Sundays are about rest, recovery from the busy week, church, familyand food. In this house it is also about meal planning, getting prepared for the week ahead and just plain organization. You have to realize, having a child with celiacs and dealing with 3 other kids who aren't I have to plan/make breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack AND dinner, not just a meal plan for dinners. Add in crafts and sometimes the weekly planning takes all day. I don't want my kids to be bored with food and I'm super picky about ingredients so it's a lengthy process that most people wouldn't take the time to do or have the patience with. This week I'm going to break apart each aspect of my planning and give you some ideas. Yes, Pinterest has become my best friend as it just makes my life easier!
Let's start with my breakfast plan for this week. I've had several people specifically request ideas in this department. Mornings are hectic no matter who you are. I try to stock as many things in my freezer as possible. But healthy too. Sometimes that can be trying. I will buy organic fruits and put them in individual baggies for smoothies, smart healthy muffins (bite size and regular size - banana, carrot, blueberry, and even choc chip filled with flax and chia seeds), quick breads (zucchini, banana, apple, pumpkin also loaded with flax and chia) and pancakes ( all flavors, silver dollar sized). Usually I just make a double batch of whatever I'm making for the day and freeze everything else so week day mornings especially are super quick.
This week I wanted to change things up some...
Here are my breakfast ideas are:
Sunday night I baked banana bread, I followed the general directions for Pamela's baking mix, added extra banana and used organic coconut palm sugar as my sweetener as well as flax and chia seeds. I let it cool, sliced and toasted it with coconut spreadable butter with some fruit on the side for Monday's breakfast.
Breakfast pizzas is next up. For those of you who aren't Gfree you can toast some buttered or coconut spread English muffins. For those of you who are Gfree - I'm not a huge fan of what is out there for Gfree English muffins. Lets be honest, they are awful. For Izzy, I have used Schar's par-baked ciabatta rolls split in half and toasted lightly in the oven as well as making actual gfree pizza dough/cornbread in whoopee pie tins for the base. Add a TBSP olive oil or coconut oil, some Gfree sausage/peppers/potatoes if you wish and sauté until cooked through (spices, marinara and sunny side up egg are all added if you choose), beat a couple of eggs and push sausage mix to the side and scramble the eggs in the other side of the pan. Top your base with the mixture and add some cheese and toast in the oven until melted and serve!!
Breakfast casserole is also on the list. You may use Gfree potatoes (shredded or diced), sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, eggs, everything and put it in the crock pot or oven, chives, cheese and plain organic greek yogurt are also among the add in and thing you want. You don't have to make it with meat, it's just an option. No crust needed! A great Gfree start of protein to the day!
Yogurt with berries or whatever fruit of the season is in, even homemade applesauce/apple pie filling or pumpkin in the fall
This muffin recipe is THE BOMB...using all organic ingredients, homemade when you can and subbing both cups of flour that are not gfree for Pamela's or your favorite gfree blend and gfree oats....this is an amazing favorite in our house! You can def sub coconut yogurt or your fav non dairy, add nuts if you aren't allergic, flax, chia, or even dried fruits http://reallifedinner.com/the-best-toddler-muffins/
Finally pancake dippers. I reserve these for the weekends. WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE about crispy bacon doused in Gfree pancake????? and dipped in 100% maple syrup?? This you'll need a skillet for. Make your favorite pancake batter, gfree or otherwise and cook the bacon. I choose to cut the bacon package in half and bake the bacon for 20 minutes @350 F in the oven the drain. Put bacon on skillet then drop ice cream scoop sized pancake batter on top of the bacon and cook like a pancake. A little side of maple syrup or agave and YUM!!!
Tomorrow's got Lunches and afternoon snacks!
mom of 4 beautiful children. From teens to toddlers and every food allergy and culinary experience along the way...
