#Maple Nut Goodie

[blagueofchaos]

Yay for kitty eating food! 💜💜💜

Huzzah!! Yeah it's still been rocky lately (this ask is from a few weeks ago) and I'll be honest I still worry every time he breaths a little differently. Maple's appetite has been up and down but he ate pretty well today and it reminded me I had this ask because yeah, every time he eats I am just so proud of him and I have to fawn over him because he's such a good boy, eating his foods. Every bite he takes is a small victory. I've had a rough time of it getting his pills into him lately, but as long as he's eating I can dropper his vitamins into that and then at least I know he's getting nourishment and nutrition to help him restore his blood. It's still tough, but he's a tough little boy kitty and I'm amazed by his strength. I really do just love this little boy so so much.

Anyways, I'm also answering this now because I've gotten a few good pictures of him over the last couple of days and this is an excuse to share cat pictures now :)

He's a model <3

Here he is sitting on the toilet because he's a silly little boy <3 Maybe I should do that thing people do sometimes and toilet train him haha.

And here he and his sister are in one of the rare moments when I have been able to get them not only both laying together but also both looking at the camera! I sent this to my dad captioned "a portrait of your grandchildren" ;)

[giftshopfestival]

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Daycare Teachers They’ll Love

Christmas is a season of giving and showing appreciation to those who play significant roles in our lives. Among these special individuals, daycare teachers stand out for their dedication and care. They provide unwavering support and love to our children daily, helping them grow in a nurturing environment. This holiday season, why not express your gratitude with a thoughtful gift? If you’re searching for the perfect present, look no further! Here are unique Christmas gift ideas that daycare teachers will undoubtedly love.

The Magic of Personalized Gifts

A personalized gift can make anyone feel special. It's a way to show that you’ve put thought and effort into their present, adding a touch of personal significance that off-the-shelf items often lack. Here are some delightful personalized gifts to consider:

Custom Engraved Wood Pen Set with Maple Case

For daycare teachers who love to pen down thoughts, a custom engraved wood pen set is an ideal gift. This elegant set features pens crafted from maple wood, each engraved with the teacher's name or a special message. Presented in a matching maple case that can also be personalized, this gift is both practical and sentimental. Whether it’s used for jotting down notes or writing heartfelt letters, this pen set serves as a lovely keepsake that they'll cherish for years to come.

Swanky Badger Personalized Wallet

A personalized wallet is perfect for the stylish daycare teacher. The Swanky Badger leather wallet can be customized with the teacher’s initials or name, making it a functional yet personal gift. It comes beautifully packaged in a gift box, ready to be given. This thoughtful gesture will surely bring a smile to your child’s teacher every time they reach for their wallet.

Relaxation and Pampering with Spa Gifts

Daycare teachers work hard and often need some time to unwind and relax. A spa gift is an excellent way to help them de-stress and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Here are some pampering gifts that will help them do just that:

Spa Day Gift Basket

Transform your daycare teacher’s home into a personal spa with a Spa Day Gift Basket. Filled with indulgent items such as bath salts, candles, and a loofah sponge, this basket offers everything they need for a relaxing experience. The basket itself can be reused for storage or as a decorative piece, adding an extra touch of utility to this luxurious gift.

Gourmet Treats for the Foodie Teacher

Who doesn’t love a good snack? A gourmet snack gift basket is a delightful way to show appreciation, especially for teachers who enjoy munching on tasty treats. Here’s a basket that will satisfy any foodie:

Gourmet Snack Gift Basket

Packed with a variety of delicious goodies such as chocolates, nuts, and cookies, this Gourmet Snack Gift Basket is a treat for the taste buds. It’s a perfect gift for daycare teachers who love to snack and will surely be appreciated during their breaks. This basket not only delights the senses but also shows thoughtfulness and care.

Capturing Memories with Photo Gifts

Photos capture precious memories, and giving a daycare teacher a personalized photo gift is a wonderful way to celebrate the moments they’ve shared with your child. Here are some heartfelt photo gift ideas:

Custom Style Metal Photo Frame

A custom photo frame is an excellent way to showcase a special picture of your child and their daycare teacher. You can choose a frame with an engraved message or personalize it with the teacher’s name. This lovely frame will hold cherished memories and be a constant reminder of the bond they share with your child.

Artfeel Photo Album 4x6 with 300 Pockets

A photo album is a timeless gift that never goes out of style. The Artfeel Photo Album with 300 pockets is perfect for creating a custom book filled with photos from your child’s time at daycare. Along with heartfelt messages and quotes, this album becomes a sentimental keepsake that the teacher can treasure forever.

Sherpa Blankets – The Ultimate Cozy Gift

A soft and cozy Sherpa blanket is a great way to show appreciation. It’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch or staying warm at outdoor events. You can even get it personalized with the teacher's name or a special message.

Sherpa blankets are not only practical but also offer a personal touch. Imagine the joy on your child's daycare teacher's face when they receive a warm, fuzzy blanket with their name embroidered on it. It’s a gift that says, “I care about your comfort and well-being.”

This type of gift can be used both at home and in the classroom. Whether they are reading a story to the children or relaxing after a long day, a Sherpa blanket is perfect for any occasion.

Warm Socks – Practical and Thoughtful

A pair of warm and fuzzy socks is always a hit. They are practical yet thoughtful, making them an ideal gift for any daycare teacher. Socks can be worn at home or even kept in their desk at work for those extra chilly days.

