Protein-Packed Cheesy Zucchini Cornbread Waffles

We have always been a pancake family. The kids love them, and so do I because there are so many variations that I can do with them! Recently, waffles were introduced to the kids. They looked at me like I had robbed them of their youth! Since we have always had pancakes, it never occured to me to have waffles ... plus, I didn't have a waffle maker.

Now that my kids were waffle addicts, a waffle maker was amazingly gifted to me and everything in the universe was right. We were having waffles on one of the pancake days and the kids were more than happy (except for one kid ... there always has to be one). Then another lightning bolt came down on the kids ... "breakfast for dinner".

"Is that true mom, can we really have breakfast for dinner?!?!"

But, this is where I draw the line a burst a bubble in their little lives. We were going to have waffles, but no syrup. I can't believe how much complaining I heard! Sorry kids, but your mom doesn't have a sweet tooth. I like salt and cheese!

Once the waffles were all done, their tune quickly changed and everyone loved them (again, except for one kid ... there always has to be one)! Breakfast for dinner is now happens quite often around here, one of these days I may give in and give them their chocolate chip waffles with syrup for dinner ...maybe!

You can easily make these totally vegan, dairy-free or mix and match according to what you like!

Protein-Packed Cheesy Zucchini Cornbread Waffles

Made 6 waffles

1/4 c organic refined coconut oil
3 eggs (or egg replacer)
2 c almond milk or milk of your choice
1 c shredded cheese (I used almond cheese)
1 c shredded zucchini, squeezed
2 c whole wheat flour
1 c toasted walnut crumbs
3/4 c fine cornmeal
1/4 c hemp seeds
1/4 c nutritional yeast (optional)
4 t baking powder
1.5 t salt

In a bowl, whisk together coconut oil, eggs and milk.

Add in remaining ingredients and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Spray your waffle maker and add batter according to your waffle maker's instructions.

I topped mine with a little extra cheese right before serving, so it slightly melted.

Easy Coconut Quinoa Granola Clusters

The time was Valentine's Day ... I was convinced I was going to make the kids healthy and delicious Valentine's Day treats. I bought a puffed brown rice cereal to use ... my treats did not work and now I had a bag of puffed rice cereal that no one will eat. Ugh!

Fast forward 3 months and the puffed brown rice cereal is still in my pantry. Time to use it. The stars must have been aligned because I was going to make a special trip to get some extra granola for breakfast this week when someone mentioned to me about making homemade granola. I'm not going to lie, I have made granola before and wasn't altogether pleased.

I found a recipe from Feasting on Fruit that looked delicious and fool-proof! My family loved coconut so I had to add in some so I could seamlessly switch our store-bought granola with the new stuff and no would would be the wiser!

We love it. I'm glad I initially made a big batch because it went fast! Now, I'm in the situation of having to buy brown rice cereal a lot ... I doesn't sit in my pantry anymore though. This has been a lifesaver snack on trips to school and all the errands that we run through the day and I need to eat something quick and healthy.

Coconut Quinoa Granola Clusters

Makes 6 1/2 cups

3 c rolled oats
1 c dried quinoa
2 c cup puffed brown rice cereal
1 1/4 c maple syrup
1/2 c unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 c raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
1 T chia or hemp seeds
1 t cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven for 375º.

Mix all ingredients together until everything is nicely coated.

Lay a baking sheet or parchment paper on the pan. Spread the granola mixture on the pan so it is about 1/4 inch thick.

Bake granola for 10 minutes and let completely cool before mixing it up ... you can have a little bite though! It crusts up and sets as it cools.

Place in an airtight container and enjoy ... over yogurt, fresh fruit, with milk or just start munching straight out of the container!

A Natural Oral Routine: DIY Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Toothpaste has been a longtime frustration for me. Even when it's 'all natural', there's usually something that I can't pronounce or don't understand. Does that necessarily make it a bad thing ... no, but I just don't like it. Call me anal, call me silly, tell me I'm overthinking it. I doesn't matter, it still bothers me. It's just that plain and simple.

I've made a few toothpastes over the years and never quite loved them. Then I found Earthpaste. Did I finally find a toothpaste of my dreams?! How could it be. A few simple ingredients and my teeth felt great after using it. Even the kids loved their lemon flavor. After about a year of using Earthpaste, I found a problem with it ... the price tag! But I finally found a toothpaste that I loved ... was it worth it?

