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Brain Booster Milkshake | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Brain Booster Milkshake

Get the school morning started right with a brain booster milkshake. Full of protein, vitamins and minerals it will keep your kids going all day.

Brain Booster Milkshake - Nutrient-dense drink kids love!

School mornings can be hard. Get breakfast on the table. Feed the baby. Brush everyone’s teeth. Find shoes and backpacks.

You do your best to prepare and have things go smoothly. But even with good planning it is tough to always give your kids the nourishment they need before heading out the door.

Especially if you have a child like mine that eats very slowly and ends up often only managing a few bites of breakfast.

To make sure she starts her day the right way I created my brain booster milkshake.

Brain Booster Milkshake - Nutrient-dense drink kids love!

Are Milkshakes Healthy?

This milkshake is packed with some nutritional powerhouses.

  • raw milk – easy to digest protein, calcium and vitamins
  • raw pastured egg yolks – B vitamins that are critical for brain function and concentration
  • probiotics – for gut health and boosting the immune system
  • grass-fed collagen – easy to digest protein and important amino acids
  • maple syrup – carbohydrates for energy and trace minerals
  • unrefined sea salt – trace minerals

I usually serve the milkshake with something else like a homemade granola bar or even dinner leftovers! But even if she doesn’t take a single bite of her breakfast I know she’s going to be fueled for the morning as long as she drinks her brain booster milkshake.

This is a really good option for kids with oral SPD and chewing problems. A milkshake goes down pretty quickly. It is also easy on the digestive system. The nutrients are very easy to absorb and utilize.

Brain Booster Milkshake - Nutrient-dense drink kids love!

One of the key components is the raw, pastured egg yolk. Have you ever read about them? Though often deemed as unhealthy or bad for your heart the opposite is actually true. And eaten raw (as long as they are pastured) the nutrients are not damaged and are easy to absorb.

Egg yolks are amazing little packages of nutrients, specifically B vitamins that are essential for your child’s brain development and ability to focus. They contain other nutrients such as choline (necessary for methylation), selenium (great for the thyroid) and biotin (helps with blood sugar regulation – perfect for breakfast!).

Milkshake for Breakfast or Lunch

I sometimes put milkshakes in my daughter’s lunch too. She struggles to eat much lunch at school. There just isn’t enough time for her, and she’s busy talking. But she usually comes home with an empty cup!

This is also great for kids going through orthodontic work. The day after adjustments their mouth can be very sore and chewing can be a challenge. A milkshake is always in my daughter’s lunch the day after her expander gets adjusted. I tell her that even if she can’t eat anything she should be sure to drink her brain booster milkshake.

Brain Booster Milkshake - Nutrient-dense drink kids love!

Healthy Chocolate Milkshake

The base milkshake recipe is vanilla. But you can create other flavors too. My kids love when I add a bit of cocoa powder or carob powder for a chocolate shake.

Add some strawberries from your freezer stash for a strawberry shake. Any berry or even cherries will work.

Sometimes we really get creative and add mint extract. It tastes like mint ice cream (my kids’ favorite!).

If you can’t have dairy, coconut milk is a great substitute! Any milk alternative will work.

Serve it in a fun cup with a straw or in a sealed cup to pack in a lunch box.

Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch or both you’ll know your child is getting essential nutrients with a brain booster milkshake. All they have to know is they get something delicious to drink!

Get your kids excited about breakfast. What flavor do you think they’ll like best?

Brain Booster Milkshake - Nutrient-dense drink kids love!

Brain Booster Milkshake
Serves 1
A delicious shake perfect for breakfast or lunch that will give your kids the nutrients they need to perform their best.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup raw milk or coconut milk
  2. 1 - 2 raw pastured egg yolks
  3. 1 Tbsp. grade B maple syrup
  4. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 2 tsp. grass-fed collagen
  6. 1/2 capsule preferred probiotics
  7. 1/2 capsule preferred multi-vitamin
  8. optional: 2 tsp. carob powder or cocoa powder OR 1/4 cup berries or cherries
  9. optional: 1/2 tsp. organic vanilla OR 1/4 tsp. organic mint extract
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or a cup with a lid.
  2. Blend or shake until well combined.
  3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Lemon Elderberry Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Lemon Elderberry Gummies

Help ward off the back-to-school illnesses with a fun, fruity treat. Lemon elderberry gummies not only taste great, they are good for you!

