Pina Colada Smoothie

Web Admin 0 43 Article rating: No rating

Bursting with the sweet, juicy flavors of pineapple and coconut, this Pina Colada Smoothie brings a bit of vacation sunshine, no matter the weather.

a tall glass of a white colored smoothie in a clear glass on a wooden tabletop.

Pina Colada Smoothie

Years ago, when I first put this recipe on the blog, I had just made this piña colada smoothie and churned it into ice cream. I can still remember how my little boys jumped up and down with excitement.

They loved the sweetness of this refreshing ice cream treat during the heat of a Phoenix summer. I loved that it had no refined sugars.

I had been on a bit of a smoothie kick, back then. But, I’d never tried freezing a smoothie recipe before that. The result is a creamy texture that is more like soft-serve ice cream.

The twist of lime in this Pina Colada Smoothie gives it a unique taste that is more complex than the simple combination of coconut and pineapple. And, the tiny pinch of sea salt likewise enhances all of the flavors.

two servings of pina colada smoothie in clear glasses with metal spoons in them.

Be aware that different manufacturers produce their coconut milks at varying levels of creaminess and thickness. My favorite is the canned coconut milk from Thai kitchen.

I typically use store-bought frozen pineapple chunks for smoothies, but you can also freeze fresh pineapple chunks with the banana. Also, the honey could be swapped out for another natural sweet

why I didn’t like the MyDNAge test

Web Admin 0 60 Article rating: No rating

(and not just because I’m salty about my results)

Hi friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? What did you do for the Super Bowl? We went to an amazing event – I’ll share details in Friday Faves – and the fam came over to watch the Usher concert.. I mean the football game. 😉

For today’s post, I’m finally ready to talk about my MyDNAge test results. It took me a while to marinate on my thoughts because at first, I was a little salty. I’ll share why below, in addition to how this test works. I’m not including a referral link because I’m not quite sure if I recommend this one. I had a much better experience and feel like I got more useful data from InsideTracker. 

I really feel like at-home lab testing is the future, and we’re going to see more advanced methods and data in the future, which is very exciting! In the era of personalized health, understanding our genetic makeup has become a powerful tool for optimizing wellness. MyDNAge takes this concept to the next level by providing insights into the very fabric of our being – our DNA.

 why I didn’t like the MyDNAge test

How MyDNAge Works

MyDNAge utilizes advanced technology to analyze specific markers within your DNA associated with the aging process. The science behind this process lies in the examination of specific regions known as epigenetic markers. These markers provide a unique snapshot of how your genes are expressing themselves over time, offering a glimpse into the biological age of your cells.

The process involves:

DNA Collection:

MyDNAge requires a blood sample, through an at-home fingerpick. (More on this under Cons lol)

Epigenetic Analysis:

The collected DNA is then subjected to sophisticated epigenetic analysis. This involves examining specific chemical modifications to the DNA molecule, known as methyl groups, which play a crucial role in regulating gene activity.

Age Determination:

By analyzing the epigenetic markers, MyDNAge estimates the biological age of your cells. This information provides a personalized and data-driven perspective on how your body is aging at a cellular level.

Read more

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Web Admin 0 48 Article rating: No rating

Buttery, nutty cookies are topped with the sweet jam of your choice in these simple, gluten free Pecan Thumbprint Cookies.

gluten free, jam-filled pecan thumbprint cookies are arrayed on a white plate.

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

I’ve been making thumbprint cookies for as long as I’ve been baking. From the classic peanut butter cookies with Hershey’s kisses, to every kind of jam and jelly-filled goodie you can think of. They inevitably remind me of Christmas.

These pecan thumbprint cookies are rolled in crushed nuts before baking, adding an irresistible nutty crunch to these cookies. This recipe is very gently adapted from these vegan cookies on my friend Gina’s blog.

This recipe has become a tradition for us over the past couple of years, as it gets absolute RAVE reviews from my friends who avoid both gluten and dairy. It was past time to save the recipe here for future baking, but all credit goes to Gina for the original awesomeness.

It’s always fun to make thumbprint cookies with kids, as we all get to use our favorite jams. My nieces opted for strawberry or raspberry jam this time. While apricot jam is almost always my preference. We all win.

gluten free, jam-filled pecan thumbprint cookies are arrayed on a white plate.

Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

Yes, you’re reading this correctly. There is no flour in this recipe. These cookies are gluten-free and positively delicious, made with almond and coconut flours.

