Cinnamon Raisin Toaster Rolls

I wanted to call these cinnamon raisin 'english muffins', but since I didn't prepare them in an official english muffin pan I decided to call them toaster rolls :) But really they alleviate the missing of a good ol' english muffin or even bagel. They are without yeast...eggs...dairy and of course gluten. Which is crazy.... because they are actually still wonderful... or more so ;)

Yes, it's another breakfast recipe. And yes it is also another rendition of my bread recipe. I use that simple recipe as a base to so many of my takes on doughs and breads.  I also realized as I was typing out this post that I made this cinnamon raisin bread 3 years ago almost to the day and it's basically the same recipe- just a few changes and the obvious difference in rolling out the dough instead of a large loaf. Both options are great and it's so funny to me how cinnamon raisin goodness MUST be a serious comfort food for me in the dead of winter ;)

I love how you can toast these up so easily. I love the crispy edges. I love the soft and sweet raisins. I love the chewy middles and the way the butter and jam melts on a toasted finish. I usually can't make up my mind if I want some ghee and honey, or some vegan butter, or homemade jam, or even a special treat of some vegan cream cheese. Or go for the nut or seed butter... the list goes on and on...

There is something genuinely comforting about the smell of the cinnamon and raisins in the morning. It's a wonderfully safe winter wake-up call aroma. It's like it's there to tell you that it's ok to pull down the warm quilts and face the day head on and feet on the ground. And, I know I feel hopeful when the day starts out like this ;) That is my hope for you as well... maybe you don't live in a cold winter climate like me, and maybe you don't really care about 'english muffins' or cinnamon and raisins (haha!), but my hope for you is that you can start to have a healthy and balanced relationship with food again and that recipes like these only help bring a little bread-redemption to your life. Happy Baking, friends xoxo

Cinnamon Raisin Toaster Rolls Recipe
{gluten, dairy, egg, yeast, nut, seed, soy and sugar-free}

3 TB of psyllium husk powder
1 cup of non-dairy milk
1 cup of water
1 TB of blackstrap molasses
1 TB pure honey
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
2 TB of olive oil
1 TB of ground cinnamon powder
3/4 cup of organic raisins

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the psyllium husk powder, water, milk and apple cider vinegar together. It will turn into a thickened blob in a few minutes, then whisk in the oil, molasses and honey in together. *You can sub the honey for maple syrup if you are a strict vegan* and then add the cinnamon and raisins and let sit together for a few minutes before adding the dry ingredients...

Then, add all of the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until all of the flour is blended, but be careful to not over mix and make it too sticky. 

2 cups of finely ground certified gluten-free oat flour (I grind my own from GF rolled oats)
1 cup of white rice flour
1/4 cup of tapioca flour
1/4 cup of potato starch
2 ts. of baking powder
1 ts. of baking soda
1 ts. of sea salt

It will be spongy and you can dump the dough on a parchment paper or wood cutting board. Use more rice or oat flout to knead the raisins well into the dough and also sprinkle with a tad more rice flour if needed to help roll the dough into a ball, cut in half and then each half into 6 parts. Then into 12 parts. Form a ball with each part and smash and roll into a palm-sized patty. 

Place all of them on a parchment paper 11x15 baking sheet and bake 

in a 375 degree oven for 22-25 minutes. Until golden and crispy.

Let the rolls cool completely, then take a seated bread knife and cut each roll so that it is ready to toast in the morning or even make an easy to-go sandwich on. It is also great to freeze like this and pull from the freezer and pop in the toaster oven to defrost and toast. 

Yep, I know what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow :) 

Much light and love (and warmth ;) to you xoxo

Homemade Pizza Crust {gluten, dairy, egg and yeast-free}

Pizza... either you dream of it or despise it in your newly made gluten-free life. I understand. Mostly I miss the convenience of just ordering a pizza like it's no thang. The nostalgia....oh and so easy.... and loved by most. And let's be honest... pizza and your favorite drink of bubbly [mine currently is grape kombucha ;)] is just the BEST home-date-night food with your love [and holey comfy clothes, faithful couch and your favorite show]!  Plus, I love the creativity of colors, flavors and textures of making homemade pizzas. I grew up on making homemade pizza dough weekly and that's why I probably ached to find a recipe to start making for my own little family. Friday night is now known as pizza night in our house... and my son reminds me most nights of the week how many days till Friday because of it ;)

