Your Recipe Stories Archives | Heavenly Homemakers

Use Whole Wheat Quick Mix to Make Easy Waffles

June 14, 2015 by Laura 3 Comments

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It’s been forever since I’ve gotten around to sharing one of your stories of using Heavenly Homemaker recipes! I have excuses. I won’t bore you.

Keep your recipes and pictures coming! I love them!

This was sent in by Cantina. I’ve never thought about topping waffles with kiwi. Great idea!

I wanted you to know that we used the quick mix to make waffles this morning. They are so yummy! Top with blueberries and kiwi…out of this world! I have one son that said he could eat 10! :) This morning we didn’t have many leftover so next time we make them I need to use the whole batch of quick mix (10 cups). That way we can freeze leftovers for another breakfast. Thanks for sharing your recipes!

Blessings,
Cantina Camp

waffles 1

waffles 2

You’ll find these recipes here:

Whole Wheat Quick Mix
Quick Mix Pancakes (which can be used to make waffles)

These recipes are also included in my Oh, For Real cookbook for easy access.

Have a fun story of how you used a Heavenly Homemaker recipe? Please snap a picture or two and send them to me along with your story. I’d love to feature it here!

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The Best Mocha You’ll Ever Need

February 22, 2015 by Laura 37 Comments

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Aside from telling you that I have a mocha recipe for you, I have nothing cute to say. That time of year has hit in which not only is it still winter, it is also still winter.

Yesterday I saw a picture of myself wearing a sun dress and sporting a healthy tan. “Oh, oooh!! Remember that!?” I exclaimed to my husband. “That picture was taken on that really fun day when our family did that really fun stuff because the SUN WAS SHINING and it was HOT OUTSIDE.” He just grinned and handed me another blanket.

I’m thankful for every day and all that. God is good all the time, you can bet on it. If summer never comes, it really is okay because I have Jesus. Look at me, I’m like Paul. I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Whether I’m freezing or freezing or even if I’m freezing. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

That’s from Philippians chapter 4 in case you want to find more encouragement from that passage, to read it within its context, or maybe to be sure I quoted it accurately. My brain gets a little fuzzy after enduring forty-three months of winter in a row.

I know that really, I have nothing to complain about. I have a roof over my head, a beautiful fireplace, and a husband to pat me on the head and hand me another blanket when I burst into tears over a picture of myself in a sun dress from last summer. I’m very blessed, the sun will shine again, and someday soon but probably not for at least 68 more days – I will be warm. Can we just talk about something else now?

I came up with a little something to help me cope with my issues this afternoon. Some might call it a Mocha. Some might call it a Warm Chocolate Soother with a little coffee stirred in. I’d like to call it the answer to every cold, desperate woman’s need for warmth and sunshine. Not that I really have issues or am what one might call desperate.

mocha 1

Yum

I just need some sunshine, okay?

So this. This mug of goodness saved the day…

Warm Nourishing Mocha 2

It’s Warm Chocolate Soother mixed with coffee. The idea came from a dear reader, Missy, from South Carolina. She sent me the idea months ago, then I remembered it while huddled beside my space heater this afternoon. Here’s part of her email:

Good morning! It’s a cold, wet, blustery day here in South Carolina. I awoke to the sound of wind and rain hitting my windows. My first thought was to brew a cup of coffee, but then I thought of my 2 boys and wondered what they would like to have warm and yummy. I thought about your Warm Chocolate Soother and knew it would be perfect!

I gathered all the ingredients and set about making the soother. I tweaked the recipe and used half whole milk and half unsweetened almond milk. I love using real food ingredients to make treats for my family. It all came together and I served my boys a mug full. They loved it!

I served myself a cup of chocolate soother and tasted it – yum! Then I remembered that I had wanted a cup of coffee. I decided to mix the two. Oh boy – it was GOOD! I have my coffee and the warm chocolate soother in my mug and I am a happy girl! I know how you have begun enjoying coffee and wanted to share this with you, if you haven’t already discovered this! Thank you for your Warm Chocolate Soother recipe – now to try coffee and Warm Vanilla Soother next! Many blessings for today! :)

Everyone (probably, especially, and mostly my husband) thanks you, Missy, for the fantastic idea. Not only is this drink warm, comforting, and delicious – it is also very nourishing and can double as a filling breakfast or snack.

