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Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels With Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Bacon Cheddar Cheese SauceA few months ago I re-introduced wheat into our diets in the form of traditionally prepared sourdough. So far it’s going very well.  It is the only wheat we eat. Since it is fermented most of the gluten is broken down. I also use spelt since it is a milder form of wheat.

Since then I’ve been making a variety of sourdough goodies. Of course I make plenty of bread. But I also make fun food like these soft pretzels.

My kids and my husband really enjoyed these – especially with a delicious bacon cheese sauce!Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sourdough pretzels are super easy to make. The dough is very easy to work with.

The pretzels are also very filling. You can turn them into a simple Sunday night dinner by paring the pretzels and cheese with a salad (topped with a little protein and homemade dressing with healthy fat).  You’ll get a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Need a treat while watching sports? Sourdough soft pretzels are perfect! You can make mini ones for munching like appetizers. Or you can really feel like you’re at the game by indulging in some giant pretzels like you’d get at a concession stand (minus the neon cheese and chemicals).Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

These would also be great for a kid’s birthday party. Mini soft pretzels with little cheese cups for dipping.

Honey sourdough soft pretzels with bacon cheddar cheese sauce are fun for kids and adults.  Plus they are properly prepared and don’t contain any unhealthy ingredients. Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Honey Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Bacon Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Yields 10
A traditional sourdough soft pretzel with bacon cheese dipping sauce.
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Bagels
  1. 2 cups sourdough starter
  2. 3 3/4 cups spelt flour (or kamut, einkorn, whole wheat or rye)
  3. 1/2 Tbsp. sea salt
  4. 1/3 cup cold water
  5. 3 Tbsp. honey
  6. sea salt for topping
Bacon Cheese Sauce
  1. 1 Tbsp. arrowroot or tapioca flour
  2. 1 Tbsp. bacon grease
  3. 1/2 cup milk
  4. 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  5. 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
  6. salt and pepper to taste
Bagels
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the starter, salt, water and honey. Gently mix with a wooden spoon until the salt and honey dissolve.
  2. Add the flour. Mix with the dough hook for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the dough from the mixer.
  4. Divide it into 10 - 12 equal portions.
  5. Roll the each piece of dough into a long snake and shape it into a pretzel.
  6. Place the pretzels on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet.
  7. Cover and let rise 6-12 hours.
  8. Bake at 350*F for 35 - 40 minutes.
  9. Brush with butter, oil or water and sprinkle on sea salt if desired.
  10. Store unused bagels in a sealed container at room temperature or in the freezer.
Bacon Cheese Sauce
  1. Cook and crumble bacon in advance if you want bacon pieces in your sauce. Reserve the bacon grease.
  2. In a small sauce pan combine the arrowroot and bacon grease. Heat over medium heat until the grease is melted and they combined.
  3. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.
  4. Continue to whisk until the milk heats and gets to the point it is about to boil.
  5. Reduce heat and add cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and combined into the sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
  1. If you want the bagel a bit sweeter you can add an extra 1-2 Tbsp. of honey or cane sugar.
  2. Any type of cheese that melts well can be used in place of cheddar.
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Bedtime Beverage

Bedtime Beverage | Homemade Dutch Apple PieDo you have trouble falling asleep at night? Or maybe your kids have a hard time winding down at the end of the day? Mine sure do!

Except for one…the baby. How does she go to sleep? She nurses and falls fast asleep. Mother’s milk is warm and has the perfect balance of nutrients to help a little one nod off to sleep. It is comforting and nourishing.

So how does that translate to everyone else? Surprisingly ice cream (the kind made with real, whole ingredients) is about the closest thing we have to breast milk in terms of its nutrient profile.  It has a good balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

You could definitely indulge in a dish of ice cream to see if it helps you get sleepy. But I have a drink that might work better. It’s like warm ice cream!

Raw cream or whole milk is the ideal base for this drink. If you can’t have dairy you can use full fat coconut milk and add a little extra gelatin for the protein balance.Bedtime Beverage | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Egg yolks are added because they are packed with vitamins (especially B) and a little bit of protein. The cream or milk has lots of healthy fat. Gelatin gives more amino acids and protein. Plus the gelatin makes it all easier to digest. The sea salt helps you absorb everything and adds trace minerals. The syrup also helps digestion (sugar is easily absorbed) and gives balance to the drink by adding carbohydrates.

