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The Perfect Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookie

The Perfect Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookie || Homemade Dutch Apple PieNow that my daughter is in school all day my son helps me with most of my baking. He HAS to help if he knows I’m working in the kitchen. And he likes to decide what we make.

Of course one of his first requests was chocolate chip cookies. I happily obliged.

I’ve made gluten free dairy free cookies before. Some turn out better than others. It’s hard to find the right combination of flour and the right amount of fat that will create a good cookie that isn’t grainy and doesn’t crumble.

But with the help of my budding baker I think I did it! These are the best gf df cookies we’ve ever made. They are slightly crispy yet still a bit soft in the middle.

The best part is that they are very easy to make and do not require any strange ingredients like xanthan gum.

One key to these cookies is using palm shortening. As much as I LOVE coconut oil, it just doesn’t work that well for cookies. Using at least half palm shortening really helps bind the cookies and gives them the right texture. You could also try lard if you don’t have palm shortening.

Think you don’t have time to scoop cookies? Try turning them into bars. Then you simply pour the batter into one pan, pop it in the oven and you’re done! That’s my favorite thing to do when I’m short on time.

These cookies freeze very well. So make a big batch, eat some fresh and store some in the freezer for later.

If you’re searching for a delicious cookie that is gluten and dairy free search no further. This is the perfect cookie recipe. Not a fan of chocolate chips? Swap them for dried fruit, nuts or seeds. No matter what you add these cookies will be a hit.

The Perfect Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookie || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The Perfect Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yields 30
A delicious gluten and dairy free chocolate chip cookie or bar.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup tapioca flour
  2. 1/2 cup amaranth flour
  3. 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
  4. 1/3 cup organic brown cane sugar or coconut sugar
  5. 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  6. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  7. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  8. 2 eggs
  9. 6 Tbsp. organic palm shortening (see notes for whether or not to melt it)
  10. 1 tsp. vanilla
  11. 3/4 cups dairy free chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325*F.
  2. In a large bowl cream the shortening and sugars.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat well.
  4. Add the flours, powder, soda and salt. Beat well.
  5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  6. Place 2 Tbsp. mounds on ungreased baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Turn off the oven. Leave cookies in the oven for about 6 minutes.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool and remove from baking sheet.
  10. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer for long term storage.
Notes
  1. If you like cookies that are wider and flatter melt the shortening first. If you like puffy cookies do not melt the shortening.
  2. The palm shortening can be replaced with butter if you tolerate dairy (either melted or at room temp).
  3. The palm shortening can be replaced with coconut oil, but the cookies may not hold together as well.
  4. To make the cookies into bars add an extra egg to the batter. Pour the batter into a greased 7x11 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
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Dental Health, Redmond Earthpaste and {a Giveaway}

Earthpaste Review and Giveaway || Homemade Dutch Apple PieIt’s mid-October. Which means Halloween will be here soon! In addition to the pumpkins, cute kids and fun costumes there will be an abundance of candy and treats.

I’m thankful that my kids are still young enough to not get that into Halloween. We do let them trick-or-treat right by our house. They enjoy dressing up and seeing all the other costumes.

When we get home they pretty much hand over the candy. My son can’t have any of it because of allergies. My daughter is usually allowed to have a couple chocolate treats. The rest is traded in to Daddy for money.Earthpaste Review and Giveaway || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Even though my kids don’t eat much in the way of processed candy I still make them treats at home.

Regardless of the source they are still sweets…and can have an impact on the health of your teeth.

The natural solution is to brush well twice a day. That’s great! But what are you using to brush your teeth?

Most toothpaste is filled with artificial color and flavors, chemicals to make it foam and fluoride.  None of which you need to be putting in your mouth.

What are the alternatives? You can make  your own. But not everyone wants to go that route.

You can also buy a natural toothpaste. Unfortunately almost every natural toothpaste I’ve ever seen has glycerin as one of the main ingredients.  And while it isn’t necessarily bad for your overall  health, it’s not that great for your teeth. Glycerin coats the teeth and prevents remineralization.

