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Food Blog Posts

A bowl of Cajun Spice Blend.

April 5, 2022

Making your own spice blends gives you more control of the ingredients and flavor profile of your meals. This salt-free Cajun Spice Blend will spice up your meals without adding unnecessary sodium.

Honey on a spoon.

March 25, 2022

Have you ever looked at a bottle of honey that’s been sitting in your cabinets for a while and thought, “this can’t still be good?” We’ve all probably been there. The honey in the bottle is dark and has a crystallized texture to it. I know I have a bottle of honey in my pantry that’s been there for several years!  

closeup of colorful, decorated cupcakes

March 17, 2022

Are you thinking of selling food items from your home kitchen? This kind of business venture is popular because if you like cooking, it’s a fun way to earn some extra cash. Here's what to know about Mississippi's Cottage Food Law, which governs this type of business.

Close up of Microwave Breakfast Cake

March 15, 2022

Do you sometimes like your breakfast sweet instead of a savory? Then, you’ll love this naturally sweet, fiber-rich Microwave Breakfast Cake.

Vegetables and olive oil on a counter.

March 7, 2022

Still looking for ways to improve your health in 2022? Well, adding more of the right kinds of food to your daily diet is one way to keep moving forward.

barbecue chicken stuffed sweet potoato

February 28, 2022

Do you have leftover chicken and want a different meal? Try Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. It’s an easy meal that is both sweet and savory.

A jar of onion soup mix

February 11, 2022

Some may call me a control freak, because I love having control over the ingredients I use. It’s especially important to watch my sugar, sodium, and fat intake. That’s why I love recipes for seasoning mixes, like this Onion Soup Mix!

A woman at a counter.

February 7, 2022

A key part of leading a healthier lifestyle is to integrate a variety of foods in the right amounts into your daily diet. When it comes to deciding how much to eat, serving size and portion size are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

A bowl of potato corn chowder.

January 31, 2022

It may be cold outside, but you can help take the chill out of winter with a warm bowl of Potato Corn Chowder.

Cooked pork chops on a plate.

January 14, 2022

This pork chop recipe is ideal for just one or two people, and it comes together quickly with little mess.

A woman stands behind a kitchen counter with food items displayed.

January 10, 2022

Every year millions of Americans vow to lose weight, eat healthier, and be more active. Qula has some tips to help you reach your goals.

A bowl of chili

January 6, 2022

This simple homemade chili recipe features ground beef simmered with onion, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. And it’s ready in 15 minutes!

A bowl of applesauce.

December 17, 2021

Now that cranberries are in season, I like to use them in as many recipes as possible. This recipe features cranberries, apples, and cinnamon. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a beautiful color.

A woman stands at a kitchen counter with ingredients displayed.

December 13, 2021

With all the get-togethers, parties, and potlucks during the holiday season, it can be hard to consistently make healthy choices. Instead of giving up some of your holiday favorites, consider reducing the sugar and unhealthy fats in these dishes by swapping some of the ingredients for healthier substitutes. Qula shows you some easy swaps in her latest blog post!

Cinnamon Walnut Pecan Pie Bites on a plate

December 6, 2021

If you’re watching your calories this season, this Cinnamon Walnut Pecan Pie Bites recipe will satisfy your craving for pecan pie and help keep your portions sensible.

People serve their plates at a buffet-style dinner.

November 23, 2021

If you always find yourself off track in the diet department this time of year, you’re not alone. But if we partake thoughtfully this holiday season, we can still enjoy our favorite things without the guilt.

Close up of a sliced quesadilla.

November 22, 2021

Thanksgiving festivities have come to an end, and you probably have an abundance of leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. This Turkey Cranberry Quesadilla is a fresh take on the turkey sandwich and is just as easy.

A woman stands at a kitchen counter with whole-grain products.

November 8, 2021

Not all grains are created equal and figuring out the difference can be confusing. Grains are divided into two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. Qula helps you sort through the diffences and understand how to shop for whole-grain products.

A roasted turkey surrounded by traditional side dishes.

November 5, 2021

What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? My family loves turkey and dressing, and I’m getting the list of my favorite dishes to contribute ready. No matter what you plan to cook this holiday season, the first item on your checklist should be food safety.

A woman at a kitchen counter with ingredients for a pie.

November 1, 2021

This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is great if you need a gluten-free option for your holiday meals and comes together quickly. It's easy to substitute Mississippi-grown sweet potatoes for the pumpkin. Natasha shows you how in the latest installment of The Food Factor.

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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