What are you thankful for?

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Tags: Thanksgiving

Fruit and Vegetable Décor for Thanksgiving

I thought these were creative and festive ways to enjoy vegetables and fruit for Thanksgiving!

Fruit Turkey: 

 Turkey Veggie Platter: 

Image Credits: Bayonne Farmers Market

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Tags: Fruit, Thanksgiving, vegetables

Natural Easter Eggs Dyes That Work

Did you know that you can make your own eco-friendly dyes for coloring Easter eggs?! It’s easy and oh-so natural that I just couldn’t help but share in on the fun! Yes, commercial dyes are probably quicker, but using natural dyes is just a lot of fun and really allows you to become much more creative in the egg-dying process.

Natural Dyes

You can easily make dyes that are created from natural ingredients made 100% from vegetables, fruits, and other plants.

I have created list of colors to choose from, and what ingredients to use to obtain that particular color. I wrote the words “best” next to the ingredients that provided the most vibrant colors. Of course, the other ingredients will work as well!

Red

• Yellow Onions Skins (best!)

• Pomegranate Juice

• Canned Cherries with Juice

• Beets (turns out Pink!)

Yellow

• Annatto Seeds (best!)

• Turmeric, ground

• Lemon Peels

• Cumin, ground

Blue

• Red Cabbage (best!)

• Purple Grape Juice

Green

• Liquid Chlorophyll (best!)

• Spinach Leaves

Purple

• Blueberries, fresh or frozen (best!)

• Purple Grape Juice, diluted

• Red Zinger Tea

• Violet Blossoms

Orange

• Red Onion Skins (best!)

• Paprika

• Carrots, cooked

• Chili Powder

Brown

• Dill Seeds

• Black Walnut Shells

• Coffee Beans, ground

• You can always buy brown eggs ;)

Instructions

Step 1) Take your dye material and put it in a pot with some water and about 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2) Take the dye material out of the pot (strainer) to create room for the eggs – plus it’s less messy!

Step 3) Boil your eggs in the dye bath for about 25 minutes.

Tip: If you would a deeper/richer color, you can just leave the eggs in the dye for another hour or so until the eggs are the perfect color. Of course, remove the pot from the heat first, otherwise your eggs would be way overcooked!

Image Credit: care2.com

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Tags: All Natural Ingredients, Easter

Recipes For St. Patrick’s Day!

I love creating fun meals for St. Patrick’s Day! I found some fun (green!) and traditional Irish meals for you to try on this holiday! Enjoy!

Shamrock Toast

Why not start your day with a little green? Try this recipe: Shamrock Toast.

Avocado Hummus

Try a new (and very green!) twist to Hummus! This recipe is made with all green – and healthy! – ingredients, which is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s the recipe: Avocado Hummus.

Rainbow Ice Cubes

Every little leprechaun has it’s rainbow, right? Make this drink with your favorite fruit and enjoy! The too easy to believe recipe is here: Rainbow Ice Cubes.

Irish Stew

This traditional Irish Stew is made with healthy and delicious ingredients that you’ll love! You can find the recipe here: Irish Stew.

Spinach Spread

This is a great new way to enjoy spinach! Check out the recipe here: Spinach Spread. I suggest trying it with a healthy mayonnaise replacement.

Green Beans with Parsley Sauce

Spice up your Green Beans with this yummy Parsley Sauce! Here’s the recipe: Green Beans with Parsley Sauce.

Pot of Gold

This recipe may not be green, but it has “leprechaun” written all over it! Try this St. Patty’s day recipe: Pot of Gold Soup. I suggest ditching the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a healthier soup!

Brown Soda Bread

This traditional Irish bread is made with a healthy twist: whole wheat flour, steel cut oats, and wheat germ. Find recipe here: Brown Soda Bread. I suggest replacing the brown sugar with pure maple syrup!

Brussel Sprouts with Water Chestnuts

This is an easy and delicious recipe that is full of nutrients and flavor. Oh! There’s plenty of green to go around too! Check out the recipe here: Brussel Sprouts with Water Chestnuts.

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Tags: green, Irish, St. Patrick's Day, St. Patty's Day

Healthy Holiday Traditions

I have a lot of fun traditions during this time of year, and I am sure many of you can relate. After I got married, my husband and I started a new tradition that I absolutely love – Ice Skating on Christmas Eve! I love knowing that we have created a healthy holiday tradition that’s fun for the whole family, something we look forward to every year! What healthy holiday traditions do you look forward to each year?

Happy Holidays from everyone at Skinny Twinkie!

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Tags: christmas