Lemon Elderberry Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

For many school is already back in session. For others it is only a week away. Either way there is one thing on every parent’s mind when school starts.

How long until the kids start getting sick?

As kids start spending more time inside and around their friends it is inevitable that germs will spread. There are many natural remedies to help your child’s immune system stay strong and avoid some illness.

One simple remedy is elderberry syrup. It helps ward off viruses and minimizes their severity. My kids love taking it right off the spoon.

Lemon Elderberry Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Make it fun.

Another great way to add elderberry syrup into your diet is adding it to gummies. Kids don’t even know they are doing something good for themselves by eating these fun, fruity candies.

The lemon adds some vitamin C along with the elderberry for even more immune support.

These gummies are also packed with grass-fed gelatin that is helpful for healing the gut and supporting the whole body. Plus it provides easy-to-digest pure protein.

Great for everyone.

I like to serve lemon elderberry gummies for breakfast and snacks or pack them in lunches for my oldest. They are great to have around for the younger kids as well. Even toddlers love to munch on gummies!

No need to buy fruit snacks. Most of them are filled with artificial flavors and colors.

Even if you buy the ogranic/natural varieties they still contain “natural flavor” which is actually almost the same thing as artificial flavor. And for kids like mine it has the same effect on their mental clarity and behavior.

Lemon Elderberry Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Fast food.

Although homemade gummies may sound like a daunting snack to make it is actually very simple. Lemon elderberry gummies go from the pan to the fridge in about five minutes.

Simply mix the ingredients, heat and pour. That’s all there is to it.

You can get the kids involved with this project by letting them pick the shapes. See what candy molds your grocery store carries or buy some online. I like to use silicon molds so I don’t have to worry about putting hot liquid in plastic. Plus gummies are much easier to remove from the silicon molds.

If you don’t have any molds you can simply pour the warm liquid into a glass pan. When the lemon elderberry gummies are gelled you can cut them into squares or any shape you like.

No lemon juice on hand? You can use blueberry, cherry or lime juice instead. Try all four varieties and see what your kids like best.

Are you looking for easy, healthy snacks for school lunches? Are you looking for easy ways to help keep your kids healthy?

Lemon elderberry gummies are just what you’re looking for! Fruity, fun and healthy. Whip up a batch to start the school year right.

Lemon Elderberry Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Lemon Elderberry Gummies
Yields 25
A fun, fruity treat to help ward off colds.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup organic lemon juice
  2. 2 Tbsp. elderberry syrup
  3. 1/2 cup honey
  4. 4 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin (NOT collagen)
  5. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan combine the lemon juice, elderberry syrup, honey and salt. Whisk to combine.
  2. Add the gelatin and whisk to combine.
  3. Let sit one minute.
  4. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture is warm and has become liquid again.
  5. Pour mixture into molds or a glass pan (smaller pan for thicker gummies, larger pan for thinner).
  6. Refrigerate until firm, about thirty minutes.
  7. Remove from molds or cut into shapes.
  8. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

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

Herb Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vegetables.

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

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

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

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

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

The dressing.

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

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

Creamy honey mustard also makes a great veggie dip.

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

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

The presentation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let Stonyfield and Wayfair spruce up your next salad.

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

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

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

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

Rustic Chicken Zucchini Pie with Olive Oil Crust

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer food.

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

It is a cross between pie and pizza.

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

Simple and versatile.

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

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

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

Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Warm or cold.

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

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

Allergen friendly.

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

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

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

Lunch time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

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

Homemade Lunch Meat

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

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

Warning.

You may want to cover your ears.

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

There. I said it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until now.

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

Did you know you can make your own lunch meat?

