Category: nut free

December 31, 2017

Simple Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

Gluten free sugar cookies are fun to cut and decorate any time of year. These hold up well and are so simple to make!

I know what you’re thinking…it’s almost the New Year…time to get healthy. And here I am posting a recipe for cookies! Well, better late than never, right?

Crazy Christmas

That is the kind of Christmas we had. Everything was out of order. We had some celebrations early. We did our baking late. It was all mixed up. But it was still fun.

And boy did my kids have fun making these cookies! Even if Mom wanted to just forget the baking all together…

Gluten Free Made Easy

Gluten free sugar cookies can be hard to make – crumbly, dry, rock hard, etc. But these are so simple and hold up so nicely. The dough is soft and easy to work with. And there are no strange ingredients like xanthan gum added!

I try to keep them not too sweet. Especially if you plan to add frosting or icing. I might even try cutting the sugar down more the next time I bake gluten free sugar cookies.

One of my secrets to not having kids go crazy eating cookies all day? Make a small batch. They won’t feel deprived, but there won’t be cookies sitting around for weeks on end. You can also freeze extras to pull out for a special treat later.

This recipe makes about 25 cookies. You can easily double or triple it if you need a big batch for giving away or for a party.

If you’re going to make sugar cookies, you have to decorate them! We used homemade frosting with natural dyes and chocolate chips. In typical fashion my toddler wouldn’t eat the cookies unless I scraped the frosting off. She is not a fan of sweets…and I hope to keep it that way.

Healthy Year and Holiday

I hope you make this your healthiest year yet! But don’t forget that it can include a small treat here and there. These simple gluten free sugar cookies make the perfect little sweet treat or fun holiday baking project!

Simple Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

2017-12-31 05:37:38

Yields 25

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Ingredients

6 Tbsp. butter, room temperature
1/3 cup organic cane sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. gelatin
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup white rice flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt

Instructions

Heat oven to 400*F.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
In a small bowl mix the egg, gelatin and vanilla. Add to the butter mixture and beat to combine.
Stir in dry ingredients.
Use your hands to combine the dough into a ball.
Cover dough and chill for 30 - 60 minutes.
Roll the dough on a floured surface. Cut shapes and place on a parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheet.
Bake at 400*F for 10 - 12 minutes, until golden.
Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

The cookies can be frozen for up to a year.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

December 18, 2017

Candy Cane Mason Jar Fruit Salad

Looking for that perfect Christmas breakfast or dessert? This adorable and easy candy cane mason jar fruit salad is great for both kids and adults!

I am working with Stonyfield Yogurt for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment. All opinions expressed are my own. I have not been paid to post positive reviews.

When it comes to holiday entertaining (for a crowd or just for my own family) I have two requirements:

Nutritious
Simple

I’ve learned how to host a crowd without stress and still serve real food. The big stuff is easy – meat, potatoes, veggies, etc. But I tend to neglect the little things like breakfast, dessert and fruit sides.

Three-in-One Recipe

Today I’m sharing my solution for all three!

Candy cane mason jar fruit salads work for breakfast, dessert or a simple side dish.

Start with whole milk Stonyfield yogurt that you strain to make it really thick. We like to use the vanilla, but you could use plain to make it without any added sugar. The strained vanilla yogurt is a simple alternative to whipped cream that has probiotics! My kids could not get enough of it! And I always have quarts of Stonyfield yogurt on hand. Actually I usually have about four or five in my fridge because we eat it so often.

I add our own fruit, sweeteners and other add-ins (like kettle corn granola and chia seeds) to the plain, whole milk organic yogurt for an easy breakfasts a couple times a week. That way I know we’re eating good quality food! I love that Stonyfield is all organic and is committed to using quality ingredients.

And if you’re concerned about sugar content, Stonyfield has less sugar than other brands.

If you like your yogurt/cream really thick (like I do!) you can even use strained Greek yogurt for the fruit salads. But it would be a bit on the tart side. The strained yogurt works perfectly for these fruit salads so the fruit does not sink into the yogurt. You can really see those layers!

Fruit Stripes

Once strained, simply layer the yogurt with your favorite festive fruits. We use pomegranate seeds, kiwi, raspberries and grapes. Taylor it to your tastes and the look you like. Little kids might not be keen on pomegranate seeds. While adults might like a mix with everything. My toddler enjoyed a combination of raspberries and green grapes. But my big kids loved the pomegranate seeds and kiwi.

