Homemade Bagels and Almond Butter

I am pretty new to baking from scratch. I have always liked to cook, but baking just never interested me...until recently. About a month ago the kids and I started experimenting in the kitchen as a way to reduce the amount of processed foods we brought into the house (to be healthier and to reduce packaging waste). Then I learned of the Real Food Challenge and this really got me motivated to start making more snacks and breads in my own kitchen (aren't these blog challenges so much fun and motivating!)

For the Real Food Challenge my family committed to choosing one item at a time to replace with homemade and so far we have eliminated the following foods: store bought cereal/granola, granola bars, pretzels/crackers (we are not making our own yet, but have replaced this with other homemade healthy cookies and bars), bagels, and almond butter. Taking it one item at a time has proven to be very successful for us. My most recent creations have been bagels and almond butter so I am going to share these with you today.

My youngest daughter loves bagels. I was intimidated at first to make my own, but after some encouragement I gave it a whirl and on the third try, I finally figured it out! I would have been successful on the first try, however I was not aware of the different kinds of flours that needed to be used for different things. I started out using whole wheat flour and they turned out very hard, then I used white flour and they turned out flavorless and still hard, then I took the advice of a friend and used bread flour (I really didn't know there was such a think as 'bread' flour). I purchased some King Arthur Organic Bread Flour, and viola...yummy bagels! The recipe I used was from here and I am excited to start trying toppings next!

Almond butter is something I used to make, but then stopped for some reason. I eat it several times a week so is something I find myself buying quite often. By making my own all I need to do is buy raw almonds out of the bulk bin (using my own bag) and throw them in the food processor with some oil. It is so easy and I feel so much better knowing exactly where and how my almond butter is made! I use 1 cup of raw almonds and approx 1 Tbls of olive oil (adding more if needed) and grind up in the food processor until it is the consistency I like.

So, there is my Real Food Challenge update! I hope to have a few more homemade items to share with you next week!

Are you taking the Real Food Challenge? If so I would love to hear what changes you are making!

**Please visit our One Small Change Blog to read about some of our community members, starting with Chrissy**

The Garbage Garage

"You'll begin your adventure through the Garbage Garage by entering the Mountain of Trash, a tunnel-like hallway where you'll be surrounded by trash" I was intrigued when I read this on the Garbage Garage's brochure. I had heard about the Garbage Garage, which is located at our county's landfill, but had never thought to actually go there.

Then I couldn't stop thinking about the Garbage Garage. I was so curious about it and kept thinking about how neat it would be to teach my kids about trash. We try to reuse and recycle around here and have really been focusing on reducing lately, but did my kids really understand why we do all this? Probably not. I mean I could tell them why, but I am not sure they really tune in when I talk about things like trash and landfills.

This is a great visual of how much waste would be created in just 2 weeks from a sack lunch when using paper bags, juice boxes, etc. vs very little to none when using a lunch box, cloth napkin, reusable silverware, etc.

So, we took a trip to the Garbage Garage...that is literally made out of mostly reclaimed items. The garage is filled with trash, information, games, videos and displays to really get you thinking. And what a great way to show your kids and get the conversation started on trying to reduce our carbon footprint.

I didn't realize it takes 300-500 years for a disposable diaper to break down!!

If you are in the Larimer County area I would highly recommend visiting the Garbage Garage! And if you are not in the area, check to see if your county has an educational center at the landfill. I learned things, the kids learned things, and best of all, we are more aware and ready to make changes regarding our waste!

Magnolia is mad at how many useful items get thrown away each day!

Tree Huggin' Tuesday: Your Local Library

The original idea for starting the One Small Change challenge was to bring out easy ideas that we could all do to make small changes that lead to reduced environmental impacts. These don't have to be huge changes like buying a $40,000 hybrid car. We love many of the ideas we have seen on blogs across the web.

Today's Tree Huggin Tuesday will discuss using the local library to reduce waste. Our family is in love with the public library. We take the kids for story time and let them pick out books and movies. I have not only been reading books like crazy over the last few months, but I have also been exploring the CD collection (our library has a great bluegrass section), and we have been borrowing movies too.

Today's guest post is by Jess of Openly Balanced. In her own words, "Openly Balanced is a blog dedicated to finding equilibrium; in our lives, our communities, and on our planet. Because they’re all connected and you can’t have one without the others. It is about sustainable living, and what that means to each of us."
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Hi, my name is Jess.

I’m a book-aholic. And so is my husband. As children, both of us dreamed geekily of having a room in our grownup house dedicated to books – custom floor to ceiling shelves with rolling ladders and all. I used to think that there was no such thing as too many books. Then I grew up and headed off to college. My books stayed with my mom. A few years later, a forest fire burned down her house, and took all of my books with it. I’m not going to lie; I mourned. But as I moved around the country – from college in Colorado to Long Beach, CA to Washington DC, and finally to Washington state – it dawned on me that I had to move every single book I bought. Every time.

