Crepes with orange juice and sugar.....life is good (even on Weight Watchers)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Happy Belated Pancake Tuesday!!!
Crepes with orange juice and sugar.....life is good (even on Weight Watchers)
"Nut-Free" Granola Bars
It's been a while since I shared a recipe with you.
Things around here have been a little out of whack, to say the least.
I did want to share a recipe with you all today though.
My apologies in advance for not knowing where I found this recipe, so I am unable to give credit where credit is due.
This recipe is for a "nut-free" granola bar.
Things around here have been a little out of whack, to say the least.
I did want to share a recipe with you all today though.
My apologies in advance for not knowing where I found this recipe, so I am unable to give credit where credit is due.
This recipe is for a "nut-free" granola bar.
I would like to dedicate this to Patrik.
Patrik is the son of my new friend Gabi, who spent time in the hospital yesterday due to an allergic reaction to peanuts.
Someone in his class at school had a nut product in their lunch and it caused poor little Patrik a lot of grief.
So here is a really easy, great tasting, economical, "nut-free" granola bar that your kids will love!
They also make a great "sport" bar.
I made them in the height of hockey season, kept a bag of them in the freezer and my kids just grabbed one on their way to the rink.....perfect little energy bars!
Add chocolate chips if you like too for extra "energy".
Don't be a Nut Granola Bars
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup whole flax seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup mashed banana
2 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease 9 x 13 pan
Combine oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, flax seeds, cinnamon, flour, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and salt. Mix and form a well in the middle.
In a medium bowl, whisk honey, egg, melted butter, banana and vanilla.
Pour honey mixture into the well, and mix well.
Pat granola dough into greased pan. You may need to grease your fingers a little, so you don't end up wearing most of it!
Bake for 24 mintues for chewy bars
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes and cut into bars while still warm.
Makes 16, granola bar sized bars
Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Books
So I told you last week I have become a book addict.
Well, I have read 3 books in the past 2 weeks, and just about to finish my fourth.
As my little guy has been laid up on the couch, I have been right beside him with book (ereader) in hand.
I have loved snuggling up with him and it's been a great chance for me to try to relax during this very stressful time.
The books:
Sarah's Key
This book is really well written, considering the difficult subject matter.
It takes place in Paris in 1942 during the German occupation.
It is an amazing, moving, and at times horrific and very disturbing, story about the strength of a young Jewish girl.
It is so touching, however I did have to put the book down, wipe the tears and try to find the courage to begin again.
It is so well written that you just have to find that courage to keep reading because you just have to know what happens next.
Even though it was hard to read at times, I really loved this book.
Next:
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
This one didn't pull me in as much as Sarah's Key, but nonetheless it was another good read.
Next:
Never Let Me Go
This one was a weird one for me, because it had a bit of a Sci-Fi type twist. I saw the trailer on TV for the movie. It left me wondering what it was all about, so I decided to read the book. It was another good one, but a strange concept.
Currently, I am reading
Secret Daughter
I am loving this book.
I can honestly say, for this month anyway, reading has become my passion.
Anyone want to do an online Book Club???
We can't meet at each others houses and discuss the monthly read over wine and cheese, but we could do it by email.
Let me know if you're interested.
All this reading has unfortunately, taken me away from scrapbooking and photography my other passions, but I am beginning to feel the urge for something crafty...perhaps recover that old chair in my hallway that begging for a new look.
Or perhaps I should just try to tidy up this house since my mom is arriving tomorrow.
She changed her flight to come here 2 weeks earlier to give me a hand.
See, we are never too old to need our mamas!
She's coming to look after her baby, so her baby (me) can look after mine.
Better get cracking....happy Tuesday (which feels like a Monday) everyone!
Well, I have read 3 books in the past 2 weeks, and just about to finish my fourth.
As my little guy has been laid up on the couch, I have been right beside him with book (ereader) in hand.
I have loved snuggling up with him and it's been a great chance for me to try to relax during this very stressful time.
The books:
Sarah's Key
This book is really well written, considering the difficult subject matter.
It takes place in Paris in 1942 during the German occupation.
It is an amazing, moving, and at times horrific and very disturbing, story about the strength of a young Jewish girl.
It is so touching, however I did have to put the book down, wipe the tears and try to find the courage to begin again.
