Inspired Fresh Life

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Smoked Pork Loin Roast with a Savory Rub

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Smoked Pork Loin is one of my favorite summer recipes. It’s easy to prepare, turns out perfectly juicy, and always brings a smile to the faces of those eating it. This is a recipe that I love to serve for a gathering of friends—it’s easy to smoke more than one pork loin if we have a larger crowd.

Smoked Pork Loin half sliced on wooden cutting board with knife behind and garnished with parsley.

While I know most of us aren’t having large gatherings at the moment, this is a perfect recipe for a family barbecue in the backyard. A two pound loin will provide about four generous servings. If you’re only feeding two people (like me), you’ll have leftovers to make bbq pork sandwiches 😋…

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara (Gluten-free)

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan has a crispy coating with juicy tenderloins and has quickly become a favorite recipe in this house. The homemade marinara is quick and easy, but is definitely worth simmering for a time to develop further depth of flavor. The first time I tried making this dish, Russ said, “This is the best Chicken Parm I have ever eaten.” That made my mind up. I knew I had to perfect the recipe to share with the rest of you.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on top of linguine on a black serving platter with a salad in the background.

I absolutely love how crispy the chicken is with this easy recipe, yet it remains juicy and tender inside. No need for a knife, your fork easily slices through the cutlets. Plus, using the air fryer is much healthier for you than deep frying in oil. You also cut down on the messy cleanup that frying always involves.…

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Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

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Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme is a recipe that I’ve been making on repeat lately, at least every other week. Why, you ask? Number one—it’s tender and juicy with a deliciously crispy skin. Number two—it’s incredibly economical. Not only do you have an easy, scrumptious dinner for the night, but you also have leftover shredded chicken to incorporate into other recipes. Plus, you also have the bones to cook down into a nourishing broth for so many uses in the kitchen.

Close up of Air Fryer Whole Chicken.…

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Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

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If  you like stuffed peppers, you will love how easy this Unstuffed Pepper Casserole is to make. And, even better, it’s great for meal prep—it freezes well for easy week night dinners.

Close up shot of Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

Plus, it’s super easy to adapt this recipe to what you have on hand. Use any rice or grain you have in your pantry. I’ve used white, brown, or wild rice (sometimes a combination). You can even use quinoa for an extra nutritional boost. Don’t have fresh peppers? Dice up a jar of fire roasted peppers. I like to use turkey sausage in mine, but you can substitute any ground meat you have on hand. Heck, you can even go vegetarian and substitute mushrooms or eggplant for the meat. …

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One Pot Beans and Sausage on Toast

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Beans and Sausage on Toast is a simple, rustic dish that makes use of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. You’ll love this delicious twist on a British classic. Beans combine with sausage, onion, garlic, greens, diced tomatoes, and spices creating a quick and easy, yet satisfying, one pot dinner the family will love. Simply serve over your favorite toasted crusty bread and add a side salad (such as a refreshing Caprese Salad) or a simple mixed greens salad.

Beans and Sausage on Toast on a black platter garnished with parsley with a wooden spoon in background.…

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One Pot Chorizo and Bean Chili

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Chorizo adds a smoky depth of flavor to chili that is absolutely delicious. This one pot Chorizo and Bean Chili will definitely become one of your favorite comfort food recipes.

Chorizo and Bean Chili in a wood bowl with cornbread and butter on the side

Plus, it’s super easy to make and feeds a crowd. Have you ever set up a chili bar? It’s the same concept as a taco bar. Simply set out assorted toppings and let your guests serve themselves. I also like to set out additions like corn bread and baked potatoes. Yes, chili and melty cheese are delicous toppings on a baked potato. 😉…

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Vegetable Sorghum Soup

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Vegetable Sorghum Soup is the perfect healthy soup for the cooler weather to warm you up. Serve it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner with a side salad and some crusty bread.

Vegetable Sorghum Soup in a white bowl with parsley garnish in front of a red Dutch oven.

If you’ve never heard of sorghum, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. In the United States, sorghum has primarily been used as a crop for livestock feed and the creation of ethanol. However, it is becoming popular in cooking as it does have a number of health benefits, including being a good source of plant protein and fiber. It is also high in potassium and antioxidants. …

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