I should know, you should yell at me ... the best things in life are homemade! If the ingredients are truly that simple, I should be able to make it myself. So, I did. I did a lot of digging about amounts and the reasons why to use some ingredients over others and I finally felt confident. I knew the taste and consistency I wanted.

One big concern was the amount of baking soda and clay, I didn't want to harm my teeth. Luckily, I have a few dental hygienist friends that were able to advise me on amounts of ingredients for safety and protection of my teeth. And yes, I know, Earthpaste doesn't use baking soda ... but I like it! Also, xylitol, an ingredient that I never wanted to use before in cooking but I was assured that it helps fight cavities so it is very beneficial in toothpastes.

Let me just admit that the first few batches got tossed! As I always say, my stubbornness pays off and I finally did it. I have been using this toothpaste for just over a year now. My teeth have never felt better and I have had great visits with my dentist!

Homemade Clay Toothpaste

5 T calcium powder
5 T coconut oil (organic, unrefined)
2 T baking soda (aluminum free)
2 T xylitol
1 T redmond or bentonite clay
distilled water if it's too thick ... I start out with a Tablespoon at a time, winter I need more than summer since the coconut oil is at a thicker consistency in my house.

Optional: Essential oils or food grade, organic extract. I love peppermint, cinnamon and orange the best! The kids still use lemon. I use about 5-7 drops per batch.

Mix all ingredients except the water and clay until you have a very smooth consistency and it is thoroughly mixed together. Then add the clay and flavoring. Finally add water if you need so it is the right consistency.

I keep mine in a small 4 oz mason jar and use a popsicle stick to scoop it out on my toothpaste.

Tea Tree Mouthwash

2 c distilled water
1 t xylitol
2 t calcium powder
5 drops tea tree oil

Mix all in a mason jar. When ready, swish a bit in your mouth and spit out.

**Make sure you are using 100% certified therapeutic grade essential oils. Oil Fragrances are already mixed with carrier oils and some have fillers and artificial ingredients.

**Natural remedies do not work for everyone so consult your physician for any concerns. I am far from a dentist, but this toothpaste continues to work for me and I hope they work for you!

Smoky Tempeh Mushroom Burgers
Makes 8

8 oz Tempeh
1/2 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
8 oz mushrooms
1 c cooked rice
1 medium carrot, shredded
2 T liquid smoke
1 T worsteshire sauce
1 t dijon mustard
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Horseradish Sauce

1/2 c Veganaise
1 T horseradish (this will vary on the spice level of the horseradish you have and your likings
1/4 t pepper

Easy Raw Donut Holes

We are packing up to go camping tomorrow. I've got a huge list of stuff to pack, stuff to make, stuff to take care of before I leave, etc., but what do I do ... procrastinate and write a quick blog post!

Every time we travel, I always make energy bites. If the kids need a quick bite in the car or just a snack when we're there these are perfect! Considering we are going to a pumpkin festival, I should be making my Pumpkin Energy Bites, but I don't have pumpkin and I am not taking another trip to the grocery store! Yesterday, at my first trip to the store, I wanted to buy some bagels.

When I got to the checkout line the checkout person told me that I needed to grab two bags in order to buy them ... well, with two kids almost in tears that they needed to go to the bathroom, one kid singing loudly and the baby just smiling like an angel, I decided to forgo the bagels and get some other bakery later. Fast forward to my second trip that day ... I simply forgot!

Now, it's cookin' time and I still want some bakery to take. I'm over the idea of making energy bites as well as some fresh baked goodies so, what do I do but marry the two! I saw a while back the idea of making raw donut holes by using oats and vanilla to give them that doughy flavor. So, as my potatoes and carrots are cooking for Vegan Nacho Cheese (another camping must have), I decided to quickly throw some ingredients in the food processor and make it happen. Simon and I have already ate three!! Now you see why I had to write this, it got me away from eating more.

Enjoy them as we are and hopefully the rest of the family gets to enjoy them in the great outdoors! By the way, please pray for good weather!! Thanks!