At bedtime you need your adrenals to settle down for the night. Having a balance of sugar, salt and fat will help your body accomplish that.   You can also add a small starchy snack along side the bedtime beverage to really balance out the components. A couple soaked graham crackers or even a slice of sourdough bread are perfect.

This bedtime beverage is like a nutritionally boosted version of the warm milk you grew up drinking at bedtime (yes, there was some truth behind that). It’s almost as comforting and calming as mother’s milk. It tastes great too!

This drink can also be very helpful during the first trimester of pregnancy. Even if you can’t get much else down this will give you a nutrient boost and may be soothing to an unsettled stomach.

There is no fancy equipment required for this drink. Just a small pan and a whisk.  It only takes a few minutes to make. Don’t forget to save your egg whites for baking. They store well in the refrigerator or freezer for a long time. I like to use them for making gluten free bread!

You won’t have to convince your kids to drink this before bed. Offer a soothing bedtime beverage that tastes like ice cream and I’m sure they will gladly oblige. Then watch them settle down and drift off to sleep.  Mother’s milk is wonderful for helping little ones get to sleep. Now everyone else can do the same.Bedtime Beverage | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Bedtime Beverage
Serves 1
A warm drink to help you sleep at night.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup heavy cream, coconut milk or whole milk
  2. 2 Tbsp. maple syrup (or honey)
  3. 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  4. 1 - 2 tsp. collagen or gelatin
  5. 1 - 2 egg yolks
  6. optional: 1 - 2 tsp. cocoa or carob powder
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan.
  2. Whisk to combine.
  3. If using gelatin let the mixture set for 1 minute.
  4. Gently warm the mixture over low heat. Do not let it boil or you could curdle the milk or cook the egg yolks.
  5. Pour into a mug and enjoy before bed.
Notes
  1. This can be made with just the cream, syrup and salt.
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Homemade Quinoa Milk {Nursing Mother’s Drink}

Homemade quinoa milk is a delicious alternative to dairy that is also great for nursing mothers boost milk supply.

Quinoa Milk Nursing Mother's Drink | Homemade Dutch Apple PieHave you ever tried quinoa milk?  Despite the growing variety of alternative milks available, it is not something I’ve ever seen at the store (though I have seen one brand of it online).

As I mentioned in my oat milk post I’m not a huge fan of nut milks. Especially for young kids and nursing moms.

My first choice is always fresh, raw milk from cows or goats. Unfortunately a dairy intolerance is very common for small babies. Which  means mom needs an alternative.

Coconut milk is a great choice for cooking, baking and adding a splash to tea. But it’s not something most people will drink plain in large quantities. Plus it can also be hard on babies since it can be gassy and even cause reflux.

Enter quinoa milk! It has a very mild flavor – similar to rice milk. It is also very easy to make and very cost effective. One quarter cup of quinoa can make up to six cups of milk!

The best thing about quinoa milk is that it is great for boosting milk supply.   If you tolerate quinoa and are a nursing mother I encourage you to include quinoa in your diet. Even if you can have dairy this is a great alternative milk to have in your diet for variety and nutrition.

Unlike other alternative milks quinoa milk has quite a bit of protein.  You can add both calcium and vitamin D when you make it to boost nutrition even more.

Quinoa milk is not heavy like nut milks. It has a very neutral flavor. It works well for cooking and baking. Plus it is great for boosting milk supply!

