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From Garden to Table with Tomatoes
Summer is in full swing, and if you’re a home cook, chances are your garden is bursting with juicy, ripe tomatoes. These vibrant gems are delicious and incredibly versatile, lending themselves to many culinary creations. In this blog post, we’ll explore various ideas for what you can do with tomatoes fresh from your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find inspiration to transform your harvest into mouth-watering meals.
The Versatility of Garden-Fresh Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in many kitchens and for a good reason. Their sweet yet tangy flavor can elevate a wide range of dishes. Plus, they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them as nutritious as they are tasty. With so many varieties, from beefsteak to cherry tomatoes, the possibilities are endless.
Better Homes and Gardens Recipes
Better Homes and Gardens has a wealth of information about cooking. Here are a few ideas for using tomatoes that will last for months.
How to Can Tomato Sauce in 5 Simple Steps
Make a big batch of homemade sauce now and can it for later with these tips.
Can tomato sauce now and save yourself tons of time later! When you can tomato sauce in advance, you can take advantage of fresh garden tomatoes and make your sauce even more scrumptious than usual. We’ll show you how to make canned tomato sauce with our basic tomato sauce recipe and share some tips for canning other tomato-based sauces (think ketchup and pizza sauce). One taste, and you’ll be hooked on homemade!
22 Fresh Tomato Recipes That Showcase This Garden Staple
You say tomato, we say…let’s cook with it!
We have almost two dozen answers for all those wondering what to do with fresh tomatoes. The fresh tomato recipe ideas ahead, from tomato soup and sandwiches to tomato salads and drinks, combine classics with innovative ways to use the plump garden staple.
How to Freeze Tomatoes So You Can Enjoy Your Summer Crop All Year
Follow these Test Kitchen tips to freeze tomatoes and enjoy that fresh summer flavor all year.
Do you want to learn how to freeze tomatoes? We can help! We’ll teach you how to freeze tomatoes so you can save your extras for the months to come, and we’ll also share tips for freezing whole tomatoes and freezing tomatoes without blanching.
Better Homes and Gardens BloomTree Realty would love to help you with your real estate needs. Call the office at (928) 443-8800 to learn more about Prescott real estate.
Summer Zucchini Recipes
Zucchini are flourishing at this time of year in Prescott, AZ! This versatile summer vegetable can create a fuller meal as a side dish, an excellent option for a main course, or even cap off your meal as a dessert. Below are some delightful zucchini recipes to try this summer:
Zucchini Sides
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Zucchini Boats with Bacon Gremolata:When you see how simple it is to prepare, this creation will become a go-to zucchini recipe idea. Heap smoky bacon, Parmesan cheese, and spicy peppers into this grilled zucchini boat recipe for a vegetable side dish everyone will love. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
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Sautéed Zucchini:Although it’s available year-round, the best time to enjoy zucchini is during the summer. When shopping for fresh zucchini at the grocery store or farmers market, choose squash that’s firm, heavy for its size, and free of cuts or soft spots. The smaller the zucchini, the thinner and more tender the skin will be. Here’s how to make quick sautéed zucchini, one of our favorite summer side dishes. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
Zucchini Main Courses
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Spaghetti and Zucchini Noodles with Basil-Walnut Pesto:Trading half the pasta noodles for zucchini noodles creates a flavorful, healthier dinner everyone will love. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
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Four-Cheese Zucchini Strata:Strata simply means “layers.” This dish features luscious layers of garlic focaccia, sauteed zucchini, and four wonderful cheeses. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
Zucchini Desserts
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Zucchini-Walnut Cake:No need to add icing—shredded zucchini and lemon syrup make this summery cake moist enough that you won’t even miss it! Just top with squash blossoms and this cake will steal the dessert show. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
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Zucchini Bread:Come summer squash season, little tastes better than moist Zucchini Bread fresh out of the oven. A handful of toasted walnuts gives our easy Zucchini Bread recipe a hint of saltiness and crunch. VIEW RECIPE HERE. |
Former Governor Doug Ducey Coming to Prescott Valley
Former Governor Doug Ducey Presenting in Prescott Valley
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 AT 11AM
Park Collective | 7450 Pav Way, Prescott Valley
Join us for a local discussion about economic development in our state, region, and hometown.
