Snacks Archives - Page 4 of 14 - The Nourishing Home

Healthy Snacking for Kids of All Ages!

Often, one of the biggest pitfalls for those of us striving to eat healthier is snacking! And honestly, I’m not immune to the lure and convenience of packaged snacks, but as much as the box or bag may be labeled “nutritious” and “wholesome,” one glance at the ingredient listing usually proves otherwise. Bummer!

The good news is … it’s possible to stay on track with your healthy living goals and still enjoy an easy, tasty snack! My dear friend Laura at MOMables has written an entire cookbook full of healthier homemade snack recipes and ideas – and guess what? – I’m giving away a FREE copy to one of you sweet friends!

From fresh fruit and veggie snacks to no-bake bites, dips and frozen treats, The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet provides more than 200 kid-tested, mother-approved healthy, tasty recipes and snacking ideas. It truly is the best healthy snacking book for kids of all ages!

But rather than listen to me gush on and on about why this new resource is such a must-have addition to your healthy cookbook collection, why not watch this quick video from Laura to see firsthand just how awesome this book truly is …. just push play and take a peek!

The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet will be available in bookstores nationwide on June 1, but you can preorder a copy right now on Amazon and have it shipped direct to your door before it ever reaches stores.

Of course, you can also enter for a chance to win a copy of this awesome cookbook, by completing the giveaway entry form below. Just be sure to enter by Sunday, May 17, 2015. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck and happy snacking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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15 Fabulous Ways to Enjoy Dried Strawberries

By Kelly · 20 Comments

It’s a Strawberry Festival here! And guess what? You’re invited.

Recently, I got on a dried strawberry kick and couldn’t stop myself from eating them. Seriously! I was putting these awesome “Strawberry Chips” (as my youngest calls them) in and on everything.

First, it started with creating an absolutely scrumptious Dairy-Free Strawberry Frosting that basically you’ll want to spread on everything!

Of course, my Chocolate Lovers Cupcakes are a great place to start, unless you’re on the Whole30 – sorry, you’ll have to wait! But don’t be sad, because I’ve got lots of other delicious ideas that don’t involve cupcakes …

So why my fascination with these freeze-dried strawberries? Well, my friends at Honeyville were kind enough to send me a sample of their freeze-dried strawberries so I could create that yummy strawberry frosting. And since then, I’ve gone a little overboard coming up with even more tasty ways to enjoy them … as you’ll soon discover …

Although you can purchase freeze-dried strawberries from quality retailers like Honeyville, for most recipes, you can substitute with dehydrated strawberries instead. I’ve found that the best flavor comes from strawberries that are fully ripened. So if your fresh berries are beginning to get overripe, why not make a batch of delicious dried berries that can be used to add a sweet burst of flavor to your favorite recipes.

To help, I’m sharing 15 fabulous ways to use freeze-dried (or home dehydrated) strawberries. Of course, I’d love to hear your favorite tips for using dried strawberries too!

15 Fabulous Ways to Enjoy Dried Strawberries
1. Whip up a delightful Dairy-Free Strawberry Frosting!
2. Pile them on your favorite Grain-Free Granola!
3. Create amazing mock-KIND bars with a burst of strawberry flavor!
4. Blend them in with your favorite Fruit–n-Veggie Smoothies
for an extra punch of flavor!
5. Mix them into your favorite Grain-Free Breakfast Porridge!
6. Whip up a luscious Dairy-Free Strawberry Mouse!
7. Dunk this scrumptious White Chocolate Strawberry Pistachio Biscotti
in your coffee!
8. Crush them up and use them to coat these
awesome Raw Almond Butter Truffles!
9. Or crush them up and use them as sprinkles
on Homemade Grain-Free Donuts!
10. Chop them up to make amazing Vanilla-Strawberry Macaroons!
11. Use them to make Strawberry Milk that’s actually good for you!
(Simply grind 1/4 cup dried strawberries in a blender, add
1 cup of milk and 1-2 tsp of raw honey. Blend until frothy!)
12. Take s’mores to an all-new level with these
Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows!
13. Use them to make easy
3-Ingredient Strawberry White Chocolate Candies for your sweetie!
14, Add them to Trail Mix for an extra burst of sweetness!
15. Add fine-ground dried strawberry powder to Dairy-Free Icing
and use it to top your favorite cookies and desserts!