You can find fun and festive holiday-themed socks to add some cheer to the gift. Consider choosing socks with patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees to make the gift even more special.

Warm socks are also a great stocking stuffer. Pair them with another small gift or a heartfelt note to create a memorable present that shows your appreciation.

Baking and Decorating Cookies

Baking and decorating cookies is a fun and festive activity that you can do with your child. Fill a holiday tin or basket with these treats, along with a thoughtful note or card.

This personal touch will make the gift extra special. Handmade cookies show that you took the time and effort to create something unique and delicious. Plus, baking together with your child can be a wonderful bonding experience.

Consider adding a variety of cookies to the tin, such as classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate chip cookies. This way, there's a treat for every taste preference.

Gourmet Christmas Hot Chocolate Cocoa Gift Box Set

Who doesn't love a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This gourmet hot chocolate gift set comes with various flavors and is perfect for cozying up at home or in the daycare classroom.

A hot chocolate gift set is unique and indulgent. It’s a sweet treat that any teacher will appreciate. Look for sets that offer different flavors like peppermint, caramel, and classic chocolate.

Include a festive mug or two to complete the gift. The daycare teacher can enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa while relaxing and unwinding during the holiday season.

Gift Cards – The Gift of Choice

Sometimes, we just don't know what to get someone. That's where gift cards come in handy! Consider getting your child's daycare teacher a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant. This allows them to treat themselves and choose something they truly love.

Gift cards are versatile and practical. They offer the recipient the freedom to pick out exactly what they need or want. Here are some excellent gift card options:

Amazon Gift Card

With so many options on Amazon, your child's teacher can choose from a wide variety of gifts – from books and movies to household items and electronics. It's a versatile gift that is sure to be used and appreciated.

Walmart Gift Cards

Another option is a Walmart gift card. This popular retail store offers a wide range of products, making it easy for your child's teacher to find something they love. From groceries to clothing to household items, there's something for everyone at Walmart.

[emmysorganics]

4 Lower-in-Sugar Treat Ideas for Kids’ Packed Lunches

Are you packing lunches for school days? Filling your kid’s lunch only with foods considered “healthy,” like celery sticks and low-fat yogurt can be tempting, but a restrictive approach can backfire. It’s important to encourage healthy habits and offer a balanced lunch that ensures your kids have everything they need to have a good relationship with all foods, including sweets!

Instead of withholding delicious sweets from their lunch bags, offer a treat that aligns with your idea of a better-for-you snack, like a coconut cookie or a dark cacao cookie. There are tasty, organic treats with wholesome ingredients out there that will keep everyone happy.

Wholesome Coconut Cookies

Coconut cookies are a fantastic gluten-free option for parents looking for health-conscious snacks. There are coconut cookies with wholesome ingredients like coconut, almond flour, coconut oil, and agave. You may find flavors like dark cacao, peanut butter, and lemon ginger, but chocolate chip coconut cookies are always a good bet for kids. They’ll love the idea of having a chocolate chip cookie in their lunch, even if it doesn’t have refined flour or sugar. You might also be able to find convenient pre-portioned grab-and-go bags of coconut cookies that are easy to toss in a lunch bag.

Snackable Homemade Granola

Granola can be a store-bought food that’s surprisingly high in sugar, but you don’t have to buy granola when you can make some at home with those beloved coconut cookies chocolate chip from before. Granola is a delicious snack for school because your kiddo can enjoy it on its own or use it to top other foods, like yogurt or a morning smoothie. Simply crumble your coconut cookies with oats, nuts, coconut flakes, maple syrup, and mashed ripe banana, then spread the mixture out on a tray and bake at 350° Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Crunchy Coconut Bites

Kids might like to munch on sweets straight from the bag. If that sounds like your kiddo, choose a snack that you don’t feel the need to limit to just one serving. A coconut-based crunchy treat is an excellent choice—you can even find one where the main ingredient is coconut chips! Coconut is a satiating food with a natural sweetness that carries over into goods with coconut, like crunchy coconut bites.

Indulgent Gluten-Free Brownies

Sometimes, nothing is as exciting to a child as a brownie or a blondie, but you don’t have to make a conventional box brownie or find a complicated recipe online. There are delicious, gluten-free brownie and blondie baking mixes available without refined sugar. Instead, these treats have a small amount of coconut sugar. They’re the perfect snack or dessert and will always elicit little happy dances from kids of all ages.

Treats have a place in children’s lunches; they can help kids form a healthy relationship with all foods, including sweets. Plus, something that tastes delicious and sweet doesn’t have to be full of sugar. Chocolate chip coconut cookies, homemade granola, crunchy coconut bites, and even brownies can be the lower-in-sugar snacks you pack for your kids so that they can fuel their bodies with better-for-you, organic ingredients.

About Emmy’s Organics

Gluten-free foodies with a taste for delicious treats will delight in the snacks from Emmy’s Organics. All of the certified organic and gluten-free goodies from Emmy’s Organics feature wholesome ingredients you can pronounce so that you always enjoy your snacking adventures. With satisfying Coconut Cookies, munchable Coconut Crunch’Ems, sharable gluten-free Brownie Snaps, rich Chocolate Covered Coconut Cookies, and delicious baking mixes, Emmy’s Organics has something for everyone. By choosing Emmy’s, not only do you support your stomach in times of growliness, but you also support a certified B Corp involved with various social and environmental justice campaigns while hiring refugees and paying livable wages. Yep—it’s a mouthful! But Emmy’s Organics only offers mouthfuls of goodness: good ingredients, good recipes, and good business practices.

