Fall Photo Shoot (photos by Aaron)

Can you tell Alex is comfortable in front of a camera?  Geez.

Spiced Pumpkin Latte

Delicious and cozy served in my favorite mug (thanks Dina!). A wonderful way to start a Sunday. Just like the ones at the coffee shops, but much cheaper.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Vegan, Gluten Free) by averie cooks

1. Make coffee   (The stronger the better)

2. Make Pumpkin Milk

1 c milk (I used almond milk but use any kind you want from half  and half to rice milk)

1/4 heaping cup pumpkin puree (more if you really love pumpkin)

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend, or to taste

1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste

1 tsp vanilla extract

sweetener of choice, to taste (I suggest 2 tbsp agave or 2 tbsp brown sugar or a pinch of stevia to taste; or try honey, maple syrup, etc. to taste)

Optional: pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, garam masala, cardamom, or other warming spices to taste

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well by hand or blender.

Optional: Warm the finished pumpkin milk mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop (I do a quick nuke of about 1 minute)

3. Pour 1 c of brewed coffee into a mug and pour half the pumpkin milk mixture over the top of the coffee and enjoy.  (Optional: Finish by garnishing with real whipped cream/whipped topping such as CoolWhip or TruWhip; and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice/cinnamon on top)

The other half of the pumpkin milk mixture is for the refill you know you will want.  If you truly don’t want a refill, refrigerate it for up to a few days and use for your next latte, in a smoothie, or drink it as is.  As long as you’re dirtying dishes, I always make a little extra for refills or for later.

Notes:

The spices will not “blend” or entirely dissolve.  This is to be expected and normal.  If this bothers you, this may not the recipe for you and you may want to experiment with other recipes or techniques.

All spices and seasonings are to taste; in this case, mine.  If you want to reduce the spices (or increase them), obviously adjust everything according to your own taste preferences.  Some people may find the amounts I used a bit strong, but I like robust flavors.

Chinese Orange Chicken in the CrockPot

I've been looking for good and healthy crock pot recipes and found this one on Pinterest.This was surprisingly good. Instead of putting it over rice, I used quinoa and chopped green onions on top. Delish! Next time I'm thinking about adding carrots or other veggies.

 
Chinese Orange Chicken in the CrockPot by Real Food, Allergy Free

 Update:  Some people feel the orange juice concentrate is too strong of an orange taste.  If you are looking for a more subtle orange taste, try regular old orange juice (pulp-free) instead of the concentrate.
Ingredients:

• 1 – 2 pounds Chicken, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 cup allergy-friendly Biscuit or Pancake Mix (flour will work too if it’s all you have)
• Palm Shortening
• 6 oz Frozen Pulp-Free Orange Juice Concentrate, thawed
• 4 Tbsp Sucanat or Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 Tbsp Ketchup
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ginger
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Toss the chicken with the pancake mix in a large bowl or baggie.  Shake off excess flour.
2. Heat the palm shortening in  a large skillet and lightly brown the chicken on all sides.  Don’t cook the chicken through, just seal in the juices.
3. Toss the browned chicken in the crockpot.
4. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl.  Taste and add more sugar if you wish.
5. Pour sauce over chicken.  Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 3-4 hours.
6. Serve over rice.

Mini Popcorn Balls

 

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls by Annie's Eats

Yield: 8-10

Ingredients

4 tbsp. (¼ cup) unsalted butter
10 oz. marshmallows
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. salt
12 cups buttered popcorn*
Nonpareils or sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Directions

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the marshmallows, vanilla and salt.  Heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.  Pour the marshmallow mixture over the top.  Toss gently to combine and coat the popcorn. Allow to cool just slightly, then form into balls with well buttered hands.  Place on sheets of wax paper, sprinkle with nonpareils, and allow to set.  Once firm, insert a stick into each popcorn ball if desired.

You can also make the balls a little bigger and put colored sugar crystals on them to make a cute bouquet for gifts:

Carrot Muffins

This weekend has been rainy and dreary...putting me in the mood to cook and bake.

Carrot Muffins by http://www.two-tarts.com

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white flour

2/3 cup dark brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Pinch fine salt

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used apple sauce instead)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups (ish) of grated carrots (3-4 medium carrots) Preheat oven to 350
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla together in a medium bowl, then add to dry mixture.  Stir until just combined, then add carrots & stir until incorporated. 
Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups and bake at 350 for 28-30 minutes.

I used paper muffin cups and the muffins stuck to them, but they still tasted yummy! I recommend using foil cups or nothing.

Soup Season is HERE!! Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

Made this tonight ... it's a good one!

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 tablespoons of butter
5 cups diced peeled potatos
2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 pint whipping cream
2 cups water
3 oz bacon bits
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried parsley
seasoned croutons, for garnish

Directions:
1. Chop onion and celery, if using a food processor don't chop too fine.
2. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in 4 ounces of butter until tender
3. Add potatoes and broth, bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender
5. In a small skillet, melt remaining 4 ounces of butter, add flour to make roux, cook roux over low heat until yellow and blond in color and set aside
6. To cooked potato broth mixture, add water, cream and roux stirring continuously until mixture thickens.
7. Stir in the cheese, bacon bits, parsley, white pepper and paprika.
8. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted, stir continuously and remove from heat when cheese is melted.
9 Garnish with croutons, if desired.

New Room mate!

Hi All,

I have a new roommate.  Sunday morning walking out of church grandma fell on an uneven side walk.  She said she was fine and we came home and had breakfast.  She didn't seem to be in any pain so I went to work.  I called her mid day to see how she was feeling.  She said she felt fine but thought we may want to get her ankle x-rayed since it was the same ankle she broke in March. 

We went to Emergency and sure enough....she not only re-broke the bone she broke in March...she broke a  second bone.  She's in a cast and can't bear any weight on it until we can go to the orthopedic doctor.  She's walking with a walker so she doesn't put weight on the ankle. We can't get in to that doctor until next Wednesday 10/17. 

We were planning on going up north this weekend from Grand Rapids and Ken was going to take her home to Bloomfield.  We're still going up North but she will come back to GR with me so we can go to the Doctor.  I wanted to do the follow up in GR in case she has to be in the cast for any length of time.  I told her she can't go home until she's at least in a walking cast.  That's all we need... for her to be going up and down stairs with a walker.

Overall she is doing fine.  She's not in any pain, I'm cooking for her, and she has her Nook...she's pretty content!  LOL

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing.

Love to all!
Duane

Walk in the Park - September 29, 2012 - Alex's Friends

We were in great company for this year's event.  Thank you, for making the day so special and memorable.  We are a very lucky family.

Love, The A Team