Author: Amanda

Carrot Cake (Bunny) Pancakes

- Amanda

Pancakes are always a good call for breakfast. But sometimes they can feel a little indulgent. Perhaps the reason they are on constant request in my house. So, I like to include some healthy ingredients whenever I can. These Zucchini Pancakes are definitely one of their favorites. And to think my littlest, despises zucchini. Pancakes are such a good vessel for hiding certain “icky” ingredients, aren’t they? And well, while carrots aren’t necessarily one of those ingredients for us, these Carrot Cake Pancakes are still a win-win for everyone. The littles couldn’t get enough of them and I was certainly pleased that their “treat” breakfast included not one but two vegetables!

And if that couldn’t get any better, with some inspiration from the many wonderful ideas on the internet, I made them into the cutest little bunnies. Miss Sparkle was absolutely tickled. Really the perfect Easter weekend breakfast.

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Soft Beer Pretzels

- Amanda 1 Comment

You know that smell when you walk by an Auntie Anne’s Pretzels stall in the mall? If you’re anything like me, it’s a pretty hard smell to resist. Buttery baked dough heaven is what I call that smell. Well today, I am going to share with you a recipe to make your own soft pretzels at home, but with a twist (ha get it.). These pretzels are made with beer and are a little more reminiscent of those I remember from our fun beer garden days in New York. (Seems so long ago there was a time we were fun and used to enjoy long, relaxing days with friends at the beer garden.)

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3 Ingredient Homemade Paint

- Amanda

What do you do when you’re quarantined at home and want to do some painting but don’t have the paints or the colors you need. Cry? No. That wouldn’t do anyone any good. You can do better and make some if you have a few pantry staples. Not gonna lie, this was my first time taking on this endeavor. And it took a few tries for us to be happy with the results. So in case you saw the previous post and want to paint your ornaments or some other fun craft this week, this paint will work great. If you’re cursing at me through your computer right now because you don’t have flour, then I am deeply sorry. So far (fingers crossed) we can still get it here in Istanbul. Buuuut, I am happy to report, there is this recipe for Watercolor Paint without flour that we haven’t tried but I’m sure we will very soon.

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Posted in DIY

Salt Dough Easter Egg Ornaments

- Amanda

This week my little crew and I are working hard to bring the brightness of Easter into our apartment. Spring is here, but it definitely doesn’t feel like it. And by that I mean, look like it from behind our windows. We’ve been having cold and gloomy days with crazy winds lately. Which I guess is somewhat of a good thing as it has made it a little easier to stay inside. The kids have not been outside in 18 days. And myself just once for a quick market-run. (If you have a backyard, we definitely envy you.)

But, luckily with the help of the world-wide web and our love for all things crafty, we have been able to fill our time (between school work and brother and sister hair-pulling shenanigans) with lots of colorful fun. And as a result, have brought some sunshine into our home.

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Posted in DIY

Banana PB & Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

- Amanda

We’re definitely on a chocolate banana kick over here, but can you blame us? One of the best combos ever, right? (And well, we’re wasting nothing these days, so we’re putting them brown bananas to work.)…But we’ve upped the anti and included some peanut butter. And we’ve left out the gluten and almost all the refined sugar. But truuust me, don’t let that deter you from making these if you have the ingredients in stock. They are delicious as well as kid & healthy-treat-picky hubs approved.

Honestly, I have to say, I was a bit (pleasantly) surprised when we tasted these out of the oven. They were really knock-our-socks-off-good. Soft, chewy and full of chocolate-banana flavor. All good things you want in a cookie and often lack in one labeled gluten-free or refined sugar-free, let alone both. And I’ve made plenty of refined sugar-free and gluten-free treats. These don’t have that slight “something’ is missing element. They are just really satisfyingly delectable.

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