Gluten-Free Conversion Guide

Source: Sofia Reino

Happy Valentine's Day!

Made with love by my lil' 2-year-old!

Real Definition of Inclusion

Source: Citizens for Inclusive Thinking

Cheers to Inclusion!

"Everybody's a Genius but If You Judge a Fish By Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing It Is Stupid" - Albert Einstein

Source: Citizens for Inclusive Thinking

Story of Stuff

The Story of Stuff is a very well made movie with a detailed explanation of how we create, use and dispose "stuff". And how corporations externalize costs.

As consumers, we play a big role. Watch this video and understand how we can all help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM&feature=share&list=SP77CE8943362CB9B0

Source: Story of Stuff

Shame on Stonyfield

I'm soooo mad at Stonyfield for changing its yogurt formula, adding tons of sugar. My kids love Stonyfield yogurt, but 35 grams of sugar in a single serving is totally unacceptable! I called its customer service, and the answer: "it was not selling well, so we had to add sugar based on consumer research." But....it's still branded as healthy and organic. 

Maddening....

Source: Stonyfield 

Brilliant DIY Pinguins

Just saw this at Life is aRT....brilliant!!

Source: Life is aRT

Dangerous Flame Retardants Reported in Baby Cribs

Bad news reported by the Chicago Tribune. Three popular brands of baby mattresses that were marketed in recent months to families and day care centers contained toxic flame retardants linked to increased cancer risk, according to laboratory tests conducted for the Chicago Tribune.

One member of that family of chemicals, known collectively as chlorinated tris, was removed from children's pajamas over cancer concerns a generation ago.

Please click here for more information

Dish Art

I just saw this picture on Facebook, from Life Is aRT... lovely! I wish I were that creative. 
I wonder if this would work with my picky eater. Gotta give it a try, at a minimum we'll have loads of fun!

Source: Life Is aRT

RECALL ALERT: 800,000 Fisher-Price Baby Sleepers for possible Mold

"The government is warning consumers to inspect Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'N Play Sleepers due to risk of exposure to mold for infants who use them.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday that its warning applies to 800,000 infant recliner seats, called sleepers, that were sold at stores nationwide and online since September 2009, with prices ranging between $50 and $85. The seats, designed for babies up to 25 pounds, feature a soft plastic seat held in a tubular metal rocking frame. The product has a removable fabric cover.

Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame if the sleeper remains wet or is infrequently cleaned, the agency said. Mold is associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections, the warning said. Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold and 16 infants have been treated for respiratory issues, coughs and hives after they were in the Fisher-Price sleepers.

The agency said consumers should check for dark brown, gray or black spots that can indicate the presence of mold under the removable seat cushion. If mold is found, they are advised to immediately stop using the product and to contact Fisher-Price for cleaning instructions or further assistance.

Units currently in retail stores are not affected by the warning, but mold growth can occur after use of the infant sleepers."

Sources: AP and msnbc

Top Flavor: Chicken Tikka Masala

I love Indian food. The spices are loaded with flavor and antioxidant ingredients. Check out this recipe. It's a great and healthy way to expand kids' taste buds. Yes, it's a lot of work, but totally worth it!

Chicken Tikka Masala
Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut in 1 inch cubes

Marinade

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground red pepper
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 piece minced ginger (1-inch long)
• 6 bamboo skewers (6-inch long)
•  

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Small jalapeno, minced (optional)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (buy in Indian market)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounce tomato sauce (you can make a marinade or buy it)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Soak bamboo skewers in water.

Thread chicken on skewers, and marinate (in the refrigerator) for an hour or so.

Discard marinade.

For sauce, melt butter on medium heat.

Add garlic & jalapeno; cook 1 minute.

Stir in coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala & salt. Add the tomato sauce. Simmer 15 minutes.

Stir in cream; simmer to thicken- about 5 minutes.

Grill or broil chicken, turning occasionally, to cook through- about 8 minutes.

Remove chicken from skewers; add to sauce.

Simmer 5 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro Serve with basmati rice, naan or pita bread.

Source: food.com

DYI Cardboard Boat and Oven

I love simple eco-friendly projects with huge impact. At this time of the year we receive lots of boxes from online orders or appliances, etc. Using the boxes to make toys is a great way to promote pretend play at home. Check out these 2 projects from ikatbag.com. Genius!

Source: ikatbag.com (check out more projects!)

Sandy Hook Elementary

Current Recalled Toys: Check this List Before Your Holiday Shopping

Before you start holiday shopping, please check the list of recalled toys, from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Click here to access the list

DIY Aquarium

A cardboard fish tank...how awesome! Another great DIY project that kids LOVE!! You only need a box, glue, thread and little pieces of colored cardboard paper to make the creatures. Easy, enjoyable and very green!

Source: DikaKids Brazil

Creative Tree

Check out this awesome idea to spur kids' creative juices this Christmas. You can easily make the trees and ornaments with felt. No sewing needed!! 
We are making one for each one of my kids this year! They can't wait to start decorating.....

Source: Dika Kids Brasil

Healthy Holidays Recipes: Mushroom and Sausage Stuffed Boneless Turkey Breast

During the Holidays, turkey breast is a star on the table. Our family couldn't care less for the legs and other parts of the turkey. So, if you are like us, this recipe is a must. The breast comes out juicy, delicious, the flavors of the meat and the stuffing blend in together. Believe me...you have to give this one a try!

