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What is Glyphosate? And What Does Glyphosate Residue Free Labeling Mean?
If you have paid any attention to health and wellness, nutrition and environmental impacts, you have likely heard the word “glyphosate” at this point. If you haven’t yet, let’s do a quick debriefing. Read on to get answers to your question: What is Glyphosate? Why you should care, plus learn what Glyphosate Residue Free Labeling really means.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the number one herbicide and antibiotic used in the US; its use has skyrocketed over the last decade with the introduction of GMO crops. Glyphosate works as a broad spectrum systemic herbicide that kills weeds and is used as a desiccant. Glyphosate is used heavily in GMO Agriculture and in conventional growing (it’s sprayed on grains at harvest to desiccate them and make them easier to harvest and process i.e. oatmeal, grass grains, wheat), It is also used in home gardens and commercial parks, schools, etc. but is banned in organic agriculture.
A typical GMO crop gets many treatments of glyphosate over time (every few weeks through the summer). It needs to be continually applied to be effective. A growing number of countries are banning its use, as well as the promulgation of GMO crops. In 2015, 89% of corn, 94% of soybeans and 89% of cotton produced in the US were genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant. 1https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption.aspx
Despite multiple claims that glyphosate is safe, the World Health Organization has classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic in humans” and it is linked to lymphoma. Additionally, the California Environmental Protection Agency has added glyphosate to the Prop 65 list of carcinogenic chemicals and it is now identified as “known to the State of California to cause cancer.” Glyphosate may also be contributing to the Monarch Butterfly decline.
While the industry research miraculously touts glyphosate as “safe” and we can anticipate an ongoing scientific debate – for my taste, there is far too much research that says the contrary. As far as I am concerned, too much independent research points to it being unsafe and I am not willing to take the risk.
Why Should You Care About Glyphosate?
- Glyphosate is regularly found in our food and water 2https://detoxproject.org/glyphosate-in-food-water/. Even on non-GMO food, if it is grown in proximity of farms that use glyphosate, there is a chance that residue will still be present. Traces of glyphosate can be found in conventionally grown crops as well, because some farmers use glyphosate as a desiccant to dry out crops just 7 to 10 days before harvest, so the residue is present in the final food product as it goes to market.
- Numerous scientific studies conducted independently of the agricultural biotechnology industry have found that the toxic effects of glyphosate, even in small amounts, include disruption of hormonal systems and beneficial gut bacteria, damage to DNA, developmental and reproductive toxicity, birth defects, cancer, and neurotoxicity. 3https://detoxproject.org/glyphosate/how-safe-are-safe-levels-of-roundup/ 4Antoniou M, Habib MEM, Howard CV, et al. Teratogenic effects of glyphosate-based herbicides: Divergence of regulatory decisions from scientific evidence. J Env Anal Toxicol. 2012;S4:006. doi:10.4172/2161-0525.S4-006. 5Antoniou M, Habib M, Howard CV, et al. Roundup and Birth Defects: Is the Public Being Kept in the Dark? Earth Open Source; 2011. 6Vandenberg LN, Colborn T, Hayes TB, et al. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocr Rev. 2012;33(3):378-455. doi:10.1210/er.2011-1050. 7Séralini G-E, Clair E, Mesnage R, et al. Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Environ Sci Eur. 2014;26(1):14. doi:10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5. 8Romano RM, Romano MA, Bernardi MM, Furtado PV, Oliveira CA. Prepubertal exposure to commercial formulation of the herbicide Glyphosate alters testosterone levels and testicular morphology. Arch Toxicol. 2010;84:309-317. 9Gasnier C, Dumont C, Benachour N, Clair E, Chagnon MC, Séralini GE. Glyphosate-based herbicides are toxic and endocrine disruptors in human cell lines. Toxicology. 2009;262:184-91. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2009.06.006.