Hear from former Governor Doug Ducey about his work as an entrepreneur building Cold Stone Creamery, leading the State of Arizona’s economic growth as Governor, and his latest venture as CEO of Citizens for Free Enterprise, a new political and issue advocacy group dedicated to expanding opportunity and prosperity across the country.
About Signature Series
“Welcome to the Signature Series – where business leaders and industry experts come together to share their knowledge, insights, and perspectives on the most pressing topics impacting businesses today.
This quarterly event provides valuable opportunities to network with other business professionals, learn from keynote speakers, and gain a deeper understanding of the future of your industry.
As a business professional, you are the driving force behind the prosperity of our community. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your families and businesses make our community thrive. That’s why Fain Signature Group is proud to offer you the Signature Series; a platform where you can stay ahead of the curve, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals.
At the Signature Series, we believe that businesses are the foundation of community prosperity and growth. We are committed to supporting you and providing you with the information and tools you need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Join us at the Signature Series events and take your place as a leader in the business community.” ~ Signature Series
Celebrate Independence Day in Prescott, AZ
Prescott, Arizona, is the place to be this 4th of July! With an array of exciting events lined up, it’s the perfect destination for families looking to celebrate Independence Day in style. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
World’s Oldest Rodeo
Date: July 1-7
Location: Prescott Rodeo Grounds
Since 1888, Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. has presented the annual World’s Oldest Rodeo® at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. For 2024, the rodeo will be performed Monday, July 1st through Sunday, July 7th. Join us to see your favorite events, including steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women’s barrel racing, bull riding and other great entertainment! LEARN MORE.
Prescott Rodeo Days Arts & Crafts Show
Date: July 7th at 9 am
Location: Courthouse Plaza
The Prescott Rodeo Days Arts & Crafts Show is a gathering of hundreds of vendors and performers in Prescott’s Historic Downtown Courthouse Plaza. This event attracts thousands of locals and out of town visitors every year. Calling all artists and crafters! LEARN MORE.
Prescott Rodeo Days Parade
Date: July 6th at 9 am
Location: Downtown Prescott – Courthouse Plaza
Don’t miss the Prescott Rodeo Days Parade! Enjoy a morning filled with vibrant floats, marching bands, and festive cheer. It’s a fantastic way for families to soak up the community spirit and celebrate together.
This year our Parade Grand Marshal is the family of Lawton Champie. Lawton was a 12 time champion of the World’s Oldest Rodeo starting his rides in 1925 with a win in Cow Pony and winning All Around titles in 1931, 1934 and 1944. His daughter Ibbie continues to support our rodeo and is joined by members of the Champie family. LEARN MORE.
Rodeo Dance
Date: July 4-5 at 8 pm
Location: Prescott Rodeo Grounds
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the Rodeo Dance. With live music and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great way for families to enjoy an evening of fun and excitement.
Watson 4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 4th at 1 pm
Location: Watson Lake Park
The City of Prescott, in conjunction with JARD Events, will host Prescott’s 4th – Freedom, Fun and Fireworks event on Thursday, July 4th, 2024 at Watson Lake. The family-friendly, free event will begin at 1:00 pm, with fireworks expected to take place around 9:00 pm. There will be a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, water slides, inflatables, games and activities, plus a beer garden (21 and over). There will also be food vendors with a variety of options available. LEARN MORE.
Join the Festivities!
Prescott, AZ, offers a fantastic lineup of events that promise fun and entertainment for the whole family. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable 4th of July celebration!
Strawberries – Nature’s Candy
Strawberries—nature’s candy and a beloved fruit worldwide. Whether you’re biting into a fresh berry, blending it into a smoothie, or incorporating it into your favorite dessert, strawberries always seem to brighten the day. Summer is synonymous with peak strawberry season. This time of year is when the berries are at their juiciest and most flavorful.
Better Homes and Gardens is a trusted and fantastic source for your real estate needs, but don’t forget their expertise in gardening and cooking!
How to Store Strawberries in the Fridge to Maximize Their Lifespan
From Better Homes and Gardens Blog: [Read Full Article Here]
“We’ve found that it’s best to store the strawberries, unwashed and whole, until you are ready to use them,” advises Lynn Blanchard, Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen director. “It’s important to not wash berries before storing. They tend to absorb water, and that shortens their shelf life.”
To potentially tack on a couple more days to the lifespan of your fresh berries, employ Mason jars if you own them, Blanchard says. The airtight nature of the jar seems to keep the strawberries fresher for slightly longer. Here’s how to store strawberries in Mason jars: Pat the berries dry, if any moisture remains, then gently drop them into a Mason jar. Add the lid and twist to seal tightly. Place on a shelf inside your refrigerator.
