tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20073987724043536102024-03-13T07:43:06.899-04:00MunchSimple and Healthy Food for Munchkins (and their Grown-ups)Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-80498593233088738732014-02-11T13:47:00.001-05:002014-02-11T13:47:47.684-05:00Savory Cheese and Seed Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlTBFBWowuc/Ut1mjQzkXpI/AAAAAAAAAUY/nC8ZEaol8t0/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlTBFBWowuc/Ut1mjQzkXpI/AAAAAAAAAUY/nC8ZEaol8t0/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aren't savory cookies just crackers? Well, no, not really. These little guys still have the texture and appearance of cookies so I think the name is pretty spot on. These cookies are an adaptation of a recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Lunchboxes-Kids-Amanda-Grant/dp/1845977068/ref=cm_rdp_product" target="_blank">Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids</a>. These are a great snack for everyone in our house. I like to eat a couple with a serving of fruit.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<b><br /></b>- 1 cup grated cheddar<br />
- Scant 1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (this flour ground from soft white wheat, rather than hard wheat) or substitute all-purpose flour<br />
- 1 tsp baking powder<br />
- 2 tbsp hulled pumpkin seeds<br />
- 1 tsp baking powder<br />
- 1 cup crispy brown rice breakfast cereal (use white rice cereal if that's what you have)<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.<br />
3. Put cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl and cream together. Add in the flour, baking powder and seeds.<br />
4. Put rice cereal in a plastic zippered bag and break up with a rolling pin. (This is an awesome kid job!) Add to flour mixture and mix everything together, using your hands.<br />
5. Squeeze into small balls the size of cherry tomatoes, roll between your palms, then flatten between your hands. Place on baking sheet and flatten a little more with a fork.<br />
6. Bake 10-14 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Once fully cool store in an airtight container or freeze.<br />
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Makes about 18 cookies<br />
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Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-68076166659480686952013-06-14T11:52:00.001-04:002013-06-14T11:53:37.011-04:0011 Proven Ways to Get Kids to Eat VegetablesCheck out this fantastic post on getting kids to eat vegetables on <a href="http://summertomato.com/11-proven-ways-to-get-kids-to-eat-more-vegetables/#comments">Summer Tomato</a>! <br />
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I have found that all of these tips can be successful. <br />
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A couple of other things that I've found helpful is first not ever assuming that a kid won't like something. Offer something as neutrally as you can, even if it's something that you can't stand don't let that colour how you present it! Avoid ever saying something, "oh you won't like that". I overheard this exact comment spoken by a mom recently in the grocery store when a child asked about brussels sprouts.<br />
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Something else that I've found useful is giving dishes fun names or naming them after your child's interests. For instance, we eat 'Rugby Soup'. This is really Broccoli and Cauliflower soup, but when we have it, L yells 'Rugby Soup!' and runs over to the table. <br />
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Good luck!Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-1948466554436941702013-05-06T13:44:00.002-04:002013-05-06T13:44:44.807-04:00New BlogCheck out my new blog all about living better, smarter, and being money-wise at: <a href="http://livingwithinreason.blogspot.com/">livingwithinreason.blogspot.com</a> !Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-40136450194285118472012-03-08T12:36:00.000-05:002012-03-08T12:36:07.426-05:00Pumpkin Pie Smoothie<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe has dissapeared off the blogosphere! So I'm commiting my adaption of it from memory here for safekeeping. There's no picture, but make a mental image of a thick, rich, and creamy cup of orange-tinged deliciousness that goes down cool but leaves a lingering warm spiciness in your mouth. Hmmm...I think I need to make these for breakfast again tomorrow! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1/2 banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 cup vanilla soy milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- pinch cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- pinch cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- agave nectar to taste for sweetness, if needed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until uniformly smooth and delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">* Makes 2 servings</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-51255311836393341302012-02-28T16:00:00.000-05:002012-02-29T12:17:19.672-05:00DIY Instant Oatmeal PacketsWith both my husband and I rushing to get to work in the morning, the dog to take out and Luc to get ready and off to daycare, mornings can be a little crazy for us just as they can be for most families. While I try to have healthy breakfasts planned and made in advance that doesn't always happen, especially towards the end of the week. These DIY Instant Oatmeal Packets have helped to keep us fed and sane on weekday mornings over the past few weeks. These were inspired by a post on <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/instant-oatmeal-packets/">Once A Month Mom</a> but I've made a couple changes to make them a little healthier. Not only are these much less expensive per serving than the pre-packaged commercial varieties but you get to control the sugar content. <br />
