The ABC's of Everything Blog

​  Most of us welcome in the New Year with intentions to make some positive changes in our lives by setting goals and resolutions. This year I have a different kind of goal than in past years. My goal is to continually be aware of what really matters in my life. I live in Ojai California which is a lovely valley surrounded by beautiful mountai...

​A delicious and elegant dish for the holidays. Ingredients: 1 standing rib roast trimmed 1 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary 1 Tbsp. salt ¼ cup of butter softened 1 medium onion chopped 1 ounce dried Shiitake mushrooms ¼ lb. fresh mushrooms sliced 2 1/2 cups of beef broth ½ cup sherry 4 Tsp. arrowroot dissolved in 2 Tbsp. cold water Directions: 1. Let r...

​3 fun holiday craft ideas! 1. Create a Centerpiece from your own yard This is the time of the year when holly, beautiful leaves and other fall foliage can be right outside your door. Cuttings from branches, pine cones, dried grasses and colorful leaves make great centerpieces for a holiday dinner. Combine with candles, baskets, gourds, or col...

The holidays are traditionally the time of year when we seem to put more attention on others and look for opportunities to be more giving and kind to each other. Of course this is a state of being that we really want to practice every day. A lot of research has been done around why we feel good when we are kind or giving to others. Researchers call...

This Creamy Mushroom Dip makes a tasty, easy side dish for the holidays. It can be served chilled or at room temperature on crusty crackers, toasted bread or raw vegetables. Let us know what you think in the comments section below! Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. ​Creamy Mushroom Dip ​1 lb. of mushrooms (white or cremini) 1 TBS of olive...

The mixture of sweet potatoes and apples makes this puree so delicious and so easy to make! This is a good recipe to have the kiddos help out with in the kitchen. Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Attached is a printer friendly version for printing. ​Sweet Potato and Apple Puree ​2 lbs of sweet potatoes (or yams) 2-3 large g...

​Cranberry sauce is a staple side dish during the holidays. Everyone loves it! This recipe, with the addition of orange is sure to impress the entire table. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! Attached below is a printer friendly PDF version of this recipe. ​Cranberry Orange Sauce ​1 lb of fresh cranberries1 cup of fresh orang...

These glazed Ginger Carrots make a great side dish for any festive meal! We encourage you to cook these simple and delicious recipes with your kids. Please give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments section below. Attached below is a PDF version for east printing. Ginger Carrots ​3-4 bunches of fresh baby carrots (true baby carr...

​The beautiful fall colors of this side dish are a perfect fit for any Thanksgiving meal. Attached is a printer friendly PDF version. Maple Glazed Beets and Carrots ​1 LB. of carrots cleaned and sliced about ¼ inch thick 1 LB. of beets cleaned and sliced about ¼ inch thick 2 TBS. coconut oil 1 TSP. whole fennel seeds crushed lightly ...