Look on my blog for my blueberry muffin recipe! It is to de for!
We had our middle son’s birthday party over the weekend! It was a great time getting to celebrate him! We had all his favorite foods: from the main courses down to the fruits!
Like always, the next day I am staring at a mountain of leftovers thinking how can I use these? I can always vacuum seal my blueberries and freeze them for the next time I want to bake a healthy dessert, but sometimes we want to use them right now! Here are some ideas of how you can use up blueberries before they go bad:
Blueberry muffins
Overnight oats
Blueberry pancakes or waffles
Blueberry crumble bars
Blueberry pie
Blueberry cheesecake
Blueberry jam
Blueberry oat bars
Blueberry yogurt pops
Blueberry smoothies
Blueberry crisp
Lemon blueberry bread
Blueberry breakfast cake
Blueberry scones
Blueberry lemonade
Blueberry cinnamon rolls
Blueberry coffee cake
Blueberry ice cream
Blueberry white chocolate cookies
Blueberry oatmeal cookies
There are a million ways we can use leftover fruits! If you are not in the mood to use them at the moment, don’t throw them out! You can store blueberries at any point by using methods like freezing them or storing them in a sealed mason jar in the fridge. Fruits keep longer in sealed mason jars versus other sealed containers.
I hope this helps you! I am not one to waste food so I find any and every way I can use what I buy! My Nanny would not be proud of me if I told her I threw out two containers of blueberries! That is definitely not how she raised me!
For more insights on budget-friendly dinner ideas, easy dinner recipes, dessert recipes, meal plans, and the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, don’t forget to follow Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking! Home is where the best things are made!
Let’s say our babies are blessed to live to be 100, hopefully longer but let’s go with 100 years old for argument's sake.
Especially in this day and age, I think we can agree that our children are exposed to already know way too much about adult matters by the time they are 16. To me, that is still a baby but we all know by 16, they have probably already had sex, drank, and heard way too much about adult situations.
So by 16, their innocence is gone.
That means they have 84, EIGHTY-FOUR YEARS, to deal with this not-so-great, sometimes great, crazy, hectic, greedy, thing we call life and all that brings with it.
WHY do we try and strip our children of their innocence before that?
If they have 84 years to be an adult, why can’t they have 16 years to be a kid?
This is a topic that I will forever stand strong against. Now I am just a bonus mom so maybe my opinion is completely invalid here but I’m going to talk on it anyways! We cannot shelter our kids forever. With technology as it is and the fast-paced world we have it is almost impossible to shield our kids how we want to. So they do learn things fast. They hear things, they eavesdrop, and they sneak around. It’s what kids do, especially teenagers. And as the world progresses, the morals go down and kids aren’t taught that they shouldn’t have sex at 12! So this leads to children losing their innocence pretty young. That is such a shame to me.
Now we can’t stop the world, but we can stop our home.
The home is the foundation of a child. They learn here and then go out to build their walls. It is our job to build that foundation the best we can to help them have the right tools to build their walls alone. Here are my statements for you:
Do not put your kids in your business. They do not need to know your adult hatred, your relationship issues, your sex life, or you fighting with your spouse.
They do not need to be told inappropriate sexual jokes and comments: it doesn’t matter if they understand it or not. Keep your dirty jokes to your husband.
They do not need to know your money struggles. They did not ask to be born. You chose that. It is not their fault or their responsibility to hold your financial burden. Studies show that when you handle every situation with your kid by expressing how you don’t have the money, you are teaching your kids that money is their worth.
Do not put your hatred of others onto your kids. If there is someone that it is simply in their best interest, and safety, to not talk to, simply explain to them they may say hello but we must not spend time with them. Your petty grudges are not their burden. You should not talk about how much you hate people around your kids. Kids are born with the purest love. All you are doing is ripping that away from them when you teach them petty hatred.
Your vices are your vices. I personally believe after your twenties, you shouldn’t have vices that rule your life anymore but that’s me! Do not teach your children that they need wine, beer, weed, God forbid drugs, and any other vices to handle their lives. Teach them communication and help them understand that healthy communication can be a huge factor in handling life. From a personal standpoint, back when I used to drink, it was to handle my feelings that I wasn't able to tell anyone about due to a toxic relationship.
Our kids have 84 years to be adults. They have 84 years to worry about money, spouses, drugs, drinking, sex, jobs, and eeeeeverything else life throws at us. Why can’t they have at least 16 years to be a kid whose only concern is school, video games, texting friends, and what clothes to wear? Some things can’t be helped. But most can if you simply put yourself aside and do it.
As busy moms, we’ve all been there — baseball, dance, errands, appointments, and the list goes ON AND ON, but as soon as you walk through the door “Mom, what’s for dinner?”. Dinner? It feels like a daunting task at this point. Yet, we know that feeding our families healthy, home-cooked meals is important. Plus we didn’t skip Chick-fil-A to come home and eat cereal LOL. So, how do we deal with this? The secret lies in keeping certain foods in your pantry. Let’s dive into the essential foods you should always have on hand for those quick-fix dinners, making sure you can skip the takeout line without compromising on nutrition and satisfaction.
Rice and Pasta: pasta and rice are filling staples that are the bases for many dinner ideas like casseroles and spaghetti.
Canned beans: easy side and easy addition to many meals for extra protein
Canned tomatoes: many recipes I have call for canned tomatoes for flavor, nutrients, and more!
