Easy Mango Blackberry Swirl Ice Cream Pie {nut, dairy & grain-free crust!}

That is a piece of sunshine.

Perfect for the dreary, cloudy, rainy day that we had on Father's Day.

I asked my wonderful Man what he would like me to make for him on Father's Day. He asked if an ice cream pie was possible.


Hmm.


Never made one before, but didn't think it would be impossible.


I did a search on google and came across this recipe (it was first on the list) from the famous Pioneer Woman. Her recipe was the springboard for me to make my own truly homemade version.


I made possible...


A delicious & easy toasted coconut meringue crust. Homemade tangy & fragrant mango frozen kefir (recipe in my ice cream ebook!). And freshly picked & sweetened blackberry sauce.

It was so easy to make and so so so good! My girls are begging me to make more ice cream pies. I think I will do this more often... sure puts a fun twist on having homemade ice cream!

Jon wanted a fruity ice cream and I had a perfectly ripe mango sitting in my fruit bowl along with a mason jar full of fresh kefir. The mango had a wonderful floral smell that always gets my mouth watering and the kids screaming for a bite. Heavenly.


While I was thinking about how to make the meringue crust that should pair up perfectly with mango frozen kefir... I thought coconut flakes, then took it a step further and toasted the flakes in my toaster oven. It smelled so good. Perfect.


I love how I could use the egg whites to make the meringue crust and whip in those rich egg yolks into the fruity mixture to give the homemade mango frozen kefir a nourishing boost. Nothing is wasted!


Next, I knew I needed to add some color to the ice cream. Pioneer woman made her boring looking ice cream pie look eye-appealing with that homemade caramel sauce. Well, the girls and I picked fresh blackberries that morning. Yesss... luscious, blood red blackberry sauce. Couldn't keep my fingers out of the pot while it was simmering. Yummy.

Easy Mango Blackberry Swirl Ice Cream Pie

{diary-free options and nut & grain-free crust}

Crust:

1/3 cup egg whites (about 3 eggs)

1/3 tsp sea salt

1/3 cup raw sugar, rapadura or coconut sugar (you can use stevia, start with a few drops and taste)

1 1/2 cups coconut flakes, toasted

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly rub coconut oil on a non-glass pie pan. Beat egg whites until frothy (I used my lovely KitchenAid mixture). Add your choice of sweetener and the sea salt. Beat on high until stiff. Fold in toasted coconut flakes. Spread the mixture over the bottom and sides as evenly as possible. Be sure to get up the sides well. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes and watch it towards the end to make sure the crust doesn't get too brown. When crust is golden brown, remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.

Blackberry Sauce:

3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

3-5 Tbsp rapadura, coconut sugar or raw honey (stevia can be used too)

1 Tbsp arrowroot powder

pinch of sea salt

Put everything in a blender and give it a whirl until smooth. Pour into a small pot and bring to a simmer over low medium heat. Simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes. Set it aside and allow it to cool. Stir a few times while it is cooling to prevent it from getting jelly-like.

Mango Frozen Kefir:

2 cups pureed mango

1 1/2 cups kefir (you can use regular coconut milk or coconut kefir for a dairy-free option!)

2-4 Tbsp raw honey, if needed

2 or 3 egg yolks (leftover over from the meringue pie)

pinch of sea salt

Put everything in a blender and let it whirl until smooth. Pour mixture into your ice cream machine maker and follow the maker's instructions. When done, scoop out about half the frozen kefir and spread evenly on the coconut meringue crust. Swirl some of the blackberry sauce on top. Spread the rest of the frozen kefir on top of the sauce and swirl in more blackberry sauce. Take care not to over mix it or it won't have that pretty swirling look when you cut the pie into pieces! Cover the beautiful ice cream pie with plastic wrap and foil. Put it in the coldest section of your freezer and freeze until very hard. 

Use the extra blackberry sauce to decorate the plate or simply drizzle it on top of the pie.

