Pancakes

2 cups cassava flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup palm shortening or coconut oil 

1-can coconut milk

1-tablespoon apple cider vinegar

 To Make:

1. Pour the canned coconut milk in a pyrex measuring cup and whisk together. Add the vinegar and let sit for five minutes.

2. Warm up your pan over medium heat.

3. Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add palm shortening to dry ingredients, mixing with hands. It will look crumbly. Coconut oil also works.

5. Add the liquids to the dry ingredients and mix well.

6. Add about 1/8 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until it bubbles, then flip.

7. Top with coconut oil, berries and honey or maple syrup.

8. Enjoy!

You May Also Enjoy:

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls

2- large sweet potatoes

1-scoop cold coconut milk or whipped cream

1/4-cup seed granola

honey or maple syrup, if desired

To Make:

1. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven or cook in the InstantPot. I prefer the InstantPot, where I wash each sweet potato, poke about 5 or 6 times with a fork, then place on the trivet in the IP. Add 1-cup of water to the bottom of the pot and cook on high pressure for 8-minutes. Let it naturally release the pressure, then let the sweet potatoes cool before removing from the skin. I do this process in the evening, so they are ready for the morning.

2. When you’re ready to eat, place the sweet potatoes in the blender to puree. I use the Vitamix and let it run for about 5 minutes, so the sweet potatoes get warm.

3. Put one scoop of sweet potatoes in a bowl and top with coconut milk or whipped cream, seed granola and honey or maple syrup, if desired. I find it sweet enough with the granola.

4. Note on coconut whipped cream: I keep cans of coconut milk in the fridge for about 24-hours, then scoop out all the hard part into my mixer and whip for a few minutes, until it becomes whipped cream. Then place it in a glass container to keep in the fridge. We like to use it on top of these bowls or berries, for a sweet treat.

5. Enjoy!

Ketchup

1- can tomato paste, 6 ounces

5-tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1-teaspoon garlic powder

1-teaspoon onion powder

1-teaspoon sea salt or herbamare

1/2-teaspoon mustard powder

6 dates, pitted

1-cup water, boiling

To Make:

1. Place the dates in a pyrex dish and cover with 3/4-cup boiling water, to soak.

2. Place 1/4 cup water, tomato paste, vinegar, and spices in the blender.

3. Add the dates and their water to the blender.

4. Blend all the ingredients until smooth.

5. Adjust spices as needed.

6. Place in a glass container in the fridge, to cool.

Vegan Cassava Waffles

1-1/2 cups cassava flour

1-teaspoon baking soda

1/4-teaspoon sea salt

1/4-cup coconut oil, melted

1-can coconut milk

1-tablespoon apple cider vinegar

To Make:

1. Turn on the waffle iron to heat up, higher heat works better for this recipe.

2. Pour the coconut milk in a pyrex measuring cup, whisking into well-blended, then add the apple cider vinegar, to create a dairy-free buttermilk. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cassava flour, baking soda and sea salt.

4. Melt the coconut oil on the stovetop then pour into the milk.

5. Pour the liquids over the dry ingredients and mix well. The batter should be thick.

6. When the waffle iron is hot, pour about a 1/4 cup of waffle mix for each waffle.

7. High-heat for about 5-7 minutes works best for this recipe.

8. Top with coconut oil, a pile of fresh berries and enjoy!

Seed Granola

2 cups slivered almonds

2 cups pumpkin seeds

1 cup hemp hearts

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup quinoa

1/2 cup flax seeds

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

To Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, quinoa, flax seeds and hemp seeds. Add the spices: cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves and nutmeg.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut milk and then add the honey. Mixing well.

4. Pour the honey and coconut oil over the nuts, seeds and spices, making sure everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the granola out on two baking sheets and place in the oven.

6. Bake for about 20 minutes, then using a spatula, flip the granola over. Bake for another 20 minutes.

7. The granola is done when it is at your desired crispiness. Enjoy!

Avocado Ranch Dip

2 ripe avocados

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 teaspoon parsley

1 teaspoon chives

1 teaspoon dill

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon herbamare or sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Place everything in the Vitamix and blend until at desired consistency. Add more herbs and salt and pepper, if needed. 

Pumpkin Chia Pudding

1 - can pumpkin puree

1/2 - cup slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds

1-can coconut milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup chia seeds

To make:

1. Place pumpkin, nuts or seeds, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in the blender. Puree until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the chia seeds to the puree and stir until well-mixed.