It is so well written that you just have to find that courage to keep reading because you just have to know what happens next.
Even though it was hard to read at times, I really loved this book.
Next:
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
This one didn't pull me in as much as Sarah's Key, but nonetheless it was another good read.
Next:
Never Let Me Go
This one was a weird one for me, because it had a bit of a Sci-Fi type twist. I saw the trailer on TV for the movie. It left me wondering what it was all about, so I decided to read the book. It was another good one, but a strange concept.
Currently, I am reading
Secret Daughter
I am loving this book.
I can honestly say, for this month anyway, reading has become my passion.
Anyone want to do an online Book Club???
We can't meet at each others houses and discuss the monthly read over wine and cheese, but we could do it by email.
Let me know if you're interested.
All this reading has unfortunately, taken me away from scrapbooking and photography my other passions, but I am beginning to feel the urge for something crafty...perhaps recover that old chair in my hallway that begging for a new look.
Or perhaps I should just try to tidy up this house since my mom is arriving tomorrow.
She changed her flight to come here 2 weeks earlier to give me a hand.
See, we are never too old to need our mamas!
She's coming to look after her baby, so her baby (me) can look after mine.
Better get cracking....happy Tuesday (which feels like a Monday) everyone!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Project: Simplify
I thought this looked like something I need.
Check out Simplemom.net, an new project that starts March 7.
It's all about simplifying and decluttering.
Since those two words describe my world to a T....I am jumping on board.
Each week a Hot Spot in your house will be posted and its your job throughout the week to declutter, simplify, in other words, tidy up the joint!
You can post your before and after photos on the link that is provided over at Simplemom.net.
You can click on the button on the side of my blog to learn more.
But since I might be moving in a few months, and will no doubt be down sizing, the time has come for me to get rid of some junk treasures!
I can't wait for this project to begin!
Now if only I could motivate myself just a little to get a head start....or is that cheating?
Check out Simplemom.net, an new project that starts March 7.
It's all about simplifying and decluttering.
Since those two words describe my world to a T....I am jumping on board.
Each week a Hot Spot in your house will be posted and its your job throughout the week to declutter, simplify, in other words, tidy up the joint!
You can post your before and after photos on the link that is provided over at Simplemom.net.
You can click on the button on the side of my blog to learn more.
But since I might be moving in a few months, and will no doubt be down sizing, the time has come for me to get rid of some j
I can't wait for this project to begin!
Now if only I could motivate myself just a little to get a head start....or is that cheating?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
It's been a long 2 weeks since my little guy was diagnosed with HSP.
But, today he woke up and jumped all over me. A far cry from each morning before when he woke up crying in pain.
He even walked to the bathroom on his own this morning.
Things are finally turning around I think. I hope!
It's still a long road ahead, but I think I can see the light!
As promised last week...The Beaver Tail.
For the monkey bread, divide the remaining dough into small balls.
Roll each ball in melted butter, and then into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Place randomly in a greased bundt pan.
Let it raise again until the dough balls double in size.
Bake at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.
Invert on a cooling rack and enjoy!
But, today he woke up and jumped all over me. A far cry from each morning before when he woke up crying in pain.
He even walked to the bathroom on his own this morning.
Things are finally turning around I think. I hope!
It's still a long road ahead, but I think I can see the light!
As promised last week...The Beaver Tail.
This one has Nutella and powdered sugar.
However, my favorite is cinnamon and sugar with a squeeze of lemon. Heaven!!
Here's the recipe:
Beaver Tails
1/2 cup warm water
5 tsp active dry yeast
1 pinch of sugar
1 cup warm milk
1/3 cup of sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/3 vegetable oil
5 cups whole wheat flour
oil for frying
Toppings of your choice
Directions
In a large bowl, stir yeast, warm water and the pinch of sugar.
Let it stand until the yeast is nice and bubbly and happy!
Add the sugar, milk, vanilla, eggs, oil and salt.
Stir until smooth
Mix half of the flour, stir.
Gradually mix the rest of the flour.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes. Add a bit of flour if too sticky.
Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover.
Dough should double in size in approximately 35 minutes.
Lightly deflate the dough and pinch off a golf ball sized piece of dough.
Roll the dough into an oval shape on a floured surface.
Cover with a tea towel and continue with the rest of the dough.