My sweet celiac and youngest, Izzy
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Pause Button
Sometimes I wish there were a pause button on life. We are already a month and a half into the school year with my sweet littles, a month into Shelby's senior year and Lana's freshman year of college and almost through our birthday "season" in this house. All the time I thought I'd have once Izzy was in school full time was a farce, lie, total ridiculousness. Fall is always so busy and I know it will calm down soon but then there will be the holidays and the new year and a move. And this time next year I will be sitting here with all of my kids another year older wishing for the same thing....a pause button.
So let's catch up on the last month and a half!
First day of school for the littles was a HUGE success! Izzy's allergies were taken care of quickly, efficiently and lovingly by her teacher and EVERY staff member at our school. Within two weeks she not only had an action plan but a 504 as well. Her teacher is amazing and has such an awesome personality and loving inspiration/environment that Izzy has been thriving! Of course my girl is her usual social self and has made many new friends. Sitting at the food allergy table has been a bit of transition, especially when they have special lunch days like "grandparents lunch" and all of our family is away yet she had no one to sit with, but we are working through the little things because in the grand scheme of things it is a VERY little thing.
Noah is in the BIG 1st grade now and is doing much better as I write this than when we first started school. He has a hard time with change and this year has been difficult for him but he has already shown signs of improvement. We had his 7 year old well check appt. this week to address some concerns his teacher had and I'm very happy to report that we are only looking at some dietary changes, and some other minor changes in his benefit. She does not think that he is dealing with ADHD or Sensory issues or medication of any kind. My heart lifted at that and my faith restored. I have secretly been worrying about this for a month and I am so thankful that even at it's worst it wouldn't be the worst thing. I have two children with such medical issues I thought we'd escaped with the middle two. It's scary dealing with a heart transplant child and a child with an autoimmune disease. Despite that there are 4 kids in this family with really big things going on and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the other things. So I'm happy with the outcome as of now but there might be more to come.
Shelby's senior year is going at warp speed already! She's already applying to colleges and being recruited by a few. She's got all A's and has redone her ACT's and improved her score. So proud of her and all she's reaching to do in her life! She will take college by storm and in turn life. She is so much stronger than she thinks she is and will do amazing things! Watch out world, here she comes!!!
Lana has already taken the bull by the horns and started college and.......LOVES IT! She's doing so amazing! Proud parent moment is that with her new schedule we actually have one on one time that we haven't had in 18 years. I love that she's going to school here right now and loving it as much as she does, here for an occasional lunch while everyone's in school or going to the elementary school to have lunch with her siblings. It's truly been a blessing. She's quite an amazing woman. PS. Her transplant appt's have been fabulous!
There are some fabulous things happening with these kids and I'm so happy to see them flourish and develop their own personalities and traits. What an amazing life...I want to pause right now.
New recipes to come!
So let's catch up on the last month and a half!
First day of school for the littles was a HUGE success! Izzy's allergies were taken care of quickly, efficiently and lovingly by her teacher and EVERY staff member at our school. Within two weeks she not only had an action plan but a 504 as well. Her teacher is amazing and has such an awesome personality and loving inspiration/environment that Izzy has been thriving! Of course my girl is her usual social self and has made many new friends. Sitting at the food allergy table has been a bit of transition, especially when they have special lunch days like "grandparents lunch" and all of our family is away yet she had no one to sit with, but we are working through the little things because in the grand scheme of things it is a VERY little thing.
Noah is in the BIG 1st grade now and is doing much better as I write this than when we first started school. He has a hard time with change and this year has been difficult for him but he has already shown signs of improvement. We had his 7 year old well check appt. this week to address some concerns his teacher had and I'm very happy to report that we are only looking at some dietary changes, and some other minor changes in his benefit. She does not think that he is dealing with ADHD or Sensory issues or medication of any kind. My heart lifted at that and my faith restored. I have secretly been worrying about this for a month and I am so thankful that even at it's worst it wouldn't be the worst thing. I have two children with such medical issues I thought we'd escaped with the middle two. It's scary dealing with a heart transplant child and a child with an autoimmune disease. Despite that there are 4 kids in this family with really big things going on and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the other things. So I'm happy with the outcome as of now but there might be more to come.
