Art of Natural Living

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

By Inger Apr 27, 2024 Appetizers, Beans, corn 8 Comments

With black beans, corn, peppers and cilantro, this Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a colorful, tasty, and nutritious appetizer or side.  Eat a rainbow! 

Black Bean and Corn Salsa served

Welcome to my sister’s go to recipe when she brings an appetizer.  She’s a registered dietitian and can be counted on to turn what is often a not-very-healthy course into something that’s nutritious–and still a lot of fun! 

Now I admit I’m partial to fruit salsas like my Mango Pineapple Salsa.  But variety’s the spice of life.  And this week I decided I’d rather have a savory black bean salsa, instead of one based on fruit or tomatoes.

My husband loved it for snacking in front of the football draft!  And I thought it was great as a Cinco de Mayo dress rehearsal!  Read more

Garlic Bread with Garlic Scape Option

By Inger Apr 20, 2024 Appetizers, Breads & Muffins 14 Comments

Rich and garlicky, this easy and versatile garlic bread is a popular appetizer or side.  Make with butter or olive oil, garlic scapes or cloves for a tasty treat.

Garlic Bread

Is there any side dish that’s quite as well loved as garlic bread?  Rich, crunchy and flavorful, people will reach for it even before the entrée.

Italian American in origin, you’ll often see it served with spaghetti or pizza.  But don’t stop there–it’s lovely with lots of other entrees too, and works well as a tasty appetizer.

And if you’re a locavore, you’ll be happy to know that garlic bread can be made with garlic scapes too.  These are the tasty early seed shoots that the garlic plant produces (which are removed to facilitate bulb development).  Ready long before the garlic harvest, they are like a seasonal eating bonus! Yum!

You can even make it with olive oil instead of butter if you’re watching your heart health or serving vegan or dairy free eaters.  Read more

Raspberry Curd

By Inger Apr 15, 2024 Condiments & More, Cooking & Recipes, Desserts & Snacks 3 Comments

Bright, fruity and rich, Raspberry Curd is a tasty and special topping. Spread it on graham crackers, layer a cake and more.

Raspberry Curd

Is there anything quite like the bright, sweet-tart flavor of raspberries?   Beautiful eaten fresh, they’re also spectacular in this rich, indulgent, Raspberry Curd!

And truly, fruit curds are a wonder!  The first time I tried one I described it as what would happen if buttercream frosting and jam had a love child.  I ate it by the spoonful and spread it on… everything!  So good!  Read more

Easy Honey BBQ Meatballs

By Inger Apr 11, 2024 Appetizers, Sandwich 9 Comments

Sweet, tangy and smoky, these Honey BBQ Meatballs are easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser.  Serve them as an appetizer or pile them onto a bun for a tasty sandwich!  

Honey BBQ Meatballs

The inspiration for these Honey BBQ Meatballs came from a couple different places. First, there was my homemade Cherry BBQ sauce.  It was so good I wanted to use it everywhere!

And second there was a blogging friend’s meatball roundup that I had to pass on.  Sadly, back then, I had not a single meatball recipe to contribute! 

Yes, I know, how does a food blogger get to the age of bleep without making a meatball! Well that’s all fixed now!  Read more

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