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Deviled eggs are a deliciously easy appetizer to make. If you are looking for different ways to enjoy deviled eggs, I have 7 delicious deviled egg recipes for you to try.
7 Delicious Deviled Egg Recipes
The season is coming where we all end up with a bunch of hardboiled eggs and we aren’t sure what to do with them. So instead of traditional deviled eggs, I wanted to share 7 delicious ways you can make deviled eggs. Go ahead make something a little different for your next party.
Each of these recipes is scaled for a dozen eggs, which should yield about 20 appetizer portions. The math whizzes among readers will see a dozen eggs in the ingredients and calculate that should make 24 appetizers rather than 20. But, stuff happens. The devil does wield power, especially when you are dealing with eggs. Eggs crack while boiling or peel less than perfectly. And besides, the cook must taste-test the finished product 😉
To make deviled eggs, the basic steps are the same for each recipe:
Carefully cut each egg in half lengthwise and pop out the egg yolk into your mixing bowl. Reserve the whites until you’re ready to serve (in a zip lock bag if you’ll be transporting to a party).
Mash the egg yolks together with the filling(s) of your choice. Transfer the filling to a zip lock bag and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready, follow the directions to assemble and serve below.
7 Delicious Deviled Egg Recipes:
Lemon-Peppered Deviled Eggs
12 hardboiled egg yolks
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
juice and minced zest of a third of a fresh lemon
salt to taste
additional zest curls for garnish
freshly ground black pepper or lemon pepper for garnish
Crunchy Veggie Deviled Eggs
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp each finely chopped red and green bell pepper and scallion
1 Tbsp each finely chopped celery and scallion
2 tsp prepared mustard
salt to taste
These are colorful enough that no garnish is required, but a celery leaf will work.
Deviled Eggs with Garden Fresh Herbs
When the season allows, this is a great way to show off the fresh herbs you have from your garden.
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
¼ tsp each chopped fresh dill, thyme, basil and sage
Salt to taste
Garnish with 1½ inch lengths of snipped chives
Curried Deviled Eggs with Chutney
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup plain yogurt
3 Tbsp minced scallions
2 tsp curry powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish with a dab of mango chutney
Avocado Deviled Eggs – Southwest Style
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp hot pepper juice
¼ tsp each: cayenne, chili powder (or to taste)
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 avocado, thinly sliced for garnish
Deviled Eggs Hamming It Up
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ tsp dried dill weed, crumbled or 1 tsp fresh
3 oz cooked ham, finely chopped or deviled ham or crumbled crisp bacon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Deviled Eggs with Asparagus
12 hardboiled egg yolks
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 spears cooked asparagus, chopped
1 tsp finely minced red onion
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 rashers crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled for garnish
To Assemble and Serve Your Delicious Deviled Eggs:
Arrange the egg white halves on your serving tray. Snip off one bottom corner of your zip lock back of filling. Depending on how chunky the ingredients of your filling, the hole may need to be as much as half an inch across.
Grasp the bag and squeeze the filling toward the snipped corner. Position the corner over the target egg and pipe the mixture into the cavity of the egg.
Add any garnish you desire, serve, and watch them disappear. Repeat as necessary to refill the tray.
Do you like deviled eggs? What is one of your favorite deviled egg recipes?
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One of the main benefits of meal planning is that it helps you become more efficient in the kitchen. Meal planning is a great way for you to reduce your grocery bill as well as food waste. While this post is sponsored by Healthy Family Project, all opinions and my love of meal planning are my own.
Benefits Of Meal Planning + Free Meal Planning Printable
Before we go over the many benefits of meal planning, I thought I would discuss what exactly meal planning is. Meal planning is simply knowing what you are going to have for dinner for the week and shopping for the items and doing some prep before cooking. Meal planning helps you from trying to decide every night at dinner time what’s for dinner. In fact, you can meal plan all your meals for the week, or just a few days. It’s totally up to you.
Meal planning isn’t supposed to be complicated or confusing. It is simply trying to make your life a bit easier. We all have different schedules and preferences so developing a meal plan that works for you is personal to you and your family.
Meal planning does not have to mean cooking every meal every day. It can be as simple as looking in the pantry for a jar of sauce and looking in the freezer to see frozen tortellini and knowing that’s what is for dinner on Tuesday. Remember, meal planning is totally flexible, so if you don’t make Monday’s meal on Monday, that’s okay!
Remember, you can take one meal at a time. Just having one meal planned a week will benefit you!
In this article I will provide you all with a free 28 page Meal Planning Printable Bundle that will give you everything you need in printable format to help you on your meal planning journey.
I will give you easy snack ideas to have on hand. While snacks aren’t meals, when we are hungry we tend to eat out or grab fast food, having healthy snacks on hand will not only help reduce your fast-food budget, but it’s also better for you and the kids.
Now, let’s go over the benefits of meal planning:
Planning Meals Saves Time
When the kids ask “What’s for dinner?” You will actually know the answer! That in itself saves you time from staring in the pantry and refrigerator for things that you could possibly turn into a full meal. It saves you from stopping at the grocery store every night for something for dinner. Or swinging into a fast food restaurant to pick something up….or looking at delivery options. When you plan your meals you know what you are having and usually that means you will also be serving a well-balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Planning Meals Saves Money
When you are grocery shopping for things that you already know you will use, you won’t be buying things at the store you won’t be using. When you stick to what is on your grocery shopping list, you reduce the chance of impulse buying. You will also save money by not eating out as much.
Planning Meals Reduces Food Waste
When you have a meal plan, you know what you are making, that means you have the ingredients already picked out. That means you are going to use the ingredients you purchased. When you have a meal plan for the ingredients in the house, you will reduce food waste.
Meal Planning Encourages Healthy Eating
When you’re hungry, you’re hungry. You open the refrigerator or pantry and grab whatever you can. But when you are meal planning you have delicious meals ready-to-go that are filled with nutrients. You are also more likely to have healthy snack options available.
Steps To Meal Planning
Look in your house and see what you can use in your meal plan for the week.
The meal planning printable has everything you need to get started with meal planning, from pages to take your food inventory to your recipe creations. Using this meal planning printable will help you save time and money.