Need some variety in your diet? Or are you just looking for an alternative to dairy? Give quinoa milk a try. Quinoa Milk Nursing Mother's Drink | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Homemade Quinoa Milk: Nursing Mother's Drink {fermented option}
A delicious alternative drink that helps boost milk supply.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup quinoa
  2. 2 tsp. lemon juice
  3. warm water
  4. 5 cups water
  5. 2 Tbsp. coconut sugar, cane sugar, honey or maple syrup OR 3 dates (optional)
  6. 1/2 tsp. sea salt (optional)
  7. Vitamin D drops (optional)
  8. calcium powder (optional)
  9. 2 Tbsp. whey (optional)
Instructions
  1. Place the quinoa and lemon juice in a bowl. Cover with warm water (quantity does not matter, as long as it's covered)
  2. Let soak for 24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the quinoa.
  4. Combine the quinoa and 5 cups water in a medium saucepan.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
  6. If using dates as a sweetener add them to the pan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Pour the quinoa and water into a blender.
  8. Blend until smooth.
Non-fermented method
  1. Add sweetener (if desired/if not using dates) and sea salt. Blend.
  2. Pour into a serving container.
  3. Add vitamin D and calcium if desired.
  4. Refrigerate.
  5. Shake before serving.
Fermented Method
  1. Pour the blended mixture into a container.
  2. Add salt and whey.
  3. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 3 days.
  4. Add sweetener and vitamin D/calcium and refrigerate.
  5. Shake before serving.
Notes
  1. You can add 1 tsp. of pure vanilla to the pureed mixture for vanilla quinoa milk.
  2. If the milk is too thick for your taste it can be diluted with extra water or it can be strained.
  3. This should not be used for children under one year of age.
  4. This makes a great dairy alternative for both kids and adults.
  5. This recipe can easily be doubled.
  6. This recipe makes about 5 cups of milk. It can be increased by adding extra water.
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This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

“More Peas Please!” Green Smoothie

More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple PieThis month I had the challenge from Stonyfield to come up with a green smoothie. I’ve made plenty of smoothies with green stuff in them. But I wanted to try something new.

As I was pureeing peas for my six month old it dawned on me that peas are quite sweet. They would be the perfect green component to a smoothie!

It also just so happens that my oldest just got an expander…and could hardly chew while she adjusted to it. I was feeding her soft food like yogurt and applesauce.

But she wasn’t eating many vegetables. I could have pureed some for her, but she’s not a big fan of that. So I gave them to her in a smoothie!

This is my “More peas please!” green smoothie. It will have your kids begging for peas.  The peas give it a nice bright color (my daughter said it looks like a mint shake). Then I add some pear and honey for extra sweetness. This is perfect for spring and St. Patrick’s Day!More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you need an extra boost of fruit flavor you can add a few strawberries, blueberries or cherries. It will change the color a bit, though.

As with all of my smoothies I like to use them to boost nutrition. That is especially true when I have a child not able to eat their normal diet.

I use full fat yogurt. I like the Stonyfield whole milk plain yogurt. Then I add egg yolk, gelatin and sea salt to the mix.

You can make the smoothie fresh or prepare it the night before. Then just grab it out of the fridge for an easy breakfast. You can also pour it into popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat (this really works well to give nutritious food to sick or picky kids).

My daughter can be very picky when it comes to smoothies. But she drank this whole thing without complaint.

Are you struggling to get your kids to eat something green? Give this smoothie a try. Your kids will be begging for more peas please!

If you don’t tolerate or are allergic to peas (like my son) you can use another mild green vegetable like green beans. If you want to use greens like spinach be sure to cook them first to eliminate oxalates.

More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

"More Peas Please!" Green Smoothie
Serves 1
A sweet and fruity green smoothie with peas.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup frozen peas (thawed/rinsed under hot water)
  2. 1/2 cup full fat plain yogurt
  3. 3/4 - 1 medium pear
  4. 2 Tbsp. honey (or maple syrup)
  5. 1 egg yolk (optional)
  6. 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  7. 1 - 2 tsp. collagen (optional)
  8. 2 Tbsp. strawberries, blueberries, cherries or raspberries (optional - for extra flavor)
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until well combined and smooth.
  3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or in popsicle molds in the freezer.
Notes
  1. This can be made with coconut milk or coconut milk yogurt if you are dairy free.
  2. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
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I am working with Stonyfield to blog about the yogurt. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

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

Soaked Gluten Free Bread {dairy free, nut free, corn free, gum free}

Soaked Gluten Free Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple PieAs my final birthday present to you I’m finally sharing my gluten free bread recipe!  I could work on it for months still and probably find little things to change (and I will update the recipe if I do!).

