Fall Nature Craft - Animal Creatures

We went out for a walk before the storm and collected all kinds of different natural materials that we thought would make for interesting animal creatures.  Berries for eyes, a pine-cone body, leaves for wings, maybe a few pine needles for hair. After filling our pockets with all the treasures it would hold, we came home, emptied them out onto the table, and with a little hot glue, let our imaginations run wild.

preparing for the Sandy with waffles

Alright, I know I do go a little waffle crazy every once in a while, but one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to do variations on a theme. Since waffles are one of my favorite foods I decided to make them as we prepare for Hurricane Sandy to come to town, I am cooking everything in the fridge in case we loose power. That way we can still have dinner and breakfast.  I decided to make gluten and grain-free, Parmesan and goat cheese waffles and then made a tomato meat sauce to go with them  I am quite please with the way they turned out. They are a great alternative to bread. Very easy to make and SO tasty! I hope everyone stays safe during the storm.

Parmesan and goat Cheese Waffles (Gluten and Grain-free)
4 eggs
1 C crispy cashews
1/3 C milk (I use raw milk)
1/3 C soft goat cheese
1/2 C Parmesan cheese grated

3 T butter, melted
1 t salt
3/4 t baking soda
3 T coconut flour

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until fairly smooth. Cook in a well greased waffle maker. I just used a little butter for greasing.

This Moment: sharing a good story

This is a special moment from the past week that I want to stop, savor and enjoy.  If you are so inspired, please leave a comment for me with your own special moment and check out other moments this morning at soulemama. 

homegrown fermented salsa

We have lots of tomatoes growing in the garden and I have been meaning to try and make some fermented salsa for a while now. So the other day I just decided to go for it. Since I had radish and peppers growing too, I added that to the mix. I also added a little onion, salt and some juice from my sauerkraut to help the fermenting to get started. Well, after a few days of sitting on the counter, I could see the bubbles forming, so I decided to try one. As I opened the jar I was so happy to hear the sizzle coming from within. It's alive! Taste......and...... home run!  So excited how easy this was and what a fun way to celebrate the food from the garden while adding another probiotic rich food to the plate.



 And it is great on eggs.

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Flaky Gluten and Grain-Free Biscuits

Flaky Gluten and Grain-Free Biscuits

3 C cipsy almonds
1/2 C organic amaranth, teff, potato, tapioca or corn flour
1/2 C coconut flour
1/2 t Salt
3/4 t baking Soda
1/2 C bacon fat or butter
2 eggs
1 t apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor grind Almonds, Flours, Salt and Baking Soda. Add the bacon fat or butter and pulse until the fat is about the size of a pea. In a separate small bowl whisk together the eggs and Vinegar. Pour mixture in with the flour and mix just until the dough comes together. It may feel a little wet. Form gently into biscuit sized pieces and put on a parchment paper line cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Top with more butter and enjoy!

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Real Rood Wednesdays with Kelly the Kitchen Kop

waffles, apple pie, and Ice-cream for dinner?

I made Grain-free,  Gluten-free Waffles, with Hot Apple Pie Filling, Homemade Vanilla Ice-Cream, and Salt Cured Bacon on the side for dinner last night. I could hear the happiness at the table. Or should I say the silence spoke loud and clear. Hmmmmmm. And the plates? Well of course they were licked clean. It is so much fun making playful, delicious meals that are still healthy. No guilt, only pleasure.


Waffles
4 eggs
1 C crispy cashews
1/3 C milk (I use raw milk)
1 T honey
10 drops Stevia
1t GF vanilla
1t GF almond extract

3 Tcoconut oil, melted
¼ t salt
¾ t baking soda
3 T coconut flour

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until fairly smooth. Cook in a well greased waffle maker. I just used a little coconut oil for greasing.

Apple Pie Filling
Sliced Apples

cinimmin

nutmeg

GF Vanilla

1 T lemon juice

Directions: Cook on top of the stove on low to medium heat until soft.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Milk ( I use Raw Milk)

Cream ( I use Raw Cream)

GF Vanilla

1 T Honey

Stevia to taste

Directions: Blend together and put into ice-ream maker.




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http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/

feeling grateful for....

I am feeling grateful for.....

:: just the right amount of alone time
:: the beautiful community of women and men that I feel so blessed to be a part of.
:: date night with my husband
:: the joy that my kids get from their new Waldorf teacher
:: nap times
:: long days spent outside
:: my 5 year old son saying to me "Hi sweet mommy, you are a good mommy". Followed by a gentle kiss.
:: meaningful talks with my daughter.
:: new seedlings emerging and enjoying the harvest.
:: the anticipation of a new loved ones arrival.
:: neighbors and friends
:: my 2 wonderful mothers
:: this healing cup of sage honey tea

SAGE TEA
Make a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over a quarter cup of fresh sage leaves and sprigs. Stand for 5 minutes, strain, and flavor with a touch of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice.


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Favorite photo Monday
Mellow Yellow Monday

apple day

 

Sharring with :

sitting still.........for a moment

What a monumental moment seeing Scout sitting and listening to a book. 

He was really into it.....

Oh no......where is he going?

He is such a funny boy. Always up for a laugh and constantly trying to entertain us and himself.

He decided that he wanted to read it on his own.

Lucky he is so cute. I don't think anyone minded.

healthy gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies (no sugar)

I just love cooking with my children. Maybe I am re-living some of my childhood vicariously through them. I never got to cook in my house growing up. Well, does making rice-crispy treats once count? Even though I didn't have a Mom that liked cooking or making messes in the kitchen, funny enough I turned out to love both. I always feel like anything is possible in the kitchen. There is so much learning and creativity that goes on and the end result is always right around the corner to enjoy. There are so many opportunities to make mistakes and try again. I enjoy the fact that even mistakes can taste so good. I love that the only judge is yourself.  And all the time and effort you put in to create your masterpiece is fully experienced and gone in one bite, not taking up any space in the home and leaving the studio (or kitchen) ready for  the next creation (or meal). It is a daily practice that fills my heart with joy to share with my children. I think through this practice of creating and consuming the piece of art there is a letting go that takes place. For the moment is all we have and a beautiful and delicious meal created together with our own hands is all we can ask for.

Healthy Gluten-free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

(great for dessert or a snack)

1 1/2 C raisins 

1/2 C crispy cashews 

1/4 C coconut flour 

1/3 C finely shredded coconut flakes

1/2 C butter 

3/4 t stevia 

2 T maple syrup

2 t gf vanilla extract

2  egg

2 C soaked rolled oats

2 C gf flour (I used sorghum) 

1 t baking soda

3 t cinnamon

pinch salt

---

Preheat oven to 350. Put parchment paper down on a cookie sheet. Coarsely grind cashews in a food processor. Cream the cashew with the flour and butter. Add the stevia, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs. Move mixture to mixing bowl and add the milk, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Combine thoroughly. Spoon onto cookie sheet, Bake until just golden. You might want to make a double batch because they will go quickly.

This Moment: a ride through the orchard

This is a special moment from the past week that I want to stop, savor and enjoy.  If you are so inspired, please leave a comment for me with your own special moment and check out other moments this morning at soulemama.