I had my first baby in the early evening–and I was so excited that I stayed up all night looking at him–with the Food Channel muted. I thought about all the wonderful homemade foods and after school treats that I would make for my little guy. Little did I know he would nurse forever and be homeschooled . . . so my baby food exploration and after school snacks were put on hold for a very long time. I love to cook creatively. What I didn’t realize that night I turned into a Mom it would be several years before I would be appreciated (by my kids) for my creativity in the kitchen!

This however is one recipe that my kids love. I always have butter, sugar, cinnamon and gnocchi (or in a pinch I’ll use pasta).

boil gnocchi

butter and cinnamon sugar

melt the butter

add cinnamon sugar

keep stirring so the sugar doesn’t burn

add gnocchi

mix it all up

this is so good!

[recipe]

Cook gnocchi according to the package–I buy frozen or make my own–it only takes a few minutes in boiling water.

Melt 1/2 stick of butter, 1/8 cup sugar and cinnamon until the sugar is dissolved–but not too hot or the sugar will burn!

Toss cinnamon sauce with gnocchi.

I serve this with a fruit salad or a green salad that has oranges or cranberries.

[/recipe]

Be Blessed as you prepare meals for your family.

Linking up with the Ultimate Recipe Swap, Show and Share, Thriving Thursdays, Thrive at Home, a pinch of joy, Inspire me Monday, home and heart

Sugar!

What could possibly be wrong with sugar?

Well, I found out quite a bit.

First, the two most common sources of sugar in the U.S. are beets and sugar cane. Two different plants–same taste.

Cane sugar however is filtered using the bones of cows (and lots of them!) That sort of grossed me out!

Is beet sugar safe for vegans or those wanting a different processing?

Yes. Beet sugar is fine for vegans and it is also generally better for the environment BUT many of the beets grown for sugar are genetically modified (GM).

So what can I use?

Turbinado sugar, organic evaporated can juice, organic dehydrated cane juice and organic can sugar are all bone-char free!

The Best Choice: Florida Crystals, organic sugar of any brand, sugar in the raw.

The Worst Choice: Domino and C&H brands.

I spent several hours researching, watching videos and reading documents on the environmental impact of growing sugar. It was overwhelming.

How can you make a difference? buy organic, use less sugar, and rather than buy processed sugary foods: bake your own cookies, make your own fudge, and think about the when and why you crave sugar. Skip the Snickers, M&M’s, and Smores!

I found this website that was an intense read but extremely informative. This site was the most balanced and informative site–with really cool pictures–I never knew what sugar cane looked like!

I also want to offer the information that is in the book “The China Study”, Dr. Campbell discusses the reversal of cancer causing cells by reducing or eliminating sugar. After I read that I’ve taken a break from sugar. I will admit that I’m feeling better and less “crazed” at 3 in the afternoon.

As I research more and more–I’m finding it easier and easier to eliminate the “stuff” I don’t need. The bonus is that I’m losing weight along the way! I’m feeling a transformation of how my body feels in relation to what I eat–I feel empowered that I have choices.

Be Blessed.

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