CLEAN THINKING: Triple H Cookie Club is at Your Front Door!

"Love cannot remain by itself- it has no meaning.  Love has to be put into action and that action is service." ~Mother Teresa

Ever since returning from Ghana, I knew there was one area of my life I needed to improve upon.  Serving others.  Sometimes its hard to think outside the box.  Sometimes its overwhelming to know where to start.  Sometimes I don't feel like doing it.  Sometimes its inconvenient.  Sometimes...

But during those "sometimes" stages is when God's glory is revealed and I stand back in awe of Who He Is and how He equips me for those "SOMETIMES" moments.   

Let me start by saying, I write this not for any glory or praise.  I'm sure w/ this one little idea that popped into my head there have already been thousands of mom's who've done this, or even better ideas, before me.  Many of you reading this have had your kids serve in soup kitchens, helped w/ charities, foster parent, or maybe even are right now serving on a mission field overseas somewhere.  There are families in the "front lines"...some who are literally risking their lives to share the news of Jesus, and here I am chatting about my little cookie club. Whoop-tee-doo.  But not all of us are CALLED to 3rd World countries.  Not all of us are CALLED to foster or adopt.  Not all of us are CALLED to minster to prostitutes and drug addicts.  But we are all CALLED TO LOVE.  You.  Me.  Called to love others- not with human, temporal, cuz-it-feels-good-love.  We're called to AGAPE love.  AGAPE love has PURPOSE.  And that's what I felt we were lacking at Happy Heart Homestead.  Love with PURPOSE.  

I'm specifically talking about my kids.  They've seen their momma "in action" many times.  They've seen me deliver meals, help out neighbors, pray over friends on the phone, go to hospitals, and even help the turtles cross the street.  We've donated their clothes and toys to good causes and sent care packages across the ocean to orphans.  But they are usually "along for the ride"...and my kids are getting to the age where I'd like to see them take the steering wheel a little.  Have some ownership.  Be aware.  Have AGAPE...love with PURPOSE.  Instead, I feel like I lose them in the modern-day-the-world-revolves-around-me-environment.

Parents, I know you agree with me when I say we live in a "me-focused" society.  (Can I hear an AMEN??)  I can't even go into a Gap store to buy a new t-shirt for my daughter without it reading, "DIVA" or "It's all about Me!"  Boys shirts aren't any better with their slogans like "I'm kind of a big deal" or "It's My Way or the Highway".    On a practical level, how do I instill in the hearts of my children a true desire to SERVE others?  To LOVE others?  To think OUTward, not Inward?  

After a recent trip to the hills of Arkansas, I was very much moved to action.  Again I could feel the Lord whispering to me to continue guiding my children in the area of service.  I just didn't know WHAT or HOW.  After all, my youngest just turned 3 and his world revolves around poop and trains...and my oldest is an overly-cautious and sometimes anxious 5 year old.  Neither of my kids are "Type A"...they tend to need a little push from momma to embrace life and really LIVE.  About 2 weeks ago I was in my kitchen baking some cookies and hashing this very topic out w/ the Lord, asking Him to reveal to me what my kids could do...they need something tangible, something they can take ownership in, something simple...and I looked down in my mixing bowl and had an AHA! moment.  I looked at my kids, both of whom were standing on chairs helping me mix and pour and stir some more...and as clear as day I knew what we could do.  Start a Cookie Club.  Simple.  Tangible.  Serving.  And nothing says love better than a homemade cookie, right?

For 2 weeks we talked about our club.  We made a brochure to hand out that stated who we were and why we deliver cookies.  We talked about the "rules" of to-do's and not-to-do's.  We discussed manners  and how to properly greet people.  

Since both of my kids have some social anxiety, I thought it would be good to "recruit" some extroverted buddies for some positive peer pressure.  We made our cookies.  We printed out our brochures.  We loaded up in the pick-up...and off we went.  5 plates of cookies to deliver to 5 unsuspecting homes.  To see their eyes LIGHT UP was worth it.  I could sense that they were getting it.  They were enthusiastic (almost a little TOO much!...kids, quit peering into the windows! kids, quit ringing the doorbell, they hear you already!)   I wish I could show you our cute little brochure!  I'll have to print more out and take a picture of it so you can see.  It has our Mission Statement and everything!  HA!  So much fun...

