The No. 1 Drink To Make During Summer

Lemon-Lime-Blueberry Infused Water by Toni

Summer is just around the corner, and I --  like most people who have survived the long winter that is nipping away at spring --  am looking forward to the sunny days. I'm also looking forward to enjoying some of my favorite drinks while sitting in my garden (more about that later) after a long day of work.

Homemade sweet tea and lemonade along with Mojitos and Daiquiris are among my favorites. This year, I'm adding homemade infused water to the list. It's super simple and refreshing!

I don't have to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months, or how good water is for your skin and hair. You know those things I'm sure. That doesn't make water any sexier or appealing.

But water, like anything else you've consumed repeatedly, needs an occasional upgrade. Homemade infused water is the way to go. Not only do you select the ingredients you prefer, fruit or vegetable, you save money by using items you already have on hand or use regularly and you help the environment by recycling a bottle for the infused water you make.

How could you not give it a try after learning about all those benefits?

Ingredients:
Any available fresh fruit in your refrigerator: I used lemon and lime slices and blueberries
1 re-purposed bottle: I reused a cherry juice bottle
Water
Splenda sweetener or something similar is optional. I passed on the sweetener, just a personal choice.

How Anyone Can Make Simple, Healthy and Quick Meals

Given the number of cooking shows and contests flooding the media, you would think a culinary degree with a specialization in exotic spices is required to make an eye-pleasing, delicious yet quick and healthy meal. Not so. 

As much as I enjoy watching the cooking shows and chefs with engaging personalities, sometimes the recipes offered are overly complicated, time-consuming and costly. Even the "quick meals" they often touted have way too may steps or ingredients. It can take the fun out of cooking and enjoying the meal, which is counter to A Single Table's purpose. 

All you really need is curiosity, a willingness to experiment and an appreciation for good food. Some of the most satisfying meals I've eaten also have been the simplest to make with common (items found in most cupboards) ingredients and a few steps. 

So today I offer this salmon salad with dried cranberries and a fruit bowl. This meal contains the flavors, textures and items I like. 

On the plate:

Pan-fried (in olive oil) salmon steaks

Romaine lettuce

Dried cranberries

Sliced almonds 

Homemade pomegranate vinaigrette (instructions here)

All the items purchased at the Dollar Tree store except for the lettuce, which I got from a local grocer.

In the bowl:

1 sliced banana

2 sliced strawberries (mine were extras from a previous dessert I made)

One memorable meal within 30 minutes for pennies. Yeah!

Four Household Items That Protect the Environment and Your Pocketbook

You'd be surprised to learn many household items serve dual or multiple purposes beyond their common uses. You'll be excited to know using them can save you money, protect the environment and extend the longevity of your belongings.

Today, in honor of  Earth Day, I'm sharing homemade concoctions to help you do the same. You'll want to make these solutions a permanent part of your cleaning routine whether you continue to recognize Earth Day or not.

Unclogging Drains and Freshening Sinks

If you've noticed your has started to drain slowly and you can't pinpoint a reason for the slow down, it probably is time to "flush" the drain. By flush, I mean clean/dissolve the materials that clump together and clog drains.

Some people call a plumber immediately. Hiring a professional to unclog your drain is expensive and may not be necessary. Some people will grab a solution like Liquid Plumber, adding to the amount of chemicals in the ecosystem. I use a simple homemade solution from items in my cabinets. It's safe, easy to make, consistently works well and allows me to repurpose items -- saving me money.

Here's my solution, which I use for regular maintenance:

Pour 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Plug or cover the drain for about 30 minutes (I sometimes let it stay overnight). Rinse with hot water.

Got any tips to share? Please do.

Watch  To Find the Four Household Items That Protect Earth and Home

                                                   

How Do You Spice Up The Sausage Sandwich?

We've all been there: You're hankering for something different, beyond the routine. You peer into the refrigerator and find only the standards --eggs, bacon, milk, sausage. Still, nothing comes to mind. 

You close the frig in frustration and wait until an idea hits you or you give in and cook something that doesn't require much thought. 

You eat, yet you're left unsatisfied. 

It's often those times when you spend money unnecessarily -- buy additional food or order out to fill that craving. With a little patience and creativity, you can spin your standards into something special like this basil-sausage sandwich. Mmmm, mmmmm good. 

Basil-sausage Sandwich

How'd I do it?

Well, I didn't give up so easily though in the past I had. I asked myself how can I step up a sausage sandwich -- make it urban sophisticated like the ones restaurants change more than $10 for?  I grabbed the tomato-basil-flavor sausage, French roll bread, Ranch dressing, fresh basil, tomatoes, butter and worked my magic.

