How To Make Homemade Mayonnaise Simple & Nourishing

I am thrilled to be a contributor at The Nourishing Gourmet and I am sharing my first post over there today!

My first post is about How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise Simple & Nourishing.

Homemade mayonnaise is so much better than store-bought mayo. Seriously.

Every time I make it, my family literally devours it and I basically become the mayo-police trying to make that jar of yummy, creamy mayo last more than a day!

We love drowning our salads, baked potatoes, sandwiches, tacos and much more with this creamy & nourishing condiment. All that yummy fat really makes everything taste so much better and did you know that mayo contains a superfood known to be a complete meal full of excellent protein, fats, vitamins & omega-3s?

Now, head over there, read the rest of the post and get the recipe to make your own homemade mayo!

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A Peek Through Just Making Ice Cream with Delicious Pictures!

I think it is safe to say that everybody loves ice cream, right? Cold, creamy and bursting with flavors... it's the go-to sweet treat on hot summer nights, at parties and whenever the sweet tooth hits.

I thought taking a peek through my ice cream ebook would be great for those who haven't bought the book. A picture is worth a thousand words, right?

Plus, my ebook is more than just a recipe ebook with great pictures... it also has practical ice cream-making tips choosing an ice cream maker, how to make ice cream without an ice cream maker and the basic principles of delicious homemade ice cream using healthy ingredients & alternative sweeteners.

You will also find more than 30 ice cream/gelato recipes, 9 cultured milk recipes, 10 sherbet recipes, 10 sorbet recipes and 10 toppings/extras that will keep you busy all year round!

Let me share almost everything you will get in my book...

I don't just stop there... I am ALWAYS thinking of new flavors and trying new flavors of ice cream whenever I can!

Most of the pictures below are in my book, but there are some that are not and I plan to update this post with more pictures whenever I am able to get a good shot of my delicious frozen treats.

You never know, maybe I will make an 'updated' version of Just Making Ice Cream... with more pictures and new recipes! What you think of that? The 2nd Edition of Just Making Ice Cream is now available and I am already working towards creating a 3rd Edition! I hope to also make this available for print too!

Now, enjoy your peek through my book... I'm sure you will be cleaning up your drool by the last picture!

If you are interested in purchasing Just Making Ice Cream. You can purchase it directly from me here for a suggested donation of $12.00.

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Get a Good Start on Summer with 5 Sizzling Resources!

 Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and this week's bundle is packed full of inspiration for delicious food, fun activities and more to help you make this the best summer yet! You'll find tips for planning a summer of fun without losing your sanity, daily activities for kids of all ages, recipes to help you make the most of the food that's in-season, tips and recipes for eating well on-the-go and dozens of delicious homemade ice cream recipes that you can make with or without an ice cream maker!

Hurry, though, because this bundle is available at almost 85% off this week only!

Here are the 5 summer ebooks: 

The Summer Survival Guide by Jessica FisherSummertime, though rich in possibilities, can be a challenge for parents, especially when there are bored children about! Jessica's Summer Survival Guide is filled with inspiring ideas and practical suggestions for making the most of the summer as a family, including 37 customizable planning pages, calendars, and worksheets for kids, 100+ family-friendly book and movie suggestions, inspiration for home management during the summer months, 16 summertime learning themes with related crafts and activities, and more.

2013 Summer Survival Calendar by Susan HeidSusan's 2013 Summer Survival Calendar is a four-month calendar with over 120 activities to blast boredom and increase family time. It features at least one low-budget (and sometimes free) activity, craft project, or kid friendly recipe every day from May 1 to August 31, with clickable links so you can easily view project directions or supplies needed. It's the perfect way to keep kids busy, happy, and engaged during those long, hot summer days!

Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn BeardJust Making Ice Cream is more than just a recipe book! In this ebook, Marillyn offers practical ice cream-making tips such as choosing an ice cream maker, how to make ice cream without an ice cream maker and the basic principles of delicious homemade ice cream. You'll also find more than 30 ice cream & gelato recipes, 9 cultured milk recipes, 10 sherbet recipes and 10 sorbet recipes that will keep you busy taste-testing all summer long!

Simply Summer by Kate TietjeSimply Summer is the perfect summer cookbook! You'll find plenty of fresh, seasonal summer recipes -- exactly what you need when you want to enjoy summer’s bounty -- including grilled, marinated meats, fresh salads, fruit and even wonderful desserts! Many of Kate's selections are allergen-free and GAPS-friendly to help families with allergies and dietary restrictions find recipes to enjoy as well.

