Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream
Makes 4 Servings

1 can full-fat organic coconut milk
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin, pureed
20 drops pure liquid stevia
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

1.)  In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients until smooth.

2.)  Pour into ice cream maker bowl.  Follow ice cream maker's instructions.

3.)  When ice cream is set, eat immediately or store in freezer to firm up if desired.  Top with cinnamon coconut whipped cream (add 1 tsp of fresh cinnamon to the mixer while whipping the cold coconut milk).

SKIN Organic Body Care Giveaway #2 WINNER

Hi folks!  Hope you had a splendid Thanksgiving!  We had our first holiday with just us, and it was really nice.  Especially because we have the greatest little guy to share it with this year and start new family traditions with!  I made many of the side dish and dessert recipes from Season's Eatings and also tried out some new recipes and ideas I have been playing with.  I'll share our successes soon in future posts!  We also skipped the turkey this year and did Cornish hens.  They were so cute on our plates!  And only take an hour to cook...even if you have 4, 5, 6...in the oven at a time.  An hour, people!  They came out with crispy skin and super juicy meat, too.  No basting required!  I'm sold, Cornish hens for all future Thanksgivings in the Schwartz household.

Now enough of my babbling.  Time to announce the SKIN Organic Body Care giveaway winner!  And the winner is Nancy D.!  Nancy, please send me an email with your mailing address and Stephanie from SKIN will send you your very own jar of Healing Calendula Cream: elise@healingcuisinebyelise.com.  Congrats!!  And thank you to all who entered and took the time to tell us what you are grateful for this year.  We loved reading your responses!

I do have a quick recipe to share today.  Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.  Since I started breastfeeding, I've been craving oatmeal.  Every day for the last 2 months.  You'd think I'd be sick of it by now, or at least I try to tell myself I should be sick of it.  Sometimes I (embarrassingly) have two bowls of oatmeal in one day.  A lactation consultant and friend told me that there's something in oats / oat straw that stimulates milk production and that some women need different things in their diet to enhance milk production.  Oats seems to be my thing.  Since I'm boiling up a bowl of steal cut every morning, as I stand there watching it and stirring occasionally, I have been thinking of ways to switch it up and make it more flavorful, more than my bland butter, stevia and oats.  Sure there's cinnamon, raisins, coconut milk...etc that can be added.  "But why not pumpkin?" I thought to myself one morning.  And that was the beginning of Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.  It is the perfect fall comfort breakfast!

This is a Core Plan treat because of the oats folks, just to clarify.  (Shhh...even though Dave has me on the Advanced Plan for Austin's dairy allergy, he *probably* doesn't know I've been eating oatmeal every single day since Austin's birth.   Don't tell him! ;)

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Makes 1 Serving

1 cup steal cut oatmeal, cooked
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin, pureed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
12 drops pure liquid stevia (more/less to taste)
Full-fat organic coconut milk (optional)

To warm prepared steal cut oatmeal, stir in pureed pumpkin, spices, vanilla, and stevia until well combined.  Serve as is or drizzle a couple spoonfuls of coconut milk over top.  Dave likes to add hempseeds to his bowl for extra protein.

Product Review & GIVEAWAY {#2} from SKIN Organic Body Care

Do you remember last month when I introduced you to Stephanie Simkins and a new (to me at least) body care line called SKIN Organic Body Care?

Stephanie has sent me a new product in her line to sample and test on my skin.  It is called Healing Calendula Salve and is formulated specifically for Eczema, dry cracked skin, rough elbows/feet/knees, sore cuticles, etc, etc.  It is perfect for this fall and winter season, when our skin really takes a beating from the dry indoor and cold outdoor conditions.

Calendula is a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic; a true healing oil direct from nature.  The Healing Calendula Salve blends calendula with other soothing components such as olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and almond oil.  The salve smells great!  Very fresh, with a mild citrus scent from pure (fragrance free) orange, lemon, and tangerine essential oils.  It's got quite a lovely smell and texture to it.

I think I put SKIN's Healing Calendula Salve to the test.  On my right hand, I've recently had a flare up on my middle and pointer fingers of this patchy dryness and cracking skin.  It first made its appearence two, maybe three years ago when I did my candida cleanse.  My skin was damaged on those fingers as the yeast left my body.  I get a flare up whenever I eat a large amount of yeast (we had a lot of bread the week family was here to help us take care of Austin) and have my hands in water many days in a row (increased dishes to wash with family here, and bathing Austin, and rinsing bottles/toys, and rinsing diapers...you see the problem?).  This flare up is pretty painful on those fingers and once I get it, it usually takes me about a month to heal it back up, even when I go back to my Advanced Plan eating and leave all the water interaction to Dave.

