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Category: Food allergies

Does one (or all!) of your children have food allergies? Sadly this is no longer a rare thing. More and more kids struggle with food allergies now than ever before.

I’ve been there too. Skin testing, blood work, epi-pens…the works. It can be challenging or down right scary.

But you don’t have to live in fear. And you don’t have to just accept food allergies as a life sentence. There is help!

My son went from over twenty food allergies and an epi-pen to being able to eat just about anything. Even nuts!

There are ways to heal the gut and nourish the body so your child can get back to a normal life. Food allergies have so many underlying causes. Once you figure out the root problem and treat it the body will begin to heal.

Don’t let food allergies define your life. I’m here to help you and your child heal.

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on starting home school and getting back into routines. Definitely lots of easy meals and planning involved.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 8/7/16

This week’s rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on prep ahead meals and soaking up the last few weeks of summer break.This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on prep ahead meals and soaking up the last few weeks of summer break.

August is well under way. And the produce just keeps coming! We had our first taste of sweet corn last night. Oh, my was that good! My toddler couldn’t get enough.

Our tomatoes are starting to pile up. Time to get them in the freezer so they are ready and waiting when it’s time for spaghetti sauce. I dealt with a mountain of zucchini in our fridge. Now peaches are here! I’m trying to decide if I’m up for a round of canning. It’s a good thing I have a fast way to do it!

In The Kitchen

I don’t have a ton of extra kitchen projects, but the kids did put in a few requests. So far my tasks include:

I’ve got another fun post coming this week…with another giveaway! Be on the lookout.

On The Menu

We’ve got a busy week ahead with a few doctor appointments and other outings. Plus I get to go out one evening. Me. Without kids. With a friend. I’m just praying my husband can get all three kids to be ok.

Here is this week’s rotational real food meal plan. What’s on your menu?

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on prep ahead meals and soaking up the last few weeks of summer break.

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Sunday 1
B – pastry, fruit | pumpkin yogurt, graham crackers, bananas
L – roast chicken, rice, beans
D –  grilled brats/hot dogs, roasted cabbage, grilled corn on the cob, grape jello
prep: prep smoothies
notes: 

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola | squash cherry smoothies, cabbage
D – tacos, corn, broccoli
prep: make taco sauce
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – cereal, fruit | avocado, taco meat
D – chicken veg soup, muffins
prep:
notes: easy clean up

Wednesday 4
B – english muffin with sunbutter| spinach blueberry smoothies
D – stuffed peppers, plums
prep: make maple candy, make ice cream, make popsicles
notes:

Thursday 1
B – yogurt, granola bar | pumpkin yogurt, cherries
D – sloppy joes, squash, baked potatoes
prep: boil eggs
notes: lunch in car

Friday 2
B – banana bread, fruit, hard boiled eggs
D – chili, cornbread
prep: bake cornbread
notes:

Saturday 3
B – cornbread w/ syrup, fruit
D – meatballs, grilled zucchini, fried potatoes
prep: 
notes:

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana, strawberry (pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado, raspberry (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, amaranth, raspberry
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Teach Your Kids About Nutrition To Banish Picky Eating

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don’t just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

I’ve had my kids in the kitchen with me since my oldest was a baby. It has been such a blessing for for all of us!

I love the special time together. I love teaching them life skills. But one thing that has really amazed me is how much of what I teach impacts their willingness to eat nourishing foods.

I can tell my five year old, “Eat your spinach. It’s good for you.” Or I can say, “Try your spinach. It will help you run really fast and help your muscles grow big and strong.”

I bet you can guess which method works better. For what it’s worth, my son is not a fan of spinach. But we’re getting there. And every time he has to try it the information about its health benefits gets reinforced!

A New Resource On Nutrition

Needless to say my kids already know quite a bit about nourishing food. It’s a way of life for us. I talk to them about the importance of eating real food all the time.

So I was very excited when I had the opportunity to read Kathryn Kemp Guylay’s book Give It  A Go, Eat A Rainbow. She and her son wrote and illustrated the book together! How awesome is that?

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

The pages are filled with bright colors, beautiful produce and a wealth of information on the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. It was even educational for me!