Although I am just sharing, I actually have been making this dough for years. It is based on 'my bread' recipe with a few adjustments that I have developed over the years to make it a crispy crust and a softer-chewier center and all around great crust. It also has no yeast- or eggs- so it is VERY allergy friendly, not to mention wonderful to not have to wait for anything yeast-rising or proofing. It is just ready to go after you whip it up and roll it out. Like magic ;)

The recipe makes 4 personal-sized pizza doughs, or 2 large, or 3 mediums. I usually end up making 3 different pizzas in our house. One for the dairy-lover, one for the dairy-free and even one for the just sauce and toppings and no cheese/cheeze too. So yes, we have our fair share of allergies and opinions around these parts. Which makes creating your own personal pizza that more fun. They also freeze GREAT- so roll out and bake an extra, then freeze to be ready to just pull out and top with your toppings and bake- its the closest thing to frozen pizza if you ask me :)

The beauty of pizza is that you can make it what you like. Oh the toppings and combos I have made over the years! Some of my favorites have included using a hot pepper jelly, cilantro, leftover BBQ shredded chicken, with fresh herbs and a possible sprinkle of goat cheese ;) I love the sweet, spicy combo almost always and so having a fruit (apples, pineapple, pears, raisins) addition is totally my favorite. Another great topping was caramelized onions and apples over a pizza with BBQ chicken and forgo the cheese option altogether.  That is fab too. My go-to, have in the fridge already combo is peppers, onions, kale, sausage, and herbs and cheese option (Daiya is pictured, but we have used goat, organic mozzarella and other local farm cheese combos). We have one child with severe dairy allergies in the house, and a child that can tolerate and LOVES cheese, so I am NON-judgmental when it comes to whatever kind of cheese or no cheese you add to a pizza. It really is what you make it and I have had some great pizzas with and without it too. So don't let the cheese discourage you from making a pizza.....pile it high with veggies, slaw, saute, more sauce or whatever makes you happy and your body can still feel great too.

Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe
{gluten, yeast, dairy, egg, nut, seed, soy and sugar-free}

4 TB of psyllium husk powder
1 cup of pure water
3/4 cup of non-dairy milk (I used coconut milk beverage) Or even add more water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
2 TB of honey
2 TB of olive oil

In a large mixing bowl, whisk up the above well until it starts to thicken and make sure NO clumps. Then add in the following dry ingredients...

1 1/2 cup of finely ground certified GF oat flour (I ground GF rolled oats to make flour)
1 cup of white rice flour* (plus 1/2 cup more for kneading and rolling out)
1/3 cup of potato starch
1/3 cup of tapioca flour
2 ts. of baking powder
1 ts. of sea salt
1 ts. of baking soda

Use a spatula to first mix up the wet and dry together well. Then start to use your hands to knead and roll the dough into a large ball. Use a sprinkle of more rice flour if it is sticky when you knead to get a nice large ball of dough. If you are making personal pizzas.... cut the ball into 4 quarters. Otherwise, break up the big lump into 2-3 pieces and place each ball onto a parchment paper with a sprinkle of rice flour. Roll out with a rolling pin into a 6x6 inch for personal circle and then to get perfect edges, cut with a clean pizza cutter roller and make the sharp edge. Use the remaining dough cut off in another lump of dough until you are done.

Then bake the crusts first before adding toppings in a 375-400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. I left a range for tempts and times because each person varies on whether they like crispy/crunchy  or a softer crust. That is up to you ;) Bake and let sit for 15 minutes before adding toppings or let cool completely and have ready for the dinner hour, or wrap up and put in the freezer. 

*You can also sub in different flours for the oat, and rice. If you are trying to avoid those grains, you can sub buckwheat for the oats, millet for the rice and quinoa to cover the rest. That is a protein rich combo as well. It is a bit more earthy tasting and perhaps a little more "healthy granola crunchy" tasting. But still does the job if you have been on a strict grain-free diet- it is a good starting place to add in the easier digesting grains or some even call them seed grains because they are much more commonly digested like seeds over grains. 

After your crusts are ready, add your favorite sauce and toppings and bake for another 15-20 minutes in a 375-400 degree oven. I have found that baking at a higher tempt with shorter time gets the toppings right where I like them, but also a slower bake works too.... Another thing based on preference. So just watch it carefully so that you don't burn. I have also found baking closest to the middle section of any oven proves the best results. 