- The way that we are growing and producing our food is destroying the top soil. Glyphosate is a patented antibiotic sprayed on the living structure, the plants and soil. The soil our food is grown in, much like us, has a delicate microbiome. The health of the soil directly affects the health of the food grown in it, which in turn affects our health. Being a broad spectrum antibiotic, glyphosate is used to kill weeds, but it is also destroying the microbiome of the soil. 10https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2017.00034/full11http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/06/aristildeglyphosate
References
1. ↑ https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption.aspx 2. ↑ https://detoxproject.org/glyphosate-in-food-water/ 3. ↑ https://detoxproject.org/glyphosate/how-safe-are-safe-levels-of-roundup/ 4. ↑ Antoniou M, Habib MEM, Howard CV, et al. Teratogenic effects of glyphosate-based herbicides: Divergence of regulatory decisions from scientific evidence. J Env Anal Toxicol. 2012;S4:006. doi:10.4172/2161-0525.S4-006. 5. ↑ Antoniou M, Habib M, Howard CV, et al. Roundup and Birth Defects: Is the Public Being Kept in the Dark? Earth Open Source; 2011. 6. ↑ Vandenberg LN, Colborn T, Hayes TB, et al. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocr Rev. 2012;33(3):378-455. doi:10.1210/er.2011-1050. 7. ↑ Séralini G-E, Clair E, Mesnage R, et al. Republished study: long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Environ Sci Eur. 2014;26(1):14. doi:10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5. 8. ↑ Romano RM, Romano MA, Bernardi MM, Furtado PV, Oliveira CA. Prepubertal exposure to commercial formulation of the herbicide Glyphosate alters testosterone levels and testicular morphology. Arch Toxicol. 2010;84:309-317. 9. ↑ Gasnier C, Dumont C, Benachour N, Clair E, Chagnon MC, Séralini GE. Glyphosate-based herbicides are toxic and endocrine disruptors in human cell lines. Toxicology. 2009;262:184-91. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2009.06.006. 10. ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2017.00034/full 11. ↑ http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/06/aristildeglyphosate - Glyphosate is regularly found in our food and water 2https://detoxproject.org/glyphosate-in-food-water/. Even on non-GMO food, if it is grown in proximity of farms that use glyphosate, there is a chance that residue will still be present. Traces of glyphosate can be found in conventionally grown crops as well, because some farmers use glyphosate as a desiccant to dry out crops just 7 to 10 days before harvest, so the residue is present in the final food product as it goes to market.
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How-to Make Elderberry Syrup
We aren’t out of the woods just yet, cold and flu season is very much still upon us! Rather than going into hiding, I suggest you arm yourself. Your first line of defense being a nutrient-dense, properly prepared whole foods diet, eliminating sugar and processed foods and of course, minimizing stress and maximizing your rest and relaxation time. That said, extra boosts to your immune system, also never hurt. Elderberry Syrup is an incredible, all-natural remedy that is high in immune-boosting compounds, research (and my own personal experiences) show that it is an effective therapy for shortening the duration of colds and flus.
I swear by this stuff, you guys! It works. I always have it on hand for the onset of symptoms, but I also take it as an immune boosting player as part of my maintenance plan during the cold and flu season and/or during high stress periods where my immune system may be more compromised. While I have loved elderberry for a long time, after attending an herbal medicine workshop here in Long Beach a few weeks ago, where we learned all about elder, I was inspired to share with you just how easy it is to make. I really enjoyed spending time learning all about elderberries, their healing properties, meditating with the plant, learning it’s history and sampling various preparations. Elderberry syrup is one of my favorite ways to receive the healing powers of elder, because of course, the sweetness from the honey is delicious and it really brings out the sweetness of the berries, but honey in it’s own right is also very healing and soothing.
Store-bought elderberry syrups can be quite expensive and often times they contain high-fructose corn syrup, some contain food dyes, preservatives, and so on. Making your own syrup means that you not only save some money, but you also can control every ingredient used and once you make this yourself at home, you will wonder why you have ever bought it.
Elderberries – What Are They?
