Art of Natural Living

Bagels and Lox

By Inger May 2, 2026 Breakfast, Cooking & Recipes No Comments

Bagels and Lox pairs flavorful cured salmon, rich cream cheese, juicy tomatoes, onions, and bagels, for a simple but special breakfast or brunch entree.

Bagels and Lox

I’ve been eating Bagels and Lox for as long as I can remember.  My mother served it regularly for holiday breakfasts, where it was always received with delight.  The versatile dish can be served alone for a simple repast, or paired with quiches and salads for an extravaganza.  

Now beyond the novelty and the rich flavor of the dish, it has another upside.  It’s probably the easiest brunch-type food you can serve your guests without copping out!  ‘Cause who wants to be in the kitchen during the mimosa toast!

Now, one of my favorite memories is serving it as part of our Christmas breakfast in the 2020 pandemic days.  With just two parents and two kids, it was simple, but elegant, fare.   No deprivation here.  Read more

Tropical Sangria

By Inger Apr 25, 2026 Beverages 1 Comment

With flavors of coconut, rum and orange, plus a profusion of exotic fruit, this Tropical Sangria is a tasty and refreshing summer wine cocktail.

Tropical Sangria

I admit it. When the weather starts to warm up, I’m ready for a fun cocktail–and the more festive the better!  The tipping point is usually Cinco de Mayo!

Now I love a nice Margarita as much as the next guy (hey, just check out my Frozen Strawberry Margarita or Festive Purple Margarita.).  But sometimes you gotta shake things up.

So this year I decided to make a Tropical Sangria. A white wine sangria that’s a little rummy and a lot fruity, it pulls together all the flavors of summer.  No matter what the weather!  Read more

Strawberry Meringue Cake

By Inger Apr 23, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 26 Comments

Two “cake” layers of tender meringue, layered with strawberries and whipped cream create a lovely dessert that’s perfect for spring.

Strawberry Meringue Cake

This Strawberry Meringue Cake is an old family favorite.  My mother regularly brought it to special events, especially in spring, when the strawberries came back into season.  Yes, an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch table would have seemed naked without it.

The dessert isn’t difficult to prepare as long as you aren’t intimidated by meringue.  You first make two layers of meringue in 9-inch layer cake pans.  Then you “frost” them like a layer cake, using a mixture of whipped cream and sliced strawberries as your icing.  It’s light and delicious and perfect after gorging on a leg of lamb, eight quiches and a big potato casserole.  Read more

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

By Inger Apr 21, 2026 Main Dish 7 Comments

Chicken in a paprika-tomato-onion sauce, Chicken Paprikash is a tasty and unique entrée that’s perfect for dinner or brunch.

Chicken Paprikash served

Today’s recipe comes to you courtesy of a rainstorm.  Because bad weather when you travel is really just a sign.

Rain in Monet’s gardens?  Take beautiful pictures of visitors with umbrellas.  Snow in Norway?  Time for a reindeer sleigh ride.  Rain AND snow in Budapest?  Perfect for a cooking class! 

Which is how I came to make Chicken Paprikash! 

This Hungarian comfort food consists of chicken in a paprika sauce, served over spaetzle-like pasta or egg noodles.  It’s unique, flavorful and loaded with natural goodness. 

Serve it for a family dinner with a nice salad.  Or add it to the Mother’s Day buffet!  You really didn’t want that same ol’ quiche again, did you?  Read more