Taking ownership...making our first batch for Triple H Cookie Club

The "Club" members!  

1st home...had no a/c, no screen on some windows, yet 2 net dish satellites. . Very sweet mom and little girl

2nd home had several kids. Home was missing siding and had several broken windows. Rural America

I loved this homeschooling mom who told me she got kicked out of a co-op because she had a tattoo! In her tiny yard she had chickens, a goat, cats, and 7 dogs. She was refreshingly real.

We did not knock on this persons door but as I walked by and noticed the windowless holes and falling apart siding/roof, I wondered about the person inside...what their story was...

Meet my dear miss Marjorie. To say I love her is an understatement. She is in her 90's, still drives, lives on her farm, has a large garden that has way less weeds than mine, hand washes her car, mows her lawn, etc. she is a strong yet gentl woman...humble, gracious and tenacious. I want to be just like her...even with her adorable curlers in her hair!!!!

Miss Marjorie and I

And to top off our first cookie club night...affirmation from a gentle, sweet Savior...to Him be all glory

COCONUT OIL 101: benefits and uses

What Kind of Coconut Oil?

An unrefined virgin coconut oil is best.   (ESPECIALLY for ingestion)  Costco carries the above jar for around $15.  This is an AMAZING price.  I looked up the price on other sites and it sells for $36 on ebay.  The jar is 54 oz of pure goodness.  We use this as our body lotion and face moisturizer.  Think about it...if I were to buy 54 oz of Aveeno lotion, how much would I be paying?  At my local drugstore, 18 oz of Aveeno costs $11.  I'd have to buy THREE bottles of Aveeno to equal my ONE far of coconut oil.  Economically it just makes sense, but when you toss in the added HEALTH benefits there just is NO comparison!

When I tell people I use Coconut Oil on my face every morning/night, one of the first questions I get asked is if it makes me break out.  This is a MISCONCEIVED idea that you need to get OUT of your mindset.  I have oily skin and it actually does the OPPOSITE.  It clears up my pores and gives me awesome feeling skin.  It will look "greasy" FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES AFTER APPLICATION.  For that reason, if I'm in a huge hurry to apply my makeup then I forego applying it in the morning and just apply it at night.  And did you know?  It's A NATURAL SUNSCREEN (4 spf).  

BELOW WAS TAKEN FROM www.wellnessmama.com.  She has some wonderful links!

Uses for Coconut Oil

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
2. Taken supplementally for daily energy.
3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
4. On the skin as a basic lotion
5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
7. As an eye-makeup remover
8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
9. In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
12. To support healthy thyroid function
13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
16. In homemade lotion recipes
17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
19. As a delicious tropical massage oil
20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metaboism
21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours.
28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or tor fungus
29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
32.  With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen
34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie
36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
40. Can help improve insulin levels
41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
52. In natural homemade diaper cream
53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
55. To season cast iron skillets
56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
61. On split ends to de-frizz
62. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
63. By itself as a great tanning oil
64. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
65. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
66. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
67. Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
68. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
69. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
70. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
71. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
72.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
73. By itself as a natural deodorant
74. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
75. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
76. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
77. In homemade vapor rub
78. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
79. A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
80. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
81. As a completely natural baby lotion
82. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
83. Mixed with catnip, rosemary or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
84. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
85. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
86. Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
87. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
88. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
89. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
90. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
91. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
92. On cuticles to help nails grow
93. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
94. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
95. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
96. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
97. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
98.  One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
99. Naturally clears up cold sores
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

CLEAN THINKING: Raising Kids to be "Color-Blind": Good or Not-So-Good?

In recent light of the George Zimmerman case in Florida, my heart has been saddened (once again) by the division in this country.  "Divided States of America" seems a more accurate description.

