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The Florida Starburst Pummelo is the largest citrus fruit, it’s only available for a limited time, so be sure to grab it at your favorite grocer now and read on to find out how to eat a pummelo and 10 delicious ways to enjoy this citrus fruit. While this post is sponsored by Noble Citrus, all opinions and my love of pummelo are my own!
How To Eat A Pummelo – 10 Ways To Enjoy This Giant Florida Citrus Fruit
Have you heard of Florida’s largest citrus fruit? Well, let me introduce you to the Florida Starbust Pummelo. They are big enough to where you need two hands to hold them, at first glance you may think of a grapefruit, but they are not grapefruit! A Florida Starburst Pummelo is sweeter and less tart than a grapefruit.
Pummelos are in season usually late September to the end of January. So,NOW is the time for you to head to your favorite grocer and grab some!
To make sure you are grabbing a Florida Starburst Pummelo look for that sticker, the sticker is nice and big…just like the fruit! So, if you don’t see the sticker – keep looking, you want a pummelo that was grown right here in Florida and hand-picked by the Noble Citrus team.
Alright now that you know what you are looking for and how pummelos taste, I wanted to share some ways I enjoy eating pummelo. If you have additional pummelo recipes or pummelo recipe inspiration, please share it in the comments so we can all enjoy!
Tossing some fruit and fresh herbs is one of the easiest ways to liven up your water. I know we are supposed to drink at least 8 cups a day…and I know that can be hard, so freshen up your water routine by adding some pummelo slices to it.
Healthy Smoothies
You all know that I love starting my day with a smoothie. I mean, there’s a reason why I have more than 50 smoothie recipes here on the blog. Smoothies are easy to make and a deliciously healthy way to start your day. Try this Florida Citrus Smoothie and this Tropical Citrus Smoothie, both feature pummelo.
Juice It
You can juice it like you would any other fruit and veggie, and I also recommend trying this Pummelo Wellness Shot.
Incredible Cocktails
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! There are lot of grapefruit cocktails out there, like the paloma or even a margarita. When making these cocktail, grab a pummelo instead, you will love the less tart flavor that the pummelo gives over the grapefruit. I also made a martini using pummelo juice, that’s a Pink Diamond Martini and it’s sooooo good!
Homemade Salsa
I have used pineapple and watermelon to make fresh salsa, so why not use pummelo?! I recommend using pummelo, fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, peppers and then toss in some fresh cilantro for a salsa that will be delicious on chips or on top of your favorite seafood or chicken dishes.
Think of the cakes, pies, tarts and cupcakes that you would use citrus in…now use pummelo instead!
With a Spoon
Yep, just eat it. In fact, you don’t even need a spoon, just cut it up and enjoy with your fingers 🙂
Pair with Seafood or Chicken
Citrus is always a delicious addition to chicken and seafood. Think of adding pummelo to ceviche or tossing it in the pan when you are sauteing shrimp. And definitely try this Fancy Chicken recipe.
Broil It
Cut your pummelo in slices and sprinkle the slices with sugar, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even some Grand Marnier and broil them! It will only take a few minutes, so watch them close!
What is one of your favorite ways to enjoys Florida Starburst Pummelo?
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If you are traveling to London, make sure to check out the best parks in London to explore. These parks in London will let you escape the crowds and relax. Add one (or more!) of these best parks in London to your London travel itinerary.
The Best Parks In London To Explore
Seeking out a decent park can, in fact, be like searching for diamonds in coal mines: especially if it is beautiful parks away from the crowds that you are looking for. Whatever area of London you are visiting or wandering through, there are some wonderful walking, picnicking, kick-around, and relaxing spots with greenery as a backdrop.
Similar to Green Park and Hyde Park that are nearby, open spaces here will get crowds regardless of size, and this is one of the Capital’s smallest central parks. You can’t, however, beat watching pelicans waddling around in the foreground whilst Buckingham Palace soars away in the background. On the eastern edge is the Winston Churchill Museum. A photogenic lake almost splits the park in half.
The best thing to do there: Photo-snap Buckingham Palace, pelican-watch or picnic Nearest Station: Green Park underground (Victoria and Jubilee Lines), St James’ Park underground (Circle Line)
This is south-east England’s upper-middle-class playground of choice. There’s something glorious eccentric, as well as downright beautiful, about North London’s premier open space. The heath has pretty much everything from ancient wild woodland to one of the best views of London from Parliament Hill. There are open-air swimming pools (or ponds), tennis courts, a bowling green, and a petanque pitch. It attracts its fair share of notable city well-to-do’s too. It’s full of lofty Eton accents and surrounded by wonderful cafes, restaurants, and millionaires mansions: welcome to the England elite club.
The best thing to do there: Playing Bowls or taking a dip in Hampstead Ponds Nearest Station: Hampstead Heath Overground or Hampstead underground (Northern line)
You guessed it: even for crazy golf London has a solution. This park in North London is perfectly set up for, well, just that. There is a crazy golf course here as well as a pitch and putt and the main golf course.
The best thing to do there: play crazy golf Nearest Station: Harrow-on-the-Hill or Northwick Park Underground (Bakerloo and Metropolitan Lines)
Home of London’s best free festival, Stokefest, Clissold Park at the end of Stoke Newington Church Street, has the air of a country village park very much. There are ponds, an aviary, and an endearing animal enclosure with deer and goats in, as well as bowls, a tennis court, and a paddling pool. A bit further down Church Street is the eerie Abney Park Cemetery, full of tumbledown tombs amidst gnarled old trees.
