tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82359675345899577552024-02-07T17:52:12.355-05:00Health Begins with Mom... helping moms create health for their families...Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-5149354145047693852014-05-15T12:05:00.000-04:002014-05-15T12:05:54.099-04:00Creative Quiche <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With 55 chickens, our family eats a whole lot of eggs! We sell quite a few, but we have plenty left for our family. That’s a good thing because eggs are good for you. But a few days in a row of
the same scrambled eggs with muffins gets a little bit tiring. So we are always looking for good egg recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A sweet friend of mine from church gave me this basic recipe
for quiche along with a couple variations. I’ve added a few of my own to the
bundle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">Basic Quiche</span></u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">12 shakes of salt (or about a ½ teaspoon)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">12 shakes of pepper (or about ½ teaspoon)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">6 shakes of garlic powder (or about a ¼
teaspoon)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">½ cup of cottage cheese (you could use sour
cream or plain yogurt too, but I think cottage cheese works best texture-wise)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake at 350 for 45
minutes to 1 hour. It depends on how thick your quiche is.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This basic quiche recipe can be halved or doubled and the ratios are easy to remember. For every egg, a shake of salt, a shake of pepper, and half as much garlic... with a spoonful of something white.</span></li>
</ul>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">Broccoli Cheddar <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">To the basic recipe add…</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">1 cup of finely chopped broccoli florets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">2/3 cup of grated cheddar cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">1/4 to 1/2 of a medium onion, diced</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Mushroom Parmesan <o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">To the basic recipe add…</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">2/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">1/2 teaspoon paprika</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">1/2 cup parmesan cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">1/4 to 1/2 of a medium onion, diced</span></li>
</ul>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spinach Parmesan <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To the basic recipe add…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup cooked or frozen
spinach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup parmesan cheese</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Peppers and onions</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To the basic recipe add…</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 parmesan cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 large cloves of
garlic, crushed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">about ¾ to 1 cup of
sautéed red, yellow, and orange peppers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 medium sautéed onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">about 8 shakes of crushed red pepper flakes, if you like spice</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday, I was making
up a recipe for quiche, and I came up with the peppers and onions variation. I
didn’t put cheese in though, and we didn’t have cottage cheese, so the result
was more like baked scrambled eggs. Very flavorful, but not very quichey. I think
the cheese would make a huge difference. Actually, you could add cheese to the top of any of these variations. Cheese makes everything yummy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t use a
crust for my quiches (as you can see from the picture). It may sound weird, but
that’s the way my family likes it best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the time, when I
use a dozen eggs, I cook the quiche in an 8” by 8” pan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsXRgN0eKTFXnYxwQ6x6xnc5plVfQjkQuygoan3Cwapq0V6f-qwh8jaWOKOLvCw3RUzE0au3aCtNJvBBmrBKlS3dumyXK0dJgFpVw391I-W5VBe0NcVeJIVe6RX5hmlrbTk3wj5Syo0EC/s1600/100_7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsXRgN0eKTFXnYxwQ6x6xnc5plVfQjkQuygoan3Cwapq0V6f-qwh8jaWOKOLvCw3RUzE0au3aCtNJvBBmrBKlS3dumyXK0dJgFpVw391I-W5VBe0NcVeJIVe6RX5hmlrbTk3wj5Syo0EC/s1600/100_7782.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoq7Gp-19rFSkKaHhWWaptHhzKalJL2K-jLq4GUC5fK6dzeFK1NF0k10kG2vAoWd4kAGm8Yl8n6OvzJqJ_txuhYuSZcWt5hBEemRCtYvqyaczYK6AY8ONTYois1mvzsiGYVdHAoC1h29x/s1600/100_7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoq7Gp-19rFSkKaHhWWaptHhzKalJL2K-jLq4GUC5fK6dzeFK1NF0k10kG2vAoWd4kAGm8Yl8n6OvzJqJ_txuhYuSZcWt5hBEemRCtYvqyaczYK6AY8ONTYois1mvzsiGYVdHAoC1h29x/s1600/100_7789.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The muffins in these pictures are a successful batch of the <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-fabulously-funny-flop.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Funny Flop</a>, with added craisins, coconut and almonds.</span><br />
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Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-38296605012486565582014-05-01T08:48:00.001-04:002014-05-01T08:48:41.910-04:00Simple Solidarity<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week, we decided to do an experiment as a family. An
experiment to relate to the millions and millions of people who have fewer
resources than we do. A simple exercise in solidarity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Solidarity…. combination or agreement of all elements or
individuals, as of a group; complete unity, as of opinion, purpose, interest,
feeling, etc</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My family is blessed! We may not be<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>rich</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in the standards of the world today,
but we have an abundance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Timothy 6:6-8. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow! We obviously have more than just food and clothes. The computer
I’m typing on right now… at least 95% of the people in the world do not have
one of these amazing works of technology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The six inch wide dictionary I used to find the definition of
solidarity… people in third world countries would be shocked and amazed at the
amount of paper in that one book. Their kids may not even have a single piece
of paper of their own aside from paper for school. If they even can go to
school!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Half of the world’s population eats only rice for at least 2 meals
a day (nearly 3 billion people). Yet we in America groan with a few days of
peanut butter sandwiches or a few nights of leftovers. We feel entitled to
variety and expect abundance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, for 7 days, my family ate only seven foods and wore only seven
clothes. From April 14<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
April 21<sup>st</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(which is
really 8 days, but we didn’t count Resurrection Sunday since we were out with
family) we made all our meals out of: rice, beans, greens, eggs, whole wheat
flour, applesauce from last fall, and ground beef, plus sparing coconut oil,
salt, and pepper. No cheese, no other spices, and no chocolate! No sweeteners of any kind either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And all eight days, even Resurrection Sunday, we wore seven
clothes. Not outfits… seven clothes, including our jackets for early morning
farm chores.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of our meals were:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beefy scrambled eggs in tortillas</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Greens in scrambled eggs with beans</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhB5hg0Ix7tljcdBPMHpk5dsZadO-7o35ekKjNLq8n8tvELV9y3bzc2_7zXNZcc_3GsfaUOoUgs1kc2_ISVrROi_k8Kk7UvA8JUQNtwOXXE0tDQWo36JosLgFptaF4tHCSpidm1tLdeQK/s1600/100_7710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhB5hg0Ix7tljcdBPMHpk5dsZadO-7o35ekKjNLq8n8tvELV9y3bzc2_7zXNZcc_3GsfaUOoUgs1kc2_ISVrROi_k8Kk7UvA8JUQNtwOXXE0tDQWo36JosLgFptaF4tHCSpidm1tLdeQK/s1600/100_7710.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beans in tortillas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rice, greens and ground beef stir around</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beans, greens and ground beef stew with flatbreads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rice and gravy with applesauce on the side</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rice and scrambled eggs</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
It was great for a few days, before it became monotonous. We ate
to gain energy, not for the pleasure or the comfort we often seek from food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our tortillas are made of flour, water, salt, and oil, so they were
a staple. The flatbreads are just bigger and thicker tortillas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And my gravy was a rice-saver. (Instead of a life-saver!) The water in the bottom of the crockpot,
leftover from cooking beans all day, is thick and salty and a lot like gravy.
It turned out delicious on rice and kept it from flying off toddlers’ spoons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All in all, our experiment turned out well. We made our goal:
thankfulness for our abundance, recognition of what we have taken for granted.
It was hard in the beginning to go without snacks, but as time went on we
didn’t notice as much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first day we ate “normal” again, we counted the ingredients we
used during the whole day. It was a celebration day for Witzy’s birthday so we
may have used more ingredients than usual, but we still used nearly fifty food
items! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You may not want to do an experiment like the one my family did,
but I challenge you to look for the blessings you and your family take for
granted – to cultivate thankfulness. It may not be easy, but a thankful heart
is something that our God loves!!</span><br />
<i style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-large;">Rainbow</i><br />
<i style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
P.S. I am still learning about taking pictures. Thanks for your patience with these.</div>
</div>
Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-44102110405714038692014-04-11T15:08:00.001-04:002014-04-11T15:08:16.346-04:00A Fabulously Funny Flop<h1>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Every time I open our Southern Living Cookbook to the pineapple muffin recipe, I can't help but laugh...</span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">These are the infamous
toothpaste muffins. Once, a long, long time ago (about a year) I made this
recipe accidentally substituting 3 tablespoons of baking soda for the baking
powder. </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">If any one of you has used baking soda for toothpaste before I’m
sure you can relate. It was awful! And I
mean awful! Anyway, these muffins were hardly eatable. But we don't waste food. So... we ate them. All three dozen!
