All About Home.

Weekly menu plan! 11/19-11/26

2012-11-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

Weekly menu plan 11/19-11/26

Monday-
breakfast- pancakes with maple syrup
lunch- tuna and rice crackers with veggies and homemade allergy free dip
dinner- Chicken, veggie and rice soup with gluten free foccasia bread
snack- goat yogurt in a gluten free ice cream cone topped with blackberries

Tuesday-
breakfast- omelette's
lunch- turkey sandwich with green smoothies
dinner- Elk Tacos with rice and beans
snack- gluten free lemon coconut blondies

Wednesday-
breakfast- loaded oatmeal
lunch- hummus with organic corn chips, peppers, carrots and cucumbers
dinner- BBQ chicken enchiladas with quinoa and a balsamic salad
snack- pears

Thursday-
breakfast- eggs, potatoes and hot sauce
lunch- turkey dogs, black beans chips and homemade salsa
dinner-Thanksgiving!
snack- do we really need snacks on Thanksgiving??

Friday-
breakfast- gluten free hot cereal
lunch- rice cakes with homemade sunflower butter and fruit
dinner- leftovers.... yes!
snack- leftover pie :)

Saturday-
breakfast- loaded oatmeal
lunch- hummus with organic corn chips, peppers, carrots and cucumbers
dinner- allergy free version of the Pioneer Woman's meatballs over rice with a big salad
snack- goat yogurt in a gluten free ice cream cone topped with blueberries

Sunday-
breakfast- eggs, potatoes and hot sauce
lunch- turkey sandwich with green smoothies
dinner- gluten free pizza and salad
snack- veggies, rice crackers and dip

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Apple Valley Natural Soap Giveaway!!

2012-10-04T08:13:00.002-07:00

These soaps and skin care products look so yummy! Head on over and check out this giveaway!

http://thefocusedhomemaker.com/ Good luck!

My new favorite salad dressing.

2012-09-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

So.....I ran out of oil and I was trying to think of something else I could use for our salad tonight! Then it dawned on me that I have 20lbs of apples! This is so yummy. Double yummy.

Oil-free Apple Basil Dressing

1 large Gala apple should equal approx. 2c of liquid ( or you could use apple juice)
1/4c coconut vinegar
1/4c apple cider vinegar (or just 1/2c apple cider vinegar)
4-5 fresh basil leaves (or 1tsp dried basil)
i clove garlic (or 1/2 tsp. dried garlic)
1/2 tsp. Redmond's Real Salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 packets of stevia

Put all in your blender and enjoy! We are serving ours over a spinach, red cabbage, jalapeno salad. Yum-O!

Menu Plan for 9/5-9/12

2012-09-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

New week, new food! My hubby and I got out for the day this weekend, did our big once a month shopping trip and had lunch out! It was so fun, we laughed alot! Boy, I love that guy. Anyways....back to food... here it is, the new weekly menu plan. :)

Menu Plan for 9/5-9/12

Monday-
breakfast- fall coconut muffins with goat yogurt
lunch- black bean tostadas with guacomole tomatillo salsa
dinner- Spaghetti squash topped with chicken and homemade marinara sauce and balsamic salad
snack- homemade kettle corn

Tuesday
breakfast- cereal with coconut milk and sliced bananas
lunch-tuna sandwiches with rice chips and grapes
dinner- turkey tacos with homemade cuban black beans and chips and homemade salsa
snack- cookie dough dip (made with chickpeas!) with sliced apples, carrots and gf animal crackers

Wednesday
breakfast- eggs with brown rice toast
lunch- leftover chicken and potatoes with baby carrots
dinner- bible study potluck
snack- healthy rice krispie bars

Thursday
breakfast- loaded oatmeal
lunch- turkey sandwiches with veggie sticks and fruit
dinner- chicken tortilla soup topped with chips and sliced avocados
snack- green smoothies

Friday
breakfast- overnight gf hot cereal topped with bananas and maple agave
lunch- hummus, organic chips, peppers and strawberry spinach smoothies
dinner- breakfast burritos
snack- gf ice cream cones filled with goat yogurt and raspberries

Saturday
breakfast- eggs and potatoes with hot sauce
lunch- tostadas with black beans and homemade salsa
dinner- homemade gf pizza with a greek salad
snack- quinoa cereal bars

Sunday
breakfast- grain free coffee cake with blueberries
lunch- leftover gf pizza with veggie sticks
dinner- date, shallot and rosemary chicken over quinoa with sauteed balsamic collard greens
snack- kids choose or bake something themselves

Simplifying life in the kitchen.

