"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 :)