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Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili

Put a new spin on your usual chili by adding Bob’s Red Mill orca beans to create sprouted orca bean and squash chili. Pair it with freshly baked corn bread for a hearty week night dinner.

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am partnering with Bob’s Red Mill 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.

There is nothing quite like a bowl of hot chili on a cool fall day. You can add lots of vegetables, make it extra meaty, spice it up or keep it mild.

I’ve made chili many ways. The possibilities are endless.

Try something new.

But one thing I have never added to my chili is orca beans! In fact I had never heard of them until recently.

Bob’s Red Mill orca beans are so fun. They look like mini orca whales with the black and white exterior. What kid wouldn’t love to have whales swimming around in her chili?!

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

A lot to love about beans.

One of the things about orca beans that stood out to me right away was the nutrition content. They have lots of fiber, protein, folate, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Talk about packing a punch!

Just be sure to sprout your beans first to make them easier to digest and to make the vitamins and minerals available. That means thinking ahead to start the beans the day before you make chili. But it only takes about thirty seconds to get them sprouting.

The other unique thing about this chili is the pureed squash. It adds thickness and a hint of sweetness. Combine that with tomatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini, broth and your choice of beef or chicken. Dinner is served!

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Top it. Pair it.

Sprouted orca bean and squash chili can be eaten as is or you can add a variety of toppings. We like to add grated cheese and avocado. Another delicious addition is Stonyfield plain yogurt. It cools down the spice and adds a creaminess to the chili.

Of course you can’t just have a bowl of chili. Sprouted orca bean and squash chili is great served on noodles or rice.

But our favorite way to eat it is paired with cornbread! You can make traditional cornbread. Or if you have corn allergies like we do try my corn free cornbread. You’ll never know the difference.

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Eat it now, eat it later.

Load up the crockpot with a big batch of chili. Serve it for dinner and pack up the leftovers for school lunches. Simply heat it in the morning, and it will stay warm in a thermos. Spread a generous helping of butter on leftover cornbread. It doesn’t get much easier or tastier!

Chili also freezes well. So you can keep some on hand in the freezer for an easy lunch or dinner.

My kids love orca beans. They are great in chili or cooked and eaten plain. Give them a try and see what your kids think. Then add them to sprouted orca bean and squash chili. They won’t be able to pass up killer whales in their soup!

Looking for a new, easy dinner this fall? Crockpot sprouted orca bean and squash chili is perfect any night of the week.

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 

Crockpot Sprouted Orca Bean and Squash Chili
Serves 6
A new twist on chili with orca beans and squash.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill orca beans
  2. warm water
  3. 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  4. 1 lb. ground beef or chicken
  5. 1 cup pureed squash
  6. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  7. optional: 1/2 cup diced onion
  8. optional: 1/2 cup green peppers, diced
  9. optional: 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
  10. 2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  11. 1 tsp. garlic powder
  12. 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  13. 1/4 tsp. cumin
  14. optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, Stonyfield plain full fat yogurt
Instructions
  1. The day before making the chili, place the beans in a bowl and fill it with warm water. Let it sit 8 hours. Drain the water. Let the bowl sit in a warm area or in the oven (turned off) with the light on for 8 hours.
  2. When ready to prepare, cook the meat. Add it to the crockpot.
  3. Saute the onion, peppers and zucchini (if using). Add them to the crockpot.
  4. Add the sprouted beans, broth, squash, tomatoes and seasoning.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH 6-8 hours or on LOW 8-12 hours, until beans are fully cooked.
  6. Add toppings to individual bowls if desired.
Notes
  1. This chili freezes and reheats well.
  2. You can replace the squash with pumpkin.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew

Start the school year with nutrient dense creamy sprouted red lentil and sausage stew. It is full of broth, vegetables and protein for a great lunch or dinner.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am partnering with Bob’s Red Mill 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.

Ready or not, summer is over. The holiday has come and gone. It is back to school time for everyone.

It is also time for the weather to turn cooler and the days to be shorter.

After hot summer days it is time to return to a warm bowl of soup, freshly baked bread and hot apple cider.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Soup is the perfect fall food. It is comforting and warm. But it will also help boost your immune system if you include lots of homemade bone broth. Just what you need for warding off illnesses in the fall.

You can go the traditional route with chicken noodle and beef vegetable soup. Or maybe spruce it up a bit with squash or split pea.

But I’ve got a new soup for you that the whole family will love. The really great thing is that it is easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

It starts with lentils.

Sprouted red lentil and sausage stew starts with Bob’s Red Mill red lentils. They contain lots of fiber, protein and iron. It is important to sprout them first for easier digestion and absorption of nutrients. It will also allow them to cook very quickly.

If you’ve never sprouted lentils it is so easy. Just put warm water over them. That’s pretty much all there is to it.

Now add bone broth, sausage and vegetables to these colorful lentils and you’ve got an amazing soup that comes together in no time.

Looking to add even more nutrition? Toss your favorite greens in during the last few minutes of cooking (I like spinach). Then top it all off with some plain Stonyfield yogurt for creaminess and healthy fat.

Your kids will love it.

Are you worried your kids won’t be willing to try lentils? No need for concern. The lentils cook down and virtually disappear into the soup. It just looks like sausage and vegetables. But the lentils will give the soup a great texture and thickness. They make it really filling.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Great for lunch or dinner.

