Art of Natural Living

Linguine with Clam Sauce

By Inger Jan 3, 2026 Main Dish 3 Comments

Linguine with Clam Sauce is a tasty pasta dish, flavored with Italian seasonings, clams and wine. Even better it’s easy to make!

Linguine with clam sauce

It was many years ago when I got the special recipe that this is based–in fact, in my late teens.  One of my adult ballet buddies passed it along and mentioned that it was a favorite company dish of hers.  It won’t be long before you have a place of your own and need recipes like this she added!

Of course she was correct!  And over the years I pulled it out many times to the delight of family and friends. 

This all went fine until I started to gain weight.  You see the original recipe had no wine or clam juice but did have a solid 3 sticks of butter!  It was luxuriously rich, and with sorrow, I decided it needed to go the way of two scoop ice cream cones.

But I often thought of it longingly.  So this year I decided to do a mini makeover and sub some wine and clam juice for part of the butter. 

And Linguine with Clam Sauce is back on the menu!  Read more

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder with Bacon

By Inger Dec 27, 2025 Soup 8 Comments

A hint of sweetness from corn and sweet potatoes, along with smoky bacon, makes Sweet Potato Corn Chowder a tasty & healthy soup.  Perfect for moving from decadent holidays to a healthier New Year.

Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

I know what you’re thinking.  How does a nice dose of bacon move us toward eating healthier for the New Year? 

Well, one of the things I firmly believe is that if you don’t eat a food, then it can’t help you.  So if a recipe is too difficult, or not tasty enough, it won’t matter how healthy it is.  And, well, who doesn’t find a little smoky bacon motivating!

Of course I did use a natural uncured bacon (no nitrates added).  And then there’s only about a slice per serving.  But, if you’d like a vegetarian soup with a similar vibe, check out my Three Sisters Stew.

Sound good?  Read more

Homemade Italian Dressing Mix

By Inger Dec 13, 2025 Salads 6 Comments

It’s easy to whip up a Homemade Italian Dressing Mix.  Tasty and economical, it’s perfect to give or keep.   

Pouring dressing on salad

I enjoy making my own salad dressing–partly because it’s healthier, but also because it tastes better.  Yes, sometimes when I look at the ingredients in a commercial dressing, water is the first ingredient.  Well, no wonder it tastes like, um, water??

Now normally I mix up a little of this and a little of that right before I serve a salad.  This allows me to tailor the flavors of the dressing to the salad ingredients.  Citrus kale salad?  Hmm, cardamom or ginger would be good.

But when times get particularly busy, it can feel like every minute counts.  So today I’m making up an Italian Dressing Mix that I can mix up super easily into a multi-day homemade dressing bottle. 

And to help out friends who may also be busy, I’m going to share some of this for the holidays!  Read more

Citrus Kale Salad

By Inger Dec 11, 2025 Salads 1 Comment

Festive and slightly sweet, this Citrus Kale Salad is also easy, with my simple prep tips.  Make the holidays healthy again!

Citrus Kale Salad

When I think of the holiday season, what comes to mind first is the beautiful variety of sweet treats and desserts.  I love them all dearly, but life’s about balance too.  And truthfully, healthy holiday food can be just as much fun!

Lately I’ve been making a Citrus Kale Salad with a honey (or maple) cardamom dressing.  (You can use ginger if you don’t like cardamom).   It’s super tasty and, even better, the prep is super easy.  ‘Cause who isn’t busy around the holidays! 

Topped with mandarins, pomegranate seeds and pecans, it’s still got a hint of sweet.  Just in case your sweet tooth needs appeasement!  Read more

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