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Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 8/23/15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan is all about school preparation, visiting family and keeping up with food preservation.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Summer is really winding down. We only have two weeks until school starts! I don’t think I’m ready. I’ve really been enjoy the last few weeks of no activities.

One of the best parts of our summer was just two days ago when we celebrated my baby girl’s first birthday! I still can’t believe she is one.

What we’re doing.

This week we don’t have too many outings. But we do have family visiting.

The other big event is having a realtor come over!! It’s been our dream for a while to move to a house with more space and more land. It’s finally time to take the first step in the process of achieving that dream. It is exciting. But it also means I’ve got to get the house cleaned up today!

There are no big health updates this week. Everyone is about the same…still trying to figure out allergy stuff, still working on healing. I am starting up my probiotic again today. I’m just going to take it once a week and see what happens.

One thing we won’t be taking this week is fermented cod liver oil. In case you haven’t heard all of the buzz check out this article.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

What we’re making.

I do have a huge list of kitchen projects this week. They include:

I need to get stuff made just to keep us fed this week, but also to start stocking the freezer for school day breakfasts and lunches. I’ll be doing even more of that next week.

If you need more ideas for upcoming lunches don’t forget the the Kitchen Stewardship lunch box ebook is still on sale.

I dealt with a lot of produce yesterday and canned my first round of salsa for the season. I’m sure there will be plenty more upkeep this week as our garden is really going right now.

Last week I posted some delicious veggie recipes – green bean and bacon casserole, rustic chicken zucchini pie and herb roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard. This week I’m bringing you some goodies!!

What we’re eating.

Here is the allergen friendly meal plan for the week. As always I include my alternatives if I’m making things for the family I can’t eat. Hopefully everything on the menu keeps us well fed and healthy.

What is on your menu this week? Are you savoring the last few days of summer?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
B – gf pancakes w/ peach topping, bacon | broth w/ squash, beef and beans
L – grilled hot dogs, grilled corn on the cob, peas, chips
D – homemade Hamburger Helper®, pear slices, carrots, squash
*make gummies, make elderberry syrup

Monday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | sd bread w/ avocado, molasses tonic
L – Hamburger Helper®, pepper slices
D – honey mustard chicken, sweet potato fries, broccoli
*soak flour for corn bread, sprout beans, make extra chicken for freezer, skim cream

Tuesday
B – cereal, fruit | broth w/ chicken and peas
L – honey mustard chicken, cucumbers, crackers
D – bean and vegetable chili, corn bread | broth w/ chicken and peas, corn bread
*make ice cream, make corn bread, boil eggs, make sd bread

Wednesday
B – hard boiled eggs, toast | salted caramel custard w/ sd cereal
L – chili, crackers w/ cheese, milkshakes
D – pork burgers, roasted zucchini, roasted potatoes
*make scones, make bars, render lard

Thursday
B – bars, yogurt | broth w/ pork and spinach
L – pork burgers, pepper slices
D – pea soup, corn bread | broth w/ squash and spinach, scone
*bake cake, make apple crisp

Friday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | broth w/ sardines, peas
L – pea soup, crackers w/ cheese
D – pesto chicken pasta, roasted vegetables, cheesy garlic bread
*prep oat cups

Saturday
B – blueberry oat cups, toast w/ peanut butter, fruit salad | sd bread w/ avocado, sardines
L – grilled cheese, roasted vegetables
D – salmon cakes, peas, french fries

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.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Herb roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard dressing put a new spin on salad. They make the perfect side dish all year long.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am partnering with Wayfair and Stonyfield for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use these products. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I love a fresh salad in the summer. To be honest I could eat a salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner all summer long!

But I do have a family to cook for. And I don’t have any big salad fans.

That means it’s time to put a new spin on salad.

My kids LOVE roasted vegetables. They often eat all of their vegetables first when I roast them.

So when challenged by Stonyfield and Wayfair to create a new summer salad I went with something I knew my kids would enjoy.

Herb roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard is a hearty summer salad everyone will love.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The vegetables.

Most of the time I roast cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or cabbage. If you think those are vegetables your kids don’t like try them roasted. You might be surprised!

During the summer there are plenty of other fresh vegetables to add to the mix, like zucchini, peppers and beans.

I used a combination of year round staples and fresh summer vegetables to create a colorful blend.

Add lots of extra virgin olive oil, unrefined sea salt and some fresh or dried herbs for a pop of flavor.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The dressing.