How to Make a Warm, Nourishing Mocha

Mix 1 cup Warm Chocolate Soother with 1 cup coffee. Or 5 cups Warm Chocolate Soother with 5 cups coffee. Or whatever it takes for you to survive these last few weeks of winter.

Warm, Nourishing Mocha

You’ll notice that I put my mocha in a bright yellow cup just so that I could pretend I was was drinking from a cup of sunshine. And look. I’m all better now.

Winter won’t get the best of us, friends. We’ve got this! Now hand me another blanket.

(How’s winter treating you, by the way?)

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Creamy Mac and Cheese with Veggies – Share Your Story

February 19, 2015 by Laura 2 Comments

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It’s been a while since I shared one of your recipe stories here! This one from Meredith made my day:

Night 1 with my newwwww early Christmas gift–your cookbook!

Creamy Mac and cheese with veggies I didn’t over think. :) The boys have been begging for mac and cheese for weeks, but I just can’t do the box anymore. The very first bite got a “wow, this is so yum!” Thanks!!!!

Proof that healthy, kid pleasing meals is really quite simple. :)
Thank you, Meredith, for sharing your story.

I love hearing about each of your adventures with Heavenly Homemaker recipes, so the rest of you – start cooking and snapping pictures for me to share here!

If you haven’t checked out my Oh, For Real Cookbook – you probably want to. ;)

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Healthy Changes Can Be As Easy As Eating Donuts

December 28, 2014 by Laura 4 Comments

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You know those baby steps we’re talking about making toward a healthier lifestyle? Let’s go from thinking “Agh, that means I have to stop eating everything I love and instead only eat gross, slimy green stuff!” to recognizing the truth which is, “I can make a healthier donut and actually eat it without feeling guilty. It will taste even better than the store bought kind I’m used to!”

And by the way – never, ever eat slimy green stuff. “Slimy” and “green” should never be in the same sentence. For that matter, “eat” and “slimy” should never be in the same sentence. But let’s get back to talking about homemade donuts, which are neither slimy nor green.

I loved this testimony from Rebecca. This can be all of us!

Hi Laura,

I have been following your blog for over 3 years ever since our family made diet changes and started eating all whole foods. We have found we are healthier with less sicknesses and health problems. I have read lots of healthy eating blogs but yours resonates the most with me– your recipes are simple with ingredients I always have on hand and are tasty. Being a mother if 4 children and homeschooling and working part time I need easy, healthy recipes. We usually use at least one recipe of yours a day! Today I made the Pumpkin Donuts since I finished cooking and pureeing my last garden pumpkin. They were amazing! I thought for sure I had made enough for all of us but they flew off the serving plate so fast! They were so delicious, I think one if the best pumpkin recipe I have made. We all loved them. Thanks for sharing All your great recipes to us and for making this health journey easier. God bless!

Rebecca Klein
Rochester, MN

See how unhappy and miserable Rebecca’s children are because of all the healthy changes they are making at their house?

image (1)

I think this little one is being forced to lick that glaze off the plate, the poor dear.

image (2)

What a terrible way to wake up in the morning.

Indeed, it’s almost like she’s forcing them to eat slimy green stuff. Almost. :)

What is one of the most delicious healthy changes you’ve made?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Squares ~ Share Your Story

December 4, 2014 by Laura 4 Comments

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I loved reading this story of how Kelley blessed her brother with a delicious, home-cooked meal! Our Pumpkin Pecan Pie Squares recipe was a highlight of this story, as was our Salmon Patties recipe. It doesn’t have to be difficult, just cooked with love. :)

Hi Laura!

Last night my brother was coming over for dinner. He works so much, he rarely gets a home cooked meal, so I decided to make it special and make your pumpkin-pecan pie squares. :) They were such a huge hit! My husband said they were even church worthy!! To those who don’t understand, most of the ladies at church dinners have at least one special dish that they excel at and everyone asks for. So, anyway, that is the first time I’ve had a “church worthy” recipe so I am super excited!! For supper we had your Salmon Patties that I tweaked a little (think some Italian seasoning and heavy whipping cream), coleslaw, and roasted Italian/Rosemary/Garlic potatoes. Needless to say, there were NO leftovers!