Stephanie sent her Healing Salve to me in perfect timing!  I had been suffering already a week with the miserable, cracking skin.  I dipped my fingers right in the day the Healing Salve arrived to our mail box.  SKIN's products never cease to amaze me!  At first it felt a little more greasy on my skin than SKIN's body lotion (which I am IN LOVE with), but it soaked in and began soothing almost immediately after a little rubbing in.  The greasiness was gone.  I watched the redness disappear within a half hour on my fingers.  I applied the salve two to three times daily and I am on day 6 of using it and my fingers are almost fully healed up!  I am so so happy!!  This is the quickest it has ever happened for me, this has been fabulous!

SKIN's Healing Calendula Salve is wonderful!  If you've got an area on your body that needs some attention, or maybe nothing else has worked for it, give this salve a try!

SKIN is offering a DISCOUNT on all Healing Calendula Salve orders, but you better act fast as it ends at midnight on Thanksgiving day!!  At checkout, enter the code SKIN10 to receive 10% OFF on the Healing Calendula Salve.  Place your order HERE.

GIVEAWAY

To kick off the Thanksgiving weekend and holiday season of giving, Stephanie would like to give away a full size Healing Calendula Salve to one lucky winner!  The Giveaway Contest will run from Monday November 21st until Thursday November 22nd (Thanksgiving Day) at 11:59pm.  I will use Random.org to select the winner and announce it here at Healing Cuisine at 9:00am on Friday November 23rd.  One lucky winner (open to U.S. residents only) will receive a full size jar of SKIN's Healing Calendula Salve.

HOW TO ENTER

MANDATORY:  Visit SKIN, Organic Body Care's Facebook page, "Like" it, and tell Stephanie what you are grateful for.  (Don't do Facebook?  Leave a comment at the bottom of this post telling me what you are grateful for instead.)

Additional ways to enter:

1.)  "Like" Healing Cuisine on Facebook

2.)  Share this giveaway via Twitter (@EliseJSchwartz) and/or Facebook (@Healing Cuisine) being sure to link back to me so I see you did it.

Questions Answered: Pumpkin Spice Latte

Kristin commented on my Chai Tea Latte recipe asking for one of the most amazing fall drinks ever - the Pumpkin Spice Latte!

"I just started working for a Maximized Living doctor and am doing the Advance Plan.  Have you ever made a Pumpkin Latte that fits the plan?"  - Kristin

My answer is no, not until today!  But what a fabulous request!  Too many autumns have come and gone since my last taste of a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Did you know the kinds of chemicals, artificial sweeteners, HFCS, and food dyes put into many of the drinks at commercial coffee shops like Starbucks?  Once I started asking the cashier What's in my drink?, that was the last sip of Pumpkin Spice Latte for me.  So I have no clue why I never thought to create this delicious treat at home!  I tried it a couple different ways, after consulting a few different friends' blogs and based on what we had in the pantry.   The recipe below turned out great, and I think better than the commercial version.  :)

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Makes 1-2 Servings

2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 Tbsp unsweetened pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
1/4 cup espresso OR 1/2 cup strong brewed organic coffee (we took the coffee route)
3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Liquid stevia, to taste

1.)  Whisk all ingredients together in a medium saucepan until well blended.  Heat over Medium-Low until it reaches a simmer to ensure pumpkin completely dissolves.  Remove from heat and pour into mug(s).

OPTIONAL:  To create a foamy top, add 1 teaspoon unsweetened pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup warmed coconut milk, 12 drops Stevita liquid stevia, a dash of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon to a blender.  (We used out Bullet blender and it worked perfectly.)  Blend on High for 30 seconds or so until foamed.  Pour on top of the warm latte and serve immediately.  (You can also create foam using an electric stirring rod and a tall glass.)  (Don't have a blender or stirring rod?  Top it with a dollop of hand whipped organic cream sweetened and spiced up.)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin & Holiday Recipe Ideas

I have been meaning to post more fall and pumpkin-themed recipes since September!  I have a list racking up on my desktop.  So look forward to a round of fall inspired recipes coming out for the next couple of weeks!  Austin is finally getting into a sleeping/eating routine, so I can once again (and finally) add blogging back into my daily schedule.  SO happy for that, I've missed talking to all of you!

