Crispy Quinoa Bake

I have recently added a new grain to my kitchen... quinoa! I have heard more and more recipes containing quinoa and how "good it was for you", that I did my own little research before I attempted my first few recipes. And boy was I excited once I learned all the many benefits that quinoa has to offer our bodies :)
In summary I've learned these significant facts about the grain:
~Quinoa is gluten free and very rich with nutrients
~Quinoa contains much more protein and "good" fat compared to any other grain such as rice, noodles, wheat, etc.
~Quinoa has natural anti-inflammatory properties and rich in antioxidants
~Quinoa is also high in fiber, therefore easily digestible
~Quinoa can be sold pre-packaged or in bulk and is EASY to prepare!

So why not add this key grain to our diets?! YES PLEASE! My dear sister-in-law Sara was actually one of the first to introduce me to this phenom. And here is a recipe she shared with me, that was absolutely delicious and a must try.

CRISPY QUINOA BAKE

 Ingredients:

1 c. quinoa

1 T + 2 t olive oil

2 c chicken stock (see previous post on how to make your own)

1 c. onion, diced

1/2 green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 c. zucchini, cubed (2 small)

1 15oz can black beans, rinsed

1 4oz can diced green chiles (optional)

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1 c. frozen corn

1/2 t cumin

1 t oregano

1 t chili powder

1/2 lime, juice

2c. sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

-preheat oven 375 degrees

-grease 9 x 13 baking dish

-rinse quinoa with cool water for 2 minutes

-in a medium saucepan, heat 2 t of olive oil on medium-high heat

-add quinoa and cook, stirring for 1 min, it should cry out and start to pop

-add chicken stock, stir and bring to a boil... then turn the heat to low, cooking covered for 15 minutes

-remove and let stand covered for another 5 mins

~meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 T of olive oil over medium heat.

-add onions, peppers, and cook. Stir until soft (approx 7 mins)

-add garlic and zucchini and cook another 3 mins

~Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and place in a large bowl

-add onion mix, beans, chiles, tomatoes, corn, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and lime juice and mix thoroughly

-transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 mins.

-top with cheese and bake an additional 10 mins, until cheese is melted. 

ENJOY!

:) comments/modifcations/suggestions always appreciated!

This post is completely dedicated to me gushing about my adorable son CALEB! Enjoy a recap, month by month, of his first year of life :) 

Our sweet boy Caleb Timothy was born on Dec 29th, 2011, at a tiny 6 lbs 0oz, 20 inches @ 10:46pm. He was welcomed into the world by his fabulous mommy & daddy, his grandma and grandpa "O", uncles Brian and Nicko, and his sweet "grandma Linda Bob" who made the trip from Milwaukee! He had many visitors throughout the first few days :)
From the moment Caleb entered this world he was bright eyed and alert! He's sweet little raspy cry warmed out hearts instantly. In his first week he dropped to 5 lbs, 5 oz, but once he got the hang of eating he slowly gained it back. 

At 1 month old, Caleb weighed in at 7 lbs 7oz, 21 inches. Our first month with Caleb was quite different than expected... although as new parents what DO you expect?! Caleb breastfed every 2-2.5 hours regularly. Had extreme colic, but he loved to cuddle, have his little hands up by his face, and being held seemed to be the only way to keep him happy. We quickly discovered the beauty of bouncing on an exercise ball! On his 1 month birthday he SMILED for the first time :)

Throughout Caleb's 2nd month, he met many of his favorite people for the first time... his Wallschlaeger grandparents and his godmother Jackie to name a few. We tried a chiropractor for the first time, and even hit up a timberwolves game where he spent most of the time in our beloved moby wrap (another godsend, he lived in that thing). This month Caleb went to Children's hospital for an upper GI test, and tested negative for reflux. He was still eating 8-9 times a day, but introduced his first bottle, and exclusively breastfed. He was still in newborn clothing and diapers. Little peanut. His weight was at 9 lbs 9 oz, 22.5 inches @ his 2 month appt. 

