Cooking & Eating in The Great Outdoors – A Call For Help

June 22, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 6 Comments

We have caught the camping bug and we are just running with it. We have already been yurting and tenting and we already have plans for more tenting and also a stay in some vintage trailers. I’m also currently searching for more tenting spots and have plans do a little cabin/yurt camping this Fall/Winter (yay for heated cabins and yurts!) While I am thrilled to be camping I still haven’t quite figured out the whole cooking/eating thing. I either am too ambitious, too boring or I over pack.

Last night we met up with friends and our littles to see a local children’s musician. After the show we headed out from dinner and since we both had just arrived home from camping that day we of course got to talking about our camping trips and the topic of food came up. When asked what we made I was really wishing I could have share some really fun and creative meals but instead all I could say was veggie dogs and veggie chicken sandwiches – can we say boring?

While I wish I was sharing a bunch of tips and inspired recipes I am instead asking (begging) for your help. Go crazy in the comments and share your favorite camping recipes, tips and foods. TIA!

#WIAW | Camping Edition

June 3, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 10 Comments

Sunday Neil and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary with a camping trip (with the kids) to the Oregon Coast. We lucked out and were able to get a yurt at Cape Lookout for Sunday and Monday nights. We had beautiful weather on Sunday so we spent most of our time at the beach but Monday was dreary and wet so we explored the coast a bit before heading back to the campground for a hike and a wet walk on the beach. The weather got the best of us in the end as it started pouring just as we started to make dinner and poured all night and morning. Either way we had a great time and I’m so happy we were in a yurt!

Let’s get to the food though because that what this post is all about. These are all of my eats from Monday June 1st while camping at the coast.

Breakfast

For breakfast I started with a mug of coffee and a big bowl of berries. We had planned to do up a scrambled tofu and potatoes but our potatoes didn’t workout from dinner the previous night so we kept things light.

Since I was feeling like I needed just a bit more to eat I broke into my Good Habit Box and Neil and I shared the Forest Berry Oatmeal. This was the first time I had tried anything from my Good Habit Bo and I really loved the oatmeal. There were no added sugars just simply gluten free oats, goji berries and some other dried fruit. I added in some strawberries and it was perfect.

Since it was raining we headed towards Pacific City and Lincoln City to see if we could find anything to do. On the way there Neil and I shared the Rosemary Almonds & Apricots which were pretty good and the Peanuts, Pineapple & Seeds which I think were my favorite of the items in the box because they had a nice sweet and spicy thing going for them. We tried the other two snacks on the way home yesterday.

We stopped for lunch in Lincoln City and I had a veggie burger and fries. It wasn’t anything special but it was still good. After lunch we headed back to the campground to go on a hike and then we walked along the beach in search of crabs. While we walked I munched on a Chia Bar. I picked up the coconut flavor to try and it was pretty good but I have to say the coffee one is still my favorite.

After our hike and beach adventure we were all pretty hungry so we headed back to the campsite and brought out the veggies, vegan onion-dill dip and sparkling water while we got a fire and dinner started.

Just as I was finishing up the potato bundles to go on the fire it started to rain and that rain quickly turned to pouring rain. Thankfully Neil took over dinner and he cooked us up some veggie dogs and tended to the potatoes. Not a too exciting dinner but it was good.

The end.

We are headed out camping again in a few weeks and I’m trying to up my food game – what are your favorite foods to cook or bring with you camping?

Disclaimer: Good Habit Box sent me a free box to try out. I received no compensation for this post. I was not required to write a post or a review. However I liked the box so much I signed up for a subscription after trying it. If you’d like to try out a Good Habit Box you can get 20% off your first box with code REFER20 (this is not an affiliate code).

#WIAW: NadaMoo! | Dairy-free and Delicious

May 27, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 9 Comments

Apparently I have a real sweet tooth lately because once again here is another dessert What I ate Wednesday. This past weekend we met up with friends for a picnic and a little ice cream social at Cathedral Park here in Portland.

If you are a Naturally Family (NF) reader you know that we do weekly playdates with a few other families and if you have a toddler you know playdates usually revolve around food. That being said our playdates have become snack dates that we feature almost weekly over on NF. This week it was all about the NadaMoo coconut milk frozen dessert.