The funny thing is that the next time I made pineapple muffins I did it again. (On accident. Again.) And guess what! Reluctantly, slowly, we ate all those too. </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Daddy and Spiderman joked
that I would need to go back to first grade because I couldn’t tell the
difference between <i>s.o.d.a</i>. and <i>p.o.w.d.e.r.</i> So now the word </span><i style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">powder </i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">in the recipe is underlined,
boxed in, and surrounded by exclamation points.</span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">When these muffins are
made the right way they are delicious. (Actually, it is not the way written in the book, but with substitutions for whole food ingredients.)</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU5zyJVFRWoCzTKnwEJO3t9Qhhh42knIPXTj13dcLet9t9hzzWVZ6dXxHJWvQba5YaJsAzhA5ndcLreMxJQvV-3ym9bHxfIjJg_7jDO7U68G-9W_C811Q6JPcpxhVwH10BpOlADOuCTta/s1600/100_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU5zyJVFRWoCzTKnwEJO3t9Qhhh42knIPXTj13dcLet9t9hzzWVZ6dXxHJWvQba5YaJsAzhA5ndcLreMxJQvV-3ym9bHxfIjJg_7jDO7U68G-9W_C811Q6JPcpxhVwH10BpOlADOuCTta/s1600/100_7136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">By now, either you really don't want to make these or you really do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> you do.... here is our revised recipe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pineapple
Muffins (with variations) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6 cups whole wheat flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 1 ½ cups sucanat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 3 tablespoons baking
powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 1 ½ teaspoons salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 3 eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 3/4 cup melted coconut oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 1 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 1 ¼ cups orange juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 1 twenty oz. can of
crushed pineapple in its own juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ¾ cup grated, unsweetened coconut
(optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ¾ cup slivered almonds
(optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ¾ cup crasins (apple
juice sweetened) (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Mix the first four
ingredients together. Make a well in the middle. Add the next four ingredients, and mix
thoroughly. </span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">Spoon into 3 greased medium muffin tins. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Last time I made these, I put in grated coconut, slivered almonds, and crasins. It turned out absolutely delicious! I've also made them with just almonds and coconut, and they're really good with only pineapple too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I've never tried this, but I think blueberry pineapple muffins would be pretty good. I may try it someday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Rainbow</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">P.S. Another baking soda incident... Yesterday, I was making a quiche with Superman and Curious George. I had left the baking soda on the counter to reach some seasonings behind it, and I turned around to put something on the opposite counter. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">When I turned back to the little boys, Superman had dumped a few tablespoons of baking soda into his hand. (I guess he wondered what it tasted like.) I sighed his name and I think it scared him a bit because he tried to dust off his hands into the box of baking soda.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">When he couldn't get it all off, he started licking his hand.... you can imagine what happened. I don't think he will be sneaking baking soda "licks" for a while!!</span></div>
</div>
Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-41261400248657926312014-03-28T09:06:00.000-04:002014-03-28T09:06:29.266-04:00Blueberry Pancake Muffins<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think blueberries
are one of the many tiny blessings God gives us. Which means that blueberry
pancakes are medium sized blessings. But how often do you really, really want
a blueberry pancake but don’t have an hour to make them? (Well, it takes our family an hour because we quadruple our recipe!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The solution…
Blueberry Pancake Muffins! They keep for days in an airtight
container. They freeze and thaw well. And they taste just as good a couple of days old as fresh from the oven, whereas pancakes are best just off
the griddle. How much better can it get?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Every July for the past several years, my family has gone blueberry picking. For the first few days after that, we have blueberries with our breakfasts, blueberries with our lunch and blueberry desserts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the berries we freeze in gallon bags to have in smoothies... or, in this case, in muffins. Here's the recipe:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Blueberry Pancake Muffins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Harrington;"><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">(Makes 3 Dozen)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">6 cups whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 1/3 cups sucanat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">8 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">2 teaspoons salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">4 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 1/2 cups orange juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1/2 cup water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 cup melted coconut oil or butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">3/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.333333015441895px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXFTpGXCSWjsLEi9DY2z7nJHVOTQ09TVf3sEZ4-ECQzi7jWOS2NGui4-oYKKo9a-fH8iUbQRkxRvi41V489xdCn37lKGpTeX5PTkQvEVxEbA9AinopnJBAkhjOVaypBlAyuG213Ckd5M5/s1600/100_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXFTpGXCSWjsLEi9DY2z7nJHVOTQ09TVf3sEZ4-ECQzi7jWOS2NGui4-oYKKo9a-fH8iUbQRkxRvi41V489xdCn37lKGpTeX5PTkQvEVxEbA9AinopnJBAkhjOVaypBlAyuG213Ckd5M5/s1600/100_7146.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">First mix together the whole wheat flour, sucanat, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, orange juice, water, and butter or coconut oil... and stir until fully combined. Fold in the blueberries. At this point you could add 3/4 cup of slivered almonds for a heartier muffin. Spoon into 3 dozen medium muffin tins, filling 2/3 full. (The batter will be very thick, more like dough than batter... as you can see from the above picture.) Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkym5HX86bMZ86IxODI_hA-l3t3XUh4LA07uzPQl-JWPZXXRaP2rIRVmlnQ8R8wP0HxIyuLPoR5TQxg6pDbqusVOwmNIVIe51xY3DjM3yanL7bwMAxiaGVXaCz5rfYqyzYmQWH9ELJM9G/s1600/100_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkym5HX86bMZ86IxODI_hA-l3t3XUh4LA07uzPQl-JWPZXXRaP2rIRVmlnQ8R8wP0HxIyuLPoR5TQxg6pDbqusVOwmNIVIe51xY3DjM3yanL7bwMAxiaGVXaCz5rfYqyzYmQWH9ELJM9G/s1600/100_7149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> the longer you cook these, the less
like a pancake in texture they will be. You don’t want to under cook them
though. They should be done when the tops are browning a bit and the
blueberries are bubbly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">All my siblings love this recipe... even Tickle, who doesn't like blueberries. I guess that makes them really good!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;"><i>Rainbow</i></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-37016257030799016802014-03-21T12:04:00.001-04:002014-03-21T12:04:36.444-04:00Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my 14<sup>th</sup> birthday a couple weeks ago, Mamma made me a Mochaccino
Cheesecake, Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, and a garden salad. But my
grandmother wasn’t able to come down at that point so last weekend, when she
came to visit, I made a cookie cake to celebrate with her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact, I made a chocolate chip cookie cake… to have with
vanilla ice cream. It was delicious in every way. It looked delicious, smelled
delicious, tasted delicious. (It felt and sounded delicious too… Just kidding.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlRrjiK4_Bu76Xq6guvGElP2ge6DPs62vxE4jKHwUS1VtQfnh-fX2jBfYZg43pDGz_FhgG3jtPbt7F_ZxHPahpss3Rc9Ih0BAVzq-966_zpqkYf_X0aDmeJeiv6myREJeHMmx0mTQm2xX/s1600/cookie+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlRrjiK4_Bu76Xq6guvGElP2ge6DPs62vxE4jKHwUS1VtQfnh-fX2jBfYZg43pDGz_FhgG3jtPbt7F_ZxHPahpss3Rc9Ih0BAVzq-966_zpqkYf_X0aDmeJeiv6myREJeHMmx0mTQm2xX/s1600/cookie+cake.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looks good doesn’t it? (Sorry this pic isn’t professional.
I’m still practicing.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just used an old fashioned chocolate chip cookie recipe,
made a few substitutions, and baked it for 25 minutes instead of 12. (I did
keep a good eye on it.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ended up substituting honey into the recipe because our sucanat is running low. I used 3/4 cup of sucanat and 1/2 cup of honey instead of 3/4 of each since honey is so much more intense than sucanat. That made me a bit apprehensive about the results.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final result was great though, much to my relief. The
honey gave it just the right richness, and it was neither too sweet nor too
plain. Here’s the recipe/what I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Fashioned
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup butter or coconut oil (or half butter, half coconut oil like I did)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups sucanat or other unrefined sweetener<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups whole wheat flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups chocolate chips <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine butter and sucanat in a mixer bowl. Blend until
smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and mix again. Slowly add baking soda, salt and
flour mixing until thoroughly blended. Fold in chocolate chips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Press into a lightly greased 14 inch pizza pan. Bake at 375
for 25 minutes. You will want to watch this pretty carefully as it will burn
quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was another simple recipe. It took so little time to
mix it up and stick in the oven. Recently, my little brothers, Superman and Curious George, have wanted to help me with my baking so these easier recipes make it more fun for them and easier for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Rainbow </i></span></div>
Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-5312183718835398652014-03-13T15:57:00.000-04:002014-03-21T12:04:58.817-04:00Choose Your Own Granola Bars<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi, my name is Rainbow, the eldest daughter of the mamma of this blog.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I am fourteen years
old and working through my freshman year of high school. I’ve been homeschooled
from the very beginning, and I am so glad my Mamma and Daddy decided to keep
their children at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Mamma started teaching me to cook a couple of years
ago, and now I am in charge of all our breakfasts and most of the baked goods
our family of eight eats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Describing me would be pretty hard because I take
pleasure in a lot of different things. First of all, I love dresses, heels,
jewelry, and shopping (the girly kind, for clothes and accessories)… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Secondly, I love the outdoors: gardening, hiking, boating, camping, doing
farmwork, and just exploring on our property with a brother who was born for
it… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Thirdly, I love anything creative: knitting, sewing, cooking, designing
outfits, making beaded jewelry, etc… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Fourthly, I love school (currently my favorite subjects are Cultural Geography and Algebra 2)… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">And
fifthly, I love Jesus. He’s my role model, my comforter, my strength, the one I
can tell secrets to. He’s always there helping me along my walk with Him, catching me when I stumble, and whispering encouragement in my ear when I am discouraged.</span></div>
</div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we moved to a farm with nearly 40 acres
last summer, Spiderman has taken on a lot of responsibility outside with our
animals. He comes in extra hungry most afternoons, so for Christmas I made
