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Meal Plans Week of 8-31-14

Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 8-31-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple PieIs it really Sunday…and the last day of August?? The last week and a half flew by. I’m not even sure what day it is.

But this week it’s time to get back on track and get started with school, work, fall activities, etc. I hope I’m up for the challenge.

Recovery is going very well so far. And our sweet baby is also doing well. I’m thankful I’ve got some energy and feel somewhat ready to take on the tasks of the week.

It’s hard to believe that just a week after bringing home a new member of the family my big girl will be going to school all day every day. We sure are going to miss her!! But I’m sure she’ll love first grade. She also starts dance this week. So I’ll get to try driving and getting all three kids ready and out the door on my own this week.

Another new project for me is packing lunches every day. On the flip side that will be one less lunch to make during the day.baby

We don’t have any big holiday plans. We’re just enjoying our last day at home as a family before school starts and my husband is back to work. If the weather cooperates maybe we’ll walk to the local ice cream stand. We didn’t go once all summer.

I’ve got a few kitchen projects planned. But I’m still keeping them to a minimum. I want to enjoy these few weeks of the newborn phase as much as possible.

There were a lot of posts on the blog last week! Check them out if you missed them – baby is here, guest post on oral SPD, zucchini crackers and zucchini pizza bites.

I’m going for easy meals this week. I just never know if I’ll have one hand or two free when it’s time to make dinner. Here’s what’s on our menu.

Are you getting ready for fall activities? What’s on your menu?

***************MENU***************

Sunday
L – sweet and sour chicken meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots
D – zucchini, chicken and lentil soup, zucchini muffins
*make fruit snacks, make zucchini muffins

Monday
D – grilled steak, grilled zucchini, roasted potatoes
*make “goldfish” crackers

Tuesday
D – spaghetti, broccoli, garlic toast
*make cookies

Wednesday
D – (prep ahead) – cp stuffed peppers, peas, bread
*make ice cream

Thursday
D – pasta with corn pesto and chicken, broccoli
*make gf bread

Friday
D – apple pie breakfast cake, bacon, roasted cauliflower, fruit
*make cake

Saturday
D – vegetable souffle with bacon, carrots, peaches
*

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Is your refrigerator still overflowing with zucchini? Are you wondering what to do with it besides baking with it or grilling it? Why not make pizza!

Zucchini pizza bites make a great snack, lunch or appetizer. They are very kid-friendly. They are naturally grain free and can be made dairy free as well.

We had them recently and made them a variety of ways. I made some with pureed squash or tomato sauce and toppings to be dairy free. I added cheese to some as well. They all had great flavor.

I actually had a little bit of leftover spaghetti meat sauce to use up. So there was practically no prep work involved. It was perfect for our Sunday evening simple dinner.

I love how the smaller ones are the perfect size for little hands and little mouths.  Plus most kids will eat just about anything that you call pizza. So they are getting lots of vegetables and enjoying pizza without you having to make pizza crust!

I have a picky vegetable eater. So he was hesitant when he saw the zucchini. But once it was in his mouth he was all smiles. If your child is not a fan of zucchini, try peeling the zucchini first. Then once the pizza bites are topped you can’t even tell it’s a vegetable on the bottom.

The zucchini rounds are first baked to make sure they are cooked through and have good flavor. Then you add the toppings and bake them again for a few minutes.

Zucchini pizza bites make a fun, easy, allergen-friendly meal.  Have you ever made pizza with your zucchini? If not, you should!

Zucchini Pizza Bites || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Zucchini Pizza Bites
A fun finger food pizza that is free of allergens.
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Ingredients
  1. Zucchini, sliced in 1/2 - 3/4" thick rounds
  2. Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
  3. Sea salt
  4. Preferred pizza toppings
Instructions
  1. Slice the zucchini and place the round on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  2. Brush the zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Bake at 450*F for about 30 minutes.
  4. Allow the rounds to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. Transfer the rounds to a clean piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  6. Add desired pizza toppings to each round (don't overfill them or they will be hard to pick up).
  7. Bake at 400*F for about 15 minutes.
  8. Allow the pizza bites to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
  1. Pureed squash makes a great substitute for cheese and/or pizza sauce.
  2. Do not slice the zucchini too thinly or it will be difficult to pick up.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Crackers

Zucchini crackers are crispy, allergen-friendly and full of zucchini. They make the perfect snack at home or on the go.Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Crackers || Homemade Dutch Apple PieAre you in need of a healthy snack or lunch box addition for school? Zucchini crackers are just the thing!

