Pancake and Fruit Kabobs SRS

Are these pancake and fruit  kabobs cute or what? All you have to do to create this beautiful breakfast presentation is simply make silver dollar pancakes ( recipe follows) and assemble on a skewer with strawberries, blackberries or any fruit or berry of your choice. Top with an easy recipe for homemade butter pecan syrup ( recipe follows) and enjoy.

This fun recipe is from a blog called, Michelle's Tasty Creations. 

Michelle' Tasty Creations is my partner this month for this month's Surprise Recipe Swap. As a participant,  I was secretly assigned to go through Michelle's blog, select a recipe to make, and not post it until today, which is the day all the participants reveal their recipes. All the recipes can be viewed at the roundup

I was so glad to be introduced to Michelle's blog. She has a ton of fabulous recipes, and they are so well organized that everything is so easy to find.

 I had a ball going through her recipes.They all looked so good!  I was very tempted to try many of her recipes including my favorites for Old Fashioned Potato Salad , her recipe for Old Fashioned Cinnamon Vanilla Rice Pudding, her Sweet Cherry Smoothie,  and  her real food Broccoli Cheddar Soup,( which were all easy to make gluten free) , but  I kept coming back to these mini pancake and fruit kabobs. I have grandchildren, and I thought they would love them !

Michelle's recipe for pancakes easily adapted to gluten free by just changing the flour which I changed to oat flour which I made myself in the Vitamix. I simply put gluten free oats ( I get them at Trader Joe's)  in the Vitamix and whizzed 2-3 times. It instantly turned into flour.

Michelle also had a recipe for a butter pecan syrup that did not need any adjusting since all the ingredients were already gluten free.
                         

I made the syrup first, then the pancakes and then assembled.It was easy to do and looked super!! The butter pecan syrup was outstanding and complemented the fresh fruit. I didn't have any strawberries , so I used the fresh blackberries and opened a bag of frozen berries from Trader Joe's .

This is my favorite frozen fruit. It has big plump cherries in it ( Trader Joe's) 

It would have been more colorful with the strawberries- next time I'll use them too.  It was really  a delicious breakfast.



pancakes with pecan syrup



Without syrup



I will definitely be a regular visitor to Michelle's blog, and I know I will be trying lots of her recipes. The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is next on my list to try.

This Surprise Recipe Swap is being hosted by Jutta at Hungry Little Girl.  

 Here's what you need for the Pancake Kabobs:

1-1/2 cups flour ( I used oat flour that I made in my Vitamix. )
1-1/2 Tbs. sugar ( or other substitute) 
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 egg, at room temperature ( or egg substitute)
3 Tbs. butter, unsalted, melted
1-1/4 cups milk, ( or milk substitute) I used coconut milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered ( I didn't have any- would look more colorful with the strawberries)
1/2 cup fresh blackberries, washed
Skewers

Directions: 
Mix the oat flour, baking powder, and stevia in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients and add to the dry. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to ladle out the batter for each  mini pancake onto a greased electric fry pan . Allow the little bubble to form and pop and then flip. Cook a few more minutes on the other side until done. Makes about 30 silver dollar pancakes. Assemble onto skewers starting with a pancake, a peice of fruit, and then a pancake and peice of fruit. My skewers were short, but you could find longers skewers for a longer kabob.

 Homemade Butter Pecan Syrup:
1 cup maple syrup of your choice, I used Trader Joe's Organic Pure Maple Syrup
2 Tbs. butter
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Directions: 
Comine ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil and then simmer  on very low heat to let the flavors mingle for about 5 minutes.

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Want to find out how you can participate in the Surprise Recipe Swap?  click on the badge below.
                                                         

The Surprise Recipe Swap is hosted by Jutta at Hungry Little Girl where you can visit and see all the participant's recipe roundup.







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Drink This; Lose weight

Detox , weight loss, and blood  sugar  balancer  drink
Make it in your kitchen

How many chemicals are you exposed to in a day? Toxins and chemicals are everywhere. We are exposed to them from pollution,  the food we eat, the air we breathe, in our cosmetics, cleaning supplies,  in our water, etc. etc

.

If we don't do something to  help remove the toxins from our bodies, they can be stored in our system and potentially make us unhealthy. 

In addition, toxins can slow down weight loss. Do I have your attention now.?

The following information is from   

 Therese Patterson  of Edible Nature Organic Foods wrote and article 

In her article, She wrote and I quote:  

 "The body retains fats as a way to protect the vital organs in the body from the toxins that we ingest (and create through stress). Body fat accumulation, especially around the mid section, is a visible sign of toxic build up and a good indication that the liver is not functioning as efficiently as it should.