him a batch of granola bars crammed full of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. He
loved them. But what’s funny is that he can’t decide whether to eat the last
one or to leave it in the freezer for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway… the thing I love about this recipe is
that you can tweak it to your heart's content (a thing I LOVE doing). We’ve made
this recipe nearly a dozen times and I doubt we’ve done it the same way twice. I
think my favorite was when we made cherry chocolate bars. I think that was Mamma’s
favorite too. In case you haven’t noticed, her absolute favorite food is
chocolate and her favorite fruit is a cherry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spiderman’s bars had dried apricots (from
Costco), dates (from Costco), cashews (from Costco), slivered almonds
(from Costco), and dried, shredded, unsweetened coconut (from Frontier). Here's the recipe:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose Your Own Granola Bars<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">2 cups whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">2 cups rolled oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 ½ cups sucanat, or other unrefined sweetener</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">½ teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">½ teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 cup coconut</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 ½ cups nuts and/or seeds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 ½ cups dried fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 cup melted butter, coconut oil, or combination</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333333015441895px;">Orange juice (if needed)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First mix together whole wheat
flour, whole rolled oats, sucanat, baking soda, and salt. Here’s where the fun
comes in! Coarsely chop 1 ½ cups nuts of your choice, and 1 ½ cups dried fruit of
your choice. Feel free to mix and match. You could put in a half cup of six
different things! You could put seeds in with the nuts. You could put dried
blueberries, cherries, apricots, anything really … just be sure not to exceed 3
cups total. Mix that with the coconut into the other dry
ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, mix it all together. You may need to
use your hands to get it fully mixed. If it is too dry you can add a bit (maybe 2 tablespoons to a ¼ cup) of orange juice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Press into a 9x13 pan. Put it in a 350 degree oven for around 30
minutes. It should be lightly browned. Let it cool completely before cutting. If not, it may
crumble up or stick to the knife.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love
making these because they are so simple and easy… Well, unless you’re trying to
make them as a surprise for a brother who’s always curious to know what food
you will be setting on the table later. <u>That</u> was an adventure!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry there are no pictures with this recipe, but in my next post I will include a few to show you the yumminess.</span></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Rainbow</i></span>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-44758464478119120832010-06-29T08:34:00.000-04:002010-06-29T08:34:46.025-04:00There is no good title for this post. Really.I have thought about this post for the last two weeks. And I still couldn't come up with a decent title. So, there it is.<br /><br /><br />This is my last post on <strong>Health Begins With Mom</strong>. At least for my foreseeable future. I have really enjoyed writing this blog, and I hope that you have been inspired by it... Inspired to be the voice of support, the source of joyful energy in your home. I hope I have encouraged you to embrace your nurturing role as mom... and to do your very best in keeping your loved ones healthy... to give it your all... and to give yourself grace when you can't <em>do it all.</em><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>It's not</strong> that blogging is time-consuming.</em> It is possible for me to order my day so that I have thirty minutes to an hour of computer time while my children "rest."<em> </em><br /><br /><em><strong>It is</strong> that blogging is thought-consuming. </em>I find that I'm frequently thinking of the next post, of a series I am working on, of recipes I'd like to share, of photos that I need to snap <em>while</em> I'm cooking. I am privileged to have had the extra thinking time to blog over the last year and a half. But now, I need to direct those extra thoughts elsewhere.<br /><br />I am not going to close up <strong>Health Begins With Mom</strong> though.<br /><br />First, I would like all of these posts to still benefit others. So I am keeping all of this information (and these recipes) available for you and for those who will stumble upon this blog in time to come.<br /><br />Second, I would like the option to come back to blogging at <strong>Health Begins With Mom</strong> if things work out that way in the future. It would be great to just pick up where I left off. Interestingly, this is my 300th post. So, I would pick up at 301...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2vm5SQsljfiEQfJxc2MLYhx_ARpTjI33jw-b-CIDYB2-mx8rQOdvHd8e3vSjGUG_fupgA2r0Gfz39IwXQ0uG65Ia89Vp6UmVVEksUOzzzCfqtpVHtRq7uiqXOpGIXvI89AVryhTsR1EU/s1600/cherry_tree.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487886235354275154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2vm5SQsljfiEQfJxc2MLYhx_ARpTjI33jw-b-CIDYB2-mx8rQOdvHd8e3vSjGUG_fupgA2r0Gfz39IwXQ0uG65Ia89Vp6UmVVEksUOzzzCfqtpVHtRq7uiqXOpGIXvI89AVryhTsR1EU/s200/cherry_tree.jpg" /></a><br />I am still continuing as an <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/your-questions-answered-how-can-i.html">Independent Shaklee Distributor </a>and as a woman eager to serve other women -- so please continue to email me. I would love to hear your story. And I will still do my best to answer your questions.<br /><br /><br />For your health,<br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-68696700489456486292010-06-11T12:39:00.000-04:002010-06-11T12:39:25.644-04:00Announcing the Winner, a Reading List, and a Video"Thank you" to each of you who participated in my recent Ultima Replenisher giveaway! The winner, by random selection, is ..... <strong>pinecone304</strong>. I will be sending you an email with prize details. If for some reason, you don't receive the email, contact me at ae @ healthbeginswithmom.com (without the spaces).<br /><br /><br /><br />And we're off... our family is headed to the beach. I debated republishing some of my favorite posts while I'm away. I'm really still debating. But I think instead of reposting, I'll just make a list of suggested reading... I don't really know why these posts jumped out to me, but here they are:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/day-in-life.html">A Day in the Life</a> -- my daily meal plans outlined </li><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/healthy-summer-treats-for-kids.html">Healthy Summer Treats for Kids</a> -- it's that time of year again!</li><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">The Particulars of our Diet Choices</a></li><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/do-i-believe-in-supplementation.html">Do I Believe in Supplementation</a>?</li></ul><p>Also, here is a great video on getting rid of unhealthy toxins in our homes. Hope you enjoy it!</p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyy9QaSoYMJO8llnIZ100hR9FWggZzP86dRedRSVwKp5hEjxc2NA4h5fRC5h79WZak8ydRlLk8LxijLBMfEKg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: left; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em; cssfloat: left" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAYBQqYzcEKWAqwRxk61-PpyMcJGnyQtLuWs4fEHT1RYqEl8CyFX1DkF_0pjveUhtXfMZzmKNrDjsxC6dBEvu2PiofrxIv9KfUZOl3qzHQEdefq09EC8i1HNa649k6D7nAkUuiNiJ0hSo/s1600/1275345_de_soto_florida.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAYBQqYzcEKWAqwRxk61-PpyMcJGnyQtLuWs4fEHT1RYqEl8CyFX1DkF_0pjveUhtXfMZzmKNrDjsxC6dBEvu2PiofrxIv9KfUZOl3qzHQEdefq09EC8i1HNa649k6D7nAkUuiNiJ0hSo/s320/1275345_de_soto_florida.jpeg" qu="true" /></a></div> Have a great week!<br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-89196858853334615342010-06-10T09:31:00.001-04:002010-06-10T09:31:00.731-04:00Salmon CakesSo we've been eating a lot of Mexican food lately. (My husband pointed this out to me earlier this week.) You see, we have been entertaining a lot of company. And I always fix the same thing when we have people over for a meal. Yep, you read that right. I prepare the same meal every time -- lunch or supper. I like to keep things doable. My husband and I do not want to look back on our lives with young children and see that we neglected hospitality... so we keep things simple and doable.<br />
<br />
I plan <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/taco-salad-hearty-and-fresh-summer-meal.html">a big Taco Salad</a>, buffet-style, for nights we have company. That way, each person can select what they want and leave what they don't want aside. Everyone seems to manage a full plate! I always cook a few pounds of beef and season it with <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-changes-salad-greens-and.html">my homemade blend of seasonings</a>. I want there to be plenty for everyone. But we always tend to have some leftovers too. <br />
<br />
That's where the "lot of Mexican food" comes in. The day after company, we often have tacos or quesidillas with the leftover meat. And when there is a double amount of leftover meat, we make taco pizza (use salsa for the sauce, then the taco meat, then cheddar cheese). So if we have company twice in one week and we have leftovers a few times for each... that's a week of Mexican meals. <br />
<br />
All that is to say, we felt very refreshed by this meal the other night:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELfq8Q9iEZ29VF-b9oia5eX9klwjDrZaEJx6r7AJuN0eAGdNM0LfRsAJlhcD4cF5s77WgWscFBU6-VV8nAbY43E0k6m50_9xzViDENnSpv-uIApTr_0YPpRHCVsZ-pmk4UXUsq8mR5hff/s1600/100_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELfq8Q9iEZ29VF-b9oia5eX9klwjDrZaEJx6r7AJuN0eAGdNM0LfRsAJlhcD4cF5s77WgWscFBU6-VV8nAbY43E0k6m50_9xzViDENnSpv-uIApTr_0YPpRHCVsZ-pmk4UXUsq8mR5hff/s320/100_4613.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Baked Salmon Cakes with Rice and Garden Salad</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm sure you know how to make rice and a green salad... but here is how I made these tasty, fresh salmon patties: </div><ul><li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 red onion</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 yellow bell pepper</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3 - 6 oz. cans boneless, skinless salmon <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-your-seafood-safe.html">(I wrote about safe seafood here.)</a></div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup whole grain bread crumbs</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 Tbsp. plain yogurt or kefir</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 farm fresh eggs</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 tsp. organic zested lemon peel</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 Tbsp. brown mustard</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 tsp. sea salt</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 tsp. black pepper</div></li>
<li><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 bunch of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro</div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Saute' the onions and peppers until soft in a large skillet. Take off the heat and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Form into 12 patties. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes (until nicely browned) in a 400 degree oven.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For your health, </div><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /><br />
This is the last day to enter my current giveaway. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/06/in-which-amy-ellen-shares-where-weve.html">Click here for entry details.</a>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-2156636659315920302010-06-09T09:08:00.001-04:002010-06-09T09:08:00.330-04:00Saving Money? Is it Possible?It seems that the number one health question I am asked these days goes something like <em>"How can I feed my family healthy food without breaking the bank?!?"</em> <br />
<br />
When I started <strong>Health Begins With Mom</strong> a year and a half ago, the number one question was <em>"How can I boost my child's immune system against all the crazy pathogens out there?!?"</em> <br />
<br />
But now, for sure, I hear moms asking about <em>frugality</em>.<br />
<br />
A while ago I shared my hints for eating healthy on a budget. (<a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/on-being-frugal-and-budgeting.html">Check out my first list of hints here</a>, then read <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/search/label/Frugality">my series on "The Affordability of Eating Healthy" under this label</a>.) Using these strategies, I keep a good budget. But with my growing family, and their growing appetites, I am always on the lookout for new ways to save money -- <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">without compromising our food choices</a>.<br />