3. Pour the mixture into mason jars or another container then place in refrigerator.

4. Refrigerate for at least 4-hours (we let ours sit overnight).

5. Remove from fridge, add toppings if preferred, and enjoy!

Enjoy a few sample pages below.

I’ve compiled a list of resources that I’ve found useful for both my own children and for work. If you know of anything that should be added, please let me know by either leaving a comment below or sending an email.

BRAIN POP

It can be scary to hear about a disease outbreak, but learning the facts can help ease your mind. Brain Pop shares a video and other resources to help kids understand what the coronavirus is.

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE

For over 20 years, Conscious Discipline has fostered a fundamental shift in thinking that empowers adults and children to be the change they want to see in the world. They have put together a variety of resources to use with your children, during Covid-19.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES & TIPS FOR PARENTS, CHILDREN AND OTHERS

Prevent Child Abuse provides a lengthy list of resources for families on their site, including encourage ways to connect while social distancing.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS, FROM PBS KIDS

JUST FOR KIDS: A COMIC EXPLORING THE NEW CORONAVIRUS

NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION

Covid-19 Resources for Families, including social stories, tips for caregivers and how to practice social distancing

SESAME STREET

SOCIAL STORY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

SOCIAL STORY - WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? WHAT IS COVID-19?

SOCIAL STORY - WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?

USING SOCIAL STORIES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN DURING COVID-19

Sushi Bowls

• 2 cups cooked rice, choice of sticky, basmati, jasmine

• 2 pounds shrimp or other protein, such as salmon or tuna

• nori sheets, one per person

• lettuce leaves, one per person

• choice of veggies: sliced carrots, sliced cucumbers, sliced avocados, diced bell peppers

• choice of steamed veggies: asparagus, Brussels sprouts

• soy sauce/tamari or coconut aminos

• sriracha mayo

• pickled ginger
  

1. Steam rice in the InstantPot, according to directions.

2. In a bowl, tear up one sheet of nori and one leaf of lettuce.

3. Place one scoop of rice on top of nori and lettuce.

4. Add choice of vegetables on top of rice.

5. Add choice of protein on top of veggies.

6. Add choice of dressings, soy sauce/tamari, coconut aminos, sriracha mayo and pickled ginger, on top.

7. Enjoy!

If you know of an opportunity that should be added to this list, please comment below or send me an email!

Stay safe and stay well!

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TAKING GREAT VIDEO ON YOUR PHONE

ART21

Art21 is a celebrated global leader in presenting thought-provoking and sophisticated content about contemporary art, and the go-to place to learn first-hand from the artists of our time. A nonprofit organization, Art21’s mission is to inspire a more creative world through the works and words of contemporary artists.

ART LESSONS FROM ARTS ED WASHINGTON

Every Child Deserves Great Arts Education. Our Arts Lessons in the Classroom Curriculum is designed for K-6 teachers to integrate visual arts into their classrooms with ease.

BLACK BOX EDUCATION

Digital and interactive resources for drama, dance and theatre. 6 free resource packs for digital, online schooling.

COLORING NATURE

Our coloring categories include serious science: biomes, anatomy, animals, plants and more, plus some pure whimsy – just for fun.

CREATING A MASTERPIECE

An award winning fine art training program for students 5 and up. First month of access to our award winning Drawing Program is free with the code: Corona2020

DEEP SPACE SPARKLE

A huge variety of free art resources.

DOODLES ACADEMY

A group of artists and educators who believe that regular exposure to art is crucial in order for the next generation to develop into reflective and adaptable adults. Projects are sorted by grade level.

FELT WITH LOVE DESIGNS

Lots of free sewing patterns and tips to learn to sew!

GOOGLE ARTS AND CULTURE 

Tours of 500 of the World’s Most Famous Museums

KHAN ACADEMY

KINDER ART 

KinderArt® contains easy to follow lessons for grades K through 8, for art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschoolers, studio owners, after-school program directors, future teachers, college students, and curious parents who want to enrich their children’s artistic lives at home.

LEARN AT HOME 

Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin! -The Editors of Scholastic Classroom Magazines. 

KODIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Mondays are for Making. Try out an art/craft lesson every Monday at 9:00am.

MO WILLEMS: LUNCH DOODLES

MAKE: DAILY ART VIDEOS POSTED

STATE EDUCATION AGENCY DIRECTORS OF ARTS EDUCATION (SEADAE)

Arts instructional resources. The links within the page will continue to be updated.

