Very Berry Vegan Cheesecake Bars! 🍓

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Welcome back and thanks for visiting Amigos! It’s been a while since I shared something with you! February is a crazy month for our family… There are so many birthdays and celebrations this month ~ Yikes!

I’ve been cooking and baking a lot more this month, but it really is rough to stop and just blog! I’ve been spending all my time with my family and the people I love…

I suppose that is what Valentines Day is all about… being with the one or ones you love! Among all the excitement, I did manage to remember to take some pics of these Creamy Pink Beauties I taste tested for my Valentine Crew! 💜❤💜

valentine bars pic 8

At its core, these Pink Bars are similar to my Blackberry Cashew Cheesecake, but it has some amazing twists that made my lil toddler say it was Yummy-licious! Yep… you heard me, my 3 yr. old said these are Yummy-licious Mommy! 😊 lol… he’s my funny Valentine!

Very Berry Cream Bars:

  • Ingredients for Nutter-Butter Crust:
  • 2 teaspoons of Coconut Nectar
  • 2-3 Cups Mixed Nuts (Almonds & Cashews/depending on how thick you like your crust).
  • Wash & soak mixed nuts for 24 hrs.
  • ¾ Cup Medjool Dates (remove pits)
  • 1-2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon.

Instructions for Nutter-Butter Crust:

  • Briefly process all ingredients until you get a rough, sticky crust mixture.
  • Process only 1-2 minutes max
  • Line a Square Pan with Parchment Paper.
  • Evenly pat down the crust into a square pan.
  • Place Crust in freezer while preparing Pink Mix.

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Pink Cream Filling:

  • 3 cups Almonds & Cashews (soaked 24 hrs)
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (or more)
  • 2/3 Cup Coconut Nectar
  • ¼ Cup Coconut Manna
  • ¾ Cup Room Temp, Raw Coconut Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 10 Organic Strawberries
  • 20 Organic Raspberries

Instructions for Very Berry Filling:

  • Process together until smooth & creamy.
  • It will taste absolutely Yummy & Deeelicious!
  • Spread Valentine Mix on Frozen Nutter-Butter Crust.
  • Cover pan, then set infreezer.
  • Allow to harden a min of 3-5 hours or overnight.

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Strawberry & Raspberry Topping:

  • ¾ Cup of Organic Strawberries
  • ¾ Cup of Organic Raspberries
  • ½ Large Organic Banana *Optional
  • ½ Tablespoon Coconut Nectar
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • (more lemon if you like it thinner)
  • Blend ingredients until just liquified.

Final Touches:

  • When Frozen, remove cake by gripping the paper.
  • Gently Tug the Parchment Paper & remove it.
  • Cut the Pink Valentine by creating Square Bars!
  • Place slices of fresh strawberries over each Bar.
  • Drizzle the sauce over each slice & enjoy!

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These are super Yummy Yummy Baby! Wishing you all a Sweet & Loving Valentine’s Day!

Remember… “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line”. – Lucille Ball! 😊

Sending you everlasting health & wellness! ~ Dr. D

8 Easy & Kid-Friendly Remedies that Straighten Wild Hair ~ Vegan & Gluten Free!

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Kid washing hair by shampoo .Hola Amigos, and welcome back! Today, I am taking a detour from Yummy Food we put in our mouth, to Yummy Food we put on our head… Yep, yummy food on our head!  lol…

Growing up, I always had straight hair, but after two kids and pregnancy hormones, both my toddler and I have crazy curly hair. Hahaha! 😄

The typical hair tamers and straighteners require harsh chemicals, extreme heat and are not Vegan, so we typically just let our curls go wild and free…  These following hair methods are Organic, Vegan and Gluten Free. In fact, they are so safe, they can be used on children, pregnant women and women trying to conceive!

8 Natural, Organic & Vegan Remedies To Help Tame The Entire Family’s Hair:  

noce di cocco splash1) Coconut Cream Mask:

Coconut milk has a great reputation for naturally relaxing and conditioning curly or unruly hair.  Coconut Milk is so moisturizing, it will give your hair a beautiful shine and luster. The added Bonus is that when you let the Coconut Milk sit on your scalp, it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, which will keep your scalp infection free.