Now when I make a smoothie and add squash and spinach, instead of trying to hide that fact I excitedly tell my kids, “We have orange and green in here!” I then add cherries and blueberries and tell them, “We have FOUR different colors in one smoothie. What a nutritional punch to start the day.” They really do get excited.

Kathryn and her son share a cute story about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Plus there are questions for kids to answer to reinforce what they learn.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Kids Are Smart

As a mom of three I have learned a very important lesson. Kids are smart! Much smarter than we give them credit for. There is no need to dumb down nutrition. Give It A Go, Eat A Rainbow gives sound nutritional facts that kids can understand.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Teach your kids about nutrition at a young age to help ensure a lifetime of good health. While they are young mom and dad get to make food choices. But as they grow they take over the decision making. Equipping them with knowledge will go a long way.

Do you struggle to get your kids to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables?

I highly recommend reading Give It A Go, Eat A Rainbow with them. You might be surprised with how much they understand and the great choices they make.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

If you’re still struggling with picky eaters after teaching your kids about nutrition check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?!. There could be a deeper issue.

I was compensated for my time to review this book; however I was not paid to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on starting home school and getting back into routines. Definitely lots of easy meals and planning involved.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 7/31/16

This week’s rotational real food meal plan and agenda include keeping up with fresh produce and taking a break from busyness.

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda include keeping up with fresh produce and taking a break from busyness.

Tomorrow is the first day of August. I’m not sure I’m ready for all that entails. My “baby” is turning TWO(!!!!) in a few weeks. My son will head off to kindergarten. And my oldest and I will venture into the world of home schooling. I have to keep reminding myself…fearless, fearless, God’s got this.

BUSY

Last week we had a lot of fun. We celebrated our 13th anniversary, took a trip to the beach, the boys went camping, the girls visited the campsite and had some girl time. But along with that fun comes a lot of work. So much packing, preparing food, traveling and unpacking. That pretty much consumed my time.

This week we are staying put, relaxing and having fun at home. No busy schedule. No big outings. My body and mind need that so badly, especially before school starts and all of the usual activities. I really need to focus on some self care right now.

In The Kitchen

I’m sure I will still keep busy in the kitchen (the kind of busy I enjoy). My kitchen work so far includes:

There are still a few days to enter the Ball canning giveaway. I have another fun giveaway coming in August. Be on the lookout for that.

On The Menu

I’m keeping things short and sweet today so I can get on to a relaxing Sunday. I get to spend the morning with just the girls, reading Bible stories and snuggling. No to-do list. No big projects. I made myself set my alarm back 45 minutes today (I could use a lot more sleep, but that’s a big step for me). I might even take a nap!

Here is this week’s rotational real food meal plan. Lots of delicious food. And our first taste of fresh corn on the cob for the season! What’s on your menu?

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda include keeping up with fresh produce and taking a break from busyness.

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Sunday 2
B (girls) – granola w/ milk and bananas | bananas, homemade lunch meat sticks, pumpkin graham crackers
B (boys) – pancakes, sausage, blueberries
L (girls) – grilled “cheese”, avocado
L (boys) – sunbutter sandwich, cucumbers, grapes, chips
D – crockpot rib roast, roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, seasoned rice
prep:
notes: 

Monday 3
B – yogurt, granola | leftover roast and veggies
D – spaghetti with meatballs and home canned sauce, corn | zucchini noodles with meatballs and pumpkin sauce
prep: grind teff, soak flour for crackers, skim cream, make ice cream, prep smoothies
notes:

Tuesday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter, kale blueberry smoothies
D – pumpkin chicken soup, crackers with cheese, muffins
prep: make teff crackers, bake muffins
notes:

Wednesday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin yogurt, graham crackers
D – crockpot cabbage unrolls, peaches
prep: prep smoothies
notes:

Thursday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | squash cherry smoothies
D – chicken, broccoli, rice casserole, applesauce
prep:
notes:

Friday 3
B – cereal, fruit | leftover casserole
D – zucchini donuts, sausage, kale, beans
prep: 
notes:

Saturday 4
B – zucchini donuts, sausage, fruit
D – grilled burgers, grilled corn on the cob, cucumbers, salad, jello
prep: make pumpkin yogurt, make jello
notes:

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana, strawberry (pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado, raspberry (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, amaranth, raspberry
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, kale, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, kale, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Creamy Zucchini Egg Muffins

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that includes plenty of protein, healthy fat AND vegetables? Creamy zucchini egg muffins combine nutrient dense eggs with creamy whole milk yogurt and fresh summer veggies to create a simple and delicious start to the day.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

I am working with Stonyfield, Le Creuset and Kitchen IQ on this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been paid to provide positive feedback.

Is your zucchini starting to pile up in the fridge like mine? I’m always looking for new ways to use it.

I love making chocolate zucchini cupcakes, zucchini crackers, soaked gluten free zucchini bread and especially zucchini cake! Our whole family enjoys it grilled, roasted and sauteed. I try to freeze some as well.

Yet no matter how diligent you are it seems there is still more. I’ve got a fun, kid-friendly recipe that will get your kids to eat zucchini for breakfast!

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Eat Your Veggies…I Mean Eggs!

In my house the zucchini is not the hard part…it’s the eggs. Three of us can’t even eat eggs. My oldest can (lucky girl!). But she has always struggled eating eggs. She picks at them, holds them in her mouth, complains about the texture.

But I did not hear a single complaint about these creamy zucchini egg muffins. In fact, she told me she really liked them!

There are two secret ingredients.

  1. Whole milk plain yogurt – it really adds a rich creaminess to the eggs.
  2. Cane sugar – I know what you’re thinking. Add sugar to eggs? Don’t worry, it’s only 1/2 tsp. But it really does something to the flavor.

A little back story on the sugar in eggs. When I was little and had the chicken pox I didn’t have much of an appetite. The only thing I would eat was the scrambled eggs my big sister made (multiple times a day for me). There was something different about them. We called them “oops eggs” because she didn’t make them right. But I loved them. We figured out later that she added a touch of sugar to them!

She was probably only about twelve years old. So she did a great job taking care of her little sis!

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

The final component of these eggs is the vegetable. Sauteed zucchini and onion really boost the flavor of the egg muffins. When you put the yogurt, sugar, sauteed veggies and eggs together you create a flavorful, healthy breakfast (or lunch or dinner) any kid will love.

New Kitchen Tools Are Fun!

One thing I loved about making creamy zucchini egg muffins was using my new cutting boards and measuring spoons from Kitchen IQ. The cutting boards come in four colors. Can I just say that as a mom of kids with different allergies that is so cool?! Everyone has a color. No cross contamination. It’s great!

I love the bright colors…and so does my toddler. She frequently grabs the cutting boards off the shelf just to play with them.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Even more than the cutting boards I love the measuring spoons. It is so easy to level them. And they nest together for easy storage. Who knew that measuring spoons could make such a great toddler toy too? My one year old loves trying to stack them over and over. She also loves to help me cook and bake with them.

Is your zucchini still going strong?

Give creamy zucchini egg muffins a try. You just might be adding sugar to your eggs more often.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Creamy Zucchini Egg Muffins
Yields 6
A high protein, veggie-packed egg muffin perfect for busy mornings.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 pastured eggs
  2. 4 Tbsp. Stonyfield plain whole milk yogurt
  3. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  4. 1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar
  5. optional: any additional herbs and spices
  6. 1 cup diced zucchini
  7. 1/4 cup diced onion
  8. 1 Tbsp. butter, olive oil, tallow or coconut oil
  9. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. Sautee the zucchini and onion in 1 Tbsp. fat of choice (about 10 minutes). Season with salt. Set aside to cool.
  2. Heat the oven to 400*F. Grease a muffin pan.
  3. In a medium size bowl combine the eggs, yogurt, salt, sugar and seasonings. Mix well.
  4. Stir in the cooled vegetables.
  5. Divide the egg mixture into 6 greased muffin cups.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
  1. You can bake these in advance and eat cold, room temperature or warmed.
  2. You can freeze these muffins for up to a year. Thaw and heat to serve.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on starting home school and getting back into routines. Definitely lots of easy meals and planning involved.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 7/24/16

This week’s rotational real food meal plan and agenda are focused on all things blueberry and getting ready for camping. Blueberry pie anyone??