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The skim milk powder and the sucanat may seem expensive when you buy them, but you can make 200 oatmeal servings using this small bag of milk, and about 145 servings of oatmeal from this bag of sucanat! And of course oats are super inexpensive, especially if you buy them from a bulk store (which clearly I did not do this time!) I also store mine in little reusable containers rather than using up plastic baggies . And while quick oats are not quite as healthy of steel cut oats, they are still considered whole grain (nothing is removed, they're just cut up smaller), so you don't have to feel quilty for succumbing to convenience.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_sdeBiRRtk/T0xAddzH5FI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ybeDfstGtsY/s1600/Quick_Oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_sdeBiRRtk/T0xAddzH5FI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ybeDfstGtsY/s320/Quick_Oatmeal.jpg" width="240" /></a>This recipe is for the equivalent of one of those little comercial packets which I find is a good toddler serving size. However, I also make double sized portions as adult-sized servings. You can whip up, assembly line style, a dozen of these in about 3 minutes! You could use brown sugar rather than the succanat but not only is the succanat less refined and healthier, but it really tastes better. This recipe is for a really basic oatmeal but you can experiment with different spices as well as adding dried fruit.<br />
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<strong>DIY Instant Oatmeal Packet (1 serving)</strong><br />
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- 1/4 cup quick oats<br />
- 1 tsp instant milk powder<br />
- 1/2 tbsp succanat<br />
- pinch sea salt<br />
- pinch cinnamon<br />
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Mix all into a small resealable container and store in the cupboard for use on those crazy mornings! To use add contents to a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of boiling water, stir and let sit for 2 minutes. Enjoy.<br />
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If you have a little more time on your hands here are a couple of my favourite Oatmeal recipes: <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/02/chocolate-raspberry-oatmeal.html">Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal</a> and <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/01/birchermuesli.html">Birchermuesli!</a> <br />Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-81680928268085908352012-02-16T11:09:00.001-05:002012-02-29T12:11:52.856-05:00Pinterest Experiments Part OneI had very good intentions of publishing a cutesy Valentine's Day post featuring some heart shape hard-boiled eggs that I was inspried to try from a Pin. Unfortunately things didn't go exactly as planned and Luc ended up eating a mangled egg as a snack, which was ok for him because lately he just loves hard-boiled eggs and he didn't realize that this time it was actually supposed to be cute.<br />
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I've been doing a fair amount of experimenting with ideas that I've found on Pinterest. I know there are mixed feelings about Pinterest, but I find that not only is it a great way to visually organize my bookmarks, which makes them easier to find again later, and I'm constantly being inspired by other people's amazing creativity and ideas. I'm always looking for new household 'best practices'. Here is a round-up a few of the tricks/ideas/projects that I've recently tried that I found on Pinterest.<br />
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<strong>1. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25614291600475423/">Heart-Shaped Egg</a></strong><br />
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<strong>Verdict: Fail</strong><br />
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My egg ended up splitting on the top while at the same time also having indents on the sides where the cardstock dug into the sides of the egg somehow.<br />
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I am planning on trying this again, however with thicker card and cutting it down a little lower. How cute would Deviled Eggs be in these? </div>
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<strong>2. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25614291600470384/">Regrowing Green Onions</a></strong></div>
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<strong>Verdict: Success!</strong></div>
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I was skeptical but this actually worked and they grow so fast that it's incredible. Mine are ready to use again in little more than 1 week. </div>
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Just plunk your white root ends in a shot glass and keep on a widowsill and top up the water every couple of days. </div>
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Very cool and budget friendly too! Twice the green onions out of one purchase.</div>
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<strong>3. </strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25614291600300994/"><strong>Freezing Green Onions</strong></a></div>
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<strong>Verdict: Fail</strong></div>
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I always seem to have leftover green onions that go bad before I can use them, so I was interested to try this method of freezing them.</div>
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At first, this method of freezing sliced green onions in an empty water bottle worked great. </div>
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However, after the one week, they were starting to get awfully freezer burned already.</div>
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The problem lies in not being able to get rid of the air in the container. Probably better to just freeze in a zip-top bag, being sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You'll have to break off a chunk to use and they wont' look as nice but they'll keep longer.</div>