<br />
For a while now, I have been frequently reading <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/">Money Saving Mom</a> and <a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/">Southern Savers</a>. When I see coupons or deals <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">that fit with my health goals</a>, I take advantage of them. But is there any more I could save with couponing if I put more time into it? That is the question, dear reader. And I intend to find out.<br />
<br />
I have a friend that leads couponing workshops. While I am admittedly a bit skeptical, I am planning on attending one of her workshops <em>with an open mind. </em>Maybe there is something I am missing. And we always need to be learning... so, here's to an open mind!<br />
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If I learn any strategies that would help you out -- <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">without bringing home junk</a> -- I will be very pleased to share them. <br />
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What about you? Do you have any frugal hints for healthy-moms-on-a-budget? Please share!<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /><br />
PS Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for Ultima Replenisher, all-natural electrolyte beverages. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/06/in-which-amy-ellen-shares-where-weve.html">Click this link to enter.</a>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-62886440647249768322010-06-04T13:42:00.000-04:002010-06-04T13:42:41.262-04:00In Which Amy Ellen Shares Where We've Been and What We've Been Drinking, plus a giveaway!So, did you have a good Mother's Day? Can you believe it has been that long since I posted last? I can hardly even remember my Mother's Day. I don't want to say that we've been <em>busy</em>... everyone is busy. Really, it's just that life is full. There isn't one big thing claiming all our attention; we are just seven people living very full lives. So, where <em>have</em> we been?<br />
<br />
<ul><li>There was the annual <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/freezing-strawberries.html">Strawberry Picking</a>. </li>
<li>There was the day-long Church Picnic.</li>
<li>There was the trip to the zoo, in incredible Atlanta heat.</li>
<li>There have been plenty of weeds to pull, and other assorted yard jobs, in the incredible GA heat.</li>
<li>There have been a few trips to the pool.</li>
<li>And there have been various social engagements, parties and gatherings... most involving outdoor activities in the incredible heat and humidity.</li>
<li>(And, of course, there is a great deal to do indoors as well, but that doesn't really fit in with what I'm going to say next.)</li>
</ul>Earlier in the Spring, the kind people at <a href="http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/">Ultima Replenisher</a> contacted me to see if I was interested in some of their Sports Beverages for review and giveaway. My first question was: "What's in them?" After I was satisfied with their natural ingredient list, I said: "Sure, I'll give them a try!" Little did I know how much we would benefit from them...<br />
<br />
Because we get <em>really thirsty</em> working and playing under the hot, hot sun!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHxdB8pytMxPcXnsjdmxeeOesATV2JSypEgMpwMaZeuI39DsBmKikUafyHUx9QuomUcGPjnVLim4JMHKtN_Nu2BBp1OBi7xcGBahaSRXnzKXlUQE8Va-9eXKw8BDFMoWS6tUq9ieBLWZ8/s1600/packets-t.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHxdB8pytMxPcXnsjdmxeeOesATV2JSypEgMpwMaZeuI39DsBmKikUafyHUx9QuomUcGPjnVLim4JMHKtN_Nu2BBp1OBi7xcGBahaSRXnzKXlUQE8Va-9eXKw8BDFMoWS6tUq9ieBLWZ8/s320/packets-t.gif" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The <a href="http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/">line of Ultima beverages</a> claims to be "the only 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten free, sugar free, dye free electrolyte beverage on the market." <strong>Electrolytes for Health Conscious People. </strong>They are sweetened with stevia, which, <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/natural-sweeteners-102.html">in my opinion, is a pretty good natural sweetener when used in moderation</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kxg1YyM9jolEKxJvnEvoNuRSziyGpXHg_8XiVLGuL__YdaC0ydXp7N9-hzvRVxfN7CjoXpS6nPAAdAqGtW6qVKwFk_Q5k-RznfY9ES1Uk1MdEAEMD-KWyi-htWAGZ4Cif56kOmkbdSPM/s1600/kidsmall_canister_new.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kxg1YyM9jolEKxJvnEvoNuRSziyGpXHg_8XiVLGuL__YdaC0ydXp7N9-hzvRVxfN7CjoXpS6nPAAdAqGtW6qVKwFk_Q5k-RznfY9ES1Uk1MdEAEMD-KWyi-htWAGZ4Cif56kOmkbdSPM/s320/kidsmall_canister_new.gif" /></a></div>I was given Kids! Ultima Replenisher, which is a pediatric electrolyte formula, as well as a sampling of the flavors available for adults: Orange, Grape, Lemonade and Wild Raspberry. <br />
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The children love their Raspberry flavor. It keeps them going (or maybe anything would since they're kids and all, but at least I don't have to worry about dehydration as they keep going).<br />
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My husband also enjoys it while doing his extra sweaty jobs in the yard. It keeps him going (or maybe he is so determined that he would keep going anyway, but at least he doesn't get that infamous after-yard-work-dehydration-headache). Replenishing lost electrolytes is good. Especially when you can do that without sugar or other artificial ingredients.<br />
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There is plenty of heat left this summer... Would you like to win some Kids! Ultima Replenisher and a sampling of the regular Ultima flavors as well? <strong>Enter to win by leaving a comment on this post telling me about your favorite summertime outdoor activity.</strong> I will randomly select a winner on Friday, June 11th at noon EST, right before we take the last of our Ultima on a much-anticipated beach trip.<br />
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Since there is little to no routine in my summer-life, I'll be posting sporadically... but more often than in the past few weeks. Happy Summer,<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-78870938272667894172010-05-06T15:53:00.000-04:002010-05-06T15:55:32.168-04:00Happy Mother's Day!Got any big plans for this Mother's Day? I actually don't know at this point if I do or not. But, I've done a lot of thinking about Mother's Day in years past. Can I share with you my thoughts?<br />
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For many mothers, this Sunday will come and go with little to no distinction from any other Sunday. It can feel very discouraging to have a holiday set apart for you go unnoticed. (Although, prior to the 1900s women did not even celebrate Mother's Day; they were completely content, unaware they were missing anything... because they weren't.) No matter if your Mother's Day will feel full or empty, I want to encourage you...<br />
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Even if no one notices the passion and diligence with which you nurture your loved ones...<br />
Even if your children do not realize the investment you are making in them...<br />
Even if you grow tired, doing the same tasks over and over again...<br />
Even if no one else around you knows it's hard work!<br />
Or, even if you <em>are </em>duly thanked and appreciated...<br />
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<strong><em>Take joy in your mothering.</em></strong> Treasure in your heart the thought that you are accomplishing something monumentally worthwhile. Be glad for all the little things you are able to do for your dear ones, the everyday moments you are able to spend with your family. Shower them with love. Joyfully!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We all feel bolstered by affirmation. We feel validated when someone celebrates us. <strong><em>But I'd like to encourage you to take joy in what you do everyday. </em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When your days are long and you still have to prepare supper...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When you spend abundant time preparing food only to have to clean up <em>again</em>...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When you sacrifice what you would prefer to do in order to carefully plan nutritious food for your family...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEATVT9V6mXvxG92q53SE9nG7NPiPj1rU5ipZq69w4yCWUQIbmQB6IEGuGw1T5Tr-2QbAtoiFWwINKCKCnXSJO3A-5mWtwOhPx-NPePfrHz9rU7XaM_CecGK6OCfVGSfSgYv4SLnWbAtC/s1600/100_4496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEATVT9V6mXvxG92q53SE9nG7NPiPj1rU5ipZq69w4yCWUQIbmQB6IEGuGw1T5Tr-2QbAtoiFWwINKCKCnXSJO3A-5mWtwOhPx-NPePfrHz9rU7XaM_CecGK6OCfVGSfSgYv4SLnWbAtC/s200/100_4496.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In all these daily efforts, <strong>take joy.</strong> That is an odd combination of words... <strong><em>but there is joy in daily serving your family. Take it! </em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Health begins with mom. In the majority of families, I think it really does. It begins with mom's hard work and commitment. What we do is wonderfully meaningful. <strong><em>And there is deep joy in cherishing that thought.</em></strong></div><br />
Mother's Day will come and go... fully celebrated or not. But come the following Monday, approach your "duties" with joy. Joy in knowing that you are bestowing long term blessings upon your family.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to you,<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-81765182869629058982010-05-04T13:42:00.002-04:002010-05-04T13:45:41.463-04:00Yummy Taco Chicken plus Five Ways to Serve ItWhen I was recovering after the arrival of Superman right around the New Year, <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/take-them-meal.html">several friends brought our family supper. It was an unbelievable blessing.</a> One friend (Thanks, Christie!) brought us fresh chicken tacos complete with avocados and whole grain tortillas from Whole Foods. The chicken she brought was shredded and seasoned with a recipe she found on <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/homemade-taco-seasoning">Food Renegade</a>. Our family loved it so much, I looked up the recipe and added it to my repertoire...<br />
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<div> </div>Only, as you well expected, I tweaked it a bit . :-) I never have onion powder on hand. And my chicken seemed dry if I didn't use some stock with the seasonings. So this is what I did...<br />
<br />
<div> </div>I started by cooking a pastured chicken all day in a crock pot. I only added a cup of water and generous sprinklings of salt and pepper. (Sorry this is the only photo of the process! By the time I got home to finish the meal, I was desperately behind. There was not time to document in pictures.)<br />
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<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR_fFvALNJu2BUtxJkc8SQvwhb-XXzZ5FJVEe0yH56aNM2psiMwdUsRlsXhJo6DyxIMw3qGwvSNJ3qyYfYc8cR_1rjOJrANix1ZxYrV7KFQ7U5WaskOeyNlEedXXY7G0WxJBketE-tKo_/s1600/100_4525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR_fFvALNJu2BUtxJkc8SQvwhb-XXzZ5FJVEe0yH56aNM2psiMwdUsRlsXhJo6DyxIMw3qGwvSNJ3qyYfYc8cR_1rjOJrANix1ZxYrV7KFQ7U5WaskOeyNlEedXXY7G0WxJBketE-tKo_/s320/100_4525.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div> </div>After cooking all day, I put the chicken to cool on a cutting board. Then I strained the cooking juices and let the fat rise to the top. After skimming most of the fat, I poured the liquid into a large skillet and set it on medium heat. I added the following <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/homemade-taco-seasoning">(see Food Renegade for the original spices)</a>:<br />
<br />
<div> </div>•1 Tbsp. Chili Powder<br />
•1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder<br />
•1/8 - 1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper <br />
<div>•1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano</div>•1/2 tsp. Paprika<br />
•1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin<br />
•1 tsp. Sea Salt<br />
•1/2 tsp. Black Pepper<br />
<br />
<div> </div>I stirred up the seasoning and chicken stock until well blended, then let it simmer. While it was simmering, I pulled the chicken off the bones and added it to the skillet. With each addition I stirred to blend the seasonings into the meat. After all the meat was in the skillet with the seasonings, I used two forks to pull apart any clumps. I left it to simmer until most of the liquid was reduced. <br />
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<div> </div>And there you have it. <strong>Terrifically spiced Chicken Taco Meat</strong>.<br />
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<div> </div>We have used it for:<br />
<ol><li><strong>Chicken Taco Salad</strong>... oh so perfect for these warm GA spring days!</li>