I make a variety and let everyone choose what they like. I keep some all green and some all red and some I mix. They look so festive! Like a candy cane in a jar.

How to Save Time

Best of all? You can make them ahead of time for a super easy breakfast or dessert. Don’t want to interrupt opening Christmas presents to make breakfast? Make these fruit salads the night before and munch while you unwrap. Or prep them before your guests arrive for a super easy dessert.

If you’re really busy you can skip the last step and simply turn breakfast into a candy cane parfait buffet. Set out all the ingredients and let everyone assemble their own! Add granola, chia seeds and nuts for a complete meal. This works very well for a big crowd.

Kids Can Cook Too!

I really love that my kids can actually make these on their own. They’ve been learning to cook for two years now through the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse. So they are proficient with knives and many other kitchen tools. I could give them all the supplies and let them prepare the fruit salads as a fun project. Then I’m free to work on the main meals.

Interested in teaching your kids how to cook? Check out the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse HERE!

Coffee with Dessert?

Whether serving mason jar fruit salads for breakfast or dessert, a cup of coffee is an excellent accompaniment for the adults. If you like coffee that is. Me? I’ve never been a coffee drinker. But my husband and in-laws are! Whenever my in-laws come visit I have no drink to offer them with dessert. My brother and sister-in-law actually bring their own! They know I never serve any.

Thanks to Krups I now have a great coffee maker! And I can finally learn how to make some decent coffee. No more embarrassed hostess here.

Cutest Candy Canes

Now let’s be honest, the real reason we all want to make these mason jar fruit salads is simply because they are so stinkin’ cute! Seriously. Who wouldn’t want one? My kids were sad I hadn’t made two for each of them. I guess next time I know to make a huge batch. They could be easy grab ‘n’ go snacks or great additions to school lunches. Use seasonal fruit to change it up throughout the year.

Festive and nutritious holiday dishes don’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple and fun with these fresh, fruity candy cane mason jar fruit salads. They are sure to be a family favorite.

Candy Cane Mason Jar Fruit Salad

2017-12-09 13:50:55

Yields 6

A simple, holiday fruit salad that works for breakfast, dessert or a side dish.

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Ingredients

4 cups Stonyfield whole milk vanilla yogurt (or plain or Greek)
Seeds of 1 pomegranate
2 kiwis
Medium bunch of red and/or green grapes
2 cups raspberries or strawberries
(Optional) 2 Tbsp. chia seeds

Instructions

Strain the yogurt in cheesecloth for one hour. Hang it over a bowl to get as much whey out as you can.
While the yogurt is straining chop/seed the fruit into bite-size pieces.
Layer the fruit and yogurt in 1/2-pint mason jars, small glass bowls or festive dishes.
Top with chia seeds or more fruit.

Notes

The fruit salads can be made with all red fruit, all green fruit or a combination.
Older kids can help prepare the fruit and layer the salads.
This makes 6 - 8 1/2-pint mason jars, depending on the ratio of fruit to yogurt you like.

By Mary - justteakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

December 4, 2017

Abram’s Cowboy Cookies {gluten free, nut free, dairy free option}

Give your little cowboy a power-packed treat with these fun, gluten free cowboy cookies. They are loaded with real, nourishing food.

Last year my daughter got her own cookbook for Christmas. Of course she immediately wanted to try some recipes. We found a few good ones that the whole family enjoyed. Her favorite was the molasses cookie.

Naturally if big sister gets to choose some recipes little brother wants to as well. My son saw a recipe for cowboy cookies. But when we went to make them, we realized they were loaded with things he is allergic to like wheat, nuts and oats. He was quite disappointed.

Time to Recipe Create

No worries. Allergy-friendly mom to the rescue!

We came up with our own cowboy cookie recipe that does not contain gluten, nuts or oats. They can also be made dairy free.

My son and I had a blast making these together (he is quite skilled in the kitchen thanks to the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse!). And he loved being able to share them at a family gathering. Everybody else loved them too!

A Colorful Cookie

We use sunbutter in this recipe to help bind and add fat. You must note that when you use sunbutter and baking soda together it can turn green! So if the inside of your cookie starts to look green there is no need to throw them out. And no, you didn’t do anything wrong. My kids now think it’s a fun surprise to have a green cookie when you take a bite.

