This fresh pesto appetizer with tomato and mozzarella slices might be my favorite appetizer of all time. It’s easy to make, and virtually everyone seems to like it. Fresh pesto is an Italian classic that is popular around the world. The star of a great pesto is the fresh basil, and basil is one of my favorite herbs. (See below for tips on how to grow your own fresh basil.) And when you add fresh pesto to tomato slices and mozzarella slices, you have the ultimate Italian appetizer! I like to make the pesto ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Then, when guests arrive, I assemble the tomato and mozzarella slices. I add a dollop of pesto to the top of each stack. The appetizers are ready in minutes. Warm fresh pesto appetizers right out of the oven. Yum! How to Make My Fresh Pesto Appetizer with Tomato and Mozzarella Slices Pesto Ingredients 2 cups basil leaves ¼ cup pine nuts 2 cloves of garlic 2/3 cup olive oil ½ cup grated … [Read more...] about Fresh Pesto Appetizer with Tomato and Mozzarella Slices
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Easy-to-Bake Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie
A delicious Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie is a variation on the classic lemon meringue pie. If there is a Dessert Hall of Fame, surely the lemon meringue pie is inducted. It’s delicious. It looks great. And it’s not hard to make—it just looks like it would be hard to make. The lemon meringue pie is so awesome it even has its own Wikipedia page. When you bake a lemon meringue pie, people are impressed. So, imagine the kudos you’ll get when you bake a Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie. Whoa! Your friends and family with think you just got back from a pastry-making class in Paris. The list of ingredients is in the graphic below. I have also included a link to my video on YouTube that shows all the steps in making this delicious dessert. Helpful Instructions for Making a Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie When I make this Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie, I make it gluten free. So, I buy a gluten-free pie crust from the natural foods market. Feel free to use a regular pie crust if you would … [Read more...] about Easy-to-Bake Lemon Tangelo Meringue Pie
Six Affordable Ways to Update Your Home
Whether you’re selling your home or merely looking for a change in your environment, there may come a time when you decide to make some updates to your home. Yes, it is easy to put off the task because of the potential cost and time needed for renovating. But there are many ways to spruce things up without breaking the bank. You’ll also find that you can do these projects little by little so that you don’t have to make major adjustments to your schedule. To help you out, here is a list of affordable ways to update your home. 1. Look at Color Trends Before you make any purchases or updates, examine current color trends. Right now, cool neutrals are popular in homes for both new properties and remodeling existing homes. Using these neutral colors can make a home seem clean and modern. Start your renovation process by repainting your walls, windowsills, and doors. If the walls have any minor dents, you can fill them in with toothpaste before going over them with paint. … [Read more...] about Six Affordable Ways to Update Your Home
Easy Tips for a Low Cost Room Makeover
Are you tired of your home or apartment? Do you look around your place and get the blahs? It may be time for a low cost room makeover. Don't worry, because you can create the feel of a fresh room makeover without spending a ton of money. Decorating on a budget can even be fun. A little creativity can stretch a few dollars into a Pinterest-worthy interior. Just remember the 3 P’s of a fast, low cost room makeover. I’m talking about paint, pillows and plants. Here are a few thoughts and inspirations to get you started on a room makeover that won’t break your bank account. Low Cost Room Makeover Tip #1: Paint is Cheap One of the least expensive and easiest ways to upgrade a room interior is with paint. That’s right, a gallon or two of paint. A coat of fresh paint in a new color can give an instant face-lift to an otherwise tired or ordinary room. My favorite way to make a big impact with paint is to buy one gallon of paint in a dramatic jewel-tone color. Select a … [Read more...] about Easy Tips for a Low Cost Room Makeover
Easy-to-Grow Houseplants for Beginners
Easy-to grow-houseplants are more popular than ever. Even people who have never grown plants are adding houseplants to their indoor spaces. These new houseplant growers would never call themselves “gardeners,” yet they are going crazy over indoor plants. Why are easy-to-grow houseplants trending? Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, whose website at TheHouseplantGuru.com is a great source of information and inspiration about indoor plants, says houseplants nourish the body and the soul. “So many studies have been done that show the benefits houseplants have in the home and the workplace,” said Steinkopf. “Plants clean the air, they make people feel happier and actually lower their blood pressure. In office environments, plants also reduce the occurrence of sick days. What more could we ask for?” Expert Advice on Easy-to-Grow Houseplants Lisa Eldred Steinkopf (Twitter handle: @TheHouseplantGuru) says that anyone can successfully grow houseplants. “Growing a plant successfully is … [Read more...] about Easy-to-Grow Houseplants for Beginners