Delicious Tortelloni in Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

sage butter totelloni

This savory tortelloni sage butter sauce recipe is so delicious and so easy to make! It’s a quick meal and who doesn’t like that on a hot summer day? Serve it with a green salad and warm bread! YUM!!!!!

sage butter herb

Sage is an herb that I have growing in my garden. Not only can you use it in culinary dishes or yummy beverages, but sage is also an attractive addition to any garden. It’s easy to grow, easy to maintain, and dries very well for storing.

I like to make extra sage butter and keep some in the fridge to sprinkle over all kinds of things. This sage butter sauce can be used:

  • on spaghetti
  • ravioli
  • spread over bread
  • added to roasted vegetables
  • crush and sprinkle the cooked sage over eggs

Delicious Tortelloni in Sage Butter Sauce

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. fresh or frozen tortellini (I like the Costco two pack FIVE CHEESE TORTELLONI)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter cold
  • 1 cup 2-3 oz fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoon fresh Parmesan cheese grated/more for serving
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Coarse salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese grated for serving

Sage Butter Sauce Directions

1- Prepare the ravioli by bringing 5 quarts of salted water to a boil.

2- Boil the fresh ravioli for 6-8 min; if froz

en, follow the package instructions.

3- While the ravioli is boiling, melt the butter over low heat in a large frying pan. Add the fresh sage all at once. Stir as the sage wilts into the butter.

sage butter cooking

4- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered. The butter will brown perfectly as the sage and butter simmer together. YUMMMMM

5- Remove from heat and remove the sage, but don’t discard the sage.

 

6- Sprinkle in about a ½ cup of the crisp sage for more sage taste, if you prefer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice if using.

7- Season with a tiny amount of course salt and fresh ground black pepper. Stir.

8- Carefully drain the pasta. Arrange on a plate and spoon the sage sauce over top of the tortelloni or add the pasta to the pan and mix it all together  Sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve hot.

Delicious Tortelloni in Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

sage butter totelloni
This savory tortelloni sage butter sauce recipe is so deciious and so easy to make. Serve with salad and a warm slice of bread. Yum!
  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time10 min
  • Total Time20 min
  • Serving Size8

INGREDIENTS

    • 12 oz. fresh or frozen tortellini (I like the Costco two pack FIVE CHEESE TORTELLONI)
    • 1/3 cup unsalted butter cold
    • 1 cup 2-3 oz fresh sage
    • 2 tablespoon fresh Parmesan cheese grated/more for serving
    • 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (optional)
    • Coarse salt
    • Fresh ground black pepper
    • Fresh Parmesan cheese grated for serving

INSTUCTIONS

1

Prepare the ravioli by bringing 5 quarts of salted water to a boil.

Boil the fresh ravioli for 6-8 min; if frozen, follow the package instructions.

2

While the ravioli is boiling, melt the butter over low heat in a large frying pan pan. Add the fresh sage all at once. Stir as the sage wilts into the butter.

3

Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered. The butter will brown perfectly as the sage and butter simmer together. YUMMMMM

4

Remove from heat and remove the sage, but don’t discard the sage.

5

Sprinkle in about a ½ cup of the crisp sage for more sage taste, if you prefer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice if using.

6

Season with a tiny amount of course salt and fresh ground black pepper. Stir.

7

Carefully drain the pasta. Arrange the pasta on a plate and spoon the sage sauce over top the tortellini or add the pasta directly to the pan and mix it all together. Sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve hot.

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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How To Sew on a Button | Simple Hand Sewing Method

button

Everyone needs to learn how to sew on a button.

Most likely, sometime in your lifetime, you will have a button pop off a shirt or some clothing, and sewing it back on is super easy.

In this post, which includes a VIDEO, TUTORIAL, I will show you how easy it is to use a hand sewing method.

Items & Materials Needed

  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Toothpick
  • Button

In this post, which includes a VIDEO, TUTORIAL, I will show you how easy it is to use a hand sewing method.

button

DID YOU KNOW?

Most button-up shirts include a spare button. (Yep, kinda like a spare tire).

