Pumpkin 'Nog Chia Pudding (vegan) + So Delicious GIVEAWAY

Hello Friends, here is my newest favorite pumpkin recipe to share. I mentioned in my last post that this may be a nice recipe for the adults to enjoy...which is completely true, BUT, it is also great for kids too! So, gather your pumpkin, chia seeds, and head to the store to get some of this amazing vegan 'nog by So Delicious and you will be ready to make some of this perfect holiday pudding.

This recipe was inspired by a few blogs: Oh She Glows and Choosing Raw. But, I wanted to make a little twist with some Nog, and all the thanks goes to So Delicious for this one! The kind people at So Delicious were gracious enough to send me some samples of their holiday nog to try and review and then share with some of you (more details below...)

Truth is, I haven't had egg nog in many years, and I vaguely remember I used to love it. And not until I tried this great vegan version from So Delicious, I had forgotten about it's creamy lasting texture and divine taste. Hmmm, so wonderful and comforting. Also, this drink allows holiday season nostalgia fall over you in and out.

Also, this vegan nog is made with organic, NON-GMO, certified vegan and gluten-free ingredients and does not contain any garbage or artificial anything. The Chocolate Mint Beverage is also amazing. I was hoarding it all from my husband, until the last glass I completely shared with him. He couldn't believe how good it was!

I have been telling everyone I know that this is seriously a yummy holiday treat to try this season. So along with anything I have tried from So Delicious, I can proudly say I loved their product and I love what they stand for. Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, but was given a sample of the product to try and review. Also, the opinion of this product/company is just that, an opinion.

And, the good news is...I have VIP coupons to give away to 2 of you to try a container of nog (or any other So Delicious product) you may want. Details will be below, but for now the pudding recipe...

Pumpkin 'Nog Chia Pudding Recipe (vegan)

1 1/2 cup of fresh pumpkin puree (fresh or canned will work)

1 1/2 cup of So Delicious Nog

2 heaping TB's of chia seeds

1 1/2 ts. of pumpkin pie spice

sweetener of choice: 1 ts. of stevia powder, 1-2 TB of maple syrup or coconut palm sugar

optional topping:

Enjoy Life allergen-free mini chocolate chips

Craisins or raisins

Molasses Cookies

Pumpkin Chia Cookies

Gingerbread cookies

So Delicious Nog

Fresh Pumpkin Puree

Chia Seeds

Whisk the nog, pumpkin, chia seeds and spice together in a large glass bowl. Add the sweetener you like and taste to see if it is to your liking. Then cover and put the bowl in the fridge overnight or at least up to 3 hours. Then your seed will have gelled and become like a tapioca-like seed and viola you have pudding.

Some notes:

You can obviously make this recipe like the blogs I referenced earlier, but I would suggest that if you can get your hands of this delicious nog from So Delicious, that you must make this version of the pudding. It is a perfect union of egg nog and pumpkin pie. Perfect for any upcoming holiday... and did I mention that chia seeds and pumpkin and even the coconut nog are healthy for you?! This is a health treat and you can feel completely wonderful about your choice for this treat instead of, say, real calorie filled egg nog and a slice of pie that has more calories and sugar than you probably know.

I love the simplicity of this fabulous recipe. You must try this dish this holiday season. Put some of this pudding in a fancy cup and you have a special treat. This recipe will serve 4 people, but can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger amount of people. You could also put a little bits in party cups with spoon and you could serve on a platter. This is such a yummy treat it will have you really thinking of great ideas to share and serve.

Now for the awaited giveaway details (the best part, because I love sharing!):

So friends, the only requirement to get in the running for this giveaway is to leave a comment on this blog post. If you want to get another chance at winning, then become a follower of So Delicious on facebook, and leave another comment saying you did so... and for a third chance you can become a follower of my blog (on the right hand side of the home page of my blog). So all together you can have 3 chances to win.

I will pick TWO winners using random.org on November 2, at 9pm EST...so you have 6 days to enter yourself and then tell your friends! This giveaway is only valid for US residents. Thanks and good luck.

Well, that is all I have for you today. Get your name in the drawing for this giveaway-totally worth the try.

I hope you have a great (and safe) weekend, with lots of fall fun and maybe some halloween treats (and tricks!)

Much love to you as always.

Coconut Applesauce Rice Pudding (gf, vegan) + Rice Select Review and GIVEAWAY

Rice pudding is a well-known comfort food for many. I am not sure if it is the warm milk and creamy rice or if it is just Grandma's recipe that matters. It is a gluten-free favorite though, and I thought, I would try my hand at making the comfort food with a little fall twist of some homemade applesauce. After all, I do have apples and sauce coming out of my ears. I still had a half bushel of apples, and then yesterday I went to the orchard again and bought another bushel. I'm crazy! Crazy about apples. Especially Michigan apples that I can save in my basement to almost the new year. I miss them when they are gone, and so I do my best to save as many as I can. Homemade applesauce I use in many baking recipes and now that I have a babe that will appreciate the applesauce too, I feel like I need to try and make as much as I can.