You’ll want to make a big batch of sprouted red lentil and sausage stew. Have it for dinner one night. Then pack the leftovers in lunches. Simply warm it on the stove for a  minute in the morning and pack it in a thermos.

This stew also freezes well. So you can make a double batch to eat some now and freeze a meal for another busy week night or easy lunches later on.

Red lentil and sausage stew is filling enough to be your whole meal. But we like some variety. So I serve it with crackers and cheese, bread with jam or a delicious sweet bread like pumpkin, zucchini or winter spice.

Have you ever had red lentils? Are you ready to try some?

Whether you’re new to lentils or they are a staple in your pantry, this creamy sprouted red lentil and sausage stew needs to be on your menu this fall.

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Creamy Sprouted Red Lentil and Sausage Stew
Serves 6
A creamy, rich stew filled with sprouted red lentils and sausage.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill red lentils
  2. 3 cups warm water
  3. 3 cups chicken broth
  4. 1/2 lb. ground sausage, cooked and crumbled OR precooked sausage, cut up
  5. 2 large carrots, cut up
  6. 1/2 cup sweet potato, cut up
  7. 1 small onion, cut up
  8. 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  9. 1 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  10. 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  11. 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  12. 1/2 tsp. dried dill weed
  13. 1 cup plain, whole milk Stonyfield yogurt
  14. optional: 2 cups chopped greens (spinach, kale, chard)
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl combine the lentils and warm water. Let sit in a warm place or in the oven with the light on for at least 12 hours. Drain water and return to warm place for another 6 or more hours to sprout.
  2. In a large sauce pan saute the vegetables in olive oil 5 minutes.
  3. Add the broth and seasoning.
  4. Simmer 20 minutes.
  5. Add the sprouted lentils and cooked/cut up sausage.
  6. Simmer another 20 minutes.
  7. Add greens in last 3 minutes if desired.
  8. Top individual bowls with plain yogurt and stir into soup.
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.

Made To Matter With Target and Stonyfield: My Daily Moments | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Made To Matter With Target and Stonyfield: My Daily Moments

I am partnering with Target and Stonyfield in the Made To Matter Campaign. I think we should make each day matter with the choices we make for our families and our environment.

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.

Made To Matter With Target and Stonyfield: My Daily Moments | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Have you heard of the Made To Matter campaign? Companies like Target and Stonyfield are doing their part to give consumers better choices of products and food. In turn we can make our own moments that matter.

My daily moments.

I make a lot of choices every single day as I try to raise healthy kids. Sometimes it is about feeding them nourishing food. Sometimes it is about teaching them how to take care of God’s creation.

Then there are times when I have to make choices about their health and well-being.

I have also heard from many moms lately that they want to make good choices but find it hard when they are so bombarded with junk food and chemicals everywhere they go. We all really do want our choices to matter.

Taking care of my baby.

If you’ve been around very long you know that I’ve had a challenging year with my youngest. We have struggled to figure out why she hardly ate for months.

Sometimes she would scream. All of her feedings were so short.

We finally figured out she  has a lot of food allergies and have worked to eliminate the problem foods.

That’s not all.

On top of that she has tongue and lip ties. We have now had them clipped twice to improve her ability to nurse and eat solid food.

Her second clipping was just a few weeks ago. On top of the procedure she was cutting her one year molars. Needless to say she was in pain. She was hardly sleeping either (sometimes taking three hours to get to sleep).

Due to her allergies we can’t use traditional pain medications. They all contain palm-derived ingredients. We tried a few different things without much luck.

Finally we tried Hyland’s Teething Tablets*. What a life saver!!

There was one time I was trying to get her settled for a nap. She just cried and cried. I finally remembered the teething tablets. She was asleep in about sixty seconds (this in not an exaggeration).

We both finally got a little bit of calm and rest in a chaotic time.

Made To Matter With Target and Stonyfield: My Daily Moments | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Made To Matter companies and products.

There are lots of great companies joining the Made To Matter campaign. One of them is Justin’s. We got to sample some Justin’s almond butter, chocolate hazelnut spread and peanut butter cups**.

My kids were so excited to have these treats! I was very excited that my son could actually eat them all. He had never tried a peanut butter cup before.

Both of my kids liked the chocolate hazelnut spread the best (think healthier version of Nutella®).

We also love the SheaMoisture shampoo***. I use it for my seven year old’s hair. I LOVE the smell.

Another brand I use is Yes To. I like their shampoo!

StonyfieldSuperGrainsStrawberry
photo credit: Stonyfield.com
StonyfieldSuperSeedsBlueberry
photo credit: stonyfield.com

That’s not all.

Many of the brands joining in the Made To Matter campaign are creating exclusive products just for Target. This includes Stonyfield.

Stonyfield’s new products have just been released. Super Seeds yogurt has softened flax seeds while Super Grains yogurt contains buckwheat and quinoa. They sound delicious!!

Stonyfield is committed to offering quality, organic products. We love using their whole milk plain yogurt. Stonyfield’s new Oh My Yog! is amazing as well.

I couldn’t finish a post about Target without mentioning their support of breastfeeding moms! Their policy is that you can nurse your baby anywhere in the store. How awesome is that?! You don’t have to hide in a dirty bathroom stall to feed your child. I wish there were more companies like Target that truly supported a healthy lifestyle.

