ll be the first to know.

This Simple Cream Cheese Corn is my go-to recipe to serve when hosting guests. Why? Because it makes a “fancy” dish without any effort. Steam your corn, add the beautiful cream cheese and butter, serve it to your guests, watch them pass out.

Oh, did I forget to tell you that part? (Seems I’m extra forgetful these days.) Your guests might pass out when they eat this. It can’t be helped. The corn tastes too amazing. The creaminess and the buttery goodness mixed with the sweetness of the corn is just too much for most people to handle. They cry tears of joy while eating it. They think you’re a rock star for cooking it. They go back for seconds and thirds. You’ve changed their lives.

All this, and somehow I forgot to share the recipe until now. I have nothing to say for myself.

Simple Cream Cheese Corn

You’re about to be shocked over how ridiculously easy this is to make.

5.0 from 1 reviews

Simple Cream Cheese Corn (4 Ingredients!)

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Author: Laura

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

16-ounces frozen corn
4-ounces cream cheese
4 Tablespoons butter
Sea salt to taste

Instructions

Steam corn in a small amount of water until tender and hot (about five minutes).
Drain excess water.
Stir in cream cheese and butter until melted.
Salt to taste.
Serve.

I wasn’t kidding when I said it was easy.

Here are 20 great main dish recipes that are simple and fun to serve with this Simple Cream Cheese Corn:

Want more recipes that only include five or fewer ingredients? You’ll love this!

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36 Favorite Low Sugar Chocolate Recipes

June 19, 2018 by Laura 1 Comment

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Summer is my favorite season. And chocolate is one of my favorite food groups. So to celebrate summer, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite low sugar chocolate recipes!

Don’t let the “low sugar” thing fool you. These recipes are all sweetened naturally and sweetened just enough to satisfy.

14 Recipes That Include Chocolate Chips

My favorite chocolate chips are soy free Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips. The following recipes are low in sugar, but then of course, the chocolate chips add a bit more sugar. Still, we can feel good about feeding these chocolate recipes to our families!

22 Recipes that Include Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

This is my favorite Organic Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Many of the following recipes do not include any sugar at all as they are sweetened with liquid stevia (a naturally sweet herb). If your family doesn’t like stevia, feel free to sub your sweetener/sugar of choice.

What are your favorite chocolate recipes?

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Simple Chocolate Frozen Yogurt (Low Sugar, Five Ingredients)

June 17, 2018 by Laura Leave a Comment

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Just when you thought life couldn’t get any better, you learn that you get to eat Chocolate Frozen Yogurt for breakfast.

Why wouldn’t you be able to eat this for breakfast? Have you eaten regular yogurt for breakfast? Of course. So this is the frozen variety. It’s just as nourishing and just as delicious.

But it looks like dessert! And it feels so wrong to eat something like this for breakfast!

Then let me ask you this: Have you ever eaten a Cinnamon Roll for breakfast? A Poptart? A Donut? A bowl of Captain Crunch?

I rest my case.

Eat this Chocolate Frozen Yogurt and you’re in for a much healthier start compared to what most American “breakfast foods” offer. It’s perfect on a hot summer day!

I love that this can be made dairy free (with coconut milk and coconut yogurt) if that is a need you have. You can run this through your Ice Cream Maker if you like. I tend to make it the “lazy way” which I admit isn’t quite as creamy, but still very delicious!