2012-08-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

I had a couple ideas on how to simplify life in your kitchen and I thought
I would share them and hopefully bless some other Mamas/Wives!

Amazing kitchen time saving tip #1
- Hire a Chef. Just kidding.

Ok seriously one of the things I do to save time is once a month my sweet friend and I get together and we have a massive baking day. We do plan ahead what recipes we would like to bake and make sure we have all of the ingredients we need. We usually bust out approx. 12-16 gf, df, recipes! We make anything from breads, cookies, snacks, coffee cake, muffins, hummus, salsa, dips, bars, etc. But here's the kicker.... we hardly bake any of it. We just get the batters/dough prepared and then put it in large baggies and then store them in the freezer/ refrigerator. That way we can guarantee healthy, freshly baked yummies all month without messing up the kitchen! It has been an amazing blessing and frees up so much time! Plus I get to fellowship with my friend, our children have all day to play and our husbands usually go fishing, it's a win/win situation for all! My friend usually brings her kitchen aid mixer (and I use mine) and then we each just pick a recipe and double or quadruple it then put it in 2 different bags, one for her, one for me. This enables us to get alot more done!

Another tip is to double your dinners. Things like soups, casseroles, batters (such as bread, waffles, pizza crust) and shredded meats ( bbq chicken, shredded beef) all freeze well. Just double your dinners and freeze the other half so you can pull it out on a busy day and still supply your family with a delicious, nutritious meal!

My last tip is to grocery shop monthly. I will never look back and grocery shop weekly again! Some of you may be thinking "Wait! How does her produce stay good?" "What about her bread?" Etc.. Ok so here it is.... I grocery shop the 2nd week of the month and I usually hit Costco, Trader Joes, Target, etc. This is where I spend the bulk of my monthly grocery budget. And yes I shop for the month, and yes I usually only take one child (date time!) with me well because frankly, I couldn't fit anymore in the car with all those groceries!! I also try to get one big roast or chicken that I can use the meat for atleast 3 different dinners but cook it all at once and freeze what I don't need right away. I get enough bread for the month but then freeze what I don't need right away, if I run out, I make some!` Also I order from Azure Standard every month which comes the 4th week of the month. This order consists mainly of gf bread, coconut milk, hot dogs (for lunches), chips, some produce (to ensure we have fresh produce all month!), grains, potatoes, etc. Then around the first week of the month I order from Vitacost, this order consists mainly of vitamins, cereal, snacks, etc. Lastly the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month I either order from bountiful baskets or on our library days I run into the Farmer's Market store and pick up veggies and fruit. It takes me all of 10 minutes and I am done! So you see we are receiving fresh food every week of the month but it mostly comes to my door, saving on my time, gas money and spending more money than your budget would allow. I admit it did take me awhile to figure out this system and how much money it would take but I will tell you it has been worth every minute it took me to perfect it! Well it's not perfected but it works!

Time is precious whether you have 1 or 10 sweet kids at home, whether you work out of the home or in it, homeschool or not, it's precious. Let's spend it wisely! I hope this blesses some of you! It was definitely not to overwhelm you, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask! Blessings!

