Apple Chocolate Chip Muffins!

{Those of you reading via email, I posted another post yesterday and you might want to go to the blog to check that out.}

Yes, these are vegan, but I think that around here it's not noticeable anymore. There are even recipes that I will make after lent is over.I was using what I remembered in my head of recipes that I had made before and then another recipe, however, it wasn't like anything I had ever made. So, I guess this is the birth of a new recipe.
The best part is that everyone liked them!!!

2 cups flour (your choice what kind you use)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup light brown sugar (not tightly packed)
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 apple pealed and diced--I'd add more next time.
Vegan chocolate chips-sprinkled in there. Less than 1/4 cup.

Bake 350 F for about 16-20 min.

This recipe is around 170 calories per muffin and it makes 12 full muffins and they are moist. But, watch as they stick to the paper.

Keeping Kids with Allergies Safe...

http://paperandpigtailsparty.com/

Looking for a way to keep those kids safe? Well, here is a list of printables that you may want to have on hand. You can find them all at Paper & Pigtails Party.  She has them over there for free. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cupcakes - Vegan Style

Sorry for the bad photo, but it was quick and I wasn't going to set up a whole shoot for it--maybe next time. Think those look Vegan? I didn't think you would. So, here is the deal, some Oreo's are vegan--not healthy--but vegan. To my credit, I said this was a vegan cupcake not a healthy cupcake. Although, if you leave off the frosting and the Oreos, it could be a healthy cupcake. The regular without the Oreos and frosting are yummy and so soft!

Now, as far as the recipe is concerned, I got it from here. You see when vegan baking is concerned, I head on over to Chocolate Covered Katie. Her recipes have not failed me yet. :) I tweaked this one a bit, as I used a different soy yogurt and my nondairy milk was vanilla almond milk. I also only used 1 tbsp of corn starch--I wasn't sure why it was in there. But, instead of leaving it all out, I just reduced it.

Then, I decided to add Oreos to the batter and make some homemade frosting to top it off. Little Man and my darling husband gave these thumbs up. I have to laugh because these days I am asked: " Are they vegan or regular?" Honestly, sometimes you really can't tell....

If you make them, let me know what you think.

Happy Chocolate Eating!

I will keep packing my kid's lunch....

Yes, I pack his lunch 99% of the time. Why?

Simple, I want to make sure he has a healthy lunch. That is, one that is healthy by our standards. On occasion, I do pack treats for him that are not healthy. In my opinion, if he eats well balanced meals and occasionally has an Oreo, it's OK. He has 1 Oreo in his lunch today. Not one package--one Oreo. GASP! The rest of his lunch consists of whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Water to drink...so he's good.

I must say that last weeks post confirmed to me that I am making the right choice in packing his lunch almost daily. But, it also outraged me a bit.

Seriously, everyone is saying that we have an obesity problem here in America, especially in our youth. Then they OK these added fillers to our foods. I find that interesting. I don't know about you, but this does not all add up for me.

Let's make it clear, it's not only in the schools, it is also added to the beef in our stores.
See this link...More on Pink Slime
In your opinion, is this beef???
My opinion, NO.

Do I think that pink slime is the reason for the obesity. No. But, I have serious issues with it and it begs for more answers. What is really being added to the foods that we are eating? Just sit and think about that for a minute.

While you are doing this, check this out...
Food Allergies and What is added to our food....

Here is another link to the website of Robyn the speaker in this video.
Go here for more information

I'll get off my soap box, but there is a huge part of me that wants to dig deeper and now I will be looking even closer at my families diet. I'll let you in on what I learn and what steps I take for my family. I may even start another book club on this topic...if I do? Anyone in???

Lower Your Cholestrol

So, I had someone recently ask for help on Cholestrol and their diet. I am NOT an expert in any of these areas, but I am willing to help and do some research for you.

Here are a few tips...
9 Food Tips to Lower Cholesterol

ByGina Shaw
WebMD Feature

Reviewed byBrunilda Nazario, MD

A low-cholesterol diet is one of the surest ways to improve heart health. In fact, studies show you can slash your bad cholesterol by as much as 10% to 20% by giving your diet a makeover. The secret?