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<strong>4. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25614291600219363/">Homemade Natural Body Wash</a></strong></div>
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<strong>Verdict: Mixed</strong></div>
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I used Dr. Bronner's citrus bar soap as the base for this recipe, but you can use any all-natural bar soap. It was quick and easy to make, super cheap, smelled great, lathered up well and left us all feeling cleaner than with our store-bought body wash.</div>
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However, the texture was just awful. It felt like play slime. It was really gross to touch and use. </div>
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I'm going to play with the recipe and see if I can get the texture just right, because this could save us quite a bit of money over time instead of buying natural organic paraben-free body washes.</div>
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I'll update if I'm successful with this one! </div>
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<strong>Are you on Pinterest? What are your favorite Pinterest tips, tricks, and finds?</strong></div>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-26300048866983307352012-02-08T10:21:00.000-05:002013-05-29T12:16:20.652-04:00Activity: Food Memory GameI was originally going to include a photo in this post of L enjoying playing this memory game, HOWEVER he is covered ears to toes in a strep rash and in a couple years he probably won't appreciate having his picture posted on the internet covered in gross red splotches. We took him grocery shopping and a man in the parking lot saw him and made a disgusted face! Even though Ldidn't notice, I still felt like giving him a big cuddle and that guy the dirtiest look I could muster :( Anyhow, I hope you like this little game I made as much as we did!<br />
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<strong>How to Prepare</strong><br />
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Follow the link below to get started! Just download the images and either print on cardstock or laminate the sheets after printing and then cut apart (I don't have a laminator but I've become a big fan of these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Avery-Self-Adhesive-Laminating-Sheets-73603/dp/B00006IC7H/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1328712938&sr=8-4">self-laminating sheets</a>).<br />
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<strong>How to Play</strong><br />
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This memory game is suitable for young toddlers all the way up to older preschoolers, depending on how you play it. For younger toddlers make this into a simple matching game using only one set of images. Have all the pieces facing upwards, pick out one image and ask the child to find another one just like it. For this age group also use this as a word excercise identifying both the foods pictured and what colors they are. <br />
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For older toddlers and preschoolers, start out the memory game by choosing only two sets of cards (4 cards total) and lay them face down. Flip one card face up. Pick a second card and flip it up. See if it matches the first card. Continue to flip up cards until one matches. Take the matching pair of cards and put them next to your child. Put the rest of the game cards face down again and repeat the game. Try to remember the cards you have flipped over. <em>Make sure to keep the cards in the same place in the layout.</em> <br />
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To make the game more challenging as your child is ready, take one turn flipping only two cards, so that your child has to remember where the matching card is. You can then add more sets of cards until you are able to use both entire sets.<br />
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<strong>Also</strong>...<br />
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You can also use these cards as part of a refrigerator/pantry scavenger hunt to find the corresponding item when the memory game gets boring!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NygELk7i_sk/TzF2NJf07RI/AAAAAAAAAM8/R_LsGfLZZCA/s1600/2-4d65db31b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NygELk7i_sk/TzF2NJf07RI/AAAAAAAAAM8/R_LsGfLZZCA/s320/2-4d65db31b2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Download the full-sized game cards <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/80790403/Food-Memory-Game">here</a>! </b></div>
Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-8668018702571169912012-02-01T16:58:00.000-05:002012-02-08T10:25:32.906-05:00Turkey Harvarti Pinwheels with Basil MayoI'm back at work this week after being off to help out my incompacitated husband after surgery. He still has an arm in a sling so it's up to me to do most of the chores, looking after Luc, etc. What that means is that I'm <em>really</em> relying on fast and fuss-free food, just like these pinwheels.<br />
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Pinwheels make a great part of a lunch. They are super quick and easy to make, more fun presentation-wise than a sandwich, and easier for little hands to manage. Also, now that there are so many more choices of nitrate-free natural deli meat so there are more options for fillings, including this one, which is a favorite around our house. You can substitues chicken for the turkey of course and another kind of cheese if you'd like as well (shaved baby parm sprinkled over top of the meat tastes awesome -- Luc perfers its more mild taste than Parmigiano Reggiano). This below recipe is just for one, but I usually make some for all of us, assembly line-style. <br />
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<strong>Turkey Havarti Pinwheels with Basil Mayo</strong><br />
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- 1 6" whole grain tortilla<br />
- 2 slices nitrate-free turkey deli meat<br />
- 2 slices havarti (or cheese of your choice) <br />
