A family friend a couple of years ago shared an original, quick and easy cake recipe called made in a mug in the microwave. We haven’t asked for permission to share the actual recipe but we thought we’d at least share a photo of it. The children really like it because they can all make their own treat without using the microwave oven. Yes we do try to limit our use of the microwave, but this recipe is a keeper because not only did a friend create it, it’s safe for the children to make on their own.
Archive for Food and Treats
Whole Fruit Sorbet for the HOLIDAYS!
Whole Fruit Sorbets are an award winning member o the Whole Fruit Line by J & J Snack Foods. Whole Fruit Sorbets are made with chunks of real fruit and bursting with refreshing taste. Whole Fruit Sorbets are available in five flavors: Mango, Black Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Lemon. Voted Best Flavors by Cooking Light Magazine!
- Naturally Fat Free
- Full 16 fl. Oz. Size pint
- Smooth and creamy taste
- Refreshing, unique flavors.
We found that Whole Fruit Sorbets live up to their reputation! They are so YUMMY! The Raspberry and Lemon were by far the children’s favorite! Those flavors did not last long in our house! The other flavors are just as yummy…although I did find that the sorbets were great for a Holiday punch! Just mix ginger ale (we used the cranberry ginger ale) with the raspberry sorbet for a wonderful holiday or any party punch! Recipe for larger parties (4 liters ginger ale & 1 gallon Whole Fruits Raspberry Sorbet)
Here is a different smaller Holiday recipe:
Raspberry Sorbet Punch
3 Cans Hawaiian Fruit Punch
1 liter 7 up or ginger ale
½ qt Whole Fruits Raspberry Sorbet
I am sure that the above recipes can be used with any of the Whole Fruit Sorbet flavors… we are just partial to the Raspberry.
If you are not into a party punch…then Whole Fruit Sorbet can be delectable as a way to cleanse your palette during a formal holiday meal…or as a dessert item at a informal holiday gathering! In any respect Whole fruit sorbet makes a great presentation at any meal!
Check out the JJ snack brand and their whole entourage of products at this link:
Check out the Whole Fruit line at
www.jjsnack.com/wholefruit/home1.aspx
You can also check out Whole Fruits on facebook at:
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product
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Christmas Entertaining Ideas
With the Christmas season upon us so is Christmas entertaining. In the past few years we haven’t done as much entertaining, mostly because I cannot seem to keep my house as clean as I once did before I worked from home – I’m home working, but not always cleaning – and let’s just say we have a long way to go in that department.
We try to eat healthy and serve healthy food during the holidays, but we don’t try to force our eating habits on others. We like kefir and yogurt, but not everyone does. However, for those of you who do have family and friends who are adventurous and will try anything you serve on the nutritional spectrum, we have some Christmas entertaining ideas and recipes just for you, compliments of Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics.
Christmas Entertaining Ideas
We love mixing fresh (or frozen) fruit with our yogurt/kefir products. The following recipes do just that and we appreciate all the nutritional value and information Redwood Hill Farm has shared right along with them.
Brainy Blueberry Smoothie
Makes one Smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)
Need a little brain boost Don’t get blue; enjoy a healthy helping of blueberries, known for their phytochemical prowess and antioxidants, both thought to improve cognitive function. Combine with walnuts for their essential fatty acids and our easy-to-digest Redwood Hill Farm Plain Goat Milk Kefir or lactose free Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir for a thoughtful drink that will have you pondering (and answering) the meaning of life in no time.
1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup unsweetened blueberry, pomegranate, or orange juice
1/2 medium fresh or frozen banana
2 TBPS. walnuts (about 6 halves)
1/2 cup ice cubes, adjust to reach desired consistency
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Bigger Boost: Add a teaspoon of lecithin per serving, a natural source of choline required by the body to support nervous system health, brain function, and heart and liver health.
Per serving: 256 cal; 8g protein; 10g total fat (1g sat. fat); 39g carb; 5mg chol; 47mg sod.; 5g fiber; 26g sugar*
Go-Go Greens Smoothie
Makes one Smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)
Has your get up and go, got up and gone? Juice up your day with nourishing greens, bursting with energy to spare. We added a kiss of apple and a handful of strawberries for sweetness and recommend including a frozen banana for an extra creamy texture. Our Redwood Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir pack a punch of protein and are the only kefirs available with Flourish R – a proprietary blend of 10 live active probiotic cultures. Make enough to share as a family and friends will be green with envy of your renewed vim and vigor.
