As we get ready for the biggest food holiday of the year I have to admit there are times I cheat. I am busy and sometimes store bought is just plain easier. With the invention of pre-made pie dough you can simply roll into the pan minutes after you get home from the store my pies and quiches have been so easy to make throughout the year.
Now as we get ready for Thanksgiving and I snuggle my baby. I am nostalgic for for my Great Grandmothers pie dough. I dug up the recipe this week and was reminded how simple homemade can be. Grandma knew a thing about taste and simplicity back in her day too. Yes, my kitchen got a little dirty as I had to take the extra step to roll these crusts out myself but in the end it was worth it. In less than 15 minutes I had 3 pie crusts ready to go make with real ingredients, no junk or preservatives. I like recipes that only have 5 ingredients of less. They taste so much better than store bought and I have sweet memories to pass on to my children about my great grandmother.
This time of year it is not about getting food on the table perfectly and fast but bringing people together and making memories. There are many ways to host a beautiful feast without driving yourself crazy. If you need to cheat, do it, no one will ever know. If you want to make one thing extra special try out homemade pie crust. This year enjoy the holidays and if you need a little help or guidance just let me know. Here is one way to start now.
3 homemade pie crust in less than 15 minutes!
Easy Homemade Pie Crust
Make three 9 inch pie crusts (extras if you have them can be frozen)
3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup lard (or shortening if you prefer) cut into small cubes and chilled
7-9 tablespoons cold water
In a food processor combine all ingredients except water. Pulse the mixture until it resembles a course meal.
Slowly add the cold water a few tablespoons at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
Remove from the bowl and knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough comes together and is smooth.
Divide dough into 3 equal sections.
You can freeze the dough in disks or roll out on a floured surface to fit into pie pans.
Chef’s Tip:
You can make these now and freeze them as disks to roll out later or put them in the pans and freeze already rolled out. I made mine this week so all I need to do next week is add my simple pie fillings and bake. My apple pie filling is already done and in the freezer as well. So hot homemade pie for the holidays could not be any easier.
Chef’s Tip: Easily transfer the dough by rolling over the rolling pin. Then unroll over your pie pan.To get the crust in the pan, unroll the dough over your pie pan.
Hi Mommas with babies this one is for you. My daughter is now 3 months old and we are back into the full swing of baby care. I am always looking for more natural ways to keep my family happy and healthy. Today I share a new found love for Butt Paste, yes, you heard me right the life of a mother has a lot to do with keeping bottoms clean and dry to make babies happy.
You see it is not just about what we put in our bodies but also what we put on our bodies that can effect our health and wellbeing. We can feed our babies well but we also need to be cautious of environmental factors and what we are putting on their delicate skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body so what goes on the body also gets ingested into the body. Something all parents and babies deal with at some point in their life is the common diaper rash. I recently was introduced to Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and I was pleasantly surprised with the ingredients and results.
This product was created by a pharmacist and father of four in the need for an effective and safe solution to treat diaper rash. The active ingredient is Zinc Oxide and it is free of dyes, parabens, preservatives phthalates, and talc. So basically it is gentle enough to use every day to prevent diaper rash but strong enough to treat it too. The Original Butt Paste® formula contains 16% Zinc Oxide starts to soothe on contact and creates a barrier to keep future wetness out. However, if you need something stronger to treat an existing rash they also have the Maximum Strength Butt Paste that contains 40% zinc oxide.
Complete Rash Kit
To be honest my favorite product from Boudreaux’s is not just the Butt Paste, granted it works well, goes on smoothly and dose not irritate my babies soft skin. What I really love is the new Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® Rash Kicking Kit™ which is a comprehensive solution for helping to kick diaper rash It has both the Original and Maximum strength formulas and my new all time favorite the “Butt Brush”.
The “Butt Brush” is completely amazing! No mess and applies cream so easily.
What makes the Rash Kicking Kit™ especially unique is the addition of the innovative Butt Brush™. This mess-free silicone applicator helps parents to gently apply a thick and smooth coat of Butt Paste® on baby’s booty to form a protective barrier from wetness. It’s 100% BPA free and makes it so much easier to apply without getting cream all over yourself. I know it seems a little strange but truly once you use it you will wonder how you ever lived without it before. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® Rash Kicking Kit™ typically retails for $14.99 and is available to purchase on Amazon.