<li><strong>Chicken Enchiladas</strong>... I usually make my own enchilada sauce, but this time around I just used some tomato soup that I made way too spicy for the kids. It worked perfect as enchilada sauce!</li>
<li><strong>Chicken Quesidillas</strong>... using Sprouted Wheat tortillas and Cheddar Cheese</li>
<li><strong>Chicken Burritos</strong>... wrapping up the chicken with sauteed onions, peppers and cheese</li>
<li>And, last but probably the best, <strong>Southwestern Chicken Noodle Soup</strong>... this was a last minute invention because second grade math lessons ate up my afternoon yesterday.</li>
</ol><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS72_V6T9AbR_HlFbbEfpBi95GbjOIU2zYe-ym9GwsA_x4T7Sh_JxkvCOpYNFGdjmA_C-g-X7NGVJA4tRcwTRZ9sU9T0auB3d4h8pNTezKhW8-9KjckNqUAkTvOatctHX151Xl5lL9Yt-/s1600/100_4536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS72_V6T9AbR_HlFbbEfpBi95GbjOIU2zYe-ym9GwsA_x4T7Sh_JxkvCOpYNFGdjmA_C-g-X7NGVJA4tRcwTRZ9sU9T0auB3d4h8pNTezKhW8-9KjckNqUAkTvOatctHX151Xl5lL9Yt-/s320/100_4536.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> (The soup was steaming when I snapped this picture, so the stock looks blurry... sorry again!)</div><br />
<div> </div>This soup was so delicious. My husband even ate thirds! It's quite simple... Throw all of this in a large soup pot:<br />
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<div> </div><ul><li>2 quarts chicken stock (or a combination of water and stock)</li>
<li>2 cans of petite diced tomatoes with the juice</li>
<li>1 can of drained and rinsed kidney beans (it would be best if you had soaked and cooked these properly, but I made do with canned)</li>
<li>1 cup of frozen corn</li>
<li>1/2 of a chicken cooked in the taco seasonings above</li>
<li>2 large cloves of garlic, minced</li>
<li>A few generous dashes of Cayenne Pepper</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li>1 bunch of kale or chard, finely chopped (or, if your children are not used to greens, less)</li>
</ul><br />
<div> </div>Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.<br />
Add about 8 ounces of whole grain pasta and continue to simmer until tender. Serve with a sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese.<br />
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<div> </div>I hope you enjoy these recipes!<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-18646290239492062092010-05-03T13:35:00.001-04:002010-05-03T13:36:14.083-04:00The Winners!Thanks to all my readers who entered the two giveaways on <strong>Health Begins With Mom</strong> last week! I really appreciate y'all. According to <a href="http://www.random.org/">random.org,</a> the winners are...<br />
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<strong><a href="http://jonesey.wordpress.com/">Jonesey</a></strong> wins the <strong>Glasslock Storage Container Set</strong> from CSN stores! And, I might add, she won with her comment to tell me that she posted the giveaway on her blog... so it really paid to go for the second entry. <br />
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<strong>Renee</strong> (reneecordle@...) wins the <strong>Safe Home Value Pack</strong> from EcoSmart! <br />
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I will notify each winner by email. If for some reason you do not receive my email, please email me for prize instructions. (ae @ healthbeginswithmom . com)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihFH3ag0CWEU_Dg0GvZEfRc1thrt9yyg9weqsBi9LKKNgL1R7L3_4XDTm0AEUfkzL5F6LMCziBvEN1xLkByQxt6ZVXXZrBEszY8Yl6wi1VFDaeGt0xdhIxMs4Dmo86VuQjqMVC_6zE4-h/s1600/cherry_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihFH3ag0CWEU_Dg0GvZEfRc1thrt9yyg9weqsBi9LKKNgL1R7L3_4XDTm0AEUfkzL5F6LMCziBvEN1xLkByQxt6ZVXXZrBEszY8Yl6wi1VFDaeGt0xdhIxMs4Dmo86VuQjqMVC_6zE4-h/s320/cherry_tree.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /></div>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-10901291653771378082010-04-30T11:48:00.001-04:002010-04-30T11:48:00.686-04:00Earth Fare CouponingI don't usually post about couponing. I <em>have</em> found some great healthy coupons out there, but there are so many blogs dedicated to coupon savings, I prefer to leave the topic alone... mostly. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-affordability-of-eating-healthy.html">(I did post a great link to healthy coupons a while ago here.)</a><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKy2xRyT451tg98DRlLJt9_Tz18vR8PnABKlRAGZUpLjlQOl92gPIorEzwNTfk0_bYLBONWiMBP5_1Y9NHN6fPBIPZjz_k1R7Aqolz2GBXb2HFPe23-g3OCk77Xds6PmXn86g1WCBKjUL/s1600/EFTomato_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKy2xRyT451tg98DRlLJt9_Tz18vR8PnABKlRAGZUpLjlQOl92gPIorEzwNTfk0_bYLBONWiMBP5_1Y9NHN6fPBIPZjz_k1R7Aqolz2GBXb2HFPe23-g3OCk77Xds6PmXn86g1WCBKjUL/s200/EFTomato_.png" tt="true" width="200" /></a>All that being said, I am going to post about coupons today... because Earth Fare has just released a whole lot of coupons on their website. If you live near an Earth Fare, <a href="http://www.earthfare.com/HealthySavings/Coupons.aspx">take a moment to peruse the list and see if they offer coupons for items you normally buy</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While you're there, I encourage you to sign up for their email list <a href="http://www.earthfare.com/">(at the bottom of this page)</a>. I did this a few weeks ago and have been really impressed by the generous coupon they send out each week. A while ago it was a free pineapple! And last week it was 20% off of your entire bulk food purchase. I used it to save big on organic popcorn, sucanat, rice, dates, almonds and organic corn meal. It was well worth subscribing!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For other ways to make eating healthy affordable, <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/search/label/Frugality">read my "On the Affordability of Eating Healthy" series here</a>. There are five parts....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Have a great weekend!<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-58503956968021361972010-04-29T13:51:00.001-04:002010-04-29T13:53:36.980-04:00Making Yogurt in a CrockpotWe eat a lot of yogurt. The active cultures in yogurt and kefir are a boon to good health. Aiding in digestion and utilization of nutrients, strengthening the immune system, keeping candida and other unwanted pathogens at bay, even contributing to healthy skin... yogurt should be a staple of every good diet.<br />
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Have you found that yogurt can be pricey? Especially if you want to buy organic! Especially for a big family...<br />
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I have been making our yogurt since grad school days. Since good quality milk is much cheaper than yogurt, I have found that making yogurt at home keeps our grocery budget from skyrocketing. In times past, I made a quart of yogurt at a time. Then, I upped it to two quarts. Now, with six yogurt eaters in the family, we can easily eat a quart a day! I was getting weary of making yogurt over and over again... <br />
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So I decided I would try to make a gallon at a time. I thought using my crockpot would be the best solution for this large volume. I found that using a crock pot to make yogurt can't be more simple! <br />
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In my experimentation, I started with the how-to on Nourishing Days. <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=912">(Read the detailed steps here.)</a> However the instructions there are for making only two quarts... which may be exactly the volume you need to make for your family. If so, visit Nourishing Days for the exact timing for each step. But, if you are like me and need to make a gallon... here's how I tweaked the timing to make the process work for me.<br />
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Like I said, it's really simple. But times do matter because temperatures matter with yogurt. You may want to follow the timing laid out below, but use a thermometer to double check temperatures... just to be sure. Crock pots may vary in their performance, so using a thermometer the first time may prevent failure.<br />
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<ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pour one gallon of milk in a crock pot set on low.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Leave for 5 hours and 45 minutes. At that point, the milk should be 180 degrees.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Turn the crock pot off, unplug it. Let cool for 4 hours. At that point, the milk should be 110-115 degrees.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ladle out about three cups of the warm milk into a bowl. Gently wisk in one cup of plain yogurt (either from a previous batch or from store-bought yogurt if this is your first time). Then gently wisk this four cup mixture back into the whole batch of milk.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wrap the crock pot in two heavy towels to keep in warmth, and leave it alone to culture for 8-12 hours. (Less time equals less tart, more time yields more tart.)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Move the lidded crock pot crock to the refrigerator and let set for about 8 hours. During this time, it will thicken, or what I call "set".</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At that point, you can stir up the yogurt and transfer to quart glass jars for storage.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You may want to add some maple syrup to one quart for sweetened yogurt. Or some all-fruit preserves for flavored yogurt. Or, you can just keep it plain for use in smoothies and other recipes.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGy-JI7YB8xgozBXkMWa3rlS1s9y6ZvU-dfwAGCj4-mdngW3ckjKPFTj0-CZpkrv-ACBuTRiv7kJjhKe556bqXj6CEQdaEXBlijNEh8QDK9thrdikYZbRxCLhJySuTmkeRVB3DrbXnnM/s1600/100_4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eGy-JI7YB8xgozBXkMWa3rlS1s9y6ZvU-dfwAGCj4-mdngW3ckjKPFTj0-CZpkrv-ACBuTRiv7kJjhKe556bqXj6CEQdaEXBlijNEh8QDK9thrdikYZbRxCLhJySuTmkeRVB3DrbXnnM/s320/100_4518.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not difficult at all, right? It does take about 24 hours, but none of the steps require much work. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One note: I used non-homogenized milk, which I won't do again. Because the milk sits still for so long while heating, the cream separated to the top. In the end, there were some tiny lumps of creaminess. It didn't affect the flavor or the usability (especially since most of our yogurt is for smoothies), but I plan on skimming the cream off next time. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Reminder: Just one day left to enter my two current Giveaways! They each close at midnight tomorrow (4/30). Please follow these links to enter... comments on this post will not be included as entries.</em></div><em></em><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/ecosmart-giveaway-natural-bug-killer.html"><em>EcoSmart Safe Home Value Bundle (Non-toxic Insect Repellent and more...)</em></a></li>
<li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-glass-storage-container.html"><em>Glasslock Storage Container Set</em></a></li>
