Who wants to be in the kitchen this summer when there are fun things to do like go to the pool or beach? Heck, even moms who work outside the home want to make dinner quick, then go for a bike ride or a walk with the family before it gets dark. With MakingLifeBetter.com, you can plan do just that – make fast, delicious recipes that free up time for summer fun.
The MakingLifeBetter.com food section features budget recipes that are broken down into cost per recipe and cost per serving based on average retail prices at national supermarkets. There are also roundup recipes like Slow-Cooker Recipes or Simple Summer Fare, Summer Savings, and Fun on the Fourth. There’s even a Father's Day Cookout recipe plan. The secret to MakingLifeBetter.com recipes is using convenience foods, like Ragu Pasta Sauce or Lipton Tea to cut corners on time but not on taste.
By becoming a member of MakingLifeBetter.com, you can save recipes to your favorites to view or print out later. Sign up for their e-newsletter to get news about money-saving coupons, promotions and sweepstakes, along with recipes, quick tips and articles on everything from health and beauty to fitness and parenting.
Also check out the Making Life Better YouTube channel for videos and tips from Jennifer Bushman, The Cooking Coach.
Eating Smart with MakingLifeBetter.com
What I really like are their Eat Smart recipes. Not only is prep and cook time listed for each recipe, but they include the nutritional information – so helpful if you’re doing Weight Watchers or you or a family member is diabetic or on a special food plan. Here’s a sample recipe that I can’t wait to try.
Fruity Green Tea Smoothie
Makes two 8 oz. servings
This recipe is "Best Life" approved and great for using up those slightly overripe bananas. It’s also only 1 Weight Watchers POINTS per serving. To increase protein, you could add some protein powder
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 Lipton® Green Tea with Mandarin Orange Flavor Pyramid Tea Bags
- 2 tsp. sugar*
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (about 3 to 4)
Directions:
- In teapot, pour boiling water over Lipton® Green Tea with Mandarin Orange Flavor Pyramid Tea Bags; cover and brew 1-1/2 minutes.
- Remove Tea Bags and squeeze.
- Stir in sugar and chill.
- In blender, process tea, banana and ice cubes until blended. Enjoy!
*To reduce calories use a no-cal sweetener.
Nutrition information per serving (8 oz):
Calories: 80
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 11g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
(Full disclosure: For this review I received some product samples and coupons from Unilever and a Wal-Mart gift card. I’ve been a user of several of their product lines, like Ben & Jerry’s, Knorr, Sauve, and Lipton, for years.)