Bonus recipe … My creative friend Michele from Thriving on Paleo created the most luscious Fruit Tinted Lip Balm using dried strawberries and raspberries. If you’re a DIY’r then be sure to pop over to Paleo Parents check it out!

Have you tried dried strawberries? If so, what are your favorite ways to enjoy them?

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Secret Ingredient Guacamole: Easy, Tasty & Freezer-Friendly!

By Kelly · 16 Comments

How do I say this without sounding boastful? Maybe by first admitting that there are many things I completely fail at, but one thing’s for sure, my guac ROCKS! It’s true. I’m continually asked to make it for virtually every festivity we’re invited to and it’s rare that the bowl isn’t nearly licked clean.

Why is it so good? What’s my secret? Well … I’m finally going to spill the beans, and share that there’s three key ingredients (one of which is a tasty little secret I learned) to making the best guac in town!

1) Homemade Pico de Gallo is the ultimate guaranteed way to make some killer guac! It isn’t rocket science to make, but taking a few minutes to make fresh pico de gallo with vine-ripe tomatoes is key to making the fastest, tastiest guac in town!

2) Perfectly Ripe Avocados may seem like a “no, duh!” ingredient to mention. But how many times have you squeezed an avocado in the market and thought it was perfect, only to discover big-ole brown spots once you cut it open. Boo! That’s such a bummer! Good news – there’s actually a very easy way to tell if an avocado is perfectly ripe, here’s how.

3) A Pinch of Oregano. (Shh! It’s our little secret!) I learned this tasty tip the chef at our favorite local Mexican restaurant. It’s amazing how something as simple as the addition of a fragrant herb can create such a stunning undertone of flavor to a recipe – such is the case with oregano. Just a big pinch of oregano (per avocado) rubbed between your fingers to release its oils will add a beautiful savory flavor to your guacamole that will make it a memorable standout!

P.S. I’ve got another delicious “secret” for you …
It’s my favorite method for freezing guac so you always have it on hand for adding a tasty boost of healthy fats and flavor to your favorite whole food dishes!

My Secret for Making Freezer-Friendly Guacamole!
Since we love homemade guacamole, I have two simple ways you can make it even easier to make next time around…

As shown above, one of my favorite time-saving strategies is to simply make a huge batch of guac and freeze it! Just divide the guacamole into freezer-safe containers. Even out the top of the guac with the back of a spoon. Then, top with a good drizzle of fresh lime juice. Cover and place the containers in freezer. When ready to serve, thaw in fridge overnight! Once thawed, stir well to incorporate the lime juice into the guac. Enjoy!

Another favorite method is to simply freeze avocado halves when they’re at the peak of ripeness. Like bananas, a bunch of avocados left together seem to always ripen all at the same time, and then of course, quickly become over-ripe. So to keep them from going to waste, if I’m not able to make a huge batch of guac, I simply halve them and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, I can transfer them to a freezer bag or container for use in making guac or other recipes. Just take out however many frozen avocado halves you need and allow to thaw at room temp! Yay!

Secret Ingredient Guacamole (GF, DF)

Yield: 2 3/4 cups

Ingredients

4 ripe avocados (see tip #2 above on how to select a perfectly ripe avocado)
3/4 cups homemade pico de gallo
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt to taste

Instructions

Make a fresh batch of pico de gallo and refrigerate for at least two hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large bowl, add the avocado and mash to the texture you desire. I find it easiest to use a potato masher or a pastry cutter to mash avocado.
Add the pico de gallo, lime juice, oregano and garlic powder to the bowl of mashed avocado. Stir well to combine. Add sea salt to taste.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best enjoyed within a few hours of making it. To help prevent browning, add an avocado pit to the top of the guacamole and cover with plastic wrap before placing in the fridge.

Notes

Freezer-Friendly Tip: Divide the guac into one-cup freezer-safe containers. Even out the top of the guac with the back of a spoon. Then top with a teaspoon of fresh lime juice. Cover and place in freezer. When ready to serve, thaw in fridge overnight. Once thawed, stir well to incorporate the lime juice into the guac. Enjoy!

https://thenourishinghome.com/2014/05/secret-ingredient-guacamole/

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