GF chocolate cupcakes

When we celebrated Rachel's birthday this weekend, I used my sister-in-law's recipe to make a delicious chocolate cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream in the middle per my daughter's request.  However, I was concerned with the number of people we might need some cupcakes to add to the mix and thought I would try this GF recipe made with coconut flour.  The cake did cover everyone until the dog decided he wanted a piece that had been left unguarded...so I pulled out a cupcake for the sweet nephew who had been robbed.  I've never tried these chocolate cupcakes before since Josiah can't do chocolate, but after tasting them I can say we'll be having them again often!  It will be easy to scoop out a vanilla cupcake or two for him before adding the cocoa, so long as I remember to do it.

Today Tropical Traditions is offering free shipping so it was a good time for me to stock up on coconut flour.  It looks expensive at first, but when you only use 1/2 c. or so at a time in recipes, it really lasts a long time.  I store it in the freezer because it loves to soak up liquid, perhaps not such a problem in the winter but I'm not sure how it would do on a humid summer day.

The benefits of coconut flour are high fiber and protein, along with B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.  It is really a nutrient dense food.  Add the eggs and you have even more protein--great for kids like my youngest who aren't big meat eaters.  The cupcakes are a filling and delicious treat, but I've also used it to make everything from bread to waffles.

Chocolate Coconut Flour Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Line cupcake tin with 12 paper liners
Makes 12 large cupcakes

1/2 cup coconut flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
1 cup organic cane sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients and beat on low until well combined. Turn mixer to medium and let it go for about two minutes or until the mixture starts to turn lighter and glossy.
Scoop batter evenly into the liners – they will be at least ¾ full. Bake approximately 25 minutes. Use a toothpick in the center to test for doneness. 

Frost with your favorite frosting.  There is one on Cha Cha's website (less sugar?) and I have used a powdered sugar frosting (way more sugar!!)

winter days at home...

This little boy loves numbers and reminds me more and more of his daddy every day.  It is amazing how much a child can learn in the span of any year, but this age really wows me when I think about where he was when we started school last fall versus where we are today.

 The boys are eight years apart, and if Micah were at school, I doubt they'd have the kind of relationship that has developed this year.  And how does Micah like doing science with his brother on his back?

Can you see the smiles on both faces?

 Josiah is so focused on learning how to hula hoop, and he's actually getting the hang of it.

 Can I just say teenagers are incredibly goofy?  Rachel's smiling for a different reason...her birthday.

Dad came home at noon and she was glad to f-i-n-a-l-l-y open her presents.

a healthier house

It struck me suddenly this week that we are halfway through winter and my. Kids. Have. Not. Been. Sick.

If you've followed our doings for the past couple of winters, it's possible that you will marvel at that as much as I will.  Well, maybe not quite, but it is a pretty remarkable change.  Here's the lowdown on each one as best as I can understand.

Micah
After years of increasing tummy troubles, we determined he has an intolerance to MSG and we've finally learned what foods he needs to stay away from.  This, however, was only half the story (although it was decidedly the half that took us the longest time to understand!)  He's also been troubled with chronic sinus infections.  A CT scan last winter indicated no blockages and no reason to pursue sinus surgery.  The ENT finally helped me understand his infections were more due to allergies than to actual sinus problems.  This fall we gulped and took the plunge to have our air ducts cleaned.  After an afternoon of misery for Micah the day the dust was stirred up, he was able to get off two allergy medicines in a matter of weeks.  He's had a great winter so far and as long as we keep his sheets washed frequently, he really feels great.  In fact, his allergies only get out of control when he is away from home now.  We are rejoicing!!

Rachel
I can't get over the changes in this girl!  She is so much healthier and happier these days.  What did it take for her?  A diet free of artificial additives.  We would never have known what a difference this would make for her if it weren't for Josiah and the things we've done for him.  She can certainly eat off diet here and there, but more than about two meals and she begins to complain about joint pain and her attitude goes south.  She is a very healthy eater, naturally drawn to all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and doesn't seem to mind the way we eat one bit.  She still makes her yummy cookies frequently and we love indulging in her special treats.