Elderberries (family Caprifoliaceae) are large deciduous shrubs or small trees native mostly to the northern hemisphere, although they have become naturalized throughout much of the temperate and subtropical regions where humans live. Elderberries or Sambucus Nigra L., have long been used for centuries by indigenous cultures to treat wounds, respiratory illness, viruses and more. Elder may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. The berries of the plant are often used for preserves, syrups and tinctures, while the bark and flowers are also useful for treating allergies, creating salves, toning the skin and more. The leaves, stems are toxic.
Besides lots of flavonoids and free radical-scouring antioxidants, elderberries contain 87 percent of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. {source}
Elderberries add a bright, tart, and delightful flavor to various foods, making it a great choice for sauces, syrups, dressings and they can also be used to make wine. I suggest buying high-quality organic dried elderberries, this is a great brand, I also recommend these and finally, this brand. You can also use dried elderberries to make a quick tea. 1 tablespoon of dried berries, to every 8 ounces of filtered water. Bring to a boil, them simmer for 15 minutes. Strain out the berries and enjoy.
Treatment and Prevention of Colds and Flu:
In a human clinical trial, a significant improvement of influenza symptoms, including fever, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the elderberry-treated group within 2 days, whereas in the control group 91.7% of the patients showed an improvement within 6 days. (Zakay-Rones, 1995)
The beautiful, deep rich purple elderberries are rich in antioxidant flavanoids believed to stimulate the immune system, reduce swelling and fight inflammation. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%. {source}
The anthocyanins present in elderberries are similar to those found in other deeply hued foods like blueberries, acai berries, raspberries, red cabbage, grapes, black rice and others. These antioxidants may neutralize free radical buildup, also known as oxidative stress. Free radicals are linked to the development of a number of degenerative diseases and conditions. Free radicals are by-products of normal bodily functions and are inevitable in daily life. However, it is the delicate balance of antioxidants and free radicals that determine our state of health. {source} One laboratory study demonstrated that the anthocyanins taken from elderberries helped protect blood vessels from free radical damage, suggesting it could also be beneficial against cardiovascular disease.
Experts think that elderberry reduces the path of flu simply by suppressing an enzyme known as neuraminidase, a proteins that enables flu to spread. Some studies also show that elderberry may have distinct ability to bind with viruses, halting their ability to mutate, change or multiply, thereby shortening the duration of illness or halting the virus before it’s effects are felt by the body.
The antiviral components of elderberry fruit extract were tested and found to effectively inhibit Human Influenza A (H1N1 virus) in vitro, possibly by blocking the ability of the virus to infect host cells. The extract was so effective, that researchers compared it with the prescription medications Amantadine and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). {source}
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MightyNest Giveaway: Holiday Entertaining? Skip the Paper Plates, Opt for Duralex Glass Dinnerware
With the holidays nearly upon us, I am so excited to be pairing up with some wonderful and mindful brands to bring you lots of great product features and giveaways from now up until Christmas! I have some amazing gift guides planned to make holiday gift-giving a bit easier for you this year, but in the holiday spirit of giving, I also wanted to give you guys some good stuff, too! So, stay tuned throughout this month and next where you will find lots of wonderful goodies!
As someone that is slowly taking the steps to rid my life and my home of all useless and unnecessary plastics, disposable products and other wasteful items, I am always taking note of places where I can still make changes. I have gotten rid of almost all of the plastic containers in our home and we now opt for glass whenever possible, so when MightyNest contacted me about creating a post, taking inventory of my kitchen and replacing plastics or other harmful products with glassware from Duralex; instead of storage containers or drinking glasses, which I am set with, I decided their beautiful dinnerware would be the perfect addition to my kitchen.
