Heavenly Homemakers

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Are You Ready To Get On Track With Healthy Eating?

December 27, 2012 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

The fudge. The chips and dip. The pie. The mashed potatoes and gravy. The rolls with butter and jelly.

Going back for seconds…then thirds. Snitching another cookie in between meals. Snacking on the leftover ham and turkey. Grabbing just one more piece of candy.

It’s that time of year. 

We are likely all feeling it. In the midst of very much enjoying all of the delicious foods and treats this holiday season…in the back of our mind lurks the nagging truth that we really need to get back to reality and eat just a little bit (or a lot bit) better.

Are you ready to start eating healthier, but you’re not sure where to start? Do you feel overwhelmed with the loads of contradictory “health food” information out there? Are you reluctant to give up your favorite comfort food and treats?

What if I were to walk you through some simple steps you can take to get on track with healthy eating? What if I make your transition to a Real Food Kitchen simple and painless? What if I told you that you very likely can continue to eat many of your favorite meals and desserts – and that healthy, real foods are the most delicious foods you’ll ever eat?

I believe that everyone has what it takes to create and maintain a Real Food Kitchen. If you’re ready to make healthy changes that are affordable and realistic – at your own pace – I would be thrilled if you join us in taking the You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen eCourse!

Get ready for it! (And by get ready, I really just mean…enjoy the holidays and wait patiently for a few more days while we put on the final touches.)  This eCourse will launch on January 7. Cost will be just $5 for the entire course.

We can’t wait to walk with you through these steps to a Real Food Kitchen. You Can Do This!

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To Prove How Bad I am at Geography

December 27, 2012 by Laura 18 Comments

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us_map

Geography. It’s probably my weakest subject. Next to Spelling. And Foreign Languages.

But hey, at least I can make homemade cheese.

Oh, have you never heard me say that before? That’s the fall back phrase I always use when I feel inadequate about something. The scenario goes something like this:

We are in a group of people who are talking about subjects that go way over my head – like baseball statistics, politics, auto parts, building structures, capital gains, and the like. I try to smile and nod occasionally to at least look as though I am following along in the conversation. All the while, I am thinking in my head, “wow I feel like a complete dodo brain”. But I tell myself (while continuing to nod and smile politely) that it’s okay that I don’t know any of this stuff because God, in His great wisdom, made us all different to fulfill His purposes. And then I remind myself that while I have no idea what an acid dissociation constant is, at least I do know how to make cheese. And I bet that those who are talking about the above subjects probably don’t know how to make cheese, so there. And then I feel better about myself.

Welcome to the inside of my brain.

I feel as though I should quickly let you know that while I do know how to make cheese, I haven’t actually taken the time to make it in over three years. But if I needed to I could, especially if someone were to ask me about quadratic equations and I needed to make myself feel smarter.

So what was the point of this post? Oh yes. I was telling you that I’m not good at Geography.

Now, the irony is that I actually got A’s in Geography in high school and college. As a matter of fact, in my college World Geography class, for our final exam, we had to (brace yourself) label every single country in every single continent on the planet earth and name each country’s capital. It was the Geography test of all tests. We were handed a big, blank world map and a pencil and away we went. I had studied my tail off for that test and ended up getting 100%, thank you very much.

You would think that after taking that class I would be good at Geography. But no. I’m just good at studying for tests…and forgetting information promptly after taking a test. It’s rather pitiful.

So to prove my complete Geographical cluelessness, you may find it funny to know that when I was talking to my friend Jodi about how we should get together some day – I almost suggested that on our upcoming trip to California, perhaps we could take a route that would lead us through to her place…in Ohio. Thankfully, before I threw out the idea, I decided that I had better look at a map. Sure enough, Ohio is exactly four states to the east of Nebraska. Which – in case you’re as bad at Geography as I am – is not the direction you take when you go from Nebraska to California. Okeedokee then.

It’s a good thing I didn’t actually make this suggestion to Jodi. She’s super sweet and would have surely come up with something kind to say when she explained to me that we’d be going about two days out of our way to come for a visit “on our way” to California. And then I would have had to say,

“Yes, but did you know that I can make cheese?”

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Christmas Sweet Pepper

December 25, 2012 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

My husband babied our potted pepper plant. He carried it outside on “sunny” days – which are few and far between in Nebraska this time of the year. He brought it back in at night so that it wouldn’t freeze.

And then, in December, we enjoyed the one last sweet pepper that we had grown. Yum!

May your Christmas be filled with joy and praise to our Father. And may you have unexpected blessings in your life – such as a fresh, homegrown sweet pepper in December. :)

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

Loads of Christmas Brunch Recipes

December 23, 2012 by Laura 63 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

When a bunch of women get together for any kind of party…what do they usually talk about?