Shelby's senior year is going at warp speed already! She's already applying to colleges and being recruited by a few. She's got all A's and has redone her ACT's and improved her score. So proud of her and all she's reaching to do in her life! She will take college by storm and in turn life. She is so much stronger than she thinks she is and will do amazing things! Watch out world, here she comes!!!
Lana has already taken the bull by the horns and started college and.......LOVES IT! She's doing so amazing! Proud parent moment is that with her new schedule we actually have one on one time that we haven't had in 18 years. I love that she's going to school here right now and loving it as much as she does, here for an occasional lunch while everyone's in school or going to the elementary school to have lunch with her siblings. It's truly been a blessing. She's quite an amazing woman. PS. Her transplant appt's have been fabulous!
There are some fabulous things happening with these kids and I'm so happy to see them flourish and develop their own personalities and traits. What an amazing life...I want to pause right now.
New recipes to come!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
IHP, 504 and more.....oh my!
Well yesterday was the meet and greet/ orientation for Kindergarten. All I can say is wow. Sometimes all of the preparation in the world is not enough and you get caught off-guard. I'm very excited about being in this new school and having the kids on a year round schedule but apparently they had not received our records from the traditional school and had no idea about Izzy's allergies and as her teacher said to me, "I have no idea what celiacs is, I look forward to reading your letter". My scariest moment was talking with the school nurse about lunchtime and listening to her say she could eat with everyone else. But do not be discouraged. Remember that you are your child's advocate and because things did not go as planned does not mean that they are not going to work the way they should. I sent the school nurse and teacher an email with my letter attached and received great feedback same day. They have already started the process of IHP with her doctors and are looking into a 504 plan for her in the future.
IHP- Individualized Healthcare Plan is a plan put in place between the doctors, educators, parents and the school nurse to ensure your child is in a safe environment. An IHP will detail what measures the school team will take to reduce the risk of allergen exposure, recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat symptoms of exposure (Izzy reacts differently than an anaphylactic child but it will be recognizable just the same) . For instance, Isabelle will eat at the "allergy table" at lunchtime so that she will limit her exposure to gluten. She will also have a designated area of the classroom where she will be able to play without worry of playdough or some other form of gluten coming into contact with her.
504 Plans are a little more extensive. It gets its name from the 504 section of the ADAA regarding disabilities. It's purpose is very similar to an IHP but can allow for things such as extended absences due to a gluten exposure. It also would benefit her if her auto immune symptoms worsen in the coming years for other accommodations that I don't expect we will need but are there as a safety net if they are.
No matter which plan is instituted, make sure all of your concerns are in writing. It is so important for the school staff to understand their role in keeping your child safe. Make sure the plan addresses key issues that require attention in the classroom (like Izzy needing a playdough/food free zone to play) as well as other areas (like the lunchroom).
Stay excited, prepare your child like I said earlier in the week, make the new line of communication in a new school a positive one. Izzy already feels comfortable knowing I've spoken to the teacher and the school nurse and is excited to go to school on her first day. School is supposed to be the most amazing experience and journey, allow that.
On our celiac journey I also wanted to note that there are some key things your immunologist/doctor should be looking at, that I was unaware of. So, whether you are gluten sensitive and/or have celiacs or are just on a strict g-free diet your doctor should be testing some levels regularly. Iron, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin D (We got plenty of Vitamin D this summer in FL;)). I don't like my sweet girl getting stuck but it's important with most celiacs absorption not at a level it should be.
IHP- Individualized Healthcare Plan is a plan put in place between the doctors, educators, parents and the school nurse to ensure your child is in a safe environment. An IHP will detail what measures the school team will take to reduce the risk of allergen exposure, recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat symptoms of exposure (Izzy reacts differently than an anaphylactic child but it will be recognizable just the same) . For instance, Isabelle will eat at the "allergy table" at lunchtime so that she will limit her exposure to gluten. She will also have a designated area of the classroom where she will be able to play without worry of playdough or some other form of gluten coming into contact with her.