  • Ingredients & Instructions: 
  • One large Mason jar.
  • One Cup of Fresh Coconut Milk.
  • Juice from One Organic Lemon or Lime.
    кокос, банан и лимон
  • Mix the Coconut milk & Lemon juice in a jar.
  • Place glass jar in fridge for a min. of 3-4 hrs.
  • It’s ready when a creamy layer forms on top.
  • Gently massage hair with this creamy layer.
  • Leave the cream on for at least 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, cover head with shower cap.
  • Wrap a warm moist towel around shower cap.
  • Leave Coconut Cream for another 30-40 mins.
  • Wash hair with a gentle shampoo & conditioner.
  • Run a Pic or Comb through wet hair & air dry.

Aloe vera2) Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe Vera is medicinal in so many ways.  Aloe Vera contains several enzymes that promote healthy hair growth & makes hair smooth & soft. Aloe Vera can easily penetrate the hair strands and keeps hair well moisturized and naturally relaxed.

  • ½ cup of Aloe Vera Gel.
  • ½ cup warm Organic Olive Oil & mix together.
  • *Optional, mix in 6 drops of Sandalwood Oil.
  • Massage mixture into hair and scalp.
  • Cover the hair with a shower cap.
  • Cover cap & head with warm moist towel.
  • Leave the towel & shower cap on for 2 hrs min.
  • (30 mins for children, depending on thickness).
  • Rinse & wash with gentle shampoo/conditioner.

lovely woman with aloe vera

3) Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment

  • Heat ½ cup of Olive oil.
  • ½ cup Dried Rosemary leaves in Hot Olive Oil.
  • Strain the mix & allow it to cool down.
  • Massage scalp with this Warm Rosemary Mix.
  • Leave Rosemary mix on for ½ hour.
  • *DON’T USE THIS MASK WHILE PREGNANT!
  • Wash with mild shampoo & conditioner.
  • Wrap hair with warm towel & dry naturally.

Aceite esencial de romero para uso cosmético y medicinal

4) Banana Hair Mask

  • Mash 2-3 Extremely ripe bananas.
  • Add 2 Tablespoons Coconut Nectar or Agave.
  • Add 2 Tablespoons Yogurt. (Rice, Soy, Coco)
  • Add 2 Tablespoons of Olive oil to the Mixture.
  • Mix & mash really well or blend a few seconds.
  • Apply Mask on hair & wrap with a shower cap.
  • Adults let sit for 1 hr, kids 30 mins, then wash!
  • This mask leaves hair healthy, shiny & tamed!

Banana pudding for breakfast

5) Celery Juice Soak

  • Extract juice from one bunch of Celery.
  • Store Celery juice in a jar & leave it overnight.
  • The next day, apply juice on roots & tips of hair.
  • Comb hair, then cover it with cap for 45 mins.
  • (Toddlers or kids with thinner hair, 30 minutes).
  • Gently wash hair & allow it to dry naturally.

Cocktail with celery in low glassful on board

6) Tropical Hair Mask:

  • Mash 2 very ripe Bananas in a bowl.
  • Mash 1 ½ cups Papaya really well.
  • Add 1 Tablespoon of Agave/Coconut Nectar.
  • Mix all of ingredients together in a bowl.
  • Apply the tropical mask on your hair.
  • Allow the mask to completely dry on hair.
  • Wash hair & enjoy your super soft tresses.

Bite size papaya fruits over white background

7) Almond Oil Treatment

  • Almond Oil is a super easy hair remedy!
  • Add 3-4 drops of Almond oil to Conditioner.
  • Wash & Condition the hair with it.
  • Your hair will be tamed & beautiful.
  • Repeat 2-3 times a week max!
  • (1-2 drops for toddlers & young children).

Almond oil with nuts on wooden background

8) Hot Sesame Oil

  • Heat ½ cup Sesame oil until warm.
  • Apply Warm Sesame Oil to hair & scalp.
  • Comb hair with a wide-toothed comb.
  • Wear a shower cap & leave it on 30-45 mins.
  • Rinse it off & wash hair with a mild shampoo.
  • (10-15 minutes for toddlers & young children).

sesame seeds in sack and bottle of oil on rustic table

All of these foods can be purchased Organically, Vegan & Gluten Free. If your child gets curious and wants to taste some of the hair masks, then go right ahead mommy and daddy… No problem! 👶👶👶 nom nom nom… 😋

I have learned to love my curls and of course we absolutely adore our toddler’s sweet curls!

Screenshot_2015-01-31-06-30-06-1Furthermore, preparing these masks are:

  • A fun way to spend time with our family,
  • Easy to sit in the bath with & relax,
  • Are compassionate towards animals & our environment.
  • Best if repeated 2-3 times a week.
  • Are less expensive than salon treatments.

Have fun with these Yummy Hair Masks, I hope they help you love and manage your beautiful tresses!