Find all the snacks and treats you need for the school year at https://emmysorganics.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3YJlpk7

[crispypringle]

Ah yes my favorite snack

[southernlovergirl]

fell in love with vancouver this week on my trip! while i am glad to be home, i am also excited again because my best friend & i are planning a girls weekend for her fall break, and i brought back some goodies from canada to share in our autumn-themed charcuterie board we’re planning to make together!! ♡

first on my expedition into the famous Granville Market, i met this girl selling local honey and she was so sweet. I instantly fell in love & bought a little gift basket with a selection of several flavored honeys! the little 3oz jars from the Chilliwack River Valley Natural Honey came in the flavors Wildflower, Blueberry, and Mountain honey, packaged in a braided wicker basket with tiny black eyed susans and straw for stuffing. i love that every jar lid was wrapped in soft tartan cloth and fastened with gold twine.

i also met an older woman with lovely silver hair and a kind smile working a stand close to the harbor on Granville Island and selling candied nuts. She let me taste test as many as I chose and was eager for me to try them all! I finally settled on the Canadian maple almonds packaged in a cellophane cone & tied with a pretty red ribbon. I loved the taste and thought they’d be the perfect addition to my fall charcuterie selection!

and lastly, i met a really sweet French guy in the market selling cheeses of all kinds. There was gorgeous fresh brie and pecorino romano and some with beautiful rinds with names I could hardly pronounce. Sadly I didn’t think I could find a way to make the cheeses last the trip or my journey back to the states. So he suggested I at least try some of their preserves! He recommended his favorite to me, an orchard pear & pinot noir confiture, and I ended buying a second, the more popular of the two, a fig & walnut wine preserve. I think the figs, notes of walnuts, and slight taste of cinnamon in the pear jam will pair so nicely I think with the rest of our pickings for the autumn palate!

anyhow, vancouver was so lovely & I am so desperate to go back. i will post some photos here when i can (or when i remember!)

much love, B ♡

[rp-meme-central]

Don’t Starve Together - Willow comments on other players - sentence starters

1. “Why _____... that fire in your eyes!” 

2. “Let me help you with your next fire!” 

3. “Hey! That’s my face! Give it back!” 

4. “You’re making us look nuts!” 

5. “Murderer! Burn the imposter!”

6. “Is that really what my ghost hair looks like?” 

7. “Burn the murderer!” 

8. “Hey _____, did you know the heart is a muscle?” 

9. “I’ve never seen you so, uh, passionate.” 

10. “_____’s gone nuts! Murderer!” 

11. “Isn’t death kind of your thing?” 

12. “Was that your fire? I’m so proud!” 

13. “Better cool it before you blow a gasket, _____!” 

14. “Killer robot! Burn it!” 

15. “Are we lighting fires?! I want in!” 

16. “Murderer. BURN!”

17. “Is there maple syrup in your veins? You’re so sweet!” 

18. “Burn it all, _____! Burn it!” 

19. “Your actions speak louder than words! Murderer!” 

20. “Make it BURN!”

21. “I knew your couldn’t be trusted! Burn!” 

22. “Amateur.” 

23. “Woah! That’s not an act! Murderer!” 

24. “Hey _____, you’re not venomous, are you?” 

25. “Monster! Burn them!” 

26. “Your fires are so cute!” 

27. “Too rough, _____! Jeez!” 

28. “A heart sure would come in handy!” 

29. “You’re supposed to prank everyone else, not me!” 

30. “You’re looking a little pale there, _____.” 

31. “Hey! Keep those creeping vines to yourself!” 

32. “I’m gonna burn you like tinder!”  

33. “You’ve got a lot of guts for a _____. I like that!” 

34. “You’re a real little terror, aren’t you?”

35. “Don’t make me snuff you out!” 

36. “Thanks for the hand... or, uh, claw?” 

37. “Yeesh, what happened to you?” 

38. “Alright, I’m sorry for calling you a goody-goody.” 

39. “I think _____’s actually having fun.” 

40. “Who ‘doesn’t know fire safety’ now?”

[bulldyke-rider]

Tell me you were raised by your grandma without telling me you were raised by your grandma: Candy edition

These but in the giant bag that just says Halloween candy and half the wrappers are orange

Maple nut goodies but only made by Amish people or purchased from the candy store.

Chocolate peanuts. And I said I didn't like chocolate raisins, but I was lying. Those slap too.

Butterscotch but only in this packaging. Do not hand me any other butterscotch. They taste the best when they have a crack in them.

These shits. These fuckin caramel creams.