They are very allergen-friendly. Plus they add vegetables to your diet.

Even if your child is picky about vegetables this is a great option. You can’t tell there is zucchini in them! The flecks look like seasoning. If your child can’t handle the sight of green…use golden zucchini or summer squash! Still not convinced? Simply peel the zucchini before grating it.

The dough for these crackers comes together in minutes. You just dump all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir. It’s that simple.

My kids love munching on crackers, and I can feel good about it when the crackers are homemade and made with vegetables. No vegetable oils. No strange ingredients. Just the good stuff.

I also love that I can control the seasoning. The crackers can be very mild with just sea salt (for my oral sensory child). Or I can make them with various herbs and seasoning for lots of flavor.

The next time you need a healthy snack for your kids try some zucchini crackers. You’ll love them!Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Crackers || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Crackers
A crispy, allergen-friendly cracker filled with zucchini.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup any combination of gluten free flour
  2. 1/2 cup grated zucchini (may be peeled)
  3. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  4. 1/2 tsp. cane sugar
  5. 3 Tbsp. coconut oil or palm shortening, melted
  6. 3 Tbsp. water
  7. seasoning/extra salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350*F. Cut two pieces of parchment paper the size of a baking sheet.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Mix until well combined.
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Roll the dough between the pieces of parchment paper until 1/8" - 1/4" thin. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.
  6. Sprinkle salt and/or seasoning over the top of the dough.
  7. Cut the dough into squares.
  8. Transfer the dough (on the paper) to a baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Turn off the oven. Leave the crackers in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool/crisp.
  12. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
  1. It works best to use at least half white gluten free flour (white rice or tapioca).
  2. The crackers keep well in the freezer.
  3. One batch makes about 2 cups of crackers. You can double or triple the recipe for a larger batch.
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. If you order by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

This post is linked to From The Archives Friday.

When A Picky Eater Might Have More Going On – How To Cook For Oral Sensory Disorder

When a picky eater might have more going on || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie“Do you have a picky eater? Are meal times a battle? Before you get frustrated and assume your child is just strong-willed, take a closer look at what is really going on.

Yes, some kids truly do like to feel in control and may assert this behavior at meal times. In that case it is just a phase. But for many it is not a choice. There is a big difference.

Refusing to eat broccoli for a period of time is not a big deal. Being distracted one day by a new toy during lunch is no cause for concern. But if feeding your child is causing frustration at every single meal he or she may have oral sensitivities related to sensory processing disorder (SPD).”

Want to learn more?  I’m sharing my experience with a “picky eater” at Kitchen Stewardship!

You can also read about root causes of a picky eater here and some solutions here.

Baby Is Here!

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The long awaited day has come. Our newest arrival is here! Johanna Ruth joined our family on August 21. She is a healthy 9 lb. baby. She looks like her big sister and loves to snuggle.

We praise God for this miracle! Everything went very well with the delivery and recovery. We are happy to be home and enjoying life as a family of five now.

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Meal Plans Week of 8-24-14

 Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 8-24-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 Last week we were counting down to baby. It’s hard to believe we’re heading home now and starting life with three kids!

As you can imagine this week I’m all about simple meals, resting and recovery. And of course snuggling with all of my kiddos. I suppose we have to get back-to-school stuff ready too. I’m kind of in denial that my big girl is going to be in school all day next week.

We are celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday on Saturday. Hopefully we can join the celebration and introduce everyone to our newest addition.

Be on the lookout for more delicious recipes this week. Here’s what’s on our menu. What are you eating this week? 

********************MENU********************

Sunday
B – breakfast cookies, fruit snacks / yogurt, granola, eggs, toast
L – TBD
D – tacos (from freezer), fruit

Monday
D – seven layer dinner (from freezer)

Tuesday
D – squash soup, muffins

Wednesday
D – meatloaf, baked potatoes, broccoli

Thursday
D – tomato soup (from freezer), grilled cheese

Friday
D – pancake and sausage muffins, peas, fruit

Saturday
D – at party?

Gluten Free Dairy Free Blueberry Scones

Gluten Free Dairy Free Blueberry Scones || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you haven’t noticed yet, I love scones! They are like a cross between a muffin and a cookie.

Scones are great for breakfast, brunch, a snack or even dessert. I enjoy serving them with soup. A sweet scone is a great contrast to salty soup.  Plus it helps fill you up and get a good balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat in your meal.