Now it's time to settle in and ENJOY! I love pizza night just as much as the kids, so I guess I shouldn't blame it all on them that it stuck :) It is such a great family night and a way to add some traditions and routine into our home. I hope you give this recipe a try and find your own groove with it and enjoy it as much as us. Much love as always. xoxo

Buckwheat-Quinoa-Date Porridge

This is reminiscent of a childhood favorite of mine. It reminds me of eating grits and cocoa wheats and creamed wheat hot cereals while growing up. I loved them then, and I love them now- but minus the wheat and gluten part of course. My favorite porridge is made from a buckwheat/quinoa mixture and then more recently I discovered that adding some date puree to the mix adds so much flavor, texture and then you don't have to add any other sweetener, unless wanted. It was a home-run discovery for me. I can't believe it took me so long. Duh! Dates! It is so caramel-ly creamy and there is no sugar---Amazingness!

You may not be a porridge person because of the texture. Well, I challenge you to try some by adding in some of the crunchy textures you may like... added toasted nuts or seeds or even some fresh or stewed fruit. I'm a fan of adding a dollop of ghee or butter of choice, a drizzle of coconut milk or even some tart greek yogurt, and some jam. It is an all time favorite breakfast that leaves me full till the lunch hour.

Buckwheat-Quinoa-Date Porridge Recipe
{free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, sugar and soy}

First- make a blend of the ground grains to keep in the pantry for a quick breakfast...
I put in 1/2-1 cup of both: quinoa and buckwheat groats.... put in a high powered blender {vitamix, ninja, ect...} Blend on high until you get a powdery flour mix of the mixed buckwheat and quinoa

Also, you may need to make some date puree- I have been keeping some in the fridge ready-made to use in recipes such as this... So you soak 1 cup of dates with 1 cup of boiling water and can do more or less of portions depending on how you want to store it. Soak in boiling water for 10 minutes (or could overnight as well). Then blend in a high powered blender and you get a pudding-like creamy date puree.

Now that you have your staples.... you can whip up this porridge in a jif. For one-serving or for the whole family....

for one-serving
1/4 cup of finely ground quinoa and buckwheat groats mixture
1 cup of pure water
1/2 cup of date puree
pinch of sea salt

for 2-3 servings (doubled) 
1/2 cup of finely ground quinoa and buckwheat groats mixture
2 cups of pure water
1 cup of date puree
1/2 ts. of sea salt

Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk continually until it comes to a boil and is bubbling and it thickens up quite nicely. It should be a thick creamy substance in about 5 minutes. You want to make sure and NOT leave this on the stove after you whisk together for the first time. This will leave it clumpy and sticking to the bottom. Just whisk together continually and fast for 5 minutes and you will have the best porridge around!

Top with some goodies:
ghee or butter of choice
berries or jam
milk or yogurt
nuts or seeds

Yes, I am a porridge-loving person so I am most likely biased....But this is a damn good way to start  a cold and dreary January day ;)

Much love and light, friends. xoxo

Cardamom Pear Muffins

Cardamom + Pears = Confidence. The flavors are simple, but very much on pointe. They don't mess around. They get right too it. The kind of rich, deep flavor that doesn't skirt away from who it really is. Authentic. Truthful. And oh so lovely.  These loves are soft and oozy-good right from the warm oven. They give off a simple confidence that they know how to make it through life. They got it going on. They've got nothin' to hide and all the right steps to make it.

I think that's just what you want in a muffin. Oh to be so confident in one's own skin and flavor. It's to be strived for. It's to be aspired too. I dare say I would jump-in after, latch-on, and follow it's lead. How can one just taste and see such goodness and then wonder? One must be so blessed that the need to turn around and bless some more in return seems the only way to continue. Sharing in the confidence and bravery is the best result.

Cardamom Pear Muffin Recipe
{gluten, dairy, egg, seed, nut and refined-sugar-free}

1 1/4 cup of ground GF oat flour
1/2 cup of white rice flour
1/3 cup of coconut palm sugar
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup of potato starch
2 TB of coconut flour
1 ts. of baking soda
1 ts. of sea salt
2 ts. of baking powder (I use Hain brand for corn-free)
1 TB of ground cardamom

3/4 cup of date puree- This involves pouring 3/4 cup boiling water over 3/4 cup of pitted dates and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes and then blending in a high powered blender to whip up a creamy date-pudding like substance

1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup of coconut milk beverage (or other non-dairy milk)
1 TB of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of maple syrup
2 small fresh pears finely diced and stewed in a saucepan until soft and reduced with a drizzle of water and maple syrup (about 1/4 cup of each) Makes about 3/4-1 cup of  stewed pears for muffins

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Then add in the wet and whisk together well. Pour into 12 muffin tins and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-28 minutes until browned tops and stiff. Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Store in a cool dry place to last longer.