But it dawned on me the other day that it doesn’t have to be perfect. At the age of 35 I realize I don’t have to be perfect. So in honor of my 35th birthday I present to you my “I’m not perfect” gluten free bread.

My kids and I eat the whole loaf in a matter of days every time I make this. It’s not perfect, but it is good!Soaked Gluten Free Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Gluten free bread is tricky. It does not behave like gluten-containing bread. The moisture levels must be different. The kneading is different. The methods for getting it to hold together are different. So this was a challenge.

I also added some extra restrictions.

  1. No rice – My son is allergic to rice. That means brown and white rice flour are out, even though rice is the most commonly used flour for gluten free bread.
  2. No millet – Millet is goitrogenic and not good for those with thyroid problems (me!). This is another very common flour used in gluten free bread. But it was off the list for me.
  3. No flax seeds – Flax seeds are estrogenic. So if you are dealing with hormone imbalance, especially estrogen dominance, you need to use caution with flax seeds. I also discovered recently that flax seeds are yet another food on my list of things to avoid due to the high fiber content and the pain they cause me. Of course I discovered this after making many loaves using flax seeds! This also holds true for chia seeds and psyllium husks…too much fiber. They are often used in gluten free baking as well, but not for me.
  4. No gums – It is hard to find gluten free bread without xanthan gum. Eaten every once in a while it’s probably fine. But if you are like me and make bread often you don’t want to use it. Not to mention I try to avoid it totally because most gums bother my gut and often contain some of the things my son is allergic to.
  5. No baking powder – My son is allergic to corn. So most baking powders are out. Baking powder helps give rise to gluten free baked goods. But I had to do without it.

I had originally hoped to make it egg free as well. But I just couldn’t get that to work if I didn’t use flax. So this is what I came up with. A soaked gluten free bread that does not contain rice, millet, flax, chia, psyllium, gums, nuts, corn or dairy. It is quite good!Soaked Gluten Free Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My other requirement was that it had to be easy to make. And it certainly is!  It only takes about 15 minutes of hands on time to make this bread. There is no kneading. Just soak, mix and pour. I break it into small steps – soak the flour one morning, get the pan ready and ingredients out that evening, then mix, pour and bake the next morning. I get a loaf of bread rising in the morning in about 5 minutes!

This is slightly denser than a typical sandwich bread. But it is still very light and soft (you can see how soft it is in the picture!). My son and I enjoy using it for sandwiches.

I like to eat it best with lots of coconut oil (or butter…when I’m able). Sometimes I drizzle honey on for a special treat.

My only real complaint about this bread is that the top is a little crubmly due to the bubbling that happens as the dough rises. I work around this by keeping the cooled loaf of bread upside down on a cutting board and using a serrated knife to slice it from the bottom. The bread does get firmer and easier to slice with each passing day.

I use organic cane sugar for proofing the yeast and adding a touch of sweetness to the bread to reduce the stronger flavors of the flour. You can try using honey if you can’t have the sugar, but I don’t think it works as well. It adds moisture to the bread (even small amounts impact how it turns out). I did some loaves early on with honey, but they didn’t turn out as well.

I used equal amounts of tapioca, sorghum and amaranth flours for this bread. Normally when I post recipes I say use whatever gluten free flour you have. But in this case it will make a difference since each one behaves differently and absorbs moisture differently. So if you don’t have these three flours you can try substituting, but it may turn out differently. Sorghum can usually be replaced pretty easily with white rice flour.Soaked Gluten Free Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you like a bread that tastes more like wheat you can replace a little bit of the sorghum with teff.

Since the flour is soaked in advance it sometimes tastes a bit like sourdough. It just depends how long you let it soak. More than 24 hours will give more of a sourdough taste.

