Why head to the ice cream truck when you can make this delicious treat at home

Vegan Chocolate Chip Peppermint Ice Cream 

4-6 servings 

 Ingredients: 
1 3⁄4 cups organic cashews or cashew pieces
 ½ milk of choice/ coconut, almond, rice, soy
1 cup of ice cubes
1/2 cup maple syrup or a couple drops of stevia
2 teaspoons alcohol-free peppermint flavor
 4 teaspoons coco powder
1/4-teaspoon spirulina powder
Chocolate chips for garnish

Directions: 
Combine the cashews, water, sweetener, peppermint flavor, spirulina and coco powder in a high-speed blender. Blend on high for at least 1 minute. Scoop out, garnish with chips and serve immediately.

Super Foods For Super Strong Bones

Children need proper nutrients to grow. The junky diet of chicken nuggets, pizza and french fries doesn’t cut it. Since kids' bodies are constantly changing and their bones are still developing, they need the right fuel to make their bones grow and move properly. Making sure your kids eat a few bone-boosting super foods everyday is an easy way to ensure your child's bone health.

These best foods include... 
Giving your kids beans, especially pinto, black, white and kidney beans, is extremely beneficial to the growth and health of their bones. Beans will give them an extra boost of magnesium and calcium.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that enables the absorption of calcium in the body. There are not too many foods that contain high amounts of vitamin D but some varieties of fish do. Eating salmon, tuna, and mackerel provides vitamin D that the body will store for future use.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and dairy products including milk, cheese and yogurt contain very high amounts of it. Consuming enough calcium is crucial as most of it is in the bones. Eating dairy products which are so rich in calcium promote bone growth and by giving your kids dairy products consistently will keep their bones strong for life. I love organic, and raw dairy products. Many people have allergies, but there are plenty of great alternatives.

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and swiss chard are packed with bone-building nutrients like Vitamin K and Magnesium. Vitamin K helps to form bone protein and cuts down on calcium loss. Green cocktail are great for your overall health.

Calcium and vitamin D do play a major role in the strength of our bones, but so does magnesium. Magnesium is also stored in our bone and is necessary for the storage of calcium. All seeds are great sources for Magnesium, especially pumpkin and chia seeds.

Soy is a legume that is also very rich in calcium. Soy products like soymilk, miso, tofu, edamame and tempeh are good sources and are easy to prepare or buy in the store. Eating soy foods are good for creating more bone density; denser bones equal stronger bones.

Water is great for the functioning of any part of the body including the bones. Tap water in particular contains fluoride, which is a necessary component of your bones and adds density making them stronger. I am still researching this as there is mixed research on fluoride. I do by my toothpaste with out fluoride.

A taste of nostalgia -- Matzah Brie-

Matzah Brei

Matzah Brei is one of my childhood favorites. I used to love the smell of the frying butter from my grandmothers kitchen. I have tweaked her classic recipe a tad by using whole -wheat matzah instead of plain and adding a little bit of flax seeds to the eggs mixture. I also fried it in coconut oil and topped it with homemade applesauce. The result is a soft sweet nostalgic treat

Ingredients

6 sheets of matzoh
4 eggs
¼ Boiling water
Salt and white pepper

Teaspoon of flax seeds

Homemade chunky Applesauce for garnish 

Coconut oil for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, break matzah into pieces. Sprinkle with a little boiling water to soften

While matzah is softening, beat eggs and mix in flax seeds. Pour over softened matzah,  Mix well.

Pour mixture into hot, oiled frying pan and cook over medium heat, stirring until matzah brei is dry but not crisp.  Turn whole mixture at one time. Remove form pan. Slice and top with applesauce

Spring into Spring-- Healthy Easy Lunch Box Quinoa Salad

Spring Quinoa Salad

Welcome spring with this colorful salad. This dish is loaded with fiber, protein and anti -oxidants.  It is also very kid friendly, as it is both sweet and crunchy. Perfect for an afternoon snack or an easy no fuss lunch.

Ingredients:

1 medium beet shredded

2 medium carrots shredded)

1 large peeled apple shredded

1/4 cup walnut chopped

4 tablespoons of parsley

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

½ cup of quinoa

½ cup of chickpeas

Directions:

Place shredded beets, carrots and apple in mixing bowl and mix to combine. Add walnuts, parsley, quinoa and chickpeas on top of mixed vegetables and toss

For dressing, in small bowl whisk together lemon juice and oil.  Pour dressing over salad and mix until well combined and evenly dressed.

Chia Pods-- Super Snack for Super Brainy Kids

Anyone who reads my blog knows I never endorse any products, but every now and then a product comes along that I feel I have to do ten Hail Mary’s of thanks for, even though I am Jewish. 

I recently discovered chia pods, a healthy pudding in a cup with only three ingredients and no added sugar. The glorious pods contain only coconut milk, pureed fruit, and chia seeds. Chia seeds are the highest plant based source of Omega 3, fiber and protein.

When I called the company expressing my gratitude for the snack, they generously sent me a bunch of pods for an event I was co hosting at my daughter’s school on the brain/ mood connection.

