"Out of the Box" Homemade Mac N Cheese {Gluten Free}

This post was inspired by my sister in law and my beautiful nieces! I'm really hoping Claire and Cennedy like it. If not then I'll just have to keep trying :) This post is also for moms alike whose kids like the "box stuff" but want to give them something better :)

If your child is super picky about where their mac n cheese comes from, I'd suggest leaving a box of Annies or Kraft on the counter when your making this, just so in their mind they think its from the box.

I understand that everybody's real food journey is different. We should all get to the point of using real ingredients BUT overtime you will learn what ingredients are safe or better and continue to change based on this new knowledge. It takes time, but I'm glad we are getting back to eating whole foods :)

The reason that some of the ingredients aren't in the picture is because after I was done making it I felt like the taste was a bit bland, so I added some more favor :)

"Out of the box" Homemade Mac N Cheese 
16oz box Macaroni Noodles {I used 2 8oz boxes of Gluten Free Andean Dream Quinoa Macaroni}
1/4c butter { I used Full Circle Organic}

1/2tbsp minced garlic

1/2c Flour {I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour}                                      

1 1/2c of Milk {I used rbst free milk}
1c heavy whipping cream
2c shredded white cheddar cheese {Buy a block and shred yourself, its cheaper}
2tsp Dijon mustard
2tsp yellow mustard
2tsp garlic pepper 
salt and pepper to taste
1-2tsp turmeric for coloring only, not taste

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to directions on package

2. Meanwhile, place butter in a deep pan or pot and let melt on low heat, add minced garlic

3. Slowly add flour, whisking and mixing as it is being added

 4. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking and mixing as its added. Turn up heat to low-medium, Cook until it thickens up and bubbles a bit.

5. Add cheese, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, garlic pepper, salt and pepper, mix, cook until smooth

6. Start by adding 1 tsp of Turmeric and add up to 1 more teaspoon to color to your liking, this is for color only and not taste.

7. Add macaroni, stir up.

8. SERVE!

I made turkey hot dogs from Applegate, and a side salad with buttermilk ranch dressing in addition to the mac and cheese. My kids and my husband REALLY liked it. Michael said it tasted better then the box stuff! l was glad for the leftovers. I used the leftovers as a side to crock-pot chicken the next day. It was yummy!

Let me know how it turns out!

EWG’s 2014 Shopper’s Guide To Avoiding GE {Genetically Engineered Food} Environmental Working Group

Click on this link below and check out the best ways to avoid GE foods. Labeling has not been mandating which makes it very difficult to know what to buy, but this guide can give you some great tips.

A recent study that was conducted on rats who were feed a diet of GE{genetically engineered food} grew rapid tumors.

What is GE food?
Genetically Engineered food, is food that has been tampered with by man. They have went to the genetic levels and taken the DNA from a fish for example and injected it into a tomato. They say this is to yield larger crops, but the crop varieties are dying out because of genetic engineering.

There are many things you can do to get involved if you  want. At this point I just want to be informed about it, so I can make my own personal decision whether or not to eat GE foods.

I try to avoid GE foods whenever its in my ability, but without mandated labeling its hard. I think we should be given the choice.

Did you know that its documented that they {government personal} have been Genetically engineering our food since 1996, but never seemed to allow the American people to vote or decide if we wanted this.

Most other countries have banned GMO, because of the safety concern. Why hasn't the USA, since most Americans are asking for it?

EWG’s 2014 Shopper’s Guide To Avoiding GE Food | Environmental Working Group

A great informative article about GMO

NON-GMO Project, FACTS

Homemade Beef and Cheese Taquitos! Kid Friendly and Husband Approved ;)

When I was little I remember eating those store bought frozen taquitos. They were cheap enough, and super easy. Well, the homemade version is cheap enough and super easy AND HOMEMADE!

