Art of Natural Living

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

“Bilzzard” White Chocolate Martini

By Inger Dec 6, 2025 Beverages, Christmas, New Years/Winter 13 Comments

A White Chocolate Martini is sweet, boozy and perfect for special occasions.  Celebrate Christmas, toast the New Year, or have a really fun snow day. 

White Chocolate Martini

As a food blogger I have to admit—the holiday season might be my favorite time of the year.  Not only is there great food and drink… but you get to decorate it too. 

And the holidays are the perfect excuse for indulging in some special beverages.  Yes, when it comes to boozy drinks, I have two favorite winter categories—hot toddies like a Tom and Jerry or Spiked Hot Chocolate.  And sweet martinis like a Cranberry Martini (aka Cosmo) or Candy Cane Martini.

Of course, today’s White Chocolate Martini is always a favorite.  Like a sweet snowstorm (dusted with coconut “snowflakes” if you wish), it’s perfect to sip in front of a fire.  Or enjoy during a baking frenzy. 

Just sayin’.    Read more

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