Look for S'more

For activity days last week the original idea was to learn how to build a fire and roast s'mores and talk about being a missionary.  Because of wind we weren't able to do the outdoor fire, so we talked about being missionaries and then roasted marshmallows over the gas stove.  I made a "Look for S'more" handout that to help remind them to try a little harder to share their testimonies and be good examples.  I've included the handout download for you.

Download Look for S'more

The recipe for these s'mores is easy and actually the only kind of s'mores that Darin likes.

S'mores Bars

3/4 c karo syrup

3 Tbsp butter

1 pkg chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla 

1 large box Golden Grahams

3 cups marshmallows

In a medium saucepan heat butter, karo syrup and chocolate chips over low heat until melted.  Add vanilla and stir.  Pour over cereal and stir to coat.  Add in marshmallows and stir to combine.  Let cool on wax paper.  Enjoy.  

Friendsgiving Brunch Menu

1)  2)  3)  4)  5)  6)  7)  8)  

Our friendsgiving brunch was so delish I thought I'd share the menu with links to the recipes.  We loved them all so you can go ahead and make any of them for Thanksgiving or your own friendsgiving without worrying if people will like it or not!  

Yogi Tea

Ummmmm.  I'm just gonna come out and say it.  All of this clean eating is slowly turning me in to a hippie.   I mean, I just ordered a nut milk bag to make my own almond milk for heavens sake. I've been researching  baby wearing and gmo's.  I might even be considering cloth diapers. GASP!   I love it though.  Its a throwback to my Oregon roots. 

 So, side note I've just realized I do that a lot.  I look like a hipster?  Its cuz I grew up in Portland.  I justify every Nike purchase because they are from my hometown.  My love of sunshine comes from growing up without any sunshine.  Oregon.  Love it. 

But back to being a hippie.  Besides being "forced" ;) to eat really delicious pizza and homemade ice cream at my baby shower, which led to the return of pms and therefore the justification of frozen yogurt and a raid on my mom's cinnamon bears stash, I have done really well.  Haha!  Eating clean has become so much more to me than getting in to booty shorts, which is a whole different post.  I love how I feel and I love the effects it has had on other areas of my life.  All those cinnamon bears gave me was some zits and a stomach ache.  I think it also made me more anxious about baby coming.  

So what is a hippie to do when faced with a stomach ache and an anxious heart?  Yoga, obviously.   I've really loved doing more yoga this year.  It challenges me to be more present and focused, and gives me determination more than any other kind of exercise I do.   So Monday night I brewed some yogi tea, sat in baby's space and refocused.  My to do list shrank.  My priorities shifted back to where they need to be. 

My stomach ache is gone.  My anxiousness has been replaced by excitement and clarity. I still have the zits but with a little help from apple cider vinegar those will be gone soon too. I highly recommend being a hippie.    

And yogi tea.  

Yogi Tea

2 quarts water

15 whole cloves

20 black peppercorns

3 cinnamon sticks

20 whole green cardamom pods, split

8 slices ginger 

1/2 tsp black tea (decaf)  

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a 3-4 quart pot. Add cloves and boil for one minute. Next, add cardamon, peppercorns, cinnamon, and fresh ginger root. Cover and boil for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, adding more water if needed.  When ready, remove from heat, add black tea and let cool. Strain tea. When ready to drink, mix 1/2 cup tea and 1/2 cup milk of choice and warm it up.  Sweeten with honey to taste.  Can be stored in the fridge or even frozen.

Yogi Tea is a health-promoting beverage and a tonic for the whole body. It strengthens the nervous system, energizes the body, clears the mind, and is both a remedy and preventive measure for colds, allergies, and other illnesses.
via Yoga Yoga

Five Things For Friday: Clean Recipes

If you don't have a foam roller can I just tell you... GO GET ONE!  It will be the best frenemy you have ever had!!

Ok guys.  You know my goal is to get in to some booty shorts at some point this year.  I've been trying really hard to keep my diet super clean.  I am on MyFitnessPal {my username is Jennwarnick} every day putting in my stuff and trying to eat a lot of veggies and protein.  I've made my diary public so you can check out what I've been eating for ideas.  I've had a couple people ask me for the recipe links of stuff they have seen me eating on there.  So here are a few of my faves I thought I'd share...