You are beautiful just the way you are!

Sending you love & light ~ Dr. Dee

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Are Kids & Teens Drinking Enough Water? 8 Tips to Help Stay Hydrated: Yummy Infused Water Recipe!

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2015-01-20 10.07.30Welcome back Amigos! I have a question for you, how much water do you and your kids ACTUALLY drink?  As a child, I primarily drank Tea, Kool-Aid and occasional Water.  I do remember adults occasionally stating the importance of water, but I didn’t take it seriously, nor did I understand how to make it a priority. Screenshot_2015-01-20-09-32-34 Today, Nephrologists (Kidney Doctors), report that more than ever, there is a high demand for Pediatric Nephrologists (Kidney Doctor for Kids & Teens).  This is due to kids being diagnosed with PAINFUL Kidney & Urinary Stones, which are often caused by a lack of water and junk food! Today, kids & teens have so many drink choices, why should they drink boring old water?

  • Every system in our body depends on water & helps youngsters thrive!
  • Water helps the brain function & will help detox their kidneys, liver & other vital organs.
  • Water carries nutrients to their cells & helps them digest food.
  • Water provides a moist environment for their ears, nose & throat systems.
  • Water is our primary chemical component & makes up 60% of weight.

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How much water do kids & teens actually need?

General Guideline for Drinking Water:

Water Chart_Dr Dee

Symptoms of Dehydration: 

  • Dry Skin
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry Mouth
  • Constipation
  • Increased thirst
  • Few or No Tears
  • Decreased urine output.
  • Urine is dark yellow instead of clear/light yellow.
  • Feeling Tired & Drained even after sleeping well.

Screenshot_2015-01-20-09-32-34Hydrating Thoughts:

  • Researchers have similar but varying ideas about water amount we should drink.
  • Pay close attention to your child’s symptoms, activity level & climate you live in.
  • Your child loses water by simply breathing, perspiring, urinating & pooping.
  • Kids must replenish water by consuming foods & drinks that contain water.
  • If severely dehydrated, provide real coconut water to replenish electrolytes.
  • Speak with a health professional if dehydration symptoms persist.

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8 Tips to Help Kids Drink More Water:

  1. Always have clean & fresh tasting water on hand!
  2. Infuse water with Organic Fruits, Veggies & Herbs!
  3. Place a 16 oz water bottle by their night stand.
  4. Have child drink 8 oz (1 cup) before sleeping.
  5. Have child drink 16 oz (2 cups) upon awakening.
  6. Have them drink 2 cups, 1 hour before each meal. (48 oz total)
  7. Model behavior so your child will watch & learn.
  8. Buy your child a sports bottle they can keep with them at all times (at school, during lunch, after recess)!

Screenshot_2015-01-20-09-30-31The chart above may seem like a lot of water, but it really isn’t.  Remember, 60% of your body is made of water, so it is critical that children’s water is replenished on a daily basis.

Can a child be drinking too much water?  It is possible for someone to drink too much water (hyponatremia), but it is very rare, and mostly happens to people who are extreme athletes.

The above chart is only a guideline, it is important you adjust your kid’s water consumption if you live in a very hot/humid climate, if they are athletes or have a medical condition. This Organic fruit & herb infused water recipe is a great way to always have great tasting water!20150119_161959

ORGANIC STRAWBERRY, LEMON, CUCUMBER, MINT INFUSION:

♥  ½ Cup Sliced Lemons

♥  ½ Cup Sliced Strawberries

♥  ¾ Medium Cucumber, Sliced

♥  ¼ Cup of Mint Leaves

♥  1 Quart of Fresh Spring Water

♥  USE ALL ORGANIC FOODScreenshot_2015-01-20-09-57-10

Instructions:

♥  Prepare & Slice Fruits, Veggies, Herbs

♥  Place Your Mix at the Bottom of Jar

♥  Pour Your Water over the Mix

♥  Chill in your Fridge or Serve Room Temp.

♦  Optional: Use a wooden spoon to squash fruit at the bottom of jar before adding water.2015-01-20 09.53.24

Important Final Notes:

  1. On average, food can provide about 20% of total water intake. Watermelon & Spinach are at least 90% water weight.
  2. Pregnant or breast-feeding women need additional fluids to stay hydrated.
  3. Pineapple, Orange, Ginger is another great infusion for the family.

This infusion is so Yummy Yummy and it’s so fun to make together with your family. Stay hydrated Amigos, I look forward to you visiting again!  Sending Love & Light! ~ Dr. Dee

Vegan Tex-Mex Tacos, Yummy & Kid-Friendly!