504 Plans are a little more extensive. It gets its name from the 504 section of the ADAA regarding disabilities. It's purpose is very similar to an IHP but can allow for things such as extended absences due to a gluten exposure. It also would benefit her if her auto immune symptoms worsen in the coming years for other accommodations that I don't expect we will need but are there as a safety net if they are.
No matter which plan is instituted, make sure all of your concerns are in writing. It is so important for the school staff to understand their role in keeping your child safe. Make sure the plan addresses key issues that require attention in the classroom (like Izzy needing a playdough/food free zone to play) as well as other areas (like the lunchroom).
Stay excited, prepare your child like I said earlier in the week, make the new line of communication in a new school a positive one. Izzy already feels comfortable knowing I've spoken to the teacher and the school nurse and is excited to go to school on her first day. School is supposed to be the most amazing experience and journey, allow that.
On our celiac journey I also wanted to note that there are some key things your immunologist/doctor should be looking at, that I was unaware of. So, whether you are gluten sensitive and/or have celiacs or are just on a strict g-free diet your doctor should be testing some levels regularly. Iron, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin D (We got plenty of Vitamin D this summer in FL;)). I don't like my sweet girl getting stuck but it's important with most celiacs absorption not at a level it should be.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Back to square 1 and back to school
Life can be so funny sometimes. Two years ago our trip home left me feeling like I couldn't wait to leave and get back to the Midwest. This summer's trip left me feeling like all I wanted to do is be home again for good. Izzy's food allergies have been a very similar circle as well. Two years ago we were certain of celiacs, then another allergist introduced a another possibility(FPIES) as well as another food allergy (egg), now on our way home from Florida we had an appointment with a pediatric GI specialist that brought us right back to celiacs. The auto-immune affects that go along with that were suddenly overwhelming me all over again as if we had a new diagnosis. Suddenly my writers block of the last year or more is free flowing again. It's as if I was waiting on confirmation of something I already knew. All in all, my sweet angel who seemed so tiny when I started this blog for her and Lana, is starting school on Friday and that just introduces a whole other set of crazy emotions. My oldest graduated high school as my youngest graduated preschool and heads to a whole new world in a whole new school. It reminds me of all the hidden dangers for her, new people to train on her allergies and not wanting her to feel different. It hit me today, my best defense is a good offense so just as I did 13 years ago with Lana, I'm writing the teacher a letter to educate her a little more on Izzy's allergies and what it means to have her in her class. It occurred to me there are a lot of us dealing with the back to school blues (or celebrations;)) right now and I have a few tips to keep yourself organized and keep our allergy kids safe.
First off, the letter. The teacher is just as overwhelmed at meeting all the new kids as well as parents as we are sending them off. She doesn't really have time to listen to all you have to say about the allergies while you are in orientation or on the first day. So a letter is perfect. She'll know exactly the hidden dangers in the classroom and can ask you questions via email as needed. Secondly, ask her for a list of the kids birthdays in the class so that you can send in a safe treat for your child and they don't feel left out. Keep "safe snacks" in the classroom as a back up, labeled with your child's name. Find out the schools policy for lunchtime on where your child sits (allergy table or in classroom, etc) and prepare your child so they aren't surprised the first day. As with celiacs, Izzy can't even play with playdough so the teacher needs to be aware of that and I'll either make a batch of safe playdough or send in moon sand for her to be able to manipulate in the classroom safely. Forming a relationship and partnership with the teacher as well as the school nurse and other school administrators is key. The best thing though is preparing your child. "No food sharing/trading" should be a rule no matter where you are but especially in the school setting.
Prep breakfasts and freeze extras for easy mornings (muffins, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches or wraps are all easy to freeze and reheat). Look for fun alternatives for lunch boxes so not only does everyone else want what they have but they don't get bored with the same old thing.
These are just a few tips, as the week progresses I'll post more and some recipes too.