“Depending on the freshness of strawberries when purchased—which is the biggest factor in how long your berries stay fresh—they’re typically best within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator in a shallow container. But I have kept them for up to one week in a glass jar,” Blanchard confirms.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
Make individual strawberry shortcake cups when you build your shortcake in a mason jar.
Layer strawberry shortcake components to build pretty parfaits for a party-ready dessert recipe.
By BHG Test Kitchen Updated on July 6, 2020
Prep Time: 25 mins, Bake Time: 18 mins, Total Time: 25 mins, Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup cold butter
- 2 egg, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 recipe Sweetened Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper*; set aside. In a medium bowl combine flour, the 6 tablespoons sugar, the baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using the back of a spoon, make a well in the center of the flour mixture. In a small bowl stir together egg, sour cream, and milk. Add egg mixture to flour mixture all at once, stirring with a fork just until moistened.
Using a small offset metal spatula, spread dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Meanwhile, combine 4 cups of the strawberries and the 3 tablespoons sugar. If desired, use a potato masher to mash berries slightly; set aside.
To serve, using a x-inch round cutter, cut 12 pieces of shortcake. Layer 2 shortcake pieces, 1/2 cup strawberry mixture, and 1/3 cup Sweetened Whipped Cream into six 8-oz. regular mouth canning jars. Top with remaining sliced strawberries.
Sweetened Whipped Cream:
In a chilled bowl combine whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl).
Individual Shortcakes:
Prepare Strawberry Shortcake as directed, except drop dough into eight mounds on a greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack; cool completely. Serve as directed. Makes 8 servings.Per serving: same as above
Strawberry Lemon-Poppy Seed Shortcake:
Prepare Strawberry Shortcake as directed, except stir 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel into flour mixture after cutting in butter.Per serving: same as above except 382 calories, 23 g total fat, 3 g fiber, 11% calcium, 10% iron
Mixed Berry or Mixed Fruit Shortcake:
Prepare Strawberry Shortcake as directed, except substitute 5 cups mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries) or 5 cups mixed fresh fruit (sliced peaches, nectarines, bananas, strawberries, raspberries, and/or halved grapes) for the 5 cups sliced strawberries. Do not mash fruit. If desired, drizzle fruit mixture with honey.Per shortcake: same as above except 394 calories, 45 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 21 g total sugar, 17% Vitamin A, 25% Vitamin C Exchanges: 1 fruit Carb Choice: 3
Strawberry-Nut Shortcake:
Prepare Strawberry Shortcake as directed, except stir 1/2 cup chopped walnuts into flour mixture after cutting in butter.Per serving: same as above except 424 calories, 6 g protein, 27 g total fat, 3 g fiber, 20 g total sugar, 10% iron Exchanges: .5 high-fat meat Carb Choice: 3
Apple-Cranberry Shortcake:
Prepare as above, except omit strawberries. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples and 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries. Cook for 4 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Add 1/3 cup sugar and stir to dissolve sugar. Cool slightly. Serve as above.Nutrition analysis per serving: same as above except 440 calories, 51 g carbohydrate, 25 g total fat (15 g sat. fat), 99 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 30 g total sugar, 18% Vitamin A, 8% Vitamin C, 300 mg sodium, 9% calcium, 8% iron Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1.5 other, 5 fat Carb Choice: 3.5
(928) 443-8800
Home Grown in Prescott
Home Grown in Prescott
By Cody Carter, Realtor | Building Yavapai Magazine 2024
Few things in life are more exhilarating than transforming something from your dream realm into a reality. It’s when the imagination gets ignited that we start painting a picture of what wonderment the future could possess. And then the moment unfolds when you walk into a house that feels it could in fact be the space to that cradle that dream. You imagine where the newborn will sleep, where you’ll place the Christmas tree, your favorite piece of art, or where you’ll cozy up on a lazy day with a good book. We all need spaces that speak to our needs, reveries, hobbies and families. I firmly believe that “home” deserves to be a place that you love, and that I can help you comfortably navigate the journey to find just that.