I actually wasn’t planning on sharing about our ice cream social over here but these vegan “ice creams” are just so good I thought that you guys might be interested as well. I’ll also admit two of the flavors didn’t make it to the park with us because as soon as the package arrived Neil and Edith felt the need to dive right in. I was out at a blogger event and received a text message of Edith diving into a pint of Cookies & Creme. Of course the following night I felt the need to try what was left of the Cookies & Creme but after a spoonful I just wasn’t really digging it so I decided to dive into the Chocolate Almond Chip and I ended up finishing off most of the pint on Saturday (#keepinitreal).

What stood out to me about these coconut milk “ice cream” (frozen dessert) was just how rich, natural and clean the flavors were. The Chocolate Almond Chip had a really rich cacao flavor and it honestly took me about 3-4 bites before I started to get a really good taste for the chocolate. It’s much more bittersweet tasting so I feel like the flavor through me off a bit but as I ate more of it the more I loved it. Also loved the almonds. The almonds were whole and just had a natural nutty taste to them – my description is really not doing it justice. The Maple Pecan was the same way – just such amazing nuttiness.

So Monday came and so did our picnic date. I packed everything up and adults, tots and even two of the three babies gave NadaMoo a try. Head on over to Naturally Family to find out which flavors came out on top.

Also Portland Area Friends NadaMoo is coming to New Seasons in June and Haggen this Summer!

Which flavor would you like to try? I really want to try the PB & Chocolate and the Chai.

WIAW: Rawdacious | Portland, OR

May 13, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 11 Comments

This week it’s all about the cheesecake; specifically gluten free and vegan cheesecake from Rawdacious here in Portland.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Rawdacious kitchen to see where all the magic happens. Little did I know until about an hour before going that I had actually tried these delicious cheesecakes before at some of my favorite Portland restaurants. So that being said I was even more excited to try some new flavors. When I arrived Jenn, the owner of Rawdacious, presented me with three mini cheesecakes to sample. While we chatted away while I stuffed myself silly with the most insanely delicious gluten free and vegan cheesecakes.

I sampled the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Northwest berries and cream and a chocolate one that I am forgetting the official name of. Of the three the PB one was my favorite but I already knew this because I have enjoyed it before at Sweet Hereafter and The Bye and Bye. I actually had no idea that cheesecakes at these two places where from Rawdacious but now I do and so do you!. My other absolute favorite from Rawdacious is the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake that I had last Fall at Canteen (see photo here).

Anyone want to go in on this Matcha With Coconut Cheesecake?

All of the cheesecakes are naturally vegan and gluten-free without a soy base. The raw base of the cheesecakes is made from organic cashews, homemade organic almond milk and organic coconut oil. The cheesecakes filled with quality organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You can read more about the cheesecakes here.

These beautiful and delicious handcrafted cheesecakes now come in mini sizes as well and can be found at Alberta Co-op, People’s Coop, Food Front Cooperative and this summer you can find them at the St. John’s Farmers Market. You can also find them at a few other shops and restaurants around town including two of my favorites Prasad and Harlow.

Not interested in venturing out for cheesecake? You could always have Postmates (if you’re lucky enough to live in the radius) deliver a 4-pack of minis or even a whole cake right to your doorstep. Rawdacious also takes special orders and does catering and would be perfect for a wedding or your next party ; Edith has already requested a few mini’s for her birthday (I don’t know who’s more excited me or her). Until then I’ll just have to find excuses to pick up a slice or mini when we are out and about.

Which flavor of Rawdacious cheesecake would you like to try? The Lemon Fig is at the top of my list and the Coffee With Cream & Fudge and ….well all of them really.

*Disclaimer: I was invited to visit the kitchen and sample the cheesecakes. I was not compensated in any way for this post. I just simply can’t tell you enough about how insanely good these cheesecakes are.

Tea Time | Springtime Teas with Numi Organic Tea

May 3, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 11 Comments

I have become obsessed with tea lately. Seriously obsessed. I blame it all on Neil because two mornings per week he does an early morning workout class which means no one is home to make me my own coffee. I know, I know I could just make my own and sometimes I do but Neil just makes it so much better (most of the time). So when I’m feeling to lazy to make my own coffee I turn to tea

Numi -

First thing in the morning I want a cup of tea that is higher in caffeine and most of the time something super dark and rich. I tend to go for an English Breakfast or an Irish Breakfast, however I was just introduced to Numi‘s Breakfast Blend and it is amazing and the Aged Earl Grey is pretty amazing too. For something a bit lighter for the Spring I have been trying out various green teas and Numi’s Mate Lemon is just wonderful for a caffeine boost while being light and refreshing.