If toxins build up faster than they can be eliminated, in an attempt to protect your organs, your body will actually make body fat for the specific purpose of storing toxins as far away from vital organs as possible. This fat is particularly stubborn fat that is very difficult to lose unless you decrease the toxic load and you do something to help your body detoxify.

So when we detoxify and cleanse the body of toxins, we give the body a chance to repair and strengthen itself - and when the toxins disappear, guess what happens to the protective layer of fat...yes, that disappears too!" 

I have always known that eating greens like kale, collards, romaine, etc. helps you detoxify some of the fats, chemicals, and toxins we are exposed to.

What about the drink??

Recently, I found a video on You tube that taught about a detox and weight loss drink that you can make in your kitchen. ( It also helps to balance blood sugar levels)

 I was very impressed with the information and the author , Dr. Josh Axe. 

I decided to try his detox and weight loss drink. 

Surprisingly, it tastes good to me, takes only minutes to make, and is made from things I keep in my kitchen. 

I just started drinking it two days ago, so I will report back in 30 days.

Here are some of the ingredients in what Dr. Axe calls his " Secret Formula"

• Apple Cider Vinegar- full of enzymes, helps balanace ph and blood sugar
• Lemon Juice- high in Vit C ; helps alkalize the body ( which is essential to fighting disease) 
• Cinnamon- #1 Antioxidant, helps balance blood sugar levels
• The formula is in the video

Enjoying my weight  loss detox drink

Listen to the video and learn  why these simple ingredients can help you cleanse, rejuvenate, balance blood sugar and lose weight! It's inexpensive, tastes good , and can be made very quickly.

If you are reading this in your email, you will have to go to my blog at www.glutenfreematters.com

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing this video, nor do I benefit in any way monetarily from it. I just found it interesting and  think it is worth sharing. This is for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet.

Eat this : lose weight- Jicamahttp://glutenfreewithjudee.blogspot.com/2010/06/can-this-latin-american-vegetable-speed.html

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Will be shared on SOME of the following blog carnivals:

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper, I Gotta Create.
 Sunday Linky Sunday Blog Love; Sunday Linky Party;Sundae Scoop; Seasonal Sundays; Sunday Show Off; Sunday Showcase Party; Natashia in Oz Sunday Seasonal Celebration, , Souper Sunday


Monday
My Meatless Mondays ; Motivate Me Mondays; ; Made It Monday; Making Your Home Sing Monday; Making the World Cuter Monday; Amaze Me Mondays; Motivated Mondays ;Homestead Barn Hop ; Make Your Own Mondays ; A Marvelous Monday ; Savvy Homemade Monday Just another Meatless Monday, Meet Me Monday Mix it up Monday Must Try Monday Making you crave Mondays Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday Veggie Mama's Meatless Monday On the Menu Monday In the Gumbo Monday Yummy Inspriations Breakfast Mealtime Monday Gluten Free Weekly Menu Jo-Lynnes Weekly Mean Plan Natural Living Momma


Tasty Tuesdays; Tempt My Tummy Tuesday ;  Naptime Creations Tasty Tuesday Link Party; Show Me What You Got  ;   ; Tuesday To Do List; ; Anti-Procrastination Tuesday;  Tuesday Confessional;;  Tuesday Talent Show at Chef in Training ; Tuesday Time Out ; Domestically Divine Tuesday ; Take a Look Tuesday ;Hearth and Soul Hop  Tuesday ;  Slightly Indulgent Tuesday  Fat Tuesday  Tuesday's Table 


Wednesday
 Works For Me Wednesday; Real Food Wednesday; Whatever Goes Wednesday; We Did It Wednesday; Penny Pinching Party  What I Whipped up Wednesday;  This Chick Cooks; Your Whims Wednesday; ; Wow Me Wednesdays;  Show and Share;  ; Create and Share ; Workshop Wednesday Frugal Ways, Sustainable Days   Gluten Free Wednesday,, Welcome Wednesday,  Gluten Free Pantry   Wed Simple Living Wednesday    Homestead Revival, Whole Lifestyle Recipe Swap The Recipe Box wheat free Wednesday WED Extravaganza


Thursday

 Creative Juice Thursday;  Full Plate Thursday; It’s A Keeper Thursday  What’s Cooking Thursday; Frugal Follies Thursday; ; Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Link Party; Share Your Awesomeness Thursdays; It’s a Blog Party;  Pennywise Platter Thursday,  Simple Lives Thursday,  Thursday Ultimate Recipe Swap, Tastastic   Katherine's Corner I Gotta Create Home and Garden Thursday  Raw Food Thursday  Thank Your Body Thursday Tasty Traditions  Create it Thursday

