The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.

Today I’m sharing three (you won’t believe how easy) healthy snack recipes with you! Real fruit and veggie strips, homemade chewy gummies, and dairy-free chocolate pudding. 

If you want even more healthy snack ideas, you MUST check out this Super Awesome List of Healthy Snack Ideas! There are so many great snack ideas, and a couple of great printables to help you remember them when your stomach starts rumbling!

Three Easy & Delicious Homemade Snack Recipes

These three healthy snack recipes are remarkably easy to make. Basically, each is simply a matter of blending, heating, and cooling. Each snack is made from a handful of real food ingredients, making them a great option for snacking since they are not just empty calories.

I make the fruit and veg strips all the time during the spring and summer. It is sooooo easy to do, and can be a great way to use up fruit that is almost bad or too ripe just for snacking. When the strips are finished, I cut them into long strips, then roll up each strip and put them in one of our Grove reusable bags. They are great portable snacks (and bonus) not messy at all.

The gummies are a fun treat, but not something we do very often. Filling the molds is a great task for kids, though, and since I’ve figured out how to make them chewy, we may be making them more often now.

Recommendations ::

• Excalibur Dehydrator
• Silicon Animal Molds
• Silicon Lego Molds
• 40z Mason Jars (best price at Wal-Mart)
• Beef gelatin

(from 2019) I shared all of these recipes in a handy video on YouTube too! You’ll need to recipes here, but you can watch exactly how to make them and get extra tips in the video. Be sure to subscribe while you’re there so you don’t miss any new videos!

Watch on YouTube :: 

Real Fruit & Veg Strips

• 4 cups fruit
• 2 carrots
• 1 ripe banana

1.Blend together fruit, carrots cut into 2″ pieces, and banana. Add water as need to blend.

2.Line the trays from your dehydrator (or a baking sheet for the oven) with parchment paper. Spread the blended fruit/veg mixture onto the parchment paper in a thin, even layer. (You want it to be thin without being able to see through the mixture and without any holes or gaps).

3.Follow the directions on your dehydrator and dry out the mixture until it is completely dry and no longer tacky*.

4.Cut into strips and store in a container until ready to eat.

*You can also make these in your oven using the lowest heat setting and cooking the strips until completely dry, about 5-6 hours.

Homemade Chewy Gummies

• about 2 cups fruit
• 4 tbsp unflavored gelatin
• silicon molds

1. Blend together fruit of choice until so you have 1 cup of puree.

2. Pour 1 cup of pureed fruit into a small pot and heat over medium heat until warm to the touch. Stir in 1/3 cup of honey. Slowly sprinkle unflavored gelatin across the top of the warm fruit mixture whisking the whole time. (You want to avoid clumps of the gelatin).

3. Remove the fruit mixture from the heat and let cool slightly before transferring the mixture into molds. (A medicine dropper works well for smaller molds).

4. Refrigerate the molds for about 12 hours, or overnight, then remove the gummies from the molds. Let the gummies continue to dry out slightly in the refrigerator for a day or two for chewy gummies.

Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding

• 13.5oz can of coconut milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup decaf coffee
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate morsels (or semi-sweet)
• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin
• small jars

1.Pour the can of coconut milk in a small pot and heat over medium heat until the milk is warm to the touch. Stir in honey, decaf coffee, and sea salt. Add dark chocolate morsels (you can use semi-sweet if you prefer) and stir until the chocolate is melted and completely incorporated. Slowly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin across the top of the pudding mixture, whisking the whole time.

2.Pour the pudding mixture into small jars.

3.Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set.

Print the recipes for the strips, gummies, and pudding. 

Don’t forget to check out all the other healthy snack ideas here.

More Like This ::

• Super Awesome List of Healthy Snack Ideas
• Summer Lunch Ideas + Printable Menu
• Spring & Summer Dinner Menu

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post Three Fun, Healthy, & Homemade Snacks appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.

I am so excited to share this outdoor gift guide with you! Almost every one of the items on this list are items that our family loves and uses on a weekly, if not daily basis– or they’re on our list for this year. Meaning, they’re all HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Check out this MEGA LIST of outdoor gift ideas for PLAY, GEAR, FISH, EAT & DRINK, COOK, RELAX, and WEAR. Don’t forget to save this list for future reference, and to share with it your outdoor-loving friends! 

(We also made a fun video with some of these items from this list on our family outdoor channel on YouTube! Go watch it and see all these items in action!)

