Brown Bear & Salmon Cam - Brooks Falls - Bears - explore

Brown Bear & Salmon Cam - Brooks Falls - Bears - explore

Gluten free pizza crust made with Cauliflower :0)

Cauliflower Pizza Crust
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Ingredients
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1 Head of cauliflower (mine was a smallish head)
2 C shredded cheese divided (I used mozzarella, but any medium/hard cheese will work)
Italian seasonings (I used oregano, parsley, fresh garlic and some onion)
Pizza sauce or marinara sauce of your choosing
Toppings (we used crab, black olives and manwaring cheese)
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Instructions
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Grate your cauliflower or I used a vita mix and used setting one, use masher to get all flowered heads blended, Do NOT add water or anything to the cauliflower.
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 preheat the oven to 450* and prepare a cookie sheet or pizza pan by spraying it with cooking spray. This is also a good time to prepare your toppings – cook your sausage, cut up your pineapple, whatever…
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To the cauliflower mash add 1 C shredded cheese and spices and combine. Add egg and mix well with your hands. Press the crust onto a pan and shape into a 9-12″ pizza (depending on how thin you want the crust). I did mine closer to a 11x 12″ and it worked great! I put it in my pampered chef stoneware, Spray the top of the crust with cooking spray (to help brown) or brush with oil.
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Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes (or until golden brown). When you pull out the pizza, turn your oven to broil. It even smelled like pizza crust!
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Add your toppings  including 1-2 Cups more cheese and put pizza under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Just broil it long enough to melt the cheese and caramelize the toppings a bit.
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Seriously delicious! Gluten free, and  We ALL loved it!! I made this Sunday and they are already asking for it again!! Cauliflower! Who knew?? The crust is soft but came out in tact and fine with a spatula, it is very filling, 2 pieces was tons! You can not pick it up but a fork works great or add 2 egg's. I may even try mini crusts next time. Way fun!!

Homemade Wholesome Granola( i found this in Pathways!, it is great)

Ingredients

• 8 C rolled oats
• 3/4 C melted coconut oil
• 1/2 C melted butter
• 1 1/2 C kefir (or cultured buttermilk)
• 1C water (if you need more add a bit more, just to make it moist enough to soak, if it is moist without it, just skip)
• 1/2 C raw honey
• 3/4 C maple syrup
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4 tsp cinnamon
• 4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 C dried coconut, shredded
• 1 C dried fruit, chopped (I usually use apricots or mango)
• 1/2 C pumpkin seeds, chopped
• 1 C nuts (optional) – chopped almonds is wonderful
• 1 C dried apples (this is from the originally recipe and I have yet to add it, but I keep it here in case I do have dried apples on hand at some point)

Instructions

1. Start your soaking in the morning because you will want to soak it for 24 hours, and the bake time is long. Starting your soak after breakfast will allow you to bake during the morning and afternoon and be done with it before dinner next day.
2. Combine your oats with the melted oil, melted butter and kefir (or buttermilk) in a very large bowl, add water last because you may not need much. Mix well. Cover with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours (keep it cooler, rather than warmer). After the soaking, preheat the oven to 200° F.
3. Combine the honey, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in a small pot on the stove. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring the mixture, until honey becomes thin.
4. Combine honey and oat mixtures, mix well.
5. Spread mixture out over parchment paper on cookie sheets, or just spray the pans lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 4 hours, until granola is crunchy. It will seem slightly soft, but it crisps up as it cools. Turn the oven off and cool in the oven. Do not turn the oven up because you will burn your granola, and burnt granola is not tasty (again, ask me how I know). Just cook it low and slow. Your patience will be rewarded for a good month or longer. I stir my granola every 30 minutes.
7. Mix in the coconut, seeds, dried fruit and nuts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the counter for a few days or in cool weather is fine, but I have heard many people talk about their soaked granola molding in just a few weeks. Mine has never molded, but I have never kept it on the counter for more than a day - we always put it back in to chill.

This granola is more nutritious and less expensive than any granola you can find commercially. It is delicious with fresh raw milk as cereal. My kids like it best with fresh fruit and yogurt, and my favorite is with plain kefir and blueberries.  Enjoy!

