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Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Simple Soaked Series: Crunchy Granola Bars

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!Next up in my simple soaked series is a staple in my house – granola bars!  These are definitely a family favorite.

One batch of granola bars makes a big batch so you can stock the freezer for easy breakfasts and snacks.  The really great thing about them is that you don’t even have to thaw them! Just grab one out of the freezer and start eating.

Soaked Crunchy Granola Bars

I’ve made many different versions of granola bars over the years. But I haven’t always prepared them the right way.

This version of granola bars uses soaked oats to reduce phytic acid content and make them easier on your tummy.  The oats are first soaked and dried. You’ll have to do this step in advance, so plan ahead. Then all you have to do is mix and bake. Homemade granola bars are so easy to make.

They are also very budget friendly! No need to pay for a box. Just make your own granola bars for a fraction of the cost…and get sixteen at a time instead of six. Making your own also means you decide on the flavor. Add any dried fruit, nuts, seeds and chocolate chips you like.

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Allergen Free Granola Bars

The other unique thing about this recipe is that it makes crunchy granola bars. I grew up eating crunchy granola bars (anybody else remember the green package of the oats and honey flavor?). I’ve always like them better than chewy.

But most homemade granola bar recipes make chewy bars. So I’ve created a crunchy version. My kids like this better than chewy as well. Making crunchy granola bars also means you don’t have to use any eggs. So they are naturally gluten, egg and nut free! They can also be made dairy free.

Easy Snack on the Go

Soaked crunchy granola bars hold up really well. There is no need to refrigerate them to make them stay together. You can easily pack them in a lunch or even toss them in a diaper bag when you’re on the go.

I like to make a big batch and wrap them individually. I store them in the freezer and take individual bars out as needed.

A crunchy granola bar pairs well with whole yogurt drizzled with honey, fruity yogurt, eggs or even a handful of crispy nuts. Add a piece of fruit and you’ve got a balanced, nutritious, ready in minutes breakfast.

Are you a crunchy or chewy granola bar lover? Give this crunchy granola bar a try. Your whole family will love it.

If you like granola bars but don’t tolerate oats, stay tuned…I’ve got another great breakfast bar coming your way!

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy! 

Simple Soaked Series: Crunchy Granola Bars
Yields 16
A crunchy granola bar made with soaked oats.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups rolled oats
  2. 1 1/2 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, yogurt, whey or kefir
  3. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  4. 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  5. 6 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil
  6. 1/3 cup honey
  7. 1/3 cup maple syrup
  8. 1/2 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
  9. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  10. optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit, chopped nuts, seeds or chocolate chips; 1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Combine the oats and the soaking liquid.
  2. Cover and let sit 24 hours.
  3. Rinse and drain the oats.
  4. Spread the soaked oats on a dehydrator tray and dry for 8 hours (this can also be done in an oven at the lowest heat setting)
  5. Allow the dried oats to cool.
  6. Heat the oven to 325*F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
  7. Crumble the dried oats into a large bowl.
  8. Add the coconut, flax seeds, sugar and salt to the oats. Gently mix.
  9. Heat the butter, honey and syrup in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
  10. Add the butter mixture to the oat mixture. Mix well.
  11. Add any optional add-ins.
  12. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
  13. Bake for 30 minutes.
  14. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut into bars.
  15. Allow to cool completely before removing the bars from the pan.
  16. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
  1. The granola bars can be kept in the refrigerator to stay fresh longer. They can also be stored in the freezer for long term storage. There is no need to thaw granola bars.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Now that we’ve learned why it’s important to properly prepare grains and how to use some common whole grains it’s time to share some simple soaked recipes. I’m starting out with sweet bread.

One of things I bake most often is sweet bread. It is perfect for breakfast, a snack or along side a big bowl of soup. Plus we all love it.

Sweet bread is a great medium for adding lots of healthy fat like butter and coconut oil to your diet. We like to really pile it on! I love a bit sea salt on top as well for a great salty sweet combination. 

A basic sweet bread recipe is the perfect starting point for many varieties of bread. You can keep it simple. Or you can create various flavor combinations by adding dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, spices and chocolate chips.

The great thing about this sweet bread is that it is soaked for easier digestion and nutrient absorption.  So you can feel good about serving it to your family.

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My kids LOVE sweet bread. I need to start making double batches so some of it can actually make it to the freezer.  We go through these two loaves in a couple days. It makes a great addition to lunch boxes for school…again piled high with butter.

