by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Remember the GEICO commercial that it was “so easy a caveman could do it”? How about “so easy a husband could do it”?
All kidding aside, my husband started learning to cook when I had my knee replacement surgeries. And I am still amazed at how far he’s come and how interested he is in trying new things!
In this video, he demonstrates how to cook chicken wings in the air fryer and roasted potatoes in the oven. I’m also impressed with his video presentation skills!
Take a look!
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it often? If you don’t have an air fryer, but are interested in purchasing one, download this free Air Fryers Buying Guide. I did all the research for you and highlighted the top 5 air fryers recommended by 4 sources: Women’s Health, Food Network Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, and C-NET Home.
Go ahead and download the Air Fryers Buying Guide HERE!
And leave your comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Air fryers – they appear to be the hottest kitchen appliance on the market!
They are basically convection ovens on steroids. The formula? High heat + circulating air = crispy food.
The variety of air fryers on the market is overwhelming. And the prices vary from about $40 to $300 or more. And do you even need one?
While air frying is certainly a healthier option than frying in oil, it cannot make frozen fried foods steeped in processing and chemicals a healthy choice. So, a little label reading will help determine which frozen foods are actually healthy choices. But air frying can make vegetables crisper and tastier for kids (and adults) who hate veggies.
If you have an air fryer, or intend to purchase one, here are some “dos and don’ts”.
DO:
- Preheat your air fryer unless the recipe specifically says not to.
- Grease/spray oil on the air fryer basket to keep food from sticking, but DON’T spray with aerosol spray cans (like Pam), which contain harsh ingredients that may mess up the coating on baskets.*
- Use oil on food to crisp it, unless it already has some fat on it like chicken.
- Shake or turn food during cooking.
- Spritz food with oil halfway during cooking for crispier foods.
DON’T:
- Use loose aluminum foil, will fly around the basket from the air circulation. If you do use foil, make sure the food is heavy enough to keep it in place.
- Use shredded cheese, which will also fly around the air fryer and get stuck on the bottom of the fryer and not on the food.
- Set it and forget it – stopping and flipping or tossing food makes it cook more evenly.
- Crowd food. Food needs room for air to circulate.
- Use loose seasoning. Dry rubs end up like shredded cheese – all over the basket instead of the food. However, food that has been covered with oil that allows it to adhere to food is fine.
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it regularly? What do you like about air frying? What are your concerns? I know – I’m just full of questions today! Please comment in the Comments section below or reply to any email I send to share your thoughts.
Want to know more before purchasing an air fryer? Or have your needs for an air fryer changed?
Click on my FREE 2023 Air Fryer Buying Guide for information on the best air fryers on the market to date.
* Here is a good option for spritzing oil on your food. I have one like this. And this option gives you two bottles for about the price of one in other options! Click HERE for purchasing information.
My emails (blog posts) sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 1, 2023 | Food |
Welcome to March, which is National Nutrition Month. This is a good time to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future”, highlights the importance of eating with sustainability in mind.
So what does eating with sustainability mean? It means consuming food with a low environmental impact, helping reduce gas emissions, pollution, and chronic diseases in humans. And that means eating more organic fruits and vegetables. (I wish I loved vegetables!!)
Why eat with sustainability?
Eating with sustainability in mind is not only good for the environment, but it is also a great way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life. Here are some reasons why:
1.It’s better for the planet
The food choices we make have a significant impact on the environment. By choosing sustainably produced food, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Eating a plant-based diet, for example, is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
2. It’s good for our health
Choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that are sustainably produced is good for our health. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy and strong. They are also typically lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help us maintain a healthy weight.
3. It supports local farmers
Choosing locally sourced food is a great way to support local farmers and small businesses. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution.
4. It can save us money
Eating sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, choosing whole foods and plant-based meals can often be more affordable than buying processed or packaged foods. By choosing seasonal produce and buying in bulk, we can save money while reducing waste.
Although, some foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats may cost more initially. But careful planning and better use of leftovers can even out the cost.
Tips to eat with sustainability
So, what are some ways we can eat with sustainability in mind? Although there is some overlap between why we should eat sustainability and how to do that, here are some tips:
1.Choose plant-based meals
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact. This means incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your meals.
2. Buy local and seasonal produce
Choosing locally sourced and seasonal produce is a great way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. It also means you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce available.
If you’re not sure where to find locally sourced food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help you find that information. Just click on the link or click here.
Here are two more sources to find good locally sourced food in your area:
The Local Harvest website has search capabilities to insert your city and state for these options:
3. Choose sustainably produced meat and dairy
If you choose to eat meat and dairy, look for products that are sustainably produced. This means choosing products from animals that are raised in humane conditions, with minimal environmental impact. Search for Meat Processors in your area at Local Harvest.
4. Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is another important way to eat with sustainability in mind. This means planning your meals, using up leftovers, and composting food scraps.
In conclusion, eating with sustainability in mind is an important way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. By choosing plant-based meals, buying local and seasonal produce, choosing sustainably produced meat and dairy, and reducing food waste, we can make a difference in our health and the health of the planet.
Is it easy to change how we eat? No. But we don’t have to change everything. Simply making small changes will help. We can cut back on meat consumption, add another vegetable to the menu, and plan to use leftovers in appetizing ways.
Happy National Nutrition Month! What one thing can you do to implement any of these suggestions?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jun 16, 2022 | Food |
Party time! And just in time for July 4th celebrations!
You may be familiar with the popular term charcuterie boards. They are a great way to serve snacks and appetizers to your family and guests.
While you can serve anything you like on a charcuterie board, these are the most common ingredients:
- Cured meats – salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, pancetta or other deli meats
- Cheese options – include a variety of hard and soft cheeses, like mozzarella, goat cheese, white cheddar, blue cheese or Gorgonzola – served in slices or blocks
- Fruits – dried or fresh, such as apples, grapes, dried apricots, or raisins
- Nuts – mixed nuts, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, almonds, which could include chocolate-covered nuts
- Crackers – include a variety of sizes, shapes and tastes; gluten-free crackers, small slices of bread and pretzels are also options
- Spreads or dips – such as hummus, guacamole, Greek yogurt, honey, apricot preserves
- Vegetables – either fresh or pickled, like baby dill pickles, cucumber slices, squash, carrots, olives
Since you are basically creating a snack tray, use any foods you like or have on hand.
A good charcuterie board is all about presentation, so choosing the board and serving utensils can add to the personality of your spread. Use serving pieces like cheese knives, tongs, sugar shells, pickle forks, and baby silverware. If you don’t have what you need, check out thrift stores and estate sales and start a collection of interesting serving utensils.
Consider a large cutting board or Lazy Susan as the base for your spread. You may also look for one at thrift or home stores such as Ikea, HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning or T.J. Maxx.
Now that you have selected your foods, serving board and utensils, how you put it all together is what makes your charcuterie board stand out. Although there really are no rules, your arrangement of food should be artistic and inviting.
Here are a few suggestions for your photo-worthy board:
- Select small and decorative serving bowls or ramekins for your spreads, jams, pickles or olives and spread them out on the board
- Use whole fruits or blocks of cheese
- Arrange meats and cheeses in circles, rows, or semicircles, overlapping or stacking for visual interest
- Fill in open spaces with groupings of small items like dried fruit or chocolate-dipped nuts
And don’t forget to take photos of your prize-winning spread!
How about jarcuterie, also called grazing cups? Although food items similar to those on a charcuterie board are used, the difference comes in how they are served. Jarcuteries are basically single-serving charcuterie boards, so jars are an appropriate serving package.
You can use any of the same food items as on your charcuterie board. But consider varying the size and shapes of your food choices. For instance, breadsticks would be easier to manage in a jar than round crackers. Skewers holding fruits are another serving option. Folding and rolling meats is a good way to present them in a jar.
Again, there are no rules, so pick and choose what you like and how you can arrange the items for attractive presentation and ease in eating.
Want to know more? I found several beautiful books on the subject that I think you’re going to love!
Here are two of the highest-rated books on charcuterie boards on Amazon. Click on the book title below the image for details.
“Beautiful Boards” “Graze”
“Beautiful Board” is the #1 best seller on Amazon with 86% 5-star reviews from over 7800 reviewers. And Graze is the Editor’s Pick, which has 77% 5-star reviews from over 800 reviewers.
This newly-published Jarcuterie book is already garnering great reviews! Although there are only 24 reviews, 81% of them are 5-star! Click on the title below the photo for more information.
“Jarcuterie”
I also found this great charcuterie board and cheese platter, equipped with serving utensils in an all-in-one package!! It’s almost 30% off with an additional 5% coupon right now! Click on the title below the image to take a closer look!
Charcuterie Board and Cheese Tray with Knife Set
So – what’s your take on a snack buffet – charcuterie or jarcuterie?
Take a picture of your spread and send it to me! I’d love to share it with others!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jun 15, 2022 | Food |
Summertime is here. The kids are out of school. What are they eating?
Do you struggle with how to get your kids or grandkids to eat healthy? Snacks are probably the biggest source of unhealthy foods kids consume.
Watch today’s video for some healthy snacks kids will love! I’m sure you can add some of your own ideas to the list!
What is a favorite healthy snack you prepare for your kids or grandkids? Comment below!
Don’t miss any of the posts, emails, and freebies of this March – June exploration of the world of food, which covers meal planning, meal prep, and making healthy food choices. Click on the Subscribe button on this page so you won’t miss any of the action.
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