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

Want to learn how?

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

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

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

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

Sweet potato salmon burgers

Teff and sorghum cherry bars

Gluten free pizza crackers

Strawberry apple salad

Fruit on the bottom  yogurt

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

Gluten free crackers

Quinoa bars

Salmon salad

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Five Minute Peach Jam

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

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

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

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

Chop. Mix. Simmer.

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

Fresh peach jam awaits.

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

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Let the kids help.

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

Then let them measure the sugar and gelatin.

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

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Spread it on. Stir it in.

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

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

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

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Stock the freezer.

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

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

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

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

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

Five Minute Peach Jam | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

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

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

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

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

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

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

Peaches and cream overnight oats are the perfect solution.

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple, simple, simple.

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

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

Give them a boost.

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

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

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

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Get ready to host.

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

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

Change it up.

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

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

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

On the go.

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

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

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

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

Homemade Tallow French Fries

Nothing goes better with your grilled burger than fresh-out-of-the-pan tallow french fries! No vegetable oil. No fillers. Just pure potato and real fat.

Homemade Tallow French Fries | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

You’ve got the grill fired up. The burgers are under way. There is a pile of fresh vegetables from the garden to create a salad.

But something is missing.

What is the perfect side with a grilled burger and garden vegetables? French fries, of course!

Convenience Food for Real Foodies

There is very little convenience food that I buy. But I confess that french fries are almost always in my freezer. They are easy when you don’t have time to cut up potatoes.

Plus with a kid that is allergic to wheat, rice and corn but refuses to eat potatoes in any form except french fries or chips…you serve french fries a little more than you would like.

Since I don’t really care for the vegetable oils in the frozen variety I do sometimes make my own tallow french fries.

If you have never had homemade french fries you are really missing out! They are better than anything you’ll get from a bag or even from a restaurant.

My whole family goes crazy for these tallow french fries. I go crazy for them too…because they are made with healthy fat and have no fillers, gums or acids. Some frozen french fries even have corn! A big no-no with a corn allergy.

Homemade Tallow French Fries | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The Secret to Crispy Homemade French Fries

When making homemade tallow french fries there is an important step you can’t forget. Soak and dry the potatoes! This is critical so they will fry up nicely. The soaking removes some of the starch. And oil and water really don’t mix.

Another key to great french fries is using enough fat. I don’t have a fryer. I don’t like to use up all of my tallow at one time either. But I do make sure that there is a plenty of fat in the pan. When I’m done making the french fries I pour the leftover tallow back into a jar to use later.

Of course the final step is to sprinkle the tallow french fries with lots of quality unrefined sea salt. The saltier the better in my opinion.

Then pair them with quality ketchup or make your own!

Homemade Tallow French Fries | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Freshly Cooked French Fries

Homemade tallow french fries are best eaten fresh out of the pan. There really is nothing like it.

But if you have leftovers (something that pretty much never happens here with homemade fries) you can reheat them in the oven.

You could make a big batch when you have some time in the kitchen and freeze them so you have homemade french fries on hand for quick meals.

French Fries Without Potatoes

Maybe you don’t like potatoes? Or maybe you’re like me and don’t tolerate them?

Try another vegetable! You can use the same cooking method with carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and rutabagas. Pretty much any root vegetable will work.

Is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is. Grab some potatoes, tallow and salt. Fry up the best french fries you’ve ever tasted.  Just a warning…your family will want them all the time once they’ve tried tallow french fries.

Have you ever made your own french fries?

Homemade Tallow French Fries | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Homemade Tallow French Fries
Serves 4
Homemade french fries with real fat and real salt.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 medium russet potatoes
  2. sea salt to taste
  3. tallow (enough to fill pan)
Instructions
  1. Peel the potatoes. Cut into 1/2" sticks.
  2. Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes.
  3. Dry the potatoes completely.
  4. Heat tallow in a large skillet over medium heat (use enough to fill the pan about 1/4" deep).
  5. Cook the potatoes in the tallow until golden, turning once in a while to make sure all sides are browned, about 10 - 15 minutes.
  6. Place the finished fries on a paper towel and sprinkle liberally with sea salt.
  7. Serve immediately.
Notes
  1. Lard or palm shortening will work in place of the tallow.
  2. Any root vegetable will work in place of the potato.
  3. Store leftover fries in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Heat in the oven to warm.
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.

Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers

Get out of your summer burger rut with these sweet potato salmon burgers! They are simple, nutritious and even make great finger food for the little ones.Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

You’ve had the grill going all summer with the usual fare – hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken.

Those are all great. But are you ready to change it up?

Sweet potato salmon burgers are a delicious alternative to traditional hamburgers that you can eat all year long.

They only require a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. Sweet potato salmon burgers make a great, quick weekday lunch.

Keep them in mind when it’s time to pack lunches again! They are great eaten cold.Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

You can decide if you make them heavier or lighter on the meat or potato. By using less salmon these burgers make a very budget-friendly meal.

I love how easily these burgers come together. All of the ingredients can be eaten as-is so it’s just mixing and warming. No need to worry about how well done they are.

But what I love even more is how much my kids enjoy them.

You can eat them on a bun or just dip them in ketchup.

It is fun and easy to spruce up sweet potato salmon burgers.

We top them with homemade pesto. You could eat them open face with a fried egg. Here are some other delicious toppings for sweet potato salmon burgers:

Now that my little one is eating a lot of solids I have to cook things she can eat as well. Sweet potato salmon burgers make a perfect finger food.

All of the ingredients are safe for babies six months and older. Break up the burger into small pieces and let them feed themselves.Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Let’s not forget the nutrition factor!

Sweet potato salmon burgers have healthy starch and vitamins from the sweet potatoes. The egg yolks are packed with vitamins. Salmon has essential fatty acids. Then they are cooked in healthy fat for a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat all in one burger.

Be sure to make a big batch of sweet potato salmon burgers. You can freeze some for later. And leftovers are great cold or warm.

Add pieces of burger to your salad, cut it up for dipping or mix it into your scrambled eggs! I like to slather mine with pesto and eat it plain.

If you don’t tolerate potatoes you can use another orange vegetable like pumpkin or squash. The burgers will still taste just as great.

Are you ready for something different on your grill? Sweet potato salmon burgers are the perfect summer or year round meal.Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers
Yields 6
A light burger perfect for summer picnics. It even makes great finger food for babies.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (or pumpkin or carrot)
  2. 6 - 14 oz. canned boneless skinless salmon (one 6 oz. can, two 6 oz. cans or one 14 oz. can - however meaty you like it)
  3. 2 egg yolks
  4. 1 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  6. 1/2 tsp. dill weed
  7. 1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar
  8. lard, tallow or coconut oil for frying
  9. optional - crumbled bacon or bacon strips, pesto, grilled onions, avocado, tartar sauce, Miracle Whip®
Instructions
  1. Add the potato, salmon, egg, salt, garlic powder and sugar to a medium size bowl. Puree with an immersion blender. Add crumbled bacon at this point if desired.
  2. Chill 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the frying oil.
  4. Divide the mixture into 6 burgers.
  5. Cook in the pan until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  6. Place burgers on buns and add favorite toppings (bacon strips, grilled onions, pesto, avocado, tartar sauce, Miracle Whip®)
Notes
  1. These burgers make great finger food for babies 6 months and older.
  2. You can substitute tuna for the salmon.
  3. You can add anchovies or sardines to the burger for extra nutrition.
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In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal

Maple cherry baked oatmeal is a simple way to use fresh fruit and soaked grains for a quick prep breakfast. Toss the ingredients in the blender and bake.

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

During the hottest days of the summer the last thing you want to do is spend a half hour in the kitchen baking.

That doesn’t mean you want to eat cold cereal for breakfast every morning.

The solution?

Soak some oats. Grab your blender. And you are already half way to a great breakfast.

Maple cherry baked oatmeal is so simple to make. All of the ingredients go into the blender. Then simply pour the batter into a baking dish and your work is done.