If you manage to get some of your bread in the freezer it makes an easy no-prep breakfast on busy mornings. Just grab it out of the freezer, top it with butter or coconut oil and pair it with some eggs, bacon, yogurt or raw milk. Breakfast is served in no time.

This bread can also be used to make amazing french toast.  Dip slices in a dish of beaten eggs and milk and fry it in butter. Then top it with maple syrup or honey and you have a special Saturday morning breakfast.

This recipe is for gluten, dairy, nut and corn free bread. If you tolerate gluten you can make it with whole wheat, spelt or kamut flour.

No matter how you serve it or what you add to it sweet bread is delicious.  Try this base recipe and then get creative making flavors your family loves. 

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread
Yields 2
A basic sweet bread recipe that is soaked and gluten/dairy/nut/corn free.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups any combination of gluten free flour, stirred together to remove any clumps
  2. 3/4 cups total soaking liquid (2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, yogurt or kefir + enough water or milk to equal 3/4 cups)
  3. 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, butter or organic palm shortening
  4. 3/4 cups coconut sugar or cane sugar
  5. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  6. 1 tsp. cream or tartar (or baking powder)
  7. 1 tsp. tapioca flour or arrowroot (omit if using baking powder)
  8. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  9. 2 eggs
  10. optional: 1/2 cup add-ins: spices, nuts, fruit, dried fruit, chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine the flour and the soaking liquid.
  2. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  3. Grease a large and a medium loaf pan. Heat oven to 350*F.
  4. Add the melted fat and the dry ingredients to the soaked flour. Mix.
  5. Add the eggs. Mix.
  6. Stir in any add-ins.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 50 minutes.
Notes
  1. This bread freezes well.
  2. This bread can be made with whole wheat/splet/kamut/einkorn flour in place of the gluten free flour.
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 Plans Week of 3-1-15

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Weekly Menu

Welcome to March!  If you’re like me you’re dreaming about spring. It looks like our weather is finally trying to improve. We might see temperatures in the 30’s this week!

Last week was pretty exhausting and draining for me as my little one has been struggling with nursing and tummy issues.  We’re pretty sure it’s due to a tongue and lip tie. So we’re doing our best to manage until we get to a doctor to have it checked and hopefully dealt with.

We also started a bit of solids for my little one. We have to stick to purees for now because of the tongue tie. She seems to enjoy them. But she is also having a harder time with digestion.

I hope this week is a little better. We’ve got plenty going on so we can’t just stay home and try to nurse around the clock to keep her nourished and hydrated.

My son has had a few rough days as well. So for this week I’m cutting out yogurt and seeing how it goes.

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Weekly Menu

Last week I put a few too many projects on my list. This week I’m trying to scale back a little.  Especially today. I’m trying to take it easy on Sunday. Hopefully I can even get a nap today since I’ve pretty much been up since 2:45 trying to nurse my baby (who either cries or clenches her lips shut even though I can hear her tummy growling).

As of right now my kitchen projects include coconut milk, oat milk, oatmeal, cupcakes, waffles, sourdough bread, gluten free bread (with no flax), tortillas, corn bread, sourdough pizza crust and water kefir.

My daughter chose waffles for the kids’ choice Saturday breakfast. Waffles aren’t my favorite thing to make for sure. It’s not my style to cook a food that is made one at a time when trying to cook for and take care of a family. I’m all about efficiency. But I told her she got to choose. So Saturday will be waffle day.

Last week I posted my last basic grain and a recipe for delicious frosting. This week I’m starting a simple soaked series. I’ve got some delicious and easy recipes coming!

Now for the menu. Here is what we’re eating this week. What’s on your menu? 

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Menu

Sunday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit
L – cp pork chops, baked sweet potato, peas
D – hot dogs, chips, roasted cauliflower and cabbage
*make coconut milk, soak flour for tortillas, soak oats for oatmeal and milk

Monday
B – oatmeal
D – tacos
*make oatmeal, soak beans, soak flour for corn bread, make tortillas, boil eggs, make oat milk, make kefir

Tuesday
B – hard boiled egg, toast
D (prep ahead) – cp chili, corn free corn bread (modified to be gf df)
*make corn bread, soak flour for gf bread

Wednesday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit
D (prep ahead) – TBD casserole, bread, applesauce
*feed sd starter, make gf bread