Yes, the topics typically range from kids and snot to favorite ways to get stains out of clothes to a good sale someone found on sweaters – and everything in between.

Since you and so many, many women are joining us here at Heavenly Homemakers for our virtual brunch – I figure that if we were sitting around in my living room visiting in real life, after we covered the above topics and shared about what all of our plans are for Christmas, the topic would surely eventually turn toward favorite recipes. Don’t you think?

That is why I’m excited today, as part of our Christmas Brunch, to share with you several more recipe ideas from years past. We can never have enough fun, comforting holiday treat recipes!

Peppermint Patties

Homemade Healthier Eggnog

Whole Wheat Gingerbread Men

Warm Vanilla Soother

warmvanillasoother2sm

Sweet Pepper Fritata

Christmas Spice Cookies

christmasspicecookiessm.JPG

Quick Eggnog Muffins

Vanilla Muffins with Crumb Topping

Have fun clicking through getting new ideas! And please share your recipes in the comments section because I love getting new ideas too. :)

Be sure to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win one of three $25 gift certificates for something downloadable from the Heavenly Homemakers Shop!

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

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls {Christmas Brunch}

December 21, 2012 by Laura 94 Comments

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I love treats like these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls that are on the healthy side, plus they are very easy to put together! With four simple ingredients that many of us have on hand – I’ll bet some of you will hop right off your chair and get them started right away. I highly recommend that you do.

But beware – these are little balls of peanut butter, chocolatey, coconutty addictiveness. You’ve been warned.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip BallsYum

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls {Christmas Brunch}
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Ingredients
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Melt coconut oil and honey together in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until mixture is smooth.
  3. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Spread mixture into a 9x9 inch pan.
  5. Refrigerate for about two hours.
  6. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls.
  7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3.4.3177

I use homemade peanut butter, which makes all the difference in every recipe if you ask me. You can’t beat the taste of fresh peanut butter. (It’s easier to make than you think!)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls

Find more No-Bake Snack and Dessert Ball recipes here:

  • No-Bake Granola Bar Bites
  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Bites
  • No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Cookie Bites
  • No-Bake Snickerdoodle Bites
  • No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Bites

I use Homemade Almond Butter in most of these recipes. Once you learn to make nut butters, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

No-Bake Cookie Bites - Easy Recipes!

Keep these recipes on hand – especially in the summer time when you don’t want to turn on the oven but you want to make a treat. I love that all of these No-Bake Balls are filling and offer nourishment too. Protein, fiber, lightly sweetened…they are the perfect dessert of snack!

These also work great in a lunch box. To top it all off, these freeze well so you can make several ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you need them!

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

100% Juice Punch {Christmas Brunch}

December 20, 2012 by Laura 99 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Many of you know how much I used to love drinking Pepsi – and how giving it up has been a great decision for my health. But you probably also know how much I miss that “burn”!

For the occasional treat, I like to put seltzer water into a small amount of 100% juice. It’s not too sweet – but just sweet enough to make the fizzy water taste better. And it gives me that burn I love and miss.

For our Christmas Brunch, I wanted to suggest this simple punch idea. It’s 100% juice – no added sugar or corn syrup!

Christmas Brunch PunchYum

12 ounces 100% cranberry juice concentrate, thawed but cold
12 ounces 100% grape juice concentrate, thawed but cold
2 (or 3) liters seltzer water

Mix all ingredients together in a punch bowl or large pitcher. The amount of seltzer water you use is up to you – depending on how sweet or fizzy you like your drinks.

Christmas Brunch Punch {with 100 juice!}

Feel free to add different kinds of juice depending on your taste.

Are you like me – do you like the “burn”?

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

Christmas Truffles and Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

December 20, 2012 by Laura 10 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Need a couple more yummy treat recipes?

Try my recipe for Chocolate Caramel Truffles or Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles. Both of these make great gifts!

Yum

And, you can use the Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffle recipe to make fudge! Simply mix it up and spread the mixture into an 8×8 inch pan. Chill the mixture, then cut it into squares. It is SO easy!

 What are your favorite treats to make (and eat) this time of year?

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

Hashbrown Sausage Casserole {Christmas Brunch}

December 19, 2012 by Laura 147 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

There’s nothing fancy about this casserole – but it is very tasty. It’s perfect for our Christmas Brunch!

I especially love putting this together if I have Homemade Frozen Hashbrowns and Premade Turkey Sausage crumbles. Then all I have to do is throw everything into a dish and bake it. If you prefer, you could substitute browned hamburger meat for the turkey sausage. Just shake in some chili powder and/or garlic powder to spice it up a little. It’s a great, versatile recipe!