Cut the sausage lengthwise and grill the halves. Butter both sides of the roll. Grill the buttered-sides. Spread Ranch dressing or a similar cool-flavored condiment on the bread. Slice tomatoes and put on the bread. Top with the cooked sausage then fresh basil. Pour an individual-size bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in the tray. 

Now serve your new sassy sausage sandwich. 

Fruit Isn't Just For Eating

Have you thought about the multiple uses for fruit besides eating? This week's video treat comes from BuzzFeed, which offers clever ways to use fruit.

You'll look at fruit differently or at least with a smile.

Plop In A Chair, Kick Off Your Shoes & Sip On A Slushee Mojito

Aaah, it's finally Friday. It's been a long week, and I need  -- no deserve -- a drink. Usually, I'd open a bottle of Merlot or Shiraz, pour a glass of wine, lean back on my couch and celebrate Happy Friday!

Once a bottle of wine is open, it has to be consumed in a couple of days. That isn't always ideal for times when I just want one drink. So I've found a new drink to try just for those moments. It has just a tad of liquor and plenty of mint, another herb grown in my garden.

Spaghetti Pesto With A Twist

I make homemade pesto with basil from my garden during the summer. If I don't make and store enough pesto to last during the winter, I have to use store-bought pesto with my pasta dishes.

Well, here's another option: Spaghetti with parsley almond pesto. I've got plenty of parsley year-round, and almonds are readily available.
I'd always swap out the pasta for wheat spaghetti, a healthier choice. Click here for the recipe.

Create Simple Pleasures: Berries Bowls

Not every delicious meal or snack has to be complex, complicated or time-consuming. It's easy to forget the most enjoyable pleasures often are the simplest ones such as a berries bowl.

You can't go wrong. 

Berries Bowl

Ingredients/tools:
1 bowl (small)
Several strawberries
Several blackberries
Mix together and chill (preferably for at least an hour for the freshest taste)
Eat, Smile and Enjoy.

Is That Coffee and Lunch Worth Missing a Vacation?

American workers spend an estimated $3,000 a year on weekly coffee and lunch. Spread that across 30 years, and that's $90K without interest, a nice bit of pocket change.

I must admit I never looked at it that way. But that's a lot of money that can be save by packing a lunch and skipping java. I can easily take a nice vacation somewhere for $3K. Oh the madness! The things we do to ourselves without realizing it.

Well, there is a reason we do certain things, according to Cornell University behavioral economist David Just, who studies our eating choices. He explains why it is more difficult for some people in a Huffington Post article. 

But MoneyTalks News' video really brings it home with the $90,000 lunch. Check it out.

Now, I will confess I'm not giving up my coffee. I generally sip a cup a day, but it's free at work. The coffee I drink at home more than pays for itself at $1 a bag. But the article certainly has reinforced my habit of packing a lunch.

Vacation, here I come!

What are some of the spending habits you have that you think can be eliminated to save money?

Little-Known Virus Causes Pork Price Sticker Shock

Bacon! Bacon! Bacon! It may be what's not on breakfast plates in American households for the summer.

A diarrhea disease is killing piglets and pushing pork prices higher, according to the Associated Press. The virus, which apparently doesn't affect humans, has spread to 27 states and Canada.

Can you envision the frown on my face? First for concern over the increasing number of viruses affecting our food supply. Second because of the number of piglets dying. And last because, well.....bacon, bacon, bacon!

 Aside from just being good, bacon has so many uses in cooking. And the pig provides so many meat options. I know. That is selfish. But it's true.

Alas, we have few choices.
So prepare to pay up for this American staple. Or learn to forgo it. Unfortunately, this may be one meat missing from plates for a while.

What's Your Money IQ?

If you are like many Americans, your financial literacy can use some occasional polishing.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has been offering the tools and opportunities for people to brush up on their financial knowledge annually -- at least -- through Money Smart Week, which ends Saturday. The public awareness campaign, started by the Reserve Bank in 2002, aims to help consumers better manage their finances.

The 10-year-old initiative has grown nationally and includes partnerships with schools, nonprofits, libraries, businesses financial institutions and more. Events are planned through April 12. If you're interested in attending a presentation or seminar, go to moneysmartweek.org to find a local event.

You can't make your money work for you until you know how your money works.

Make The Perfect Panini Sandwich

I'm no longer a big bread eater. Though when I do eat bread, I want it to be part of an unforgettable sandwich. I made just that sandwich after discovering panini slims, bread sold at Trader Joe's. I've made this sandwich for dinner and lunch, and I've varied the contents depending upon what's in my refrigerator. Each time, the sandwich was spectacular if I may say so myself. 

