Spring is almost here, but winter still has us in its grip. Get through these last few cold night by warming up with this white bean and bacon soup! It’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner, and would make a great frozen make-ahead meal. Make a big batch and bring some to work, or pack it in a thermos for lunch for the kids! This soup is delicious and is made from white beans, parmesan cheese, bacon, celery, garlic, chicken stock, and sage. Throw on that apron and let’s get cookin’!

White Bean Soup Recipe With Parmesan Cheese, Bacon, and Sage

Looking for some healthy comfort food? Try this white bean soup with bacon, garlic, parmesan cheese, celery, and sage!

Serve it up with crusty bread for dipping!

 Photos: The Clever Carrot.

Winter isn’t going to let up anytime soon, and that’s why you should warm yourself up with this tasty chicken tortellini soup! We just love soup, and there’s no better way to end a hectic day than with some hot soup and crusty bread. This chicken soup is simple to prepare since it uses the rotisserie chicken you can buy at any grocery store. Add in some tortellini and veggies and you’ve got yourself a soup fit for a king! It also works well for weeknight dinners, and we think it would work in a crockpot, too! Keep reading for the recipe!

Photos: Cooking Classy.

Looking for the perfect detox drink after these crazy holidays? We’ve got the best detox drink around, and it requires no blender or special equipment! Infused waters are all the rage these days, and for good reason, too! They’ve been proven to be extremely healthy, and are a tasty alternative to store-bought sugary sodas and artificially flavored iced teas. This detox drink is loaded with ginger, mint, cucumber, and lemon. Drink up!

Fresh and Healthy Detox Drink For the New Year!

Photos: Thinspiration, Housewife Glamour.

Pumpkin season is here, and it’s a perfect time to make these scrumptious cookies! Make a bunch of them to share with friends and family – we guarantee they’ll be grabbing seconds!

Delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1½ cups butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bag (12 oz.) chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar and white sugar until creamy. Add in the pumpkin, egg and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the baking sheets. Space the dough about 2 inches apart.

Photos: The Wannabe Chef, Kirbie Cravings. Recipe: Love Bakes Good Cakes.

These zucchini noodles are so tasty and good for you, you won’t miss regular pasta noodles! Perfect for vegetarians, these noodles can be easily made using a Spiralizer. But don’t stop with zucchini! Try it with carrots or yellow squash! Keep reading for the super easy and healthy recipe!

Creamy Zucchini Noodle Pasta

Ingredients

• 3 zucchini
• 1 yellow squash made into noodles by a Spiralizer
• Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Cream Sauce (recipe from The Glorious Vegetables of Italy by Domenica Marchetti)
• 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 pint red cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 handful chopped fresh basil
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place cherry tomatoes cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Roast at 275 F for 1 1/2 hours.
2. Heat butter in a saute pan over medium heat. When the butter is melted and foamy, add in shallot and cook until soft.
3. Add in tomatoes and any juices on the baking sheet. Add in thyme and pour in cream. Sprinkle half the cheese over the tomatoes and into the cream.
4. Heat on low until it begins to simmer. Turn off the heat and add in basil.
5. In a large saute pan, drizzle it with olive oil and place zucchini noodles on top. Cook them gently and toss until slightly wilted but still al dente.
6. Place noodles onto a plate and spoon sauce on top. Add more parmesan cheese.

 Photos and recipe: Proud Italian Cook.

These popsicles are made with creamy Greek yogurt and blueberries. Try using different berries or combinations of berries for a different flavor. Serve them for dessert after a delicious BBQ, or eat them as a healthy snack.

Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

Enjoy these healthy popsicles guilt-free as a snack or dessert. Try making them with raspberries or strawberries for a different take on this yummy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

1. In a bowl, pour the milk into the yogurt and mix well.
2. Add in honey and mix. Taste for sweetness.
3. Place blueberries at the bottom of your molds, spoon in half of the yogurt mixture, and add more blueberries. Place sticks into the molds. Divide the rest of the yogurt mixture into the molds and top with blueberries.
4. Freeze for 5 hours or overnight.

Photos: Give Recipe.

We enjoy light snacks and meals during the summer, and who doesn’t? Light food that’s easy to prepare and requires no cooking is welcome during these hot summer days. This granola fruit salad can be made with any of your favorite fruits and favorite yogurt. Healthy granola adds crunch and sweetness to this salad, and we encourage you to try it for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

Healthy Summer Granola Fruit Salad

Try this granola fruit salad for a healthy snack during these hot summer days. Customize it with your favorite fruit and yogurt, and don’t forget the crunchy granola!

Ingredients

• 1 6 oz. container Key Lime yogurt
• 1 small pineapple, chopped
• 1 cantaloupe, chopped
• 2 cups green grapes
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup honey almond granola

Instructions

1. Add all the fruit to a large bowl and top with the yogurt. Toss until combined.
2. Put the salad in the fridge until it’s ready to serve. When serving, sprinkle with granola.

Photos: Carl’s Bad Cravings.

Fresh fruit is perfect for hot summer days. It’s light, thirst-quenching, and is great for a healthy snack. These fruit skewers are great for balancing out all those salty snacks, and they make a wonderful healthy dessert. Make them for your July 4th BBQ, picnic, or get-together! Read the recipe below to find out how to put together these tasty patriotic skewers.

This is what you will need:

– 12 wood skewers

– 6 oz. blueberries

– 1 lb strawberries

– 3 bananas

– serving tray

Directions: Rinse the berries and dry them. Take the strawberries and chop off the stems. Cut them in half from the stem to the point. Then, cut off the point and set it aside. Cut the bananas into slices and set them aside. Start with the blueberries and skewer 6 on top and alternate between 2 banana slices and 1 strawberry slice. Do this until you reach the end. Place the skewers on a platter and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Photos: Evite Blog.

This patriotic toast is perfect for a Fourth of July breakfast. Cream cheese, raspberry jam, blueberries, and bananas make it healthy and filling. Make it in the morning, or have it for brunch. Pair it with a nice, cold glass of milk to top it off!

Putting together this toast is easy, there isn’t even a recipe! Take a piece of toast and slather with cream cheese. Layer on raspberry jam and create a star corner with blueberries. Arrange halved banana slices to make the stripes. Get the kids to help you assemble this tasty toast, we’re sure they’ll be grabbing seconds!

Want more patriotic recipes or decor ideas? Take a look at these!

American Flag Party Fruit Skewers

Easy Patriotic Bandana Decor

Patriotic Porch Decor Ideas

Making your own non-toxic cooking spray is easier than you think! Store-bought cooking sprays are full of harmful chemicals, and tossing all those cans in the garbage can’t be good for the environment. Learn how to make your own at home with only a few basic items.

What you will need:

– a spray bottle

– olive oil (or any other kind of oil, except coconut because of its low melting point)

– distilled water (you can use boiled or filtered, the important thing is that it’s sterilized to prevent bacteria growth)

The first thing you need to to is sterilize your spray bottle to kill any bacteria that might be in it. Put 1 part olive oil to 5 parts water in the spray bottle. You might need to test it out a few times to adjust the spray to your liking. Shake the spray bottle well and use! Remember to only make small batches at a time, since this spray will be good for 1 week. Make sure you store it in the fridge and don’t use it on a hot pan!

Photos: Sweet and Savory Food.