The best thing to do at Clissold Park: Coo over the deer and stroll around the cemetery Nearest Station: Stoke Newington overground
This is no small, neat London park: it’s vast and centered around a series of reservoirs which form the early (or late) stages of the Lee Valley footpath. These are the only ancient wetlands still left within Greater London, and you’ll be able to spot rare butterflies and rare breed long-horned cattle.
The best thing to do at Walthamstow Marshes: Walking the Lee Valley Path Nearest Station: Clapton or Tottenham Hale (overground and underground, Victoria Line)
It’s hard to fault the place where the world works out its time from Greenwich Parks old Greenwich Observatory, with its famous meridian line, stands proudly at the top of a grassy hill dotted with copses of trees and open grassy slopes ideal for ball games. There are great views of London from the top, and there’s also a good café to sample. Open-air films in Greenwich Park are screened in the summer.
The best thing to do at Greenwich Park: Visit the Observatory Nearest Station: Greenwich or Cutty Sark DLR
Putney Heath’s stature as a park is helped by the proximity of some fine pubs (like the Green Man) just on its periphery. It’s one of London’s most sedate parks, hemmed by grand old trees that give the open green spaces the air of secret forest clearings. You can also wander south onto the wider Wimbledon Common, complete with its own windmill and a windmill museum.
The best thing to do at Putney Heath: Have a drink in one of the countrified old pubs nearby Nearest Station: Putney overground or East Putney underground, District Line
This park has a wonderful sense of decayed grandeur: the top half of it still has the elaborate statues and steps from when it was the site of the glamorous crystal palace, one of Victorian London’s greatest assets. These days, you’ll find the national sports center here with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also, here is one of the highlights of outdoor London, the Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park: Victorian models of all kinds of dinosaurs are secreted around an ornamental lake.
The best thing to do at Crystal Palace Park: Check out the dinosaurs Nearest Station: Crystal Palace Overground
This is the big daddy of London parks: almost everyone has heard of it, but few ever make the journey out here. In just half an hour from Central London on the overground, you’ll witness the landscape’s complete transformation into enchanting woodland and untamed open heath. At 2500 acres, a big draw is a wild deer that graze here. Besides the seemingly endless walks, in the center of the park is one of the best-loved London wedding venues, the glam Georgian Manor of Pembroke Lodge. One of London’s best places to have a game of golf, the Richmond Park Golf Club, is also here.
The best thing to do at Richard Park: Deer-Spotting Nearest Station: Richmond, on District Line and National Rail line to Reading
Whether you are visiting London for the first time or the tenth time, it’s always nice to know where you can go to relax and escape the crowds. There are many more beautiful parks in London, but these are some of the best parks in London to explore.
Have you been to London? What is one of your favorite parks to visit while traveling in London?
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Working out at home just got a whole lot better! Find out why Jazzercise is One Of The Best Streaming Workouts. Today’s post is brought to you by Colleen Pedersen, Lutz Jazzercise Owner.
One Of The Best Streaming Workouts
We all know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. It increases your metabolism, helps aid in weight loss, improves cardiovascular fitness and let’s face it, can be a form of therapy to reset and recharge to tackle life’s greatest obstacles. But we all know that going to the gym has changed dramatically. More people are working from home and find it hard to make it a part of their regular schedule, while others still have reservations about attending a gym or fitness class in person.
The fitness industry took a big hit during COVID. 17% of clubs closed permanently and 44% of the fitness industry workforce lost jobs according to iHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association. However, Jazzercise took the pandemic as an opportunity to give consumers another option, live stream workouts. Within just two weeks of the country going on lockdown, Jazzercise Lutz had seized the opportunity to continue to keep its customers engaged and moving even though the business thrives on in person group exercise classes.
Instructors would either come into the studio alone with a camera and their music to live stream a class or they would mimic it from home. In either situation, customers were able to continue the workout they fell in love with while keeping active during one of the most challenging times in history. Learning to teach to a camera was a little challenging at first but with time and knowing who was online taking the class, a whole new way of communication was born!
What do you want to look for with a fitness streaming program? Convenient class times where you can workout before/after work or during the day when the kids are in school. You want a variety of class formats with Aerobic activity, strength building, stretching, kick boxing, Core classes, etc. You want to choose a program where you feel the cost and quality of the service is a value. Another Key point is music that you enjoy and an instructor with a personality that motivates you.
After three months of relearning how to service our customers, we were able to allow people in person in limited quantities. Some chose to come in person, and some continued to remain at home. While Jazzercise corporate had plans to add the online class option in the future, the pandemic just pushed the timeline up a few years. “We are family at Jazzercise, so we felt the need to take care of our family at a time they needed us the most” said co-owner of Jazzercise Lutz, Colleen Pedersen. “There was never a hesitation from any of us that this was the direction we needed to go”.
Now, almost 2 years later, the live stream option is here to stay. All 47 classes a week at the Jazzercise Premier Fitness Center in Lutz, are live streamed while being taught in person. “There’s no limit to how many people we can have attend online nor is there a location barrier” said Deb Goldman, co-owner of Jazzercise Lutz. “We even have a customer in Germany that dances with us weekly. How cool is that”?
It’s apparent that online classes are the wave of the future for the fitness industry. Time, convenience, and the ability to exercise from anywhere make it another choice to stay active and healthy! Join Lutz Jazzercise live streaming for $22 for your fist month, same price for streaming or in-studio whichever is more convenient.
I have actually been doing the live-streaming classes for a few months now and I love them! I move my office chair and get my workout on and then get back to work. It’s fantastic!