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Hola Amigos!

Happy New Year & Welcome Back!  For those of you who have visited me here before, you know I am originally from the South… South Texas to be exact! There are a lot of things I miss about Texas… my extended family, childhood friends, the music, friendly drivers, the Cowboy Fans and THE FOOD!

When I say the food, I mean the Tex-Mex Food! I have eaten food from around the world, but for me, there is always something nostalgic about the Tex-Mex food I grew up eating, especially my mom’s food and healing spices, like Cumin, Oregano, Thyme and Cilantro!

Every day, and I mean every day, my mom always had fresh homemade flour tortillas sitting on the stove… Tortillas for breakfast, Tortillas for lunch, Tortillas for dinner… I never ever grew tired of mom’s flour tortillas!

Mmm mmm mmm, I miss those days!!!

Stack of Homemade Flour Tortillas

I don’t miss my food related health issues with meat, dairy and gluten, but I do reminisce about the other aspects of the Tex-Mex Culture which surrounded my childhood food.

The men were often gathered around our huge BBQ pit, mostly boasting about the last Dallas Cowboy Game, while others were dancing, drinking and eating up a storm!

My grandmother, aunts and mom all gathered in the kitchen whilst preparing other dishes, such as, Tacos, Potato Salad, Tortillas, Rice, Beans, Guacamole, Desserts, etc…  I can still smell the food, hear the laughter and feel the unity! Everyone talking over each other, some laughing, and the rest constantly picking on each other… oh, sweet memories!

plate with taco

As for me, I was always bare foot, in pig tails and one of many cousins climbing grandma’s trees, playing hop scotch and freeze tag, all the while, sneaking in and out of the kitchen, begging to help cook and eat a pre-dinner tortilla! 🌞

We drank tons of Kool Aide & Texas Tea. We didn’t mind water out of a hose, we were rarely indoors and never heard of transfats, gluten or lactose… Ahhh, such yummy food, ignorance is bliss… lol!

Our Texas family and friends still gather, but times have changed!  Not all of us eat animal meat, dairy or gluten, but there are some things that remain constant-  We all root for the Cowboys 🏈and we all love Tex-Mex Food! Woohoo!

Here is a Yummy Kid-friendly Twist on a Tex-Mex dish that may help a fellow Vegan survive this football season!

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Vegan Tex-Mex Tacos!

Taco Ingredients:

*All Ingredients are NonGMO & Organic

  • 1 tsp each: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin, Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp each: Paprika, Cayenne, Oregano.
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic (minced).
  • 1 Handful Cilantro to taste.
  • 1/4 Red Onion (finely chopped).
  • 3 Medium Bell peppers (cored & sliced).
  • Gluten Free Flour or Corn Tortillas of choice.
  • Vegan Taco Meat of Choice (24 oz) serves 4.

taco collage 9

Taco Instructions:

  1. First prepare Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper.
  2. Break up Vegan Meat & Simmer in large pan.
  3. Add Onion & Garlic, increase to Medium Heat.
  4. Mix all of the dry ingredients together.
  5. Wait 5 minutes, add dry ingredients to meat.
  6. Add 3 Tablespoons Spring Water to meat.
  7. Cook on Medium heat for 10 minutes.
  8. Add Bell pepper slices to meat in pan.
  9. Heat Bell pepper to desired tenderness.
  10. Heat up Gluten Free Flour or Corn Tortillas.
  11. Scoop some taco meat into Tortillas of choice.
  12. Sprinkle Cilantro leaves on top, add toppings.

guacamole in colorful blue bowl with tortilla chips

*Optional toppings:
Tomatillo Guacamole 🍈
Tomato Tidbits 🍅
Salsa. 🌱
Sliced Avocado Strips.
Daiya Shredded Cheese

Toddler & Kid-Friendly Taco Version:

Screenshot_2014-05-09-18-03-28plate with taco

Instructions: 

  1. Separate a small portion of meat.
  2. Add 1/8 of Dry ingredients.
  3. Exclude Cayenne, Black & Bell Pepper.
  • *Depending on child’s age, you may want to use:
  • Dry Onion, Garlic, Thyme powders.
  • *Fresh Onion/Garlic may cause painful bloating & gas.
  • Follow same steps for remainder of recipe.

Thanks for visiting us at YummyYummyBaby.Com and stay tuned for more Tex-Mex Food!

Stay warm & cozy and see ya real soon!

XOXO ~ Dr. Dee

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