Mommy's Kitchen

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:07:27 +0000mytexastableMommy's Kitchenhttps://www.mommyskitchen.net/noreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)Blogger1330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-216122445453119767Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:26:06 +00002026-09-29T23:51:06.210-06:00October Menu Plan <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXvq_pJ61hyUiW9Aouj2ioHKNCrP-okwgptc1q4-VmSDlkcG5PXa4zVARwduvcg6252y2XmzPlcLtT8bSSOoeBSsWSMV4uvXu3VtJcWLl5gyHQQ1Ne-bDtRgWG7YxMPg83riT0S57mATTEDfWAIKS681xrkiIAZ8YsezP6CAm98PuWazvPEGGYUeT8iE/s777/October%20Menu%20Plan%202026.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXvq_pJ61hyUiW9Aouj2ioHKNCrP-okwgptc1q4-VmSDlkcG5PXa4zVARwduvcg6252y2XmzPlcLtT8bSSOoeBSsWSMV4uvXu3VtJcWLl5gyHQQ1Ne-bDtRgWG7YxMPg83riT0S57mATTEDfWAIKS681xrkiIAZ8YsezP6CAm98PuWazvPEGGYUeT8iE/s1600/October%20Menu%20Plan%202026.png"></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Hey, hey, hey it's another day, and time for a new monthly menu plan! I am thrilled that cooler weather is finally arriving in North Texas with temperatures expected to drop into the 80's this week with a few cool-crisp mornings ahead. Plus we're expecting some much-needed rainin the next few days thanks to </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Hurricane Polo, which is a welcomed change. <br><br></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/09/october-menu-plan-month-of-family.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/09/october-menu-plan-month-of-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-6280107692894874358Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:19:30 +00002026-09-10T21:41:56.733-06:00How to make Tomato Powder from Tomato Skins <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-line;">Tomato powder is created from dried tomato skins that are ground into a fine powder, and used to enhance the flavor and color of various dishes<i>. </i></span></span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl9oqaYnmf8SpzlWyyfXSxQG0Ykpfa0KYGap21LUROz_f43c9fIx6fK3rXhhnWiZfr3XtsDCTfWJLFagqOL1b_UutAJh8fbU_N-osHoHgktGmOOCcF3Ow5FOlgbPCI4b6VAl9N3HhqJc7YtcnzpSJjcUF5PSsVLE_E0eWvsp5U_BZ7bFCs8H_HeKOIdM/s593/tomato%20powder%20top%20photo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl9oqaYnmf8SpzlWyyfXSxQG0Ykpfa0KYGap21LUROz_f43c9fIx6fK3rXhhnWiZfr3XtsDCTfWJLFagqOL1b_UutAJh8fbU_N-osHoHgktGmOOCcF3Ow5FOlgbPCI4b6VAl9N3HhqJc7YtcnzpSJjcUF5PSsVLE_E0eWvsp5U_BZ7bFCs8H_HeKOIdM/s1600/tomato%20powder%20top%20photo.png"></a></div></span><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="white-space: pre-line;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Dehydrating tomato skins to make tomato powder has quickly become one of my favorite preservation techniques. After wanting to try it for some time, I finally decided to give it a go this year! What I like moste about this approach is that it repuposes tomato skins that would usually end up in the trash. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoy the challenge of of turning food scraps into something useful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/09/how-to-make-tomato-powder-from-tomato.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/09/how-to-make-tomato-powder-from-tomato.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-55941020703989055Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:04:42 +00002026-08-31T23:04:42.364-06:00Fluffy 1-Hour Buttermilk Dinner Rolls Light anf fluffy dinner rolls are simply irresistible. These rolls are easy to make, quick to prepare, and pillowy soft. They're perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or sunday supper. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CiFKV93F7mzRJoP7HFekuyaCYETujz65Qpp4_hciHHI7-qI7iZNsYL3sgdV3HNERrvVXFEJtzpdLT4PiEMl8bxyDrb8Vhwa_U8JbmGFd84yXy6ZsIaD4Bd7ZJcUxrwKMh3jejO7ieIyqm72a7Uq_Reor3ee7mMCKKIfyIRQeSftEKK7Yac2rVlBbszU/s647/buttermilk%20dinner%20rolls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CiFKV93F7mzRJoP7HFekuyaCYETujz65Qpp4_hciHHI7-qI7iZNsYL3sgdV3HNERrvVXFEJtzpdLT4PiEMl8bxyDrb8Vhwa_U8JbmGFd84yXy6ZsIaD4Bd7ZJcUxrwKMh3jejO7ieIyqm72a7Uq_Reor3ee7mMCKKIfyIRQeSftEKK7Yac2rVlBbszU/s1600/buttermilk%20dinner%20rolls.png"></a></div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These buttermilk dinner rolls are truly one of the best dinner rolls I have ever had. While I've praised <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2024/02/the-best-soft-fluffy-dinner-rolls.html" target="_blank"><b>other recipes</b></a> before, these rolls stand out above the rest. I've prepared this recipe three times, and each batch has turned out pillowy soft and delicious. The dough is velvety soft and easy to handle<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">—seriously, it's one of the softest yeast doughs I've ever worked with. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span></span></span></div></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/fluffy-1-hour-buttermilk-dinner-rolls.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/fluffy-1-hour-buttermilk-dinner-rolls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-2469245112781921157Sun, 30 Aug 2026 05:26:19 +00002026-08-30T23:04:59.192-06:00September Menu - Free Printable Monthly Menu Plan <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe9jrI7cQkOc-2vj3HQbyIgewXQLc516OmZdYgpQiJDHtT6_CDEuL1cCrPG9iIzOvAKUbF74FITk4HKBx9jTRUXMbt0wO0GC1cXoYcWwU90JE6lzBDO7ZMgJgUc9QQeHW3Aic46D7X5LofQINMWJE-gasPJ6gDcpBVNo_u7XLFbp7exCnTYXXKHdsWh0/s751/september%20menu.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe9jrI7cQkOc-2vj3HQbyIgewXQLc516OmZdYgpQiJDHtT6_CDEuL1cCrPG9iIzOvAKUbF74FITk4HKBx9jTRUXMbt0wO0GC1cXoYcWwU90JE6lzBDO7ZMgJgUc9QQeHW3Aic46D7X5LofQINMWJE-gasPJ6gDcpBVNo_u7XLFbp7exCnTYXXKHdsWh0/s1600/september%20menu.png"></a></div><span><div><span><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we move closer to fall here in northeast Texas, the sweltering triple-digit temperatures are still hanging around. This summer has been particularly tough on us, and our garden. The heat has been so extreme that this is the first time we haven't been able to start a fall garden. It's a bit disheartening, but sometimes nature has its own plans. I do still have some okra, green beans and sweet potatoes growing in the garden, but that's it for the reminder of the year. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><span></span></span></div></span></div></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/september-menu-free-printable-monthly.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/september-menu-free-printable-monthly.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-282061225696874712Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:42:38 +00002026-08-20T21:35:26.434-06:00How to Can Dry Beans <div><div style="text-align: left;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Canning dried beans at home can greatly reduce your grocery expenses and provide a convenient way to have ready-to-eat beans whenever you need them. </span></em></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83lMcvAX58yjalr0PvVQhjG7qUHzfndZut-NlvmBGLHTCymWyS9zInv72R1KaWMQa-O3wk4mZj4k1NFJxSsphvQ3gykogU4-kW4HVXUWLO9XVoV2laOMEqNKygVW8d6TL4oUu14sCarEAf2CIFE4sURfEnSTLCnR5tHEt1PJq3jT8n1MSKu2QNp1FeRo/s647/canning%20dry%20beans.