Hope you give these sweet and confident babies a try :)

Much love, xoxo

Immunity Boosting Berry Chia Jam

There are seemingly many days in the winter months (in Michigan at least) that are cold, dark, dreary and just make you feel like your in a hibernating hole. Then there are days when the winter sun shines bright all day from the rise to the sunset- which is only for like 8 hours- but still a glorious sight. You may be a summer-lover, and I totally understand- I am too! But I have also been falling deep in love with the winter. The season to recharge from the buzzing around and the busy energy of spring and summer. It is also still a great time to get outside (while very bundled up!) and walk in the woods or by water or in the fresh falling snow. You will then notice a very still and quiet space there as well. Such a magical and emotional world to tap into the soul.

Winters can also bring on an onslaught of emotions and energies. It is a good time to rest, recharge, stay cozy and nourish one's self in many ways. It is a time to bring inward more ways of quiet, stillness, and calm to your life. Some of these little steps I take are through... deep breathing, yoga and meditation, warm tea and journalling, outdoor walks, epsom salt baths, nourishing soups that last for days, and homemade bread and jam.

I find myself wanting to make bread in January. I look back in my recipe archives in the brain and elsewhere ;)... and that is when most of my bread recipes are inspired and created. I think it must be a reflection of the desire to be nourished during these slower days inside. Bread is a symbol, and rightly so, as a staple to life. A daily blessings and gift to fulfill the basic needs of hunger.  And like you know as being a gluten-free friend- this got super tricky after the diagnosis. Bread became the enemy and the source of mockery for your life. I felt that same way until I finally restored this belief after stumbling into the making of my bread. It brought a kind of redemption to the story for me.

And....when you have a favorite bread recipe that brings life to your being- it only gets better with jam. And this jam fits the bill this winter being packed full of nutrient dense and immune boosting ingredients. Ginger, oranges, elderberry, honey, blueberries, cranberries and strawberries...it's basically a medicinal antidote to the cold and flu season if you ask me.

In the jam, I use berries that I dug out of the deep freezer in the basement. I'm sure you remember my July and August posts of picking fresh berries and unintentional bragging of my bounty. All that work is really for occasions and recipes such as this. It's so lovely to pull out berries and have a little taste of summer in the winter. It is like a little reminder with each bite that summer is coming again and also brings a full heart of gratitude for the months past of gathering the bounty of berries.

Immunity Boosting Berry Chia Jam Recipe
2 cups of frozen blueberries
2 cups of frozen cranberries or raspberries
2 cups of frozen strawberries
1 cup of very concentrated elderberry tea*
1/2 cup of juice (I used Antioxidant Force by Smart Juice) but you could use pomegranate or other no sugar fruit juice like cherry, berry mix, or grape. Or at the least you could use water as well.
2 TB of grated fresh ginger
1 organic orange grated for zest and squeezed for juice (could easily sub a lemon)
1/3 cup of pure raw honey
drizzle of maple syrup (or add 1/4 cup more of honey)
pinch of sea salt
pinch to 1 ts. of pumpkin pie spice blend
1/2 cup of whole chia seeds

*Soak 1/2 cup of dried elderberries in 1 quart jar of boiling water and let sit for overnight or longer and then drain the berries out and you have elderberry tea. You could also sub in some already made elderberry syrup if you used up your berries already making that and have it on hand- but you would only use 1/2 cup of the elderberry syrup and add 1/2 cup water. And since the honey is in the syrup as well you may decide to not add as much honey in the rest of the recipe. 


In a medium saucepan, pour in the 6 cups of frozen berries with the tea and the juice and let cook to defrost and get soft. Then add in the ginger and orange juice and zest and bring to a soft boil and bubble and cook from any where to 10-15 minutes until the berries are very hot, juicy and mushy. Then use an immersion blender to blend in half of the mixture to be more smooth and have less chunky fruit. After this it looks like a fruit soup. Then add in the honey and syrup and stir well while it softly bubbles and boils. Turn off the heat and then add in the chia seeds. Stir in well so not to be clumpy and then let it sit in the pan and cool and let the chia seeds soak up the moisture and turn into a thick jammy substance. When it cools for 10-15 minutes you can pour into jars to continue to cool and thicken in the fridge. This recipe makes 3 pint jars. You can half it if you are looking to make less or you can also freeze and then thaw out when needed.