Reminder, not every every meal has to be perfect and healthy, just look for balance. If you plan for eating leftovers one night, that’s okay! In fact, that helps reduce food waste too 😉
When meal planning and doing your shopping for the week, be sure to account for snacks and grab-n-go meal options.
Here are a few of my favorite nutritious snacks:
Crispy Green Snacks
100% fruit. The single-serving bag is perfect to toss in your purse or car so that when you (or the kids) are hungry, you have something ready to go. Or when the kids say they are hungry, they can grab a bag on their own.
Fresh Produce
Have Sage Cosmic Crisp apples available in a bowl, have strawberries cut up, have Bee Sweet Citrus on the counter. You will find that when you have healthy options available, they will get eaten.
Easy Lunch or Meal Ideas
Eat Smart Salad Kits
These are always in my refrigerator. My husband takes one to lunch every single day. They are super easy because you everything you need right there in the bag. Sometimes we will add in a quick protein (like rotisserie chicken). I also like to add Sage Cosmic Crisp apple slices to my salads…the added crunch and touch of sweetness adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Rice Bowls and Buddha Bowls
Bowls are a fun way to let everyone get a bit creative with their meal. You can make the vegetables, grains and proteins and then everyone make what they want to make with it. You can make bowls, turn the ingredients into tacos, put everything on a salad or just eat the ingredients as is.
Sheet Pan Meals/Foil Packet Meals
Not only are sheet pan meals great for easy clean up, but they are easy to make! Add a protein and your favorite vegetables and bake until done. Don’t forget to marinade your protein or season your vegetables if desired.
To give you more meal planning inspiration and recipes, be sure to visit themissionfornutrition.com. You will also find a calendar of virtual cooking classes hosted by retail dietitians across the country.
One of the goals of Mission For Nutrition is to not only help you meal plan and create healthy meals for your family, but it is to also give back to the community with their partnership with Feeding America. Including donations from this year’s program, they are at 130,000 meals to programs that benefit families through Feeding America! Be sure to look out for the Mission For Nutrition partners when grocery shopping for your weekly meal plan.
I hope this gives you all the tools to you need to start meal planning! I promise, it’s not as hard as you think!
Be sure to check out HealthyFamilyProject.com for more than 500 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, and healthy tips from real parents and on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for even more!
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Tulum Mexico is a beautiful place to visit. While vacationing in Tulum there are many areas that are filled with history, archaeological sites, wildlife and more. Here are some of the best day trips from Tulum.
Best Day Trips From Tulum Mexico
Tulum is an absolutely stunning place to visit. In fact, on our first visit, we never left town! But if you are in Tulum Mexico for more than a few days, you may want to venture out and explore the area. Here are some of the best day trips from Tulum. Just in case you need a break from relaxing on the beach 😉
Day Trip Ideas From Tulum
Within a short distance from the town of Tulum, there are many activities and sights to see. You can take a trip to the Gran Cenote, float down a mangrove river, or fly fish. Let’s explore a few of these day trip options below.
Mayan Ruins
If the Mayan ruins at Tulum spark an interest in ancient archaeological sites, then visit the less well-excavated ruins at Cobá about 3km west of Tulum town. The Cobá ruins are deeply hidden in the dense jungle, and you can climb to the top of one of the pyramids for great views of the surrounding area.
Cobá
Cobá was settled much earlier than Tulum and is much smaller than Chiché n Itzá, but it was home to an impressive 40,000 Mayans. It is believed to have more of a resemblance to the architecture of the famous ruins in Tikal, Guatemala, rather than other sites in Mexico. The nearby lake has large crocodiles living in it so remember not to go for a dip there!
Gran Cenote and Caves
About 2 miles from Tulum is the Gran Cenote; the Yucatá n Peninsula has many of these water holes and caves. Diving and snorkeling them is possible, marveling at the remarkable formations under the water. Trips can be arranged from dive shops in the town, or with personal snorkel gear, it is possible to get there by taxi or to cycle.
Within a few hours drive south of Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Here it is possible to go on a kayak tour through the mangrove islands. Boat tours to see the spectacular diversity of Flora and Fauna include a float down a mangrove river with buoyancy jackets on. Keen bird watchers can take a sunset tour on a boat to see some of the hundreds of species of birds and can enjoy quietly floating past a nesting island.
All trips include information on the natural history of the area and the chance to see howler monkeys, anteaters, crocodiles, and giant land crabs, and if you are really lucky, you may spot a jaguar, ocelot, or tapir. Experienced English speaking guides are available to provide information on this UN classified World Heritage site.
Fishing fans can try their hand at catching a Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Jack, Snook, or Barracuda in the river town of Punta Allen. This small town is known for its sport fishing trips. Most of the 400 residents here survive from fishing. Although rare, it is possible to spot Manatees whilst on a fly fishing trip. Close to the shoreline lies a reef that is worth a snorkel or dive, it is currently in good shape, and locals are always keen to organize a boat trip at a reasonable cost.
Although Tulum itself can keep the discerning tourist busy for many days, short day trips to the area around Tulum also have a great deal to offer. Whether it’s archaeological sites, natural history, and wildlife, cenotes, and caverns, fishing and diving, or just the opportunity to really get off the beaten track, then spend some time exploring this delightful region.
Have you been to Tulum Mexico? What is one of your favorite day trips from Tulum?
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Get out and explore Florida! Here are 15 of the best Florida Road Trips from Tampa that you can make on one tank of gas or less. Let’s Go Places! While my family and I were able to hosted at the Daytona 500 and were able to drive the Toyota Highlander Hybrid thanks to Southeast Toyota Dealers, all opinions are my own.
15 Best Tampa Florida Road Trips On One Tank Of Gas Or Less
There are so many places to see and things to do in Florida that sometimes you don’t know where to start! Well, you don’t have to have a huge budget to take a trip in Florida. In fact, there are many places that you are get to in just a few hours and on one tank of gas. I have gathered together some of the best places to visit from Tampa on one tank of gas…or less!
Of course how far a tank of gas will get you really depends on the car you are driving. The average vehicle gets around 400 miles (or less) per tank. But, if you happen to drive a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you will get over 600 miles per tank.
