Homemade Ghee Recipe… and Why it’s Amazing!
condiments, Health1 Response »Mar 112016
You’ve seen it at your local grocery store, maybe heard your friends are cooking with it, now you can try it, AND MAKE IT! See what all the fuss is about with my Homemade Ghee recipe… And learn why it’s amazing!
What is Ghee Anyway?
Ghee is essentially clarified butter. Butter cooked to a point where the water and milk solids (mostly proteins) have been boiled off, leaving just the rich, golden butterfat. It is solid at room temperature and because it doesn’t contain milk solids so those of us with milk allergies or an intolerance can safely enjoy ghee. Homemade Ghee or store-bought, can stay safely in your cupboard, without spoiling because the milk solids are removed. It can also be heated to a higher cooking temperature (482 degrees!) without smoking and is great for many stovetop meals, such as frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, meats, etc. The options are endless!
Ghee’s Amazing Health Benefits
This fat is healthy fat. And if you make it like I do or purchase it from a grass-fed source, it will just compound these health benefits! According to Real Food For Life, These include:
Ghee is rich in the oil soluble vitamins, A D and E.
Ghee is rich in K2 and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – an antioxidant with anti-viral properties if it is sourced from grass fed cows.
Ghee does not spoil easily so does not need refrigeration. Some ghee mixtures last up to 100 years.
Ghee is Nutritionally Rich Like Coconut Oil. Just like coconut oil, ghee is rich in medium chain fatty acids which are absorbed directly to the liver (like carbs) and burnt as energy. Athletes can use ghee as a consistent energy source.
Buttery taste without causing dairy allergies. Ghee is made from butter, but the milk solids and impurities have been removed so most people who are lactose or casein intolerant have no issue with ghee.
The energy from these medium chain fatty acids can be used to burn other fats in the system and lose weight.
With all these wonderful benefits to Ghee, you can see why I am such a fan! You can definitely buy ghee at your local grocery or health food store, which I have tried personally, and the taste does not compare to homemade ghee! Not only that it is so much cheaper and doesn’t take much time at all to make.
Make Your Own Homemade Ghee with This Step-by-Step Guide!
Ingredients and supplies
One pound grass-fed unsalted butter (I love Kerrygold)
saucepan
finemesh sieve
mason jar for storage
Place butter in sauce pan on medium-low heat. It will begin to simmer and bubble.
After a few minutes, the milk solids will begin to float on the top like this. Keep simmering!
Using a bowl and a fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth, pour ghee into bowl.
You will have the browned milk solids left in the sieve and bottom of sauce pan.
Golden goodness can be poured into your mason jar to cool. Speed the process by placing in the refrigerator.
Do you have a favorite recipe that uses homemade ghee? Please share!
dairy-free, grass-fed butter, homemade ghee, primal foodVegan Teething Biscuits for Your Natural Baby!
For the Kiddo’s, recipes, snacks3 Responses »Dec 042015
I made 95% of my twins baby food, with the occasional earths best or Plum organics, for traveling. As they were getting older I had to get more creative so they could practice feeding themselves with the pincer grasp. I am totally against processed foods. The majority of it has so much added sugar. I remember looking at teething biscuits by Earths Best and even though its says, “No added sugar,” the second ingredient is evaporated cane juice… SUGAR!! I decided to make my own.
The best thing you can do for your growing baby (ies), is make their food from scratch. They get the taste of REAL FOOD from the beginning (Check out my previous posts on Homemade Baby Food!)!
Vegan Teething Biscuits
Vegan Teething BiscuitsVegan Teething Biscuits Print Prep time 10 mins Cook time 15 mins Total time 25 mins Always choose organic ingredients :)Author: Sara ~ Loving Life NaturallyRecipe type: For babiesIngredients1 cup gluten-free oats (you can grind if your baby doesn’t like texture yet)
1 cup ground oats (grind oats and make an oat flour)(I just put in the blender)
¼ tsp Himalayan salt
¼ tsp cinnamon or ginger or cardamom
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 t baking powder
1 c (~2) overripe organic bananas, mashed with fork
1 t vanilla extract
3 Tbs Coconut Oil (you can also sub unsweetened organic applesauce)
InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix dry ingredients
In separate bowl mash bananas with fork and add remaining wet ingredients
Add wet to dry
Drop by the spoonful onto parchment paper lined baking sheet
Flatten with fork
Bake 12-15 min
3.2.2429I hope your baby enjoys these vegan teething biscuits as much as my twins did!
baby food, gluten-free teething Biscuits, Homemade baby food, Make your own baby food, natural baby, teething biscuits, vegan teething biscuitsNatural Herbal Play Dough Recipe
For the Kiddo’s, natural living, recipesNo Responses »Oct 152015
I love trying new things. I even have a hard time making the same recipe twice! However, I am in love with this Natural Herbal Play Dough recipe, and so are the little hands pictured above!