Save Some for Later

This recipe makes a big batch (about 30 cookies). They freeze really well. So you can enjoy some now and save some for later. Or if you need them for a party or event you can make them well in advance. They thaw very quickly (10 – 20 minutes). Though my kids love to eat them frozen!

Cookies with a Punch

My little cowboy (and cowgirls!) is very active. He loves to spend all day outside on the farm taking care of animals and helping with any jobs he can. He really works up an appetite (and is by far my fastest, biggest eater). These cowboy cookies are great as part of a snack or the perfect ending to a hearty meal.

Loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals from eggs, sunbutter, pumpkin seeds and raisins, Abram’s cowboy cookies are nourishing and sweet. As you can see my little one sure loves them!

Get your little cowboy or cowgirl into the kitchen to whip up a batch of cowboy cookies. You’ll all enjoy the time together and delicious treat you make.

Looking for more fun cookie recipes? Try these!

Grain Free Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Cookies

Everything Free Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Gluten Free Peppermint Twist Cookies

Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Squash Cookies

Abram's Cowboy Cookies {gluten free, nut free, dairy free option}

2017-12-03 06:05:58

Yields 30

A hearty and allergy friendly cookie.

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Ingredients

1/2 cup softened butter, palm shortening, lard or tallow
1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. organic vanilla
1/4 cup sunbutter
2 cups white rice flour or brown rice flour
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chunks (we use Enjoy Life)
1/4 cup raisins and/or dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the sunbutter, egg and vanilla. Beat until well mixed.
Add the flour, salt and soda. Mix well.
Stir in the chocolate, dried fruit and seeds.
Scoop large mounds (2 - 3 Tbsp.) about 2 inches apart on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

The cookies freeze well. Allow 10 - 20 minutes for them to thaw.
The cookies may turn green inside due to the sunbutter reacting with the baking soda. It is not harmful.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

June 12, 2017

Creamy Spinach Pesto Salad Dressing

Ready to dress up your summer salad? In less than five minutes this creamy spinach pesto salad dressing goes from the blender to your bowl!

I don’t know about about you but when June rolls around I am so ready to get my salad on! I actually love eating salads year round. But something about the warm, summer weather makes me crave salad.

And when it comes to dressing I am not a traditional girl. Ranch? No thanks. Italian? Blech. I used to always eat honey mustard (I even have over four versions of it on the blog!!), but when I had to give up mustard for two years I lost that taste too.

My New Favorite

These days my salad dressing usually contains desiccated liver, fermented kale or aquatic greens…or all three if I’m really feeling the need to boost nutrients.

But there is one thing I always love on my salads – pesto! I usually make a really mild and simple version of pesto with peas (super kid friendly!!!).

Recently I had the opportunity to try some Taylor Farms organic salad mixes. I went right for the baby spinach and popped it in the blender with olive oil, Stonyfield whole milk yogurt and seasoning. Amazing!

I served it with dinner on a bed of Taylor Farms mixed spring greens. The family loved it! My six-year old still isn’t a fan of lettuce salads. So he had cucumber, avocado and parmesan cheese topped with the creamy spinach pesto. He sure was happy with his salad – and even asked for it again the next day!

Kid-Friendly Greens

Creamy spinach pesto is a great way to get your kids to eat their greens. It does not taste like eating spinach (my son will vouch for that!). Plus it is combined with healthy fats like whole milk yogurt and extra virgin olive oil to help utilize the vitamins and minerals in the spinach.

Even if your kids aren’t big salad eaters yet this creamy spinach pesto works well for dipping veggies or even chicken nuggets. We also like to eat it on noodles (pesto pasta!).

Sometimes I’m sneaky and add a little desiccated liver. My kids don’t mind the taste since I add it to everything. It really boosts the Vitamin A content!

If you’re like me and craving a good summer salad this dressing is for you! Grab a big bowl, some Taylor Farms organic salad mix, your favorite salad toppers and a big helping of creamy spinach pesto! Summer has officially begun.

What is your favorite salad dressing? Do you make your own dressing creations?