Josiah
Almost two months into gluten free now, he's doing really well.  The biggest change we've seen with him this time around is his emotional control.  Just today, I left him to change his clothes by himself and he started calling to me for help.  I firmly and lovingly reminded him that I never ask him to do something unless I know he can do it.  Instead of falling on the ground in a heap of disgusted tears, (his usual response in moments of frustration) he took a deep breath and said, "OK, Mommy.  I'll try."  It was me who had to pull my jaw back up off the floor!  It has been three winters since he's needed an antibiotic.  The turning point for his health was having his adenoids removed and a second set of tubes inserted.  Those tubes get to come out in May!

So that's it.  So far this winter no one has even needed an antibiotic.  After years of sometimes biweekly trips to the pharmacy, it's nothing short of amazing.  One could argue that being home keeps them away from exposure to so many germs, and I'm sure that helps, but I've known plenty of homeschooling families who get sick often enough in the winter.  We could be one of them by tomorrow morning!!  But we are so grateful to see such a dramatic change in our health in a year's time.  It is an answer to many years of many people's prayers.

winter birthdays

Birthdays are such a wonderful excuse to celebrate people God has placed into our lives.  Two of my children have celebrated their winter birthdays, and as I think back on these parties they seem to be a snapshot in time, capturing a bit of who they are, where they've been, and then pointing us ahead to where they have yet to go.

Micah's party captured his personality with an all-out Nerf war, time playing games and Wii with his friends, and his first slumber party oops, I mean sleepover; I'm pretty sure boys don't have slumber parties.  Our goal was to let the boys have fun and wear them out so they would actually be tired.  Would ending the evening with a late night movie lull them to sleep?  It seemed to work (only two of the five actually stayed to spend the night, so that helped, too.)

 Eric played Labyrinth with some of Micah's friends while the others played Wii.

 We tend to see the same select group of boys each year, with new faces here and there.  I can honestly say we enjoy these teen and preteen boys very much; he has chosen his friends well.

 A former neighbor, former classmates, and a friend from church yet all seemed to enjoy each other.  What's not to enjoy when there are Nerf guns and Wii controls involved??

Rachel's party was just last night and quite a bit of fun, too.  Ever since we studied the Pacific Islands in school last fall, she's been scheming to have a Hawaiian themed party.  Walmart had an ocean craft kit and the girls spent quite a bit of time carefully designing a sea scene.  I have seen through the years that girls+crafts=great party activity.

As I looked around the table, I realized that not one of these girls goes to the same school (three are homeschooled), but many knew each other directly or indirectly.  It was fun to hear several exclaim that they knew each other from somewhere.

Another beach theme: sand art!

We served this banana pie and a tropical punch drink along with ice cream.  Yum!!!  Josiah was quite the tag-a-long for this party, with Micah gone on a Jr. High retreat.

We tried hula hoops and Rachel's friend M. was really good at it!!

Surfing on a board with balloons taped to the bottom; it worked!

We ended the evening with a great game of Snipe Hunt.  The girls tore apart two levels of our house looking for the little critter hidden by the other team.

I am really not that gifted at planning and throwing birthday parties (the thought generally tends to overwhelm my introverted side), but we always seem to have fun anyway.  It seems like God always brings the right things together at just the right time, and keeping things simple might actually make it more enjoyable.  But the best part of all is seeing the heart of a child gladdened by the joy of friendship.

our version of Paleo bread

This is one of Josiah's favorite snacks.  Once again, Cha Cha's blog has been a treasure trove of ideas for gluten free baking and that's where I first saw this, but it originally came from Elana's Pantry, and there are some great recipes there, too!  Almonds are "stage 2" on the Feingold diet, and a little test last week showed me that Josiah can tolerate almonds in Larabars.  Still, I like using pecans in something he's eating on a daily basis.  The original recipe also calls for apple cider vinegar which is also stage 2.  I'm sure that using regular vinegar changes the taste a bit, but I hear no complaints.  Eric and I like this bread, too, but the older kids aren't fans.  That's Ok, it means a loaf can be cut up and put in the freezer to last Josiah over a week.  That makes it great for a grab and go snack that actually fills him up.