If you have 15 minutes to spare, you can make this sandwich, too. Here are the instructions:

Coat the inner side of bread with butter. I used my homemade basil-flavored butter. Grill both sides of the bread, about two minutes on each side.

 

Add a layer of cheese then a layer of spinach. Cook for a minute. Add a layer of meat on one slice of panini, and add cheese on the other slice. Cook 30 seconds before placing the slices together. Press the slices together and cook on each side for about 30 seconds. Serve whole or cut in half or quarters.

Meatless Dinner: Try This Egg-Drop Soup

I've been searching for quick, easy recipes for egg-drop soup for a while. Finally, I found two.

Not only are the steps easy to follow, the ingredients are likely to be in your refrigerator. Even if you have to go to the grocery store, you'll find these ingredients on most store shelves.

I've posted both videos on making egg-drop soup. Check out both and let me know which one you like best.

Recipe 1: Egg-Drop Soup in 15 minutes

Recipe 2: Egg-Drop Soup with homemade stock

Ten Food Facts That Will Surprise You

Do you know how pound cake got its name? Can you guess nutmeg's power over the mind? If you answered no to either of those questions, you're not alone. Check out BuzzFeed's fun slideshow of 10 food facts. Find out about other food trivia.

Try These Cookies For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 Cookies often are relegated to the role of snack-time treats or desserts. Nothing wrong with desserts. I enjoy eating them when I can. And that's how some cookies, like these Oatmeal Maple Cookies, should be viewed.

  I typically will cook two dozen oatmeal raisin cookies and divide them into snack baggies. Some I store in my car for quick, energy-boosting snacks when I'm running errands and don't have time for a sit-down meal. Some I keep for lunch. Some I give away to family and friends.

  If you don't have maple syrup called for in this recipe, don't worry. These cookies are a treat with or without it.

 Keep in mind you can adapt this recipe to your taste. I add dried cranberries or brown and golden raisins.  Give it a try and share your thoughts here.

Stretching Your Dollars: Wait For Deep Discount of Consumer Goods

The sluggish economy the past few years has forced people to evaluate their spending habits for everything from entertainment and clothing to food and cleaning products. I hope people are learning to be less wasteful, too. I know I am.

Apparently, the decline in purchases of staples -- detergent, toothpaste, etc., --  will pay off for consumers. Companies are turning to deep-discounting to lure consumers back, according to the Wall Street Journal's article.

My advice: Continue to buy what you need and don't let the sales suck you into buy multiple items just to take advantage of a sale. Instead, look for discounts of items you definitely need and use regularly. It's the best way to get the most bang for your dollars.

Coffee Grinds Are For More Than Making Java

Coffee lovers like myself have long known the brown grounds can be used for more than making Joe. I've started to store up grounds to mix with compost for my garden. Here are 5 things grounds can be used for besides making coffee.

Do you know of any other purposes for coffee grounds? Share them here.

The Universal Meat: Chicken Wings

Whenever you're at a lost for what to cook, remember the chicken wing is the universal answer. Wings are easy to clean, season and cook. You can use any sauce to give it an extra kick. But if they are seasoned well, they fined without anything extra. 

I like to think of the chicken wings as the "black dress" of meats. It does with just about anything any time. Depending upon their size, one wing can be enough for a meal. I know buy my wings from a local butcher shop, where I can get small, medium or large wings. These wings are medium, which when paired with a salad, side dish or vegetables, can make a hearty meal.

I cooked three wings but only needed to eat one with my lunch to be completely satisfied. The remaining two I wrapped and stored for dinner. So in terms of saving money and time and watching your food intake, cooking chicken wings can help you accomplish three goals all at once.

cleaned chicken wings

wings ready for baking

Silky Smooth Salad Dressing

One of the best ways to keep salad exciting or to avoid becoming bored with eating it is to switch up the salad dressing.  I did so with my recent batch of homemade salad dressing. My secret ingredient this time? This glorious find from Trader Joe's: Pomegranate Vinegar.

2 parts olive oil (I used cold-pressed, Greek Kalamata)
1 part pomegranate vinegar
Salt (a dash)
Pepper
Dijon mustard
Minced garlic

Whisk ingredients into olive oil one at a time. Pour mixture into a container with a tightly sealed top. Shake aggressively for 15-20 seconds. Chill for 30 minutes or serve immediately. Enjoy.

