How to Make Board Butter - Very Smart Ideas (2025)

This green bean recipe with shaved garlic and a splash of apple cider vinegar is so simple yet so unique! You can throw it together in no time. Pro tip: parboil the green beans a few days ahead to save yourself time—and sanity—on the big day. BTW, tell me in the comments if you caught the mistake! #thanksgiving #easyrecipes #healthyfood #beans #verysmartideas

This green bean recipe with shaved garlic and a splash of apple cider vinegar is so simple yet so unique! You can throw it together in no time. Pro tip: parboil the green beans a few days ahead to save yourself time—and sanity—on the big day. BTW, tell me in the comments if you caught the mistake! #thanksgiving #easyrecipes #healthyfood #beans #verysmartideas ...

Happy Birthday, Rob, AKA, our Piragi Papa 🎈🥂🎂❤️🥳

Rob is my partner through every high and low, and the glue that keeps our world together. He’s an incredible stepdad and dad who fills our home with warmth, kindness, and laughter every day.
And let’s not forget—he’s one hell of a baker! Rob’s kitchen skills are the perfect match to my cooking, making every holiday meal feel extra special. Whether he’s perfecting a batch of Latvian piragi or tackling one of his intricate, stunning desserts, he brings that little bit of magic that makes our house feel like home. Here’s to you, Rob—life is so much sweeter with you in it.

#family #baking #love #marriage #latvia

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Happy Birthday, Rob, AKA, our Piragi Papa 🎈🥂🎂❤️🥳

Rob is my partner through every high and low, and the glue that keeps our world together. He’s an incredible stepdad and dad who fills our home with warmth, kindness, and laughter every day.
And let’s not forget—he’s one hell of a baker! Rob’s kitchen skills are the perfect match to my cooking, making every holiday meal feel extra special. Whether he’s perfecting a batch of Latvian piragi or tackling one of his intricate, stunning desserts, he brings that little bit of magic that makes our house feel like home. Here’s to you, Rob—life is so much sweeter with you in it.

#family #baking #love #marriage #latvia

Make these easy blistered green beans with a tangy apple cider vinegar twist—perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday gathering! Elevate your holiday table with this simple, flavor-packed side dish that’s ready in minutes. #greenbeans #thanksgiving #sidedish #healthyrecipes #healthyfood #verysmartideas

Make these easy blistered green beans with a tangy apple cider vinegar twist—perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday gathering! Elevate your holiday table with this simple, flavor-packed side dish that’s ready in minutes. #greenbeans #thanksgiving #sidedish #healthyrecipes #healthyfood #verysmartideas ...

Whipped Cottage Cheese and Burst Tomatoes! Simple, elegant, and impressive, here’s what to do with all those leftover #tomatoes #homemade #healthyfood #easyrecipes #verysmartideas

Yields: 8 servings, or 4 cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time:

Ingredients

* 1-16-ounce container 4% fat cottage cheese
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra for drizzling
* 2- medium tomatoes, different varieties, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
* 1 medium to large shallot, thinly sliced
* 1 large plump clove garlic, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh mint, plus more for garnish
* Flaky sea salt
* Warm naan, toasted baguettes, or crudités ( if you’re gluten-free like me )for serving
Directions:
1. Place cottage cheese and olive oil in a food processor. Process until creamy, about 30-40 seconds. Transfer to a medium sized serving plate, or platter, and spread out with a spatula. Set aside if you like a softer consistency, and refrigerate if you desire a firmer consistency or planning to serve later. 

2. In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high, when the oil is glossy, add the cherry tomatoes first, but do not touch them for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes more, or until the the tomatoes begin to burst, and release their juices.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add the shallot and garlic; cook 1 minute and untilfragrant.
4. Remove the pan from the burner, and add the vinegar, honey, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the mint, and let cool for about 5 minutes to let the flavors marry.
6. Gently pour the tomatoes and juices onto the middle of the whipped cottage cheese, and with the back of a spoon, or a spatula, spread the mixture over the cheese.
7. When ready to serve, drizzle with olive oil and honey and garnish with mint, and flaky sea salt. Serve with warm naan, toasted baguettes, or crudités

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Whipped Cottage Cheese and Burst Tomatoes! Simple, elegant, and impressive, here’s what to do with all those leftover #tomatoes #homemade #healthyfood #easyrecipes #verysmartideas

Yields: 8 servings, or 4 cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time:

Ingredients

* 1-16-ounce container 4% fat cottage cheese
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra for drizzling
* 2- medium tomatoes, different varieties, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
* 1 medium to large shallot, thinly sliced
* 1 large plump clove garlic, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh mint, plus more for garnish
* Flaky sea salt
* Warm naan, toasted baguettes, or crudités ( if you’re gluten-free like me )for serving
Directions:
1. Place cottage cheese and olive oil in a food processor. Process until creamy, about 30-40 seconds. Transfer to a medium sized serving plate, or platter, and spread out with a spatula. Set aside if you like a softer consistency, and refrigerate if you desire a firmer consistency or planning to serve later. 

