Rustic Roots

I have really been trying to watch what I eat.  Trying to eat a bit healthier for many different reasons.  As I sit here starving I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I could fix quickly that would be good and also healthy.  I have recently gotten into zoodles.  I mean I love them.   Needless to say my thoughts came straight to what could I make with some zoodles.  When I said I wanted to make something that was quick well this is super duper quick.  Like I had it made in 5 minutes.  Which is not normally something I would do but when I am hungry and I do not want to eat junk I come up with stuff like this to eat.  I took a medium zucchini and my julienne peeler and made zoodles.  That took like a minute.  I put them in a paper towel lined bowl.  They are notorious for being soggy.  Zucchini has lots of water in them.  Next, I opened a can of no salt added petite diced Italian tomatoes....

I have never once made what I call normal potato salad.  I have made baked potato salad and my favorite red skin potato salad but never, not once have I had Southern Potato Salad.  However, Scott wanted some potato salad that has a bit of mustard and eggs.  While I am not a huge fan of this type of potato salad, I have to admit it was pretty darn good.   I made the mayonnaise mixture first.  Which consists of mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper, celery seeds, and sweet relish.  I used a squash relish I had canned and it was perfect. Next, wash your potatoes and cut them in half and toss in water and bring to boil.  Cook just till they are getting tender.  You do not want them mushy.  You want them to be able to hold together.  Yes, you leave the skins on the potatoes.   Next slice your celery and I added red onions.  Chop some onion. After your potatoes...

Let me forewarn you about these little morsels of goodness.  They are serious and totally addictive.  I am way passed hooked on them.  What's better is the simple fact that they are low calorie and low fat.  So, if you are dieting or just do not eat a lot of fried or fatty goods these are totally for you.  It is great that it is zucchini season so you can have fresh from the garden zucchini.  Now, I have made these before but they were always done in my dehydrator.  They are so much better in the oven.  Better sure when I make them next, it will be in my air fryer.   I have to be honest with you.  I am so addicted to these that I have already made 3 batches and did not share with anyone.  They are so yummy.  I have had them on salads.  I have had them as a snack and have even taken a bag on the go with me.  I don't know if I can share them they are that good.  They are simple to make but you are ...

These little darlings have been made in my kitchen for about 7 years.  I came across something similar to this recipe online and decided to make it.  Since then, I have really made it my own and I have to admit it is really darn good.  With that said this is made with ground venison, deer meat.   Not to toot my own horn but I have yet to have someone not like this recipe.  Which says a lot because a lot of people will not try or do not like deer meat.  Yes, you heard me correct.  Deer meat.  Now you can try it with different meat but to be honest, it is not as good.  So, if you have an aversion to deer meat, get over it and try this recipe.  It simply is divinely deerlicious.   We are lucky because Scott normally kills a few deer each season.  I make sure he grinds me some so I can make this recipe.  I am a bit protective of my ground venison and really do not want it used for anything but these litt...

If you know me personally you probably know how much I love pasta salad.  I have a few posts on pasta salad already but this one really takes the cake.  Is that OK to say because it sure is not cake.   I love the ingredients to this salad.  It def could be a meal in its self.  Plus it is starting to get steamy outside and who wants a hot meal when it is 100 degrees outside? I love to make my own dressing for my pasta salads.  I mean you can use a store bought one but you might overpower this delectable salad with something store bought.  Why not make your own?  Especially considering it is so easy to do. For this salad, I chose to make something similar to an Italian oil-based dressing.  We love Colavita EVOO.  We always pick up a few gallons when we go to Pittsburgh.  Again this is very simple.  The ingredients are EVOO, white vinegar, garlic, and some Italian seasoning. Pour all of them into a bottle and give...

WOW what a mouth full title!! For those that know me personally they know come summer I have a pitcher that I keep in the fridge that contains flavored water.  I have been a big fan of cucumber water for years.  Pretty sure way before it was vogue to sip at the day spa.  Just something about the flavor of cucumber gets me.  I know they say when you go out to a restaurant you should not have lemon water but I am a fan of lemon water as well.  Strawberry water is amazing to enjoy in the summer.  Or better yeah cucumber strawberry water.  OH MY!!!   Last week I decided enough was enough and it was time for me to get serious about eating healthier and cleaner. I did struggle for the first few days.  Which amazed me because I am not a breakfast eater and sometimes do not eat until late afternoon.  Yes, my eating habits leave something to be desired.  My metabolism needs help.  Of course, I was drinking water but I decide...

Here in the South, it is rather warm.  As in it is hot, steamy, and sticky outside.  No Southern lady should be seen a sweaty mess.  So, that means you have to stay inside at the hottest part of the day.  Yes, right, huh?  That is almost impossible when you have everything that we have going on around our house.  Which means this heat that has set into the area is probably here to stay.  I do not know about you but when it gets this hot the last thing I want is something hot to eat.  A cool salad or a light meal seems more pleasing to the palette.  Which leads us to a quantum of what to fix that has protein but cool to the taste.  Why not some ceviche?  I mean come on you can not get a better light but cool meal that will fill you with all kinds of nutrients for your body. If you have been reading my blog, you know a few things about me by now.  If you have not, you need to go back and catch up.  But, I will let you ...