Here are a 7 tips to help you save on gas so that you can go further in your Florida Road Trips On One Tank Of Gas:
1. Check your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires are more fuel efficient, so you’ll save money on gas if you keep your tires inflated. 2. Slow down. speeding wastes gas, so driving the speed limit or slower will help you save money on gas. 3. Use cruise control. If you’re on the highway and can use cruise control, do it! Using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed and saves gas. 4. Plan your trips. If you plan your errands and combine them into one trip, you’ll save money on gas because you won’t be making multiple trips. 5. Remove excess weight from your car. An extra 100 pounds in your trunk can reduce your fuel economy by up to 2%. So if you have any unnecessary items in your car, remove them to save money on gas. 6. Use the correct grade of oil. Using the wrong grade of oil in your car can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. Be sure to use the right oil for your car to save money on gas. 7. Get a tune-up. A well-tuned engine is more fuel efficient, so getting a tune-up for your car can help you save money on gas.
Even on a one-tank trip, you have to bring the snacks! Here are my family’s picks for the best snacks for any road trip: 1. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – easy to make and always satisfying. 2. Potato chips – a classic road trip snack that everyone loves. They can be messy though! 3. Trail mix – a great way to get some energy-boosting nuts and dried fruit. 4. Cookies – because who doesn’t love cookies? 5. Fruit – a healthy option that will help keep you from getting too hangry. 6. Candy – for when you need a little sugar pick-me-up. 7. Popcorn – perfect for munching on while watching the scenery go by. 8. Pretzels – a salty snack. 9. Crackers and cheese – a tasty and filling option for when you need something more substantial. 10. Water – don’t forget to stay hydrated!
I had the opportunity to check out the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for a week and I will be the first to attempt I was slightly skeptical. My dad used to race cars when he was younger, so I was raised to appreciate the power, muscle and noise a car engine makes. I L-O-V-E the Toyota Tundra. So, how would the Highlander measure up?
I was pleasantly surprised! Not only is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid stylish, comfortable, had a great sound system and has the option for one hell of a moon roof, it can move. I (safely) tested it’s power off a complete stop on several occasions and I was actually faster “off the line” than the other vehicles next to me. Really? How? Well, since it’s battery from the start, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid isn’t waiting for gas to ignite to go…so you actually take off faster. I liked that.
You could still “hear” the engine. Ok, maybe not when you start it…but when you are driving you can still hear the “roar” of the engine.
It has all the power that I wanted. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid moves. You hit the gas, you go.
The gas mileage is incredible! The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets just over 600 miles to a tank of gas.
Speaking of a tank of gas, are you ready for all the trips you can take from Tampa on just one tank of gas? Let’s Go Places!
Just 24 miles from Tampa, St. Pete is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the NEW St. Pete Pier, craft breweries, the Salvador Dalí Museum, and much more.
Approximately 28 miles from Tampa you will find this little Greek-inspired town. Tarpon Springs is known for it’s Sponge Docks and authentic Greek restaurants and bakeries (Hellas is a must!). But, be sure to stay and check out the museums and beaches.
Drive that 30 miles from Tampa to enjoy the beach and eat right on the beach, but make sure to stop by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, do some dolphin watching or hit one of the many piers to do some fishing. If you decide to stay the night in Clearwater, be sure to check out the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach.
When making the 58 mile drive from Tampa to Sarasota, you must see the Circus Museum at the Ringling. This circus museum showcases props, posters, and more artifacts that were used in shows from the early 20th century. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a beautiful spot to see native plants, exotic species, and koi. Sarasota is home to many museums and art destinations, but of course, there are beaches too!
This adorable, quaint town is worth every minute of the 97 mile drive from Tampa, which makes it an easy Florida road trip. In Mount Dora you will find unique stores filled with items you won’t find elsewhere, the best ice cream shops, lots of places to relax and enjoy the outdoors, fun spots to go fishing (that’s what my kids do when we visit!), and delicious local restaurants. I strongly recommend taking a boat tour so that you can see more of Lake Dora, the Dora Canal and experience more of Real Florida.
Just 102 miles outside of Tampa you will find the home to our famous theme parks. But there is much more to do in Orlando than visit your favorite Mouse or broom-flying stars. In Orlando you will find Lake Eola Park, which is a 40-acre urban park that features a walking/biking path that circles the beautiful Lake Eola. There is also Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and University of Central Florida Arboretum. I love Disney and Universal, so if you have passes and want to visit the parks, of course you can! But there are lots of fun, and free, things to do in Orlando as well.
Jump on I-75 and head 141 miles south and you will find manatees, gorgeous state parks, breath-taking sunsets, museums and more. Don’t forget your fishing poles if your family likes to drown worms, Ft. Myers has a lot of places where you can try to catch dinner!
Home to the University of Florida, GO GATORS! Gainesville is so much more than a college town. Gainesville is about 142 from Tampa and is worth the drive. In Gainesville you will find the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Ichetucknee Springs State Park where you can spend an afternoon tubing, kayaking, or swimming in this park’s crystal clear waters. And if you want to enjoy a glass of locally made wine while you are in town, be sure to stop at Bluefield Estate Winery, you can also pick some in-season Florida berries.
This is part of the trip we took in the Toyota Highlander, we love coming over from Tampa for the Daytona Races! About 150 miles from Tampa you will find the Daytona International Speedway, the beach (of course!), the Marine Science Center, the Halifax Historical Museum, and much more. Spending time in Daytona Beach gives you the chance to explore nature and history on any budget.
Oh, I have made this 181 mile drive more times than I can count! We stay in St. Augustine when we plan our Daytona Race weekend and we go every year for Spring Break. St. Augustine is filled with local culture, some of the best farmer’s markets I have ever been to, incredible local eats, fun places to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine, see some ghosts and walk the beach for miles and miles. I have been visiting St. Augustine for more than 30 years and have loved every single visit. The Toyota Highlander got us from Tampa to St. Augustine to Daytona back to St. Augustine and then back to Tampa on the same tank of gas! Heading to St. Augustine is definitely one of our favorite Florida road trips.
Jacksonville isn’t far at all from St. Augustine, so if you are looking for an extra stop on your St. Augustine journey, Jacksonville is a good one. Jacksonville is 212 miles from Tampa. When we are in Jacksonville we enjoy axe-throwing, doing a little racing and eating all things BBQ. You should definitely make some time to walk around and appreciate all the murals, there are so many and they are stunning!
