Cranberry Orange Almond Bites

This is one of those great recipes that you can mix with pretty much any combination of nuts and dried fruit to make a healthier 'fruit snack' of sorts.  I molded these into mini ice cube trays for bite sized pieces and we all loved them.

If you are new to essential oils, or simply don't want to use them, these would still be great without them.  I happen to love the added boost of citrus flavor.

Cranberry Orange Almond Bites

Recipe idea from Chocolate Covered Katie

1/2 c. craisins

1/2 c. sliced or slivered almonds (or cashew pieces)

6 Tbsp. quick oats

1/8 tsp. salt

5-10 drops wild orange essential oils (or lemon)

Place all ingredients in a food process and process very well, until dough becomes sticky and clumps together.

Form into balls or press into mini molds or ice cube trays.

Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Under 5 ingredients with great flavor and little work, this simple salmon supper is perfect for any day of the week.

We served ours with rice and butter, along with steamed green beans.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Recipe from All Recipes

4 6oz. boneless salmon fillets

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

2 Tbsp. dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Season salmon with salt and pepper and arrange in shallow baking dish.

Whisk together brown sugar and dijon and spoon evenly over salmon fillets.

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve with rice and steamed veggies.

Caprese Pasta Salad

This is everything a summer salad should be - light, flavorful and easy to make.  Even though this isn't your classic caprese cheese ingredient (I use parmesan instead of mozzarella), these flavors blend perfectly with the balsamic dressing.

The original recipe included chicken, which I omitted.  Feel free to add that if you are looking more for a full meal in itself.  I left it out because I happen to think this salad pairs perfectly with garlic balsamic crusted pork loin, and I wanted a meatless addition.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Recipe modified from Taste of Home

3 c. uncooked bowtie pasta

2 c. chopped tomatoes

1/2 c. chopped green onions

1/4 c. fresh minced basil

1/4 c. olive oil

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 c. parmesan cheese

Cook pasta al dente and drain.

Meanwhile, chop tomatoes, green onions and basil add to a large salad bowl.

Combine oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic and salt and pepper and whisk to combine.

Add cooked noodles to salad bowl.

Pour dressing over noodles and stir to coat.

Sprinkle cheese over everything and stir to combine.

Serve at room temperature.

Ham and Egg Salad Sammy

This is a great grown up version of egg salad and is filling enough for dinner, which I love.  If you are a mayo-free spirit, like my husband, thick sliced hard boiled eggs make an excellent substitution for the egg salad.

Ham and Egg Salad Sammy

Recipe from The Pioneer Woman

6 hard boiled eggs

1/4 c. mayo

1.5 Tbsp. dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

dash worchestershire sauce

6 thick slices baked ham

6 slices cheese (I used pepperjack)

sliced red onion

sliced avocado

slices tomato

spinach (or lettuce of choice)

6 sandwich buns or rolls

Prepare egg salad by chopping hard boiled eggs.

Add mayo, dijon, salt, pepper and worchestershire to taste.

Layer cheese, ham, tomato, egg salad, onions, spinach and avocado between each sandwich bun.

Fruit Fly Killer

If your house is anything like mine in the summertime it is swarming with fresh produce.  As a result, fruit flies are seemingly always present in my kitchen.  This simple recipe is a perfect attraction and trap for them.  Obviously not the prettiest, but I set a jar of this out of sight and dump it down the sink once it has served its purpose.

Fruit Fly Killer

Small glass jar

apple cider vinegar

2 drops liquid dish soap

Fill glass jar 1/4 - 1/2 full of apple cider vinegar.

Add 2 drops of liquid dish soap and mix thoroughly.

Sit out in an area where fruit flies are present.