Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By Inger May 10, 2026 Sandwich No Comments

Creamy, rich and cheesy, this Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes the classic comfort food to a new level for a quick and easy lunch.

If you’re a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches but haven’t tried an avocado grilled cheese yet, you’re missing out! Like a cross between a grilled cheese and avocado toast, this may be the tasty, easy lunch entrée you’ve been looking for.

And if flavor and simplicity aren’t enough, I saw something on TV recently that surprised me. It said you could count avocado as a serving of vegetables. Come on, I thought, isn’t that like counting butter as dairy serving?

So I consulted my sister who’s a registered dietitian. While she said they count it as a fat for diabetic exchanges, she noted it does have a lot of fiber and some good nutrition. Yes!

Finally, did I mention that an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich is seriously satisfying? Kind of like comfort food for the over-30 crowd! Count me in!

Bagels and Lox

By Inger May 2, 2026 Breakfast, Cooking & Recipes 5 Comments

Bagels and Lox pairs flavorful cured salmon, rich cream cheese, juicy tomatoes, onions, and bagels, for a simple but special breakfast or brunch entree.

I’ve been eating Bagels and Lox for as long as I can remember. My mother served it regularly for holiday breakfasts, where it was always received with delight. The versatile dish can be served alone for a simple repast, or paired with quiches and salads for an extravaganza.

Now beyond the novelty and the rich flavor of the dish, it has another upside. It’s probably the easiest brunch-type food you can serve your guests without copping out! ‘Cause who wants to be in the kitchen during the mimosa toast!

Now, one of my favorite memories is serving it as part of our Christmas breakfast in the 2020 pandemic days. With just two parents and two kids, it was simple, but elegant, fare. No deprivation here. Read more

Tropical Sangria

By Inger Apr 25, 2026 Beverages 2 Comments

With flavors of coconut, rum and orange, plus a profusion of exotic fruit, this Tropical Sangria is a tasty and refreshing summer wine cocktail.

I admit it. When the weather starts to warm up, I’m ready for a fun cocktail–and the more festive the better! The tipping point is usually Cinco de Mayo!

Now I love a nice Margarita as much as the next guy (hey, just check out my Frozen Strawberry Margarita or Festive Purple Margarita.). But sometimes you gotta shake things up.

So this year I decided to make a Tropical Sangria. A white wine sangria that’s a little rummy and a lot fruity, it pulls together all the flavors of summer. No matter what the weather! Read more

Strawberry Meringue Cake

By Inger Apr 23, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 26 Comments

Two “cake” layers of tender meringue, layered with strawberries and whipped cream create a lovely dessert that’s perfect for spring.

This Strawberry Meringue Cake is an old family favorite. My mother regularly brought it to special events, especially in spring, when the strawberries came back into season. Yes, an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch table would have seemed naked without it.

The dessert isn’t difficult to prepare as long as you aren’t intimidated by meringue. You first make two layers of meringue in 9-inch layer cake pans. Then you “frost” them like a layer cake, using a mixture of whipped cream and sliced strawberries as your icing. It’s light and delicious and perfect after gorging on a leg of lamb, eight quiches and a big potato casserole. Read more

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