Pecan Bread
1 1/2 c. ground pecans (the original recipe calls for almond flour)
2 T. coconut flour
1/4 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking soda
5 eggs
1/4 c. coconut oil
1 T. honey
1 T. vinegar

Place pecans, coconut flour, flax, salt, and baking soda in a food processor.  Pulse ingredients together.  Pulse in eggs, honey, and vinegar.  Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Cool and serve.

keeping up with the cooking

Things have been getting pretty busy at our house lately, but cooking is a matter of survival when there is a gluten free diet to consider.  I've made these rolls from Cha Cha's blog before, but after some trouble with gooey middles it seems this week I've finally been able to get them to come out right.  The secret (besides following the directions) seems to be making sure I get the rolls flat enough before I bake them.  The kids are devouring them, and it is a good example that gluten free bread can not only be delicious but also incredibly nutritious!!  The only tinkering I've done with Cha Cha's recipe is to leave out the garlic since I tend to have an allergic-type reaction to that particular ingredient.  My garlic-loving kids dip them in olive oil mixed with basil, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt so they don't miss out on taste.

Easy Hummus Pitas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare two large baking sheets by lightly oiling.

In a blender, puree:
1 can organic garbanzo beans with liquid
¾ cup olive oil
2T lemon juice
2 large eggs
4T finely milled golden flax
1T sunflower seed butter
1 clove garlic

In a large bowl mix hummus mixture and:
1 lb bag tapioca flour
1T baking powder
½ t sea salt

Mix until well incorporated.  Using lightly oiled hands to shape the breads divide into 12 pieces and shape into circles about 1/3 inch thick.  Bake them for ten minutes, flip them over and baked for about ten more.

These would be great with any Italian meal; we've even had them for breakfast.  I just ordered more tapioca starch and stocked up on garbanzo beans so we can make more soon.

making Fridays fun

I didn't set out to make Fridays any different, but things sort of fell into place.  Isn't that the way with life--the best plans sometimes flow out of the ones we didn't mean to make?

Switch up math:
We do Business Math or Critical Thinking

Science:
Cool Stuff and How it Works--they have loved this book.  Some of the descriptions are technical, but they capture the kids' imagination and interest.

Art:
Preschool art for everyone!  We check out art books from the library and get some ideas that way, or just come up with our own.  Josiah and I have been reading about fingerprints, so that was our theme today. 

Throw in band lessons and a sometimes a trip to the library, and the day is complete.  (We do have many of the usual academics, too.)  It makes the kids look forward to Fridays!

bunnies to the rescue!

Because sometimes it's just nice to have a cracker like everyone else.  Subscribe and save on Amazon is great!!

hoping...

There are still patches of green in the lawn, the kids have been playing outside without coats, and today we noticed dandelions along the road!!! 

I have the boots, the snowpants, and the mittens ready to go and everything has been hanging neatly in the closet.  I have a brand new winter coat and have worn it once.

But they say tomorrow it will snow.

I am like a kid about this. 

Did I mention I don't have to shovel?

the true root cause?

One month of gluten free has meant amazing changes for Josiah.  I continue to be astounded every day by the things I am seeing in him not just as a mother but also as a teacher.  So where does that leave us now?

Here is what I have learned over the past 1 1/2 years on this diet journey after reading numerous books and talking to other parents who are successfully addressing their children's behavioral issues through diet:

1. ADHD type behavior can often be a symptom of food sensitivities. (However, there are many other symptoms of food sensitivities that can also include cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or physical health issues.)

2. Numerous food sensitivities are often a symptom of gut damage.

In theory, if you can address what is damaging the gut, you may eventually be able to decrease the number of food sensitivities.