1 cup (about 1 handful) leafy greens (chard, spinach or kale with ribs removed)
1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (about 5 whole berries)
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice or cider
1/2 medium frozen banana
1/2 cup ice cubes (adjust to reach desired consistency)
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Bigger Boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for a boost of fiber, omega 3s, and calcium. Add a scoop of lactose-free whey protein isolate powder for added protein.
Per Serving: 182 cal; 6g protein; 2g total fat (1g sat fat); 36g carb; 5mg chol; 64mg sod; 4g fiber; 1g sugars*
Pumpkin Pie in the Sky Smoothie
Makes one smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)
Our favorite smoothie tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass – without the guilt of buttery pastry and whipped cream. Its cinnamon goodness is just that: a boost that’s anti-inflammatory and getting kudos for lessening the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Our Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir adds just the right amount of creamy indulgence with the benefit of belly-friendly bacteria for easy digestibility.
1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice or cider
1/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 medium fresh or frozen banana or 2 pitted dates
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 TBSP. sweetener of choice (we like maple syrup)
1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1/2 cup ice cubes (adjust to reach desired consistency)
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Top it Off: Add a couple of tablespoons of cinnamon granola (and a bit of candied ginger) to the top, grab a spoon, close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re enjoying Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
Per Serving: 295g cal; 8g protein; 5g total fat (2g sat. fat); 54g carb; 5mg chol; 124mg sod.; 5g fiber; 32g sugars*
*Nutritionals calculated using Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
Enjoy and let me know if you try these recipes! For more recipes from Redwood Hill Farm visit http://redwoodhill.com/recipes
Faith and Family Reviews received product coupons in exchange for this feature.
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Healthy Holiday Tips #MeijerHoliday
Christmas is less than two weeks away and I don’t know about you but I still have some food shopping to do. In past years when shopping, planning for Christmas dinner I’ve had to consider healthy alternative recipes because we usually have two diabetics at Christmas dinner. So I thought as part of this post I would include some healthy holiday tips for including diabetics at your meal table.
We usually make turkey for our Christmas dinner, have veggies, cranberry sauce, stuffing, dinner rolls and gravy. Most of which usually do not pose a problem for diabetics, as our guests try to watch their carb intake and portions, often “treating” themselves to a little more of something just because it is the holidays. For dessert we have a sugar free dessert available just for them and let them take the leftovers home.
Healthy Holiday Tips for Your Diabetic Guests
1. Use sugar free recipes. Sometimes you can use reduced sugar recipes or there are healthy sugar substitutes that may be used too.
2. Prepare low carb dishes or at least have a couple available for your diabetic guests.
3. Low fat recipes are better than ones high in fat.
4. Diabetics on medicine/insulin usually take their medication at a certain time each day, be sure and ask them in advance and prepare the meal time accordingly, just as a courtesy.
5. When food shopping, read the labels and keep your diabetic guest in mind.
Holiday Recipes
This year we decided to try a new veggie recipe for our Christmas meal in advance just to see how it was, as well as plan for a new stuffing and pumpkin pie recipe. I am sharing these recipes below. I actually went to Meijer to purchase the ingredients we needed, as well as some ingredients we’ll need closer to Christmas.
Diabetes Friendly Holiday Recipes
Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole
Serves 12
Reduce the calories in your Green Bean Casserole by using Soymilk instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Ingredients:
1 ½ tbsp. Meijer Extra Virgin Olive oil, divided
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 ½ tsp. salt, divided
1 lb. fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 tbsp. flour
3 cups Meijer Organics Original Soymilk (we used regular Meijer whole milk)
2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Amino Acids
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (10 oz.) bags frozen cut green beans, thawed or 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans, cooked until tender
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Heat ½ tbsp. of the olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, season with ½ tsp. salt and cook until slightly browned and soft, 10-12 minutes. Remove the onions and set aside.
3. Heat the remaining tbsp. of olive oil in the same saucepan and add the mushrooms. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the mushrooms begin to brown and most of the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the dry sherry and cook for about 1 minute more. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook while stirring over medium heat until the flour browns slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool briefly.
