Last week we went strawberry picking at a local organic fruit farm not far from our house. My parents watched Joshua while the rest of us ventured to the farm. The last time we went strawberry picking I was 8 months pregnant with Joshua and had a 5 and 2 year old in tow. Honestly,…
Better Burgers
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…
Applesauce
I am writing one handed while holding Joshua and rocking him to sleep, so this will not be a very wordy post. One of the things that we loved about our house when we first looked at it were the abundance of trees. Two of which are apple trees – one red and another green….
A Beautiful Fall Walk
I wanted to say thank you for all of your kind words on yesterday’s post. We really appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Joshua is doing really well and our new protocol seems to be working, as his rash is getting much better every day and he is getting to be much more regular. —————————- Fall…
Crockpot Apple Pie Oatmeal
On Friday mornings Allan leaves at 5 AM to participate in a men’s group at our church. This last Friday was the first time that he has gone since Joshua was born, therefore it was my first time having to be up early to feed the hungry boys on my own. To make things even…
Baked Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Casserole
Yesterday we talked about this pie. Unfortunately, I can’t share the recipe with you, because it is from The Balanced Plate cookbook. Although, I did alter the recipe quite a bit (to use gelatin and coconut flour), however, it needs additional testing before sharing with anyone beyond my family. For some reason the other night when…
Pumpkin Pie Porridge
Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you to all of the men and women who have diligently served our country and risked their lives for us. We are all so very grateful for your service. God bless you! ——— It snowed yesterday! http://instagram.com/p/vOzowso-mR/?modal=true The boys enjoyed playing in the snow while I attempted to shovel the snow…
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Since the air grew colder and fresh produce has become more expensive in our neck of the woods, most mornings the boys and I enjoy a smoothie for our mid-morning snack. This time of the year I find that frozen fruit from Target and Costco is less expensive than fresh produce, and just as (or more)…
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…
Pumpkin Spice Latte
A friend of mine posted the following quote on Facebook today and I felt it was appropriate given the theme of this post: pumpkin. “No matter how urban our life, our bodies live by farming; we come from the earth and return to it, and so we live in agriculture as we live in flesh.”…
Toasted Coconut Chips
Back in March when we began our grain-free journey with a Whole30, I found myself doing a ton of research on paleo eating, specifically related to paleo snacks that my children and husband would enjoy. I knew that their normal snacks of granola bars and muffins were easily paleo-itized. But those snacks used pound after pound…
Snacktime
Good afternoon! I wanted to stop by and let you know that I have been busy over on Instagram sharing the snacks that my kids have been enjoying this week. Check out all of the posts by searching the hashtag #cleaneatingsnacks and #cleaneatinglunch. If you’d like more ideas for fabulous clean eating and whole foods…
Homemade Baby Food
When L began eating solids back in March we loosely followed the Baby-Led Weaning approach. I was surprised at how well he did feeding himself cute pieces of super soft foods. So, honestly we haven’t had a huge need for homemade baby food purees, like we did when M was a baby. I am really loving…
Rhubarb Raspberry Pie
Holy buckets, friends. Guess what happened today? Besides the craziness that lead me to send my husband a novel of a text message outlining the intense psychosis that is staying at home with a 10 month old boy, 3 year old boy and 10 year old cat and the emotional and physical trauma that can…
Hidden Sources of Gluten
A few months ago I noticed a small blurb hidden in one of my issues of Clean Eating magazine that had a comprehensive list of common sources of gluten found in packaged foods. Honestly, I was a bit shocked that such an important nugget of information was tucked away in a corner of the magazine….
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,…
Pics From the Weekend
We had a wonderful weekend filled with tons of family time. It was the first weekend this summer that we didn’t have anything planned in advance, so we were able to make our own schedule and take our time at home (and away). One a week Allan watches the boys after he gets home so…
Quinoa Protein Cereal
I posted this picture last week and got lots of requests for the recipe, so I thought I would pop in while the kids finish up their naps to share this very simple recipe that has become one of my go-to snacks. I love to top my Quinoa Protein Cereal with either fresh berries, banana…
Toddler Vitamins and Supplements
As you already know, I am a big fan of acquiring proper nutrition by eating a plant-based clean diet filled with lots of fruits, veggies, healthy fats, gluten-free whole grains and lean meat. However, the unfortunate state of our land, sea and air has made it very difficult to (safely) acquire necessary nutrition from food alone….