1. Follow a diet rich in healthy fats like vegetable oils and fish. And avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. How do you know which foods keep your cholesterol low? Here are nine tips to help you get started..

2. Stock your pantry and your refrigerator with the right foods for a low-cholesterol diet. Buy your favorite canned or dry beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and vegetable juice.

3. For a low-cholesterol diet, toss the butter, trans fat margarines, and polyunsaturated oil. Replace them with canola oil, olive oil, or plant sterol spreads.
4. Look for products specifically created for low-cholesterol diets, like Minute Maid HeartWise orange juice and Benecol, Promise, Smart Balance, and Take Control margarines. These foods have been fortified with plant stanols and sterols that help to block the absorption of cholesterol.

5. Start your day with oatmeal. Experts agree this is one of the top cholesterol-lowering superfoods.
6. Try a cholesterol-free egg substitute instead of whole eggs.

7. For a tasty low-cholesterol dish, switch out the cream sauce on your fettuccine for lightly stir-fried vegetables.

8. Instead of using butter to keep your pan moist while cooking, use white wine vinegar. It doesn't change the flavor of foods and doesn't add fat -- a key to low-cholesterol cooking!

9. Don't lean on butter, sour cream, and other fatty additives for flavoring. Instead, reach for the spices -- either while cooking or at the table. Liven up your dishes with oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, coriander, or cumin.

Another link to help you:
Heart Healthy Kitchen

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Ideas- A blog post full of Links

Hope these links help you plan a great Dr. Seuss Celebration! Enjoy Everyone!


Here are some great ideas gathered from around this big wide internet. :)

Teaching ideas...
Dr Seuss Unit Ideas

Classroom Jr has lots of Dr Seuss Activities & Lesson Plans

Dr Seuss Matching Game

Rhyming Activity/Game

Dr Seuss Activity Blocks

Lorax Classroom Project

1 Fish 2 Fish interactive Printable for Preschool

Dr Seuss Unit

The Lorax ideas

Craft ideas...
Lorax Truffula Trees Craft 1

Lorax Truffula Tree Pencils

Quotes:

Printable  from (mmscrapshopp)

Other quotes can be found here

I plan on making Little Man's lunch notes with Dr Seuss Quotes that week. :)

I am also taking a snack into the class that day and I am planning it around The Lorax! So excited. (Yes, I am such a nerd like that!)

Other Ideas...
hostessblog.com I knew she would not disappoint with her ideas! Having a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Here is something to help you out! :)

The Lorax Mustache On A Stick

Get Creative With The Lorax, It's Party Time!

Lorax Tuffula Trees

Lorax Cake Pops

Bakerella photo - check her site. Awesome!

Vegan baking...

This came from .peta.org it's a great cheat sheet for those of you following me on the vegan journey.

Lunchbox and Vegan...

Lunchbox ideas:
So, I found this link to share with all of you to help in your lunch planning ideas. This is not the lunch box system we use. As you can all recall, we use the Planetbox. We love it!
Now for the menu ideas:
Bento Menus
I am sure that you will find ideas to inspire you. But, don't worry, I will be back with more ideas for you and perhaps some pictures of Little Man's Lunches. Until then, happy lunch packing!

Vegan update:
So, I am looking at all things Vegan before embarking on my 46 day journey. I've felt enlightened and excited about this. It will be an experience in so many ways. Is there anyone joining me?

I am going to try new recipes every week and new products and I will report back on all of it.  I am sure you will all enjoy the entertainment factor in all of that. Let's make something perfectly clear, I am not going to be on the vegan diet that consists of junk food and candy. It will be a healthy, balanced diet.

Healthy Food...

So, you hear from people that eating healthy costs more, guess it depends on what you are thinking about as far as a cost perspective. Here is some food for thought. Yeah, that pun was totally on purpose. ;) This is from Daily Spark. You can check over there for more, but I promise to post some of them from time to time over here as well.