 
Check out the ingredient list difference:

Store Bought El Monterrey Taquitos INGREDIENT List 
Taco Beef & Cheese Taquitos in a Seasoned Batter 

WATER, WHEAT FLOUR (ENRICHED WITH NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SEASONED BEEF TOPPING (BEEF, WATER, DEHYDRATED ONION, SALT, CHILI PEPPER, SPICES, SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, GARLIC), PASTEURIZED PROCESS MONTEREY JACK & CHEDDAR CHEESE ((MILK, CHEESE CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), WATER, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, MILKFAT, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, SALT, ARTIFICIAL COLOR), VEGETABLE OIL (SOYBEAN, SUNFLOWER, CANOLA AND/OR CORN OIL), BATTER MIX (YELLOW CORN FLOUR, BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SPICES, SALT, JALAPENO PEPPER, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE), GUAR GUM, SPICE EXTRACTIVE, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA AND TURMERIC), GREEN CHILI (WITH CITRIC ACID), CONTAINS 2% OR LESS TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN (SOY FLOUR, CARAMEL COLOR), TACO SEASONING (CORN FLOUR, MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SALT, SPICES, DEHYDRATED ONION, PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, SUGAR, CARAMEL COLOR, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, CITRIC ACID, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, COCOA POWDER, DISODIUM INOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, AND NOT MORE THAN 2% VEGETABLE OIL AND SILICON DIOXIDE (PROCESSING AIDS), ONIONS, FLOUR BLEND (SALT, RICE FLOUR, YEAST, CELLULOSE GUM, GUAR GUM, WHEAT, SODIUM BICARBONATE, WHEAT STARCH, FOOD STARCH, DOUGH CONDITIONERS (SODIUM METABISULFITE, SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, L-CYSTEINE, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE), MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, SILICON DIOXIDE (TO PREVENT CAKING)), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, BEEF FLAVOR (AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, FLAVOR, SALT, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, SILICON DIOXIDE (ANTI-CAKING AGENT)), SPICES, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, CAYENNE PEPPER. ALLERGENS: WHEAT, MILK, SOY.

Link:  Taco Beef & Cheese Taquitos in a Seasoned Batter

Half of these ingredients I can't pronounce, and not really sure what some of them are. I have a personal rule when shopping, if I can't pronounce something on a label, don't know what it is or contains more then a certain number of ingredients, I usually don't buy it. I know that there are alternatives, and I know that I can always make something homemade. NEVER be embarrassed to read food labels while grocery shopping. At first I felt strange because it wasn't something I normally did, but now I just do my thing :)

When ingredient lists are made, keep in mind that the list is made according to the amount of whats in it, so by weight. The ingredients start with what it has most of in it, or the most weight and simply go in order from most to least. 

For Example: Cereal, ingredient list is, let's say, Rice, sugar, flavor

This means that the cereals main ingredient is rice, following sugar, then flavor is the least. So this cereals weight is mainly rice, then sugar, then flavor. 

I'll get into food labeling more another time, this is just a tip to remember :) I did highlight certain ingredients, maybe you can look them up. Like I said, another time I will go into more detail.

Here is the ingredient list for Our HOMEMADE Beef  and Cheese Taquitos:

Organic Ground Beef, organic sprouted corn tortillas {filtered water, sea salt, lime} cheese {salt, enzymes} black beans rinsed{salt} rbst free pasteurized milk, non-fat rbst free milk, pectin {contains REAL live and active cultures}, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, pepper

Which one would would you prefer? I'll stick to the homemade one. 

Homemade Beef and Cheese Taquitos
1 lb ground beef { I used Organic Prairie} {or use chicken, steak, or just the beans filling}
12-24 corn tortillas depending on how little or big you want {I used Food for Life Sprouted Corn Tortillas}
2 cups shredded cheese { Buy a block and grate your own, its cheaper}
1 can black beans, rinsed, mushed up a bit {Or beans of choice}
1/3 c yoghurt { I used Mountain High, Plain} {or you can use sour cream}
1 TBSP cumin
1 TBSP Coriander
1 TSP Turmeric {optional}
1TSP chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
Dip
Salsa and yoghurt mixed together {you can also use salsa and sour cream}

First you want to cook your ground beef, then add cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili powder

In a separate bowl mix mushed up beans with yoghurt and cheese

Mix beef mixture in the bowl with beans, yoghurt and cheese. 