The nice thing about these blueberry scones is that they are gluten, dairy and nut free. They can also be made egg free.

My daughter raved about these scones. She said they are like blueberry cookies.

This is another great way to use up some of your fresh blueberries. Or you can make them in the winter with your frozen stash.

Don’t think you have time to make scones for breakfast? Prepare the dough the night before and chill it over night. In the morning simply put the scones in the oven. By the time you get yourself ready you’ll have fresh scones. You can even freeze the dough for later.

Another option is to bake the scones when you have time and then freeze them for later.  Scones from the freezer make an easy breakfast on a school morning.

Serve a batch of blueberry scones with scrambled eggs, bacon, soup or cheese (that’s what I usually do for breakfast). You really can’t go wrong.

Do you like scones? You’ll love these gluten and dairy free blueberry scones.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Blueberry Scones || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Gluten Free Dairy Free Blueberry Scones
Yields 10
A light and sweet scone filled with fresh blueberries.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup white gluten free flour (tapioca, white rice)
  2. 1 cup whole grain gluten free flour (amaranth, sorghum, brown rice, teff)
  3. 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
  4. 1 tsp. baking powder
  5. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  6. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  7. 1/2 cup room temperature fat - palm shortening, lard or butter
  8. 1/4 cup milk or milk substitute
  9. 2 egg yolks OR 1 tsp. flax seed + 1 Tbsp. milk or water
  10. 1 tsp. organic vanilla
  11. 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 375*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor combine the flour, sugar, powder, soda, salt and fat. Pulse until mixture is crumbly.
  3. Add the milk, eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined/a dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a bowl. Stir in the blueberries.
  5. Drop by large mounds onto the baking sheet.
  6. Bake immediately or cover and chill until ready to bake.
  7. Bake 35 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
  8. Store in an airtight container.
  9. Warm in a 350*F oven for 5-10 minutes to re-crisp if serving again.
Notes
  1. I used a combination of tapioca and sorghum flour.
  2. The scones will get soft in a container. Warm in the oven to re-crisp.
  3. The dough can be chilled or frozen if you are not baking the scones right away.
  4. Baked scones can be frozen 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.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Graham Crackers

Give your graham crackers a little flavor boost by making chocolate graham crackers. These are allergen friendly and so easy to make!Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Graham Crackers || Homemade Dutch Apple PieI make graham crackers all the time. They make a great grab ‘n’ go snack. Plus I love that I control what goes in them so they are safe for my family.

Kick it up a notch.

Once in a while I make a real treat – chocolate graham crackers! I get asked about the recipe quite often. It’s finally time to post it.

This is a great treat to prepare before school starts. Then you’ve got something easy on hand to put in lunch boxes. You can even make a double batch and freeze half of it.

A great snack.

Chocolate graham crackers are great plain or spruced up a bit. Try spreading peanut butter on top for a fun snack. I love to eat them with a slice of cheese on top! Salty, sweet and chocolaty – that is the perfect combination.

why won't my child eat 728x90

Both kids and adults will love chocolate graham crackers. This is a variety that just about everyone can enjoy since they are gluten, dairy, nut and egg free.

Need a chocolate fix? Try a chocolate graham cracker.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Graham Crackers || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Graham Crackers
A gluten and dairy free cookie that is big on chocolate flavor.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 cups any combination of gluten free flours (i.e. amaranth, sorghum, rice, tapioca)
  2. 1/2 cup organic cocoa powder
  3. 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  4. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  5. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  6. 1/2 cup organic palm shortening and/or coconut oil (using at least some shortening works best)
  7. 6 Tbsp. honey
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350*F. Cut three pieces of parchment paper the size of baking sheets.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the shortening/oil and sugar.
  3. Add the cocoa powder. Blend well (a hand mixer works well).
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, salt and honey. Blend well.
  5. Using a spoon or your hands, check if the dough is moist enough/holds together well. If the dough is still crumbly slowly add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time until dough will hold together when squeezed with your hand.
  6. Place 1/2 of the dough onto one of the pieces of parchment paper. Place another layer of parchment paper over top
  7. Roll the dough between the parchment paper until it is 1/4″ thick. Remove top paper.
  8. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into squares.
  9. Place the cookies (still on the parchment paper) onto a baking sheet.
  10. Repeat this process for the second half of the dough.
  11. Bake the cookies at 350 for about 15 minutes.
  12. After removing the cookies from the oven, run the pizza cutter/knife along the cut lines again.
  13. Allow the cookies to cool completely. They will crisp as they cool.
  14. Store in an air tight container in the cupboard 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.
If you order by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Zucchini Pesto Pasta

Zucchini Pesto Pasta || Homemade Dutch Apple PieZucchini is a wonderful summer vegetable that can be used in so many ways. One delicious (and sneaky) way to add zucchini to your meal is to mix it with your pasta.