These are called dessert mints. Maybe also party mints. Fuck all that shit cause these is candy pillows

[honkyfruitcake]

I was busy yesterday!! Here’s some vegan goodies to share with you:

Quick pickled jalapeños

My brine recipe is 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1.5 tablespoon sweetener like a granulated sugar or maple syrup, and 1.5 tsp salt, then I’ll throw in a couple garlic cloves, a few pepper corns, and some mustard and fennel seeds -doubled for a big jar like this one

Cinnamon rolls

I like the filling a little thicker so I added date paste and it’s heavenly…reminiscent of pecan spin wheels without the nuts. (Recipe by Tasty)

Seitan roast with garlic bread and roasted potatoes

Our dinner from scratch with was

•seitan roast (roughly followed this recipe)

•roasted potatoes (tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, baked @ 350° F for ~30 minutes)

•garlic bread (Meijer sells a garlic bread spread in the bakery now that’s vegan…maybe not healthy but it’s vegan !!)

•the best gravy I ever made!!! (Made from the seitan simmering broth which I did not follow the recipe and don’t remember what I did to share with you all)

Homemade Granola

In my newly thrifted strawberry jar ($1.49!!). If anyone cares for my vegan granola recipe message me!

[foodoftheland]

Clean Snacks That Will Keep You on Track

Eating clean is not about cutting all fun foods out of your diet; it is simply about changing the quality and types of food you eat. Eating clean can be just as delicious as any other way of eating, and there is a wide variety of food that will help you avoid temptation and ensure you thrive in every way. By eating a variety of tasty snacks, you will find it easier to stick to clean eating.

Here are a few ideas to keep you going when you are tempted to indulge in unhealthy foods.

Clean Trail Mix

This snack is easy to personalize, put together and keep on hand wherever you go. Simply pick your favourite nuts, dried fruits and other goodies like roasted chickpeas. Choose organic dried fruits that contain no preservatives, and choose a variety or raw and roasted nuts without any added low-quality oils.

 Loaded Smoothie

A smoothie is a treat you can have every day, and with major benefits to your health. Add in a variety of fresh or frozen fruits, such as cherries, berries and mangos. Add in a large handful of greens such as kale or spinach. Put in flaxseeds, hemp hearts, and add a bit of Greek yogurt. Blend with water or fresh juice and it is ready to go.

 Greek Yogurt Parfait

If you are bored of eating the same Greek yogurt day after day, make a parfait out of it. Simply use a clear glass and add a layer of Greek yogurt, berries, organic granola and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Swap the items occasionally when you get bored of them for a brand new treat every time you make it. Variety keeps you from getting fed up and falling back into old eating habits.

Hummus and Veggies

Hummus and veggies is a great snack to eat when you are quite hungry, because it is extremely filling. Hummus is easy to make by blending chickpeas with ingredients such as tahini, fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and a bit of salt. Add any spices you enjoy such as cumin and paprika. Cut a bunch of your favourite fresh vegetables into bite-size pieces, and add black bean chips or rice cakes if you are feeling in the mood for something "chip-like."

 Energy Bites

Energy bites can be as individualized as you are. If you are the adventurous type, simply begin pouring ingredients into a huge mixing bowl. Begin with a nut butter of your choice, and add things like sesame seeds, chia seeds, cocoa powder, oat flour, honey and maple syrup. You can get as creative as you like with additional ingredients. These can be frozen and eaten any time you need a quick, healthy snack.

 Kale Chips

Kale chips are a great substitute when you have a craving for unhealthy, packaged potato chips. Wash the kale and dry thoroughly, then drizzle olive oil and a shake of salt over it. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy.

You can eat snacks that are both healthy and enjoyable. Doing so will help you push away cravings for the food you used to eat. When you are in the mood to make wrong food choices, simply choose one of these snacks instead and get back on track.

[carrotlunch07-blog]

Yogurt and Oats for Breakfast

Yogurt is a super versatile ingredient or dish in itself. This recipe for yogurt and oats contains all kinds of extra goodies to help you start the day right.

You love yogurt. It’s a health food, isn’t it? It’s even what they call a super food. But, is it really all it’s cracked up to be, or are there some things you should take into consideration when you choose yogurt to enjoy at home?

Yogurt has long been considered a healthy food to enjoy on a regular basis. Not only is it high in protein and important nutrients, but it also can aid digestion, boost your immunities, protect against osteoporosis, and promote heart health and a healthy weight.

However, for years yogurt companies have stuffed their yogurts with sugar and additives making it a little less impressive as a healthy food. The junk they put in can detract from some of yogurt’s innate benefits.

So, how can you enjoy yogurt without all the bad stuff? 

Buy or make it plain and dress it up yourself.

Yogurt: Health food or junk food?

As you know, over the last few years I’ve been doing some serious food reading. Not about cooking per se, but about nutrition, portion control, eating habits, our food sources, government regulations on food, and the way marketers try to get us to buy stuff. It has been an education to be sure.

Some of the books that have had a tremendous impact in how I think about food include:

It’s through the reading of these books that I’ve made slow shifts in how I shop and cook and in how my family eats. We’re not as “crunchy” as they come, but we don’t eat exclusively out of a box, either.

Slowly but surely, I’m making changes to improve my family’s diet without busting our budget. I cook more from scratch, and we try to avoid chemicals, artificial ingredients, processed sugars, and unfermented soy. I am working on making healthy eating easier over all.

One of the new wrinkles in this healthier eating paradigm, has been to examine the yogurt we eat.

Yogurt has always been one of my very favorite breakfast foods. In my non-pregnant and nursing years, I haven’t really been a milk-drinker, so yogurt and cheese help me keep up on my calcium.

