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Gigi Verrey2025-10-28 07:20:012025-10-28 19:23:46Savory Sweet Tomato JamRecipes
Explore my easy, garden-fresh recipes. Many are simple and can be made vegan or with meat, with very smart tips to uncomplicate it and make it fun!
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Gigi Verrey2025-10-28 07:20:012025-10-28 19:23:46Savory Sweet Tomato Jam
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Gigi Verrey2025-09-21 11:00:522025-09-21 11:24:16Rustic Gazpacho
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Gigi Verrey2025-09-20 11:24:292025-09-21 11:40:29Mediterranean Fish StewMy Favorite Things
These are all my personal favorite products that I’ve found useful in the kitchen, garden, or elsewhere in the home!
Lifestyle Tips
Gardening
You don’t need to be born with a green thumb (or even two thumbs!) to be a gardener. Try my very smart tips for a very productive and beautiful garden!
Home Decor
Small, smart touches can make all the difference to how you feel about your home! Try some of my quick decor tips now!
Organizing
You can never be too organized. I love a smart tip to make things easier, and I love to share them!
Other Tips
Gift ideas, entertaining ideas, and general cooking and kitchen tips can all be found here!
Very Smart Ideas
Follow Me on Instagram!
Here is a no recipe-recipe for what to do with a can of white beans! Pull together a luscious snack or lunch in just minutes. Bonus if you’re lucky your meal will match your sweater, lol 😂. #easyrecipes #verysmartideas #healthylifestyle #beans
Asparagus season is right around the corner. It starts at the end of February and fatty stalks are showing up at your favorite grocer right now💚 Did you know there’s an easy way to keep your #asparagus, plump, sweet and more asparagus-y tasting while they wait in your fridge to be enjoyed? Yep! Follow along for more tips and tricks and consider saving this video to consult to use later🙏🏻
#spring #kitchentips
#verysmartideas
Here is an easy fun Valentine’s Day cocktail ❤️ or mocktail (sub seltzer for vodka)to make with ingredients that you most likely have in your fridge 🍸#verysmartideas #cocktails #mocktails #yumm
💖✨ Want to win Valentine’s Day? Just plop a BIG ol’ slice of this easy, ultra-moist strawberry Jell-O cake with dreamy cream cheese frosting on anyone’s plate and watch the magic happen. Bonus: It can be made gluten-free, so everyone can fall in love with it! 💕🍓 ◡̈
For more recipes go to www.verysmartideas.com
#easybaking
#valentinesday #verysmartideas #glutenfree #easyrecipes
Ingredients:
* 22-ounce package white cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, like eggs, vegetable oil, etc.)
* 1 cup water
* 3-ounce package strawberry-flavor gelatin mix
* 1 cup ice cubes
* 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2 cups heavy cream, keep in the refrigerator until ready to use
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* Fresh berries, fruit, optional
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and the eggs, oil, and water according to package directions. Mix until combined.
3. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
4. While cake is still warm, in a small saucepan bring the 1 cup water to boiling. Stir in gelatin mix until dissolved. Stir in ice cubes until melted.
5. Use a straw or the end of a chopstick to poke holes l inch apart all over the cake. Transfer gelatin mixture into a glass measuring cup and pour over top of the cake.
6. Chill until completely cool and gelatin is set, at least 1 hour or overnight.
7. For the frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined.
8. Gradually add the cold cream while beating; continue to beat until frosting becomes thick and forms soft peaks, then add the vanilla and beat until mixed, only a few more seconds.
9. Spread frosting over cake. Serve with strawberry, raspberries, or whichever fruit matches the gelatin flavor you use.
10. Cover and store leftover cake in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Here is the perfect guacamole recipe to serve a crowd for Super Bowel Sunday. This 🥑recipe comes together in just minutes thanks to this easy technique! #superbowl #guacamole #easyrecipes #verysmartideas #spicy
Savory Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli and Lemon
I adapted this quick and tasty dish featuring pasta, savory sausage, and fresh broccoli from a recipe by Ivy Manning in Better Homes & Gardens. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time!