Creamy Spinach Pesto Salad Dressing

2017-06-11 05:35:28

Serves 6

A creamy green dressing the whole family will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups tightly packed spinach
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 Tbsp. plain, whole milk yogurt
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
optional: 1/8 tsp. desiccated liver, 1/8 tsp. fermented kale powder, 1 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Run warm water over the peas to thaw or let sit on the counter to thaw.
In a blender combine the spinach, peas, yogurt, oil, salt, garlic, onion and optional ingredients if desired.
Blend on high until smooth, scraping sides as necessary.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator up to one week.

Notes

This dressing works well on salads, as a veggie dip, on pasta or for chicken nuggets.
This recipe makes one cup of dressing and is easily doubled or tripled to serve at a picnic.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

I am working with Stonyfield Yogurt and Taylor Farms for this post. I have been compensated for my time but all opinions expressed are my own.

June 5, 2017

Oat and Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

Missing your beloved granola bars because you can’t have oats? Problem solved! These oat and nut free chewy granola bars have the taste and texture of oats. You’ll never miss them!!

My son can’t eat oats.

We’ve been working through a myriad of food allergies with him for the last four years. And amazingly he has been able to get rid of almost all of them.

Except a few oddballs. Like oats.

We have added back dairy, corn, rice, seeds, bananas, apples, avocado – a whole assortment of foods – too many to list! But the oats are still a big no-go.

So every time I make a batch of granola bars he feels a bit left out. I’ve made rice bars before. Which are delicious! But they are more like a cookie than a granola bar.

Oat Free Bars!

We put our heads together and my son and I came up with a new version of oat and nut free chewy granola bars. They have some texture and lots of flavor. Plus they hold together well. Which is always a trick with homemade granola bars.

The secret ingredient is brown rice puffs. Cereal is a rare treat in our house. If we do have cereal, it’s often plain rice puffs. We eat them with milk or add them to yogurt for a little crunch. They work perfectly in this granola bar recipe to add texture.

Make it Double

I like to make a big batch (or two!), wrap them individually and stick them in the freezer. Then I’ve got an easy snack or breakfast component ready to go at any time. These chewy granola bars are ready to eat right from the freezer.

One batch makes about fourteen bars. But if you’ve got toddlers and preschoolers you can cut them even smaller to make a batch of twenty to twenty eight.

Probably the best part of these oat and nut free chewy granola bars is how easy they are to make. I can get a batch in the oven in less than ten minutes.

So what are you waiting for? Got ten minutes? Get into the kitchen and whip up a delicious snack that has no corn syrup, glycerin, thickeners or binders.

Don’t need to avoid oats? Both my chewy and crunchy granola bar recipes are great!!

Gluten, Oat and Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

2017-06-07 05:52:23

Yields 14

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Ingredients

3 cups rice puffs, roughly chopped in a blender
1 1/4 cups white or brown rice flour
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened sunbutter
1/2 cup add-ins (raisins, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, etc.)

Instructions

Heat oven to 350F.
Melt the butter, sunbutter and honey in s a small saucepan. Set aside.
Combine rice puffs, flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
Add the butter mixture and mix well.
Add the eggs and mix well.
Stir in opt-ins.
Spread the batter in a greased or parchment lined 9x13 baking pan.
Bake for 25 min.
Let cool 15 minutes. Cut into bars (but do not remove from pan).
Let cool 1 hour. Remove bars from pan.
Wrap individually or store in a large container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

Bars are ready to eat straight from the freezer.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

May 22, 2017

No Mixer Required Bananas Foster Ice Cream (gluten free, grain free, egg free, nut free)

Ready to think summer? This no mixer required bananas foster ice cream is sure to help! So easy to make and free of grains, eggs and nuts.

Summer is just around the corner. I keep telling myself that so when it’s forty degrees in May I don’t get too discouraged. A couple days of eighty degrees before the forty sure helped too.

One great way to start thinking summer is with ice cream! If you’ve followed me very long you know ice cream is my absolute favorite food. At least these days I don’t eat nearly as much as I used to and most of the ice cream I do eat is homemade. It’s all about the baby steps!

Make it Real

I recently bought some ice cream for my husband – a limited edition flavor – bananas foster. I tasted it. Wow, was it sweet!! Good, but sweet. It reminded me of egg nog.

My kids (and I) were a bit jealous, so I made our own version. This homemade bananas foster ice cream is loaded with banana flavor – because it is mostly pureed bananas! Then I swirled in some homemade caramel sauce for the “foster” taste. You could really bump up nutrition and save time by using this metabolism boosting caramel with liver!