Hope you are staying warm and cozy and finding new levels of love for winter.
Much love and light, xoxo

Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Everyone needs a good balanced "treat" recipe. And this one is a spin on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie with some nourishing ingredients. Yes, there is the chocolate treats, and cakes and such, but sometimes you are trying to eat a little less indulgence after the holidays and focus on eating more whole foods- I get it! These cookies might as well be a granola bar in my opinion, but then once you form it into a cookie you celebrate like it's a treat. And maybe you do, but it can really also just be a great snack and goodie-to-go for yourself and the kids.

This cookie is pure goodness. Yet, somehow paired with tea time it does seem like a celebration.

I made these yummies with some leftover pumpkin puree. Then I added some few pinches of pumpkin spice blend and it was a magical addition to any oatmeal raisin goodness.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe
{gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nut, seed and refined sugar-free}
2 cups of rolled GF oats
3/4 cup of GF oat flour
1/2 cup of rice flour
1/3 cup of tapioca flour
1/2 ts. of baking soda
1/2 ts. of sea salt
1/2 ts. of pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup of pumpkin puree
1/4 cup of applesauce
1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
2/3 cup of coconut palm sugar
1/3 cup of avocado oil
1/4 cup of softened coconut oil
3/4 cup of organic raisins

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl first, then add in the wet and mix well with a spatula until it is a sticky ball. Then fold in the raisins last. Let batter sit for 10 minutes in the fridge and then you are ready to scoop out 1 TB sized pieces of dough and roll and spread out on the baking sheet. I was able to bake 15 on a parchment-covered baking 12x15 baking sheet. This recipe will make about 30 cookies. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-14 minutes. 

Much love and light, xoxo

Fresh Thyme Frittata Cups

Here is another great breakfast creation. Another great way to start your day on a positive note of nourishment and making good choices. Yes, I don't normally post a lot of egg recipes. In fact, we don't do many egg dishes at our house because of allergies (as you can tell from my egg-free baking ;). Still there are a few in our house that love eggs and this is a great way to make some and store some away for the week to warm up and go. So I understand if this is not an option for you- but maybe it is- and if it is you got to try this simple way of making a batch of frittata cups. 

How could you not want to start your day with these bright yellow rays of sunshine? Maybe they should be also known as, "breakfast sunshine cups" but also known as..."a creation you don't really need a recipe for" and "could have hundreds of great combos". Really. I made these on a whim with the ingredients I had in the house, but you could make them with your favorite veggies and herbs and get a great result as well.

I once was a part of a breakfast experiment for part of my holistic health training and it had something to do like this.... each day of the week you make a different breakfast creation and then document how you felt afterward or until lunch. So you have a day with a juice or smoothie, a day of eggs, a day of oatmeal, a day of granola or seeds and nut bar option, and then there is always the whole grain toast or muffin option as well. You are looking to see how your body responds to the differing amounts of proteins, carbs and possibly sugars. Yeah, I usually don't pay attention to the micro/macro-nutrients of foods because I am mostly interested in if the food is fresh, whole foods that don't create allergic reactions or inflammation. But I think this little experiment does something great- it allows one to find a little intuition on what is a great breakfast option for their body to start the day. Some work best with eggs, some work best with a bowl of oats, some work best with a fresh juice and an energy bar. And sometimes its different depending on the season. The experiment allows one to ask the body what it needs and then make the choices to make that happen so you can start the day the best way you can. In one season of my life, a smoothie and a bit of granola was what my body wanted. And I always love a bit of porridge or oatmeal in the winter months to warm up in the morning, but I also love the boost that a few eggs and all that protein and greens offer first thing too. So- I say all of this to offer a bit of experimenting to your food-life if you feel like you are in a rut. It may seem a little risky if you are still afraid of food that may make you sick and have been eating the same thing for most days. And that ok too. And maybe eggs are not for you- then don't try them but try some other options like porridge, stirfry, even soups. It is baby steps. Breakfast is a good place to start. 