Hashbrown Sausage CasseroleYum

6 cups frozen hashbrowns  (partially thawed)
1 pound browned turkey sausage
6 eggs
1/2 cup cream (or milk)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Stir hashbrowns and cooked sausage together in a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a bowl, whip eggs and cream together. Pour mixture over the hashbrowns and sausage. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Bake in a 350° oven for 45-50 minutes or until eggs are no longer runny and cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

Hashbrown Sausage Casserole

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Orange Cranberry Scones {Christmas Brunch}

December 18, 2012 by Laura 160 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Welcome to our Third Annual Christmas Brunch. I decided that I had to begin with this Orange Cranberry Scone recipe. Wow, they are yummy!

My favorite ingredient is the orange juice because of the amazing flavor it gives this treat. But my actual favorite ingredient is the dried cranberries, because no matter how you use those, they are delicious. It is a fact that my real favorite ingredient in these scones is the butter, because I think we all know how much I love butter. Plus butter is what makes these scones so yummy and “pastry like”.

This takes me back to the orange juice (which is my favorite scone ingredient, in case you were not aware) – because this is the ingredient you use to make the delicious glaze that you drizzle over the top once the scones are baked.

By the way – did you know that scones are very, very easy to make? They are especially simple if you have a food processor and let that machine “cut in your butter” for you. I’m all for working hard, but remember how I’m not a butter cutter inner?

Orange Cranberry SconesYum

2 cups whole wheat flour (I use freshly ground flour from hard white wheat)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
3 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup milk

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt, and dried cranberries. Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. (I use my food processor for this, and to mix the remaining ingredients.)  Add egg, honey, orange juice concentrate, and milk. Stir until a nice ball of dough forms.

Form dough into a ball on a floured surface. Roll dough into a circle about 8 inches in diameter. Place on a cookie sheet or baking stone. Cut circle into 8 equal pieces.

Bake in a 400° oven for 12-18 minutes or until scones are golden brown. While the scones are baking, mix up the glaze.

Orange Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar (I use organic unbleached or homemade)
4 Tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle glaze over the scones right after you remove them from the oven.

Orange Cranberry Scones

Which do you suppose will be your favorite ingredient in these Orange Cranberry Scones?  :)

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

The Game of “Blink” – and Why I Now Have To Play My Hardest

December 18, 2012 by Laura 7 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Our baby turns eight on Thursday.

I’d be in denial about that if I would allow myself to be. But what good would that do? Therefore, I have found myself practicing saying to people, “He’s almost eight” – just so I could wrap my brain around it and recognize it as truth.

Today, his “old age” dawned on me quite clearly. Yep, Malachi is growing up.

He and I love to play the card game “Blink” together. Since he began playing this game, at about age five, I’ve had to adapt it a little bit. 

blink

It’s a game of speed – whoever works through their pile of cards first, wins. If I wouldn’t have adapted it, I would have won hands down every single time and the game would have ceased to be fun for either of us. Why? Is it because I’m such an amazing “Blink” player? No, because my adult brain could process faster and my hands could move faster than his.

Therefore, I would always give myself several extra cards (on the sly) so that the game would be more fair. With my stack of cards slightly taller, we could then play an even match – sometimes he would win, sometimes I would win. I didn’t have to slow down or try to “let him win” every once in a while. My taller stack solved the problem and made the games fun for both of us.

Until today.

It was after he won three games in a row that I suddenly realized that my taller stack of cards was now giving me a disadvantage. He would buzz through his pile, slap down his last card with a big grin and yell, “Done!” And there I would sit, with about seven cards remaining in my pile – pretty much the exact amount of extra cards I have been giving to myself for years.

You would think I would have figured this out before he beat me three times in a row…

So from now on, I will be dividing the cards evenly, and hoping that maybe, just maybe, I will still be able to win a few games when we play together.

If not, maybe I should consider make his card pile just a little taller.

I’m kidding. I may be competitive, but I’m not a cheater. 

I may, however, try to throw out a distraction every once in a while when I see his pile getting low. “Look! Larry Boy and Bob the Tomato are watching you from the window!”

Okay fine, I won’t do that either.

All this to say, I highly recommend the game of Blink as a great socking stuffer for your “big kids” this Christmas. I’d say kids can generally play this beginning at age five – but even my teenager enjoys it, as do I. Even when I don’t win. ;)

If you want, I can send Malachi over to teach you how to play. But watch out. The kid is fast. 

P.S. Hmm. I just noticed that there is  Blink – Bible Edition. That’s kinda fun.

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