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83lMcvAX58yjalr0PvVQhjG7qUHzfndZut-NlvmBGLHTCymWyS9zInv72R1KaWMQa-O3wk4mZj4k1NFJxSsphvQ3gykogU4-kW4HVXUWLO9XVoV2laOMEqNKygVW8d6TL4oUu14sCarEAf2CIFE4sURfEnSTLCnR5tHEt1PJq3jT8n1MSKu2QNp1FeRo/s1600/canning%20dry%20beans.png"></a></div></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With grocery prices on the rise and the quality of food declining, I figured it was time to make some adjustments in our grocery budget. Last year I began eliminating <b><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2024/02/the-homemade-pantry.html" target="_blank">dry mixes and pre-packaged foods</a>,</b> as well as canned items that I don't already preserve at home. While canned beans were once a budget-friendly option, their prices have increased, so I decided to start canning them at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love having ready-to-eat canned beans stocked on my shelf because it eliminates soaking and cooking times, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals. Canned beans are incredibly versatile and perfect in dishes like chili, soup, stews, burritos, salads, and taco bowls, all of which we enjoy regularly. Therefore, keeping a supply of canned beans is essential for our kitchen. <br><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/how-to-can-dry-beans.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/how-to-can-dry-beans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-2424095838510925137Sat, 08 Aug 2026 05:20:00 +00002026-08-08T09:11:53.557-06:00Peach Salsa - Home Canned A sweet and savory, chunky salsa perfect paired with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, pork and fish. This shelf stable salsa is a must make for your pantry. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7k8jRWu19uVg4b4NKs6tNeLGtBdeDuK3AOm4ju_PLS1VGGU834BYkBci566czMbvzzqq7xlvMG3mJcbjo_xkFEc9hK0TBKsSQKUe9GHbypw_apwnX58r5OdLdz8xwiIWQRLV8CNORJaXGsCzhezg4RELlwZOLWT3Rs7ikdhc9wJxVMEQU3L4_ZHYOnU/s620/facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7k8jRWu19uVg4b4NKs6tNeLGtBdeDuK3AOm4ju_PLS1VGGU834BYkBci566czMbvzzqq7xlvMG3mJcbjo_xkFEc9hK0TBKsSQKUe9GHbypw_apwnX58r5OdLdz8xwiIWQRLV8CNORJaXGsCzhezg4RELlwZOLWT3Rs7ikdhc9wJxVMEQU3L4_ZHYOnU/s1600/facebook.png"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Northeast Texas, July and August marks the peak of summer, which means our tomatoes have finally stopped trickling in. This year we harvested over 60 lbs of tomatoes from 4 plants, which allowed us to can up some pizza sauce, salsa, chili base, barbecue sauce, and even a few jars of green tomatoes for frying later on. A couple weeks back I harvested the last of the tomatoes, and had a few peaches that also needed to be used, so it was perfect to can up a batch of peach salsa. 🍑</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/peach-salsa-home-canned.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/peach-salsa-home-canned.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-3135846659585929454Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:14:32 +00002026-08-07T23:32:28.007-06:00Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (Melon Water) <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Melon Agua Fresca is a delicious Mexican drink perfect for summer. It's light, refreshing and </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">made by blending cantaloupe with water, your preferred sweetener, and a splash of lime juice. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim15PNRSgJwcGfDF31itXbm7XBQt-mhzpo7tHvJE0_yMql847oTpU6PStQqvC-XKw2eJbF5q8AMOGn1Oh6jFCbAbVUiJaxPkeHMVpO_5pV_39F570cou2DyhNZlj_v0iP5eI9lYjpJggLS21MYSI_JKFEzemPvdreH6P1a8nlSWCzAy7fUYRMI4tAGOQw/s647/top%20photo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim15PNRSgJwcGfDF31itXbm7XBQt-mhzpo7tHvJE0_yMql847oTpU6PStQqvC-XKw2eJbF5q8AMOGn1Oh6jFCbAbVUiJaxPkeHMVpO_5pV_39F570cou2DyhNZlj_v0iP5eI9lYjpJggLS21MYSI_JKFEzemPvdreH6P1a8nlSWCzAy7fUYRMI4tAGOQw/s1600/top%20photo.png"></a></div><div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-line;">If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-line;">The same idea applies when you have a ton of cantaloupe—just whip up some cantaloupe agua fresca. This delicious Mexican drink is light and refreshing, made with fresh cantaloupe, water, sugar and a splash of fresh lime juice. Watermelon is </span></span>my go-to summer fruit, but cantaloupe doesn't really make the list of one of my favoritses, however it is super delicious blended into a drink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><span></span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/cantaloupe-agua-fresca-melon-water.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/08/cantaloupe-agua-fresca-melon-water.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-8932098460830237043Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:05:56 +00002026-07-31T20:05:56.958-06:00August Menu Plan - One Month of Dinner Meals <div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gPxII0IU5F47_n2mMU38DLlW9Gj031m_/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzNkcejDR6xsd0cEihehUdmkvaIXXx6b5t6n9iwDhgP8DnKZCMbQB6pG64E8bBSrbIJt6EvnP1GJdIoC2AK7bzX9jrzfHWchNNNmtzHbAScfu6Yb9R73FG8U9bM2ZKPBX0HjORx6FlTd6WFOPd-i4MFAvDWdRabc64yJF1CJgkKw2XgLBuv5OqP2bA90/s1600/AUGUST%20MENU%20PLAN.png"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Happy August, everyone! As we enjoy our final month of summer soon it will be time to prepare for the back to school rush. This means back to alarms, trying to stay on schedule, packing school lunches, juggling school runs and </i><i>after-school activities, all while trying to get dinner on the table at a decent time. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>To kick off the month stress-free, I'm sharing my <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gPxII0IU5F47_n2mMU38DLlW9Gj031m_/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>August monthly menu plan</b>.</a> This months menu features 31 family f</i><i>amily-friendly dinner ideas, including some warm-weather meals, a few comfort food recipes, a weekly dessert, and a <b>bonus </b>link for back-to-school lunch box ideas. I hope there's something for everyone to enjoy.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span></span></div></div></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/august-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/august-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-3347502703254916393Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:35:27 +00002026-07-28T11:36:40.511-06:00Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Legs <div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Juicy and tender Air Fryer chicken legs with a crispy, seasoned coating. They cook up in just 30 minutes making them the perfect weeknight meal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrTTl4z5ino_lQOdJEmllGKJm3zHVs6YUT2S4-1I_XVoP3wRXMCfNVT_D8S_0gZQULbvlNlk6jHdYWx3WXXskRkRx-KmbHX5ivvbFpoSWwoD8NK122fFMjlp7ELUDytvozp4fbIdSJUEym1XRVkM2N57rplz1MOeKChYxVWmvDEX9mfd22pqvQiQhTpM/s647/air%20fryer%20chicken%20legs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrTTl4z5ino_lQOdJEmllGKJm3zHVs6YUT2S4-1I_XVoP3wRXMCfNVT_D8S_0gZQULbvlNlk6jHdYWx3WXXskRkRx-KmbHX5ivvbFpoSWwoD8NK122fFMjlp7ELUDytvozp4fbIdSJUEym1XRVkM2N57rplz1MOeKChYxVWmvDEX9mfd22pqvQiQhTpM/s1600/air%20fryer%20chicken%20legs.png"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we're on a tight budget, ground beef and chicken, particualy chicken drumsticks, become staples in our meals. They are affordable and can be purchased in bulk, allowing us to divide them into smaller portiions for later use. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I have a few go-to recipes for chicken legs, I've recently had an obsession with these air fryer chicken legs. They cook quickly in the air fryer, and come out juicy with a perfectly crispy-seasoned skin. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have to say the Air Fryer has quickly become my new favorite way to prepare chicken legs! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/crispy-juicy-air-fryer-chicken-legs.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/crispy-juicy-air-fryer-chicken-legs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-2735424991724642313Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:36:09 +00002026-07-17T23:10:33.119-06:00Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickles <div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These simple sweet and spicy refrigerator pickles are bursting with flavor and incredibly crunchy. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Preserve your garden cucumbers with this simple recipe for refrigerator pickles. </span></div><div><i style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; transition: 0.4s;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQW4_TyMnvm4ezms70JkBKymRROoxlnSi2wFOtpGEzcS31MIQkplgjsPYdUmayPx6Pk1dj0iuHfcopMGtKqJtWF1gY-jt3aYUd5KdELndKeico0Z6QntLknEytNkQY2Iky1Rvu00jeq-5YFaighpXJduMF41BHwrwh0DOfd-kJiOT2EmPirBkMwrkTLM/s647/pickles.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQW4_TyMnvm4ezms70JkBKymRROoxlnSi2wFOtpGEzcS31MIQkplgjsPYdUmayPx6Pk1dj0iuHfcopMGtKqJtWF1gY-jt3aYUd5KdELndKeico0Z6QntLknEytNkQY2Iky1Rvu00jeq-5YFaighpXJduMF41BHwrwh0DOfd-kJiOT2EmPirBkMwrkTLM/s1600/pickles.png" /></a></div></span></i></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">If you've ever tried your hand at growing cucumbers, you know how they can take over by the end of summer. That's exactly where I am right now, with cucumbers practically overflowing. We're harvesting 4-5 pickling cucumbers every day, so they really start to pile up. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">So far this year I have canned 30 jars of shelf-stable pickles in four different varieties: dill, sweet and hot, bread and butter, and salty brine. I've also made a few jars of sweet pickle reslish, so I'm always on the hunt for new ways to use up all these cucumbers. </span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><i style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAUJb7ZP0J8-J4Ib8g5hMG3HB2ZMzHU9TQzGIzO2Vs-jZe0KtQcZH6CN2rwXFpIoquSAB54rHn3i8ZAFuDwazIhC3wfJgOqHSnNIxbbVVqqgCu6MtvkjdCjgixgdwaB_VmhzPAp3H_E1tk_RdrHFyp1pCWW5gS_F0trUZxP8vB4wyH9usZ0rSD9OtN4g/s630/IMG_1349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAUJb7ZP0J8-J4Ib8g5hMG3HB2ZMzHU9TQzGIzO2Vs-jZe0KtQcZH6CN2rwXFpIoquSAB54rHn3i8ZAFuDwazIhC3wfJgOqHSnNIxbbVVqqgCu6MtvkjdCjgixgdwaB_VmhzPAp3H_E1tk_RdrHFyp1pCWW5gS_F0trUZxP8vB4wyH9usZ0rSD9OtN4g/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal;">It's surprising to think that last year I managed to harvest just <u>one</u> lonely cucumber. That definitely wasn't typical for us, and I believe the lack of sunlight in their previous location played a big role in that disappoinitng yield. </span></div></span></span></i></div><span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCUKDg9uQi-JwX7469_opW9qeXtoFh4MB1S_FYpeB-wFmYDPXx1hlYLVbwr7IirhdKKYso75k0IDISYfkhePZnUgIzG_bhyphenhyphenRA99jrG82axclxHQqRjKosDlGCa7eWb4gmqjLAdqsNqkdztAxPh5mUEI5JSKh5iRkm0VU60CwcNPsPnGg6ggILvOo88wQ/s620/cucumbers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCUKDg9uQi-JwX7469_opW9qeXtoFh4MB1S_FYpeB-wFmYDPXx1hlYLVbwr7IirhdKKYso75k0IDISYfkhePZnUgIzG_bhyphenhyphenRA99jrG82axclxHQqRjKosDlGCa7eWb4gmqjLAdqsNqkdztAxPh5mUEI5JSKh5iRkm0VU60CwcNPsPnGg6ggILvOo88wQ/s1600/cucumbers.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So this year, I decided to relocate my cucumber plants to a sunnier spot, and the outcome has been fantastic</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-line;">—</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm finally enjoying a crop of cucumbers again. Besides canning pickles, we have been eating them fresh and tossing them into salads, but there is only so much you can eat.   </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While browsing Tik Tok last week, I can across a recipe for these sweet and spicy refrigerator pickles. This recipe couldn't be easier, and there was no canning required! All you have to do is pack the sliced cucumbers into the jar, layer the remaining ingredients, and pour over a simple brine. </span></div><i style="font-style: italic;"><br /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkGNu-X54jbgGFg0YuaNEn6VccizB7TOgfKq75l2cSNXn0Ls9H2AW0gC_q2MgdMBuLcaWXO_gQh27pav7qCUEeorq7hsqR_oEep8iLe39DAg9qPWR599TGrxyWMZKJ7msvxT9c-vE15bRSNtk5XwSTVsFiD5EoBZFOvtTvQo6XpdY11_Lj12aLtk82ZA/s655/FotoJet%20(38).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkGNu-X54jbgGFg0YuaNEn6VccizB7TOgfKq75l2cSNXn0Ls9H2AW0gC_q2MgdMBuLcaWXO_gQh27pav7qCUEeorq7hsqR_oEep8iLe39DAg9qPWR599TGrxyWMZKJ7msvxT9c-vE15bRSNtk5XwSTVsFiD5EoBZFOvtTvQo6XpdY11_Lj12aLtk82ZA/s1600/FotoJet%20(38).jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">After letting the pickles chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, I'm happy to report that they turned out delcious, fresh, and crisp, with the perfect amount of heat. If you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers and need some inspiration, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. <span style="font-family: inherit;">So, gather your ingredients, and let's whip up some tasty pickles. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>REFRIGERATOR PICKLE INGEDIENTS: </u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(The full printable recipe and instructions can be found at the end of this post). </b></i></div><div><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></i></div><i></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">🥒 <b>Cucumbers: </b>Pickling cucumbers are the best, but mini persian cucumbers from the grocery store can also be used. Do not use regular cucumbers because they contain too many seeds. </span></li><li>🌿 <b>Dill:</b> you can use fresh or dried dill. 2-3 sprigs or one head of dill per jar. </li><li>🧄 <b>Garlic:</b> this is optional, but if you like garlic in your pickles then it is a must to add. </li><li>🧅 <b>Onion:</b> Adds a mild sweetness, and crunch to balance the tart vinegar brine. As the onions absord the flavors of the brine they lose their harsh bite, but stay crunchy.  </li><li>🌊 <b>Water: </b>helps with the sharpness of the vinegar and balences our the flavor of the brine.  </li><li>🍶  <b>Vinegar:</b> use standard white vinegar (5%) Using 5% acidity vinegar ensures the bring is acidic enough to stop harmful bacteria and mold from growing while your pickles sit in the fridge. </li><li>🍯 <b>Sugar or Honey</b>: this provides balance to the sharpness of the vinegar, and it required to make the pickles sweet. Keep in mind that honey will have more of a subtle, floral flavor that can change the taste of the brine more than regular sugar. If you do decide to use honey reduce the amount to 1/4 cup since honey is sweeter. </li><li>🌶️ <b>Seasonings:</b> mustard seed, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes.</li><li>🧂️ <b> Salt:</b> kosher, canning, himalayan or sea salt. Do not use iodized salt.  <br /><br /></li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG8BQpYJtEDfQ1zqgl2gQPHocP4VOJMrwLnFE1OzQQ3liXQ_0qHNYiJNMvRP7Y_oVpgX_Z_RqMRHU5IynEBEPUsalI64mm1QxioTZpA-Sr6Ys6WTR95uBkVoFvS9ZRByo6Ull4aDX472bz-X61aun59mbMaYAxbr3W9eclRfnHZEzLP6paeBf5f6lcD8/s647/FotoJet%20(37).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG8BQpYJtEDfQ1zqgl2gQPHocP4VOJMrwLnFE1OzQQ3liXQ_0qHNYiJNMvRP7Y_oVpgX_Z_RqMRHU5IynEBEPUsalI64mm1QxioTZpA-Sr6Ys6WTR95uBkVoFvS9ZRByo6Ull4aDX472bz-X61aun59mbMaYAxbr3W9eclRfnHZEzLP6paeBf5f6lcD8/s1600/FotoJet%20(37).jpg" /></a></div>Enjoy them on burgers, a sandwich, in salads or eat them straight out of the jar like we do for a crispy, crunchy snack. <br /><div style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><span><i><script class="ccm-schema" type="application/ld+json">{"image":"https://i.imgur.com/yEBx5p3.jpeg","name":"Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickles","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT20M","description":"These easy, spicy refrigerator pickles are loaded with flavor and super crunchy.","recipeYield":"1 quart","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Tina Butler | Mommy's Kitchen"},"url":"https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/sweet-spicy-refrigerator-pickles.html","recipeIngredient":["6 - 8 pickling cucumbers","1 - small onion, sliced","1 - 2 sprigs of fresh or dried dill","1/2 - cup water","1 1/2 - cup white vinegar","1/2 - cup sugar","1 - tablespoon kosher or sea salt","1/2 - tablespoon mustart seeds","1/2 - tablespoon black peppercorns","1/2 - tablespoon red pepper flakes"],"recipeInstructions":["Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and cut into slices or spears.","To make the brine, in a medium size pot over medium heat add, the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, pepper corns, red pepper flakes, and dill.","Bring the mixture to a slight boil. Once the salt and sugar is dissoled, remove from the heat and let the mixture sit and cool down to room temperature.","Add half of the cucumbers, onions, and dill into the bottom of the jar. Pack the cucumbers into the jar as firmly as you can without breaking them.","Add the remaining onion and onion and dill.","Once the brine is roughly room temperature or at least warm to touch, pour it over the pickles into the jar, making sure the cucumbers are fully submerged into the brine.","If you find you don't have enough brine, you can mix equal parts of vinegar and water and add it to the jar.","Add a lid and let the jars cool down, and chill them in the refrigerator.","For best results wait at least 24 hours before eating. Refrigerator pickles will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month."],"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Recipe"}</script> <br /><br /><div class="ccm-card" data-ccmcardid="4784214701293" data-ccmcardnum="3" data-ccmcopat="1784216303666" data-ccme="dGluYWJ1dGxlckBtb21teXNraXRjaGVuLm5ldA" data-ccmuid="QaF8lcYnALdVnbhKmUPrQNkCLzv2" style="min-height: 2028px;"></div><script async="" class="ccm-script" src="https://common.recipesgenerator.com/f.min.js"></script></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><span><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><span><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Looking for more easy recipes? Check out the </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Mommy's Kitchen & Homestead </i><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/p/recipe-index.html" target="_blank"><i>Recipe Box</i></a></b><i style="font-family: inherit;">! </i></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yHAla8vPB2i9ghLIKvvWl0080ste_bunYsheYf0jeBtjvnhnHhxnd7Wwm6ekGviCME196tAlYIK65ks0vYphWI9GuyROrCUkZQ8mfYIN0s9NwUUeTZwqlL-ZDuJ9tL8H3ViQtYWJSQ8jUHsxHToiqACIy32ZyzCRQE-YddzoWKMpuiWD8iVJKO1em3E/s16000/cookbook.png" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <left></left></div>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/07/sweet-spicy-refrigerator-pickles.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-5538567997029591625Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:25:30 +00002026-06-29T22:28:34.580-06:00July Menu Plan - One Month of Family Dinner Meals<span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5Ub0ruhMCDvSqKOW8AwLkC340OI_ZzVGwELE4EE8h6m7ZEapQclygkpJq_-I7k5faaG3zpsYKisQHZ_OcbAMTbAYBL9Sc813oz2A3aAFSonsWz83vUFidJAZsJL_wCOm4OLVjACXa8sQnmkxCRgPDBUZbiqoMfaa5TNxYZYGPGwpbDgHjCQIE7nUv0/s777/july%20menn%20plan%202026.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5Ub0ruhMCDvSqKOW8AwLkC340OI_ZzVGwELE4EE8h6m7ZEapQclygkpJq_-I7k5faaG3zpsYKisQHZ_OcbAMTbAYBL9Sc813oz2A3aAFSonsWz83vUFidJAZsJL_wCOm4OLVjACXa8sQnmkxCRgPDBUZbiqoMfaa5TNxYZYGPGwpbDgHjCQIE7nUv0/s16000/july%20menn%20plan%202026.png"></a></div><span><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: normal; transition: 0.4s; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s; white-space: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; transition: 0.4s; white-space: pre-line;">Happy July everyone! I hope your summer is going wonderful so far? We're definitely in the heat of summer here in Northeast Texas, so staying cool is practically a full-time job right now. Our vegetable garden is in full-swing, so I have been busy canning and preserving our harvest. We have also been enjoying plenty of fresh produce, so a lot of our meals feature delcious salads, potatoes, green beans, and whatever else we can gather from the garden. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><br></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span></span></div></span></div></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/july-menu-plan-one-month-of-family.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/july-menu-plan-one-month-of-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-2030860791241683299Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:05:08 +00002026-06-25T09:07:18.543-06:00How to Freeze Green Beans <span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Freezing green beans is a great method to keep them fresh for months, allowing you to enjoy their flavor, color, and texture well beyond the growing season.</i></span></span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdghvf9kLCkxg5L13umYYkAhyphenhyphend6SIzYPOQiHu51ir7v7voZM5ClP_rfRYATb9zNF_FN61EKdjf2eGHF7-dIwOxMqdOZs3KKwTDCJ0b2XG8JSp7wQn4j3_4k-Wkxb4aMvWsj9lQUQbZA_kQTaMkB1jJJZw4CMy3JzUPio-rJH1p4ozac20_zmIfKOlj3Uo/s647/freezing%20green%20beans.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdghvf9kLCkxg5L13umYYkAhyphenhyphend6SIzYPOQiHu51ir7v7voZM5ClP_rfRYATb9zNF_FN61EKdjf2eGHF7-dIwOxMqdOZs3KKwTDCJ0b2XG8JSp7wQn4j3_4k-Wkxb4aMvWsj9lQUQbZA_kQTaMkB1jJJZw4CMy3JzUPio-rJH1p4ozac20_zmIfKOlj3Uo/s16000/freezing%20green%20beans.png"></a></div></span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the time of year when summer gardens are bursting with fresh green beans. Our garden is definitely thriving, so we have more </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">green beans than we know what to do with.