Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Artichoke Salad with Pea Pods & Mushrooms

By Inger Feb 14, 2026 Salads 18 Comments

This artichoke salad with pea pods, mushrooms and toasted almonds in a creamy dill dressing is easy and tasty. Move over lettuce salad!

I love salad in pretty much any way, shape, or form. In fact we try to do a “salad-a-day” just like the proverbial apple! Yes, give me a Spicy Italian Salad or Poached Pear Salad with Goat Cheese and I’m happy as a clam.

But once in awhile, even favorites get old–and sometimes I don’t want even one more lettuce leaf to cross my path. Which is why I’m excited to announce that vegetable salads can be just as amazing. Like this Artichoke Salad from my youth!

Even better, it’s perfect for spring. That’s because it’s loaded with pea pods, one of the first local vegetables to appear. And with jarred artichokes, a creamy dill dressing and a little crunch from sliced almonds, it just might be the new salad you’ve been looking for.

After all, brunch season is coming!

Easy Shrimp Bisque

By Inger Feb 7, 2026 Soup 6 Comments

Rich and tasty, Shrimp Bisque is easy to make at home with this simple hack. And it’s perfect soup for date nights, company dinners–or anytime!

I’m always excited when I visit a restaurant and see Seafood Bisque on the menu. Their version is often made with lobster, but I think that (more economical) Shrimp Bisque is just as tasty. And it’s easy to make with the simple shortcut I’m sharing today!

You see most recipes on the internet have you make a stock for the soup using the shrimp shells. But that’s extra work and honestly you aren’t going to get a ton of extra flavor from a handful of shells.

Instead, by using a premade seafood stock (or oyster liquor or clam juice), you actually start with a richer base. Even better, this streamlines the preparation of the soup.

Who’s in! Read more

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

By Inger Jan 31, 2026 Breakfast 5 Comments

Tater tots with meaty, cheesy eggs makes this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole a crowd-pleasing, comfort food!

I can’t quite remember what I was making for breakfast that fateful day… perhaps omelets. But I do remember the feeling I might never get out of the kitchen to join the fun.

I do clearly recall the tip I got afterwards, talking with a friend. When the family’s all home for the holidays, you’ve really got to start making breakfast casseroles.

My hesitation arose from several past attempts–which did not have happy endings. Soggy bread stratas. Bland, dry egg bakes. And while quiche was a winner it seemed somehow too formal for the long holiday sleepover.

So when my blogging buddies decided to share tater tot recipes, I knew what I had to do. The resulting Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole was a wild success, effectively putting my husband in comfort food nirvana. Yes!

Better late than never! Read more

Easy Queso Dip

By Inger Jan 24, 2026 Appetizers 8 Comments

Ready in about 15 minutes, this easy Queso Dip is a tasty appetizer or snack. Perfect for Game Day, Cinco de Mayo or any occasion!

Doesn’t it seem like time flies after the holidays! Yes, it’s hard to believe that Super Bowl is almost here, with all the excitement and great food. And what’s more welcome than an appetizer that’s cheesy, spicy and crunchy!

I first made today’s Queso Dip several years ago after a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I picked up my college student daughter at ASU and we traveled by way of the Bandura Volcano and Ice Cave.

It boasts an extinct volcano crater, hardened lava flows, and an ice cave with a year-round floor of green ice. Such a fun way to spend college fall break!

A trip to the Southwest is always fun! And the only downside is that once I get home, I keep craving heat in my food! Read more

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