How are you today? I’m a bit tired from a busy weekend. On Friday night and Saturday morning I attended the MN Catholic Home Educators Conference at the University of St. Thomas. It was such a nice event and I’m so happy that I decided to go, even though we aren’t Catholic. Sarah Mackenzie was…
Pumpkin French Toast
A few weeks ago while Allan was traveling, Matthew asked if we could have something other than eggs for breakfast. See Matthew is a very smart boy. On the week days Allan makes breakfast for the family while I workout and get dressed for the day. Matthew knows that when daddy is making breakfast it…
Semi-Homemade Rhubarb Peach Ginger Cake
As the temperature and humidity rise, rhubarb is taking its final bow. However, if you’re like me, your plants are still hanging on. Go out and pick your last harvest and enjoy this amazing semi-homemade Ginger Rhubarb Peach Cake. Can’t get your hands on rhubarb anymore? No worries! This cake would be amazing using blueberries,…
Thanksgiving Recap
Yep. I’m a week late and a dollar short; but if you’ll excuse me, I’d still like to share a little Thanksgiving Recap. We had the most delightful time with our family enjoying good food, adult beverages and, of course, each other’s company. We certainly do have a lot to be thankful for. Our beautiful…
Thanksgiving on a Budget
As promised yesterday, I am going to give you a peak at our Thanksgiving meal budget. This year, I decided to dial back our Thanksgiving budget, as I tend to go a little overboard during the Holidays. Trust me, it is not necessary to serve a plethora of side dishes along with your Thanksgiving meal….
Thanksgiving Favorites
If you have been following my blog for some time, you’ve heard me talk about hosting Thanksgiving for both of our immediate families every year. This year, I am aiming to do Thanksgiving on a Budget, as we definitely splurged last year. Even though, I am trying to keep our spending to a minimum, it…
Crockpot Meal: Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce
Since Luke’s birth, I have struggled to get nutritious meals on the table by 6:15 PM every day. Simply adding one other person’s (unpredictable) needs to the mix has thrown me for a loop. Some weeks I am very diligent about shopping and meal planning, while others are haphazard at best. I have found that…
Matthew’s 2nd Birthday Party
Sorry for the delay in posting photos from Matthew’s party. We’ve been a little out of sorts over here, so I had a delay in getting the photos pulled together. Last Sunday we celebrated Matthew’s 2nd birthday with family and friends. The following are some highlights from the party, including the party menu. We started…
Whole Wheat Maple Donuts
I had to stop in briefly this afternoon to tell you about the most amazing treat that I whipped up for bible study tomorrow morning. When I signed up for fellowship at bible study I immediately knew that I wanted to bring a healthy baked good. There were a few reasons for my decision: 1….
Gluten-Free Pizza
We had a bit of an unusual weekend and decided that instead of kicking off the weekend with pizza night, we would end the weekend with the family’s favorite meal. As you know, I have a recipe for an amazing whole wheat pizza crust that I raved about for months. Unfortunately, we are now gluten-free…
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Two Ways
Every year my mom and I bake Christmas cookies together. We always make sugar cookies, which happen to be Allan’s favorite. My mom’s favorite cookie is the gingersnap, so we usually make gingerbread men as well; however, we are bursting at the seams with cookies this year and settled on simply making roll out cookies, as…
Gluten-Free Cookies: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk
The magical whirlwind that is the Christmas season is almost over. The waiting of the Advent season will soon break through to the awe and wonder that is Christmas… snow or no snow – as it is here in Minneapolis. It seems that yesterday’s snow shower was more of a blip than the light white…
Gluten-Free Cookies: Winter Spiced Biscotti
Let’s talk cookies. Specifically, clean, low-sugar, low-fat, gluten-free cookies. It’s the week of Christmas and I can’t believe that I haven’t brought up cookies yet. I love sweets… but they do not love me back. So, I choose to enjoy them in moderation and to modify recipes to reduce sugar, cut fat and increase whole…
Gingerbread Two Ways
Matthew and I have been enjoying our Advent Calendar activities. Matthew looks forward to opening the Advent Calendar door and unfolding the little piece of paper every day. I found little clip art photos to represent each activity so that he can recognize what we are doing without the need for me to read the…
Thanksgiving Recap
Thanksgiving has come and gone. With its passing we are left with several new and wonderful memories of delicious food, amazing company and midnight Black Friday shopping. Allan’s family with Matthew and Piggie: Mark (FIL), Annie (SIL), Mollie (Niece), Jakob (Nephew), Matthew, Ryan (BIL), Piggie Rubbed and ready for the oven! Sprouted Whole Wheat and Gluten-Free…
And so it begins…
I hope that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Matthew and I have been hard at work prepping for the Thanksgiving Feast we are hosting on Thursday. Yesterday I did the grocery shopping – I lugged home 8 bags full of goodies for both Thanksgiving and Christmas cookies. All of the organic baking stuff was on…
Thanksgiving Survival Guide
Hello my friends. If you follow me on Twitter, are friends with me on Facebook or like MMM on Facebook, you know that I have been hard at work creating Thanksgiving printables to streamline your Thanksgiving shopping, prep and cooking. I have a lot to share, so let’s get right into it! For the last week,…
