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Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway!

Take one simple step towards better health this year by updating your health and beauty routine. I’m so excited to share my Cheshire Fields review and giveaway of some amazing products!

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

I am working with Cheshire Fields to blog about these products. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review these products. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Just about everyone is on the lookout for simple ways to improve their health. Especially as the new year starts.

I’m not big on diets or spending a lot of money to feel good. I don’t know about you but I also don’t have a lot of extra time to learn to make my own health and beauty products.

But I do love when there are affordable, homemade, high quality products that are in line with my views on health.

I recently got to sample some products from my friend Michelle at Cheshire Fields. She has an assortment of handmade soaps, shampoos, balms, sprays and more that are 100% natural (and I really mean that…not just labeled organic or using the term natural without much meaning behind it).

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

When it comes to natural health and beauty most people jump to coconut oil. It is amazing stuff.

But since I have a toddler with a coconut allergy I try to keep our house pretty much coconut free. That means just about every soap, lotion and shampoo is out.

I was thrilled to find out that Michelle has many products that are not only coconut free but also dairy and nut free! Natural products that are safe for my family. I didn’t think they existed!

Tallow Balm

The first product I tried as soon as it arrived was the tallow balm.

I haven’t been able to use lotion in over a year! A year!! Can you say dry skin?

I was thrilled to try the tallow balm and was not disappointed. Just a tiny bit goes a long way and creates soft, smooth skin. Plus it smells so good with all of the essential oils added.

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

I love that it is safe to use on my entire family, even my kids with allergies. It also comes in a compact case that is easy to take wherever you go. We brought it along for all of our holiday travel.

My oldest likes to use it on her hands at bed time and wear socks on her hands (thanks to Michelle’s suggestion!). By morning she has super soft skin again instead of dry, cracked hands.

Sinus Balm

The sinus balm was a Christmas present for my seven year old. That might sound strange to some. But she has struggled with environmental allergies and mouth breathing for years.

Having another natural tool for helping her breathe better at night is a huge blessing.

It is also made with olive oil and is very safe. The scent is pretty strong. But that is how it works.

My son had a stuffy nose the other day and told us he had to breathe with his mouth open. We put some behind his ears and on his neck. He didn’t wake up once in the night!

Disinfectant & Freshener Spray

With young kids in school I don’t have to tell you how excited I am to have a safe disinfectant spray! It is so easy to use. Just shake and spray.

It makes my house smell wonderful (thieves will do that). Plus I can freshen things in a matter of seconds.

No need to use chemicals to clean your house. This spray can be used directly on surfaces to get rid of the germs.

I was so glad to have it around after my daughter had the flu. It has also come in very handy for the potty seat that sits in our bathroom. It is almost impossible to keep that clean and free of bad smells. The freshener spray worked wonderfully.

Tea Tree + Lavender Freshener

The tea tree + lavender spray is one of Michelle’s new products. It is similar to the disinfectant spray, but with different oils.

I can’t decide which one I like better. The tea tree and lavender combination is very floral and leaves the whole house smelling bright and fresh. I will be using both all winter long!

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

Itch Relief Remedy

When you have a child with eczema there is a never ending search for products to help calm the itching. So I was very excited to get to try this.

It comes as a powder that you can make into a paste. It has a very mild scent and soothing ingredients. Just a pinch goes a long way so this will last a long time.

Chamomile Lavender Dry Shampoo

I wash my hair every day. Otherwise my hair gets so oily. It is fine and thin.

When Michelle told me about her dry shampoo I was so excited. I can actually get by without washing my hair once in a while with this product. Simply rub it into the scalp to absorb oil. Plus it smells amazing!

For those mornings where my little one just doesn’t want to sleep and let me take a shower this dry shampoo is a life saver! I can leave the house without feeling like I look unshowered. It is even great for days that I wear my hair down. By afternoon it already looks greasy. Just a bit of dry shampoo and I’m looking good again and smelling good too!

The chamomile lavender is great for light colored hair like mine. There is another one specifically for dark hair.

I was so impressed with all of these Cheshire Fields products. I even bought a bunch for Christmas presents for the women in my family! But you don’t have to wait until Christmas. They make great gifts any time of year.

Plus this is just a small sample of all of the great products Michelle has to offer. She is so passionate about sharing homemade, natural products.

Cheshire Fields Review and Giveaway | Just Take A Bite

Michelle has generously offered to give away a hair care bundle to one of my lovely readers. It includes:

  • Henna Shampoo Bar
  • Hair Oil
  • Dry Shampoo (you choose light or dark)

I don’t know about you, but I could use some serious hair pampering this year!