First off, the letter. The teacher is just as overwhelmed at meeting all the new kids as well as parents as we are sending them off. She doesn't really have time to listen to all you have to say about the allergies while you are in orientation or on the first day. So a letter is perfect. She'll know exactly the hidden dangers in the classroom and can ask you questions via email as needed. Secondly, ask her for a list of the kids birthdays in the class so that you can send in a safe treat for your child and they don't feel left out. Keep "safe snacks" in the classroom as a back up, labeled with your child's name. Find out the schools policy for lunchtime on where your child sits (allergy table or in classroom, etc) and prepare your child so they aren't surprised the first day. As with celiacs, Izzy can't even play with playdough so the teacher needs to be aware of that and I'll either make a batch of safe playdough or send in moon sand for her to be able to manipulate in the classroom safely. Forming a relationship and partnership with the teacher as well as the school nurse and other school administrators is key. The best thing though is preparing your child. "No food sharing/trading" should be a rule no matter where you are but especially in the school setting.
Prep breakfasts and freeze extras for easy mornings (muffins, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches or wraps are all easy to freeze and reheat). Look for fun alternatives for lunch boxes so not only does everyone else want what they have but they don't get bored with the same old thing.
These are just a few tips, as the week progresses I'll post more and some recipes too.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Lunch Bunch - Mommy and Me
So tomorrow a fantastic friend, Stella, and her sweet, adorable kiddos are coming for a playdate and lunch. For some people this can be stressful...DO NOT WORRY, feeding friends can be easy and less time consuming that you think. We're talking 30 minutes or less. What's on the menu? Sweet and Smoky Pork Tenderloin and sweet pea salad for the adults and homemade "lunchables" for the kiddos. For me, it's always important for me to have something a little more elegant for the adults and a little more kid friendly for the kids when I have people over for playdates and lunches....this does not mean twice the work. I will prep this meal while I cook breakfast in the morning and it will take no time at all.
Let's get started:
Sweet and Smoky Pork, Sweet Pea Salad
1 lb pork tenderloin
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 16 oz frozen sweet peas
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
half a red onion thinly sliced
1 red pepper chopped
1/2 organic baby carrots chopped
1/4 c feta crumbled
3Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tsbp olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. remove pork tenderloin from packaging and rinse, pat dry. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine then rub all over the outside of the tenderloin. Put the pork tenderloin in a lightly greased baking dish and cook 20-30 minutes. Pull out and let rest. Meanwhile steam the sweet peas according to package directions in steamer or microwave and let cool, I love to add a dash of garlic and onion powder and salt while they steam for flavor. Chop lettuce and add the next 5 ingredients and toss plus the green peas. Combine the Red wine, oil and salt/pepper in a small bowl and toss at the last minute. Slice the pork on the biase and plate salad putting the pork across the top in bite sized pieces and serve.
Homemade Lunchables:
sliced gfree deli meat of choice or variety (ham/turley/salami), cut in cookie cutter rounds that will fit on crackers
sliced cheese of choice (our fav is munster but cheddar or swiss also works) cut out for crackers as well
2 pkgs gfree glutino crackers (multi grain, chddar or veggie)
cucumber thinkly sliced
cherry tomatoes halved
1Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice
salt/pepper
8 oz strawberries, hulled and halved
Take a 1 inch cookie cutter and cut the meats and cheeses into rounds that will fit on the crackers.
One a plate take a mi of meats, cheeses and crackers. Combine the cucumber and tomatoes along with the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Add a side of strawberries as well. I love to add a frozen tube of organic frozen yogurt as a "dessert"
Perfect mommy/daughter lunch with friends!!!!!!