Thanksgiving: Green Bean, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Green Bean, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine A delicious departure from traditional green bean salad. The citrusy tang of the dressing is the perfect compliment to cool chèvre and earthy beets. This salad will leave you energized, not dragging. Gluten-free, dairy-free. Print this recipe. Serves 12 2 bunches golden or…
Thanksgiving: Souffléd Sweet Potato Bake
These sweet potatoes were wonderful! They can be enjoyed sweet, as shown above, or savory, as shown below. To make the sweet version omit the roasted garlic and rosemary from the recipe below and add 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. During the last few minutes of cooking top with marshmallows…
Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Brownie Pie
Pumpkin Brownie Pie Adapted from Oh She Glows This is one of the most decadent desserts I have ever made. The brownie is perfectly chocolatey and gooey while the pumpkin pie filling is better than traditional pumpkin pie. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 8 Pumpkin Pie Filling 1 cup canned pumpkin 2 tbsp…
Thanksgiving: Rosted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans Inspired by Clean Eating Magazine and Ina Garten These are to your grandmother’s brussels sprouts! Even the pickiest of eaters will gobble these up. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 12 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and loose leaves removed 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted 2 tbsp apple…
Thanksgiving: Spiced Cranberry and Apple Sauce
Spiced Cranberry and Apple Sauce Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine Perfect for dipping! Matthew dipped his entire dinner into this sauce. A healthy twist on cranberry sauce featuring apples and ginger. The perfect pairing to your Holiday meal. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 12 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted 1…
Thanksgiving: Cherry, Apple and Mushroom Stuffing
Cherry, Apple and Mushroom Stuffing Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine A savory experience for your mouth. I amped up my traditional stuffing recipe by adding dried fruit and apples and the result is delightful! Can be gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan dependent upon your bread selection. Print this recipe. Serves 12 1 (24 oz or 680g)…
Thanksgiving: Roast Turkey with Herby Gravy
Roast Turkey with Herby Gravy Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine and Alton Brown Over the years I have perfected the roasted turkey. Below I share with you my secrets to the timeless Thanksgiving favorite. Gluten-free and dairy-free. Print this recipe. Serves 12 4 organic carrots, scrubbed, cut crosswise and then into thirds 4 ribs celery…
Thanksgiving: Spicy and Smoky Turkey Spice Rub
Spicy and Smoky Turkey Spice Rub Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine A nontraditional approach to a turkey spice rub that is mildly smoky and lightly spicy. Print this recipe. Serves 12 2 tbsp chile powder 2 tbsp ground cumin 1 ½ tbsp paprika 2 tsp dried minced garlic 2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp sea…
Thanksgiving Menu Planning
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away! I am so excited! Allan compares my Thanksgiving meal to the Super Bowl. We look forward to it each year. This year is no exception because Allan’s sister and her family will be joining us from South Dakota. It is going to so much fun hosting…
Spooky Summer Throw Back
I bet I am not the only one who has a hundred pounds of shredded zucchini in my freezer. Well, maybe I am the only one… No matter how much of summer’s bounty you have preserved in your freezer, I bet that you would love to enjoy a dark chocolate brownie that is delicious and…
Apple Cider Donuts
Hello my friends! Things are starting to settle down around here. I am loving not having the urge to check email every five seconds to ensure that everything at work is ok. Rachel Cosgrove (via The Female Body Breakthrough) is still kicking my butt at 5:30 AM. I added in a little Yoga is Yummy…
Apple Cider Breakfast Bake
A couple weeks ago while at the Mill City Farmer’s Market, I picked up a half-gallon of freshly pressed, unpasturized apple cider from Sweetland Orchard. I knew right away that I wanted to use it in my baking. The next day I made a pot of crock pot steel cut oats and subbed in 1…
Family Favorites: Soaked Sweet Potato Waffles
I know that it’s still September, but the Holidays are fast approaching. Before we know it there will be snow on the ground, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and jingle bells playing on your iPhone. If you are like me and host your family’s Holiday get-togethers there is always the age old question proceeding…
Wordless Wednesday: Family Favorites: Pumpkin Donuts
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 Pumpkin Donuts Serve these pumpkin donuts with a side of scrambled eggs for a special weekend breakfast or with a slice of string cheese as a quick grab and go snack during the week. Print this…
Party People
You may recall that a couple weeks ago we hosted an ecofriendly, clean living party with the goal of only producing one bag of landfill-bound trash. If you are catching up, you can read about the party here and here. We were extremely successful in our mission and I thought that today I would share…
Spicy Cumpleaños ::: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe
We had an amazing four day weekend together! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. On Friday, Allan took a day of vacation and we went to the MN State Fair. Look for a recap on this escapade tomorrow. Today, I want to tell you about our One Bag Mexican Fiesta that I…
¡Olé!