I have been working on a gluten free bread recipe for over six months now. I wanted to get it just right. But that could take a lot longer. I hope you enjoy my “I’m not perfect” bread and use it as a starting point to create your own bread that tastes the way you like it. Remember to give yourself grace if a loaf doesn’t turn out quite right. Just do your best.Soaked Gluten Free Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Soaked Gluten Free Bread {dairy free, nut free, corn free, gum free}
Yields 1
A soaked bread that is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, rice, millet, gums and fillers.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup tapioca flour
  2. 1 cup sorghum flour
  3. 1 cup amaranth flour
  4. 3/4 cup warm water
  5. 1/4 cup coconut milk or water
  6. 1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  7. 2 tsp. active dry yeast
  8. 1 Tbsp. cane sugar
  9. 3 Tbsp. warm water
  10. 3 egg whites
  11. 3/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  12. 2 Tbsp. cane sugar
  13. 1 tsp. baking soda
  14. 1 tsp. cream of tartar
Instructions
  1. Combine the flours and mix to remove any clumps.
  2. Add the water, milk and lemon juice. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours (or longer if a sourdough taste is desired).
  3. Grease a large loaf pan.
  4. Combine the yeast, 1 Tbsp. sugar and warm (almost hot) water. Let sit 10 minutes.
  5. Add the egg whites to the soaked mixture. Beat about 2 minutes to fluff whites and remove lumps.
  6. Add the yeast mixture and beat about 20 seconds.
  7. Add the salt, sugar, soda and cream of tartar and beat about 10 seconds.
  8. Immediately pour into the prepared pan.
  9. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (do not bump or disturb the pan or it might sink)
  10. Heat the oven to 350*F.
  11. Gently transfer the pan to the oven (even small amounts of movement of the pan or slamming of the oven door could make the dough collapse)
  12. Bake for 1 hour.
  13. Turn off oven and leave bread in the oven for 10 minutes.
  14. Remove bread from the oven and cover with a towel.
  15. Allow the bread to cool for 30 minutes. Remove from pan and place upside down on a cutting board. Allow to cool completely.
  16. Once cooled store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Notes
  1. The bread will hold together better if allowed to cool completely and put in a sealed container. It may slice better the day after it is baked.
  2. Use a serrated knife and place the bread upside down for slicing.
  3. Stone or metal baking pans work best for gluten free bread.
  4. This makes one regular size loaf.
  5. You can replace 1/3 of the sorghum flour with teff flour for a whole wheat flavor.
  6. If you can't have eggs use 3 Tbsp. flax seeds combined with 2 Tbsp. warm water in place of the egg whites. The bread will be a bit denser without eggs.
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Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake | Just Take A Bite

Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake {dairy free, nut free, corn free}

Celebrate your birthday without sacrificing nutrition. This soaked gluten free vanilla cake is properly prepared and tastes divine.

Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake | Just Take A BiteBirthday season is in late winter and early spring for my family. It’s just one after another for both my immediate and extended family. So this is the time of year I start thinking about birthday cakes.

I’ve had a passion for making and decorating cakes for many years. It is always fun to create something new. I’ve done an arts and crafts cake, a bulldozer cake and many more! It would be fun some day to have a cake business for specialty cakes (gluten free, dairy free, real ingredients, etc.). So I always get excited when it’s time to decorate birthday cakes.

This year I wanted to be sure our birthday cakes would be healthy – which means properly prepared grains.  So I set to work making a soaked vanilla cake.Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sometimes soaked cake can be tricky because too much sugar or too much moisture can make the cake dense or gooey. But this vanilla cake has just the right balance of everything.

It is not overly sweet. It has just the right amount of moisture. It has a lightness to it from beaten egg whites.

I am not picky when it comes to textures. If it is a food I like I’ll eat it just about any way it is served. But that is not the case with half of my family. So the real test was serving it to them.

This soaked cake got two thumbs and two toes up from my oldest. She called the cake “indescribable!” My husband even enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by the texture.  My son was a big fan too. Though he is like me and will eat just about anything.Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Now I have a great cake to serve my family as we enter birthday season. It is soaked, gluten free, dairy free and corn free. A combination that allows the whole family to enjoy a special treat.

This particular cake ended up being an early birthday dessert for myself. It certainly was a treat to have delicious cake I can eat!

I made both vanilla and strawberry frosting (some for the cake, some for cupcakes). I love all vanilla!! My kids always want strawberry. We all got something special.