Please note that I am not a doctor but a real mom with real issues and real kids. I like to share things that work for me to help make your life better too. If this or any product for that matter is used for seven days and the rash persists or worsens it is possible that an infection has developed. It is not uncommon for a baby to develop a bacterial or fungal infection in the diaper region, contact a doctor if you have concerns or if the diaper rash becomes warm, bright red.
Full Disclosure:
Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life. All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them and hope these products and services work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.
I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.
This week I am busy getting ready for our big Birthday Baptism Bash. Next week we celebrate my birthday, my sons birthday and my daughters baptism. We will have all of our extended family visiting so needless to day there will be lots of food and a pretty full house. With so many festivities and people to feed. I do my best to keep things tasty and simple. We don’t get to see my husbands side of the family very often as they are all out of state. When they are in town I like to spend as much with with them not be busy in the kitchen.
Over the years I have become a master planner and skilled at keeping my freezer stocked with lots of easy make ahead items. The advance prep allows me to relax with guests and still feed them well. Today I share one of my all time make ahead favorites. There is no better treat than easy homemade shortbread. This recipe is super simple. You just mix all the ingredients together, press into the pan and bake.
It is also wonderful because you can play with it and make many different and unique flavor combinations like Chocolate Cayenne, Orange Pistachio or Lemon Lavender like I did for my party. The easy homemade shortbread has a soft and delicate crumb and sweet yet rich buttery taste. Best part this tender shortbread is surprisingly transportable and the texture actually improves the next day making it in ideal treat for any gathering. You can even make it far in advance and freeze it so you have it onhand to welcome any last minute guests. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea and even wine.
Easy Homemade Shortbread
Easy Homemade Shortbread, Lemon Lavender and More
Tender and delicate with rich flavor that will leave the house warm and smelling of butter.
1 cup unsalted cold butter (2 sticks cut into ½ in cubes)
½ cup sugar
1 ½ cups flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 325
Line a 9in square, round or spring form pan with parchment paper
In the bowl of an electric mixer combine all ingredients. Starting at low speed mix for several minutes until mixture resembles a course meal with slightly damp crumbs but will hold together when pinched.
Pour crumb mixture into prepared pan and press firmly with a small juice glass or the back of a spoon tamping the crumb mixture together.
Sprinkle with extra teaspoon of sugar if desired.
Place pan on middle rack in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until very light golden Cool in pan for 30 minutes, carefully run a butter knife along the side of the pan to loosen from edges and carefully invert to remove from pan. While still warm cut into desired shapes using a large knife and smooth downward cuts.
Mixture will be soft and crumbly, evenly press into the pan and bake for a delicious easy treat.
Variations:
Lemon Lavender:
Add zest of one lemon, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice and 2 Tablespoons food grade lavender
Chocolate Chip:
Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips before pressing into the pan. Option for chocolate coating, spread 1 cup chocolate chips over top while it is hot allow to melt and smooth over surface.
Chocolate Cayenne:
Decrease the flour to 1 ¼ cups and substitute ¼ cup coco powder. Mix in 1 teaspoon espresso powder and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Orange Pistachio:
Add the zest of one orange and ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
Butterscotch version 1:
Mix in 1 cup butterscotch chips before pressing into the pan.
Butterscotch version 2:
Substitute brown sugar for white sugar continue with recipe press into pan and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon coarse salt in place of sugar. For an upscale touch try pink Hawaiian salt.
School started and a chill is in the air. My son came home with a mild cough and I got to cooking. Making up a batch of my homemade elderberry syrup. Did you know that elderberries are full of antioxidants? They actually contain higher antioxidant levels than both cranberries and blueberries.
Elderberry Syrup
To help boost the immune system I started turning to homemade natural food remedies. I use recipes like my soup for colds which is loaded with high quality bone broth onions, garlic, turmeric and hearty vegetables, home made cough syrup using local raw honey and my newest addition this elderberry syrup. I find that by using these items my family is not sick as often as when we do start to feel down using these get us back on our feet quickly and with out all the side effects of common drugstore options. Go into cold and flu season with this by your side.
Try this homemade elderberry syrup just as it is, over pancakes, ice cream or mix it into a hot tea. You could even dilute it with a little water for an elderberry juice.
You can find dried elderberries and aronia berries at some natural food stores. i find it easiest to purchase them online. Here are the elderberries I used.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Makes about 1 ½-2 cups
½ cup dried black elderberries
¼ cup dried Aronia berries
1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 whole cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon turmeric
4 cups water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup honey
Combine all ingredients except the honey and vinegar.
