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While shopping in a little health food store and eatery with Jordan, a little sign caught my eye: Raw Vegan Key Lime Pie. The vegan part first caught my eye. I am not a vegan, but vegan is safe because it is clean. And I love lime.
So, I read the main ingredients:
- avocado
- fresh squeezed limes
- agave
- coconut oil
I was so thrilled that it used agave instead of sugar that I had Jordan talk me into buying a slice for $3.99.
Before we got home, I knew I would be making this pie. So I googled and found a recipe: Raw Vegan Key Lime Pie.
And here is the first pie I have made since going off white sugar:
Can you believe there is avocado in that pie?
My pie is kosher, but not vegan. (I modified the recipe and used honey instead of agave nectar). The crust is made with pecans, dates and a little bit of melted coconut oil to help it stay together. It was a simple pie to make (the hardest part was juicing all of the limes by hand).
Now that I am brave enough to make a pie with avocado. . . I am going to make chocolate avocado pudding.
Who needs sugar when life is so sweet without it? *Ü*
This is a part of my Simply Sweet Naturally series where I am sharing my journey to make healthy whole foods eating a delight for my family. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I am thankful for sweet little moments like this one.
Days off white sugar: 62
I want to share a few giveaways that I entered this week:
I have been blessed to win several giveaways this year and it really makes blogging sweet!
Coming up on Delighting in the Journey:
- Wholesome Sweeteners
- Raw Vegan Key Lime Pie (I have a feeling this will be a new favorite)
- Homemade coconut milk and a review/giveaway for TT shredded coconut
- Starting Seeds Indoors (my plan for successful starts)
This little boy is such a joy to me. His bright eyes and robust personality brings me smiles and laughter. He reminds me so much of Nathan, personality wise. I love that he loves to draw, do school, play with his sister and that he can play for hours building forts and bases for his army guys. I love watching him swim during lessons and he is making so much improvement! He can swim underwater now and loves to jump in. Most of all, I love how sweet and thoughtful he is.
On the Hebrew calender, today is his birthday, so I would like to mark this milestone and remember some things about Mali.
An interview with Mali:
Tell me the 5 best things about you:
I am good at:
- balancing
- playing with my army guys
- playing on the computer when it is my computer day
- playing Commandments and Conquer (Command and Conquer, lol)
- helping you clean up
What is your favorite thing about being a kid? Because I like doing school.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to help people.
What is your favorite toy? Jet fighter
Favorite sport? Football
Food? Onzonghee
Book? Curious George
How many times a day can I hug you? One hundred
How many times a day can I kiss you? Ten hundred (smile)
20 Questions from a list I saw online:
- What is your name: Malachi ~the other day, he was asked for his name and he answered “Malachi and it means, ‘Messenger of Yahveh.’ (smile)
- When is your birthday: I don’t know (ha ha)
- How old are you: 5
- Who is your Mama: Mommy
- What does your Mama do: kiss me and hug me
- Who is your Daddy: Pop
- What does your Daddy do: kiss me and hug me and share with me
- What is your favorite color: orange
- What do you want to do when your grow up: army person
- Where do you want to live when you grow up: at Alaska
- What is your favorite animal: alligator
- What do Mama and Daddy do after you go to bed: tuck me in
- Who does our family love the most: Yahveh
- Where do we go to church: at home
- Why do we go to church: because we need to; because we like it
- What is your favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Strawberry
- Where do you like to eat: at the table (smile)
- Who is your favorite person: you and Pop
- Who is your best friend: Dylan
- What is your favorite thing to do: play army guys and do school
“Malachi is a very fun-loving boy with the best imagination. I love his smile, his desire to always say “I love you”, and his toughness. His enthusiasm for soccer, wrestling, basketball, and football is always enjoyable. I am so blessed to have this child in my life.” ~ Pop
Thank you, YHVH, for blessing us with Malachi.
FOR TODAY
Feeling blessed for Father’s hand on my life.
Outside my window…
It was 50 degrees and a very beautiful sunny day today.
I am thinking…
about composting and gardening and springtime and. . . chickens!
I am thankful for…
4 wheel drive and year round access to our homestead.
From the learning rooms…
Jordan finished his first Life of Fred book today with a final grade of 96%. He was so excited. I think I will frame the diploma and surprise him.
From the kitchen…
sprouting wheat and lentils in glass gallon jars.
I am wearing…
my least favorite jeans, white long sleeve shirt, white head band and a grey button up sweater.
