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Food Blog Posts

A woman stands in a kitchen.

January 17, 2023

With food prices on the rise, my grocery bill has increased significantly. Healthy eating is a priority for me, but I want to make sure I stay within budget at the store. Check out some of my favorite budget-friendly tips.

A mug with tea in it.

January 10, 2023

I enjoy warm drinks during the winter months, but coffee just isn’t the ideal afternoon beverage for me. I prefer something without caffeine.

close up of cinnamon spice candied pecans

December 19, 2022

Candied pecans are one of those quintessential holiday goodies. They are great for parties, visitors, or just to snack on. Try these Cinnamon Spice Candied Pecans if you are looking for a candied nut recipe.

Qula Madkin

December 13, 2022

Don’t put your health and fitness goals on the backburner this holiday season just because you’re traveling. There are plenty of ways to practice wellness and keep your family and yourself on track. 

Four mini wonton quiche sit on a plate.

December 5, 2022

Do you need an easy dish for the office get-together or an upcoming party? If you are a fan of eggs, you’re in luck! Mini Wonton Quiches make tasty appetizers and come together in a flash.

Green Bean, Cranberry and Nut Salad in a bowl

November 14, 2022

For this holiday season, I was looking for a way to mix up the menu a little bit and offer something a little lighter. This Green Bean, Cranberry and Nut Salad is perfect.

Purple, yellow, and orange carrots.

November 11, 2022

Have you ever seen purple, yellow, red, or white carrots? The first time I saw a bag of ‘rainbow’ carrots in my grocery store, I had to do a double take. Carrots are only supposed to be orange, or at least, that’s what I thought. 

Woman on an exercise machine

November 8, 2022

With all the upcoming holiday get-togethers around the corner, it can be easy to move less, sit more, and gain weight. This year, join our Walk with Extension 12 Days of FITMAS Challenge, which emphasizes moving more and eating more vegetables.

A charcuterie board.

November 4, 2022

Charcuterie boards are all the craze right now, and rightfully so! They’re fun to make and delicious to snack on. With the holidays coming up, they’re sure to be the talk of the party!

collage of cornucopia designs

October 31, 2022

The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is most often associated with Thanksgiving. It is generally depicted with the fruits of harvest overflowing its horn-shaped form and serves as a reminder to be thankful and grateful. If you like do-it-yourself projects, making your own cornucopia is an easy project.

Frozen foods in a fridge.

October 28, 2022

There are some weeks when I don’t feel like cooking dinner or am short on time to prepare a meal from start to finish.

Turban Squash

October 17, 2022

Pumpkins, gourds, and squash, oh my! With fall in full effect, I’m buying fall décor all the time. Do I already have several pumpkins on my porch? Yes. Will I be buying more? Also, yes. 

Woman tossing salad

October 11, 2022

Flu season is upon us, and there’s no better time than now to kick your nutrition up a notch! One easy way to strengthen your immune system is by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Good nutrition plays an important role in fighting off illnesses, including the flu.

spreme grilled sandwich

October 3, 2022

Every now and then we all could use an upgrade. Well, here’s a great twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The vegetables give the sandwich a little crunch, which kicks it up a notch!

A mixture of vegetables.

September 30, 2022

The holidays are coming up and we all know what that means. Food, food, and more food! During these festivities, it’s important to remember to eat your vegetables, too.

Field corn.

September 27, 2022

As you travel Mississippi roads, it’s common to spot a corn field or two during your travels. Corn is the fourth ranked crop in the state, bringing in over $700 million each year!

peach salsa in a bowl

September 19, 2022

Fruit salsas are fabulous and can add even more dimension to the flavors of your dishes. Try this peach salsa with fish, chicken, or pork.

Bowl of Greek Island Salad

September 2, 2022

I really enjoy eating Mediterranean style food and this tasty, protein-filled salad with Greek seasoning is perfect for me.

pot of boiling water

August 30, 2022

Do you know what is safe and unsafe when it comes to using water that is under a boil-water alert? Here's what to do and not do if you are under a boil water notice.

Catfish on a plate

August 25, 2022

August is National Catfish Month! Celebrate by adding some farm-raised, Mississippi catfish to your regular menu plan. Check out some of our previously featured recipes.

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About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living. Pretty good gig, right?

The three main writers for the blog are Ellen Graves (Seamstress of Social Media Strategy), Susan Collins-Smith (Content Connector) and Keri Lewis (Captain Cat Herder). But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

Recent Posts

Tall grass grows in a field.
Chiggers are most active in grassy, overgrown, and wooded areas. These microscopic creatures, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that can cause significant discomfort during the summer months. File photo by MSU Extension Service/Nathan Gregory.
Species Spotlight: Chiggers
three rows of lettuce grow in a garden
Slugs eat a wide variety of plants, but they are especially fond of leafy greens, such as lettuce. Photo by stock.adobe.com.
How to Manage Slugs in the Vegetable Garden
Jars of home canned pickled vegetables
Dreaming of a pantry stocked with home canned produce? Make sure you follow the proper techniques with the correct equipment and research-tested recipes. Photo by: Tamara Harding/stock.adobe.com
Home Canning FAQs