First, I wanted to share some pumpkin recipes from the past that will be perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  Also, please check out my Season's Eatings Holiday e-Cookbook!  It is full of 62 Core & Advanced Plan recipes specifically tailored to the holidays to help you plan your menu and prepare your family meal with success!  I have included almost all of my favorite dessert and cookie recipes in the e-book, as well as favorite holiday side dishes made "Healing Cuisine"!  You can purchase your copy here.

Here is the list of recipes included in Season's Eating Holiday e-Cookbook:

Appetizers
Holiday Spiced Pecans
Mini Herbed Scones
Chocolate Spiced Peanut Butter
Double Green Dip
Feta and Cucumber Dip
French Onion Dip
No Cheese Ball
Olive Dip
Pumpkin Dip
Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Salads & Sauces
Basic Tossed Salad
Celery Salad with Walnuts & Dates
Christmas Kale
Merry Berry Salad
Ginger Lime Cranberry Sauce
Easy Pan Gravy

Side Dishes
Coconut Bread Stuffing
Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios
Caramelized Broccoli with Garlic
Green Bean Casserole
Mint Smashed Peas
Pan Fried Beans & Spinach
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Fotatoes
Savory Collard Greens
Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole
Wild Rice Pecan Stuffing
Zucchini Mushroom Crumble

Main Course
Balsamic Broiled Salmon
Black Pepper-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Lemon, Sage and Garlic Roasted Chicken
Herb Roasted Turkey

Breads & Rolls
Coconut Flour Gingered Bread
Pumpkin Bread or Muffins
Savory Coconut Flour Bread & Rolls

Desserts
Apple Pie
Dark Chocolate Mousse Pie
Fruit Cake
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Vanilla Cheesecake
Almond Flour Pie Crust
Coconut Flour Pie Crust
Crumb Pie Crust

Cookies & Bars
Chocolate Chip Nut Butter Balls
Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Cinnamon Walnut Cookies
Coconut Flour Brownies
Dark Chocolate Bites of Heaven
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties
Gingerbread Cookies
Pumpkin Coconut Squares
Raw Chocolate Fudge
Snowball Cookies

Frosting & Icing
Coconut Icing
Coconut Whipped Cream
Cream Cheese Frosting
Traditional Frosting

Beverages
Eggless Nog
Stevia Hot Chocolate
Mulled Cider

And now on to past Pumpkin recipes!

Pumpkin Chili
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - 3 Flavors
Pumpkin-Coconut Soup
Pumpkin Puddng
Apple-Pumpkin Soup

And remember, stay tuned for the next couple weeks for even more pumpkin goodness!!

Product Review: Snuggle Me Cushion

Hi all!!  My silence is finally broken!  Austin and I have made it thru the last few weeks of a growth spurt and recovery from a dairy protein allergy.  Let's just say my time has been completely consumed by caring for him and making sure he is happy, safe, and most importantly healing at 100%!  Everything is under control again -- and I am back on the Advanced Plan.  No more yogurt or raw cheese for me.  :(  All for the sake of a happy healthy baby!

I have a wonderful product to share with you, one that has helped me SO MUCH over the last two months since Austin's birth.  It is called the Snuggle Me Organic Cushion.  The Snuggle Me Cushion is a portable infant bed that can be placed just about anywhere in your home, so that mom knows where baby is and that baby is safe.  It allows mom to have her hands free to take care of herself or, in my case, the much needed house work.  Simply Mommy was so kind so send me a Snuggle Me Organic Cushion to try out with Austin.

The Snuggle Me Organic Cushion is specifically designed to help baby feel secure and cozy while not in mom or dad's arms.  To me, it sort of looks like a little baby nest.  Baby is placed on their back in the non-padded center of the Snuggle Me Cushion and the sides pull in to gently hug the baby's sides.  (Watch a demo here.)  I truly believe, from seeing it with my own eyes, that baby feels like they are being held or that they are laying next to mom or dad while in the Snuggle Me Cushion.  We started using ours just hours after Austin was born.  He really enjoys it!  We have him fall asleep in our arms, then place him in his little nest and he stays soundly asleep.  If we place him anywhere else (his crib, our bed, the floor) without pillows or my husband or myself right next to him (which isn't always possible), he wakes up a few minutes later because he is a baby that really responds to and enjoys physical touch.  It reminds him of what it was like during those 9 months in my womb.  He feels too free on an open space by himself.  The Snuggle Me Cushion has made it possible for him to sleep soundly without me having to be laying right next to him or wearing him for every nap thru the day or night.