I am creating…
a contented heart.
I am going…
to go to bed early tonight!
I am reading…
about homesteading online and in Countryside & Small Stock Journal.
I am hoping…
that we can get the wood cook stove installed, hook up the composting toilet, install the insulation, develop the spring, and get solar power . . .all this year!
I am hearing…
Luke pop popcorn.
Around the house…
Piles of books on my desk, pictures waiting to be put in the scrapbook, co-op order waiting to be put away (as soon as I figure out where to put it), seeds waiting to be started . . .
One of my favorite things…
Shalom.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Homesteading projects, home schooling projects . . . popcorn and a Ron Paul documentary with Luke . . .um, as in right now. (smile)
Here is picture for thought I am sharing…
In fudge.
But not just any ordinary fudge. . .
“Healthy” fudge made with 3 ingredients: Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, honey and cocoa.
It is a raw, vegan fudge so it is only warmed to melt the coconut oil and honey. Then the cocoa is added and whipped until it is smooth and creamy and then poured into a pan to cool.
In Hot Cocoa.
Since discovering the TT Free Coconut Oil Recipes website, I have had absolutely no regrets for going off of white sugar. I never thought I would enjoy Hot Cocoa again, but TT Hot Cocoa Coconut Oil Recipe has been my favorite late night drink.
In Healthy Whole Grain Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies.
So good, and so good for you.
Melted and Poured Over Multi-Colored Popcorn.
. . . with a little Real Salt.
By the Spoonful.
Or should I say mouthful? I have a hard time keeping my oldest son out of the jar. He thinks it tastes sweet and will eat it plain by the spoonful.
There are many, many, more ways! In fact, I have been using a lot of coconut oil in my kitchen, thanks to Tropical Traditions. They sent me two jars of coconut oil to review ~ the Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and the Green Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.
I have heard that coconut oil was good for you, and have used it in my kitchen for frying (since olive oil cannot be used at high temperatures). But I never knew that coconut oil was supposed to smell like coconut! I was not buying virgin coconut oil. And there is a difference between virgin oils and refined oils, the later of which has no coconut smell and is the product of refining, bleaching and deodorizing dried coconut meat. Not only does this affect the scent, but also the taste. Virgin coconut oils are made using the fresh meat of the coconut and are not refined. TT has a great article explaining how coconut oil is produced if you want to learn more.
There is also a difference between the Gold Label and the Green Label.
The Gold Label . . .
 . . . is handmade in the Philippines. I learned that this can affect the taste and smell of the Gold Label Oil, which is actually caused by too much dried coconut solids in the oil. My jar of Gold Label Oil had a much stronger taste and smell. It reminded me of the first time I tasted coconut meat direct from a coconut. I learned that this does not affect the quality of the oil, but it did make it less appealing to me. This oil I am using in recipes with other flavors and on my skin. I am, however, impressed and respect that this oil is a hand made product.
The Green Label. . .
. . . is made by certified organic fresh coconuts that are first dried and then the oil is cold-pressed out by machine. I learned that it tends to be more consistent in taste and smell because it is made in large batches.
Both oils are a high quality, unrefined oil that retains the coconut smell and taste, but I personally prefer the Green Label oil.
There are other uses for coconut oil that reach beyond your kitchen. I used the oil to moisturize my scalp. I massaged it into my scalp, put a towel over my head and kept it on overnight. (Shampoo, rinse and repeat to wash it out). I also rub it onto my feet before bed and it soothes my dry, itchy feet overnight. This really worked wonderfully for me and I keep a small cup of it by my nightstand. If I am cooking and I get some on my fingers (from using my finger to scoop it into the pan), I just rub it in my skin or put it on my lips. This stuff is great!
Would you like a chance to win a jar? {Giveaway Closed! Thanks to all who entered!}
To enter:
- Tell me which jar you would choose if you won.
- Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter.
*Note: Both entries are required and you must leave me a separate comment for each entry.
For additional entries, you may:
- Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter.
- Tweet about this contest and leave me a link to your status. Please use the following Tweet: Giveaway for @troptraditions 32 oz jar of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from @dlhomeschool Enter here: http://tiny.cc/RH7jB Ends 2/24. Plz RT!
- Blog about the giveaway and leave me 3 separate comments (be sure to include a link to your post) for 3 separate entries!
- Take a look at Tropical Traditions website, and leave me a link to one product that catches your eye.
- Visit the Free Coconut Oil Recipes website and choose one that you would try if you won.