This time of year I am reminded of how the work is to save food for the whole year. I try my best to save some fruits and veggies with freezing and canning, but I some how always feel like I can't get or do enough. Which brings up another topic or feeling of how perfection in the kitchen can sometimes overwhelm you and make you feel continually unhappy. I am talking about orthorexia here...even as it relates to food sensitivities and allergies.

Orthorexia is an eating disorder, fixation or and unhealthy over-concern to have a very strict or "righteous" diet. And many times I have seen this be the disorder that comes from people that have had a past eating disorder or anorexia or bulimia, and then they move from one un-health to the other.

I understand the fixation though if you are a gluten-free person... especially if you are new to it. You are trying your absolute best to live a life pure of gluten and you might have to appear to be a bit obsessive over it for a while until you get the hang of it (or until people and loved ones around you get the idea!) BUT, with all that said, I think it is a good thing to have a healthy reminder that food is just food, and that you are bigger than that, and your identity isn't whether you are gluten-free queen, a health junky or an obsessed health freak. Yes, I have been called all of these at one point or another, but it is a good reminder to me that I might need to take a step back and remind myself that I am more than just what I eat.

I am a strong woman, a child of God, a mother, a wife, a daughter. And, yes, I am a health counsellor, so I have the opportunity to encourage people to make the changes they need to start on a cleaner path to real food. But also, it is a gentle reminder that we must pursue balance and have self awareness that we are not all on the same exact path to health and that our "right" diet does not rule us. A sure sign of having an in-balance over your diet and how strict you are is whether or not you carry anxiety over what you eat or your family eats. Hear me correctly here, I am not saying that eating a pure gluten-free, dairy-free, or real food pure diet is a wrong thing...I happen to think it is a very great thing, but if the diet is causing you extreme anxiety and exhaustion, you may have to be reminded that it is not your identity. You are a creative, powerful and amazing individual and you may just need to be reminded that again and again. Food does not control you.

Food is your life source and that is why it is so important to not let it control you. If you let it control you then you will find less and less pleasure in eating, and food will become your enemy. Real, fresh and plant food is beautiful. It should be a pleasure to try and experiment. It should be a source of joy and bring a sense of gratitude. So, friends, I pray that you find a balance with your diet and if it seem to complicated...then return to the basics.

That is where this rice pudding comes into light. It is a simple, comfort food for the gluten-free soul and will bring a simple twist of spice that will have you forgetting the complexities of the gluten-free diet. I hope you find rest and balance today friend and know that perfection in the kitchen is not an art to be achieved, but rather the search for more balance, hope and healing surrounding food is worth the journey. Much love and light to you today!

Coconut Applesauce Rice Pudding Dessert Recipe

3 cups of cooked rice (I used Basmati rice, but small grain brown rice is another favorite)

1 TB of extra virgin coconut oil

1 1/2 cups of So Delicious coconut milk beverage (or make it creamier with 1 1/2 cup of pure fat coconut milk from the can)

1 1/2 cup of fresh homemade applesauce

4 TB of maple syrup 

1 TB of pure vanilla (or So Delicious French Vanilla Coffee Creamer)

1 ts. of apple pie spice (or cinnamon)

sprinkles of cardemon, cloves, and nutmeg

additional options: handful of either shredded coconut, craisins or raisins, or even more fresh grated apple for serving

NOTE: I like to make my rice pudding with already cooked rice (1 cup rice to 2 cups water, I add 1 TB of coconut oil and sprinkle of sea salt as well). But you can make this rice pudding with dried rice from scratch as well. Just add 1 more cup of milk and 1 more cup of applesauce and you should have enough moisture to come up with the same results.

Here is the steps to my rice pudding:

1. Cook the rice with a TB of coconut oil and a touch of sea salt. I actually made a big pot of basmati rice to have with my Apple Pumpkin Chicken Curry and had some leftover to make pudding with the next day. So I used 3 cups of already cooked (leftover) rice.

2. Put 1 TB of coconut oil in a medium pot, add the cooked rice, coconut milk and applesauce. Stir on high heat until the milk is bubbling, and then turn down the heat to a simmer. Add your spices and let simmer and moisture mix and soak in for about 20 minutes. After about 20 minutes, turn off the heat and add your other optional ingredients, and then let sit to cool for about 10 minutes before pouring into serving glasses or glass bowl to serve. You can either put in the fridge to stiffen up and serve chilled, or serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and syrup. Recipe will serve 4-6 people.

Now for a review of the Rice Select Basmati Rice that I used. I was given a sample of this rice to try and then share what I think with you. To be honest I am not rice expert, and it really has taken me a while to make rice just right...but there are some things I like to see with what kind of rice that I buy and here are some great aspects to this Rice Select's Basmati...