Apart from my time at the University of Arizona, I have lived in Prescott my entire life. That said, I have been quite the globe trotter – exploring the distant corners of our planet, all the way down south to the frigid Antarctic interior. So what? My travels made me realize that the place I call home really is remarkable. This gorgeous city in the high desert not only boasts a mild four-season climate, but is packed with art, antiques, dining, shopping and 470 miles of trails. It’s an idyllic setting to raise a family, retire, or start a business. I have been a small business owner downtown, the heartbeat of the city, for two decades. Rivaling my time on the square is that of my father, who has been a businessman on Whiskey Row since 1981. My deep roots in this community manifest in passionate recommendations of things to see and do, and of course the many unique neighborhoods that are all like stars comprising the constellation of my life as a Prescottonian.
Becoming a homeowner, whether it is the first, second or tenth time can be a stressful process. The key is working with someone that you like and trust. When I say that I am someone’s Realtor, that commitment does not terminate at the close of escrow. It is a relationship that is ongoing as life evolves and new needs arise. I pride myself in delivering a friendly, informed, and heartening experience to the sum of my clients. My mantra is that everything is “figure-out-able” and that even the stressful moments can be navigated with calm evenness. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, having an agent that is smart, attentive, confident and kind is fundamental.
“Cody brings grace and professionalism to the sum of her transactions. We could not be happier to have her on our team of agents.” – Ronnie DeBenedetta, Property Group
Bottom line is that I am a team player. Being a part of DeBenedetta Property Group allows me to be closely aligned with some of the most experienced and savvy professionals in our area. Together we have a collaborative way to grow and support one another in an ever-changing industry. Our group is equipped with an arsenal of talent, and qualified professionals such as home inspectors, loan officers and maintenance professionals. It’s basically one stop shopping if you want to have all the necessary resources at your fingertips and have FUN at the same time. Our office at Better Homes & Gardens – BloomTree is abuzz with laughter, collaboration, brainstorming, and a serious perk – the agent/broker dogs who come to work and fill our days with wiggles and the smile only a canine can deliver.
Operating only at the highest caliber, white glove service is always the goal. I always strive to deliver premium assistance that’s executed with close attention to detail and an extra level of care. It’s said that the average person knows around 5 real estate agents. Think about those people that you know, and what qualities they embody. In my experience, someone successful in the industry is generous in spirit. Someone whose door you feel is always open. Someone you feel comfortable asking for help. Someone who remembers your birthday, or where your son is going to college. To be surrounded by such individuals regularly is nothing short of an absolute joy.
Growing up close to downtown, I walked to and from school from the time I was about 8. There’s something about tennis shoes to pavement that makes you connect with the land, the seasons and the energy of a place. 30+ years later, my daughter retraces my steps after school, and in a sense, not much has changed. Sure, the area has grown, but the goodness of the community has remained intact. Prescott still boasts familiar faces, friendly neighbors, people who extend a polite wave. I have deep gratitude daily for this safe haven where our daughter is spreading her wings and learning to fly. But for now, she’s still in the nest, leaving her mark annually when we prop a ladder up against the wooden sign at the bottom of our road and repaint the letters of the street name a shade of mustard.
Free time hardly exists unless it’s scheduled, but when I do, I enjoy the outdoors with my husband and our four-legged trailblazer. Putting my Bachelor of Arts degree to use via portrait painting, I’m oftentimes found in the sunlit loft upstairs capturing the human spirit in my artwork. Evenings are typically spent in the ballet studio with our daughter, Zoe. We train together and regularly co-cast in local productions, including The Nutcracker. The art of ballet is endlessly challenging, but something about its long-standing tradition and required discipline is invariably attractive. Of course, the best part of the day is coming home to the butter-yellow house near the top of the hill that buoys up my outlook during the day and hosts my dreams at night.
“Love where you live.”
Ultimate Guide to Fun Activities with Your Grandchildren
Spending quality time with your grandchildren can be one of life’s greatest joys, offering a unique opportunity to connect, create, and explore the world through younger eyes. Whether you’re babysitting for the day, enjoying a weekend visit, or looking for ways to make those precious holiday gatherings even more memorable, there are endless activities that can make each moment memorable. From easy crafts to entertaining games and outdoor adventures to cozy rainy-day activities, there’s a wealth of options to suit every grandparent and grandchild duo.
In this guide, we’ve put together a selection of fun activities that will spark joy, laughter, and learning along the way.
