Category Archives: kids

Monday, October 19, 2015

Grain-Free “Corn” Dog Bites

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I am on a never ending mission to make new and fun snacks and lunches for my kiddos.  It makes me happy to fill their lunch bags every morning with nutritious whole food that I feel good about.  My kids LOVE corn dogs, as do I.  I recently saw a new product pop up in the frozen food isle.  They are these little mini corn dogs – they are round and gluten free (the coating is mostly corn).  I bought some to try.  They were good, but the coating was really hard, but I loved how they were bite size!  And do you know what else is bite size?….MINI MUFFINS.  So I created a very basic almond flour batter as the “corn” and used our favorite grass fed beef dogs to make a fun little snack that isn’t deep fried, isn’t on a sick, but mimics the flavor and essence of a corn dog.  My kids gave them a rousing thumbs up, so yay!  Another fun idea for their lunch boxes.  

Continue reading →

Posted by Amber at 7:30 am

Labels: grain free, kids, Paleo, snacks.

11 Comments

  • Emily @ Recipes to Nourish October 19, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    Such a fun idea! I bet my kiddos would love these. My husband would too.

    Reply
    • Amber October 19, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      Oh I am sure of it, Emily. They are a fun…and really good.

      Reply
      • Emily @ Recipes to Nourish October 23, 2015 at 5:31 pm

        Thanks so much for sharing this with us over at Savoring Saturdays linky party! I can’t wait to make these for my family. Yum!

        Reply
  • Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts October 19, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Here’s another recipe of yours that I’m going to personally make and share, Amber! I’ve seen gluten-free recipes with grains, but not a grain-free one. Thank you!

    Shirley

    Reply
    • Amber October 19, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      Oh thanks Shirley! You are so kind. I really hope you like it. My kids had some again in their lunch today and they were so excited. I love when they get happy about food. 🙂

      Reply
  • Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva October 19, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    My kiddos go nutzo for these too Amber! We have made multiple variations..you know me..I can;t leave a recipe alone! We will try your version this week!

    Reply
    • Amber October 20, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      Hi Tessa. Do yo also make them in a mini muffin pan? Such a fun, kid-friendly food. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva October 20, 2015 at 7:30 pm

        Yes!! Easier to pack that way….

        Reply
        • Amber October 20, 2015 at 9:11 pm

          So easy! love it.

          Reply
  • Michelle October 19, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Hello I am not doing any starches at this time, is there anything that can be substituted for the tapioca starch?

    Thanks so much

    Reply
    • Amber October 20, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Hi Michelle, you can most certainly try it without the tapioca. Just be sure to increase the almond flour a bit. Good luck!

      Reply

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Monday, August 17, 2015

Road Trips with Kids…Accessories, Entertainment, & Snacks!

vactions pics 2I grew up traveling and taking road trips up and down California and longer ventures to Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. Because of these experiences, I am old-school when it comes to traveling with my kids.  As a child, I didn’t have the luxury of a portable DVD player or an ipad or handheld video game… and yes there was a lot of car squabbles and frustrations, but there was also a lot of imagination, games, laughter, singing, stories, and memories.  Don’t get me wrong though, we live in a digital world, of course we have a tablet for the last stretch of the trip…or when traffic becomes horrendous.  Continue reading →

Posted by Amber at 8:04 am

Labels: kids, Travel.

8 Comments

  • Michelle @ Unbound Wellness August 17, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Love the snacks! Looks like an awesome trip 🙂

    Reply
    • Amber August 17, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      It sure was…thanks Michelle. 🙂

      Reply
  • Emily @ Recipes to Nourish August 17, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    Looks like lots of fun adventures! Love seeing these photos. xo

    Reply
    • Amber August 17, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Thanks Emily! 🙂

      Reply
  • Eileen @ Phoenix Helix August 18, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    Hi Amber. I’ve seen a lot of travel food posts, but none so detailed on travel entertainment. You’re awesome! I added it to my Travel Link Love Roundup: http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/04/24/link-love-traveling-on-a-healing-diet/

    Reply
    • Amber August 18, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      Hi Eileen,

      I have been thinking about you so much lately! I am going to spend some time on your blog this week catching up on all your wonderful posts. Miss you and look forward to reconnecting. Big hugs.

      Reply
  • Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva August 23, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    Traveling with kids takes some serious pre-palnning…I just did a 2 day one with my kids solo…good times!!! Only an few extra gray hairs…… (; We are currently listening to “Capture” on audio cd….we love audiobooks!!