Change the texture.

I’ve mentioned before that my oldest has problems with certain textures. One of the foods she struggles with most is oats.

Crunchy granola? Fine. Oatmeal? No way!  One bite and she has had enough. She practically gags on it.

My solution is to blend the oats.

Then baked oatmeal tastes more like cake! She loved this.

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Cherries add sweetness.

The combination of sweet cherries and maple syrup is perfect. You get a burst of flavor and natural sweetness.

You can do almost all of the preparation for this maple cherry baked oatmeal in advance. Soak the oats the morning before to reduce the phytic acid content. The night before pit your cherries.

Then in the morning all you have to do is put everything in the blender and bake. Freshly baked breakfast will be waiting for you when you are finished getting everyone ready for the day.

An added bonus is that you do your baking before it gets too hot. If you have a toaster oven that is a great solution too!

What about allergens?

If you are gluten free be sure to buy gluten free oats. There is one egg in maple cherry baked oatmeal. It can be replaced with gelatin or flax eggs.

Any type of fat you tolerate can be used in this baked oatmeal.

If you are like me and don’t tolerate oats, simply replace the oats with another gluten free grain like brown rice or amaranth. You’ll never know the difference!

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal
Serves 12
Maple cherry baked oatmeal is a simple way to use fresh fruit and soaked grains for a quick prep breakfast. Toss the ingredients in the blender and bake.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 1/2 cups oats
  2. 1/2 cup sorghum flour (or brown rice, white rice or amaranth)
  3. 1 1/2 cups warm water
  4. 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1/3 cup maple syrup
  7. 1/3 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
  8. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  9. 1 tsp. baking soda
  10. 1 tsp. organic vanilla
  11. 3 Tbsp. liquid fat (olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, coconut oil, lard or tallow)
  12. 1 cup pitted sweet cherries (20 - 25 cherries)
  13. Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, seeds
Instructions
  1. Combine the oats, flour, water and lemon juice. Let sit 24 hours.
  2. Heat the oven to 350*F. Grease a 7x11 baking pan.
  3. Add the soaked oats and the remaining ingredients to a blender.
  4. Blend until pureed.
  5. Pour the pureed mixture into the prepared pan.
  6. Stir in any optional add-ins.
  7. Bake 1 hour.
  8. Let oatmeal cool 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve plain, topped with butter, with milk or yogurt.
  10. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 9 months.
Notes
  1. Some or all of the oats can be replaced with brown rice flour or amaranth flour.
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Breakfast is served.

Both of my big kids loved this baked oatmeal. No texture issues at all.

I bumped up the nutrition factor by spreading lots of butter on top, as if it was a muffin.

Maple cherry baked oatmeal can also be served with milk poured on top or whole milk yogurt. I thought it tasted great plain, sprinkled with a bit of sea salt to support my adrenals (until my baby girl got horrible reflux and I couldn’t eat any more of it. If you have reflux use caution. Oats can be problematic).

This makes a great breakfast year round. Use cherries from your freezer stash to make a batch of maple cherry baked oatmeal during the winter. You’ll have a healthy and delicious breakfast all week long.

You can also make a double batch and stock your freezer for easy school morning breakfasts. It makes a simple addition to school lunches as well. It can be eaten like a muffin. What kid wouldn’t love a bowl of chicken noodle soup and baked oatmeal packed in their lunch?!

No cherries left?

No problem. Try blueberries! Or any fruit you like.

Make maple cherry baked oatmeal an extra special breakfast by stirring in chopped nuts, dried fruit, cut up fresh fruit or chocolate chips after you pour the batter in the pan.

Try some maple cherry baked oatmeal this summer. Then enjoy it all winter using your frozen fruit. Pair it with a protein like eggs or bacon and add some healthy fat like butter or yogurt. You’ve got the perfect breakfast your kids will love.

Are you an oatmeal fan or does the texture bother you? Have you tried it with the oats pureed?

Blender To Oven Maple Cherry Baked Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.