What’s a salad without dressing? To top this beautiful blend I put a creamy spin on my favorite honey mustard by adding whole milk Stonyfield yogurt.

The bright yellow dressing really pops against the rainbow of vegetables. And it adds a burst of flavor. Roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard will be the center of attention at your dinner table.

Creamy honey mustard also makes a great veggie dip.

My kids may not be huge salad fans, but they do love veggies and dip! So another way to eat salad in the summer is to skip the lettuce and go straight for fresh vegetables with creamy honey mustard.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The presentation.

Herb roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard is a great salad for entertaining. All of the prep work is done in advance so you can visit with your guests.

But you can’t serve a beautiful salad without the proper dishes. That’s where Wayfair comes in.

Have you checked out their assortment of salad bowls and kitchen gadgets? There is so much to choose from!

My favorite color is blue and I like simple. So of course I picked a stunning cobalt blue salad bowl. I love how it is wide and shallow – perfect for presenting a colorful salad. You can see the whole assortment of vegetables.

I have been searching for a salad dressing container for some time now. I usually just use a small mason jar. But for serving to guests that is not so convenient. This cruet is just what I’ve been looking for. (Plus I learned a new word…cruet). These will come in so handy when I serve salads at parties and family gatherings.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My favorite product from Wayfair is this set of condiment cups. They are perfect for dipping veggies in dressing. They are also great for holding after school snacks. They come in four fun colors so each kid can pick what color they like. Did you know that can make vegetables taste better? It can.

Whether you need a fancy salad to serve to guests or you’re just trying to get your kids to eat more veggies, herb roasted vegetables with creamy honey mustard work well.

Let your kids help chop all of the vegetables and make the simple dressing. Then use some fun, festive serveware from Wayfair to brighten up the table.

What is your favorite summer salad? How do you dress it up?

Let Stonyfield and Wayfair spruce up your next salad.

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
Serves 6
Bright vegetables seasoned with herbs and drizzled with a creamy honey mustard dressing.
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Vegetables
  1. 10 cups variety of vegetables (cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, peppers, zucchini, cabbage, beets, parsnips, rutabaga)
  2. 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  3. 2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  4. 1 tsp. dried basil
  5. 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  6. 1 tsp. dried dillweed
Dressing
  1. 1/2 cup plain, whole milk yogurt
  2. 1/2 cup honey
  3. 1/4 cup mustard
  4. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Vegetables
  1. Cut the vegetables into uniform chunks.
  2. Heat oven to 375*F.
  3. Place vegetables on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. Pour olive oil over vegetables and season with salt and herbs.
  5. Toss to coat.
  6. Bake for about 1 hour, until vegetables are tender and browned.
Dressing
  1. Combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Serve vegetables warm, drizzled with honey mustard.
Notes
  1. The dressing can be made in advance.
  2. The dressing will last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  3. The dressing can be used as a veggie dip.
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.

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie with Olive Oil Crust

Looking for a new way to use up your abundance of zucchini? Rustic chicken zucchini pie with olive oil crust makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner! Serve it warm or cold any time of day for a filling and nutritious meal.

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Summer is about having fun, getting outside and being active. That includes riding bikes, picnics at the park and pool parties.

But summer is also about slowing down, taking it easy and enjoying the simple pleasures. Think lounging on the beach, sitting by the fire watching the stars and snuggling with your kids on a quiet rainy day.

When it comes to soaking up the summer I think of simple, comfort food that utilizes fresh produce.

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Summer food.

Rustic chicken zucchini pie is comfort and summer all wrapped up in a pie crust.

It is a cross between pie and pizza.

The crust is a simple soaked dough made with flour, water, olive oil and salt. The filling is chicken and a bit of squash simmered in bone broth until a thick sauce forms. Finally a layer of zucchini tops the pie for a beautiful and delicious dish.

Simple and versatile.

Rustic chicken zucchini pie is fancy enough for dinner guests. Though you might want to make two! It will go quickly.

It is also simple enough for a weeknight meal that the kids will devour.

Eat it with a fork and knife or your hands. Serve it at the dinner table or pack it in a picnic.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Warm or cold.

A full meal all wrapped up in a delicious package, rustic chicken zucchini pie is really that good and that versatile.

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen friendly.

The thing I love about it is that it is naturally dairy, egg, nut, corn and coconut free. I did use a wheat crust, but gluten free flour can replace the wheat. So it is safe for just about everyone!