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Sedona sees about 5 million tourists a year, if you are planning on being one of them, read this first! Here is How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Sedona, including where to eat in Sedona, where to shop in Sedona, where to stay in Sedona and the best things to do while you are in Sedona.
How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Sedona
Once a year I try to schedule a getaway with my husband. Life is busy, work is hard, parenting is non-stop so I believe it’s important for us to take a break and spend some quality time together. One day the kids are going to be at college (insert crying mom here) and we are going to have to know how to still enjoy each other’s time, so these trips are not only fun…but I truly believe that they are an important part of our marriage.
The last two years we went to Tulum, Mexico. The first year we needed 100% relaxation. And we got it. We stayed at a secluded, small resort with an amazing staff and waited on us and brought us absolutely everything we asked for. We ate breakfast on our balcony, sipped margaritas on the beach during the day and got massages in our room while the sun set. It was heaven. So much so, we went back the following year. And while it was just as magical, we wanted something a bit different the next year.
I was set on Aruba…my friend, Harmony, at Paradise Travel found me an incredible villa over the water that looked…WOW. But, my husband wanted something besides the tropical vibe. And to be 100% truthful while I sit here typing this, I’m not sure how I picked Sedona…but man am I glad I did.
I will openly admit, that no matter were we go, we always bring wine with us. While we love sipping local wines, we never quite know what the areas will bring, so we bring 3 – 5 bottles with us depending on the length of our trip. Now, traveling with wine can be tricky…I mean, you can only wrap your wine bottles in so many pairs of jeans or sweatshirts! And what if you are traveling over the summer?! That tank top isn’t going to add much cushion to that Cabernet Sauvignon. So, what do we do? We Fly With Wine. Yes, I know, I already said I fly with our wine…But we use our Fly With Wine suitcase to make sure our wine stays safe and we can still pack our clothes! No wrapping in shirts or shoving that nice bottle of wine into your husband’s shoe 😉 Seriously, it is the absolute coolest suitcase EVER. A must for any wine-lover.
We flew into Phoenix, rented a car and then drove two hours to Sedona. It’s actually a really small town…I had no idea! The locals told us that only about 10,000 people live there but between 4-5 MILLION visit every year. So, you can image that their small roads can get pretty busy, but with all the outdoor adventures around you, it definitely doesn’t feel “crowded” or busy.
Because it is a small town filled with tourists, I strongly recommend making dinner reservations at your must-eat locations. One thing I didn’t think about was the timing of our dinner reservation…we almost never eat dinner before 7:30 P.M. so, that’s about the time I made reservations for…well, it’s dark by then…or at least close to it when we went in mid-September. Now, there’s nothing wrong with eating after the sun goes down, but many of restaurants have INCREDIBLE views of those famous red rocks…and since Sedona does not have street lights (they are actually also called the Dark Sky City because they don’t believe in light pollution) you can’t see those red rocks after it gets dark. SO, if you want that view, check to see when the sun sets when you are visiting Sedona and make your dinner reservations before that time…or at least around that time so you can experience the views.
Speaking of places to eat in Sedona…here are the restaurants I recommend eating at while visiting Sedona. Remember, reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Where to Eat in Sedona
Best Breakfast in Sedona
We asked several locals where the best place was to have breakfast and every single one mentioned the Pump House Station and the Secret Garden. We ate at them both, both were delicious, but really loved the vibe at the Pump House Station.
Pump House Station Sedona
Pump House Stationis a modern restaurant in Tlaquepaque Village that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was recommended to us for breakfast, so that’s when we went. I highly recommend the eggs benedict and the chilaquiles. Pump House Station serves cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, and salads on their lunch menu. They also have a dog-friendly patio, full bar, and cozy atmosphere.
Secret Garden Cafe is also located in Tlaquepaque Village, in fact, it’s right across the street from Pump House Station. True to it’s name, it’s surrounded beautiful gardens and has a great breakfast menu. I had the french toast, as that’s what everyone told me to get and I don’t regret it 😉
Best Restaurants in Sedona
Jalapeno Margarita and a view at Mole Sedona
Mole’ Sedona has incredible views and quite possibly the best tacos I’ve ever had in my life. Oh…and the jalapeno margarita…I still dream about it. We actually grabbed lunch here on the day we flew into town, it was on the way into downtown and was the perfect first stop in Sedona.
The Hudson – The Hudson also came highly recommended. It is a fun spot with a ton of things to eat no matter what your taste is. Enjoy fine dining or have one of the best burgers. We got the chicken pot pie and split it…I will admit that it wasn’t my favorite meal in Sedona. We made our reservation here later in the evening, so we missed our chance at their killer views, but we did enjoy a few delicious cocktails.
Elote – Elote has outstanding Mexican food and it has a beautiful location with a great patio and views. Definitely get the Elote and a margarita!
View from The Vault Uptown Sedona
The Vault Uptown – Sit outside. Seriously, with their view it doesn’t matter what’s on the menu. However I am happy to report that the food is incredible. Get there early enough to enjoy the view though. Seriously, don’t miss the view.
Cress on Oak Creek Sedona
Cress On Oak Creek – Cress On Oak Creek is located at the famous L’Auberge De Sedona. We ate here the first night in Sedona and everything about the evening was absolutely perfect. It’s located right on the creek, so the sound of the flowing water is relaxing, then pair that with some of the most amazing food…you’ll be in heaven! We were!