I learned that the hard way after using a natural toothpaste for a while and all of a sudden having a mouth full of sensitive teeth.

As if toothpaste for adults wasn’t bad enough, take a look at kids’ toothpaste. They are all neon colored and so full of artificial flavors. Not to mention the fluoride that is in toothpaste for kids as young as two! But if your kids are like mine they can’t handle the mint flavor of adult toothpaste.Earthpaste Review and Giveaway || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

So what is the solution?

Recently I tried Redmond Earthpaste for the first time. My initial reaction…I LOVE it!! But better yet…so do my kids!

Earthpaste contains no chemicals, no colors, no artificial flavors and no glycerin. They have several wonderful flavors. I can’t tell you which is my favorite because I like them all.

I love that Earthpaste uses essential oils for flavor.

Best of all – the kids’ flavor is lemon…and my kids like it! No “spicy” toothpaste. No overly sweet toothpaste. Just a mild lemon flavor that even my child with oral sensory issues enjoys.

Right now I alternate between cinnamon and wintergreen. Both have very mild flavors and leave my mouth feeling fresh. There is also peppermint and now spearmint! They are all great choices.

The cleaning power comes from the Redmond clay. It is antibacterial and even helps digestive health. So there is no need to worry if your kids (or you!) swallow their toothpaste. It’s actually good for them.

Halloween is coming. Extra sweet treats are coming. But you can keep your kids’ teeth healthy with quality toothpaste.

 

I’m very excited to be giving away a two pack of Earthpaste to THREE readers!

 

This is the best toothpaste I’ve found. I hope you try it and like it as much as my family does.

Have you tried alternative toothpastes? What is your experience?Earthpaste Review and Giveaway || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meal Plans Week of 10-12-14

 Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 10-12-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple PieIt’s Sunday morning…and we’re not going to church. My big girl is sick. I hope she gets over it quickly. We’re doing lots of broth, coconut oil, elderberry syrup and diffusing oils. Hopefully that does the trick and everyone else stays healthy.

On the flip side my little one is such a happy baby today (after a week of being so fussy) and only got up ONCE in the night!  I think we figured out more food stuff a little bit. Hopefully we can keep her calm and happy now.

This will be another busy week, but we’ll see how long the illness lasts and if it gets passed around…we  may have to cancel some plans. I have some errands to run, we’re getting our furnace inspected, plus our usual activities.

Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Orchard

We went to the orchard yesterday so now I’m ready to start baking and freezing squash. I’d like to do some baking with apples as well. But, again, we’ll see how the week goes. I also want to start making some of the baked goods for our baptism celebration.

Depending on how we’re feeling I may modify some meal plans to make sure we’re getting lots of broth. I already plan to roast chicken and make another batch of broth and serve soup. But I may need to add even more to the menu.

If you’re on Facebook I posted tons of great information from fellow bloggers the last couple days. Be sure to head over to my page and check it out. On the blog I posted about emotions and eating and four ways to make honey mustard. Check back tomorrow. There is a giveaway coming!

I need to tend to my sick girl and my happy baby now. Here’s what’s on the menu (for now). What are you eating this week? 

MENU Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Sunday
L – chicken casserole (from freezer), misc. food
D – brats, chips w/ dip, caramel apple salad, peas
*make apple crisp?

Monday
D – pork chops w/ apples, rice, squash
*roast/freeze squash, bake gf bread

Tuesday
D – (prep ahead) – cp roast chicken, roasted potatoes, broccoli

Wednesday
D – (prep ahead) – squash and chicken soup, muffins
*strain/freeze broth, bake muffins

Thursday
D – meal from friend
*bake for baptism

Friday
D – scrambled eggs, toast w/jam, roasted cauliflower, cp caramel apples (modified)
*

Saturday
D – salmon cakes, potato wedges, beans
*bake for baptism, make/can applesauce

Honey Mustard Four Ways

Honey Mustard Four Ways || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Hands down my favorite dip/dressing is honey mustard.  It has been my favorite for many, many years. I think I got hooked in college when I started eating salads more frequently.