Note: I wasn't sure what the crust would be like, but I am happy to say that it was amazing. Just the right amount of sweetness & flavor. It didn't get soggy and held up well. Don't expect the crust to come out of the pie pan perfectly. It will stick a little (that's why I say to use some coconut oil on the pan), but the Pioneer Woman said it was normal and imperfection is permitted because the crust is so darn good! I have to agree  :o)

Ready for a luscious bite?!

linked up at Real Food Wednesday

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Pregnancy Notes: Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

With so many books out there on pregnancy & childbirth... how do you know which ones are worth your time to read and which ones should be left on the shelf?!

One of the things you can do is read the author's bio and a chunk of the first chapter. Is the book focused on natural birth or medical interventions? If the book is written by a medical professional, chances are high that it will have a big slant towards pregnancy & childbirth requiring medical interventions.

Reading many of these books, plus many articles and birth videos helped me overcome the fear I had when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was completely clueless and my midwife went the whole 9 yards to educate me completely on all things pregnancy & childbirth. It was an amazing time of learning how our bodies are made to grow & carry a child, handle the pain in childbirth and nourish the child via breastfeeding.

Basically, I learned that even though God cursed Eve with pain of childbirth... He didn't leave Eve or us to fend for ourselves! He graciously & lovely equipped our bodies to know how to handle that pain, so that it ends up being a labor of love... not a labor of pain.

Honestly, I do not believe that any healthy mama should use unnecessary medical interventions out of convenient or fear... but that's my opinion. It is my desire that every mama should be well educated on how she will give birth and know the risks of medical interventions if she chooses that route.

Remember, knowledge is power and ignorance is not bliss!

Reading these books is a good place to start with helping you decide what your birth plan will be. This list of books (& DVDs) on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum health have been pulled together by popular choice among many mama friends that I know. Enjoy!

Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
This book is a must-read for every woman should be learning as much as she can before making major decisions regarding how you will give birth. It is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Not surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice.

Birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. This book will help you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.


Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you. Drawing from her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

This book gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention. Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this book takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.


Birthing from Within
Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy.

For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities. Childbirth education should also include what to expect after the baby is born. Here are baby basics, such as how to bathe a newborn, how to get the little one to sleep, and tips for getting nursing off to a good start.

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; This book provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.



Childbirth without Fear

Essential reading for all mothers-to-be! In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics, Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book.

He unpicks every possible root cause of western woman's fear and anxiety in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and does so with overwhelming heart and empathy.

A newer edition will be coming out on January 13th, 2013 and the foreword will be written by Ina May Gaskin. You can pre-order it now.



The Joy of Natural Childbirth

I have not read this book myself, but a good mama-friend highly recommended it.

First published in 1963, this pioneering book has introduced thousands of couples to joyful childbirth through four editions and over three decades. Completely revised, it presents a sound, scriptural philosophy of God's goodness in in birth.




Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
This book comes HIGHLY recommended by many of my mama-friends. 

Since the Bradley method was first introduced in 1970, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery.

This book provides all the answers on how to have a successful Bradley birth, offering sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor and what to expect during each of its stages. Photos & line drawings included.


A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health
Having a baby can and should be one of the most joyful experiences of a woman's life. While there are hundreds of books that provide information on how to ensure the development of a healthy baby, few of them dedicate more than a few pages to the nourishment of the mother herself during this physically and emotionally demanding time. It is rarely discussed, but women commonly experience a wide variety of ailments during the postpartum period, from depression to anxiety, backache, and loss of libido.  

This is the first book by physicians that is devoted entirely to telling women how they can prevent postpartum problems and attain optimum health after the delivery of their babies. Elements of the program, which is meant to be adopted during-or, if possible, before-pregnancy, include diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise, hormone-balancing, the use of medicinal herbs, and conventional medications. Developed by the authors in clinical practice, this program has a proven track record in helping women to avoid and overcome postpartum difficulties.


The Nursing Mother's Companion, 6th Edition
This accessible and authoritative guide to breastfeeding has been trusted by new parents and recommended by professionals for more than two decades.