At 3 months Caleb weighed in at 11 lbs 4 oz. He was imitating sounds, sticking out his tongue, sticking his hands in his mouth, and cooing. He loved his Whinnie the Pooh mobile and sucking on his nuk. His colic was still really bad, and we spent much time on the exercise ball to get him to sleep. Caleb moved up to size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothing :) He would sleep few couple hour stretches in his crib at night, but would sleep longer and co-slept with us, where we would get up to 4-6 hour sleep stretches. This month two of his favorite friends were born (Your cousin Blake, and friend Olivia!)

Caleb's 4th month was fun because he was blabbing and giggling much more. He hated his carseat and still struggled with tummy pains and colic. He was tested for allergies (RAST test) and took many stool samples to see if there was any bacteria in his gut. Everything came back clear. He remained a mystery. So we kept at it, still exclusively breast fed and sleeping 4-6 hours at night, with short naps throughout the day. He started grabbing at toys, rattles, and taggie balls on his playmat, and rolled over! Caleb began playing in the jumperoo too! Caleb was dedicated to the Lord on May 13th (with his cousin Blake) at Grace Fellowship Church. At 4 month appt he weighed in at 12 lbs 4 oz and 25 inches.

During Caleb's 5th month he was still in 3-6 month clothing, size 2 diapers and weighed around 14 lbs. He slept 5-8 hours at night in bed with us (few hours in crib), taking 3-4 mini naps a day. Caleb was rolling over like crazy, giggling, taking his nuk in and out of his mouth, and found his feet, practicing sitting up in his bumbo. He also fell asleep on his own for the first time in his crib for naps (without being rocked or bounced), but would still sleep longer at nights with us and would need to be bounced on the exercise still often to fall asleep. His smiles and independent play came more frequently. 

Caleb turned 6 months at the end of June and at his doc appt he weighed 14 lbs, 2 oz and was 26 inches long. We started more stroller/jogging stroller rides outside. He loved fireworks and being outside. Caleb attended a few Twins games and even made it on the jumbotron! This month he also discovered how to make new faces, and a silly cute scrunchy smile. He also discovered his love for watching CARS drive by, he'd lean over the couch and watch them during the day, or with his aunt Rara downtown! Still struggled with colic, feeding 6-7 x a day. He slept around 9:30pm-8am with 2-4 wake ups/1-2 feedings. Caleb began moving and scooting on the floor and was learning to sit well independently. :)

Month 7, Caleb slept through the night for the first time in his crib! He slowly began learning to self soothe with taggies, blankies, nuks. He also began eating baby foods (brown rice cereal, pears, avacado, oatmeal) and liked it all. Still struggled with tummy/colick issues and constipation. He wore size 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. We took many trips this month! He did pretty well on his first road trip to ILL to visit great grandparents, grandma linda bob, cousins and the Wallschlaeger family. We also went on his first annual camping trip to the Dells...he tent camped for a whole week! Caleb loved to make loud noises, play with his dog Milly, sing "row row row your boat" and read books. He was pushing himself up all the way up, and creeping around. Caleb also got his first tooth this month!

At month 8 Caleb was eating solids 3x a day by now (added sweet potatoes, peaches, peas, plums, squash, green beans, zucchini, prunes and mum mums) on top of breast feeding. Caleb started cooing and saying "mama, dada, nana", loved knocking toys together, slapping anything to make noise, and sticking everything in his mouth. His favorite toys were stacking blocks, and playing in the exersaucer/jumperoo. This month Caleb was babysat by his Grandma Abbie for 3 days while Mom and Dad got to take a sibling trip to Vegas! He was sick with his first ear infection but did well for grandma! She claims he slept 11 hours... jealous, because this month he was getting up 10-15x a night for us and struggling. He weighed around 15 lbs. He got his first tooth this month as well and began inch worm crawling!

Month 9 was a rough month for Caleb. He was waking a lot at night, and had to start introducing formula because he wasn't getting enough from me. He was in the doc several times for a never ending cough/cold (beginning of asthma type issues). On the bright side he was clapping all the time, pulling himself up in the crib, crawling, he saw his Papa O race in an ironman and mommy run a marathon.  He talked all the time, with his new favorite phrase "dis" and "dat". He loved playing with his "clicker" blocks, cars, balls and in the jumperoo. He began eating finger foods and drinking from a sippy cup. He wore size 3 diapers and 6-9 month clothes. At his 9 month appt he weighed 17 lbs 3 oz. 28 inches.