Things that can damage the gut include:
-antibiotics (which destroy good gut bacteria and allow yeast to proliferate)--Josiah was on these almost constantly for a year when he was a toddler
-inflammation (due to food sensitivities like gluten)
-lack of nutrients in a diet of over-processed foods and/or an inability to absorb nutrients (especially when gluten or casein sensitivity is a factor)
-other environmental factors  (food additives, pesticides, even the many chemicals released through scented products or absorbed through the skin from soaps)

How to address gut damage:
-pull irritating foods and chemicals
-probiotics
-appropriate supplements
-improve the nutritional value of diet


We've addressed sensitivities, now we are addressing the gut and praying that sensitivities improve.  Only time will tell, but we are amazed and thankful that God has brought us this far.

Mr. Organization

He IS the child who always puts his clothes in the hamper and likes everything just so.  When I organized this desk for Josiah and showed it to him today, he immediately took over.  "Mommy, we have to put my crayon box back in here."  "The math blocks go here in this drawer.  Put the papers on top."

Five years old and he has become his father.  (I thought I was organized until I married my husband and saw what organization really looks like.)

cooking around the world: Russia

Next week we will be back in the swing of things with school, but even with time off this week we were able to accomplish some school-related activities.  Last night we tried our Russian meal of blinis and made some raspberry kisel.  For every country or region we study, the kids choose a project to do, and if there is something to cook, Rachel is always on it!!

Our blini recipe was well tolerated by the kids, but the pancakes turned out rather chewy so I'm not going to post it here.  Eric stopped on the way home and picked up fresh raspberries and we all did enjoy those as a pancake topping!!  We used a blini recipe that called for regular flour, but the more authentic version uses buckwheat.  That idea intrigues me since buckwheat is gluten free, but I wasn't able to find any in my usual grocery spots in town.  I do think I'd try again with buckwheat someday.  We made Josiah his favorite gluten free pumpkin pancake recipe so he didn't feel left out.

The kisel seems like a good alternative to jello, something else that caught our attention since Micah can't have gelatin.  Ours didn't set up quite as well as I would have liked, but I'm pretty sure boiling the mixture longer would have taken care of that problem.  It had been a long day in the kitchen for me and Rachel gets impatient after standing so long. :)  And once again, there are some problem ingredients for Josiah so we always make sure he has a favorite alternative treat around when we cook things he can't eat.

Raspberry Kisel

1 lb. raspberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1/2 c. cornstarch
8 1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
whipped cream or nondairy topping (we love Tru Whip and I just stocked up on a great price at our local health food store)

Wash and crush raspberries in large bowl and set aside.  In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/2 c. water and stir until completely dissolved.  Set aside.  In large saucepan, combine sugar and remaining 8 c. water and stir well.  Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.  Add crushed fruit and cornstarch mixture to boiling syrup and stir for 4-8 min. or until mixture begins to thicken.  Remove pan from heat and let kisel cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve chilled in glasses.  Top with whipped cream.

This makes a large quantity; the recipe could easily be cut in half.

pictures

 Once neighbors, still friends.  I think playing with Katherine day after day is one big reason Rachel decided being girly was a good thing after all.  And they were always happiest playing in the midst of a mess!  (Good thing I couldn't get the panoramic view!)

 Micah has been wanting this (a pocket knife) for so long, he forgot the promise about getting one when he turned 13.  Good thing we remembered!  I think the smile says it all.

"How do you like my jellyfish?"  It truly is a trophy when one has a craft-challenged mom.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, January 3, 2012

Outside my window...there is a dusting of snow on the ground, enough to make small children want to venture outside but not enough to make grown men shovel.  Has winter finally arrived?  Perhaps, but it is supposed to be 50 by the weekend.

I am thinking...it is both good to have a break from a routine and good to go back to one.

I am thankful...for the safe arrival of a precious little niece, for a blessed Christmas with family, for good health, and that God is my sure anchor even when things may not always be so good.  Seeing others suffer loss reminds me of what is truly important and lasting about this life.