My family lives in rural town, America.  While there is EXTREME poverty and socio-economic diversity, there is little racial diversity where we live.  Sometimes this bothers me as I want to expose my children to ALL of God's creation. Not long ago, I heard myself say to a friend, "I'm glad my kids don't see color".  But as soon as I said this, it didn't settle within my spirit b/c I knew that wasn't an accurate description of what I really have taught them.  Rather it was a catchy phrase I've heard white people toss around as if it was a really positive aspect to their parenting.  But that phrase definitely went out the window when last week my kids and I were in Walmart and my daughter, with much excitement in her voice, said, "Look Mom!  She has beautiful brown skin!"  Color blind?  I think not.  But she was clearly CELEBRATING our differences which to me is far better than IGNORING them, right?

Which raises the question:
Raising Kids to be "Color-Blind":  Good or Not so Good?  

Sometimes our differences are what divide us instead of what brings us closer to one another. Even so, acknowledging them (our differences) is also a chance for us to celebrate those differences and to teach our children that beautiful skin (regardless of the color) is beautiful because, while it should not define them, it is very much a part of who they are.

I personally, don't have the goal of raising a COLOR BLIND child.  In my home, we choose to approach "race" differently...how?  By not PRETENDING like there is no such thing as "color".  That, to me, is just plain ludicrous.  But we most definitely do not FOCUS on COLOR...we focus on the HEART of people.  We talk about how beautiful God's creation is, how we all have differences that make up His gorgeous RAINBOW of humankind.  But underneath His "Rainbow", we're all the same...sinners who need Jesus.  As my missionary sister once said while living in Ghana, West Africa..."Everyone's poop smells the same!"  And Christ came to save ALL; His desire is to see ALL come to repentance.

We fear what we do not know.  So get to KNOW the people around you.  I mean, really KNOW them.   Get to the HEART of people.  Cultivate those relationships and open up the doors to communication.

No, I'm not raising my kids to "not see color"...we all 'see' color...so perhaps the goal shouldn’t be to be color blind, but to come from a place in which color is viewed as simply being a portion of the various parts that come together to make one whole person, and then EMBRACING that person for who and how God created them to be.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS...a few thoughts...

SUPPLEMENTS.  I'm always curious as to what people take and why.  Walk into the vitamin/mineral section of any store and it is OVERWHELMING to say the least.  How does a person know where to start?  What to take? How to take it?  Too many assume that since it is "natural" it is SAFE.  Well, eucalyptus is "natural" but too much can shut down the liver and one LICK of certain mushrooms can make you keel over.  Get my point?  But I have to say, the more I explore alternative natural treatments, the more I am in awe of God's creation.  His design is so perfect, so beautiful...For example, I never really knew why it was such a big deal that Baby Jesus was given Frankincense and Myrrh.  What's a baby going to do with some expensive oils?  Then I learned the benefits of these oils and I am SURE Mary used them often to combat viral and bacterial infections, clean scraped knee's, and overall keep her family healthy.

When seeking NATURAL ALTERNATIVES it is HIGHLY IMPORTANT that you SEEK OUT PROFESSIONALS IN THAT PARTICULAR FIELD.  Naturopathic Doc's/Certified Herbologists/Chiro's and Certified Holistic Nutritionist's are all wonderful resources.  (don't just ask 1 doctor, get several opinions)  DO YOUR HOMEWORK.  I cannot even BEGIN to tell you the amount of material I've checked out from our local library or the number of websites I've visited, all related to natural remedies.  It's a fun, fascinating endeavor, but it's WORK.  I have spoken w/ a doctor from each of the above fields, paid $50 for a phone consultation w/ a certified herbologist, and spoken w/ my OB/GYN (I have hormonal issues) and then made the most educated decision I possibly could.  Unfortunately, most general practitioners don't know very much about natural alternatives but you can and should always consult your doctor first and foremost.  Every now and then you'll find one who is very much open to natural alternatives and might even have some insight for you on the topic.