You will want to place each corn tortilla on the skillet for 10 seconds on each side, if you skip this step you will regret it because the tortilla will tear. This will help the tortillas become soften so you can fold them up without them breaking.

 

Place about 2 TBSP of the beef and bean mixture in each tortilla, roll them up and place on a baking sheet. Bake @ 350 until the taquitos are warmed and a bit toasted. Serve.

I made a salsa and yoghurt dip for ours, and also made some guacamole to dip in or eat with chips :) 

My kids REALLY liked these taquitos, I will be making them again very soon. They are so simple and I plan on making a batch to just have in the freezer for days when I need something quick.


Try these homemade taquitos, tweaking them to your liking and never look back to store bought again. You will be getting more nutritional value, feeling accomplished AND be getting less "make you feel yucky stuff" :) You can feel good about giving these to your kids. 

I based my recipe off of the one found here, but tweaking it to my liking: The Elliott Homestead

Paper Flowers Tutorial with Mod Podge Jar {Craft Time}

Last weekend we went to visit Grandma for a very special occasion. The boys and I decided to get crafty and make a special gift. So I decided to make flowers that would last longer then a week, and after the flowers were made my imagination kept going and we turned out with this :) Grandma really liked it!

To make this craft you will need:

Construction paper, and/or pages from an old book

Scissors

Pencil

Glue

Glue Stick

Glitter

Tape

Mod Podge

White Out Pen

Cleaned out glass jar from pickles or jelly

Scrap from cutting out your paper flowers 

Step 1: Trace a line making your construction paper into a square {It doesn't have to be perfect}

Step 2: Draw a spiral on your square as seen in the picture

Step 3: Cut out your spiral

Step 4: Cut off the piece of paper where to square part ends and the spiral begins

Step 5: Use your glue stick and spread on outside part of spiral

Step 6: Rub glue into your glitter until all glue is covered in glitter

Step 7: Start with the outside end of your spiral and fold it over in tiny folds a few times {Am I doing good at explaining? LOL Good Thing I have pictures to help}
Step 8: Now tightly fold the remaining paper until you get to the last curve

Step 9: While holding the middle of your flower slowly allow the "petals" to release and widen. Do this to your liking.
Step 10: While still holding the middle and button of your flower, place a good amount of glue on your base, which is also the inner part of your spiral and press down.

 

Yay! You just made your first flower! How did I do for my first tutorial? Please let me know. What can I improve? What did I do good on?

If you have questions about the rest of the project let me know, I figured the rest was pretty simple and you can get creative and make your own jars. Also if your interested in seeing how the book page flower was done, let me know and I'll add that.

After you made your flowers, you can create "stems" by simply rolling green construction paper. I used tape to secure them to the bottom of the flower, if you have a glue gun it may make it easier on you. { I don't have one yet}

Get creative with your jar and decorate as you want. Our jar was for Grandma but it can be for whoever you want.  I cut out a heart and used the white out pen to write on the jar. BUT if your going to use the white out pen I would suggest covering it with Mod Podge to make sure it stays and doesn't rub off eventually.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial! And please post pictures so I can see how yours turns out. BTW My 6 year old was able to do this with me and make the flowers, so let the kids join too :)

Tortilla Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing (Gluten Free) Very Simple

This is wonderful way to change up your regular salad routine and try something new! I have been using quinoa more in my recipes and adding it to my diet ever since my chiropractor Dr. Khristi mentioned it to me.{Thanks Dr. Khristi Kennedy Otto}. I'm so thankful for my chiropractic office, its not just a place to get an adjustment, but a place to talk about lifestyles changes, recipes, new health news.

 Quinoa is a known super food. It is a complete protein and is a great replacement for gluten free diets and those watching carbohydrate intake. I use it in my chicken soup instead of noodles and I use it for breakfast, I use it with curries and whatever else I can figure out.

I also want to mention that if you like avocados, and cilantro you will like this very much but if your not sure about avocados, leave them out but you can't leave out the cilantro. This salad is very refreshing and flavor packed!

