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We have no food allergies in our family so I have never had to consider nut alternatives. However, I have to pack Luc's lunches and snacks for daycare and they are nut-free. For those nights when I just have NO time, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich would just be so convenient to pop in his lunch. I didn't have very high expectations for this peanut-free alternative, but I was pleasantly surprised! While this spread has a slight bit of bitterness that peanut butter doesn't have, it's still great tasting and a godsend for convenience. Peanut butter is just so versatile, that I'm so glad that I have an alternative that I can send of in Luc's lunch bag.
If nut allergies are an issue or you are looking for nut-free alternatives for whatever reason, if you haven't already give sunflower butter a try. Use it exactly like you would peanut butter, for instance in Munch's PB & J Oatmeal Smoothie, Tofu PB & Banana Spread, or Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Soup!
Also check out these awesome Sunbutter Cookies with Chocolate Sunflower Seed Drops from Maryea at Happy Healthy Mama!
What's your favorite way to enjoy 'peanut' butter?
Although I've always been meaning to try, for some reason I have always been a little intimidated by making homemade yogurt...I somehow think I'm going to poison us all! When I've looked into making it before, I've encountered so many different methods -- thermos, oven, slow cooker, yogurt maker, etc, etc that I had the impression that it would be time consuming to find what method would work well.
Then I read a recent post on making homemade yogurt over at Dinner with Julie and I finally decided to give it a try using her directions since her method needed nothing more than a pot, a jar and a towel for equipment coupled with minimal effort.
It could not have been easier or turn out better....all on the first try! It was thick, creamy and just plain good and we've been enjoying it all week. I'm so excited about having added this new staple to my home cooking arsenal.
If you've ever toyed with the idea of trying to make yogurt at home, or even if the thought hadn't crossed your mind until now...check out Julie's instructions here...you won't be disappointed!
UPDATE: I have found that to get thicker yogurt, just simmer for 10 minutes rather than the 2 minutes in the instructions.
Is there anything that you're a little intimidated to try to make yourself?
Keeping a munchkin who is too young to help out in the kitchen happily occupied is always a challenge...especially with some kids who may be a little less than patient. Luc has a really short attention span...which probably has a lot to do with my emphasis on quick and easy recipes. I'd love to get a Learning Tower
since I've heard such great things about them, but with a small kitchen, we just don't have the space.
Anyhow, Ohdeedoh just had a great post about strategies to help. Check it out here.
What do you do to keep your baby or toddler occupied while you're cooking?
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