Can’t wait to see if you’re the winner? Head over to Cheshire Fields right now and use the code MYNEWYEAR to get 10% off your whole order all month long!

I hope you check out all of the Cheshire Fields products. Come back and let me know what looks good or what you’ve tried.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 1/3/16

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan and agenda focus on getting back into routine and restocking the cupboards.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Happy New  Year! I am sure ready to get back to normal routine after a crazy holiday filled with power outages, sickness and constantly changing plans. It is time for a new week and a fresh start.

Health comes first.

Not surprising we’re starting the new year with a new challenge. We figured out my son is reacting to potatoes. I will have to experiment to see if it’s just regular potatoes, all potatoes (including sweet) or all nightshades (i.e. peppers, tomatoes).

In exciting news we got a new pediatrician and he is great! We are finally getting the help we need for my youngest.

Check out the Kids Cook Real Food Course!!!

My kitchen projects.

After a couple weeks of coming and going and taking it easy I’m ready to get back in the kitchen! Here are my projects (so far) for the week:

My menu.

For our meals I’m trying to stick to our rotational diet as best I can. Plus I’m trying to add some new items to our menu that we haven’t had in a while (like chicken parmesan!) at my husband’s request.

Look what’s new!

If you’re looking to get organized this year check out my post on organizing your pantry for allergy safety.

Be sure to check back tomorrow as I’ve got a fun giveaway to start the year! I’ll also be sharing some New Year’s goals.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

I’m busily working on my latest book. I look forward to sharing it with all of you. In the mean time if you haven’t signed up for the newsletter make sure you do so you can get my free book on meal planning.

I also wanted to mention a super cool ecourse that you don’t want to miss. It’s called the Kids Cook Real Food course. My kids and I have been going through it. It’s so fun to watch them blossom in the kitchen and learn all sorts of skills. It is one of my goals this year to have them help more. This is the perfect way to teach them!

Here is this week’s allergen friendly meal plan. Are you ready to get back into routine?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough/rye, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, spinach, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas, wheat

Sunday 4
B – cereal, fruit | cauliflower, sardines, sd bread
L – pork roast, rice, beans
D – crackers and veggies with hummus, cheese and ring balogna, grapes | salad
prep: make hummus, make egg muffins, make sd bread
notes:

Monday 1
B – egg muffins, toast | salad, liver
D – chicken parmesan over noodles, peas | chicken, squash
prep: soak flour for muffins
notes: 

Tuesday 2
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | broth, chicken, squash
D – split pea soup with ring balogna, muffins
prep: bake muffins, make tortillas
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – egg muffins, toast | leftover soup
D – chicken fajitas, Spanish rice | chicken, zucchini
prep: soak teff, make dairy free milk
notes:

Thursday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | teff porridge w/ cherries, liver
D – chop suey, beans, pearsauce | salad
prep: make teff crackers, make sd bread
notes: 

Friday 1
B – granola bar, yogurt or crispy nuts | sauteed mushrooms, pumpkin
D – sausage gravy over biscuits, squash, pearsauce
prep: make sd biscuits, make gf biscuits
notes: 

Saturday 2
B – muffins, fruit | sausage gravy over biscuits, squash
D – steak, sweet potato fries, roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
prep: make flour mix, make chocolates
notes:

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

How To Organize Your Pantry For Allergy Safety | Just Take A Bite

Pantry Organization Tips For Allergy Safety

Start the new year with some organization! Here are my top pantry organization tips for allergy safety.

Pantry Organization Tips For Allergy Safety | Just Take A Bite

There’s no way around it. Living with food allergies is a challenge.

What’s worse? When you have multiple family members with different allergies!

If I combine all of my kids’ allergies we are pretty much allergic to everything. That is not an exaggeration. Our allergies even include foods like rice, potatoes, apples and chicken.

It goes without saying that I have to be very organized to keep everyone safe. Especially my toddler that will put anything she finds in her mouth.

Whether you have one child allergic to one food or a host of allergies spanning the whole family these tips will help you stay organized and keep everyone safe.

Even if you don’t have any allergies these tips will help you keep your pantry organized and easy for kids and baby-sitters to navigate.

Head over to Super Healthy Kids where I’m sharing my tips on keeping your pantry, fridge and freezer organized and everyone safe this year.