So as a birthday present from me to you I’m sharing the recipe today. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Soaked Gluten Free Vanilla Cake {dairy free, nut free, corn free, rice free}
A simple vanilla cake that is properly prepared and free of most allergens.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup tapioca flour
  2. 1/2 cup amaranth flour
  3. 1 cup sorghum flour
  4. 3/4 cup warm water, milk or milk substitute
  5. 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, yogurt, whey or kefir
  6. 1 cup organic cane sugar
  7. 2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or palm shortening (or butter)
  8. 1 tsp. vanilla
  9. 1/2 tsp. salt
  10. 3 egg whites + 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
  11. 1 tsp. baking soda
  12. 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
Instructions
  1. Combine the flour, warm water and lemon juice. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  2. Heat oven to 350*F.
  3. Grease two 9" cake pans or line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  4. Beat the egg whites and 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  5. Add the sugar, coconut oil, vanilla and salt to the soaked mixture. Beat well.
  6. Gently fold in the egg whites.
  7. Gently stir in the baking soda and cream of tartar.
  8. Immediately pour the batter into the prepare pan or liners.
  9. Bake cupcakes for 25 - 28 minutes or cakes for 30 - 33 minutes, until golden and baked through.
  10. Allow to cool completely.
  11. Frost and store in a sealed container.
Notes
  1. Other gluten free flours can be substituted, but the texture of the cake may be a little different.
  2. This can be made with whole wheat, spelt, kamut or einkorn flour if you are not gluten free.
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Simple Soaked Series: Gluten Free Crackers

These gluten free crackers are made with properly prepared soaked grains and are free of dairy, eggs, nuts and corn. They make the perfect snack whether at home or on the go.Simple Soaked Series: Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If there is one snack most kids love it’s crackers! But it’s pretty rare to find a store-bought cracker that is not made with vegetable oils. Not to mention the grains are not properly prepared.  Both of which create a recipe for disaster.

That means one thing – it’s time to make your own crackers!  Really, crackers are so easy to make. I’ve made them many times before.

But recently I made a soaked version so I can feel really good about giving them to my kids (and myself!). So I’m finishing my simple soaked series with a basic gluten free cracker recipe that can be used in so many ways.

These soaked gluten free crackers have great crunch and just the right balance of salt and sweetness.

Simple Soaked Series: Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The base recipe is a Wheat Thin® style cracker.  It is made with a variety of gluten free flours for a mild flavor (I used tapioca, amaranth and sorghum). Then a bit of salt and cane sugar balance each other to make the Wheat Thin® flavor.

You can also create a rye version using teff or more of a basic butter cracker.  Both of these will use a little less sugar than the Wheat Thin® version. Try adding some  herbs and spices for a more sophisticated cracker.

Soaked gluten free crackers come together so quickly. It takes about two minutes to get the flour soaking. Then another five minutes to mix the dough and five minutes to roll and cut the dough.

Less than fifteen minutes of hands on time and you’ve got delicious, nutritious homemade crackers that your kids will love. Even better – your kids can help make them! Get in the kitchen and make a delicious snack together.

Simple Soaked Series: Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you really want to make them fun use small cookie cutters and create crackers in your child’s favorite shapes.  My kids love it when I make fish shaped crackers.

These make a great addition to school lunches with slices of raw cheese. Homemade gluten free crackers are also a perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup for lunch.  My kids love to use them for dipping!

I also like to serve homemade crackers with hummus and salsa. Since my son can’t eat wheat, rice or corn it’s so nice for him to have something to use with dips. A pile of homemade crackers with a bowl of hummus makes him one happy boy.

Make a big batch of gluten free crackers and store them in the cupboard or freezer. You’ll have a healthy snack on hand that you know is good for your kids and is something they’ll love. Homemade crackers are also a perfect snack to keep in the diaper bag.

Have you  ever made your own crackers? Try this simple, properly prepared and allergen friendly version. It’ll be a hit with the whole family.