- For 5 additional entries: Buy something from Tropical Traditions. When they ask you how you heard about Tropical Traditions, list my sponsor ID: 5835118. By telling Tropical Traditions that I referred you, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! with your first order. I do not recieve any money if you do this, but I will get a coupon for a free product from Tropical Traditions, which will greatly benefit my family. =)
Note: I do not ask for followers in giveaways, but you are welcome to follow along with us as we “delight in the journey.” I blog about family, faith, homesteading, back to the basics living, healthy eating and more. =) You can read more about me and what I blog about here.
This contest will be open until 2/24, 10:00PM EST. I will select a winner using random.org, so be sure to leave me a separate comment for each entry! I will email and announce the winner on my Twitter (dlhomeschool). The winner will be required to contact me within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.
Update:
180 Entries and randomly selected by Random.org:
Congrats to Commenter #1, Tracy, who said:
 Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Tropical Traditions for sponsoring this giveaway!
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
I love to have these around to offer friends when they come to visit, but they don’t often last that long.
Honey Glazed Pecans
- 2 cups whole pecans
- a handful of sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp. organic cayenne pepper
- dash of Real Salt
Cook honey, cayenne, pecans and salt in a pan until the mixture simmers. Spread evenly onto a greased cookie sheet. I then bake mine at 350 degrees until it bubbles. These make a slightly spicy, but sweet crunchy snack that is a huge hit in our home.
It is my hope that life will be just as sweet as before . . . and I think it will ~ naturally.
Also in this series:
Days off white sugar: 47
“That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is on the sea shore;” Genesis 22:17
The Bible speaks of one nation that Yahveh set-apart for Himself: Israel. As new covenant believers, we gain citizenship in this nation and are proud to adopt this spiritual heritage and pass it on to our children.
“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. ~ Genesis 17:4-7
The words for “multitude of nations” is ha·mo·vn go·v·yim which means an abundance of gentiles or nations! Many Christians I know consider themselves to be Gentile Christians, but little do they know about their true heritage.
Galatians 3:29 says,
“And if you be Christ’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
The Promise was passed from Abraham, to his son Issac, to his son Jacob, and to all the sons of Israel.
“Be you mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath to Isaac; And has confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,” ~ I Chronicles 16:15-17
This is as everlasting promise!
Yahveh gave His people a specific set of instructions called the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible), so that Israel would know how to live a set apart life for Him.
“Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who has God so near to them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call on him for? And what nation is there so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law (this Torah), which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:6-8
Yahveh is a merciful God, so He made a way for anyone who wishes to sojourn with Israel. To join Yahveh’s nation in the old covenant, there were 3 requirements:
- Keep passover
- Be circumcised
- Sojourn with Yahveh’s people
The beautiful part, is that there was no difference between a native-born citizen and a former stranger to the common wealth of Israel.
The New Covenant is spoken of in Jeremiah 31:31:
“Behold, the days come, said YHVH, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:”
The word for new in this verse is the same word to describe a new moon. We know there is not a new moon each month, though. It is, in fact, a renewed moon. In the same way, the new covenant is not new. It is a renewed covenant!
Only the Father can improve on something that is perfect! He did this through His Son, Yeshua (Jesus). The Old Covenant is made new through Messiah Yeshua.
Did you also notice that the coveneant was made with the house of Israel (collectively known as the ten Northern tribes or Ephraim) and the house of Judah (the Southern tribes)? If you are not in either of these houses, then the new covenant is not for you! The New Covenant was made only with Israel.
The requirements for becoming an Israelite have not changed. But the law was to be written upon our hearts. Now we:
- Observe Passover, and accept Yeshua’s blood as our sin covering
- Be circumcised of the heart.
- Sojourn with Yahveh’s people
Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ~ Ephesians 2:19
Ephraim and Judah were separated into two kingdoms (which later became two witnesses to confirm the truth of His word), and because Israel disobeyed, Yahveh allowed them to be carried off by the Assyrians.
For, see, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall on the earth. ~ Amos 9:9
This is how Ephraim was to fullfill the prophecy that he would become the fullness of the gentiles. Ephraim lost his family identity. They became what Scripture calls, “not a people.” (Hosea 1:9) But, even though they were “sifted” like grain, Yahveh did not let one grain fall to the earth (become lost).
But, Jeremiah prophesied about a time when once again Ephraim would return to his ancient roots. (Jeremiah 31:17-19)
We are living in those times!