At month 10 Caleb celebrated his first halloween as a little monkey :) We tried a few new pediatricians this month due to his chronic cold, and found Dr. Meier at partners n peds, who tested him for whooping cough and diagnosed him with pnemonia. He had his first rd of oral steriods and began his journey with the nebulizer (pulmicourt and albuterol). :( Once he was feeling better he was working on standing up, waving bye bye, giving kisses, and started sleep training. now went to bed around 8-8:30 until 6:30-7 with a few wake ups, 2-3 naps a day (20-90 mins). He ate 3 meals a day, and bottle with breast milk/formula 3x a day. Caleb wore size 3 diapers 6-9 month clothing and got his first top tooth in!

Caleb's colic behavior was slowly subsiding and at month 11 we were having more and more fun together. He was playing independently with balls, cars, blocks, books and magnets on the fridge. He began signing "All done" "milk" and "bye/hi". He could walk with his walking toys and crawl FAST! He loved to push cars down the hall way. Caleb got his first stomach flu this month which was so sad, but was on the mend and eating more and more solids/finger foods (strawberries/blueberries were his favorite). He learned to stand on his own at the end of the month and took his first plane ride to Milwaukee for Wallschlaeger Christmas! He was a champ! He weighed around 18.5 lbs. 

YAY! we made it to 1 year Caleb! By this time we finally decided to try a holistic doc due to his chronic coughs/constipation and tummy issues that were simply not improving. Here we discovered Caleb's sensitivity to SOY which is in everything (even in almost every marketed formula). Once we removed this from his diet, added many whole food supplements, he quickly began sleeping much better (9-11 hours at night with 2 naps a day with a few wake ups). He also seemed in pain much less and was a much happier boy. At 1 yr Caleb weighed 19 lbs 2 oz, 28.75 inch.

We celebrated Caleb's 1st birthday with close friends and family with a Cars Themed party :) Caleb always enjoys having people around, the center of attention, smiling, flirting and giggling constantly. Just a few weeks after his first birthday he took his first steps and was walking right after!

Caleb is always on the go, busy "working"/aka playing with blocks on the windowsill, "vrooming" cars along couches and the floor, and babbling the day away. He is simply the cutest, sweetest blessing and despite the many challenges we faced during the first year, we wouldn't have changed a thing. God has taught us a lot through each stressful, sleepless day... and made our relationship as a family simply that much better! God is GOOD, and we are thankful everyday for this miniature HUGE blessing we call our son. With Caleb's health finally turning around, we feel we have a very FUN future in store for us as a family. 

So, we look forward to the years ahead :) 

Homemade Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock has SO many health benefits, and is even friendly to your pocket books! It's easy too! Sure it's convenient to go to the store and buy broth, but by making your own you gain so much more. Rather than spending 3-4 bucks on a box, make your own for near the same cost that is double or triple the supply, with a more flavorful and nutritious stock. To start here are just a few of the benefits you gain from homemade stock:
*Homemade stock helps speed up the recovery of those common colds, flus and viruses.
*Chicken broth is one of the most easily digestible foods, easy on the tummy and helps strengthen your gut.
*Other minerals from your homemade broth that may be lost in those boxed brands include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, etc.
*The gelatin (the BEST ingredient) in homemade broth is what helps cure those sicknesses and diseases faster and is often lost in store bought broths!
So jump on board and spend a few minutes throwing chicken, veggies and herbs in a pot and let it simmer for the day! You won't be sorry.

Homemade chicken stock is super easy, you basically dump either a whole organic chicken (which is what I do), or leftover chicken carcass/bones in a pot with veggies and herbs! let it simmer all day and you are done! Your recipe can vary, but this is what I have done.

