How to Grow A Bean Plant From Dry Beans

bean plantEvery now and again, we plant new things in our garden. But have you ever tried to grow beans before? Did you know that it is possible to actually grow a bean plant from the bagged dry beans you get from the grocery store? Well, you can and it’s easier than you think. At my local Walmart, dry red beans in a 1 pound bag costs $1.69 and you can imagine how many bean plants you can grow from that many seeds. Not only is this very economical, it’s also super easy and a great project to do with the kids. Have fun telling them about how the seed turns into food. Children love to see things grow, and beans
grow at a rate where every day it either grows another inch or another leaf.

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Whole Wheat 30 Minute Rolls

Rolls are so easy to make and not even I can screw up. This is something that goes with practically anything from spaghetti to soup to grilled chicken. They can also be eaten as a snack, for those early mornings, and even for dessert. These keep so well in the refrigerator that sometimes I make a double or triple batch to save for other meals, still only taking me 30 minutes.

 

The rolls are completed in four phases.

Phase 1: Yeast mixture sits for 15 minutes.

Phase 2: Add in other ingredients.

Phase 3: Shape rolls and let rest for 10 minutes.

Phase 4: Bake for 10 minutes. [Read more…]

Pasta Salad

pasta salad

Everywhere I search, the same recipe and variations pop up. Pasta salad is different to my family than it is to other families. Other people share their recipes with me, but it’s never the same. But I’m sure you’ll fall in in love with this recipe. It has served my family well for over four years. Made with inexpensive ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

I’ve also tried this recipe using different combinations of vegetables such as substituting spinach for the kale, green olives for the ripe olives, and shallots for the onion. This recipe is easily adaptable around what kinds of vegetables or pasta you’ve got lying around. Maybe you only have penne noodles or shells. No biggie. Just adjust the cook time of the pasta to the boxes directions. Also fell free to double this recipe or even triple it and pack in your kids lunches during the week. Adjust the flavoring to your families tastes so that it’s a dish that everyone will want to see in their lunch box week after week.

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Summer Macaroni Salad In Lemon-Thyme Dressing

sps2I must say…lemon has a very interesting flavor. Especially when paired with mayonnaise,thyme, peas, and spinach. Creamy lemon noodles? I know you think I’m crazy. I’m not. I promise. I was honestly resistant once I dipped my finger in the dressing. I was really thinking it was going to be gross but it wasn’t.

If the summertime had a flavor that I could actually taste, I have a small hunch that the flavor would be of lemons. Those juicy, colorful and tangy little glowing orbs that offer a sharpness and zing to all they come in contact with make the taste of this season come alive with vibrancy. A cool and creamy summer macaroni salad kissed with a hint of fresh lemon and herbs will liven up your get-together and wake up everybody’s taste buds, making everyone glad that it’s summertime.  [Read more…]