In the afternoon you can usually find me sipping on a cup of tea. the type of tea I go for depends on how my day is going another high caffeine if it’s been particularly rough day but usually I go for something that is a bit of a lower caffeine. I often like to have a chai with almond milk and coconut sugar or lately, since it’s been so warm, I have been going for an iced green.

Finally, at the end of the day I like to unwind with a cup of tea. Usually something herbal but sometimes I go for a decaf tea. I like mint for digestion, chamomile to relax and in the winter I enjoy a rooibos chai or the indulgent chocolate if I am craving something sweet. For a Spring/Summer sweet treat I really enjoy the White Rose which is light and both sweet and floral.

I have been loving the Numi’s Collection box because as you can see from the photos above it has such a wide variety of flavors. I often find myself picking up the same types of tea over and over again because I’m too scared to go outside my comfort zone and try a new flavor or variety. This assorted box has really helped me narrow down my favorites and has introduced me to so many new teas. What are your favorite teas? Do you drink different teas depending on the season?

Disclaimer: This post contains no sponsored content. Occasionally I am sent products for review but they will only be featured if I truly like them and use them regularly (and in this case I buy them regularly too).

WIAW: DIY Smoothie Bowls

April 29, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls Leave a Comment

Okay so I know I am late to jump on the smoothie bowl train but over the last year I have just fallen in love with them. There is a local spot called Kure that makes the best acai and smoothie bowls I have ever had. They are super creamy and topped with berries, bananas, granola and most importantly cinnamon; seriously just something about that cinnamon that makes the bowl so good. The problem is we no longer live close to Kure so now I have to make my own.

DIY Smoothie Bowl:

So a smoothie bowl has two main components a base which is basically a thick smoothie, a spoony -a smoothie that needs to be eaten with a spoon and a topping(s).

For bases I love:

frozen bananas, strawberries, almond butter, almond milk + optional add-in’s of vanilla protein powder and/or acai powder
frozen bananas, mango, pineapple, coconut manana and coconut milk + optional add-in’s of spirulina powder and/or baby spinach
coconut water, kale, almond butter, coconut sugar and banana

Toppings I love:

Fresh Berries
Banana
Mango
Chia Seeds
Bee Pollen
Hemp hearts
Slivered Almonds
Honey
Cinnamon
Granola

For the bowl pictured:

Base:
– 2 frozen bananas
– 1 juicy mango
– 8 oz coconut juice
– 1 heaping handful of baby spinach

Toppings:
– chia seeds
– hemp hearts
– bee pollen
– slivered almonds
– pinch of cinnamon

What is your favorite smoothie combination? Do you ever make smoothie bowls? If yes, what are your go to toppings?

Here is another recipe for one of my favorite acai smoothie bowls.

Tip: let your bananas get super spotty before peeling and freezing. Waiting until their super spotty makes them super sweet and helps us to better digest them.

WIAW | Almonds That Taste Like Churros

April 22, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 6 Comments

I usually go for a savory nut because that’s just the type of girl I am but as soon as I tried these I fell in love. Instantly they brought me back to my childhood and the many Disney trips my family took together and those hot churros you could get at all the parks around Disney. Seriously friends these taste like a Disney World churro. So maybe it’s the nostalgia talking or maybe it’s the fact that they taste so good that I just loved me some Blue Diamond Honey Roasted Cinnamon ALmonds.
You know how I mentioned that they tasted of those hot churros? Well to make them taste even more like that I like to put them in a microwaveable dish and heat for 20-30 seconds. They come out all warm just like a hot churro. Some might say they taste like cinnamon roasted nuts, you know the warm ones you can get at theme parks, farmers markets, special events, etc and why I do agree my instant thought was those churros.

On the downside Edith loved these nuts as well and she loved them so much that she decided to lick her hand and stick it in to grab up all the honey and cinnamon flavor. Needless to say once she was done doing that we had to toss out the remainder of the container because ….well you get it. I guess I’ll have to buy myself a new container or rather buy one for me and one for her…and maybe one for Neil too.

Is there a food the takes you back to your childhood?
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds.

Naturally Lindsay

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