A Lifestyle Blog

Easy Homemade Seasonings

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For years I purchased packaged seasonings at the grocery store based on my needs as a recipe cook, but now that our spice cabinet is overflowing I often create Easy Homemade Seasonings. Sure, it is an investment to stock pile spices. Although if you purchase seasonings over time, then you’re good to go. Save yourself money and mix up these high flavor seasonings instead of buying the pre-mixed packets, which often come with unknown, hard to pronounce ingredients.

I added fresh, sliced onion and one half of lime juice to the crockpot when making Mexican Shredded Beef (recipe below) so you don’t need onion powder.

Beef Ribs Seasoning 

Mix equal parts of the following ingredients:

  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • brown sugar
  • all purpose seasoning salt
  • paprika
  • cumin

Jamaican Seasoning

  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp allspice

Fajita Seasoning (Get my recipe for Savory Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Squash.)

  • 2 T chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika, if possible)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • heavy pinch salt

Mexican Shredded Beef Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 T chipotle powder
  • 1 T paprika (smoked paprika, if you want real smokey flavor)
  • 1 T dried oregano
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • heavy pinch salt
  • cracked black pepper

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Blueberry Vanilla Mint Mojito

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Blueberry Vanilla Mint Mojito

Nothing adds more zing to a blueberry mojito than fresh mint and the sweet taste of vanilla rum. And this recipe only takes minutes to make. Watch your cares melt way as your glass drains away!

Cool down on a summer day with this refreshing blueberry vanilla mint mojito.
Cool down on a summer day with this refreshing blueberry vanilla mint mojito.

1 cocktail

Blueberry Vanilla Mojito

This drink is a crowd favorite and guests are always impressed with the freshness of the mint. Serve it on a hot summer evening or on July 4th.

5 minPrep Time

1 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz. vanilla rum
  • 1/4 oz. fresh lime juice
  • Small handful of mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 can lemon-lime carbonated water
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Garnish lime slice, mint sprig

Instructions

  1. Add the mint and sugar into a muddling glass. Muddle them together until fragrant.
  2. Add vanilla rum, lime juice, and crushed ice. Shake for one minute.
  3. Pour into a glass and then fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime carbonated water.
  4. Garnish with more blueberries and a sprig of mint.

Notes

You could substitute fresh strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries.

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https://onedelightfullife.com/blueberry-vanilla-mint-mojito/

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Flavored Butter 4 Ways

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Drizzle it and watch it drip and melt. Ah, delicious better. Now, let’s make it even better. Is that even possible? Yes!

Butter is better when it’s flavored perfectly to add to your dish.

Anyone of these could be used in other ways besides a top of grilled corn. Add to the rich flavor of grilled salmon by adding Lemon Dill Butter to it. Or achieve that true steakhouse savory flavor by adding a pad of Herb Butter to your ribeye as it rests after grilling. I promise you’ll never want your steak any other way again.

Try these flavor butter recipes. You’ll taste buds will thank you.

Italian Herb Butter

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 clove diced garlic
  • 1 tsp diced scallions
  • 1 tsp fresh dill
  • 1 tsp fresh flat leaf parsley
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • pinch of Kosher salt
  • pinch of black pepper

Mexican Butter

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (add more if you like it spicy)
  • pinch of Kosher salt
  • pinch of black pepper

Lemon Dill Butter

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 2 T fresh dill
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • pinch of Kosher salt
  • pinch of black pepper

Savory Herb Butter

Savory Herb Butter

Why not try adding this butter for a punch of flavor to a noodle dish or Italian green beans? The possibilities are endless.

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 T diced fresh oregano
  • 1 T diced fresh basil
  • 1 clove diced garlic
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • pinch of Kosher salt
  • pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and mix with a spoon until well incorporated.
  2. Transfer into a small bowl and refrigerate until use.

Notes

1 stick = 1/2 cup 1/2 stick = 1/4 cup or 4 T

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https://onedelightfullife.com/flavored-butter-4-ways/

Nutrition

Calories

22 cal

Fat

1 g

Carbs

3 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Add fresh herbs to your grilled corn to elevate its flavor.
Add fresh herbs to your grilled corn to elevate its flavor.

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5 Healthy Summer Smoothies

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Looking for an alternative to your usual dash-and-go morning coffee routine? These 5 Healthy Summer Smoothies are the perfect solution to refresh your mornings and give you a natural energy jump start.

Bonus: You add servings of vitamins from produce to your diet. And if you’re making a cool fruit smoothie, there’s no need to heat up the kitchen during the dog days of summer. Fire up that blender and mix the following recipe ingredients until well blended.