Ingredients:
1 whole organic chicken -bought mine at costco, also available at trader joes/whole foods
1 whole large onion chopped
1-2 celery stalks
1-2 peeled organic carrots
2-3 T raw apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic
parsley or 2 bay leaves
water

Directions:
The first time I made my stock I used a big stock pot and dumped all the ingredients in and covered my chicken with purified cold water (probably between 6-8 cups water). Then let it sit in the cool water for a half hour-hour. Then I brought it to a near boil, then let it simmer the day away... literally. Today, I'm trying my crockpot (set on low all day). Cook, I read anywhere from 6-24 hours. I personally thought 10-12 was perfect. Keep checking on it throughout the day and skim any of the nasty that surfaces... you'll know what i'm talking about. When you are done and content with the wonderful aroma, simply strain out the veggies and chicken parts and fill glass containers with the cups and cups of perfect broth you have made. It is probably easier to strain with a cheese cloth, but I didn't have one and worked just fine without.

The stock lasts a good week tightly sealed in the refrigerator, otherwise it freezes very well.  I use glass jars to freeze mine, and let it thaw when I'm ready to use in the fridge. GREAT for recipes and soups! The best part about using a whole chicken rather than just the bones... you can shred off the chicken and here you have cups of chicken for any recipe of your choosing! :) MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY to make chicken and broth.

GOOD LUCK! :) Wishing you a happy, healthier stock filled day.

a NUTRIENT packed POPSICLE

Caleb has yet to really be introduced to the concept of "dessert". But when he does, I hope to have many more recipes in my back pocket, like these healthy homemade popsicles. My mom called me the other day and told me to turn on the Katie Couric show, Jessica Alba was on it talking about allergies, eating a clean diet, as well as reducing environmental pollutants in  your home. She was FULL of wonderful information, and I am very interested in learning more about her Honest product line. One thing I really enjoyed that she shared on the show, was learning how to introduce HEALTHY snacks to our children... as well as affordable and tasty. She shared two different popsicle ideas. Here they are!

First was a "Strawberry Lover's Ice Pop"

ingredients:

2 C. of strawberries (organic... strawberries are in the "dirty dozen" for pesticides, so if you can buy organic, i recommend it, otherwise wash wash wash)

2-3 TBLS honey (we use raw)

2 TBLS lemon juice

2 TBLS basil leaves chopped up

1 C. milk/water

directions: 

puree the strawberries, milk, lemon juice, honey and basil leaves together until desired consistency. Pour into ice cube molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze! 

2nd recipe: "Go Green Ice Pop"

ingredients:

3 bananas

2 C. of fresh pineapple chunks

2 C. of fresh spinach

1 C. of 100% pineapple juice or milk 

directions:

blend spinach and liquid of choice. Add the pineapple chunks and puree. Then add the bananas and mix until smooth. Pour in popsicle molds and freeze! (usually freeze in a couple hours)

I love the concept of these. Your child still gets a yummy treat, but its made of whole fruits and vegetables. You can basically get creative and add whatever you want, but these are no fail recipes to try first. :) Can't wait to get my popsicle molds and try with caleb. I'll post a picture as soon as I do. :) Maybe once the snow melts here. 

the most DELICIOUS GF Chicken Enchiladas

As I was racking my brain on what to make for dinner Tuesday night... I knew I didn't feel like cooking any meat so I searched my freezer for leftovers. I had some leftover shredded chicken, 2 cups, from our burrito bowls last week (consisted of chicken/homemade broth/fresh salsa/black beans in crockpot), and about a half cup of leftover italian shredded chicken from a few weeks prior (consisted of chicken/homemade broth/homemade cream of chicken soup and cream cheese) . Hmmm... interesting combo, but why not try mixing the two together for enchiladas! 

So I found a delicious gluten free recipe online and began to modify it to make it organic/soy free/gluten free, yet flavorful!
First off... I needed the base... enchilada sauce. I have never made my own before but why not, so easy and this way you can control the ingredients. :)

 Enchilada Sauce Recipe
~ingredients:
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 small onion- diced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 28oz can organic crushed tomatoes
1 tsp sugar/stevia
1 splash of balsamic vinegar
2 tsp of dried cilantro

Directions: 
sautee the onion, chili powder and cumin for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, sugar, vinegar and cilantro and stir. Simmer for 15-20 mins. WAHLAH!

Now if you don't have leftover chicken for the enchiladas like I did, simply cube up and cook some organic chicken, then mix with 3/4 cup of sour cream, some chopped green chilies. 

