Art of Natural Living

Enjoying the Green Life

Easy Queso Dip

By Inger Jan 24, 2026 Appetizers 5 Comments

Ready in about 15 minutes, this easy Queso Dip is a tasty appetizer or snack. Perfect for Game Day, Cinco de Mayo or any occasion!

Doesn’t it seem like time flies after the holidays! Yes, it’s hard to believe that Super Bowl is almost here, with all the excitement and great food. And what’s more welcome than an appetizer that’s cheesy, spicy and crunchy!

I first made today’s Queso Dip several years ago after a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I picked up my college student daughter at ASU and we traveled by way of the Bandura Volcano and Ice Cave.

It boasts an extinct volcano crater, hardened lava flows, and an ice cave with a year-round floor of green ice. Such a fun way to spend college fall break!

A trip to the Southwest is always fun! And the only downside is that once I get home, I keep craving heat in my food! Read more

Tasty Truffle Popcorn

By Inger Jan 18, 2026 Desserts & Snacks 6 Comments

Rich and flavorful, yet also airy and light, Truffle Popcorn is a tasty and unique snack that’s super easy to make!

I have to blame the pandemic—or maybe to credit it. That’s because when I heard the calls to do quarantine restaurant takeout, I was totally in. Which is what led me to a tasty burger served with a delightful side of truffle fries.

Of course loving truffle fries now meant I had to add truffle oil and truffle salt to my pantry! And then find more tasty ways to use them—like Truffle Popcorn!

Excitedly, I am maybe even more over the moon about this new dish. The airiness of the popcorn balances the rich truffle butter, while the delicate flavor of the popcorn lets the truffle flavor shine through. And did I mention it’s easy?

Not I just need to decide if I want to drink wine or beer with this! Read more

Tasty Salmon Cakes with Canned Salmon

By Inger Jan 10, 2026 Main Dish 14 Comments

Salmon Cakes are tasty and healthy. Made with canned salmon these are also easy and economical!

Who’s trying to get more salmon in their diet? I can tell you that I am!

I used to try to get my healthy omega-3 fatty acids by taking fish oil supplements. But now I’m a pretty strong advocate for getting your nutrients directly from foods where possible.

Of course fatty fish consumption is lauded for lots of benefits like reducing heart disease, and it may also help reduce the incidence of dementia. Experts recommend eating a 3-4 ounce serving twice a week. Fatty fish include salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines among others.

Now typically salmon cakes are made with fresh salmon, but canned is more economical, easier and more convenient. And, I figure, the salmon gets mashed up anyway, so why not leave the expensive fillets for other dishes! Read more

Linguine with Clam Sauce

By Inger Jan 3, 2026 Main Dish 7 Comments

Linguine with Clam Sauce is a tasty pasta dish, flavored with Italian seasonings, clams and wine. Even better it’s easy to make!

It was many years ago when I got the special recipe that this is based–in fact, in my late teens. One of my adult ballet buddies passed it along and mentioned that it was a favorite company dish of hers. It won’t be long before you have a place of your own and need recipes like this she added!

Of course she was correct! And over the years I pulled it out many times to the delight of family and friends.

This all went fine until I started to gain weight. You see the original recipe had no wine or clam juice but did have a solid 3 sticks of butter! It was luxuriously rich, and with sorrow, I decided it needed to go the way of two scoop ice cream cones.

But I often thought of it longingly. So this year I decided to do a mini makeover and sub some wine and clam juice for part of the butter.

And Linguine with Clam Sauce is back on the menu! Read more

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