Pantry Organization Tips For Allergy Safety | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 12/27/15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan and agenda focus on getting the house back to normal and preparing for more Christmas celebrations.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We had an unusual but memorable celebration when our power went out and we had to pack up and head to my grandparents’ house. The kids thought it was great!

I’m glad to be back home now. We’ve had three Christmas celebrations so far, and there is one more to go. Right now I’m working on getting my house somewhat back in order after several days of packing and unpacking and presents everywhere. But I also have to pack again.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

This week will be plenty busy with other outings in addition to family parties. My little one finally gets her 15 month check up. We recently changed pediatricians. Hopefully our new one will be more helpful in meeting my daughter’s needs.

In the kitchen

As always the kitchen will be the place to find me. I am running low on just about everything. It’s time to start baking! Here is what’s on the list.

On the blog

Last week I shared some personal thoughts on Christmas and two parfait recipes that are perfect for winter. I’ve got some organizational tips coming for you this week, and I’m very excited about what’s coming up in the new year!

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss any updates, deals or giveaways. You’ll also get my free book!

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Enjoy your week of reflecting on the past year and ringing in the new year.

Do you have any health goals?

I’m excited to already be using some of my Christmas presents this morning – my new crockpot and tea strainer so I can easily make nettle tea!

Here is this week’s allergen friendly meal plan. What’s on your menu?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, spinach, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, broccoli, cherries, olives, chickpeas, split peas

Sunday 1
B – french toast muffins, fruit | broth, spinach, brussels sprouts
L – cp roast beef, rice, beans
D – pizza, roasted cabbage | salad
prep: make crackers, make gummies, make broth, make pizza dough, bake sourdough bread
notes:

Monday 2
B – cereal, fruit | leftovers
D – beef vegetable soup, muffins, crackers w/ cheese
prep:
notes: clean, pack

Tuesday 3
B – smoothies, granola bars | broth, spinach, beef
D – pork chops, sauteed zucchini
prep: soak teff
notes: 

Wednesday 4
B – teff porridge
D – roasted duck, broccoli
prep: soak flour for tortillas, soak flour for breakfast cookies, make broth, make sourdough bread
notes:

Thursday 1
B – broth, duck, squash
D – beef and bean burritos, fruit
prep: make tortillas, make breakfast cookies, soak flour for pancakes
notes: 

Friday 2
B – breakfast cookies, fruit | leftovers
D – pancakes, bacon, roasted cauliflower
prep: soak flour for bread
notes: 

Saturday 3
B – pancakes, fruit | broth, spinach, cauliflower
D – tomato soup, bacon grilled cheese
prep: make bread
notes:

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

The Best Christmas Gift

I was challenged by Stonyfield to write about the best Christmas gift I ever received. After thirty five celebrations it’s hard to settle on just one! Mine comes in a small package.

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

When it comes to gifts the most significant ones for me always seem to revolve around babies.

Lately I hear a song on the radio a lot called “A Baby Changes Everything.” Every time I hear it I pause and reflect.

The most important birth was that of Christ Jesus. Long ago in a stable in Bethlehem. That baby sure changed everything! What an amazing gift that God sent to us. He is the reason I am even writing this post. There is no Christmas without the birth of our savior.

I received another “baby” when I was five years old. It was a birthday present. My first Cabbage Patch Kid. It was all I wanted.

Every store was selling out as soon as the dolls arrived. Finally one day just before my birthday a store nearby got a few. My mom called to ask…there were ten in stock.

By the time we got there only five were left!

It took me all of ten seconds to choose the one I wanted. She had a little tuft of blonde hair and a pacifier. She was mine. I named her Caroline Rebecca. I never wanted to let her go.

From that moment on I knew (even at five years old) that all I really wanted to do when I got older was be a mom.

I took her with me wherever I went. I played with dolls any chance I got. I pretended to nurse her, feed her, change her. She was my world.

Fast forward about twenty years. Happily married. Ready to start a family and have the children I have been wanting for so many years.

But it would not be that easy. In 2006 we started our long, lonely walk through the world of infertility.  The one thing I had dreamed about since I was five years old seemed like just that, a dream. I didn’t know if it would become a reality.

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

But in 2007 God gave us our first miraculous gift after various fertility treatments.

I found out I was pregnant in August and my daughter was born in April of 2008.

We started the journey again in 2009. After five emotionally and physically draining rounds of IVF we found out in September of 2010 that I was pregnant. My son was born in May of 2011.

Two precious gifts.

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

Yet I knew my family was not complete. I had dreamed since I was five years old of having a big family. I always wanted four children.