Menu Plan for 8/24- 8/31

2012-08-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's not fancy, not my best but here it is: our menu plan for the next week. :)

Friday
breakfast- gf, df, egg free, sf banana bread with cantaloupe
lunch- bean and avocado tostadas
dinner- Cajun chicken on brown rice pasta with sauteed crooked neck squash (from our garden!)
snack- strawberry smoothie topped with granola

Saturday
breakfast- loaded oatmeal
lunch- tuna with gf crackers, carrot sticks and apple slices
dinner- roasted corn chowder with gf dinner rolls
snack- popcorn popped in coconut oil

Sunday
breakfast- gf cereal with coconut milk and sliced strawberries
lunch- fried egg sandwiches on gf bread with df, sf orange julius smoothies
dinner- gf pizza with a big balsamic salad
snack- rice cakes with sunflower butter

Monday
breakfast- eggs, potatoes and hot sauce (a fav!)
lunch- bean and avocado tostadas
dinner- sweet lemon pepper chicken over quinoa and a Greek salad
snack- goat yogurt in a gluten free ice cream cone topped with blueberries

Tuesday
breakfast- gf hot cereal topped with maple agave and seeds (flax, chia, sunflower)
lunch- sunflower butter and raw honey sandwiches with fruit and veggies with dip
dinner- breakfast! (waffles, turkey bacon, eggs and green smoothies!)
snack- df hot chocolate with df, gf, sf, egg free oatmeal cookies

Wednesday
breakfast- vanilla goat yogurt and berries over quinoa
lunch- hummus with organic corn chips and a cabbage salad
dinner- we eat dinner with our bible study groups on wed. nights :)
snacks- green smoothies

Thursday
breakfast- eggs, potatoes and hot sauce
lunch- turkey sandwiches with rice chips
dinner- spicy pineapple grilled chicken salad with organic chips and homemade salsa
snack- gf pretzels dipped in sunflower butter

Awakening Beauty

2012-08-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

This is a podcast/website my dear friend and I have been working on. We just want to share our hearts as believers, mamas and wives! We want to thrive as God designed us! Have a listen and let me know what you think! Thank you!

This is the link to the newest podcast:
http://awakeningbeauty.org/?p=135

The website is:
www.awakeningbeauty.org

Noodle-less Veggie Lasagna

2012-08-17T21:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, so the invention of this recipe was due to an abundance of squash from our garden, BUT it was delicious! It got thumbs up from all the kids....don't know about my hubby yet though ;)

Noodle-less Veggie Lasagna
serves 6

4 red or russet potatoes, thinly sliced
3-4 squash (crooked neck, zucchini, yellow) thinly sliced
1T olive oil
salt & pepper
garlic powder
2c goat/feta/cheddar cheese
2c marinara sauce
1/2 white onion, diced
1 lb. ground sausage, cooked
fresh basil, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread 1T olive oil in bottom of 9x13" pan. Layer half of the potatoes and squash in bottom of your pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder and S&P. Then top with 1c of cheese. Repeat the layer again but this time top with marinara sauce, chopped onion, sausage and cheese. Bake covered for 30 minutes and then uncovered at least 15 minutes, check potatoes to make sure they are soft. When done top with fresh sliced basil and serve. Enjoy!

Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream! Dairy-free!!

2012-06-29T20:54:00.003-07:00

Let's face it, it's summer... when I hear summer I hear ice cream! I love ice cream. Alot. After many flops THIS is the recipe we love!!! The possibilities of flavors are endless if you keep this your basic recipe!

Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream

2c coconut milk (i use canned because its thicker and works better!)
1/2c raw honey
5-8 drops vanilla stevia
1-2 tsp. pure vanilla
1/4 tsp. guar gum or arrowroot

*I usually double this recipe*

First, I mix all of the ingredients in my vitamix then pour into my wonderful, beautiful, amazing ice cream maker. Then I push on, leave it for 30 mins and move it to my freezer. Voila! Super easy! Then I would suggest taking the ice cream out of the freezer approx. 20 mins before serving! Top with berries or your favorite topping! Also tastes delicious in root beer floats!

P.S. my ice cream maker (that I adore) is this one : http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-ICE-30BC-Indulgence-2-Quart-Automatic/dp/B0006ONQOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341028346&sr=8-2&keywords=cuisinart+ice+cream+maker

New Website and Podcasts!

2012-06-28T09:39:00.003-07:00

Wow...long time no chat! Sorry about that! I wanted to let everyone know that, along with a friend, we have started a new blog and have uploaded some podcasts that you can now get on itunes for free! Our blog called www.awakeningbeauty.org is mainly for women/wives/mamas and focuses on having steadfast conviction while serving God, our husbands and our children! I would love feedback! And I do promise to still post recipes/homeschooling/family stuff here! Happy Thursday!