Shorebird Sedona– We didn’t get a chance to eat here, but it was on the list…we just ran out of time! It did come highly recommended and it’s owned by the same folks at Mole…which we loved…so I would guess Shorebird is equally as delish.
I strongly recommend reservations for dinner for all locations!
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
Shopping In Sedona
If you are looking for a shopping experience that encompasses Sedona’s taste of Native American art and culture, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an excellent location to visit. The shops are filled with one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, and handmade clothing. We walked around here after breakfast at The Secret Garden Cafe.
Uptown Sedona offers a selection of affordable shopping options and souvenir shops including Red Rock Apothecary for handmade bath bombs and other beauty products.
Earthbound Trading Co. for trendy clothing and jewelry, along with the new-age vibe and incredible views!
Sedona is often recognized as being one of the best small cities in the country for the arts, and many of its galleries are within walking distance of one another (which you can see on this gallery map).
Alcantara Vineyard
Wine Tasting in Sedona
Sedona is considered a part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which also includes the nearby cities of Cornville, Cottonwood, and Jerome.
Alcantara Vineyard
Although Sedona has popular tasting rooms, like Decanter Tasting Room and Winery at 1912, if you want the real wine tasting experience, you should travel 15 miles west of Uptown Sedona to Cornville, where the spacious wineries and vineyards are.
Or Book a Private Sedona Wine Tour, that’s actually what we did, we didn’t want to have to worry about driving and sipping and having a guide tell you about the area is really worth it! On our Sedona Wine Tours we visited Page Springs Cellars, DA Ranch and Alcantara Vineyard. We had lunch at Page Springs Cellars and I highly recommend the stuffed peppers 🙂
Where to Stay in Sedona
I’m sure just about everywhere you stay in the small town of Sedona will have incredible views of those famous red rocks, but L’Auberge de Sedona was amazing. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. From the moment you turn down their driveway you are transported to a private luxury retreat. You hear the creek, you have the most beautiful views and there are so many things to do right at the resort. We were talking to one of the yoga instructors and she was telling us that the resorts goal is to let you experience all that Sedona has to offer without ever having to leave the property.
View from our room at L’Auberge de Sedona
You can learn about the vortexes, be immersed into the art culture with a local artist (and even go to a painting class!), do yoga (which we did every chance we could), make chakra bracelets (we did this too!), do stargazing, relax at the spa, sit poolside and so much more! Oh, and be sure to sit creek-side and watch the ducks cruise by.
We stayed in a cottage with a view of the red rocks and it even had an outdoor (private) shower – which I used every day because it was just so cool to be one with nature. If you are looking for the top luxury resort to stay in Sedona, L’Auberge de Sedona is it.
They also have a complimentary shuttle service that will take you just about anywhere (local) you want to go…which saves a ton on Uber rides if you get tired of walking 🙂
Along Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona
Sedona is a beautiful town in Arizona that is known for its red rocks and those mystical vortexes. There are many things to do in Sedona, including hiking, biking, and exploring the many shops and restaurants. Now that we chatted about my favorite things to do in Sedona, where to eat in Sedona and where to stay in Sedona, here are the tops things to do while visiting Sedona.
Top Things to do in Sedona
1. Take a hike
There are soooo many incredible trails and places to hike in Sedona.We opted to take a guided tour. Since it was our first time in Sedona, I really wanted someone to show us the sites and tell us about the vortex, the area, the history and just about everything we could learn. We booked our guided hike with Sedona Mystical Tours, Anna was our guide and I will say that this hike was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. I can’t recommend it enough!
Bell Rock (and many others!) are in town and the view from the top is breathtaking and definitely worth the hike up! You can see for miles in every direction. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there is no water or food available once you start the hike. Also, wear sunscreen and a hat, as there is no shade on the trail.
The hike itself is about 2 miles round trip, but it can be challenging in places with loose rocks and steep sections. But take your time and enjoy the scenery!
When you reach the top, there are some great spots to sit down and relax for a bit before heading back down. Just take in that incredible view!
2. Bike through Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most scenic places in Sedona. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. The canyon is also home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the more rare species. Biking through the canyon is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you can find one that suits your level of fitness.
3. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona is a beautiful city in Arizona that is home to many amazing sights and activities. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most popular attractions in Sedona.
The chapel is located in a stunning area of Sedona with red rocks all around it. It was built in 1956 and is a beautiful example of modern architecture. It is a place of worship for many people and has been visited by celebrities and politicians over the years.
The chapel offers breathtaking views of Sedona from its observation deck. Visitors can take part in guided tours of the chapel or attend mass if they wish. It’s a breathtaking place all around.
4. Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in Sedona, look no further than Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This quaint village is located in the heart of Sedona and is home to a variety of shops and galleries. Plus, there’s about a million Instagram-worthy picture spots. The village is beautifully landscaped and includes fountains, courtyards, and gardens.
5. Do a Wine Tasting
Sedona is well known for its stunning red rocks and it’s getting more and more known for it’s vineyards. Wine tasting is one of the many things to do in this beautiful city.
6. Go on a hot air balloon ride
Sedona is a beautiful place to visit and the hot air balloon rides are a must-see. To see Sedona from a different perspective – Most people come to Sedona and hike or drive around to see the sights. However, hot air ballooning will give you a unique perspective of the area as you float above it all. You’ll be able to see more of Sedona in one hour than you could in days spent walking or driving around. The experience is unlike any other – There’s something special about being up in a hot air balloon, gently floating along with the wind. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget and one that you’ll want to repeat.