The chia seeds were not only a big hit with the adults but with the kids, and no one even asked if they were healthy – which of course is why I love them. 

For more info visit their web site at http://www.thechiaco.com.au/products/chia-pod .

PS

There are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, non GMO, and contain no added sugar.

Super Foods for Super Kids-- The Best Brain Foods

Adding a few key super foods to your kids diets everyday is an easy way to arm them with the many challenges of their demanding lives. 

Super Brain Foods For Super Brainy Kids 

Avocados are super food for kids. They contain omega three fatty acids, which are necessary for the brain to function properly. Serve some guacamole and chips  for a  festive snack

 Eggs are rich in choline which helps promotes memory and brain development. Also eggs provide long-lasting satiety because of its protein power. They are a great for breakfast or snack- hard-boiled or deviled. Add a chip, on top of a hard boiled egg and make it look like a sail boat. What a cool mommy you will be.

Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain breads contain phytonutrients, folate and B vitamins that boost memory.  Pair whole crackers with cheese or nut butter of choice. I love Mary's gluten free crackers

Wild Salmon- Deep water fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to healthy brain function.  Wild Salmon also contains low numbers of contaminants and it is easy to find both fresh and in cans. Eating salmon helps memory, mood and concentration.  Make salmon patties, or use salmon instead of tuna on sandwiches

Protein is for concentration it helps kids feel full longer, avoiding a sharp drop in blood sugar. Choosing protein sources that are raised humanely and are fed a proper diet, or pastured, are your best bets.  Make pinwheels-- with organic turkey, cheese, on a whole - grain tortillas. 

 Organic fruit: berries, grapes, apples, pears and seasonal fruits are rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber. The fiber in fruit also helps the digestive system. Berries in particular contain high amounts of phytonutrients like anthocyanin that promote high brain function and help to preserve memory function.

Nuts and seeds: A serving of pumpkin seeds offers a mammoth amount of good things to help children’s brains, bodies and immune systems. A quarter cup contains 92% of your daily value for magnesium, which helps with several body systems including cognitive function and mood. Zinc helps prevent infection and boost immune system. Try roasting them or adding them to muffins and oatmeal.

Healthy Fall Muffins

Pumpkin Oat Muffins

 If you are looking for something warm and comforting to bake with your kids after school look no further. These little gems can also double as an easy healthy grab -and -go breakfast.

Ingredients

2 bananas
2 eggs
2 cups of oats
1 cup pumpkin puree 
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1-teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3-cup raisins
¼ cup maple syrup
11/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoon of coconut oil and a little more for greasing the muffins tins

Directions 

Preheat oven to 375 Beat eggs and add all other ingredients in a large bowl. Mix together. Grease a mini muffin tin well and pour batter in to the brim. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Allow to cool before removing from pan
(yields 24 mini muffins)

Best Apple Snacks

Summer seems to coming to an end. A great way to celebrate the new season is by going apple picking.

 If you can’t get to an orchard, visit your local farmers market and select a variety of different apples and seasonal produce. By experiencing, and cooking with new ingredients, you are not only creating great memories with your children but lasting healthy habits .

 Below are my favorite apple recipes. Mommy  approved and kid tested!

 Apple Crumble 

 Ingredients
2 cups oat flour
Pinch of sea salt
 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup coconut oil or butter ¼ cup maple syrup
1-tablespoon vanilla extract
 5 medium apples, peeled, sliced,

 Directions:
1.In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon.
2. In a smaller bowl, combine oil or butter, maple syrup and vanilla.
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
4. Place apples in an 8×8 baking dish.
5. Crumble topping over the apples.
6. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes on low rack.
7. When apples are soft and their juices bubble, remove cover and bake 10 more minutes to brown crispy.
8. Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt

Apple Bran Muffins

 2 cups wheat Bran
1 - 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
 1 1/4 cup milk of choice. I like almond
 1/2 cup maple syrup
 2 tbsp. coconut oil
 3/4 cup applesauce
1 Egg, beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 - 1 cup raisins
1 medium to large apple peeled and diced

 Directions 
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine dry ingredients, wheat bran, flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, blend applesauce, milk, maple syrup, oil, egg and vanilla.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and blend well.
5. Add in the raisins and diced apples.
6. Spoon batter into a muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes

Healthy Snack Bar

This delicious treat also doubles as a perfect snack or mini meal.  It is loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fats

 Ingredients
1 cup dry figs
 1 cup dates
 1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
 2 tbsp coconut oil 1
/2 teaspoon of vanilla



Directions
 Submerge dry fruit in boiling water and set aside for about 20 minutes until the fruit is very soft.
 Drain and place the fruits in a high speed blender.
 Process till you have a rather smooth and thick paste. Add 1 or 2 tbsp -- if needed to keep the blades moving, but don't let the mixture get liquid.
 Heat the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the fruit paste and cook, stirring almost constantly, for 10 minutes.
Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, for another 10 minutes .
Grease a small plate and turn the fruit and nut mixture into it.
Using a spatula flatten the mixture.
Let mixture set. Then cut into squares.