-Rice Select, is a company dedicated to a gluten-free and vegan environment.

-Their product is "born and raised" in the USA so they are able to guarantee that it is not a mixed grain product. Plus they support sustainable agriculture with less waste, pollution and pesticides.

-They are not genetically modified, and they are a part of the NON-GMO Project, which is an amazing stamp of goodness these days now that our food is so processed and has so many questions about how it was made or "bred".

-The bottles that you buy the rice in are BPA-free, so you do not have to worry about a plastic wrap or bag or container leaking any chemicals into your rice. Plus, plus!

I also found that their basmati rice was full of rich nutty flavor and cooked very well without leaving too much grime or slime in the pot. I was very impressed with how versitle basmati rice can be. Perfect for a curry dinner, but also great for this pudding recipe, and adding to soups, stew, meatballs and more.

Disclosure: I was not paid to state my opinion of this product, but was given a sample from the company to try. The opinions are of my own and I was happy to support this company because of their devotion to providing USA born rice that is committed to being a NON-GMO product!

If you are interested in trying some of your own, the company's website offers coupons occasionally to print off here. Also, you can hear of samples and coupons by "liking" them on their facebook page, here. And, I would also look for it at your local market to see if it is carried close to home. If not you can always try it by ordering it off of their website.

ALSO.... last but not least, Rice Select would love to gift one of my readers with a nice tote and sample of their product, so if you are interested in receiving some FREE rice and a gift tote (HELLO, who wouldn't?) then all you must do is leave a comment on this blog post with your favorite way to use or eat rice (I love hearing your stories too ;) The winner will be picked from the most interesting rice dish or combo. Comments and entries will be accepted until Tuesday, October 25th, until 9pm EST. USA entries only, please.

Much love to you as always,

Stephanie

Apple Betty Biscotti (vegan) + GIVEAWAY

Good-day, friends! Did you know that it is 'national coffee day?' I didn't until I was gifted some fabulous vegan creamer from So Delicious. Yes, and did you know that So Delicious Dairy Free makes a coffee creamer that is near perfect?! Well, they do, and I had to try it right away. I myself am more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker. But if I am going to drink coffee I am going to make it a special occasion, with some dainty china cups, coconut creamer and yes, biscotti.

What is a biscotti anyway? Well, it is an Italian cookie that is baked twice to become a crispy biscuit to dunk in a perfectly yummy cup of coffee. Most commonly the cookie is made from pine nuts, almonds or some other nut. I made mine nut-free and add some roughly ground sunflower seeds for a little texture. Plus, why not make some with a touch of spicy applesauce to celebrate the fall spirit. Delish!

They hold up quite nice and are even dunk-worthy. Which is pretty exciting if you are a gluten-dairy-free lady like me. No need to make a sloppy mess...you can still wear your gloves and keep that hanky nice and clean too ;) The art of being a lady seems to be lost sometimes in our society. Ladies can do everything and anything, but unfortunately we sometimes forget to just sit and enjoy some coffee, some morning light and some good conversation. Let out a little stress today and enjoy some good ol' fun with a friend and have a coffee-date.

P.S. If you are wondering what kind of coffee I am drinking... it is a mix between a decaf and regular organic fair trade coffee. It is pretty good for not having coffee in a while. I also LOVE dandelion root tea, which tastes a lot like coffee. Plus, the benefits of dandelion are on your side for helping your liver function and circulatory system. Today though, I am having the real deal (haha, half-caf is real to me!) and having a special coffee-dipping-treat...apple betty biscotti!

Apple Betty Biscotti Recipe (vegan)

1/2 cup of millet flour

3/4 cup of sweet sorghum flour

1/2 cup of tapioca flour

1/4 cup of coconut flour

1/4 cup of sunflower seed meal (lightly ground raw seeds)

1 TB of baking powder

1 TB of chia seed meal (or flax seed meal)

1/2 ts. of sea salt

2 ts. of ground cinnamon

sprinkle of ground cloves, allspice and nutmeg

1 ts. of ground stevia powder

1/4 cup of coconut palm sugar

1- 6 ounce container of coconut yogurt ( I used So Delicious Greek plain yogurt)

2 TB. of light olive oil or grapeseed oil

3 TB. of homemade applesauce

1 ts. of pure vanilla

2 TB. of So Delicious coffee creamer (or non-dairy milk is fine too)

Mix all of the dry ingredients together first, then add the yogurt, and rest of the wet ingredients. Mix well with a spatula and then your hands. Then roll out and form a long, oval, rectangular loaf on a baking sheet that is covered with some parchment paper. If you need some tapioca flour to help mold it on the sheet, then go for it. After rolling out a 1 inch thick loaf-like, biscuit-dough like oval(really the only way I can think to describe it!)...then sprinkle with more sucanat and cinnamon and rub it in to the top to let it really soak in.

