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Food Blog Posts

A knife spreading strawberry jam on toast.

July 26, 2022

Summertime is a great time to try new recipes with in-season produce. Whether you garden yourself or have several friends who share their produce with you, there is always plenty of fresh produce to choose from this time of year.

A man cooks food on a grill.

July 19, 2022

Meat typically comes to mind when we think about backyard barbecues, but you can cook much more than that on the grill. Try adding fruits and vegetables this summer to go along with your protein choices.

Glass of Creamy Blueberry Shake

July 11, 2022

This Creamy Blueberry Shake is great for quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack.

Tuna cakes on a plate

July 1, 2022

If canned tuna is a pantry staple in your house, these Tuna Cakes can be on your dinner table in no time!

slice of Overnight Blueberry French Toast

June 21, 2022

This casserole recipe makes French toast simple. It’s great for breakfast but could easily be a dessert with the cream cheese and berry combination.

Easy Veggie Bake casserole

June 6, 2022

Not a fan of vegetables? Try this Easy Veggie Bake to camouflage them with a cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.

Canned salsa in a basket with other produce

June 2, 2022

Canning is a precise process that must be done correctly to have a safe, edible product. Proper preparation ahead of time will make the entire process much easier. These steps will help you get started.

Green tomato with buckeye rot.

May 26, 2022

Tomatoes are a popular crop for home gardeners, but they can be tricky to grow. Insects, disorders, and diseases can all cause problems with tomatoes. 

Beef brisket.

May 20, 2022

Beef is an excellent choice to include in a balanced diet. About half of the recommended daily value of protein is in a 3-ounce serving of beef! 

If you’re like me, you probably don’t know the characteristics of each cut of beef. When you’re at the grocery store, you just make the best guess you can and move on with your food shopping.  

You don’t just have to guess, though.  The Beef Checkoff program has lots of information about cuts, cooking methods, and...

a glass of lemonade

May 16, 2022

Lemonade is refreshing anytime of year! Try this version sweetened with honey.

A pile of heirloom tomatoes

May 12, 2022

Heirloom tomatoes have three distinct characteristics. Learn what makes them different from other kinds of tomatoes.

bunches of bananas

May 10, 2022

Potassium, like other nutrients, helps our bodies function properly. Potassium is a mineral that helps our bodies perform a number of functions, like muscle contractions, fluid regulation, and mineral balance in cells. It also helps us maintain normal blood pressure by limiting the effect of sodium. But many of us don't get enought of it. You might be surprised at the variety of potassium-rich foods.

closeup of meatballs

May 2, 2022

No matter how you slice it, venison is a great addition to your diet. These meatballs are versatile, and there are lots of ways you can add them to your meal plan.

Cooked tilapia on a plate

April 18, 2022

This Parmesan crusted tilapia is a quick and easy way to increase your fish intake. The dish has just a hint of red pepper flakes to add some personality.

A woman stands at a kitchen counter.

April 12, 2022

Seeds are an excellent source of fiber, healthy fats, and many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a great way to add some crunch with a nutritional punch!

A bowl of Cajun Spice Blend.

April 5, 2022

Making your own spice blends gives you more control of the ingredients and flavor profile of your meals. This salt-free Cajun Spice Blend will spice up your meals without adding unnecessary sodium.

Honey on a spoon.

March 25, 2022

Have you ever looked at a bottle of honey that’s been sitting in your cabinets for a while and thought, “this can’t still be good?” We’ve all probably been there. The honey in the bottle is dark and has a crystallized texture to it. I know I have a bottle of honey in my pantry that’s been there for several years!  

closeup of colorful, decorated cupcakes

March 17, 2022

Are you thinking of selling food items from your home kitchen? This kind of business venture is popular because if you like cooking, it’s a fun way to earn some extra cash. Here's what to know about Mississippi's Cottage Food Law, which governs this type of business.

Close up of Microwave Breakfast Cake

March 15, 2022

Do you sometimes like your breakfast sweet instead of a savory? Then, you’ll love this naturally sweet, fiber-rich Microwave Breakfast Cake.

Vegetables and olive oil on a counter.

March 7, 2022

Still looking for ways to improve your health in 2022? Well, adding more of the right kinds of food to your daily diet is one way to keep moving forward.

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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

A woman stands behind a kitchen counter with a variety of foods displayed.
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet is one way to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Tips to Manage High Blood Pressure
A plate of PBJ Nachos
PBJ Nachos are a fun and nutritious fruit snack!
The Food Factor: Slammin’ Graham PBJ Nachos
White flowers blooming on a tree.
With a dome-shaped crown and twisting trunk, one could imagine southern catalpa coming out of a fantasy book! (Photo by Adobe Stock)
Tree of the Month: Southern Catalpa