2. In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high, when the oil is glossy, add the cherry tomatoes first, but do not touch them for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes more, or until the the tomatoes begin to burst, and release their juices.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add the shallot and garlic; cook 1 minute and untilfragrant.
4. Remove the pan from the burner, and add the vinegar, honey, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the mint, and let cool for about 5 minutes to let the flavors marry.
6. Gently pour the tomatoes and juices onto the middle of the whipped cottage cheese, and with the back of a spoon, or a spatula, spread the mixture over the cheese.
7. When ready to serve, drizzle with olive oil and honey and garnish with mint, and flaky sea salt. Serve with warm naan, toasted baguettes, or crudités

Make Hot Honey 🍯 and use it all week long!

Savory, sweet, sticky, this honey is delicious drizzled onto pizza, swirled into a cocktail, and used as a condiment for breakfast. think waffles, and bacon!
This honey makes a wonderful hostess gift too. Recipe at verysmartideas.com

Ideas for How to Use Hot Honey

Glaze it on: Swipe some hot honey over your grilled chicken or pork while it sizzles on the grill for a deliciously sticky glaze.

Spice up your dips: Whip hot honey into your mayonnaise or sour cream to create a dip that’s got just the right amount of kick.

Shake it into drinks: Want to spice up your cocktails? Mix a little hot honey into your favorite concoctions for that extra zing.

A pizza game-changer: Nothing beats the combo of cheesy, sausage pizza with a drizzle of hot honey – it’s the perfect mix of sweet and heat.

Breakfast with a buzz: Imagine crispy bacon or sizzling sausage glazed with hot honey. Or how about golden waffles with fried chicken drizzled in this sweet, spicy delight? It’s breakfast, but bolder.
#honey #healthyrecipes #giftsideas #verysmartideas

Make Hot Honey 🍯 and use it all week long!

Savory, sweet, sticky, this honey is delicious drizzled onto pizza, swirled into a cocktail, and used as a condiment for breakfast. think waffles, and bacon!
This honey makes a wonderful hostess gift too. Recipe at verysmartideas.com

Ideas for How to Use Hot Honey

Glaze it on: Swipe some hot honey over your grilled chicken or pork while it sizzles on the grill for a deliciously sticky glaze.

Spice up your dips: Whip hot honey into your mayonnaise or sour cream to create a dip that’s got just the right amount of kick.

Shake it into drinks: Want to spice up your cocktails? Mix a little hot honey into your favorite concoctions for that extra zing.

A pizza game-changer: Nothing beats the combo of cheesy, sausage pizza with a drizzle of hot honey – it’s the perfect mix of sweet and heat.

Breakfast with a buzz: Imagine crispy bacon or sizzling sausage glazed with hot honey. Or how about golden waffles with fried chicken drizzled in this sweet, spicy delight? It’s breakfast, but bolder.
#honey #healthyrecipes #giftsideas #verysmartideas

Tomato season is coming to an end, and I love to make two types of roasted tomatoes with what’s left in the garden. Mix these warm savory burst tomatoes into pasta, spread on crusty bread or serve over chicken and fish. Bake a double batch and freeze them to use a winter long. #tomatoes #healthyfood #gardentotable #organic #verysmartideas

Tomato season is coming to an end, and I love to make two types of roasted tomatoes with what’s left in the garden. Mix these warm savory burst tomatoes into pasta, spread on crusty bread or serve over chicken and fish. Bake a double batch and freeze them to use a winter long. #tomatoes #healthyfood #gardentotable #organic #verysmartideas ...

This recipe is so delicious, healthy, and great for an after school snack. Plus, it is so easy to make, but it looks like it took forever. #healthylifestyle #yogurt #dessert #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #snacktime

This recipe is so delicious, healthy, and great for an after school snack. Plus, it is so easy to make, but it looks like it took forever. #healthylifestyle #yogurt #dessert #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #snacktime ...