- 1 6" stalk celery, quartered lenthwise to get a skinny stick<br />
- 2 tsp plain cream cheese<br />
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise<br />
- 2 tsp minced fresh basil<br />
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In a small bowl or ramekin, mix mayonnaise with fresh basil and set aside.<br />
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Lay out your tortilla, and smear the cream cheese over the last inch of the edge on half of the tortilla (the cream cheese will be your glue to hold the whole thing together). Spread the remainder with an even layer of basil mayonnaise. Lay the turkey slices on top, then layer the cheese. Place the celery stick at the lower edge and roll up as tightly as you can, pressing lightly to seal the edge. With a very sharp knife, slice the roll into even slices. Pop the two ugly end pieces in your month to pretend they were never there. <br />
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<br />Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-47072324045187144662012-01-25T12:30:00.000-05:002012-01-25T12:30:25.935-05:00Staple Recipe: Slow-cooker ApplesauceI'm writing this post in a hospital waiting room. My husband is finally getting the shoulder surgery he's been wanting to have for several years. His shoulder dislocates fairly regularly and it prevents him from doing many of the activities that he enjoys -- even picking up Luc certain ways. So it's a good hospital visit today, but that doesn't make it any less long!<br />
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Applesauce is a baby and toddler staple. From the age of 6 months, you'll be going through a lot of this stuff! The slow cooker makes preparing a big batch of applesauce so easy and convenient. You can then freeze it in whatever quantity works for you. You could use baby cubes for infant-sized portions and one-cup container for toddler, child, and adult portions.<br />
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Not only is it a great healthy snack on its own but it makes a great mixer for baby food purees, especially mixed with meats and vegetables that baby may find less appealing on their own. I will be posting a great puree recipe in the coming weeks that features this pre-made applesauce but really so many things taste great with the addition of a bit of sweet apple. It also great to have on hand in the freezer to bake with or to use as a dip for waffle strips. <br />
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<b>Slow-cooker Applesauce</b><br />
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- 3lbs Macintosh apples<br />
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar<br />
- 2 quarts (8 cups) water<br />
- 1/2 cup water, apple juice, or cider<br />
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In a very large bowl mix the 2 quarts of water with the apple cider vinegar.<br />
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Peel, core and quarter the apples, placing them in the bowl of water as you go, making sure they get submerged (this step prevents browning).<br />
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Once you are done cutting the apples, drain them well and add them to a slow-cooker (at least 4-quart capacity) and add the 1/2 cup water, juice or cider.<br />
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Cook on high for 3 hours. At the end of that time giving the apples a good stir will make them dissolve into applesauce.<br />
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* This recipe is for unsweetened applesauce. If you'd like to sweeten it for kids over one year or yourself, replacing 1/4 cup of the water for 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (a darker grade is best) results in a seriously delicious applesauce free of refined sugar.<br />
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* Makes approximately 3 cups.<br />
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<br />Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-91109901986257654292012-01-17T14:14:00.001-05:002012-01-18T07:52:53.209-05:00The Things They SayI'm home with Luc because he's sick today (oh, the petri dish that is daycare...) and for lunch I made him a tuna salad sandwich and I put a couple sweet gherkin pickles on the side. He's had them before but it's been quite some time and when I called him over for lunch he looked at them and said, "Ewww, doggy's poop!". He then proceeded to make grunting sounds and said "I no eat poop" and threw them on the floor. No explaining that they were pickles and edible would make him believe it!<br />
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<br />Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-6047643115269011312012-01-17T12:03:00.000-05:002012-01-17T12:52:11.117-05:00Lunchbox LabelsLuc has a cousin today! He is very cute and has the most adorable chubby cheeks. It's just too bad that he was born halfway around the world in Australia so we only get to look at photos of the little guy instead of getting to meet him in person. :( I'm happy for my sister-in-law and her husband on their new family but it's also sad that we live so far away from one another that our children will never really get to know each other. Skype and email are wonderful, but they don't really make up for visits only being possible once every few years. Oh well, we'll do the best we can to keep our families connected!<br />
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When Luc started daycare, everything was so last minute since I only had two weeks (!) to find a daycare and get everything ready before I started my new job. I ordered some <a href="http://www.namebubbles.com/index.html">Name Bubbles</a> to label his clothing (which have been absolutely fantastic because they stay put in the wash but are removable is you want to sell your kids' clothes or use them for your next child). Somehow, while I was ordering however I completely forgot to order labels to put his name on lunch containers.<br />