Last week I was challenged by Foodbuzz and GLAD to host an event that generated only ONE BAG of landfill-bound trash. Participant received a trash management kit, a consultation with a waste management expert and a stipend to cover the expenses of their One Bag event. Allan and I racked our brains on the type…
Eat Your Peas
If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you already know about my Mama Pea lady love. While I do not know her personally, her witty sense of humor and lovely stories about her daily adventures are heartwarming and inviting. In a way, her family reminds me of my own, minus…
Dolce Vita
We had another glorious weekend filled with sunshine, family and amazing food! On Friday night Allan and I went on a date to Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill where we dined alfresco on amazing food including a cosmo for her and a mojito for him (my first vodka since having Matthew). We shared the mediterranean flatbread, mediterranean…
Hashbrowns or Pizza?
Last Friday morning before work, Allan asked me if we were having Friday night pizza and I told him, “of course, it’s Friday, isn’t it?” He then asked me what kind of pizza we were having and I told him “you’ll see”. When he arrived home to see me shredding potatoes he was very suspicious….
Boys in Blue
Since I began clean eating, I searched high and low for a scone recipe that was whole grain, low sugar and low fat while still keeping the thick, crunchy, cakey texture of my beloved coffee house baked goods. About year ago, Dani Spies posted a recipe for blueberry scones and I immediately made the recipe….
Whirlwind POMinty Watermelon
Today was a crazy productive day. I ended up working a full day yesterday because my boss’ son was in a severe motocross accident over the weekend. He will make a full recovery, but has a long road ahead of him. Please say a prayer for Coleman. Usually Mondays are either a prep day or…
Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce
Today was an amazing day filled with laughter, sunshine and family. I love afternoons spent talking, munching and playing in the sunshine with those that mean the most to me. It was glorious! Last night I was so excited to enjoy a Cooler 2 breakfast that I threw together this simple Rhubarb Strawberry sauce that…
Frosting on the Cake
Prior to Matthew’s birthday party last weekend I had no clue how to correctly frost a cake. I wanted Matthew’s first birthday cake to not only be a nutritious whole food delight, I also wanted it to be as beautiful as a store bought cake. So, after scouring the internet, reading demos and watching how-to…
Matthew’s Birthday Party: Food Edition
As you know, Sunday was Matthew’s first birthday and we threw a small party for him. The following is the food that we served to our family that came from near and far to celebrate with us. Prepping the salad I used the following simple dressing on this salad. The recipe makes enough dressing for…
Feta Hummus
I love easy, nutritious and delicious recipes that my entire family will enjoy. Hummus is a food that has a fabulous, complex flavor for Allan and I along with a smear-able fun factor for Matthew. While I was shopping at the co-op, I sampled a chunky feta hummus and was instantly intrigued. However, I did…
Mother’s Day Frittata
If you haven’t picked up on it yet, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love waking up, showering and preparing breakfast for my family. Saturday mornings are always fair game… blueberry pancakes, sweet potato pancakes, baked oatmeal, french toast, waffles, eggs over easy, etc. However, for the last several years, our weekday…
Out of this Stratasphere!
Yesterday I blogged about the glorious spread that we enjoyed on Easter. In that post, I mentioned that I would be highlighting different dishes that I made in their own dedicated posts. Today I will share the recipe for the delectable Strata that I made. This recipe is loosely based on a recipe in Tosca…
Brunch Easter Style
Happy belated Easter! We hosted Easter festivities for both of our families. My parents, Allan’s parents and my sister were in attendance. There was so much AMAZING (and clean) food that the fridge was so packed it was difficult to find anything! Lois, Allan’s mom, made this beautiful watermelon fruit bowl! This bad boy was…