Medieval Mix!

Winter time spells trouble for those trying to stay well and above the various illnesses floating around. Supporting your immune system can become virtually impossible with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. However, an age-old recipe has proven to work better than many other methods of staying well. Medieval Mix, a vast blend of essential oils produced by "Aura Cacia", has been found to support and strengthen the immune system and its responsive abilities against bacteria and germs! It's versatility in form ranges from inhalers to lotions and from room sprays to direct contact with skin.

Originally known as "Thieves Oil", it was developed in Medieval days to help protect thieves agasint the Bubonic Plague as they raided the homes of the afflicted. Now, this powerful blend of Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and other popular essential oils is available to the public. These oils, when mixed together correctly, are highly antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-infectous. Combined, they aid the body in defending against foreign agents such as viruses, the flu, colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, cuts, and many more!

So to stay well, stop by our blending bar and discover the many ways to use Medieval Mix!

Nifty Novelty!

We are truly one-stop shopping here at Food for Thought. Where else can you buy sprouting seeds and kombucha along with a set of fake mustaches? Did you know we have a large selection of novelty items and toys? More arriving each day!

Vegan Wednesday! New Years Resolutions!

New Year's Resolution? Life Resolution! I've never been much for making New Year's resolutions. I'm of the belief that if you want to make a change in your life, it should be a complete lifestyle change. So for 2011, I'm making a LIFE resolution. After reading Dr. Joel Fuhrman's "Eat To Live" and "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell & Thomas M. Campbell II, I've realized how skewed my idea of a healthy diet has been. I've been vegetarian for 15 years, and a born-again vegan for a few months now. But my eating habits have always been a little unbalanced. I've been stuck in a rut of processed foods and designer soy products. It's time to make a change!


Starting January 1st, I'm making myself over. I'm going to embrace the whole foods of nature. I'm going to make an effort to eat less processed foods and more fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm lucky enough to work in a store that has a great selection of organic produce. I have the option of delicious salads made with fresh spinach (and cucumbers, carrots, and onions, oh my!). Our selection of apples is amazing, and a fresh Pink Lady apple is a great afternoon snack. I can't wait to explore all of my options.



Like anything, it's all about moderation. A vegan cookie occasionally isn't going to kill me. But I've come to realize that food is medicine, and the cure for all of my aches, pains, and mood swings, is a diet rich in nutritious whole food. I look forward to seeing what results this new lifestyle will bring.

New Year's Eve Must-Haves!

As the end of 2010 draws near, most of us will be spending time with loved ones. Whether you are going to be spending your New Year's Eve night on the couch in pajamas, out in a bar, or at a party at a friend's, it is a wonderful night to treat yourself to something delicious as we transition into 2011! And, as always, Food for Thought is here to help, regardless of which option you will be partaking in this year.

Option 1: The Cozy-Couch

Cozy up with Dagoba hot chocolate (add some Elyon marshmallows!) as you watch favorite movies and recount favorite memories from this year. Toast in the new year with one of our R.W. Knudsen Ciders (available in apple, cranberry, pomegranate, or grape flavors). Looking for a tasty treat? Try Immaculate Baking's crescent rolls! I make them into a dessert by sprinkling sugar and cinnamon on before baking... or leave them plain and dip them into oil & herbs!

Option 2: House-Party Butterfly

Bring over a bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider to sip on while mingling with friends. Needing to bring over a finger food? Pick up a Cady Creek cheese platter, slice up some Applegate Farms pepperoni and Field Day Round Crackers for a tasty treat! Or try one of the Mt. Vikos spreads on your favorite cracker (available in 5 delicious flavors!)!

Option 3: Night On the Town

Going out for a night on the town? Make a low-calorie spritzer with Steaz teas and Zevia Twist to enjoy while getting ready. Make sure to get some light foods in your stomach that will keep you going through the night. Try Mediterranean Snackfood Company's baked lentil chips (available in three yummy flavors) and Boscoli olive salad (pick between kalamata or jalapeno style!).

Regardless of what you are doing or where you are going, be safe and have a wonderful weekend! We look forward to seeing you in 2011!!!

A few of our favorite things....