Raw Donut Holes

Makes about 15

Dough Ingredients

2 c deglet noor dates
1 c cashews
1 oats
2 T maple syrup
2 T vanilla powder
1 t hazelnut extract (or other flavor)
dash of salt

Topping Ideas

Leave Naked
Shredded Coconut
Cocoa 
Cocoa & Cinnamon
Cinnamon & Sucanat Sugar
Pistachios

Mix all dough ingredients in a food processor and mix until it is like sand.

Form dough into balls. If it is not sticking, add a little coconut oil.
Roll them into your desired topping and enjoy!

Smoky Tempeh Mushroom Burgers
Makes 8

8 oz Tempeh
1/2 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
8 oz mushrooms
1 c cooked rice
1 medium carrot, shredded
2 T liquid smoke
1 T worsteshire sauce
1 t dijon mustard
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Horseradish Sauce

1/2 c Veganaise
1 T horseradish (this will vary on the spice level of the horseradish you have and your likings
1/4 t pepper

Blueberry and Quinoa Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Bars

Okay, it's February now ... I can't blame Christmas anymore for falling behind on things that I want to do or get done. One of my big changes last year was deciding to take a stand and stop buying granola bars. That simple little task was able to save me a lot of money with 5 people eating a granola bar everyday. However, as the holidays rolled around that task got pushed on the back burner. I still wasn't buying them, so we just didn't have them. Then, I had to spend more time pulling together other snacks for the fam ... I should've just make a batch!

Throughout January, things kept coming up that I would say to myself, 'I'll make granola bars tomorrow.' Well two weeks ago, I finally pulled the trigger. I was making a quinoa meal for dinner and I decided to just make extra quinoa, toss in some other goodies and throw it in the oven! As I began throwing things in, I realized the list was a little long, a lot longer than most of the granola bars that I make. However, they turned out so good that it was all worth it and I love having it all go in one bowl. Even with all the ingredients, it's very fast to put together. The mixture tastes like a warm oatmeal mixture so I make them in the morning and steal a little of the batter for a quick breakfast for myself!

For the last two weeks I have make three different batches of these using different dried fruit and nuts. It's crazy that one little recipe can make you feel like you're getting life back together. That may sound crazy, but I just want to say ... 'Thank you, New Granola Breakfast Bar.'

Blueberry and Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Bars

Makes 10-12

1/2 c quinoa
1 c water

3/4 c oats
1/2 c walnuts, chopped (or other nut)
1/2 c dried blueberries (or other dried fruit)
1/3 c coconut milk, or other milk alternative
1/3 c maple syrup
1/2 c applesauce
1/3 c mashed banana
1/4 chia seeds
2 T coconut oil
1 1/2 T cinnamon
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
1 t baking soda
1/2 t ginger
1/2 t salt

Preheat oven for 375º.

Bring water and quinoa to boil in a pot. Once it is boiling, lower heat all the way and cover. Once water is soaked up, the quinoa is done. It should be nice and fluffy.

As the quinoa is cooking, put all ingredients in a bowl. Once the quinoa is done, add it to the mixture and stir it until everything is mixed together. Have a few bites of the delicious mixture!

Spray a 8x8 pan and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes for until the bars start to firm. Let them cool for a bit before cutting.

Healthy Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin is EVERYWHERE right now! It simply amazes me every year when fall roles around how much pumpkin products hit the market. I'm not one to poo-poo a good thing. Pumpkin beer, pumpkin burgers, pumpkin desserts and my favorite ... pumpkin ravioli with sage sauce! Instead, embrace the month and eat and drink as much pumpkin as you can or until you're orange in the face!

I have been making a lot of Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins and Pumpkin Energy Bites lately for my morning snacks. This being Halloween week, I decided to sweeten my life a little and have some chocolate chip cookies! I've also been overloading the kids on chickpea cookies so I thought a simple, easy cookie was what we all needed. Also, I've been so anti-sugar lately ... even my organic cane sugar and coconut sugar (for reasons I don't really know). I have wanted nothing but honey and maple syrup in anything sweet that we do. I seriously can't get enough honey, which is a good thing because my allergies have been going crazy! A little extra local honey a day can do nothing but good good good!

