Vacationing and Banana Muffins

We had a few fun super adventures this vacation week balanced by lots of hanging out. During it all there were lots of snacks… it always amazes me how much my kids can eat!

We did lots of baking. We made chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread and the best banana muffins – all gluten free, vegan, and filled with nourishing grain and nut flours. They were fabulous right out of the oven with tea, and we always made extra for snacks when we were out.

We played lots of games and created a bunch of art. Felix is trying his best to get us up to speed with chess and has been crocheting like a mad man. Orly is working on a book and perfecting her origami boxes (oh there are so many I am not sure what to do!). Perla spends hours with scissors and tape. While all these projects are going on, my new thing is to make jars of cut up fruit and veggies for snacking. So simple, so healthy, and when it is right on the table, there are no hunger complaints.

We have concocted many fruit smoothies. Before outings, I make them with almond milk or brazil nut milk, so they are filling and get everyone through to the next meal.

It was a much-needed week off! Hope everyone who had a break, had a great one!

Gluten-free and Vegan Banana Muffins

Ingredients
1 cup Brown Rice Flour
1/3 cup Hazelnut Flour
3/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1 3/4 cup Mashed Banana
5 1/3 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Maple Syrup

Directions
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Mix banana, coconut oil and maple syrup in a blender.
Add mixture to dry ingredients.
Pour in cupcake tins greased with coconut oil.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350.

Notes
The hazelnut flour is to add a nutty flavor. Almond flour/meal could be used instead.
I blended the wet ingredients in my vitamix and the muffins come out very fluffy. No one can believe there are no eggs!



Simply Salad

A few thoughts on salads…

I was recently preparing food for my parents after my mom had surgery. They did not have all of “my usual” ingredients.  I was reminded that salads can be so simple and so delicious, and that they do not always have to be the same! I used what was available. I chopped cucumber, fennel, apple, radishes, and cilantro. I added fresh peas and tossed everything in sea salt, then added lemon juice and olive oil. I was so good.

A trick that I learned from my husband’s family is that you can chop veggies like cucumber, radish, avocado, and tomato, and toss them with salt, lemon, herbs, and olive oil a good hour before you need a salad. Then when you and your family (or guests) are ready to eat, you can toss in the lettuce.

My kids love taste testing Interesting ingredients. A family favorite for the past 6 months has been what we call “watermelon radishes” because they look like mini watermelon slices.

I eat a really big salad almost everyday for lunch… Followed by a really great dessert!



Happy New Year in February

On New Year’s Eve, I was in Maine sitting around the fire with friends, after we had all gotten our kids to bed, drinking champagne while we told each other our “doable” New Years resolutions. Mine was to blog 3 times a week – starting after my technology free week with the kids.

Somehow my week off turned into two months!

This morning, my 3 year old burst into my room while I was working, and exclaimed “Happy New Year mama!” I took that as my sign to just show-up and begin again.

The past two months have been very busy, but in a simple old fashion kind of way.

We have been doing so many crafts.

• We made felted cupcakes and doll-sized bags at Orly’s birthday tea party.
• I made some wooden figures for the kids and a felted world doll for a friend.
• The kids made all sorts of things during the Christmas season, and have moved onto paper – 3-dementional stars, origami everything, and now valentines.
• Everyone is relaxed by playdough.

We have been very busy in the kitchen.

• Felix and Orly both got Children’s Moosewood Cookbooks for Christmas, and they love picking and following recipes. I am finding that cooking is a great way to make my one super opinionated eater, love and appreciate her food. We have to do some switches to make the recipes dairy free, but they are workable.
• I have been using our winter farm shares to experiment with veggie soups. I have been enjoying cooked veggies this winter to keep warm.
• I have been making lots of yummy salads (which I will write more on soon), and raw pies and cakes... yum!

We have spent time outside.

• A few weeks ago the pond near our house froze. It is so wonderful to not worry about rink times and just carry a bag down to the pond.
• We have been going on many walks through a nearby forest and the kids have been finding so many treasures – houses made of sticks, trees for climbing, and we even found a tree swing hidden in the forest, which even I love to ride on!

We have spent time in front of the fire.

• I have to admit, we have all had quite a few runny noses and coughs this winter. Warm tea and books in front of the fire has been a very important component to our recoveries.
• Getting logs from our driveway to the fireplace has prooved a great activity for eager helpers when mama and papa are sick!

So here we are in February.  I showed up for yoga the other day and the owner of the studio said they are getting their regulars back and the New Years resolutioners are fading.  As Perla so kindly reminded me this morning, new years is just another day, and everyday is a great day to show-up and start. Here I am, and I will be back in a few days – 3 times a week. Happy New Year!



An Advent Tree

I have been very focused on keeping things simple and magical in our house during this holiday season. Simplicity takes some effort during a time filled with special school events and office Christmas parties and I just realized that I have not posted for some time! But I have been dying to share the advent tree that I made and the kids have been enjoying.

The tree is made of five branches placed in a vase. Twenty-two tags wrapped with a “thought” and three small boxes hang from the branches. I tried to balance gifts for the kids with gifts they could give to others. I tried to balance fun adventures with quieting moments.

The thoughts include:

• Take tonight’s bath by candlelight
• Make a Christmas Chain to hang on your banister
• Make the inside and outside of your house more magical with lights
• Bring some Christmas presents to children who are less fortunate
• Do something nice for a friend
• Make Christmas cards for family and friends who live far away
• Everyone pick a doll or animal and mama (or PAPA) will make a puppet show before bed
• Go to the post office to send presents you have made, and get some supplies for playing post office at home after
• Find a new story in your Christmas book basket — Light a fire and enjoy!
• Go on an adventure to see some Christmas trains
• Enjoy the Nutcracker this afternoon

The boxes each have an ornament for the tree. Three of the days say to look in the Christmas book basket and each time the children find a book that I have added to our collection of winter and holiday books. It is amazing to me how the kids come together and really honor these gifts together – I initially planned to have 3 of everything, but then I remembered to stay simple.



This Moment: After Our Meal

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by SouleMama. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments.