Loving Green: June 2014

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

8 of the Best Father's Day Crafts for Kids!

Nothing is more special than getting a homemade gift from your child (with the help of an adult), that is both memorable and practical. With Father's Day just around the corner, check out some of my favorite Father's Day crafts that are easy to do with your little ones. Dad will surely feel the love and have a memorable keepsake he can use every day.

From: Crafts Unleashed

What It Is: A mug full of Hugs and Kisses.

Why I Love It: Simple and easy to do. The mug can be reused, and what man doesn't love candy?! Giving extra love in the form of special hugs and kisses!

How To Do It: Find any clear jar or mug (I love these mason jars with handles). Grab any labels from a craft store, or order these chalkboard stickers, and write "Hugs & Kisses". Fill the mug with hugs and kisses. For information on making your own healthy and delicious hugs and kisses, click here.

I Love You Photo Frame

Where It's From: Just Another Day In Paradise

What It Is: A frame child portrait with a sweet message.

Why I Love It: Simple and easy to do, with a unique twist of scrabble tiles. This gift is a constant reminder of how much your little one loves you!

How To Do It: Find any frame. Print out a black and white photo of your child/children and place it in the frame. Hot glue a message from scrabble tiles, such as "We love you", or "Our Hero".

Baseball Hand print

Where It's From: Gaines Gang 4

What It Is: A keepsake baseball with your child's hand print.

Why I Love It: For sports buffs, this gift is a must! What better memory than to see your little one's hand print on a baseball to toss around the rest of your life?

How To Do It: Ink your child's hand, than press firmly to a baseball. Once dried, sign and date it.

Hand Print Photo

Where It's From: Be A Fun Mum

What It Is: Sweet moment in time photo with each child's hand print.

Why I Love It: This gift doubles as a canvas craft to hang on the wall of the hand prints alone, or captured as a photo with all the children, can be displayed in a frame.

How To Do It: Have each of your kids make a hand print on a canvas, in biggest to smallest order, by brushing the bottom of their palm and fingers with paint (acrylic's work great!), and pressing evenly on the canvas. When dry, takes the kids' photo holding their creation.

Why We Love You Photo

Where It's From: Positively Splendid

What It Is: A fun and creative photo collage listing all the many reasons daddy is loved.

Why I Love It: This is a unique and personalize gift that dad will smile at every time it catches his eye because of the personalized message conveying love.

How To Do It: Make your own speech bubble with foam poster board, cutting to desired size and style. Write each child's special message to dad as to why he is loved. Take a photo of each child holding their speech bubble, print it, and put it in a frame. Check out Positively Splendid for "We Love You Because..." printable (color options not available other than what's shown above), or make your own in a word document and attach to the frame.

Daddy and Me Mug

Where It's From: Spoonful

What It Is: A daddy and me coffee mug that will remind him of his little one with each sip.

Why I Love It: This is a practical gift that will get a lot of use while reminding daddy of his special little one.

How To Do It: Clean and dry a plain, white coffee mug. using enamel paints only (acrylic will not set), paint the thumb of your little one and press firmly onto the mug for the "daddy". Next, paint the pointer finger and press firmly for the "child". When dry, use a black sharpie (or paint) to turn the finger prints into little people and write the words "Daddy & Me", or another special message. Bake the mug in the oven at a low temperature (according to instructions on the paint bottle).

I Love You Daddy Foot Prints

Where It's From: Home Grown Art NY

What It Is: A framed or canvas board message featuring your little one's feet in the shape of a heart.

Why I Love It: It's a memorable keepsake capturing a moment in time.

How To Do It: Buy a canvas board from any craft store, or if framing, use heavy card stock. Paint the bottom of your little one's feet (may be tricky), and firmly press them down onto the canvas/card stock, bringing the heels together in the shape of a heart. Write the message shown above, signing it with your child's name and date. You can also you hand prints instead of foot prints to create a heart!

I'm as Lucky as Can Be... Canvas

Where It's From: Weddings A Beautiful

What It Is: Large wall canvas of each child's hand print (If only one child, use one hand print, one foot print, and the child's photo in the middle).