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda are focused on all things blueberry and getting ready for camping. Blueberry pie anyone??

The heat is on! What a hot week in Michigan. We don’t usually have temps in the mid and upper 90’s. I’m so thankful we have AC.

We’re looking forward to a fun week with celebrating our 13th anniversary and some special girl time and boy time. The boys will be camping while the girls do some girly things at home (like a real tea party!).

Plus lots of blueberry goodness. Between two trips to go picking we got about forty five pounds. We’ll freeze most of it. But I’ve already make blueberry peach crumble. Summer is just not summer without blueberry pie! It’s my absolute favorite.

In The Kitchen

So kitchen work will include dealing with blueberries and prepping food for camping. My list includes:

In The Classroom

Slowly but surely we’re making progress figuring out our upcoming home school year. I’m excited to get our curriculum so I can really get planning. I’m still just amazed at how this unfolding when just a month ago it was only an inkling of an idea.

Canning Giveaway!

There is still time to enter the Ball canning giveaway!! The new book is amazing. There is a zucchini bread jam recipe that I am just dying to try.

I’m ready for another fun summer week with lots of good food. Here is our rotational real food meal plan for the week. What’s on your summer menu?

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda are focused on all things blueberry and getting ready for camping. Blueberry pie anyone??

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Sunday 3
B – yogurt, granola, blueberries | cauliflower, chicken, blueberries
L –ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli
D –grilled ham and cheese, zucchini fries, peaches
prep: make lunch meat, make blueberry pie, prep smoothies, make mayo
notes:

Monday 4
B – cereal, spinach blueberry smoothies
D –split pea soup, zucchini muffins
prep: bake muffins
notes:

Tuesday 1
B – overnight oats | pumpkin porridge
D – sandwiches w/ homemade lunch meat, fruits, veggies, chips
prep: prep smoothies, make pancakes
notes: dinner at the beach

Wednesday 2
B – squash cherry smoothies
D – meatballs, noodles, brussels sprouts
prep: make carob chips, make gummies
notes:

Thursday 3
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | avocado, gummies, graham crackers
D – chicken nuggets, french fries, peas, spinach
prep: make pumpkin yogurt, prep camping food, prep smoothies
notes:

Friday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter, spinach blueberry smoothies
D (girls) – tea party: mini sandwiches, cucumbers, tea cakes
D (boys) – campfire hobo dinners, fresh fruit, s’mores
prep: bake cakes
notes:

Saturday 1
B (girls) – yogurt, bananas, graham crackers
B (boys) – pancakes, sausage, fruit
L  – campfire hot dogs, yogurt, peppers w/ dip, chips w/ guacamole, snack sticks
D (girls) – all pancake dinner: zucchini cakes, banana blueberry pancakes, sausage cakes
D (boys) – grilled burgers and zucchini, rice or chips
prep: 
notes:

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana, strawberry (pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado, raspberry (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, amaranth, raspberry
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Red Plum Raspberry Jelly {No Added Pectin!}

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I’m not very good at making jams and jellies. Even when I use the packs of pectin!

I have switched over to using gelatin to create my strawberry freezer jam, cherry jam, grape jelly and five minute peach jam. They turned out beautifully!

But I recently teamed up with Ball Brand to try one of their recipes. I had the great pleasure of perusing The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving. It’s like a canner’s dream.

The pictures are gorgeous. And the recipes all sound so delicious. I wish I had time to try them all!

But I had to just pick one to try and share with you.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Trying My Hand At Jelly Again

With our allergies I don’t use pectin. Since I can’t be certain of the source it’s too risky. I know a lot of pectin is made from apples. And my two youngest are allergic to apples.

So instead of modifying a recipe I went for one that didn’t even need pectin. Red plum raspberry jelly sounded like the perfect combination of fruit flavors. And it is!

Neither fruit over powers the other.