Vegan Chili--it's totally YUMMY!

I did my own take on this Vegan Chili by Rocco.
It is a thick Chili, but it hits the spot for sure.
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 Large onion chopped
5 chopped celery sticks
1 cup chopped carrots
3 tsp garlic (ya know the ground kind from the jar)
3 Chopped green and/or red bell pepper
3 tbsp chili powder (I like the taste)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 (28-oz) can of diced tomatoes with liquid
1 small 60z jar of tomato paste
1 (15-oz) can organic black beans with liquid
1 (15-oz) can organic kidney beans with liquid
1 (11-oz) can organic whole kernel corn, undrained
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tbsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute veggies and seasoning.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-45  minutes, stirring occasionally.

* Little Man likes Taco Cheese on top of his--that would not qualify this as vegan. But, he says it's GOOD!*

Let's Start the day with cookies?

Sounds great, right? Well, let me tell you. If you are thinking sugar filled cookies, you are wrong.
You want to start the day with a good grain and some fruit and some yummy goodness! If that is the idea, then yes, these cookies will be right up your alley.
These come from Chocolate Covered Katie. If you have not been to her website and enjoy eating healthy you are missing out! :) I've never met her and just started reading her blog/website. But, I can tell you. It's bookmarked and I will refer to it often! SHE ROCKS!

Photo from Chocolate Covered Katie

Oatmeal-Raisin Breakfast Cookies * My adaptions in bold.*
(gluten-free!)

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I did about 3/4 cup)
• scant 1/2 cup applesauce or over-ripe banana (mashed) I used slightly over 1/2 cup applesauce.
• 1/4 cup nut butter (I used salted pb) I used all natural unsalted peanut butter! It was just the ground peanut kind. No added anything. Pure and simple.
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon More of 1/2tsp I LOVE cinnamon!!!
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 T raisins (or other dried fruit, or even chocolate chips) I used 3 heaping Tbsp.
• pinch salt if desired (taste the dough to decide)
• 1 packet stevia (or 1 tablespoon sugar. I actually omitted this altogether. If you have absolutely no sweet tooth, you can try it that way. And if you have a huge sweet tooth—or are used to “non-healthy-tasting” desserts—try adding 1/4 cup sugar. As I said above, don’t expect these to taste like your everyday oatmeal-raisin cookies. I’ll post a recipe for those soon!) NO SUGAR ADDED or needed for me. Not even a tsp! :)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mash the banana with the nut butter, then add all other ingredients and mix until well-combined. Shape into cookies and bake for around 14 minutes. (Alternatively, you can try pulverizing the raisins and oats before combining them with the banana mixture, if you want more sweetness.) I would say 12 min will work.
This recipe yields around 12 cookies.

Eat this!

Love Pizza? Kids Love Pizza?
Well, eat this....

Pizza Roll Up- Information found here at Eating Well

Ingredients

• 1 8-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla
• 2 tablespoons prepared pizza sauce
• 12 leaves baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella

Preparation

1. Place tortilla on a plate and spread pizza sauce over it. Top with an even layer of spinach and sprinkle cheese on top. Microwave on High until the cheese is just melted, about 45 seconds. Carefully roll the tortilla up. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into pieces, if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the pizza roll-up for up to 1 day.

Nutrition

Per serving: 217 calories; 7 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 14 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 10 g protein; 3 g fiber; 427 mg sodium; 18 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Calcium (17% daily value).
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat

Request Post- Shortcuts in the Kitchen

So, I was asked to do a post on saving time in the kitchen. Yikes! I have some ideas, but I feel I need more ideas on that topic myself! So, if you have them I am all ears!

The Casserole: Here is the thing, I am not a big casserole girl and neither is my family! I know those can be time savers, but they just don't fit the way we eat.

Pre prep your produce. Meaning, bring it home and clean it. You can do the cutting for your own fruit and veggie tray then and there also. Just be sure that it’s stuff that won’t turn on you before you eat it.