While we all love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (forgive us, the Sound of Music was on last night), we are also quite fond of various foods, beauty products and supplements here at our store.   To discover a few of our favorite things, look for the green "Staff Favorite" tags hanging on the shelves.    We have tried many, many of the products and love to share our opinions on what we think are hits.   Stroll the aisles and check out what we love!  You may discover a new favorite of your own.  Feel free to share your favorites as well.  We are always inspired by our customer's ideas and recipes!

Home for the Holidays!

For those entertaining at home during this bustling holiday season, it's pertinant to make sure your home smells warm and welcome to all guests! "Seed" soy candles by "Soy Inspirations" offers a variety of luxuriant candles, without the steep cost. From 'Pumpkin and Spice' and 'Hot Apple Cider' to 'Sugar Cookies', 'Peppermint Candy', and 'Evergreen', their wide array of scents will surely make your home a notch above the rest!

Liberte Coconut Yogurt

I am not normally a fan of yogurt. The ocassional flavored greek yogurt here and there and the normal everyday yogurt, rarely....if it's lemon flavored. Maybe it's the tartness or the texture but yogurt just doesn't quite do it for me. But i'm now on the yogurt bandwagon after trying Liberte's coconut yogurt! It's rich and creamy with a touch of coconut cream on the bottom. Yes, it is sweet. It is even high in fat. But it is deee-licious. It is just like eating coconut cream pie. And if you are a fan of coconut you will not be dissapointed! If you buy some to try, buy two. You'll need them.

Vegan Wednesday! Field Roast!

Field Roast products are an awesome alternative to traditional (meat) holiday meals!

The Celebration roast is absolutely amazing, and very versatile. Great with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted veggies, vegan green bean casserole and just about anything!

The Tomato loaf is quickly becoming a favorite around here. It's delicious sliced for sandwiches or served in place of ham or turkey for your holiday meal. And, just like everything else, it's delicious smothered in Road's End vegan gravy. Yum!

Field Roast sausages (available in Italian, Mexican Chipotle, and Apple Sage) are a more unique addition to the holiday table. These are fantastic sliced up in a stir fry, added to rice and beans, or sliced and added to delicious winter stews.

Stop by Food For Thought and give Field Roast products a try. You will not be dissapointed!

Gluten-Free Baking: Gingerbread Men!

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Recipe

1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour mix*

1/2 to 3/4 tsp ginger (depending on how ginger-y of a taste you want!)
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup butter or margarine (cold)
1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp cloves
1 egg (cold)

1/4 to 3/8 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup gluten-free molasses

*Gluten-Free Flour Mix:
6 cups white rice flour
2 cups potato starch (NOT the same as potato flour)
1 cup tapioca starch

Combine the gluten-free flour mix, cream of tartar, baking soda, xanthan gum, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix well. Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is in crumbs the size of peas.

In a small bowl beat the sugar, egg, and molasses together. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides. Form the dough into a flat ball shape and refrigerate for one hour.

Dust some freezer paper (not wax paper) with gluten-free flour or confectioners sugar. Put the dough on the freezer paper and sprinkle with flour or confectioners sugar. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes as desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 20 cookies.

Enjoy and have a happy holiday weekend!

Holiday Aromatherapy Cheer!

Christmas is fast approaching and some of us haven't finished our holiday shopping. And with many Aura Cacia essential oils on sale, now is the perfect time to have a little aromatherapy joy! For a fun last minute gift, try these quick, easy, and inexpensive recipes!

Peppermint Bath Salts

8 oz. Cornstarch
8 oz. Citric Acid

16 oz. Baking Soda

15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

5 drops Lavender Oil

Mix cornstarch and citric acid together. Add essential oils. Blend in baking soda. Package and label. Use 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup per bath.

To make it even more simple, use sea salt or fructose instead! Or, add one of the above blends to unscented lotion to make a custom lotion that actually has therapeutic benefits!

Staying Merry and Bright

To avoid becoming the Grinch, these oils work wonderfully: Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, Peppermint and Rosemary!

