Good Living Guide

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

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If you crave the taste of stuffed peppers, but want an easy version with no stuffing required, check out this totally satisfying Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup. This soup smells amazing while it’s cooking, and it tastes even better.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Here’s Why You Need This Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Do you ever get the craving for something but don’t have enough ingredients or enough time to make it? When that happens, count on soup to save the day.

A slow simmer of spices, fresh ingredients and rich-tasting broth can create a great meal that captures the flavors you want.

Soup is easy to make, easy on your budget and a surefire family favorite.

Helpful Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

  • For the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Here’s a great guide to picking and storing peppers of all kinds.
  • Like all soups, you can change ingredients according to what you have on hand. Switch the ground beef for ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles. Use saffron rice or Mexican-style rice instead of white. The possibilities are all delicious.

What to Serve with Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

The southwestern flavors in this soup make it a natural to pair with tortilla chips. Set out cut limes, avocado slices, shredded cheese and sour cream as topping options. They’ll take these flavors to the next level.

If your family prefers bread, serve warm, crusty rolls.

Crisp salads always go well with soup. Try a southwestern salad with homemade avocado dressing like this one.

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
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Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

If you crave the taste of stuffed peppers, but want an easy version with no stuffing required, check out this totally satisfying Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup. This soup smells amazing while it’s cooking, and it tastes even better.

Course Soup
Cuisine American
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prep stock pot with cooking spray.
  2. Add the ground meat in the stock pot.
  3. Brown the meat. Drain the fat.
  4. Add the pepper and onion.
  5. Cook the onion and pepper until the onion is translucent but not brown.
  6. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, thyme, and sage. Season with the salt and pepper. (to taste).
  7. Cover the stock pot . Allow the soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes. (Or until the peppers are tender)
  8. Add 2 cups of water in the saucepan. Bring to a boil.

  9. Add rice cooking until tender.

  10. Add the rice to the soup.
  11. Garnish with the fresh chopped sage.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Pineberry: Real Strawberry With A Sweet-Tart Pineapple Flavor

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Coming across a white fruit that looks oddly like the standard strawberry will give you pause. Introduce yourself to the pineberry. This fruit looks just like a strawberry, except it has white skin and red seeds.

Pineberry
History of the Pineberry

The Fragaria family includes dozens of different strawberry varieties, including the common red cultivar. A pineberry is a descendant within the strawberry family. It’s believed to come from the North American variety and Chili cultivars.

Pineberries simply evolved over time as more seeds were planted from the Fragaria family. They’re popular in Europe and the United States as more people come to know this non-genetically modified fruit.

How Does a Pineberry Taste?

Taste and smell are linked in the human psyche, so pineberries give you a sensation from both of these perspectives. They have a sugary aroma and a mild taste.

In fact, you might feel like you’re biting into a tiny pineapple. This fruit’s acidic taste, however, is missing from the pineberry. Enjoy the pineapple’s essence without the acidic bite.

Keep in mind that pineapples aren’t related to this fruit at all. It’s simply a natural coincidence.

Exploring the Nutritional Aspects of the Pineberry

There are only 43 calories in 3.5 ounces of pineberries, reports My Fitness Pal. You also gain a few nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, vitamin C and more.

Remember that pineberries are fruits with natural sugars. If you’re trying to cut back on carbohydrates, eating these berries in moderation is key. They’re otherwise healthy additions to your diet.

Growing the Almighty Pineberry

Burpee suggests planting pineberries in loose, well-drained soil. Give each plant about 18 to 24 inches of space around them.

The Fragaria family is known to put out runners or plant extensions. Pineberries will continue to spread through your regularly watered garden.

Grow these plants in pots too. You’ll control the runners with this strategy. Apartment dwellers can enjoy their own fruits as a result.

Give your backyard garden a fruiting jewel with the tasty pineberry. The fruits are decorative and sustainable. You’ll be the talk of the town with these distinct plants in your edible garden.

Pineberry

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Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad is loaded with crunch and full of healthy ingredients. The delicious, creamy dressing blends the sweet and tangy flavors together. It’s a perfect salad to make ahead of time and great for potlucks, picnics and parties!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

What Makes This Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Special?

