Back in Orange ;)

Hello dearies!  So happy to be back after my life break :)  The kids are almost out for the summer, which means a renewed interest in new recipes.  Especially because I am going to be teaching them how to cook and bake as part of our summer fun!  Ideally, they will each hone some skills and be able to use them together to make Hubby and I a meal once a week :)

This week we tried out a new Paleo smoothie recipe that was perfect for a spring, after school snack.  Anything with coconut milk is delicious, but this was amazing!  I doubled the recipe, used frozen bananas instead of ice and added some honey.  Easy peasy!

Try it frozen as a popsicle!  http://www.forageddish.com/blog/2015/3/26/paleo-carrot-cake-coconut-smoothie

Homemade Strawberry Toaster Tarts

I am always looking for healthier, on-the-go, quick and easy breakfasts for the kids in the morning.  Cereal causes them to linger at the table and they literally forget they even eat it, demanding breakfast within the hour.  Pop-tarts are unfortunately one of the things we have fallen back on in the past.  So when I found a recipe for homemade toaster tarts with make-yourself stawberry filling, I couldn't wait to try it!

Following the recipe carefully, the kids and I waited anxiously to see how they turned out.  I didn't even get the chance to put a glaze and sprinkles on before we were digging in, but they didn't even need it they were so good!  However, they didn't make it to my regular menu because for all my work, it only made 6 pastries - one for each of us at normal size.  (I suppose you could halve them and get double, which may make it worth it if you have fewer than 4 kids eating them :)  Nevertheless, they are a wonderful treat anytime and a great way to use this summer staple!

Paleo Apple Pie Smoothie

Give me an apple flavored anything and I will be happy ;)  But this is even better!  I made these amazing apple pie smoothies as an after school snack for the kiddos and a pick me up for myself.  Super yummy!  And it helped my kids get enough nutrients they weren't bouncing off the walls or fighting with each other while I made dinner. Score!

It's is a great boost to have inbetween meals, after a workout, or with an omlet for a protein-packed breakfast.  I may have even served these along with a simple veggie meal for dinner ;)

Note: If you are making the almond butter yourself, make sure the consistancy is creamy like peanut butter or it will be kinda lumpy and hard to get through your straw!

Sunday Sweet

This has been circulating around the web a bit and it always looked enticing.  The perfect oppourtunity came when we had some of Dood's friends over after school.  These were quick to make and super delicious.  AND the recipe made enough to fill 6 hungry kids :)  I cooked them a little longer to make them more solid and used chocolate chips rather than raisins.  You could skip the almond milk and I think they would take a little less time to cook.  Perfect for snacks, desserts, or even breakfasts ;)  Definitely a favorite around here!