Look on the side seam of the shirt and there may be a single button sewn to the tag of the shirt.

Pretty cool because it can be a little challenging to find a button that looks exactly like the ones on your shirt, even if you do have a big jar of buttons as I do.

All you have to do is clip off the button and sew it on where the other one came off.

Let me show you how easy it is to do.

In case the shirt you need to replace a button does NOT have an extra button and you don’t have a jar of buttons, here is a link where you can get standard shirt buttons with the basic colors. 

button knotting thread

How to Sew On A Button

  1. Double thread the needle and knot the end. (The video tutorial will show a slick tip on how to easily knot the end of the thread).
  2. Locate the spot where the button needs to be applied.

 

button 3 methods

TWO HOLE BUTTON

  1. Insert the needle from the back of the fabric up into one of the holes in the button.
  2. Stick the needle back into the other hole and pull it out on the underside. DON’T PULL IT ALL THE WAY YET. Take the TOOTHPICK and place it between the two holes, with the thread over the toothpick. Continue to pull the thread tight over the toothpick.
  3. Reinsert the needle back up into the first hole and repeat the process THREE TIMES.
  4. Insert the needle back up into the fabric, BUT NOT THROUGH THE BUTTON this time. The needle should be between the fabric and the button.
  5. Wrap the thread around the strands of thread 3 times to create a shank. Take a small stitch at the base of the shank and knot. Insert the needle back into the fabric close to the stitches and out the back. Knot the thread one more time and clip the thread.
  6. That’s it! Pretty quick and simple, right?

FOUR HOLE BUTTON

You can stitch a four-hole button a few ways. You can make a crisscross or sew two parallel stitches.

Using the crisscross method, instead of sewing into the hole next to the one you just came up from, apply the needle to the hole at a diagonal.

Insert the toothpick in the same manner and make 3 passes on each diagonal. 

Create the thread shank just like you do on the two-hole method, and knot in the same manner.

SHANK BUTTON

Double-thread a needle and know the end.

Locate the place where the button will be applied and insert the needle into the back of the fabric just underneath where the button will go.

shank buttonThread the needle through the button shank and back down into the fabric close to the shank.

 

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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How To Make a Yummy Nutritionally Packed Berry Smoothie

morning rituals berry smoothie

This berry smoothie is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. I like it because it is quick, tastes yummy, is very nutritious and most importantly, it sustains me until lunchtime. I am one who does not do well with the standard bowl of cereal or other breakfast entrees. If I eat pancakes or french toast for breakfast, my body responds as if I had just eaten a serving of cake and ice cream. I need something with protein. For some reason, this little gem of a smoothie works for me, and perhaps it will be good for you too.

berry smoothieWould you like to know why this berry smoothie is so healthy?

It is jam-packed with goodness.

  • Berries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, plus they’re rich in antioxidants that can protect your cells from free-radical damage.
  • Hemp seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which are essential fats that help reduce inflammation, which may reduce your risk of heart disease.
  • Coconut oil has a unique combination of fatty acids that have a profound positive effect on health. This includes fat loss, better brain function, and various other amazing benefits.
  • Almond butter is high in protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats.
  • Chia seeds are a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.
berry smoothie ingredients

Of course, you can add or delete any of these items, here are the ingredients I usually use.

Berry Smoothie Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milk)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons almond butter or other nut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon hempseeds
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen berry mix (raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)

*Optional items you can add:

  • protein powder or collagen powder
  • a handful of spinach or other greens
  • a few walnuts or Brazil nuts
  • pumpkin seeds
  • other frozen fruits

Berry Smoothie Instructions

Put the liquid in the blender first, then add the rest of the items. Blend at high speed until smooth.

I do recommend using a HIGH POWER BLENDER. I have a BLENDTEC and have had it for years. It is a great appliance and I have had really good luck with the company backing up their product.

Another blender I recommend is the Vitamix. You can also get by with a less expensive model and brand, but if you’re going to be blending a lot and blending things like nuts, grains, etc. it’s worth it in the long run to get a good machine. They do last a long time!

berry smoothie ear plugs

I recommend wearing ear protection when using a blender.

I know this seems silly but I am big into protecting my hearing and these blenders really are quite loud.

berry smoothie

How much does this recipe make?

This usually makes enough for two people. If no one else is around to share, put some in a mason jar and place a lid on it or cover it with plastic wrap for later. It will even keep for a few days.

My husband loves it when I have an extra berry smoothie in the fridge for him.

*By the way, I love these plastic lids that fit on mason jars. I have regular and wide mouth lids. As you can tell, I put everything in mason jars. We even use jars as drinking glasses in our home. Nothing fancy here.

Give this yummy berry smoothie a whirl!

WARNING! Keep a napkin handy, no matter how careful you are this smoothie somehow ends up on the rim of your nose and around your mouth. You don’t even know it’s there. We have to check each other or look in the mirror before going out, sure enough there will be a little dab of purple goodness on my nose or lips.

How To Make a Yummy Nutritionally Packed Berry Smoothie

morning rituals berry smoothie
This berry smoothie is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. I like it because it is quick, tastes yummy, and is chuck full of nutrition!
  • Prep Time5 min
  • Total Time5 min
  • Yield2 servings
  • Serving Size2 cups
  • Meta LabelLabel Value

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milk)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon hemp seeds
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen berry mix (raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)

Optional Item Additions

  • a handful of spinach or other greens 
  • a few walnuts or Brazil nuts 
  • pumpkin seeds

INSTUCTIONS

1

Put the liquid in the blender first, then add the rest of the items.

 
2

Blend at high speed until smooth.

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Gathering Fabric With a Serger/Overlock Machine the Easy Way

gathering fabric serger

When it comes to gathering fabric, if you have a serger or overlock machine, you’re in luck because I’m going to show you how to do it the EASY WAY. All you really need to do is adjust a few settings and you’re good to go.

There are a few ways to create gathers or ruffles with your serger/overlock machine. I’m going to show you two ways and give you some tips to make the process real simple.

Gathering Fabric Method #1

The first thing you’ll need to do is adjust a few of the settings on your machine. Note: you can use either 3 or 4 threads

DIFFERENTIAL FEED: 2

STITCH WIDTH: 5.5

STITCH LENGTH: 4

I recommend cutting some strips of scrap fabric to practice sewing on. Different weights and textures of fabric will gather a little differently.

gathering fabric reg foot

This first method does not require a special presser foot. Just leave your regular presser foot on.

  1. Place the fabric under the presser foot with the fabric edge along the edge of your presser foot. You’ll be cutting off just a little bit of the fabric as you sew.
  2. Start sewing. Hold the fabric loosely and allow it to slide under the presser freely. Guide the edge of the fabric along the edge to keep it aligned and straight.

With the machine at these settings, the fabric will generally gather up to ½ the length that you started with. If you want the gathering to be tighter, simply find the needle thread (which is the thread between the looper threads), and using a seam ripper, gently pull on it to gather more.

What I love about using a serger for gathering fabric is that it not only gathers the fabric, but it finishes the edge so it won’t fray.

gathering fabric foot

Gathering Fabric Method #2

This method requires a GATHERING FOOT. Some machines will come with this foot, and other models don’t. You can purchase one separately. If you do have to purchase one, it is well worth the money.

This is what the gathering foot looks like. Depending on the model of your serger, they may look a little different, but most of them will have this little spring plate on the bottom. Remove the basic presser foot and apply the gathering foot.

gathering fabricYou can create gathers by simply running a strip of fabric under the presser foot as you did with the other foot.

The cool thing about this gathering foot is that you can gather AND attach the gather to a non-gathered piece of fabric. For example: if you want to add a ruffle to a pillowcase, skirt waistband, apron, etc., it makes this task a SNAP!

Gathering Fabric and Attaching

To practice, cut a strip of fabric say 20 inches in length. Cut another piece of fabric 10 inches.gathering fabric

  1. Place the long strip (ruffle fabric) under the presser foot and take 1-2 stitches only. Grab your short strip and slide it into that little slot on the presser foot until the edge is lined up with the ruffle strip.gathering fabric hand position
  2. Take a few stitches only so the needles grab both pieces of fabric. Adjust your hands so the left hand is holding the top piece of fabric and the right hand is holding the ruffle fabric.
  3. Continue to sew letting the fabric slide easily and feed into the foot freely. While you sew, keep the two edges of the fabric lined up with each other and in alignment with the edge of the presser foot. (It takes a little practice, but you’ll get the feel for it quickly).
gathering fabric and attaching

Tadah! Open up the two pieces of fabric and look how cool that is! Such a faster and more efficient way to go about gathering fabric.

So, if you have a serger/overlock machine, adjust a few settings and have fun making ruffles!

What if you don’t have a serger?

No worries. Stay tuned because I will be showing you how to easily create ruffles and gathers on a regular sewing machine.

Have fun sewing!

jan3

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Delicious Crunch Roll Bowl Recipe With Spicy Mayo Dressing

crunch roll bowl

This crunch roll bowl is a delicious combination of teriyaki browned tofu, served over a bed of rice, and topped with edamame, cucumber, avocado, and a little toss of crunchy onions. Top it off with a drizzle of spicy mayo dressing and you’ve got a tasty crunch roll bowl that you’re going to fall in love with.

When it comes to sushi, I’m not much of a fan of the fish-based rolls, BUT I do love a good California crunch roll! This recipe is quick and easy to make and the flavor is to die for.

If you’re not a tofu lover, you can substitute it for portobello mushrooms, or just leave it out completely. If you’ve never tried tofu, I suggest you give it a whirl. The teriyaki sauce really does make it taste good and it is a good source of protein.

crunchy roll bowl rice

Preparing the rice for this CRUNCH ROLL BOWL dish can be done a lot faster using the Instant Pot (my favorite appliance ever)! 

crunch roll bowl ingredients

Crunch Roll Bowl Ingredients

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1 cup rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 cucumber, finely diced
  • 1 avocado, cut into chunks or slices
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (if you want more heat)
  • a swish of neutral oil (avocado or olive oil)
  • ½ cup teriyaki or a savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce
  • ½ cup crunchy fried onions, crushed (the kind you buy in a carton when you’re making green bean casserole).

Spicy Mayo Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayo
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)

Crunch Roll Bowl Instructions

1- Prepare the spicy mayo by simply mixing the mayo and sriracha together.

2- Prep the tofu: Press the water out of the tofu. (Here is a great video showing how to do that if you don’t know how).

3- Cook the rice (Use the Instant Pot if you have one)!

4- Cook edamame according to package directions.

5- Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes. Heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden brown. Add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of teriyaki sauce, just enough to coat the tofu, and stir fry again until golden brown.

6- Assemble bowls with rice, tofu, more teriyaki sauce, edamame, cucumber, crunchy onions, and spicy mayo.

Enjoy!

Yum, Yum!

Delicious Crunch Roll Bowl Recipe With Spicy Mayo Dressing

crunch roll bowl
This crunch roll bowl is a delicious combination of teriyaki browned tofu, served over a bed of rice, and topped with edamame, cucumber, avocado, and a little toss of crunchy onions. Top it off with a drizzle of spicy mayo dressing and you’ve got a tasty crunch roll bowl that you’re going to fall in love with.
  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time10 min
  • Total Time30 min
  • Yield4

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 block extra firm tofu
    • 1 cup rice, uncooked
    • 2 cups frozen shelled
    • edamame
    • 1 cucumber, finely diced
    • 1 avocado, cut into chunks or slices
    • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (if you want a more heat)
    • swish of neutral oil
    • ½ cup teriyaki or savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce
    • ½ cup crunchy fried onions, crushed

Spicy Mayo

    • ½ cup mayo
    • 2-3 Tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

INSTUCTIONS

1

Prep the tofu: Press the water out of the tofu. (Here is a great video showing how to do that if you don’t know how).

 
2

Cook the rice (Use the Instant Pot if you have one)!

3

Cook edamame according to package directions.