Fort Lauderdale is 247 miles from Tampa, so as long as you are driving the Toyota Highlander, you are still on that same tank of gas when you get back to Tampa….if not, you will have to fill up once. Fort Lauderdale is worth it. In Fort Lauderdale make time to stop in and see the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, this museum will take you back to the early 20th century, when plantation-style properties covered the Southeast, it’s an interesting piece of history. You can also stop at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for lots of fun outdoor activities; take a short hike through a tropical ecosystem on the Coastal Hammock Trail, swim at the beach, and do some bird-watching. There are lots of things to do in Ft. Lauderdale for free or under $10 that definitely makes this Florida city one worth the road trip.
You can sing “Welcome to Miami” after about 270 miles from Tampa. I seriously can’t even think about Miami without singing “Welcome to Miami” by Will Smith. Did I just date myself? Oh well…it’s a good song 😉 Again, if you are in something other than a hybrid, you will have to stop for gas on your way home from Miami. If you are cruising in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you will get about 600 miles to a gas tank, so 270+270 = 540, so you will still have some gas to do some cruising around Miami…well, if you can handle the traffic. While in Miami you have to hit South Beach, if for nothing else than to just walk it! We also love the Wynwood Walls, stop here and take enough pictures to fill your IG feed for months! So many pieces of artwork and places to take pictures.
Ok, these last two stops even have you stopping for gas if you are in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but I felt as though two of our favorite Florida Keys deserved an honorable mention.
If you drive about 320 miles south of Tampa you will be at the first of about 1,700 Florida Keys. This Florida key is known for it’s diving, but you will also find botanical gardens, wildlife centers, and plenty of charter boats.
You can’t talk about the Florida Keys without talking about Key West! If you drive the 425 miles south of Tampa, you will be able to take pictures of the Southern Most Point in the United States. There is also lots to do in Key West, so if you make the road trip from Tampa to Key West, be sure to plan a weekend.
What is one of your favorite Florida Road Trips On One Tank Of Gas? Will the Toyota Highlander Hybrid take you there?
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Learn where your food is coming from in this in-depth article about Florida Agriculture and get the resources to learn even more. While this post is sponsored by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, all opinions and my love of farmers is my own.
10 Things You Need To Know About Florida Agriculture
I have a huge appreciation for farmers. I always knew (well, kinda) that being a farmer was a hard job. But then I had the honor of visiting a Central Florida Dairy Farm last year and that appreciation grew deeper.
Agriculture is the 2nd largest industry in Florida, it is actually a $146 Billion (yes, BILLION with a B) industry and is second only to tourism.
Agriculture provides more than 1 million jobs.
Agriculture is the only completely renewable anything, on the planet.
Yet, only 2% of the population are farmers. And 97% of the farms in the United States are family-owned and operated.
Farming is truly a family business. What that means is that if they are growing strawberries, blueberries, citrus, cattle or fish they are also feeding their families those same products. YOU, ME, US, WE are an extension of their family. And without them, we wouldn’t have food.
Go ahead, re-read that. Now, let it soak in.
Can you imagine a life without food?
No, no one can. Because without food, we wouldn’t be here.
And I can only assume that we value our food and being able to make meals for our families, go out to dinner, buy clothes, drink wine, and have a cocktail. Well, we wouldn’t have any of those things without farmers.
To quote Gene McAvoy, who is an agronomic and horticultural production and marketing specialist with over fifty years experience, “Without agriculture we would all be hungry, naked and sober.” Which made me giggle, but if you think about it for a second, it is a factual statement. No farmers = no food, no cotton for clothes, and no produce for your favorite liquors and wines.
So, what do you need to know about Florida Agriculture?
Those that are growing the food you eat only make up 2% of the population. Support them by buying local. By local I mean: buy from your local farmer, buy from your local farmers market, buy produce grown in your state, buy produce grown in the United States. Growers expect nothing from consumers, but they appreciate everything from consumers. Let’s work together collectively to show them we appreciate what their families do for ours.
97% of farms are family-owned and operated. That means they have families. That means they are growing for their families and ours. That means we are getting the highest quality produce, they would never hurt their families, they would never hurt ours. This is often referred to as food safety, when you are buying local, know that the produce is traveling less miles to get from farm to your family. In many situations, it is just 48 hours before produce leaves the farm until it can be your hands.
Farming is a massive operation. We are talking a year-round business that takes a lot of time, a lot of care, a lot of science, a lot of work. Working in agriculture means that you are constantly battling the elements; from weather to learning about and combating new diseases. Greening has been affecting the citrus industry for over 15 years now. The farmer at Fancy Farms in Plant City let us know that there is a new disease every month that potentially threatens crops.
Those in agriculture feel a calling to what they do. They believe that they should help feed the world. Farmers are optimistic, humble people, who are incredibly passionate about what they do. They believe that they should leave the land better than what they got it.
There are over 60 varieties of produce that are grown here in Florida, so look for those Fresh From Florida labels and stickers that let you know they are grown here! Florida’s number one crop, oranges are an over $10 billion industry and you can find most of them in Polk County. Florida is actually one of the top 13 producers of beef.
Florida has peaches! Yes, to try something that wasn’t affected by greening, Florida started producing peaches. And Florida peaches are the sweetest peaches you will ever try! Florida peach season is brief, it’s about 90 days, so don’t miss out. Florida peach season starts at the end of March and is only stone fruit available at that time. I had the opportunity to visit a peach farm on the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association tour and I have to say it was beautiful! Dundee Citrus Growers harvest around 4,000-5,000 Florida peaches per acre and they have about 75 acres overall. Florida peaches are hand harvested because they are so delicate and to help prevent bruising. Once Florida peaches are picked and they are cooled to slow the ripening process. Florida peach farmers, like other Florida farmers strive for 48 hours from picking to store. Florida peaches are sweeter and have outstanding flavor. This season there is supposed to be a 2lb peach pouch, which they will sell at Winn Dixie, that I can’t wait to get my hands on! You will also find Florida peaches at Walmart, and don’t be shy about asking Produce Managers at your other favorite retailers to carry them.
Florida Dairy farmers work hand in hand with the citrus industry. Florida Dairy farmers recycle citrus pulp, brewers’ grain and whole cottonseed that are consumed by the cow, rather than going to a landfill. This provides the cows with nutrition.