No bake energy balls from Gimme Some Oven.  

I work out first thing in the morning and since I try to stay in bed as long as possible I don't have time to eat any breakfast.  Not that I really want to either.  I'm still waking up and jumping around on a full stomach is no bueno.    So I started keeping these in the fridge.  I just grab a couple every morning on my way out the door and they give me just enough pep to make it through my workout.  She has a couple different varations on her site you should try them all out. 

Ginger Cilantro Baked Tilapia from The Kitchn

This is probably my favorite dinner right now.  It is so easy and we all love it.  Well, Ivy just likes her tilapia baked plain but loves it when I make this dinner.  I just use the frozen tilapias from Costco.  The longest part is cooking the brown rice to go with it.  

Source: biggest-loser-recipes.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Biggest Loser Pancakes

This is our new go to pancakes.  I add about a half teaspoon of baking powder to the mix.  They are really yummy and super filling.  Even Ivy who could probably win the world championship pancake eating contest only eats three.

Sweet Potato Pancakes from The Gracious Pantry

These are on my list to try.  I am loving sweet potatoes right now and these just sound way yummy to me.  If you are looking for a good source of clean eating recipes check out The Gracious Pantry.  Tons and tons of good information on there.

  
Crockpot Tortilla Soup by Chef in Training

Umm this is our favorite soup.  To keep it clean you need to nix the all the cheese and sour cream and tortilla chips.  Try making your own by just cutting up some corn tortillas and tossing with a little bit of olive oil and salt.  Bake at 400 until crispy.  We also add avocado.  I cut out the chile powder so Ivy will eat it.  I also have just used diced tomatoes and some onions instead of Rotel.  Might be awesome for the Super Bowl eh?  

Have a fun weekend!  And I'd love any other recipes that you have been loving so go ahead and share em! Also I'm thinking Monday is a good day to start Round Three of the Ruffled Sunshine 24 Day Challenge.  See ya then!

Pumpkin Granola with Flax

Probably the question I get asked the most when talking about the 24 day challenge is What the heck do you eat?!!  And I always say uhhhhhm.  I don't know?  I think when your thoughts about food have shifted, what you are eating isn't something you get too excited about.  It is more about fuel and getting enough protein for me these days.  But I know it helps to get some new ideas from people when you are starting out eating clean so here is how my typical food diary looks.  I kind of rotate between the choices

Breakfast::

toast and a smoothie

oatmeal with either apples or craisins and sliced almonds

either kashi or pumpkin granola

english muffin with egg and avocado 

Snack::

cottage cheese and fruit

greek yogurt and fruit

Lunch:

Peanut butter and honey sandwich

salad

soup or chili

pumpkin granola

Snack::

carrots and cheese or almonds

Dinner::

fish and veggies

chicken and salad

toasted tuna

hamburger something

some kind of mexican thing

Snack:: 

frozen banana

If I have toast for breakfast I don't eat a peanut butter sandwich that day to cut out carbs.

I have been eating 5 meals and 300-400 calories a meal for so long I kind of have it down.  I mix these all up during the day too.  I am not opposed to eating breakfast for dinner.  Just not dinner for breakfast :)

Anyways one thing that I've been LOVING lately is Pumpkin Granola.  I make it from scratch every 10 days or so.  

Ingredients

2/3 cup natural applesauce

1 cup pumpkin puree 

1/3 cup pure maple syurp

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups quick cooking oats

4 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup organic dark brown sugar

1/2 cup ground flaxseeds

2 tsp ginger

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp nutmeg

sliced almond

craisins

In a small bowl mix together applesauce, pumpkin, maple syrup and vanilla.  In a large bowl mix together remaining ingredients.  Add in  wet ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.  On 2 lined cookie sheets spread out granola.  Bake at 300 for 40 minutes, stirring at 20 minutes.  After 40 minutes mix in almonds and craisins.  I just add a couple handfuls of each until the ratio looks about right.  Cook 20 minutes more.  Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container.  