Outdoor Gifts for All Ages

PLAY

Ideas for Active Fun Outdoors 

1. Pocket Disc:: This is a fun toy to keep on hand in your bag for a quick game when you’re out. Comes in multiple sizes and colors!
2. Bear First Archery Set :: This is a great first archery set for kids (we have it and the kids do great with it). Archery is safe and fun whether you live in the country or town.
3. Ninja Obstacle Course :: This set comes with a slackfline and 8 obstacles.
4. Ultimate Frisbee disc :: timeless and easy
5. Nerf DudePerfect Football Smash

Disc Golf

Disc golf is one of our family’s favorite ways to get outdoors together. It’s easy to play with a variety of ages, is free (once you have the basic discs), and can be enjoyed in all seasons for many years. (Find a course near you).

1. Disc Golf Set 3-Pack (all you need to get started!)
2. Disc Golf Bag 
3. Portable Disc Golf Basket 

Cold Steel Swords & Such

• medieval dagger
• training dagger
• medieval sword
• bowie knife

These cold steel training weapons are indestructible, fun, and for kids. They are not sharp and won’t break if left out in the rain or used in a too rigorous sword fight!

We have bought the smaller size (the bowie knives) for younger kids and the larger swords for our older kids. You can also find tomahawks and other styles too.

Explore

1. Sibley’s foldable nature guides ::  They’re laminated, full color, and a lot of fun for the kids to use. I love how easily they pack into a backpack, or even tuck into a purse. We have ones for birds, flowers, shells, and so on. Be sure to get guides relative to your local flora and fauna!
2. DK pocket guides :: small and really helpful to get kids interested in learning about the outdoors. We have several of these as well, including ones on rocks and bugs. Again, super easy to grab and take along on a hike or picnic.
3. Compact Binoculars :: these will be under the tree for one of our kids. They have great reviews!
4. Walkie Talkies :: these are so helpful to have on hand when hiking with kids in case of getting separated

Outdoor Backpacks

Our kids looooove packing their gear up in their backpacks and going outside to play in the woods or go on hikes. A good backpack is a great gift idea for anyone who enjoys time outdoors.

1. Mountaintop Kids Backpack :: this is the pack my 4-year-old carries. It’s held up really well, and my son loves all the pockets. (The mesh pocket in the front is great for nature finds and treasures!
2. SOG Tactical Daypack :: my older boys (8yo & 10yo) carry this pack. It’s a great size for all their gear, and has a good selection of pockets.
3. Walker Family Arrow Backpack :: this family owned business sells high-quality backpacks that unzip fully to lay flat. This style is great for kids who want to easily see everything they have, and is great for travel (laying it on an airplane tray, etc). The packs come in a variety of colors, and in regular and kid-size.
4. Walker Family Sling :: You could call them a “fanny pack” if you wanted, but these handy packs can be worn around the waist or across the chest. These also come in a variety of colors, and in a regular and mini size.

Adventure backpacks: Exploring with Kids video on our outdoor channel

Kavu Bags

Bags aren’t just for the kids, of course. The adults need to keep up with their gear too. Kavu bags come in all kinds of colors and styles. I have a few different bags and love each of them. The sling backpack is a personal favorite for hiking with my kids.

GEAR

1. Paracord :: So many uses, and so much fun. A roll of paracord would make a great gift or stocking stuffer!
2. Council Tool Wood-Craft Pack Axe :: This axe is made in North Carolina and is packed with great features. (This less expensive option made by the same company is great too. My 10yo saved up money and bought this for himself).
3. SOG Machete with Sheath
4. Head Lamps :: Headlamps are great for both kids and adults. Our kids actually use their to read in bed at night too.
5. Ferrocerium Rod :: Gift one of these handy tools to anyone in need of starting a quick fire.

KNIVES

Kids’ Starter Knives

Check out our Knife Safety for Kids video on YouTube for more first knives recommendations and tips. 

1. CRKT wooden training knife :: we use this knife to teach our kids knife safety and help them learn to keep up with a knife
2. Opinel folding knife :: this is a great first knife. It’s easy to open and close and has a simple locking mechanism too
3. Case Sodbuster Junior :: this is another great first knife option, but requires a little more hand strength to open and close than the opinel (tip: get it in a bright color and it’s easier to find!)