Thursday
B – english muffin w/ pb, fruit
D – cp roast chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots
*make sd bread, make broth, soak flour for cupcakes

Friday
B – granola bar, fruit, scrambled eggs
D – sd french toast, sausage, roasted veggies, fruit
*soak flour for waffles, feed sd starter, make cupcakes

Saturday
B – waffles w/ syrup, fruit
D – sd pizza with sausage and olives
*make waffles, make sd pizza crust, make pizza sauce, make kefir

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Butter Cream {gluten free, nut free}

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Butter Cream | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 2The other day I made cupcakes as a special treat. But I ran out of time to make frosting. So I ended up not serving my cupcakes at our family gathering. I actually stuck most of them in the freezer to use later.

Then as I was pondering what to make with my Stonyfield Petite Creme vanilla yogurt it occurred to me it might be fun to make frosting out of yogurt! So I did.

I had also just made a batch of coconut milk and the leftover coconut shreds had just come out of the dehydrator. Instead of grinding them into flour I added them to my frosting.

Vanilla Coconut  Yogurt Butter Cream is so easy to make. It takes about two minutes. It also only requires five ingredients.  You can even leave the coconut out if you don’t like coconut.Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Butter Cream | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

One of the things I love about this frosting is that it is not overly sweet. The only sweetener is what is in the yogurt. Nothing else is added.

My husband and my daughter both really enjoyed yogurt butter cream on their cupcakes.

I make gluten free cupcakes (this is a delicious and healthy version), but you can use whatever cupcake you like. This butter cream would even be really good on chocolate cake.

The petite creme yogurt is fat free. Normally I am not a fan of fat free stuff. But in this recipe it is balanced with the butter in the frosting.  Full fat plain yogurt would also work. Simply add some maple syrup or cane sugar to it to make a homemade vanilla yogurt.

A note of caution – the Stonyfield yogurt does contain corn starch. So if you are allergic to corn be sure to use an alternative yogurt. My little guy was pretty disappointed about this. It meant he couldn’t try it.

If you need a quick frosting, grab a bowl, a mixer and some yogurt. You’ll have delicious butter cream in no time.Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Butter Cream | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Butter Cream {gluten free, nut free}
A lightly sweet, simple butter cream.
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Ingredients
  1. 2/3 cup vanilla yogurt (or plain yogurt with 3 Tbsp. maple syrup or cane sugar added)
  2. 2/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  3. 2/3 cup tapioca flour (use less if you don't want the frosting as thick)
  4. 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
  5. 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Beat on high until well combined.
  3. Use immediately to frost cupcakes.
  4. Store extra frosting in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.
Notes
  1. This makes enough frosting for 1 dozen cupcakes. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
 I received products from Stonyfield to create this recipe. But all opinions are my own.

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.

Basic Grains: Amaranth

Basic Grains Amaranth | Homemade Dutch Apple PieThe final grain I am highlighting in my basic grains series is amaranth. If you are new to baking and cooking with alternative grains you may have never even heard of it.

Amaranth is one of my favorite grains for baking.  I grind the whole grain to make fresh flour. Then I usually use it for about half of my flour mixture.

Not only is amaranth great as a flour, it can also be used as the whole grain. It cooks very similarly to oats and can be used as an oatmeal substitute.

Amaranth is also similar in texture to quinoa when it cooks. It can be used in place of quinoa in your favorite recipes. The grains are small and have a little bite to them. They remind me of really tiny grains of rice.

Serve amaranth as a breakfast porridge, a warm side cooked in broth, in place of noodles or even in a cold salad. Warm it with milk and maple syrup for a rice pudding type dessert.

Like other grains Amaranth must be soaked for 24 hours to eliminate most of the phytic acid content. Then it cooks quickly for easy use in your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you are like me and don’t tolerate grains in their whole state very well be sure to try a small amount of amaranth first to see if your body handles it.  I just assumed I’d do well with whole grain amaranth since I use the flour with no problems all the time. But that was not the case.

If you are looking for more variety in your diet or need another gluten free alternative give amaranth a try. 