Kelley

kelley 1

Such a delicious spread!

kelley 2

I’m not sure which recipe Kelley used, but here’s my very simple Creamy Coleslaw recipe if you’re interested. Kelley’s looks so pretty!

kelley 3

These Salmon Patties turned out looking so good! I think I’ll start making mine big like this too. My boys would appreciate that. :)

kelley 4

These look great, and I bet we would all love having the recipe. Pretty please, Kelley?!?!??! :)

kelley 5

Last but not least, Kelley’s plate of Pumpkin Pecan Pie Squares.
If you need an easy and delicious dessert this holiday season, these are a great choice.
“Church worthy” according to Kelley’s husband. Yes!

Keep sending in your stories. I love them!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Apple Nachos ~ Share Your Story

November 19, 2014 by Laura 1 Comment

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Have you tried making these easy Apple Nachos yet? They are a super fun treat this time of year. (Or any time of year, maybe? Yes, definitely.)

Ingrid sent in her story and pictures; it looks like her family had so much fun making – and eating – these together! I love her idea of adding peanut butter to the sauce. These Apple Nachos are a fantastic way to get your kids involved in helping you in the kitchen.

Laura,

Just wanted to share some pictures of my little ones helping put together our Apple Nachos. We’ve made your caramel sauce recipe several times to give as gifts. We started adding some peanut butter to make a peanut butter caramel sauce that we really like for apples. I think my littlest one ate more chocolate chips than she put on the nachos but she still enjoyed helping like a “big girl.” Thanks for all of your great recipes and encouragement–I check your blog every morning :)

Sincerely,

Ingrid from NC

p.s. Our caramel sauce came out really dark b/c the brown sugar I used had a high molasses content.

apple nachos story 1

Beautiful!

apple nachos story 4

I think they look like chocolate chip sprinkling experts. Gotta start ’em young, right?

apple nachos story 3

Guilty as charged. But carry on…

apple nachos story 2

Mmm, yummy chocolate cheeks. She looks so pleased with herself – and so she should be. :)

Your stories and pictures continue to be a highlight of my email inbox. Keep ’em coming!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Easy Noodle Stir Fry – Share Your Story

November 12, 2014 by Laura 4 Comments

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If you haven’t tried our Easy Noodle Stir Fry recipe, you’ve gotta do it. It’s such a fantastic way to eat veggies. You can pick and choose your favorite veggies, which is always nice. Here’s what Virginia had to say about this recipe:

Hi Laura!

We had the Easy Noodle Stir Fry tonight and it was a huge hit!! In fact, my pickiest eater, came downstairs and declared, “Mom, what is that delicious smell?” as I was finishing it up. By the way, that’s him on the right- with a mouthful because he couldn’t wait to eat for the picture! ;) (I do need to give a shout out to my oldest, not pictured, who missed out on what would be a favorite of his for sure- sorry, buddy, next time!)

I have always been intimidated by stir fry but your recipe is truly simple, very versatile, and definitely delicious! Thank you!! :)

Virginia

I love the kids’ matching shirts. :) Look at them eat all the good stuff!
Happy children, eating vegetables. It is so possible. :)

Thank you, Virginia, for sending your story and picture!

Have a favorite Heavenly Homemaker recipe? Whip it up, snaps some photos, and send in your story. I love reading how you are using our recipes to bless your family and others!

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Add the pocket size Beesilk to your cart, then apply the code HHNOV. Code expires Thursday, November 13. Receive free shipping on orders over $45.

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An Egg Free Version of Warm Vanilla Soother ~ Share Your Story

November 5, 2014 by Laura 7 Comments

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Our Warm Vanilla Soother recipe is a favorite around here. It is rich and comforting with its whole milk, maple syrup, and eggs. But for everyone with an egg allergy, it seems that this recipe is a no-go for you. I can adapt many of my recipes to become allergy friendly, but for this one? I’ve been at a loss as to how to substitute the eggs.