Kathleen Huggins has extensively revised and updated this 25th anniversary edition to equip nursing mothers with all the information they need to overcome difficulties and nurse their babies successfully from the first week all the way to the toddler years, or somewhere in between. Now more than ever, this book is an indispensable handbook for every new mother. 



Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
Everything you need to know to make breastfeeding a joyful, natural, and richly fulfilling experience for both you and your baby!

Drawing on her decades of experience in caring for pregnant women, mothers, and babies, Ina May Gaskin explores the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding and gives you invaluable practical advice that will help you nurse your baby in the most fulfilling way possible. 

Inside you’ll find answers to virtually every question you have on breastfeeding. This book is filled with helpful advice, medical facts, and real-life stories that will help you understand how and why breastfeeding works and how you can use it to more deeply connect with your baby and your own body. Whether you’re planning to nurse for the first time or are looking for the latest, most up-to-date expert advice available, you couldn’t hope to find a better guide than Ina May.


The Business of Being Born
A great movie that talks about the reality of hospital births. Good for many women to see so they can get a good look at the pros & cons of hospital births and home births.

Not every woman's birth is the same and you will see that in this movie.




HOME DELIVERY
I have not seen this, but it is on my list of home birth movies to watch! Can't wait to see it and let you know what I think of it.

From what I read... it is a very simple movie looking into the lives of 3 very different women and why they are choosing home births for their babies. It also shares their journey and birth experiences.

Check out their website!




Are there any other books or DVDs that you would recommend to your mama-friends? Please share!

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Pregnancy Notes: Super Happy Belly Tea {recipe}

I love drinking my pregnancy tea everyday!  I keep a pitcher of this wonderful stuff in the fridge ready to go whenever I need it and often have to make a double batch because my family loves to drink it too. The flavor is so delicious and lightly sweet that I rarely add honey or stevia when enjoying my quart for the day.

I did not drink any kind of pregnancy tea with my first baby, but was introduced to it to by my 2nd midwife when I was pregnant with Tabitha (my 2nd). She had her own pregnancy tea recipe and made it for all her mamas. I was hooked on it from my first drink and I loved how it made me feel!

So, when I became pregnant with Tobi (baby#3)... I knew I had to get that recipe from her and after doing more research, decided to add in 2 more herbs to create a more potent tea to improve overall health of myself and baby, thus the name "Super Happy Belly Tea" was born!

The Ingredients & Its Benefits

Below you will read all the amazing benefits these herbs provide to improve overall health for the mama and baby! Most midwives will say that it is better to drink this special tea instead of taking prenatal vitamins because our bodies absorb the nutrients from herbal teas more easily than from vitamins. However, I did both... but that is for another "note" post in the near future :)

Now, before you read on, I have to say this for legal reasons... consult your midwife or doctor about any changes you make to your diet while pregnant. Herbs can cause interactions with pharmaceutical drugs, and just because they are natural, does not mean they are safe for everyone. With that being said, the use of herbs in pregnancy has a long, safe record in human history!