Donut Cake

Doughnut Cake



This moist cake tastes just like a cake doughnut.
Ingredients:

1 ½ cups butter i use unsalted

8 oz. cream cheese
2 ½ cups sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp vanilla powder (or gluten free vanilla)

3 cup rice flour or my flour blend below

1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a mixer beat the butter and cream cheese on low speed until smooth.  Add the sugar and whip for 4 minutes.  I use setting 3 on my kitchenaide with the paddle. Add the eggs one at a time, vanilla, salt, and the flour. Beat on low until smooth.

Pour into  greased well greased bundt pan and bake for 55-90 minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean. The top will be golden brown and not shake  when pan touched in oven.My bundt pan is old and very heavy, if you have a new thin nonstick you may need to play with bake time.

Shucking corn

My friend Julie shared this with me, you have to watch!

Fall 2011

Jeff has been gone to his new job and comes home tomorrow. This is the first time we have been apart 28 days. The leaves are turning and so pretty. I anticipate excitement for us and the kids. I saw this quote and really liked it. He will really notice a change in the kids and they are missing him bad. I feel for those military families, what a way of life.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
Albert Camus

Family Fun Run In Idaho Falls - Local News Story - KIFI Idaho Falls

Family Fun Run In Idaho Falls - Local News Story - KIFI Idaho Falls

Values Based Sport: How to Create an effective Values Based Sporting Environment.

Values Based Sport: How to Create an effective Values Based Sporting Environment.http://www.sportscoachingbrain.com/values-based-sport/

Great article shared by our swimming coach!
GoIFST!

Controlling My Chaos: Teacher Appreciation Bookmarks

Controlling My Chaos: Teacher Appreciation Bookmarks

Jill, thanks for sharing! I am making them this year:)

Nicholas turns 8

Make your own slideshow

Spring break day 3 and 4

Our friend Lana and her kids came out in the AM and we had a great time in and out. The kids jumped on the tramp and swing on the swings.  We popped popcorn to show Lana the cool coconut and turmeric seasoning.  We got caught up on the diet stuff we do for our kids and just let the kids play. They had a great time and so did we!
We had a great Wednesday, we went and visited two beautiful malamutes. They are named fluff and pronto,  The kids loved it. It started to rain just as we were about to leave. Perfect outing and got a doggy fix for Nicholas. They were as tall as Paisley and she ran once and got scared. She really tried to be brave and did a great job. Nicholas invited Kian to the AWANA at our church. Nicholas was awarded the wings, trooper badge and four jewels. He could not have been more proud for his friend and his mom and dad to see him earn this! He worked very hard and with last week being such a challenge for him, I prayed he would be blessed with a good week, and he was!!
Thursday we did a finger-painting  activity and they loved that also. We had two neighbor boys and they enjoyed the popcorn and body tracing and painting, we even put on glo in the dark paint.!! We have swam all week and that has been really good too!
The raw cinnamon toast did turn out well and tasted great with butter and cinn/sugar. It took forever to dehydrate, 30hrs. I really do like the end product and it swelled great cooking and drying.  It will be good to give to Nicholas  and Paisley before they swim each day.
http://themommybowl.com/2011/03/29/raw-cinnamon-toast/

Spring break day two

We were planning on visiting two special dogs and made homemade dog biscuits, but the weather is rain and they are muddy. We will try for tomorrow. Nicholas has been needing some doggy time and Holly is willing to let him play with them. The recipe turned out good ......

Apple Dog Biscuits Are a Healthy Treat
for Your Dog

Your Dog will love the sweet taste of apple dog biscuits.
Apple Biscuits for Dogs
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rye flour
1 apple -- diced into small pieces
1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 Tsp. Flaxseeds i used ground flax
1/2 cup water (add more if needed)
1/4 c. natural applesauce



Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet. Combine flours into a large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, and water; mix until well blended.
On floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4"-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of your choice. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave treats in oven overnight to harden.