Friday
 Simply Sweet Home Friday’s Favorites ;Food on Fridays ;Foodie Friday  Diane's Foodie Friday  Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap ;Creation Corner, Friday’s Link Party ;Feature Yourself Friday ;Sweets This Week Friday ;Simply Delish ; ;It’s a Hodgepodge Friday   Frugal Friday,   Fight Back Fridays Thankful for Food   Shabby Nest  Speckled Dog   Fantabulous Friday  Friday Food, Allergy-Friendly Frida, Natural Mother's Network, Butter Believer, A Well Seasoned Life, Six Sister's Stuff, The Sweet Details) Katherine Martinelli, Fitness Friday,   Home Is Where My Story Begins  Food Friday   Real Food Freaks,  Wellness Weekend, Healthy Vegan Fridays  Gluten Free Friday Weekend Wonders  Food Renagrade Gallery of Favorites

Layered Greek Dip SRC

When the weather is mild , ( like now)  we like to entertain out on the deck. To keep things intimate and simple,  we invite just a few friends over and keep the menu limited to interesting appetizers like this Greek Dip. You know the Mexican layered dip with guacamole, re fried beans, etc.? This layered dip is a  Greek version with a combination of Greek salad , humus, feta cheese, and Greek spices.

We love Greek food and paired with a nice bottle of wine and some gluten free chips,  it's a perfect easy appetizer for a spring or summer evening with friends.

I found the recipe on a lively blog called, Close To Home authored by Maria who lives with her 3 children,  husband, and two pets. Maria's blog is filled with a variety of  family friendly recipes, crafts, entertaining tips,  reviews and giveaways. Her blog had lots of recipes that I could have made, but being partial to vegetarian and needing something gluten free, I chose to make this delicious dip for my Secret Recipe Club choice for the month of May.

We loved the recipe!. It's one of those recipes that is fast, easy, and tasty.

 Here is Maria's recipe: 

Layered Greek Dip Recipe

• 1 
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 
Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 
tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 3
 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2
 cups prepared hummus
• 1 
cup chopped cucumber
• 1
 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 
cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/2 
cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 
cup sliced green onions

Directions

• In medium mixing bowl beat cream cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and garlic with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and combined.
• Spread cream cheese mixture into a deep 9-inch pie plate, or shallow serving dish. Evenly spread hummus on cream cheese layer. Top with cucumber, tomato, olives, feta cheese, and green onions. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. Serve with pita chips and/or multigrain tortilla chips. Makes about 2-1/2 cups dip (16 servings).

I followed the recipe but left out the olives ( didn't have any) and added marinated artichokes and chopped yellow peppers.

layer of cream cheese mixture covered by a layer of humus

tomatoes, cucumbers , feta and additional veggies on top of the layers of cream cheese and humus.

Thanks Maria!  This is a recipe that I'm sure I will make over and over again when I need an appetizer.

Thursday

 Creative Juice Thursday;  Full Plate Thursday; It’s A Keeper Thursday  What’s Cooking Thursday; Frugal Follies Thursday; ; Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Link Party; Share Your Awesomeness Thursdays; It’s a Blog Party;  Pennywise Platter Thursday,  Simple Lives Thursday,  Thursday Ultimate Recipe Swap, Tastastic   Katherine's Corner I Gotta Create Home and Garden Thursday  Raw Food Thursday  Thank Your Body Thursday Tasty Traditions  Create it Thursday

Friday
 Simply Sweet Home Friday’s Favorites ;Food on Fridays ;Foodie Friday  Diane's Foodie Friday  Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap ;Creation Corner, Friday’s Link Party ;Feature Yourself Friday ;Sweets This Week Friday ;Simply Delish ; ;It’s a Hodgepodge Friday   Frugal Friday,   Fight Back Fridays Thankful for Food   Shabby Nest  Speckled Dog   Fantabulous Friday  Friday Food, Allergy-Friendly Frida, Natural Mother's Network, Butter Believer, A Well Seasoned Life, Six Sister's Stuff, The Sweet Details) Katherine Martinelli, Fitness Friday,   Home Is Where My Story Begins  Food Friday   Real Food Freaks,  Wellness Weekend, Healthy Vegan Fridays  Gluten Free Friday Weekend Wonders  Food Renagrade Gallery of Favorites


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Happy Mother's Day with Rae's Baked Apple Dessert

Tribute to My Mom Rae

Born 1908  - Died in 1985

When it came to food, my mother was ahead of her time ( or maybe processed foods were not as prevalent in the 1960's when I was growing up) . She was always interested in real food nutrition which included lots of salads and fresh fruit in our menu. She loved to cook and although she worked a full time job, she put on her apron  every morning before work and made a healthy family breakfast of fresh coffee, eggs, toast, and fresh fruit  ( ike Donna Reed on the Donna Reed Show)  .  We all sat down and had breakfast together as a family .

