Birthday Card

I forgot to publish this the other day.  This is my bday card from Karina

My newest beautiful card! Done in my favorite color, purple!

2011-2012 School Year

Well, we've pretty much finished up our stuff from last year and have now started our new year.  There are about 3 lessons left in math for Trinity before she moves up and a few lessons left in Mycah's English before he finishes.  So far we are LOVING The Mystery of History.  The kids are really enjoying it! They are also loving their handwriting.  I have already seen improvement, which is wonderful.  We also have our reading times.  I have books that I read to them and then books they read on their own. 


Mycah 5th Grade

Math~ Math-U-See

English~ BJU English and Grammar

Science~ Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
We are still working through this from last year

Spelling~ BJU Spelling

Handwriting~ A Reason for Handwriting

History/Bible~ The Mystery of History
                         Time Line Packet

Writing~ Writing Strands

Ninjitsu


Trinity 3rd Grade

Math~ Math-U-See

English~ BJU English and Grammar

Science~ Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
We are still working through this from last year

Spelling~ BJU Spelling

Handwriting~A Reason for Handwriting

History/Bible~ The Mystery of History
                         Time Line Packet

Writing~ Writing Strands

Ballet and Jazz

Drawing

White Bean Vanilla Cake

So, I have another recipe here using beans.  I also received this recipe from my friend Carrie.  Well, I tried it the other day. And it turned out pretty good.  It does need some adjustments though.  Shane(my husband) and Shannon(my friend) both thought it tasted more like sweet cornbread.  When I made this I didn't use the Vanilla Creme liquid Stevia, I doubled the vanilla extract.  I used all 6 eggs and I used all purpose flour instead of coconut flour.  Next time I make this I am gonna make sure I puree it a little longer.  I'm either gonna add more honey or try the liquid creme stevie (if that is sweet).  It needed more sweetness to it to be a cake.  I am also gonna hunt for a good icing to put on it.  I didn't put any on this one.  All in all it was a good recipe.  All three of my children loved it and kept asking for it.  You could not tell there were beans in it.

White Bean Vanilla Cake

 http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/

Add to food processor

2 cups cooked white beans, room temperature, so they don't cook the eggs 

6 eggs

3/4 tsp Vanilla Creme liquid stevia (do not measure over the batter, just in case it spills out)

1 tsp vanilla extract (increase to 1-1/2 or 2tsp if you don't use the vanilla stevia)

1/3 cup honey

Puree well.

Add:

1/4 cup coconut oil, liquified

1/3 cup coconut flour, sifted (or 2/3cup other flour)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp baking soda

1.5 tsp baking powder

Puree well.

Pour into cake pan, lined with unbleached parchment paper on the bottom, and greased all around.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes. (I like to check to see if it's done by inserting a knife into the middle. If it's comes out mostly clean, it's done.) Bake for about 22 minutes for cupcakes.

NOTES: This recipe only makes 1 small 8-9inch layer.  I have made this 2x, once as a single layer and once as cupcakes.  You can actually decrease the eggs.  Someone said they have done it using only 2 eggs.  I wasn't so brave to deviate that far from the recipe so I only decreased it to 4.  Makes good strawberry shortcake and I plan on trying this for a modified pineapple-upside down cake. :)    If you don't have stevia I'm sure you could sub in honey or something else.  I haven't tried that yet so not sure.  Testing it out w/honey the next time.

Healthy Grain Free Brownies

Ok, today I tried these brownies a friend referred me too.  The ingredients sound really weird, but these brownies are really yummy.  My whole family really liked them and they are a great source of protein!  Which is really great for my youngest son.  He even liked them and he doesn't like food, lol.  So give them a try.   Let me know what your family thinks.

 

ps.  They do have a slightly different texture than traditional brownies, but definitely a great substitute if you are looking for a healthier chocolate fix!

 

Healthy Grain Free Brownies

From naturallyknockedup.com

• 2 cups cooked black beans, well-drained (or 1 can of no salt added)
• 3 lightly beaten eggs
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup honey (or other equivalent sweetener) 
• 1/2 cup chopped up bittersweet chocolate (or semi-sweet chips if you don’t mind the added refined sugar in them)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans -optional

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8×8 pan. Toss all but the final 2 ingredients (the chopped up chocolate and walnuts) into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts (or sprinkle on top of batter after pouring into pan). Pour into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes.            


NOTES: These are good enough warm, but both the taste & texture improve when they have been chilled.  They make great snacks, lots of protein and a good source of iron. These are also great as dessert w/strawberries & cream, whipped & lightly sweetened w/maple syrup.