Sensory play is so beneficial for little growing minds. According to PBS Parents, “Children (and adults) learn the best and retain the most information when they engage their senses.” Isn’t it so true that some of our favorite memories are quickly brought back to our minds just from a certain scent, like the smell campfire on a summer night. Sensory experiences, such as playing with play dough, and especially herb infused play dough, will aid in this development.
Meg Hyke from Home Schooling Mama writes this…
Here are 5 reasons why sensory play is beneficial:
Research shows that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.
Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.
This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory
Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child
This helps children learn sensory attributes (hot, cold, stick, dry)
The Benefits Specifically for Natural Herbal Play Dough
Anna, from The Imagination Tree states these learning links:
sensory: exploring and investigating materials/ textures using all the senses
maths: investigating capacity / weighing/ measuring/ counting (during the cooking process)
motor skills: fine motor development through: pinching/ squeezing/ pushing/ pincer grip/ poking/ squishing/ rolling/ rolling/ digging
creativity: making dough represent other objects/ sculptures/ role-play/ imaginative play
literacy: role-play language/ new vocabulary eg. herb names
phase: working independently/ sustained involvement at play
Natural Herbal Play Dough Recipe
2 cups plain flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
Up to 1.5 cups boiling water (adding in increments until it feels just right)
Fresh Herbs of choice (Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Sage, Oregano, Mint, or anything soothing)
all natural food coloring (optional)Mix dry ingredients first, while water is heating.
This rosemary plant grows year round in California. I absolutely LOVE having an herb garden. Herbs are the easiest thing to grow and do no take much tending to!
Slowly add hot water, and herbs. The heat will help infuse the dough with the herb.
My kids LOVE helping me in the kitchen. It one of my favorite ways to bond with my sons. I walked out to get more Rosemary and I came back to them pushing more rosemary into the dough.
Natural Herbal Play Dough Manipulative’s… Make it more fun!
Cookie Cutters
Straws
Pasta shapes
Buttons
Shells
toy creatures
rolling pins, plastic knives, scissors, plastic pizza cutters
cupcake cases in different sizes
colored and natural feathers
pine cones, sticks, bark, leaves
muffin tins, egg cartons, chocolate boxes,
small cups and shot glasses
alphabet letters
shells
buttons
glass pebbles
toy vehicles
wooden letters and numbers
fabric, netting and ribbons
lolly sticks
I hope your kids enjoy this All Natural Herbal Play Dough Recipe as much we are!
all natural play dough, herbal play dough, natural kids, play dough, play dough recipe, sensory playChocolate Paleo Donuts Please!
Dessert, recipesNo Responses »Jul 132015
Paleo donuts have been a long time coming! I’ve been asked more times than I can count for a good donut recipe, especially from my son Maximus (Rocco does not like dessert, except my chocolate chip cookies). He had never eaten a donut before! We have read about them in books (a Halloween Little People book), and seen them, so finally… ask and ye shall receive!
I am far from a bakery chef and do not have the patience for perfection, but they do taste amazing, are gluten-free, and simple to make!
Chocolate Paleo Donuts
Chocolate Paleo Donuts Print Prep time 10 mins Cook time 15 mins Total time 25 mins Author: SaraRecipe type: DessertServes: 8Ingredients¼ cup coconut flour
¼ cup cacao powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
4 large organic eggs
½ cup cold pressed coconut oil
3 tablespoons raw honey
Topping
½ cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut butter
InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees
In a food processor, pulse together coconut flour, cacao powder, salt, and baking soda
Add eggs, coconut oil, and honey until thoroughly combined
using a small spoon, fill each doughnut well half way full of batter
Bake for 15-18 minutes
Remove doughnuts from and place on parchment paper to cool
In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and coconut butter
Drizzle doughnut with chocolate glaze or use a brush.
Optional add all natural sprinkles
Cool and serve
Store in Refrigerator
3.2.2429
I really love these sprinkles! They are 100% all natural, no artificial colors, are chemical free, and a perfect addition to these donuts, however, they are completely optional!
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Happy baking!
chocolate donuts recipe, coconut flour donuts, donuts, gluten-free donuts, paleo dessert, paleo donutsDeliciously Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Appetizers, Dinner, snacks4 Responses »May 142015This salad… romaine, grass-fed steak, shredded cauliflower, jicama, roasted chickpeas, broccoli sprouts, and olive oil and vinegar homemade dressing.