Now if I make a salad for myself, 95% of the time I use honey mustard dressing. It’s just such a great flavor.

My kids love honey mustard for dipping when we make chicken nuggets.

Over the years I’ve made it countless times. It seems like I make it a little different each time. There really are many ways to make delicious honey mustard.

Honey Mustard Four Ways || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Today I’m sharing my top four ways to make honey mustard.  They are all very easy, and they all taste great! Three of the varieties take about one minute to make, each.

The fourth version of honey mustard uses homemade mayonnaise. I always have some on hand, so it doesn’t add any prep time for me. But if you don’t have it, making the mayonnaise will add about three minutes to the preparation.

Try any of them as a salad dressing, a dip or a condiment on sandwiches and burgers. Honey mustard goes with just about anything.

Honey mustard can be prepared in advance so it’s ready when you need it. All of these varieties will last for several weeks (at a minimum) in the refrigerator. Double or triple the recipe to have a full bottle of dressing on hand for lots of salads year round.

How about you? Do you like honey mustard? What do you use it for?

Honey Mustard Four Ways || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Honey Mustard I
A simple honey mustard dressing or dip.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup honey
  2. 1/3 cup mustard
Instructions
  1. Mix the honey and the mustard until well combined.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
Honey Mustard II
A simple honey mustard dressing or dip.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup honey
  2. 1/3 cup mustard
  3. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Combine the honey and the mustard. Mix well.
  2. Gradually pour in the oil as you mix/whisk. Mix until well combined.
  3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
  1. You can add 1-2 tsp. apple cider vinegar to this recipe if you are using it as a salad dressing.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
Honey Mustard III
A simple honey mustard dressing or dip.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup honey
  2. 1/3 cup mustard
  3. 1 egg yolk
  4. 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Combine the honey and mustard. Mix well.
  2. Add the egg yolk. Mix until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the oil while mixing/whisking. Mix until well combined.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
  1. The honey mustard will get thicker if it is chilled.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
Honey Mustard IIII
A simple honey mustard dressing or dip.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup homemade mayonnaise (see post for recipe link)
  2. 1/3 cup honey
  3. 1/3 cup mustard
Instructions
  1. Combine all three ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
  1. The honey mustard will thicken as it chills.
  2. This honey mustard works well as a dip since it is a little thicker.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

It’s Just Food – Taking the Emotions out of Eating

It's Just Food || Homemade Dutch Apple PieIf you’ve been a reader here very long you know that I’ve tried just about every “diet” possible. I went from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to real food. I’ve been low fat, high fat, low carb, high carb, grain free, gluten free, nut free, dairy free, egg free…just about everything you can think of.

It took a lot of trial and error, but I finally realized that I don’t have to follow any prescribed diets. I need to eat in a way that keeps my body nourished and makes me feel good.  What that entails is a little different for everyone.

I am still a firm believer in eating a real food diet with lots of traditional foods. We also have food allergies in our house that we have to take into account. Those two factors combined give us a guide for how we eat.

Going on this long journey of figuring out how to eat created quite an obsession with food.  There  have been times that I couldn’t think about much else. I would get so stressed about choosing the “right” food that it didn’t even matter what I was actually eating because the anxiety outweighed any benefits of whatever I chose.

I used to hate eating with other people because I felt so isolated by food restrictions.

Now I have to watch my kids say no to things a lot. When they are offered some sort of “treat” it is tough to say no. It’s hard to feel different or left out. I get anxiety trying to make the right choices for my kids and know when to stick to my “rules” and when to just let it go.

There is a lot of emotion tied to eating, especially when it comes to community and events.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about going to a baseball game? Eating a hot dog.

What is a fun summer treat? Ice cream from an ice cream stand or the ice cream truck.

Now with fall activities in full swing kids are bombarded with offers of treats and snacks wherever they go.