Here's a fantastic little blend to help up-lift and maintain alertness:

9 drops Lavender Oil

3 drops Lemon Oil

2 drops Geranium Oil

2 drops Bergamot Oil

For children, peppermint, lavender, bergamot, and grapfruit work well!

Bath Cookies

2 cups finely ground sea salt

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 Tbsp Almond Oil

1 tsp Vitamin E

2 eggs

30 drops Lavender Oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough. Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball. Form all dough into one teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkly lavender buds on the bath balls. Bake your bath cookies for 10 minutes until they are lightly browned. Do not over bake! Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, drop 1-2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Enjoy! (Yield: 24 cookies)

Books for all!

Give the gift of knowledge or laughter this year! Check out these titles:

The Perfect Infusor!

Another great gift idea:  Trudeau's Oil & Spices!    Add your favorite herbs or spice flavors and aromas to your olive oil.   It features an infuser chamber with holes, allowing oil to slowly go through your spices.  It's easy to fill and has a dripless spout.      We love rosemary olive oil, but limitless possibilites await!   Stop in and check out our fun selection of gift ideas!

Gift Ideas for Good Girls & Boys!

Vegan Wednesday! Vegan stocking stuffers!

Not sure what stocking stuffers to get for the VEGAN in your life? Food For Thought has lots of fun treats to choose from!

Alternative Baking Company cookies are always a favorite. They come in great flavors like Luscious Lemon Poppyseed, Snickerdoodle, and Phenomenal Pumpkin Spice.

Primal Strips vegan jerky has a delicious Texas BBQ flavor and Stonewall's vegan Jerquee is a tasty and spicy treat.

GoRaw products are great for those who eat a raw vegan diet. They have great bars, nut mixes, and granolas! Alive and Radiant foods make a great vegan "Raweo" (basically, a raw vegan "Oreo"). It's not to be missed!

Emmy's Organic vegan Macaroons come in a chai flavor that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. They're delicious with a side of Almond Breeze chocolate milk.

Stop by today and check out our selection of yummy vegan stocking stuffers!!!

New Tasty Gluten-Free Treat: PopCorners!

New at Food for Thought: PopCorners! A delicious treat that anyone can enjoy! PopCorners are all natural, gluten-free, popped-corn chips. They are available at Food for Thought in 4 tempting flavors: kettle, white cheddar, butter and sea salt. They are perfect in place of popcorn- and much less of a hassle to "prepare" and eat! Eat them plain or use them in place of tortilla chips with your favorite dip! Stop in and discover your favorite flavor today!

Reel 'em in!

Struggling on what to get your brother-in-law, uncle or dad?  How about the Camo Reel Roaster from Hog Wild?  This fun gift actually works great!  You can use the 27" telescopic stainless steel skewer for 2 marshmallows or one hot dog.  Crank the handle to rotate and cook your food to perfection!  The skewer removes for easy clean-up!  Pefect for camping, cookouts, or the fireplace at home!   Stop in for more great gift ideas for everyone on your list!

No need to monkey around with big crowds!

These little creatures would melt the heart of Scrooge himself!  Little Missmatched sock monkey animals are adorable, cozy and on sale!  Come check out the giraffe, frog, monkey and more!   We also feature several of their other cute products.    Check another name off your list and discover all our fun gift ideas!

Pomegranate, The Fruit of Paradise!

Pomegranate--an ancient fruit with great power to heal and prevent disease. Research has revealed that antioxidant polyphenols in pomegranates can be an important addition to your arsenal against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and strokes.

More importantly, here's how to open one up:

 1. Cut off crown of pomegrate.

2. Score the fruit deep down the outside walls of the membrane down to the base.

3. Put into a large bowl of cold water.

4. After soaking awhile, gently pry the five sections apart. The pips are the fruit and will sink to the bottom of the bowl. The membranes will float to the top. Drain the bowl and eat the fruit or pips. The fruit can also be frozen for future use. Bon appetit!

MoistStic!

With the weather slowly starting to feel a little bit more like Christmas, it's important to stay moisturized and keep your body hydrated. "MoistStic" lip balm is a sure way to keep your lips soft all winter long! Made with powerful ingredients such as Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree oil, it protects and moisturizes your lips at the same time!

