Posted in - Meatless, Healthy Eating

Wellness Wednesdays: Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Soup

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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
3 to 4 cups cooked cannellini beans
2 to 3 cups chopped kale
freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste

Prep Day: Heat a 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the onions; sauté for 5 to 10 minutes. Then add the celery, butternut squash, stock, and rosemary. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Then add the cooked beans, chopped kale, pepper, and sea salt. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings if necessary. Serve and enjoy or cool and freeze.

Serve Day: Thaw and reheat.

Posted in Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks Tuesdays: Juicing Your Lemons and Limes

Microwave lemons and limes to get more juice out…

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Microwaving the citrus for 15 or 20 seconds helps break down carbohydrates in the fruit and encourages maximum liquidity.

Posted in - Pork, Budget Friendly

Money Savings Mondays: Slow Cooker Ham with Cider Gravy

Slow Cooker Ham with Cider Gravy

Serves 8

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1 (4 pound) ham – $14.90
2 cups apple cider, unsweetened – $.96
3/4 cups pure maple syrup – $6.90
3 tablespoons cornstarch – $.04

Grand Total – $22.80
Per Serving Cost – $2.85

Prep Day: Freeze ham and cider.

Serve Day: Thaw ham. Place the ham in a crockpot and cover with the cider and syrup. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Transfer the ham to a plate. I find it easiest to move all the liquid to a large 4-cup measuring cup to more easily add liquid to the gravy a bit at a time.

Whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of the ham cider juice on the stove-top over low heat until smooth. Increase the heat to medium-low. Whisking continuously, add the ham cider juice a little bit at a time, until it is all in the gravy. Keep whisking as the gravy bubbles until it is thickened. Serve with the ham.