Basic Grains Amaranth | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Basic Grains: Amaranth
Serves 4
How to soak and cook amaranth
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup whole amaranth
  2. 1 cup warm water
  3. 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  4. 1 - 1 1/2 cups water or broth
Instructions
  1. Combine the amaranth, warm water and lemon juice.
  2. Let sit for 7-24 hours (24 is best)
  3. Pour the soaked amaranth in a medium saucepan.
  4. Add one cup of water or broth.
  5. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid is absorbed/the grain is cooked - about 10 minutes.
  6. Add extra liquid if necessary.
Notes
  1. This can be served as a porridge (like oats) with honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, butter, coconut oil, milk, yogurt, fruit, nuts and/or flax seeds.
  2. This can be a savory side dish (like rice) using broth and seasoning.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Allergen Friendly Meal Plans Week of 2-22-15

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Weekly MenuIt’s the last week of February! That sure went by quickly. We’ve been enduring bitter cold here. I sure am anxious for spring. How about you? Until then I’ll keep getting as much broth down as possible and serving lots of soup.

This will be a busy week as usual. My son has a speech therapy appointment. He’s almost done!  I’m guessing we’ll have one more appointment. I’m amazed at how quickly his speech has improved. And I’m so thankful we started at a young age and he’ll have this taken care of before he starts school in the fall.

My little one turned six months old yesterday!  How is that possible? It seems like she was just born. Up to now we’ve only been giving her broth. Yesterday she had a tiny taste of my squash soup. She really seemed to enjoy it. I think we’ll let her taste avocado today. I have a feeling she’s going to be more interested in solids than my other two were at this age. She is always eyeing what we’re eating.Menu | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My kitchen will be a busy place as usual. It’s hard to keep up with how much I eat 😛  Here is what I hope to make: soaked gf df graham crackers, soaked gf df cereal, soaked gf cupcakes (recipe coming), soaked gf df noodles (recipe coming), spinach pesto, soaked gf df bread (recipe coming), sourdough bread, soaked gf df winter spice bread, soaked gf df scones, quinoa milk (recipe coming), coconut milk and water kefir. I will also make something for breakfast on Saturday that my kids choose (I haven’t asked them what they want yet). I’ll also have a couple crockpots of beef broth going all week so I can restock my freezer.

Last week I continued my basic grains series with oatmeal and rice. I also reviewed a Mom + Baby box from Ecocentric Mom. This week I’ll be finishing my basic grains series and kicking off a new one!

Here is a look at our menu. What are you having this week?

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Menu

Sunday
B – breakfast cookies, yogurt
L – brats, french fries, peas
D – cp beef roast, roasted potatoes, carrots
*make graham crackers, soak flour for noodles, make coconut milk, soak quinoa for milk, make broth, make kefir

Monday
B – english muffin w/ pb and honey, fruit
D – pesto pasta, roasted cabbage, garlic toast
*make noodles, make pesto, make quinoa milk, soak flour for bread, make broth, soak beans, boil eggs

Tuesday
B – hard boiled egg, toast
D (prep ahead) – cp pork and beans, tortilla chips, fruit
*make gf bread, feed sd starter, make broth

Wednesday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit
D (prep ahead) – broccoli noodle soup, sd bread
*make sd bread, make broth, soak oats

Thursday
B – oatmeal
D – sweet and sour meatballs, mashed potatoes, beans
*soak flour for cereal, dry oats, make granola, soak flour for bread, make kefir

Friday
B – yogurt parfaits
D – winter spice bread, bacon, roasted cauliflower, smoothies
*make cereal, make bread, soak flour for muffins, soak flour for cupcakes, soak rice, soak flour for scones

Saturday
B – kids’ choice – gf df raspberry muffins, milkshake
D – salmon cakes, squash, seasoned rice
*make muffins, clean make cupcakes, make scones

Ecocentric Mom – Mom + Baby Box Review

Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

**I am working with Ecocentric Mom to blog about this Mom + Baby box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.**

Have you ever heard of Ecocentric Mom? I hadn’t until recently. It is a great site that finds quality, natural products and sends you a box every other month. You can choose from three types of boxes – Mom, Mom + Baby or Pregnancy.

I just got my first box to try. It is a mom and baby box, and it is filled with great stuff. Now I get to share it with you!

It is neat to see new, natural products that I may not know about otherwise. Plus I didn’t have to go to the store to shop for them! This is a great way to find products I feel good about and want to use. Then if I find something I really like I can order just that specific product.

Here are the products included in this month’s box, descriptions and my reviews.

Mama Loves Me by Mara Van Fleet
“In this delightful book, a cute baby elephant shares his admiration for his mom’s special talents—using her trunk to reach up high, to play hide-and-seek, to give him a quick shower, and to kiss him at goodnight.”

This is such a cute book! All three of my children love it. I like how the trunk is part of each page. I also love that it is a quality board book that my little one can hold and not destroy. She is in the chew on books phase. So this is perfect.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Snack Out Loud Crunchy Bean Snack
“Crunchy Bean Snacks are an irresistible, family-friendly savory snack made simply from pinto beans, sunflower oil and natural seasoning so they’re naturally Non-GMO, gluten-free, nut free and soy free. Yummy!”

I wasn’t sure what to think of a crunchy bean. But this was really tasty! Even my kids loved it, which surprised me. They reminded me of spiced peanuts. So it was really a treat for me (that can’t have peanuts). Plus I love anything crunchy. I may have to see if these are sold at our local health food store for an easy on-the-go snack.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
“Add excitement to your favorite dishes—and promote a healthy lifestyle—with our Kelapoâ„¢ Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Kelapo Coconut Oil is organic, cold-pressed, and fair trade approved.”

Personally, I’ve never tried a brand of coconut oil I didn’t like. So I can’t say if Kelapo is better or worse than any other brand. But I can say it tastes great! I loved slathering it on my bread. When you’re dairy free you have to have good coconut oil on hand. I would gladly have a big jar of Kelapo in my kitchen.

Pure Essentials Botanic Bath Infusions
“Botanic Bath Infusions are 3-in-1 relaxing bath therapies that combine restorative mineral sea salts, fragrant essential oils, and curative herbs and flowers in a 100% biodegradable soilon pouch.”

These bath salts look great…if I could ever find time to actually take a bath. I might have to just try them in a foot soak soon.

Amara Baby Food
This is an easy and healthy way to travel with baby food. We got to try the apple. The only ingredient is apples! I simply added some milk to the powder (no heating, no waiting, no glass jars to carry. And any liquid, including water and breastmilk, will work). Both of my big kids loved it. My little one isn’t old enough to try it yet. But I’d definitely let her have it when she’s a little older.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Bum Boosa Bamboo
“Bum Boosa replaces the traditional synthetic or tree-pulp wet wipe using an immensely renewable and sustainable grass: bamboo. Nourishing plant-based ingredients such as Calendula, Chamomile, and Organic Aloe Vera care for delicate skin. Scented with Lavender and Sweet Orange essential oils.”

I normally use cloth wipes. And when I do use disposable they are unscented. So it was strange to me to use wipes with so much scent. But they work very well. I really like that they are made without any chemicals.

Flavrz
“Flavrz Organic Drink Mixes – world’s best organic, deliciously healthy and affordable, alternative to the usual artificially flavored, colored and sweetened beverages.In addition to being delicious, healthy and affordable Flavrz Organic Drink Mixes are great for the environment when used with a reusable water bottle. Our small, easy to carry, easy to use 2Go pouch is a concentrate that one adds to ten to sixteen ounces water at home, office, gym or on the go.

Six Flavrs – Sport, Energy, Immunity, Cherry Berry, Tropical Peach and Lemon-Lime
Organic, NON-GMO, Gluten-Free”
 
The Falvrz drink mix has great flavor. I tried the sport. It was a nice treat to have something besides water to drink. I like that you can make your drink as sweet or mild as you like. I diluted mine quite a bit. But I’m not a fan of the agave syrup it contains. So I wouldn’t buy this normally.
 
“The perfect way to catch all of your ideas – as they happen. 100 heavy weight white cards fit nicely into pockets or handbags for quick jots of important things. Complete with a heavy card  stock carrying case.”
 
These little note cards are so fun and have a variety of cute pictures on them. I’m always writing things down so I won’t forget (hello, mommy brain!). These are handy to have on hand both at home and on the go. Small note cards are also great for keeping little hands busy when you’re waiting somewhere. Grab a few cards and crayons before you head out the door.
 
O & N Collective
“O&N Collective is an online apothecary specializing in certified organic and natural skin and personal care products. Our mission is to provide safe and effective products that promote health and wellness.”
 
This looks like a great site for ordering specialty personal care products. Included in the Ecocentric Mom box is a coupon for 15% off your order. That is a huge savings when it comes to natural products!
 
Natural Seal Liquid Bandage

“Don’t let a small scrape turn into a trip to the hospital, protect your little ones with Natural Seal Liquid Bandage! For the ultimate protection for your little ones, use on cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, blisters & more!”