Growers rarely advocate for themselves, they are busy growing food for us. So, let’s help do it for them! Agriculture is so important, not just to us, but the world! Teach your children the importance of buying local, take them to u-pick farms if you can, you can also find resources online to help educate kids (and ourselves!). Florida Strawberry Growers Association has wonderful educational resources here.
Domestic Food Security. I have talked about this a few times, I know, but it bares repeating. If we aren’t buying local produce, the growers can’t grow more, without growers producing food for us…we have no food! We have to be able to rely on our own country for food. It’s grown HERE, for US. Buy local my friends, buy local. If you order your groceries online, ask your shopper to only purchase Florida (or United States grown) produce. The best way to keep a grower on their land and growing is to simply make them profitable. BUY LOCAL. Have I mentioned how important it is to buy local yet? BUY LOCAL. Local to your town, your state, your country. KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM.
Sustainability is incredibly important to farming. They use drip irrigation to use approximately 1/3 of the water than they used to (remember those HUGE sprinkler systems you used to see??), packaging is recycled, they use a shiny plastic to scare away birds and insects, the list goes on and on.
I had the opportunity to visit six Central Florida farms and I wanted to share a bit about them and their products so that you can keep a look out for them in stores. Their passion and dedication to what they do honestly gives me goosebumps. Farmers are kinda of like unsung heroes, they do what they do for us, and we rarely stop to think about them and the work that’s involved.
The home of the JUICY CRUNCH and the largest producer of tangerines in the beautiful state of Florida. They plant about 550 trees per acre, which is actually very dense for citrus. Their harvest season starts with pummelos in early October, then follows autumn honey in mid November to December. Next is Juicy Crunch, which is available December – February. You HAVE to try these, I was lucky enough to get my hands on three and they were the sweetest, juiciest tangerines I have ever had. Next up is packing oranges, then go to blueberries, then valencia oranges. It is a 365 day a year business.
Home of Florida Peaches! And some incredibly amazing growers. They also have citrus 😉 Learn more about Florida Peaches. Florida peaches are in season late March – May.
I had the opportunity to see the only organic vertical farm in the country. Hardee Fresh started in 2017 because two people believed that it’s important that people know what they are getting when they purchase produce. Consumers can believe that it’s organic, consumers can believe exactly what the label on the produce package says. Being a vertical farm allows them to closely monitor…well, everything. Everything from the humidity in the air to the amount of light and heat that their 8,000 lights give off. They are continually exploring renewable energy and are looking to expand from their 5 lettuces, kale, chard and herbs to peppers and some berries.
At Hardee Fresh you can expect that your organic lettuce and herbs will be in the cooler 20 minutes from being picked. Those products are watched from seed to truck. Hardee Fresh believes in safety, quality, consistency, and sustainability. They are very innovative and believe in their employees and helping them to further their careers.
Florida Pacific Farms – Florida Blueberries
I actually had the opportunity to spend time with Brittany Lee of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association as well as a local farmer at Florida Pacific. Florida Pacific Farms has approximately 30 acres blueberries. Blueberries can take 70-80 days, from closed flower to blueberry. As with most fruit, sweetness is key. Blueberry plants can produce great produce for up to 10 years or longer.
This is where I had the most incredible strawberry shortcake! Fancy Farms is a small, 125 acre farm that has been family-owned and operated since 1974. They focus on planting mostly strawberries. They start preparing the ground in August, make beds in September (which includes testing nutrients), then they plant October 1st, start harvesting in November. Starting December 1st they are super busy..picking berries daily, nonstop.
They do have several varieties to keep a look out for: Florida Sweet Sensation (sweeter and orange is color), Florida Brilliance is super red, the Pineberry and the Medallion. They believe that they are “Providing smiles to people with fresh produce” 🙂 Florida Strawberry season is December through March.
Did you know that Wish Farms started in the early 1900s? Yes! Wish Farms is another family business that is continually testing technology and looking for ways to be 100% sustainable. Yes, 100% sustainable. The current CEO started working there in 1974. Wish Farms produces and sells all of your favorite berries: strawberries blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Wish Farms is very innovative, in fact, they are testing ways to reduce labor costs with the use of technology.
When picking up a container of Wish Farms berries, be sure to scan the QR code on the label. When you do, it will tell you what grower the berries came from. How cool is that?! Wish Farms does ship all over the US.
I also love that Wish Farms is working on finding use for berries that don’t make it to the market, like right now they are trying Pixie Snax. They combine the berries with natural sweeteners to make organic, delicious snacks. Some Wish Farms berries actually ship to stores the same day they are picked!!
The Wish Farms warehouse is 120,000 square feet with 20,000 ft solar on roof now and they are actually looking to add more. Sustainable.
Be sure you know where your food comes from.
Here is a fantastic (and free) printable from Fresh From Florida that shows you which Florida crops are in season when. Be sure to print it out and put it on your refrigerator! And if you are looking for recipes to go along with the Fresh From Florida produce, you can find lots on the Fresh From Florida website as well as here on my blog 😉
I learned so many things and meet so many amazing people on my tour with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. So much more than I could possibly put into just one post, but you will continually see mentions and I will continue to share things I learned and my love for farmers and agriculture here on the blog. In fact, this tour inspired me to get a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certification. I start classes in March with Cornell. Farmers are truly inspiring people, I challenge you to thank a farmer…whether it be by making a purchase or simply saying “Thank You.”
What is something you would like to learn more about Florida Agriculture?
Follow FFVA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with the voice of Florida farmers and Florida agriculture. You can also learn more online.
Make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more healthy living tips, healthy recipes, things to do and more.
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What exactly is decanting wine? And why do you do it? Decanting wine can enhance the flavor of the wine through aeration. Discover when you should and shouldn’t decant wine.
Decanting Wine: How And Why To Decant Wine
To decant a wine is to pour it from the bottle into a wide-bodied clear glass vessel. Decanting a full-bodied red wine before serving accomplishes three things: First, it allows the wine to breathe. Second, it removes any sediment in the wine. Third, it heightens the anticipation of the wine by displaying it and allowing just a breath of its aroma to escape into the room.