Store baked treats in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.
Makes 2 to 2 1/2 dozen

We will plant some flowers and grass for Balto! Nicholas has enjoyed his new legos, air stick and down time reading in the new hammock. I am going to try a new raw recipe. It is cinnamon toast and I will let you know if it is good. You use the dehydrator and apples and nuts so we will see. We have a play date with the dogs tomorrow and some friends are coming over in the morning for a sensory play date. We are looking forward to all of it! Swimming the rest of the week will also take up some afternoon time. I have also been cleaning Paisley's room and this weekend we moved her bed back into her room. It is coming together nicely and she will be a bit more organized. It is amazing how much stuff little girls accumulate!!

Soaked Pancakes Gluten free-Nicholas turns 8

Nicholas at Idaho Elite Gym for Paisley bday

 Nicholas is eight today and we made him pancakes. These are very good and good for you. You can make it not gluten free also. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments. Some days are so hard and he conquers and rises. Autism is just a diagnosis, we make  the plan and can make each day better for him! Today he is planning water balloons, pet store, lego's, seafood for dinner, cake and homemade ice cream, and the championship basketball game! Butler is his chosen team, he loves their coach! GO Butler!!

I found these on Heavenly homemaker and twinked them to our gluten free liking! Give them a try, the sourdough flavor is good. Nick liked them and they are filling.

I make them by soaking my flour in buttermilk overnight which breaks down the phytates and makes them more digestible, thus creating sourdough pancakes.  Here’s the recipe:

Simple Soaked Pancakes

1 cup whole wheat flour (or whatever grain you want) i use 1 cup brown rice flour and 1/4 cup oat flour
1 cup cultured buttermilk i like hungarian
1 egg or two egg whites
3 T. melted butter (or oil)
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. sea salt

Stir the flour and buttermilk together in a glass bowl.  Cover with a cloth and leave on the counter overnight.  In the morning, stir in the egg, melted butter, baking powder and salt.  Whisk together, adding extra milk or buttermilk for the desired batter thickness you prefer. I add kefir to thin the dough down to liking.

Cook pancakes on a well buttered, hot skillet or griddle, flipping once bubbles begin to form.  I used a griddle and set it at 350. Serve with real maple syrup, honey, applesauce, jelly, or any of your favorite pancake toppings!

It’s a Gluten Free Recipe Parade!

It’s a Gluten Free Recipe Parade!

I will be taking part this week and it is spring break for us. I am focusing on some new gluten free breakfast ideas and am excited to see what she will share.

Valentines Day 2011

I have been running around crazy trying to get ready for a weekend swim meet, spirit week for piranhas, Valentines day class partys!etc.  The day was grand. I am putting dishes away today and love all the heart stuff I have collected over the years. Jeff brought home chocolates and gorgeous peace roses, 12 of them. They are beautiful! We had a great dinner and played family love bingo. I found it in my Family life magazine and printed it off and had them laminated. We loved it!

Last night after our nice steak dinner, rissoto, salad and gf cupcakes, Paisley asks me while she is getting into the bath...Mom, what do you think Nick will be when he grows up? I said well, it is hard to say but I imagine something with water or his hands. She says...NO he will be either a gonzaga bball player, a playground duty, or a lego master. Nick heard her and said ...Pais, we have to get money to go to GONZAGA. Paisley says, Dad, could we get some money and go to school at GONZAGA?  Dad says honey lets get through preschool first, but your ideas are great! I loved it. They have so little to worry about but yet they think about the future in such large terms.

 I will post some pictures when I have time. xoxo April

Swimming calms kids with autism | swimming, boys, weeks - Education - Brownsville Herald

Swimming calms kids with autism | swimming, boys, weeks - Education - Brownsville Herald

Coach sent this article to us. We read it to Nicholas and he really enjoyed it. He says it is true. The water feels like a calm touch. He loves it!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These are great, you can NOT tell they are gluten free!!

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. white sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/2 c. + 2 Tbsp. all purpose GF flour

1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 c. GF rolled oats

3/4 c. chocolate chips

In a hand mixer, mix butter and sugar until just combined. Add egg and almond extract and mix again. Separately, mix flour,  xanthan gum, salt and baking soda. Then mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Chill dough in freezer while oven preheats to 350 degrees. Spoon dough onto cookie sheet (should make approximately 1.5 dozen cookies) and bake for 12  - 15 minutes. 
Pies: are my gf pie crust and filled with cookie dough from above. Really fun and something different for lunch boxes or a tea party.

