Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Healthy Halloween!

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many of us because it is filled with fun activities and good times with family and friends. With lots of pumpkins, costumes, scares, and sweets, it is hard not to have a great time. I enjoy all these things about Halloween but I especially enjoy the pumpkin carving and pumpkin seed roasting. This year my hubby and I went with the island theme, to match our new surroundings, and the end product was very satisfying!

Check them out =) Cute huh?

Next time you carve your pumpkin, don't forget to save the seeds and enjoy the most nutritious treat of Halloween. It is so quick and easy to make, just follow these simple steps:

Gluten-Free Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees
- Scoop out all the seeds from the pumpkin and separate from the stringy flesh.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Spread seeds evenly on a large flat pan covered with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, granulated garlic, and paprika.
- Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Turn and mix the seeds after fifteen minutes to ensure even roasting on each side.

You will absolutely enjoy these crunchy tasty treats!


 - Pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, omega 3 healthy fats, and fiber.

- They are rich in magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.

- They also aid in clearing the digestive tract of harmful bacteria and pathogens and can soothe nausea and digestive discomfort.
For those of us with celiac disease and gluten-intolerance, Halloween candy is just not a safe option to enjoy without risking exposure to gluten followed by another painful bathroom ordeal. Last year I ate candy that claimed to be gluten-free but my gut reaction told a different story. So stay safe this year and splurge on these tasty homemade Halloween treats anyone would love!

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
Use organic ingredients and hormone-free butter and eggs.
  • 3 cups GF oats (Bob's Red Mill is a good brand)
  • 1 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup brown rice flour
  • 1 1/2 cups evaporated cane juice (aka: sucanet, an unrefined sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 sticks melted unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup raw honey (choose locally made)
  • 1 TBS Molasses
  • 2 teaspoons GF and corn syrup free vanilla extract
  • 1 package chocolate chip cookies (Enjoy Life Brand is gluten, soy, nut, and dairy free)
 Optional additions and variations if you do not have any nut allergies:

- 1 cup pure peanut butter, preferably organic, or
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Bake the cookies for about 15-20 minutes.

To make sure they do not fall apart when eating you can refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Happy Halloween!



Check out our costumes, this year Angel went for hysterical and I went for crafty.

Hint: Look at the Do



Can you guess who Angel is this year?






Rocky Balboa presents: Clubber Lang! "I pity the fool"


I made my Sea Turtle Costume from cardboard and fabric scraps.      

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