To preserve its quality, wine is bottled with as little air in the bottle as possible. However, when it comes time to open the bottle and enjoy the wine, all the sulfites that helped preserve the wine now work against its taste. Aerating the wine oxidizes the sulfites, creating the taste perception of softer tannins and smoothing out any wine faults such as mercaptans. With their wide bodies and narrow necks, decanters are designed to maximize the amount of wine exposed to air.
Tannins gradually precipitate out of wine over time, leaving behind thick sediment. The more tannic the wine, the more sediment accumulates at the bottom of older bottles. The sediment is harmless, and the steady removal of the tannin improves the taste of a full-bodied wine. However, you don’t want that sediment to end up at the bottom of your wine glass. Carefully pouring the wine into a decanter leaves behind any sediment in the wine bottle.
To decant wine, open the wine bottle and pour it slowly into the decanter from a few inches above the opening of the decanter. If the bottle of wine has been correctly stored on its side, you may wish to let it stand upright for an hour or more before opening to let the sediment sink to the bottom, longer if the bottle is an old one.
The reason for storing wine bottles on their side is to maintain a good seal by keeping the cork saturated with wine. Corks that dry out shrink and allow air to enter the bottle before it is opened, not a good thing for the wine.
Pour carefully in order to leave any sediment behind in the bottle. Keep pouring until sediment becomes visible in the neck of the bottle. For older wines, this often means not emptying the full bottle. Wines heavy in sediment may also be filtered through cheesecloth to remove the sediment. Wines made using modern winemaking techniques have much less sediment for their age than older wines.
Never fill a decanter all the way up to the neck. The most common size of the decanter is designed so that a single bottle of wine will fill its body about halfway; that way, much of the wine is directly exposed to air. Let younger wines breathe in the decanter for an hour or two before serving.
Not all wines benefit from a decanter. Decanting wines should be reserved for wines heavy in tannins and older wines heavy in sediments, such as port, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Barolo.
Low-tannin wines and young, light reds won’t benefit much from being decanted, if at all. Most white and sparkling wines are best served directly from a chilled bottle, immediately after it is opened. Delicate wines such as Pinot Noir or Chianti can even be damaged by decanting.
While filtering and aerating a full-bodied wine will improve its flavor, letting it stay in contact with air indefinitely will turn any wine to vinegar. To best preserve the taste of your wine, decant only what you will consume in the course of the evening. The older the wine, the less time you will have in which to drink it before it becomes undrinkable. With the oldest wines, you may have only half an hour.
Stopper the decanter whenever you are not pouring from it, confining the aroma until you are ready to pour the next glass. After all the wine from the decanter has been enjoyed, be sure to wash the decanter thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination.
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Will you be visiting London for the first time? Trying to decide what to do and see in London? Here is a simple Tourist Guide for visiting London.
Visiting London For The First Time Things To Know and Best Things To See
I love London. The bookstores, the museums, the history, even the smog and the drizzle. There is so much to see and do in London; more than can be described in just one article. There are also plenty of places to stay, from world-class, five-star, ritzy hotels to bargain hostels. What’s more, getting around is easy and affordable, and most of the major museums and attractions in London are free. I went in the fall when the crowds at the museums are not a problem.
Public Transportation in London
The best way to get around the city is by using the excellent subway system, called the Underground. Negotiating this labyrinth couldn’t be easier. Just follow the ubiquitous red circle with the blue line for conveniently located tube stations, then follow the color-coded maps to get to your destination. To save money, I would advise using a Travelcard instead of buying separate tickets every time you want to go across town. You can get them for five or seven days, and they even offer discounts to some of London’s favorite attractions.
You can also take one of the London black cabs, although these days they’re not all black. A little more expensive than the Underground, but the feeling is so elite. They can be found at the most popular Underground stations and tourist attractions and can be hailed or called by phone. The drivers take great pride in their profession, their polite and courteous manners are world-famous, and most are happy to share their knowledge of London with you. Fares are metered, with a small minimum charge for short distances. Don’t forget to tip.
Of course, the best way to get to know the city is to walk. That way, you won’t miss some of the famous areas such as Piccadilly or Trafalgar Square. Or take a stroll through Kensington Gardens where various cultural events are held; we found an incredible outdoor art exhibit. If your feet start to hurt, you’ll find that those subway stations are not as far apart as you thought; the “tube” is always nearby.
Some of My Favorite London Museums and More
You can’t go to London without a visit to the British Museum on Great Russell Street. With exhibits from the dawn of man to the present day, this is what world-class museums are all about. It’s the oldest museum in the world, filled with over 7 million objects, and is where all those famous scientists and explorers sent their discoveries, from fossils to mummies to the Rosetta Stone; it’s all here. Give yourself plenty of time; it’s a big museum. Take the Holborn or Guilford Underground exits. Free admission.
I love the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road. Almost every creature on the earth is represented, often in their natural environment, from the giant Blue Whale to the tiniest “Creepy-Crawlies.” The building itself is very impressive and perfectly suits its subject matter, with stone monkeys clinging to the walls. The dinosaur exhibit alone is worth going to see. Not only do they have some of the most amazing put-together dinosaurs, some of them are alive…not really, they’re mechanical, but they seem alive. It’s mind-blowing the things that used to roam our planet. Free admission.
Who hasn’t heard of the Tower of London? And the famous ravens, and the Beefeaters, who will tell you some sad tales of those who never left it’s walls alive. The Tower is actually a fortress, a castle, a prison, an armory, and a museum all in one. Check out the Crown Jewels, not to mention the extensive armor and medieval weapons collections. It’s right on the Thames; the Tower Bridge is nearby. While in the area, it would be worth your time to pay a visit to the HMS Belfast, a WW II cruiser, just across the river. An interesting attraction in itself, she also offers her own museum, providing a taste of what it was like in London during the Blitz. Free or discounted admission with Travelcard.
And you won’t want to miss Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, where almost every famous person is brought to life in wax. Not only everyone from Britain’s past and royalty, but tons of entertainment icons from around the world, sports figures, and even serial killers. Some of the exhibits are interactive. You can also go into the Chamber of Horrors…if you dare…they lock you in.