Easy Crafts to Unleash Creativity
1. DIY Storybooks: Encourage your grandchildren to become authors and illustrators for the day by creating their storybooks. Provide them with construction paper, markers, stickers, and anything else they might need to bring their stories to life.
2. Handprint Art: A beautiful way to capture the moment is creating art using handprints or footprints on canvas or heavy paper. These make for precious keepsakes or gifts for family members.
3. Garden Stones: Decorate garden stepping stones with colorful paints, glass beads, or mosaic tiles. It’s a beautiful outdoor craft that adds a personal touch to any garden.
Outdoor Adventures for Endless Memories
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: List items to find or observe in nature, such as a specific type of leaf, bug, or bird. This activity encourages exploration and can be done in a backyard, park, or nature trail.
2. Gardening Together: Teaching your grandchildren how to plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs is fun and educational. It can foster a love for nature, patience, and the rewards of hard work.
3. Picnic and Cloud Watching: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors together. Afterwards, lie on a blanket and watch the clouds go by, making up stories about the shapes you see.
Engaging Games for Indoors and Outdoors
1. Board Games and Puzzles: Classics like ‘Monopoly’, ‘Scrabble‘, or a challenging puzzle can provide hours of entertainment and are great for rainy days or quiet evenings.
2. Backyard Olympics: Set up simple athletic events in the backyard, such as a three-legged race, sack race, or mini-golf course made from household items.
3. Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure hunt with clues leading around the house or yard. The treasure could be a small toy, a book, or a special treat.
Entertainment That Bonds
1. Storytelling Sessions: Share stories from your childhood or tales from “the olden days.” Kids love hearing about the past, especially when it’s about their own family.
2. Cooking or Baking Together: Choose a simple recipe. Cookies, cupcakes, or homemade pizza are fun and tasty options that allow for creativity and teamwork.
3. Movie Marathon: Pick a series of movies or animated films to watch together. Make some popcorn, create a cozy blanket fort, and enjoy a cinematic adventure in the comfort of your living room.
The time spent with your grandchildren is invaluable, and the activities you choose to do together can enhance this special bond. Whether crafting, exploring outdoors, playing games, or simply enjoying each other’s stories and company, these moments are treasures that you and your grandchildren will carry with you forever.
The team at Better Homes and Gardens BloomTree Realty is here to help you. We love Prescott! Give the team a call at 928-443-8800!
Educational Speakers Coming to Prescott
About Signature Series
“Welcome to the Signature Series – where business leaders and industry experts come together to share their knowledge, insights, and perspectives on the most pressing topics impacting businesses today.
This quarterly event provides valuable opportunities to network with other business professionals, learn from keynote speakers, and gain a deeper understanding of the future of your industry.
As a business professional, you are the driving force behind the prosperity of our community. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your families and businesses make our community thrive. That’s why Fain Signature Group is proud to offer you the Signature Series; a platform where you can stay ahead of the curve, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals.
At the Signature Series, we believe that businesses are the foundation of community prosperity and growth. We are committed to supporting you and providing you with the information and tools you need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Join us at the Signature Series events and take your place as a leader in the business community.” ~ Signature Series
Upcoming Event: Attainable Housing
- Date: May 15, 2024
- Time: Doors open at 3:00 pm; Speakers begin at 3:30 pm
- Location: The Center, 1280 E Rosser Street, Prescott
“The 5th Signature Series event takes on one of the biggest issues facing the country and our community. How do we create attainable housing?
Hear from industry experts and government program leaders on the various challenges our community faces in providing homes to our essential workforce and the impact it has on regional employment and economic stability.
The 5th Signature Series event is set for May 15th from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm at The Center in Prescott. Where the speaker panel will lead the business community in a discussion on Attainable Housing.” ~ SignalsAZ
REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FREE EVENT:
https://communitysignatureseries.com/
Dip into Deliciousness: Party Dip Recipes to Wow Your Guests
Nothing says “party” quite like a delicious spread of dips. Various dips can elevate any gathering, whether it’s a casual game night with friends or a holiday soirée. With the right blend of ingredients, a simple dip can become a palate-pleasing star of the show.
Thankfully, Better Homes and Gardens has incredible dip recipes to make our parties and open houses memorable. If you haven’t been to the Better Homes and Gardens recipe website, it is worth the visit!
Deviled Egg Dip
It’s so much easier than making deviled eggs!
Prep Time: 15 mins, Stand Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 9
Ingredients
6 eggs
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 shallot, finely chopped (2 Tbsp.)