There is no doubt that red plum raspberry jelly tastes good. You can use it for your  morning eggs and toast or mixed into some plain yogurt. We like it on pancakes.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

The Outcome

The real question, though, is did I manage to make good jelly without using gelatin?

Ummmm, no.

I read the instructions on how to look for the gelling point. I used a thermometer to monitor the temperature (got it to 220 just like it said).

But the timing worked out that it was right around the gelling point when I was trying to get my toddler down for a nap. And of course this was the one day where she was fighting sleep. In fact, instead of taking 3-10 minutes to get her to sleep it took over an hour and a half (including a dirty diaper change)! Maybe it was all those raspberries she ate!

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

So I kept bouncing back and forth between checking the jelly and checking the toddler. And at one point I just said I have to get it done and said a prayer. Well, it wasn’t gelled.

My Big Mistake

And now that I am re-reading the directions I see that it says to stir constantly…oops. Not easy when trying to get a toddler to nap. I think all of the pectin came to the top when I wasn’t stirring…there was a sticky, pink foam. Oops.

Note – keep stirring while it boils!!

All is not lost, though. We now have sweet red plum raspberry syrup! I can’t wait to use it on our pancakes this week (every Friday we have breakfast for dinner…pancakes is on the menu).

I might also try cooking it down a bit or adding a little gelatin when I open a jar. Just to see what happens.

It’s Your Turn

In spite of my inability to make jams and jellies I am sharing this delicious recipe with you today. I bet you’ll have better luck. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about gel! My motto moving forward is going to be “Follow the directions and keep stirring.”

I hope to try this recipe again and actually cook it the right way. I REALLY want to try red plum raspberry jelly on bread (freshly baked sourdough would heavenly).

How about you? Are you a pro at making jams and jellies? Or are you jelly challenged like me?

I’d love to hear how it goes if you try red plum raspberry jelly.

But there’s more! Keep reading.
Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Red Plum Raspberry Jelly
Yields 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs. firm, ripe red plums, halved
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 4 cups raspberries
  4. 3 cups cane sugar
  5. cheesecloth
Instructions
  1. Pit plums, reserving pits. Chop plums and place in a 6 qt. stainless steel or enameled Dutch oven. Lightly crush the plum with a potato masher.
  2. Stir in the water and reserved pits. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  3. Add raspberries, crushing with a potato masher. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Line a large, fine wire mesh strainer with 3 layers of dampened cheesecloth. Place the strainer over a large bowl.
  5. Pour the plum mixture into the strainer (do not press down). Cover and let stand 3 hours or until collected juice measures 3 1/2 cups and mixture no longer drips.
  6. Wash and dry Dutch oven.
  7. Pour the juice into the Dutch oven. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, stirring constantly, to gelling point.
  8. Ladle hot jelly into a hot jar, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
  9. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band and adjust to fingertip tight.
  10. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
  11. Process jars 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid and let jars stand 5 minutes.
  12. Remove jars from canner and cool.
Notes
  1. Tip - plum pits are super high in pectin, so simmering them with the fruit really helps give this jelly its velvety smooth set.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.Can It Forward

Don’t forget to “Can It Forward” with Ball Brand. On July 22, 2016 they are hosting a Can-It-Forward day live on Facebook. You’ll see demos (I think I need to tune in for one on jelly). Plus Ball Brand will be donating to a local charity. The more engagement they receive the more they donate!

Here’s how you can participate.

  • Pledge to can-it-forward by signing up via the pledge page and share with friends.
  • Tune in on July 22nd to watch canning demonstrations via Facebook Live from 10:00AM – 3:30PM ET. Each hour, viewers will have the chance to win a giveaway prize!
  • If you engage with any of the Facebook Live recipe videos, a donation will be made to charity.
  • You can ask Jarden Home Brands canning experts any preserving or home canning questions via Twitter with the hashtag #canitforward from 10AM – 5PM ET on July 22nd. Consumers can also share their own #canitforward creations with the brand on Pinterest and Instagram.

More For You

Ball Brand would also like to give one of my lucky readers coupons for canning supplies and a copy of The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving! Enter below for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Does red plum raspberry jelly sound like a delicious combination? What is your favorite jelly flavor?