Combine all ingredients expect honey and vinegar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer 30-45 minutes until liquid reduces by half. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Using a fine strainer, remove berries and spices from liquid gently press on them with a spatula to remove excess liquid, discard berries. Add honey and vinegar to the liquid and stir well. Pour mixture into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
Strain out berriesAdd honey and vinegar then store in a glass container.
Instant Pot Method:
Put all ingredients in pot except honey and vinegar, seal lid, set manually for 9 minutes on high pressure. Vest pressure, strain add honey and vinegar, store as directed.
Standard dose is 1 teaspoon for kids (1-3 years) taken daily if feeling ill take 1 tablespoon twice daily. For ages (4 to adult) take1 tablespoon daily if feeling ill take 2 Tablespoons twice daily.
*Mix into a “juice” 1 tablespoon in ¼ cup water
*To make a thicker consistency syrup you can add 1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 1 tablespoon water. Blend into the syrup and bring to a boil for 1 minute before allowing to simmer.
Why These Ingredients?
Dried Aronia and Elderberries
Elderberries:
These dark berries are packed with antioxidants vitamin c and fiber. They can help fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections. *Note some are toxic when eaten raw. Be sure to source your berries from credited vendors and always cook them for best health benefits.
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is commonly used for various types of “stomach issues,” such as motion sickness, nausea, colic, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good herbal remedy for pain and swelling. It contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can fight harmful bacteria, improve blood flow and create a pleasant warming sensation in the body.
Some studies have found that the compounds in cloves support liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels. It may also help promote regularity, and strengthen your immune system.
Turmeric is most well known for it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin which can help decrease inflammation. Research studies show that turmeric may offer protection against certain cancers, arthritis, help reduce blood sugar, and support the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the most health benefits. Vinegar can act as a probiotic aiding the digestive system in the creation of good bacteria and killing off harmful bacteria. Vinegar has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative.
* Note taking vinegar in full strength can cause harm to tooth enamel and cause stomach issues be sure to use it with other ingredient or dilute well with water.
Honey is a natural sweetener containing minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium. It is known to contain antioxidants and have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can also be used as a natural cough remedy for it’s soothing effects.
*Note it is not recommended to give honey to children under the age of one as they risk ingesting bacteria that can cause infant botulism.
The school year has started, we are all off to new routines for class, work and extra activities. Now is the time to get your healthy snacks in order. This is one of my favorite recipes for on the go healthy options. This recipe is super simple as you just put all the ingredients in a food processor, blend and bake. You have 10 bars ready to go perfect for breakfast on the run, a lunch bag, snacks or simply toss in your purse. They are packed with fiber, protein and a touch of sweetness. You won’t feel bad giving these to your kids with these high quality ingredients and also gluten and dairy free.
I am using the new Lindsay Creamy Almond Butter in this recipe. This product is smooth and creamy making it perfect for all your nut butter needs like sandwiches, dipping and baking. It has no hydrogenated oils, cane sugar, preservatives or gluten. Try it in place of traditional peanut butter for a twist on some of your favorites. A 12 oz. jar retails for just $8.99 but you can learn more and get coupons here.
Smooth, creamy and easy to spread almond butter
Try out any of the new Lindsay Almond butter flavors like Classic Creamy, Classic Chunky or for a sweet treat Honey Cinnamon. All of the varieties work well in the soft Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bar recipe listed below.
Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bars
Soft Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bars
Makes 10 bars
3 cups old fashioned oats regular or gluten free
1 cup raisins
½ cup pecans
½ cup almond butter (at room temperature)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup pure honey or maple syrup
¼ cup water
¼ cup ground flaxseed meal
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
So simple, put everything in a food processor and blend. No food processor? No problem just see the note below.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper or grease with oil.
Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a large food processor, pulse for 20 seconds and scrape sides, pulse for another 20 seconds to chop pecans and throughly combine ingredients. Do not over mix or it will become pasty.
Scoop mixture into prepared pan. Using a slightly wet hand press mixture evenly into the pan. Bake on the middle rack until golden brown and firm about 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely, remove from pan and cut. Make 10 bars by cutting horizontally through the middle once and four even cuts vertically.
Cut to make 10 perfect snack or lunch size bars.
*If you do not have a food processor, coarsely chop the raisins and pecans. Then in a large bowl combine all ingredients until well mixed and bake as directed.
*Raisins not your thing? Try this with other dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, blueberries or dates. Look for unsweetened varieties to help limit excess sugar.
Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life. All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them and hope these products and services work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.
I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.