One thing I absolutely LOVE about this salad is that it can last for multiple days without getting soggy. I would even argue that the flavor is enhanced as it marinates in the refrigerator for a few days.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

I also love the versatility of this salad. Depending on your preferences and/or diet restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe to make it healthier or a little more decadent. For example, you can add crumbled bacon, use maple syrup instead of sugar, or substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

About This Apple Broccoli Salad

In my opinion, this salad is the best way to enjoy raw broccoli. The sweetness of the apples and sugar go a long way in balancing out the natural bitterness of the broccoli.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

This is my all-time favorite lettuce-free salad. I just love the burst of flavor with each crunchy bite. And best of all, this recipe is super easy to make and full of vitamins and nutrients.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
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Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

Instructions

Broccoli Preparation

  1. With a paring knife, cut the Broccoli crown (that's the fluffy looking bright green part on top) away from the stem. Set stem aside.
  2. Pull the crown florets apart, and then cut the small florets away from the small stems that are holding them, and you should end up with bite size florets.
  3. Take the large stem you set aside, and cut both ends off and discard.
  4. Slice the remaining stem into bite size pieces, and put all the Broccoli, stems and floret pieces, in a colander, and thoroughly wash under cold running water until clean. Let drain in colander.

Salad Instructions

  1. In a medium stock pot filled 3/4 full of hot water, bring the water to a boil, adding a little olive oil or butter and a pinch of salt to the water.

  2. Break the fettuccine into 2 inch pieces. Place in boiling water.

  3. Turn the heat to low and cook for 6 minutes, or until pasta is al dente (done, but still a little firm).

  4. When fully cooked, transfer fettuccine to a dish with a slotted spoon or pasta strainer.

  5. Place broccoli in the same water used to cook the fettuccine. Bring the water to a boil, turn down the heat to low, and cook for two minutes.  

  6. Drain broccoli in the colander, and set aside to cool.  

  7. While the fettuccine and broccoli are cooling, wash and peel the carrots. Either grate them with a grater or shred them in the food processor.

  8. Wash and slice the celery. Peel and chop the red and green onions. 

  9. Place the cooled, drained broccoli and the fettuccine in a serving dish. Add the carrot, celery, and red and green onion. Place dish in the refrigerator.

Dressing Instructions

  1. In a small bowl add the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk all together until well blended and then place in the refrigerator.

  2. Wash and chop the apple and then add to the salad.

  3. Immediately pour the dressing over the salad. Add the raisins and then toss all ingredients together to coat the pasta and vegetables with the dressing.

  4. Place the salad back in the refrigerator.

  5. OPTIONAL: Cook the bacon and drain on paper towels. When bacon has cooled, and right before serving the salad, crumble the bacon over the top of the salad.

  6. Serve as a side dish, on a buffet, or as a starter in place of lettuce salad. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If possible, add ingredients in the order the recipe states.  Make sure you add the apple last and pour the dressing immediately on the salad (the dressing contains lemon juice which helps to keep the apple from turning brown).  All apples turn brown after cutting or chopping, but lemon juice will help to retain the natural apple color.

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

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Avocado Chocolate Mousse

 

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

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This Avocado Chocolate Mousse is not only a healthy choice for chocolate lovers, but it’s also one of the easiest dessert recipes you’ll ever make! It’s so rich, creamy and chocolaty that you’ll forget it has avocados in it. And for those of you on diet restrictions, it’s good to know that this is a vegan, dairy free, paleo, and gluten free treat!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

How Does Avocado Chocolate Mousse Taste?

I am guessing that some of you are skeptical about using avocado in a dessert. Well, to be perfectly honest, I was skeptical myself. After all, we have been conditioned to believe that an avocado is not a versatile fruit. We love it in foods like guacamole and salads, but most of us are not used to adding it to sweets.

Avocados go especially well with chocolate because of their thick, buttery consistency. The creamy texture makes them a perfect match for rich, decadent desserts. Even though medium avocados contain about 29 grams of fat, they are deceptively healthy. This is due to their high concentration of monounsaturated fat, which can lower LDL cholesterol.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can’t taste the avocado. What you will taste instead is a silky smooth mousse that is full of chocolate flavor with just the right amount of natural sweetener.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

How To Make Avocado Chocolate Mousse

In a food processor or blender, add the avocados, cocoa powder, coconut milk, honey (or Stevia), vanilla extract, and banana.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the container. Blend again, making sure all ingredients are blended thoroughly.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Remove the blending container and cover. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour, until completely cold, before serving. Serve 1/3 cups of Mousse, topped with a sprinkling of chocolate chips and raspberries. Enjoy!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Avocado Chocolate Mousse
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Avocado Chocolate Mousse

This Avocado Chocolate Mousse is not only a healthy choice for chocolate lovers, but it’s also one of the easiest dessert recipes you’ll ever make! It’s so rich, creamy and chocolaty that you’ll forget it has avocados in it. 
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a food processor or blender, add the avocados, cocoa powder, coconut milk, honey (or Stevia), vanilla, and banana.

  2. Blend all ingredients until smooth.  

  3. Scrape down the sides of the container. Blend again, making sure all ingredients are blended thoroughly.

  4. Remove the blending container and cover. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour, until completely cold, before serving.  

  5. Serve 1/3 cups of Mousse, topped with a sprinkling of chocolate chips and raspberries. Enjoy!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

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Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

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If you love chopped, crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies and a wonderful dressing, this Asian Kale Salad is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites.  You can have it ready in a short time. Just add your favorite toppings and you’ve got a great healthy meal that is satisfying, flavorful and delicious!

crunchy asian kale salad

Why We Love Kale

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world. This superfood is low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with an assortment of minerals and phytonutrients. Among the many health benefits it provides are detoxification, heart support and cancer prevention.

How To Give Kale A Softer Texture

Although many people love the crunchy toughness of raw kale, many others prefer their kale to be softened before eating. This can easily be accomplished by “massaging” the kale with a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt. The key is to rub the leaves with your fingers right up to the point where they begin to wilt. Not only will this process tenderize the kale, but it will also reduce the bitter taste of the leaves.

Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

In addition to what the recipe calls for, you can also top your asian kale salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or any of your other favorite toppings.

crunchy asian kale salad

crunchy asian kale salad
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Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

If you love chopped crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies, and a wonderful dressing, this is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites.  

Course Salad
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Dressing

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all the vegetables, then dry on kitchen towels to ensure that water has been removed.

  2. Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl, then place bowl in refrigerator.

  3. In a blender, add the coconut milk, almond butter, lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Blend until thoroughly mixed. 

  4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.  

  5. Serve immediately.  

Recipe Notes

OPTIONAL:  You can also top the salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or your favorite toppings.

crunchy asian kale salad

White Bean and Farro Salad

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White Bean and Farro Salad

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This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, my new favorite grain! It’s a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. It has more protein and fiber than wheat and is especially rich in magnesium and B vitamins. I love it so much that I have been using it as a replacement over rice and pasta.

White Bean and Farro Salad

This quick and easy salad recipe has only six ingredients. The ease of preparation is sure to make your hectic day a little less stressful.

white bean and farro salad

You will want to follow the instructions that come with the specific Farro you purchase. Most directions will say to add Farro and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Then you will want to reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer anywhere from 25-40 minutes. The Farro should be tender and all of the liquid should be absorbed.

Although it’s not necessary, you can speed up the cooking time of Farro by soaking it beforehand. Simply add enough cold water to submerge the grain completely, put a lid on it, and then refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

White Bean and Farrow Salad

Four pantry ingredients is all it takes to make the easiest Red Wine Vinaigrette ever. This classic vinaigrette recipe is super versatile, only takes a few minutes to whisk together, and always tastes delicious! To save time, I prepare it while the Farro is cooking.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Now it’s time to add the Farro, white beans, kale, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and pepitas in a large mixing bowl.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Toss until mixed, pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss again and then enjoy this fantastic White Bean and Farro Salad!

White Bean and Farro Salad

White Bean and Farrow Salad
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White Bean and Farro Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. 

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup uncooked Farro
  • 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup kale torn small by hand
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pepitas
  • 4 ounces feta crumbled

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare 1 cup Farro as directed in the package.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  2. While Farro is cooking, prepare dressing. 

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  3. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined and refrigerate.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  4. When Farro is done, rinse with cold water until cool.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  5. In a large mixing bowl, add Farro, beans, kale, feta*, cranberries, and pepitas. 

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  6. Toss until mixed.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  7. Pour dressing over salad, toss again and serve.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

Recipe Notes

*If making the night before, leave out feta until right before serving.

white bean and farro salad

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