    Reply
    • Amber August 23, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Hey Tessa. Oh wow, that’s a long trip…and SOLO! Well, you are supermom after all. And yes, audiobooks are the way to go. They are awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. Capture looks great. 🙂 xo

      Reply

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Almond Flour Blueberry Mini Muffins

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Last year I finally bought myself a mini muffin pan…and I love it! I try to keep snack time creative and healthy for the kiddos and mini muffins were a perfect new addition.  I love using almond flour for the muffins, as they are packed with protein.  Any flavor combo is possible and I adore that they are easy to make, easy to pack, and easy to eat.  Today I am sharing blueberry, as blueberries are in season and such a delightful little berry.  I also use cherry, strawberry, or raspberry or any combo of each.  The kids also love banana chocolate chip, which I will share soon.  Have you ever made mini muffins?  I am addicted! Continue reading →

Posted by Amber at 11:49 am

Labels: grain free, kids, muffins, Paleo, snacks, summer cuisine, summer treats.

12 Comments

  • Corinne July 21, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Those look delicious! Will they freeze well? I have yet to freeze any almond flour baked goods so I am curioys about your experience. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Amber July 22, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Hi Corinne. Not sure. Good question. I assume they would freeze well, but I have never tired. They get gobbled up in just a few days. Let me know if you try and how it turns out.

      Reply
  • Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva July 22, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Perfectly simple,and delicious! Mini muffins are THE best for snack time, we use them all the time! Look forward to your mango butter….a nourishing skin fat i have yet to try!

    Reply
    • Amber July 22, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Thanks Tessa. I think you will really enjoy this new healing ingredient!

      Reply
  • Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts July 22, 2015 at 7:13 am

    I agree, Amber. There’s something totally special about mini muffins! Yours look both adorable and delicious!

    xo,
    Shirley

    Reply
    • Amber July 22, 2015 at 11:52 am

      Yes, so fun Shirley. 🙂

      Reply
  • Patrick Grant July 23, 2015 at 11:38 am

    These look fantastic! I’ve been getting into muffins and or muffin pan meals. Do you have any other muffin tin recipes?

    Reply
    • Amber July 24, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Yes! Keep an eye out for more mini muffin recipes to come. 🙂

      Reply
  • Emily @ Recipes to Nourish July 23, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    This recipe looks great! I need to make some for my littles. Looking forward to your lotion recipe too! Looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Amber July 24, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Thanks Emily!

      Reply
  • Miz Helen August 31, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Thanks so much for sharing y our awesome Blueberry muffins with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • Amber August 31, 2015 at 9:21 am

      Thanks Miz Helen.

      Reply

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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Homemade Cashew Butter + Cashew Honey Spread

I’ve been straight obsessed with cashews lately.  I can’t get enough. I’ve been using them in everything.  What a fabulous little nut, wouldn’t you agree (ahem, unless you’re allergic that is).  What prompted me to make my own cashew butter is the pricey jarred cashew butter I use to make Danielle’s awesome bread (as seen in the pictures).  I can get it pretty darn close, but I think you need a magic machine to yield the creaminess you’ll find with Artisana.  But it does the job and I love it.  I wanted to share with you how easy it is to make it yourself.  I make this in a high speed blender (Vitamix).  Cashew butter is delightfully creamy and mixed with honey it’s quite divine.  I hope you’ll give it a try.
 .
Homemade Cashew Butter + Cashew Honey Spread (SCD Friendly)
 
Print
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 cups room temperature raw organic cashews *
  • ½ teaspoon oil (or as needed)
Instructions
  1. Add the cashews to blender and start on low, allowing the cashews to turn into flour. Then turn it up a notch and use the tamper to keep things moving.
  2. You will feel like the motor is going to burn out, but you're okay (and it's loud). Keep it moving.
  3. I don't turn the blender on high during this process (you know, that left switch) - I just keep it turned up to about 10.
  4. After it looks really well incorporated and starts getting creamy, add in the little bit of oil and continue blending. The oil just helps move things along in the final process. Add more as needed.
  5. The cashew butter will be very warm the longer you blend. YOu might want to take a break if things are getting too hot. Use a silicone spatchula to scoop everything out. Don't worry about the little bit remaining between the blades, just make a smoothie and it will clean it right out.
  6. You can store the cashew butter in an air tight container in the cupboard.
Cashew Honey Spread
 
Print
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons cashew butter
Instructions
  1. Mix until incorporated
 .

Shared on: Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Keep It Simple Mondays, Monday Mania, Mealtime Monday,  My Meatless Monday, Just Another Meatless Monday, Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Whole Foods Wednesdays, Raw Foods Thursdays, 

Posted by Amber at 5:20 am

Labels: kids, raw, SCD, spreads.

38 Comments

  • Gabby @ the veggie nook July 28, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Sounds fabulous, especially that honey spread. Man I need a vitamix 😉

    Reply
    • Amber July 31, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      Thanks Gabby, and yes you do need one! It’s made my dairy free life waaaay better. I hear Blendtec is a great blender too, but I have my Vitamix and sticking with it for a while.