We can all make our lives matter simply by choosing quality products that support health and sustainability.

Have you had any moments that matter lately? What are some of your favorite natural products?

Made To Matter With Target and Stonyfield: My Daily Moments | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

*Please note that Hyland’s Teething Tablets do contain a small amount of lactose. For this reason I only use them when we absolutely need them since my daughter can’t have dairy. In some cases the benefit of the pain relief outweighs the reaction to the lactose.

**All of the Justin’s products we tried contain palm fruit oil. So even though my family loved them I’m not sure I would buy the product due to my daughter’s palm allergy. I don’t really like to have it in the house/have my big kids getting it on anything.

***SheaMoisture does contain coconut oil. So avoid it if you have a coconut allergy. I do not use it on my infant because of this.

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.

ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

ecocentric mom: June Mom Box Review

We may have just celebrated Father’s Day, but it is always a good time to celebrate moms! A mom box from ecocentric mom is the perfect way to do just that.ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

**I am working with ecocentric mom to blog about this mom box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.**

Today I’m back to tell you about another fun ecocentric mom box I received. This one is for moms, and it’s packed with products you can feel good about.

Here is how it works. Ecocentric mom does the hard work for you – finding great products that are natural and healthy. You get a box full of fun stuff to try at a fraction of the cost. It can be a one time event, or you can get a new box every other month.

This month I had an extra challenge doing my review. With my little one’s recent coconut allergy diagnosis I’ve had to stop using any products with coconut…which includes most natural health and beauty products.

But no need to worry. I passed along some of the products I couldn’t use to my family. So you’ll still get to hear a first hand report!

Here are the products in this month’s ecocentric mom box.ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Lillian Eve Nail Polish

“Lillian Eve is a mompreneur founded nail polish company committed to living a colorful life. Our nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free. Sweet Dreams and Bliss are two of our most popular polishes from our new spring collection, Just Breathe.”

I think I’ve painted my nails once in the last fifteen years…no joke. I had my nails painted for my wedding (13 years ago!) and probably not since then. It’s just not something I like to do since I’m always in the kitchen working with my hands. I don’t want anything toxic in our food! Plus I’ve got little ones that I feed with my hands.

But I do paint my toe nails every so often. I LOVE this color for toe nails (sweet dreams).  It is perfect for someone like me that likes just a hint of color. And being on my toes I shouldn’t have to worry about any ingredients possibly impacting my sensitive little one.ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My oldest and I tried this nail polish. I had high hopes, but there were a few things I wasn’t crazy about.

  • The nail polish was really runny and started dripping off our nails. I had to be extra careful to only get a small amount on the brush. Our nails ended up looking a bit sloppy.
  • The smell of the polish was very strong/chemical like. Even my son instantly declared, “That stinks!” I could smell it for quite a while after painting my nails…and it was on my feet.
  • The list of ingredients is quite lengthy, and I’m not sure what a lot of it is. Their definition of toxin-free may be different than mine.

That being said they do have a ton of fun colors!  And I’m sure it is safer than what you’d buy at the local drugstore.

Product Pricing: $12 for 0.5 fl oz or 15 ml – No expiration.ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simply 7 Snacks

“Nature is beautiful and it tastes great! Why mess with perfection? We believe you can balance healthiness with taste to be deliciously wholesome. Simply 7 ensures that every ingredient is not only natural but is SIMPLE. Their 7 core standards are: 0 Grams Trans Fat and No Cholesterol, Gluten-free, All Natural Recipes, No artificial colors or flavors, No Preservatives, Simple Ingredients and Simply Delicious.”

We eat pretty much no packaged food. The only exception I make is having chips once in a while.  I usually buy olive oil potato chips or sweet potato chips.

So I was pretty excited to have some new chips to try. This months ecocentric mom box contained two varieties – hummus chips and quinoa chips.  Both tasted great! I ate the bag of quinoa chips myself…this is a box for mom after all.

My son couldn’t try either variety because they both contain corn (which he is allergic to). My older daughter and my husband sampled the hummus chips (they have dairy, so I couldn’t try them). So it was hit and miss in terms of allergens. But in terms of flavor we loved them.

I love pretty much anything salty and crunchy. The quinoa chips fit the bill perfectly. An added bonus was that the hummus chips were not spicy. That’s a make or break point for my oldest with oral sensory issues.

I would love to try their lentil chips. My son could even eat those. I may have to do some shopping!

If you are looking for a fun snack once in a while Simply 7 Snacks are good options. This was my favorite product in the box!

Product Pricing: Hummus Sea Salt 1oz – $1.00, Quinoa Sea Salt 0.8 oz, $1.00

Goddess Garden

“We created Goddess Garden because our family loves the great outdoors. Unlike traditional chemical sunscreens,  Goddess Garden is safe, effective, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals.”

I think Goddess Garden is a really great product with quality ingredients for the times when you need sunscreen. We don’t use sunscreen just for playing outside. We like to soak up our daily vitamin D! But if we go to the beach or know we’ll be out all day then I put it on my kiddos.  We haven’t had a day like that yet this summer. So no sunscreen so far! I will be trying this on the big kids when we head out on vacation soon. It does have coconut, so my little one and I won’t be trying it.