7. Drive through the Red Rock Scenic Loop Road
If you’re looking for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience, look no further than the Red Rock Scenic Loop Road in Sedona. This 12-mile loop takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the area, including towering red rock formations, canyons, and desert landscapes.
There’s no better way to appreciate the natural beauty of Sedona than by taking a drive through the scenic loop road. Not only will you get to see some of the most incredible views in the area, but you’ll also have the chance to stop at various lookout points along the way.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Sedona for a short while, be sure to add the Red Rock Scenic Loop Road to your list of things to do. You won’t regret it!
8. Go Off-Roading in an ATV
Off-roading in an ATV is a great way to see Sedona. There are many trails to choose from, and the scenery is beautiful. There are many trails to choose from, so you can find one that is the right level of difficulty for you. The scenery in Sedona is beautiful, and off-roading is a great way to get some exercise.
9. Take in a Stargazing Tour
When visiting the beautiful city of Sedona, be sure to add a stargazing tour to your list of things to do.
Sedona is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The clear, dark skies offer amazing views of the stars and planets. Second, a stargazing tour gives you the chance to learn about the night sky from an expert. You’ll be able to ask questions and get tips on how to best see the stars. Finally, a stargazing tour is a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There’s nothing like gazing up at the stars in Sedona!
We sat outside on our balcony every night at L’Auberge de Sedona and enjoyed the stars.
10. Take a Day Trip to See the Grand Canyon
If you have time in your schedule, you can head out to the Grand Canyon. We didn’t have the extra day….we felt that there was plenty to explore and enjoy right in Sedona while we were there. BUT, the Grand Canyon isn’t too terribly far if you want to get that in! The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. It is truly a sight to behold. If you are looking for a day trip from Sedona, taking a day trip to see the Grand Canyon should definitely be on your list. It is an experience that you will never forget.
When leaving Sedona, we left early and headed towards Flagstaff…it added another hour or so to our drive to the Phoenix airport, but it was 100% worth it! You will drive through the “mountains” and get more of those incredible views…then do the scenic pull off…100% worth it!
I hope these tips help you plan the perfect trip to Sedona!
Have you been to Sedona? What are some of your Sedona travel tips?
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Prepped in just 15 minutes, this Easy Beef Stew recipe is the perfect comforting meal to warm up on all these cool nights.
Easy Beef Stew
The weather is finally starting to cool down here in Florida and that means I get to make soup and stews. You know, the warm comforting foods that just make you feel good from the inside out…I realized that I have a bunch of homemade soup recipes here on the blog, but not one stew recipe! What?! How is that possible??
I did make an amazing beef stew for my friends over at RealSweetOnions, but I decided an easy beef stew was due here on Food Wine Sunshine. You all know that I am all about an easy dinner, and when you can toss everything into the Dutch Oven and let it cook, it doesn’t get much easier than that!
Oh, and I used canned vegetables in this beef stew recipe, feel free to use fresh vegetables if you want, I was just using what was in the pantry and what allowed me to not head out to the store 🙂
Beef Stew Key Ingredients
Chuck Roast Canned Green Beans Canned Corn Potatoes Onion Beef broth Flour, Salt, Pepper and Seasonings
Beef Stew Simple Substitutions or Additions
Add in carrots Toss in some sweetpotatoes Use fresh veggies instead of canned veggies Use refried beans as a thickener instead of flour If you can’t find chuck roast, try tri-tip roast, top round roast or bottom round roast
How long is Beef Stew good for in the refrigerator?
If you have leftover beef stew, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Can you freeze leftover Beef Stew?
Sure can! Place the leftover beef stew in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag and toss it in the freezer. I recommend putting a date on it so you remember when you put it in there. Leftover Beef Stew will be good in the freezer for about 3 months.
Alright, are you ready to warm up with my Easy Beef Stew? I know I am! Here’s my easy Beef Stew recipe, be sure to print it and pin it so that you can make it again and again.
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
This easy appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes and is full of flavor. Not too spicy, not too sweet, and absolutely delicious, this Mexican Street Corn Dip is a crowd-pleaser!
Elote, commonly called Mexican street corn, is bursting with flavor and spice. It’s simple yet delicious combination of boiled or grilled corn on the cob covered in chili powder, cotija cheese, lime juice, and mayonnaise has made it a favorite among families who enjoy its unique taste.
Since I love traditional Elote, I decided I should make a few spins on the classic. You all love my Mexican Street Corn Soup, so I thought you would also enjoy a simple appetizer. Plus, you serve it with tortilla chips…and who can resist an appetizer with chips?! I know I can’t….after making his I had to put the chips away and a handful of carrots!
What is the history of Mexican Street Corn?
Mexican street corn is a classic dish that packs a flavorful punch. It’s a favorite among foodies, and you can find it at festivals, restaurants, and street corners across Mexico and the United States.
The traditional Mexican Street Corn Elote recipe was developed in Mexico in the 1950s as a way of making use of leftover corn from the harvest season. Cooks would mix sweet corn with mayonnaise or cream cheese as well as spices like chili powder and cotija cheese for a unique flavor combination. The result: A savory-sweet combo that everyone loves!
Mexican street food favorite is a delicious snack that can be eaten any time of day as a snack, side dish or appetizer. It’s also delicious as a dip 😉
Mexican Street Corn Dip Key Ingredients
Corn
Jalapeno
Cotija cheese
Mayo
Sour cream
Seasonings
Hot sauce
Lime
To make Mexican Street Corn Dip you simply mix together all those amazing ingredients and enjoy. Using roasted corn will enhance the flavor, but if you don’t have the time or if fresh corn isn’t in season, you can use frozen or canned corn as a substitute…Just add some extra salt 😉
Do you serve Mexican Street Corn Dip hot or cold?