You may be amazed that I've even been making all of these sweets lately, I swear it's not the pregnancy (which, by the way, I'm a happy healthy 20 weeks already!). We actually are re-doing our patio and some friends are helping us out. I can't have people doing manual labor at my house without filling them up with food! Everyday it's a quick breakfast sweet or a little before-lunch-appetizer. Today is their last day so a fresh pan of cookies is well deserved ... I love our new patio as much as these cookies!

Healthy Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 24 cookies

1 c whole wheat flour*
3/4 c almond meal**
1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
3/4 c pumpkin puree*
1 egg (or flax egg)
1/2 c honey (or maple syrup)
1 t vanilla extract
3/4 c chocolate chips (regular or vegan)

*To make gluten free, simply substitute your favorite AP Gluten Free Flour instead of the whole wheat flour!
**If you have a nut allergy, use all flour instead of the almond meal.

Preheat oven to 350º.

In a bowl, mix flour, almond meal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, egg, honey and vanilla.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients and then add in chocolate chips.

Drop large rounded tablespoons onto a prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the outsides start to brown. Let cool for a couple minutes before transferring them to a wire rack so they can completely cook.

Tea Tree Oil and Why You Can't Live Without It

Essential oils, while becoming a little more mainstream are still far from being a typical household remedy and use. Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is one oil that most people have come in contact with before in some fashion and it is the most studied and researched essential oils with findings and conclusions being published for anyone who is interested to read about.

Tea tree oil is produced from Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub like tree which is found along streams and in swampy areas in its native land of Australia. Native aboriginals have been using tea tree oil for years. Back in the 1920's, chemist Arthur Penfold found that tea tree oil was an extremely promising plant due to its antiseptic properties and brought his findings to America. Along with the rich history of tea tree oil comes with its rich uses. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, kills fungal infections, disinfects wounds and sanitizes and helps fight colds and soothe sore throats. Yes ... all of that (and more) out of one amazing essential oil!

I have been using tea tree oil for a couple years now, but only recently has it been a staple all around my home. I use it in the kitchen, the bathroom, the floors, the garden and most recently directly on the family! I don't know what I would do without this amazing oil in my home.

Make sure you are using 100% certified therapeutic grade essential oils. Oil Fragrances are already mixed with carrier oils and some have fillers and artificial ingredients. I also have used a tea tree oil that was not a fragrance oil but not certified as therapeutic and I did not have the same results. My favorites are from Eden's Garden and Mountain Rose Herbs. Just like anything else, avoid excessive use of any essential or carrier oil.

Tea Tree Oil and its Many Amazing Uses

Mosquito & Bug Repellant

Keeping the bugs away makes my kids happy which makes me happier and in Wisconsin, we have lots of bugs! Here is a recipe that has worked for us and our garden.

Bug Bite Relief

If nothing else, remember this one ... it has changed my children's lives! We live in southern Wisconsin and have a wooded lawn ... mosquito haven! When the kids get a bite, I put tea tree oil directly onto their bite and it not only stops the itching within minutes, but in more cases I never even see the bite! I swear they disappear! This is why tea tree oil is miracle juice in my book!

Lice Prevention

Add to your children's shampoo. About 5% to be effective. Some studies have shown tea tree to kill lice once having them ... something to look into!

Clear Acne

Zap those zits! Mix a pinch of clay powder, such as Redmond Clay, with 1-2 drops of tea tree. Apply the paste to your pimple and let dry (up to overnight), then rinse. Don't overuse though, tea tree can dry out your skin after a lot of use.

Remove Makeup:

No more harsh chemicals around your precious eyes, just mix 1/4 c coconut oil, 10 drops tea tree oil.

Soothe Sores

Tea tree can cleanse and fight infections. Mix with a little coconut oil and apply directly to cleaned cut or sore. Put a bandaid on if needed.

Diaper Rash

Mist diluted tea tree, lavender and chamomile onto those sore bottoms for some easy relief.

Toenail Fungus:

Apply directly. Have I said anti-fungal yet? Yup, clean out those toes and pull out the flip-flops again!

Hand Sanitizer

I am all for clean hands, but the use of mainstream hand sanitizer a million times a day drives me crazy. Not only does it strip away all the good bacteria, but it dries your hand out way too much. Tea tree is naturally antibacterial and witch hazel is softer on your skin than alcohol. Mix 4 oz, aloe vera gel, 2 t witch hazel, 15 drops tea tree, 4 drops of lavender and 4 drops of orange or lemon. Put in a container and it will keep for a month.