For some people it’s hard to enjoy events without the traditional food involved. It tugs at your emotions. You have fond memories of doing these things as a child. It’s part of the experience.

I’ve been there. I’ve felt it. I feel it every time my child gets invited to a birthday party or we go to someone’s house or we go to an event. But I have finally come to a place where I realize one thing:

It’s Just Food.

That’s all. Food.

Now I choose to focus my attention on the experience and relationships.It's Just Food || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

We have to bring food with us no matter where we go. But I have yet to see my kids go hungry or feel like they were unhappy or dissatisfied after eating. I love to see the contentment on their faces as they enjoy whatever they are given and run off to have fun without putting any thought into it.

When my family goes to a baseball game we either eat before we go or I bring most of our food. Do my kids care? Not at all. They simply want to have fun at the game. They don’t care if their hot dog came from home or from the concession stand. To be honest they don’t even care about eating much at all. They are fascinated by what’s going on around them. It’s harder for Mom and Dad to separate the experience from the food.

When my daughter goes to dance class she doesn’t need a sucker at the end to feel like she did a good job or to make her enjoyment of dance any different. It’s not about the food.

So, how do you get to this point? Here are a few tips:

  1. Take the emotions out.
  2. Relax – look at the big picture if  you are feeling stressed about a situation and remember it’s just food. You probably won’t remember if you got to eat a piece of cake at a party. But you will remember how much fun you had with your family or friends.
  3. Make new memories that don’t revolve around food. If you go to an amusement park, focus on the rides and excitement. If you go to a sporting event, focus on the game and the atmosphere. If you are going to church or school, focus on what you are learning and building friendships.
  4. Keep it simple – enjoying an apple at the zoo is just as good as having an ice cream cone. Food doesn’t have to be complicated.
  5. Set a good example for your children – if you don’t make a big deal about food, eating differently or restrictions your kids won’t think much of it either.

Food does not have to be the center of everything.  Instead focus on what really matters. Take the stress out of eating. Simply eat what works for you, be thankful for it and enjoy it.

It does take work and thought to eat well. But beyond that remember that it’s just food. Relax. Enjoy what works for you. And enjoy life.

Meal Plans Week of 10-5-14

Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 10-5-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple PieWelcome to October! Fall is definitely here…and it’s cold.  Yesterday we were out of town most of the day for my nephew’s birthday party, so I didn’t get much done. I’m already feeling behind and it’s only Sunday morning!

I’m trying to gear up for another busy week. I’m feeling a bit run down from a week long cold plus not much sleep. I can tell that mama is the one with the most run down immune system right now as I’m the only one in the family that got this cold. That means I’m loading up on broth, gelatin and elderberry syrup every day. Pregnancy, surgery, breastfeeding and little sleep aren’t really conducive to a fully healthy body. So  I have to do what I can to support my immune system right now.

I’m also doing what I can to support my little one’s immune system. Which, unfortunately, means I am now totally dairy free.  I have no idea if this will just be for a few months or if it will be until I’m done breastfeeding (which could be the next two years). I can already see the improvement in her. So it’s worth it. But it sure will be hard. And it will be one more thing my body is lacking. I normally eat a lot of dairy. I’m just praying that she does not have a dairy allergy. One child with lots of food allergies is plenty.

In addition to the dairy I have to cut out all gassy vegetables and chocolate. I’m trying to tell myself that this is just temporary for me so I don’t feel so restricted and deprived. I know I’ll get to eat ice cream and chocolate again some day. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

My son has his next allergy test in November. So I’m really trying to get him to eat lots of healing foods too and praying his test shows lots of improvement. 

My little one’s baptism is coming up in a few weeks. So I’m working on planning the menu for our celebration. Hopefully I can finalize that this week so I can start to prep any baked goods in advance.

Other than that we’ve got plenty to do with Kindermusik, dance, grocery shopping, milk pick up, chiropractor, doctor and my mom’s group steering team meeting. I would like to get to the orchard this weekend too. I’m ready to start freezing squash and canning applesauce.

