Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Easy and Impressive Key Lemon Pie

By Inger May 14, 2023 Cooking & Recipes, Desserts & Snacks, Lemons 20 Comments

Sunny yellow-gold, sweet and tart, this key lemon pie is super easy and tasty. A classic dessert or snack based on key lime pie!

Key Lemon Pie is a family favorite in my house! And we eat it all year long. The bright, fresh flavor and ease of preparation make it a go to pie for all kinds of events.

Yes, when the citrus harvest comes in winter, it’s time to celebrate. And when Easter and Mother’s Day arrive, I love how the sunny yellow color reminds me of the spring sunshine. Finally, it’s a favorite on Thanksgiving where our big celebration means at least four varieties of pie.

It’s just that good! Read more

Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon

By Inger May 13, 2023 Cooking & Recipes, Main Dish, Seafood 14 Comments

Quick and easy, this oven-roasted Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon brings together classic flavors in an entrée that’s perfect for weekday or weekend.

Have you been feeling the need for easier recipes lately? Perhaps it’s because I just got back from a vacation… But if I don’t have the ingredients on hand, and it isn’t done in 30 minutes, I get the urge to go out. You know the old saying “I need a vacation to rest up from my vacation!”

So I was happy to prepare a truly simple entree tonight. Pecan Crusted Salmon requires just a quick mix of topping ingredients, then you spread that on the salmon, and bake (it even bakes fast). Easy-peasy! Read more

Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Chorizo

By Inger May 6, 2023 Cooking & Recipes, Main Dish 7 Comments

With creamy grits and flavorful spiced chorizo and peppers, Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Chorizo is a fun and tasty entrée.

Creamy and spicy aren’t two flavors I tend to associate. But paired together in Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Chorizo, they are rich, exciting, and flavorful.

The dish has its origins in coastal South Carolina but has also come to be associated with New Orleans, especially spicier versions like this one, with the addition of a spicy sausage like chorizo or andouille.

This recipe is slightly simplified so it’s easy to make at home. But don’t worry–it’s still got plenty of flavor. And feel free to serve with a hot sauce if you’d like even more. Read more

Yes, You Can Make Chiles Rellenos at Home

By Inger May 5, 2023 Main Dish 19 Comments

Chiles Rellenos are poblano peppers stuffed with mild cheese, fried in egg batter & topped with salsa. For over the top taste & nutrition!

There’s nothing like Mexican food when you want a good hit of flavor! I love Chiles Rellenos for the great taste–and even more for the solid nutrition this dish provides.

Yes, give me two servings of vegetables and a nice hit of calcium for breakfast (or even lunch or dinner) and I feel I’m starting the day right.

Now, if you’ve never tried this, I realize the dish may sound a bit intimidating–but really it isn’t. First, it’s just barely hot since poblano peppers are mild (Scoville scale of approximately 1250) as “hot” peppers go (jalapenos are up to 8000 units).

And the dish is also very easy, especially if you use prepared salsa. In fact, I’ll make up a single chile relleno for myself for breakfast on the fly, it’s so easy—really no harder than an omelet.

Just more fun! Read more