Crepes

I have also been learning about and trying out natural yeast.  This is the first recipe I made with natural yeast and it was excellent.

Crepes

1/2 cup milk (I used rice milk)
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup natural yeast (be sure to break it up and not just pour it all in)
1/2 cup flour (can be any flour gluten or gluten free...I used a combination of spelt, barley and brown rice flour)

These were devoured this morning and I should have made more.

Blender Pancakes

Here is another quick and easy breakfast and it makes a lot of pancakes.  This feeds my boys for two days.

2 cups milk (I use rice milk)
1 1/2 cups grains (use the whole grain and any grain will work.  The last time I made them I used brown rice and buckwheat)

Blend together in a highpowered blender.

Then add 2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. baking powder

Blend again and your batter is ready.

Blender Waffles

I have been learning a lot about grains lately and trying some new breakfast recipes that have been easy, fast, healthy and my boys have loved them.

This was given to me by my dear friend Zina.    Michael said he thinks they might be too light.  So if you don't want light and fluffly waffles then don't try these:)

Waffles

1 cup milk (I used rice milk)
1 cup grains (so far I have used kamut and spelt, but I think you can use any even gluten free.  Be sure to use the whole grain and not the flour)
Blend together in a Vitamix or Blendtec or highpowered Blender

Then add

3 eggs
1/2 cup oil (I used coconut oil)
1/2 cup milk ( I used rice milk)
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Blend again and they are ready to put in your waffle maker.

Vanilla Nut Granola

I just found this recipe on This homemade life blog (it is in the side column) and it is easy and very YUMMY.  Everyone in our house except baby loves it.  


Vanilla Nut Granola

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashion oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 1/2 cup chopped nuts (this can be any combination you want...I used pecans)
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ (I didn't use this) ( You can also add chia seeds and flax but it tends to get in my teeth but definitely makes it better for you)
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup 
• 1/2 cup butter, melted ( I used coconut oil instead)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl, stir until well combined.
3. Spread granola mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Stir granola around on the baking sheet, keeping it in an even layer.
6. Return to the oven and bake an additional 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on baking tray. This helps the granola to become crisp and creates those great little granola clusters.
8. Once completely cool, break up granola and remove from tray.
9. Enjoy on fresh fruit & yogurt parfaits, with a little vanilla almond milk or just by the handful!
10. Store in airtight container.

My favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

• This is our families favorite cookie.  This recipe is from the Quacker Oats website but they are excellent. I have followed this exactly and it is great and I have also replaced coconut oil for butter and used pure cane sugar with about 1/2 tsp. molasses for the brown sugar.  I have also tried them with wheat flour and oat flour and all have been great.  Enjoy
• 
  
• Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla
• 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional)
• 3 Cup(s)  Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 Cup(s) raisins (I also like them with chocolate chips or craisins)

Tortilla Soup

This is one of my family's favorite recipes.

4 chicken breasts, cubed or shredded
olive oil
6 gloves garlic, minced
12 crushed tortilla chips
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
3 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. salt
 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
Shredded Cheese
Chopped avocado
Sour Cream
Tortilla Chips

In a stock pot, cook chicken in olive oil.  Add garlic, onion, crushed chips and cilantro when chicken is almost done; saute til tender.  Stir in tomatoes.  Bring to a boil; add cumin, chili powder, bay leaves, and chicken stock.

Return to a boil.  Reduce heat. Add salt and cayenne pepper.  If I have lime on hand I like to squeeze lime juice into the soup.  Simmer 30 minutes.  Remove bay leaves.  Before serving, top with cheese, avocado, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Aunt Cheryl's Pecan Pie

2 sticks of butter
1  16 ounce bottle light corn syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract-real vanilla
2 cups chopped pecans
6 eggs
beat with a bowl
2 cups of sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 regular pie shells

Combine butter, sugar and corn syrup in pot on stove.  Cook over low heat stir constantly til sugar is dissolved. Cool. Add eggs vanilla and salt.  Mix well by hand.  Pour filling into pie shells.  But pie shells in oven to get hot for 1 minute before filling.  Top with pecans.  Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Reduce heat to 325 for another 15-20 minutes.  Should be very brown.