Christmas Sale

Christmas eBook Sale

Jump in and grab a book pack now and save 20%

Prefer a printed copy... copy your ebooks onto a memory stick and take to Officeworks. They will print and bind for you


Offer available until 24 December 2014 and is not available for single book purchases



Merry Christmas and Happy Baking!

update: children's healing journey 18 months on

Progress update: 18 months on for the children,

2 years on for me

The twists and turns of healing just astonish me... I would never have thought we would have had such a dramatic turn around in our diets over the last 2 years. When I look back and read about where we started and then the progress just over a year ago, I am so excited to share with you how far we have all come...


Here are the previous posts to give you a history:

http://www.kerstenskitchen.com.au/2012/12/our-story-to-healing.html
http://www.kerstenskitchen.com.au/2013/01/childrens-journey.html
http://www.kerstenskitchen.com.au/2013/08/update-childrens-healing-journey-six.html

My children grew up eating a very small selection of foods... initially just rice and lamb, then they were able to tolerate celery, choko, chicken, potato. We used Nuttelex and Sunflower oil for cooking. Luckily so many things can be made using those ingredients and you can find all the recipes in my first couple of books.

When we started biomed we were able to add in some moderate salicylates - cucumber and carrot mainly. But we got stuck, I could never increase from one quantity a day... any more and they reacted. So I decided to try adding in small amounts of healing foods (which is discussed in detail in the above posts). The progress was exciting but again we got stuck...

So we decided to try homeopathy. This was not a quick fix, it has been challenging but we have seen amazing healing. I think this has been the key for us.

I continued trying to increase the children's tolerance to foods and we began seeing success!

I wanted to keep adding more healing foods:

BROTH

We cooked everything in broth... to cook rice pasta, I would add a cup of broth to the cooking water; to make savoury mince, I would add broth instead of water; to make sushi rice I would add a cup of broth to the cooking water

FATS - GHEE and COCONUT OIL and TALLOW

We continued to cook all meat in ghee. Tallow was added and we now cook all roast veg in that. Coconut oil is used extensively in baking.

BAKING - COCONUT FLOUR and NUTS

Slowly the kids were introduced to cookies and cakes baked with nut flours and coconut flour. The cookies were very well received by all. My girls loved the cakes, but my son was very attached to his egg free rice based cupcakes. I was really pleased when he eventually (after many many efforts of sampling) he declared he liked them and refused to eat the rice based baking... yay!

FERMENTS and KEFIR

We don't use Kefir and fermented drinks often anymore, but we do eat sauerkraut and other fermented vegetables. My girls and I enjoy them very much, my little man not so much... one day he will join in :)

SALICYLATES and AMINES

They tolerate everything now... slow cooked meats, all manner of fruit and vegetables. They even eat tomato several times a week... Very exciting!

FODMAPS

We had major issues with all the groups of FODMAPS. So these were the last foods to try. At first I added leeks to our broth when cooking... then when that was tolerated, I added them to meals where broth was used, eg casserole, soup, bolognaise. Then I started adding in Brussels sprouts to meat balls, casseroles, bolognaise. Now I add lentils to dishes as well.

With fruits, we started with low fodmap ones and now have progressed to include the others too. They are so excited that this month we introduced apple with success. Started with a tiny piece, now they have a whole one each day. (Last time we challenged apple, we landed in hospital for a week)

TIMING

Healing started slowly but about a year in, it jumped into top gear and progress was really fast. In the early days we would have a tiny portion once a week, then every three days, then every second day, then daily. Once ok, we would do another food.

WHAT DO WE AVOID NOW

We are coeliacs, so we avoid all gluten.
We choose to avoid soy and corn. I have challenged corn a couple of times for the children and it has always been a very big fail.
We avoid cane sugar - we use coconut sugar and rice syrup as sweeteners.
We minimise grains but still enjoy them every so often. They are no longer an every day food. I use buckwheat and quinoa often.
We avoid beef - still causes bleeding bowels.