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> We have been harvesting beans </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">every couple days, and they still keep coming in abundance. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We plant </span></span><a href="https://www.burpee.com/bean-bush-contender-prod001101.html?srsltid=AfmBOooBOLWj5I0UmqLKZYy5EuV35yGfk26VkmzEwqknQoHxjazrhTOL" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Contender beans </a>, a bush variety that has proven to be reliable year after year. However <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">we tend to get a bit carried away with the number of seeds we plant, and before we know it, were drowning in green beans. <br><br></span><span></span></span></div></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/how-to-freeze-green-beans.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/how-to-freeze-green-beans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-4447824238299022355Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:39:54 +00002026-06-17T08:55:34.552-06:00Canning Yellow Squash (For Frying)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quick picked squash is a great method for preserving yellow squash in a light brine, and then water-bath canning which ensures that the quash remains firm for frying. Simply drain, rinse, coat in breading, and fry</span></i></span><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA60TXnIJ3IHlQIuKYTUKIEDzW2aKg_IBkMkCX2fufIsYbAdHYL44BpfU0uZguYlz_rChcIjidzlRrQ5BMMMc_P7u0tNaRqyrCVeVRrggmrErBVZf2nLyikXZKIfLdzJdgvz0ruk72HErw_Ir2osqPqn_hxGCagsaz3MwBn6bP-62I8dwROXdsb8jZuBo/s620/canning%20yellow%20squash%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA60TXnIJ3IHlQIuKYTUKIEDzW2aKg_IBkMkCX2fufIsYbAdHYL44BpfU0uZguYlz_rChcIjidzlRrQ5BMMMc_P7u0tNaRqyrCVeVRrggmrErBVZf2nLyikXZKIfLdzJdgvz0ruk72HErw_Ir2osqPqn_hxGCagsaz3MwBn6bP-62I8dwROXdsb8jZuBo/s16000/canning%20yellow%20squash%20.png"></a></div><div><div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Summer Squash Season is officially in full swing, which means farmers markets and home gardens are bursting with yellow, zucchini, and patty pan squash. If you're growing your own summer squash they are </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">likely producing heavily right now in the summer heat. </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">☀ </span><span style="text-align: center;">This isn't a problem for me because summer squash, espcially yellow straigh neck squash happens to be one of my favorite vegetables. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br></span><span></span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/canning-yellow-squash-for-frying.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/canning-yellow-squash-for-frying.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-2099969714214641994Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:43:38 +00002026-06-03T09:27:46.589-06:00Blistered Green Beans <div><i>Blistered green beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes using pantry-friendly, green beans. <br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gxiyMEjDXFpAvxcI-8XXRkympfS77d_T3LV7WFH_Zd4ZVRIM9mXRVrCFYA0LBVXpTn2TlvvEYGrTJmXXSKxTVc4E3LSEqFV0yy31Skn_ZTUZWtK64dtIwDeq5I__Qyp1bq94lWXxeG6bJ95GV1SSm0hz_C-K4IetnrsH17ytrDWc5jGR7jpvqrWg0B0/s620/Southern%20blistered%20green%20beans.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gxiyMEjDXFpAvxcI-8XXRkympfS77d_T3LV7WFH_Zd4ZVRIM9mXRVrCFYA0LBVXpTn2TlvvEYGrTJmXXSKxTVc4E3LSEqFV0yy31Skn_ZTUZWtK64dtIwDeq5I__Qyp1bq94lWXxeG6bJ95GV1SSm0hz_C-K4IetnrsH17ytrDWc5jGR7jpvqrWg0B0/s16000/Southern%20blistered%20green%20beans.png"></a></div><div>When it comes to vegetables in our house we prefer fresh, especially when they come from our garden. If fresh isn't available than frozen is the next best thing. We don't eat a lot of canned vegetabes, but my family does like <a href="home-canned " target="_blank"><b>home-canned green beans</b></a>. I love them because having jars of green beans on my pantry shelf means quick, ready-to-eat sides are just a reach away. </div><div><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/blistered-green-beans.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/blistered-green-beans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-6592337789821236864Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:09:45 +00002026-06-02T08:01:01.408-06:00June Menu Plan - One Month of Family Dinner Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL54Ds35ygom-E4GSVOoeShQ-LqmwL0zps4BwTl1rVMhtaP2aBuxs245WAHaThe_wO8jQlD5dg_4C3bWwyKLPo9JEhzzeAHKgvKvgE1N0AL8IeHuvsl7cwSqS5PqVQN97RAN6i-yZTnvrGxnFVj9FaWGOgd85mneGIMk0CKMEgQZWMexepThyphenhyphenDHGy84dg/s777/June%20Dinner%20Menu%20post%20photo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL54Ds35ygom-E4GSVOoeShQ-LqmwL0zps4BwTl1rVMhtaP2aBuxs245WAHaThe_wO8jQlD5dg_4C3bWwyKLPo9JEhzzeAHKgvKvgE1N0AL8IeHuvsl7cwSqS5PqVQN97RAN6i-yZTnvrGxnFVj9FaWGOgd85mneGIMk0CKMEgQZWMexepThyphenhyphenDHGy84dg/s16000/June%20Dinner%20Menu%20post%20photo.png"></a></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;">Welcome June! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">The s</span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">un </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #f1c232; transition: 0.4s;">☀</span> is shining, o</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">ur garden is flourishing, and the Texas heat is gradually making its presence. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-line;">With our spring garden beginning to yield produce, this month's menu has a few meals that use fresh ingredients that we're harvesting. We make an effort to eat seasonally as much as we can, and preserve the rest to use throughout the year.</span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><br></span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;">Our June Menu is filled with easy family-friendly meals to help you enjoy dinner without the stress of planning. </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;">I have organized this menu plan in a list format with checkboxes, allowing you the opportunity to pick meals that suit your schedule without being restricted to specific days. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;">If you're looking for a month of dinner ideas, I encourage you to check out this months menu plan through the link below. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><a name="more" style="background: transparent; box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px -0.55em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #679c62; padding: 0px; transition: 0.4s;"></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;">You can see a preview of the menu in the image above, and for the full pdf version complete with clickable recipes, is located at the following link → <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uXDBFUUEC1ibgYK6D16Rw-DvQdztQxwj/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">JUNE MENU PLAN</a>.</b></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.3px; transition: 0.4s;">I hope this menu plan is helpful in the coming weeks! <br><br></span></div></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/june-menu-plan-one-month-of-family.