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First I tried writing his name in permanent marker. That turned out decidedly ... non-permanent. I tried using a regular label maker to make printed labels. It was easy and they looked great but they just really didn't stand up to the dishwasher and I didn't want to be always stuck hand-washing everything. I then tried using my old-school embossing label-maker like this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DYMO-Organizer-Xpress-Pro-Line/dp/B004E2RQO8/ref=sr_1_8?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1326743503&sr=1-8">one</a>, and it worked great! The two Lock and Lock food containers below were labeled about 5 months ago and have been used virtually every day and they still are perfectly legible.<br />
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So while, the personalized Name Bubbles are <i>really</i> cute, this not only saved me $20 but I can use the label-maker for other projects. Yay for multipurpose! Also, I rather like the retro look of them anyhow.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pf3LBB6qyI/TxR98AmjuyI/AAAAAAAAAMU/hN6PnuHiEd0/s1600/lunch_labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pf3LBB6qyI/TxR98AmjuyI/AAAAAAAAAMU/hN6PnuHiEd0/s320/lunch_labels.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-35390950872500013862012-01-10T15:42:00.000-05:002012-01-10T15:22:27.628-05:00Indian-Inspired Chicken Soup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This soup is just a <i>little </i>more work that most of the recipes that I post here, but as long as you have an immersion blender (and you should, they're awesome! I have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KHB300ER-Hand-Blender-Empire/dp/B00008GSAD/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1325631280&sr=1-1">this one</a> and I love it) then it's really not a big deal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This recipe came about by taking my favorite parts of several real Indian soup recipes and combining them. The result is that this "franken-soup" is no longer very authentic (hence, 'Indian-Inspired) but it's really very tasty and wonderfully warming for fall and winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keeping the chicken in quite large chunks to start makes it easier to remove the chicken when it's time to puree the soup. Then you can quickly chop the cooked chicken and add it back into the soup as more manageably sized pieces. This recipe is suitable for munchkins over 10 months.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vewdyBnc-ZU/Tkl3JYd--eI/AAAAAAAAAMM/pOFELB4X1Po/s1600/Indian+Chicken+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vewdyBnc-ZU/Tkl3JYd--eI/AAAAAAAAAMM/pOFELB4X1Po/s320/Indian+Chicken+Soup.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indian-Inspired Chicken Soup</b><br />
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- 1 cup uncooked chicken breast, large dice<br />
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped<br />
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped<br />
- 1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped<br />
- 2 tart apples (or if sweet, omit sugar), pared and chunked<br />
- 1/4 cup butter or ghee<br />
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
- 1 tsp curry powder (preferably Madras) <br />
- 6 cups low sodium or homemade chicken broth<br />
- 1 tomato, peeled and chopped<br />
- 1/2 med green pepper, finely chopped<br />
- 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, minced<br />
- 1 tsp salt<br />
- 1 tsp granulated sugar<br />
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper<br />
- 1/8 tsp ground mace (or substitute a pinch of ground nutmeg)<br />
- 2 whole cloves<br />
- 1 cup cooked Basmati rice<br />
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Cook chicken, onion, celery, carrots, and apple in melted butter un a large saucepan over medium heat until softened and fragrant.<br />
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Stir in flour and curry powder and cook 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Cook, covered, over low heat until chicken is tender, roughly 20 minutes. <br />
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Remove and reserve chicken with a slotted spoon. Fish out and discard the cloves.<br />
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Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth (Alternatively you can work in batches in your blender or food processor). Give the chicken a rough chop to make the pieces bite-sized. Stir in cooked rice.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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* Serves 4-6<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-47901769550519170592012-01-03T14:49:00.000-05:002012-01-17T12:52:34.583-05:0010 Favorite Recipes of 2011This is a list of the Munch recipes from 2011 that I find myself coming back to again and again. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are drop dead easy to make and always welcome at the table or in the lunchbox. <br />
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What was your favorite Munch recipe of 2011? <br />
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1. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/02/chocolate-raspberry-oatmeal.html">Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal</a><br />
2. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/02/staple-recipe-5050-bread.html">50/50 Bread</a><br />
3. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2010/11/chocolate-tofu-pudding-with-variations.html">Chocolate Tofu Pudding</a><br />
4. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/02/blueberry-banana-mini-muffins.html">Blueberry Banana Mini-Muffins</a><br />
5. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/03/senegalese-peanut-and-tomato-soup.html">Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Soup</a><br />
6. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2010/12/staple-recipe-whole-poached-chicken.html">Whole Poached Chicken</a><br />
7. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2010/12/staple-recipe-lucs-favourite-tomato.html">Luc's Favourite Tomato Sauce</a><br />
8. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/01/baked-coconut-shrimp.html">Baked Coconut Shrimp</a><br />
9. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2010/12/curried-chicken-and-cheese-balls.html">Curried Chicken and Cheese Balls</a><br />
10. <a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/01/honeyed-blueberry-yogurt.html">Honeyed Blueberry Yogurt</a>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-23319476954055949162012-01-03T14:21:00.000-05:002012-01-03T14:21:05.335-05:00New Year, New PostsI have decided to resurrect this blog! I'm not sure if any of my readers are still out there, but I'm very excited about reconnecting with you and anyone new stumbling onto here! I won't be posting as frequently as I used to, but at the very least I will have a new post up here every Tuesday. <br />
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I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is looking forward to a Happy New Year!Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-5255604813860587282011-08-15T14:54:00.000-04:002011-08-15T14:54:03.378-04:00Luc is 2!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actually he turned two on the 6th, but we've been out of town since then without...gasp...internet access! I can't believe how big my little boy is getting. He seemed to lose his 'babyness' overnight, and what he can do and how well he can communicate now just amazes me compared to only a month ago. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iae5jN5Layc/Tkkedl7BtLI/AAAAAAAAAME/G1MjDRW8uDg/s1600/_MG_9881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iae5jN5Layc/Tkkedl7BtLI/AAAAAAAAAME/G1MjDRW8uDg/s320/_MG_9881.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday he told me that there where "birds flying in the air" complete with flapping arms. This was his longest sentence yet <i>and</i> contained two words he's never said before! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luc had a small but very happy birthday party at home with people close to him and managed to get completely spoiled. For the party, I made these really yummy-- but not even a little bit healthy-- cupcakes. I went classic with Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Icing. I used my favorite chocolate cake recipe which I highly recommend as it's not only super quick and easy, it'll stay super moist for 3 days covered at room temperature . Also, they must've been good because Luc learned the word 'cake' solely from seeing and eating these on his party day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when you're feeling indulgent, you can find the recipe <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/dark-chocolate-cake-2496">here</a>. To make it into cupcakes simple cut the cooking time to around 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them and checking with a toothpick until it comes out clean. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always make my own icing because not only does it take about 5 minutes but I find that the canned ones taste like plastic. I love this cake recipe iced with a Chocolate and Espresso Icing but that's not exactly kid-friendly, so I tried a <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-from-sprinkles-cupcakes-222188">Vanilla Buttercream Icing</a> that turned out wonderfully. Next time I make these, I'm going to try subbing out the vanilla for peppermint extract and make Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Buttercream Icing...YUM!</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-40384672666181847382011-08-03T11:01:00.000-04:002011-08-03T11:01:25.736-04:00Recipe Shout-Out: Amazing Grilled Cheese<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Grilled Cheese with White Cheddar, Carmelized Onions and Sage recipe from Gaby over at <a href="http://brokeassgourmet.com/">Broke-ass Gourmet</a> is super easy and insanely delicious. Luc and I both inhaled them. It's just not the same without white sourdough bread so don't be tempted to sub in something healthier -- sometimes it's just not worth the compromise. Next time you have a craving for some goey cheesy goodness make <a href="http://brokeassgourmet.com/articles/grilled-cheese-with-white-cheddar-caramelized-onions-and-sage">this super flavorful sandwich</a>, you will not be dissapointed!</span><br />
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<a href="http://brokeassgourmet.com/images/674.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://brokeassgourmet.com/images/674t.jpg" /></a>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-48082946414243320032011-07-19T11:37:00.000-04:002011-07-19T11:37:44.465-04:00Honey-Curry Dip<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's no secret that kids (and most adults!) like food better that they are able to dip into a tasty sauce. This is a super quick, tangy and slightly sweet dip that works beautifullly with veggies or homemade chicken nuggets for anyone over the age of one. Practically guaranteed to singlehandedly increase vegetable consumption! </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honey-Curry Dip</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (you can use regular but it'll be thin)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Veganaise)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 tsp curry powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 tsp white vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 tbsp honey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Gently whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">* makes 1/2 cup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">* will keep covered tightly in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-35181243995788336282011-07-15T16:08:00.000-04:002011-07-15T16:08:21.933-04:00Seeds Banned!