So what does our menu plan look like now:

BREAKFAST

lamb meatballs and toast
(bread is homemade multi seed buckwheat and rice loaf)

scrambled eggs

LUNCH (school)

one protein portion:
sushi made with broth cooked brown and white rice and cucumber
sausage roll
chicken schnitzel
buckwheat pizza with tomato passata and lamb mince

fruit:
selection of rockmelon, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, kiwifruit, banana, apple

treat:
bliss ball (dates and coconut)
berry custard (coconut custard cooked with strawberries)
chocolate yogo (homemade yummo)
cinnamon coconut cookies
chocolate cake or vanilla cupcake

DINNER

spaghetti bolognaise
slow roasted lamb with lots of veg
roast chicken with lots of veg and Yorkshire pudding
meatballs and pasta
chicken schnitzel and chips
chicken and vegetable casserole
stir fry

 

SWEET TREATS

All baking is grain free and made with either coconut flour or nut meals and recipes can be found in my Grain Free and School Lunchbox books.

chocolate from Loving Earth
chocolate cake with frosting
vanilla coconut cupcakes
macadamia cupcakes
pikelets
cookies
marshmallows
jelly jubes (pomegranate juice and gelatin)
bliss balls
coconut icecream (plain or fruit flavoured)
ice blocks (coconut water and fruit)
potato chips


It has been a crazy healing journey and each path has been important, even when I felt it was not the right path, each taught me so much and introduced me to lovely women who have been my support network. So take each step as it comes, give something a try and if it isn't right for your family, jump back up and try something else. We are all different and what works for one, will not work for all. Good luck on your journey xo

 

Grain Free Gingerbread Cookies

Grain Free Gingerbread Cookies

This is our favourite cookie creation yet... perfect light crunch (not too hard for little teeth). Use to create your gingerbread house this Christmas!!

Ingredients:

4T coconut flour
180g tapioca starch
60g coconut sugar
100g coconut oil
60g rice malt syrup
1 egg (50-60g)
2t ground ginger
1t bicarb soda

Method:

Blitz coconut sugar in Thermomix bowl, 1 minute, speed 9
Add remaining ingredients and mix 30 seconds, speed 4
Scrape down and mix another 10 seconds, speed 4 if necessary

Remove from the bowl and place on a lined chopping board, knead together into a ball with your hands

Roll and press into small discs/circles, place on lined baking tray
They will spread slightly

Bake 180 degrees Celsius for 15 - 20 minutes until golden
Cool on trays

Store in air tight container in pantry

Variations:

Use 2t cinnamon instead of the ginger for a cinnamon cookie (my favourite!)
Use 2t vanilla instead of the ginger for a plain cookie
Omit the ginger and use one of the above variations and add half a block of chopped chocolate to the mix for a choc chip cookie (we use Loving Earth Creamy Mylk Chocolate)

Grain Free Chocolate Cake with Frosting

Beautiful Birthday Celebration Cake

Free from gluten, grains, nuts, refined sugar

For the chocolate cake:

Ingredients:

5 eggs
130g honey or rice malt syrup
70g coconut oil
3T coconut flour
2T raw cacao
1/2t bicarb soda

Method:

Line a 20 cm cake tin with baking paper and grease well

Put all ingredients into your Thermomix bowl and combine 20 sec speed 5

Do not be alarmed that this is indeed a very runny batter... if it was normal gluten free flour it would never work, but coconut flour absorbs A LOT of liquid, so it will all be ok when baked...

Pour into cake tin

Bake for 30 mins 180 degrees celcius until puffed and when pressed gently in the centre, springs back

Remove from the tin carefully and cool on rack


Now you are ready to ice

To make the Frosting:

Ingredients:

80g palm shortening (I use this organic brand from iHerb)
55g ghee
200g honey or rice malt syrup
2t vanilla extract
2T coconut flour
2T raw cacao

Add all ingredients to Thermomix bowl, mix 30 seconds speed 6
Scrape down and repeat until smooth

It will be soft and creamy like buttercream frosting and will be firm once in the fridge.