Cooking oils (olive oil is the healthiest)
Spices you like to cook with: every recipe is complete with the best spices. Try and keep your family’s preferred spices on hand to make sure every dish is seasoned to perfection!
Stock or broth (e.g., chicken, vegetable): great base for pasta, soups, and crock pot meals
Canned tuna or salmon: protein and easily turned into dishes like tuna salad and salmon cakes
Flour (e.g., all-purpose, whole wheat): flour is essential in most cooking and baking.
Sugar (granulated, brown): or you can use honey if you are cutting back on sugar
Baking powder and baking soda
Milk
Eggs: a great ingredient for most recipes or an easy solution of breakfast for dinner!
Butter or margarine
Cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
Condiments (e.g., mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup)
Salad dressings
Frozen vegetables
Quick steaks: I like to keep quick steaks on hand for things like steak hoagies and steak wraps
Hoagie buns
Tortillas
Lettuce
Cream cheese: I cook and bake a lot of cream cheese. You would be amazed at how it can transform a dish
Sour Cream: sour cream is a great cooking ingredient that I use regularly
Well Saleena, that’s great to know what I need to make quick dinners, but what kind of dinners do I make??? I’m getting there! I won’t abandon you like that!
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s tempting to lean on takeout or pre-packaged meals. However, these options often come with a side of excess sodium, sugar, chemicals, and unhealthy fats. Preparing meals at home allows us to control ingredients, ensuring our families enjoy nutritious and balanced meals. Plus, cooking at home fosters family bonding and instills healthy eating habits in our children.
Tips for Meal Planning and Prep:
To make the most of your pantry staples, a little planning goes a long way. Consider setting aside some time each week to plan your meals and prep ingredients. Even simple steps like pre-cooking grains or chopping vegetables can save valuable time during the week. I always sit down on Sundays and plan my week and then my meals. I write alongside my meal planner when we have certain activities so I know what a good dinner is to cook on that particularly busy day.
Remember, the goal is to feed your family well, not to create gourmet meals every night. Embrace flexibility and don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients based on what you have. Sometimes, the best meals only take a few minutes.
For us busy moms, every minute counts. By keeping our pantries stocked with these essential foods, we’re always ready to whip up quick, nutritious meals, ensuring our families enjoy the benefits of home-cooked dishes without the stress. So, next time you’re in a dinner pinch, remember your pantry is your best friend. With a bit of creativity and some basic ingredients, you can keep your family happy, healthy, and well-fed, no matter how hectic life gets.
For more insights on budget-friendly dinner ideas, easy dinner recipes, dessert recipes, meal plans, and the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, don’t forget to follow Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking! Home is where the best things are made!
Want more help figuring out the kitchen? Get my FREE How to Get Started Cooking Guide HERE!
Saved from Pinterest from The Girl Behind The Curtain
I have a new food phase at the moment and I adore it! Overnight oats are my go-to these past weeks! They are easy, they have a way better flavor then normal hot oats, and there is SO much you can do with them! This no-cook, easy-prep breakfast option is not just a time-saver but also a nutritional powerhouse. Let’s dive into the world of overnight oats and discover why it might just become your new morning favorite.
Overnight oats are the epitome of convenience in a jar. By soaking oats in liquid overnight, you’re left with a creamy, pudding-like breakfast that’s ready to eat right out of the fridge. No cooking, no hassle, and what’s more, the flavor possibilities are endless.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: Oats are high in soluble fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. - Heart Healthy: The beta-glucan fiber in oats can help lower cholesterol levels. - Stabilizes Blood Sugar: The slow-digesting carbs in oats help maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their glucose intake. AKA, good for a diabetic! - Customizable: You can boost the nutritional value by adding fruits, nuts, seeds, and protein sources of your choice.
Ingredients: - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice) - 1/4 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon chia seeds - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - A pinch of salt - Optional toppings: more berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of granola
Instructions: 1. In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the oats, almond milk, berries, chia seeds, honey, and salt. Stir well to mix. 2. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours). 3. In the morning, give it a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. 4. Top with additional berries, Greek yogurt, or granola, and enjoy!
Chocolate and Hazelnut
Ingredients: - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup milk of choice - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder - 1–2 tablespoons hazelnut spread - 1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts - 1 tablespoon chocolate chips - A pinch of salt
Instructions: 1. In your chosen container, mix the oats, milk, cocoa powder, hazelnut spread, and salt until well combined. 2. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight. 3. Before serving, top with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips for that extra decadence.
Why Overnight Oats Are a Win-Win: The beauty of overnight oats lies in their simplicity and versatility. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something more savory, there’s an overnight oats recipe out there for you. Plus, they’re incredibly forgiving — if you mess up the proportions, it’s easy to adjust in the morning.
For those of us trying to balance a busy schedule with healthy eating, overnight oats are a dream come true. Prep them the night before, and you’ve got a grab-and-go breakfast that keeps you energized and satisfied until lunch. For you and the kids! As I stated above, my youngest bonus son loves my banana cinnamon overnight oats! This is a great source of nutrition for picky little eaters! The oats, the yogurt, the fruit, all of it is very beneficial for their little growing bodies!
Here are some extra recipes for you!
Saved from AndiAnne on Pinterest
Thank you for reading!
For more insights on budget-friendly dinner ideas, easy dinner recipes, dessert recipes, meal plans, and the myriad of health benefits offered by natural foods, don’t forget to follow Homemaker Recipes. I’m here to help busy moms, health enthusiasts, and everyone in between discover the joys and benefits of home cooking! Home is where the best things are made!
