Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

:: Gluten Free Banana Pancakes ::

It’s Sunday morning and I am not fully awake, but my kids are! A foggy slow morning calls for Banana Pancakes.  A weekend favorite, but today I have decided to make a small change to this breakfast recipe.  Anything for my special boy, pancakes it is, but I am switching it up a bit and giving this picky eater a chance to try Gluten Free Banana Pancakes. 

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

Explaining less and helping out with the meal can sway any picky eater from noticing a small adjustment.  Believe me sometimes I think this kid has eyes in the back of his head and a memory of an elephant {well okay that part is my fault}.  I did have to trick him a little bit as my flour sits in a canister on the counter top.  I measured out the Bob’s Red Mill Biscuit and Baking Mix prior to having Mason assist me with the pancake making.  You gotta do what you gotta do.  [Read more…]

Green Berry Smoothie

Green Berry Smoothie

It’s a New Year can you believe it?  I am thinking positive by starting my day positive and healthy with a Green Berry Smoothie.  Yes, as you can tell Sara and I love smoothies.  Did I mention I worked at Jamba Juice when I was a freshman in college, so yes I am a smoothie dork? I love the way they make me feel in the morning.  I need what ever additional energy I can get, because the whole coffee thing doesn’t get things cracking around here.

I know I am not alone in this whole “feeling good” department and it is something we are always striving to find.  Every year I do make a few resolutions or vows of some simple life changes.  I do have to say that we eat pretty healthy around here when we can, but one of the life changes I would like to incorporate in our life style is adding some gluten free meals into our diet.  This Green Berry Smoothie is gluten free recipe and it is packed with protein, fruits, and vegetables.  But what I am HOPING {it’s my word this year} is to add it more into our kids diet.  With Mason being on the Autism Spectrum, his diagnosis has yet to prove it’s results in a gluten free lifestyle as he is very high functioning, but I think that it can improve his attention span and his energy level in a positive way.  As for myself, we haven’t seen much winter here and there is always the beach and pool that us mamas have to attend to with the kids. [Read more…]

Hummingbird Bread

Hummingbird Bread

:: Hummingbird Bread ::

Stay calm, stay focused, now repeat, and enjoy.  That is the mantra I am trying to remember during the hustle and bustle.  We are in the thick of it my friends, the lovely holiday season.  We wait for this time all year long and when it comes it seems go by with a blink of an eye.  So here is a small remedy keep it simple, and I am doing so by making Hummingbird Bread.  Sounds fancy but oh so easy.  This year instead of handing out a million cookies, I am making mini breads for my neighbors.  Don’t get me wrong I love baking cookies and will do so, but I want to free up some of my time by creating something that can be enjoyed now and not later when everyone else is stuffed to the brim with sweets.  

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Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding

Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding {Simply Happenstance Blog}

 :: Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding ::

Oh… do I have a tasty indulgence for you today! My friends, this is definitely my favorite breakfast treat at the moment! It’s delicious served warm for breakfast {or dessert}… and it’s even good cold, straight out of the fridge {don’t ask me how I know that}! One of my dearest friends recently gave me the recipe to try out with my family. We’ve made it two times in the last week! Remember my husband who doesn’t like anything sweet? He LOVED it! In fact, I totally caught him with a fork sneaking bites out of the fridge. That never happens!

So, before I get started on the details of this amazingly delicious dish {that would be the perfect addition to your Christmas morning, I might add}… I must first tell you about my friend who passed on this recipe. I typically call her  “Pretty”… because she’s so pretty, of course {inside & out}! I’m hoping that one day she’ll decide to write a guest post for Simply Happenstance and tell you all about her testimony and issues she’s faced over the past few years. She is hands down, one of the strongest, most God-loving, positive, and wonderful mamas I know! She has taught and encouraged me so much over the past five years that I have known her. The most cherished girlfriends that I have in my life are definitely the ones that bring me closer to God. “Pretty” is one of those. We don’t live near each other any longer {now that our family has moved to the mountains}, but we talk on the phone almost daily. She uplifts my spirit in so many ways. I hope that all of you have a friend like that in your life. It is such an incredible gift… [Read more…]

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

chirstmascranberryspritzer2

:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite.  Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to. 

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain.  It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

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Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer

Burrata and Roasted Tomato:: Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer ::

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, as the calendar continues to get filled by things here and there.  Are you feeling a bit like me?  Hoping to take in these small moments to enjoy what the season is all about, but have been asked to bring an appetizer to an event.  This Burrata and Roasted Tomato Appetizer is a win win for all.  It’s simple, tasty, and doesn’t require too much prep time or cook time.  It really is that easy. 

I have to be honest with you, I more often than not love an appetizer that requires multiple steps and takes a bit of time to prepare.  I feel those are the dishes that taste the best and look the best on a platter, but that is entirely the wrong approach when it comes to the holidays.  The company we keep and the family we see is what should require the most of our time.  Simple is best right?!? Good flavors and a nice glass of wine paired with a lovely dish really can make an evening worth the run around.

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