Intermediate Knives

1. Mora Sheath Knife :: my 10yo carries this knife on his belt 99% of the time
2. Leatherman Pocket Multi-tool :: there will always be reasons you are thankful to have this tool on hand
3. Spyderco Delica ::

Adult Knives

1. Columbia River CRKT M16 13Z :: rugged & dependable, one-handed open & closing. My husband carried this knife for a decade.
2. Benchmade Reptilian :: entry-level, premium, made in the USA folding knife
3. Case Trapper :: this classic knife is perfect for carrying with you don’t want a bulky knife in your pocket
4. Spyderco Rescue Knife :: this is a great knife to keep stored in your center console in your vehicle (it can cut seatbelts without risk of stabbing)
5. Jeff White Bush 1 Fixed Blade :: this is the knife my husband carries most of the time now.

FISHING

1. Ugly Stik GX2 Rod & Reel Combo :: This is a super versatile and reliable fishing rod for all ages!
2. Penn Fierce Spinning Reel ::This reel is a great balance between value and dependability.
3. Rapala Fish Fillet Knife & Sheath :: This fillet knife is easily sharpened and has excellent flex.
4. Kastking Cutthroat Fishing Pliers :: We have a house rule that we don’t go fishing without a good pair of pliers!

Fishing videos on our outdoor channel:

• Fishing with Kids 101
• Panfish Catch & Cook
• Cleaning Your Fish Four Ways 

EAT & DRINK

Fishing may be husband’s favorite part of this list, but eating and drinking is arguably always one of my favorite parts! I love how well each of these coolers/thermoses/mugs keep our food and drinks the perfect temp for whatever weather it is outside. 

1. Stanley Classic Thermos :: we take coffee/hot chocolate in this anytime we go for outings in the cooler months
2. EcoVessel Stainless Steel Water Bottle I am always AMAZED at how long ice keeps cold in this water bottle!
3. Simply Modern Insulated Double Wall Water Bottles :: I bought one of these water bottles to carry in my purse because they do not sweat at all. They also keep drinks cold/hot for a long time. I have left ice water in my bottle for days and the ice didn’t melt for two days! These bottles come in so many different colors and patterns and would be an easy gift idea for anyone on your list.
4. HydroFlask Water Bottles :: these water bottles are on our list for our kids this year. They are in need of larger bottles and my bestie loves these for her kids. You can also get really fun paracord straps/handles to go with them.
5. YETI Rambler Tumbler :: the classic size and style YETI. Keep your coffee hot for hours!
6. YETI Rambler Mug:: I always bring a coffee for the drive home in this little Yeti! It also gets used regularly at home.
7. Compact Lightweight Picnic Blanket :: this is on my wishlist! I love how small it packs up. Just keep it tucked in your backpack or picnic basket!
8. Stainless Steel Tongs:: My husband also suggested adding a pair of stainless steel tongs to the list because they always come in handy whenever we are grilling or cooking over a fire!
9. Backpack Cooler Bag :: I LOVE this cooler bag for picnics, hikes, and outings. Check out my other favorite reusable items in this post.

COOKING

1. Extendable Roasting Skewers (set of 5) :: skewers for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, with a bag for storage
2. Grill Basket :: great for cooking fish, veggies, etc over the fire
3. Lodge camp dutch oven :: cook anything over the fire– breakfast, dinners, stew, cobblers, cakes, even popcorn!
4. Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter :: helpful if you expect to regularly be cooking with your dutch oven
5. Heavy Duty gloves :: a must for safely cooking over the fire and grilling
6. Metal tongs
7. Lodge 10″ cast iron skillet
8. Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill

Campfire cooking videos on our outdoor channel:

• How to Start A Fire (Without Matches!)
• Venison Stew: Dutch Oven Cooking

RELAX

Foldable Rocking Camp Chair :: We love how comfortable this rocking chair is, not to mention easily portable!

Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Folding Chair :: I have used this chair all summer long and love it! I love how small it is without being uncomfortable.

Eno Double Hammock :: A hammock is always a good idea in the outdoors! Get a double hammock for extra room and cuddling.

Coleman Kids Camping Chair 

WEAR

1. Muck Boots :: My husband has the Edgewater boots, and our boys have the multi-season kids’ boots (they come in lots of colors and prints). These boots are not cheap, but they are awesome. Our boots are worn almost daily in the fall and winter. They are really durable and great for keeping feet warm and dry!
2. Crushable Wool Hats :: My husband and older boys have these wool fedora hats and wear them all the time in the fall and winter. They are constantly getting compliments on them! (My 7yo and 9yo wear the small size).
3. Fingerless Gloves :: Keep your hands warm while still being able to work with your hands with fingerless gloves. We have them for the adults and the kids. (My husband and I use these fingerless wool gripper gloves).
4. Smartwool Socks :: Time outdoors is always better when your feet are warm and dry. Smartwool socks make a great gift idea!
5. Smith Sunglasses :: These sunglasses are a little pricy, but for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, they can be a great investment. You can find them on Amazon (linked above), but we have also been able to find good deals on Sierra Trading Post (though you’re limited to whatever they have in stock).
6. Get the polarized lenses with chroma pop to change up the way see the outdoors!
7. Carhartt Sherpa Lined Vest :: We love how well vests keep us warm without the bulk of a heavy jacket. We get them for ourselves and for our kids. This Carhartt vest is lined and comes in different colors. I also love my L.L.Bean and Old Navy vests too.
8. Carhartt Knit Hat with Visor :: This hat is a great gift idea because it’s super stylish and practical (and again, comes in different colors).