Enjoy!

happy s'mores day

S'mores are one of my favorite parts of summer.  A perfectly toasted marshmallow is one of my most favorite things in the world.  The perfect combo for me is graham cracker, marshmallow, reeses, marshmallow, graham cracker.  Uh yeah.  Its that good.  Here are some more tips to making the perfect s'more...

But the real question is whether you like your marshmallow perfectly golden brown or do you light em on fire?!  I am a perfectly toasted girl myself.  Have a great weekend!

New York Style Pizza Crust

You know how pizza is my favorite food?  Yeah I could eat every day I'm pretty sure.  Especially really good New York style pizza.  We had a go to spot in Winter Park Colorado that I'm pretty sure, the guy running it was in the witness protection program, hiding from the mob.  In Portland I love Hot Lips.  It is made with all local and/or organic ingredients and their flavor combos rock.  It almost tricks you into thinking pizza is healthy ;)    My favorite is the Southwest which is cilantro pesto, black beans, corn and feta.  Uhhh yeah.  Its super good.  Last time we ate there I said duh, why don't we make new york style pizza at home? Cuz the other homemade kind just isn't cutting it.  So I googled and found a recipe that got awesome reviews and we have been having pizza probably once a week since.  Its the best, I'm telling you! 

NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA CRUST

{adapted from food.com}

2/3 cup warm water

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp rapid rise or bread machine yeast

1 3/4 c flour 

1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt

Combine water, sugar and yeast in mixer bowl.  Let the yeast proof for 5-10 minutes.

Add salt and flour mixing until a soft dough forms, then mix for another 5 minutes to knead the dough.

Once you have a smooth and elastic dough place in a bowl that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Turn to coat, cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and let it rest for a couple of minutes.  

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.  Yep, 500 degrees.  

On a greased cookie sheet or pizza stone start stretching and patting your dough in to a pizza shape.  I start from the middle and work my way out.  You want it to be stretched really thin.  You can let it rest, then stretch to keep it from pulling apart.  

Once you have your crust ready, add your favorite toppings.

+++

My best tip to having an awesome pizza is to use whole milk mozzarella.  Not fresh mozzarella though,  which is probably too expensive for  making pizza.  Whole milk mozzarella is in the cheese section and can be hard to spot but its there.  It is a little bit more "wet" than the part skim variety so I slice it thinly rather than grate it.  It seriously makes all the difference when making pizza at home.  

Also homemade sauce rocks the house.  Last summer I made a bunch with a Mrs. Wages seasoning package and we love it.  I omited the sugar and added some more seasonings to it, then put it in 1/2 pint jars and froze it.   Oh, to be that prepared all the time...  

+++

Once you have your pizza ready and the oven is 500 degrees put your pan on the bottom rack to bake.  I'm thinking I cook mine for about 10 minutes.  I don't usually set a timer I just watch it and when the cheese starts to brown and bubble it should be done.  

Let it cool so you don't burn the top of your mouth!

Don't eat the whole thing.  

Mmmm... pizza.

How do you top your pizza?

Superbowl Food Roundup

Guys, I love football.    All of my Sundays for the past few months are spent snuggled up on my couch watching.   We are Broncos fans.  But I do have a soft spot for the Bears and the Jets.  Want to know something funny?  Ivy will ALWAY root for the opposite team as Darin and I.  She roots for the bad guys as she calls them.  We even tried to trick her by telling her the team we wanted to win was the bad guys.  But then she would switch as soon as we would cheer for that team.  Gah!  That silly girl.   I am SO sad that the season is ending.  And yes I'm being totally serious!  In all honesty I'm not super stoked on the teams in the Superbowl this year,  I'm just hoping for a fun and exciting game.  Of course us girls think the fun part is to come up with a yummy menu of snacks and appetizers.  One of my favorite kinds of dinner.  In a rut or need some ideas?  Here's a little roundup of some things we might be having this Sunday.  

Source: iowagirleats.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

These buffalo chicken poppers are at the top of my list of things to try.  I really like buffalo chicken dip but these would be fun to change it up a bit, and they just look super yum.   You can find the recipe at Iowa Girl Eats.