Disinfectant Spray

In a spray bottle, mix 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with water (mix tea tree with lemon if you'd like). Spray on doors knobs, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, toys and anywhere else you find germs sitting. Allow to dry.

Bad Breath Be Gone!

There are a lot of tea tree toothpastes on the market or you can make your own. I like adding a tea tree mouthwash to my routine. Gargle 1/2 c water with 1 drop of tea tree (add a drop of peppermint if you like that pepperminty flavor). Swish it around to really get into those small nooks and crannies of your mouth!

Foot Odor Be Gone!

Pour hot water into a basin. Add 15 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of rosemary oil and 3 T oil (I like coconut or apricot kernel). Soak for 15-20 minutes daily.

Deodorize Stinky Diaper Pails and Garbage Cans

Mix 1/4 c baking soda with 1/4 t tea tree oil. Mix it around to get out all the lumps and sprinkle a little bit on the bottom of your garbage can to reduce odors and prevent bacteria from growing.

Natural Cleaners

I add tea tree oil to almost every cleaner I make. It smells great and it's antibacterial properties are unmatched in the essential oil world! Here's a few recipes. If you're not big into making your own cleaners (yet), try Branch Basics. I've had wonderful results with their products.

Natural remedies do not work for everyone so consult your physician for any concerns. I am far from a doctor, but essential oils have worked for me and I hope they work for you!

Resources:
www.shareoils.com
Everyday Roots Book
Good ol Wikipedia

Sponge Water Bombs: Just Say, 'NO' to Water Balloons!

We're officially one week out of school and I can't do another water balloon! It's just a hunch, but I don't think I'm alone out there. With Simon only 10 months old and putting everything in his mouth, I can't pick up shards of balloons fast enough! The weather here has been amazing and we've been living outside from morning until night and the kids are water crazy so we've gone through our fair share of water balloons already.

For Gabe's last day of 3K, they had great weather and got to play outside in a sprinkler and have fun with other water toys. One mom brought these sponge balls that the kids were all loving. Once I got a closer look, I was completely wowed. It was so easy yet so ingenious ... a cut up sponge, tied together in the middle ... that's it! Basically, a reusable water balloon!

Today, I finally stopped at a dollar store to pick up some sponges. The kids and I sat on the driveway cutting up sponges and tying them up. I had them sort the colors and count how many they were putting in a pile ... this kept them busy so they stopped wanting to use momma's big scissors!

In no time at all, we had a pile of sponge bombs and were racing to the back yard for the best water fight ever! Thank you, whichever mom it was that single-handedly changed my summer!!

How to Make Sponge Bombs

What you need:

Sponges
Zip Ties or Hair Ties
Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut all sponges the long way ... into three equal slices.

2. Group together 8-9 slices.

3. Zip tie or use a hair tie and tighten them together around the middle. If you are using zip ties, make sure you cut the extra tie off. You don't want any sharp pieces off of the zip tie. Using a wire cutter works best to cut it down completely flush.

4. Race to get the sponges in the water and let the fun begin!

That's it! No more filling up endless balloons. No more picking up little pieces in the yard. No more tears after the balloons are all gone because you can go through a whole bag in 2 minutes. Save money, save time, have happy kids, sit back and enjoy the sun and summer!!

Coconut Hemp Milk: Great for the Whole Family!

When people find out that Paul and I are vegetarians one of the first things they ask about is if our kids are too. Next, when they find out we don't drink cows milk they ask what we give our kids ... especially our babies. First off, yes our kids are vegetarians too. Secondly, our kids are kids, not cows so they don't have cows milk. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that's the way it is. Guess what, they are all growing great (all three have been in the 90% for height and weight), their digestive systems are awesome and I can count the times we've been to to doctor for sick visits on one hand. Personally, I think they're doing okay without it.