Icing the cake:

When the cake is completely cold, using a serrated knife, cut the cake in half... I do this by turning the cake slowly and cutting just slightly into it until all the cake has a small cut around it. Then move your knife through the cake and complete the cut through the centre. This helps get two even halves.

If you find this too difficult, you could make two cakes as per recipe above and ice them together. I do this when I need a bigger taller cake.

 

 





Spread half this mix onto the first layer of your cake

Place on top layer of cake, then spread remaining frosting mix over the entire cake

If desired, cover the top with sliced strawberries, or decorate as desired

Place in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours for the frosting to firm up

Great birthday cake for children too... Decorate however you like

You can use the frosting to ice anything... on donuts, between cookies, whatever takes your fancy!

CO-OP September 2014

CO-OP - September 2014

 
I am able to purchase many items at bulk prices and would like to share these savings with you... so last year I started a CO-OP... Orders are made quarterly and you are able to order goods of your choice, which you then pick up from me in Peakhurst, Sydney. Apologies I am not able to offer postage at this stage.
 
There are all sorts of grains, flours, baking aids etc... suitable for grain free folk and those on RPAH Elimination / Failsafe Diet.

Please email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com for an order form

Some procedure policies:

 
Orders will only be processed when received on an Order Form
Orders must be received by the deadline for that period, no late orders can be accepted
Orders must be paid for when ordering by direct deposit
If monies are not received your order will not be processed
There will be a handling fee 10% of total order to help cover the freight
Once your order has been processed it cannot be cancelled and refunds are not available
If any items ordered are unavailable or out of stock, monies will be refunded

Please note this is not a profitable exercise for my business, this is just an opportunity to help you source bulk ingredients.


*If there is something you are unable to source yourself and would like me to look into adding to the list, please let me know.
 
 

SEPTEMBER ORDER

 
This order will be done on Tuesday 16 September 2014
Please get your orders emailed and payments done by Friday 12 September 2014

Cooking Class Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift... why not give a gift certificate to one or more of our cooking classes

You can choose which class you would like
or give an open certificate so your friend can choose




SAMPLE IMAGE ONLY

Each certificate will be laminated and tied with a ribbon


Email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com to order

Cooking Classes for Term 4 - October 2014

Cooking Classes October 2014

Grain Free Baking for Birthdays and Celebrations using the Thermomix

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Cost: $110


Lots of grainfree desserts suitable for celebrations, whether they be birthdays or dinner parties:

Chocolate cake with paleo chocolate frosting
Macadamia cupcakes
Marshmallow
Jelly jubes
Pikelets and crepes
Coconut custard - vanilla, chocolate, berry
Trifle


Food will be gluten free and refined sugar free (we will use Rice Syrup and Honey as sweeteners). We will be using eggs and nuts. This class will not be suitable for Failsafers.


Places are strictly limited. Please email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com if you are interested.
Full payment will be required to confirm your spot.

Failsafe Christmas using the Thermomix

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014
Cost: $110


We will be making a delicious Failsafe Christmas meal which we will then share at the end of the class:

Roast chicken - plain and sticky chicken drumsticks
Several salads
Garlic Focaccia
Steamed puddings with ice cream
Pear cake (contains egg)

 
This class is suitable for those following the RPAH Elimination / Failsafe diet. We will be using the Thermomix to make our goodies. Food will be free from gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, corn and refined sugar free. We will be using Rice Syrup as a sweetener.


Places are strictly limited. Please email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com if you are interested.
Full payment will be required to confirm your spot.

Grainfree Christmas using the Thermomix

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Date: Saturday 25 October 2014
Cost: $110


We will be making a delicious Grainfree Christmas meal which we will share at the end of the class:

Roast chicken
Grainfree gravy
Several salads and roast veg
Steamed Christmas fruit puddings with custard
Macadamia cupcakes
Grainfree gingerbread
Chocolately treats you could make as gifts too...


Food will be gluten free and refined sugar free (we will use Rice Syrup and Honey as sweeteners). We will be using eggs and nuts. This class will not be suitable for Failsafers.


