Just~One~Donna

I like to keep a tasty dip on hand in the refrigerator.  That way I always have something at the ready to offer a drop-in visitor.  It also helps to keep hungry family members at bay when dinner isn't quite ready, but stomachs are grumbling. A Quick and Easy Cheddar Ranch Dip Cheddar Ranch Dip This cheddar ranch dip is easy to make, packs a lot of flavor, and keeps well in the fridge.  Have you priced pre-made dips in the store?  Yes, they are convenient, but it is much easier on your budget to whip up this easy dip yourself.

This month I'm focusing on healthy foods and today's recipe for Spinach and Kale Soup fits perfectly.  I don't like to throw food out.  It just seems wasteful.  So, when I looked in my refrigerator last weekend and saw some kale and spinach that were calling out to be used, I decided to make a soup.  Have I told you I love soup? A Flavorful Spinach and Kale Vegetable Soup This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  I am compensated when you shop using these links.   Spinach and Kale Soup  Winter can be challenging when shopping the produce department for fresh vegetables.  Spinach and kale always seem to be in abundant supply in winter and look fresh and appetizing.  This is compared to the other vegetables I prefer like green beans, zucchini, and asparagus.

Are you familiar with the term "hygge"?  It's a Danish term that has caught on in the U.S. because it speaks to the feelings of coziness and relaxation we seek during the winter months.  It emphasizes the simple things in life and the feelings of a life well-lived.   One of the ways I create hygge this time of year is by making sure my collection of African violets and orchids is happy and healthy, How to Care for African Violets and Orchids During Winter This post contains affiliate links.  We receive a small compensation when you shop with these links. Your houseplants are most likely crying out for some attention right now.  If you are like me, you ignored them a bit during the busy holidays.  After all the festive decorations are put away, it's time to give your plants a lovely spa treatment.  Read on for tips on how to care for orchid plants and African violets in winter.

Sometimes you just need chicken noodle soup. Here in the Northeast, we've had weeks and weeks of bitterly cold weather.  A blizzard this week left us with piles of snow and frigid temperatures with wind chills below zero.   On top of that, we've had coughs and sniffles that just won't quit.  It's miserable.  That means it is a perfect time for hearty soups like this homemade chicken noodle soup. Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup The best chicken noodle soup is made with just a few ingredients.   The base flavor comes from carrots, onion, celery, and chicken stock.  You'll want to be sure you are using the best, most flavorful ingredients you can find to make this hearty homemade chicken soup from scratch.

The Just One Donna readers have spoken.  I was curious about which dinner recipes were the readers' favorites for the past year.  Luckily, I have reports that give me the information with a click or two.  Here are the five dinner recipes that were viewed the most in 2017. Five Favorite Dinner Recipes Each of these recipes is loved by my family and is part of the regular menu rotation at my house.  I'm happy the Just One Donna readers agree. It's time to give them a try if you haven't as yet.

Let's start 2018 with some ideas for being more efficient in the kitchen.  I don't know about you, but I am always grateful for any suggestions that will save me time, money, or both in my kitchen. Twenty Five Kitchen Hacks to Save You Time and Money I've been gathering these kitchen tips over the years and use them all in my own kitchen.  How many do you use, too?