I am fairly certain that Peanut Butter and Jelly popcorn is going to make an appearance at the big game this year.  Darin has been asking for it ever since I munched the last little bit a month ago.  It can be made ahead of time which rocks since we will be rushing home from church to watch the game.

Ok.  My next suggestions is going to lack a photo.  Seriously.  Looking back through old recipes I've posted I really am kind of embarrassed.  On the other hand its nice to see that my photography has gotten infinitely better!  If you are looking for more of a meal may I suggest fish tacos?!  Fish sticks are awesome in fish tacos.  I highly recommend the ones from Costco. They make you feel better about eating fish sticks.  Make sure and grab some avocados and splurge on some fresh tortillas.  Round up all of your favorite taco fixings and its an easy dinner that people can make themselves.  Which is always a bonus right? 

These cookies still reign supreme in our house I'm pretty sure.  Anther great thing to make ahead of time and pop in the freezer til Sunday.

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

If you are looking for a hearty soup can I suggest this one from A Farmgirl Dabbles ?!  Its kind of a lot of work, but it is SO so worth it, we scarfed it up.  It was a little spicy so if you are trying to please the littles too, maybe cut back on the red pepper flakes.  That is some seriously good soup I tell ya!

Doest that help get your menu's rolling?!  But here's where I need your help.  A Superbowl party isn't complete unless you have some kind of dip, no?  I'm looking for something different to try but haven't stumbled across the right thing yet. Have you got THE dip you could share?    I'd love you forever.

And just so you know.  I guess I am going for the Giants.  There is just something about Tom Brady that bugs!!!  Am I right?

PB & J popcorn

  Snow days need a special treat don't you think?

Our favorite popcorn is covered in peanut butter caramel and tossed with peanuts and craisins.  Perfect to snuggle up and play Star Wars Legos with after a hard day of playing in the snow.  Of course its not just for winter days, it disappears before I can turn around when our family comes to hang out any time of the year.  

PB & J Popcorn

16 cups popped popcorn

1 cup sugar

1 cup honey

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup peanuts

1 cup {or more} craisins

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl, big enough to stir everything together in.  In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar and honey over medium heat, stirring constantly.  When it starts to boil, cook and stir 2-5 minutes more.  Less time if you like softer caramel popcorn and longer if you like it crunchy.   Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and peanuts.  Pour the peanut butter caramel over the popcorn, tossing and stirring to coat.  Add the craisins, stirring to mix everything together.   Then spread it out on wax paper to cool.   I like to snack on it while its still warm for the ultra gooey caramel.  Break in to pieces to seve. Store in an airtight container.

I'd make it for those rosy cheeks any day!

Gingersnaps are my fave.

Around here Santa Claus's favorite cookies might be Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies.  But Mrs.  Claus LOVES her some gingersnaps. In fact Mrs. Claus loves them so much she only makes them once, maybe twice, in December so that they are a special treat.  After she makes them she has to promptly give them away or put them in the freezer so that they don't all get eaten!  This year a sneaky little elf has discovered the joy of gingersnaps too.  Her little hand snatches those cookies every chance she gets.  

{A friend brought me these cookies after I had surgery a few years ago and they instantly became my most favorite cookie.}  

Every year we leave out cookies and eggnog for Santa. We also make sure and leave a carrot for Rudolph.   Rudolph loves carrots just like Ivy.   

Santa leaves a little bit of magic {glitter} behind and a note thanking Ivy for the cookies and for being such a good girl that year.   We'll be leaving gingersnaps for Santa {and Mrs. Claus!} this year. 

What do you leave for Santa at your house? 

  

Gimme some Sugar {cookies!}

You know how you have those awesome recipes from your mom.  But you are always looking for something better.  Just in case?  That's how I have been with sugar cookies.   And I always go back to this one.  It is WAY easy and unless I forget about them in the oven they are soft, just how I like em.  Plus they don't take a ton of time so when we decide to make sugar cookies we get to do it right then.
I guess Mother knows best.    {Totally in a tangled voice by the way}

In the spring I add some lemon zest and lemon juice.  In the summer I use part almond extract.  And in the fall and winter  I love to add cinnamon and nutmeg.  One thing for sure though is they gotta be soft, which I think has a lot to do with how thick you roll out the dough.