South Loop: Where To Find Good Food and Great Blues

After a hectic three days, I needed a reprieve. I needed a place to relax, disconnect from work, and enjoy a good meal while listening to soothing music. The first place that came to mind was Buddy Guy's Legends in the South Loop.

A friend and I decided to make it a mid-week escape and stopped by on a Wednesday. My friend ordered ribs. I ordered the chicken creole linguine with a side salad, which hit the spot. I've eaten at Buddy Guy's Legends before, but I hadn't paid as much attention to the food portions during previous visits as I had this night. My portion-awareness is heighten as I travel my journey to develop a healthier lifestyle.

Anyway, I had what essentially amounted to four servings. I ate one serving then packed up the rest, which became my lunch and dinner the next day. So from a value position, the food is well worth the money. That makes the live music that more enjoyable.

You can check out Buddy Guy's live music in person (there is a cover charge) or
listen via livestreaming within the comforts of your home.The livestreaming has a nominal fee.

Review: Zapatista Offers Fresh and Refreshing Mexican Cuisine

I'd been scoping out Zapatista for some time now. I'd drive by en route to some place else and make mental plans to check out the restaurant at some point. I finally followed through, trying the shrimp and steak fajitas with an organic rustica margarita at the South Loop location in Chicago.

 I was very pleased with the service, which was courteous and fast, food quality(decent portions) and ambiance. Everything, especially the guacamole, was fresh and full of flavor. The setting is spacious, inviting and welcoming. Though it offers free Wi-Fi , it's not the place to do work.

The food is filling but not heavy so Zapatista works well for dinner before theatre or any event. I'd recommend it for first dates as well as a place to just enjoy delicious cuisine at a affordable price.

Give it a try this weekend. You won't be disappointed.

A Simple Super Snack Anytime

What's your super anytime snack? Or do you have one?

I have several, but one of my favorite ones comes from my childhood when my mom and I would cook it before watching a great movie or show together. Can you guess what it is?
If you guessed popcorn, you're right!

Back then, processed foods/prepackaged foods were really breaking through the market. My favorite was Jolly Time popcorn. You could watch the foil rise as the popcorn popped on the stove right before your eyes. For a kid, that was just so cool and fun. You really thought you were "cooking.". The popcorn was great, too. I have to laugh about that now.

As I became a teen, I skipped the cooking and bought bags of cooked/prepared popcorn from store shelves. It was so much "easier." Needless to say, neither of those options were the healthiest. They were just convenient. Jolly Time, along with other brands, now offer healthier, low-cal popcorn.

But I have a simple tip for you: Cook your popcorn. It's quick, easy and tasty. No store-bought popcorn comes close to the taste of home-cooked popcorn. You can add the type and amount of seasonings to suit your taste and dietary needs or eat it plain.

I use olive oil to cook a pot of popcorn. I then create individual servings in sandwich baggies, making this snack ready to eat anytime and for any occasion. I give the bags to guests who want a small snack, and I pack a bag with my lunch.
Sometimes, I add seasonings. Sometimes, I eat it plain. It's always a winner.

When Have You Evaluated Your Spending & Eating Habits?

So often we buy things, especially groceries, because we've been told from our childhood days, "We must have, should have, or need," certain things in our kitchens and refrigerators. When we become adults, we rarely question that logic. So we, unconsciously, reinforce and pass along spending habits -- that are simply "bad" or irrelevant to our current lifestyles.

We buy out of habit not need and often end up tossing away unused or barely used food. It's like tossing money into the trash can, LITERALLY. I don't know of anyone who willingly tosses cash into the garbage weekly or monthly. But that is what we're doing when we buy food and other things without evaluating our actions.

I started doing this years ago when I realized how my grocery shopping habits didn't match my lifestyle or eating patterns. I stopped buying bread and milk regularly. I only purchased those items when I knew I was going to use them for a specific dish. At first I thought, "How can I not have milk and bread -- basic essentials -- in my kitchen?" But I had to accept the fact that I just wasn't eating or using those items enough to justify the cost.

The past few years, I've elevated this tactic to another level. I'm questioning all of my grocery spending and eating habits. I normally wait until I'm low on an item before restocking it in my refrigerator or cabinet. Now I'm trying another tactic: Use everything I have first then replenish based upon needs and true eating habits. The idea is to create an accurate picture of my spending patterns so I can establish good habits in the future.

It's like starting with a clean slate or with a new apartment sans any food. This process forces me to be highly conscious of habits. It also forces me to evaluate what I really use and need in my kitchen, thereby managing my money better. And that is the ultimate goal in addition to establishing healthy eating habits!