4. Warm the soymilk in a saucepan or microwave. Slowly whisk the warm soymilk into the mushrooms, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reaches the consistency of a thick cream soup. Stir in the soy sauce and salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Mix in the green beans and ½ cup of the onions. Place in the prepared casserole dish, top with the remaining onions and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
Recipe from www.silksoymilk.com
Nutrition Information (per serving): 100 calories, 3g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 4g protein
The following two recipes are ones we are looking forward to trying, so no photos yet, but as soon as we make them I’ll add the photos.
Basic Stuffing Recipe
Makes 8-10 servings
Ingredients
1 loaf sliced whole wheat bread, approx. 1 lb.
2/3 cup Meijer canola oil
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Meijer chicken broth
Directions:
1. Let bread slices air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then cut into cubes.
2. In a Dutch oven heat canola oil over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until soft. 3. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes until evenly coated. Moisten with chicken broth; mix well.
3. Chill, and use as a stuffing for turkey, or bake in a greased casserole dish at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories 250, Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 1.5 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 455 mg, Carbohydrates 23 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 5 g
*Take the basic stuffing recipe and spice it up 3 different ways!
1. Oyster Stuffing:
· Follow the basic stuffing directions. Once stuffing is mixed together after step 2; blend in one (8 oz.) cup Hilton Fresh Oysters to stuffing mixture and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.
2. Apple/Raisin Stuffing:
· Follow the basic stuffing recipe. Once stuffing is mixed together after step 2; add 1 cup chopped apples and ¼ cup Meijer raisins to stuffing mixture and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Cranberry/Walnut Stuffing:
· Follow the basic stuffing recipe. Once stuffing is mixed together after step 2; add ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup walnuts to stuffing mixture and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.
No Sugar Pumpkin Pie
Serves 16 (makes 2 pies)
Ingredients:
1 (29 oz.) can Meijer 100% pure pumpkin (we still have pumpkin from our garden!)
2 (12 oz.) cans Meijer fat free evaporated milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/4 cups Meijer Zero Calories sweetener with sucralose (bulk in bag) (We use less regular organic can sugar)
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. McCormick Pumpkin Pie spice
1 tsp. Meijer ground cinnamon
2 (9-inch, deep dish) Meijer frozen pie shells, unbaked (we actually make homemade pie crust)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Set pie shells aside and thoroughly blend all other ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour pie mixture evenly into each pie shell.
4. Bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake an additional 40 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center cove our clean.
5. Cool completely on baking rack.
6. Enjoy with Meijer Zip whipped topping if desired.
Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories 124, Fat 6g, Cholesterol 21mg, Sodium 248mg, Carbohydrate 15g, Sugar 4.5g, Fiber 1.5g, Protein 3.5g.
This modified version of pumpkin pie has 84 fewer calories and 18grams less sugar than traditional pumpkin pie.
Happy planning, cooking and entertaining!
This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Meijer.
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Benefits of Shelf Safe Milk
Do you remember Y2K? Do you remember people stock piling food and supplies in the event of a major power outage or shortage of food? I have no idea how the Y2K thing escalated to such proportions but it did. In some circles it was somewhat of a minor panic. And if I remember correctly I think we even stocked up on a few necessary items but nothing out of control like some folks are rumored to have done. Dry milk was one of those items since milk is not something that is easy to store or stock up on unless you have lots of refrigeration space. That’s when shelf safe milk comes in handy.
What is Shelf Safe Milk?
Think of the power outages that have occurred during hurricanes or strong rain storms. Last year when we first moved in we experienced a number of power failures during thunder and lightening storms. We were always concerned about losing the food in our freezer and refrigerator. Granted the issue was probably due to neighboring trees over hanging on the power lines, which they have since trimmed, but still it would have been nice to have stock piled shelf safe milk then.
As noted in the video above, shelf safe milk is milk that has been ultra pasteurized, processed and packaged in a container that needs no refrigeration, at least until it is opened, and is actually found on the shelf of your grocery store. Who would have thought, right?
It comes in several different brands, including Organic Valley. We have been to an Organic Valley farm and know the farmer through our regional farmer’s group.
The Benefits of Shelf Safe Milk
There are benefits of shelf safe milk. Here are a few I come up with:
- No fear of it souring before you open it. (It does need to be refrigerated upon opening)
- Easy to travel containers.