Peppernuts!

In college, I discovered a yummy cookie called pfeffernusse and quickly learned it was also called peppernuts.  These tiny cookies are not decorated with frosting, sprinkles or any other fancy finery, but they are AMAZING!  I have made them a couple of times over the years, but never could match the taste and crunch that I remembered.  Thankfully, we now carry Goucher's Peppernuts, which are perfection!  They are made in Canton, KS.  Stop in and sample these tiny delights and pick up a few bags for gifts (if you can bear to part with them!). 

Vegan Wednesday! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 C Brown Sugar
1 C Vegetable Shortening (or Vegan Margarine)
1 15 oz. Can Pumpkin Puree
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
4 C Flour
2 Tsp. Baking Soda
2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
½ Tsp. All-Spice
1 Pkg. (10 oz.) Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips
Method:
Blend the sugar, shortening (or margarine), pumpkin, and vanilla extract on high until creamy. Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and all-spice until well combined. Finally, mix in the chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet - these cookies do not tend to grow during the baking process, so they do not need much space on the cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10 – 12 minutes. Cool on a rack and enjoy!

New at Food for Thought: Refrigerated Pasta!

It is finally the time of year for chilis, soups and, my personal favorite, pastas! My new addiction is our refrigerated pasta by Bella Luna Premium Pastas. They allow you to feel like an Olive Garden-quality chef, right in your very own home!

Refrigerated pastas taste fresher and cook more quickly than their dry counterparts (most cook in 1-3 minutes, instead of the 7-20 we are accustomed to!). Bella Luna's contain no preservatives, artificial coloring or any other nasty ingredient you find hidden in some refrigerated pastas. Bella Luna's pastas serve 2 and can be frozen if you'd like to stock up!

Food for Thought carries Bella Luna's refrigerated pastas in four varieties: fettuccine, angel hair, tortellini and tri-colored tortellini. Come in and try some!

Gifts for Everyone: The Girls

  This week we are featuring gift ideas for the women in your life.  Moms, grandmothers, sisters, best friends, etc.  Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

1.  A fun, festive apron!  It seems when I cook, I end up wearing almost as much as the pan!  I'm thrilled aprons are back, because now I can combine my childhood love of dress up with practicality and cleanliness!  We have a wide selection of designs, colors and styles. 

2.  I-pot teapot.  On a cold, January day, you will be remembered fondly as the recipient enjoys a cup of warm tea!  I-pot teapots include removable stainless lids and infusers.   The teapot is microwavable safe, so you can easily and quickly heat up water and enjoy!

3.  Cozy Comfort Scarf & Hand Warmers.  It is microwavable for cozy heat therapy and designed to keep neck and hands warm and cozy.  It also contains cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus for aromatherapy benefits that last for years.    We also have neck wraps, back wraps and eye pillows to soothe anyone on your list!

4.  A kitchen gadget from Joseph & Joseph.  We love this company, and we are not alone.  It is internationally recognized for producing some of the most stylish and technically innovative products available!  A few of our favorites?  The Unitool (5-in-1 kitchen tool), the Scoop Colander, the Chop 2 Pot and the folding colander.  Plus, they come in fun colors, like pink, green and red!  

5.  Locally made headbands and headwraps!   Crocheted flower headbands and knitted headwraps will keep your head looking stylish!  I've worn my headwrap out when it's been bitter cold and have been pleasantly surprised how warm it keeps my ears.

6.  A wine glass, notepad or insulated coffee mug from Inviting Company.   Finally!  Someone that understands you.  With tongue-in-cheek  phrases (today i will think evil thoughts....and try NOT to say them out loud) and cute design, you can share a laugh with someone special! 

7. Kikkerland head massager.  Gives your whole body a relaxing feeling when you massage your head with the soft-tipped stainless-steel tips!

8.  Aura cacia Scent Ball.  Help someone in your life relax with aromatherapy.   Aura Cacia's Scent Ball plugs into an electrical outlet.  You simply add about 5 drops of essential oil to the diffuser, plug it in and enjoy.  Add a bottle of lavender essential oil  for the ultimate stress relief.