Either! It’s delicious either way.
Is there a substitute for cojita cheese?
It is the best option, but if you can’t find it (I had a hard time!) you can use queso fresco or a fresh Parmesan cheese.
What do you serve with Mexican Street Corn Dip?
Tortillas chips are my favorite, but fresh vegetables are yummy as well.
Alright, let’s make some dip shall we? Oh wait! Before we do that, be sure to check out my Mexican Street Corn Soup – equally as delicious!
Roast or grill the corn. GRILLING DIRECTIONS: Roast the corn, still in the husks, over medium high heat, until the husks are well-charred, about 5 minutes. OVEN DIRECTIONS: Roast the corn, still in the husks, in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl mix together; mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, seasonings, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
Once the corn to roasted and cooled, cut the corn off the cob.
Add the corn kernels and dices jalapeno to the mayo/sour cream mixture.
Garnish with extra cotija cheese and chopped cilantro (optional).
Serve with chips or veggies.
Enjoy!
Notes
You can use frozen or canned corn, but roasted fresh corn will give you the best flavor.
I hope you enjoy this easy Mexican Street Corn Dip as much as we do!
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
Grab some leftover Halloween Candy and let’s add some apples to it to make a delicious Candy Bar Apple Salad. This easy dessert is ready in under 10 minutes. While this post is sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, all opinions and the recipe are my own.
Leftover Halloween Candy Apple Salad
So in a few short weeks we are going to have a bunch of candy in the house. And while my kids are in their teens, I still try to get them to eat more fruit…hello, grab that apple instead of that handful of chocolate…PLEASE? Yeah right. It’s not happening. So, I decided why not put the candy with the fruit, then they have to eat them both?! I mean, they are going to eat the candy anyway, might as well get some fruit in there with it, right??
The beauty of this “salad” is that you can put in just about any fruit you have on hand…Pears would be a lovely addition, those little mandarins, even pineapple…whatever you got and you want the kids to eat…put it in there! Because, let’s be honest just about every fruit I can think of pairs perfectly with chocolate.
You have the added nutrients from the fruit, then you are making this candy bar salad with milk, so you are also getting vitamins and nutrients from milk. Look at that…this may become my new favorite salad 😉
Normally I would have used Sugar Free pudding mix when making something sweet, because honestly I can’t usually tell the difference, but I went to two stores and they were both out, so regular won. Next time I make it, I will use the sugar free option…and if you use sugar free to make this leftover Halloween candy apple salad, let me know which brand you use and how it was! My friend said she saw some at Aldi the other day, so I’ll grab some the next time I’m there.
This Candy and Fruit Salad is a great way to use leftover Halloween candy, you can also make it any time of the year! Any time you want to increase fruit consumption in the house and you think you need the help of a little chocolate, this Candy Bar Apple Salad is an excellent option.
Leftover Halloween Candy Bar Fruit Salad Key Ingredients
It’s super simple! All you have to do is mix the Florida Milk, pudding mix and the whipped topping. Then toss in the diced chocolate candy and diced apples. Stir and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Serve with a tall glass of Florida Milk.
This Leftover Halloween Candy Apple Salad makes a bunch, but exactly how many servings really depends on how big your servings are! We got about 15 small bowls out of ours, but you may get less…or more! It will stay in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. My guess is that it won’t last that long though 😉
Ok, let’s make some Candy Bar Apple Salad shall we?
Ready in just 10 minutes, this is an easy dessert the whole family will love! Plus it's a great way to enjoy fresh fruit and use up that leftover Halloween candy.
Leftover Halloween CandyI used 4 fun size kit kats and 4 reese's from the same bag - feel free to use whatever halloween candy you have leftover! - cut into small pieces
1 1/2cupsFlorida Milk I used 2%
1 3.4ozvanilla instant pudding mix feel free to get creative and try other flavors or the Sugar Free option
8ozwhipped topping thawed, I used the lite variety.
3-4apples cut into bite size piecesyou can also use pears, mandarins, pineapple...any fruit you have on hand! You just want about 4 cups of diced fruit...feel free to add more if desired.
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the Florida milk and pudding mix.
Allow it to sit for 1 - 2 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken.
Fold in whipped topping.
Add in apples and leftover Halloween candy pieces.
Refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
Notes
*mixture will continue to thicken as it sets
What do you usually do with leftover Halloween candy? Donate it? Use it in lunches? What fruit will you use to make this Candy Bar Fruit Salad?
And while you are at it, check out all the recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
These Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups are ready in under 30 minutes, making them an easy and delicious weeknight meal idea! While this post is sponsored by Healthy Family Project, all opinions and my love for supporting the brands that are supporting my local food banks…are my own!
Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups
Deciding what to make for dinner can be a challenge. You may think that since I actually make and photograph food for a living, I always know what to make for dinner. Nope. Most nights I have no clue. So, when a little creativity strikes and I come up with something that’s new (for us), easy to make, and I know the kids will like it I consider that a win. Toss in the fact that by purchasing some of the ingredients from Publix I am actually supporting my local food bank, I consider that a huge win.
I have told you guys before that Healthy Family Project teams up with Publix a few times throughout the year in Produce For Kids campaigns. These campaigns are designed to help encourage families to purchase more fruits and vegetables to help create a healthier generation. The sponsors of each campaign actually donate money to Feeding America, which in turn helps support your local food banks!