If you can tolerate cheese some fresh mozzarella mixed into the sauce or grated parmesan on top would taste great.

No chicken on hand? Swap it for another meat like sausage. Or simply make it a veggie pie. The sauce underneath can be made without the meat. Simply add a little extra squash to the broth for a creamy base.

Lunch time!

For all of the busy moms out there chicken zucchini pie is perfect for a grab and go lunch. It’s hard enough to feed the kids let alone find time to make your own lunch. Make a pie at the beginning of the week and grab a slice or two each day for lunch.

If you want to get a head start on school lunches you could make a few chicken zucchini pies, cut them into slices and freeze individual pieces. Simply pull out a piece when you need it for adding to a lunch box or even for an easy breakfast.

I don’t know about you but any time I can get my kids to eat broth while at school is great. Vegetables on top of it is a bonus.

Check out the Lunch Box ebook for more fun recipes (35% off through 9/7/15!)

Don’t let that pile of zucchini go to waste! Create a simple summer dish the family will love. Rustic chicken zucchini pie with olive oil crust is perfect for any occasion.

How do you like to use zucchini – in sweets like zucchini bread, cake and scones or in a savory dish?

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie with Olive Oil Crust
Serves 4
Creamy chicken, fresh zucchini and a simple olive oil crust - the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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Crust
  1. 1 cup whole wheat, all purpose or gluten free flour
  2. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  3. 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  4. 2-3 Tbsp. cold water
  5. 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Filling
  1. 2 Tbsp. pureed squash
  2. 2 medium zucchini
  3. 1 cup cooked, shredded or diced chicken
  4. 3/4 cup chicken broth
  5. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  6. 1 tsp. of a combination of basil, rosemary and thyme
Crust
  1. In a food processor combine the flour, salt and olive oil. Pulse until crumbly.
  2. Add the water and lemon juice.
  3. Process until a ball of dough forms.
  4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 7-24 hours.
Filling
  1. Slice the zucchini and lay it on a cooling rack.
  2. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 20 minutes. Flip and repeat. (This will remove a lot of the water.)
  3. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towel when done draining.
  4. While the zucchini is draining, cook the chicken, squash and salt in broth. Simmer until it is thick and the liquid is evaporated, 5-10 minutes.
  5. Heat oven to 350*F.
  6. Roll the dough into a 12" round on parchment paper.
  7. Spread the chicken filling on the dough, leaving a 2" border.
  8. Layer the zucchini on top of the chicken.
  9. Season with herbs.
  10. Fold edges of dough onto zucchini.
  11. Drizzle the top with olive oil.
  12. Bake for 70 minutes.
  13. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
  1. This can be served warm, room temp or cold.
  2. This can be frozen whole or in slices.
  3. You can add 1/2 cup shredded cheese to the filling and/or the top.
  4. To make a meatless pie omit the chicken and increase the squash to 1/2 cup.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie With Olive Oil Crust | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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.

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

Green bean and bacon casserole is a real food version of the classic side dish. With nourishing ingredients like bacon, raw milk and fresh beans it is healthy and filling enough to be a main dish.

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Every summer we have a garden with a variety of vegetables. We change up what we grow each year.

But one thing we always have is beans!

I am in the kitchen freezing beans a couple times a week all through July and into August so we can enjoy them all year.

Our favorite way to enjoy beans is cooked fresh. My son always has to have second and sometimes third helpings. He knows what’s good!

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

A new twist on an old favorite.

This year I decided to use some of our abundance to recreate the classic green bean casserole.

The original includes canned beans, canned cream soups and fried “onions” on top. To me that means MSG, thickeners and all sorts of strange ingredients I don’t care to consume.

My homemade green bean and bacon casserole is made with fresh beans, homemade bone broth, raw milk and pastured bacon. It really doesn’t get any better than that!

Green bean and bacon casserole can be served traditionally as a side dish. But my version is so filling that I served it as the main course! Give me a big pile of green bean and bacon casserole and a slice of sourdough bread and I am a happy mama.

The kid seal of approval.

This was the first time eating a green bean casserole for my kids. They couldn’t get enough! My husband thoroughly enjoyed it as well.

Green bean and bacon casserole is great when beans are fresh. It also works with frozen beans. So you can enjoy it year round.

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Make it work for your schedule.

It is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings and holidays. You can even make it for an easy week night meal. Green bean and bacon casserole can be prepared in advance and baked at dinner time.

As a busy mom I love meals like this. I prepare it during the day while the kids are napping or at school. Then when dinner time rolls around and everyone needs my attention I just pop it in the oven.

