Healthy Winter Recipes

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Winter is in here and that means lots of baking, cozy sweaters, apples & cinnamon, and other soothing and warm flavors. While typical winter favorites like breads and muffins can be loaded with butter, in the below recipes, butter is replaced by an all star healthy ingredient… coconut oil! The result is a better-for-you version of your favorite winter classics.

Check out these seasonal coconut oil recipes below, courtesy of leading health food company, Carrington Farms:

Carrington Farms Apple & Flax Seed Muffins

Makes 12 to 24 muffins depending on your preference

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/4 cup milled flax seed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 t easpo on salt
• 3/4 cup sugar or sweetener
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 cup liquid (syrup or water)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 1 medium apple, chopped fairly finely
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 12-muffin tin very well.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the rest of them.
3. Let batter stand 10 minutes, then put into the muffin pan and bake for abo ut 18 minutes until toothpick comes out clean and muffins just barely start to pull away from the sides of the tin.

Carrington Farms Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. each nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon
• 1 1/2 c. each granulated sugar and packed brown sugar
• 1 c. Carrington Farms Liquid Unflavored Coconut Oil OR Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• 2 c. canned pumpkin
• 4 eggs

Preparation:

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the sugars, mixing well.
2. Mix dry ingredients with the oil and pumpkin, stirring until well combined.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 1/2 x 5 1/4-inch loaf pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until teste r comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans. Place on wire rack to cool.

Buy It: 

You can purchase Carrington Farms products from the Carrington Farms online store.

* Thank you to Carrington Farms for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Power Up for School & Serve Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Products

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

After years of practice most moms have the healthy lunch routine down. ; But what about back to school breakfast? The kids need a nutritious meal that’s tasty and filling enough to provide focus and energy for the long school day. You need something that’s fast, easy, and mom-approved. Plus many moms also need gluten-free options.

Canyon Bakehouse provides gluten free breads that taste and feel like “real” bread. Made with 100% whole grains for energy and nutrients, the breads are baked with ingredients you can pronounce and find in your own kitchen, such as extra virgin olive oil, organic agave syrup and eggs.

Pair Canyon Bakehouse with protein in the morning for a satiating breakfast that provides sustained energy and brain power for a productive and fun day at school.

My family is really enjoying Canyon Bakehouse products as they head to school and work each morning!

My husband LOVES the Cinnamon Raisin Bread and the Cranberry Crunch Muffins. They give him a great boost in the morning for work and help him think straight and be alert.

My children love the 7 Grain bread for breakfast and lunch - with bananas and peanut butter is their favorite! Plus, they love having their hamburgers on hamburger buns when we grill!

As you head back to school try these gluten-free breakfast ideas:

· Cinnamon Raisin bread with almond butter or peanut butter. Canyon’s Tip: choose all-natural nut butters to avoid harmful trans fats.

· Mountain White cheese and avocado sandwich. Canyon’s Tip: Avocados are a great source of healthy fat for energy and keeps the belly full.

· 7-Grain toast with a slice of turkey. Canyon’s Tip: lunch foods (ie: turkey) make great breakfast foods since they’re low sugar and full of protein.

· Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffin with a hard-boiled egg. Canyon’s Tip: hard-boil a bunch of eggs on Sunday for quicker prep each morning.

Plus Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free breads are great for lunch sandwiches, so kids can love PB&J again! At school about 2 students in each classroom have a food allergy. To help parents prepare for the school year, here’s our checklist for staying safe with food allergies:

Tips for Staying Safe at School With Food Allergies

· Keep teachers and staff in the know – Set up a meeting before the first day of school with your child’s teacher, the school nurse and principal to talk about your child’s allergies.

· Provide a list of safe and unsafe foods for your child – Especially with gluten allergies, many people don’t understand what it is or where it can be found. Creating a quick run-down of foods to avoid will eliminate fear or confusion on the school’s part.

· Make an allergy action plan – Provide the school staff with medical information, emergency contact info and a food allergy action plan in case your child has a reaction at school.

· Attitude is everything – Along with school staff, it’s important to talk to your child about the allergy so he/she understands it. If you don’t treat the allergy as something “weird” then they won’t feel embarrassed.

Buy It: You can purchase Canyon Bakehouse products for $5 each from the Canyon Bakehouse website.

* Thank you to Canyon Bakehouse for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Head to School with Rudi's Organic Bakery!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

It's school lunch time and if you are looking to send healthy, organic lunches with your children then check out all the awesome, organic, and healthy products from one of my favorite companies, Rudi's Organic Bakery!

They use ingredients that are simple and certified organic to bake better bread. They never use GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, chemical preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Bread should have ingredients you can pronounce!