I have been on a new health kick again. I’ve eliminated EVERYTHING processed… From my ezekiel bread to even my favorite protein powders (grass-fed whey and shakeology). I know what your are thinking, “hasn’t she already done this?” Well, yes… and no! I’ve just taken it to a whole new level.
After reading an amazing book on whole foods, by Dr. Berg, I reevaluated my diet. As a real food and whole food believer I was still eating a few processed items, that can deceivingly be considered unprocessed. And because I have issues with insulin, thanks to Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, I’ve drastically lowered my carbohydrate intake and have eliminated grains, starches and high GI fruits. I’ve replaced them with heart healthy FAT. Can I be honest? I haven’t felt this good in a long time. My energy, my sleep, my gut… so good!
Now, I won’t go to say that I’m following this diet or that diet. I’m still listening to my body. I’m still eating cheese and yogurt. I am also not saying that everyone should eat this way. Each person is so different, each body is so different. Eat the way that YOU feel your best. Remember, its a journey.
Now, why am I telling you this? Because you make start to see some different recipes coming. I know I do have a lot of grain-free paleo type recipes, but more are likely coming!
I was searching for a protein type snack that is vegan (I did a three day whole food vegan cleanse) and came across Roasted Chickpeas. I’m hooked! These are great to have out for snacking, to replace in your salad instead of croutons, they are fiber and protein rich to keep you full and your blood sugar low, not to mention ultra-crunchy and delicious with a little kick!
Oven Roasted Chickpea’s Recipe
Deliciously Crunchy Roasted Chickpea’s Recipe Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 45 mins Total time 50 mins Perfect for a snack, on top of your salad!Author: Sara ~ Loving Life NaturallyRecipe type: SnackIngredients2 Cans rinsed Chickpeas (or make your own by soaking dried chickpeas overnight and then boiling.
2 Tbsp olive oil
Sea or Himalayan Salt
Chili powder
Garlic powder
and a pinch of Cayenne
InstructionsPreheat oven to 400
Rinse chickpea’s
lay out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
drizzle with olive oil
sprinkle with seasonings, about 2 tsp each chili and garlic and a pinch of Cayenne
Bake for 45 min, turn half way to prevent burning. Check Chickpeas of crunchiness. They should not be chewy at all.
3.2.2429
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and place in preheated oven.
They should be golden and crunchy when done.
They make the perfect snack or salad topping
I hope you enjoy my oven roasted chickpeas recipe!
Keep it clean, keep it natural! From my natural health blog to you!
clean eating recipes, dinner, easy recipe, eat for wellness, Roasted chickpeas, vegan, vegan snack, vegetarian snackThe BEST Cauliflower Crust Pizza ~ Margarita Style!
recipes9 Responses »Apr 282015
I am not sure why this took me so long? I had no idea how easy it would be to make! This is the Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza, if I do say so myself.
Pizza crust has always intimidated me because of its lengthy process to make. Finally, I have a simple pizza that I can make completely from scratch, crust included! It only takes three ingredients (not including toppings!) to make a simple and ultra healthy (and low carb!) meal.
The Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza ~ Margarita style!
The BEST Cauliflower Crust Pizza! Print Healthy, low-carb, and super delicious!Author: Sara ~ Loving Life NaturallyRecipe type: DinnerCuisine: ItalianIngredients4 cups grated Organic Cauliflower
4 cups shredded Whole Mozzarella Cheese
4 Whole Organic Eggs
Low Sugar Pizza Sauce of Choice or use my Marinara (HERE)
Fresh Basil and/or add your favorites
Sea salt and olive oil to drizzle on after cooking
InstructionsPreheat oven to 450 degree’s
Grate cauliflower
Add 2 cups grated cheese, cauliflower, and eggs to a mixing bowl and mix.
On a parchment lined baking sheet, add crust mixture to form a crust.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Add toppings and bake for 10 more minutes.
Enjoy!
3.2.2429
Using the grater of a food processor “shred” your cauliflower. Or you can use hand held cheese grater if you do not have a food processor.
1 head of cauliflower makes a bit more than four cups. Add four cups of the cauliflower, two cups of cheese, and the four eggs to a bowl and mix.
You can make two circular pizzas or one large one, like I have. Spread crust mixture on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven of 450 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden. Add sauce and toppings and a few grinds of sea salt (optional).
Add sauce and cheese. Bake for another 10 minutes.
Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil, for a more authentic Margarita pizza!
Enjoy the Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza with a fresh salad and your favorite people of course! Buon Appetito… mangia mangia!
beet, clean eating recipes, dinner, dinner recipe, eat for wellness, eat the rainbow, nutrients, organic, oven roasted vegetables, real food, side dish, wellness, Whole food