Product Pricing: $14.99-$17.99 for 3.4 oz bottle

Bella Organics

“Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme: Beauty products are often full of toxic ingredients, especially the conventional deodorants. Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant Crème is a perfect alternative to a health conscious mom. We offer an organic, aluminum-free deodorant that actually works!”

This is another product I did not get to try because it contains coconut oil. But it smells AMAZING. It smells like a minty dessert. I’d much rather smell like that than sweat!  Vanilla mint deodorant creme is a bit different from other natural deodorants that I’ve tried because it is creamy. I think that would be very soothing to sensitive underarm skin.  It also contains natural ingredients that work with your body. Any deodorant without chemicals or aluminum gets two thumbs up from me. I’m anxious to look into their other products.

Product Pricing: 0.25 ounces for $3.99ecocentric mom june mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Meliora K Laundry Powder

“Meliora K‘s Laundry Powder is free of fragrances, dyes, and brighteners. We list every ingredient clearly on the label. Works great in standard and HE washers. Our vision is a clean, happy, and healthy home that doesn’t rely on secret formulas and mysterious chemicals.”

I think I’m starting to sound like a broken record here. This laundry detergent from Meliora K is another product with coconut oil. So I let my mom try it.

After using the laundry powder my mom did a good smell check – no fragrance at all!! That is a very important point for me. I don’t want my clothes smelling like perfume.

She said the clothes and towels she washed were very clean. There weren’t many suds in the washer, but that is the way it should be when you aren’t adding foaming agents to your soap.

The only concern my mom had was that it didn’t seem to dissolve well in cold water. But I think that is the case with most natural powder detergents. You have to dissolve them in warm or hot water first and then switch to cold.

All in all a great product that cleans well, has no fragrance and no chemicals. I wish I could use it!!

Product Pricing: $9.99 for 20 load (40 HE loads) canister, $15.99 for 64 load (128 HE loads) load canister.

Ecocentric Soap

“Treat yourself to a luxurious soap made with all natural ingredients and formulated to soothe, hydrate, exfoliate and nourish your beautiful skin to feel amazing.”

My sister-in-law tried the ecocentric soap. Here is what she had to say:

“It really cleanses very well. It took my water resistant eye make up off right away. It did not just smear the make up across my face like some cleansers have done in the past. It actually took it right off. I was really excited about that, but then the sensitive skin under and around my eyes started to burn a little shortly after I finished washing my face. This morning they are still quite sensitive and a little burning, also slightly swollen under my eyes. So I will not be using the soap on my face again, sadly. I don’t have sensitive skin, so this reaction actually really surprises me.

I also used to the soap in the shower. It lathers well and really does cleanse very well. I really enjoy the scent. I tried it on my legs to shave them, to see how it compares to the other coconut oil based bar soap that I buy. It lathers well, so it worked very well to use for shaving my legs. However, my skin was very tight after I was dried off from my shower. I definitely would not be able to go without lotion using this soap.

I would buy the soap again because it really does cleanse well. The ingredients are mostly good. I do wonder about the quality of essential oils they use in the soap. And I love the scent. However, I would use caution on any sensitive areas.”

Product Pricing: $6

This ecocentric mom box contained some really amazing, natural products.

I was sad I couldn’t try some of them. But that’s life with a coconut allergy.

Now I’m craving more Simply 7 chips! I may have to place an order very soon.

Do you like what you what you see? Are you interested in getting a box of great products to try for yourself? Sign up at Ecocentric Mom and see what fun, natural products arrive at your door.

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.

Stonyfield Oh My Yog! Review

*I am working with Stonyfield for this Oh My Yog! review post. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use this products. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.*

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for…you can finally buy a full fat flavored yogurt again!

Stonyfield Oh My Yog Review | Homemade Dutch Apple PieAbout five years ago when I used to buy individual yogurts most of the time there were a couple of brands that sold full fat organic yogurt in a variety of flavors. That is what I always bought. Then all of a sudden they were harder and harder to find until all of the companies discontinued their full fat versions.

I suppose in hind sight it was good for me since it got me to start buying plain yogurt and flavoring it myself (which I still do now) or making fruit on the bottom yogurt. But I was very disappointed when it happened. Companies that cared about quality and nourishment hopped on the low fat/fat free bandwagon and got rid of their best products.

These days with the way we go through yogurt there is no way I could buy individual yogurts very often. I’d spend half of our grocery budget on yogurt!  Not to mention I’m generally not a fan of how much sugar is in flavored yogurts. But once in a while it’s a nice treat. It is also convenient when you head out on your summer vacation.

So it was fun for the family when we got to try some of the new Stonyfield Oh My Yog! full fat yogurt!Stonyfield Oh My Yog Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Right now this variety of yogurt is very difficult to find where I live. I managed to find two containers (the only two) at a local health food store. So we only got to try one flavor. My kids had to share a yogurt. Hopefully soon they will be more readily available.

We sampled the apple cinnamon flavor (by we I mean my husband and two oldest kids…little one and I are still dairy free for the foreseeable future).

After the first bite my son declared, “Wow, this is sweet!”  He is used to the way we normally eat yogurt with just a touch of honey or maple syrup. My husband and daughter didn’t think it was overly sweet. So it just depends on your taste buds.