      I bought my Vitamix on QVC a few years ago (they had a great sale and I could make payments). Gotta love that. 🙂

      Reply
  • Amber Shea @Almost Vegan July 28, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    That honey butter looks divine, Amber! I adore cashew butter too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amber July 31, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      yet another thing we have in common!! 🙂

      Reply
  • Lauren @ Empowered Sustenance July 28, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    Wow–that turned out so thick and creamy! I am just about to bite the bullet and buy a high speed blender, but I can’t decide between a Vitamix or a Blendtek. The combo of honey and cashews here sounds so yummy!

    Reply
    • Amber July 31, 2012 at 11:05 pm

      Thanks, Lauren.

      If I currently didn’t have a Vitamix, I would buy a Blendtec. I’ve heard great things and I also hear it makes a much superior nut butter (it has a fancy feature for this).

      Reply
  • Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen July 29, 2012 at 1:34 am

    This looks amazing! I love making cashew butter! I really don’t think there is anything better than a cashew for creaminess without dairy. That bread looks amazing too!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks Sarena. And the bread is my favorite!!

      Reply
  • Minnie(@thelady8home) July 29, 2012 at 2:48 am

    Cashews are mindblowing, even I love them a lot. Loved the spread you gave with honey. That’s sounding really yummy!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      They are so amazing for us dairy free girls! Love them.

      Reply
  • Laura July 30, 2012 at 4:06 am

    This looks heavenly Amber! I am still on vacation for another week, but I am already excited to make this when I get home. Yumm….

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      Thanks, Laura. xoxo

      Reply
  • Heba @ My Life in a Pyramid July 30, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    This sounds so yummy and easy to make. Just pinned 🙂 Can’t wait to try mixing other flavors with the cashew spread too — like coconut manna, which would make it more hearty, or maybe a few drops of vanilla, which would make it taste like dessert maybe? Anyway, thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      Yes, cashews are so adaptable that way. Love.

      Reply
  • Maggie July 30, 2012 at 11:15 pm

    Oh yum! Reminds me of creamed honey, which is one of my favorites! Another simply fab recipe Amber! xo

    Reply
    • Amber July 30, 2012 at 11:48 pm

      Thanks Maggie. 🙂

      Reply
  • Jen July 30, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    Amber – you rock. I’m craving this now. Do you think it would work in a food processor? The last time I made something like this in my Vitamix (which is VERY old), I pushed the motor a little over the edge. I’ve got to try this though. Maybe my problem is I hit the “big daddy switch” like you warn not to do…

    Any thoughts? Keep the posts comin’-

    Jen

    Reply
    • Amber July 30, 2012 at 11:48 pm

      Thanks, Jen.

      Unfortunately, this will not work in a food processor. I mean, it will work, but it won’t be creamy. I’ve tried many times in a food processor and it’s rather grainy. The magic of the high speed is needed.

      Ha ha, yes, I don’t kick over that big daddy switch at all.

      Let me know if you find a way to get it without the high speed.

      Reply
  • glutenfreehappytummy.com July 31, 2012 at 2:07 am

    wow Amber that looks incredible! i’m with you — i LOVE cashews! — I pretty much add them to everything — they add such a creaminess! amazing! great recipe! have a wonderful night!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks dear.

      Reply
  • France@beyondthepeel July 31, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    I really need to invest in a vitamix!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      Um, yes you do my friend! I think you would just love the possibilities with these high powered machines. This was one of the best investments I ever made for my kitchen.

      Reply
  • CassidyS July 31, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    Wow this looks so great! I really wish I had a vitamix!!!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      I can’t believe you DON’T have one. They are amazing little machines. 🙂

      Reply
  • Farty Girl July 31, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    Do you soak your nuts?

    That’s what she said! 🙂

    Srsly though, you may yield a creamier texture from soaking them for 4-6 hours. This also makes them more digestible (necessary for fartyg ova here).

    However, soaking them does change the color and consistency considerably.

    Hope you doin’ gooood! <3

    Reply
  • Amber July 31, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Ha ha, there is really no way to talk about all these nuts without laughing (nut bag, nut cheese, nut milk) COME ON!

    I’m so bad when it comes to cashews. They are the one nut I don’t soak (for making cashew butter). I have tried soaking them, but it didn’t work (for the butter that is). That being said, I didn’t dehydrate them. But for you (and me) I will try this for sure! 🙂

    P.S. Saw a great movie (via Netflix): Beginners.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFM3AE64bgw

    P.S. My book: Light on Yoga came last week. Really loving it. 🙂

    Reply
  • sophiesfoodiefiles August 2, 2012 at 9:41 am

    I really love your cashew butter &that honey cashew butter spread too!
    I have made them 2 already & loved them so much!