Check out all of my favorite Rudi's Organic Bakery products that are great for back to school lunches this school year:

Organic Harvest Ancient Grains

The grains they use in the Ancient Grains bread are called “ancient” because they’ve stayed wholesome and unchange for thousands of years. But your very first bite will show you that even the most historic grains get a fresh new twist when Rudi’s gets a hold of ‘em.

Organic Mighty Grains

Jam-packed with the natural goodness of seven mighty grains including flax, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. This bread is USDA Certified Organic and free from artificial preservatives.

Their new super nutrition breads give you an unmatched combination of nutrition and flavor. Baking in the power of seeds and grains, our seeded breads are packed with whole grain goodness, protein and fiber. Their sprouted breads offer the nutrients you are looking for with the soft, tasty texture you’ve been hoping for.

Organic Harvest Seeded English Muffins

These whole grain English muffins blend wholesome flax, pumpkin and sunflowers seeds with rich wheat flour, rolled oats and cornmeal for a light variety of harvest tastes to complement a touch of jelly or a pat of butter.

These are great for making tuna melts, mini pizzas and so much more!

Organic Multigrain Wraps

Wrap up a hearty sandwich or these are great for tacos! Made with the finest organic ingredients in the delicious tradition of small-batch baking.

There is No High-Fructose Corn Syrup and these are Non-GMO!

Organic Wheat Hot Dog Rolls

These hearty rolls will be the perfect complement to your favorite hot dog – beef, turkey, or tofu. A great choice for barbecues in the summertime, or family dinners anytime.

These are perfect for your next grilling day!

Organic Whole Wheat Sandwich Flatz

New! Baked on the lighter side, but with all the organic yumminess you want. With 23 grams of whole grains and 5 grams of fiber, but only 90 calories per serving, it's a healthy option the whole family will love.

These are a great twist on the traditional sandwich bread and are fun for school lunches!

Buy It: You can purchase all Rudi's Organic Bakery products at your local retail store.

* Thank you to Rudi's for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Gluten Free Canyon Bakehouse & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

If you have chosen to or have been forced to by health problems to live a gluten-free life, then you will love the great products from Canyon Bakehouse. Their breads are made with 100% whole grains and only clean ingredients, so you can feel good about loving bread again! Their products include 7-Grain, Cinnamon Raisin, Mountain White, Deli Rye Style, Rosemary & Thyme Focaccia, Hamburger Buns, Hot Dog Buns and Cranberry Crunch Muffins. Oh, and the breads also happen to be gluten free – an added benefit for families with a range of dietary needs, or anyone looking to transition to a gluten free lifestyle. The best part? They taste and feel like ‘real’ bread!

Check out these other great features:

· Certified Gluten Free
· Made in a dedicated gluten free bakery
· Dairy, nut & soy free
· GMO-free
· Family-owned, located in Loveland, Colo.

We absolutely love these great products from Canyon Bakehouse:

7-Grain Gluten Free Bread

The 7-Grain is loaded with healthy whole grains and touched with a hint of sweetness. Great for sandwiches, buttered or dunked in your favorite soup. This is a versatile, all around favorite choice!

Hamburger Buns

Finally, a delicious gluten free hamburger bun that will hold up to the rigors of a fully loaded burger or your favorite deli sandwich! And it's healthy too, made with 100% Whole Grains, there are 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per bun.

Hot Dog Buns

Gluten free hot dog buns that the whole family will enjoy! Made with 100% Whole Grains and high in fiber and protein. They are healthy and tasty and will pass the kid test.

Cranberry Crunch Muffins

A unique blend of berries, seeds and grains give this nutritious muffin a very delicious appeal. Start the day off right with a Cranberry Crunch Muffin or enjoy it as a snack any time of day!

Cinnamon Raisin

The Cinnamon Raisin Bread is the perfect breakfast companion! With healthy whole grains, fresh raisins, and sweet agave syrup, it smells delicious and tastes even better! Try it fresh or toasted, and topped with your favorite spread.

Buy It: You can purchase all these great gluten-free Canyon Bakehouse items at a local store near you!

Win It: Canyon Bakehouse is generously offering (1) Canyon Bakehouse (7-Grain Gluten Free Bread, Hamburger Buns, Hot Dog Buns, Cranberry Crunch Muffins, andCinnamon Raisin to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Canyon Bakehouse Prize Pack 
(includes 7-Grain Gluten Free Bread, Hamburger Buns, Hot Dog Buns, Cranberry Crunch Muffins, & Cinnamon Raisin)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Canyon Bakehouse for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*