In terms of flavor they all loved the apple cinnamon. I hope we get a chance to try some of the other flavors since they are more unique – wild Quebec blueberry, gingered pear, orange cranberry, Madagascar vanilla bean and Pacific coast strawberry. If I could try one I’d go for the vanilla bean…vanilla has always been my favorite.Stonyfield Oh My Yog Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Although I couldn’t taste the yogurt here are some of my thoughts on it.

Things I like:

  • Full fat
  • No cornstarch (important when your child has a corn allergy!)
  • Unique flavors

Things I don’t like:

  • Natural flavor – I don’t normally let my kids eat products with this ingredient since I don’t know the source and it’s risky with kids with allergies. If it is so “natural” I wish they would just say what it is!!
  • Expensive – I’m sure it was partly because I bought it at a small store, but there is no way I could afford to spend $2 per yogurt on our family when I can buy a whole quart of plain yogurt for almost the same price.
  • Too much sugar – it may not have tasted super sweet but based on the nutrition facts there was still more sugar in it than I like to give my kids.

Oh My Yog! is not something I can afford to buy or want to serve on a daily basis. But it is a wonderful option when we are traveling or need a special treat. I love that I can finally buy full fat yogurt in individual servings again!

Oh My Yog! will help add a splash of color and flavor to your morning. How do you add color to your life? For me that involves spending time in the kitchen being creative with new recipes, ingredients and flavor combinations.

Have you tried Stonyfield Oh My Yog!? Which flavor sounds the best?

Ultimate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt + Yogurt Cultures and Oxo Review

Ultimate strawberry frozen yogurt | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

*I am working with Stonyfield and Oxo 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.*

My kids have been begging for frozen yogurt for a while. So it’s been on my to-do list…when I have time. How lucky for them that I was given the opportunity to try this amazing strawberry frozen yogurt recipe from the cookbook Yogurt Culture by Sternman Rule!

The frozen yogurt is easy to make. It is so beautiful with a deep pink color.  I strayed from the original recipe slightly since I was making it for kids. I left out the vinegar and rosemary. I’m sure both ingredients would add a unique and delicious flavor. As always I used Stonyfield Organic plain full fat yogurt, though Greek yogurt would also work.Ultimate strawberry frozen yogurt | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you haven’t heard of Yogurt Cultures, it is a really great cookbook. But more than that it is so fascinating to read about all of the ins and outs of yogurt making. The chapters include Flavor, Slurp, Dine and Lick where Rule explores the many ways to use yogurt – salty, sweet, fruits, meats, drinks, desserts, etc. There is something for everyone.

To help make this frozen yogurt I also had the opportunity to work with Oxo. I tried their strawberry huller and ice cream scoop.

I had no idea strawberry hullers even existed. But this thing is so cool!!!  I’m already anxious for strawberry picking and preserving so I can use the huller. I probably wouldn’t use it if I was taking a few strawberries out to munch on. But if I have a whole basket of strawberries to hull this is so handy. No knife. No mess. Just push it in, twist and pull. Amazing. This is a great way to have kids help with strawberries too since they don’t need a knife.Ultimate strawberry frozen yogurt | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The ice cream scoop also works very well. It is heavier than any ice cream scoop I have in the house. It can scoop through hard ice cream pretty easily. I would recommend it if you are looking to buy one.

As for the frozen yogurt – my kids loved it! They both gave it two thumbs up. My husband really enjoyed it too.  Being dairy free right now I couldn’t taste it. But it sure looks and smells good! I will make this again for sure and maybe play around with our own flavor combinations.

Ultimate strawberry frozen yogurt | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Ultimate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Yields 1
Balsamic vinegar and minced rosemary lend subtle notes that heighten the berry essence without overshadowing it.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pound strawberries, preferably organic
  2. ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  3. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I did not add this)
  4. 2½ cups plain whole-milk yogurt (not Greek) or 1½ cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  5. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (I used honey)
  6. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary, plus (optional) additional minced rosemary for garnish (I did not add this)
Instructions
  1. PREP THE BERRIES. In a food processor, pulse the strawberries, sugar, and vinegar in five 1-second bursts. Let stand at room temperature (go ahead and keep it in the food processor), covered, for 1 hour.
  2. MEANWHILE, PREP THE YOGURT. If using traditional yogurt, spoon it into a fine-mesh sieve set over a deep bowl. Refrigerate to drain off the whey for 1 hour only. Discard the whey or reserve it for another use. Add the yogurt to the food processor with the strawberries. (If using Greek yogurt, do not strain, but do not add the yogurt to the berries until after they have stood for 1 hour.)
  3. PUREE AND CHILL. Add the corn syrup to the yogurt mixture. Process until nearly smooth. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. FREEZE. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After 20 minutes, add the rosemary. Continue churning until the mixture has fully thickened and is nearly scoopable. You may eat it now, soft-serve style, but I recommend transferring it to a metal loaf pan to further chill and develop deeper flavor. Press a sheet of parchment directly on the surface of the frozen yogurt, then cover tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for several hours.
  5. SERVE. Let the yogurt stand at room temperature at least 20 minutes before scooping with a hot, dry scoop. Garnish sparingly with rosemary.
Adapted from Yogurt Culture
Adapted from Yogurt Culture
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.