Honduras!!!!

2012-02-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

My eldest daughter Faith and I are getting ready to go on a missions trip to Honduras in the the beginning of March. We will be serving in a medical clinic and an orphanage. We are beyond excited. Planning for this trip and been one open door after another. God is so good! This is a first trip for both of us. I have a feeling it will not be our last, especially Faith. She has a real call on her life. I thought some of you may enjoy reading our Missions support letter. When we come home I will be posting about our adventure and posting pics! Have a beautiful day!!

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m writing to tell you about an amazing opportunity my daughter, Faith, and I have. It is our great desire to go on a missions trip to Honduras with the World Gospel Outreach Organization in March. I know this is short notice, but the Lord has brought it before us in so many ways and opened so many doors, we cannot ignore it. We know it is His calling and He will provide.

I would like to tell you a little about Faith, 11 years of age. She has had a REAL heart for missions, especially orphans, for years. In the past four years Faith has raised money to help pay for a Smile Train operation for one child and raised enough money to buy a goat for the little girl we sponsor in Ethiopia. She saved for over two years for her childhood dream, a husky dog. With over $200 saved, one night Faith said she knew clearly that God wanted her to use that money to help orphans. She was rewarded with a wonderful birthday surprise of a husky puppy from family members. Faith has eagerly read every book about missionaries she can, to fuel that very real call on her life. I, too, definitely have a “Servants heart,” and can’t wait to further God’s Kingdom.

Faith and I will have a week long stay at “The Ranch,” which includes a medical clinic to help the local villages and an orphanage. Can you just see the excitement in Faith’s eyes as her dreams unfold before her? Our service there will be, first and foremost, to tell people in the surrounding villages about Jesus: that they are not alone, but loved and cherished by the One who came to save us. Secondly, we will serve in the clinic and orphanage. Also, we’ll assist wherever we can with repairs, painting, etc.

Just imagine! If ONE orphan comes to Christ, our service will not be in vain. I hope you see the same value in what WE CAN accomplish in Jesus’ name! A trip like this, for us, will require financial support. Faith and I , together, need to raise $3000 before March. We have plans to do all we can, and ask that you prayerfully consider helping us. Whether or not you feel God’s leading to contribute financially, we covet your prayers for safety and boldness in carrying the banner of Christ. Prayer is the fuel that will bring us success in His name.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and any financial support you feel led to give. May God richly bless you.

Because some have not yet heard,

Caitlin and Faith Steng

Homemade Candy Bars..... seriously.

2012-02-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

I cannot explain how yummy these bars are. Why you ask? Because there are no words for their deliciousness. Try them. Today. You will not be sorry. ;)

Homemade Candy Bars
altered from New Nostalgia

1c peanut/almond/sunflower butter
2/3c raw honey
1/2c coconut oil
2c oats
1c dark chocolate chips
coconut to sprinkle on top

Melt the nut/seed butter, honey and coconut oil together in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir together with oats and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt, you want this to happen. Spread evenly into a 7X11 or 8X8 " pan and sprinkle the desired amount of coconut on top. Place in refrigerator and restrain yourself from eating them until they are cooled and hard. Then make a latte or cup of coffee, get yourself a cooled "candy bar", grab a good book and enjoy your quiet time! Try not to get chocolatey finger prints in your book. ;) Enjoy!

Meal Plan 1/29/12- 2/5/12

2012-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

Here is our meal plan for the week... per request ;) I pray everyone has a blessed week!!

Sunday
breakfast- homemade granola with coconut milk
lunch-flatbread with smeared avocado, turkey, sprouts
dinner-gluten/dairy free biscuits and gravy with green smoothies

Monday
breakfast- homemade gluten/dairy free blueberry muffins with fruit
lunch- veggie stir fry
dinner-crockpot turkey chili with gluten/dairy free cornbread

Tuesday
breakfast- homemade granola with coconut yogurt and berries
lunch- flatbread with sunflower butter, sliced apples and honey
dinner- Shredded elk enchiladas with homemade beans and spanish rice

Wednesday
breakfast- smoothies and toast
lunch- flatbread with tuna and sprouts
dinner- Breakfast burros/tacos with turkey bacon and green smoothies

Thursday
breakfast- oatmeal
lunch- hummus, rice chips and salad
dinner- potato bar with fix-ins (leftover homemade chili, yogurt, green onions, turkey bacon, tomatoes, japs, lettuce, etc.)