9.  Deep Steep Body Butter.   Pamper someone special with one of our amazing skincare products.  I love Deep Steep because it works amazingly and is beautifully packaged.

10.  Crazy Cat Lady Game.  Stumped?  Then check out this hilarious game!  Who couldn't use this?

DHA & The Brain

Outsmart brain aging

Take DHA! "This fatty acid is to the brain what calcium is to bones; it helps regenerate brain cells," Dr Perlmutter reveals. Not getting enough has been found to lead to foggy thinking and depression. Rx: 400-600mg. daily in a fish-oil or seaweed product.

Dancing Deer Gingerbread House Kit

I was so excited to see that we were getting these adorable Gingerbread House kits by Dancing deer, this year. For the first time ever we have a "clean" yet super cute kit to make your own gingerbread house and cookies.

The kit includes gingerbread mix, royal icing, a piping bag for the icing, girl and boy cookie cutters and step by step directions. A fun idea for a family tradition or a wonderful gift to give!

Vegan Wednesday! Go Max Go Bars!

Go Max Go vegan candy bars now available at Food For Thought!!!

The Jokerz bar is buttery-tasting caramel, rich nougat and delicious chocolately goodness. *And MY personal favorite!*

The Buccaneer is a rich, fluffy nougat wrapped in chocolately coating.

The Twilight is a rich, thick layer of buttery tasting caramel all wrapped up in a creamy rice-milk chocolate coating.

The Mahalo is a gently sweetened coconut candy bar topped with dry roasted almonds and covered in luscious chocolatey coating.

Stop in today and pick one up!

December Newsletter

Go here to check out our December Newsletter!  Lots of great aromatherapy recipes, a gluten-free sugar cookie recipe, coupons and store specials!

Holiday Cooking Class!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's also the time of the year that you are invited to more parties and gatherings than you ever thought you had time for. Food for Thought is here to help with a class designed to give you quick and easy (and healthy!) ideas for easy-to-bring appetizers and desserts perfect for the holiday season!

What: Holiday Cooking Class

When: Saturday, December 4th at 10:00 am

What you need to do: RSVP immediately! The event is free, but seating is limited... and we want to make sure there are enough samples of the yummy dishes to go around! Call the store at 316/683-6078 or stop in to reserve your seat today!

What's all the fuss about DHEA, anyway?

Produced by your adrenal glands, DHEA is the most common, naturally occurring hormone in the human body. Unfortunately, as you get older DHEA levels fall to about 10 to 20% of the amount you had at age 20. By boosting your DHEA levels with a supplement you can help:

Fight The Affects of Aging

Bolster libido

Maintain ideal weight

Increase energy

Enhance mood

Studies suggest DHEA supplements can actually help you feel youthful again. That's why many medical researchers are calling DHEA the "Youth Hormone"

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

I was looking for a recipe for a healthy version of pumpkin pie and came across one that uses greek yogurt! You essentially eliminate the crust or throw in a bit of granola for crunch. This one is so healthy it can be eaten on a daily basis. No baking and only 3 ingredients!

This recipe is for a single serving:

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

(7.5 oz.) container of greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 can of pumpkin (depending on your taste preference)
sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice

Stir and enjoy. A few add in's include: trailmix, ginger snaps, granola, ground pecans and pumpkin seeds!

Vegan Wednesday! Pumpkin Cheesecake!

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake!!

12 oz. firm tofu-pureed

8 oz. nondairy cream cheese (I prefer Vegan Gourmet brand)

1 Cup canned pumpkin

1 Cup granulated sugar

3 Tbsp. flour

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 prepared graham cracker crust (Arrowhead Mills is my favorite)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Puree all ingredients except for pie crust in a food processor and pour into graham cracker crust.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.

Allow to cool for 30 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap or pie plate lid and refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Tuesday!

This month when you stop in at Food for Thought, make sure to grab one of Gluten Free Pantry's mixes! They are delicious, easy to bake with and there are lots of mixes to choose from! Need something for Thanksgiving that everyone is sure to enjoy? Check out the Chocolate Truffle Brownie, Perfect Pie, and Cornbread mixes! These mixes and more, all for under $5!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Ease PMS with chasteberry!