Years ago I was a diehard Yoplait or La Creme fan. Coupons and sales were plentiful for those items so I could keep the refrigerator stocked to the brim, buying as many as 60 cartons at a time. I thought that I was buying “health food.”

It was only later when I started to reduce our intake of processed sugars and processed foods in general that I found out how SWEET these yogurts actually were. Plus, often they had all kinds of ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.

How to switch to plain yogurt

So, I made some changes. I started buying large 32-ounce cartons of plain, or sometimes vanilla, yogurt, preferably Cascade,  Mountain High, or Fage brands.

Not all my kids liked that change. But most of them have gone along with it, especially when honey or maple syrup is drizzled over the top. Occasionally I buy Trader Joe’s vanilla and blueberry cups, but not often.

If you or yours are slow to be won over to plain yogurt, consider one or more of the following toppings for plain yogurt:

maple syrup

honey

jam

fruit syrup

fresh fruit

granola or nuts

It may take some time, but you’ll be a convert before too long.

Uses for plain yogurt.

Plain yogurt is an incredibly versatile ingredient to keep on hand.

It’s great to use in baking instead of buttermilk. Just mix half yogurt and half milk as your buttermilk substitute.

Use it as a thickener in smoothies.

Mix it with whipped cream to reduce the fat and increase the protein in your favorite sweet topping.

Substitute it for sour cream in recipes to give an equivalent tang without all the fat.

Can you make yogurt at home?

Believe it or not, it’s incredibly easy to make yogurt at home! A few years ago I experimented with making yogurt myself. One night I tested two different methods:

I also read about the microwave/oven and cooler methods, but decided to go with these first two methods. The next morning I compared the yogurts I had made. They were like Laurel and Hardy, one was thick, the other thin.

The slow cooker method was good, but thin like buttermilk. Folks suggested that I strain the yogurt to thicken it, but it was so thin, the yogurt went right through the sieve. I used some in baking and churned the rest into frozen yogurt.

The yogurt incubated on the heating pad was thick and creamy. Since we like THICK yogurt, you can guess that I’m a fan of the heating pad method.

Try them both out and see for yourself which you prefer. I originally tested with whole milk, but have since made homemade yogurt with nonfat milk and it turned out fine and thick, albeit a little on the tart side in comparison.

My preferred method for making homemade yogurt is to combine 1 quart milk, 1/4 cup powdered milk, 2 tablespoons yogurt with live cultures, and to incubate it for 5 hours according to the heating pad method.

Enjoy Yogurt and Oats for Breakfast.

As a born Francophile, I’ve loved reading The French Women series by Mireille Guiliano and have been encouraged by many of the suggestions she has to offer for life, work, and good eats.

One of those habits that I’ve adapted for my own is what Ms. Guiliano calls “Magical Breakfast Cream”. I can’t vouch for its magical properties, but I know that I like it, at least how I tweaked it.

I’ve made some significant changes to her recipe. Her recipe calls for shredded wheat cereal instead of oats, flax seed oil instead of meal, and orange instead of lime, as well as the addition of ground nuts. My tweaks are thanks to what I normally stock in my pantry.

This variation has become my daily breakfast, packed with protein and filling enough to get me through the morning.

Yogurt is a super versatile ingredient or dish in itself. This recipe for yogurt and oats contains all kinds of extra goodies to help you start the day right.

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: oatmeal, oats, yogurt, yogurt and oats

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

2 tablespoons rolled oats not cooked

1 tablespoon chopped roasted almonds

1 teaspoon flax seed meal

the juice and pulp of half a lime

1 teaspoon honey

In a small bowl, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Stir or not, depending on how you like it.

Level up your meal planning and prep.

Need a little extra motivation to get on your meal planning game? Want to make lunch packing less of a drag? Creating a kitchen survival kit to help you WIN in the kitchen this school year.

I’d love for you to join me for the next Mom’s Kitchen Survival Workshop!

Together, we’ll create a plan to help you get dinner on the table every night, fill your freezer with wholesome snacks and breakfasts, finesse your lunch-packing skills, and even make sure you get a daily dose of MOM food.

Learn more here so that when registration opens, you won’t miss out.

Source: https://goodcheapeats.com/2018/09/morning-yogurt-and-oats/

[fanesavin]

Yule, when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy.

A Yule festival set to be held at the Savin Estate Gardens (technically set on the 21st - 22nd December 2018) but running IRL for however long people want to do things for. 

This year the Savins as a whole have decided to do something a little different, no ostentatious yule dance this year but instead a focussed spin on bringing people together. In the run up to christmas local business owners have been invited to set up their own business stalls for the duration of the celebrations to form a christmas market in the Savin gardens around a central large bonfire to be lit later in the evening. Whether to drum up business or promote new items on sale for the holiday season the celebrations serve two purposes: to bring the people together and also to celebrate the solstice. 

With a dusting of magic the skies around the area have been charmed to snow and give a truly festive feel before the lighting of the bonfire later into the evening. Guests are welcome to take a romantic stroll and explore the grounds which have all been decorated and lit in a festive atmosphere. Festive attire is more than encouraged whether traditional, warm or down right christmassy guests can dress however they please.

With live musicians and performers wandering about there’s something for everyone old and young alike to discover: singing, dancing and merry-making the whole night long. Toast smores, decorate edible christmas goodies, eat and drink to your heart’s content (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available at different stations dotted around the market). Goers are encouraged to simply have a good night and celebrate with friends.

