I Want A Marshmallow!

Eating Biblically clean can be a challenge to be sure, even as an adult. Certainly more so if you have children.  The kind neighbor who wants to give your children a gelatin filled fruit snack.  Grandma wants to have the kids over for smore's around the campfire. When my kids see the masses of kids running towards those rice krispie snacks the soccer mom bought for all the kids after their game, they get a totally bummed look in their eyes.   Don't get me started on birthday parties with their gummy bears and pepperoni pizza!  It's a fine line of being assertive but not rude.  I want my kids to learn to graciously decline these treats without offending or appearing haughty. I want them to navigate these waters of unclean foods on their own, so they are confident in these Godly choices that are meant to guide and protect us.  Here are some ideas that I have learned to graciously decline the pork-product treat, and to kindly offer a substitution or alternative.


1.  Manners.  Saying, "No, Thank You", goes a long way.  Smile and move on. No need to go to chapter and verse go, unless they ask.  State your responses, firmly, but kindly. I want it to be my kids that speak up, not me.  I want them to want to please the Lord and follow His commandments.  That in turn pleases me the most.

2.Make it yourself.  Make your own dish to pass. Make your own marshmallows.  Bring Turkey pepperoni. Bring Beef hot dogs.  Bring non-gelatin fruit snacks. There are so many other alternatives. Keep it simple.  I am sure there will be a veggie tray, so load up those carrots and celery and enjoy your family.

3. Be Clear!  With allergies running rampant these days, most events will ask if your child has allergies.  I state that we don't eat pork, and I give example of gelatin and pork by products.  That way, we rank with the peanut allegry kid and nobody bats an eye.

As you dodge that pork chop at the next function, always remember to come to all events in the love of Yeshua.  We want to provoke people to jealousy, not provoke them.  We want them to see our genuine relationship with the Lord, our devotion to God's word and the love of Yeshua's sacrifice for them, for us.  Remember, why we do what we do.  Out of love for our Messiah.

Cookie Dough Dip!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?? Are you sure?? It

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

               certainly looks like it.  Well, I came across this fabulous website, http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/.  She has some yummy looking and HEALTHY dessert options.  I tried the above "cookie dough" recipe and made it for my girls.  They loved it and it was healthy for them.  Check out these recipes, I know I will be making more of her recipes!

**Warning--I will not be held responsible for excessive drooling**

This dip is high in protein, gluten-free, and it can even be sugar-free!
Cookie Dough Dip
Inspired by this awesome recipe.

• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (1 can, drained) (250g)
• 1/8 tsp plus 1/16 tsp salt
• tiny bit over 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup nut butter (You can get away with using only 3 T. If you use peanut butter, it’ll have a very-slight “pb cookie dough” taste, so if you don’t want this, you can sub oil.)
• up to 1/4 cup milk of choice (Start with 1 T, and add more as needed)
• Sweetener (see note below, for amount)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips or Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
• 2 to 3 T oats (or flaxmeal) (You can omit, but also omit the milk if you do)

Add all ingredients (except for chocolate chips) to a good food processor (not blender), and blend until very smooth. Then mix in the chocolate chips.
See the following link for a Sugar-Free Version.

Sweetener Notes: I used 2/3 cup brown sugar when I first made this for the party. Liquid sweeteners (agave, maple, etc.) are fine as well, as is evaporated cane juice. You can easily get away with less sugar– some people will be perfectly fine with just 3 T for the whole recipe! And if you don’t want any sugar, be sure to check out the “no-sugar” version linked above. (You can also use stevia, if you like the taste of stevia-sweetened desserts. Try 2-3 packets of NuNaturals stevia, and add more sweetener if needed. I wouldn’t recommend serving an all-stevia version to party guests, though.)