Green Detox Smoothie

Full of antioxidants and vitamins, this detoxifying smoothie is the perfect start to the week.
Full of antioxidants and vitamins, this detoxifying smoothie is the perfect start to the week.

This refreshing green drink boosts your immune system. Spinach is considered an anti-cancer food.

  • 5.3 oz plain Greek nonfat yogurt
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk
  • 1 cup ice crushed
  • 1/4 cucumber cubed
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • Small handful fresh spinach leaves torn
  • Small handful of flat leaf parsley
  • 1 tbsp honey

Banana Blackberry Smoothie

  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grape juice
  • 1 cup ice crushed
  • 1/2 of a banana
  • 1/2 cup fresh blackberries

Cantaloupe Mint Smoothie

You know what makes creating a smoothie for breakfast easier? Prepping the melon the night before so it can be easily added to the blender before you head off to work.
Do you know what makes creating a smoothie for breakfast easier? Prepping the melon the night before so it can be easily added to the blender before you start your day. I love how quickly my Magic Bullet blender mixes up a single smoothie at a time when I’m in a hurry!
  • 2 cups cubed cantaloupe
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 5.3 oz plain Greek nonfat yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Small handful of fresh mint torn
  • Small handful of flat-leaf parsley

Raspberry Chocolate Vanilla Smoothie

It's dessert in a glass and well, it has fruit so it's healthy right? Of course! Top this Raspberry Chocolate Vanilla smoothie with extra milk chocolate chips. It's our secret!
It’s dessert in a glass and well, it has fruit so it’s healthy right? Of course! Top this Raspberry Chocolate Vanilla smoothie with extra milk chocolate chips. It’s our secret!
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Raspberry Lemon Smoothie

www.onedelightfullife.com 5 Summer Smoothies Doesn't this smoothie look yummy? We'll take two please. Blend up this easy to make drink for a run-out-the-door breakfast or freeze a few to grab and go.

Yummy, right? Blend up this easy-to-make drink for a run-out-the-door sweet treat or to cool down.
5 Healthy Summer Smoothies

This thick base includes fresh, ripened fruit providing a dose of healthy vitamins to your diet. It's a great combination of sweet and tart.

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 5.3 oz Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients into a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and serve cold.
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https://onedelightfullife.com/5-healthy-summer-smoothies/

Nutrition

Calories

184 cal

Fat

2 g

Carbs

42 g

Protein

4 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Ultimate Summer Hot Dog Toppings List

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Tis the season to grab a bag of hotdogs and buns and head out to the grill. Let’s face it. Nothing makes kids happier than a hot dog OR says summer like a piled high hot dog bun. But who needs another cookout basic dog? Not this girl. We can do better than ketchup and yellow mustard.

Elevate your flavor beyond just adding ketchup and mustard by layering your beefy frank with this Ultimate Summer Hot Dog Toppings List! I can hear the sizzle now. Hot diggity dog!

Scroll down for a long list of topping options. Oh, and don’t forget to toast your buns on the grill too.

Traditional Coney 

Toppings:

  • ketchup
  • yellow mustard
  • dill pickle spear
  • celery salt

coney-dill-hotdog

Mexican Hot Dog

Toppings:

  • Diced jalapeño (remove seeds)
  • cheddar cheese
  • white onion
  • cilantro

mexican-hotdog

Beer Braut with Caramelized Onions

Toppings:

  • caramelized white onions
  • stone ground mustard

Cooking Instructions:

  1. add 2 cups sliced white onions into a pan of 2 T. melted butter
  2. add 2 T worcestershire
  3. saute until onions are caramelized

odl-braut-carmelizedonions

Other toppings ideas:

Memphis Hot Dog

  • barbecue sauce
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • diced scallions

Fajita Hot Dog

  • grilled bell peppers and onions seasoned coated with fajita seasoning
  • shredded Mexican or taco cheese
  • dollap sour cream
  • dollap guacamole

Chili Cheese Coney

  • chili (or sloppy joe mix)
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • diced white onion

Cheesy Slaw Hot Dog

  • creamy cole slaw
  • barbecue sauce
  • crushed cheddar rippled chips (awesome crunch!)