You can add homemade vanilla wafers for great texture. I didn’t have any on hand…but I can’t wait to try it some time!

A little pinch of nutmeg really makes this bananas foster ice cream stand out.

Feel free to make your version with as much or as little sweetener as you like. The bananas add plenty of sweetness on their own as long as they are really ripe. But a tablespoon or two of maple syrup added to them is just right for us.

Quick and Easy

One of the best parts of this ice cream is that there is no ice cream mixer required. You do have to make the caramel and freeze the bananas in advance. But once you’re ready the ice cream comes together in minutes and is ready to eat.

And if you want to make it even easier just skip the caramel. Banana ice cream tastes amazing on its own. It also makes a great dairy free alternative to ice cream.

Are you thinking summer already? Give this bananas foster ice cream a try. What’s your favorite flavor?

No Mixer Required Bananas Foster Ice Cream

2017-05-21 07:04:52

Serves 6

A creamy banana ice cream with swirls of caramel.

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Ingredients

6 very ripe bananas
2 - 4 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey (optional)
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
3 - 4 Tbsp. caramel sauce
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup vanilla wafers, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the caramel. Refrigerate.
Slice the bananas and freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Combine the frozen bananas, maple syrup, salt and nutmeg in a food processor. Blend until smooth (this will take a few minutes and you may have to scrape down the sides multiple times).
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer safe container.
Gently mix in the caramel and vanilla wafers.
Serve or freeze.

Notes

To make this dairy free simply leave out the caramel sauce. Banana ice cream tastes wonderful on its own!
The caramel sauce can be made dairy free using coconut oil and coconut milk.

By Mary- justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

May 9, 2017

Simple Steps Towards Mom Self-Care plus a Quick Vegetable Dip Recipe

Do you make mom self-care a priority or do you put yourself at the bottom of the to-do list? Here are simple steps to make mom matter!

I’ve been mom-wired for as long as I can remember. I wanted to play with dolls all day every day from the time I was very little. I dreamed about nursing babies instead of being a princess. I loved to make food for my siblings and their friends and would even clean up after them. I was always willing to help around the house. I would just sit in the kitchen and watch my mom bake because it fascinated me.

Real Mom Life

I can’t say a whole lot has changed since then. I now have three kids of my own. I still love to cook for them and take care of them. It’s fun to dress them in cute clothes and do fun activities with them.

My writing is much the same. It focuses on feeding kids nourishing food and working through picky eating and allergies. All of my recipes have to be kid-approved. I even wrote two books about feeding kids (check them out here)!

Putting Mom Last?

You may have noticed that one thing has been left out of all of this…myself. Yes, I am just like so many other moms. I put myself at the bottom of my to-do list.

As I write this post I’m starting day seven of my husband being out of town. With a house and farm to care for, three kids to feed and tend to, lots of activities and home schooling I bet you can imagine how much time is left to think about myself (next to none).

Mom Life Rocks!

I don’t say any of this to take pity on myself. It’s actually quite the opposite! I love my life. I wouldn’t change it for the world. But sometimes (ok, almost all the time) I forget that mom needs care too.

Over the last few months I have finally made it my goal to really focus on my health and making nourishing food a priority (i.e. sardines, liver and spinach for breakfast!!). It has been amazing to see my health continue to improve (even after 2 1/2 years of breastfeeding on a very restricted diet that left me worn out and depleted). I actually feel better now than I ever have. It’s a good thing since my life requires a lot of energy!

How Body Shape Fluctuates After Childbirth

Along with the health changes have come changes in my body shape. For a while now I’ve been in a constant state of exhaustion and adrenal fatigue. This leads to skinny legs and booty with weight in the belly. Plus you lose muscle. For this once fit and active woman it was strange…but eventually became my normal. My husband and I even joked that I seemed to loose more booty and gain more belly with each child (now I know that is from being so run down)!

But as my health has been reversing back to balanced hormones and fully rested my weight is shifting back to the places it should be. I have a figure again! And now my clothes don’t fit (especially pants!).

What’s the Problem?

Yet one thing I still never do for myself is buy new clothes. Although it sounds trivial, when you’re wearing old yoga pants and ten year old t-shirts with holes in the armpits every day, it really doesn’t make you feel so great about how you look. It impacts your self esteem. And your kids notice. But it’s about all I have that fits.