Friday
breakfast- granola with coconut milk
lunch- flatbread with smeared avocado, turkey, sprouts and sliced apples
dinner- gluten free pizza with roasted veggies on top and a balsamic salad (dinner and a movie!) for dessert a GF version of PW prune cake!

Saturday
breakfast- waffles and berry syrup
lunch- leftovers or flatbread
dinner- PW turkey meatballs with rice and balsamic salad

Snacks for the week
granola bars
lemon bars
chocolate chip cookies
coconut yogurt smoothies

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies!

2012-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

These. Are. Delicious. Period.

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies

3 1/2c oats
1 1/2c gluten free flour mix (I used Bob's Red Mill)
3/4c shredded unsweetened coconut
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Redmond's Real Salt
2 sticks of butter or 1c melted coconut oil (I used coconut oil)
2/3c Sucanat
1/2c raw honey
1/4c applesauce (no sugar added)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1c organic chocolate chips
3/4c dried cranberries

The directions are very simple. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Please. Mix melted butter/coconut oil, honey, sucanat, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking soda and cinnamon together. Then add the flour, coconut and oats, mix well. Then by hand mix in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop 1-2T of cookie dough onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for approx. 12 mins. Makes approx. 3 dozen cookies. I dare you to eat one straight out of the oven. You will be very happy. Your tummy will thank you. It's even better with a tall glass of coconut milk. Yum. Enjoy!

Gluten/Dairy Free Sugar Cookies! Frosting Recipe as well!!

2011-12-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas!!!

Gluten/Dairy Free Sugar Cookies

2/3c Sucanat or organic powdered sugar
1/4c organic shortening
1/4c coconut oil
2 egg yolks
2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4c gluten free flour mix
1/2 tsp. Redmond's real salt
3T coconut milk/water (if needed)
guar gum..... if your gf baking mix doesn't have guar or xanthan gum I would add 3/4 tsp.

Blend sucanat in Vita-mix or blender until you get a powdery form. Meanwhile cream together shortening, coconut oil and powdered sugar until fluffy. Then mix in egg yolks, one at a time, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low, scraping the sides if needed. If you need the extra liquid add 1 tablespoon at a time, you don't want it runny. Wrap dough in saran wrap and put in fridge until cold or overnight. Once its cold bring it back out, pat dough down on floured surface and form into a disc. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the cookie disc and roll out until 1/8" thick. Dust the cookie cutters with flour and push them in, giving a little juggle mind you, we all have a little extra jiggle during the holidays anyways ;). Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 mins. You want the edges to be lightly browned, let them cool on cookie sheet for approx. 3 mins and cool completely before frosting!!

Dairy Free Vanilla Frosting

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

½ cup coconut milk powder

pinch of salt

¼ cup and 2 T. coconut yogurt, divided

½ t. vanilla

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, coconut milk powder and salt until combined. Using your mixer at a low speed setting, mix in the ¼ cup coconut yogurt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the remaining 2 T. coconut yogurt and vanilla and beat until thick and creamy. Yum-o!!!!

Quick Gluten/Dairy Free Pumpkin Dinner Rolls!

2011-10-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

These rolls are amazing! They go great with casseroles, soups, breakfast or for a snack!

Quick Gluten/Dairy Free Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
adapted from Living Without's dinner roll recipe

3c gluten free mix
1/4c coconut flour
1/4c coconut milk powder (or regular milk powder if there's no dairy allergy)
3/4tsp. Redmond's real salt
2T baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. guar gum
1 tsp. gelatin (we used a gelatin substitute, called chill over powder, since we have beef allergies)
1 egg
1T raw honey
1/2c canned pumpkin
3T grapeseed/melted coconut oil
2 tsp. raw apple cider vinegar
1c warm water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all the wet ingredients together then slowly add in the dry ingredients. Mix on medium high speed for 1 minute or until well combined. Fill greased muffin tins approx. half way with dough. Bake for 15-25 minutes! Enjoy!