7 - 8 PM:

In the spirit of the true solstice and burning of the yule log all have been invited to bring their own log or to decorate one; provided at a decorating and carving station set up near the central bonfire for those who wish to decorate their own. 

For those who do not, the yule tradition continues in the spirit of writing a wish and/or burning a sprig of holly (provided) to burn away your troubles from the past.

There will be photographers wandering the event ready to snap a festive shots of friends, family and couples.

// OOC note: Feel free to get creative with the stalls and bits and pieces of entertainment that will be around the list is limitless really but some ideas are below the cut.

Knock down (bottle/can stack), ring toss, etc etc!

Beverage stalls: Toasted cider, Hot chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Beers sold in stations dotted around the gardens

Food Stalls: Small local speciality food stations hot roasted caramelised nuts, bakery goods, chocolates, BBQ, fudge, sweets, 

Handmade jewelry

Crystals / Potions

Ceramic houseware

Honey/Preserves/Maple syrup etc (local produce!)

Kids christmas decorating / arts + crafts station/face painting as well as gingerbread house making and cookie decorating

Various shows / Performances (magic, stand up, singing, music)

Yule log decorating / carving station

Snowball fights

Sledging

Magically appearing mistletoe ;D

[downtoearthmarkets]

If you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration and do something a little different and on trend this year, serving an attractive, well-architected charcuterie board is sure to be a holiday crowd pleaser. Although they are currently enjoying a moment, charcuterie boards have been around for a long time. The concept of these platters originated in 15th century France and was used to describe shops specializing in cured meats (charcutiers) selling stylized arrangements of pork and other products. These days, charcuterie boards can be composed of a variety of different edible goodies and offer a fantastic opportunity for creative expression through food. Here are some tips and ingredient ideas to get you started on building a board that will make a popular Thanksgiving appetizer or elegant table centerpiece: Type of Board Think of the charcuterie board itself as the blank slate to which you are going to add your own unique creation. A cutting board, cheese board, serving tray, butcher’s block or even a tabletop covered in parchment paper will all work. Keep in mind, however, that the type of board and surface you choose is the foundational anchor of the presentation and can enhance or detract from it. Non-porous hardwood boards are always a good option from both an aesthetic and microbial standpoint. Look for pieces made from American Cherry, hard maple, beech and walnut. If you’re looking for an upgrade, farmers markets often have local artisans selling their handcrafted boards and other related products, which also make for great holiday and host gifts at this time of the year.   Bread The bread that you include with your charcuterie board will offer a base for the other components. Depending on the number of people you are looking to serve and the size of the board, you’ll typically want to offer two types of bread: sweet and savory. A sweet bread such as a thinly sliced raisin nut loaf will balance out the saltier, tangier meats and cheeses. Savory breads such as sourdough, rye and dark pumpernickel will pair well with everything. The more color, flavor and texture you can include in the form of your breads, the more interesting and appealing the board will be. Meat Charcuterie meat traditionally refers to pork products that are cured, aged and preserved such as prosciutto, salami, mortadella and capocollo. Today, charcuterie boards will encompass a diversity of meat and proteins ranging from pâté to fresh ham to lox. Add to the aesthetic appeal of the board by thinly slicing and folding meat to make it easier to extract, then arranging it in interesting patterns. The greater variety you include in your display, the better chance you’ll have of pleasing the divergent tastes of your guests. Serving a pot of hummus alongside the meat offerings is a great way of including the non-meat-eaters in your gathering.   Cheese It’s a general rule of thumb that the more cheese there is, the merrier! A well-rounded charcuterie board will include one of each of the following four types of cheeses:

Aged: These cheeses are left to ripen for several weeks to several years to develop concentrated flavor. They are harder and firmer in texture and sharper in taste. Cheddar is a good example of an aged cheese that is easy to find in a farmers market.  

Soft: Soft cheeses such as burrata and goat cheese are mild in flavor, while bloomy, soft-ripened cheeses in the style of Brie offer more complexity. They add versatility to a charcuterie board as they can be spread on sliced bread and crackers to allow for easier combining of ingredients.

Hard: A hard cheese such as parmesan can be crumbled into smaller, manageable pieces and piled strategically around the board.  

Blue: Pungent blue cheeses will add some interesting color patterns and piquant flavors to the cheese elements of your platter.

Crudité Raw vegetables, or crudité, will add a healthy, nutritious component to any charcuterie board, while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier, sodium-forward meats and cheeses. The world is your proverbial oyster when it comes to adding crudité to your arrangement! Plus, the fall is a great time of year to source a variety of colorful, tasty produce from the farmers market that is easy to prep and will hold up well including:

Celery sticks*

Carrot sticks

Bell pepper strips

Broccoli florets

Cauliflower florets

Sliced or whole radishes

Olives and Pickles Here’s an interesting piece of Thanksgiving trivia to weave into your holiday table conversation this year! Did you know that from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, both *celery and olives were considered staples of any Thanksgiving spread? Positioning small bowls of olives and other bitesize pickles such as cornichons or baby corn will introduce additional zest to your display and a nod to past traditions. In this scenario, it’s best to opt for pitted olives for ease of consumption and to avoid any unwarranted dental emergencies during the festivities. Fruit and Jams Adding a sweet component to a charcuterie platter is key to balancing out the salty, savory ingredients. Fresh apples are abundant at this time of the year and can be sliced and fanned throughout the board. Incorporating small stacks of dried fruit such as apricots and cherries is another great option, while a pot or two of locally made sweet jams or preserves will pair wonderfully with the bread, meat and cheese.