Chasteberry

Anthropologists say it's the earliest known cure for PMS--dating back more than 3,000 years!  And, it's still one of the best.  "It boosts production of progesterone, which relieves symptoms like irritability, depression and bloating," explains C.W. Randolph, Jr.,M.D., author of From Hormone Hell to Hormone Well.  The proof: In a study of 1,542 women, 93% saw improvement in PMS symptoms--including fatigue, breast tenderness, and cravings--in just one month!  Stop in the store for more information!

Filter On!

With the harsh winter cold swiftly approaching, now is the season of preparing for dry, brittle hair. Shampoos and deep conditioners for moisurizing and nourishing our precious locks. Despite all of these products, sometimes, hair can still seem a little limp in this department. But it's not always because we're mistreating our hair. There's something lurking in our water that lies at the root of these problems.

Chlorine, a toxic gas which attacks living cells, is used to treat municipal water supplies and kills micor-organicms. However, it also targets organic material and damages living cells, stripping protein from skin and hair. It leaves dry skin, split ends, and broken hair shafts in its wake. As chlorine is absorbed into the body, its vapor irritates sesitive eye tissues while being inhaled into our lungs. There is hope though... "Enviro Products Premium" offers a shower filter that purifies and rids the water of this dangerous chemical (as well as its odor)! After removing the harmful effects of chlorine, hair, skin, and scalp begin to feel smoother, softer, and healthier than ever before! In days, it reduces lung and eye irritation, dry and itchy skin, dandruff, chlorine odors, brittle and dull hair, as well as fast fading of colored and treated hair!

So if you'd like to step out of your shower with a healthy, "squeeky-clean" feeling every morning, then stop by Food For Thought and check out "Enviro Products Premium Shower Filter"!

Holiday Teas that are sure to please!

It's that time of year again when the Celestial Seasoning's "Holiday" teas arrive. Choose from such flavors as Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Spice, Nutcracker Sweet, Sugar Plum Spice and my favorite, Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride! Get them while they last since these are a once a year item!

These are sure to keep you warm this season. Great as a stocking stuffer for any tea lovers!

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Turnover

Cranberry Apple Turnover
Ingredients:

1 pkg. Chebe Cinnamon Mix
2 tbsp margarine
3 tbsp. applesauce
3 tbsp milk or soy milk
1 egg
Filling
2 small apples -peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (heaping)
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. agave nectar
add spices: cinnamon,cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg to taste OR use apple pie seasoning
1 tsp vanilla
enough cornstarch slurry (equal water to cornstarch, premixed) to make desired thickness.
1 egg, mixed, for egg wash optional
sugar (optional)
Directions
Combine dough ingredients in a bowl and knead until you have a firm ball of dough. Reserve.
Melt butter or margarine in cast iron pan and toss apple pieces into pan and saute for one or two minutes. Add your cranberries, and stir. Add seasonings, brown sugar and agave and heat for two more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vanilla. Mix cornstarch and water together completely and then add to pan. Let thicken and remove from pan.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Take half of chebe dough and roll out between a gallon size cut open ziploc bag with the sides cut out or one large piece of wax paper, folded over so you are rolling on the wax paper and not the bare dough. Cut out squares of dough and put filling on one side of the dough. Fold over dough to cover filling and make a triangle. Use fork to crimp edges together. If you want cut one larger piece of dough into a circle, place filling, and fold edges of dough over to create a galette. Don’t cover all of the filling for the galette.
Spray cookie sheet with butter flavored cooking spray and place turnovers on the sheet. Baste them with egg wash and sprinkle lightly with sugar if desired. Cut air holes into the tops of the turnovers. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe found on bookofyum.com/blog



Gluten-free Pumpkin Bars w/Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:1 bag Pamela's Classic Vanilla Cake Mix
3 eggs (2 beaten, hold 1 back from beating)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar or 1/3 cup agave
1 teaspoon allspice (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg)
Directions:
Measure out 2/3 cake mix and set aside. Combine remaining 1/3 cake mix with 1 unbeaten egg and butter until crumbly. Spread in bottom of a greased 9-inch x13-inch pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
Combine reserved cake mix with pumpkin, sugar or agave, nuts, eggs and allspice. Mix and pour over crust. Continue baking 15 minutes. Refrigerate. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting (recipe below). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Frosting
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese (1 package), softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter (one stick), softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Directions:Mix all ingredients and frost over cooled bars.