Let's get started:
Sweet and Smoky Pork, Sweet Pea Salad
1 lb pork tenderloin
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 16 oz frozen sweet peas
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
half a red onion thinly sliced
1 red pepper chopped
1/2 organic baby carrots chopped
1/4 c feta crumbled
3Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tsbp olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. remove pork tenderloin from packaging and rinse, pat dry. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine then rub all over the outside of the tenderloin. Put the pork tenderloin in a lightly greased baking dish and cook 20-30 minutes. Pull out and let rest. Meanwhile steam the sweet peas according to package directions in steamer or microwave and let cool, I love to add a dash of garlic and onion powder and salt while they steam for flavor. Chop lettuce and add the next 5 ingredients and toss plus the green peas. Combine the Red wine, oil and salt/pepper in a small bowl and toss at the last minute. Slice the pork on the biase and plate salad putting the pork across the top in bite sized pieces and serve.
Homemade Lunchables:
sliced gfree deli meat of choice or variety (ham/turley/salami), cut in cookie cutter rounds that will fit on crackers
sliced cheese of choice (our fav is munster but cheddar or swiss also works) cut out for crackers as well
2 pkgs gfree glutino crackers (multi grain, chddar or veggie)
cucumber thinkly sliced
cherry tomatoes halved
1Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice
salt/pepper
8 oz strawberries, hulled and halved
Take a 1 inch cookie cutter and cut the meats and cheeses into rounds that will fit on the crackers.
One a plate take a mi of meats, cheeses and crackers. Combine the cucumber and tomatoes along with the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Add a side of strawberries as well. I love to add a frozen tube of organic frozen yogurt as a "dessert"
Perfect mommy/daughter lunch with friends!!!!!!
Product Praise #1
I'd like to start a Product Praise portion of my blog to help you guys love some wonderful companies making amazing allergy friendly but specifically gfree products that help us and are good for us. So I want to hear from you! What is your favorite Gfree product that you CANNOT live without?
Today's products are all about hair care, body wash and make up:
Izzy has always had issues with soaps and laundry deteregents and anything coming in contact with her skin that is perfumy or unnatural. In the last year she started having major issues with her scalp and eczema. It was severe and she itched ALL the time. As I started to do research on this I learned that it was likely her shampoo and conditioner but even more so her detangler. Almost every detangler on the planet has a gluten ingredient in it. Not sure why but it must have something to do with the way it works. If you've seen Izzy's pictures you know she has VERY curly hair and a detangler and good conditioner is a must. There are several grocery store brands like Suave, Dove and Garnier Fruictis who are supposedly Gfree but as we tried some of these they had either perfume that irritated or something in them that just did not work. I called my amazing hair stylist who started researching, I called one of my BFF and celiac friends who has issues with relaxers that are not Gfree, Henrietta, and I then started searching myself. Henrietta found my answer. Jennifer Esposito wrote a blog about a shampoo and conditioner line that was not only gfree, paraben free, cruelty free, sulfate free but also was color safe (not that Izzy needs that now but maybe someday) and has no synthetic fragrance. BINGO!!!! DING< DING< DING, we have a winner! They have shampoo, conditioner and DETANGLER. The winnnig award for this amazing product of praise is ACURE. You can buy it at Whole Foods, Amazon and several natural food stores. It is pricier than the Dove, etc. brand but it is worth every cent in my book. We've been using it for 6 months and it has been the very best thing for her. It smells good and has Keratin, Moroccon Argan oil and stem cells as well as CoQ10 + Omega 7. AMAZING.
As for body wash and lotion, since she is still little, not sure it will matter to those of you older than she is... but we are using an amazing body wash called CACOON BABY. Also Gfree, paraben free, sulfate free. It is so mild and helps skin conditions like eczema with it's natural oils. Her skin immediately cleared up and has stayed clear even through the winter months which is pretty awesome now that we live in a climate that it is dry.
The last and final thing to talk about is make up. Although we have not yet crossed that bridge with Izzy, I would like to promote another company that has some amazing products as well. Red Apple Lipstick out of Houston has a wide range of natural make up that is in a dedicated gfree facility. They are gfree, paraben free, cruetly free and vegan. They are mineral based with a wide range of colors. I have enjoyed sampling some of the things they offer and I know Izzy will be a fan far sooner than I'm ready for her to be:)...