Yeshua came to save that which was lost. Scripture says He came only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. These lost sheep are Gentiles and include scattered Israel as well as actual aliens or strangers to the common wealth of Israel. Yeshua is the Good Shepherd that lay down His life for His sheep. (Jeremiah 50:6, John 10:11, Matthew 15:24, Matthew ~ Hover over the links to read each verse.)
When Yeshua spoke with His disciples, they asked Him, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the Kingdom to Israel?” They knew that the Scriptures spoke of Israel’s restoration.
Yeshua is the One who will restore the House of Israel. The restoration began with His commission to go into the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). His followers were to make disciples and teach them the commandments.
Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. ~ Jeremiah 6:16
Both Houses of Israel have stumbled. Judah has failed to accept Messiah and have added extra rules and regulations to His torah, and as Christians, we have failed to uphold his law and have mixed with the nations, taking part in their pagan worship, substituting His Feasts and Holy Days for traditions of men.
Our family chooses to walk in humble obedience and embrace our heritage and fulfill our calling to be a part of the commonwealth of Israel ~ as native born citizens!
This is the heritage I want to pass on to my children.
The new moon was sighted from Israel today! We follow the Biblical calender so we watch in anticipation for the new moon report and celebrate the New Moon as a monthly time of renewal. The word “new” in Hebrew is the word chodesh, from the root word chadash, which means “to renew.” We really don’t see a “new” moon each month ~ we see a “renewed” moon.
Based on these calculations, the Biblical New Year is anticipated to begin on March 18th. The first month of the Biblical new year, which is based on the sighting of the new moon and the “aviv” stage of the barley (when it is ripe), brings with it an anticipation of YHVH’s Spring Feasts.
“And it shall be from new moon to new moon And from sabbath to sabbath, All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says YHVH. Isaiah 66:23
To learn more, I recommend: The Biblical Calender and the New Moon
Rosh Chodesh Sameach! (Happy New Moon!)
I have been trying out some new recipes using Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I am really excited about one in particular (big grin) because it has to do with chocolate. :D I was not sure that I would ever have chocolate again since we went off of white sugar.
First, I made a batch of homemade chocolate chunks.
I did not write down the exact proportions (I am also terrible about measuring), but I think I used:
That’s it!
I melted it until it was smooth and then poured it onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spread it around and let it cool in the fridge. Then I cut it into bite sized chunks.
So, now that I have chocolate chunks sweetened the natural way (with honey) and coconut oil goodness, I needed to find a cookie recipe. I found one at The Whole Grain Gourmet: Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (With Honey) and it only required a few modifications ~ I used melted coconut oil and omitted the walnuts and raisins and used the chocolate chunks instead.
Why is it that oatmeal cookie dough is always so much better than the cookie?
These cookies were still so good and a huge hit with my family. They are also the FIRST cookie we had eaten in over a month! They remind me of Kashi’s TLC Dark Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, but better! I love that they do not contain sugar, nor white flour, and uses whole grain flour and rolled oats. They are totally whole grain, whole foods goodness!
I think I’ll go make some more. =)
Also in this series:
Simply Sweet ~ The Natural Way: Quick Snacks
Since going off of white sugar and white flour, I have had to be creative in coming up with wholesome snacks that are quick! Since we do not eat many processed foods and are busy home schooling through the day, this can be hard at times. I have found several ways to sweeten our life while not compromising what is good for my family’s health. Some of the natural sweeteners we are using include: honey, agave nectar, molasses (mostly for baking), and Sucanat.
Fresh Fruit with Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
I sweeten plain yogurt with honey or agave nectar and add peanut butter. This is great with apples or bananas! I found that the muffin cups make perfect portion cups and look appealing to the children.
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
My kids love this! I add sliced frozen strawberries (unless they are in season and then I use fresh) and a little honey or agave nectar to plain yogurt and mix in the mixer so that the strawberries are crushed. Then we eat it as is or scoop it into muffin cups and place in the freezer for frozen yogurt.
Ants on a Log
I use old fashioned peanut butter, organic raisins and a little sprinkling of Sucanat for added flavor and crunch.
Fresh Fruit Plate
For family movie or game night, we sit down to a plateful of fresh fruit and a big bowl of popcorn. It is amazing how sweet fruit tastes now! So, I try to keep plenty of organic apples, oranges and bananas around for quick snacks.
The kids (mostly the older boys) were ready to go back after day 30 (we are on day 43), so this has encouraged me all the more to be creative! Plus I want healthy eating to be a joy to my children!
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