Make the freezer your friend—check on dishes that can become once a month cooking. Or marinade your meat in a baggie and place it in the freezer. You can also pre prep meat to place in there. Think cutting, seasoning, etc.

Cook once eat twice. I often make leftover chicken to use the next night in another meal. Saves me time and it's not really leftovers, but a different meal with a similar ingredient.

Gather ingredients and store them together. I saw this great bin system and wanted to share it, now is a perfect time.  Check it out here!

Prep meals when you have time, not right at dinner. Are you feeling rush and flustered at dinner time? Why not make a few moments in the morning to prep some things for that evening?

There are more quick tips and shortcuts when you go here.

Hope these all prove helpful and share your own in the comments. Comments can become a running conversation!

March is Frozen Food Month!

During March it is National Frozen Food Month, there might be discounts and coupons on stuff that can hold for a long time. How long? The USDA explains it in a handy chart.

Happy Freezing! :)

Money Saving Monday--the challenge (2/28)

Let the challenge begin! Today starts the Month challenge of shopping at only one food store (Darrenkamps) while spending only $20 per person per week on food.

Actually, I did today's food shopping yesterday. I wanted to hit Darrenkamps for Chicken. Our supply was getting low. It was on sale last week and not on sale (or at least not listed in the flyer for this week). So, I went ahead and did it on Sunday instead of my normal Monday. I don't like to food shop on Sundays. But, I didn't want to pass up that savings. Plus, they had some fruit on sale that we wanted this past week.

I bought more than my $60 worth of food this week. But, we stocked up on a few things. I got stuff to make homemade items this week that I am putting in the freezer for us for the next week or two or three. So, I think it will even itself out over the month.

We will see. I must say though I got a lot of food for what I paid and even bought some organic. It wasn't a bad shopping trip--as good as shopping on Sunday can get. I prefer to shop on Mondays. But, after Sunday's trip I do have some ground to make up over the next few weeks. This should be interesting.

I heard that people want to hear more of what we are eating while on this challenge. So, here you go...
Sunday Night's Dinner:
BBQ Grilled Chicken
Salad
Homemade Applesauce--made just today.
Grillin' Baked Beans
Homemade Bread
*NOTE: We usually don't have that many sides.* Does anyone want a weekly menu for our Dinners? If I hear a yes please, I will post. If not, I will just throw them on here when I think of it.

What's in Season? (A Rare Saturday Post!)

We all talk about eating what is in season to save money. But, what is in season?
I searched to find a chart for all of you. Here is what I came up with:

sustainabletable.org (This is where you plug in your state and it tells you by month what is local and fresh!)

A graphic of information can be found by going here. I plan on printing this and keeping it in my meal planning binder. :)

Field to Plate link helps you find some to your local region.

Pick your own link provides you with places that you can go and pick your own food.

Hope these links prove helpful. Have a great weekend!

Homemade Pesticide Wash

Not buying everything organic? Make a wash for those items.

Dr Oz’s Pesticide Wash Solution Recipe

Dr Oz said that if you are going to eat non-organic fruits and vegetables, you can help to wash your produce off by mixing together the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 TB baking soda
- 1/2 lemon
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray your produce.  Let the solution sit on your fruits and veggies for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off.  Vinegar is anti-bacterial and lemon is a natural astringent. 
Thanks, Dr. Oz!!!

Money Saving Monday (2/14)

Happy Valentine's Day! :) Now, what you really came here for...

CVS Deals: here at Money Saving Mom
Check it out, you can score some free toothpaste (after ECB) and other items that you only have to pay pennies for. Oh the drugstore game. Shall I do a post on what tips I am finding in playing this game??

Giant: First, don't let the guy in produce tell you that the $1 bag of 3lb potatoes were last weeks sale. Or that you are just totally confused and don't have your ads straight. Just smile, nod, and go grab the ad to show him. Then you'll realize you won't find him. So, you go to customer service and get yourself a rebate. Not like that happened to me or anything ;) To point out, once I had the ad another man in produce was VERY helpful in trying to find them for me. Wish I caught his name. Yes, these potatoes are a great deal. Better than the BOGO deal. But, depends what type of potatoes you want.
More of giant deals can be found at for the mommas

Darrenkamps: Has some great deals this week. Their ground turkey is on sale for $1.79lb. Did I mention their service comes with a smile and a very helpful hello. :) Again, I LOVE that store.