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on starting home school and getting back into routines. Definitely lots of easy meals and planning involved.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 7/17/16

This week’s rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on keeping up with produce preservation and getting back to normal summer routine.

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on keeping up with produce preservation and getting back to normal summer routine. See what's cooking in the Just Take A Bite kitchen!

Wow – mid July already! This past week just flew by with my daughter in camp. None of us was ready to get up and out the door by 7:45 every morning. It wasn’t pretty.

I’m so glad this week it’s back to normal summer routine. Aside from my 8 am dentist appointment on Monday (oh joy). And the fact that after a week of stress and busyness my daughter now has a fever and is beyond tired. Looks like we’re staying home today and taking it easy.

In The Kitchen

I’m keeping very busy lately trying to stay on top of all the fresh produce and preserving it. We’ve made it through strawberries and cherries. I’m working on freezing our beans. Our zucchini is going strong (though we’ve used it all fresh so far). And now it’s time to pick and freeze blueberries! We’ll see if we go this week or next.

Needless to say I don’t have a ton of time for extra kitchen projects and baking these days. Here is what is on my list for this week:

Starting Something New

I now have something else to add to my list of hats I wear and things to do…home schooling!! God has laid it on our hearts recently to pursue home schooling for my oldest. It’s a bit overwhelming, but we trust that God will work out the plans for us. We’re taking it one day/one step at a time.

On The Menu

I’m really trying hard this week to have easy prep or prep ahead meals so I can focus on time with the kids, writing and researching curriculum.

Here is our weekly rotational real food meal plan. What’s on your menu?

This week's rotational real food meal plan and agenda focus on keeping up with produce preservation and getting back to normal summer routine.

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Sunday 4
B – yogurt, granola bar | zucchini bread, fruit, veggies
L – crockpot roast chicken, spinach, peas, rice
D – grilled burgers, beans, cucumbers, chips
prep: freeze beans
notes: 

Monday 1
B – cereal, fruit | zucchini bread, leftover burgers
D – crockpot meatballs, roasted purple cabbage, roasted potatoes
prep: prep smoothies, soak oats
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – oatmeal, fruit | squash cherry smoothies
D – chicken and veggie soup, muffins
prep: bake muffins
notes:

Wednesday 3
B – yogurt, granola bar | avocado, leftover soup
D – chicken zucchini noodle casserole, spinach, fresh fruit
prep: prep smoothies
notes:

Thursday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter, spinach blueberry smoothies
D – crockpot beef roast, roasted potatoes, carrots, salad
prep: soak flour for pancakes, make pumpkin yogurt
notes: prep ahead dinner

Friday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin yogurt w/ blueberries and bananas
D – pancakes w/ raspberry plum syrup, sausage, beans
prep: make granola
notes:

Saturday 2
B – pancakes, sausage, fruit
D – grilled hot dogs and brats, roasted cauliflower, corn
prep: 
notes:

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana, strawberry (pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, amaranth, raspberry
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Look no farther! I've got the BEST allergen free snacks so you can enjoy summer and stay safe.

The Best Allergen Free Snacks For At Home And On The Go

Whether you’re hitting the road in the summer or you’re in your regular routine at home it’s important to have safe snacks on hand. I’ve got the best allergen free snacks to help make summer fun.

Look no farther! I've got the BEST allergen free snacks so you can enjoy summer and stay safe.

Kids love to snack. No question about it.

I try to give my kids nutrient packed meals so they aren’t too hungry between meals. But they still seem to be hungry a lot (especially due to allergies and gut issues). And with a little one trying to get back on track with weight gain I feed her any chance I get.

Summertime is no exception to the snacking.

There are so many healthy real food choices! What a blessing.

Not Everyone Is So Lucky…

What if your kids can’t eat most things that you can buy in a store or restaurant, even the healthy stuff?

Your options are quickly limited.

Look no farther! I've got the BEST allergen free snacks so you can enjoy summer and stay safe.

Managing Food Allergies On the Go

No need to worry. I’ve got a list of some of the best allergen free snacks around. They aren’t expensive processed foods. Just simple, nourishing snacks that kids love.