Since Paul and I started dating, milk has always been a topic of conversation. I loved cows milk and he is lactose intolerant. I still remember one day he switched our milks and I almost spit out an entire glass of rice milk on the counter. It was disgusting! After about a year of marriage, I started trying more of his milk on cereal and things but it had to be vanilla flavored and sweetened. Fast forward ten years ... the whole family now drinks unsweetened original milk alternatives ... usually almond or coconut milk. If it's vanilla flavored or sweetened, the kids are spitting it out on the counter. I can't believe how sweet that stuff is ... and why does milk need to have added sugar?!

When Gabe stopped nursing, I did a lot of looking into what was the best 'fattening' milk out there besides whole cows milk. After a lot of digging around, I quickly fell in love with hemp seeds. According to Pure Healing Foods, they have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats.Their proteins are easily digestible while being an excellent source of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and Gamma Linolenic Acids (GLA). People who have allergies to nuts, seeds, sugars and lactose are not effected by hemp seeds ... there are no known allergies to hemp! That's amazing!

When he was 10 months he started drinking hemp milk ... no I did not wait until he was a year. He loved it. It was pretty expensive, but I was still working at a place that I got a great discount on it. He stayed on hemp milk until about 18 months and then switched to what Paul and I drank, almond or coconut milk. By the time Savina came around, we tried hemp milk again (at 10 months) and that stubborn little girl just would not drink it. I tried making it homemade to save money, but she still didn't like it. There was nothing I could do to coax her into it. For her, we did coconut milk and simply kept hemp seeds in her diet via food.

Now, it's Simon's turn. He's 10 months and it's milk time! For the past four years, the price of hemp seeds has really come down. I used to have to wait for our health food store to have them on sale (about once a quarter) and I would buy all the seeds on their shelf. They were $5/8oz bag when on sale. Now, I can buy a bag at Trader Joe's for about $4 ... no sale needed! Finally, it's cost effective to make my own hemp milk for him. To save bit more and get larger variety of vitamins and minerals, I wanted to do a mix of coconut and hemp. Plus, I love the healthy fats it provides as well as being a good source of iron!

After my first batch, Paul and I just about died the flavor was so good. Even though we have hemp seeds almost daily in our food, we hadn't had the milk in a few years. The coconut added to it was the perfect complement. Paul and I both started drinking it more as well. I quickly realized that this was going be the new milk for the whole family! Making it from scratch is more cost effective than buying the half gallons of Almond/Coconut milk too. Plus, it's so nice not to have multiple milks in the house.

I'm not going to lie, at first Simon was not a huge fan. He wanted his old milk. However, after three short days he was back to his normal milk intake and enjoying the new flavors ... and I was loving that he was getting all of that great goodness that hemp and coconut provide!

One last thing that drives me crazy about milk alternatives. Watch out, I'm going to get a little intense here. Why is sugar needed and why do they label one of the milks 'unsweetened'. The manufacturers add sugar to their milk. It is not a natural product of nuts, coconut, soy or any other milk that your are buying. If you look, the second ingredient is almost always cane sugar. These milks should be labeled 'sweetened' and the regular, unflavored shouldn't be labeled at all. Please, stop adding extra, unneeded sugar to your diet. I know a lot of recipes out there that add dates to their milk for sweetening. Yes, the flavor tastes good, but there is a time and a place for sweet foods ... your daily milk intake is not one of them. If you want to make a dessert with this recipe, sure ... add 1/4 c of dates and a dash of cinnamon but remember: it's for dessert, not dinner!

Coconut Hemp Milk

Makes 4 1/2 cups

4 cups water*
1 c unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 c raw hulled hemp seeds

Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend for 3 minutes.

Using a cheese cloth, towel or reusable grain bag, pour the milk in and strain all of the pulp.

Refrigerate and serve.

Don't throw out the pulp! Add it to your homemade nut butters, muffins or other baked goods.

*I love the bold strong flavor and the heavy dose of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. If you're more of a 'skim milk' kind of person, feel free to add an extra cup of water.

5 Minute Homemade Playdough without Cream of Tartar

It's been a long week. When I say long, I mean looooooooooooong! Last week, Gabe had a little bike accident with Paul. He didn't want to walk so we look him to the ER and the sent us home letting us know it was bruised and he should be walking soon. 4 days later he was still out of commission. After every bribe in the book and trying everything to force him to walk, we took him back in. This time, they took x-rays and we found out that he has two fractures. After a full week of cheerleading and coaxing Gabe into walking, I was to exhausted to even be upset. We at least know what's going on and can start moving forward. He has a cast and for the next four weeks. Oh, did I mention this weekend was Paul's sisters wedding too and we found out about him needing a cast 3 hours before the rehearsal dinner?!? Like I said, looooooooooooong week!