Why I Love It: Another special keepsake capturing a moment in time. It can be painted and decorated to match any room of the house.

How To Do It: Buy a large canvas board from any craft store, along with 3 small canvas boards (if you want depth). Paint the canvas whatever color you choose (I like acrylics because they are the least toxic and dry quickly!). If using smaller canvas boards, paint them first, making sure to paint the sides (you can also staple fabric to each canvas - large canvas included - instead of painting for fun patterns!).Once dry, place each hand or foot in the square. When dry, adhere to the larger canvas using modge podge or golden gel medium (find both at craft stores). Paint the message shown shown, or create your own.

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Apple Cinnamon Veggie Muffins

If you've been following the toddler recipes, you know that muffins are a must in this house. I find I can pack a lot of whole food variety to create a full meal that's:

1. Easy and mess free for "on the go"

2. Convenient for making large batches and freezing for quick use

3. Nutrient dense (great for children that don't want to eat a lot or are picky!)

I had been wanting to create an apple muffin/loaf that had some hidden veggies and could easily be grain and gluten free (for those that need it). I am happy to report this recipe does just that! It's simple, made from real food (nothing processed) and the best part? My husband and daughter both loved them!

So let's get to it!

What you need:

1 apple (I used granny smith for more of a tart flavor, but any will work)

1 cup dates

2 large zucchini

1/4 cup water

1 tsp pure vanilla

*1.5 cups millet blended to flour

1 Tbsp ground flax (ok to omit but provides good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber)

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1/2 apple chopped into fine chunks

* Can sub 1.5 cups flour of choice - may need to add a little water if batter seems too dry

For additional nutrients and healthy fats (especially important for growing and active toddlers): Puree 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans with the wet ingredients. Increase water to 3/4 cup.

What you do:

1. In a high speed blender, combine dates, 1 apple, zucchini, water, and vanilla and blend until smooth (I left the skin on the apple and zucchini for added nutrients).

2. Combine dry ingredients.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir to incorporate.

4. Fold in apple chunks.

5. Scoop into silicon muffin pan or bread loaf and bake at 350 for 12 - 14 minutes (muffins) or 18 - 22 minutes (bread loaf). Makes 48 mini muffins.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Info per muffin:

Calories: 50

Fat: 0.3 g

Saturated Fat: 0.1 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 11 mg

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fiber: 11.7 g

Sugars: 6 g

Protein: 1 g

Looking for other hassle meals for your baby or tot?

Try these power packed "all in one" meals that were, and are, a hit in our home!

Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins

Blissful Blueberry Muffins

Chickpea Chia Seed Crackers with Sundried Tomato and Basil Cashew Cheese Spread

Chewy Baked Oatmeal Cranberry Squares

Chocolate Breakfast Bars
Fluffy Power Waffles

Lara Balls

Loving Green Pancakes

Mini Carrot Muffins

Power Packed Bagel
Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Monday, June 2, 2014

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

I remember my mom making cabbage rolls smothered in tomato sauce when I was little...And I wasn't a fan. That, coupled with the fact that I was intimidated by the idea they would be a nightmare to make, kept me from recreating them as an adult.

But I came across a recipe that looked delicious, and months went by where each head of cabbage I picked up would sit in the fridge until eventually used for something else. Finally, I decided I needed to put on my big girl panties and give these a shot.

The recipe I used as a base to create these was from Eat Yourself Lean. And I was shocked at how easy they were to make, and more importantly, how unbelievably delicious they were. The best part about the filling is that it can be easily modified based on the ingredients you have on hand (See below for modifications).

Some people asked if it needed a sauce on top... No. The flavor is so rich and the texture is perfect that adding sauce to this would lose the entire point of this meal. We ate ours like a burrito, but I did leave some of the filling outside the cabbage for my daughter to eat. The verdict is still out on whether or not my 20 month old actually enjoyed the cabbage roll. She ate hers with an unpleasant face, all the while saying, "Yummy!" But my husband and I loved ours and were stuffed after one roll!