Weis: They have some good deals also. Check it out again at for the mommas. She also posted about the weis catalina deal. Remember sometimes stores do this in addition to manufactures. Have to look out for both and see if they can fit in with your monthly plan.

I shortened the post this week, because I wanted to share a quick story. We try to make Little Man responsible with money. We help him in understanding the importance of saving for things that you want. He has 3 banks (charity, savings and spending). We explained when we started them about the importance of each. But, if you watch him most of the money he gets goes to savings, then charity and then spending respectfully.

When we have opportunities to get him involved in making decisions with money, we allow that to happen. We feel that teaching him while he is young to understand money will help him in the long run.

So, he had a party to go to and we set a budget amount that he could spend on his friend. If he had money left over from the budget, he could give that as cash or get another gift. So, he did have money left over and gave it as cash. He carefully considered all the options that he could buy him and then weighed the cost of the items. (My child loves to give to others, so setting a budget is key.) But, as we were at the party, Little Man exclaims when the kid opens the card. That's all we had left. My face turned bright red. Oh my! We did have a chat on the way home about not saying those things and that some of that we have to keep to ourselves. Of course, he said I didn't know I shouldn't say that. I said I know and that he was just being honest. One of the things I love about him--his honesty.

So, how to you involve your kids? What are some ways you are teaching them about money? Share your thoughts and ideas so we can all benefit.

THE PANTRY (organization)

1. Clean out your pantry by going through all the items and throwing out items that are too old.

2. Organize items like they do in the grocery stores.

3. Stack your cans and items for easier storage.

4. Store all your baking items separately. It might be good to store them in containers so that you can take them out and put them back without having them take up precious room on your kitchen cabinets.

5. Need more space? Get some adjustable shelves. I didn't have a pantry and when I stocked up on items didn't have space besides our basement to keep them. Well, that just wasn't working. So, we got coat hangers for our coats that were in our downstairs closet and put them up in the laundry room. (WORKS great!) and then changed our downstairs closet to a pantry. Bought some adjustable shelves and yipee! I got the pantry I always wanted.  OK, so really a walk in one would be delightful. But, this will certainly serve it's purpose.

6. Don't be afraid to take items out of their boxes to store them.

7. Clean your pantry on a regular basis.

8. Rotate your stock oldest always in front.

9. Keep an inventory list.

10. Realize that your pantry is always a work in progress. Don't get discouraged and do what works for you!

 

Also, I found the following resource for you to help with pantry organization:

frugal families  (They have budget sheets, pantry sheet, expense tracking, etc. Good resource page.)

 

Tasty Tuesday---Chili (Homemade)

I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try. Here is one that we recently tried and liked. Do you have any favorite meals that you'd like to share your recipe for? If so, get in contact with me and we'll feature yours on here! This can help us all take the pains out of menu planning.

Wendy’s Chili

Please note: While Wendy’s may use grilled hamburger patties, I suggest that home cooks used ground meat for convenience.
2 lbs. fresh ground beef--I personally use ground Turkey
1 qt. tomato juice
1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree
1 (15 oz.) can red beans, drained
1 medium onion (1 1/2 c.), chopped
1/2 C. celery, diced
1/4 C. green pepper, diced
1/4 C. chili powder (you may want to use less, some people find this is too much--I don't I find it fine and might use more next time)
1 tsp. cumin (if you like real flavor, add more)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. each: black pepper, oregano, sugar
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (I use the super hot kind and my husband and I still have to add hot sauce. But, it's the perfect heat for Little Man just this way)

In a frying pan, brown the ground beef; drain. Put the drained beef and the remaining ingredients into a 6-quart pot. Cover the pot; let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.

So you all know I found this here.