My husband and I just relocated to Southern California earlier this year and one of the things I was most excited about when we got into our new home here, was all the room we have to entertain. We have a big deck off of the house that is perfect for hosting dinner parties. Not only did we not have a deck at our home in NY, but we didn’t have a dining room table or even a kitchen table, for that matter. We had a small town house and our kitchen was long and narrow, no room for a table, so we just had a long bar. It just simply wasn’t conducive to entertaining. After living there nearly 10 years, our kitchenware reflected that fact. We had enough plates and bowls to have another couple over, maybe two, but hopefully not everyone would want their salad in a bowl! Read the rest of this entry »
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How-to Make Homemade Essential Oil Insect Repellent Spray
I am not sure why, but I seem to be one of those people that always gets bit up by bugs, even when no one else is. I can be in a group of 5 or 6 other people and I will seemingly be the only one. I must taste really good. It must be all that healthy, real food! After getting bit up pretty good, the first few weeks of summer, I was determined to do some research and make my own homemade essential oil insect repellent spray.
There are many essential oils, known for being excellent natural insect repellents.Here are just some of them: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Lemon Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Rose Geranium, Cinnamon Oil, Thyme, Lemon, Orange, Pine
Many of these different essential oils work especially well for specific pests, according to the research I have done, here are some of the more well known pests and essential oils that work as repellents for them:
Mosquitos – citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, catnip, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, lavender
Fleas – cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, lemongrass, lavender, orange, pine,
Ticks – rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, oreganoSome studies have also shown, additional effective ingredients include: Neem Oil, Soybean Oil, Vodka, Garlic and Vanilla Extract
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A Quick Guide to Gluten-Free Eating
I am sure many of my regular readers here are old pros at eating gluten-free, but maybe some of you are new to a strictly gluten-free diet (due to Celiac disease, a gluten intolerance or another medical/health reason), or perhaps you are looking to simply cut back or eliminate some gluten from your diet. Maybe you are being a really good pal, looking to learn more and find options for a friend or family member that is gluten-free. No matter what the reason, my simple overview of a gluten-free diet is meant to be used as a safe and quick tool while you are doing your own research on specific products and what you can and cannot tolerate (even within these “allowed” foods).
I hope you enjoy this list and find it to be a good resource if you are just starting out, or to share with family and friends that want to learn more about your restrictions.
A Quick Guide to Gluten-Free Eating
ALWAYS AVOID ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET:
- Wheat (einkorn, durum, farro, graham, kamut, semolina, spelt)
- Rye
- Barley (malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
- Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
- Commercial oats contain gluten due to cross contamination in processing, only eat certified GF oats
Wheat goes by many names – other wheat products to avoid:
- Bulgur
- Durum flour
- Farina
- Graham flour
- Kamut
- Semolina
- Spelt
SAFE FOODS ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET:
Alternative flours, grains, starches and thickeners that are inherently safe for celiac, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies include:
- Rice (white, brown, basmatic, jasmine, wild, risotto, sticky rice, rice cereal)
- Corn (maize) (grits, polenta, cornmeal)
- Potato, potato starch, potato flour
- Tapioca and tapioca starch
- Bean flours (chickpea, garbanzo, soy, fava, garfava)
- Sorghum
- Quinoa, quinoa flour and cereal flakes
- Millet and millet flour
- Rice flour
- Buckwheat
- Arrowroot starch
- Amaranth
- Certified gluten-free oats and oatmeal*
- Teff
- Montina
- Cornstarch (corn flour)
- Flax
- Nut flours (almond, chestnut, pecan, cashew, macadamia)
- Coconut flour
*Oats are naturally gluten-free and might be OK but please note when purchasing your oats, please make sure to choose packages that say “gluten-free”, as most commercial oats are contaminated with wheat when they are grown in the fields or from cross contamination in the processing plant. Some folks that are gluten-free don’t eat any oats, as they cannot tolerate them. Research indicates that pure, uncontaminated oats consumed in moderation (up to 1/2 cup dry oats daily) are tolerated by most celiacs. Everyone is different so please only eat them if you know you can tolerate then and consult with your physician or specialist before including in your regular diet.
Labels that clearly declare a complete list of ingredients are usually safest. You must read labels each and every time foods are purchased, as manufacturers can change ingredients at any time. As of 2006, wheat used in products will be identified on the label. Additionally, you may verify ingredients by calling or writing a food manufacturer and specifying the ingredients and the lot number of the food in question. State your needs clearly – be patient, persistent and polite.
WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL?
Distilled alcoholic beverages and vinegars are gluten-free. Distilled products do not contain any harmful gluten peptides. Research indicates that the gluten peptide is too large to carry over in the distillation process. This process leaves the resultant liquid gluten-free. Wines and hard liquor/distilled beverages are gluten-free. Beers, ales, lagers and malt vinegars that are made from gluten-containing grains are not distilled and, therefore, are not gluten-free. There are many great gluten-free beers available.
FOODS THAT ARE NATURALLY GLUTEN-FREE:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans, seeds, nuts in their natural, unprocessed form
- Fresh eggs
- Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
- Most dairy products
GLUTEN LIKES TO HIDE: Always Read Labels. Don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer if you are unsure.
Products to be careful of where gluten can be hiding: broth, bouillon, beers, ales, lager, breading & coating mixes, energy bars, syrups, communion wafers, french fries, croutons, dressings, drugs & over-the-counter medications, modified food starch, ice cream and frozen desserts, flour & cereal products, herbal supplements, imitation bacon (and other fake meats), veggie burgers, imitation seafood, marinades, nutritional supplements & vitamins, pastas, flavored vinegars, chocolate, candy, processed deli meats, sauces & gravies, hot dogs and vegan hot dogs, spice blends, self-basting poultry, soy sauce or soy sauce marinades, soups and soup bases, stuffings, thickeners (Roux), confectioner’s and brown sugar, herbal teas (watch for barley), jerky.
*Please remember that even the words “gluten-free” on a label do not always insure 100% gluten-free, due to cross contamination. Be cautious and be vigilant. Call companies and manufacturers, ask for detailed information or testing.
REMEMBER WHEN IN DOUBT, GO WITHOUT! IT IS NEVER WORTH IT!
When you are unable to verify ingredients or the ingredient list for a food is unavailable – DO NOT EAT IT!! No matter the amount consumed, it is not worth affecting your immune system nor is it worth the damage that will surely be done to the small intestines as a result, every time gluten is eaten. Whether or not symptoms or signs are present, it may be happening.
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Seri is Two + Grain-Free Dog Treats
If you have ever spent more than 5 minutes with me in person or follow me on Instagram, you will know that I am obsessed with my dog, Seri. She is a very, very special girl and I just love her to pieces. I feel so lucky that we found each other.
Seri came into our lives nearly two years ago at a time that I never thought I would be getting a new dog. It was much sooner than either one of us imagined that we would be doing the puppy thing again! Sadly, our dog Derby had passed away a few months prior, very, very suddenly and unexpectedly at just 6 years old. We were obviously devastated, heartbroken and just plain sick over it. Considering neither of us had the opportunity to even think about another dog, what we wanted to do and when, etc and neither of us had been without a dog in over 15 years, we were totally lost. We didn’t know what to do. Should we rush back into being dog parents again or wait until we had time to really deal with our loss. When would the right time be? How would we know?
After just 3 weeks of being without a dog and hating the strange quiet of a dog-free household, we knew we were ready to start thinking about the next special furry baby. We spoke with a wonderful woman named Vanessa who breeds beautiful miniature bull terriers with more care than I could have ever imagined possible. Chatting with Vanessa about possibly making one of her dogs a part of your family is far more rigorous than I would have guessed it to be and it made me realize that she takes what she does very seriously and she loves all of her babies, so much. I have such an appreciation for what Vanessa does, she knows that breeding a dog is a privilege not to be taken advantage of and she takes great care to make sure that she upholds the breed’s standards and is doing right by all of the dogs that are a part of her life. We ended up speaking back and forth with her about our loss at great length, we shared with her the emptiness we were feeling and wanting to bring another puppy into our home to love and spoil. We even sent photos and videos of Derby.