In 2013 we did our last round of IVF. Unfortunately it ended in a miscarriage. My dreams were crushed.

But after 6 months of hard work, a lot of physical challenges and healing and days and nights of prayer we got our best Christmas gift.

In December of 2013 I found out I was pregnant. We got to share the good news with our children and extended family as a special Christmas surprise. My oldest was the first to find out. Her reaction at only five years old was priceless (as you can see in the photo at the top).

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

In August of 2014 my daughter was born. She has changed my life in so many ways. She has brought me down a path of healing. A baby was the only motivation strong enough to get healthy. She has taught me what it means to truly sacrifice as I have had to give up a lot to keep her nourished and thriving over the last sixteen months – food, time with friends, outings with my family, travel. None of it was as important as taking care of my little miracle.

She has taught me about contentment and true joy.

Johanna means “God is Gracious.” He is indeed. And she reminds me every time I get her out of her crib and she gives me a big hug, every time she runs over, hops in my lap and snuggles, every time she comes up behind me and gives me kisses on my back, every time she laughs so hard she almost falls over.

A baby really does change everything. A baby (all of them) has been the best Christmas gift I ever received.

The Best Christmas Gift | Just Take A Bite

Whether or not there are any more precious gifts in my future I don’t know. Whether or not my childhood dream of a large family is part of God’s plan I don’t know. That is in God’s hands. His plans and his timing are perfect. I just know that the miracles He has entrusted to me so far have truly changed my life.

It is said that good things come in small packages. I wholeheartedly agree. From a tiny little baby in Bethlehem to the precious little ones sleeping upstairs as I write this. God has been gracious and changed my life through the miracle of a baby. It is the by far the best Christmas gift ever.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 12/20/15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan and agenda focus on celebrating Christmas and enjoying time with family.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Merry Christmas!!

Did I just really say that? This month went by way too quickly. Are you ready to celebrate? I sure am! Though there is still plenty to get done in the next few days.

I think everyone is back to full health now. Hopefully it will stay that way while we visit family.

In the kitchen.

My kitchen work this week revolves around party food. Here is what’s on the list.

I’m trying not to give myself too many kitchen projects so that I can focus on enjoying time with my kids and extended family and not get too stressed.

On the blog.

Last week was all about chocolate and mint treats. I posted recipes for chocolate peppermint twist cookies, light and dark hot cocoa and peppermint coconut snowballs.

I have a delicious, easy and festive treat coming your way tomorrow. I’m also sharing some personal thoughts on Christmas this week.

Have a happy and healthy Christmas! Enjoy fellowship with loved ones and reflect on all of God’s blessings over the past year. God is good. Merry Christmas!

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, spinach, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, broccoli, cherries, olives, chickpeas, split peas

Sunday 2
B – cookies ‘n’ cream yogurt, fruit | broth, squash, burger
L – cp roast chicken, mashed potatoes, beans | chicken, spinach, squash
D – pan seared salmon, chips, carrots | salmon, spinach
prep: make broth, make sourdough bread
notes:

Monday 3
B – cereal, fruit | broth, spinach, salmon
D – favorite casserole, roasted asparagus, cinnamon apples | sauteed zucchini, beef
prep: soak teff
notes: clean

Tuesday 4
B – parfaits| teff porridge w/ cherries, liver
D – chicken fettuccine alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread | salad
prep: skim cream, make ice cream
notes: 

Wednesday 1
B – hot cereal, fruit  | broth, pumpkin
D – chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, peas | chicken, squash
prep: make sourdough bread
notes:

Thursday 2
B – french toast muffins, fruit | broth, squash, chicken
D – roast duck, scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, pearsauce, corn pudding
prep: make jello, make dessert
notes: 

Friday 3
B – muffins, fruit | broth spinach, duck
D – at family party
prep: soak flour for crackers
notes: 

Saturday 4
B – neapolitan parfaits | broth, pumpkin, duck
D – grilled steak, baked potatoes, broccoli w/ cheese sauce
prep: snack food for trip – gf crackers
notes:

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

Easy Coconut Snowballs

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Even if there is no snow outside you can have a white Christmas inside with these little coconut snowballs. Just four ingredients create a fun, healthy treat.

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

If you’re looking for a last minute holiday treat that you can make in minutes I’ve got you covered!

These coconut snowballs only have four ingredients. And they taste like peppermint.

So easy!

All it takes is about five minutes of mixing, melting and pouring. Then form the mixture into balls once it has cooled.

