Kelly, Author at The Nourishing Home

Dairy Free Sweet Vanilla Icing {Perfect for Cookie Decorating!)

You could ask my kids about my little happy dance and shouts of “eureka!” Or you can just take my word for it that I was a just a wee-bit overexcited (to say the least) when I finally found a way to make a delicious dairy-free, refined-sugar-free icing perfect for decorating cookies!

What makes this icing so wonderful is the fact that its consistency allows for easy decorating without running and spreading. In fact, this icing will even firm up at room temperature within an hour or so, making packing them up to give to your favorite sweeties a lot less messy.

This delightful recipe is just one of more than 100 irresistible grain-free, dairy-free recipes in my new cookbook – Everyday Grain-Free Baking!

From breads, biscuits and muffins to savory snacks and decadent treats, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, beautiful color photographs and helpful tips & tidbits to make all of your GF baking adventures a delicious success!

Click here to get a SNEAK PEEK of the book!

Sweet Vanilla Icing (Dairy Free)

Yield: 1 cup of icing

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut butter (not coconut oil)
1/2 cup coconut cream (see recipe instructions below)
1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin
1 tbsp coconut milk (or water)
3 tbsp pure honey
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional: natural food coloring or fine-ground dried strawberries

Instructions

For the Coconut Cream: Place one can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This will result in the coconut cream rising to the surface. Measure out 1/2 cup of the cream at the top of the can. Reserve the remainder for another use.
In a small bowl, add 1 tbsp of coconut milk (or water) to 1/4 tsp of unflavored gelatin. Whisk well; set aside.
In a small saucepan, add the coconut cream, coconut butter, honey and vanilla. Warm over low heat just until coconut butter is melted. Whisk well to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Then, whisk in the gelatin and remove from the heat.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.
Remove icing mixture from fridge. If you've allowed it to sit in fridge overnight, you'll need to let it sit for a bit as it will be very hard. Once it softens a bit, if you'd like to add color, separate the icing into separate mixing bowls and add desired colors. Or use fine-ground dried strawberries to add color and flavor.
Then, using a stand mixer with whisk attachment (or electric hand mixer), whip the icing until it becomes light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes on high). Be sure to rinse whisk (beaters) well and dry, before mixing the next color.
Transfer icing to a pastry bag with writing tip insert. Or place in ziplock baggies and snip corners to decorate.
Keep icing in the fridge until ready to use. (Icing can be made one day in advance. Again, if it's been left in fridge for more than a couple hours it will be very hard, so allow it to sit at room temp for a bit until it softens. Then decorate.)

https://thenourishinghome.com/2014/02/dairy-free-sugar-free-sweet-vanilla-icing/

Curious about these adorable heart cookies? Those are a special guest recipe post I’m sharing over at Honeyville Farms. Inspired by those classic little conversation heart candies, these delicious heart-shaped cookies are certain to bring smiles to the faces of those you love – not only because they’re absolutely adorable, but more important because they taste great too!

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Hearty Lentil Stew (GF)

By Kelly · 11 Comments

Simple, frugal lentils are the base of this hearty lentil stew that will leave you happily satisfied. Not only because it tastes great, but because it delivers a healthy dose of solid nutrition.

Since going gluten-free/grain-free, I’ve been following the specific carbohydrate diet for the most part (a special gluten-free, grain-free diet for those with chronic conditions, such as celiac, crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, etc.). Happily, lentils are on the “legal” list and for good reason – they are an inexpensive powerhouse of nutrition.

When properly prepared through soaking, lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. And, pairing them with homemade bone broth provides even more nutritional support, as well as greatly enhances their flavor.

Eating food this delicious, nutritious and heart warming brings a smile to my face, and my family’s too – that’s the best part of all!

Hearty Lentil Stew (GF)

4-5 servings

Ingredients

1 cup dried brown lentils
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
8oz Italian sausage links, diced (or ground sausage meat)
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
5 cups chicken stock (homemade stock is best!)
1 whole bay leaf
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
5 cups stemmed and torn kale (or greens of choice)

Instructions

In the morning on the day you plan to make this stew, place lentils in a large bowl, cover with warm water and stir in vinegar. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel, and leave it on your countertop for 8-12 hours. Then, drain the lentils and rinse them well. Set aside.
In a Dutch oven (or large stockpot) heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced sausage (or ground sausage meat) and cook until browned (about 6-8 minutes).
Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften (about 4-5 minutes). Then, add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the soaked and drained lentils, chicken stock and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes. Bring stew back to a gentle simmer and cook an additional 15-20 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes reach desired tenderness.
Then, turn off the heat, and stir in the kale. Cover and allow the kale to wilt in the hot stew about 5 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and enjoy with a side of hot buttered rolls. This dish definitely warms the heart and tummy! Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Variation: Love bacon? Create a whole new flavor profile by substituting the sausage with 4-5 slices of nitrate-free bacon. Simply dice the bacon and sauté in your Dutch oven or stockpot. Then follow the rest of the recipe instructions as outlined above.

