DIY hack for missing popsicle handles – Substitute plastic spoons

Popsicle mould with handles substituted with plastic spoons.

How many times have you bought popsicle moulds only to have the handle break off or have gone missing? In a pinch, I used plastic spoons inserted into the mould. Voila! You can make use of the whole popsicle mould again! It is best to use sturdy plastic spoons or the little spoons you get when you try some ice cream.

This popsicle recipe is full of fruit goodness. This recipe is not exact which makes it easy to adjust to whatever you have on hand. This recipe can be used as a smoothie (almost like a mango lassi) and is great to make into sugar-free popsicles.

• mango pulp (from really ripe mango)
• fruit juice (approximately 1 cup)
• 2 dollops of vanilla yogurt
• banana (for extra creaminess) – choose very ripe bananas for extra sweetness

Blend until the mango fibres are blended together. It will have a thick consistency. Pour or spoon into popsicle moulds. If you have extra, add ice and make it into a refreshing smoothie! Enjoy!

Substitute plastic spoons as popsicle handles.

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Coconut Flour Banana Pancakes

Coconut flour pancake with maple syrup

Here is a simple coconut flour banana pancake recipe. This is my second attempt in cooking with coconut flour and found this recipe created just the right consistency. Cooking with coconut flour is a little different in that you use a lot less,  the batter consistency is a little more runny, and takes a little longer to cook and not as firm when you flip it over. Making it a dollar size makes it easier to flip over.

• 2 eggs (Omega 3 is preferred)
• 1/3 cup mashed banana
• 1/4 cup milk (coconut milk, almond milk, regular milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (add coconut oil if you use skimmed milk)
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour (organic preferred)

Yields approximately 16 dollar-size pancakes.

Beat the eggs and add the mashed banana. Add the milk, vanilla, honey and coconut oil. Beat some more until all incorporated. Add the coconut flour to the liquid mixture and let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking. By letting the batter rest for a few minutes, it will allow the liquid to be absorbed by the coconut flour. Use coconut oil to grease a cast iron pan, add more coconut oil in between when necessary. I use a tablespoon of batter for each dollar-sized pancake.

Cook one side longer than traditional (wheat) pancakes. Once the sides are no longer shiny, slide your spatula under the pancake. It is ready once the pancake does not stick to the pan.

Once you flip the pancake, cook the other side until brown. The pancakes will be a bit softer than traditional pancakes.

Enjoy!

My Top 7 for December 2009

Christmas season usually brings out the practice of traditions passed on from generation to generation. But as time passes, I think it is inevitable for these traditions to evolve into something slightly different as time goes on. This season prompted me to think through what traditions we, as a new family,  will keep and what new ones need to introduce. The events this memorable December also influenced my top 7 reflecting on the weather, family, friends, and situations.

1. Snow! and more snow!
2. Christmas baking (hmmm! the smell of baked goods brings back fond childhood memories!)
3. A less commercial gift giving ever!
4. Send out e-cards in addition to mailing it.
5. Creating new traditions. More time together, less buying.
6. Paper Christmas tree and origami boxes
7. Boxing day sales.

I challenge you to create your own version of tradition to pass on to the next generation!