I want to make it very clear:  I AM NOT ANTI-MODERN MEDICINE.  There is MOST definitely a time and a place for it.  We use it in our home when necessary.  It saves people's lives every day.  BUT...when my kids have bad head colds, get stung by a bee, have chigger bites, or scratch up a knee, I don't grab OTC (over-the-counter) drugs right away.  We have the philosophy of always trying NATURAL FIRST.  We give it time to do its work and have learned patience.  Most always, natural takes longer.  It just does.  You have to re-train your brain in this matter b/c we, as a culture, want immediate gratification.   However, allowing your body to heal on its own naturally is so important HOLISTICALLY and really will in the long run SAVE you money as you experience better overall health and therefore, less doctor visits.

PREVENTION IS KEY.  The number 1 preventive "medication"??  FOOD!  If you eat RIGHT and WELL you will not get sick as often.  Period.  You eat processed crap and you'll feel like crap.  Period.

It's such a simple concept yet Americans (in general) do NOT want to change their diet.  People have chronic migraines, chronic joint pain, GI issues, shingles, fibre myalgia, etc and the one thing they won't explore is a change of diet.  More often than not, it is not even suggested by the medical field.  Just in the last month, I've heard of THREE personal accounts of people who had CLASSIC GI SYMPTOMS and/or chronic migraines and not ONE of their doctors suggested them go on elimination diets to see if they have allergies to certain foods.  This truly confuses me.  I don't understand why they aren't checking this FIRST rather than "last resort".  But I digress...

We (my family) are RELIGIOUS about taking our multi's in the colder months because  1.  We aren't eating as much fresh foods  2.  We are stuck indoors more often and therefore get less Vit D and are exposed to more germs. I admit I don't give my kids their multi during the summer.  But we are eating fresh herbs and grow our own fruits and vegetables, eating lots of wild blackberries and mulberries which are loaded w/ anti-oxidants and getting plenty of outdoor exercise!

I am still learning ALL the time about the best way to approach our healthcare.  I do tend to "buck the system" but in doing so, I don't want to become close-minded to the medical professionals.  (You can ask my sister who is currently in school to become a Nurse Practitioner...she gets phone calls OFTEN!)  But...in my natural alternative endeavor I want to be EDUCATED in every decision I make.  I TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY by gathering all the information I can from BOTH SIDES OF THE COIN and then doing what I feel is best for myself and my family.

Is it a ton of research?  Yes.  Is it overwhelming?  Sometimes.  But reach out to those professionals who are TRAINED and it will most definitely lighten the load.

And one more reminder:  even "good" endeavors can become consuming.  I learned the hard way how easy it is for this endeavor to become more important than my relationship w/ Christ.  Checks and Balances...stay balanced and open-minded...but more than anything you pursue, seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God...

BLACK BEAN BURGERS w/ Cilantro-Lime "Mayo"

BLACK BEAN BURGERS w/ Cilantro-Lime "Mayo"

This is a very delicious recipe.  It isn't for everyone, I suppose but it passed the HT (hubby-test).  Unfortunately, it did NOT pass the OKT (oldest-kid-test) but my youngest loved them!

Ingredients

• FOR THE BURGERS:
• 4 pieces Day-old Or Toasted Gluten-Free or Whole-wheat Sandwich Bread, Ripped Into Small Pieces
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Or Canola Oil, Divided
• 1 whole Medium Onion, Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Minced Jalapeno Peppers, Seeds & Membranes Removed
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 can 15 Oz. Black Beans, Drained & Rinsed
• 1-¼ cup Cooked Brown Rice
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
• ½ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• ¼ cups Chopped Cilantro
• _____
• FOR THE CILANTRO-LIME "MAYO":
• 1 tbsp of Mayonnaise...REAL mayo...(I like to use Spectrum brand made w/ canola oil)  Please don't use Miracle Whip!!!!  For a complete explanation of why Miracle Whip is so bad, click HERE.
• 1/2 cup of Fage Greek Yogurt
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Cilantro
• ¼ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• _____
• FOR THE ASSEMBLY:
• 4 whole Whole-wheat Kaiser Rolls Or Hamburger Buns...or go bunless like me. :)
• Your favorite Cheese  (I am going to use goat cheese)
• Tomato/Lettuce
•  sliced Avocado
• NOTE:  for GLUTEN FREE EATERS, SIMPLY USE 2 LARGE LETTUCE LEAVES AS YOUR "BUN".