What you need:

8 Cabbage Leaves

2 cups cooked millet

2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli

1 cup cooked green peas

1 cup cooked fava beans

1/4 cup roasted pine nuts

1/2 cup fresh basil

Juice of 1 lemon

5 cloves garlic

2 tsp nutritional yeast

Sea salt and pepper to taste

* 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

* 1/3 cup water

* You can use 1/2 cup water in place of this if you are avoiding oil.

What you do:

1. Slowly and carefully peel away each cabbage leaf and remove the tough base. Steam the cabbage leaves until tender (about 5 - 10 minutes) and set aside.

2. In a high speed blender or food processor, combine, cooked green peas, cooked fave beans, roasted pine nuts, fresh basil, lemon, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and water, and blend until smooth.

3. Combine cooked millet, chopped cooked broccoli, and sauce and stir to incorporate. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.

4. On a clean work surface, lay one cabbage leaf and scoop about 3/4 filling along the spine of your cabbage. Roll one side of the cabbage leaf over the mixture and bring the other side up to cover the seal. Seal the ends by tucking them into the opening. Serve hot or cold. Makes about 8 cabbage rolls.

Enjoy!

Modifications:

Millet: Quinoa, Rice, Barley

Fava Beans: Chickpeas, navy beans, cannellini beans, black eyed-peas

Broccoli: Cauliflower, spinach, kale, carrots, celery, green peas, peppers, etc.

Pine Nuts: Cashews, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower seeds

Green Peas: Spinach, Kale, broccoli, any greens

You can really play around with this recipe to create a cabbage roll that suits what you have in your kitchen...there's no "right way" to fill these!

Nutrition Info per roll:

Calories: 140

Fat: 28 g (Due to Pine Nuts)

Saturated Fat: 0.2 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 30 mg

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fiber: 13 g

Sugars: 2 g

Protein: 7 g

Are you a fan of cabbage rolls? How do you fill them? Would love to hear your comments below!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Whole Wheat Veggie Buns

I typically don't like to take the time to make my own burger buns, and end up forgoing them altogether. Yet after searching through countless recipes, I found this one from Kurryleaves, that looked easy enough to make. I was feeling motivated after the amazing Power Packed Adzuki Burgers I had created, and decided to give these buns a try, with slight modifications.

I buy soft white wheat berries in bulk from a local farmer that produces non-GMO crops, and grind it to a flour that creates a fluffier baked product, as opposed to its denser counterparts.

All you need is a coffee grinder, or high powered blender (such as a vitamix), in order to make your own flour. For more information on flours and making your own, click here.

So let's jump into this easy, whole wheat veggie bun recipe!

What you need:

3 cups White, Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Sea Salt, to taste

1.5 cups lukewarm water

2 tsp Active Dry Yeast

1/2 tsp Maple Syrup (honey or date paste work too!)

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

What you do:

1. Whisk yeast and maple syrup in 1.2 cup of warm water. Set aside until it begins to froth, about 10 minutes.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add oil, yeast mixture, and remaining water (1 cup) to dry ingredients and stir until combined. (Add more water or flour if needed).

4. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough well for at least 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and pliable.

5. Set dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, covering with a clean towel, and set aside in a warm place for roughly 2 hours. (Dough should double in volume).

6. After dough has risen, punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal parts, shaping in to smooth balls.

7. Place dough ball onto silicon mat, or lightly grease baking tray. (Optional Toppings to add at this point: Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, Onion Flakes, Fennel, etc). Leave tray, uncovered, in a warm place until buns have doubled in volume.

8. Bake the buns for about 25 minutes at 200 degrees, or until the tops are lightly browned.

Enjoy with this amazing burger recipe or your own favorite!

Notes:

These buns freeze well and can easily be reheated in the oven or on the grill for a toasted bun. Make sure to slice before freezing for easiest reuse.

If you over stir the dough when combining all the ingredients, your buns may be a bit dry. It is important to stir until just well combined and knead as instructed.

Other uses for these buns:

Grilled Cheese
Power Packed Adzuki Burgers
Quinoa Cake Stackers
Sloppy Joes

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