I’m trying to keep the menu simple this week with so much stuff going on. I have a few extra kitchen projects planned as well. Now that I am dairy free we are not using our three gallons of milk a week. So we have a ton left. Today I need to make something to use it up. I might do pudding or cheese or yogurt or all three! I would also like to start making and canning spaghetti sauce. But I’m thinking I won’t have time now. It might have to wait a week or two. If we do get to the orchard then I’ll start on applesauce and squash this weekend.

In case you missed it, last week I posted a recipe for double raspberry chocolate chip muffins and my 2014 goals update.

Here’s what’s on our menu for this week. What are you eating?
MENU Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
L – beef and bean enchilada bake (skillet version with cheese on the side), fruit
D – misc./leftovers
*make ___ with milk – pudding, yogurt, cheese, cream soup?, make/can spaghetti sauce?

Monday
D – spaghetti, squash, garlic bread
*make gf bread, make granola, bake squash

Tuesday
D – (prep ahead) – cp chicken legs, potatoes, broccoli

Wednesday
D – (prep ahead) – split pea soup, bread
*

Thursday
D – cp roast beef, sweet potatoes, carrots
*

Friday
D – french toast muffins, bacon, beans
*bake muffins

Saturday
D – salmon cakes
*make applesauce?, make pear crisp, bake/freeze squash?

2014 Goals Update

2014 Goals Update || Homemade Dutch Apple PieI know October is a little late…but better late than never. It’s time to revisit my 2014 goals and see how things are going. Since I didn’t actually post the goals until March I guess it’s not too bad to give an update now.

1. Get Back To The Basics With Nutrition.

I definitely got back on track in the summer. It was so nice to have a break from school snacks and treats at every event my children attend. I hate being bombarded with food and snacks that my kids don’t need and aren’t healthy.

I also made big improvements after the morning sickness was over. After that the packaged food was gone.2014 Goals Update || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Now we are back on track with filling up on nourishing foods and sneaking in extra good stuff whenever possible.  Yes, it’s back to school and activities. But I’m still staying focused on proper nutrition to keep my kids feeling their best.

I’m still working on healing for my little guy. So I need to keep this a priority.

2. Simplify and de-clutter my house and my life.

This was a big one for me. I did a major overhaul on most of the house in my pre-baby house makeover. It is so much easier to keep the house functional now. Of course things still get messy. But the clutter isn’t so bad. And it’s pretty easy to get things back in order.

I’ll be honest – I’d love to get rid of more stuff. But all in good time. 

3. Make relationships a priority.

As usual this was my toughest goal. It’s especially hard when you are sick and after having a new baby. I do try to get out with friends once in a while. But it’s definitely a challenge for me. And something I will continue to work on.

My husband and I didn’t get to go on as many dates as I would have liked. But we did squeeze in a few outings before baby.2014 Goals Update || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 4. Work on myself.

 Reading back through the details of this goal I don’t feel like I accomplished too much. I still need to work on being a better example for my children.

I did keep my thyroid levels steady this year. I also know what my body needs for balanced nutrition. Sleep is not something I can control too much right now. But before baby I was getting 7-9 hours each night/day. And I do my best to keep my body moving in relation to my other health aspects.

Even postpartum I’m doing pretty well. My body temperature is still staying between 97.8 and 98.6 degrees F! I try to nap every day to make for a bit of lost sleep at night. I’m just starting to get back to exercise. I try to walk or bike a little each day and will gradually increase as my body heals and I am able to sleep more.

I can’t say I did that much reading this year. But I did do some. Baby steps. 

5. Focus on my writing.

For the first time in a long time I feel like I really made great progress on my writing/blogging.  I got my site updated. I was constantly coming up with new recipes and ideas. I was posting about 4 times a week. It was fun!Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Crackers || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Obviously baby slows things down a bit. But I still have my passion and drive. So I’ll keep working.