- The containers do not disintegrate in the cooler – bonus!
- A great way to have milk anywhere and anytime.
- Much easier way to stock up on milk and requires less refrigerator space.
To learn more and to stay up to date about Milk Unleashed follow their Twitter and Facebook pages. To find out where to buy shelf safe milk visit: http://milkunleashed.com/where-to-buy/10-where-to-buy.html
“This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Milk Unleashed blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.”
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Kombucha Tea
A couple of weeks ago I posted a photo with a “Science in a Jar”….it was Kombucha. The object inside is called a “scoby”. Kombucha is made out of tea. We are making a baby scoby now through what is called the fermenting process. Kombucha tea has many health benefits, not the least of which is that it is a great probiotic and liver cleanser. Flavored Kombucha tastes very good. We originally learned about Kombucha tea last fall when we attended a fermenting class hosted by a friend.
My daughter found a great website that explains it all. Check out the Kitchn on How to Make Kombucha Tea.
Everyone but my one daughter and I thinks Kombucha tea is “scary” or is “just plain wrong”, but they haven’t tasted it yet so we are really hoping to convert the rest of the family to partake in this nutritious drink! I’ll let you know how it goes. We have to wait a week before our mama scoby makes a baby scoby so we can make some flavored Kombucha for the rest of the crew.
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Wordless Wednesday – Science in a Jar?
Xlear SparX Review
I had never heard of Xlear SparkX until we sampled it last week. Xlear Sparkx is a natural candy sweetened with xylitol, which is a plant-based sweetener that even dentists approve and recommend. Apparently xylitol has been proven to improve dental health and even strengthen tooth enamel – the first I’ve heard of that and definitely a plus if it rings true. Xylitol does have some controversy surrounding it and I believe it’s simply because of the sources providing it so a word of caution to determine the source of the xylitol before buying a product. Since Xlear SparkX has plant based xylitol it’s pretty probably safe in moderation like all other sweeteners.
Quick Tips About Xlear SparX
• Xylitol is not suppose to interfere with the body’s blood sugar levels or insulin production, making it safe for kids and adults on a sugar-controlled diet.
• Xlear SparX Candy free of artificial colors and flavors and is available in Berry, Citrus, and Fruit varieties.
• Xlear SparX Candy retails for $1.49 for one tube.
About Xlear Inc.
Xlear, Inc. has a number of natural products on the market besides Xlear SparX candy, like the following:
1. Xlear® Nasal Spray a patented saline and xylitol solution
2. Spry Dental Defense System® brand – a line of dental products
3. XyloSweet® – Raw xylitol crystals used as a sugar substitute
Xlear SparX Review
We all liked the taste and texture of Xlear SparX candy. We preferred the taste of the Citrus flavor over the Fruit flavor. The Fruit Flavor did not taste as sweet or as good. There was something different about it but we couldn’t pin point it.
I’d definitely recommend Xlear SparX to family, friends and all of you looking for a natural candy free of artifical flavors and colors. My children really enjoyed this candy. I think $1.49 is a little on the pricey side but for a treat and a healthier alternative I am usually willing to pay more. I’d say we will be purchasing this candy again in the future.
I didn’t thoroughly research all the ingredients but they look ok.
You can find Xlear SparX on Facebook too.
I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer, Xlear, Inc. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.
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SUPERPRETZEL Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels Review
Who wants pretzels for breakfast? When I announced this in the house Sunday morning. I got a “Huh?” from my husband and a “Yes!” from my daughter. So off to the kitchen I went to preheat the oven for our pretzels for breakfast.
Move over salt pretzels and make room for SUPERPRETZELS Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels. I was skeptical about these when they first arrived, but I’m willing to try anything once. I was pleasantly surprised and SUPERPRETZELS Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels, they will be on my list for breakfast, dessert or snack!
How to Serve SUPERPRETZEL Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, put on the cinnamon/sugar (provided in a packet in the box), and cook for 5-6 minutes. That’s it!
Take them out and enjoy them by themselves or maybe with a scoop of ice cream, or even a little icing. Sounds yummy to me.
If you head to the SUPERPRETZEL website (www.http://www.superpretzel.com) there’s a coupon. Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!
My house gives these SUPERPRETZEL Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels 2 thumbs up! We love them!
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.