Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Pumpkin Pear Soup (Spiderweb Optional)

By Inger Oct 15, 2024 Cooking & Recipes, Halloween, Soup 3 Comments

Flavors of pumpkin and pear, with hints of caramel and cardamom, make this Pumpkin Pear Soup a special treat. You might even embellish it with a spider web if you’re dining near Halloween!

Who’s with me that pears don’t get their due? So when I was offered a side of Pumpkin Pear Soup while dining out, I jumped at the chance.

And it was so good.

So, blessed with a big bag of pears from my niece’s pear tree, I then set out to make a Pumpkin Pear Soup of my own. While not identical, I love the pairing of the pumpkin and pear, boosted by a light kick of spice and maple.

Happy fall!

(Maybe) Halloween Caprese Crostini #HalloweenTreatsWeek

By Inger Oct 13, 2024 Appetizers, Halloween 6 Comments

With classic Caprese flavors on a crunchy base, (Maybe) Halloween Caprese Crostini is a tasty appetizer that can be dressed up for Halloween or not!

Everyone loves a crunchy and tasty crostini appetizer. And making it a Caprese Crostini is perfect when the weather cools and fall produce is bountiful!

So just say yes to luscious vine-ripened tomatoes and flavorful basil. Then add crunchy toasts, creamy fresh mozzarella, and rich balsamic syrup. Yup, count me in!

I even give you two versions today. The Halloween Caprese Crostini is topped wiith spooky skulls for all the October festivities. And the other is a more classic styling—because you’re going to want to eat this all year round!

And did I mention it’s easy? Even the skulls if you know the secret! Read more

Easiest Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan

By Inger Oct 4, 2024 Main Dish 37 Comments

A streamlined version of Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan, this healthy and tasty dinner is now a complete meal in under 30 minutes!

I had an almost out of body experience last weekend. I was out on a marathon shopping trip with my (young adult) daughter when we decided to stop for lunch. Selecting an Italian restaurant and mindful of all the eggplant at the farmers markets now, I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan.

And almost reflexively my daughter wrinkled her nose.

Now, back in the day, Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan was a go to menu item for using up CSA eggplant. And the kids were pretty lukewarm about it. Today however, she was open to tasting–it didn’t hurt that she is now (mostly) vegetarian.

Well by the end of the meal, she had eaten half of my eggplant. I was ecstatic since (even as a parent of grown kids) you’re always happy when they eat a vegetable. And I got her doggy bag as compensation!

So right now, eggplant is at its seasonal best. Is it time for a revival at your house? If you’re still undecided, read on to see how I’ve streamlined this recipe so it’s a hot and tasty meal in under a half hour! Read more

Chili Cheese Fries

By Inger Sep 28, 2024 Appetizers, Cooking & Recipes, Main Dish 5 Comments

Chili Cheese Fries combines tasty fries, savory chili and creamy melted cheese all in one fun entree or snack. Serve it for Game Day, a fun dinner or the Cub Scout Meeting!

I never used to think of chili as fun. Warming and comforting? Yes. Practical and versatile? For sure. Satisfying for whole family? Absolutely!

But that was until I had some Frito Pie, while on vacation in New Mexico. It’s chili, mixed with Fritos and more–and it’s super tasty. People sometimes even serve it in the Frito bag! Now that’s fun!

And now, I’ve decided that Chili Cheese Fries is fun too! You top a tray of piping hot fries with scoops of flavorful chili, melty cheese and whatever toppings you’d like.

Yes, I think that’s like… 3 comfort foods in one! Read more

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