You can freeze the beaver tails at this stage if you wish, or use the dough to make something else (like Monkey Bread).
Heat approximately 4 inches of oil in a heavy pan. A good temperature is 375 degrees.
Stretch the dough and flatten before placing in hot oil.
Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Fry one at a time to prevent the oil from dropping in temperature, which would result in soggy, greasy beaver tails, rather than crisp and tender.
Carefully, remove beaver tails from oil and place on a paper towel before topping with your favorite flavours.
I made about 6 beaver tails. 3 of which are still in the freezer ready to fry up for a quick treat.
With the left over dough, I made Monkey Bread....for my house full of monkeys!!
For the monkey bread, divide the remaining dough into small balls.
Roll each ball in melted butter, and then into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Place randomly in a greased bundt pan.
Let it raise again until the dough balls double in size.
Bake at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.
Invert on a cooling rack and enjoy!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
It's Saturday and my big boys have gone skating on the canal.
For those of you that don't know, we live in Ottawa, home of the world's largest skating rink, The Rideau Canal.
Ottawa is also famous for the "Beaver Tail".
Not the Whale Tail, that's probably a whole other city!
The Beaver Tail!!!
What is a Beaver Tail you ask.
It's like a huge, flat doughnut that resembles the shape of a beaver tail.
It's a flattened piece of dough that is fried and then topped with all things wonderful, like cinnamon and sugar or nutella.
It's a "must" for anyone visiting Ottawa.
Since I am house bound with my sick little lamb, I feel the need to bake or make something.
Anything to avoid having to clean the house or do laundry!
My little lamb is heartbroken that he can't go skating, but I know, really it all about the Beaver Tail.
So, I have decided to make him a Beaver Tail (or 10), right here at home.
A whole batch just for him.
They are sure to make him feel better!
I will be sure to post photos and recipe later today.
Warning: this will not be a Weight Watchers recipe!
Here I go, wish me luck!
For those of you that don't know, we live in Ottawa, home of the world's largest skating rink, The Rideau Canal.
Ottawa is also famous for the "Beaver Tail".
Not the Whale Tail, that's probably a whole other city!
The Beaver Tail!!!
What is a Beaver Tail you ask.
It's like a huge, flat doughnut that resembles the shape of a beaver tail.
It's a flattened piece of dough that is fried and then topped with all things wonderful, like cinnamon and sugar or nutella.
It's a "must" for anyone visiting Ottawa.
Since I am house bound with my sick little lamb, I feel the need to bake or make something.
Anything to avoid having to clean the house or do laundry!
My little lamb is heartbroken that he can't go skating, but I know, really it all about the Beaver Tail.
So, I have decided to make him a Beaver Tail (or 10), right here at home.
A whole batch just for him.
They are sure to make him feel better!
I will be sure to post photos and recipe later today.
Warning: this will not be a Weight Watchers recipe!
Here I go, wish me luck!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oh what a night!
I can honestly say there is no worse feeling in the world, than when a loved one is sick.
Especially, when that loved one is your 6 year old child.
Last night my little lamb was taken to hospital and diagnosed with HSP.
I know, I had never heard of it either.
HSP stands for Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura
Essentially, it's an inflammation in the blood vessels and/or capillaries.
It usually happens in children ages 2 to 11 and is more common in boys.
The cause is unknown and it's not contagious.
It is believed it's an abnormal response of the immune system.
On Tuesday evening after a lively game of mini-sticks (in my living room I might add), my little lamb complained of a sore foot. After my careful examination I noticed a small bruise and slight swelling on the arch of his foot.
After a little rest and some ice he seemed okay. Although limped a bit as he walked.
He then started saying his arm hurt and his wrist hurt, etc.
I just chalked it all up to the good old hockey game.
He woke up around 4am complaining of a sore throat and said his arms and legs hurt and he couldn't sleep because of the pain.
A dose of Advil did the trick, and we were all back to the land of nod.
The next morning he said "remember I am not going to school today". I then started to think something was a little fishy and honestly, sad to say, thought he was making everything up.
He stayed home and we cuddled on the couch all day.
He seemed fine, no fever, and ate normally.
This brings me to last night.
His brother had his final game of the season last night and we took him to the rink. My little guy was all set to play mini sticks with his buddies.
In the car on the way home, he began to cry, complaining how much his arms and legs hurt.