Crockpot Coconut Vegetable Curry
I apologize for the blurry, unflattering photos below. Our new camera should arrive next week, so I will be using my iPhone less for food pics. Even if I did have the DSLR at my disposal, it’s difficult to take an appetizing photo of curry – the reddish pink sauce makes most veggies look brown,…
Strawberry Mango Kale Salad
This is what it looks like outside right now. Yep. That’s a bunch of snow. God has quite a sense of humor, doesn’t he? The last time MN had snow in April was 2002, the year I graduated from high school. Prior to that, you have to go back to the 1980’s. Hmmm… something just…
Slow Cooker Mahi Mahi Tacos
Two weeks ago when I posted a photo on Instagram of my Mahi Mahi taco crockpot experiment I had several requests for the recipe. I hesitate to share new recipes with you guys until I have actually tried the dish myself. I would hate to post a recipe and have it turn out to be…
A Day In the Life with Two Under 3
I love when fellow mommy bloggers share Day In the Life posts, so I thought that I would do a quick run down of a day in the life of the Peters family! I am following the The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped plan as our beach vacation approaches, so all of the eats that you see…
Living Without
I realize it has been months since I first posted about Luke’s health and I have not updated you on how things are going. I am so sorry. To say that life is a hectic, crazy mess with two kids under 3 would be an understatement! Somedays I honestly have no idea what I’ve done all…
Carob Raspberry Amazeballs
I was first introduced to amazeballs when I participated in the Fitnessista’s Winter Shape Up. I immediately fell in love with the ease of preparation, portability and fun flavor combinations. We are hooked! Every other week I make a batch (or two) as snacks for the whole family – with protein powder for Allan and…
Ten Things I’m Loving Right Now
Hello, lovely! Words cannot express how much I have missed you. http://instagram.com/p/VukvCYo-rJ/ http://instagram.com/p/VuV837o-k9/ The following are ten things that I am loving right now that I couldn’t help but share with you! http://instagram.com/p/Vt0NZ_o-qU/ 1. Making art. Matt and I have been embracing our inner artists. This was our first time using our gluten-free organic/edible finger paint….
Beef and Broccoli in the Crockpot
With the holidays quickly approaching and a new baby in the house, I am finding it more and more difficult to get dinner on the table every night. Some evenings are so rough that it seems to take me over an hour (or two!) to get a simple meal on the table for everyone. Then…
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…
Green Apple Pie Smoothies
Between our regular grocery trips, my in-laws trees and our CSA fruit share, we have an overabundance of apples. Of course I have been busy making crockpot applesauce any chance that I can get; however, our new favorite way to enjoy the fall harvest has been Green Apple Pie Smoothies. Matthew has been teething since…
Happy to be back!
Luke is 8 weeks old today! I have missed blogging and am so happy to be back from my extended maternity leave. Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet these last couple months, but it was necessary for my own mental health as I juggle life with a newborn and a toddler. I have…
Summer Kale Salad
There was a big head of lacinato kale that I purchased at the farmer’s market two weeks ago sitting in my crisper drawer taking up much needed space. I had intended to create simple massaged kale salads for lunch every day last week, but instead opted for salads using CSA greens. This week the beautiful…
Maple Strawberry Summer Salad
This was honestly one of the BEST sumer salads we have enjoyed in quite a while! Honestly, it was a completely impromptu, clean out the fridge kind of meal that took all of us by surprise. I love how unplanned meals can sometimes be the most delicious and rewarding. When planning dinner, I knew that…
Gluten-Free Summer Strawberry Cornbread
Can you believe that we are in the midst of strawberry season already?!? I adore sweet, local berries and am so excited that the season is arriving early and with a vengeance this year. Usually the local MN strawberries are bright red, extremely sweet and very fragile. They can be difficult to handle and bake…
Grain Free Banana Muffins
Yikes! It is hot and humid. Seriously, last week it was rainy and the mercury barely rose above 60˚. Gotta love MN weather! I wasn’t quite sure how my pregnant body would tolerate the heat and humidity of Minnesota summers, but so far, so good. Matthew and I are both warm blooded and like to…
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…
Birthday Boy Blueberry Pancakes
As I mentioned earlier this afternoon, we enjoyed an amazing stack of blueberry pancakes this morning to celebrate this little guy’s birthday. Matthew, like his mama, loves breakfast! I knew that I wanted to make something special for him this morning to celebrate the big T-W-O and instantly thought of pancakes. A couple months ago,…
Fun in the Sun
Have you been wondering to yourself, where in the world has that Maria Makes Muffins been?!? She hasn’t posted in weeks! Today I am here to answer that question… With the second trimester in full swing, Matthew and I have had quite a bit to catch up on. It felt like the first trimester moved…
Mango Breakfast Bake
My love for baking was rekindled during my 14th week of pregnancy . I can’t believe that I went over 2 months without baking anything in our kitchen… it so isn’t like me. Fortunately for Allan and Matthew, I have been making up for lost time. One of the things that I whipped up was this…
Natural Easter Egg Dyeing
Can you believe Easter is only a little over two weeks away? I know that some of you are busily planning your Easter brunch menus, children’s activities and household tasks to be completed before the big day while others haven’t given Easter a second thought. I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to share…
A Pancake A Day…
… may not keep the doctor away, but will definitely put a smile on your face. A few weeks ago while pinning, I saw a gorgeous photo of a german (aka puff) pancake. I immediately wanted one. However, I knew that if I was going to indulge in such a decadent breakfast everyone in our…