Simply Scheduled: On the Go by Tammie NelsonFeeding your family healthy food during the busy summer months can be a challenge, and Tammie's Simply Scheduled: On the Go is your guidebook to creating easy, affordable menus away from home. With over 80 pages of charts, lists, menus and recipes, including printable recipe cards and pre-planned menus, this ebook will help you plan for camping trips, barbecues, picnics and road trips so that you can enjoy your summer without stressing about food choices or the grocery budget. 

The Summer bundle is only available through 8am EST on Monday, 6/3.
Get yours today:

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Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Last week I shared my Sourdough Focaccia Bread over at the Grain Mill Wagon.

Life has been a little hectic and I didn't have time to let you all know last week, sorry!

As always... better late, then never!

Go check out my Sourdough Focaccia Bread and if you have a sourdough starter sitting in your kitchen... make a batch of it!

It is SO good!

Have a great day!

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Pregnancy Notes: Mama's Rich Milk Tea {recipe}

First, I must apologize for totally dropping the ball with my Pregnancy Notes Series.

I hope you won't hold it against me.

I am human, with 4 little humans to care for and a life in the mission field.

Moving on... 

So, here we are and I would like to start again by sharing another favorite tea. A 'must-have' for every mama who is planning to nurse or already nursing!

This special tea mixture is amazing! I couldn’t believe how much milk I was producing with no painful engorgement when my milk first came in after drinking it.

This stuff is good!

Yes, my breasts still felt tight and tender, but it wasn't painful and I wasn't uncomfortable. Just make sure you have a bra that fits comfortably, I didn't with my 4th baby and I was uncomfortable for the first couple days! Live and learn!

This is another tea recipe (have you tried the Super Happy Belly Tea?) I got from my midwife in Costa Rica... I know, this gal is amazing and very good at what she does. I've learn so much from her (Thanks Uva!).

She had me drink a ton of this tea for 3 days… basically a ½ gallon of it each day. I loved it like iced tea with raw honey.

1 1/2 gallons of tea in 3 days?! I know that's a lot, but I saw and felt amazing results from drinking it! From then on I had plenty of milk for Tabitha and didn’t even have to drink anymore of it throughout my time of nursing Tabi.

My nursing experience with Naomi (my first) was not the same. I had a challenging start and felt like I wasn’t producing enough milk for her.

I guess that happens with almost all first-time Mamas, right?

But it doesn't have to be like that!

I loved nursing Naomi, but struggled with feeling like I wasn’t giving enough. I bought tea made for nursing moms, but didn’t really noticed a big difference… thankfully, I had the option of buying fresh goat’s milk to supplement with when she was around 6 months old. and still was able to nurse her until she weaned off around 18 months. She was a happy, chubby & thriving baby!

But I was determined the second time around that I was going to mentally and physically prepare myself better so I can nurse Tabitha successfully.

I ate the 7 super foods as much as I could. I took all my supplements. I made sure to cast aside all thoughts of doubt through prayer (truly, nagging & doubtful thoughts can hinder your body from producing milk!).

I was thrilled to see and feel my determination paid off! The 2nd time around with Tabi was so different… I was able to nurse her exclusively until she was almost a year and went on to nurse her until she was about 18 months old.

I believe it had a lot to do with my eating better, trusting in the Lord and the Mama’s Rich Milk Tea.

I, of course, got the recipe from my midwife and you will see that it contains a lot of the same herbs in the Super Happy Belly Tea. You will also see some new herbs and seeds that are known to encourage milk production and enrich it!

I have drank this tea with my 3rd, Tobias and my 4th, Poema. Never once worried about having enough milk and I even like to make a big batch of this tea once in a while because it tastes so yummy!

In fact, I am going to go make some right now!

All About the Ingredients
Below you will learn along with me all the amazing benefits each of these herbs provide to improve the amount and quality of mama's milk! 