</ul>For your health,<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-64978060619061904242010-04-28T14:29:00.006-04:002010-04-28T14:31:38.036-04:00Personal Review: Skecher's Shape UpsDo you see the ads for <strong>Skecher's Shape Ups</strong> and wonder if they really work? I'll tell you my experience.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>But first I must note that this is totally my personal review, my own opinion. Skecher's in no measure has compensated me for this review of their shoes. In fact, they don't even know I exist.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I saw the ads. I was curious. I saw more ads. I even went online and watched their five minute infomercial <a href="http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/trends/the_family_tourist/product/shape-ups_-_strength/bkw">(which you can see on this page if you scroll down)</a>. I put them on my short Christmas Wish List: Shape Ups or money to buy Shape Ups.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Superman was born two days after Christmas, so even though I got some money to purchase my Shape Ups, I didn't get around to it until about 6 weeks postpartum. At that point, I was really eager to try them out... just to see what wonders they would work on my out-of-shape-self. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-little-one.html">Because of Superman's transverse position and the trouble that caused my hips,</a> it had been four months since I exercised last!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtWtM5OJvLHhuuCBLvTr_j-ZL7-m_a4APOXyWSJ_K9fxLcL_URIo9eolER4uY3inURIavjOwazs-JZ_GUmo7hmVUNhZC_pm9VnlYfn51tTw1lvnu5Udtw2cCC90F1faajO7-GzbtKTWS-/s1600/11809_BKW.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtWtM5OJvLHhuuCBLvTr_j-ZL7-m_a4APOXyWSJ_K9fxLcL_URIo9eolER4uY3inURIavjOwazs-JZ_GUmo7hmVUNhZC_pm9VnlYfn51tTw1lvnu5Udtw2cCC90F1faajO7-GzbtKTWS-/s1600/11809_BKW.jpeg" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I ended up ordering a pair off Ebay... gotta love discounts! And when they came I eagerly laced them up. At that point, six weeks postpartum with a very slow recovery, it was my tendency to walk and stand hunched over. My fifth pregnancy and the cesarean left my abdominal muscles weak, to say the least. It was just hard to stand up tall. Do you know what I mean?</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wasn't ready for full blown exercise at that point, but the Shape Ups really helped my posture. I wore them around the house and as I was working in the kitchen. And I really noticed how they caused me to stand straight and tall. Correspondingly, they worked on tightening my core muscles... which is just what I needed.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The shoes came with a DVD of two workouts. The fifteen minute workout was great for getting used to the shoes and doing some easy-to-moderate strengthening exercises. I couldn't do much more than that when I first started back into an exercise routine. I have also tried the thirty minute workout a few times. It is a true workout... I was sore the first time for sure! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't think I noticed a big difference in muscle strength and tone until I started wearing them on my morning exercise walks. We walk at a brisk pace and there are a few big hills on our route. It is a good workout even in regular shoes. But with my Shape Ups on I really, really observed (and felt!) how different they were then my regular sneakers. They truly give a good workout! And, since I only have 30 minutes to walk, I need every step to count. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So the ads say that Shape Ups "tone your muscles, promote healthy weight loss, and make it easy to get in shape!" I would have to agree that they tone muscles.I've seen my legs and backside shape up. And I would add that they improve posture. Even though I don't wear my Shape Ups all day, my posture is improved throughout the day. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I would recommend Shape Ups... I think they really are different than regular sneakers... just like the ads say. What do you think? Have you tried Shape Ups? If so, how do you exercise in them? Do you like them? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /></div>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-72209086533694885952010-04-26T14:38:00.001-04:002010-04-26T14:39:05.817-04:00The Castle Birthday Cake - Icing Woes - And Giveaway RemindersWell. The cake was delicious. It wasn't <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/greetings-and-birthdays.html">one of my best presentations</a>. (I'm sure you could make it look a lot better.) But it tasted good. Witzy was pleased. Minus the icing. Here's the cake and the story.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguNJMl69-xAUokxu24QqYwBKl2dKwMYv813mL_kuuZUL7HrWI7tD3e54lTHEovrzKkmScrFbP8LdTbZxXmtJXmSZgWgwHEqM4kjOi3QJnAuTVRAeGDe-oG33nFB0Vp3vfpI3jzk0QG8uw/s1600/100_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguNJMl69-xAUokxu24QqYwBKl2dKwMYv813mL_kuuZUL7HrWI7tD3e54lTHEovrzKkmScrFbP8LdTbZxXmtJXmSZgWgwHEqM4kjOi3QJnAuTVRAeGDe-oG33nFB0Vp3vfpI3jzk0QG8uw/s400/100_4483.JPG" tt="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I used the <strong>Super Moist Oatmeal Chocolate Cake</strong> using soaked grains. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/best-healthy-birthday-cake-ever-using.html">(Recipe here.)</a> That was the good part. I doubled the recipe and baked two 8x8 squares and seven cupcakes. The cake assembly was simple. Layer the two squares. Stack three cupcakes at the front for the front tower. Stack two cupcakes at each back corner for the back towers.<br />
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Then came the icing woes. I wanted the icing to be healthy -- whole foods, natural sweeteners. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/on-tweaking-recipes.html">I had tweaked a cream cheese icing recipe from Nourishing Traditions for my son's coonskin cap birthday cake.</a> But this time around, I needed a lighter color. So, I searched online and found a recipe using just honey and cream cheese. I mixed it up and gave Witzy a taste. She politely told me she didn't like it.<br />
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So, I had to make a few changes. I added some vanilla and some stevia, because it was the only natural sweetener I had on hand that wouldn't add color or bulk. That improved the taste 100%, but it still wasn't excellent... consider<span style="background-color: white;"> where we started</span>. I began to spread it on the cake. ARG! I wasn't going to have enough for the whole cake! <em>And, then I looked at the clock and realized I was quickly running out of time!</em><br />
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I had planned on adding Blueberry Juice to part of the icing to make a pretty lavender. Witzy told me she wanted purple decorations on her Castle Cake. But that wasn't going to happen since I barely had enough icing for the front of the castle. (The back of the cake is bare!) I wasn't going to have any purple for trimming up the edges. It was looking sloppy, and <em>time was running out!</em> (Did I mention that the day of her birthday celebration was one of the worst of the year... fiasco after fiasco.)<br />
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I had to delegate the job of cutting out the cones, flags and grass to Rainbow. I also asked her to make doors and windows since I wasn't going to have purple icing for that either. She was cheerful about helping. I was tempted to ruin her gladness when things didn't come out perfect. But I restrained myself. I reminded myself that her memory of helping with the birthday cake would be a treasure... unless I made her feel bad because it wasn't as good as if I had done it. Children before cakes, right.<br />
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When the cake was complete, I was quite flustered. It didn't look at all as I had planned and the icing was just mediocre. I was nearly an hour late starting supper. Witzy and Spiderman had been playing outside. When Witzy came in for some water and saw her cake on the table, she said, "Oh Mamsie, that is the prettiest birthday castle cake I have ever seen. Thank you so much for making it for me!" Which made everything better.<br />
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Like I said, I am sure you could make this cake look better. But in the end, it made for a perfect birthday celebration. Witzy was so pleased. And Rainbow was so excited that she got to make the paper additions. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">***************************</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Have you entered to win my two current Giveaways? If not, please follow these links to do so... comments on this post will not be included as entries.<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/ecosmart-giveaway-natural-bug-killer.html">EcoSmart Safe Home Value Bundle</a> (Non-toxic Insect Repellent and more...)</li>
<li><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-glass-storage-container.html">Glasslock Storage Container Set</a></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***************************</div><br />
And one more thing... Are you having trouble loading Health Begins With Mom? Is it slow to come up on your browser? For some reason, something is slowing it down... any thoughts? I can't figure out the trouble. I need some technical help!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-22248577260966980362010-04-22T14:22:00.000-04:002010-04-22T14:23:17.712-04:00Earth Day -- Glass Storage Container Giveaway!!!<div align="left">How many of you all would like to get rid of your <em>toxic plastic food storage containers</em> and replace them with GLASS? This is going to be a great giveaway...</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">First, a big thank you to CSN Stores for providing this giveaway! Most of their 200+ web stores have a special "Eco-Friendly" tab. What does that mean for you? Well, you can very easily look through just the children's furniture, bedding, baby <a href="http://www.babycribsplus.com/">cribs</a>, mattresses, cookware, etc that are safe for your health and the environment. <strong>I think that is a great shopping feature for health-minded consumers!</strong></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/01/ten-simple-steps-to-reduce-body-burden_28.html">Do you remember my post from a year ago about why plastic is a hazard to our health?</a> To be extremely concise, but hopefully not over-simplify the issue, dangerous chemicals leach from plastic storage containers into our food, which can cause endocrine disruption and cancer. The leaching into our food increases when we heat food in plastic containers. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/01/ten-simple-steps-to-reduce-body-burden_28.html">(Read my previous post for more info.)</a></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Many of you have mentioned that you would like to make a kitchen overhaul and change completely over to glass storage containers. But that would take a big set of glass containers! Good news... <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/ourstores.asp">CSN stores</a> is generously giving away a BIG glass food storage container set to one of my readers (and sending me one as well). Here it is:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462931087093163186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqtM4lxwiWhVkNto0GvK8oH6pXEP0g-Cahyphenhyphen53FMx2UYbdcyk9HNEC8K05pf7p0JQKMs3k0KRStkpZS4Kyod48zCs1_useR1bGke03GGdJbpktmWXNqvCc2P7hvKJRwUdTiqLWuMrYupSD/s400/Go+Green+Glasslock+Assorted+8-Piece+Food+Storage+Container+Set.jpeg" /> <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.cookware.com/Kinetic-01351-KTC1083.html">Kinetic Go Green Glasslock Assorted 8-Piece Food Storage Container Set</a><br /></p><p align="center">"Keep you and your family safe from plastic leaching chemicals; replace your old worn out food storage containers with Glasslock!"<br /></p><br />This is a set of 8 tempered glass storage containers with silicone-sealed lids that create air and liquid tight seals... a $65 value!<br /><br /><strong>In order to be entered in this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post.</strong> That's all you have to do for your first entry.<br /><br />For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway and link to this giveaway post. Then come back to leave a second comment telling me you've done so.<br /><br />For a third entry, tweet the link to this giveaway. Then come back to leave a third comment telling me you've done so.<br /><br />This giveaway is open to US Residents. The giveaway will close at midnight on April 30th. At that time I will randomly select a winner and notify by email.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-and-your-health.html">Happy Earth Day</a>,<br /><br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-80094812229268308052010-04-21T14:50:00.000-04:002010-04-21T14:51:09.810-04:00EcoSmart Giveaway, Natural Bug Killer, and What Happened to our WaspsLast year I had several readers write to ask me what I do for bug spray, bug repellent or home insect treatments. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/your-questions-answered-gardening-and.html">I had a few limited ideas (some I emailed, some I posted here)</a>, but I have recently discovered a really great solution -- or should I say, it found me. But let me back up to the first of spring...<br /><br /><br />With the earliest signs of warm days, my children were ready for picnic lunches. My parents gave us patio furniture for a recent Christmas gift, so we were all very eager for outdoor lunch breaks.<br /><br /><br />However, the earliest signs of warms days also got the wasps buzzing around our patio. Last year they made homes in our siding and around our back door. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/stopping-sting.html">(You remember the wasp stings?!?)</a> We tried a few non-toxic methods of killing the wasps, but none eliminated them for good. My husband even tried regular old wasp killer, but they came back.<br /><br />So, when EcoSmart emailed me to ask if I was interested in a review and giveaway of their <a href="http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/value-bundles.html">Natural Bug Spray</a>, I jumped at the opportunity. Like you all, I really wanted to find a good solution to our insect problems.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462292503303707954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSJebpkfQMfQ6uqKWrI8EgR3u-rmJrIndR9X2I98VK-jdf6eiXd7hAQSTVz6H7fz5TKKSBEPnkUL28nswpVC4IjQGu7lE5xbeRDxXatcCAJ9byJq-rp7CKV7wh6pGMyYN7iiU4Xp3eA5t/s320/ecosmart.bmp" /><br /><br />The kind folks at EcoSmart sent me their <strong>Safe Home Value Bundle</strong>, which includes Flying Insect Killer, Ant and Roach Killer, Home Pest Control and Insect Repellent. When the box arrived, the first thing I noticed was the delicious smell! Yep, that's right... these products smell good! Instead of toxic ingredients, these products contain organic plant oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, sesame and rosemary.