P.S. You can also substitute carrots for the sweet potatoes. And substitute the kale with any favorite green, such as collard, mustard or Swiss chard.

https://thenourishinghome.com/2014/02/hearty-lentil-stew-gf/

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3 Ways to Simplify Your Life that Have Nothing to Do with Your Stuff

By Kelly · 9 Comments

I’m delighted to have a special guest visiting with us – it’s Nina from Shalom Mama. If there’s anyone who knows the art of simplifying, it’s Nina. That’s why I’m thrilled to have her here sharing a bit of her wisdom with us …

by Nina at Shalom Mama
A few years ago, I discovered a fascinating blog that shared the story of a family that had downsized so much, they were able to live in an RV and travel full-time. I was amazed, both at their ability to live in such a small space and how they were able to walk away from a consumer-driven lifestyle to a simpler existence.

I wanted that.

I was drawn to the idea of getting rid of the clutter – both in my house and in my mind. There was so much discontentment in my life that I knew that something had to change. I believed that God had led me to the idea of simplifying. And I really wanted to spend less time cleaning.

Nina & family inside their school-bus turned RV home.

My husband laughed off the idea, but I got to work, doing what I could to simplify my clothing, household items and our kids’ stuff. I did my best to convey how awesome it was to live so simply, but he was still skeptical. It wasn’t until we moved that he was on board – he realized he had a lot of stuff he didn’t use. (These tips also helped him get on board.)

Since then, we’ve simplified a lot – our time, our possessions and even our home. Today, we live in a school bus turned RV with our four small children. That life that I wanted because it sounded so awesome? I have it.

I have been so blessed by this pursuit of a simpler life … including having a lot less cleaning to do.

But mostly, I love the way this lifestyle has helped me to grow and mature. There have been so many lessons that I’ve learned in this process (and it’s a continual process) that have really transformed the way I go about my life. I encourage everyone who asks about simplifying to pursue a simpler life. And no, you don’t have to want to live in a bus to live more simply.

Simplifying is a Process

I mistakenly thought that a simple life was dependent on having a small amount of possessions, a tiny house and a clear schedule, but it’s not. Living a simple life is really a continual process of intentional actions.

While getting rid of a bunch of stuff helps – a lot – don’t forget that simplicity is a process, a lifelong one. And these practices, more than anything else, will help you as you move toward the simpler life you desire (whatever that may look like):

1. Practice Gratitude

Whether you’ve just been introduced to the idea of living simply (and love it) or have decluttered your house a number of times, it’s important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. This will help whenever you feel discouraged and make the process so much more enjoyable. Give thanks for what you’ve been blessed with. Give thanks for the desire to simplify. Give thanks for the way God is working in your heart. Above all else, give thanks.

2. Cultivate Contentment

The habit of gratitude and contentment go hand-in-hand. There are times when I look around my bus and think, “Well, if we just had this done, or if we could just travel here or park there …” This tends to set me off on a spiral of negative thoughts that leave me feeling pretty discontent with our situation. It is always stopped, though, with prayer, gratitude and the reminder that cultivating contentment improves all circumstances.

3. Remember Your Why

If you want to simplify, it’s important to write down why. Is it so you can travel? Pay off debt? Build more meaningful relationships with your spouse, kids and friends? Remembering your why helps you incorporate your goal into the process so you don’t find yourself in a tiny house one day saying, “Now what?” Simplify with purpose.

Remember, simplifying is a lifelong process that starts with one simple decision and the determination to intentionally move forward. Enjoy your journey!

Have you decided to to simplify? What does the process look like for you?

Meet Nina!
Nina is a Jesus follower, wife, mama of four and school bus dweller. She blogs regularly at Shalom Mama and loves helping others simplify natural living. Check out her website for more simple tips and connect with her on Facebook or Google+.

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