No time to bake it? No problem. Green bean and bacon casserole is great straight from the pan. Serve it on a bed of rice and you’ve got a complete meal.

If you enjoy the crispy onions on top of green bean casserole simply fry up some onion slices until crispy. Add them to the top after it is done baking.

If you don’t have bacon on hand you can substitute cooked chicken. Then use whatever fat you have on hand in place of the bacon grease (lard, tallow, butter, etc.).

Whether you’ve got fresh summer beans or you’re working through your freezer stash green bean and bacon casserole is sure to please the whole family.

My only regret when making this was that I didn’t have time to take better photos before my kids devoured it!

Did you grow up on green bean casserole? You’ll love this updated, nutrient dense version.

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Serves 6
An updated version of the classic green bean casserole. This one is filled with nourishing ingredients and can be served as a main dish.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 lb. green/yellow beans, snipped, cut
  2. 1 cup chicken broth
  3. 1 cup milk (can be replaced with broth to make it dairy free)
  4. 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour, tapioca flour or cornstarch
  5. 1 tsp. salt
  6. 1/2 tsp. pepper (optional)
  7. 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  8. 1/2 lb. pastured, nitrite/nitrate free bacon, cooked, crumbled, grease reserved
  9. 2 Tbsp. bacon grease
  10. 1/2 small onion. sliced (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cook the beans in water until tender, 30 - 40 minutes. Drain.
  2. Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet.
  3. Stir in all purpose flour OR mix tapioca or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the broth and add to grease.
  4. Cook 1 minute.
  5. Slowly stir in the broth and milk.
  6. Season and simmer until it thickens.
  7. Add the cooked beans and simmer on low 5 minutes.
  8. Add the bacon.
  9. Transfer to a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish.
  10. Bake at 350*F for 20 minutes.
  11. Cook onion slices in bacon grease until crispy.
  12. Top casserole with onion slices when serving.
Notes
  1. This can be served straight from the pan without baking.
  2. This can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to eat.
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.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 8/16/15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan is all about focusing on healing foods, stocking the pantry and celebrating a very special first birthday!

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am in a state of denial this week.

My baby is turning one!!

That just can’t be. Wasn’t she just born a few days ago?

This has been a crazy, challenging year to say the least. But our little reminder of God’s grace has brought us such joy. I am excited to celebrate!!

We’ve got lots of appointments and errands this week. And I might actually get to leave the house by myself one evening. It’s been over a year since that happened.Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Health news.

We experimented with a mold free diet last week for my oldest. I don’t think one week can tell us a whole lot. Not to mention I’m still learning about the diet, so I’m sure there was still plenty of bad stuff. I will keep researching and trying to minimize her exposure.

My son has had a rough couple weeks. The only thing I can think of that could be causing the problems is unsoaked grains. We’ve had some cake and crackers (pumpkin grahams and zucchini) that were not soaked. We’ll see if a few days without them clears things up.

I have had a rough couple of weeks as well. Probiotics and problem foods have caused some intense reactions. I’m trying to get my body settled and back on track this week. I haven’t for sure figured out the culprit, but I’m wondering if one thing that bothers me is grapes. I’ll cut those out and start over with my probiotic just taking it once a week instead of daily.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

In the kitchen.

Some weeks I don’t have too many kitchen projects planned. This is not one of those weeks. Here is my to-do list so far:

I hope I can squeeze it all in even with all of our coming and going.

The food.

I hope you didn’t miss last week’s posts. I shared some amazing peach recipes!! Grain free peach cobbler creamsicles, peaches and cream overnight oats and five minute peach jam – all delicious.

I also shared my recipe for homemade lunch meat. It is perfect for school lunches! And if you’re looking for more great lunch box ideas you can still get the Kitchen Stewardship lunch box e-book 35% off right now.

This week is all about the veggies! I’ve got some great summer vegetable recipes coming.

I had some help planning my menu this week. My four year old gave me lots of suggestions. They included tacos with peas inside and just fresh fruits and vegetables. I used his ideas and tweaked them just a bit to make them into full meals.

Here is our allergen friendly meal plan for the week. Hopefully we can stay on top of a mold free, allergy free rotational diet and have everyone feeling their best. And hopefully we have a great time of celebration!