THE KENNEDY CENTER

For educators looking to infuse the arts into their educational practices, the Kennedy Center has developed a robust collection of hundreds of free digital learning resources: lessons, articles, performance guides, how-tos and much more.

This past week, I noticed rainbows trickling through my Instagram account- in places across Europe, the East Coast, Australia, and more. They were accompanied with the hashtag #andratuttobene, which I quickly learned means “everything will be alright.” This movement originated in Italy, where people have been creating rainbows for their windows with the message andra tutto bene. We decided to do the same here.

Why rainbows? Because right now, it feels a bit like we are all in a storm.

We found our day of rainbow creations incredibly therapeutic (well, maybe me more than the kids!).

Some ideas:

• cut out strips or shapes from paper and put together in the window, using tape

• make a rainbow on a piece of paper, using either paints, colored pencils, crayons or markers

• use streamers or tissue paper and cut into strips or glue onto a large piece of paper

• finger-paints

• glue jewels, beads, paper scraps, etc. on top of your drawn rainbow

• twist pipe cleaners together

In our small town, friends started a “rainbow hunt.” It’s been so fun to see so many rainbows all over, hanging in windows, at the end of driveways, wrapped around trees, and more.

Happy Rainbow Hunting!

We hear the words “social distancing” a lot! It seems a bit counterproductive, in this day and age, where we’ve become so very socially distant and now we are being instructed to do just that. But this time it’s different. It’s not socially distant so much as it is physically distant. We need our social connections. Human nature thrives off this. We are not here to tuck ourselves away, alone, in solitude. We need each other. So now is the time to find creative ways to stay socially connected. Social media may play a positive role in this. I often find myself in a love/hate relationship with Facebook or instagram, but right now it is filling a connection that I need. FaceTime, Zoom, group texts, phone calls, letter writing. All of these things connect us. And despite the need to stay away physically, we must hold on to our social connections. We need to do this for our very own mental health, for the health of our friends, neighbors and community members. We are in this together.

Twice-Baked Potatoes - Instantpot

6 large russet potatoes

8-ounce dairy-free cream cheese (we prefer Kitehill)

1 head broccoli

1 pack bacon

1 teaspoon herbamare

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons almond milk

Directions:

1. Wash and dry your potatoes. Slice in half lengthwise.

2. Place trivet in Instantpot and set potatoes in vertically, trying to avoid them touching each other.

3. Set to 12-minutes on high-pressure, releasing pressure manually when time is up.

4. While potatoes are cooking, chop bacon and broccoli and cook separately.

5. Allow potatoes to sit for at least 5-minutes before scooping out.

6. Place scooped potato, cream cheese, seasonings and almond milk in the mixer.

7. Once mixed, add in cooked bacon and broccoli.

8. Spoon filling into potato skins and broil for 5 minutes, until crispy on top.

9. Enjoy!

BBQ Pork Ribs - Instantpot

1-pack pork ribs

1-1/2 cup apple cider, root beer or 1 cup apple cider vinegar + 1/2 cup water

1 cup bbq sauce

Dry Rub:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Remove the membrane from your ribs.

2. Cover the ribs with the dry rub.

3. Place the trivet in the instantpot.

4. Place the ribs on top the trivet. I usually wrap one rack of ribs around the edge of the Instantpot. If making two racks, I can wrap the second rack inside the first.

5. Set your Instantpot to 25-minutes, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR).

6. Remove ribs from the Instantpot and cover with bbq sauce then either broil or bbq for 5-minutes, to get crispy.

7. Fall off the bone ribs in under an hour- Enjoy!

Potato Waffles

4 large russet potatoes

1 teaspoon herbamare

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

oil, for the waffle iron

Directions:

1. Heat your waffle iron on medium heat.

2. Shred your potatoes using a food processor.

3. Use a paper towel to squeeze out liquid from potatoes.

4. Mix potatoes with herbamare and pepper.

5. When waffle iron is hot, spray with cooking oil and place shredded potatoes on the iron.

6. Cook until the iron beeps.

7. If you’d like to turn it into a gourmet breakfast, add an over-easy egg, bacon and avocado.

Tuna Avocado Boat

1 whole avocado

1 can tuna

1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise* (or more or less depending on preference)

1 teaspoon herbamare

Directions:

1. Mix together the mayonnaise, tuna and herbamare.

2. Slice your avocado in half, scoop out the pit and fill with the tuna salad.

3. Sometimes we need reminders that there are delicious lunches that can happen quickly! Enjoy!

*we use either Just Mayo or Best Foods Vegan Mayonnaise or make our own with duck eggs