Gluten-Free Pie Crust

Wanting to eat pumpkin pie, but to avoid gluten?  Check out this gluten-free version.  We also have ready-made gluten-free pie crusts in stock!

Amaranth Pie Crust

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Arrowroot Starch

1/4 cup Almond Meal Flour

3/4 cup Organic Amaranth Flour

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

3 Tb Vegetable Oil
3 - 4 Tb Water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil a 9-inch pie pan; set aside.

Combine dry ingredients and blend well. Combine oil and 3 tablespoons water and blend with fork. Add all at once to flour. Stir only until a ball forms. If ball appears dry and crumbly, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until ball hangs together. (Moisture content of flour varies.)

Pat or roll crust to fit into pie pan. Dough tears easily, but mends easily using extra bits to patch. Prick with fork.

Bake 3 minutes in 400 degrees oven, fill and finish baking the time required for filling. Or bake about 15 minutes until brown and crisp. Cool and fill. Crust holds up very well after baking.

Makes one 9-inch pie crust (8 slices).



Vegan Wednesday! Vegan Cornbread Stuffing!

Vegan Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp parsley
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
2 cups corn bread, cubed
1/2 cup vegetable broth

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Sautee the onion and celery in the sesame oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spices with the bread and vegan cornbread, mixing well. Add the onion and celery and stir to combine.
Add vegetable broth just until moistened, adding more or less as needed.
Bake for 20 minutes.

Vegan Cornbread
Ingredients:

2 cups self-rising cornmeal
1 1/4 cups soy milk
Egg replacer for 1 egg
1/4 cup vegan margarine
Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a small casserole or baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Pour into greased casserole or baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Gluten-Free Tuesday! Pumpkin Bread

If you come to the store, you may recognize me as the girl practically glued to a space heater and completely wrapped up in warm clothing. Needless to say, I am not a fan of the cooler months of the year. However, there are advantages to putting up with the chill and one of them is the vast amount of PUMPKIN! Pumpkin lattes, pies, candles... and, of course, bread. And everything tastes and smells so amazing. Luckily, there is a delicious recipe for gluten-free pumpkin bread that tastes so good, anyone can enjoy it!

Happy cooking!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
15 oz canned pumpkin
2 c gluten-free flour blend (see note below)
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: 1 1/2 c white rice flour, 1 1/2 cup sorghum flour, 1/2 c tapioca flour, 4 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp xanthan gum
Directions:
-preheat oven to 325º, lightly grease bread pan
-cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well after each one.
-add vanilla and pumpkin; mix until well blended
-in a seperate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients. Gradually add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture- DO NOT OVERMIX!
-pour into a prepared pan
-bake one hour to one hour and ten minutes

Gluten Free Stuffing

We had our gluten-free Thanksgiving tasting last Saturday.  One word:  Yum!  For those of you that couldn't make it, we wanted to share one of our favorite gluten-free stuffing recipes.  We hope you enjoy!  Stop by the store for gluten-free rolls, pie crusts, pies, desserts, turkey and more!

Gluten-Free Bread Stuffing

Ingredients:
2 boxes (12 waffles) Gluten-Free frozen waffles
2 cups chopped onions
3 cups chopped celery

2 tbl olive oil

1 tsp salt
1-2 tsp cilantro
1-2 tsp thyme
1-2 tsp sage
black pepper
1 1/2 cups gf chicken stock
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Toast the frozen waffle 1 1/2 times, until crispy but not burned.  Let cool, then cut into 1/2" cubes.  Set aside.
Saute chopped celery and onions in 2 tbl oil in large frying pan over medium heat until soft.  Add spices and pepper as desired to taste.   Pour in chicken broth and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.  Stir in waffles until fully saturated in sauce and seasonings.  Place in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, covering as needed with aluminum foil, until done.