Decadent Chocolate Cake (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

I will definitely not claim that this cake is healthy.  It is a treat, but is one I often make to take somewhere.  It is simple and very rich in flavour.  It will satisfy any chocolate craving.
Merry Christmas!

Ingredients (makes 8 inch cake)

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup palm sugar
• 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder plus some for dusting
• 3 whisked eggs
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round baking pan then dust with cocoa powder. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper. 
2. In a double boiler melt chocolate with coconut oil stirring, until smooth. 
3. Add sugar and cocoa, stir until blended.
4. Remove top of double boiler from heat and whisk in the eggs until well blended. 
5. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 30-40 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. 
6. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack.
7. Dust with sifted icing sugar if desired.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Hemp Heart Energy Cookies (Egg, Dairy, Gluten/Grain Free with Refined Sugar Free Option)

I have two more months to go in this pregnancy and I am starting to feel tired and more hungry.  I am getting a little low in my iron which is not helping.  I have been eating more hemp hearts as they are an excellent source of iron as well as protein, omega fatty acids and fiber.  I have been adding them to my smoothies, cereal and salads as well.  I love these cookies as they give me the energy and nutrients I need for a snack or even breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground chia or ground flax seeds 
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup nut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds ground to a powder
• 1/3 cup hemp hearts
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional -omit for refined sugar free option)
• pinch sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. Add ground chia/flax seeds to water and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl combine nut butter, honey, coconut, ground pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, and sea salt.
4. Add flax seeds and water to bowl.
5. Stir to fully combine.
6. Roll dough into 1 inch balls.44
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
8. Cool on a wire rack.
9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Post #2 -Baby Update

It has been a long time since I have written and especially about the baby.  Life has been busy with homeschool, family, church and just life.

7 months

Our baby seems to be doing very well.  We have given him the nickname of "Walter."  My father in law had a terrible feeling that we were going to name him Howard, after our dog who recently passed.  My husband told him not to worry that the baby's name was Walter and since that time, that is what we have been calling him.  I am a little worried that my second child will be calling him Walter even after birth.

The girls are getting very excited as they see new clothes, furniture and baby paraphernalia come into the home.  Next week begins the process of building my husband's office downstairs so we can create a nursery.  I am starting to get into the nesting phase and my organized personality is beginning to get the better of me.  For the rest, I have been feeling very good.  The only struggle for me is painful hips when sleeping. It is getting harder and harder to get comfortable in bed but this too will pass.

Among the regular chiropractor appointments, I am also seeing my naturopath to get prepared for the birth and the GBS test.  Among the regular list I posted here I have now added or increased:

• 1-2 garlic capsules a day
• Fish Oil 2000mg/day
• Vitamin D 3000 IU/day
• Vitamin C- 1800-2000mg a day

In a few weeks I will be starting a liquid tincture of Cimicifuga and Caulophyllum/Blue Cohosh to help prepare my uterus and pelvic tissue.  

30 weeks

In the meantime, we have added another member  to our family  Samson joined us over a month ago. It was a surprise for me from my husband and yes I did want another dog.  I knew Dan wasn't ready yet after our other boxer had passed so I had kind of dropped the subject.  To my surprise he decided he was ready and found our Samson.  

Life with a puppy is busy!.  A few weeks ago he was driving me crazy.  He was chewing furniture, plants, dirt, the kids feet, not listening, having accidents etc.  Last week however, he definitely showed signs of learning.  He hasn't had an accident in about 5 days, he usually stays out of the bedrooms, and isn't biting at the kids as much.  He usually comes when called, can sit and shake a paw and is chewing on less things.  Although, as I type he is licking pants...we still have a lot to learn.  

Samson our Boxer Puppy

Isn't he cute in a goofy, kind of way?

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