• Red Raspberry Leaf: This herb is every pregnant mama's best herbal friend! It is the best single herb that we can take for total uterine health. There is a long list of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the uterus needs to work efficiently. Red Raspberry Leaf has basically all of them! It is filled with essential minerals and vitamins like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, E, A and B complex. It also contains easily assimilated calcium and iron. This mama's best friend increases fertility, tones the uterus, aids in easy birthing, restores the womb after birthing, helps prevent miscarriage, reduces morning sickness, soothes muscle/leg cramps and backache, and counters fatigue. This herb is not only great for mama and baby, but for the whole family... read more here!
• Nettle Leaf: You will find that nettle supplies amazing amounts of energy! It is rich in chlorophyll, a significant source of vitamins A, D, C, B, and K, bio-available minerals, including huge amounts of calcium, magnesium silicon, and potassium chloride; protein, and dietary fiber. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthener to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a restorative to the hair and skin. It has the ability to increase the efficiency of liver and kidney function, which very important during pregnancy. It also helps prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhage after birth, and increases the richness of breast milk.
• Red Clover Blossoms: This is a herb that you may encounter as not recommended for pregnancy. I expressed my concerns to my 2nd midwife and she referred me to this trusted informative article which states "The infusion [red clover blossoms] prevents and eases the constipation so common during pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver and improves appetite, especially when morning sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety." Red Clover, like alfalfa, contains chlorophyll and has been called by herbalists a “God given remedy”. These flowers are used in folk medicine as a cure for any cancerous lump or tumor and its alkaline qualities purify the blood. It is used to treat infertility and the generous amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in red clover restores health to the entire reproductive system (great for men too!). Red Clover is an excellent herbal source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Plus, it is valued for keeping breast milk rich and our breasts healthy!
• Alfalfa: Called the “king of plants”, this herb is supremely rich in vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, potassium, silicon, and trace elements. It has 8 essential amino acids and the highest chlorophyll content of any plant. Alfalfa help aids in relieving morning sickness, prevents anemia and hemmorhaging. Midwives often recommend Alfalfa instead of an iron supplement to help us mamas build red blood cells. Alfalfa also contains a little known, but very important, vitamin - Vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting needed for mama & baby after birth.
• Peppermint: Mostly used in this tea for its soothing flavor, Peppermint is also helpful for alleviating symptoms of heartburn so common among pregnant mamas. It is also good for all digestive problems, expels stomach & colon gas, promotes relaxation, cleanses & tones the body and it can be used instead of aspirin for headaches.
• Dandelion Leaf & Root: This amazing herb is one I decided to add into the mix to create a more potent pregnancy tea after reading this article and doing more research. Both the leaf and root of the Dandelion is very nourishing for the liver, which is critical during pregnancy. A lack of strong liver function is connected to morning sickness, hemorrhoids, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, lack of energy, headaches, and mood swings. Dandelion is rich in many nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin A. This plant helps control blood pressure by reducing excess fluids in the body as well as by the presence of mannitol, a substance commonly prescribed in Europe for hypertension. Dandelion contains all the nutritive salts for the blood. It restores and balances the blood so anemia that is caused by deficiencies of these blood salts disappears. It also contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. These compounds help restore normal liver function, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile, increase the flow of urine and have a laxative effect... all very important functions that should be in good working order during pregnancy! Finally, this amazing weed enriches breast milk in nursing mothers.
• Oatstraw: Another herb I added into the mix, Oatstraw is an excellent herbal source of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to menstrual disorders, irritability and poor calcium absorption. This herb has been used to treat hysteria, calcium deficiency, nervous disorders, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. It is useful for bone building (vital for mama and baby) and is a nerve tonic.

Making the Tea Yourself
Wow, was all that amazing or what?! I'm sure you are ready to order all those herbs like I was after learning all that. I bought everything except the Red Clover Blossoms from the Bulk Herb Store. I love their prices, excellent customer services, fantastic quality and all the ingredients you need are organic! The Red Clover Blossoms I bought from Mountain Rose Herbs because it has primarily blossoms, while the Red Clover Tops at Bulk Herb has both blossoms and some leaves.

Another good thing to remember is that you don't need to wait until you are pregnant to start drinking this wonderful tea. Start drinking it now to heal and prepare your body! Plus, this is a great tea to share with your man and older children to increase overall health for the whole family.

If you decided to buy everything in bulk you can just mix what you need and have enough to last through your pregnancy and even through nursing. You will have extras of each herb, but they can be used for other things.

Second option is to simply mix everything together with only some herbs leftover, which is what I did. I made a HUGE batch of it about 2 years ago when pregnant with Tobi. I had so much leftover that I was able to give some away as gifts to other pregnant mamas... yeah, putting this tea in a dressed up jar made wonderful gifts!

Third option is to simply order Bulk Herb Store's already made pregnancy tea if making your own seems too much for you right now. Either way, you will still be getting important vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum health!

Super Happy Belly Tea

4 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
4 parts Nettle Leaf
3 parts Red Clover Blossoms
3 parts Alfalfa
2-3 parts Peppermint
1 part Dandelion Leaf (optional)
1 part Dandelion Root (optional)
1 part Oatstraw (optional)

Mix everything together in a large bowl or pot. Store in airtight containers or jars in a dark, cool place.