You will also need:
olive oil
8-10 corn tortillas
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Now the remaining RECIPE for the chicken enchiladas:
Directions:

~Spread some olive oil on a 9 x 13 glass dish and add a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. 
~Heat up each corn tortilla before you stuff it, with some olive/coconut oil in a pan. Then stuff with chicken, some shredded cheese, and a bit of sauce. Fold, set in dish, and cover with some more enchilada sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue until you are out, and then cover the whole dish with the remaining enchilada sauce, top with a bit more cheese... and bake for 20 mins in the oven (350 degrees).

ENJOY! :) They were seriously the best enchiladas I've made to date. :)

a HEALTHY cookie?!

Since we began our health kick, I haven't attempted to bake a thing (except for gf banana bread in my bread maker and that was a disaster). I just figured cookies = sugar = unhealthy. WRONG! I found a cookie which is truly not bad for you, and if it didn't have peanut butter in it, i would even consider giving it to caleb! (caleb is a deprived little boy who's sugar content comes from fruit alone at this point, so a cookie would be AMAZING i'm sure!) ;)

There is no flour in this cookie, no added sugar... so what do you use? GARBANZO BEANS!!!! what?! I would have never in a million years even considered trying a garbanzo bean cookie, and definitely not bake my own! awhile back when i was just looking for gluten free dessert ideas my sister in law Sara had mentioned that her friend had an amazing chocolate cake made at a party and when they asked what made it sooooo good... the chef said, garbanzo beans! so I did some research and took a stab at these garbanzo bean dark chocolate chip cookies yesterday, and they were actually good! Adam and I each consumed at least 3 right out of the oven! Here is the recipe :)

Ingredients:

1 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2 egg whites

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 c honey (i used raw honey)

1/4 c milk (also could use almond or coconut milk)

2-3 T All natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 c quick- cooking oats (certified gluten free, if you want the cookies gf)

1/2 c dark choc chips

Directions:

~Place the garbanzo beans, vanilla and milk in a food processor, pulse until the mixture forms into a smooth paste, then pour into a medium bowl

~Add your honey, peanut butter, egg whites, salt and baking powder to the batter and mix

~Add oats and grind until you have a flour like consistency

~Stir oats and chocolate chips

~Drop cookies by the tablespoon and flatten onto a cookie sheet (they do not spread so form them into cookie shape)

~Bake for 15 MINS @ 300 degrees, turning halfway @ 10 mins. WAHLAH!

yield: 28 cookies

We both truly enjoyed these cookies. Next time I think I will add a bit more peanut butter, maybe a few more dark choc chips... but overall a success.  Fills that sweet tooth  and you dont have to feel guilty about it! :) Hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we have. 

PS. they are much better when eaten warm and gooey, so heat them up a bit each time to fully ENJOY! :)

Organized Kitchen?!

Organized Kitchen?! Who has one? not me. Now that i'm on this healthy food kick, we are not only eating out less... but eating in MORE, which means MORE food, MORE groceries, MORE stuff in the kitchen. Our cupboards were full, we had random items everywhere. and I'll be honest, i'm a clutter bug. So i'm looking for some help... any useful organization that has helped you in the kitchen.  I'll share just a few we have adapted this past year, in a large part thanks to my handy husband. :)

The first was our utensil drawer... it was exactly that, it held EVERY utensil we owned, which made it frustrating to dig your way around to find that potato peeler stuck in the back. My husband was at someones house when he noticed they simply had a cute basket on their counter that held their tall utensils... brilliant! it freed up so much space in our drawer and now make those utensils much easier to access when baking and cooking. 

The next mini project my  husband took on was to add some shelves to our kitchen. We were running out of space for our bowls/appliances/food, especially now that we have Caleb and the daycare kiddos, i needed space for their cups/snacks/and such. So rather than cluttering up our counters even more, Adam added these... super easy to put up and fit in a tight corner of the kitchen.

 They arent' the most beautiful to the eye, but boy did they make a HUGE difference in counter space! :)
Ok that's all for now, if anyone has any helpful hints on organizing their kitchen... please share!
Also link up to my sister in law's blog, her "Tuesday Tidbits" are helpful