Believe me, I know allergies. When I say something is allergy friendly, it really is safe.

Feeding my children nourishing meals is hard. But providing safe and healthy snacks is even harder,especially when traveling. Since I can never compromise, I have to constantly be prepared.

Look no farther! I've got the BEST allergen free snacks so you can enjoy summer and stay safe.

Favorite Allergen Free Snacks for Kids

Some of these snacks work well for when you are away from home and need to keep food at room temperature. Others are simple bites to have on hand at home or kept in a cooler.

Some are salty. Some are sweet. There is a little something for everyone. Mix and match to meet your summer activity needs!

These allergen free snacks are all naturally free of (or can be made free of) gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, corn, soy and coconut. So take your pick and enjoy safe summer snacking.

Head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’m sharing my list of allergen free snacks!

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on starting home school and getting back into routines. Definitely lots of easy meals and planning involved.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 7/10/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on cherries, beans and getting back into routine.

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on beans, zucchini and camp! Lots of good food and fun.

After traveling, a holiday weekend and having my husband home on vacation all week I’m not sure what day it is! It has felt like Saturday for a week straight. I suppose it’s time to get back into somewhat of a routine now.

Our week will be a bit different since my oldest is going to camp. It sure will be quiet around here! And I have to get back into lunch packing routine. Not my idea of summer fun.

In The Kitchen

Summer produce is in full swing. Last week we picked and preserved sixty pounds of cherries! We may all have cherry juice in our veins after all of the snacking too. Now our beans are ready. So I’ll have to start freezing beans a couple times a week. Zucchini is starting as well. Zucchini bread, zucchini cake, zucchini crackers,…it’s all good. My kids would be so happy if I make their favorite – chocolate zucchini cupcakes!

In addition to produce preservation I have some baking on my kitchen list this week. My projects include:

On The Menu

I have a feeling this week is going to be busier than I like. Hopefully I can still keep delicious meals on the table. Maybe I can do some cooking classes and get my son to help with meal prep.

Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What’s on your menu? Any fresh produce that you’re highlighting?

This week's real food meal plan and agenda focus on beans, zucchini and camp! Lots of good food and fun. Head over to Just Take A Bite for meal time inspiration.

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Sunday 1
B – pancakes, fruit | steak, avocado
L – roast beef, peas, pumpkin, seasoned rice
D – meatloaf, roasted purple cabbage, carrot fries, salad
prep: make cherry pie (make extra crust), grind flour, soak flour for teff crackers, prep smoothies
notes: 

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | squash cherry smoothies, muffins
D – tacos, beans, cauliflower
prep: skim cream, make ice cream, bake teff crackers, bake graham crackers, make gummies?
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – cereal, fruit | muffin, fruit | avocado, taco meat
D – beef and broccoli stir fry over rice
prep: prep smoothies
notes:

Wednesday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter, spinach blueberry smoothies
D – pumpkin pasta w/ sausage (zucchini noodles), salad
prep: make pumpkin yogurt
notes:

Thursday 1
B –  yogurt, granola bar| pumpkin yogurt, blueberries
D – sloppy joes, squash
prep: prep smoothies
notes: eating separately

Friday 2
B – cereal, fruit | squash cherry smoothies, muffins
D – short ribs, mashed potatoes, broccoli
prep: 
notes: prep ahead

Saturday 3
B – TBD kids’ request
D – quiche, roasted zucchini, zucchini bread
prep: bake zucchini bread, make jam
notes:

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana, strawberry (pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado, raspberry (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, amaranth, raspberry
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

These Allergy Friendly Blueberry Muffins are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, rice, coconut and soy. They are safe for just about anyone! But that doesn't mean they lack in flavor. Moist, slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Allergen-Free Blueberry Muffins

Easy to make and fun to eat, these allergy-friendly blueberry muffins are naturally free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, coconut, rice and soy. Breakfast just got a whole lot tastier.These allergy friendly blueberry muffins are free gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, soy, rice and coconut. They are safe for just about anyone! But that doesn't mean they are lacking in flavor. Most, slightly sweet and so delicious! They make the perfect breakfast or snack.

