Homemade Greek Yogurt

I am back after taking a bit of a break.  It seems that I can be too busy.  I have had time to do some projects just not time enough to post.  This week is my Algebra final, so my brain may again function normally.  My next set of college courses are much more artistic, to my relief. Now that I am home with my children I have time to spend on our family health and improve our eating habits.  One thing I decided to try is making my own Yogurt.  Once you have made yogurt there are several things you can make from it. 

I started with my favorite milk in a glass jar.  I made sure it was not Homogenized, which is a process to make sure it does not separate.  I wanted as little processing as possible for the best nutritional value.  You certainly can use your favorite milk you have always used.

Recipe:

One gallon of milk

1/2 cup of Whey or plain yogurt store bought, or yogurt starter.

Yes it is that simple.

 Put your milk in to a pan and heat to 115 degrees.  I used a candy thermometer but your wrist can give you a good indication of temperature. {You don't want it to boil, heat slowly}  Let it cool to just above body temp at 105.  Then add in your starter of choice.  I have made it from all three and it has always turned out.  I mix the yogurt starter in some milk and add it in. Or just add in your plain yogurt.  Whey can be made when you drip yogurt to make Greek yogurt or cream cheese.{ shown below}  Once you add in your starter and mix it. You will want to cover it and set in a heater place.  Using a towel to cover on a heat pad over night or in a lightly heated oven.  I heated my oven and turned it off then placed the crock in.  By morning I had a gallon of yogurt.

 

Here is how you make Greek yogurt.  Once your yogurt is made use a coffee filter in a strainer, cover with wrap and place in the fridge all day.  It drips off whey that can be saved in a glass jar for some time.  It can also be frozen for use later.  Whey is a pro biotic food and is great to add over foods your family eats.  I put a spoon full over vegetables and in soups.  It can also be used for Lac to Fermenting foods. It is a way of saving money on buying pro-biotic pills, use whey in drinks or over foods instead.  

Why Probiotic foods?

Pro-biotics are beneficial gut flora that breaks down your food and feeds the cells.  This bacteria is very important in the digestive system to utilize nutrients from your foods.  Adding in fermented (pro-biotic) Foods helps your digestive system work more smoothly. {I am sure you have seen the yogurt commercials}  I wanted to make my own yogurt to ensure it had only healthy ingredients.  It is easy to add fruit and honey to it.  

Here is a resource on Probiotic foods. 

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/probiotic-foods/

Monster soup

Soup is an easy meal and very nutritious, but my boys won't eat it.  What it there was some sea monsters lurking under those vegetables would that do the trick?

I started with a turnip and butternut squash.  Both are great for carving into shapes.  Any shape will work like fish, stars, faces, and even noodles, {We are gluten free}  My boys were excited to make their shapes and it turned out to be the best soup I have made for a bit.

 I sliced it to make chips, easier to carve shapes.  My son did carve from squares.

{ Notice the lazer gun on the counter while my boys carve.}

 With the butternut squash, peel it and cut in to pieces. 

I did not get all the pictures I wanted to show the creations my boys made. They did eat it and even wanted more.

Simple soup

Half to full chicken raw
Cover in large pot with water.
Heat to boil and turn down to simmer for 1-2 hours.
This creates the broth, remove chicken and use meat and broth for soup.

Add in your favorite vegetables.
Cauliflower
broccoli
carrots
Salt and pepper to taste.


Broth is very nutritious when made with skin, bones, and meat.  It adds great fats that growing children need for their body growth and brain development. Adding in broth and soups to your children's diet is very simple and nutritious.

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Easy Smoothie Treat

 It has been such a busy week, I am ready to relax.  I wanted to have a treat that was better than the treats I usually head for.  I had some Cool whip on hand, although I usually use yogurt, to make this easy sweet treat.

 I use a mix of frozen fruit.  My favorite that is also very inexpensive, is at Costco.  It is a large bag for $8.99.  You can't beat that price.

 Add in equal part cool whip to fruit,  1 cup each.
Add in atleast 1 cup milk of any kind, I like Rice or Almond.

 Blend and enjoy.  I wanted mine to be more like Ice cream, add in more milk for a smoothie.
I also recommend adding in the frozen fruit a few pieces at a time to not burn up the blender motor.
Friday is looking good to be back to crafting.  I found a great glass container for some faux mercury glass, I am excited to try.  Check back for details.

Tricia Marie

Gluten free noodle salad

Living with out gluten does not mean going with out some of my favorites.  This is a twist on a salad my Mother made.  Adding some great vegetables your family likes, with a nice Italian dressing makes a quick and easy salad. 

Fresh cut red bell peppers 

Sliced cucumber

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Carrots

green or kalamata olives

capers

Fresh ground salt and pepper.

And your favorite noodles. 

My family is gluten free and my favorite noodle is Brown rice Noodles. 

For the dressing you may use a store bought Italian or make your at home.

A simple dressing recipe would be

Vinegar

Oil

salt and pepper

Parsley

Oregano

garlic

and any other spices you may like to add. 

Add in to your salad as you like.

                  

This salad is easy to make adjustments to by adding in your favorite vegetables.  It serves cold and tastes great. 

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Nothing like some comfort Creme puffs GF

This weekend has been a hard one.  I just have had a hard time with my kids, dealing with a messy house that I just want to be clean, and having to hold baby in one arm and try to get something done.  I set out to organize my boys bedroom and just did not get far.  My frustration level is up and I just wanted to have some cozy.  I pulled out my Mom's recipe box and decided to make her homemade creme puffs with pudding.  Here is goes. (they can be gluten free see below)

Custard Filling
3 egg yolks
1/2cup sugar
2T Flour        1 T butter
2T corn starch  1 1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 t salt
2 c milk
2 cups cool whip


Put eggs and dry ingredients in double boiler
Mix and heat until boils one minute
remove and add in butter and vanilla.
Let cool and fold in cool whip.


Creme puffs

1 c water
1/2 t salt
1/2 c butter
1 c flour
4 eggs

Heat oven 375,  cook 45-50minute 6 large or 24 small

Water, salt, and butter in saucepan and heat to boil.  Remove and pur flour all in to hot mixture.  Heat again to make a paste that pulls away from edges.  This does not take much to heat.  Beat to mix and cool.  Add in eggs one at a time.  Beat after each egg until mixed.   Drop batter on cookie sheet and bake until puffed and golden.

Let cool and cut in half.  add in custard.


I did make these with Bob's Red Mill all purpose gluten free flour and it turned out great.  It did not taste any different than my Mom's.

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http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.tessadomesticdiva.blogspot.com/2012/02/allergy-free-wednesdays-6.html

Gluten Free Crepes

I am so excited about finally figuring out how to make gluten free crepes.  I love crepes and so do my kids.  I have set a goal to get up early to make healthier breakfasts for my kids.  Gluten Free pancakes is great and easy with a mix, (Pamela's Products Baking and Pancake mix, the best)but it does not make crepes. 

1 cup Bob's Red Mill all purpose Gluten free flour

1 1/4 cup milk, I used almond milk

2 eggs

2 Tbsp oil

I oiled my pan with coconut oil, it adds a slight coconut flavor, and heated the pan on medium.

Once its warm pour in the mix, it should be runny, and swirl around the pan.  No one could tell the difference.  Side with eggs and all is well.  Happy cooking!

I am linked at http://www.tessadomesticdiva.blogspot.com/2012/02/allergy-free-wednesdays-6.html