Hot tea: add 2-3 teaspoons of the premixed herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for up to 10 minutes, cover the mug. Strain and add raw honey or stevia to taste.

Cold tea: To make a pitcher of cold tea, add 10-12 teaspoons of the premixed herbs to 8 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for a while (30 minutes up to 4 hours for maximum absorption of the vitamins & minerals), strain and add raw honey or stevia if desired. Discard the used herbs, and put the tea in the refrigerator to drink over ice or it can be reheated.

Herbal ice cubes: Pour finished and cooled Super Happy Belly Tea into ice cube trays. Put in the freezer. Pop them out when frozen and put some in your quart of pregnancy tea for the day. I love this method because I can iced my tea using herbal ice cubes and it won't dilute the flavors!

My midwife said to drink at least a quart or more everyday and to drink it slowly throughout the day. That's hard to do when this tea is so good and I often drink more than a quart a day!

Also, it has been said that it is best to start drinking small amounts during your first trimester, then increase it to a quart by your second trimester and to drink it through the third trimester. If you have been drinking this tea before you became pregnant, don't stop drinking it! Simply decrease the amount to a half quart or so until you are in your 2nd trimester and increase it back up to a quart or more each day.

Hope you will enjoy this tea as much as I did!

Also, the links above are my affiliate links and I will earn a small commission if you decide to order the herbs through those links (no charge to you!). Thank you for reading this and supporting my family through your purchases!

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Tyndale Book Review: Flame of Resistance

"Years of Nazi occupation have stolen much from Brigitte Durand.


Family. Freedom. Hope for a future, especially for a woman with a past like hers.


But that changes the day American fighter pilot Tom Jaeger is shot down over occupied France. Picked up by the Resistance, Tom becomes the linchpin in their plan to infiltrate a Germans-only brothel and get critical intel out through Brigitte, a prostitute rumored to be sympathetic to the Allied cause.


D-day looms and everyone knows that invasion is imminent. But so is treachery, and the life of one American pilot unexpectedly jeopardizes everything. He becomes more important than the mission to a man who cannot bear to lose another agent and to a woman who is more than just a prostitute, who finally realizes that her actions could change the course of history."


Flame of Resistance is well written, but somewhat complicated book to read. The book is set during the Nazi occupation in the second World War. It took me a while to understand all of the different parts because there are so many different characters to follow. But once I got it, I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed how the relationship between the American and the French prostitude it seems to closely relate to the Bible story of Rahab.


After reading the book, it was disturbingly clear that the life the French people led during the German occupation was horrible.  Starvation, deprivation of basic needs, and the relentless knowledge that their lives had little value to the Germans helped me to understand the people's actions and decisions, even if I do not agree with them. 


Shows how war can change the way people do things just to simply survive.


Note: I know this is not a cookbook or really anything to do with my blog, but I received a copy of this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers to review. I was allowed to share my opinion for or against this book.

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NEW! My Pregnancy Notes Series

Here I am about halfway (about 21 weeks) through! I may not look that big, but I feel big... LOL!

While I haven't been doing a whole lot on my blog and just throwing up a post when I felt like it or found the time... all that is going to change for a while.

I finally found some inspiration!

Ta-da!

Now that I am pregnant with #4 I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my pregnancy "notes" on what I've done in my previous pregnancies and again doing with Bebe Cuatro. That way you can be blessed with some great information and I can have a place to keep all my notes for future references!

My "notes" will be a mixture of recipes, remedies, tips and encouragement... don't expect me to cover every detail or share cures for every pregnancy ailment that is common among us preggy Mamas. There are some things, such as morning sickness, that I did not have a big problem with during all my pregnancies and therefore won't be sharing much on that subject.

Now, if you are not yet a Mama... no problem! This series of "notes" will be excellent for you to save for when that day comes when you are pregnant for the first time. There are some information among these "notes" that actually apply to you now because it is vital to start preparing your body before you conceive, not after.