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

A Celiac's Top 7 Oat Free Gluten Free Snack Bars

New blog post!

*Some of the brands mentioned in this post sent me samples of their products to review and consider for editorial coverage, but I only share products I really love and all opinions and photographs (unless other credit is given) are my own*

What’s the best gluten free snack bar on the market? If you’re new to a gluten free diet, you might think that’s an easy question to answer because you don’t have a ton of gluten free granola bars to choose from. Nowadays, though, new gluten free energy bars are being released every year...and many of them are insanely tasty!

That’s why I thought I’d write a post all about the best gluten free snack bars I’ve gotten to taste since my celiac diagnosis over five years ago. All the gluten free granola bars I’m including below are also oat-free, as many celiacs like me don’t do well with oats, even if they're gluten free. And if you’re looking for gluten free snacks that are packed with protein, stay tuned. I’ll be sharing another round up of my favorite gluten free and vegan protein bars within the next few weeks! Until then, though, let’s dig into my top seven gluten free, oat free energy bars, listed in no particular order. Many of these snack bars are also vegan and some are paleo, too. And keep in mind, I’ve tried a LOT of granola bars over the years but there are still tons I haven’t. So if your favorite gluten free granola bar isn’t on the list, be sure to tell me all about in the comments!

1. Lara Bar

Lara bars are actually the first gluten free snack bar I bought in bulk after my celiac diagnosis. I love that all the ingredients in Lara Bars are simple, whole foods like nuts, dried fruit and spices. For years in college, I’d eat one Lara bar every day during my morning break between classes. My ultimate favorite Lara Bar (Cashew Cookie) is just two ingredients: cashews and dates. I also love Cinnamon Roll (probably my second favorite flavor of all time!), Blueberry Pie, Cherry Pie, and Chocolate Chip Cookie when I want a chocolatey treat.

Because they include so much dried fruit and dates, Lara Bars are pretty sweet. However, if you’re looking for a gluten free, dairy free, soy free and vegan energy bar that doesn’t have any funky ingredients and tastes really good, Lara Bars are a solid choice!

2. Enjoy Life Foods

If you’re a long-time of my blog, you already know I’m addicted to all of Enjoy Life Foods’ products. But when I want a sweet late night snack, their gluten free granola bars are one of my go-to’s. Like all of their products, Enjoy Life Foods’ granola bars are free of the top eight allergens. They come in a variety of flavors, with my favorite being Cocoa Loco (which tastes like a super dense, super chocolatey brownie to me) and Caramel Blondie (which is crunchy from puffed rice but deliciously chewy at the same time).

Enjoy Life Foods also recently released grain-based snack bars that you might enjoy if you can tolerate gluten free oats. To be completely honest, nothing I’ve ever eaten from Enjoy Life Foods has let me down, so you really can’t go wrong with any of Enjoy Life Foods’ snack bars or other goodies.

3. Thunderbird Real Food Bars

Think of Thunderbird like Lara Bar’s slightly more sophisticated older brother. They also use super simple ingredients like dates, nuts and seeds and have a chewy, chunky texture. However, Thunderbird offers even more exciting flavors. Case in point? When I got to try Thunderbird’s granola bars for the first time last year, I was blown away by flavor combos like Hazelnut Coffee Maca, Pecan Goji Pistachio and - my ultimate favorite - Texas Maple Pecan.

An image from their Instagram since I already ate all of my Thunderbird bars...oops!

The Thunderbird snack bars are pretty big in size and very filling, so I often only eat half a time and save the rest in a snack bag for later. But if you love snacking on nuts, seeds and dried fruit and want to shake up your daily eats, I highly recommend giving Thunderbird a try!

4. Elemental Superfood

Raise your hand if you’ve ever wished you could find a slightly chewy, slightly crunchy granola bar that actually doesn’t have oats. If your hands wavin' in the air, prepare to be super excited to try one of my newest gluten free granola bar finds: Elemental Superfood's Seedbar. Elemental Superfood actually reached out to me to ask if I’d like to sample their products...and as soon as I saw that they make certified gluten free energy bars and granola using buckwheat instead of oats, I couldn’t say yes quickly enough. As an added bonus, their energy bars are also raw and packed with superfoods (hence the name!).

So far, I’ve tried two flavors: Cranberry, Almond + Lucuma and Mulberry, Cacao + Spirulina. The bars are drier and crumblier than most of the other granola bars I’ve tried (especially if you eat the bars straight from the fridge, where their packaging suggests storing them). The cacao can also taste bitter if you’re used to more processed varieties. However, I love the unique flavor combos and the mix of chewy fruit with crunchy buckwheat and nuts, and for the past few weeks, I've been addicted to eating one of these bars every night as a sweet snack. Elemental Superfoods Seedbars also have a finer texture than many other nut-based snack bars, so if you don’t like huge chunks of nuts in your bars, you’ve found a winner. Sneaking some extra superfoods into your diet doesn’t hurt either!