Because I practice Attachment Parenting, I want to make sure Austin feels comforted even when I need to put him down.  The Snuggle Me Cushion does that! I think I have found the Snuggle Me Organic Cushion most helpful when I needed to take a shower, wanted to cook a meal or simply make myself a salad, and when I just needed a little break to myself while Austin slept.  It fits right into the Attachment Parenting lifestyle.  And baby doesn't always have to be sleeping to be in the Snuggle Me.  I have placed his Snuggle Me Cushion on our kitchen table with him in it, wide awake, while I prepared dinner.  Austin loves to hang out in it, too.  And as long as you place the Snuggle Me Cushion on a flat non-slippery surface, you can feel safe because baby isn't going anywhere.  That is something else I love, the security you get from knowing he is safe right where you left him and can't roll off.

I also use the Snuggle Me Cushion while changing Austin's clothes, especially after a bath or if I need to run to the laundry room to get something out of the dryer for him.  I can step away for a moment knowing he's not in any danger while I'm gone.  And he stays right there for me even if he's slippery from his bath or wriggly from not wanting to put on a pair of pants.  The Snuggle Me Cushion makes life with infant easier!

Austin at 3 weeks using his Snuggle Me Organic Cushion

Another cool use for the Snuggle Me Cushion is for co-sleeping.  I know I had mentioned that Dave and I are doing co-sleeping with Austin, and a few of you raised your concerns with co-sleeping.  Well, we have been using the Snuggle Me Cushion right in bed with us, to keep Austin safe all thru the night!  We place it right in between us and the three of us get a good night's sleep.  You can also put it on the other side of mom, next to the edge of the bed.  The Snuggle Me Cushion stays where you put it and baby is not going anywhere!  I love having him right in bed with us, easy to nurse or change a diaper in the middle of the night!  And in case you are worried about a dad who is a moving sleeper, if he was to roll near baby, the edge of the Snuggle Me Cushion would be what he would touch first, not the babe.  It makes co-sleeping all the more safe for parents and baby!

I am also a proud supporter of organic products.  The fewer chemicals you bring your baby into contact with, the better for their long-term health.  This is why I love that the Snuggle Me Organic Cushion is hypo-allergenic and covered with certified organic cotton twill.  It also comes with a slip-on cover made of certified organic cotton fleece.  AND, get this, the ENTIRE CUSHION is machine washable and dryable!  How cool is that?!  I must confess, the fourth day Austin used his Snuggle Me, he had an explosive diaper and his mustard colored poo was all over the cover and seeped thru to the cushion.  At first I was freaked, thinking "How could we stain this after just a few uses?!"  But after the quick wash in the washing machine (no rinsing, scrubbing, or pre-treating necessary), it came out just like new, no stains left behind.  It really is simple to use AND simple to clean, just what a mom ordered!

Please go here and read more about the Snuggle Me Organic Cushion and all that it can be used for.  There are so many benefits that will help make mom's life easier!  I think our Snuggle Me Cushion has come so in handy that I've used it in just about every way on the list with Austin.

I also wanted to share the chiropractor's opinion of the Snuggle Me Cushion.  My husband, Dave, uses the snuggle me when he adjusts Austin.  He used to place Austin simply on the adjusting table, but he would squirm and move around, making what should be a simple and quick adjustment take a few minutes.  Now, Dave places the Snuggle Me on the adjusting table with Austin resting on it.  The sides hug him and Austin remains calm while Dave completes the adjustment.  We are talking about getting one for use in his practice for adjusting the many babies he takes care of, and also a place for moms to put their babies while they get their adjustments.  Dave also approves the Snuggle Me for the great spinal support.  It is so important for babies to sleep in a proper position while their bodies grow.  The Snuggle Me ensures their neck and back stay in alignment while baby sleeps.  Two thumbs up from Dr. Dave!

The Gift

The makers of the Snuggle Me Organic Cushion would like to extend a special discount to all Healing Cuisine followers!  Now thru the end of November, receive 20% off the Snuggle Me Organic plus FREE Shipping & Handling!  Visit their website using this special link to take advantage of this great gift: http://www.snugglemeorganic.com/special.html

Whether you are a parent, a parent-to-be, or you have someone in mind who could benefit from the Snuggle Me Cushion, take advantage of this offer!  The Snuggle Me Organic Cushion will make a great Christmas gift for baby, and is of course a great baby shower present! 

Visit and "like" the Snuggle Me Cushion on Facebook!