 6. Word for the year – LOVE.

 I have been focusing on love all year. I am trying to love unconditionally. I am the kind of person that gets annoyed easily and focuses on faults (both my own and those of others). It’s not a characteristic I like. But I’m trying to let go of that stuff and truly love people.

I’m also amazed every day by God’s love for me. Whether it’s a scripture verse, a thoughtful drawing from my daughter or sweet baby snuggles, God is showing me his love every day.

 My main goals for the year were to simplify and love. Neither is a goal that will ever be complete. But I’m working on them every day.

Did you make goals for yourself this year? How are you doing?

Double Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins {gluten free, dairy free, nut free}

Double raspberry chocolate chip muffins are gluten, dairy and nut free treats packed with fresh raspberries.Double Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins - Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free || Homemade Dutch Apple PieWhen fall arrives everyone is thinking about apples, pears and pumpkins. But don’t forget the end of summer/early fall fruit that reappears – raspberries!  Yes, they come back.

This year we were able to go raspberry picking and enjoy a few raspberry treats with our last few days of warm weather.

I made raspberry ice cream, raspberry yogurt and raspberry pancake topping. Those are all great! But my favorite was the double raspberry chocolate chip muffins.

These muffins have the perfect amount of moisture from the raspberries and an extra hint of sweetness from the chocolate chips. You’ll never know they are gluten and dairy free.

Raspberry muffins make an easy breakfast. They also pair well with any kind of soup for a simple, nourishing lunch or dinner. So make a big batch, stash some in the freezer and you’re ready to go.

My kids devoured these muffins. My daughter even ate two with her meal!  Even though one recipe makes 18 muffins, none of them made it to our freezer. I should have made a double batch.

Take advantage of this late summer fruit and enjoy a special breakfast treat. Your whole family will love double raspberry chocolate chip muffins.

Double Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins - Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

This post is linked to From the Archives Friday.

Double Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins (gluten free, dairy free, nut free)
Yields 18
A moist muffin filled with raspberry and chocolate.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup "white" gluten free flour (tapioca, white rice)
  2. 1 cup whole grain gluten free flour (teff, amaranth, sorghum, brown rice)
  3. 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
  4. 1 tsp. aluminum free baking powder
  5. 1 tsp. baking soda
  6. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  7. 1 tsp. organic vanilla extract
  8. 2 Tbsp. honey
  9. 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or palm shortening (or butter)
  10. 3 eggs
  11. 1 cup + 1/2 cup raspberries
  12. 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375*F. Line a muffin pan with paper muffin cups, silicon cups or grease the pan.
  2. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, powder, soda and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, vanilla and honey. Beat until just combined.
  4. Add the melted fat. Beat until combined.
  5. Add 1 cup raspberries. Beat until well combined (raspberries will "puree" into the batter).
  6. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts and/or dried fruit if desired.
  7. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with batter.
  8. Using the remaining 1/2 cup raspberries, place 1-3 raspberries on the top of each muffin.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer for long term storage.
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.

Meal Plans Week of 9-28-14

Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 9-28-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 We’re closing in on the end of September. What a crazy busy month! I think we’re starting to settle into routines a bit.

It’s hard to believe it’s time to start thinking about fall, Halloween and even ahead to Thanksgiving!

As usual we have something going on just about every day this week. So I’m keeping the meals and to-do’s simple.

This week I have my six week postpartum check up.  I’m disappointed that I still haven’t lost more weight. I’m back to pre-pregnancy weight. But that’s all. I still have all of the extra weight I gained last year. And it doesn’t seem to want to budge. It’s been steady here for a few weeks. I thought by six weeks I’d be making more progress. I’m eating well and gradually exercising more. But instead of losing weight I’m still wearing maternity clothes. I thought with my thyroid working so well it would help the weight come off too. I guess not.

I’m still digging into material about diastasis recti and will be talking to my OB about it. Based on what I’ve learned so far I think I’ve probably had diastasis for a long time but had no idea. So there is a lot of work ahead to fix it. I love this post from Whole New Mom about a flat tummy. It gives some great basics.