Ecocentric Mom – Mom Box Review

ecocentric mom mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie**I am working with Ecocentric Mom to blog about this Mom box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.**

I’m so excited to share with you another box from ecocentric Mom! I’ve reviewed a Mom + Baby box before. Now I get to tell you about a Mom box!

Ecocentric Mom does the hard work for you – finding great products that are natural and healthy. You get a box full of fun stuff to try at a fraction of the cost. It can be a one time event, or you can get a new box every other month. I think it’s like having Christmas all year long!

There are many neat products that you may not otherwise hear about. In the two boxes I’ve received I have already found multiple items I will definitely be buying again.

This month I tried a Mom box. It was such a treat to get a box with items just for me (there was even an extra special treat for this dairy free mom…bet you can guess which one). Here are the items I tried.

 Country Choice Organic Oatmeal

“Country Choice Organic is a producer of USDA certified organic oatmeal. These single serve oatmeal packets include a multigrain blend of oats, rye, barley and wheat. At only 160-170 calories, each serving is a powerful source of fiber and protein. Maple Spice with Raisin and Cranberry Apple.”

Packaged oatmeal is not something I would normally buy since I like to soak our oats. But it can come in handy when you are traveling or for those days here and there where you just don’t have time to make anything. It came in handy for us recently when all three kids had the flu and I needed an easy breakfast for my husband!

I can’t eat most of the grains in this oatmeal, so I can’t give a personal opinion. But my husband really enjoyed it! Take note that it is not gluten free. It does have rye, barley and wheat.

Goddess Garden

“We created Goddess Garden because our family loves the great outdoors. Unlike traditional chemical sunscreens, Goddess Garden is safe, effective, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals.”

This looks like a really great product and a safe alternative to traditional sunscreens. I’ll admit we haven’t actually tried it yet since it’s only 40 degrees here! I don’t put sunscreen on myself or my kids regularly because I think it’s good to soak up some sun. But if I know we are going to be outside in direct sun for a long time (like at the beach or sitting at a parade or a baseball game) then I do. I will definitely be trying this when the time comes.

ecocentric mom | mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Earth’s Enrichment

“This USDA Organic Certified body & skin care company prides itself on being health conscious and environmentally friendly. Each product is 95%+ organic & provides the best skin care that organic products can!”

I got to try Earth’s Enrichment’s Lavender of the valley sugar scrub. I am such a low maintenance person when it comes to personal care. I don’t usually take the time for things like sugar scrubs. But I decided to give this a try. I have only used it on my face so far, but it’s great!! I figured I’d only try it once and forget about it…but I’ve been using it almost every night. It makes my skin feel so fresh, clean and soft.

I also love that I know what every single ingredient in the scrub is. It is so natural you could actually eat it…though I don’t really recommend it. They have a whole line of healthy skin care products. I may have to try more of them.

Pure + Remedy (two products)

“Botanical Firming Eye Cream: This powerful firming eye cream is formulated with dozens of botanical extracts, plant oils, and vitamins to boost collagen production, promote cellular rejuvenation and repair wrinkles. It will leave your eye area soft and hydrated with fine lines and wrinkles minimized.”

“Vitamin C Concentrate Eye Gel: This gentle and lightweight eye gel is a concentrated delivery system for a high form of active, bioavailable Vitamin C to skin around eyes. It instantly cools and soothes the delicate eye area.”

Pure + Remedy has two great eye products. The firming eye cream is great for wrinkles. I think I’ll have to use it a while longer to notice any results. I don’t have much in the way of wrinkles yet. But I think this will still be helpful to keep my skin nice.

The eye gel is cooling under the eyes. It feels like a little pick-me-up for weary mom eyes. I will add this to my nightly routine some days.

ecocentric mom | mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Eco Eggs

“Eco eggs are made in the USA from plants, 100% renewable content, and are fully compostable after use. They are made from non-toxic, durable, plant-based plastic and have a secure closure. eco eggs can be stored and reused for many Easters. After use, dispose of eggs in industrial compost.”

 What a fun surprise to see an Easter egg in my box this month! My kids are enjoying playing with it. But how cool that I can compost it when we’re done with it!

Equal Exchange

“Equal Exchange minis are made with cacao (cocoa beans) from farmer co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and Peru. The sugar and vanilla are also fairly traded and organic. The sugar comes from co-operatives in Paraguay and the vanilla from a co-operative in Madagascar.”

This was my favorite part of the box…dairy free chocolate! Just for me.  I don’t eat much chocolate these days since it can make my little one spit up (though thankfully that’s getting better as she gets older). But this was a real treat. Each mini is the perfect size. Not too much. Just a little taste. Plus they don’t have any junk in them. And no soy! Now I’m tempted to buy a full size bar.

ecocentric mom | mom box review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Bear’s Beauty

“100% Natural Hand-Made Small Batch Vegan Skin Care or the whole family! Essential Oils & Clays are suspended in a base of Shea Butter and Coconut Oil to give you a naturally fresh experience without chemicals!”

I got to try the Bear’s Beauty Grapefruit and Lavender deodorant. I have a hard time finding deodorant that actually works. I sweat more than I would like. But this brand works quite well! Plus it smells really good. I’ve been using this almost every day since I got it.

I am interested in trying some of their other products now. Especially the chocolate toothpaste! If you want to try their products you can use the coupon code  ECOMOM2015 for 15% off  your first order over $25. What a great deal.