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #30minutemeals #BHG
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: prep time10 minutes
Cook tome 15
Ingredients:
* 1 package long pasta such as fettuccine or pappardelle
* 11½-Ib. head broccoli, cut into small florets
* 2 large sausages such as kielbasa or sausage with Italian flavorings, sliced thinly on an angle
* 1 lemon, zested and juiced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake, optional
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 olive oil plus more for drizzling
* Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Over high heat, bring a large pot of water to boil.
2. Meanwhile, rinse and chop the broccoli,
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, add the lemon zest, juice and olive oil, pinch of salt and the red pepper flake, stir and continue cooking until browned about 3 to 4 more . Turn the heat off, and let sit.
4. When the water comes to a boil, cook the pasta, according to the directions on the package, add the broccoli 4-5 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking.
5. Be sure to grab a cup of the pasta water, and then drain , but do not rinse, and pour into a shallow serving bowl.
6. Pour the sausage, olive mixture over the pasta and broccoli and then add the Parmesan cheese, add a little of the pasta water and then mix. if necessary add a little more pasta water until a sauce develops. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, a bit more Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper and enjoy.
Notes: I like to trim the broccoli stocks and then use a vegetable peeler to peel off the hard parts and then I thinly sliced the stocks to use up every bit of the broccoli that might otherwise go to waste!
Kick off the week with this easy, flavor-packed Monday night dinner—crispy bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and golden Brussels sprouts, all ready in no time- plus it’s gluten free too. Here is the recipe so you can screenshot it to make it tonight! #glutenfree #gnocchi #easyrecipes #verysmartideas
Ingredients
8-10 strips thick cut bacon
2 pounds Brussels sprouts, about 30, rinsed, trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
17.5-ounce package store-bought*
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked pepper and kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the gnocchi according to package instructions. While you wait for the water to boil, fry the bacon.
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and let cool on paper towels. Coarsely chop the bacon and set aside.
Drain all but roughly 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat and turn the heat on medium-high. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the sprouts are tender and easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
Drain the gnocchi well and pour it into the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Stir to incorporate.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the chopped bacon. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the sprouts, gnocchi, and bacon and gently stir to incorporate.
Move to a serving platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper, and Kosher salt to taste.
Notes:
* I recommend De Cecco Potato Gnocchi for this recipe.
Feel free to add any freshly chopped herbs. I like fresh rosemary and or oregano.
This technique works for almost every type of herb, and I can’t believe I never thought about drying mint before! 🌿 Now I have mint ready to use whenever I want. No more wasted herbs! Share this tip with your friends and family who’d love to save their herbs too!
#ZeroWaste #verysmartideas #Mint #easyrecipes #Herbs
Craving something sweet and guilt-free? 🍊✨ This easy dessert is a game-changer: juicy orange drizzled with golden honey and topped with delicate shavings of rich chocolate. Healthy, simple, and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for a quick treat or to impress guests with minimal effort. 🥄 #HealthyDessert #easyRecipes #Chocolate #citrus #verysmartideas
I buy small yellow Yukon and red baby potatoes in bulk when they’re on sale. I use what I can and freeze the rest. I save money and reduce waste, and speed up dinner prep with this simple potato hack! 🥔✨ Boil and freeze small potatoes before they spoil,
Perfect for recipes like creamy fish chowder, hearty Irish stout beef stew, or crispy smashed potatoes. Buy in bulk, prep ahead, and enjoy the convenience! #KitchenHacks #SaveMoney #FoodPrep #Potatoes #easyrecipes #verysmartideas
Start your week off right with this easy and comforting one-pan meal featuring store-bought gnocchi! 🥔✨ It’s the perfect mix of fresh and light with creamy, cozy vibes. Quick to whip up and even easier to clean, it’s your new go-to Monday dinner. Try it once, and it’ll be a family favorite in no time! BTW I tried to post the recipe here, but it was a little too long. You can find it at verysmartideas.com type in “chicken and gnocchi” #Monday #Gnocchi #EasyRecipes #ComfortFood #WeeknightDinner
Chia banana pudding perfection 🥄✨ Creamy, sweet, and loaded with nutrients! 🌱 Chia seeds are a superfood packed with omega-3s, fiber, and protein to keep you full and energized. 💪 They transform into a dreamy pudding texture when mixed with liquid—perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert! 🍌🍯 Top it with ripe bananas, honey, or your favorite toppings for a treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. 🌟
Ingredients
* 1 cup water
* 3 tablespoons chia seeds
* 2 ripe bananas for pudding, plus one banana, chopped, for topping
* 1 cup full fat coconut milk
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Roasted pistachios, chopped for topping, optional
Instructions
1. Combine the water and chia seeds in a small resealable jar with a tight fitting lid. Tighten the lid, and shake vigorously to mix. Set aside for 30 minutes, shaking occasionally to break up any lumps that may develop.