So I wanna know are you a soft sugar cookie kind of person? Or are you crazy and like the crunchy kind? ;)
    

Inspire Me...Kitchen

Today is Inspiration Workshop day!  The theme this week is kitchen.  And truthfully?  The kitchen is so NOT on my project list.  But can I show you what I would la la LOVE my kitchen to look like?  

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 Is anyone else totally enamored with these colors right now?  Orangy, corally red, aqua and white?!  SO bright and happy and cheerful.  But can I just tell you that Pinterest is no place for someone playing the Game On Diet?  I finally had to get off before I found myself in the kitchen making some tasty treats.  

Something like

Source: sweetapolita.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

these.  Or

Source: cheekykitchen.com via Jamielyn on Pinterest

these.  Even

Source: lessordinarydesigns.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

some mini fruit pizzas.  But those will have to wait another 3 weeks!

Anyone else ever played The Game?

Sea Salted Caramel Recipe

Just in case you missed the yummy treat I shared at Four Flights last week, I'm reposting it here...

 Lately I have been adding a bit of sea salt to all my sweets and have been loving the combination.  So when I saw a salted caramel recipe on pinterest I knew what my Sunday evening treat would be. Luckily I had all of the ingredients in my house which is rare for those Sunday night treat making adventures. Isn't that the worst when you don't have everything you need to try something new?  Fortunately this recipe only has three ingredients which I'm hoping you have in your house. Because if you like the whole salty/sweet thing then you will probably need to make this right away too! The original recipe was in metric measurements so I've already done the googling required for you.  And I've included a printable in case you are like me and need to give away most of what you make to get the temptation out of the house!  This recipe is adapted from Call Me Cupcake which by the way has the prettiest pictures of cakes you have ever seen.

 Here are my kitchen notes in case you are a little intimidated, which you shouldn't be because it is super easy.  {And you get to learn from my mistakes!}

+ It really is important to not to stir while melting the sugar.  I missed that part the first time and you get rock hard bits of sugar that take for-ever to melt.


+The sugar doesn't all have to be melted to remove from heat.  Once you see what is melted turn a rich amber then start swirling.

+When you stir in the butter it kind of curdles but just keep stirring it comes together!


+ I use 1/2 to 1 tsp of sea salt.  

+Be Careful!  Caramel is hot!  I promise!


+This is more of a spreadable caramel or a dip.  Just heat to drizzle.

+When I was googling the conversions the cream one said .63 cups or 3/4 cup.  Those didn't match up but I went with the 3/4 cup of cream.  The caramel ended up a lighter color and a bit runnier, more like a caramel topping.  It has a milder flavor and is just as delicious.   Feel free to try it that way too!

After I got my caramel in to a jar {one batch will fill one 1/2 pint jar or 2 of those itty bitty jars} I thought it would be such a cute thank you gift!  So I made a flag and gussied it up all cute.  As promised I've included the printable so you can make yours cute too!

{click to download}

I hope you like the caramel!  It is super yummy on apples, ice cream, cookies, your finger....use your imagination!  

Won't You Come and Say Hi?!

Oh hello friends!  I'm sharing my new favorite recipe at Four Flights of Fancy today.  Andrea went on vacation so I'm repaying her the favor. 

Won't you stop by and say Hi?!

Have A Cookie!

I know that there are a million claims to the best chocolate chip cookie recipe.  And I don't know if there coupld possibly be THE very best one but around here my aunt Chandra's recipe is pretty popular.  It is my friend Lindsay's birthday today so I packaged up some of these yummy goods just for her. {You should be able to eat as many cookies as you want on your birthday.} If you are in the mood to try them out I'm posting the recipe just for you!  Oh and last night we tried sprinkling the dough with sea salt before baking...  Um.  YUM!  Adds a whole new level to how good these cookies are.  So whether you are trying out this recipe or using your own and you go for that whole salty/sweet thing, I highly recommend adding a little sea salt to your cookie!

One other cookie tip!  I cream the butter and sugars for 3-5 minutes.  After that I only mix until incorporated.
What are your cookie tips?!

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