Think of it has "getting the house ready" for the baby... you want your body to be clean, strong & healthy before your baby moves in, grows in your womb for the next 9 months and drinks your milk for however long you decide to nurse!

For those who are Mamas, have children and done... don't pass this off too quickly. These "notes" may have valuable information for you and your family's health. If you have daughters that are growing up, getting married and ready to have babies... this is great to pass on to them! Plus, this series can be great to pass on to your other Mama friends! Thanks so much for sharing the love  :o)

For those of you who are still planning to have more kids, then you will find much that you can use for your next pregnancy! With each pregnancy I've learned new things and add in one or more things to improve my pregnancy, labor & birth.

Here is a tentative list of "notes" I plan to share over the next few months and are not in any particular order:

• Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs
• Super Happy Belly Tea {recipe}
• Whole Food Supplements
• 7 Superfoods for Mama & Baby
• Homeopathy Remedies
• Treating Group B Strep Naturally
• Exercising the Right Muscles for Labor & Birth
• Hospital Birth, Home Birth & Unassisted Birth
• Soothing Postpartum Pads {recipe}
• Mama's Rich Milk Tea {recipe}
• Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath {recipe}
• DIY Natural Nipple Cream {recipe}

If there is something you would like me to share that I might've missed in my list of notes... please let me know! It helps to get ideas from other Mamas who have been there and done it. With being pregnant, sometimes I forget some very important ones... ah! That's something I could write about! Curing forgetfulness during pregnancy! LOL!!

While I am sharing my "notes" I want you to remember that I am only sharing what has worked for me through each of my pregnancies. Also, please don't feel like you have to do EVERYTHING I do or have done. Find what you think will work for you! I am not a doctor or anything... just a mama who likes to share and has been blessed with 3 beautiful pregnancies, births & babies! Now I am looking forward to making it a fourth one  :)

I hope you will enjoy my notes and if you have anything you would like to share, have questions or want to add more thoughts into the posts, please write in the comments area! Thanks!

PS- in case you are wondering, that is me pregnant with Tabitha (#2). This was taken a few hours before she was born  :o)

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Possibly World's First: Homemade Crunchy {grain-free} Roasted Chickpea Cereal!

Remember my post a while back about our new favorite snack? Those crunchy, delicious little balls that are so healthy & addictive?!

Well, my girls and I had this crazy idea to pour some roasted chickpeas in a bowl and try it with some milk...

After one bite, we were hooked. The delicious sweetness swirled through the milk and the best part... the little guys stayed crunchy to the very last bite!

I've never eaten Captain Crunch cereal growing up (my good mama didn't allow that stuff in the house), but I really think that these sweet roasted chickpeas deserve that title, not those sugery, processed bits they call a healthy cereal!

Processed cereal is a no-no in our house. So, for me to make homemade cereal is a real treat for the family... especially for me! I'm sure most mamas like me would appreciate having the morning off from making breakfast once in a while, right?!

For a couple years now, I've made homemade cereal using my ready and soaked oats. We enjoyed it for a time, but I've stopped making them because I felt like I couldn't properly digest the rolled oats even though they were soaked. I read that oats needed to be soaked and cooked to properly break it down. Drying the oats does not count as cooking it. I also noticed that my girls didn't seem to enjoy them like they used too.

So, cold cereal basically went out the window for a while... But now it seems to be making a comeback with these little guys and I am thrilled!

I even googled "homemade chickpea cereal" to see if anybody had the same idea... so far, none! So, this idea makes it possibly the world's first! That's a rare accomplishment with all that we can find on the internet these days.

Here's the Sweet Little Sister... chomping and slurping away!

This new homemade cereal has been kid-tested and kid-approved!

Here's the beautiful Big Sister... proudly wearing her milk beard.

To enjoy a bowl yourself... simple follow the recipe for making a batch of Sweet n' Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas (4 flavor varieties).

When roasted chickpeas are ready, simply scoop some into a bowl and pour fresh milk over them.

Sit back and enjoy the crunchy goodness!

Shared @ Friday Food Flicks, Fight Back Friday, Monday Mania & Simple Lives Thursday 

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