Of all of the products in the box I think I enjoyed this one the most! This liquid bandage is so easy to use and perfect for little ones that pick at bandages and pull them off. As long as you can get them to wait the minute or two for the liquid to seal you’re all set. No peeling off sticky bandages and pulling hairs. No tears. Just spray it on and wash it off. The next time one of my kids gets a scrape I’m using this for sure!

Do you like what you what you see? Are you interested in getting a box of great products to try for yourself? Sign up at Ecocentric Mom and see what fun, natural products arrive at your door.

I am working with Ecocentric Mom to blog about this Mom + Baby box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

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.

Basic Grains: Rice

Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple PieNext in my basic grains series is another common one – rice. It is a dietary staple for so many cultures.

Rice has one of the lowest phytic acid contents of any grain. So if you forget to soak in advance, go with rice.  That being said if you do plan ahead it still helps to soak rice. It will break down the phytic acid it does contain and create a really soft and easy to digest starch for your meal.

Many people assume that using brown rice (the “whole grain” version) is better. But for many that is not the case.  I rarely use brown rice because it is harder to digest. For so long I didn’t think I tolerated rice…until I switched to white rice.

Although white rice does not have much in the way of nutrients on its own, it does provide a simple starch for energy. It is also a great medium for other nutrient dense food like butter, coconut oil and broth.  So combined they create a balance of nutrition and energy (I learned how important that is when reading The Nourished Metabolism).Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

A word of caution – as odd as it sounds rice is a pretty common allergen (my son has been rice free for about a year now). So if you eat a lot of rice because you are gluten free, make sure you aren’t eating it every day in order to avoid creating an intolerance or allergy.

Rice can be used in so many ways. It is great as a breakfast porridge with cinnamon, raisins and maple syrup. It makes a great side dish cooked in broth. Rice works well in soups. It is also a great base for things like stir fry, meatballs, stroganoff and tacos.

Let’s not forget that rice even works as a dessert in rice pudding!

One of the best things about rice is that it is so cheap! Bulk up a meal with rice to stretch  your meat and veggies without stretching your wallet. A simple meal for pennies is rice cooked in broth. Add a little butter or coconut oil and you have a perfect balance of protein, starch and fat that is easy on the tummy. Not to mention it tastes great! It’s even a good meal for when you are sick.

No matter how you like to use rice it’s best to properly prepare it. Then add some nutrient dense components and dig in! What is your favorite way to serve rice? Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Basic Grains: Rice
Serves 4
Basic soaked rice.
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Ingredients
  1. 3/4 cup organic white or brown rice
  2. 3 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  3. 2 1/2 cups broth and/or water for white rice, 3 1/2 cups for brown rice
  4. 1 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil
  5. seasoning to taste (optional - salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs)
Instructions
  1. Combine the rice, warm water and soaking agent in a medium bowl.
  2. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the rice.
  4. Place the rice and the broth/water in a medium saucepan.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (white rice) or 60 minutes (brown rice).
  7. Add extra liquid during cooking if it gets too dry.
Notes
  1. This works well as an oatmeal replacement. Simply add any sweetener, milk, dried fruit, nuts, fat, flax seeds, etc. you like to the cooked rice.
  2. White rice is lower in nutrients, but easier on digestion. It is also great for energy when combined with the nutrient dense components like broth, fat, etc.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Basic Grains: Oatmeal

Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple PieWhen it comes to grains it doesn’t get more basic than oatmeal. It is a breakfast staple for so many.

But oatmeal may be one of the things causing digestive distress and vitamin and mineral deficiencies for many.  This is especially true if your oatmeal comes from a packet with flavorings or if you eat granola out of a box. They don’t have any nutrients to begin with.

But even if you cook plain oats you’re likely to have problems. Ever feel gassy, bloated or really full after eating oatmeal? There’s a reason.

Oats are one of the highest phytic acid containing grains. So if you are not preparing them properly oats are really hard on your body and do more harm than good.

I learned this the hard way. I used to eat store-bought granola every single day…for years. As you can  imagine I also had years of digestive problems. Now I don’t tolerate oats at all, even properly prepared.

That being said, oats are a very budget-friendly and healthy breakfast if you take the time to soak them. Honestly, oatmeal is one of the easiest breakfasts to make. You soak the oats one morning. Then the next morning they cook in five minutes!Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 3

I love that you can add so many things to a bowl of oatmeal to bump up the nutrition:

  • butter
  • coconut oil
  • raw milk or cream
  • coconut milk
  • yogurt
  • gelatin
  • cinnamon
  • fresh fruit
  • dried fruit
  • nuts
  • flax seeds
  • nut butter

You can even add probiotics and cod liver oil!