Well, we got through the wedding and the first few days of a three year old in a cast and we're trying to find our normal. Gabe didn't feel like going outside to play just yet and he was starting to think a lot about his cast. I needed a quick distraction. Yes, playdough! They were so excited. I asked them what colors they wanted and I went to work. I haven't made my normal playdough recipe in a little while. I was digging through my spice cabinet looking for my cream of tartar and I couldn't find it. My heart sank. I quickly went to Google trying to find a recipe that didn't use it. I found this one on a great mommy site. It worked pretty well, but it was a little tacky. For my next batch I added a little more salt and changed up the vinegar a bit. It was perfect.

Gabe completely forgot about his cast (for a good hour) playing, building mountains, making snakes and lizards and even a couple cars. Life was good ... actually, it was great!

I do love my other playdough recipe, but this one was so very easy! It took one pot and hardly any effort. After the kids were done playing, it stuck to itself perfectly for easy cleanup! If you don't have natural, organic food coloring, check out these great ways to make all different colors using food and spices!

5 Minutes Homemade Playdough

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 c water
5 T salt
1 T canola oil
1 T white vinegar
food coloring (optional)
1 c flour, I tried with AP and wheat flour and both worked out
essential oils (optional)

In a pot, add water, salt, oil, vinegar and food coloring over medium heat. Mix it around so the food coloring mixes into everything before adding the flour.

Then add the flour and consistently mix it.

Once it starts thickening around the spoon, turn off the heat but keep mixing until it turns into a big clump. It doesn't take long at all!. Take out of the pot and let it cool for a bit. Finally, knead it for a minute or two. I made four different batches right away and then kneaded them all afterwards so they cooled down.

I add in the essential oils as I'm kneading it. You don't want them heating up in the pot with the playdough. Lavender is my favorite for the kids to play with. I just used two drops per batch.

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

I don't think there has ever been a time in the history of making homemade Mexican that there hasn't been leftovers! I have to munch on chips, salsa and guacamole as the entree is getting ready. By the time I'm ready to eat dinner, I'm full. I always have leftovers!

Last week was no different, we had a little Mexican fiesta with some friends and as always, there was leftover refried beans and spanish rice. The next day, I used a little bit to make quesadillas for lunch, but it didn't even make a dent in what we still had in the fridge. I was full just thinking of eating another taco too!

So, I decided to do what I do with most leftovers ... make them into burgers. I was going to make some black bean burgers, but I realized I was out of oats. A little bummed, I stood in the kitchen eating the spanish rice trying to think of what I was going to make for dinner now. Then, the lightbulb moment hit and I practically threw the rice out of my hands hoping I still had enough to use for the burgers! I don't need oats, I've got perfectly good rice already made and ready to go!!

This would be a true leftover burger. I looked at the other things I still had in the fridge from Mexican night and it was perfect to make a burger with. Beans, rice, peppers, onion ...burgers were back in business!

The best part about making these, is it just took one pan to put them together! Most things were cut and prepped already so in a matter of ten minutes the burgers were in the oven! Repurposing leftovers is the best!!

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

Makes 6 burgers

1 cup refried beans
3/4 c spanish rice
1/2 c shredded cheese (if doing vegan, daiya cheese works best)
1/2 c red and orange bell peppers, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded
juice of half lime
1 1/2 c breadcrumbs or rice chips
Salt and Pepper to taste ... I usually always give an amount but with this recipe it all depends on your rice and beans if they need more salt and pepper. I usually just add a sprinkle of each.

In a pan, saute your onion and red pepper in a little oil. Once onions are becoming translucent add in carrots and saute for another 3 minutes. Add in remaining ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.

Taste a little bit to see if it needs more salt and pepper and add some if you think it needs it.

Divide mixture into 6 burgers and place on a sprayed sheet tray.

Bake at 350º for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for 5 more. Top with some of your leftover salsa or guacamole, fresh greens and serve!