Preparation Instructions
Burgers:
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse sandwich bread to form breadcrumbs. Pour into a bowl and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic, jalapeno, and cumin. Saute for additional 2 minutes.
Scrape the mixture into the food processor. Add black beans, brown rice, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the beans are chopped, but not pureed. Scrape the black bean mixture into a large bowl. Add half of the breadcrumbs and the chopped cilantro. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until combined.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties. If the mixture is too moist to form patties, add more breadcrumbs. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with plastic wrap and cover with additional plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour.
When you are ready to cook: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet (preferably not nonstick, so a good crust can form) set over medium heat. Add the burgers and cook for 4 minutes per side.
Cilantro-Lime Mayo:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, cilantro, and pepper. Stir well.
Lightly toast the whole wheat buns. Spread 2 tablespoons cilantro-lime mayo on each bun, and top each with a black bean patty, 2 tablespoons crumbled cheese, 1 slice tomato, and 3 slices avocado. Serve.

Knock-Off Reeses Peanut-Butter No Bake Bars (and NO peanuts!

Ingredients
1 cup coconut oil (melted)
2 cups Almond Meal (I used Trader Joes)
1/4 cup sucanat
1 cup Xylitol + 1 tbsp of arrowroot, tapioca or corn starch (You'll blend this to make powdered sugar.  I like arrowroot)
1 cup almond butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup of ground flaxseed
2-2 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
**Optional:  honey, agave, or maple syrup if you need your almond butter mixture sweeter.
Instructions



1.  FIRST, let's make our "powdered sugar".  Place the xylitol and the arrowroot powder in a blender and blend until it is the consistency of powdered sugar.  
2.  Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips in a medium sized bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.  TASTE AND ADJUST SWEETNESS.  I do NOT like overly sweet desserts.  If you want yours sweeter, add another 1/4 cup of sucanat OR you could add 1-2 tbsp of honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup.  
3.  Pour peanut butter mixture into a lightly greased or parchment lined 9x13 pan.  Place in freezer while you make the chocolate topping.  (leave in freezer for about 10 minutes)
4.  Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (at 50% power) for 1-2 minutes. Stir chocolate and continue melting in 1 mintue increments until it is smooth.  Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate over the solid almond butter mixture.  To even out chocolate, tap pan on the counter.
5.  Refrigerate bars for one hour. Cut while bars are still cool. Enjoy!

XYLITOL:  WHAT IS IT?  For more info on this wonderful natural sweetner, click HERE.  

WHERE DO I BUY IT?  You'll have to go to a Whole Foods or Natures Pantry.  You can also order it online off sites like vitacost or amazon.  I buy mine at a local amish market.  I really ONLY USE IT WHEN A RECIPE CALLS FOR POWDERED SUGAR.  Combined w/ a starch, it makes an excellent, natural replacement to refined sugar.

Homestead Baked Beans

You've got 2 options:  use canned (time-saver) or use a bag of beans (cleaner).  IF YOU USE CANNED, you can "clean it up" by opting to buy Trader Joes brand or an organic brand of baked beans.  This is a VERY FILLING recipe and served w/ some cornbread it could be a meal in and of itself!

THE SECRET TO PERFECTION:  SLOW COOKER AND COFFEE!

BELOW ARE 2 RECIPES, ONE using BAGGED BEANS (soaked overnight) and ONE using CANNED BEANS.  I'll start w/ BAGGED BEANS.