Twenty One
Things have been getting increasingly exciting around here. Every day we experience Matthew growing up and learning by leaps and bounds. He is now 21 months old and has definite opinions about everything. His confidence in his body and movement is amazing. He believes that he is invincible! Matthew and I have been focusing on…
Banana Split
A couple months ago Kath made split pea soup in a crock pot using a ham shank. It got me thinking… I had a ham bone and leftover diced ham vacuum sealed and frozen in our deep freeze for FAR too long. I had the intention of either using it in a smoky lentil soup…
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…
Four Things Friday + Giveaway
1. A couple weeks ago, I was sent a sample of Morrocco Method Styling Dragon Pomade. As you know, I tried the complete line of Morrocco Method shampoos and conditioners this summer, as I tried to go ‘poo-free. I was very saddened when their products didn’t work out for me at that time; however, I…
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Bars
This would be the post that I would share my New Year’s resolutions, if I were the type to make resolutions. However, honestly, I’m not a big believer in resolutions. I don’t need a new year in order to get me in the mood to set goals and reach them. I’m just the type of…
Top 10 Recipes of 2011
The following are the top 10 MMM recipes of 2011, according to you! Clean Candy Bars Carob Banana Blueberry Surprise Breakfast Bake Blueberry Banana Tofu Muffins Microwave Protein Cake Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake Pumpkin Donuts Soaked Sweet Potato Waffles Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars Apple Cider Donuts MMM-Style Overnight Oats
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…
Banana Chai Muffins
I am still in love with Ashley’s chai spice blend. Yum! Every week I make a batch of clean and healthy snack muffins or cookies for Matthew to enjoy throughout the week. It’s an easy way for me to ensure that he is getting enough healthy fat, whole grains and fruits/veggies. Plus, I can pop…
Chai Spiced
Last week Ashley from the edible perspective posted a recipe for chai spice mix. I love chai spices and immediately ran to my spice rack and mixed up the spice blend. Upon first sniff, I immediately knew that it was a winning combination. I then got to work using it. We were running low on…
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…
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…
“…yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 As Christmas nears I find myself getting more and more strapped for personal time. There are so many things that I would like to do, people I would like to visit and experiences I would like to enjoy with Matthew. However, it seems that there…
Five Things Monday + Recipe
Since we last spoke… 1. We now have a decorated Christmas Tree in our living room. I love visiting our local Bachman’s to pick out a Christmas tree. Last year we bought an overpriced Fraser Fir at Whole Foods. It was a near fiasco where Allan had to secure the tree to our car on…
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…
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Good Afternoon. I am hoping to have a Thanksgiving recap post up with updated photos and recipes early this week – hopefully no later than Wednesday. My goal was to get it up for you today, but we have a showing tonight that I must get the house ready for and Matthew just went down…
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…
Pastries for Breakfast
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 Happy {day after} Halloween from one dragon to another! Life has been busy! We are thinking about putting our house back on the market and have spent the last several days preparing. There…
Uh-Oh
Yep. I messed up. I accidentally fed my family gluten this week. We were only supposed to add soy back in this week, not gluten. Here’s what happened… I usually buy the Trader Joe’s tempeh and completely forgot that it contains barley, which has gluten. Guess what we had on Monday night – tempeh spaghetti….
Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars
I am feeling a bit under the weather today and decided to skip my scheduled yoga session this morning in favor of additional sleep. Depending on how long I take to get this post up, I might be able to sneak in a quick 20 minute yoga stretch session before Matthew wakes from his nap….
Gluten-Free Teff Porridge
After having such great success making steel cut oats in my slow cooker, I wondered if the same things could be done with teff, which is our second favorite breakfast grain. Guess what? It worked! Since I suspect that Allan’s digestive issues are caused by gluten, teff has become our go-to breakfast porridge. We usually…
crock pot <3
A couple weeks ago I bought a new programmable crock pot to replace our old crockpot that was routinely burning foods. I am in love! I use the crock pot at least three times per week to prepare breakfast, supper and side dishes. One of my favorite ways to use my slow cooker is to…
Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts
A few things… 1. We spent the morning playing with our friends Renea and Dakota. 2.The house is clean. 3. Matthew only took an hour long nap. Needless to say, it’s been a productive day. However, due to #3, this is going to be a quick post. Yes, these are the Gluten Free Apple Cider…
The Best Thing I Ever Ate
Have you ever watched the show, The Best Thing I Ever Are? When we had cable, I would tune in to Food Network when I was doing chores… folding laundry, stuffing cloth diapers, etc. Inevitably, the show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, would be on. I much prefer cooking shows like Giada At Home…
Gingerbread Waffles
With the celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving last weekend, I have been getting into the holiday mood. Now I know that it isn’t even Halloween yet, but I absolutely love the Holiday Season! Is it sad that I even listened to a few Christmas Songs on my iPhone last week? Yep. It happened. With the new…
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…