foodie: delectable pumpkin bread (gluten-free and vegan)

i cannot take credit for this yummy recipe -- it's my sister's.  but, i made some this past weekend, and it came out great!  so, i thought i'd share since in my opinion, pumpkin bread is a must-have during the holiday season.

preheat oven to 350

2.5 cups gluten free flour (i used oat flour) 2 cups white sugar 2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg 1.5 tsp xanthum gum (you can find it near the GF flours)

mix all dry ingredients together and add: 1 tbs agave syrup or honey 2 cups pumpkin purée 3/4 cup vegetable oil

mix everything until dough comes together and pour into greased/floured loaf pans (i got one large and 3 small from recipe).

bake small loafs approx. 40 min and large 1 hour or more until toothpick comes out clean.

i've been enjoying a slice...or two...in the morning with some yogurt.  but a slice pairs well with afternoon tea, too!

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biz: my afternoon with the girl scouts

a few weeks ago, i was invited to speak to a local girl scout troop all about media.  so, we gathered on a rainy friday afternoon to talk about blogging, websites, social media, and more, and then we worked together to cook up one of the healthy recipes from my blog -- a vegan chili that they then donated to two local families in need.  all-in-all we had a great time, and i think they learned something, too! here are a few images from my afternoon with troop 21788...

thanks for a great afternoon, girls!

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foodie: pb snacks

i'm not big on store bought granola bars -- they're usually loaded with sugar and preservatives.  that said, sometimes you need a quick snack on the run.  well, to solve this dilemma, i came up with these yummy and satisfying pb snacks that beat a plain old granola bar any day of the week.

here's what you'll need for 10 snacks...

3/4 cup gluten-free granola or cereal 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup peanut butter cinnamon & nutmeg to taste

1. crush the cereal and chop the pumpkin seeds.

2. in a bowl, mix together the granola, seeds and pb.  season with some cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. once the "dough" comes together, break off heaping tablespoons and roll them into balls.

4. place on a cookie sheet and allow to cool in the fridge, then put into tupperware -- they stay good in the fridge for up to a week!

enjoy with a cup of chai tea : )

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