Monthly Archives: May 2014

Back in the day, before I knew I could make my own smoothies with ease, I always had Odwalla Superfood green smoothie in my fridge. I started every day with a small glass and I loved the taste. Fast forward a bunch of years and I now own a Vitamix and I happily blend everything and anything (I don’t recommend mushrooms or onions – very gross) into my smoothies.

Below is my own version of Odwalla Superfood Green Smoothie. It has a great taste and the powdered Spirulina adds a ton of nutrients. The Spirulina gives the smoothie a dark green color.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 /2 of a handful of frozen spinach
• 1/2 of a handful of frozen kale
• 1 handful of frozen strawberries
• 1 tbsp. of chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon of powdered Spirulina (I like Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder best)
• A drizzle of local, raw honey

Directions:

• Blend all ingredients in blender
• ENJOY!

Happy Homemaking,

The Joyful Homemaker

These cookies are simply all kinds of yummy! They are gluten-free, dairy free, soy free, and Paleo. These make a great breakfast or snack option because they are high in protein and healthy fat. You can certainly omit or add in your own ingredients (raisins are high in sugar).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic cashew butter
• 1/4 cup of raw, local honey
• 1/4 cup of coconut oil (I used organic, unrefined)
• 1 egg
• About a half of a handful of organic Thompson raisins
• About a half of a handful of organic sunflower seeds
• About a quarter of a handful of organic, raw cacao nibs
• 2 tbsp. of organic, raw coconut flour
• 1 tsp. of vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Put the first four ingredients into a bowl
• Combine first four ingredients with a stand mixer or hand beater. A quick blend is good
• Add remaining ingredients and blend quickly
• Refrigerate dough for ten minutes
• Drop coffee scoop sized dough scoops onto ungreased cookie sheet
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Remove and allow to cool on a cookie rack

These are not too sweet and very filling. They make a healthy treat, breakfast item, or dessert. ENJOY!

Happy Baking,

The Joyful Homemaker

Jello brings back memories of summers in Maine, and family time. My grandmother always made a fruit filled Jello that was simply amazing. She would add strawberries, orange slices, and bananas to boxed Jello. I remember shoveling in dinner super fast so we could get to the Jello. 🙂

Fast forward twenty years and I am now aware conventional gelatin products in the grocery store contain dyes, artificial sweeteners, and are devoid of anything healthy. People have steered away from Jello and gelatin based products in recent years, as they are avoiding synthetic dyes and Jello is out of vogue. BUT what if I told you gelatin has amazing healthy benefits, it’s super easy to make your own, and kids sort of dig those wiggly shapes? Would you then give it a try? If so, below is my recipe for Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb (my inspiration for said recipe comes from none other than, Mama Natural – http://www.mamanatural.com/how-to-make-healthy-jello/)

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Organic Juice (I used a rhubarb juice we canned two summers ago)
• 2 TBS Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin
• 1 cup chopped organic strawberries
• 2 TBS raw, local honey

Directions:

• Pour two cups of rhubarb juice into medium sauce pan.
• Add two tablespoons of gelatin.
• Whisk together until gelatin is pretty much dissolved.
• Simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.
• Remove from heat and add honey.
• Allow to sit for a few minutes.
• Add strawberries.
• Mix together and pour into glass container or mold of choice.
• Refrigerate for 3+ hours.
• Cut from pan or use cookie cutters of choice to make fun shapes.

There you have it! A super easy and delicious treat for summer. Jack loves this recipe. We are packing up our healthy jello shapes and taking them to a picnic this evening. 🙂

Enjoy!

Happy Homemaking,

The Joyful Homemaker