4

Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes. Heat a little oil over medium high heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden brown. Add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sauce, just enough to coat the tofu, and stir fry again until golden brown.

5

Assemble bowls with rice, tofu, more teriyaki sauce, edamame, cucumber, crunchy onions, and spicy mayo.

6

Enjoy! YUM, YUM!

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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How To Make an Arm Sleeve | Sun Protection | Upcycled Clothing

arm sleeve

When you’re driving in the car, and you can’t find shade for your arm, this arm sleeve is the perfect solution! It’s a quick and very simple project that will only take you 10 minutes to make. What’s even better…you can make it from an upcycled shirt.

Why it’s so important to cover your arm while driving and other activities?

My dermatologist and many studies online show a significantly higher rate of skin cancers on the left arm versus the right. (Very interesting).

“Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, Just over half,  53%, had skin cancers on the left side of their body”.

I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to cover my arms, and these arm sleeves are a simple solution.

What is an arm sleeve?

An arm sleeve is a protective arm covering that can be used for several things. Tight-fitting arm sleeves can be used for compression, helping with blood flow, swelling, and temperature control. You can also wear a more loose-fitting arm sleeve for sun protection.

What fabric is best for arm sleeves?

If you’re wanting to make an arm sleeve for sun protection, the best fabrics to use are synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. These fabrics generally have a tighter weave, which is good for sun protection.

arm sleeveMost likely, you know that I’m a big fan of recycling and upcycling clothing. You can use the sleeve of an existing long sleeve top. Look through your closet and see if you have any sportswear (long-sleeved jackets, swim tops, etc) that have a high content of the synthetic and stretchy fabric.

If you don’t, check out your local THRIFT STORES and second-hand stores. You can usually find and pick up a shirt at a good price.

Materials & Items Needed

  • Long sleeve shirt (fabric qualifications as listed above)
  • Scissors/Rotary Cutter and mat (optional)
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Ballpoint/Microtex or universal sewing machine needle
  • Fabric for cuff (if the fabric from the shirt you’re upcycling is stretchy enough, you can use the bottom portion of the shirt). If not, you can use another upcycled clothing item like leggings, yoga pants or anything that has a lot of stretch to it. (I recommend at least 50% stretch).

How to make a protective arm sleeve

 

1-Cut off the sleeve of an existing long sleeve shirt.

2- Measure the upper part of your arm.

Subtract 1 inch/2.5 cm from that measurement and write it down.

arm sleeve binding

3- Cut out the cuff.

Measure a piece of binding fabric (4 inches/10 cm x YOUR ARM MEASUREMENT – 1 INCH). **** Cut the length (arm measurement) on the stretch of the fabric.

4-Fold the cuff in half with short ends lined up (RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER).

Sew down the short end using a STRAIGHT STITCH, 3/8” SEAM ALLOWANCE.

arm sleeve half way points5- Fold the cuff in half horizontally and line up the cut edges and seam.

To mark the HALF WAY POINTS on the sleeve cuff and upper sleeve, fold them in half and mark the halfway points with pins.

arm sleeve pinning cuff6- Place the cuff over the top of the arm sleeve with (RIGHT SIDES FACING EACH OTHER) and seams lined up.

Line up the seams and halfway points and pin them in place. (THE CUFF WILL BE SMALLER THAN THE SLEEVE). You’ll be stretching the fabric to ease the fabric in as you sew. WATCHING THE VIDEO TUTORIAL WILL REALLY HELP SEE HOW THIS IS DONE.

arm sleeve seam

****If the sleeve has a lot of bulk and the cuff doesn’t have enough stretch to it, you can narrow the upper sleeve by tapering the arm sleeve seam.

7- Change the stitch on your sewing machine to a LIGHTNING BOLD STITCH or NARROW ZIGZAG STITCH.

arm sleeve sewing8- Sew around the cuff stretching as you sew.

Keep all three layers of fabric edges lined up as you sew. TAKE YOUR TIME. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

 

arm sleeve diy9- Flip the cuff out and that’s it!

I like to keep one or two of these arm sleeves in the car, in my gardening apron, and in my backpack when hiking.

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Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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