This no-recipe-recipe was so GOOD I had to write the recipe and pop it on my website. It uses garden fresh zucchini ( available by the truckload now ), is gluten-free, keto, and some of the best comfort food I’ve made in a long time! #zucchini #mexicanfood #easyrecipes #vertsmartideas

This no-recipe-recipe was so GOOD I had to write the recipe and pop it on my website. It uses garden fresh zucchini ( available by the truckload now ), is gluten-free, keto, and some of the best comfort food I’ve made in a long time! #zucchini #mexicanfood #easyrecipes #vertsmartideas ...

It’s no secret that I like to be as efficient as possible in the kitchen. I love caramelized onions, but not a fan of the sweaty facials from standing over the pan and string. Here’s how to caramelize onions and peppers perfectly-every time! #caramelizedonions #cookingclass #onions #easyrecipes #verysmartideas

It’s no secret that I like to be as efficient as possible in the kitchen. I love caramelized onions, but not a fan of the sweaty facials from standing over the pan and string. Here’s how to caramelize onions and peppers perfectly-every time! #caramelizedonions #cookingclass #onions #easyrecipes #verysmartideas ...

Hatch Chili Salsa 🌶️
We recently drove through New Mexico and had to stop in Hatch, the world headquarters for hatch chilies, where the combination of fertile soil, abundant sunlight, and cool nights gives them their distinct flavor.
They are thick fleshed with a grassy, fruity, smoky flavor, and a sneaky heat that makes them perfect for salsa! #hatchchili #salsa #spicy #healthyfood #easyrecipes

Hatch Chili Salsa 🌶️
We recently drove through New Mexico and had to stop in Hatch, the world headquarters for hatch chilies, where the combination of fertile soil, abundant sunlight, and cool nights gives them their distinct flavor.
They are thick fleshed with a grassy, fruity, smoky flavor, and a sneaky heat that makes them perfect for salsa! #hatchchili #salsa #spicy #healthyfood #easyrecipes ...

Here is an easy, delicious, protein packed afternoon pick-me up.

Cold Brew Protein Shake

* 1 can cold brew coffee
* Two scoops favorite chocolate, protein powder, I like Orgain.
* 1/2 milk of choice
* Big scoop ice

Blend until smooth, and enjoy.

FYI: I stopped blending fruit into my smoothies until further notice due to these findings:

Blending fruit breaks down the cell walls, releasing natural sugars that become “free sugars”. Free sugars can contribute to weight gain, dental decay, and blood sugar spikes.

Blending can also make it easier to consume large amounts of fruit, which can lead to a higher sugar intake.

Blending breaks down insoluble fiber, which can make food move through the intestines faster and reduce feelings of fullness. Who knows, the science could change again!

#proteinshake #chocolate #coffee #easyrecipes

Here is an easy, delicious, protein packed afternoon pick-me up.

Cold Brew Protein Shake

* 1 can cold brew coffee
* Two scoops favorite chocolate, protein powder, I like Orgain.
* 1/2 milk of choice
* Big scoop ice

Blend until smooth, and enjoy.

FYI: I stopped blending fruit into my smoothies until further notice due to these findings:

Blending fruit breaks down the cell walls, releasing natural sugars that become “free sugars”. Free sugars can contribute to weight gain, dental decay, and blood sugar spikes.

Blending can also make it easier to consume large amounts of fruit, which can lead to a higher sugar intake.

Blending breaks down insoluble fiber, which can make food move through the intestines faster and reduce feelings of fullness. Who knows, the science could change again!

#proteinshake #chocolate #coffee #easyrecipes

This two ingredient, chocolate apple cake is gluten free, dairy-free. It is so creamy, so delicious, is so easy to make, PLUS, it’s healthy! More recipes like this @
www. verysmartideas.com

Two ingredient chocolate apple cake

Ingredients
4 small, sweet apples
3 cups favorite clean chocolate chips

Instructions
Peel, core, and chop the apples.
In a medium pot, over high heat, boil the apples until very soft, about 15 minutes.
Melt the chocolate.
Add the boiled apples and melted chocolate a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Line a 6″ cake mold with parchment and set in the fridge overnight. Serve immediately.

Notes
Make up to 3-4 days in advance and freeze. Thaw for 30 minutes prior to serving.

#glutenfree #easyrecipes #healthyfood #cake #dessert #verysmartideas

This two ingredient, chocolate apple cake is gluten free, dairy-free. It is so creamy, so delicious, is so easy to make, PLUS, it’s healthy! More recipes like this @
www. verysmartideas.com

Two ingredient chocolate apple cake

Ingredients
4 small, sweet apples
3 cups favorite clean chocolate chips

Instructions
Peel, core, and chop the apples.
In a medium pot, over high heat, boil the apples until very soft, about 15 minutes.
Melt the chocolate.
Add the boiled apples and melted chocolate a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Line a 6″ cake mold with parchment and set in the fridge overnight. Serve immediately.