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

I like to add these to my kids’ lunches. I make sure they are getting healthy fat. They love having a little treat with their meal.

Coconut snowballs would also make great finger food for a holiday party. Set a tray out for guests and watch them disappear!

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

You can use cane sugar or powdered cane sugar (simply blend cane sugar in a high speed blender until powdered) to make coconut snowballs. The flavor is the same. Using powdered sugar creates a smoother texture.

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

Let it snow.

Somehow we don’t have snow yet in Michigan this year! I’m not sure if we’ll end up with a white Christmas. But we can make it white with our own snow!

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

Get in the kitchen and create a little snowstorm with the kids. Everyone will have fun and stay warm.

Easy Coconut Snowballs | Just Take A Bite

Easy Coconut Snowballs
Yields 9
A minty coconut snowball that makes a great treat or any time snack.
Write a review
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3 Tbsp. organic cane sugar OR powdered cane sugar
  2. 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  3. 3 Tbsp. coconut oil
  4. 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
Instructions
  1. Combine the sugar, coconut and oil in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and oil are melted.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Add peppermint extract.
  5. Pour into a small glass dish.
  6. Refrigerate until solid, but not hard (1-2 hours)
  7. Scoop into tsp. size balls.
  8. Store in the refrigerator.
  9. Serve cold or room temperature.
Notes
  1. You can add a tsp. of cocoa powder to the mix to make dirty snowballs.
  2. You can dip the chilled snowballs into melted chocolate.
  3. If your mixture is too hard to scoop simply leave it out to come to room temperature.
  4. You can make your own powdered sugar by blending cane sugar in a high powered blender until fine.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa

Are you looking for the perfect teacher gift? I’ve got you covered! My daughter created Rebecca’s light and dark hot cocoa to give as gifts. Everyone that tries it is blown away by the flavor. You will be too!

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

I remember the first year my oldest was in Kindermusik. She wasn’t even two yet.

We were finally at the point of venturing out of the house without having to worry about nursing schedules. And I wanted the chance to talk to another human being with a little more to talk about than dolls and dancing.

Class started in the fall and ended just before Christmas. That was fun, I thought. Then the last day rolled around…and everyone started handing gifts to the teacher.

Learning how to give.

Wait a minute.

We’re supposed to give a Christmas gift to every teacher/leader our children have? I guess I missed that part in the parenting handbook.

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

Now with three kids I know that it is totally a personal choice who you give to and how much. Some years we go shopping and let the kids pick out gifts for teachers. But that gets to be just one more thing to do.

So two years ago I simplified our gift giving. We give gifts to the teachers we see on a regular basis (maybe I’m Scrooge, but I don’t give something to every bus driver and mail carrier. You have to draw the line somewhere).

And I don’t shop for gifts either. We have two gifts we make every year. One is homemade granola. This year teachers get a special treat with kettle corn granola!

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

The other is my daughter’s “famous” light and dark hot cocoa. She came up with the idea of a layered cocoa mix.

It’s that good.

It is always fun to see the reaction of the people that try it. They assume when a five year old gives them homemade hot cocoa it will be fine. Then they taste it.

Some have even said it’s the best hot cocoa they’ve ever tried.

I love how simple it is to make. And that it doesn’t contain any powdered milk, flavorings, thickeners, etc. Just a few simple ingredients create the most delicious hot cocoa you’ve ever had.

I also love that it is super allergen friendly. Even I can drink it! And if I can drink it anyone can (I haven’t met many people with as many food restrictions as I have). If you can’t have cocoa you can replace all of it with carob. It won’t be light and dark hot cocoa anymore, but it will still taste great.

I even have a couple secret ingredients – unrefined sea salt and grass-fed collagen! Just because you’re drinking hot chocolate doesn’t mean you need to leave the nutrition out.

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

Let the kids help.

This is a great project for kids of just about any age. My oldest (age seven) can make it on her own. My four year old can make it with a little help from me. Even with kids helping it only takes about five minutes to make.

Let the kids create a pretty label and teacher gifts are done! And I have yet to find a teacher that doesn’t like hot cocoa.

Make a big batch. Give some away as gifts. Keep some for the family and enjoy a mug while you open presents or after playing in the snow (if it will ever snow this year!)

I’ve even got a cute gift tag to attach to the jar for you! Just click the link below, print and cut.

Light And Dark Hot Cocoa Gift Tag

Are you looking for a simple, heart-felt gift this year?

Light and dark hot cocoa makes the perfect teacher gift or special treat.