So, by supporting the sponsors, you are showing them that you not only love their products, but you appreciate that they are helping the community.
Like in my chicken and vegetable biscuits cups, I used Ayco asparagus and Sunset tomatoes. And while I was at Publix, I also grabbed suja Immunity shots (I have a lot of travel in the next few weeks), Mucci Farms mini cucumber poppers (they are the easiest snack throughout the day!), some Fresh Express bagged salads (my hubby takes one for lunch everyday), and I restocked up on my favorite GT’s (Gingerade, Lemon Berry and Sacred Life are my current faves). By making those purchases during the campaign, I am supporting the brands that are supporting Feeding America.
Here are the all sponsors to look for when shopping at Publix:
But, if your memory is like mine, you won’t remember this list….I know I have a hard time remembering what I did this morning, let alone a list! Well, good news is that as you walk around your produce department at Publix you will see signs in front of the supporting partners. Each sign will have the brand name, a beautiful picture and a QR code. You can scan that QR code and it will take you to a FREE ecookbook filled with lots of healthy, family-friendly recipes.
Ok, now that you know where to shop and how to decide which brands to support while shopping, let’s get to my Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups shall we??
There is just something comforting about biscuits, and then when you add your dinner right into the biscuit, now you got yourself a fun meal 😉
Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups Key Ingredients
Chicken – I went for easy and got the pre-cooked chicken in the refrigerated section.
Now, out of all the veggies out there, I will openly admit that asparagus and tomatoes aren’t in my kiddos Top 5 Favorites, so the fact that they ate these up without a question made me pretty happy. My son described them as mini chicken pot pies…I’ll take that 🙂
Now this recipe is for 10 biscuit cups, which was plenty for my family of four…in fact, I had two leftover (which my son had for lunch the next day) and I still had a little bit of the chicken and vegetable “filling” left. So, I made some pasta and added the leftover chicken and vegetable mix to the pasta…it made a creamy chicken and vegetable pasta that my daughter enjoyed for dinner the next night. I love double-duty meals, don’t you?!
What exactly are Biscuit Cups?
They are a fun way to eat dinner with your hands! You simply take the refrigerated biscuit, smash it with your hands and shove them into a muffin tin. Then you fill each biscuit “cup” with your favorite toppings! I have made breakfast biscuit cups and sloppy joe biscuit cups and my family always appreciates it when they can eat dinner with their hands 🙂
Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups Simple Substitutions
Use whatever veggies you have on hand! Feel free to get creative.
Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Use cream of mushroom or even cream of celery! I try to use the Healthy Request options when possible.
Ok, are you ready to get cooking? My Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups are ready in under 30 minutes, so they are perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
I hope you enjoy these Chicken and Vegetable Biscuit Cups as much as we do!
Be sure to check out HealthyFamilyProject.com for more than 600 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, grocery store specific campaign details, and healthy tips from real parents and on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for even more!
Be sure to look out for those sponsors I mentioned above, YOU can be a part of the reason why 825,000 meals were donated! Do good, feel good, eat good 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
Thank you Karo® Syrup for sponsoring this post. Celebrate sweet moments together with Karo®! This easy salmon recipe is ready in 20 minutes and only has a few ingredients. The whole family will love it!
Easy Asian Glazed Salmon
I am pretty excited about this salmon recipe you all….If you have been following me for awhile, you know I love salmon. My husband loves salmon. My daughter loves salmon. My son, not so much…but I’ll get him one day 😉
I almost always serve salmon blackened or make a glaze, and while I always love it, I was pretty excited when Karo Syrup challenged me to come up with a new salmon glaze recipe. You may think of sweet treats like fudges, caramels or pies when you think of using Karo Syrup, but it’s actually a very versatile ingredient that is perfect in my salmon glaze. Karo Syrup is smooth and has a balanced sweetness that really let the other flavors of my glaze shine through. In fact, I mixed the Karo Syrup with red pepper flakes, I love adding a touch of heat to most of my recipes and the Karo Syrup was the perfect balance. Karo makes recipes OH SO Delicious.
Speaking of recipes, let me tell you why I love this Asian Glazed Salmon
It’s ready in under 20 minutes.
You can serve it with rice or on a salad, it’s really delicious either way!
It’s under 10 ingredients, all of which I actually had in my house besides the fresh salmon.
Salmon is actually very good for you, making this easy salmon recipe a healthy dinner.
Asian Glazed Salmon Key Ingredients
Salmon – Yep, you guessed it 😉 I used fresh Atlantic salmon, I recommend using skin-on fillets.
If you don’t have fresh garlic and ginger you can use powdered or the jarred minced garlic, you may just have to adjustment the amount as sometimes those don’t offer the same flavor potency.
Salmon is not only a delicious fish, but it is also packed with nutrients that can have impressive health benefits.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower blood pressure, and potentially help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Salmon is also a good source of protein and provides a variety of other important nutrients like vitamin D and selenium.
Eating salmon can help improve brain function and cognitive performance. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are especially beneficial for brain health, they can even improve your mood.
The protein and vitamin D content of salmon also make it an excellent choice for bone health.
Alright, are we ready to get cooking? I don’t know about you, but I am officially hungry!
Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy salmon recipe is sure to impress. Flavorful and perfect for a weeknight meal, enjoy this Asian Glazed Salmon recipe tonight.
In a small bowl, mix the Karo Syrup and red pepper flakes.
In a small saucepan, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Bring the soy sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Remove from heat and stir in the Karo Syrup and red pepper flakes mixture.