What is on your menu this week? Any summer birthdays coming up?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
B – sausage, malt-o-meal | broth w/ steak and zucchini, sd bread | yogurt w/ honey, peaches
L – meatball soup, zucchini crackers w/ cheese and sausage
D – bbq short ribs, mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
*make elderberry syrup, make peach cobbler

Monday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | broth w/ salmon and pumpkin
L – meatball soup, crackers
D – sloppy joes, chips, broccoli
*make granola, make sd bread, soak quinoa

Tuesday
B – hard boiled egg, toast | salted caramel custard w/ sd granola
L – sloppy joe, pepper slices
D – roast chicken, quinoa, beans
*soak tortillas, make broth, soak oats for oatmeal

Wednesday
B – baked oatmeal | chicken salad, beans
L – chicken salad, crackers, cucumbers
D – tacos on gf tortillas, peas
*soak flour for pumpkin bread

Thursday
B – cereal, fruit | sd bread w/ avocado, molasses tonic
L – taco bowls
D – pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, cheese slices
*roast squash, make popsicles, make pumpkin bread, make scones

Friday (1st Birthday!!)
B – baked oatmeal, fruit | pumpkin soup, scone
L – pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread
D – dinner birthday cake, broccoli, pears
*soak flour for waffles

Saturday
B – kids choice – blueberry strawberry smoothie, granola w/ milk | salted caramel custard w/ granola
L – leftover cake
D – bacon, soaked zucchini waffles, peach topping, beans
*make peach topping

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.

Homemade lunch meat makes packing healthy lunch a breeze. Plus it's great for little ones too!

Homemade Lunch Meat

Lunch time just got easier and healthier with homemade lunch meat! It is perfect for school lunches or even for babies. Add it to your to-do list!!

Homemade lunch meat makes packing healthy lunch a breeze. Plus it's great for little ones too!

Warning.

You may want to cover your ears.

I’m going to use the dreaded L word – LUNCHES.

There. I said it.

As much as I don’t like to think about it, before we know it we’ll be packing school lunches again.

Homemade lunch meat makes packing healthy lunch a breeze. Plus it's great for little ones too!

You want to send your kids to school with nutritious food. But you also don’t want to make their lunches too different or “weird” (liver pate or sardines anyone?). Not to mention you don’t want to spend an hour making lunch.

Just the other day my seven year old asked why I never put “normal” sandwiches in her lunch like her friends have. She mentioned peanut butter and jelly and ham and cheese.

Need more ideas? Check out Katie’s healthy lunch box e-book!

I don’t send peanut products often because I don’t want to make the school an unsafe place for those with allergies.

The ham and cheese? Well, we just don’t have any lunch meat.

Until now.

Homemade lunch meat makes packing healthy lunch a breeze. Plus it's great for little ones too!

Did you know you can make your own lunch meat?

Homemade lunch meat is so easy to make. It literally takes five minutes of hands on time.

Want to learn how?

Head on over to Kitchen Stewardship where I share my simple homemade lunch meat recipe.

And don’t forget to check out the Healthy Lunch Box ebook!

Homemade lunch meat makes packing healthy lunch a breeze. Plus it's great for little ones too!

In need of a few more ideas for the lunch box? Try some of these:

Sweet potato salmon burgers

Teff and sorghum cherry bars

Gluten free pizza crackers

Strawberry apple salad

Fruit on the bottom  yogurt

Soaked gluten free bread (great for sandwiches with lunch meat!!)

Gluten free crackers

Quinoa bars

Salmon salad

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.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Five Minute Peach Jam

Peach jam in five minutes? Yes! And only three ingredients. Simple, healthy and bursting with flavor. Five minute peach jam is a great way to capture summer in a jar.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Growing up I ate one thing on my toast – grape jelly. Always.

Now that I’m older and cook for myself and my family I like to have a lot more variety. So I make strawberry jam, cherry jam and raspberry jam.

This year I tried peach jam. Wow! It’s like summer in a jar.

Chop. Mix. Simmer.

For real – that is all there is to it. Cut up fresh peaches, add sweetener and grass-fed gelatin. Simmer about five minutes.

Fresh peach jam awaits.

You can even make peach jam without any sweetener if your peaches are sweet enough. Else a couple tablespoons of sweetener really kicks up the flavor.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Let the kids help.

This is a great project for getting your kids in the kitchen. Peal and pit the peaches and let your child cut them into small chunks. A dull knife is just fine for chopping peaches.

Then let them measure the sugar and gelatin.

Older kids can help with the cooking as well. If you are making a pureed jam this is a great way to teach older kids how to use an immersion blender.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Spread it on. Stir it in.