Why did I even think I needed to try? All of you make Heavenly Homemakers such a wonderful forum, helping each other, offering suggestions, and sharing your experiences. I see dozens of comments on past posts every day in which you are interacting with each other and blessing each other with what you know. This is just one of the many reasons I love you all!

Jenny was one such reader. While others have left comments on my Warm Vanilla Soother recipe post asking how I would adapt it to make it egg free, and I was all, “uhhh, I totally have no idea…” Jenny took her experience and expertise and gave it a try. It worked!!! She emailed to share her story so that I can now share it with you!

Dear Laura,

Two of my kiddos have egg, peanut and tree nut allergies. So I usually alter your recipes. I was the one commenting on your warm vanilla soother. I kept the egg yolks out but put 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3 tablespoons coconut oil and 3 tablespoons water (mixed together is my sub for 2 whole eggs). It turned out awesome. So delicious. Love your recipes.

Jenny

Oh my goodness. Can Jenny’s little boy get any cuter?

egg free warm vanilla soother 1

Well yes, apparently he can.

eggless warm vanilla soother 2

Here is the complete recipe for Egg Free Warm Vanilla Soother…

Egg Free Warm Vanilla SootherYum

3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons baking powder, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, and 3 tablespoons water mixed together
1/3 cup real maple syrup
2 Tablespoons arrowroot powder or corn starch
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, baking powder/oil/water mixture, maple syrup, and arrowroot powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly (I use a whisk) until mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Stir until creamy. Pour into mugs and serve warm.

Jenny, thank you so much for figuring this out for everyone!

For those of you with milk allergies, coconut milk works great in this recipe. :)

Please continue to send in your stories. I love reading them and sharing them here!

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stretch island strawberry

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Cooking for a Family of 7 Living in a Travel Trailer ~ Share Your Story

October 29, 2014 by Laura 6 Comments

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The stories you send in continue to be such an inspiration and encouragement to me! You will love reading Cantina’s story of how she is finding ways to make do in a tiny kitchen with very little to work with after her home burned down. God is so good to provide and equip us. Here’s Cantina:

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Dear Laura,

I started following you a couple of years ago and our family has loved some of your recipes. One of our favorites is Cheesy Beef and Rice (I add black beans and diced tomatoes to make it a “mexican” meal).

Last December we lost our home to a house fire and it has been extremely difficult to fix the meals that I used to. For a few months we lived with an older couple and then in May our family of 7 moved into a travel trailer on the land where we are rebuilding our home. It has been a challenge to fix anything, but God is so good and I have learned to use a Fry Daddy in ways I never thought were possible. And we bought an electric skillet and crock pot. :)

I have fixed the Cheesy Beef and Rice by browning the meat in the Fry Daddy and then cooking the rice in the Fry Daddy and finally mixing it all together in a large bowl and baking it in the electric skillet. My family is so happy that we can have some of your delicious recipes again. I have also made the Hearty Green Bean Casserole the same way. Looking forward to our house getting done, buying new kitchen items, and being able to cook in a real kitchen again.

cantina 1

cantina 2
We also love your Giant Breakfast Cookies and Baked Oatmeal for breakfast! In the past month we have visited family that lives out of town and I baked several batches of Giant Breakfast Cookies to freeze and eat on when we returned back home. The day we left from the visit with family I baked a dish of Baked Oatmeal and we had it for breakfast the next morning at the travel trailer.

cantina 3
Although this time in our lives has been tough our prayer is that God would be glorified through our family and our situation. He has continued to provide for us and meet our every need! We serve an amazing God!

Thank you Laura for all you do!
Cantina

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This sure makes me appreciate my kitchen! I believe it can also help us all recognize that none of us have to have perfect circumstances in order to feed our families well. We just need to be creative and trust God!

Please keep sending in your stories! These have become my favorite emails to receive. Getting a peek into your lives is refreshing and encouraging. You are all amazing!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

You’ll find these recipes here:

Quick Mix Pancakes (which can be used to make waffles)

How to Make a Warm, Nourishing Mocha

Here is the Peppernut recipe – you’ll want to give these a try!

What is one of the most delicious healthy changes you’ve made?