You can imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity to partner with Stonyfield Yogurt and prAna again. I’ve worked with them in the past to help me figure out my style and learn to embrace bold. This time I combined both my love of simplicity and my need for bold colors with this royal blue dress. It fits perfectly with prAna’s celebration of #TheWholeYou. This dress is ALL me.

From the moment I pulled it out of the box I knew it would be one of my favorite pieces of clothing. Sometimes I get caught up in budgets and kids’ needs and forget that I have needs to. I am always willing to go without. I forget that a few simple pieces of clothing that actually fit and make me feel good can make a world of difference in my attitude and my confidence.

How to Make Time for Self Care

I want to encourage you to do something today to take care of yourself. Whether it be taking a walk alone, meeting a friend for coffee and having uninterrupted adult conversations, finishing that book that’s been half read for months, taking a yoga class, going on a date with your spouse or buying a new outfit that really makes you feel good.

Moms often forget that they have needs too. I don’t know about you, but I need a reminder once in a while (or maybe all the time) to not always put myself last. A happy, healthy mom is better able to care for her family and help create a happy, healthy home.

Mom Wardrobe Inspiration

I’ve got TWO ways to take mom off the bottom of the to-do list today.

First, check out prAna and buy yourself something nice. Seriously, their clothes are AMAZING. So comfortable and good quality. If you’re like me that is so important since I don’t buy new clothes often. It has to last.

Easy Homemade Vegetable Dip

Second I’ve got a yummy treat for you (though you can share if you want – my kids sure love it…there I go again, handing over my food to my kids). I LOVE vegetables. I always have. But I like raw veggies even more with dip. You can make this super simple dip in about sixty seconds. Jazz up your veggies with something delicious and do your body a favor with nourishing foods. It’s a win-win.

All those great vitamins in vegetables need fat for absorption. So Stonyfield full fat Greek yogurt makes the perfect base. Add some seasoning and you’ve got a great snack or addition to your lunch.

60 Second Veggie Dip

2017-05-06 13:46:35

Serves 4

A quick and nutritious veggie dip using Greek yogurt.

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Ingredients

1 cup Stonyfield whole milk Greek yogurt
1/8 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion salt
3/4 tsp. dried dill weed
(optional: 1/2 tsp. desiccated liver)
(optional: 1/4 tsp. turmeric)

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients. Add more garlic or onion if desired.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

You can substitute sour cream for the yogurt
This is great as a vegetable dip, chip dip or topping for tacos or nachos.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

What are you doing today for some mom self-care? I’d love to hear how you make time for yourself! I have a lot to learn.

I am working with Stonyfield Yogurt and prAna on this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment but all opinions are my own.

May 1, 2017

Penguin Parfait and a Trip to the Zoo!

Want to make science fun? Spend a day at the zoo learning about your favorite animals. Top it off with a delicious penguin parfait!

My kids are true animal lovers. Just one more reason we moved to the country to start our own farm a few months ago!! But it’s not just farm animals. They are fascinated by just about any animal.

Science In Action

This is our first year homeschooling…and we chose to study land animals for science. They really, truly love animals! So when I heard that Stonyfield Yogurt was promoting World Penguin Day and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program I knew we had to see what it was all about.

We took a trip to our local zoo (John Ball Zoo) to see the penguins up close. I’ve been going to JBZ ever since I was little. Whenever I visited my grandparents they took us to the zoo, and we each got a balloon. It is one of the best (and only) memories I have of my grandparents (I was very little). But I cherish those memories. And I love that I get to take my own kids to John Ball now!

As luck would have it when we walked into the zoo they were just about to feed the penguins. So we hurried right over and got to see penguins swimming all over and enjoying fish. My kids thought it was great.

The fun didn’t end there. We spent the rest of the morning exploring tigers, bongos, spider monkeys, goats, chickens, chimpanzees and more. My animal-loving kids could have stayed all day. They really had fun on the new funicular. And, of course, we took a snack break and enjoyed some Stonyfield yogurt!

Penguin Fun

We can’t wait to go back to the zoo again this summer when we have more time to explore and more animals are active. But leaving the zoo didn’t put an end to our celebration of World Penguin Day.

At home we went on a waddle walk to see just how hard it would be to walk miles and miles like penguins do. The kids were out of breath after waddling across the yard. I don’t know how the penguins do it!