RECIPE #1 USING BAGGED BEANS: (serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb of beans of your choice. (I like to use a little of everything:  kidney, black, pinto...I weight it on my scale until it equals 1 lb)
1 tsp of baking soda

2 medium onions (yellow) diced or pureed
3 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp of Worstechire Sauce
1 Tbsp of dijon mustard
1/2 pkg of raw uncured bacon, diced or sliced into small chunks (we like Trader Joes Uncured bacon)
1/2 lb of grass fed ground beef, BROWNED
1 cup of strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup of Sucanat or dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp of McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 cup of favorite Bar-B-Q sauce (get as clean as you can find.  Trader Joes has some good options that don't contain any HFCS)

1.  Soak beans in large bowl overnight.  Be sure and cover it with about 2 inches of water.
2.  Morning of:  Drain beans and transfer to large saucepan.  Add water to cover and stir in the baking soda.  Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.  Drain beans and set aside.
3.  Dump the remaining ingredients into your slow cooker, followed by the beans.  Give it a good stir.
4.  Set slow cooker on LOW and cook all day (8 hours)


RECIPE #2 using CANNED BAKED BEANS:


INGREDIENTS:

16 oz of canned baked beans of your choice. (I love Trader Joes Baked Beans)
2 medium onions (yellow) diced or pureed
3 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp of Worstechire Sauce
1 Tbsp of dijon mustard
1/2 pkg of raw uncured bacon, diced or sliced into small chunks (we like Trader Joes Uncured bacon)
1/2 lb of grass fed ground beef, BROWNED
1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup of Sucanat or dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp of McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
1/2 cup of favorite Bar-B-Q sauce (get as clean as you can find.  Trader Joes has some good options that don't contain any HFCS)

1.  Dump the remaining ingredients into your slow cooker, followed by the beans.  Give it a good stir.
2.  If it seems too "dry", then add another 1/4 cup of bar-b-q sauce.  Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.  (it might need to be a little sweeter or need more of a "kick"...it all depends on what kind of canned baked beans you buy and what seasonings it used)
4.  Set slow cooker on LOW and cook all day (8 hours)

Raw Cheesecake W/ Almond-Coconut Crust

Ingredients

• 8 ounces, weight Neufchatel Cheese, At Room Temperature
• ⅓ cups Raw honey  (you can add more later if it isn't sweet enough)
• 1 cup Fage
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 can of Trader Joes Coconut Cream (14 oz)
• 1 tsp of xanthan gum 

CRUST:

1 1/2 cup of almond meal (I use Trader Joes)

3 tbsp of Coconut Oil, melted

1/4 cup of Ground Flax

2-3 tbsp of raw honey, agave, or maple syrup

**NOTE:  If it's too much liquid, just toss in 1/4 cup more of almond meal until the consistency is right.

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Open the can of coconut cream UPSIDE DOWN and drain the milk into another bowl.  Reserve the milk for whatever you want!  I just mix it into my water and add some fresh mint.  YUM!

2.  Dump all ingredients into a bowl (I use a kitchen aid mixer w/ whisk attachment) and WHISK UNTIL SMOOTH.  This will take about 5 minutes.  While my kitchen aid is mixing, I make the crust.

3.  CRUST INSTRUCTIONS:  Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all ingredients in a bowl then press into a lightly greased pie pan.  (not the sides, just the bottom)  Place crust in hot oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly brown.  AFTER 8 MINUTES CHECK EVERY MINUTE SO IT DOESN'T BURN.  It will brown VERY quickly.  TIP:  I actually pull mine out when the edges get a little brown and then just let it sit several minutes on top of the oven to cool.  

4.  Taste the cheesecake filling and if you want it sweeter add more honey.  Pour cheesecake filling into slightly-cooled crust and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.  Top w/ fresh fruit sweetened w/ honey, homemade pie fillings, or drizzle on some chocolate syrup.  Enjoy!

**NOTE:  don't let this sit out all night long.  Think of it like ice-cream.  As soon as you are done serving it, put it back in the refrigerator.