Easy Peasy Overnight Granola!

2011-10-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Man have I been busy! I'm sure I don't need to give a long list of things that I have to do... if your a Mama.. you get it! ;) I hope everyone has had a blessed summer and you are ready for the beautiful colors of Autumn!

Easy Peasy Overnight Granola

1/2c coconut oil, melted
1/2c raw honey
1/2c sucanat or maple syrup
1 tsp. cinnamon
7c oats

add ins:
nuts
sunflower or pumpkin seeds
canned pumpkin (I tried this once and it was super yummy I added 1/4c pureed pumpkin)
flaxseeds
chia seeds
coconut
dried fruit

The possibilities are endless!! I always add about 1c of add ins.
While you are preparing the granola turn your oven on to 375 degrees. In a saucepan melt the coconut oil, honey, sucanat/maple syrup, and cinnamon. In a bowl combine your oats and add ins. Pour the wet ingredients into the oat mixture and put into 2 9X13" pans (I did spray mine or you could lay parchment paper). Put the pans in your oven and turn the oven off, yes you heard me right, turn your oven OFF! Then happily go to bed with the comfort of knowing you will wake up to granola in the morning. Top it with a little yogurt and fresh berries....mmmm. See.... what did I tell you.... easy peasy. Enjoy!

Allergy Free Chocolate cake with Dark Chocolate frosting!

2011-08-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I made this cake for my son's 1st birthday, it was a big hit, especially with Jaxon! I think everyone needs a good chocolate cake recipe. :)

Allergy Free Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting

1c sorghum flour
1c brown rice flour
1/2c tapioca starch
1 1/4c cocoa powder
1 tsp. guar gum
1c raw honey
3/4c -1c sucanat
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. Redmond's real salt
1T flax meal or chia seed mixed with 3T applesauce
1 1/4c coconut milk
1/2c plus 2T coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4c warm water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You can grease 2 8" cake pans or do 1 big 9X13" pan (which is what I did). Dust bottom of the pan with a small amount of cocoa powder. Blend all of your wet ingredients. Mix all of the dry ingredients and mix into the wet ingredients. Pour into pan and bake for approx. 45-60 mins, or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before you frost!

Frosting

1 pkg. chocolate chips ( I use enjoy life brand )
1/4c cocoa
1/4c boiling water
1c organic shortening ( I used coconut oil and it worked but it was a little oily)
1/4c powdered sugar (I used homemade powdered sugar)
pinch of salt
1T coconut milk

Melt the chocolate chips over low heat. Set aside. In separate bowl combine cocoa and boiling water. Mix in rest of the ingredients and mix for 3 mins. Slowly pour into melted chocolate chips and mix well. Frost your cake, get a fork and go for it! Enjoy!

Gluten Free Focassia Bread!

2011-08-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

This bread is soooooo, I mean soooo good! It's easy and makes alot!

Gluten Free Focassia Bread

1c flaxseed meal
1c gluten free mix (I just threw some sorghum, brown rice and oats in my vita-mix and gave it a whirl)
1T baking powder
1 tsp. Redmond's real salt
2T raw honey
5 beaten eggs
1/2c water
1/3c grapeseed or olive oil
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray your 10X15" pan ( you could also use a 9X13" pan). Mix honey, eggs, water, and oil into your kitchen aid or mixer, mix well. Fold in the rest, mix well, and let the batter sit for 2-3 mins, NO LONGER. It gets slimy, and let's face it that's gross. Pour into your prepared pan and spread out evenly. Bake 18-22 mins, you want it to spring back when you touch it. It also works as a yummy quick pizza crust!! COMING SOON .... chocolate cake. Yum. Enjoy.

No-Bake Granola Bars!

2011-07-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here they are!! Just in time for summer! I am not a fan of turning on my oven during summer so these were a major hit! Perfect lunch when in company with a green smoothie!