Eco Trek Whole Foods Bar

“The Whole Food Bars are created from nutrient-dense ingredients, avoiding refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. They contain a wide variety of green foods, and happen to be vegan & dairy-free too!”

I have mixed feelings about this bar. I like that it has so much nutrition packed into one little bar. It has 100% RDA of so many vitamins and minerals. It also tastes really good (I could only try a little since I don’t tolerate nuts well and it is made with peanuts). I had to stop myself from eating more than a couple small bites. My husband and my daughter tried it too and agreed that it tasted great.

On the other hand I am not a fan of some of the ingredients like soy protein, Fruitrim (not totally sure what that is), Fructooligosaccharides, Agave Syrup, Resveratrol, Soy Protein Crisps and Natural Flavors.  So this is not a product I would buy because of the ingredients.  I’d rather make my own bar.

Brigit True Organics

“Brigit True Organics is a woman-owned, organic skin care company that offers hypoallergenic body care for super-sensitive skin. Their whole line is gluten-free, soy-free and doesn’t contain any nut oils.
Their Peppermint Lip Balm is crafted with soothing healing herbs to bring immediate comfort and long-lasting protection to sensitive, dry, or chapped lips.”

I love this lip balm!  It came at the perfect time since I’m out of my old chap stick and my lips are dry from the long winter. The peppermint is very refreshing too. Best of all this balm is made with quality ingredients.

Overall this was a pretty cool box. As a mom of three little ones I don’t take much time for myself or get very many things that are just for me. So this was a real treat.  It would be fun to get one of these on a regular basis! If you haven’t checked out ecocentric mom you really should.

Ecocentric Mom – Mom + Baby Box Review

Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

**I am working with Ecocentric Mom to blog about this Mom + Baby box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.**

Have you ever heard of Ecocentric Mom? I hadn’t until recently. It is a great site that finds quality, natural products and sends you a box every other month. You can choose from three types of boxes – Mom, Mom + Baby or Pregnancy.

I just got my first box to try. It is a mom and baby box, and it is filled with great stuff. Now I get to share it with you!

It is neat to see new, natural products that I may not know about otherwise. Plus I didn’t have to go to the store to shop for them! This is a great way to find products I feel good about and want to use. Then if I find something I really like I can order just that specific product.

Here are the products included in this month’s box, descriptions and my reviews.

Mama Loves Me by Mara Van Fleet
“In this delightful book, a cute baby elephant shares his admiration for his mom’s special talents—using her trunk to reach up high, to play hide-and-seek, to give him a quick shower, and to kiss him at goodnight.”

This is such a cute book! All three of my children love it. I like how the trunk is part of each page. I also love that it is a quality board book that my little one can hold and not destroy. She is in the chew on books phase. So this is perfect.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Snack Out Loud Crunchy Bean Snack
“Crunchy Bean Snacks are an irresistible, family-friendly savory snack made simply from pinto beans, sunflower oil and natural seasoning so they’re naturally Non-GMO, gluten-free, nut free and soy free. Yummy!”

I wasn’t sure what to think of a crunchy bean. But this was really tasty! Even my kids loved it, which surprised me. They reminded me of spiced peanuts. So it was really a treat for me (that can’t have peanuts). Plus I love anything crunchy. I may have to see if these are sold at our local health food store for an easy on-the-go snack.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
“Add excitement to your favorite dishes—and promote a healthy lifestyle—with our Kelapo™ Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Kelapo Coconut Oil is organic, cold-pressed, and fair trade approved.”

Personally, I’ve never tried a brand of coconut oil I didn’t like. So I can’t say if Kelapo is better or worse than any other brand. But I can say it tastes great! I loved slathering it on my bread. When you’re dairy free you have to have good coconut oil on hand. I would gladly have a big jar of Kelapo in my kitchen.

Pure Essentials Botanic Bath Infusions
“Botanic Bath Infusions are 3-in-1 relaxing bath therapies that combine restorative mineral sea salts, fragrant essential oils, and curative herbs and flowers in a 100% biodegradable soilon pouch.”

These bath salts look great…if I could ever find time to actually take a bath. I might have to just try them in a foot soak soon.

Amara Baby Food
This is an easy and healthy way to travel with baby food. We got to try the apple. The only ingredient is apples! I simply added some milk to the powder (no heating, no waiting, no glass jars to carry. And any liquid, including water and breastmilk, will work). Both of my big kids loved it. My little one isn’t old enough to try it yet. But I’d definitely let her have it when she’s a little older.Ecocentric Mom: Mom and Baby Box Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Bum Boosa Bamboo
“Bum Boosa replaces the traditional synthetic or tree-pulp wet wipe using an immensely renewable and sustainable grass: bamboo. Nourishing plant-based ingredients such as Calendula, Chamomile, and Organic Aloe Vera care for delicate skin. Scented with Lavender and Sweet Orange essential oils.”

I normally use cloth wipes. And when I do use disposable they are unscented. So it was strange to me to use wipes with so much scent. But they work very well. I really like that they are made without any chemicals.

Flavrz
“Flavrz Organic Drink Mixes – world’s best organic, deliciously healthy and affordable, alternative to the usual artificially flavored, colored and sweetened beverages.In addition to being delicious, healthy and affordable Flavrz Organic Drink Mixes are great for the environment when used with a reusable water bottle. Our small, easy to carry, easy to use 2Go pouch is a concentrate that one adds to ten to sixteen ounces water at home, office, gym or on the go.