Mushroom and Sausage Stuffed Turkey Breast (Roulade) with Gravy
Servings: 10 portions

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice 
• Kosher salt
• 8 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
• 1 pound shiitake mushrooms (use other mushrooms if you prefer)
• 1/2 bunch sage, leaves finely chopped 
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 pound bulk Italian Chicken or Turkey sausage, crumbled
• 1 turkey breast, removed from the bone, about 4 pounds
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Thyme bundle
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Coat a large saute pan, over medium-high heat, with olive oil, add in half of the diced onion, season with salt, to taste. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and very aromatic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and sage, season with salt, to taste. Cook until they are soft and wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the chicken or turkey sausage and use a large kitchen spoon to chop up the sausage. Cook until the sausage is brown and a little crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the sausage mixture to a large mixing bowl and let cool.

While the sausage mixture is cooling, cut the turkey breast into 2 separate halves and remove skin. Butterfly each half to make a wide, flat surface (Most of them will do it without charging anything). Cover each half with plastic wrap and gently pound each breast half, to flatten.

To the mixing bowl with sausage mixture, add the bread crumbs, grated cheese, the eggs, the olives and 1/2 a cup of water. Mix together until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. Taste and season with salt if needed.

Arrange a turkey breast flat on the plastic wrap. Lay half the stuffing mix on the turkey and roll it up, creating a neat even log.  Tie with twine to secure. Repeat with second turkey breast.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Put a large roasting pan on a burner, coat it with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the turkey rolls and brown on all sides. Remove the rolls from the pan and add in the remaining diced onion, carrots, celery. Season with salt, to taste, and cook the veggies until they start to soften, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add 1 cup of low sodium chicken stock and 1 cup of white wine to the roasting pan with a thyme bundle. Return the turkey rolls to the pan, cover with foil and roast for 25 minutes, remove the foil and roast for 10 more minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the turkey to a tray or platter and cover with foil to rest and keep warm.

Put the roasting pan over 2 burners to make the gravy. Remove the thyme and skim the fat. Mix the flour with 6 tablespoons chicken stock and slowly whisk it into the roasting pan. Whisk in the remaining chicken stock and bring it the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture has thickened to a gravy consistency. Taste and season with salt, if needed.

Remove the string from the roulades and slice into medallions. Arrange the roulades on a serving platter and serve with the gravy.

Sources: Based on multiple recipes including recipes from the Food Network 

GMO FAQs and More...

Did you know that all organic foods sold in the US must be certified to the USDA National Organic Standards, which prohibit the use of GMOs? Check out this very insightful GMO FAQs published by WholeFoods. Here is a summary:

What are GMOs?

Genetic Modification is a technique that changes the genetic makeup of cells, including alteration of genetic materials and other biologically important chemicals, and allows genes to move across species. It produces new combinations of genes and traits that do not occur in nature. Plants that have been altered in this way are called GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, or GE, genetically engineered. GMO plants are modified to include genes allowing them to survive the application of chemical herbicides, or cause the plants to produce pesticides.

What foods are most likely to contain GMOs?

With regard to our North American food supply, approximately 93% of soy, 88% of field corn, 94% cotton, and over 90% of canola seed and sugar beets planted in the U.S. (2012 data) are genetically engineered.According to the Non-GMO Project, the following are considered High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):

• Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
• Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
• Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
• Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
• Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

More information on other high-risk foods, monitored crops and common ingredients derived from GMO risk crops can be found on their website, nongmoproject.org.

What can I do to avoid GMOs in the grocery store?

• Choose organic products. All organic foods sold in the U.S. must be certified to the USDA National Organic Standards, which prohibit the use of GMOs.
• Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on products.

Source: WholeFoods.com

Jerk Chicken Heaven

Mmmmm, this recipe is fantastic, Jerk Chicken, Jamaican style. We cooked it this past weekend, and it was just as delicious as it looks!
So easy to make, healthy and delicious. Enjoy!

Jerk Chicken Jamaica Style
Servings: 5 people

One 3 1/2 lb organic chicken (3lb of chicken breasts may be used if preferred)
6 sliced jalapeno peppers
2 Tbsp. thyme
2 Tbsp. ground allspice
8 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 Medium onions, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tsp. ground black pepper

1 to 2 Tsp of the following (to taste)
-ground cinnamon
-nutmeg
-ginger

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
Juice of one lime
1 cup orange juice
1 cup white vinegar

Chop the onions, garlic and peppers. These do not need to be chopped too fine as they will be liquified by the blender.
Blend all of the ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a blender to make the jerk sauce. Rub the sauce in to the meat, saving some for basting and dipping later. Leave the chicken in the fridge to marinade overnight.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turn the meat then bake for a further 30 minutes. An even better option is to grill the chicen slowly until cooked, turning regularly. Baste with some of the remaining marinade whilst cooking.

If using the whole chicken, chop each quarter of the chicken portion into 5 or 6 smaller pieces using a heavy cleaver. Use a wooden spoon (or something similar) to hold the chicken in place whilst chopping (you will be chopping with enough pressure to cut through bone!!!)

Serve with salad or rice and peas (or beans).

Based on the recipe provided by the Jamaica Travel and Culture.

A Better Future is a Priority

If you are an American, few things are more important than voting today! Having a better future for our kids is a priority.