Simple Soaked Series: Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple Soaked Series: Gluten Free Crackers
Yields 50
A simple soaked cracker that is gluten, dairy, egg, nut and corn free.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups any combination of gluten free flour (see notes for flavor combinations)
  2. 4 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or butter
  3. 6 Tbsp. warm water
  4. 1 tsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  5. 1 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  6. 8 tsp. coconut sugar or cane sugar
  7. 3-6 Tbsp. water
Instructions
  1. Combine the flour, fat, warm water and lemon juice.
  2. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  3. Heat oven to 350*F.
  4. Add the salt, sugar and 3 Tbsp. water to the soaked mixture.
  5. Mix and knead dough by hand until a ball forms. Add more water if needed.
  6. Split the dough into three equal parts.
  7. Cut four pieces of parchment paper (the size of a baking sheet).
  8. Place on piece of dough on one piece of parchment paper. Top with another sheet of parchment paper.
  9. Roll the dough between the paper until it is about 1/8" thick.
  10. Remove the top layer of paper.
  11. Cut into desired shapes with a pizza cutter or cookie cutters.
  12. Sprinkle extra salt on top of the dough if desired.
  13. Transfer the parchment paper to a baking sheet.
  14. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough.
  15. Bake the crackers for about 20 minutes, until golden.
  16. Turn off oven. Leave the crackers in the oven for 7-10 minutes, until crisp.
  17. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  18. Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer for long term storage.
Notes
  1. The base recipe creates a "Wheat Thin" style cracker with a slight sweetness.
  2. For a rye flavored cracker use 1/2 cup teff flour in your flour mixture. Reduce sugar to 4 tsp.
  3. For a butter cracker use at least 1 cup of "white" flour like rice or tapioca. Reduce sugar to 4 tsp.
  4. You can add herbs and seasonings like garlic powder to the dough for a variety of flavors.
  5. You can add 1/3 cup finely grated cheese to the dough to make cheese crackers.
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Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Bars

These quinoa bars are a great alternative to granola bars. They are soaked and gluten, dairy, egg and nut free.

Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Granola bars are so delicious! But not everyone can tolerate oats. Not to mention it’s good for everyone to have variety in their diet (help avoid those allergies!!).

So I came up with an oat free bar made with quinoa. This is another simple, soaked bar that kids love.

First the quinoa is soaked. Then it is cooked. Then mix and bake the bars. Each step takes very little hands on time. 

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I actually made two versions of quinoa bars. One with and one without coconut oil. In the end I liked them somewhere in the middle! There is a little bit of coconut oil to help bind the bars. But not so much that they are oily when you hold them.

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Bars | Just Take A Bite

No refrigeration.

So they are not as easy to eat on the go like the crunchy granola bars.  But you can always pack them in a mini cooler. I would even pack them in my daughter’s lunch box since it has a cooler.

The texture of the quinoa bars is great for  young children since they are so soft. They are also gluten, dairy, egg, nut and corn free. So they are suitable even for one year olds and those with allergies. I love having them on hand for an easy addition to lunches for my little ones still at home.

Great for nursing mamas.

Quinoa is great for boosting milk supply. So make a big batch and stock your freezer. Snack on one every day to keep your milk supply up.

Quinoa bars really pack a punch with nutrition from the flax seeds, quinoa and coconut oil. They have protein, starch and lots of healthy fat!

Are you getting sick of granola bars? Switch it up and try quinoa bars. 

Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Granola Bars
Yields 20
An oat free granola bar made with soaked quinoa.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup quiona
  2. 3 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  3. 3 cups water
  4. 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  5. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  6. 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or butter
  7. 1 cup coconut sugar
  8. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  9. 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit, nuts, seeds and/or chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine the quiona, water and lemon juice.
  2. Let sit 24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the quiona.
  4. In a medium saucepan combine the quinoa and 3 cups of water.
  5. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  6. Turn off heat. Let quinoa sit for 15 minutes, covered.
  7. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. Let sit 15 minutes.
  8. Heat the oven to 350*F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
  9. Add the flax seed and coconut to the cooked quinoa.
  10. Let sit 5 minutes for the flax seeds to absorb liquid.
  11. Add the remaining ingredients.
  12. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
  13. Bake for 70 minutes.
  14. Let cool 5 minutes.
  15. Cut into bars.
  16. Place the bars upside down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  17. Return to the oven and bake 30 minutes.
  18. Let cool completely. Refrigerate to solidify.
  19. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for long term storage.
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Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Simple Soaked Series: Crunchy Granola Bars

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

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

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

Soaked Crunchy Granola Bars

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

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

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

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

Allergen Free Granola Bars

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

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

Easy Snack on the Go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

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