    A huge thank you!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks for your great feedback. Have a wonderful day. 🙂

      Reply
  • Heather @Gluten-Free Cat September 21, 2012 at 12:18 am

    So cashew butter was enough. But with honey? Insanely delicious!!!!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      I thought you might like this one, Heather. 🙂

      Reply
  • Unknown September 28, 2012 at 1:17 am

    Thanks for your lovely blog! I was wondering if we could do seeds butter without a vitamix. I can’t afford it but I would love to make my own seeds butter. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:43 pm

      Hi There,

      I have had good success with making seed butters in a food processor. Give that a try for sure. Good luck!

      Reply
  • Tegan October 22, 2012 at 4:06 am

    This looks awesome!!
    I hope you don’t mind I am going to share this, and then use it in a Zesty Cannellini Bean and Cashew Houmous dip 😀

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      Not at all! Thanks so much.

      Reply
  • stmwhittemore January 27, 2013 at 4:19 am

    So excited to try this!! Stocking up on cashews while I’m out tomorrow mmm thanks!

    Reply
    • Amber March 6, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      I need to get some cashews today too! I go through them so darn fast. I hope the homemade cashew butter works well for you.

      Reply
  • Anonymous August 4, 2013 at 2:50 am

    I make my own cashew butter in my Black and Decker food processor, and it does a wonderful job at getting it really creamy. You need to give it a rest every few minutes, and it comes out so creamy and divine!!!

    Reply
    • Amber July 11, 2015 at 8:26 pm

      Great tip! I will give that a try and update the post.

      Reply

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Allergy-Friendly Play Dough (2 ways)

I came across a really fun child-friendly activity/gift idea in the latest issue of Living Free magazine (pg. 10): making your own allergy-friendly play dough! 
I’ve been thinking about the Holidays here and all the gift giving that’s just around the corner.  Between my husband and I we have a pretty big family and we can’t possibly buy everyone a gift.  We find pleasure in simple 1-item gift exchanges, happiness in each other’s company, good food, music, and laughter.  But we do have little children in our immediate and extended family.  When I read this article in Living Free I thought, now there is a super cute idea for a child.  You could make the dough yourself, or provide the ingredients in a little jar with instructions and they could make it at their leisure.  I wanted to share the two recipes with you today.  

#1: Play Clay
Makes about 2 pounds
If not used immediately, store in an airtight container 
or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
2 cups baking soda
1 1/4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or oil of choice 
2-3 drops food color (optional) – I only use this natural plant-based food coloring
How To
1.  Mix together potato starch and baking soda and pour into sauce pan.
2.  Mix water and oil in small bowl.  Add food coloring, if using.
3.  Heat saucepan and pour in water and oil, stirring constantly about 3 minutes or until clay holds together in a ball. (Small lumps will appear and then clay will hold together.)
4.  Turn off heat.  Spoon clay onto parchment paper and let cool slightly.


#2: Salt Dough
Makes about 1 pound 
If not used immediately, store in an airtight 
container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. 

Ingredients
1 cup table salt
1 cup rice flour
1/2 cup water, more as needed
2 drops food coloring (see above)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, if needed

How To
1.  Mix together salt and flour in a saucepan.  Pour in water and add food coloring, if using.
2.  Cook over medium meat until dough forms into a ball.  If dough is too dry to hold together, add more water 1 Tbsp at a time.
3.  Spoon dough onto parchment paper and let cool slightly 
4.  Knead until smooth and shape into a ball.  If dough is too hard, knead in 1 teaspoon oil until well distributed.

Picture from Hippo Flambe
Shard on: Thriving on Thursday, 
Posted by Amber at 4:27 am

Labels: allergy-friendly, how to, kids.

4 Comments

  • Mrs. Ed December 19, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Your blog is full of good ideas. I will have to try this one. We used to order gluten-free play dough from discount school supply, but it was very pricey. Then we tried the soy-yer dough which worked better with his playdough toys, but the colors were very pastel. Plus we would have fun making our own. Thanks for the great post.

    Reply
  • Amber December 19, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    Thanks!

    I would love to hear how you like it if you make it. 🙂

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Anonymous February 11, 2012 at 3:15 am

    Anything that is SCD friendly? Could you use coconut or almond flour?
    Thanks,
    Lisa

    Reply
  • Amber February 11, 2012 at 3:35 am

    Hello Anonymous,

    Great question. I have also wondered about this. If I come across any tested recipes I will add a link here in the comments. Or, if I create a recipe I will definitely post it on my blog.

    I found some info on a basic modeling clay recipe on line, and I’m guessing you can just use coconut flour as a substitute for “regular” flour:

    “The simplest recipe for modeling clay, long a favorite of parents with young children, contains 3 parts flour, 1 part water and 1 part salt. No cooking is required; you simply mix up the ingredients in a bowl, and the clay is ready for your child’s artistic play. Although this concoction does not taste good, you need not worry about your little one trying a bite, since it is nontoxic. You can even mix a few drops of food coloring into the clay for added interest.”

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply

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