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa | Just Take A Bite

Light and Dark Hot Cocoa
Yields 2
A rich, homemade hot cocoa with light and dark layers.
Write a review
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups organic cane sugar
  2. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  3. 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  6. optional: 2 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen
Instructions
  1. In a medium size bowl combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. collagen.
  2. In another bowl combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, dark cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. collagen.
  3. In two pint size jars layer 3 Tbsp. cocoa mixture, 3 Tbsp. dark cocoa mixture and a few chocolate chips (about 2 tsp.).
  4. Repeat four times, until the mixture is used.
To use
  1. Mix 1 - 2 Tbsp. of the cocoa mixture into 1 cup of hot water or milk.
Notes
  1. This is enough to fill two pint jars.
  2. Light and dark hot cocoa makes a great gift.
  3. I use Enjoy Life chocolate chips since they are allergen friendly.
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Gluten free chocolate peppermint twist cookies | Just Take A Bite

Gluten Free Chocolate Peppermint Twist Cookies

Start a new Christmas tradition making these gluten free chocolate peppermint twist cookies with your kids. You’ll all have fun and make lasting memories.

Gluten free chocolate peppermint twist cookies | Just Take A Bite

Christmas is filled with traditions. Each family creates their own and passes them on to the next generation.

One of the traditions that my mom passed on to me is baking Christmas treats. I could sit and watch her bake for hours. I was fascinated by it (and now thirty years later write about my own baking!).

I loved to help out too. I shared her passion, and now enjoy doing the same with my own kids.

So I am always on the lookout for fun, new Christmas treats to try.

A new twist.

Yes, we do the traditional sugar cookies (though we’ve modified them a bit to fit our current lifestyle) and sometimes gingerbread cookies. They are both so much fun to decorate! But my kids and I like to get creative too.

This year we came up with gluten free chocolate peppermint twist cookies.

These cookies combine my husband’s childhood traditions with my kids’ favorite flavors.

Growing up my husband always had peppermint stick ice cream with hot fudge at Christmas time. We now have it every year at our house.

This year we even made our own version of peppermint stick ice cream, candy and all!

Gluten free chocolate peppermint twist cookies | Just Take A Bite

Whenever I ask my kids what kind of ice cream they want, nine times out of ten they say mint chocolate chip.

Peppermint and chocolate go so well together. Plus they are the perfect pair for Christmas. So turning this combination into a delicious treat was fun for the whole family.

Want to give these twist cookies a try? Head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’m sharing the recipe.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 12/13/15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan is all about simple food and finishing Christmas preparations.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

After taking care of sick kids for a few weeks I finally caught the bug. Yesterday was the worst of it (I hope). Mostly just in the afternoon and evening. I still managed to take all three kids shopping in the morning and mostly finish our Christmas shopping!

But nothing got done last night, including meal plans. Then our power went out early this morning and along with that came kids getting up early. We ate breakfast in the pitch black by candle light.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

I finally get to sit down for a few minutes now and plan meals. Better late than never. I’ll keep this short and sweet and get on with the menu.

Make sure you check out last week’s posts if you like mint. Peppermint candy and peppermint stick ice cream. YUM!

I’ve got some more treats for you this week.

Here is our allergen friendly meal plan. What is on your menu? Any special Christmas baking projects?

Menu | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, spinach, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, broccoli, cherries, olives, chickpeas, split peas

Sunday 3
B – cereal, fruit | broth, squash, salmon
L – roast beef, rice, carrots | roast beef, squash
D – beef vegetable soup, crackers w/ cheese
prep: make hot cocoa, soak quinoa, soak teff
notes:

Monday 4
B – egg bake, banana bread | teff porridge w/ cherries, liver
D – beef and broccoli stir fry over quinoa
prep: sprout beans, bake cookies
notes: prep ahead

Tuesday 1
B – yogurt, granola bars | broth, pumpkin
D – cp pork and sprouted beans, rice | stuffed mushroom
prep: soak flour for crackers, make sourdough bread, soak oats
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 2
B – oatmeal | broth, squash
D – tacos
prep: bake crackers
notes:

Thursday 3
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | broth, spinach
D – split pea soup, crackers w/ cheese
prep: soak teff, soak flour for scones
notes: 

Friday 4
B – yogurt, fruit | teff porridge w/ blueberries, liver
D – omelettes, TBD scones, broccoli | salad
prep: make scones
notes: 

Saturday 1
B – scones, fruit | salad
D – hamburgers, fries, squash
prep: make Christmas cookies
notes:

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