Places are strictly limited. Please email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com if you are interested.
Full payment will be required to confirm your spot.

Failsafe to Healing

Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Date: Saturday 1 November 2014
Cost: $130


Transitioning from failsafe to grainfree healing diet
Making basic fermented vegetables
How to make broth
Healing meals for the family - how to accommodate different tolerances

You will take home a jar of sauerkraut you make...


This class is suitable for those currently on a limited diet and looking at how GAPS / Paleo / Grainfree diet may help them increase their tolerance by healing their gut


Places are strictly limited. Please email kerstenskitchen@gmail.com if you are interested.
Full payment will be required to confirm your spot.

 

All these classes will be held in Peakhurst Sydney

Macadamia and Almond Milk

Making Nut Milk in the Thermomix

You can use just one type of nut to make your milk, I love the combination of macadamias and almonds... the macadamias add a smooth velvety creaminess while the almonds add a gorgeous flavour and lots of nutrients

Ingredients

40g macadamias
40g activated almonds
1-2 dates (optional for sweetness)
800g water

 

Method

1) Weigh nuts and dates into TMX bowl
2) Grind 15 seconds, speed 6
3) Weigh in water
4) Cook 6 minutes, 60 degrees, speed 4
5) Now process 1 minute, speed 9 to combine well
6) Strain through muslin or nut milk bag

You can use the froth to make a delicious cappuccino
Store milk in the fridge and shake well before use
It will keep for 3 days

Cooking Classes July 2014

Cooking Classes for July/August will be Grain Free

There will be two classes:

Grain Free Meals and Healing foods

We will be learning at how to make:

healing broth
sauerkraut, full of healing probiotics
baked beans
pumpkin soup
fried 'rice' (made with cauliflower)
lasagne
chicken and vegetable casserole

All these meals will be filled with healing fats and broth. We will be using the Thermomix (TMX) to help prepare, but all cooking will be done on the stove/oven. You do not need a TMX to create these meals, you can use a food processor (will just take a little longer).

You will be taking the jar of your sauerkraut home with you

DATE: Friday 25 July 2014

TIME: 10.30am - 1.30pm

LOCATION: Peakhurst, Sydney

COST: $75

Everything will be free from gluten and grains and refined sugar. This class is not suitable for those following RPAH Elimination and Failsafe diet.

Grain Free Sweet Treats

We will be learning how to bake with coconut flour and cook with healing gelatin

We will create sweet treats without refined sugar including:

cinnamon cookies
gingerbread
chocolate cake with paleo frosting
macadamia cupcakes
caramel bites
jelly jubes
marshmallow
chocolate mousse
crepes
coconut custard


We will be using the Thermomix (TMX) to help prepare, but all cooking will be done on the stove/oven. You do not need a TMX to create these meals, you can use a food processor (will just take a little longer).

DATE: Friday 8 August 2014

TIME: 10.30am - 1.30pm

LOCATION: Peakhurst, Sydney

COST: $75 

Everything will be free from gluten and grains and refined sugar. We will be using nuts and eggs in this class. This class is not suitable for those following RPAH Elimination and Failsafe diet.



These are small classes with hands on cooking of all dishes. Places are limited so please email now to confirm your place kerstenskitchen@bigpond.com. Full payment will be required to secure your spot.

Mother's Day Sale

Huge Discount this week only 30% off all eBooks!

Take advantage of this special to spoil yourself or a mum you know who would benefit

There are new discounted eBook packs available too... visit the SHOP to purchase
(scroll to the bottom of the page for the packs)



If you are not into digital books, why not download the books to a memory stick and take to Officeworks... they can print and bind for you.

Offer is available from Monday 5 May until Sunday 11 May (midnight)

Prices will automatically be amended at checkout

Discount only available on eBooks

Thermostyle Decals

What do you get someone who has everything in the kitchen...

Something for the Thermomix of course! And what could be better than a gorgeous decal... perfect for those of us who love everything to match

What is a Thermostyle Decal?