Fresh Thyme Frittata Cups Recipe

1/2 cup of sweet onion (or a mix of green onions and white onion)

1/2 cup of finely chopped green pepper

1/2 cup of finely chopped greens (I used kale this time)

1 cup of finely chopped sauted mushrooms OR 1 cup of chopped sausage of choice

1/4 ts. of sea salt and black pepper

2 TB- large handful of fresh thyme + more for topping

10 large or 12 small farm fresh eggs

1 cup of milk of choice (I use coconut or rice usually- but you can use water too)

a pinch of sea salt and black pepper

other veggie options:

1/2 cup of shredded carrots or root veggies

use of other greens or fresh herbs

(garlic, shallots, green onion, leeks)

In a large saucepan, sauce the finely chopped veggies and sausage. Cook until it is all soft and smells amazing! Then in a 12 cup muffin tin, make sure it is cleaned well and rubbed with ghee or organic butter of choice- then evenly distribute the veggies sausage mix in each muffin cup about half way full. 

In a large quart measuring cup mix up the 10 eggs and 1 cup of milk and get a frothy egg mix. Ad in a pinch of sea salt and black pepper here too. then pour the mix over each muffin cup full of veggie mix. Fill 3/4 full and then top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes and then let cool and set for 10-15 minutes before digging out. The butter helps it pop from the tin- oil gets more stuck. Also after letting it sit for the few minutes allows it to pull away from the tin as well. It was pretty easy pulling out and placing on a plate about 10-15 minutes later. Eat warm, or when they are cooled too- They are amazing regardless. 

Dress up with salsa- potatoes, or just by itself. They are a fun option for brunches or parties or little gatherings. They are cute and packed full of flavor and nutrients. I bet once you make them you will be thinking of other great options for combos and how to make them fantastic. That is why I say they really don't need a recipe per say- but I guess it helps to know the general amounts of veggie to egg ratio for the 12 muffin cups. I hope this recipe finds you ready to experiment and start your day well.

Happy Breakfast, friends!

Much love and light, xoxo

Overnight Soaked and Baked Oatmeal

Happy New Year! A week late ;) But still basking in the newness of January after the holidays. I'm not really a resolutions person lately. I think I was in the past for some years there. I think I want to believe that any day can be a FRESH NEW start even if it is a random day in the middle of the week with no holiday to celebrate. I think I know this after being through a plethora of my own setbacks, traumas, and new beginnings. Sometimes the event or day just happens. And sometimes, yes, you have to make it happen. So either way you have to find what would bring the best source of health and balance for you. So maybe it is resolutions and goals, or maybe it is a word for the year, or maybe a theme. I think all of those things are amazing. I love seeing a person grab onto something and make it a part of there life with passion and force. I've seen change happen this way. It is a powerful thing to watch and create.

So, here we are 2017- maybe you have been trying to set goals for healthy living and eating, and breathing and movement- or all of the above- I am there with you. I have been forcing myself to get some form of movement in every day. The treadmill, a yoga class, dancing. But for me it is just as much a help for my mental state as it is for my body- the mind-body-soul connection happening. This is a goal of mine I guess you could say.

And this recipe is here to help you on this journey. It is an easy make before bed and bake in the morning while you trying to get out the door or while you are spending some time on the mat or in meditation. This is a great choice to start out the day and it isn't super difficult to make it happen. I know this to be true about myself, that starting the day with a few simple positive choices, the whole day seems to stay focused. And being focused is where I want to be!

Overnight Soaked and Baked Oatmeal Recipe
{gluten, dairy, soy, egg and refined-sugar free}

2 1/2 cups of rolled GF oats
1/2 cup of chopped dates
1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
1/4 cup of coconut palm sugar
1 apple finely chopped (optional) (you could add other fruit)
1 ts of ground cinnamon
1/2 ts. of ground cardamom
1/2 ts. of ground ginger
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cloves
2 cups of milk of choice (I used coconut milk beverage)
1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seed

optional: sprinkle from frozen blueberries onto before soaking
optional #2: 1/4-1/2 cup sprinkle of roasted almonds or walnuts

In a mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and stir together and then pour into a glass 9x9 pyrex pan.   You can sprinkle some frozen blueberries or nuts on top. It is very loose, but it will soak and sit overnight (or 3-4 hours works too) and then you can eat just like that, so to warm up put in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Then scoop into bowls and serve with a an added drizzle of maple syrup, ghee, butter of choice and milk of choice. Or even a dollop of greek yogurt and a fresh fruit. 

This recipe fills a 9x9 pan, if you want to fill a 9x13 pan then add 1 more cup of oats and 1 more cup of milk, and additional dates, nuts and seeds of your preference. The dates add a caramelly taste and crunch to the dish to perfection.

This recipe is very similar to my Raw Breakfast Museli but this is a baked version to warm you well over the winter months with added spice and baking. 

Hope you are starting 2017 well. Don't give up and keep going...

Much love and light xoxo