Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making your own vanilla extract is not difficult.
I made my own vanilla extract this year. I didn't think about how it could be a gift. I didn't transfer it to a jar or little jars. I just use it straight from the bottle! But then I read about it here: www.kitchenproject.com/vanilla/4FoldVanillaExtract.htm

Oopsie Roll Recipe

These are called Oopsie Rolls.  It's like biting into a cloud.  Mmmmm.  I eat them plain, or as a bread substitute.  Store the extra in a paper bag.


Oopsie Rolls
3 large eggs
pinch of cream of tartar (1/8 tsp)
3 ounces cream cheese (Do not soften)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Separate the eggs and add cream cheese to the yolks. Use a mixer to combine the ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff (if you’re using the same mixer, mix the whites first and then the yolk mixture). Using a spatula, gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the white mixture, being careful not to break down the whites. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray and spoon the mixture onto the sheet, making 6 mounds. Flatten each mound slightly.

Bake about 30 minutes (You want them slightly softer, not crumbly). Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes, and then remove to a rack and allow them to cool. Store in a loosely open sack and allow to rest on the counter before use (otherwise they might be too moist). Can be frozen.

Notes: If you are making these to be savory (for burgers) you can add dry mustard and dill or other seasonings to the yolk mixture. If you want a more sweet roll, add a very small amount of stevia natural sweetener to the yolk mixture.

Makes 6 Induction Friendly, Gluten-Free rolls.
Nutritional information per roll: Calories:85 , Carbohydrates: .6 g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: .6g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7.5

Chocolate Shakeology "Delight" Frozen Candies

Frozen Chocolate Shakeology "Delight" 

You might have seen recipes for "Fat Bombs" going around.  The name just turns some people off.  Except for those following LCHF diets maybe.  Well, I've adjusted the recipe and my kids are loving it!   I use

1 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 cup almond butter
1 cup chocolate Shakeology
1/3 to 1/2 cup local honey

Mix it all together and pour into the handy candy mold that is also the plastic top of egg cartons...see photo below.  Freeze, pop into a container and store in the freezer.  

My high schooler can eat two pieces in the morning and he's not hungry after that.  Meanwhile my 12 yr old can eat 3 eggs, bacon, a can of lentil soup, and that's after one of these frozen candies!

This time I'm filling it with greenberry Shakeology for bite size frozen treats.

Enjoy!

And to find out more about how awesome Shakeology is, please visit www.shakeology.com/lisabellison

No-Bake Cookies / Shakeo style

No-Bake Cookies

One of these delicious chocolate and nut butter cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without wrecking your diet.

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Yield: 25 cookies
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup Chocolate Shakeology


Preparation:
1. Combine peanut butter, honey, oats and Shakeology in medium bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll 24 balls, each the size of 1 tbsp.
3. Flatten each slightly so takes on the shape of a traditional cookie.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 115

Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 2mg

Sodium: 39mg

Carbohydrate: 15g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 7g

Protein: 5g

DIY Hand Weights

I signed up as a coach and joined a challenge.  A beachbody challenge.  I've been "pushing play" almost every day this month.  There is one DVD that uses hand weights.  I have never owned them.  I've tried family size cans of soup.  They are wide and cramp my hands and they are too light!   So, I scrounged around the house and found two wrenches and wrapped them in plastic wrap, kept it in place with a couple of rubber bands, then used duck tape to secure it.  Now I won't get those metal grooves indented in my hands!

Now I need just two more wrenches for the other hand!
To learn more about Beachbody, the Beachbody Challenge, and/or Shakeology, please visit
beachbodycoach.com/lisabellison

DYI Vinyl Gutter Bookshelves

We love books. Having books facing out helps keep them noticed and easier to find for a quick read. This formally unusable wall in between the children's bedrooms makes a great space for these vinyl gutter bookshelves. I didn't bother getting the end-caps, as each pair costs as much as a 10 ft piece of gutter. The end caps would make these a little more sturdy though. The kids love having their books out in a common area and in plain sight! Find these titles and more at r3844.myubam.com

Pretty straight forward and easy to make.  I asked the attendant to cut the gutters for me at my desired length, these are 35 inches each.  I could drill a few holes to screw them in, but I purchased those 3M sticky things and so far they are doing well!

"Life-Changing" 2 Minute Flax Bread

"Life-Changing" 2 Minute Flax Bread
 *original recipe, see my notes at the bottom for adjusted recipe

2 slices 1 carb.

1/4 cup flax meal,
1/4 cup coconut flour, almond flour, or equivalent,
1 tsp baking powder,
1/8 tsp salt,
2 beaten eggs,
1/8 tsp vinegar,
2 drops liquid stevia

Combine dry ingredients, add eggs+vinegar, spread in greased 8x8 and microwave for 2 min.

2 slices, 195 cal, 13g fat, 9 carbs-8g fiber, 12.29g protein.

*  I substituted baking soda for baking powder. I used a dinner plate so mine was round. It was pretty big and can be sliced for portions and for sandwiches.
Enjoy!