No-Bake Granola Bars

3/4c raw honey
1/3c sucanat/brown sugar
2/3c sunflower seed butter or any nut butter of your choice
6T melted coconut oil
1-2T blackstrap molasses
4c oats or granola
1 1/2c organic crispy rice cereal
5T flaxseed meal
2T chia seeds
1c total of any or all the following: craisins, nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc. (we used craisins, sunflower seeds and coconut) Whatever your fancy!

Heavily grease (or line with parchment paper) 2 cookies sheets. I did 2 9X13" pans but the second pan was only 3/4 full.... which was fine, I just had to shape them a little. :) Mix honey, sugar, coconut oil, sunflower seed butter and molasses in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Combine the rest of the ingredients with the honey mixture and mix well. Pour the oat mixture into 2 pans and press down firmly all the way to the corners! Then refrigerate 30mins - 1 hr. When cool cut into bars...... its so simple and they are yummy! Enjoy!

SunButter Cookies!

2011-06-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

SunButter Cookies!
adapted from the Clean Food cookbook

These cookies are a fav in our home!

1c sunflower butter
3/4c sucanat
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. Redmond's real salt
1/2c organic dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the sunflower butter and sucanat together. Add the egg, salt and baking soda, mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. Drop by the spoonful onto parchment paper and bake for approx. 11-13 mins. We like ours a little gooey and soft so we get them out at 11 mins. :) These go fantastic with a tall glass of iced coconut milk or better yet an iced coffee!! :)

Entertaining my busy, sweet, stubborn, loving baby boy.

2011-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

You would think how hard could it be to entertain a baby? I have said it for the previous 4 children.... but let me tell you about number 5. From the beginning this sweet baby has been difficult he cried the 1st 6 weeks of life, screamed anytime we were in the car, the entire time, nursed every 2 hours for the first 6 months, was horribly crabby while teething (I mean really bad), I could go on. This sweet little boy doesn't want anything to do with "baby" things. Or "big boy" toys for that matter! He wants to play with the things you told him he couldn't touch. All day everyday. I will tell you the few things he enjoys... he LOVES going for walks, he LOVES to eat (not that you could tell by the size of him), he LOVES water and he LOVES his Mama to hold him. So as you can see my days have been spent feeding and holding my quite large 10 month old, going on many walks and baths every night. I would like to take a moment from my grumbling and just recognize my older 3 girls, they are the best help the Lord could have blessed me with. I wouldn't make it through the day without their cheery, helpful attitudes and beautiful faces. Back to the grumbling..... so as you can see it was pretty hard to unpack a house, cook for 7, keep things clean, remember to bathe the other children (they may or may not have gone 3 days without a shower...eeek!) and just deal with life. Enter the solution to entertaining such babies....Jaxon's own cupboard in the kitchen. I cleared out a cupboard in the kitchen in attempt to keep him entertained for 20 mins so I could make potato salad, salsa, shred potatoes, make brownies and iced tea. All in 20 mins. Ha! I just decided I would see how far I could get. To my surprise he played there for an hour! I couldn't believe it! It has now been 3 days and this boy LOVES his cupboard! He puts toys and tupperware in there, then takes it out. He puts himself in there, shuts the doors, then comes out. He had his snack in there yesterday with his older sister and was on top of the world! So for those of you that have a VERY busy baby... please give him/her a cupboard. He/she will love it. I promise. If they don't I will send one of my sweet older girls over to help you. Not really. I am quite partial to them. In a very big way. Now that my grumbling is over and my baby is happy enough playing in his cupboard I would like to take a moment to share that I am quite certain the Lord has given me this sweet, cuddly, smile as large as life baby boy to show me there are more things in this life than a clean house, always well-groomed children, spotless floor and never dishes in the sink. There are sweet children to love, cuddle, listen to and watch bloom. I want to put my heart into what lasts.... FOREVER. That being my family. Being a living example of what Jesus' love is, what He has done for us and whatever is good, true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. In the beginning it was so hard to focus on these things, but now after having to sit (with baby in hand) it has been such a joy to have this time to just BE with my kids and husband. To just enjoy each other's company, what a blessing family is! I thank God for this energetic, curious, adorable and quite fast little boy. He has the best laugh, biggest smile and he is such a blessing to our family and once again God has seen me through the hard times, holding my hand all along the way. Teaching me as we walked together. Just remember God doesn't use the weak.. he uses the passionate, the busy, the stubborn and curious people.... like Jaxon Courage. :)

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins.