Once the jam has chilled for a few hours it will be gelled enough to serve. Spread it on homemade gluten free bread, sourdough bread or your favorite muffin. My kids couldn’t get enough of this peach jam on freshly baked bread alongside a big bowl of soup.

Another great way to use peach jam is mixed into plain, whole milk yogurt. It makes instant peach yogurt without any thickeners, gums or added flavorings.

Spruce up your oatmeal by stirring in peach jam. Top with some crispy pecans and breakfast is served.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Stock the freezer.

This recipe is for a small batch to eat fresh. You can easily triple it (or more!) and freeze the jam. Then you can enjoy it all year long.

Peach jam in the middle of winter is a real treat! Not to mention it’s very cost-effective. One jar of homemade jam costs about $1.25 (give or take).

The same amount of quality store-bought peach jam would cost about $5.00.

Grab a few peaches and your kids and mix up a quick batch of five minute peach jam. Then enjoy this allergen free spread all year long to change up your breakfast.

What is your favorite type of jam or jelly? Do you make your own?

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Five Minute Peach Jam
Yields 1
Simple and healthy, five minute peach jam is a great way to capture summer in a jar. Only three ingredients and tons of flavor.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup peaches, peeled, pitted, cut into small pieces (juice reserved)
  2. 3/4 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  3. 1 - 3 Tbsp. organic cane sugar or honey
Instructions
  1. Add peaches and juice to a small saucepan.
  2. Add the gelatin and stir. Let sit 1 minute.
  3. Add the sugar.
  4. Bring to very low simmer and let cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Mash or puree if desired.
  6. Pour into a half pint jar.
  7. Chill until gelled.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Notes
  1. An easy way to reserve the peach juice is to cut the peach directly over the pan and let the juice drip down while you cut.
  2. You can leave out the sweetener to make this sugar free jam.
  3. This makes one half pint of jam. Multiply the recipe by how many jars you want to make.
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.

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

Peaches and cream overnight oats make a satisfying breakfast. Prepared in advance, they are a grab ‘n’ go breakfast everyone will love. Use fresh peaches in the summer and frozen or canned peaches in the winter.

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I try my best to do breakfast preparation in advance. In the morning I want everything ready to go.

When my husband is getting ready for work…breakfast is ready.

When one kid wakes up early and is instantly begging for food…breakfast is ready.

When the baby needs to nurse and everyone else is hungry…breakfast is ready.

Since we don’t eat store-bought cereal I need other quick and easy breakfasts that are ready for the family even if I’m busy.

Peaches and cream overnight oats are the perfect solution.

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple, simple, simple.

It only takes about five minutes to prepare overnight oats. I line up jars for however many servings I’m going to make. Then just add the ingredients to each jar and mix.

Peaches and cream overnight oats only contain five ingredients. All of them except for the peaches are pantry and refrigerator staples. So you can whip up a batch just about any time.

Give them a boost.

In addition the five base ingredients you can add collagen for protein and egg yolk for vitamins. This will make peaches and cream overnight oats a very balanced breakfast. That includes three components:

  1. Protein – yogurt, collagen, egg yolk
  2. Carbohydrates – oats, peaches, maple syrup
  3. Fat – whole milk yogurt or coconut yogurt

One other thing I love is that the overnight soaking makes the oats much better for you!

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Get ready to host.

These overnight oats are great for the whole family on a school day morning. But that’s not all.

Peaches and cream overnight oats are fancy enough for hosting overnight guests or a brunch. Mix up a bunch of small jars of the oats and leave the peaches on top. They look so elegant. Plus you can just pull them out of the fridge in the morning and have time to visit with your guests. No cooking necessary.

Change it up.

If you aren’t a fan of peaches in your yogurt or you just don’t have any on hand you can swap another fruit. Stone fruits like plums, apricots and nectarines work very well.

Or you can use berries and cherries. They can be fresh or go right from the freezer to the oat mixture. By morning they will be thawed and ready to go!

No matter what flavor you choose overnight oats are a perfect prep ahead breakfast. You can make them for a busy weekday morning or even make a batch while you enjoy some end of summer travel. All of the ingredients are available wherever you go.

On the go.

Peaches and cream overnight oats are also great for school lunches and snacks. Just mix it up the night before. Put a lid on and pack it in the lunch box. It is ready to go when your child is ready to eat.

By using gluten free oats this breakfast is not only delicious but also gluten, egg, nut, corn, soy and rice free. If you use coconut yogurt it is also dairy free. There is a version for just about everyone!