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/06/june-menu-plan-one-month-of-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-7655324672508669856Mon, 25 May 2026 16:05:58 +00002026-05-25T17:57:54.359-06:00Honey Glazed Chicken & Potato Skillet <i>This honey glazed chicken skillet features seasoned, tender bone-in chicken thighs, baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, and is coated in a honey-butter garlic sauce.</i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hk3AFMdjQi8Qa-4nItsy9oeGNotDTt087urmDsbfh_Ags8oY68bVopDGNZOURedx7WK2kMZywPPk84cgvS70Ju0DET1U56TqHSaBXDwYjF8hGbjAZEcoJTTlvCVHJV00JgH-JstxznSZR2fbb-Vm4ovHkU_e82BQv8J0xe1OoT6G_OymRNUbDGMwRuA/s647/honey%20glazed%20chicken%20&%20potatoes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hk3AFMdjQi8Qa-4nItsy9oeGNotDTt087urmDsbfh_Ags8oY68bVopDGNZOURedx7WK2kMZywPPk84cgvS70Ju0DET1U56TqHSaBXDwYjF8hGbjAZEcoJTTlvCVHJV00JgH-JstxznSZR2fbb-Vm4ovHkU_e82BQv8J0xe1OoT6G_OymRNUbDGMwRuA/s16000/honey%20glazed%20chicken%20&%20potatoes.png"></a></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I'm bringing you a delicious, quick and easy one-pan chicken dinner that you can whip up in no time. Tender, juicy, seared chicken thighs, glazed with a sweet honey-garlic sauce, baked together with a combination of roasted sweet and red potatoes. If you want a pop of color you can add broccoli florets or cut asparagus. I've made this recipe both ways and it's equally delicious. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;">This is a simple yet satisfying meal that's ideal for any day of the week. Pair this dish with a side salad, Greek salad or a zesty </span><a href="https://www.feastingathome.com/asian-cucumber-salad/" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Asian cucumber salad</span> </b></a><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/honey-glazed-chicken-potato-skillet.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/honey-glazed-chicken-potato-skillet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-1016418753613168443Fri, 08 May 2026 04:02:00 +00002026-05-08T10:12:27.553-06:00How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in a Home Garden<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A step by step guide on how to grow sweet potatoes & how to start your own slips from organic store-bought potatoes.</i> </span></span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white; color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">🌱</span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcaouJZJU7elPpg18ob5Cle2lBkiJ6Zrro5Mn1J3GTs88KNyLI-Rblj5l90LOuvgiYhcENOZ5ufDHMcB6Ng3oBYKCB6RkzpVvlCe8FQVIu_IcSZYwcJIfz8ceKLf3zbWE6p6U6nYDzBv9JauyLCjfSvBtQfNxMJzz2xxbBbZACZifqnXubiKdp5dkcw/s647/sweet%20potatoes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcaouJZJU7elPpg18ob5Cle2lBkiJ6Zrro5Mn1J3GTs88KNyLI-Rblj5l90LOuvgiYhcENOZ5ufDHMcB6Ng3oBYKCB6RkzpVvlCe8FQVIu_IcSZYwcJIfz8ceKLf3zbWE6p6U6nYDzBv9JauyLCjfSvBtQfNxMJzz2xxbBbZACZifqnXubiKdp5dkcw/s16000/sweet%20potatoes.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever considered growing your own sweet potatoes? I do it every year, and it's much easier than you think. Sweet potatoes are a low-maintenance crop that thrives in hot summers, they're drought-tolerant, and practically pest-resistant, making them ideal for any gardener. Not only are they simple to grown, but they also add a delightful flavor to a variety of dishes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes-in-home.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes-in-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-7189015288469724259Sat, 02 May 2026 12:54:00 +00002026-05-02T07:03:17.694-06:00May Menu Plan - One Month of Dinner Meals<span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO4-B2t-u3QHaDFc5H7CYSTMoZ81FWFMjwlptAB8t26mKzvHkuwV56IRw1In2QvYxNvAGJZ3SGHAWoWZRAnM0ybh-Q8bsnf_GOepdkyg0reb4Qnelb4ugpf-Yxwdm8PYDWRZyVFKlLUcOqOm-zXXvoy_ImVgoMKWVY_OsR3f5S_JTWDRxAMfpSQ7EWBI/s545/may%20menu%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO4-B2t-u3QHaDFc5H7CYSTMoZ81FWFMjwlptAB8t26mKzvHkuwV56IRw1In2QvYxNvAGJZ3SGHAWoWZRAnM0ybh-Q8bsnf_GOepdkyg0reb4Qnelb4ugpf-Yxwdm8PYDWRZyVFKlLUcOqOm-zXXvoy_ImVgoMKWVY_OsR3f5S_JTWDRxAMfpSQ7EWBI/s16000/may%20menu%20.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy May, everyone! A new month brings a new menu plan, and today I'm excited to share my May dinner ideas that are both easy and family-friendly. As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to shift from hearty winter meals to fresh, garden-inspired dishes and grilled favorites. Spring has definitely sprung here in North Texas, but it wont be long before the heat of summer sets in. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">I have organized this menu plan in a list format with checkboxes, allowing you the opportunity to pick meals that suit your schedule without being restricted to specific days. </span><span style="font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">If you're looking for a month of dinner ideas, I encourage you to check out my current menu plan at the link below. <br><br><span></span></span></div></div></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/may-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner-meals.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/05/may-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner-meals.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-1971843142441477796Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:36:00 +00002026-04-27T21:42:03.220-06:00Smothered Barbecue Chicken Legs <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-line;">These fall-off-the-bone, baked barbecue chicken legs are tender, juicy, and generously coated in rich barbecue sauce, and baked a top a bed of onions. </span> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwompkCJIGxsSMslO0fVhdXXNcHHnHoE6vwsL7pemo0sASn5H6hRMV70YacyupKbkX4EP40UO0DPjjyq2xZjV5-IHFFaJcPI6jdryY7l-1AMRgdLYuRlAr6fq7K0vQXroUlPjPJuWzhEOcdzJUJ1U_LrZyYgmRKKODgmFOBDWsfHneOV_zq1IX0GuHJ5Y/s1600/BBQ%20CHICKEN%20LEGS.png" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwompkCJIGxsSMslO0fVhdXXNcHHnHoE6vwsL7pemo0sASn5H6hRMV70YacyupKbkX4EP40UO0DPjjyq2xZjV5-IHFFaJcPI6jdryY7l-1AMRgdLYuRlAr6fq7K0vQXroUlPjPJuWzhEOcdzJUJ1U_LrZyYgmRKKODgmFOBDWsfHneOV_zq1IX0GuHJ5Y/s1600/BBQ%20CHICKEN%20LEGS.png"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-line;">Chicken drumsticks are a staple in our home, primarily because they're more </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-line;">budget-friendly compared to other chicken cuts. Their versatility is another plus, as they can be cooked in numerous ways. Whether you like them <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2023/11/arroz-con-pollo-one-pan-chicken-with.html" target="_blank">slow-cooked</a>, <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/05/easy-peasy-chicken-legs-potluck-sunday.html" target="_blank">roasted</a>, fried, <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2023/07/homemade-shake-bake-coating-mix.html" target="_blank">baked</a>, <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2021/11/oven-baked-whiskey-barbecue-chicken.html" target="_blank">grilled </a>or air-fried. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-line;">One of our go-to chicken recipes are these smothered barbecue chicken legs, which are always a hit with my family. They feature a flavorful dry rub, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sautéed onions, and a rich, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce</span></span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f4f5f6; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-line;">.