Six Flavrs – Sport, Energy, Immunity, Cherry Berry, Tropical Peach and Lemon-Lime
Organic, NON-GMO, Gluten-Free”
 
The Falvrz drink mix has great flavor. I tried the sport. It was a nice treat to have something besides water to drink. I like that you can make your drink as sweet or mild as you like. I diluted mine quite a bit. But I’m not a fan of the agave syrup it contains. So I wouldn’t buy this normally.
 
“The perfect way to catch all of your ideas – as they happen. 100 heavy weight white cards fit nicely into pockets or handbags for quick jots of important things. Complete with a heavy card  stock carrying case.”
 
These little note cards are so fun and have a variety of cute pictures on them. I’m always writing things down so I won’t forget (hello, mommy brain!). These are handy to have on hand both at home and on the go. Small note cards are also great for keeping little hands busy when you’re waiting somewhere. Grab a few cards and crayons before you head out the door.
 
O & N Collective
“O&N Collective is an online apothecary specializing in certified organic and natural skin and personal care products. Our mission is to provide safe and effective products that promote health and wellness.”
 
This looks like a great site for ordering specialty personal care products. Included in the Ecocentric Mom box is a coupon for 15% off your order. That is a huge savings when it comes to natural products!
 
Natural Seal Liquid Bandage

“Don’t let a small scrape turn into a trip to the hospital, protect your little ones with Natural Seal Liquid Bandage! For the ultimate protection for your little ones, use on cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, blisters & more!”

Of all of the products in the box I think I enjoyed this one the most! This liquid bandage is so easy to use and perfect for little ones that pick at bandages and pull them off. As long as you can get them to wait the minute or two for the liquid to seal you’re all set. No peeling off sticky bandages and pulling hairs. No tears. Just spray it on and wash it off. The next time one of my kids gets a scrape I’m using this for sure!

Do you like what you what you see? Are you interested in getting a box of great products to try for yourself? Sign up at Ecocentric Mom and see what fun, natural products arrive at your door.

I am working with Ecocentric Mom to blog about this Mom + Baby box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review 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.

Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review

A Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie is a fun way to start the day. I’ve got the the scoop on this new product – the good and bad.Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review | Homemade Dutch Apple PieI recently joined the Stonyfield Clean Plate Club!  My first assignment as part of this great group is to sample the new Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie and tell you all about it. How fitting since I just finished my simple smoothie series!

If you’ve been around here long you know that my newest little one is very sensitive (if not allergic) to dairy. Which means I couldn’t try the OP Smoothies myself.

But my family sure has been enjoying them!

My daughter says they taste like milkshakes.  She really loved the chocolate.

My son can only have limited dairy, so I let him try a very small amount of the strawberry smoothie. In his three year-old description: “Yum! It tastes like strawberry.”  He was sad when I told him he couldn’t have any more.

My husband says they are “easy to drink and not too sweet.”  The not too sweet part is a big bonus for my family! Normally any kind of store bought yogurt tastes sickeningly sweet to us.Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My first choice when it comes to smoothies is always to make them myself.  Put raw milk, coconut milk and/or yogurt, strawberries and a bit of honey in a blender. In two minutes you’ve got a nutritious smoothie with no strange ingredients.

But there are seasons and events in your life when  you need easy…as in grab it out of the fridge easy. Like when I had morning sickness…these smoothies would have been handy for my family (and myself!!). OP smoothies would also be great for when you are on vacation.

There are a few things I love about the OP Smoothies:

  • No artificial flavors
  • No artificial colors
  • Real fruits and vegetables added (to the strawberry flavor)
  • Probiotics
  • Lots of vitamins and minerals
  • Organic ingredients

There are also some things that I don’t like as much:

  • Low fat milk instead of full fat/only 2g of fat in a whole smoothie
  • Erythritol – I had to look this up. It’s a sugar alcohol that is hard to digest. I wish they had stuck to all plain cane sugar.
  • Milk protein concentrate – Another ingredient that I’m not really sure what it is. I assume that is where the protein boost comes from.
  • Natural flavor – This seems to be in every organic product but it can have many sources. If it is so natural I wish companies would just say what it is! It’s important for those with allergies.
  • Carob bean gum – Any kind of gum can be hard on the digestive system.

    Photo Credit: Stonyfield Organic
    Photo Credit: Stonyfield Organic

The new Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie tastes great. It doesn’t have any artificial ingredients. Plus it is very convenient. I love that.

On the flip side, the smoothies contain a few questionable ingredients (things I wouldn’t normally let my kids have). Plus they are unbalanced in their protein/fat/starch ratio. If I were drinking one I’d definitely pair it with extra starch and fat, like a piece of sourdough bread with lots of butter and even some sea salt.

I personally don’t think we need large amounts of protein. So a smoothie that boasts protein isn’t a huge draw for me. But balanced with some other nutritious food it can be a great addition to your diet.

A Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie would be a nice treat once in a while for a lunch. It comes in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate to please any taste buds.

If you need a quick protein boost in your snack or a simple breakfast option when you can’t make something at home, try a Stonyfield OP Smoothie.

I am working with Stonyfield to blog about the OP Smoothies. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.