• Red Raspberry Leaf: This herb is every pregnant & nursing mama's best herbal friend! It is the best single herb that we can take for total uterine health, which is very important before, during & after pregnancy. It is vital for your uterus to work itself back to pre-pregnancy shape after birth! 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 and increases the richness of mama's milk! 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 and reduces the incidence of hemorrhage after birth.
• Red Clover Blossoms: This herb is valued for keeping breast milk rich and our breasts healthy! Red Clover 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 helps relieves anxiety, which can affect your milk supply!
• Blessed Thistle: Most commonly used to enrich and increase breast milk supply... Blessed Thistle also helps lift postpartum depression and relieve suicidal feelings too! The term 'blessed' was applied centuries ago from its reputation as a cure all, a remedy even for the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. This plant's curative properties were considered a gift from God! Blessed Thistle is known to help balance female hormone problems such as painful menstruation, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. It also strengthens the heart and lungs, brings oxygen to the brain & strengthens memory and brings circulation to every part of the body. In the last century, blessed thistle has received a reputation for its action on the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys. Plus, it is an excellent source of potassium and sodium.
• Dandelion Leaf: This amazing weed enriches breast milk in nursing mothers. Dandelion is rich in many nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin A. This plant 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 after pregnancy!
• Borage: Highly respected for its ability to increase milk flow. Borage contains high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B & C and beta carotene. This flower also has very high levels of gamma linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. It is often used to boost GLA deficiencies in children as well to ensure proper growth. Borage is used to restore the adrenal glands to their natural balance, which can create a calmer body and mind. It is also well known for its soothing qualities and has been used to treat nervous conditions. Its natural sedative effects have been used for lifting the spirits and softening the nervous edge. Borage works well to ease depression and mood swings often associated with menopause and menstrual cycles.
• Fennel Seeds & Cumin Seeds: Known to increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Fennel & Cumin not only help in milk production, but is also fantastic for colic & flatulence in small babies. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. Both help normalize the appetite, increase the flow of urine and help cleanse the liver. One of fennel's greatest attributes is its ability to make the unpleasant taste of many herbs more tolerable.

Let's Make Tea!

After researching all that... I am simply amazed that we have these natural resources to nourish ourself and our babies. God is awesome! Are you ready to order the herbs and make up a batch of Mama's Rich Milk Tea?! Yeah, I thought so.

Again, I bought almost everything from Bulk Herb Store. Their quality is excellent and the prices are even better! I purchased the Borage and Cumin Seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs  because BHS does not sell these two.

Now, some of you are probably wondering why I didn't include fenugreek seeds... my midwife said she preferred not to use them because they give a strong, somewhat unpleasant taste. She believes all the herbs and seeds listed above is more than enough to improve the flow and nutrition of Mama's milk.

You are more than welcome to add fenugreek seeds if you believe you must have them! Use the same amount as the fennel and cumin.

If you decided to buy everything in bulk you can just mix what you need and have enough to last through your time of 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. The extra you will have are simply wonderful to give away as gifts to other nursing 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 nursing 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 healthy milk and baby!

4 parts Red Raspberry Leaf

4 parts Nettle Leaf

3 parts Red Clover Blossoms

3 parts Blessed Thistle

2 parts Dandelion Leaf

2 parts Borage

1 part Fennel Seeds

1 part Cumin Seeds

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 Mama's Rich Milk Tea into ice cube trays. Put in the freezer. Pop them out when frozen and put some in your glass of nursing 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 1/2 gallon for the first 3 days after birth and to drink it slowly throughout the day. Then drink it daily or when you feel that you need a boost for your milk.

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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6 Ways to Eat More Raw Egg Yolks

I love eggs.

That gorgeous, golden egg in the picture came from one of my hens... that is what a healthy egg should look like!

How many of you remember the scene from the movie "Rocky" where he drinks chugs down that large glass of raw eggs as part of his workout program?

Can you do that?

I can't do that! I would most likely end up gagging, choking and spewing it all over the place!

BUT I have other ways taking in my raw egg yolks without having to plug up my nose and chug it down... I can even enjoy it!

I think most of us already know the amazing benefits of eating raw egg yolks, but for those who are new in this area and would like to know... let me share a little bit.

The Amazing Yolk
Beautiful, golden egg yolks are the ace of spades for overall health. They are excellent for people of all ages, especially growing children and one of the 7 super foods for pregnant mamas.

According to research, egg yolks would resolve most common nutrient deficiencies and they are the complete meal full of excellent protein, fats, vitamins, omega-3s and more ... all packaged conveniently in their cute little shells.

Yes, it is also rich in cholesterol, but not the kind that contributes to heart disease. It’s the exact opposite, it is actually good for your heart... and brain!

Egg yolks supplies cholesterol needed for mental development and important sulphur-contained amino acids... that is vital for you and your family!

Eggs from hens raised on pasture, flax meal and insects are also rich in the omega-3 fatty acids found in mama's milk but is often lacking in cow's milk. These fatty acids are so important for brain development.

But that depends on what kind of eggs you eat...