Gluten free bread

NOTE:  tim a coworker of Jeffs made it and used guava honey in place of molasses
and 1/3 cup brown rice flour and 1 cup white rice and turned out fine



This is the best!!! Enjoy.............

My mom in law is always looking for good GF bread recipes for us.  This was posted in the Spokesman Review paper by the winner of the Fleischmann's Yeast Bake for the cure contest 2010 Spokane County Interstate fair.

I am so excited, this bread is light....brown....airy....

great flavor....makes high rising 10 inch loaf!!!   For real, I know it is hard to believe.  It is not soggy when buttered and feels like whole wheat bread. I am still too excited that we really have a good recipe for bread! Paisley loves it and there is not a tough crust.  Nicholas said he likes bread again...yeah...praise God!!

Pass this on to anyone you know that has not found a great bread!


1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup oat flour
1/4 cup millet flour
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup white rice flour
1/4 cup flax seed meal(ground)
1 tbsp xanthan gum
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs room temp
1 1/4 tbsp Molasses
4 tsbp coconut oil, melted slightly
1 tsp water
1 packet active dry yeast i use SAF plus one tsp sugar for proofing yeast
1/4 cup plus 1 cup heated water 120 degrees for yeast to grow

I followed this to a T. Read carefully before beginning.
Be sure all dry ingredients and eggs are at room temp. Grease bottom of 10-inch loaf pan. Heat oven to 200;turn off right before you put the bread in oven to rise.

In the bowl of your standard mixer (use the paddle not the dough hook for this recipe), sift together all dry ingredients (the brown rice down through salt).

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, molasses water and melted coconut oil. Heat water for proofing yeast.

In a small measuring cup, combine yeast and sugar and then add 1/4 cup heated water. Let set for 10 minutes. It should be foamy and active. If not, start over with another packet of yeast.

Once the yeast is ready, add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Then add the yeast mixture. Then slowly add one cup of water until you reach a cookie dough like consistency. You do not need all the water, so be sure to add only a little at a time.

Beat dough on medium speed for about five minutes -do not over beat or punch your bread, this will make it hard.

Turn oven off. Put dough in prepared pan. Take some parchment and loosely cover bread pan.  Place in warm oven..i added a pie plate with warm water on the rack below the loaf pan. Bread should be double in size, up to the lip of the bread pan.

Take off parchment, heat oven to 350 and bake for 40 minutes, Mine got a bit brown on top but was not over done, it was perfect!

Yield: one loaf

Gluten free Flour Tortillas

Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas

4  cups gluten-free all-purpose flour mix
3 teaspoon xanthan gum
4 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoon salt
2 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
enough milk to make it come together in ball in mixer

Mix all of your ingredients together. I like to mix the dry ones together first to make sure they're all blended. I use my kitchen aid. Then take your blob and divide it into 32 parts. Place them in a large bowl and cover with saran wrap until you're ready to roll them out. Roll out a ball at a time on a floured butcher block. Use a spatula to scrape off the dough if it sticks and add a little more flour to the rolling pin, if necessary. Gluten-free flour can be a sticky beast, so be patient, and just keep working with it until you're comfortable.

When the tortillas are rolled out, place them on a heated griddle (I use my big pancake one so I can cook 3 at a time). I keep the temperature at around 355 degrees and keep them on there until bubbles form. Then flip and wait for the tortilla to be ready.

I feed these to my husband and kids all the time. It makes burritos a gourmet feast that everyone loves. There is nothing so delicious as freshly made tortillas. Serve them with melted butter and salt. Use them for sandwich wraps. Have fun and enjoy. I promise this one is easy and will be a hit.

Create a Gumdrop Topiary | Activities | Education.com

Create a Gumdrop Topiary | Activities | Education.com

This was harder than expected. They did ok and had fun, but you must have a dowel and a base really strong.
We used large gumdrops and they are heavy, we would do dots next time, Nicholas suggested that while making it.
Ours did not turn out as cute but was a good project. It is MLK day and we read his dream and talked about his life while making our craft.