 I recently picked up the book "The (Gluten Free) Quintessential Quinoa Cookbook" By Wendy Polisi. I REALLY like it and have already tried many recipes and plan to try a bunch more. I borrowed the book from the library but I will be buying this one to keep. The library is a great tool for renting books first to test them out and then only purchasing what was most useful.

Tortilla Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing {Gluten Free}

6 corn tortillas
3c Romaine Lettuce
2c Cooked Quinoa
1 1/2c Black Beans {about 1 can}
1c Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
1 medium red onion {I used white because I had it on hand}
1 Avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced





Cilantro Lime Dressing

1/4 c fresh lime juice
2tbsp maple syrup {or agave nectar}
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic {or 2 tbsp minced garlic}
1/2c cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2c Olive Oil
1tsp REAL salt



Directions:

Bake corn tortillas for about 5-10 minutes in oven to make them a bit crisp, take out set aside

In a large bowl combine lettuce, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, red onion{or white}, and avocado

Next make dressing by combining all of the ingredients, in her book it says to blend, but I think it would be good either way, blended or just mixed up, so you choose :)

Lastly add your dressing to your salad and add tortilla, you can crumble it up or leave it whole and scoop out salad on it.

Here is a link to the author of this recipes website her website:
http://www.cookingquinoa.net/

I really enjoyed reading her story about her journey with her own health. It really encouraged me. The slogan on her book says "Eat Great, Lose weight, and feel healthy", and I feel that way with her recipes.

~Honest Motherhood~

Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry {Gluten Free} One Pot Meal!



Stir Fry's are a super easy meal. They are a great way introduce veggies and to use whatever veggies your family enjoys. Stir Fry's are a regular at our house, especially in the winter months. I have found a gluten free teriyaki sauce that I really like and so do my kids! They are also quite inexpensive, and super quick. I try to always keep extra veggies in the freezer, in case I'm exhausted and need something for an easy meal.





Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry{Gluten Free}

2-3 fresh or thawed chicken breasts
olive or coconut oil for frying
1 bag frozen stir fry veggies
1 bag frozen broccoli {Or veggie of choice}
Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce{I used OrganicVille, picture to right}
2 cups rice cooked {I used Basmati}

If your using a minute rice, cook last but if your using a rice that requires more cooking time which I suggest, then start your pot of water and rice now.

Then cut your thawed chicken breasts into pieces, put cut pieces into a deep pan or large pot. Add 2-3 TBSP of oil. Cook chicken until fully cooked and browned.

Add your frozen veggies, simmer on medium until veggies are tender.

Add Gluten free stir fry sauce. Let simmer on low until your ready to spoon out.

Add rice to a bowl or plate and then scoop stir fry over it, enjoy!  :)

Yummy Pumpkin Pie {Gluten Free w/ Dairy free version}

 Pumpkin pie is a favorite dessert of mine. I could eat it all year round. BUT I wanted to make a healthier version, so all the sugar didn't cancel out the benefits of eating pumpkin. AND I also needed a gluten free version, which in my opinion whether your gluten intolerant or not its a healthier version for you.

Wheat is not healthier in my opinion anymore, through my research in fact switching from white to wheat doesn't really make a difference, especially if your buying commercially made breads. Most wheat is genetically modified, AND its basically nutritionally void. I know that eating "whole grains" or carbohydrates is part of a balanced diet based on the USDA recommendations, but the USDA also recommends GMO's, and they are NOT safe. Lets try to think outside the box, literally :). Lets view carbohydrates  in broader terms then bread. Vegetables have carbs :) Rice has carbs and is gluten free :) Potatoes  and sweet potatoes have carbs. Quinoa has carbs. Oatmeal has carbs.

ANYWAYS, I've cut out the wheat and trimmed the sugar way done without taking away from the taste :)

Yummy Pumpkin Pie {Gluten and Dairy Free}

Crust
1c unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2c  Gluten free oats {Oats are naturally gluten free but some are made in places with wheat, so check package :)}
3.5 TBSP Coconut oil
2 TBSP honey

Filling
1c pumpkin puree
1/2 c  unsweetened almond milk or other milk substitute
1 tsp REAL salt
1 tbsp honey
1 egg
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Homemade whipped Cream
8oz Heavy whipping cream
1/4-1/2cup stevia or syrup {or your choice of sweetener}
1 tsp Vanilla

 For a dairy free version:
How-to Make Whipped Coconut Milk Cream

Preheat oven to 350

 Okay to begin, lets make the crust. Measure out your oats and coconut flakes and add to a blender or nutribullet, use a low speed or your two blade cutter. You just want to make grind it up into a kind of flour but not make it creamy.

