A Little Bit of Heaven, I Mean Paris, In Arizona!

 I knew that when Adam and I went to Paris for our Anniversary that I would enjoy the yummy pastries and desserts, but I never expected to fall so deeply in love with sipping hot cocoa at a cafe while the rain fell around us.  When I came home one of the first things that I attempted was purchasing French Hot Cocoa mix.  I learned that not only is there  not a lot of stuff like that out there (mostly machines), but their aren't many recipes either...  My new mission had become finding a recipe that would help me get by until I was in Paris once again.

After doing a lot of googling and experimenting with what others had come up with I have to say that this is pretty close!  I can't provide the amazing atmosphere, but I can get you close to the taste!  

Tips: 

* The darker the better!!  I don't suggest using anything lighter than 70% Cocoa.

* My husband enjoys adding a TBSP of Heavy Cream to his batch of hot chocolate.

* When you get a cup of Hot Cocoa in France it comes with sugar cubes. You can always add, but taste the richness of the chocolate first.  

*You don't have to use the blender if you don't want the froth, but the cocoa powder looks really cool on the froth!!

BIG PLUS...

We are told all the time that Dark Chocolate not Milk Chocolate is good for us.  People have even said the darker the better...I could never enjoy a 90% cocoa bar, but drinking it as Hot Chocolate is truly amazing.  Now I get to say that Hot Cocoa is a health drink :)

Enjoy!!!!

Gluten-Free Chicken & Waffles

Our family has a semi annual tradition of eating waffles and ice cream for breakfast.  I had to figure out a way to still enjoy this special meal with my little ones twice a year.  Because of travel we switched our waffles and ice cream to dinner so I added chicken nuggets to the menu to make it healthy!!! 

Many kids have picky eating habits when it come to special needs kids.  Chicken nuggets is a very common favorite, and they know when they are being given something that they aren't used to.  Tonight my kids gave me the reviews of "Awesome", "Good on the inside and out." and they were gone in time for their waffles with ice cream :)

 Tips:

* You can use regular flour and still create great chicken nuggets!!

* Remember not to use to much oil...when oil gets hot it expands.

* Temperature is very important in frying.  Make sure your temperature stays at 350 degrees.

 Tips:

* The biggest tip that I can give you is not to over mix your batter.  

Fold your egg whites into the batter don't mix them.  When folding take the batter from the bottom of the bowl and gently fold the batter into the egg whites.

* You can use regular milk and flour for these waffles as well!

Coconut milk ice cream is pretty yummy!  They even make coconut whipped cream :)

Happiness is Never Having to Say "Finish Your Oatmeal Again"!!!

Tips and tricks...
*You can use this same pancake recipe with regular flour, milk, oil and baking powder!
*This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free :)
*Strawberries are the worst food when it comes to pesticides.  The strawberries seeds absorb the pesticides and take them to the core of the fruit.  If possible purchase organic or pesticide free strawberries.
* When buying coconut oil make sure it is unrefined
*Agave Nectar is a great natural sweetener that does not affect your glucose level!