If you’re looking for a few more naturally gluten-free dessert options, I’ve got your dessert needs covered for any occasion. From sweet snacking and cookie munching to an elegant (and EASY TO MAKE) dessert, it’s all right here.

Read more

Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]

Web Admin 0 51 Article rating: No rating

Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]

a photo of several golden pan fried thin finnish pancakes that are rolled up and topped with a blackberry sauce and whipped cream

Authentic Finnish pancakes are a popular traditional dish eaten during Midsummer’s Eve or Christmas. Learn how to make traditional Finnish pancakes with this recipe.

Bon Appétit describes Finnish pancakes as somewhere between “crepes, pancakes and heaven” and I couldn’t agree more. These are light and tender and ready to top with your favorite pancake toppings.

If you have been joining us on our tour of pancakes around the world, then welcome to Finland! I have never been there, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit! Now don’t get confused, there are two types of pancakes that are popular in Finland, a baked oven pancake (pannukakku) and a pan fried pancake (lettu or lätty). This version is the pan fried, crepe-like pancake, and they are fabulous!

My Tie to Finland

We lived by the most amazing mother-daughter-duo for quite a few years in Lehi, Utah, Alison and her mother, Marty. Marty is a spunky explosion of happiness in my life and the lives of my family members. She and her daughter welcomed us into their lives in a way that can be nothing other than a spiritual gift from heaven. We felt like family and will always love them like family. 

These two women have witnessed more heartache than most, especially with the loss of loved ones and I am living my life differently because of how deeply they love, mourn and continue on faithful regardless of their trials. They live sweet, happy lives. They cherish the people around them and are always spinning new paths on metaphorical spider webs of family. I love them. And I love that they love where they come from, Finland. 

Not just Finland, but the people and stories around their lives matter. So, I have no reason to have made Finnish Pancakes other than to think of them and try to be more like them because no one does family like they do. 

What Do I Need to Make Finnish Pancakes?

The ingredients for Finnish pancakes are items that you’ll probably have in your pantry or fridge so they are a great option to make spur of the moment (same story for our more traditional buttermilk pancakes if you want to go with an old reliable pancake)! If you want to try something new, the kids will be over the moon for these Finnish pancakes! Here is what you will need:

  • Eggs: You want the eggs well beaten so I usually just use a blender for mixing all the ingredients.
  • Milk: For the best flavor and texture, use whole milk.
  • Flour: just regular all purpose flour works great
  • Vanilla: adds flavor
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors
  • Sugar: You can totally control the sweetness here. Add as little as 3 tablespoons for mild sweetness up to 6 tablespoons for maximum sweetness.

Fluffy Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes +Video

Web Admin 0 56 Article rating: No rating

Fluffy Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes +Video

Fluffy Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes +Video

Fluffy Ukrainian pancakes, or oladi, are crispy around the edges and soft and delicious in the middle. Here’s a surprise for you, these pancakes are made with yeast! But don’t worry, they are as easy as a quick bread! In fact, they are my new favorite breakfast recipe!

Our buttermilk pancake recipe is one of the most popular on the blog, and they are to die for, but these Ukrainian pancakes have stolen my heart and tastebuds!

These yeasted pancakes are cooked in a pan with a little more oil than traditional American pancakes so they get almost fried crispy edges. Mmmm and that hint of sourdough, gosh it’s good! They are almost fritter-like on the outside but takes like pancakes in the middle. Seriously, where have these Ukrainian pancakes been my whole life?? I need to explore more Ukrainian food!

What is Oladi?

Oladi is a type of pancake that originates in Ukraine and Russia. They are traditionally made with kefir, a fermented milk made from kefir grains common in the area. For this recipe, we will use buttermilk, but feel free to use kefir if you want to! They are pan fried in a little oil and usually served with sour cream and a fruit jam.

Oladi is not to be confused the Russian pancakes called blini. Those are usually served with savory toppings like caviar and salmon. Oladi can be served with savory toppings but are usually served as a sweet breakfast.

How to Make Oladi Ukrainian PancakesVideo

What Do I Need to Make Ukrainian Pancakes?

I know, you hear “Ukrainian pancakes” and you think it’s going to call for ingredients that are out of the norm. Well, I have the best news ever! This pancake recipe is made with pantry staples! So you can probably head to the kitchen right now and start whipping up a batch of oladi. Here is everything you need:

  • Water: the warm water helps activate the yeast
  • Buttermilk: adds flavor and rise to the pancakes
  • Egg: should be at room temperature and helps binds all the ingredients together
  • Extra-light Olive Oil: adds a little fat to the pancake batter, and then we will
RSS
First89101113151617Last