I’ve saved the best for last. My favorite museum is the National Maritime Museum, located south of the Thames, in Greenwich, featuring Britain’s mighty seagoing history. This is also the site of the Prime Meridian, where the earth’s clock starts and is home to the Royal Observatory, where you can watch a planetarium show and/or look through the giant telescope. But my favorite part is the Maritime Gallery of the museum, especially the paintings of ships at sea from before Lord Nelson to World War II, and the numerous models of ships on display. Nearby is the Cutty Sark, a perfectly preserved clipper ship from the late 1800s, that you can go aboard.
If you want to see a lot of London in a short time, I also recommend the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours, they are a great way to see all the major attractions in London. And you just just want to see them from the comfy seat of your bus, that’s fine too. I recommend sitting on the top for the best views, just remember to dress appropriately if the top isn’t covered, London’s weather can be tricky.
A visit to London is an unforgettable experience. I guess I didn’t mention the food, but you can learn a little about London’s Cuisine here.
If you are planning to be in London for a little longer and want to schedule more budget-friendly things to your London travel itinerary, here are 17 of the best free things to do in London.
What are you looking forward to most on your first trip to London?
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You have seen wine aerators, you may have even used a wine aerator. But do you actually know what they do and why wine drinkers use wine aerators? Discover How Wine Aerators Work and why we use them.
How Wine Aerators Work
In the nineteenth century, the wealthy had their wine decanted by a servant, usually the butler, in order to remove sediment from the wine and allow the wine to “breathe.” As the middle class rose and began drinking fine wine and servants became less affordable and available to even the wealth, this task began to fall upon the host or hostess.
Today decanting for the purpose of removing sediment is seldom necessary, but many wine lovers still prefer their wine to have a chance to mix with air before being served; to this end, the wine aerator has found a place of prominence among wine lovers. However, when we were in France, we learned that many restaurants cook with wine sediment, it gave the foods and gravy incredible flavor.
A wine aerator does, in a few minutes, what use to take an hour or more of decanting; the aerator mixes air with the wine enhancing its taste. The way this is accomplished is so elegant in its simplicity that one wonders why it took as long as it did to be invented.
The wine enters the aerator (placed above a decanter or a wine glass), and air flows up into the wine to replace wine that is leaving the bottom of the aerator. If this sounds confusing, remember when you were a child and held the ketchup or steak sauce bottle upside down and smacking the bottom of the bottle in vain until a parent explained why nothing was coming out.
In order for the ketchup or sauce to leave the bottle air needed to go into the bottle to replace what was coming out and so the bottle had to be held at an angle. The wine coming straight down the narrow exit at the bottom of the aerator creates enough of a vacuum to suck air up into the wine waiting its turn to exit, thus mixing wine and air.
Red wine benefits the most from aerating, but some white wines can be enhanced as well, particularly if they aren’t old enough to have fully matured. The more tannins in a wine the more its flavor will be improved by aeration.
There are both red and white wine aerators available, and while their expense may seem unnecessary, when you factor in being able to make a $20 bottle of wine taste as good as a $40 dollar tasted prior aerating, it’s worth it. You can actually find wine aerators for under $10 and all the way to over $300, so make sure to do your research.
We use a decanter with an aerator at my house, this one is cool because you actually flip the bottle and the decanter upside down. It’s definitely a conversation piece when guests are over. This one is only about $40 on Amazon, we have had ours for years and have absolutely zero complaints.
If you feel a wine aerator isn’t worth the price, you could simply advise your guests to swirl their wine glasses before drinking and chance the occasionally sloshing of wine onto your furniture and carpet. And if you or a guest just so happens to get some red wine on the carpet, don’t fret, here is how to remove red wine stains.
If you are looking for a simple gift idea for the wine lover in your life, you can never go wrong with a wine aerator in my opinion. I have one in the RV, one upstairs and several downstairs.
Do you use a wine aerator when drinking wine at home?
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Nice is known for beautiful beaches, luxury and priceless views. But planning a trip to Nice doesn’t have to cost a fortune, add these free things to do in Nice France to your travel itinerary.
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Nice France
Nice is a well-known city on the French Riviera. It’s the 7th most populous urban area in France and sees 4 million visitors each year. Some of Nice’s highlights include museums, a unique cuisine, and an archeological site highlighting man’s early use of fire. Consider visiting Nice if you’d like to see more than one country during your trip – you can get a taste of France, Italy, and Monaco on one trip since they are so close!
With the average tourist spending $116/day in Nice France, this city is a bit cheaper to visit than Paris. However, you should still be prepared to spend more on food and alcohol than you would at home. Saving money on attractions and things to do in Nice will leave you with more dining options, so consider filling your trip itinerary with these free activities in Nice. If you’re smart about your spending, your trip could cost as little as $51/person/day!
Nice is about 9 hours from Paris, you can get there by train in about 7 hours and it’s fairly inexpensive. Of course, the fastest way to get from Nice to Paris is via airplane. If you are planning a trip to Nice France, I definitely recommend planning a trip to Paris if you have never been, the Eiffel Tower is an enchanting site to see.
If you would like to visit Wine Country while you are in France, Beaune is approximately 7.5 hours from Nice via train. Beaune is a lot more low key and relaxing than the fast pace of The City Of Lights.
There are four Cous Saleya markets, with the popular market selling flowers, produce, spices, and soaps. Food vendors frequently hand out free samples – while you shouldn’t arrive on an empty stomach, you can expect to grab a small bite to eat at no cost. The wholesale floral section of the market has moved locations, so feel free to browse the stalls without worrying about getting in the way of business owners.
The food vendors at the Cours Saleya Market sell from Tuesday-Sunday until 1:30pm, but the flower vendors stick around until 5:30pm. You’ll have the best chance of grabbing free samples if you arrive in the late morning (as opposed to early in the morning).
Take a hike up Mont Boron to get some beautiful views of the city and Old Port. Atop the 191-meter-high hill sits Fort du Mont Alban, along with a forest park and Elton John’s villa. The park features trails, exercise stations, and picnic areas, making this a fun spot for families and those looking to get a workout.
Parc du Mont Boron does not have public restrooms or concession stands, so make sure everyone in your group uses the restroom before you begin your hike. The hike is a bit challenging, so you may want to consider taking bus 14 to get to the top of Mont Boron instead.
Castle Hill divides the eastern and western parts of Nice. Climb the stairs (or take the free elevator) to the top to see the ruins of the cathedral that once stood here. You’ll also see a gorgeous artificial waterfall, three cemeteries, and playgrounds for young travelers. Visit at sunset to take stunning photos of Port Lympia!