<br /><br /><br />The next question was, would these yummy smelling products actually work. I took the can of Flying Insect Killer out to my back patio. Armed and ready. And waited for the wasps. I saw one fly out of the siding, so I aimed and shot. He floundered and died. Great! But, what about the rest of them in the nest?<br /><br /><br />I waited. No more came out. Then I saw one around the roofing. But the spray wouldn't reach all the way up there (one drawback). After waiting for a while longer, I decided I couldn't just keep waiting. So I sprayed all around where we see them come in and out and just hoped for the best. That was three weeks ago. And we haven't seen a wasp there since. Is that just a coincidence? Or are we holding serious natural powers in our hands?<br /><br /><br />I know many of you are looking for safe <a href="http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/individual-products/home-pest-control.html">pest control for the home</a>. So would you like to win this same <strong>Safe Home Value Bundle</strong>? If so, leave a comment here and tell me why you want this bundle of non-toxic, kid- and pet-friendly products.<strong> Simply by leaving your comment, you'll be entered in the giveaway.</strong><br /><br />I usually like to keep an even playing-field so that everyone has an equal chance of winning (i.e. not giving extra entries to new followers... when faithful long-time readers don't have that chance). However, I really want EcoSmart to get a lot of good exposure with this giveaway...<br /><br />So, I will be giving an extra entry to those who tweet the giveaway link or blog about this giveaway. <strong>If you do either of those, please come back to leave a separate comment saying so for each.</strong> If you leave a comment, tweet the giveaway link and post about the giveaway on your blog, you will have three entries. Make sense? There are three possible chances this time.<br /><br /><br />This giveaway is open to all US residents (except Alaska and Hawaii) and will remain open until midnight on Friday, April 30th. Once closed, I will randomly select a winner and notify by email.<br /><br /><p>For your health,</p><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-16826148933974668742010-04-20T14:01:00.000-04:002010-04-20T14:01:57.802-04:00Earth Day and Your HealthThursday is Earth Day. There is a point I'd like to drive home... totally separate from all the debate about Global Warming and saving the Polar Bears.<br /><br /><strong>What harms the planet is destructive to our bodies as well. </strong>You will find that when you take steps to limit harmful environmental exposure for your family, you are, at the same time, being green. A good steward of our bodies is a good steward of this beautiful world.<br /><br />Have you ever heard of Body Burden? If not, I encourage you to read the series I wrote on <strong>10 Simple Steps to Reduce Body Burden</strong>. Those 10 steps are a great start in being a good steward, of your health and, secondarily, your environment. In fact, taking <em>even a few</em> of those steps would be a definite move in the right direction. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/search/label/Body%20Burden">(Click here to see the series... you'll want to scroll to the bottom of the page and start with the video, working your way up through the ten steps. I've kept things simple, so don't worry... it's not that much reading!)</a><br /><br />My Body Burden discussion stemmed from reading Sloan Barnett's book: <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/heal02-20/detail/1416578455"><em>Green Goes With Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Greener Planet</em>.</a> Last year I personally gave away a copy of the book. This year...<br /><br />I have two fantastic giveaways sponsored by <a href="http://www.ecosmart.com/">EcoSmart</a> and <a href="http://www.cookware.com/">CSN Stores</a>. Both of the wonderful product packs I'll be giving away will enable you to reduce your Body Burden. I'll be posting one giveaway tomorrow and one on Thursday... I'm really looking forward to it! Hosting giveaways is a thrill for me because I love to send that email telling a reader they've won...<br /><br />See you tomorrow,<br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-73401517306158932632010-04-19T14:31:00.001-04:002010-04-19T14:35:37.414-04:00Avoiding BurnoutThis post is a result of several conversations I've had over the last few weeks. Conversations about soaking nuts, about following certain diets and cleanses, about how to help your children get on board with healthy eating, and about comparing ourselves to what other people are doing. I have heard many women say it is just too hard... that no one can do it all... and, <em>is it even worth trying if I can't do as much as Supermom on the next blog?</em><br /><br />I've been thinking about what our family does health-wise <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">(for particulars, read this past post)</a>... and why we do it the way we do. I'll step out on a limb here today and share my thoughts with you.<br /><br /><em>Health Matters.</em> Life is such a gift. Each day is a wide-open opportunity to do something big. <strong>Being a good steward of our health, our life-ness, is very important. I mean, why not be fueled-up and strong for accomplishing great things</strong>... us as moms AND our husbands and children. Let's live big, bold lives!<br /><br />But, realistically speaking, can we eat <em>everything </em>healthy all of the time? Maybe if you are superwoman. Or maybe if your family is still very young. Let me explain...<br /><br />We used to eat 100% healthy all the time. It was hard work. Very hard work. I only had two children and was not yet homeschooling. I prepared everything from scratch, soaked all our grains and legumes, even our nuts, made lacto-fermented foods, and the list goes on. But I saw two things happening.<br /><br />First, we were causing some minor divisions between ourselves and family and friends. You see,<br />some people just didn't feel like they could prepare food "good enough" to have us over. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/01/hope-for-hopeless-chocomaniacs.html">And some people felt belittled by our health-fanaticism, even though I don't think we ever pushed our thoughts on others. </a>(We're actually very introverted people and avoid conflict like the Black Plague... or H1N1.)<br /><br />Second, I was starting to really burn out. All that time in the kitchen. Always thinking days and weeks ahead in order to have everything prepared. And, I was about to deliver my third baby. Homeschooling was really picking up with Rainbow... and soon Spiderman would follow. There was less time in my day for food. Have you ever experienced burnout? Both with the thoughts of all that has to be done and with future thoughts of everything just getting busier?<br /><br />Those two issues were big on my mind. But so was health. Wellness was still a major priority for our growing family. I wanted to give my children every bit of the gift of health as possible. I had to bring some reconciliation to the mental discord... how could I balance it all?<br /><br />Fast forward... we now eat a very bold 95% perfect. And I still consider us very healthy. Everything we eat at home is on target with our health principles. <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/particulars-of-our-diet-choices.html">(Eat what God made. Eat it as close to how God made it as possible. Everything in moderation.)</a> But we do leave the house. And there are times I cannot take all the food we need with us.<br /><br />There are times that we have to let our ideals go a bit. Like, for example, at a basketball banquet where the menu is pizza and cake. If we were fanatics we wouldn't go. But a basketball banquet is a monumental event for a young boy! Or, if we were extremely fanatical, we would go and take our own food! I can't imagine how that would make my children feel...<br /><br />So, we attend and allow our children to eat two pieces of pizza and a piece of cake. (And serve a big Greek salad before we leave as an appetizer to fill a good portion of their tummies!) We teach moderation. That it is okay to have an occasional small-to-medium portion of otherwise unfavored foods. However, we do not use a basketball banquet as an excuse to load up a plate of desserts or drink massive quantities of soda pop.<br /><br />Same thing with our weekly church pot luck. We simply do not make a big deal of the food. Our children know that they are only allowed one small dessert. And we have seen them make very wise choices about their food selections. (I get food for my younger girls.) In doing so, we are teaching some very valuable life lessons. <em>As soon as you have liberty, you don't just let all your self-control and wisdom fly out the window.</em> I seen my children exercise good personal decision making skills. That gives me hope for the future.<br /><br />We have decided to not let our food choices create social divisions. Honestly, I don't think the small percentage of less-than-nutritious food is going to ruin our vitality. For the vast majority of the time, we eat nutrient dense foods. We also take high quality supplements. <strong>The occasional unhealthy compromise won't be our demise. However, inability to be temperate might. <em>Children (and parents) need to have enough strength to exercise moderation.</em></strong><br /><br />And about the burnout... I realized somewhere around the time Witzy was a baby that I simply couldn't do everything. (I still try.) I needed to cut myself some slack. And it was much better to have a happy mommy than to have a mommy who stressed over every meal. <strong>So, we eat as best as we can with the time and money resources we have. And that is that. No fretting over what we can't do.</strong><br /><br />I would like to encourage you... whether you are new to the health game, whether you are a long time health nut (respectfully said), whether you are still searching through diet options... <em>but especially you mom's with growing families...</em> <strong>Do your best. But don't stress over the rest.</strong> (Have I told you how much damage stress can do?)<br /><br />For your health, for the long-haul,<br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" />Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-1954545817735011862010-04-16T15:31:00.000-04:002010-04-16T15:32:16.471-04:00What Am I Doing This Afternoon?<ul><li>Researching Adrenal Fatigue -- Hmmm... there is a lot to think about here before I share my thoughts...</li><li>Soaking up some Vitamin D -- gotta love a warm spring afternoon!</li><li>Thinking about my 11th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow -- and what special meal I will prepare to celebrate it -- any healthy suggestions?</li><li>Also thinking about meal plans for next week -- I'll have to grocery shop before breakfast tomorrow morning since the day will be too full.</li><li>Looking up how to make a gallon of yogurt in a crock pot on a warm setting -- if this works, I'll post a how-to.</li><li>Planning for my Witzy's fifth birthday next week -- she wants a Castle with a Princess Cake -- I'll take pictures and post a healthy icing idea after the party.</li><li>Realizing that being out in the sunshine left me quite thirsty -- I love water these days... love the refreshing coolness. I should go get a drink.</li><li>Realizing that being out in the sun might have left my lips burned... haven't had that happen in a while!</li></ul><div>Here is a photo of some early morning bird watching from last year at this time. The kids and I spend lots of time outside in the spring time... birdwatching, flower gazing, insect searching, picnicking... we even do part of school outside!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460819592376633074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-gOnCT89KaMjGhRTSdMcxmczjlqnmg4io_8vJp8a6VrRKa6Si0uLh0gbfexdmdg0Iv1cTLPpreMVt61kxLu4mHaaXXF2Fr_bOY7emPBmx-ZOcegENODX7VfcSSMpVN9xGlKKIWFEvS6u/s320/167.JPG" /></div><br /><div>I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the sun (and don't forget the SPF lip balm!),</div><br /><div><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /></div>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-15950485763805649672010-04-14T14:18:00.000-04:002010-04-14T14:18:27.557-04:00SnackingThe other day (week!) I read <a href="http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com/?p=1735">this post on Preschoolers and Peace</a>. In the post, Kendra says that she always has an answer for the "What can I have for a snack?" question. The answer always is:<br /><ul><li>What is in the Snack Jar</li><li>Fruit</li><li>Almonds</li><li>Cheese Sticks</li></ul><p>Her post got me thinking. Isn't it so much easier to have an answer already? I mean, the kids are going to ask! </p><p>A while ago, I bought 18 pounds (if I remember the weight correctly) of California Raw Almonds at about $4 per pound. I am totally wishing I bought more! At the time, 18 pounds seemed like a lot to me. But, we use them in <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/papas-power-bars.html">power bars</a>, in <a href="http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-make-soaked-granola.html">granola</a>, in several other baking recipes and...