2011-06-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

I know these muffins are considered "fallish" but I just can't resist the pumpkin flavor. You really can't get enough of the pumpkin in just a few short months. So.... I have decided to "undeclare" pumpkin as being "fallish." Phew!! I feel much better now. Ok on to the recipe.....

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

2c wheat flour (or 1c sorghum flour, 1/2c brown rice flour, 1/2c oat flour)
3/4c organic cane sugar or raw honey
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Redmonds Real salt
1c canned organic pumpkin
1/2c melted coconut oil
2 free range eggs
1c dried organic cranberries
1/2c chopped pecans (for those with nut allergies we do 1/2c sunflower seeds)
raw sugar for sprinkling on top, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix the melted coconut oil, sugar/honey, pumpkin, eggs and mix well. Add all of the dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in dried cranberries and pecans/sunflower seeds by hand. Sprinkle raw sugar on top. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake 22-25 mins. *WARNING* Does NOT have to only be baked in the fall. Enjoy.

Fajita Lettuce Wraps.

2011-05-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

In this house we LOVE Mexican food. I mean really LOVE. It is the only thing every one of us could eat everyday, for every meal. It's a deep love. One of our favorite things to eat are fajitas. Ands beans. And tacos. And burritos. You get the point.

Fajita Lettuce Wraps

Marinade
1 lb. Chicken or beef
juice of 1 lime
1T olive oil
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. coriander
1 clove garlic, mined
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (if you like spice)
salt & pepper

Marinate all of the above ^ for at least 2 hrs.

Vinaigrette

juice of 1 lime
enough red wine vinegar to make lime juice reach 1/4c
1 garlic clove, minced
salt & pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin
3T homemade mayo
2 tsp. cilantro, chopped
enough olive oil to make dressing come to 3/4c

Add all of the dressing ingredients above ^ and whisk until well mixed.

1-2 lg. onions, sliced (we like 2)
2 lg. different colored bell peppers, sliced
3-4T olive or coconut oil
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 jalapeno, diced (optional- we like spice!)
1 zucchini, sliced (optional)
i head iceberg lettuce or Boston lettuce leaves
2 avocados, sliced
cilantro leaves, for topping

Cook your meat first and then set aside. Sautee' all of the veggies adding the zucchini and mushrooms last. Make sure they don't get mushy (yuck). Fill your lettuce leave with meat, veggies and top with avocado, cilantro and vinaigrette. Serve with a crock pot of spicy black beans...... THAT recipe is to follow. :) Enjoy!

Homemade Caramel Corn!

2011-05-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am back! It has been a very long busy month but we are here in our new home, remodeling and enjoying the trees and fresh air! We miss our fantastic friends we made in Canada but are so happy to be here with our Arizona family and friends! I will be doing a post on the remodeling we have done since we have been here (with pics!) and of the hard work my amazing brother did on our home before we got here..... but that is for another day. Today I chose the easy way out.... caramel corn! I adapted this recipe from the Passionate Homemaking website (which I love). My sweet Liberty turned 6 this last week and we celebrated by having a tea party with her very precious friends AND with caramel corn! It turned out great, all of the kids dug it.

Homemade Caramel Corn

10-11c popped organic popcorn
1/4c sucanat or brown sugar
1/4c raw honey
1/3c coconut oil
1/2 tsp. Redmond's real salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda

First you must pop your popcorn, I just use a little grapeseed oil and pop it on the stove top. Then you will want to heat the sugar, honey, coconut oil and salt in a pan, stirring occasionally until bubbly around the edges which should take approx. 2 mins. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda , this is my favorite part it fizzes and caramelizes- its way cool. Continue to stir as you pour over your popcorn until well coated. It's scrumptious. Do this at your next family movie night! Enjoy!