In need of an easy breakfast? Peaches and cream overnight oats are the way to go!

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
Serves 2
Peaches and cream overnight oats make a satisfying breakfast. Prepared in advance with fresh peaches, they are a grab 'n' go breakfast everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup old fashioned oats (be sure to get gluten free oats if you are gluten free)
  2. 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt or coconut yogurt
  3. 4 Tbsp. maple syrup (adjust to your liking)
  4. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1 large peach, peeled and cut up (over oats)
  6. optional - 2 tsp. collagen, 1 egg yolk
Instructions
  1. Divide the oats, yogurt, maple syrup and salt (and collagen and egg yolk if desired) between two small jars or dishes. Mix well.
  2. Cut up the peaches over the jars so the juice drips into the jars.
  3. Cover and refrigerate 7-24 hours.
  4. Stir in peaches when ready to eat.
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.

Grain-free peach cobbler creamsicle

Grain-Free Peach Cobbler Creamsicles

Nothing says summer like fresh peaches! Enjoy them in a frozen treat with these simple grain-free peach cobbler creamsicles. Just a few whole-food ingredients and no refined sweeteners! Your kids will go crazy for this special summer dessert.

Looking for a delicious way to cool down in August? These grain-free peach cobbler creamsicles are made with just a few simple ingredients and kids love them! Put your extra peaches to good use with this fun summer treat. #peaches #summer #frozentreat #popsicle

If you want to know what summer tastes like all you have to do is bite into a fresh, juicy peach. There is nothing quite like it.

Peach cobbler creamsicles transform that summer flavor into a frozen treat you can’t resist.

Start with a simple grain free crumble that only has three ingredients! A quick mix by hand and it’s in the oven.

While the cobbler is baking you can mix up the rest of the creamsicle. Whole milk yogurt and raw milk are combined with pure maple syrup for a sweet, creamy base.

Then cut up fresh peaches right over the bowl so you don’t miss a drop of the juice. Stir them in to create peach cream.

Once the cobbler is done you can mix it into the creamy mixture, pour it into molds and freeze.

Looking for a delicious way to cool down in August? These grain-free peach cobbler creamsicles are made with just a few simple ingredients and kids love them! Put your extra peaches to good use with this fun summer treat. #peaches #frozentreat #summerfood #kidfood

How to Use up Extra Peaches

My kids went crazy for these peach cobbler creamsicles! In fact my husband did too.

I happened to make them when it as about 90 degrees here. Talk about a refreshing treat when it’s hot!

Peach cobbler creamsicles are very allergen friendly. You can swap coconut milk and yogurt for the dairy. They are naturally free of grains, gluten, eggs, nut, corn and soy.

If you can’t have or don’t have tapioca you can substitute for it with cassava or rice. Note that it will not be grain free if you use rice. But it will still be gluten free.

How to Feed Kids that Don’t Like Chunks

If your child doesn’t like food with chunks simply puree all of the ingredients before filling the molds. You’ll still get the peach cobbler flavor in a smooth form. Go with whatever texture works!

When I think of summer I envision sitting on the porch, soaking up the sunshine with peach juice dribbling down my chin (because there is no other way to eat a fresh peach!). Now that summer vision is kicked up a notch with peach cobbler creamsicles (you can let them dribble down your chin too).

Looking for a delicious way to cool down in August? These grain-free peach cobbler creamsicles are made with just a few simple ingredients and kids love them! Put your extra peaches to good use with this fun summer treat. #peaches #frozentreat #summerfood #kidfood

What is the Best Popsicle Shape

When it comes to popsicles I’m kind of old fashioned. I like to use cups and popsicles sticks instead of fancy molds (though these certainly would be a great gift!!!). It reminds me of how I made them as a child. These creamsicles work with whatever you’ve got.

You can use a traditional mold or even these silicon molds to make them more like push pops.

Peach cobbler creamsicles are so refreshing and bursting with flavor, yet full of healthy ingredients. That is an essential part of a great summer.

If you are celebrating a summer birthday these would also make a great birthday treat.

Are you a peach fan? What is your favorite peach treat?

