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Food Blog Posts

A woman stirs a pot of soup.

March 6, 2023

Try this hearty soup that is great to add to your menu rotation during the colder months of the year.

A woman holds up a bowl of Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup

February 20, 2023

Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is full of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect soup to warm you up with a hearty amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied!

closeup of a smoothie

February 14, 2023

Smoothies can be a tasty and healthy on-the-go option. Check out these tips to make sure you build a nutrient-rich mixture that will keep your energy up.

Closeup of Parmesan Cilantro Corn

February 6, 2023

Corn is one of the most versatile vegetables around, and it’s a staple item in my kitchen. Sometimes fresh corn is a must, but I usually use frozen or canned corn for convenience.

A bowl of cooked sausage and apples.

January 23, 2023

This one-pan Sweet 'n' Savory Skillet recipe is a satifying meal that does not require a lot of cleanup.

Different color of onions.

January 20, 2023

Have you ever visited the grocery store to buy onions for a recipe, only to realize you don’t know which type of onion to buy? We’ve all been there!

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!

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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

Girl in red shirt showing a pink Yorkshire pig.
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A pot of Quick Chili sits on the stove.
This recipe for Quick Chili will have dinner on the table in no time. Photo by Michaela Parker
The Food Factor: Quick Chili
Several human hands hold dirt
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Ready, Set, Garden: Soil Sampling 101