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been so long since I've posted, anyone reading might have thought something horrible had happened to my hands that I couldn't cook or type. So...that isn't what happened. What <em>has</em> happened is a combination of lack of inspiration, busy schedules, failed cooking experiments, and one small boy with an enormous amount of energy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My son's daycare has just informed us that we can no longer pack any seeds or seed butters in his lunches and snacks! While on the one hand I want to be respectful of children with allergies, on the other hand it's a huge pain in the ass! Nuts and seeds are so healthy and I do try to encorporate them regularly in Luc's diet. Since he started daycare, as I've posted previously on here, I've subbed Sunbutter for nut butters so that I can continue making some of his favorite snacks. Well...I guess I need work on developing a bigger repertoire of seed and nut free/ easily packed/easily eaten independently by toddlers snacks....sigh...</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-53533478716116504552011-06-27T15:52:00.000-04:002011-06-27T15:52:51.692-04:00Strawberries in Ginger Cream<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I work Saturdays, a fact that would be a major downer except that where I work just happens to also be the site of one of the best farmer's markets in the city that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last Saturday, I didn't mean to buy anything, we had our CSA box coming and we didn't really need anything, but I just couldn't help myself when I was walking through and caught the strongest whiff of strawberries imaginable that stopped me dead in my tracks. Most supermarket frankenberries shipped from California look beautiful but have almost no smell, even with your nose pressed right up on them. These fresh local strawberries by contrast smelled of sweet fields still kissed by the sun. They were irresistible and I bought two pints. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After eating them straight up, this recipe is my second favorite way to enjoy strawberries. Due to the strawberries and honey, this tasty little number is suitable for babies over age 1. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Strawberries in Ginger Cream</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 cup sliced strawberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 2/3 cup plain yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 tbsp good quality honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1-2 tbsp very finely chopped crystallized ginger</span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mix all of the above ingredients in a medium bowl. Divide into individual serving bowls and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Serves 4. </span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-44972391356833589132011-06-22T11:14:00.000-04:002011-06-22T11:14:05.591-04:00Where Food Comes From: Visiting the Urban Farm<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've been following this blog, you have probably already noticed from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_380820038">this post</a><a href="http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-round-up-teaching-kids-where-food.html">'s book round-up</a> that I feel strongly about importance of kids making the connection between farm and fork. This is knowledge that has become increasingly lost as we become more urbanized. In 2008, humanity passed an important milestone that for the first time ever, globally more people now live in cities than not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although we should make the effort to get our kids outside of the city once in a while, many cities have urban farms of various types, from historic showcases to real working farms (even our family's <a href="http://www.matchboxgarden.ca/">CSA</a> produce comes from within our city's limits!), to help give children a sense of where food comes from. The photos below are from our weekend visit to Riverdale Farm, a 7.5 acre slice of downtown Toronto that is a representation of a historic Ontario farm complete with cows, goats, horses, a donkey, chickens, turkeys, pigs, geese, ducks, and rabbits -- but it was the tractor that was Luc's favorite part!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Below are a few samples of other urban farms that you can visit with your family, and with a little reseach I'm sure you could find near you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.friendsofriverdalefarm.com/">Riverdale Farm</a> Toronto, Canada</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://findfamilyfun.com/maplewood.htm">Maplewood Farm</a> Vancouver, Canada</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.vauxhallcityfarm.org/">Vauxhall City Farm</a> London, UK </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/14/44/">Phillipsburg Manor</a> New York, USA</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is Luc's opinion that nothing runs like a Deere</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pastoral perfect in downtown Toronto</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-29783018804105125002011-06-17T15:43:00.000-04:002011-06-17T15:43:35.032-04:00Cows Producing Human Breast Milk-- WHAT!?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just HAD to share this <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/16/us-china-cows-idUSTRE75F10K20110616">super creepy news article</a>. This just sounds like science fiction to me. I don't know that if you were one a woman that couldn't produce enough milk, if this would be a better alternative to formula?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you get a chance, it's worth a read and the comments are also really interesting to read through. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvuOVgrejcY/TfuuUX2eNnI/AAAAAAAAAKU/dRBKuqAjyeA/s1600/cow-herd-100401-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvuOVgrejcY/TfuuUX2eNnI/AAAAAAAAAKU/dRBKuqAjyeA/s320/cow-herd-100401-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-19597734743454998332011-06-15T12:07:00.000-04:002011-06-15T12:07:21.819-04:00Peachy Keen Creamsicles<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a really cool and insanely rainy Spring around here and I couldn't be looking foward more to the arrival of Summer. Because we don't really have the funds to go on a proper vacation this year, we're going to spend the Summer making an effort to explore our own city and surrounding area. While it's natural to be curious about new places, I think its easy to fall into ruts and routines about what's familiar. I'm actually really looking forward to pretending to be a tourist in our own town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that Summer is officially just around the corner (YAY!), it's time to whip up some nice cool treats. Commercial popsicles, creamsicles, and ice pops are full of artificial colors and flavors and since its just so darned easy to make your own, why bother going to the store? This is really a great treat or dessert for the whole family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">These can also be made appropriate for munchkin's under age one and vegans by substituting agave syrup for the honey and using unsweetened rice milk instead of cow's milk.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peachy Keen Creamsicles</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 cup peach slices, fresh or frozen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/4 orange juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 2 tbsp honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/4 cup yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/4 cup milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until very smooth. Divide mixture into 6 ice pop molds (depending on the size of your mold, you may have a little left over -- that's just a little smoothie for the person doing the blending). Freeze overnight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To unmold, just dip into a cup of warm water for a few seconds to loosen and enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">* makes 6 creamsicles</span>Michelle BB http://www.blogger.com/profile/04436514880236898392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007398772404353610.post-43785499246905204402011-06-09T15:46:00.000-04:002011-06-09T15:46:26.594-04:00Amazing Play Kitchen and Market Stall Ikea Hack<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out this amazing play kitchen and market stall hack over at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/06/play-kitchen-and-market-stall.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ikeahacker+%28ikeahacker%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">IKEA Hacker </a>using the RAST bedside tables! I'm currently looking for a great play kitchen for Luc and if only I had more time on my hands and were as ambitious as this DIYer I would totally make these! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So far, I would definitely include: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- mixed dried fruit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- a healthy savory cracker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- a healthy sweet cracker or cookie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- hummus or homemade yogurt ranch dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- cut up raw or lightly steamed veg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- cut up fresh fruit</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Please share you ideas of what would you would add as a must-have to keep on hand for quick snack prep?</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These cookies are one of things that I made recently and they were a big hit with my son. These uber-healthy cookies are adapted from the granola muncher's classic, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Planet-Frances-Moore-Lappe/dp/0345373669?ie=UTF8&tag=munch06-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Diet for a Small Planet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=munch06-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345373669" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. Full of whole grains, healthy fat, calcium, and fibre these are cookies that you don't have to feel guilty about eating or feeding them to your little ones. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Whole Grain Honey Sesame Cookies</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1/2 cup honey </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 egg, beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1/4 cup milk (cow, almond, coconut -- your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 1/4 cup oats, ground to a flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 cup whole wheat flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1/4 tsp sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 3/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1/2 cup dried currants (or chopped raisins)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a dry skillet, toast sesame seeds over med-low heat stirring regularly until lightly toasted and nutty smelling. Meanwhile, grind the oats into a flour using either a coffee grinder or a food processor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In a large bowl, blend together the honey, coconut oil, and egg. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Dough should be quite stiff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Drop batter in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">approximately 1 tbsp size amounts onto a greased baking sheet. Flatten each gob of batter with moist fingers and bake in your preheated oven for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let cool on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*TIP: measure the oil first and add to bowl and then use the same measuring cup to measure the honey -- it will slide right out into the bowl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">* Will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container or freeze for one month.<br />
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