Copycat Chick-fil-a Hot Dog 

  • oven baked waffle fries
  • copycat Chick-fil-a sauce
    • Sauce: Mix together 1/4 c. mayonnaise, 2 T honey, 2 T barbecue sauce, 2 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp lemon juice. Refrigerate.
    • substitute chicken frank for beef frank, if possible

Hawaiian Hot Dog

  • grilled diced pineapple
  • grilled diced red onion

Polish Hot Dog

  • substitute Polish sausage for beef frank
  • sweet Bavarian sauerkraut without caraway seeds
  • stone ground mustard

Buffalo Chicken Hot Dog

  • substitute a chicken frank for beef frank, if possible
  • jarred buffalo sauce
  • crumbled blue cheese
  • diced celery

I’ll Take Fries With That Hot Dog

  • oven fries
  • crumbled bacon
  • diced scallions

Nach-yo-Typical Hot Dog

  • black beans (drained)
  • shredded Mexican or taco cheese
  • diced jalapeno (remove seeds)
  • diced scallions
  • crushed nacho cheese Doritos
  • dollop sour cream (optional)
  • dollop salsa (optional)
  • sliced avocado (optional)

Tiny Tot Hot Dog

  • baked tater tots
  • sliced American cheese
  • crumbled bacon

Frito Chili Pie Hot Dog

  • chile (or sloppy joe mix)
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fritos corn chips

Spicy BLT Hot Dog

  • bacon wrapped hot dog
  • shredded lettuce
  • diced tomato
  • sriracha mayo

Mayo Instructions:

  1. 2 T. mayo
  2. 1 T. Sriracha (mix with mayo until well blended)

East Coast Deli Hot Dog

  • pastrami wrapped hot dog
  • slice American cheese
  • shredded lettuce
  • pepperoncinis
  • sandwich dressing oil (buy it bottled at any grocery store)
  • salt and pepper
  • parmasen

Caprese Hot Dog

  • shredded mozzarella
  • diced tomato
  • fresh basil leaves
  • basalmic vinegar

Denver Hot Dog

  • green chile sauce
  • diced white onion
  • dollap sour cream
  • diced jalapeno (optional-remove seeds)

Spicy Korean Hot Dog

  • white rice
  • pickled kimchi (sold by the jar)
  • cilantro

Pizza Hot Dog

  • marinara
  • pepperoni
  • shredded mozzarella
  • Italian seasoning

California Hot Dog

  • avocado mayonnaise
  • cucumber
  • sprouts
  • shredded carrot

Reuben Hot Dog

  • pastrami wrapped hot dog
  • sauerkraut
  • swiss
  • 1000 island dressing

Tex-Mex Hot Dog

  • pinto beans
  • grilled corn
  • avocado
  • black olive
  • hot sauce or salsa

Thai Hot Dog

  • shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • cilantro
  • shredded carrot
  • lime juice
  • jalapeno
  • peanut sauce

Philly Hot Dog

  • caramelized white onion
  • caramelized green peppers
  • nacho cheese

Creole Hot Dog

  • cooked blackened shrimp
  • onion
  • green pepper
  • celery
  • scallions
  • roasted tomatos

BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dog

  • barbecue pulled pork
  • creamy slaw

Kids Hot Dog Toppings Ideas:

  • Mac-n-Cheese Hot Dog
  • Peanut Butter Jelly Hot Dog
  • Ham (wrap the hot dog) and Cheese Hot Dog

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“What would you do if you could do anything for a living?”

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I’m so excited to start this new blog, a creative idea I kept secret for some time. During the winter of 2016, while experiencing  quite a bit of stress at my full-time teaching job, a family member asked me “What would you do if you could do anything for a living?” This blog was my response. There. I said it out loud. And you know what? It felt amazing.

I can’t think of anything more fun than writing about recipes, my travel experiences, and teaching others how to improve their skills. This blog includes my passions into one platform and allows me to be shoot photography, write, and continue teaching…just in another format. All of my favorite things.

about-me2

“What would you do if you could do anything for a living?” This blog was my response.

Dang. That sounds pretty phenomenal, doesn’t it?

My goal is help you while you’re enjoying one delightful life too. Life can be incredibly stressful, overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there. Physically and mentally exhausted after working a nine hour day to come home to someone who asked “What’s for dinner?” Drained. Overbooked. Overworked. But, it doesn’t have to be anymore after incorporating my tips into your lifestyle.

Sometimes we must carve out a little time for ourselves, a vacation or “staycation,” to rejuvenate our spirit. But why should we deny ourselves a trip to a sun filled beach or bustling big city simply because the planning is overwhelming. Use my travel stories to help you plan your next trip away from home. Dig out that suitcase!

And if you’re like me, you love learning. Show me how to use a video application to tell a story and I’m all ears. So, I want to do the same for you. Not all of us were born natural cooks or photographers. I will help you improve your skill set along the way.

I can feel it. This is one of the best times of my life. Join me.  It’s one delightful life. 

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