Art of Natural Living

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

By Inger Jul 14, 2026 Desserts & Snacks No Comments

This Peanut Butter Ice Cream is cool, creamy, tasty–and super easy.  Add a fudge ribbon for even more fun. Sugar free option included.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Summer hot enough for you?  Even in Wisconsin, where we usually avoid the worst of the heat, there have been multiple days in the 90s.

It takes me back to my childhood where temps over 90 meant special treats.  Things like running through the sprinkler or taking out the wading pool.  And the best treat?  Ice Cream!

Today’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream (with an optional fudge ribbon) has all the flavor of a peanut butter cup but is cool and refreshing for summer.  And it’s a no cook recipe so it’s also easy.  Just blend the ingredients in a blender and freeze per your freezer’s instructions.

So good, I’d even eat it in winter!  Read more

Homemade Pan-fried Perch

By Inger Jul 11, 2026 Main Dish, Seafood 29 Comments

Pan-fried perch are the darling of the Wisconsin fish fry.  Did you know they are easy to prepare at home with some simple instructions?  

Pan Fried Perch

I love eating out.  But sometimes eating at home feels even better. 

Like when I’m watching my pennies.  Or having a bad weight week.  Or when I’m in a cozy mood and dinner on the deck or by the fireplace just feels right.

Now recently, my husband and I tried out a new restaurant–and got a terrible fish fry. This made me wonder…  How hard would it be to make pan-fried perch at home?

Perch are the darlings of the Wisconsin fish fry.  Small, tender and flavorful, they go for a premium price—and are well worth it! 

Of course for the best perch you don’t want to overwhelm their delicate flavor with thick breading or heavy oil.  Time to experiment!  Read more

Dill Pickle Relish

By Inger Jul 5, 2026 Condiments, Preserving & More 11 Comments

Tart, flavorful and a perfect addition to many dishes, Dill Pickle Relish is a fun and practical home canning project.

Dill Pickle Relish

Summer is a great time for fun fresh food experiments.  With the seasonal bounty of healthy fruits and vegetables… well, the opportunities are endless.

And it’s not limited to classic health foods like Tuscan Kale Salad or Seafood Kabobs.   Even classic snack and picnic foods can get in the act.

Yes, dip some chips in Tangy Mango Pineapple Salsa.  Or top your July 4th or picnic hotdog with today’s homemade Dill Pickle Relish.  It’s a handy condiment that adds flavor to so many dishes from egg salad to thousand island dressing!

Yum!  Read more

4th of July Fruit Kabobs

By Inger Jun 27, 2026 Desserts & Snacks, July 4th/Memorial Day 8 Comments

Pretty in red, white and blue, these 4th of July Fruit Kabobs are a perfect family snack or dessert.  Serve with a cream cheese yogurt dip for even more fun. 

4th of July Fruit Kabobs

Summertime and the living is… well, not always easy.  So it’s not surprising that hot dogs, sweet snacks and frozen cocktails can sometimes dominate the summer cookout scene.

But, with a little creativity, I’ve found that healthy, easy, and tasty are not so out of reach.  And they can even look cute, all dressed up for the July 4th holiday. 

So today I made fruit skewers using bite-sized strawberries, whole blackberries and some striking white and black dragon fruit.  And just in case that’s being too good, there’s an optional yogurt cream cheese dip to put it over the top. 

After all, you only turn 250 once!  Read more