Let’s get real. Allergen-free baking is tricky.

Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. You make numerous batches and spend a lot of money on specialty ingredients.

When my son was little and had gotten a new round of allergy testing…and restrictions, I had to do more baking experimentation. I was very experienced with gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free baking. But adding eggs to the list too made it a bit harder. I started my experimenting with muffins.

Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Muffins

He has always loved muffins. When he was two he’d get out of bed, hurry downstairs and declare he needed a muffin instantly. There was (and still is) no waiting for breakfast (he’s just like his mama). And muffins top his list for breakfast fare.

These Allergy Friendly Blueberry Muffins are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, rice, coconut and soy. They are safe for just about anyone! But that doesn't mean they lack in flavor. Moist, slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

I went through a few batches that were either crumbly or too dense. But I finally perfected a truly allergen-free muffin.

You can add whatever you like to it. My son’s favorite variety is blueberry. Me? I like chocolate chips (this is the brand we love). That’s about as close as I get to dessert these days.

Easy, Egg-Free Muffins

These muffins are super easy to make. Just mix all of the ingredients in one bowl, pour into muffin tins and bake.

Every time I make muffins my son devours them and tells me I NEED to post the recipe. So today I’m finally sharing it.

These Allergy Friendly Blueberry Muffins are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, rice, coconut and soy. They are safe for just about anyone! But that doesn't mean they lack in flavor. Moist, slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

There are no eggs, dairy, coconut, nuts, corn, rice, gluten or soy in these allergy-friendly blueberry muffins. They are also pretty low in sweetener.

I use a combination of grass-fed gelatin (I use this brand – use the code TAKE10 for 10% off), olive oil and honey for an egg replacement. It works perfectly!

Muffins Kids Can Make

If you’re looking for a way to get your kids in the kitchen to practice their cooking skills, allergen-free blueberry muffins are perfect. They can perfect their measuring and pouring skills. And of course sample the batter to make sure it’s ok.

Not sure how to teach your kids to cook? Check out this cooking course! We’ve been using it for years!

I like to make a big batch and stock the freezer. Though with  my son’s appetite very few actually make it there. I love having an easy breakfast or perfect pairing with a bowl of nourishing soup ready whenever I need it.

Are you in need of a truly allergy-friendly muffin?

This is it! Choose your favorite additions and whip up a special breakfast treat.

These Allergy Friendly Blueberry Muffins are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, rice, coconut and soy. They are safe for just about anyone! But that doesn't mean they lack in flavor. Moist, slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Allergy Friendly Blueberry Muffins
Yields 12
Moist, slightly sweetened blueberry muffins free of gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, rice and coconut.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 cups sorghum flour
  2. 1/2 cup tapioca flour
  3. 3/4 cups water
  4. 3 Tbsp. cane sugar
  5. 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  6. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  7. 1/4 cup honey
  8. 6 Tbsp. olive oil
  9. 1/4 cup cold water
  10. 3 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  11. 1/4 cup hot water
  12. 1/2 cup blueberries (or any other fresh fruit, dried fruit or chocolate chips)
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 350*F. Line muffin pan with muffin cups (paper or silicone).
  2. In a large bowl combine the sorghum, tapioca and water. Mix well, removing any lumps.
  3. Combine the 1/4 cup cold water and gelatin. Set aside.
  4. Add the sugar, baking soda, salt, honey and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix well.
  5. Add the 1/4 cup hot water to the gelatin mixture and stir to dissolve.
  6. Pour the gelatin water into the muffin batter. Mix by hand or with a hand mixer until well mixed.
  7. Stir in fruit.
  8. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
  9. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes (30 minutes for mini muffins, 40 minutes for full size muffins).
Notes
  1. To make pumpkin muffins reduce the 3/4 cups of water to 1/2 cup of water and add 1/2 cup of pumpkin to the batter.
  2. One recipe makes about 12 full size muffins or 24 mini muffins.
  3. Add 3 Tbsp. maple syrup and omit the blueberries to make vanilla cupcakes.
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