2. While the chia seeds gel, add the bananas, coconut milk, cinnamon, and salt to a high-speed blender, or a food processor, and pulse until smooth.
3. Pour banana mixture into a quart-sized bowl. Add in the chia seed gel, scraping out all of gel with silicone spatula. Mix well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
5. Serve cold, topped with chopped banana and pistachios.
#ChiaPudding #HealthyEating #Superfoods #Banana #HealthyDessert #EasyRecipes #verysmartideas #cleaneating
🚗🍷 Car wine? Only kidding! These mini wine bottles are a kitchen lifesaver! Perfect for recipes that call for just a splash without opening a whole bottle. 🍇✨ Practical, easy to store, and always ready for cooking magic. Because no one wants to waste a full bottle for a 1/2 cup of wine! #wine #Cooking #zerowaste #cookingtips #verysmartideas
🌟 Quick & Easy High-Protein Onion Flatbread 🌟
I started to make this viral and delicious recipe and realized I wanted something less complicated (what else is new) so I made one large flatbread instead of individual rounds. It is so easy and just as protein-packed and has it all—crispy, flavorful, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients: cottage cheese, egg, onions, and spices! 💪✨
✅ High in protein
✅ Gluten-free friendly
✅ Perfect for meal prep
This one-bowl wonder comes together in minutes and is so versatile—serve it as a snack, wrap, or pair it with your favorite dips! 🥗🌯
🔥 Save this reel and give it a try! Don’t forget to tag me in your creations!
#HighProtein #EasyRecipes #Healthyfood #verysmartideas #onion
Quick & Easy Smashed Carrots Recipe 🥕✨ A savory-sweet snack or appetizer that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for staying on track with your New Year’s resolutions! Roasted to perfection, smashed, and tossed spices, they are delicious for any gathering or a cozy night in. #HealthySnacks #healthyfood #easyrecipes #limbdifferencecommunity #verysmartideas
Holiday leftovers piling up? From that half-eaten block of cheese to the lonely avocado half, it’s time to say goodbye to food waste! 🧀🥑
Beeswax wraps aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re your wallet’s new best friend. Why?
💡 Here’s the buzz:
1️⃣ Keeps Food Fresher, Longer: The natural seal locks in moisture, keeping your leftovers crisp and delicious.
2️⃣ Reusable: A single wrap lasts for months, saving you from constantly buying plastic wrap or foil.
3️⃣ Pays for Itself: Think about it—less wasted food = more $$$ in your pocket.
Cheese, avocados, veggies, fruit, bread—you name it! With beeswax wraps, you’ll protect your food and your budget.
Switch today, and let the money you save from wasted food cover the cost of these sustainable heroes. 🌍💰
👉 Tag a friend who needs this kitchen hack!
#BeeswaxWraps #SustainableLiving #KitchenHacks #ZeroWasteLifestyle #verysmartideas