Once its has become like a flour, you can add your coconut oil and honey. Place in your baking dish and spread out like a crust.

Next is the filling, add pumpkin puree, almond milk, salt, honey, egg and pumpkin pie spice in your bowl and mix it up good. Then pour into your crust.

Bake @ 350 for about 20-25 minutes or until your filling in firm and crust is a bit browned.

You can eat it warm, if it is really crumbly put in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the crust can firm up a bit. i have made this twice so far and the first time the crust was fine, but the second time it was more crumbly, so i just put it in the fridge for a bit.

Lastly make your whipping cream. Use blender or beaters for this. Only add heavy whipping cream and whip or blend until it thickens up. then add other ingredients.

Your all done. Enjoy your almost guilt free pumpkin pie with homemade whip cream :)

Delicious Spinach, Banana, and Orange Juice Smoothie {Get in your Veggies!]

Spinach is one of my favorite greens because it tastes really good and is easy to mix with other fruits and vegetables. I'm trying to up my intake of veggies and a smoothie is a great way to get more veggie!

Delicious Spinach, Banana, and Orange Juice Smoothie
1-2c Spinach {Add to your liking}
1 banana
1/4c orange juice, or a fresh orange
1/2c water
3-4 ice cubes

Add to blender, vitamix or in my case nutribullet and blend. Once you make this once you won't even need a recipe, you will just put in to your liking. I try to limit the amount of fruit and OJ, because I want to cut back on my sugar intake.

Smoothies is a great treat and a great replacement for sugar or carb cravings. Its a great energy boost, you can mix and match your favorites.

My Family Favorite Guacamole Recipe {Thanks to my mom}

My mom has been making guacamole for me since I can remember, it has always been a favorite past-time treat! I love avocado's so much sometimes I just eat them with a little salt. This recipe has come from my mother who always makes the best guacamole! Now if you don't like any of the ingredients just leave it out, and add what you like. My sister in law said she puts garlic in her guacamole, I do not, but maybe some of you would like it that way.

Make your own and tweak it to your liking, Avocado's have the good fat your body craves for! An avocado a day may keep the doctor away ;)

Family Favorite Guacamole Recipe

2-3 avocados
1 tbsp lemon juice {Use fresh lemons, lemon juice in a bottle usually has yucky preservatives}
half of an onion, diced small
1/2 c tomatoes {Use organic if possible, tomatoes are on the dirty dozen list, highly sprayed with pesticides}
cilantro, add to liking, I really like cilantro so I add 1/2 cup, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Slice the avocados in half, cutting around the seed, pull apart and use spoon to spoon out. Put in dish and smash up a bit but don't over do it, some chunks are good, unless you have texture issues.

Add lemon juice, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir up and serve with Organic tortillas.

Enjoy!

{Most of the corn grown in the US is genetically modified, so its safer to go organic as its against organic standards to use GMO's, or find a Non-GMO food label on the bag.}

Guacamole is best eaten the same day but if you have leftovers, SAVE the avocado SEED and leave it in the bowl when you store in the fridge for leftovers. It will help keep some of the flavor and not go bad so fast.

Best Recipe for Tikki Masala! {Yummy FlavorFUL Indian Recipe}

 

One of my very favorite restaurants to go to is Sai Ram Indian Restaurant. When you walk in you can smell the wonderful aromas associated with Indian cooking. It has a very peaceful atmosphere and the food is just amazing! We have tried a couple different things there such as Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Eggplant Pakora, and a couple different desserts.

It is a family owned business and the family is so nice. They have amazing customer service and are very friendly. They are great at explaining what foods are and whats in them. My family and I always enjoy going there. We have went with all five of us and my husband and I have also went for date night.