</span><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-line;"> </span>I use a simple blend of spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, chicken seasoning, and brown sugar, to enhance the flavor of the chicken legs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/04/smothered-barbecue-chicken-legs.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/04/smothered-barbecue-chicken-legs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-5393481096924211463Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:43:00 +00002026-04-20T21:50:18.775-06:00One Pot Jambalaya Pasta (Pastalaya)<div><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>PASTALAYA is a delightful one-pot dish that combines the flavors of jambalaya with pasta. This recipe features seasoned chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, linguini pasta, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich Cajun cream sauce. </i></span></span></div><span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xukHRm9z8e720eQE9LJwGwo-8LZ27St_bIAe8PBYh2x_HL-Pj2YTiBO1cQ0kTz5pJO4vDLmoixum4nvKR5SL6bBt_u-96jyHuJ1-a4gwhMhg9gVkP-H3pMFrkYW5qR2s2X18oxLjQPQpb30FRPdS0dBB_gfSlIgUnyk9Ix9ZKH8Pz0IMeujobUa_0xk/s647/jambalaya%20pasta%20skillet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xukHRm9z8e720eQE9LJwGwo-8LZ27St_bIAe8PBYh2x_HL-Pj2YTiBO1cQ0kTz5pJO4vDLmoixum4nvKR5SL6bBt_u-96jyHuJ1-a4gwhMhg9gVkP-H3pMFrkYW5qR2s2X18oxLjQPQpb30FRPdS0dBB_gfSlIgUnyk9Ix9ZKH8Pz0IMeujobUa_0xk/s16000/jambalaya%20pasta%20skillet.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jambalaya pasta (Pastalaya) is a delicious twist on traditional Jambalaya.<i> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-line;">This delightful one pot Cajun pasta dish features a medley of seasoned chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, and vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful Cajun sauce, tossed with linguini pasta. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Louisiana right to your table, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or perfect for feeding a crowd. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; white-space: pre-line;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div></div></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/04/one-pot-jambalaya-pasta-pastalaya.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/04/one-pot-jambalaya-pasta-pastalaya.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-7665501180803645368Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:17:00 +00002026-03-28T22:30:49.579-06:00April Menu Plan - One month of Dinner Meals! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9fLGAuX3K6HBYUWJ7Gzuoncb1Thu1ZKJTsmnZeEbOR2HH9UNENqlPM4o0I4Cf_nJ5IHc3g9fPVOM6a-y6u3dVtkH03SYSTfMosmW09pXK5j7yUOJJsh1UWWeV2KHepsKGWGWvteKXKYO3Z2Euh0UUqk3BWDoGd2idrFHPDbxWmWDxDY1N8sqQ7D_jiI/s569/april%20menu.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9fLGAuX3K6HBYUWJ7Gzuoncb1Thu1ZKJTsmnZeEbOR2HH9UNENqlPM4o0I4Cf_nJ5IHc3g9fPVOM6a-y6u3dVtkH03SYSTfMosmW09pXK5j7yUOJJsh1UWWeV2KHepsKGWGWvteKXKYO3Z2Euh0UUqk3BWDoGd2idrFHPDbxWmWDxDY1N8sqQ7D_jiI/s16000/april%20menu.png"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you looking for new dinner ideas? My April menu plan helps you take the guesswork out of meal planning, by listing a whole month's worth of dinner meals. Not only does meal planning help you $ave money, but it also allows you to introduce some new dishes to your family's dinner line up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; text-align: left;">I prefer to organize my menu in a checklist format, which allows the flexibility to choose meals rather than being tied to specific days. </span><span style="text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This approach works well with my family, as it allows us to adjust our dinner options according to our schedule. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4f5f6; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;">If you're looking for a month of dinner ideas, I encourage you to check out my April menu plan. You can get a sneak peek of the menu in the photo below, and the complete free printable version, complete with recipe links, is available here <b>--></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WZmsMcDkn-0KRsyPMS3SelooUZyb0wDj/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">APRIL MENU PLAN</a></span></b><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; transition: 0.4s;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; transition: 0.4s; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">.<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #e06666; transition: 0.4s;"> </span></span></span></i></b>I hope this dinner menu is helpful in the coming weeks! </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; letter-spacing: 0.3px; margin: 0px;"><br></div><span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/april-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/april-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-1545275085106138803Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:56:00 +00002026-03-23T22:05:46.309-06:00Chicken Gnocchi Soup <i>A creamy soup made with tender rotisserie chicken, soft gnocchi dumplings, carrots, celery, and fresh spinach, all simmered together in a homemade broth with fresh cream for added richness. </i><span><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpYzpSKUvJCF7m36lxtQhSXLrK1TwYMxTFGI0i_nsMRYOkeoFnpXXzBxN7zR6RjmvkZXfxfQ1u8pAz393phApezyZsVj7VOGE5FrpYv9cGQn0anfFWE21IFWdZ-r9AOJcb12OPi39n0hvgbrhr2HFtZcPoqx74qhZsz6AmyX5ccacwV5DEzTybEA5UY/s647/gnocchi%20soup%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpYzpSKUvJCF7m36lxtQhSXLrK1TwYMxTFGI0i_nsMRYOkeoFnpXXzBxN7zR6RjmvkZXfxfQ1u8pAz393phApezyZsVj7VOGE5FrpYv9cGQn0anfFWE21IFWdZ-r9AOJcb12OPi39n0hvgbrhr2HFtZcPoqx74qhZsz6AmyX5ccacwV5DEzTybEA5UY/s16000/gnocchi%20soup%203.png"></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soup is typically seen as a cozy dish for fall and winter, but in our house, we enjoy soup year round. Olive Garden is one of my favorite places for soup, but with the rising prices of just about everything, dining out has become something that we don't do as much as we used to. As a result, I've taken to recreating some of my favorite Olive Garden dishes at home, which is better on our wallet. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love ordering the classic soup, salad and breadsticks combo when we do get the chance to eat out, and I always find myself torn between the Zuppa Toscana and the Chicken Gnocchi soup, with their Chicken Scampi not far behind. It's a hard choice every-time. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have managed to make a few of my favorites, including a copykat version of of Olive Gardens <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2023/02/easy-zuppa-toscana.html" target="_blank"><b>Zuppa Toscana</b></a>, their <b><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2011/05/olive-garden-salad-dressing-potluck.html" target="_blank">Classic House Salad</a></b>, and now the Chicken Gnocchi Soup, which turned out amazing. So far I have made this soup 3 times, and it is just as creamy and flavorful as the restaurant version, and the best part is that it all comes together in one pot, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span></span></span></div></span><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/chicken-gnocchi-soup.