You can make a big pot of oatmeal one morning that will last all week. Then all you have to do is warm it and add new flavors. You can create all sorts of fun combinations like peanut butter banana, cinnamon raisin, strawberries and cream and chocolate chip!

My three year old loves oatmeal. It’s a special treat for him when I make it. He always claims any leftovers. My six year old, on the other hand, can’t do oatmeal. The texture is too much for her oral sensory issues. She does love granola and granola bars, though. Experiment and see what your kids think. You can adjust the liquid content to give it a different texture. Adding extra milk or water makes it more like cereal and not so thick.

Oatmeal for breakfast is great for filling bellies and giving a healthy dose of carbohydrates for energy at the start of the day. Add the nutrient dense components and pair it with some eggs or bacon and you’ve got a powerhouse breakfast.  It’s even gluten free.

If you’re like me and don’t tolerate oats you can replace oats with teff, rice or quiona.

Have you been eating your oatmeal without soaking it for years? Now’s the time to get started preparing it the right way and get the most out of your oats.Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 2

 

Basic Grains: Oatmeal
Serves 2
Basic soaked oatmeal.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup oats (old fashioned/rolled oats)
  2. 1 cup warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, kefir, yogurt or whey
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  5. 2-4 Tbsp. coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey (optional)
  6. gelatin, cinnamon, dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, butter, coconut oil, yogurt, milk to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine the oats and warm water plus lemon juice in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 24 hours (or longer).
  2. Put soaked oats in a medium saucepan.
  3. Add the water, salt and sweetener.
  4. Cook over medium heat about five minutes, until liquid is absorbed and oats are cooked through.
  5. Add optional ingredients to pot or to individual bowls.
  6. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
  1. To reheat leftover oatmeal place it in a saucepan with a small amount of milk or water and heat until warm.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/


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Allergen Friendly Meal Plans Week of 2-15-15

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Weekly MenuHappy Valentine’s Day (yesterday)! I hope you got to spend time with loved ones and feel loved. Our weekend was filled with visits from family and friends. Today we get to meet our new  nephew!

Although fun, the weekend was busy and a bit stressful. So I’m feeling unorganized and anxious going into this week.  And starting the day with a baby wide awake at 4:30 am is already causing me to shift my plans since I couldn’t get anything done this morning. I hope we can still get out the door on time.

We have plenty going on the rest of the week. One big thing is that my daughter is starting her ortho work! We are all pretty excited.Menu | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I have a long list of things I’d like to do in the kitchen this week. We’ll see if I get to half of them. I need to make more milks, granola, sourdough bagels, gluten free bread, water kefir, yogurt and possibly amaranth tapioca bars.  I also need to grind some amaranth since I just got my bulk grain order.

My other project for this week is making a dessert for the auction at my daughter’s school. I think I’m doing cheesecake. I hope it turns out really well.

This week I’m continuing my basic grains series. Last week I started with the hows and whys of preparing grains and how to make quinoa. Have you started soaking your grains? I’ve got more for you to try.

Here is what’s on our menu this week – lots of easy, prepare in advance meals. What’s on your menu? 

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Menu

Sunday
B – sd english muffins with pb and honey, clementines
L (pack) – ham and cheese sandwiches, cucumbers, olives, apples
D (prep ahead) – cp pork chops, roasted potatoes, broccoli
*dry oats for granola, make quinoa for milk, make yogurt, grind flour, make kefir

Monday
B – yogurt, granola
D – sloppy joes, squash, french fries
*make coconut milk, soak flour for bread, make granola

Tuesday
B – baked eggs, toast
D (prep ahead) – cp meatloaf, baked potatoes, carrots
*make gf bread, feed sourdough, make cream cheese

Wednesday
B – yogurt parfaits
D (prep ahead) – pumpkin soup, sd bagels w/ cream cheese
*make sourdough bagels, make kefir

Thursday
B – sd bagels w/ pb or cream cheese, fruit
D – pork burgers, sweet potato chips, beans
*make cheesecake, make fudge sauce, soak flour for pancakes, soak flour for bars

Friday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit
D – pancakes, scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, fruit salad
*clean, make bars

Saturday
B – pancakes, crispy nuts, fruit
D – at birthday party
*soak flour for graham crackers