Later that day we watched some videos about penguins and learned about Emperor Penguins by watching Planet Earth. The kids were glued to the tv, fascinated by how the male penguins care for the eggs and wait for the females to return with food.

A Special Yogurt Treat

In honor of all of our Penguin Day fun we decided to make a special snack – a penguin parfait! This fun treat is easy to make and reminds us to do our part in keeping wildlife safe. I combined Stonyfield yogurt with tummy calming activated charcoal to create a black and white parfait you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Yogurt has a great balance of sodium to potassium which is great for your heart! This parfait also contains a nice mix of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Activated charcoal is my go-to supplement for settling tummies after an illness or an allergic reaction. I sometimes give it to my kids to help with gentle detox as well. It’s great for tummy maintenance once in a while. So this parfait is more than just a delicious treat. It’s filled with nutrition too.

I encourage you to help your kids explore and discover God’s beautiful creation. Take a trip to your local zoo and learn about the animals and how you can help protect them (don’t forget you can earn FREE zoo tickets when you buy Stonyfield yogurt!). Then enjoy a penguin parfait!

Penguin Parfait

2017-04-29 13:19:21

Serves 2

A simple yogurt parfait to celebrate World Penguin Day.

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Ingredients

1 cup full fat plain creamy or greek-style yogurt
2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
1 capsule activated charcoal (260 mg)
1 medium-size ripe banana, halved and sliced
2 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips

Instructions

In a bowl combine the yogurt, honey and charcoal. Mix until charcoal is fully distributed.
Divide the yogurt between two cups.
Top the yogurt with a layer of banana slices and 1 Tbsp. chocolate chips per cup.

Notes

You can replace the yogurt + honey with two YoKids yogurt in your favorite flavor.

By Mary Voogt - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

I am working with Stonyfield Yogurt on this post. I was compensated for my time but all opinions expressed are my own.

January 23, 2017

Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Spice Cake

Do you ever mix savory and sweet? This dark chocolate spice cake combines dark cocoa with cumin and cinnamon for a unique yet satisfying flavor.

Sometimes you just need chocolate. Am I right?

And sometimes you need dark chocolate…with a twist.

Something New

I recently got to try the new Stonyfield double cream yogurt and some fun spices from Simply Organic. I paired these unlikely sidekicks in a unique dark chocolate spice cake.

The cake is very mildly sweet with a hint of spice. But plenty of chocolate!

Kid-Friendly

My kids couldn’t get enough. I thought they would be hesitant to try chocolate with cumin added. Boy, was I wrong. They could hardly wait for me to take pictures before they tried it.

And of course they all wanted to help make the cake. My toddler did a lot of sampling.

I also added some mini chocolate chips (this is the brand we love because it is allergen free) to provide another burst of chocolate and some texture.

Change It Up

We enjoyed it plain as a light dessert. Dark chocolate spice cake would also be very good topped with a simple butter cream or homemade ice cream (vanilla, chocolate or salted dark chocolate would all be great choices!).

Yogurt and Spice and Everything Nice

I’m so glad we got to try the double cream yogurt from Stonyfield. It is just what it says…double the cream (you know I’m always in favor of more healthy fat!). It’s like yogurt and sour cream had a baby…super creamy and mildly tangy. The perfect combination.

On the down side now regular yogurt (even though we buy full fat) doesn’t seem as creamy.

I’ve been using Simply Organic spices for quite some time now. But I’m pretty boring. I stick the same basic herbs and spices. So I was excited to see some unique blends like adobo and garam masala. Looks like I’ll be doing more experimenting!

Allergy Friendly

If you’re looking for a chocolate-y treat that won’t give you sugar overload try my gluten free dark chocolate spice cake. It is loaded with healthy fat and real ingredients but free of gluten, nuts and eggs.

Have you ever mixed chocolate and spice? What combination would you try?

Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Spice Cake

2017-01-21 06:12:09

Serves 12

A mildly sweet dark chocolate cake that combines cocoa, cumin and cinnamon for a unique twist.