SO, I want you guys to tell me ALL about your favorite gfree product that you can't live without. I will try the product and review it and you will be entered into a GFREE giveaway. More details to follow!
The great thing about dreaming is it's always allergy friendly;)
Today's products are all about hair care, body wash and make up:
Izzy has always had issues with soaps and laundry deteregents and anything coming in contact with her skin that is perfumy or unnatural. In the last year she started having major issues with her scalp and eczema. It was severe and she itched ALL the time. As I started to do research on this I learned that it was likely her shampoo and conditioner but even more so her detangler. Almost every detangler on the planet has a gluten ingredient in it. Not sure why but it must have something to do with the way it works. If you've seen Izzy's pictures you know she has VERY curly hair and a detangler and good conditioner is a must. There are several grocery store brands like Suave, Dove and Garnier Fruictis who are supposedly Gfree but as we tried some of these they had either perfume that irritated or something in them that just did not work. I called my amazing hair stylist who started researching, I called one of my BFF and celiac friends who has issues with relaxers that are not Gfree, Henrietta, and I then started searching myself. Henrietta found my answer. Jennifer Esposito wrote a blog about a shampoo and conditioner line that was not only gfree, paraben free, cruelty free, sulfate free but also was color safe (not that Izzy needs that now but maybe someday) and has no synthetic fragrance. BINGO!!!! DING< DING< DING, we have a winner! They have shampoo, conditioner and DETANGLER. The winnnig award for this amazing product of praise is ACURE. You can buy it at Whole Foods, Amazon and several natural food stores. It is pricier than the Dove, etc. brand but it is worth every cent in my book. We've been using it for 6 months and it has been the very best thing for her. It smells good and has Keratin, Moroccon Argan oil and stem cells as well as CoQ10 + Omega 7. AMAZING.
As for body wash and lotion, since she is still little, not sure it will matter to those of you older than she is... but we are using an amazing body wash called CACOON BABY. Also Gfree, paraben free, sulfate free. It is so mild and helps skin conditions like eczema with it's natural oils. Her skin immediately cleared up and has stayed clear even through the winter months which is pretty awesome now that we live in a climate that it is dry.
The last and final thing to talk about is make up. Although we have not yet crossed that bridge with Izzy, I would like to promote another company that has some amazing products as well. Red Apple Lipstick out of Houston has a wide range of natural make up that is in a dedicated gfree facility. They are gfree, paraben free, cruetly free and vegan. They are mineral based with a wide range of colors. I have enjoyed sampling some of the things they offer and I know Izzy will be a fan far sooner than I'm ready for her to be:)...
SO, I want you guys to tell me ALL about your favorite gfree product that you can't live without. I will try the product and review it and you will be entered into a GFREE giveaway. More details to follow!
The great thing about dreaming is it's always allergy friendly;)
Let's talk turkey....uh I mean Italian
So those of you that know me and follow me frequently know that somewhere in our heritage there is Italian or at least Mediterraean lineage and I cook it alot, not the typical heavy pastas all the time but light, fresh and lovely. Well, sometimes you just have to have Spaghetti and meatsauce and sometimes you just need Mozerella sticks. I make my own sauce (or gravy as some northern Italians like to call it) and I love to lighten it up with ground turkey. Some traditional sauces use lean ground beef or full fat ground beef, lamb or even italian sausage but this is how we eat our sauce lightened up MOST of the time when we eat red sauce. Also, I'm including our low fat, gluten free and now EGG FREE Mozerella sticks recipe, for the marinara sauce to dip it in just scoop a little out before you add your meat.