</p><p align="center"><em>almonds are the answer to the ever-present snack question. </em></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGsk4d_bnALfIJgBd-nboMosezIcqCEH-2_4XQSW25QgqPOYvL_yGx2FKLgKfL4y_nkiRbrJiU_AVHA8QXvAotQErjohIn9xKnJunAVbjzFTxZhM7MEt78AiQoCy0nIVq7tbbrbxCpaZ/s1600/1149920_almonds_heart.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513308468956866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGsk4d_bnALfIJgBd-nboMosezIcqCEH-2_4XQSW25QgqPOYvL_yGx2FKLgKfL4y_nkiRbrJiU_AVHA8QXvAotQErjohIn9xKnJunAVbjzFTxZhM7MEt78AiQoCy0nIVq7tbbrbxCpaZ/s320/1149920_almonds_heart.jpeg" /></a>It is so easy to let the children get their own snack. And, cleaning up after almonds is a cinch... well, unless they get to giggling while chewing them and you have the almond drool of a two year old to deal with...<br /><br />For the past six weeks (or so) my children have been very pleased with a small bowl of almonds every afternoon. Talk about a simple snack time! I've been letting the little girls count out 17, 19, 21 (any such number) into little bowls for the counting practise. When they ask, I let them add in some organic raisins, sesame sticks or some other little something. But usually, they are content with a handful of almonds.<br /><br />So far, this has been the perfect snack to hold them over until suppertime. Perfect in protein, fat and carbohydrates. Perfect for sustaining energy and nourishing growing bodies.<br /><br />Almonds are so nutritiously packed -- they are a one of a kind snack for kids and adults alike. Just a handful of almonds contains a healthy dose of protein, fiber, Vitamin E, Calcium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Potassium, Zinc, Folate, Manganese and Magnesium, Copper and Phosphorus. They also contain a wide spectrum of phytochemicals which protect against heart disease and cancer.<br /><br />If kids are going to snack, it makes sense to make their snack nourishing. As long as I can get almonds at a good price, they are the answer to the snack question in our house.<br /><br />Off to help Witzy get the almonds ready... today we eat them in the car on the way to Ballet. Did I mention how great of a car snack almonds are?<br /><br /><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /><br /><br /><br />Photocredit: <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sateda">Maria Li</a>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235967534589957755.post-47790182702612395162010-04-12T10:12:00.002-04:002010-04-13T10:26:14.714-04:00The Best Healthy Birthday Cake EVER -- Using Soaked GrainsWow. This. Is. Good. Cake. If you at all strive for "healthy" in your birthday celebrations, you'll want to give this cake a try. I made this cake for my husband's birthday two weekends ago. It was so delicious, I decided to give it a second try at a mother/daughter tea I was hosting the next weekend.<br /><br /><br />We thoroughly enjoyed it both times. I would even serve this cake to company -- even to guests who aren't necessarily used to whole foods. Honestly, I feel if I don't put another post up on this blog, I'll still have made my contribution to society with this recipe. (Well, maybe I do have higher ambitions than just inventing a chocolate cake recipe.) <em>I'm just saying</em> it was good cake and I think you'll enjoy it too!<br /><br />Before I post the recipe, let me make a few comments about this cake, which I will call <strong>Super Moist Oatmeal Chocolate Cake</strong>.<br /><br /><ul><li>This cake is super moist, like it's got pudding in the mix. </li><li>When we ate this cake for my husband's birthday, my kids and I all decided we wanted the same cake for our birthdays. Which means, I will make some variations on it as the year progresses. And, I will have to address the next issue... making a healthy icing for using on children's decorated cakes.</li><li>This cake does have oats in it. Which is a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">un</span>-normal for cakes. It tastes absolutely delicious. Just expect some texture from the oats. But, like I said, it is super moist, which is the important part of the texture... like rich velvet... It doesn't even really need ice cream on the side.</li><li>The cake tastes even better the next day. So, you might want to consider making it a day ahead of your event.</li><li>This cake uses all whole, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">unfractionated</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">unadulaterated</span>, natural food ingredients.</li><li>Also, I wanted to use soaked grains because whole grains are difficult to digest and contain some enzyme inhibitors. Soaking grains for 12-24 hours using yogurt, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">kefir</span> or lemon juice will neutralize the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">phytates</span>, making the grain more digestible and the nutrients more available.</li><li>I baked this cake first in a 9x13 pan and second in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">bundt</span> pan. I think it turned out better as a sheet cake. The top was very soft and yummy, and it didn't even need icing. But, with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">bundt</span> pan, once it is flipped onto a plate, the top becomes the outside edge.</li></ul><p>So, here's the recipe:</p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Super Moist Oatmeal Chocolate Cake</strong></p><ul><li>1 c. rolled oats</li><li>1 3/4 c. boiled water</li><li>1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour</li><li>2 Tbsp. plain yogurt (or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">kefir</span>)</li><li>1/2 c. butter or coconut oil (I used one each time and both worked.)</li><li>2 c. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sucanat</span> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rapadura</span></li><li>2 eggs</li><li>3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder</li><li>1 tsp. baking soda</li><li>1/2 tsp. salt </li><li>1 c. chocolate chips (I used naturally sweetened, organic chocolate chips.)</li><li>1/2 c. chopped walnuts, optional (I used this for the birthday cake, but not the tea cake.)<br /></li></ul><p>First, boil the 1 3/4 cups of water. Pour it over 1 cup of oats, and stir to combine. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool. </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">(It needs to be below 115 degrees so that it won't kill the active cultures in the yogurt. It took 30 minutes to reach about 105 degrees. I don't think it is necessary to always use a thermometer since it just has to be within a range. 30 minutes should get you between 105 and 115 every time.)</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y2IKM-TwlsWudIb_sPwLBrHvWgzEYfhAEOzyUyTglA2lejkfYJ1c4gqZ54Z9eKvPmVgDic9l1e6AFUDHp81CVM1lQAs1xQtet9dxCHc4U3SmJ9OQEnzvd37d9r_fb4B651b31y3ytDaG/s1600/100_4463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748629320392386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y2IKM-TwlsWudIb_sPwLBrHvWgzEYfhAEOzyUyTglA2lejkfYJ1c4gqZ54Z9eKvPmVgDic9l1e6AFUDHp81CVM1lQAs1xQtet9dxCHc4U3SmJ9OQEnzvd37d9r_fb4B651b31y3ytDaG/s320/100_4463.JPG" /></a><br />After 30 minutes, add in the 1 3/4 cups of flour and the 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt. Stir well to combine. It should look like this:<br /></p><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qp0N-8E8ZDE45vcclJnQ_pmhpYJLD5JfjZrFHEbBseNM5tlTvzGGM2CIhyphenhyphenncpIRETxeVFMe-O8ZbX53IrZdQ82qyRgswVzM4VKq9PAARgppNROT9BisxkWk0MfSk3uiFOgzG8pjaAbMn/s1600/100_4465.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748622271016786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qp0N-8E8ZDE45vcclJnQ_pmhpYJLD5JfjZrFHEbBseNM5tlTvzGGM2CIhyphenhyphenncpIRETxeVFMe-O8ZbX53IrZdQ82qyRgswVzM4VKq9PAARgppNROT9BisxkWk0MfSk3uiFOgzG8pjaAbMn/s320/100_4465.JPG" /></a><br />Cover loosely and leave at room temperature overnight.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_v5WSJa0y7J0H3GoMpr5DkIJSEHRy7sEYG-fzh8VL-2TxAXm_FdMknn_wnx4OkoVQ-Avy7z06RWywNSWGdZQlSnVK3FAVliXR18JEMWtFovAIXmHw_wYUM9iFAbQOvXiu86CZuuoracp/s1600/100_4467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748153048094370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_v5WSJa0y7J0H3GoMpr5DkIJSEHRy7sEYG-fzh8VL-2TxAXm_FdMknn_wnx4OkoVQ-Avy7z06RWywNSWGdZQlSnVK3FAVliXR18JEMWtFovAIXmHw_wYUM9iFAbQOvXiu86CZuuoracp/s320/100_4467.JPG" /></a><br />When you are ready to make the cake, melt 1/2 cup of butter or coconut oil in a saucepan. Add the 2 cups of natural sweetener. And 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder. Then stir in the 2 eggs and mix well.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfcTlTpXWFhs4H26M4v3B3J1klqhfGaSDoJP6pTJzqOcbNhJfj1PP1vpaiNiOSFHysOnDFN8D8W2awth9XqoKf7XS5VYkQfRAH45xyDhYVmx3-LeG9K2iUJmxgWihyphenhyphenmrQ93huJI3g6JOl/s1600/100_4469.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748146808807890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfcTlTpXWFhs4H26M4v3B3J1klqhfGaSDoJP6pTJzqOcbNhJfj1PP1vpaiNiOSFHysOnDFN8D8W2awth9XqoKf7XS5VYkQfRAH45xyDhYVmx3-LeG9K2iUJmxgWihyphenhyphenmrQ93huJI3g6JOl/s320/100_4469.JPG" /></a><br />In a mixer, beat the soaked grains on medium high speed for about 2 minutes, scraping the sides a few times as you go. While the batter is beating, add the baking soda and salt. It will look like a very wet bread dough when you start. And the beating will soften it up, breaking most of the gluten strands.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZcr4DOiSUmQ9nZF8lbzaHG4r0AQX4Vd920gB8le7oc6JgSELnbiuocyx56XAuIopFthealQWN6uCsuprEfpVuWKZbkZEUYS0tw9Z-c7kfh8IkaHfNm7WQ_1qkmd3XoJjTx-agWeuo9J/s1600/100_4471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748142192877266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZcr4DOiSUmQ9nZF8lbzaHG4r0AQX4Vd920gB8le7oc6JgSELnbiuocyx56XAuIopFthealQWN6uCsuprEfpVuWKZbkZEUYS0tw9Z-c7kfh8IkaHfNm7WQ_1qkmd3XoJjTx-agWeuo9J/s320/100_4471.JPG" /></a><br />Pour in the oil, sweetener and egg mixture and beat again at medium-high speed for another 2 minutes. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a 9x13 pan (or a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">bundt</span> pan). If you are using walnuts, sprinkle them on the top of the batter. I only put them on half since some of my family prefers their cakes without nuts.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRA8cC8kUX_NL3ZZqN9RDDmHr4_hTjjvZH7oTLXbtd2_nDMyzk5qhU36L69s7CsCtWEAND7WP7OlNs2opj0M8QiU_a6xcfD-G9aGYt3Ok1ijP_67Ibo28piDAODD9FZRaOTi6i9fiJ1-o/s1600/100_4474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748139587748962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRA8cC8kUX_NL3ZZqN9RDDmHr4_hTjjvZH7oTLXbtd2_nDMyzk5qhU36L69s7CsCtWEAND7WP7OlNs2opj0M8QiU_a6xcfD-G9aGYt3Ok1ijP_67Ibo28piDAODD9FZRaOTi6i9fiJ1-o/s320/100_4474.JPG" /></a><br />Bake at 350 degrees. For the 9x13 pan, it took 40 minutes to bake. For the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">bundt</span> cake I made, it took 55 minutes before it tested done with a toothpick. Like I said above, I think it worked better in the sheet pan, but the presentation was better as a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">bundt</span> cake. </div><div></div><br /><div>So there you have it! In our opinion, it is by far the best "healthy" cake we have ever tasted AND it rivals most unhealthy chocolate cakes as well. I think most people you serve it to would not even guess you used whole grains! As you can see, it rose really nicely, which made a moist, light whole grain cake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMoyRVKZ0BmsQ1_RV_d_R6bLvxv29558IcQoBybI1YPtHNOxTDnQCvVb-2RQ33zrFj8ApoayO9YZyMvg5dboOFgYoQNNcZqBAdq7j4Zqs1JUA0qoxDu41SWaEogt4RGBQ0xmrrHcyZbR6/s1600/100_4475.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456748136704914834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMoyRVKZ0BmsQ1_RV_d_R6bLvxv29558IcQoBybI1YPtHNOxTDnQCvVb-2RQ33zrFj8ApoayO9YZyMvg5dboOFgYoQNNcZqBAdq7j4Zqs1JUA0qoxDu41SWaEogt4RGBQ0xmrrHcyZbR6/s320/100_4475.JPG" /></a><br />I hope you enjoy this recipe! </div><div></div><div>Please remember that my original recipes are copyrighted. It takes a good deal of planning, effort and creativity to develop a new recipe. If you share my recipe with others, please share <a href="http://www.healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/">the Health Begins With Mom link </a>and properly credit the source. If you want to copy the text and pictures, <em>you must ask for permission first</em>. I appreciate that!<br /><br />For more healthy recipes, check out <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2010/04/13/tuesday-twister-blog-carnival-2010-04-13/">Tuesday Twister here</a>.</div><div>For your health,<br /></div><div><img src="http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/AmyEllen/healthsig.gif" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amy Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03236051477051468876noreply@blogger.com22