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/3 cup full fat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
Paprika
Directions
Place eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 15 minutes; drain. Place eggs in ice water until cool enough to handle; drain.
To peel eggs, gently tap each egg on the countertop. Roll egg on countertop under the palm of your hand. Peel off eggshell, starting at the large end.
Using the large holes of a box grater, shred eggs into a medium bowl. Use a fork to coarsely mash the eggs.
Stir in relish, shallot, and capers. Add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Fold in until combined. Fold in 1 Tbsp. chives. Top with remaining 1 Tbsp. chives and paprika. Serve with vegetable crudités and/or crackers.
Nutrition Facts
calories 108
total fat 8g saturated fat 2g cholesterol 127mg sodium 227mg total carbohydrate 4g dietary fiber 1g total sugars 2g protein 5g vitamin c 1mg calcium 35mg iron 1mg potassium 104mg
Benedictine Spread
A Kentucky Derby Classic— The cucumber and cream cheese dip has been a Southern favorite for decades.
Prep Time: 10 mins, Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 16
Ingredients
1 large cucumber (14 oz), peeled and finely grated
1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Directions
Transfer grated cucumber to a fine mesh sieve and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, let drain for 5 minutes. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, dill, chives, and remaining 1/8 tsp. salt in a food processor.
Cover and process until well combined. Add in cucumber and pulse, until fully combined.
Serve with fresh vegetables or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
calories 72
total fat 7g saturated fat 3g cholesterol 17mg sodium 90mg total carbohydrate 2g dietary fiber 0g total sugars 1g protein 1g vitamin c 1mg calcium 22mg iron 0mg potassium 62mg
Let Better Homes and Gardens BloomTree Realty help you with your home-buying and home-selling needs! We can even make some of these dips for your open house! 928-443-8800
Spring is Here – Time to Freshen Up Your Home!
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to freshen up your home for the season. One of the best ways to start anew is by tackling spring cleaning with gusto. Whether it’s dust bunnies that have settled in for the winter or the clutter that’s cramping your home’s style, these top 10 areas are ripe for a revamp.
- Bedding Revival: Spend about one-third of your life curled up in bed, so make it a sanctuary! Strip off all bedding, including mattress covers and bed skirts. Wash them according to care instructions. Flip or rotate your mattress for even wear, sprinkle baking soda on it, wait an hour, then vacuum it up for a fresh start.
- Refrigerator Refresh: Empty your fridge and give it a thorough scrub down. Clear out expired condiments and forgotten leftovers, and use a food-safe cleaner to wipe down shelves and drawers. Remember to vacuum the condenser coils behind or beneath your fridge to improve efficiency and prolong its life.
- Filter Replacements: The change of seasons is the perfect reminder to replace or clean the filters in your HVAC system, air purifiers, and range hoods. Clean filters improve air quality and the efficiency of your appliances.
- Closet Clutter Clear-Out: Go through your closets and be ruthless with clothing and shoes you haven’t worn in over a year. Donate items in good condition and organize what’s left by category, color, or season to make getting dressed a breeze.
- Kitchen Appliances Deep Clean: Give your oven, microwave, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances the attention they deserve. Use appliance-specific cleaners or a mix of vinegar and baking soda to tackle grime and grease.
- Baseboard Beautification: Baseboards often get overlooked in regular cleaning, but they collect a surprising amount of dust. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a microfiber mop. For tougher spots, use a gentle cleaner.
- Window Wash: Clean your windows inside and out to allow the spring sunshine to pour through. Dust the blinds and launder or vacuum the curtains.
- Reorganize Your Pantry: Take everything out of your pantry, wipe the shelves, and check expiration dates. Organize goods by type and usage frequency, making everyday items most accessible. Consider using clear containers for bulk items to keep track of inventory.
- Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: These fixtures are magnets for dust. Turn off the power, remove light covers, and wash them in soapy water. Wipe fan blades with a pillowcase to catch falling dust and scrub any built-up dirt on light fixtures.
- Carpets and Upholstery: Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service to deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Vacuum thoroughly beforehand and treat stains as needed.
Final Touches
After hitting these top 10 areas, your home will not only look refreshed for spring, but it’ll also foster a healthier and more pleasant environment for all who live there. Make this spring cleaning count by turning it into an annual tradition, and bask in the peace of mind that comes with a sparkling clean abode. Happy cleaning!