Some tour companies in Nice offer guided trips to Castle Hill, but you can take a self-guided tour for free. Don’t spend more than you have to!
Promenade des Anglais
This stretch of seafront has a lane specifically for cyclists and skaters, but some people ride Segways as well. There are also 22 public beaches to relax on when the weather is warm enough. Walk along the “Prom” to access attractions like Phoenix Park, Hotel Negreso, and the Museum of Asian Art!
The Promenade des Anglais hosts popular annual events, like the Prom Classic and the Carnival of Nice. If you’ll be in Nice during one of these events, be sure to stop by.
Riviera Bar Crawl & Tours offers a free 2-hour walking tour of Nice. On this guided adventure, you’ll learn about the history behind the Massena Square, Galerie de Ponchettes, and other iconic landmarks. While you’ll have to reserve tickets ahead of time and the website uses the word “purchase,” you won’t have to pay to take the tour (unless you’d like to tip your guide at the end).
The day tour starts at 10:55am, but you can also catch an evening tour at 6:00pm. On the night tour, you’ll be shown different sites, so choose the tour that takes you to the places you’re most interested in learning about.
Old Town
If you’re looking to do some window shopping in Nice, there’s no better place to do it than in the Old Town. In addition to the area’s shops and art galleries, you’ll find historic churches and plazas to explore. Since there’s so much to see here, plan to spend several hours walking around!
If you’re seeking a guided experience, consider taking the daytime walking tour of Nice from Riviera Bar Crawl & Tours.
This art museum in Phoenix Park displays works from China, Japan, India, and small Southeast Asian countries. You’ll find both classic and contemporary artwork in the museum’s permanent collection, along with pieces that were inspired by Buddhism. If you’ll be in Nice on a Saturday, consider taking a free tai chi or qi gong class!
Admission to the Museum of Asian Art is free. You can see the entire permanent collection without paying, but most workshops here cost a few euros.
The Franciscan Monk Museum isn’t just a museum – it’s a functioning monastery. In addition to learning about monks from the past, you may get to see some present-day monks! There’s also an exhibit dedicated to the Shroud of Turin, the piece of cloth that may show the imprint of Christ’s body. Before you leave, be sure to check out the gardens!
The museum is free to visit, and is open from 10:00am-noon and 3:00pm-5:30pm. The building is closed to the public on Sundays.
The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the largest of its kind in Western Europe. It was built to accommodate Nice’s growing Russian population in the mid-1800s, though the building’s construction wasn’t complete until 1912. Visitors can marvel at the colorful domes, fascinating murals, and intricate wood carvings at this important place of worship.
The cathedral is open from 9:00am-6:00pm daily, but visitors are not permitted when services are in session (typically between noon and 2:00pm). Before entering, you’ll be asked to cover your knees and shoulders, and women may be given a head scarf to wear.
Listen to live music every night at this venue with no cover charge! At Le Shapko, you’re not required to buy a drink to enjoy the jazz and R&B artists that perform here. Join locals and tourists for some relaxing nightlife in Nice!
Nice is often associated with luxury, but your trip to the French Riviera doesn’t have to be expensive. Take advantage of the city’s free attractions – you won’t miss out on what Nice has to offer, but you’ll still have money to spend on food and drinks. See how long you can go without opening your wallet during your trip!
Have you been to France? What is one of your favorite free things to do in Nice?
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You will need simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time to make this moist and delicious easy carrot cake. Enjoy it at breakfast or dessert, either way you slice it, it’s delish.
Easy Carrot Cake
Here is a quick and easy carrot cake recipe that you can have made for your guests (if you feel like sharing) in less than an hour. This easy carrot cake recipe tastes fantastic and costs little to make. This was actually the first time I have ever made carrot cake, so I promise you, if I can do, you can.
Carrot cakes are one of those cakes that can be eaten on any occasion at any time of the day. It can be left un-iced and sliced thickly for breakfast with a cup of coffee or topped with icing and carved into delicate wedges for a fun ‘High Tea’ get-together. Whatever the time of day or the occasion, a good carrot cake is one of life’s little joys.
To make this Quick and Easy Carrot Cake you need about 15 – 18 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes in the oven.
The ingredients in my carrot cake are very simple, in fact, you may have them right now. You will need butter, brown sugar, an egg, carrots, self-raising flour, milk, honey, cinnamon and allspice to make this easy carrot cake. For the icing (if you choose to ice it) you will only need a few simple ingredients; powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract and water. You actually may have all the ingredients right now. Go ahead, go look. Ready to get baking then? Let’s do it!
Now, here is my Easy Carrot Cake recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.
This easy carrot cake recipe will leave you with a very moist healthy carrot cake that will wow the taste buds and will leave your guests asking for more.
Prep Time18 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: baking, cake, dessert recipe, desserts
Calories: 2170kcal
Author: Tracy
Equipment
Mixer
Stove
Ingredients
Carrot Cake
1/2cupbutter
¾cupbrown sugarbrown is best however raw can be substituted
1egg
2small carrots finely shredded
1 ½cupssifted Self-raising flourmake sure the flour is fresh and not old as old flour could loose its rising agent
Melt 1/2 cup butter and sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl
Add finely shredded carrot and using the wooden spoon stir until all the ingredients are just blended
Add the egg and mix in well
Add honey
Stir the sifted flour and spices into the mixture
Add the room temperature milk and mix lightly
Pour batter into a 9x9 baking pan
Bake in a 350° for approximately 30-35
Check to see that the carrot cake has been completely cooked by pressing down lightly on the top of the cake. The cake should spring back quickly and leave no sign of indentation. Another method is to insert a bamboo or metal skewer into the cake, the skewer when pulled out should have no sign of uncooked ingredients, and be free from any cake mixture.
Icing
In a clean bowl, add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2/3 cup of butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, with a very small (tiny) amount of water.
Cream the ingredients together, until well combined and creamy. Using a mixer will definitely be easier than doing this by hand.
Use a flat-edged knife to spread the icing over the cake (make sure that the cake is only slightly warm – this will ensure that the icing flows on smoothly). If the cake is too hot, the icing could run; if the cake is too cold, the icing will be hard to put on.