Zucchini pesto pasta incorporates zucchini in two ways. First it is blended in the pesto. Then grated zucchini is sauteed until it the liquid is released and the zucchini becomes soft and creamy. It can then be mixed right in with the pasta.

Even my picky vegetable eater didn’t notice it was there!  But it added big flavor and lots of nutrition. As an added bonus this dish uses chicken broth. So it is very nutrient dense.

The pesto and the sauteed zucchini can be prepared in advance. Then when dinner rolls around all you have to do is cook noodles, add the remaining ingredients and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

You can keep the pasta simple or add cooked chicken and/or grated cheese for a well-balanced meal.

I love dishes that have lots of vegetables mixed right in. And zucchini pesto pasta definitely does just that!Zucchini Pesto Pasta || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Serves 4
A nutrient-dense easy pasta dish filled with zucchini.
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Pesto
  1. 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  2. 1/2 zucchini, grated or cut in chunks
  3. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  4. 1/4 cup water
  5. sea salt and garlic powder to taste
Pasta
  1. 2 cups grated zucchini
  2. 1 Tbsp. coconut oil or butter
  3. 1 tsp. sea salt
  4. 2 cups dry noodles (any variety - wheat, rice, corn)
  5. 1 cup chicken broth
  6. 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)
  7. 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
  8. seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Pesto
  1. Combine the pesto ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth. Add extra water or olive oil if the pesto is too thick.
  3. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Pasta
  1. Saute the zucchini in the oil/butter with salt until creamy and soft, about 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the pasta until almost done. Drain.
  3. Add the broth, sauteed zucchini, 1 cup pesto, chicken and seasoning to the cooked pasta.
  4. Simmer and stir occasionally until the broth reduces and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add cheese if desired.
Notes
  1. Extra pesto can be served on the side or reserved for use as a salad dressing or dip.
  2. The pesto, sauteed zucchini and cooked chicken can all be prepared in advance.
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. If you order by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Meal Plans Week of 8-17-14

Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 8-17-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 It’s here! It’s here! It’s baby week!! In four days we finally get to meet this miracle baby. It is definitely time. Baby is running out of room…and I’m feeling it.

Everything is pretty much ready. The house is clean. The bags are packed. The food is prepared. Now we just wait and relax (if that’s possible).

For meals at the start of the week I’m focusing on very nutrient-dense things with broth, vegetables and probiotics. I want my food to be very easy on digestion and able to help my recovery from surgery and antibiotics.

The rest of my meal plans are a little more thorough than usual since I won’t be around to feed my kids. I’m sure they are going to have a blast with both sets of grandparents!

I still have a lot of delicious recipes coming your way. So even though I’ll be gone for a bit you won’t miss a thing. And of course I’ll give a baby update as soon as I’m able.

If you missed last week’s recipes be sure to check them out – blueberry zucchini muffins, the BEST chocolate ice cream and blueberry chocolate bread pudding.

On to our menu. What’s going on in your kitchen this week?

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Allergen-Friendly Weekly Menu 8-17-14 || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 2

********************MENU********************

Sunday
L – fried chicken, peas, chips
D – cp sausage and vegetable medley, bread w/ jam
*make fruit snacks, make gf bread

Monday
D – cp roast chicken, broccoli, roasted potatoes
*make chicken broth, skim cream, freeze milk

Tuesday
D – pan seared salmon, baked potatoes, squash
*make ice cream, strain/freeze broth

Wednesday
D – chicken noodle soup, muffins
* RELAX :), finalize packing, make smoothies, make muffins

Thursday
B – granola bars, smoothies / toast with pb, bagels
L – hot dogs, olives, chips / sandwiches, fruit/veggies
D – pea soup, zucchini muffins, bread w/ jam

Friday
B – granola w/ milk, fruit, fruit snacks / toast, bagels
L – hot dogs, beans, veggies / sandwiches, veggies
D – egg casserole, broccoli, applesauce

Saturday
B – pancakes w/ syrup, fruit / yogurt, granola, toast
L – egg casserole, peas, fruit
D – chili, corn muffins, bread w/ jam