I’m gradually modifying my diet to help my little one.  All gassy vegetables are out. I’ve been eating only minimal dairy (mostly just butter). I’m still not sure about chocolate and eggs, but I’ve been really limiting those as well. I’m thankful it makes her much happier. But it’s definitely not easy for me. It’s only been a week and I already miss my ice cream. I think I’m going to have to start stealing some of my son’s coconut milk ice cream.

I’m still short on time and trying to get back into the swing of things with my writing. So bear with me while the posts are a little more infrequent. If you missed it, last week I posted my recipe for pancake muffins. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another delicious recipe.

My son has had a few rough days again behaviorally. That is usually a sign that something is bothering him. Since I know his diet hasn’t changed I was pretty sure it wasn’t food. But I may have figured out what it is. He may have a latex allergy…and he’s been playing with a balloon and putting it in his mouth the last few days.  Latex allergies are related to some food allergies…the foods he’s allergic to. So we’ll see if he gets back to normal in a few days after getting rid of the balloon. And I’ll for sure be talking to the allergist about it when he has his next check up.

 As you get ready for a new week be sure you plan some meals to keep you and your family eating nourishing food. Here’s what’s on our menu. What’s on yours? 

MENU Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
L – grilled hamburgers, seasoned rice, peas
D – (separate) – leftover pizza
*make fruitsnacks

Monday
D – cp roast chicken, sweet potato fries, beans
*make gf bread, make granola bars?

Tuesday
D – (prep ahead) -cp pork chops, potatoes, carrots
*strain/freeze broth

Wednesday
D – (prep ahead) – chicken noodle soup, biscuits
*make biscuits

Thursday
D – (early) – tacos, fruit
*make corn tortillas

Friday
D – french toast muffins, sausage, roasted cauliflower
*make muffins

Saturday
D – grilled hot dogs, french fries, broccoli OR takeout

Pancake Muffins {Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free}

Pancake Muffins - Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free || Homemade Dutch Apple PieFall activities are in full swing. Everyone is busy. This is when it gets harder to keep healthy food on the table.

When time gets cut short breakfast is usually the first meal to suffer. You opt for whatever is easiest to grab in the morning.

Do you need a time saving breakfast that your kids will love? Don’t reach for a  box. Try pancake muffins!

You can make a big batch ahead of time and then just warm up as many as you need. There is no need to stand at the stove flipping pancakes, trying to keep them warm.

Are you preparing breakfast for the whole family or even for guests? With pancake muffins you can cook pancakes for a crowd and have them all ready at the same time.

Pancake muffins have just a hint of sweetness and you can add all of your favorite toppings – butter, syrup, honey, fruit, etc. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon or yogurt for a well balanced breakfast.

Do you want to spruce them up a bit? Add some fruit or chocolate chips for a special pancake treat.

Pancakes don’t have to be a weekend treat. You can have them any time by turning them into muffins.  You can even eat them on the go. Spread some butter, honey or jam in the middle and take them with you.

Do you like pancakes? Try a pancake muffin!

Pancake Muffins - Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 

Pancake Muffins {Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free}
Yields 12
Pancakes in the form of a muffin for easy making and taking.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups any combination of gluten free flours (I used 1 cup tapioca, 1 cup amaranth)
  2. 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  3. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  4. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  5. 2 Tbsp. cane sugar or coconut sugar
  6. 2 eggs
  7. 6 Tbsp. fat, melted (coconut oil, palm shortening, lard or butter)
  8. 1/2 cup milk or milk substitute
  9. 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
  10. 1 tsp. vanilla
Optional add-ins
  1. 1/2 cup fresh fruit, chocolate chips or cooked sausage
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350*F. Grease a muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and mix well.
  3. Stir in any add-ins.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan.
  5. Bake 25 minutes, until golden brown.
  6. Serve with honey, maple syrup, jam and/or butter.
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