Then with a sharp cerated bread knife slowly slice strips through the loaf. The loaf should slice up about 12-15 nice sized cookies. Then don't worry about it being perfect because we are going to do this process again. Then, insert into a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Bake, pull out, and then let cool for 20 minutes. Then slice through your slices again and turn each cookie on its side . Separate each cookie so that they are not touching. Then put back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.

Pull from the oven, and let cool at least 15 minutes before moving so that they can cool and harden to keep from breaking.

Store in an airtight container on the counter or pantry for 3 days, or else, put in airtight container in the freezer to enjoy later or each time you want to pull one out to have with coffee or tea.

Now, to the part you have been waiting for! I was gifted this lovely creamer from So Delicious and they so generously would like to share some of their product with one of my readers... so, I have to offer...to one of you... 2 VIP coupons to receive 2 FREE products from So Delicious of your choice. Of course, the creamer is amazing to try in your coffee, tea, or even baking, as you have seen in the above recipe.

You can also visit their website to find out more about all of their vegan, gluten-free products. Or your local health or grocery store should carry a lot of what they have to offer as well. The coffee creamer is amazing, the ice cream I have talked on and on about on this blog and they also have kefir and yogurts.

In fact, So Delicious also sent me along some samples of their new Greek yogurt to try. It was very kind of them to share with me and is due to come out on the shelves this October. So, if you are the winner of the coupons you may be able to even find the Greek yogurt to use with your coupons. How wonderful is that!

I can also say that I shamelessly promote this company because of their dedication to the NON-GMO project, organic coconuts, and also being certified gluten-free. They are certified vegan as well. So they are a company I can believe in and feel confident using their product. They really care about their product, people's health and the greater good in the world. I should also say, that I am not getting any financial benefit for saying this. So Delicious did graciously send me some samples and coupons to share with you. So friends, the only requirement to get in the running for this giveaway is to leave a comment on this blog post. If you want to get another chance at winning, then become a follower of So Delicious on facebook, and leave another comment saying you did so... and for a third chance you can become a follower of my blog (on the right hand side of the home page of my blog).

I will pick a winner using random.org on October 2, at 11pm EST...so you have 3 days to enter yourself and then tell your friends! This giveaway is only valid for US residents. Thanks, and good luck!

Many blessings to you today, and happy coffee-fall-coconut creamer-biscotti-kinda day!

Holiday Munch Mix

It's that time of year... the mall parking lot is full to the last spot and the holiday commercials are flooding your mind. Whether or not you have finished your Christmas shopping yet, you may be looking for some creative extra gift giving ideas for friends, neighbors and teachers. There is something about homemade gifts that share more than a gift... they share uniqueness and creative love. I love receiving jams, cookies, and granola. So special to get some tasty treats to try around the holidays or serve at a holiday party. That is how this "munch mix" came into creation. It is super easy and could even be made in a last minute whim for a party "chex" mix kinda treat. I know they make certain chex mix cereals gluten-free so it is possible to probably make the traditional chex mix gluten-free if you wanted. But, this mix is slightly inspired by those delicious sugar and cinnamon roasted almonds that you can find at the mall, or maybe the county fair.

The great thing about this mix is that it is very easy to make, the ingredients are pretty simple and inexpensive, and you can make a big bowl for a party or wrap it all up in cute holiday bags as gifts. It is very simple and fun! A good idea for kids to get involved in gifts for friends and teachers... not to mention a yummy snack later to enjoy. Here is the recipe I used to make this creation...

Holiday Munch Mix Recipe

4 cups of gluten-free Nature's Path Whole O's cereal or other GF cereal of choice

2 cups of almonds (or pecans)

2 cups of dried cranberries

1/2 cup of agave nectar or maple syrup

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

1 TB of pure vanilla

1 ts. of sea salt

2 ts. of ground cinnamon

other optional additions: 1 cup dried coconut, or sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds

Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour onto a parchment paper on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Then pull from the oven, do not touch, it will be very hot and sticky. Let cool for at least 15 minutes, or you can let cool for hours on the counter. When it is cool then mix it again with a spoon and toss in a bowl, or get ready to bag for gifts. I had some cute see-through cellophane bags to package it, then tied it with a ribbon and then had a few cute holiday stickers and also a sticker saying it was a creation from my kitchen. This mix can go a long way in entertaining this holiday season!

I have been trying to get creative in gift giving this year and have been searching other's ideas in making cute, frugal and even nutritious holiday gifts. So... this is just one of them that is an easy, fun addition. Here is another idea to wrap up in a tin or baggy: Cinnamon Vanilla Nuts from the Nourishing Gourmet, or Cookie Mix in a Jar from Elana's Pantry.

I hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

Much love!

Stephanie