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how to freeze fresh basil
Feature Food Home

Never Throw Away Fresh Herbs Again

You know how it is, you have every intention to eat right, or try a new recipe so you buy fresh herbs, and then before you know it you’ve wasted your money. Nothing goes bad faster than fresh herbs. Ask me how I know.

This year I finally had some success growing basil in the garden, but I can’t eat it all at once so I’ve been freezing it for winter. I figured I can’t be the only one who has thrown away my fair share of herbs so here’s tip on how to preserve fresh basil… I’m certain this method will work with other herbs as well.

It’s quite simple, you want to start with washing and drying the herbs

Once dry, give them a rough chop.

Insert them into ice cube trays. I grabbed mine from Dollar Tree, they were 2 for $1. Once you have the slots full, cover the herbs with olive oil. You don’t have to fill to the top but make sure the herbs are fully covered.

how to freeze fresh basil
how to freeze fresh basil

Now freeze for at least 24-hours. It can be a little difficult getting them out of the trays but whatever you do, don’t run hot water on the tray, the oil will melt immediately. Once you have popped out the cubes, put them in a freezer bag and store for future use.

how to freeze fresh basil

Y’all know I love making videos! Here’s a video of how I freeze my basil.

Feature Living

Scenes from the Summer

Time sure flies when you’re having fun. This summer has been one for the books. Graduations, the beach, travel, tubing, family reunion, birthday parties…

Ya girl is tired.

I’m finally slowing down into back to school mode, in a little over a week my kids head back to school. For once I’m ahead of the crowds, all of our school shopping is done, down to the supplies.

DONE. (it’s July 22nd)

Here’s what we’ve been up to all summer:

We kicked it off with a full family photo shoot. We haven’t had one of these in nearly 10 years, my niece and her babies were missing, but this is the closest we’ve been to having everyone in the same state at once, thanks to my niece’s graduation.

A few days later we hit the road to go to Florida to celebrate my oldest daughter’s graduation.

Then we slid over to the beach.

Then there were new shoes for me for Mother’s Day. I wouldn’t get them for myself, so he did. I love them.

Then my bestie turned 40 so we did it 90’s style.

We finished the garden.

We had lots of evening with friends, eating ice cream, visiting the bookstore, and tons of random things that make for the best summer memories.

I’m looking forward to having more fun on the weekends as we move into the school year. Now that things are slowing down again, you can expect to see more content around here… well that’s the plan!

I’ve uploaded a new vlog of the weekend we went tubing. I’d love to have you subscribe to my YouTube channel!

How’s your summer going?! Are you ready for back to school?

Feature Food

Good Neighbors + Oven Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe

This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own.

When it comes to the neighborhood/neighbor lottery, I hit the jackpot. From our neighborhood book club to Bunco, to just hanging out I absolutely love most of my neighbors.

My regular crew is just a phone call/group text away, and we’ve been known to throw together impromptu potlucks with wings and pizza. Then there are actually times when I act as a proper hostess… bypassing my normal B.Y.O.B. and serving food and drinks.

With the porch open for the season, I’m good for calling the homies over for some quick summer finger foods, to include Mexican street corn and watermelon.

I really prefer my corn off the grill, but since it needed scraping which I didn’t feel like doing, I kept it simple and oven grilled it. Thankfully Fresh From Florida corn and watermelon are in season so I have time to enjoy a few of my favorite summer treats fresh off the grill. If you’ve never tried grilled watermelon, please add this delicacy to your bucket list.

Florida farmers have been working hard to make sure our favorite fruits and produce are available year-round. Be sure to check for the Fresh From Florida label on your favorite food, produce, and seafood in your local grocery store.

It’s always fun when I get to link up with my neighborhood family. Good neighbors feel like a built-in family. The summer is just starting and we have months of sitting out on the porch. I recently purchased new serving dishes, and I’ll be trying out some of these Fresh From Florida recipes, especially the Florida Sweet Corn and Ricotta fritters in the coming months. One thing is for sure, we are going to hang out, eat good, and have a great time this summer!

I know this isn’t the perfect picture, but it’s us in our element. Neighbors turned family!

Oven Grilled Mexican Street Corn

  • 4 Ears Corn
  • 1/2 tbsp Butter
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Ground Pepper
  • Paprika
  1. Shuck each ear of corn, making sure to keep the husk on.

  2. Rinse corn well

  3. Rub butter on each ear of corn, and add kosher salt, and ground pepper to taste

  4. Pull husk back over corn, and bake on cookie sheet at 425 for 15-20 minutes

  5. Broil on high for another 3-5 minutes

  6. Remove from oven and rub with butter. Finish by sprinklng parmesan cheese, and paprika on corn.

If you need some inspiration for your summer cookouts or just want to eat well this season with friends and family be sure to check out the Fresh From Florida website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Living

Following Your Heart + A Free Printable

I don’t know what it is about affirmations that get me right in the feels. I have a whole board of them on Pinterest, there are tons of screenshots on my phone, and the ones I really like, I memorize.

I’ll even say they hit different, just like a good sermon when you are at a crossroads and looking for a little confirmation.

I’ve made a decision to move forward with ANOTHER big change in my life. And no, it’s not a divorce and my marriage is fine. It’s time for my next assignment and while I’m not ready to reveal what that means just yet, I saw this affirmation on my Instagram Stories and it was a confirmation of a confirmation that I’m ready.

I’m not sure who created the quote, there was no attribution when I saw it… in a nutshell, I’m not the genius that said this.

In lieu of a vision board this year, I decided to go with a vision wall. I haven’t been pressed to fill it up, I figured as I saw things that inspired me, I would give them a space on the wall, likely at times switching a few things out.

This quote deserved some wall real estate so I took to Canva to make a nice image that I would love to share with you, hoping that it speaks to you as much as it did to me!

If you would like a copy, download it HERE!