Looking for a delicious way to cool down in August? These grain-free peach cobbler creamsicles are made with just a few simple ingredients and kids love them! Put your extra peaches to good use with this fun summer treat. #peaches #frozentreat #summerfood #kidfood

Grain Free Peach Cobbler Creamsicles
Yields 4
Nothing says summer like fresh peaches! Enjoy them in a frozen treat with these simple grain free peach cobbler creamsicles.
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Cobbler
  1. 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or cassava or white rice)
  2. 2 tsp. butter (or lard or coconut oil)
  3. 2 tsp. pure maple syrup (or honey)
Creamsicle
  1. 3/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt or coconut yogurt
  2. 1/4 cup whole milk (raw if possible) or coconut milk
  3. 3-4 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (adjust to your liking)
  4. 1/8 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1 large peach, cut into small chunks, juice reserved
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl combine the flour, butter and syrup until crumbly.
  3. Spread on the parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool and crumble into small chunks.
  5. In a bowl combine the yogurt, milk, syrup and salt.
  6. Cut the peach over the bowl so the juice drips into the yogurt.
  7. Stir in the peaches.
  8. Stir in the cooled cobbler.
  9. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
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.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 8-9-15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan focuses on peaches and more dietary experiments. It’s time to get more detailed with meal plans!

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Happy Sunday! I’m starting this morning very thankful for a new day. Last night I had one of the most intense headaches ever. Praise the Lord it is gone now. And hopefully it will stay away.

The week ahead.

We’ve got a somewhat busy week ahead. We are meeting my daughter’s potential piano teacher. We need to get to the local meat market. And we have to decide if my daughter is going to take dance class again this year since signs us are this week. We will, of course, make lots of time for playing!

The other big event is my husband and oldest having a father daughter camping trip!

More diet changes.

My headache last night was likely from die off since I started a new probiotic a week ago. So I’m taking a few days off from it and starting again with an even smaller dose.

I think we determined the culprit foods for my little one the last couple weeks were egg whites and rice. Now that those are out she’s been doing well.

I’ve also been researching diet related to mold allergies a lot. My oldest has a bad mold allergy. So we are going to experiment most of the week. The biggest challenges are

  • no leftovers more than 24 hours old…so I’m going to try freezing leftovers right after a meal
  • no cultured/fermented food…cheese, yogurt, sourdough, fermented cod liver oil, etc.
  • no smoked meats…sausage, bacon, ham, etc.
  • no eggs, nuts, corn, tomatoes, potatoes or dried fruit

So I’m trying to really plan out every meal (as you’ll see in the menu) to make sure I have stuff for her.

Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Work in the kitchen.

This week it’s time to can peaches! I have to take care of this task before peaches are done. This will be my first canning of the year. Hopefully I can find the time to do it!!

In addition to peaches here are my kitchen projects:

Lots of great food.

Last week was all about blueberries, and I posted some delicious recipes – blueberry cheesecake pops, fruity breakfast cake and traditional blueberry pie.

This week it is all about peaches! You don’t want to miss any of these. I had so much to share I’ve actually got FOUR new recipes coming this week.

Here is this week’s allergen friendly meal plan. I’ve got lots of simple foods and hopefully enough details that we can really give this mold free diet a try. The lunches listed are for my daughter.

What is on your menu this week? Are you enjoying lots of fresh peaches?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Sunday
B – cereal, fruit | salted caramel custard w/ nectarine, sd cherry granola | toast with sunbutter
L – tuna salad and bacon sandwiches, squash, nectarines
D – grilled hamburgers and corn, beans, applesauce
*make mayo, soak flour for bars

Monday
B – yogurt, granola | sd bread w/ avocado, tuna salad | granola w/ milk
L – leftover burger, peppers, crackers
D – chicken broccoli noodle casserole, applesauce
*make bars, soak flour for cookies

Tuesday
B – bars, fruit | broth w/ chicken, peas, spinach
L – chicken broccoli noodle casserole
D – meatballs, rice, peas
*make cookies, make sd bread

Wednesday
B – cookies, yogurt | broth w/ meatball and beans, cookie | cookie, milk
L – meatballs, rice peas
D – pork chops, baked sweet potatoes, cauliflower
*soak oats, can peaches, soak quinoa, freeze peaches, freeze tomatoes

Thursday
B – oat cups | broth w/ pork and avocado
L –  sunbutter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers
D – honey mustard chicken breasts, quinoa, beans
*make graham crackers, prep camping food, make peach jam

Friday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | salted caramel custard w/ cherries
L – chicken, crackers, broccoli
D – camping | scrambled eggs, toast, peas
*prep camping food

Saturday
B – camping | sd bread w/ avocado, sardines
L – camping
D – grilled steak, zucchini and peaches, french fries
*make sd english muffins