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/chicken-gnocchi-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-5818738047812791161Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:15:00 +00002026-06-18T07:29:52.182-06:00Italian Sausage Pasta with Peppers<i>This sausage and pepper pasta skillet is loaded with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, onion, garlic, sweet Italian sausage, a blend of spices, and marinara. This is a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love. </i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xZo8G6s6kRPd6jEBAOxKArqpBi_VSM1bBglbjT4_bd94Xy7E9UZu3uwy95JY2qcE3wDUdkZbfPi0FVKpi2kSNAHeg6M0GSGYmj3XkkkzwtpK5Hk3076-AcOrWuud8Msnq-5MBVD68pzDQKGeg2bi66gCYoUgVioeiuvZhGWm6cG-SO937fT9yYpoxC0/s647/pepper%20pasta.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xZo8G6s6kRPd6jEBAOxKArqpBi_VSM1bBglbjT4_bd94Xy7E9UZu3uwy95JY2qcE3wDUdkZbfPi0FVKpi2kSNAHeg6M0GSGYmj3XkkkzwtpK5Hk3076-AcOrWuud8Msnq-5MBVD68pzDQKGeg2bi66gCYoUgVioeiuvZhGWm6cG-SO937fT9yYpoxC0/s16000/pepper%20pasta.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I have a delicious pasta dish to share with you: <b>Italian Sausage Pasta with Peppers</b>! <span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, featuring a medley of pasta, sautéed bell peppers, onions, crumbled sweet Italian sausage, zucchini, marinara, and a blend of Italian spices. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can choose between spicy, sweet, or mild Italian sausage to suit your taste. This dish is a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner, especially when served alongside a <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2011/05/olive-garden-salad-dressing-potluck.html" target="_blank"><b>fresh salad</b></a> and some<b> <a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2020/08/4-ingredient-no-knead-crusty-bread.html" target="_blank">crusty bread</a></b>. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Pasta is truly my biggest weakness, especially when it's filled with cheese or combined with fresh tomatoes and basil, or tossed in a simple marinara sauce. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/italian-sausage-pasta-with-peppers.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/italian-sausage-pasta-with-peppers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-8648086789905557433Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:46:00 +00002026-03-04T05:24:07.347-06:00Ikeas Simple Swedish Meatballs <center><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Juicy and flavorful Ikea's Swedish meatballs smothered in a savory - cream gravy, and taste just like the original. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLBh_qSiDYqdF4-cAwQOOWbOLWTV_KOlivSceqBJolj88JHo4CCemIEpCaIWVFUrDnIxOyUoI1sXWiE5c8bxSJH5_cZbvtETyAdVXFJb6xotlvu0I1GhudvPLAzYoVHIRehWHh4W0E20gj8JiWMDnsQvLsMvT1xYQCRAS_KgUvyq8pdSA8h3NUhyphenhyphenr01w/s1600/swedish%20meatballs.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're a fan of Ikea's Swedish Meatballs, you're not alone! Anytime I visit Ikea, I make sure to stop by their cafeteria for a plate of those delicious meatballs. If you share my love, you're in luck because I have a recipe to share. During the Covid-Pandemic, Ikea made their Swedish meatballs recipe public, and I have been making it ever since. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stayed true to the original recipe by using a combination of ground pork and ground beef for the meatballs, but I took it up a notch by adding a few extra ingredients and seasonings. A hint of allspice and nutmeg for a subtle aroma and a touch of sweetness, while the white pepper adds earthy heat. For the gravy, I added a splash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor, and Dijon mustard to give it a unique taste that balances the richness of the cream and beef broth. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like to serve my Swedish meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes and peas, but they're also delicious over egg noodles, your favorite pasta or rice. While Ikea serves their Swedish meatballs with a side of <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/sylt-lingon-lingonberry-spread-fruit-organic-80474523/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lingonberry fruit spread</a>, which can be hard to find unless you visit the store, I have found that whole cranberry sauce makes a nice alternative. If you like Swedish meatballs, I hope you'll give this recipe a try. <br><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div></center><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/ikeas-simple-swedish-meatballs.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/ikeas-simple-swedish-meatballs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390396285139687239.post-1557403411625648333Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:33:00 +00002026-03-01T18:35:13.616-06:00March Menu Plan - One Month of Dinner Meals <center><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__7zgcr0pEtiBGKDRnOR5xr3aBXz4_5Q70dcNU3h348OK8atR6yA2MnKv5OM08RzvwrXa1I2ZnlIjEjnGhPF_uNRZ72JxjjWUb0Gbrjm3oPTjVx333v5VnXikN1zJgHIrlS1XYULXJbkhlpHo1693BRxb8R79fnwrh35jvqijLLxPrmYCnAP7mG7kM3k/s586/march%20menu%20plan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__7zgcr0pEtiBGKDRnOR5xr3aBXz4_5Q70dcNU3h348OK8atR6yA2MnKv5OM08RzvwrXa1I2ZnlIjEjnGhPF_uNRZ72JxjjWUb0Gbrjm3oPTjVx333v5VnXikN1zJgHIrlS1XYULXJbkhlpHo1693BRxb8R79fnwrh35jvqijLLxPrmYCnAP7mG7kM3k/s16000/march%20menu%20plan.png"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Sunday, everyone! It's hard to believe that March is already here. Today I have my March Menu Plan for you. This month's meal plan features a variety of easy, family-friendly dinner ideas along with a few delicious desserts. I found some new recipes to try this month so I'm excited about making those. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have organized the menu in a list format with checkboxes, allowing you the flexibility to choose meals without being tied to specific days. This approach works best for my family because it allows us to adapt our meals to fit our schedule.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are interested in a month of dinner planning, I encourage you to check out my March menu plan. You can get a sneak peek of the menu in the photo below, and the complete free <b>printable PDF version</b>, which includes clickable links to all the recipes, is available here <b><i><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SxbwCko95CI42EMd6JLZ2tvpc2eyXXAn/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">March Dinner Menu</a></span> .<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></i></b>I hope this dinner menu helps you in the coming weeks! <br><br></div><span></span></div></center><a href="https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/march-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.html#more">read full post</a>https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2026/03/march-menu-plan-one-month-of-dinner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tina Butler)0