Well, recently we had ordered some Masala to take out. It was just so yummy and creamy, I decided that I have to learn how to make this. So I spent about a half hour researching different peoples recipes, watching some you-tube videos, and put together what I thought was the best recipe to my family's liking. I decided to cut down on the hotness and make it a bit more mild and with a bit of sweetness.

Its also fun to try something new and learn to cook out of your comfort zone and even if no one else likes it, usually you'll like it because your time and effort went into making it!

Here is what I came up with:

I'm going to break this recipe up in two parts to try and make it a bit easier. I took more pictures then usual because its easier to learn by seeing it sometimes. The first part is what to do with your meat. I used chicken but you can probably use any kind of meat you want. Second part will be making your Masala or sauce :)

Also I have heard that Indian cooking is highly critiqued by those who know what they are doing, so if anyone reading this is a proficient I'm sorry if I bring any shame to this highly favorite dish ;)

For The Chicken
{If you have time let marinade overnight in fridge or for few hours before cooking to boost flavor, if your just making this on a whim like I did then you can skip it}
2lb Chicken {Antibiotic, hormone, arsenic feed free}
1c yogurt {I used rBST Hormone free, good source of protein}
1 tsp garlic {I used minced garlic, not dried}
1 tsp ginger {I used powder but want to try it fresh next time}
2 tbsp lemon juice {Without preservatives, use a fresh lemon or organic}
1 tbsp Coriander powder
1 tbsp Garam Masala {I found this at Woodmans}
1 tbsp cumin
dash of salt {Sea salt, or REAL Salt}

Okay so this list may look intimidating but I assure you once you have all your ingredients its easy!

1. First take your thawed or fresh chicken breast and cut into cubes, about medium size.
2. Then put them into a bowl big enough to mix all your ingredients
3. Next, your will add all of your ingredients from the list above, yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin, salt
4. Mix everything together really well
5. Either let marinade overnight, for few hours or skip this step if need be. {I highly recommend letting this marinate overnight}
6. Pour into a baking dish.
7. Bake @ 350 until chicken is done cooking, 15-20minutes.
8. When its finished cooking drain the excess watery stuff before adding to tomato cream sauce.

Yeah! First part is completed! Now onto making the yummy, creamy Masala. Make this while your chicken is cooking but don't forget to set a timer so you don't forget about your chicken. So throw your dirty dishes in the sink, clean your measuring spoons and clean your space and get all your ingredients ready :)

For the Masala
1 Onion, diced as good as you can
2 tsp garlic {I used minced in liquid, not dried}
2 tsp ginger
1 jalapeno pepper {OPTIONAL, I did not use, because that's to hot for hubby and kiddos}
28oz can of crushed tomatoes {For even smoother texture puree in blender, otherwise if textures not a problem, leave it}
1 pint of Heavy whipping cream {I used organic, free of pesticides and hormones}
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped well {If you know you don't like cilantro, don't use it}
2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp turmeric {This is a great spice to help inflammation in the body}
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garam masala
3 tsp sugar

I know! I know! BUT YOU CAN DO IT :)  You want to use a larger pan for this. The point of Indian food I'm gathering to to create the best flavor by cooing the spices precisely, so try to follow as best as you can :) Also if you haven't already you may want to throw on a pot of water for your rice.

1. First dice up the onion as good as you can, then add oil to your large pan {I used coconut oil, which is my favoritist!!}

2. Set heat to a bit over medium, wait for oil to get hot, then add onions. {they should sizzle immediately}
3. Add garlic, ginger {and pepper if your using it, I did not}
4. Saute until onions are very browned, you want to mix it around a bit to get the flavors going
5. Add can of crushed tomatoes, mix, let simmer for about 5-10 minutes, really let it cook, mixing as well

 

6. After letting the tomato sauce simmer, add all of it into a blender and blend. {You can skip this BUT this REALLY helps the flavors combined beautifully.

7. Pour tomato back in pan and add cream, stirring it in well {I like this part!!}

8. Add cilantro, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, mix up well
9.CHECK CHICKEN, if you haven't already :)
10. Let simmer, mixing once in awhile for about 10-15min, longer if you can. Allowing it to simmer and cook lets the ingredients blend well, and flavors deepen.