Once home my husband looked him over, said he was fine and we both, once again chalked it up to being tired after a grueling game of mini-sticks.
Then it was my turn, I went over to my little lamb as he lay on the couch and I looked at his legs. He had bright red bumpy dots all over the lower part of his legs. Then I noticed lumps protruding from under his skin.
I asked hubby if he had noticed this minutes earlier, but he hadn't.
Almost before my eyes lumps started appearing under his skin, the size of golf balls.
It was terrifying.
I began to panic, we all began to panic. I was crying, he was crying, we were all crying.
He was whisked away to hospital where he stayed until 130am. After a battery of blood and urine work he was able to come home, with nothing more than Advil.
He was so brave!
There is no treatment for this strange unheard of virus. It's a matter of waiting for the swelling of the joints to go down, so he can walk comfortably. We were told, as well, that once the symptoms disappear, it will likely reoccur within 3 months.
He will have to be closely monitored, with weekly visits to the doctor because the danger here is, that it affects the kidneys and bowels. It can actually cause kidney failure, intestinal bleeding or obstruction, and in rare cases, death if it attacks the central nervous system.
When I tucked him into bed last night, I leaned over to kiss him goodnight. My hair fell down over my face and his.
He looked up at and said "mom you look like Lady Ga Ga with your hair like that".
As I walked back to my bedroom I was left wondering if that was a good thing or bad.
At the end of a terrifying night I was nice to end it with a little giggle.
I can honestly say there is no worse feeling in the world, than when a loved one is sick.
Especially, when that loved one is your 6 year old child.
Last night my little lamb was taken to hospital and diagnosed with HSP.
I know, I had never heard of it either.
HSP stands for Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura
Essentially, it's an inflammation in the blood vessels and/or capillaries.
It usually happens in children ages 2 to 11 and is more common in boys.
The cause is unknown and it's not contagious.
It is believed it's an abnormal response of the immune system.
On Tuesday evening after a lively game of mini-sticks (in my living room I might add), my little lamb complained of a sore foot. After my careful examination I noticed a small bruise and slight swelling on the arch of his foot.
After a little rest and some ice he seemed okay. Although limped a bit as he walked.
He then started saying his arm hurt and his wrist hurt, etc.
I just chalked it all up to the good old hockey game.
He woke up around 4am complaining of a sore throat and said his arms and legs hurt and he couldn't sleep because of the pain.
A dose of Advil did the trick, and we were all back to the land of nod.
The next morning he said "remember I am not going to school today". I then started to think something was a little fishy and honestly, sad to say, thought he was making everything up.
He stayed home and we cuddled on the couch all day.
He seemed fine, no fever, and ate normally.
This brings me to last night.
His brother had his final game of the season last night and we took him to the rink. My little guy was all set to play mini sticks with his buddies.
In the car on the way home, he began to cry, complaining how much his arms and legs hurt.
Once home my husband looked him over, said he was fine and we both, once again chalked it up to being tired after a grueling game of mini-sticks.
Then it was my turn, I went over to my little lamb as he lay on the couch and I looked at his legs. He had bright red bumpy dots all over the lower part of his legs. Then I noticed lumps protruding from under his skin.
I asked hubby if he had noticed this minutes earlier, but he hadn't.
Almost before my eyes lumps started appearing under his skin, the size of golf balls.
It was terrifying.
I began to panic, we all began to panic. I was crying, he was crying, we were all crying.
He was whisked away to hospital where he stayed until 130am. After a battery of blood and urine work he was able to come home, with nothing more than Advil.
He was so brave!
There is no treatment for this strange unheard of virus. It's a matter of waiting for the swelling of the joints to go down, so he can walk comfortably. We were told, as well, that once the symptoms disappear, it will likely reoccur within 3 months.
He will have to be closely monitored, with weekly visits to the doctor because the danger here is, that it affects the kidneys and bowels. It can actually cause kidney failure, intestinal bleeding or obstruction, and in rare cases, death if it attacks the central nervous system.
When I tucked him into bed last night, I leaned over to kiss him goodnight. My hair fell down over my face and his.
He looked up at and said "mom you look like Lady Ga Ga with your hair like that".
As I walked back to my bedroom I was left wondering if that was a good thing or bad.
At the end of a terrifying night I was nice to end it with a little giggle.
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