In the kitchen...I can't seem to break away from gluten with the season of birthdays still upon us, and good things to eat still in the freezer.  Can I make February my new start date?  There is only a little sugar left in the cupboards now after Christmas and a birthday, and I count that as a very good thing.  The latest hit for Josiah is a paleo bread made from ground up pecans as a flour base.  It is amazing to me what he will eat these days!

I am wearing...something warm.  Clothes are mostly utilitarian here.

I am creating...ideas for the next school year in my head.  My mind changes often so it's good there is nothing yet set in stone and many months before firm decisions must be made.

I am reading...The Story of the World: Ancient Times and enjoying the glimpse of Biblical history interspersed with tidbits about the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Indians, Chinese, and Phoenicians.  I may have to find the adult version of this book someday.  I just finished Around the World in 80 Days (fun!) and am now plodding through Les Miserables.  Since it was ordered to my our new Kindle, I had no idea it was over 1000 pages and now know I have bit off a bit more than I can chew.  No stopping now, and can I just say that a built in dictionary is THE reason to splurge for a Kindle?  (That reason comes just before the free books, of course!)

I am hoping...that Josiah can get through this year without falling too many more times.  (Stitches, a bloody lip, and a nasty bump on the head are his trophies from the past 2 months alone.)

I am looking forward to...planning a trip out west this summer, Lord willing.

I am learning...to meal plan without much bread.  Think potatoes and salad.

Around the house...there is not much going on beyond Christmas cleanup but that is a very, very good feeling.

From the learning rooms...we are looking forward to some new things for this semester.  Math for Josiah, more fraction practice for Rachel, and current events via a great deal I was given on God's World News.

I am pondering...why I can get so darn excited about earthly things while too often neglecting the unseen spiritual realities?  It may be a matter of how I am spending my time and energy.  At least possibly.

A favorite quote for today..."Let us never fear robbers nor murderers.  Those are dangers from without, petty dangers.  Let us fear ourselves, prejudices are the real robbers; vices are the real murderers.  The great dangers lie within ourselves.  What matters it what threatens our head or our purse!  Let us think only of that which threatens our soul."  (Les Mis)

One of my favorite things...is being curled up in front of the fire with a good book.  Now to acquire some wood to enjoy such a thing...

A few plans for the rest of the week: my daughter has arranged a roller skating outing with a new friend.  This should be as interesting as ice skating was a few weeks ago! 

A peek into my day...or at least one that we had here recently...

A is for avocado

Just a few weeks ago, I could count on one hand the number of times I had eaten avocado.  I had to research how to buy them and what to do with them once I had one home.  In the midst of that research, I found many reasons to make avocado part of our regular diet.  Once I found an easy guacamole recipe, there was no turning back.

Just a few of the health benefits of avocados:

-In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.  This is due to a compound that naturally lowers cholesterol.

-Low glycemic value means it's great for regulating blood sugar.

-Cancer and stroke prevention

-When avocados are eaten with other foods (like salad), it boosts absorption of key nutrients up to five times! 

-Great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and fiber.

-Although high in fat, avocado has unique properties in the fat that are great health benefits such as lowering inflammation and the risk of heart disease.

Although you can easily slice avocado and add it to a salad, my favorite way to eat them is in guacamole.  I use the following recipe, but often just use one avocado and thus less of the other ingredients.  It's best to eat this the same day you make it because mashed avocado does quickly turn brown.  (Lemon juice helps slow that down.)  I can also scoop out a little for Josiah before adding the tomato and he will eat it with corn chips.

Leah's Favorite Guacamole

3 avocados
2 T. lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
1 t. salt
1/2 c. diced onion
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro (I also use dried if I don't have fresh on hand and actually prefer it)
2 roma tomatoes
1 t. minced garlic

Mash avocados in juice and salt.  mix remaining ingredients and refrigerate one hour. (If you can wait that long.)

Great dip with tortilla chips or raw veggies.