Once your masala sauce is all finished add your chicken to the sauce, I poured a little bit of the sauce from my chicken into the masala but don't add to much because you want your masala to stay creamy. So just mostly add the chicken pieces.

Lastly, if you didn't make rice, make it now, or pour over your made rice and serve. This makes a lot, so you will probably have leftovers. I used Basmati Rice that was grown on the Himalaya mountains in India. Isn't that cool, I thought so. I bought the bag from woodman's, my all time favorite store now. I also really like using Jasmine rice. These are those delicious sticky rices, also known to have less to no arsenic in them. Arsenic is a known carcinogen that causes cancer, most rice grown in US has arsenic, not exactly sure why though.

Everybody in my house really enjoyed it including my children. The first time we had it my youngest who is 2 years old ate a bit but then just wanted the rice alone.The second time he wanted more sauce and a second helping. Lol.

You have to help acquire your children's taste buds.

With kids you have to remember to give them something 3-5 times before they acquire the taste for it. Same goes for adults at times. Some foods our kids or we will never like, but try it or have your kids try something at least 3-5 times before deciding its a food they or you don't like. Change is hard most times :)

Update on my Journey to Health

So far I'm really doing good with my nutrition program. Its been about two weeks since I started science based nutrition. I am remembering to take all my vitamins, and eat good. I'm excersizing but not as much as I should. I'm really feeling SO much better. I still have some headaches and sometimes my stomach hurts but nothing like it used too! Also, my body is probably kinda ajusting to my new routine. My digestive system feels better but I know I still have a ways to go.

So bascially everyday I take 17-19 vitamins, some are every four days and some everyother day. I eat NO gluten, I don't drink cows milk, but do eat grass fed cheese and some yogurt now and then. The only grains I have been eating is organic corn, just can't seem to give up my favorite treat! Homemade Popcorn :)

If I wasn't nursing a baby right now it would be a lot easier to give up all dairy until my gut was healed but my body needs so many extra calories a day and it gets tricky knowing what to eat when your on a strict diet. I would like to do a juice fast but just can't yet.

I was doing some research the other day and found some info on Candida, it was very interesting and I'm going to be looking more into this. It bascially has to do with why so many americans digestive systems are all out of whack!

All Mothers United {Mom's who are looking for extra income, this may be the opportunity for you}

Are you a SAHM looking for extra income without sacrificing time with your little ones?

Are you a working mom looking to connect with other moms?

Wouldn't it be neat if you could organize events for moms to get together and build relationships, with or without your kids involved?

Are you grandmother looking to connect with other grandmothers? This may be a great opportunity for you too!

Are you a mom of teenagers? You can connect with other moms with teenagers.

Check out this great opportunity. I have been considering doing this BUT its just not the right time for me. I hope some of you may benefit from this company!

"All Mothers United is a new company for women all about motherhood. Our goal is to provide an encouraging and empowering environment where mothers of all ages and situations can join together, build confidence and make long lasting friendships." Quoted from their Website

CHECK THEM OUT ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AllMothersUnited

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE:
https://www.allmothersunited.com/

WRITE TO THEM:
info@allmothersunited.com

Super Easy Yummy Banana and Egg Pancakes! {Gluten and Dairy Free}

This is a great recipe for losing weight and cutting carbs, this is a great recipe for food allergies and its a great way to start your day. Packed with potassium and protein. Yum!

Super Easy Yummy Banana and Egg Pancakes {Gluten and Dairy Free}

2-3 Bananas mashed up
2-3 eggs

Mix together, and use like regular pancake better

Try my Best Homemade Fruit Jelly Ever as a topping instead of syrup. Most Syrups have high fructose corn syrup and tons of sugar :/ Not the best way to start out our day, so definitely not the best way for our kiddos to start out the day.

Other topping ideas:

~Peanut Butter
~Log Cabin Syrup {has no High fructose corn syrup}
~Agave Syrup {Natural Food Section}
~Butter

These are also a great snack and you can make and freeze them ahead of time.