I realized it might be better if I didn’t buy every book I wanted to read. (Believe it or not, you don’t have to own everything.) It was time for me to rediscover the local library.
The Planet Loves Libraries

Environmentally speaking, the publishing industry is pretty toxic. In addition to the environmental impact of tree harvesting, it takes a tremendous amount of water and energy to produce books. The costly supply chain continues when books are transported to retail stores or shipped directly to consumers who order online, not to mention the fact that companies regularly pulp thousands of unsold books.
There is much debate about whether the growing green consumer market is actually a good thing for the planet. The release of the e-readers was initially heralded by some eco-geeks as an environmental victory, but the conversation fizzled when no consensus could be reached. How does reduced publishing industry impact over time measure up to the lifecycle costs of one more electronic gadget made of plastic and heavy metals? Hard to say, and very much dependent on how people use and dispose of their e-readers.
Certainly, eco-friendly options are a good thing. But what the planet really needs is for us to consume less. Much less. Which makes the library the best option of all. A virtually endless supply of books, of course. But they also have CDs, DVDs, and MP3 audio book downloads. Tons of stuff that you don’t have to buy. No additional trees, plastics, transportation costs, or packaging. Using your library to consume media is really good for the planet.
Frugal People Love Libraries

Using a library is also really cheap. And by really cheap, I mean free. I don’t know about you, but every time I walk into a bookstore, I spend at least $100. If I weren’t so good at avoiding the DVD and music sections, the damage would be much worse than that. I always spend it on something I need right away, even if I’m already in the middle of reading three different books. I can’t help but succumb to the lure of the bookstore.

For people like me, libraries are amazing. I can go in and pick up every book that looks remotely interesting and walk out without paying a cent. (Ok, some libraries have limits, but they’re much bigger limits than the one my wallet confronts at the bookstore cash register.) Piles of books. And they let me renew them! Libraries are particularly wonderful if you have children, who tend to go through books much more quickly than adults do. Certainly there are classics that your children may want to read again and again. But do you really want to buy enough books to satiate your little bookworm? Can you afford to?

Libraries can also save you a fortune on DVDs. I have friends who will buy a movie just because they think they might like it – don’t be one of those people! There’s probably a good chance that you won’t like a movie enough to watch it again. If it’s not a movie you know you’re going to wake up at 3 AM with a burning desire to watch, or one you are going to watch all the time, think about checking it out from the library instead.

The Community Loves Libraries

Sadly, in some communities this isn’t true. But the community should love libraries, because a good library is so much more than a building full of books. Besides providing easy access to resources for the frugal and environmentally conscious, libraries can be a hub for community interaction. I spent many long summer days and after school hours at the library, so I know firsthand how valuable a good library is.

Many libraries offer youth reading programs, which are especially valuable during the summer and over winter break. In communities with struggling schools (and even those where the schools are fine) libraries provide an additional educational safety net for children. A good librarian can help your child learn to love reading by finding the perfect book for your kid. And librarians, while they may occasionally resemble their frumpy stereotype and shush you (especially if you’re loud like I am), are actually professionals uniquely trained to help you find what you’re looking for.

Some libraries also open their doors for community classes, most of which are either very affordable or completely free. My local library plays host to various guest speakers, several book clubs, a young adult reading group, movie screening and discussion groups, and children’s story hours. Libraries can be a great way to connect with other members of your community in fun and interesting ways.

All said and done, I’m a big geeky library lover. But didn’t you hear? Being a geek is cool! So embrace your inner treehugger, your inner frugalista, and your inner geek and get yourself to the nearest library.

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Thank you Jess. If you are interested in contributing to Tree Huggin Tuesday, send me an email at andy@hipmountainmama.com.

Andy

Felted Jewel Necklaces-Tutorial

A few weeks ago I received a felted necklace in the mail from Shannon at Free Spirit Knits (check out her Etsy shop to see more of her creations). I was so excited to open my package and even more excited to see what she had created! I had never thought of using wool like this to create jewelry. I was inspired!

I got to thinking over the weekend of a way the kids and I could create necklaces for them using wool. We recently made felted balls to thread up for a garland and I was tempted to just do the same thing and make them into necklaces and bracelets.

Then as I was cleaning up Magnolia's room I spotted her jar of jewels (you know, those colorful stones that you can pick up at any tourist shop). I wanted to try and incorporate these jewels into the jewelry.

I got out the felt and the jewels and started just going with my intuition. I let my hands just create without much thinking. The final result was a couple of very pretty necklaces and some very happy young girls.

What you will need:

wool roving
jewels (or any object with one flat side)
water
dish soap
super glue
tapestry needle
yarn or string

1. Select a jewel with a somewhat flat service on one side. Then select the color of wool that you want to go with that jewel.

2. Fill up a small bowl with very warm water and add a drop of dish soap. Get your wool wet and rub it around in your hands forming a flat shape. You can make it any size you want...much larger than the jewel, just a bit bigger, the same size, or whatever your preference. Once the wool is nice and solid and the shape you want it, you will need to let it dry for a bit (I was impatient so took the blow dryer and dried it for a few minutes).

3. Place glue on the flat side of your jewel. Stick the jewel to the wool, then let dry for a few minutes.

4. Thread your string or yarn onto your tapestry needle. Poke the needle through the wool and out the other side. Tie the yarn and wear!