Notes
Make up to 3-4 days in advance and freeze. Thaw for 30 minutes prior to serving.

#glutenfree #easyrecipes #healthyfood #cake #dessert #verysmartideas

This chamomile infused vodka is so unique and delicious. Mix it with soda water and garnish with lemon or mix with lemonade for a refreshing spritzer. This also makes a delicious martini shaken with a dash of elderflower liqueur. This video is dedicated to my cousin, Larry. My friend, my family and my confidant. Happy belated birthday, @hey.lar ❤️ #cocktails #martini #verysmartideas #weekendvibes

This chamomile infused vodka is so unique and delicious. Mix it with soda water and garnish with lemon or mix with lemonade for a refreshing spritzer. This also makes a delicious martini shaken with a dash of elderflower liqueur. This video is dedicated to my cousin, Larry. My friend, my family and my confidant. Happy belated birthday, @hey.lar ❤️ #cocktails #martini #verysmartideas #weekendvibes ...

I call this dressing the “glue” of my book because 90% of the recipes are made with this basic mix. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and you will have enough to keep you going for quite a while. Basic Dressing tastes good on all types of leafy greens and vegetables. Enjoy it plain, or for the + add 1 teaspoon of tarragon, thyme, cilantro, or another favorite herb.Ingredients
2 cups extra virgin olive oil
2 large lemons, juiced, approximately 3/4 cup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
Shake all the ingredients together in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate. Mix each batch well and keep refrigerated. #salad #verysmartideas #healthyfood #easyrecipes

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I call this dressing the “glue” of my book because 90% of the recipes are made with this basic mix. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and you will have enough to keep you going for quite a while. Basic Dressing tastes good on all types of leafy greens and vegetables. Enjoy it plain, or for the + add 1 teaspoon of tarragon, thyme, cilantro, or another favorite herb.Ingredients
2 cups extra virgin olive oil
2 large lemons, juiced, approximately 3/4 cup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
Shake all the ingredients together in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate. Mix each batch well and keep refrigerated. #salad #verysmartideas #healthyfood #easyrecipes ...

Making this cool, chunky and delicious gazpacho for these hot summer days is a very smart idea!
I have many delicious and refreshing recipes. They can be found at verysmartideas.com.

Rustic Gazpacho Recipe

Ingredients
* 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped (See Step 1.)
* 1 small bottle tomato juice, about 1 cup
* 1 medium cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
* 1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 small red onion, diced
* 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
* 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and minced
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt to dollop on top, optional
Instructions
1. Cut the tomatoes in half, over a mesh strainer placed inside a larger bowl. Remove seeds and pulp, then press the pulp and seeds into the strainer to create as much juice as possible, catching it in the bowl below. Discard the pulp and seeds.
2. To the fresh tomato juice, add as much jarred tomato juice as needed so that the total measures about 1 cup.
3. To the same large bowl, add the seeded tomatoes and all the other ingredients, except for the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
4. When ready to serve, add any additional salt and pepper to taste, spoon into individual serving bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if using.

#summer #refreshing
#gazpacho #easyrecipes #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness

Making this cool, chunky and delicious gazpacho for these hot summer days is a very smart idea!
I have many delicious and refreshing recipes. They can be found at verysmartideas.com.

Rustic Gazpacho Recipe

Ingredients
* 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped (See Step 1.)
* 1 small bottle tomato juice, about 1 cup
* 1 medium cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
* 1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 small red onion, diced
* 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
* 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and minced
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt to dollop on top, optional
Instructions
1. Cut the tomatoes in half, over a mesh strainer placed inside a larger bowl. Remove seeds and pulp, then press the pulp and seeds into the strainer to create as much juice as possible, catching it in the bowl below. Discard the pulp and seeds.
2. To the fresh tomato juice, add as much jarred tomato juice as needed so that the total measures about 1 cup.
3. To the same large bowl, add the seeded tomatoes and all the other ingredients, except for the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
4. When ready to serve, add any additional salt and pepper to taste, spoon into individual serving bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if using.

#summer #refreshing
#gazpacho #easyrecipes #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness

Hard to believe that #fathersday 2024! Here are some beautiful, easy recipe ideas for your favorite dad! #verysmartideas #watermelon #summer #cocktails #beef

Hard to believe that #fathersday 2024! Here are some beautiful, easy recipe ideas for your favorite dad! #verysmartideas #watermelon #summer #cocktails #beef ...