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Food Blog Posts

sliced bell peppers and cucumbers on a plate

August 23, 2021

Whether you are tailgating or celebrating your favorite team at home this fall, food is always a part of the festivities. If you want to have some lighter fare at your gathering, this Spinach Dip Makeover will fit perfectly.

Blueberries ripen on a bush.

August 17, 2021

School is back in session, and mornings can be hectic. But you don’t have to put breakfast on the back burner. If you are looking for a way to make your morning routine a bit easier, check out this blueberry oatmeal dish.

A woman stands in a kitchen with food products on the counter.

August 9, 2021

You’ve likely heard natural sugar is okay, while added sugars should be limited. But what's the difference and why does it matter?

Sliced red, yellow and green bell peppers

August 6, 2021

Bell peppers come in a rainbow of colors and have many health benefits. The variety and amount of time a bell pepper spends on the plant determines its color and ripeness.

A plate of sweet potoato fries

July 19, 2021

Video by Jonathan Parrish

Cooking food in an air fryer gives you that crunchy texture you love without the added calories of deep frying. This recipe for Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Fries features Mississippi-grown sweet potatoes, olive oil, and spices—that’s it!

Whether you serve these as a side dish or a fun snack, you’ll enjoy the health benefits of sweet potatoes, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage. For savory sweet potato fries, use garlic powder,...

A child smiles at the dining table.

July 12, 2021

With my kids out of school for the summer, snacks are an important part of our routine. Check out three of my family's favorite nutritious and filling snacks.

A lady in a kitchen holds a smoothie and gives a thumbs up.

June 30, 2021

As the days heat up, I’m looking for ways to cool off! This recipe for a Strawberry Swirl gives me all the health benefits of whole fruit with the refreshing coolness of a frozen drink.

A plate of chicken wings cooked in the air fryer.

June 18, 2021

If you love fried chicken wings but want a healthier option, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings cooked in the air fryer are for you!

Canned fruits and vegetables on a shelf.

June 18, 2021

Are you planning to can fruits and vegetables this year? Whether you’re new to canning or you’ve done it for years, Extension has resources to help you make sure it’s done safely. 

A cup of Orange Delight sits on a counter.

June 11, 2021

If you are a fan of The Food Factor and are of a certain age, you may remember one of my favorite childhood flavors—the Orange Julius®. A trip to the mall wasn’t complete without a stop for a creamy, frozen citrus treat!

Woman smiling at a table.

June 8, 2021

The kids are out of school, and for some of us, our schedule is a little bit out of routine. As a mom of four, I know how hard it can be to keep those summer bellies full, so I want to share some of my go-to tips to help.

Close up of triangular watermelon slices on a plate.

May 24, 2021

Whether your summers are filled with activities or dedicated to relaxation, these recipes from The Food Factor can help you make meals and snacks a breeze.

Closeup of soft granola bars on a plate.

May 18, 2021

Keeping a healthy snack on hand is a good way to avoid impulse eating. These Soft Granola Bars, filled with whole grains, dried fruit, and honey instead of sugar, are a tasty treat when I want something sweet, and they keep me away from the vending machine or drive-through.

A woman stands behind a kitchen counter.

May 11, 2021

Although people tend to use the terms salt and sodium interchangeably, salt and sodium are two different things. Sodium is a mineral we all need to live. Table salt by weight contains about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Most Americans eat too much. Here's how to reduce the amount of sodium you eat.

a small bowl with a serving of fruity French toast casserole with a 9x13 pan in the background

April 30, 2021

Using up extra bread has never been so tasty! Whether you want to make something special for your family’s weekend breakfast or you are entertaining company, this Fruity French Toast Casserole is loaded with flavor.

I love incorporating fresh seasonal fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, into this recipe. But you can also use canned or frozen fruits, which you can often find on sale. By choosing a healthy whole-grain bread, you’re starting your day with a hearty serving of fiber that will see you through a busy morning. And you can use leftover whole wheat rolls or hamburger buns, which helps you avoid food waste and save money.

Chicken alfreado in a colorful bowl

April 19, 2021

Alfredo sauce is a favorite comfort food in my circle of friends and family. Loaded with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, traditional alfredo sauce packs a lot of calories and unhealthy fats into one dish. So I was excited to find this recipe for Chicken Alfredo with a Twist! It’s a Food Factor Makeover!

A lady stands in a kitchen.

April 12, 2021

Growing up, I was always told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is essential.But all our meals count. Here are a few tips to help you get a nutrient-filled lunch.

Hamburgers, chicken and hotdogs on a grill.

April 8, 2021

Warm weather is here, and it’s finally time to fire up the grill! Barbecues are fun and result in delicious food.

Veggie quiche muffins on a blue plate

April 1, 2021

For people who need something quick for breakfast, these Veggie Quiche Muffins are both healthy and convenient.

You can use 3 cups of your favorite veggies if you prefer something different from what is in the original recipe. Chopped zucchini and mushrooms are great options! You can also use your favorite cheese, but note that changing from a low-fat cheddar will alter the calories. 

Airtight jars of cereal, rice and flour sit in a cupboard.

March 24, 2021

We’ve experienced some spring-like weather, and that may have you thinking about refreshing some areas of your home. When you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t overlook the kitchen pantry where stored-food pests can thrive.

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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

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