**Please head on over to Erin's Blog, Exhale, Return to Center to learn about a Hip Mountain Mama Giveaway!

**And, pop on over to One Small Change and let us know how your March change is going so far.

Feature Friday: To-Go Ware Stainless Steel Food Carrier

In an effort to reduce waste our family decided to seek out other reusable products beyond reusable bags and coffee mugs. We discovered the To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Sets to eliminate the use of plastic forks which occasionally come into our lives when we are on the go. We fell in love with the utensil sets and became curious about the Stainless Steel Food Carriers known as Tiffins that To-Go Ware also makes.

The Tiffin is a stainless steel food carrier that is reusable, light weight, and so convenient to use. These are great for taking lunch to school or work, taking to a restaurant to use as a doggie bag, picnics, hikes, camping, or just general food storage.

The Tiffins are available in a two tier and three tier which allows you to bring different foods without mixing them up. We also have a recycled cotton carrier available to allow you to throw the Tiffin over your shoulder for easy transportation.

Our family was eager to try out our new Tiffin so we headed out to our favorite nature trail. It was so light weight and easy to carry that our 5 year old carried it most of the way on our hike. When we arrived at our picnic spot we were all excited to dig into our special snack. It was such a treat to break out of the traditional hiking snacks of granola bars (with wasteful individual wrappers) and plastic baggies full of nuts. On this day we shared in on a fresh salad, oranges, pistachios, and almonds. There was not only no waste, but we actually were able to bring along healthier and tastier snacks. The To-Go Ware Sidekick even allows you to bring salad dressing in its own little carrier.

The Tiffin was an immediate hit with our family. I can see many hikes, picnic, and camping trips ahead of us with spring just around the corner. We can't wait to take our Tiffin with us everywhere.

We would like to give you a special offer so your family can fall in love with these stainless steel food carriers as well. Now through Thursday March 11, 2010 order a Tiffin (either two tier or three tier) with a Recycled Cotton Carrier and we will throw in a free To-Go Ware Bamboo Flatware Set.

Happenings

First of all, I am so excited that Andy (my husband, co-owner of Hip Mountain Mama, and contributor to this blog) was published in an on line family magazine, Rhythm of the Home. Andy and the girls did a really great woodworking project to make a crayon holder. The kids had so much fun making something with their daddy and Andy did a great job writing up an article and tutorial. I am extremely proud to have such a talented and thoughtful husband. You can read Andy's article over at Rhythm of the Home....and be sure to check out all the other amazing crafts, interviews, and articles!

Next, I wanted to direct you to an interview I did with Shannon at Free Spirit Knits. In January I took her E Course and it has had such a great impact on my life. She asked if I would do an interview and I was excited to do so. You can read the interview over at her blog here. She also included one of my favorites of her guided meditations for you to download (for free, at the end of the interview). During the class she offered us 4 guided meditations which I still use daily and they have been life changing for me. If you are new to meditation, this would be a perfect start as Shannon guides you the whole way. Enjoy.

On to the One Small Change front. I wanted to remind everyone that we are having a special giveaway during the month of March. If you are participating in the challenge, make sure you comment to the March Change Post with a link to your March change before the 5th to be entered into the drawing. For more details, please visit here.

And, lastly, I have 2 Hip Mountain Mama reminders. First, we will be announcing the winners to our Fan Appreciation Giveaway on Saturday. To enter for a chance to win one of two $25.00 gift certificates to the shop, just join our Facebook Fan Page, then write on our wall. More details can be found here. Second, our Offhand Designs sale is good until Thursday at midnight. We have already sold several of these amazing bags at 20% off and want to make sure you take advantage of this great sale!

Oh, and 1 more thing. Now that we are back at blogger we are taking advantage of all it has to offer. I have set up a few pages that can be found at the top left of our blog. Feel free to browse these pages for info on shop specials, press and blogs we have been mentioned on, links to blogs we love and interesting things going on around the net, and info on some upcoming blog posts.

The Breakfast Cookie

As soon as a friend turned me on to the Eat Clean Diet I was very intrigued. I don't always eat this way, but it has always made sense to me to eat whole foods...fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, anything that you can grow and is in it's natural state. We try to eat this way as much as possible around here, but like I said, doesn't always happen!


I picked up the Eat Clean Diet Cookbook about a year ago to help me create clean, healthy, and delicious meals and snacks. We have tried and enjoyed many of Tosca Reno's recipes and make them often.


The recipe I wanted to share with you today is the "Breakfast Fruit and Nut Cookie". I modified her recipe a bit to suit our needs and will share with you our modified version.

The Breakfast Cookie (yes my kids have had these for breakfast on occasion, but it is usually a snack cookie)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Olive Oil

3 egg whites

1/4 cup dried chopped figs or raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup white flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 Tbls ground flax seed

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/4 cup slivered almonds

~Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

~Combine sugar, oil, egg whites in bowl then stir in dried fruit and vanilla

~Combine flours, baking soda, flax seed and spices. Stir, then add to the egg mix and stir.

~Fold in almonds

~Form into balls and drop onto baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes.

Enjoy!