They are quality removable vinyl adhesives that stick to your Thermomix, allowing you to customise your Thermomix to suit your individual style.

They are designed and made right here in Australia by Felicia McQueen. Her motto "Australian made just makes sense. It's the ethical way to shop!" I totally agree and that is why I get all my books printed in Australia too. Always good to support our local businesses.

Felicia is a dedicated mum who I had the pleasure of meeting through the Failsafe Facebook groups. She is on a mission, like many of us, to heal her family.

The decals are her creation and are a lovely way to customise your Thermomix....  really make it your own. Not only are they gorgeous, but they protect the surface of your machine from light scratches. You can even get a decal for the side which has all the shortcuts! How handy is that!

Check out the extensive designs here.... www.thermostyle.com.au

You can customise them with your own photos too!

I am loving my decal... I have all red accessories in my kitchen so this has been a perfect way to match my Thermomix to my style! It is so easy to wipe over the surface of the machine.

Grab one for yourself, your partner, your mum, your friend now!

(Perfect gift for mothers day...hint hint)

Felicia has generously offered you a 10% discount off your Thermomix Stickers, just enter the code 'KerstensKitchen' when placing your order.

BULK ORDER FEBRUARY 2014

Sort of a CO-OP

 
I am able to purchase many items at bulk prices and would like to share these savings with you... so last year I sort of started a CO-OP... I will be doing quarterly orders of products and you will be able to order goods of your choice, which you will then need to pick up from me in Peakhurst, Sydney. Apologies I am not able to offer postage at this stage.
 
There are all sorts of grains, flours, baking aids etc... suitable for grain free folk and those on RPAH Elimination / Failsafe Diet.
 
Please check out the list and see if you would like to join me, then email for an order form. Please note the product list has changed since last quarter and there are some price changes too.

Product List

Celtic Salt Fine 5kg
Himalayan Salt Super Fine 5kg
Nut Milk Bag
Organic 100% Vanilla Powder 100g
Organic Amaranth 5kg
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 5L
Organic Black Chia Seeds 1kg
Organic Brown Linseed 5kg
Organic Brown Rice Flour 5kg
Organic Buckwheat flour 5kg
Organic Buckwheat hulled 5kg
Organic Cacao Powder Raw 350g
Organic Coconut Butter 340g
Organic Desiccated Fine 650g
Organic Coconut Flakes 2.5kg
Organic Coconut Flour 5kg
Organic Coconut Oil Deodorised 5L
Organic Coconut Sugar 5kg
Organic Coconut Syrup 1L
Organic Golden Linseed 5kg
Organic Hulled Sesame Seeds 5kg
Organic Millet flour 5kg
Organic Millet hulled 5kg
Organic Pepitas 5kg
Organic Psyllium Husks 200g
Organic Quinoa 1kg
Organic Sorghum flour 5kg
Organic Sunflower Seed kernels 5kg
Organic Tricolour Quinoa 5kg
Organic Vanilla beans 100g
Organic Virgin Coconut oil raw 5L

These products will only be ordered every six months:

Guar Gum 1kg
Quinoa flakes 250g
Quinoa puffed 200g
Organic Raw Honey 1kg
Tapioca Organic (no pres) 500g
White Rice Flour 5kg



NOTE: Quantities are bulk and will come packed as it is supplied to me

Some procedure policies:

 
Orders will only be processed when received on an Order Form
Orders must be received by the deadline for that period, no late orders can be accepted
Orders must be paid for when ordering by direct deposit
If monies are not received your order will not be processed
There will be a $5 handling fee per order to help cover the freight
Once your order has been processed it cannot be cancelled and refunds are not available
If any items ordered are unavailable or out of stock, monies will be refunded

Please note this is not a profitable exercise for my business, this is just an opportunity to help you source bulk ingredients.


*If there is something you are unable to source yourself and would like me to look into adding to the list, please let me know.
 
 

FEBRUARY ORDER

 
This order will be done on Wednesday 19 February 2014
Please get your orders emailed and payments done by Friday 14 February 2014