Healthy Chickens, Healthy Eggs

The best eggs you can buy are directly from local farmers where healthy chickens are given the freedom to roam in open pastures or gardens where they can naturally eat all the grass, seeds, bugs, worms, grubs and veggies to their hearts’ delight.

These eggs will have a richer flavor (yolks are almost buttery-like) and higher in vitamins & antioxidants.

Eggs from factory-farmed chickens who are fed only processed grain feed laced with antibiotics are not as nutritious and not recommend to eat raw. These unhealthy chickens never get to feel the sun on their backs or taste fresh greens/bugs... if you were kept from enjoy those two vital things, wouldn't you be sick too?

It is amazing to see such a difference between a healthy, free-range egg yolk (firm, golden orange, well-rounded and rich in flavor) and factory-farmed egg yolk (soft/easily breaks, yellow, flat and lacks flavor). The brilliant orange color in the yolk comes from the chicken's diet of fresh greens, bugs and lots of sun!

One more thing, I do not recommend buying organic eggs from the store... unless it comes from a local source. The yolks are almost always light yellow because they don’t really get to free-ranged on pasture like the label says! Better to spend that money on either raising your own backyard chickens or buying some from a local farmer.

Eating Yolks for Fertility, Pregnancy and Overall Health

When I was pregnant with my 2nd, 3rd and 4th babies... I ate egg yolks all the time. Everyday.

I didn't improve my health & eating habits until after I was already pregnant with my 1st baby, but better late than never! I seriously wish I knew what I know now before I was pregnant with my first baby. Thankfully, over all, it was a good pregnancy and the birth was amazing.

Plus, for my babies' first food... I gave them soft-boiled egg yolks. Yep, you read that right! The nourishing fats found in egg yolks is vital for brain development in babies & young children and so much better than the yucky rice mush.

The 5 Ways...

So, you might as well toss out your bottle of multivitamin and eat a few egg yolks a day to cover most, if not all, of what you get in a small pill!

Wondering how to accomplish that? Let me share some easy ways you can eat your raw egg yolks and actually enjoy it!

With Honey...

{Raw Egg Yolk with Honey} My friend, Diana, from My Humble Kitchen shares a simple, nourishing snack (dessert, even!) that she grew up on. I've tried this with my kids, but they won't take it... maybe because the honey we buy isn't a strong, yummy honey like I know Diana's honey is.

My kids' first food, when they were babies, were soft boiled egg yolks... sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt. Talk about a GREAT super first food to give to your baby! 

In Smoothies...

{Rise & Shine Breakfast Smoothie} The most popular way to consume egg yolks is in a smoothie. I usually like to throw in my egg yolks after I've blended up the fruit & kefir and give it a couple whirls. This is one of my favorite ways to 'hide' yolks... my kids love 'em! So yummy!


In Porridge...

{Soaked Oatmeal} I came up with this idea a few years back when I was trying to get my family to eat more egg yolks. My kids did really well with eating it, but with LOTS of honey and fruit. Very simple and great way to balance the protein and carbs! You can use any kind of porridge - oatmeal, millet, wheat berries, etc... whatever suits you.


In Ice Cream...

{Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Ice Cream} I always think ice cream tastes better with egg yolks. Richer. Creamier. Dense. But that's my opinion. Of course, my family loves ice cream and my kids always make sure I throw in some yolks! You will find lots of recipes in my ebook, Just Making Ice Cream, that calls for egg yolks. Of course, for those who can't have eggs... simply omit it! It will still be yummy and nourishing with all that milk!


In Drinks...

{Eggnog} This classic holiday drink should be drunk year round! It is so simple to make and there really isn't one recipe... everybody has their own way of making eggnog. Me, I whipped up some this morning! All I did was fill a glass with fresh milk, drop in a couple egg yolks and sweetened it with vanilla creme stevia (you can use any sweetener you want!). Then I took a small whisk and mix it all together. Then I usually like to sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top. This is my oldest girl's favorite treat, especially before bed  :)


In Mayo...

{Homemade Mayonnaise} Finally... homemade mayo using only 5 ingredients and SO yummy with almost anything. We love it on our salads, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes. I always have to make a double batch and it never lasts for more than 4 days with my family! I often have to be the mayo police because I'm the one who has to make it  :)

Well, that's my 6 ways of enjoying raw egg yolks!

What about you? Which ones are you favorites? Am I missing any other ways? 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but I will receive a small commission. The commissions I receive goes to support my family, our ministry and helps keep my blog going. Thank you for your willingness to use the links to support us & help me keep Just Making Noise going!

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