A Few Halloween Ideas!
(Warning: sprinkles + a two year old= A MESS! :))

1) A Naughty Halloween Mix:
Candy Corn
Raisins
Chocolate Chips
Peanuts

Mix together and put in cute Halloween bags and pass out to teachers, neighbors, etc.

2) A Science Experiment:
Cut gummy worms with kitchen shears in long thin strips. Soak them in a solution of 2 T. baking soda mixture mixed with 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Take works out of solution and put in a container of vinegar. The chemical reaction will cause the worms to wiggle. Mixing sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid causes carbon dioxide bubbles making the worms float and move.

3) A Halloween Treat:
Another good gift to make for friends and family are Halloween pretzel rods. In a sauce pan, heat chocolate chips and butter. Cook on low heat and stir frequently. Dip the pretzel rods in chocolate and cover half of the rod. Roll dipped rod in different Halloween sprinkles. We found candy eye balls and Michaels which turned out pretty cute. Wrap 4-6 rods in cellophane and tie with a pretty Halloween ribbon.

Halloween Countdown

We kicked off our countdown with our annual pumpkin carving party/contest tonight.

Day 6 will be a costume parade at school.
Day 5 will be dinner in a pumpkin.
Day 4 will be make a Halloween craft.
Day 3 will be make a spooky lunch...hot dog mummies and Halloween cookies.
Day 2 will be a Halloween party at Aunty Nicki's house.
Day 1 will be deliver Halloween treats to the neighbors.

Little Hunters!

After dad's weekend hunting trip, the kids were inspired to dress-up in their hunting gear. Lana, I am sorry if you hate me for this one day! :) :)

Holiday Baking Gone Healthy!

Lately, the boys have been complaining that their "lunches" don't have treats in them like the other kids in their class. I decided to try baking to remedy this problem. I AM NOT A BAKER...however I have to say I am having fun trying to be a baker.

Here are some baking tips I have come across from my favorite experts/websites that make me feel better about the kid's new lunch treats.

1. Substitute cocoa chips for when recipes call for milk chocolate chips. Check out the health benefits of cocoa chips:

Benefits of Cocoa

"Loaded with antioxidants, cocoa can slow the aging process and fight disease. Studies suggest that it may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, improve blood flow, and keep your heart healthy. The flavonoids in cocoacan even help promote healthy heart function. Cocoa also contains a natural compound called phenyl ethylamine, known to promote happiness and relaxation."

2. Add chia seeds, ground flax seed or wheat germ to the recipe for additional health benefits.

3. Add fruit and vegetable purees.

4. Instead of canola oil use healthier oils like olive oil or grape seed oil.

5. Substitute whole wheat flour for white flour. Only use 3/4 cup of whole wheat to 1 cup of white flour. If using white flour, choose unbleached.

6. Choose aluminum free baking powder.

7. Add nuts for a protein punch.

8. Use honey and maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners.

9. Avoid food coloring and artificial ingredients.

10. Check out nourishmd.com for healthy baking recipes.

Freeze your little goodies and stock up your freezer with some tasty treats. Ohh and please send your favorite baking recipes over to me! :)

Happy Fall!!!

Family Fun

Check it out!

Next time you are at Trader Joes, pick up some ginger beer. I actually first bought it after attending a party for Oprah's last show. Each guest had to bring a dish or drink that represented O! Amy made Oprah's favorite drink...which included ginger beer. Very similar to ginger ale but contains real ginger and lots of it. I have heard that ginger is great for indigestion, heart burn, nausea, etc. After having two episodes of heartburn last week, I gave it a whirl. Took a few sips and I said good-bye to the indigestion. I love the taste too. It might be worth picking up next time you are out.

Chick Pea Tacos
(Thanks Nicole!)

1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
3 - 5 tablespoons salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 dash cayenne pepper, or to taste
8 - 10 taco shells

Directions:

In large sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and green pepper until softened. Add chickpeas, salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook until warmed. Mash chick peas slightly with a fork for better texture. I also add black beans and adjust the flavor using the seasonings. Serve in taco shells with cheese, sour cream and lettuce.

Bamboo Steamer

My late grandfather was an engineer and was very passionate about the dangers of using a microwave. He believed they were going to cause cancer, miscarriages and other health issues. He told us to never stand in front of a microwave while it was running. I do have a microwave and use it frequently. Its just so damn convenient! However, his warnings ring in my ears every time I use it.

This month my mini health goal is to reheat leftovers in a bamboo steamer, as seen above. For example, I am going to cook up a pound of breakfast sausages (which Creswick farms is now making/selling) on Sunday and reheat them with the steamer during the week for breakfast. I purchased one at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $14.00. You boil some water in a pan and rest the steamer on top and its suppose to heat your food within minutes. You can also stack several layers so you can reheat an entire meal at the same time. Of course it won't be as snappy as the microwave, but I am going to give it a try and see how it works.

Maybe one day we can say good-bye to our microwave....I really don't know how people do that!! For now, we are taking little baby steps! :)