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Ingredients

1 cup white rice flour
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
3/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. grassfed gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup Stonyfield Double Cream Yogurt
2 Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8" baking dish.
Combine the gelatin and 1/4 cup cold water. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, cumin, salt and baking powder.
Add the 1/4 cup hot water to the gelatin mixture and stir to dissolve.
Add the gelatin water, yogurt and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 min.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve plain or topped with ice cream, butter cream or vanilla yogurt.
For extra flavor mix whole raspberries into the batter before baking.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

I am working with Stonyfield Yogurt and Simply Organic spices on this post. I have not been paid to provide positive comments.

December 19, 2016

The Christmas Breakfast You Need – Candy Cane Smoothie Bowl

Enjoy your holidays AND serve a healthy breakfast with this nutritious candy cane smoothie bowl. It’s so easy to make your kids can do it!

I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas from my childhood. We’d go to church for a candle light service on Christmas Eve. When it was time for presents my three siblings and I would sit in a line, and my dad would hand them out one at a time. There was so much joy and excitement.

Then we would visit out-of-town extended family. It was great to see grandparents and cousins that we didn’t get to see very often.

Of course after all of the celebrations were done it was time to play! We played with our new toys and spent hours outside building snow forts. That’s what Christmas break is all about, right?

Then I Grew Up…

Now I’m a parent…and I still love Christmas. But it doesn’t quite bring the same joy and excitement as it did when I was a child. I dwell on all of the stuff on my to-do list. The packing, traveling, buying, wrapping, cooking, baking, cleaning and hosting. It’s more crazy than calming. More stressful than joyful.

So by the time all of the chaos is over I’m just plain worn out. I don’t have the energy to prepare a fancy breakfast for my family.

My Solution?

This super simple candy cane smoothie bowl!

IT’S LOADED WITH NUTRIENTS BUT REQUIRES VERY LITTLE EFFORT…ISN’T THAT WHAT WE ARE ALL LOOKING FOR?

A candy cane smoothie bowl is festive and fun. It is so easy to make I actually let my kids do most of the prep work! The older kids practice their detailed cutting skills they learned in the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse. The younger ones pick out pomegranate seeds.

All of the preparation can be done the day before (great afternoon project for bored kids!!). Even the smoothie ingredients can go right in the blender and be ready for morning.

Crazy Christmas

Gluten Free Made Easy

Healthy Year and Holiday

Three-in-One Recipe

Candy cane mason jar fruit salads work for breakfast, dessert or a simple side dish.

Fruit Stripes

How to Save Time

Kids Can Cook Too!

Interested in teaching your kids how to cook? Check out the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse HERE!

Coffee with Dessert?

Cutest Candy Canes

Festive and nutritious holiday dishes don’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple and fun with these fresh, fruity candy cane mason jar fruit salads. They are sure to be a family favorite.

Time to Recipe Create

A Colorful Cookie

Save Some for Later

Cookies with a Punch

Get your little cowboy or cowgirl into the kitchen to whip up a batch of cowboy cookies. You’ll all enjoy the time together and delicious treat you make.

My New Favorite

But there is one thing I always love on my salads – pesto! I usually make a really mild and simple version of pesto with peas (super kid friendly!!!).

Kid-Friendly Greens

What is your favorite salad dressing? Do you make your own dressing creations?

My son can’t eat oats.

Except a few oddballs. Like oats.

Oat Free Bars!

Make it Double

So what are you waiting for? Got ten minutes? Get into the kitchen and whip up a delicious snack that has no corn syrup, glycerin, thickeners or binders.

Make it Real

Quick and Easy

Are you thinking summer already? Give this bananas foster ice cream a try. What’s your favorite flavor?

Real Mom Life

Putting Mom Last?

Mom Life Rocks!

How Body Shape Fluctuates After Childbirth

What’s the Problem?

How to Make Time for Self Care

Mom Wardrobe Inspiration

Easy Homemade Vegetable Dip

What are you doing today for some mom self-care? I’d love to hear how you make time for yourself! I have a lot to learn.

Science In Action

Penguin Fun

A Special Yogurt Treat

Something New

Kid-Friendly

Change It Up

Yogurt and Spice and Everything Nice

Allergy Friendly

Have you ever mixed chocolate and spice? What combination would you try?

Then I Grew Up…

My Solution?

IT’S LOADED WITH NUTRIENTS BUT REQUIRES VERY LITTLE EFFORT…ISN’T THAT WHAT WE ARE ALL LOOKING FOR?

Head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’m sharing the recipe. Christmas breakfast planning done!

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