By: Anni Daulter

Author of Organically Raised

www.organicallyraisedcookbook.com

In honor of the fact that I just gave birth to my 4^th baby River Love, three weeks ago, and we are in the middle celebrating birth, I thought I would write this month’s article on enjoying birthdays the natural way. As parents, we get very excited to celebrate the passing of a year with lovely celebrations for our children.  I have had many moms ask me time and time again how to do this more organically for their little ones.  My philosophy is keep it simple and make it beautiful.  For babies, it’s best to invite a few people rather than tons of folks, because the energy can get a little overwhelming for them.  As your child grows and wants to invite friends over, it’s best to keep it to the most special folks to your child, in order to maintain the focus of the celebration.  Kids don’t need huge celebrations, but rather lovely acknowledgements of their past year.  Keep the décor natural with fresh flowers and handmade goodies.  For our children, we always decorate their spot at the table with fresh flowers and rose petals, have a felted birthday crown waiting for them and a nice candle burning in honor of their special day. We also really enjoy hand made cards and photos of each child over the past year.

When it comes to food, birthday parties can be a challenge for parents who are trying to keep the sugar treats to a minimum we always make the same cake for our little ones.  We may change up the toppings or add fresh whipped cream, but it’s a healthy tradition that all the kids enjoy.  I have included our cake recipe for you to enjoy with your little ones as it has no sugar and you can actually feel good about them eating it. For dinner, we always ask what special meal the birthday child wants and the family spends the day cooking that meal together.

These simple gestures make each of our children feel special and honored and I hope these ideas inspire you to create some fun natural family birthday traditions of your own. 

baby turns 1 no-sugar birthday cake

Every mama wants to have a grand celebration when her baby turns 1. It’s an exciting milestone for the whole family. I wanted to enjoy my kids’ first birthdays without worrying about giving them too much sugar, so I made my own cake out of fresh ingredients. This cake takes a while to assemble, but be patient and put extra love and care into it. After all, it

is your baby’s special day. Believe me, your love and tenderness are the most critical ingredients to this success of this cake.

Makes 14 servings

Cake

• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1⁄2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon ground almonds
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup Pure Apple Puree (page 36)

Optional frosting/filling idea

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 package soft cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons agave nectar

1. To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Grease 2 cake pans.

2. Combine the carrots with 2 cups of the apple juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are soft.

3. Place the carrot mixture in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Add the spinach, banana, cranberries, and almonds.

Puree until smooth. Set aside.

4. Combine the flour, flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.

Mama Tip: You may want to spell “happy birthday” on the cake by using

alphabet cookies and decorating the cake with more fresh fruit. Don’t forget the candle. Happy birthday, baby! Or you can make this cake anytime and cut it into pieces that your baby can enjoy as yummy snack cakes during the week.

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