5. Freedom Bars

Meanwhile, if you live for big chunks of dried fruit or nuts in your gluten free granola bars, you’ll love Freedom Bars. These are gluten free, soy free, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, free of added sugar...and pretty dang delicious! Right now, Freedom Bars only come in four classic flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Cocoa, Peanut Butter, and Raisin Almond. You know what they say...if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!

These gluten free bars are quite dense and chewy, but the crunchy nuts break up the chewiness and add some variety. I also thought the spice level in these bars - particularly in the Apple cinnamon - was perfect. Not overwhelming but definitely strong enough to make the bar taste like apple pie!

6. ZEGO

If you're looking for the ultimate allergy friendly snack bar, you need to check out ZEGO. Their products and facility are free of the top eight allergens, plus celery, mustard and more. Plus, they intentionally avoid using ingredients that can mess with people's stomachs, so all their snacks are also free from oats, chicory root, artificial sweeteners and alcohols. ZEGO just recently released this sunflower date flavor, so when they reached out to offer samples, the sunflower-butter-lover in me couldn't say no.

ZEGO offers a variety of different energy bar types, including Just Fruit bars, Fruit and Chia Bars and Seed and Fruit Bars. I've tasted the last kind of bar in the Sunflower Date flavor...and, guys, it is crazzzzy tasty. The texture is smooth and slightly crunchy, and the flavor is pure sunflower butter and dates. If you want a naturally sweet treat that still tastes like dessert, ZEGO is one delicious option!

7. Health Warrior

The last gluten free snack bar I’m talking about is actually one I’m an ambassador for (use my code "collegeceliack30" for 30 percent off at check out!). Health Warrior offers three kinds of gluten free bars: vegan chia-seed-based ones, larger superfood protein bars, and pumpkin seed bars. Personally, Health Warrior’s Chia Bars are my favorite gluten free snack bar to throw in my backpack for school or my fanny pack on a long hike. They’re smaller than a lot of other bars on the market, which makes them the perfect sized snack for me. They’re also the only bar I’ve ever tasted that is based on chia seeds, which are high in omegas, protein and fiber. (Read more about why I love chia seeds here!)

I haven’t tried their new flavors (which include flavors like cookie dough and salted caramel), but my top picks so far are açaí (a superfood that tastes kind of like a tart blueberry) and coconut. I was also surprised at how much I enjoyed mango, and the nutty chunks in the almond flavor break up Health Warrior’s usually dense and chewy bars. Health Warrior's pumpkin seed bars are just as tasty, though the pepper in their turmeric flavor is too overwhelming for my palate. The Chocolate Pumpkin Seed bar tastes a little like a lighter, crunchier Kind Bar, so if you love those bars, you might like Health Warrior’s pumpkin snack bars too. Most of those pumpkin seed bars use honey and are not vegan, but Health Warrior just released a new vegan dark chocolate coconut almond pumpkin seed bar as I was writing this post!

The Bottom Line of Gluten Free Snack Bars

Like I said earlier in this post, there are certainly still many oat free and gluten free snack bars I haven’t tried that are probably just as good. Right now, though, these seven are some of my favorites...and I think they do a good job of showing just how diverse gluten free snacks can actually be! Whether you need a big snack and prefer eating granola bars made of whole foods or prefer an allergy friendly granola bar that reminds you of your childhood favorites, there is a gluten free granola bar out there for you. And giving up gluten free oats doesn’t mean you have to give up convenient snacks or flavor.

So the next time you’re having a super busy day at work or school or around town, I hope this list gives you some ideas of gluten free snacks to take with you. And stay tuned for my round up of the best gluten free and vegan protein bars sometime soon! What’s your favorite gluten free granola bar? Tell me in the comments! via Blogger https://ift.tt/2QkX3sF

[ragwitch]

What’s your favorite non chocolate candy?

Sour gummies? Anything with a face I can bite off? Ohhh or maple nut goodies.

[heydukens]

Certifiable FOOD: WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DIET

Similarly as other of you, I am reliably saving watch for ways for my family to eat better and methods of showing a superior method for managing food to my young people.

Female hand with cutting edge cutting up red ring pepper on cutting board

For the new years, I have been hearing a ton about "certifiable food" and have started doing a huge load of assessment into what definitively builds up real food, why it's so huge for our bodies to consume it, and what is so dreadful with respect to took care of food sources that we should eliminate them of our eating schedule.

Preferably, some of what I have acknowledged may be productive to some of you, so I figured I would bestow it to you here.

Most importantly: what is certified food?

At the most fundamental level, certifiable food is eating whole food sources, or food sources in their most ordinary state. This infers eating colossal heaps of food varieties developed starting from the earliest stage, wheat and whole grains, and using simply ordinary sugars (like honey, maple syrup, and sugar in its most standard express no white sugar!) with some limitation.

Dairy things should be regular, whole (no skim milk or diminished fat cheddar), and ideally from field raised and grass-dealt with animals. Milk is shockingly better accepting that it's unrefined, or unpasteurized. This isn't open everywhere, in any case, so then, just buy normal.

Yogurt should be unsweetened.

Meats should come from grass-dealt with cows, and poultry from field raised chicken. Ideally, you should buy these locally, similarly as your milk and eggs.

Goodies should be dried normal item, seeds, nuts, popcorn (made yourself, not that stuff in the compartment that you stick in the microwave), and any locally developed treats using whole food sources.