Set aside.
Warm a large skillet over medium-to-high heat. You want the pan HOT.
Drizzle the 1 – 2 teaspoons of olive oil into the pan, be careful of splatter!
Place the salmon skin-side up on the hot skillet.
Let cook for about 3 minutes.
When the salmon turns opaque on the sides flip the salmon so that it is skin-side down. *I have a stainless steel pan which holds it heat, at this point I was able to reduce the heat to low and the salmon continued to cook.
Cook until the salmon is cooked throughout. It will be pink instead of the deep red color and will easy break apart with a fork. Learn more here.
Brush or spoon the Asian glaze over the top of the salmon. Save a little for serving if desired.
Serve with fresh veggies or a salad and rice if desired. Top with green onion and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy!
Notes
I served mine with rose wine, it was the perfect pairing for the fresh ginger and the heat of the red pepper flakes.
This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
There are 17 wine-making regions in France. Each one producing exquisite wines. Here is an introduction to the French Wine Regions. Read on to learn more!
An Introduction To The French Wine Regions
I still dream about our trip to France. The wine. The country-side. The people. The history. Everything was just incredible. I am really hoping that one day we can go back. Until then, I will share my love of French wine with you all! I shared with you the Best Wine Regions in France, now I will share a bit more about the French Wine Regions. So, go grab a glass of wine and let’s dream of France together!
Like dividing the United States into states, France can be divided into wine regions. Because wine is such a big part of the culture, native French people may even give directions through their country by these regions, instead of by cities. Each region has it’s a different environment that gives the wine its own unique taste. Knowing these regions is a great conversation topic over a nice dinner with friends, or even more appropriately, at a wine tasting. This is an overview of each region to get you started.
There are 17 wine regions in France. The most famous of which is the Bordeaux region. Known for its rich, red wines, the Bordeaux region is located in southwestern France, near the Atlantic Ocean. There are twenty-one different types of wines produced in this region, the most popular being Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Merlot, a sweet red wine, is so popular that fifty percent of the grapes planted in the Bordeaux region are for this wine. Each year, this region produces over 850 million bottles of wine.
Moving just south of Bordeaux, next to the Pyrenees Mountains, in the South West region, these wines are often confused with Bordeaux wines because they are so close, but the soil in this region provides a different taste to the grapes. In fact, there are over 15 wines produced in the South West that can’t be made anywhere else in the world, including Tannic and Merille. The most popular wines here, however, are red wines. Producing over 200 million bottles a year, vineyards in this region focus on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
On the other side of the Pyrenees Mountains, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and Spain, is the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Another popular region for red wines, this area produces Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also produces a variety of sweet white wines. The most popular grape in the region is the white wine grape, Chardonnay. This area is very warm and has a lot of coastal property. Because of this, the soil is made mostly of limestone, sandstone, pebbles, and granite. The soil gives the South West region its own flavor, which is obviously loved, as the region produces over two billion bottles of wine each year.
To the east of the Languedoc-Roussillon region is the region of Provence. This area is known for its fruity rose wine, producing almost half of the French’s rose wine inventory. It also produces white wines, as well as full-body red wines. The vineyards in this region go back to ancient times. Even Caesar wrote about them in his memoirs. They produce about 240 thousand bottles of wine each year, and 75% of that wine is rose wine.
The fifth wine region in France is Cotes du Rhone. It is the most diverse wine region in the country, producing a variety of both red and white wines. The northern area of the region is known for its full-body red and white wines, while the south has gained popularity for its light, fruity red wines. Cotes du Rhone produces almost half a billion bottles of wine each year, which is about 15% of the total French wine production.
North of Cotes du Rhone is the region of Burgundy. Burgundy is divided into six separate districts within its region, which stretches 225 miles across France. This region produces both red and white wines and is famous for making the two most popular wines in France: Beaujolais and Chablis. Pinot Noir is the common red grape in the area, while Chardonnay is the predominant white grape. Total, the region produces 180 million bottles of wine each year.
A region popular for its white wines is the Loire wine region. Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are the most popular grapes, and although some red wines are made, 75% of the area’s wine production is white. White wines in this region include everything from dry to sweet to sparkling. The region is based around the Loire River and is known in France as one of the most beautiful areas. Each year, the Loire region produces over 400 million bottles of wine.
The region of Champagne is famous for producing the most popular sparkling wine in the world. Can you guess what it is? Champagne! This region is located east of Paris and is the northernmost wine-making region in France. The soil in this area is chalky, which allows the grapes to grow and have the special flavor it holds. Champagne was created by a monk named Dom Perignon during the 17th century and now has a popular champagne named after him. He even invented the cork to allow the champagne to stay preserved.
Alsace is in eastern France and produces both dry and sweet white wines. Some of the grapes grown in Alsace are so unique that this is the only place in the world they are able to grow. Riesling is the most popular wine made here, followed by Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Tokay Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner. Although the area is relatively small, 165 million bottles of wine are made in the Alsace region each year.
The Corsica region is located on the small island of Corsica off the coast of France. The island grapes produce rose wine, as well as dry white wines, and mainly come from vineyards on the coast of the island. Patrimonio is the most well-known wine from this region. The grapes for this wine grow in clay and limestone soil on the island, and almost two million bottles of this wine are grown each year.
There is so much to know about the French wine regions and the varieties they produce. Websites and books are devoted to the subject and are a great read for any wine aficionado! I have given you just a sip of the French wine regions and everything they pour 😉
Cheers!
Have you been to France? What is one of your favorite French wines?