She returned home at 5:00 and always made a healthy dinner. I included her recipe for baked apples and fresh cooked cranberries below. It was a sweet and tangy recipe that we frequently ate warm topped with some vanilla ice cream.

Who Was Rae ?

• Smart- went to college in the 1920's  and always believed in education for women
• Caring-always concerned about her friends, siblings, nieces, and nephews and involved in their lives.
• Generous- Whatever she had , she shared .. 
• Loving- family was everything to her.
• Spiritual- God was an important part of her life.
• Family Oriented- always had big extended family holiday dinners
• Played Piano Beautifully- her favorite song to play: "Oh how we danced on the night we were wed!"
• Loved Lilacs and pansies
• Loved to Cook and Bake
• Never drove
• Had the same menu plan every week - Friday: Chicken and Soup, Saturday :Tuna Casserole, Sunday: spaghetti and meatballs with homemade sauce, Monday: meatloaf,  Tuesday : ? Wed:  Hamburgers, salad, and string beans, Thursday: fried flounder, mac and cheese, and stewed tomatoes. ( She didn't drive and most food was delivered by the milkman, butcher, fruit man, Charlie Chips man, so you had to plan in advance) 
• First child and 1st generation born in America to Samual and Edith from Russia
• Older Sister to George, Harry, Betty and Toby all who lived in New York all their lives
• Grew up in Brooklyn
• Married Life lived in Trenton, NJ
• Worked in NYC in her early career as a manager of a fancy Coat and Suit Factory
• Loved theater- went to all the NY Broadway musicals 
• Excellent , very competitive Scrabble Player ( played a few times /week)
• President of Ivriah Sisterhood 
• Devoted her adult life to raising money ( fundraisers)  for charity
• Avid reader
• Sweetheart to Al 
• Mom to Judee
• "Mom Mom" to Jon and Jason
• Best friend and scrabble parnter: Libby G. 

                                                          

In Blessings and Gratitude

Happy Mother's Day Mom

Rae's Recipe For Baked Apples with Fresh Cranberries

(Sorry I don't have a picture of the recipe)

Ingredients:
6 large baking apples
1/2 pound fresh cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
2 qts water
1 tsp cinnamon
Stevia ( I added this) she used sugar

Directions:

Core and peel apples 1 inch from the top. Put  water, core, peelings, cranberries, raisins,  in pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until the cranberries become soft and pop and are mushy. Add sweetner ( stevia ) and cinnamon to taste. Put mixture through a foley mill ( you could use a food processor or blender) .

Place apples in an oblong Pyrex baking pan. Fill cavities with the cranberry mixture and allow the mixture to overflow into the pan until it covers the apples about 1/2 way up the sides. Cover the pan with foil and bake 30-45 minutes at 325. Remove cover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Serve warm ( she often topped it with vanilla ice cream)

Happy Mother's Day 

What did ( or does) your mom cook or bake that you loved?

To be shared on some of the following blog hops:

Monday

My Meatless Mondays ;Mouthwatering Mondays ;  Monday Mania ;;  Mangia Mondays; ; Motivate Me Mondays; ; Made It Monday; Making Your Home Sing Monday; Making the World Cuter Monday; Amaze Me Mondays; Motivated Mondays ;Homestead Barn Hop ; Make Your Own Mondays ; A Marvelous Monday ; Savvy Homemade Monday  Just another Meatless Monday,  Meet Me Monday  Mix it up Monday Must Try Monday  Making you crave Mondays Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday  Veggie Mama's Meatless Monday On the Menu Monday In the Gumbo Monday   Yummy  Inspriations Breakfast   Mealtime Monday   Gluten Free Weekly Menu Jo-Lynnes Weekly Mean Plan Natural Living Momma 

Tuesday

Tasty Tuesdays; Tempt My Tummy Tuesday ;  Naptime Creations Tasty Tuesday Link Party; Show Me What You Got  ;   ;Tuesday To Do List; ; Anti-Procrastination Tuesday;  Tuesday Confessional;;  Tuesday Talent Show at Chef in Training; Tuesday Time Out ; Domestically Divine Tuesday ; Take a Look Tuesday ;Hearth and Soul Hop  Tuesday ;  Slightly Indulgent Tuesday  Fat Tuesday  Tuesday's Table 

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