T-Shirts & Hats for Her

Shop Melissa from Grins & Grace’s amazing selection of outdoorsy t-shirts, and then check out Jen’s beautiful headbands and hats in Jordan’s Gems for the ladies on your list. I personally have several items from both mama-owned shops!

(Save 10% using the code PILGRIMLIFE10 on items from Jordan’s Gems!)

See the rest of the Holiday Gift Guides.

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post Mega List of Outdoor Gifts for All Ages appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

I will grant you that it is easier to buy jam from the grocery store. But, when the jam only takes fifteen minutes and one pan to make, it’s really not that much easier.

I learned how to make jam after picking strawberries with my kids. Pectin and a loootttttt of sugar.  

We all know that consuming too much sugar is not good for you. Need more convincing? Take a look at these (read this, look at this, or watch this) and see what excess sugar can do to our health.

Since my first jamming experience, we have taken a lot of strides in reducing our everyday sugar intake. Fewer treats, switching to more homemade pantry staples, and keeping sweetened drinks at a minimum (our iced tea is just barely sweetened).

13 grams of sugar in 2 Tablespoons of grape jelly!

If you are wanting to make changes to your diet but you are not sure where to begin, taking a look at how much sugar is in the packaged foods at the grocery store can be eye-opening.

My suggestion is just to pick one thing to stop buying and start making at home.

Remember: You don’t have to do it all and gradual changes are much better than jumping all in and getting overwhelmed. 

Before I say anything else, though, I want to be clear that we haven’t (and don’t plan to) eliminated sugar completely from our diet. I don’t think that food is a moral issue– so I don’t think that one mom is “better” than another simply because they eat less sugar.

However, if you are here, you are either interested in making some things a little healthier than what you can buy, or you are already familiar with my passion of making from-scratch cooking more accessible and family friendly! 

Chia Seed Jam

This jam can be made with just three ingredients and in just about fifteen minutes. Which is why it’s the ONLY jam I ever make, because I always have the honey, frozen fruit, and chia seeds on hand, and it’s so easy to start a batch of jam while I make my morning coffee or when I’m doing something else in the kitchen.

If you’ve never worked with chia seeds before, they are pretty incredible (not to mention fascinating). They absorb whatever liquid they are mixed in and take on a gel-like consistency. This makes them perfect for jam, pudding, and even as a substitute for eggs in baking.

Honey is my jam sweetener of choice, but you could substitute a different option if you prefer. Add enough to taste. Thankfully, because berries are sweet on their own, not too much is needed!

As far as the berries go, farm-fresh berries in strawberry season are amazing. But, this recipe works with fresh or frozen fruit. I’ve made it with all strawberries, or a mix of berries. Same process whichever you choose.

Of course, this jam is great on sandwiches and on toast. But it’s also really delicious dolloped on homemade yogurt, or sandwiched in between pie dough to make homemade pop-tarts. 

More Like This ::

• Easy Strawberry Crisp (naturally sweetened & gluten-free)
• Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Perfect Creamy Peanut Butter
• Maple Vanilla Ice Cream
• 20 Essential Summer Recipes You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less

Chia Seed Jam

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 7 reviews

• Author: Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3+ cups

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Chia seed jam is so quick and easy to make, is super healthy, and so tasty too!  Only three ingredients and fifteen minutes!

---

Ingredients

• 5 cups fresh or frozen berries
• 1/4 C water
• 1/4 cup honey (to taste)
• 2 (heaping) tbsp chia seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Stir together water and berries in a medium saucepan.

2. Heat berries over medium-high heat, until they come to a boil, about five minutes.

3. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to mash the berries as they soften.

4. Stir in honey.

5. After about ten minutes, when the fruit is soft and thickened, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chia seeds and mix well.

6. Transfer the jam to jars and let the it cool completely. Keep in the refrigerator. The jam will thicken as it cools.

---

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!

The post Easy Chia Seed Jam appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.