Ironically, Vanessa found out that one of her dogs was pregnant on the very day that Derby passed away. It felt like fate. We patiently waited for the litter to be born to find out if we would be getting a pup and we soon found out that we were in fact getting a sweet little white baby with the tiniest little spot on her bum! We thought long and hard about a name and ultimately decided on Seri (inspired by the word Serigraphy – another word for screen printing). We picked Seri up the day before my birthday and she was so tiny and sweet. We of course fell in love with her instantly. Even still, having lost a dog just 4 months prior it was a scary thing to already have another. I honestly was afraid that I would never bond with her the way I did with Derby. How could I ever love her as much and I definitely didn’t want her to take Derby’s place. I will be honest when I tell you this, as much as I loved her at first sight, I also slightly resented her. I felt like as much as I wanted her and needed her, I also just wish I still had my Derby. Such a weird thing to feel and now it makes me laugh to think about it. I honestly thought we would never love her the same way. I realized that I was right, I don’t love her the same way, I love her in a totally unique and special way, because she is so special and different and the amazing relationship and bond that I have formed with her, is nothing like the one I had with Derby.
Seri is a very independent dog and for all of the amazing cuddle sessions that we have, she also loves to be on her own, either in one of her crates or wrapped up in a pile of blankets in our bed. She is a very smart dog that learns routines and actions quick. It doesn’t take long for her to pick up on a pattern. Oh and Seri has a serious, serious love for playing ball. If that dog sees a ball she goes nuts. No matter how tired she is or where we are, if we pull out one of her balls, she is ready for it. Seri has this ability to make everyone around her smile and she walks with this bounce in her step that makes me happy every time I see it.
If you can believe the irony in this, Seri is also on a gluten-free diet. Just a month or two into having her, even with the most expensive organic dry food money could buy, Seri just seemed to have issues with grains. She would be a bit itchy. Vanessa feeds all of her dogs a raw meat diet and takes their food and eating very serious. After speaking with her and a holistic veterinarian we decided to make the switch to a grain-free all raw meat diet. Seri’s skin, coat and all around health immediately responded to the diet and we have never gone back since. When we do give Seri treats she gets dehydrated raw meat or something of the like. Sometimes we will buy treats with coconut oil, peanut butter, fruits and veggies, etc. That dog loves pretty much anything. I decided to combine some of her favorite things and create this treat recipe for her 2nd birthday today.
I pulled the recipe together as I went along and I was mostly happy with it. The dough was a tad crumbly so the finished treats don’t look perfect, but one of the best things about a dog is their unconditional love and their lack of judgment. Seri is OK with how this look and even more OK with how they taste. Pretty much the best dinner guest, if you ask me. If I had eggs in the house, I probably would have added 1 to this recipe, to help bind the dough, but I realized just as I was making these, that I actually didn’t have any eggs, so I just went without and made it work. Feel free to add whatever your dogs favorites are to the recipe. Seri loves carrots so I just grated up 1 carrot to add in, she also loves kale and cucumbers. A lot of the time if I am making fresh juice, as long as she can have everything in there, I will scrape some of the pulp into her bowl, she loves it.
Happy Birthday to my sweet and lovely furry baby, Seri!!
She makes me so so happy every single day and I cannot imagine my life without her!
[print_this]Grain-Free Dog Treats – Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free
Makes about 2 dozen or so, depending on the size- 1 cup potato starch, plus a little more for rolling
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- dash of salt
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef stock (you can also use veggie stock or water)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
Preheat the oven to 350º F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl whisk together the potato starch almond flour, baking powder and salt.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, peanut butter, stock and carrots. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir well to combine. Feel the dough, if it feels like it is too crumbly and needs more moisture, add more broth, if it feels to wet, add more potato starch. Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes or so, to chill it.
Sprinkled your surface and rolling pin with potato starch, and roll out the dough. I did mine in two or three batches. Using whatever cookie cutter you would like cut out the cookies and place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake until lightly browned and slightly crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool.
I made a bunch of different sized treats for Seri, and I also made one big one to make her a “cake” with, I just iced it with a thin layer of chunky peanut butter and layered it. She loved it. She also loved the taste of the uncooked dough, too, so she may have eaten some of that while I was rolling out cookies 🙂 [/print_this]