Stringfellow Spaghetti:
1 TBSP olive oil
1 onion finely diced
1 finely diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I buy the fire roasted, organic and /or San Marzano whenever I can)
1 small can tomato paste
2 tsp Italian dried seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped fresh basil
fresh grated parmesan to taste
vegetables of preference (optional)
(some italian families use a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity but I do not, if you prefer you can add)
(for a "drunken sauce" add a 1/4 C Chianti or other favorite red wine to pan after sauteing the onion and garlic and tomato paste - for this sauce we also add kalamata olives or capers)
1 12 oz gfree spaghetti or 1 halved, roasted with olive oil spaghetti squash that you turn over and run a fork down long ways for spaghetti type noodles
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pan or dutch oven, add carrot and saute onion until translucent then add garlic and stir until fragrant. I like to add my tomato paste at this point and run it around the pan to warm it. If you are adding wine you would now, otherwise add your tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add seasoning and reduce to low. I typically put my sauce on in the morning and let it cook on low, developing flavors all day. You can scoop some out at this point for marinara or add vegetables like mushrooms, olives, zuchinni, whatever your preference. Just before dinner I will boil a large pot of salted water and throw in the gfree pasta (if using spaghetti squash I typically roast it while I make the sauce so it has some time to cool before shredding it into the "noodles"). To a nonstick fry pan I brown the turkey or whatever meat I am using, drain and add to sauce. I will then wipe the nonstick pan, add enough of the meat sauce to coat the spaghetti and add the cooked noodles to the pan to soak up the sauce. I then freeze the rest of the sauce for a later date. Add sauce about 1 cup at a time until desired coating. Serve hot and top with Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Low Fat - Allergy friendly Mozzerella Sticks
12 sticks weight watchers mozerella sticks or other reduced fat mozerella sticks, cut in half and frozen
1 c gfree all purpose flour of choice
1 c unsweetend almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 c very fine gfree breadcrumbs of choice (there are some available in stores or you can take your leftover gfree bread and make breadcrumbs OR Glutino has some yummy crostini now available that you can grind finely in your food processor for instant breadcrumbs)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
It is very important for you to know that the mozerella sticks MUST be frozen prior to making this recipe or you will have one big mess on your hands. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Have 3 shallow bowl or pans ready with flour, milk and breadcrumbs with italian seasoning mixed in. Take the frozen sticks out of the freezer and working quickly dredge them in the gfree flour, then allow them to soak up the milk a little and roll them in the bread crumbs and place on the cookie sheet. once you get all 24 sticks rolled and on the sheet place in the oven for 5-8 minutes watching carefully for a sign they will bust. You should be able to turn them at this point and let them go another 3-5 minutes, just watch them closely. They should end up golden brown and beautiful. Take them out and allow to cool and enjoy with marinara sauce as a great appetizer before the spaghetti OR as an after school snack.
Isabelle has had issue with dairy in the passed and is not a fan of cheese usually BUT she loves these sticks and asks for them regularly. You could also use this method to make fish sticks with strips of tilapia or your favorite white fish.
Buon Appetito!
Stringfellow Spaghetti:
1 TBSP olive oil
1 onion finely diced
1 finely diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I buy the fire roasted, organic and /or San Marzano whenever I can)
1 small can tomato paste
2 tsp Italian dried seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped fresh basil
fresh grated parmesan to taste
vegetables of preference (optional)
(some italian families use a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity but I do not, if you prefer you can add)
(for a "drunken sauce" add a 1/4 C Chianti or other favorite red wine to pan after sauteing the onion and garlic and tomato paste - for this sauce we also add kalamata olives or capers)
1 12 oz gfree spaghetti or 1 halved, roasted with olive oil spaghetti squash that you turn over and run a fork down long ways for spaghetti type noodles
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pan or dutch oven, add carrot and saute onion until translucent then add garlic and stir until fragrant. I like to add my tomato paste at this point and run it around the pan to warm it. If you are adding wine you would now, otherwise add your tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add seasoning and reduce to low. I typically put my sauce on in the morning and let it cook on low, developing flavors all day. You can scoop some out at this point for marinara or add vegetables like mushrooms, olives, zuchinni, whatever your preference. Just before dinner I will boil a large pot of salted water and throw in the gfree pasta (if using spaghetti squash I typically roast it while I make the sauce so it has some time to cool before shredding it into the "noodles"). To a nonstick fry pan I brown the turkey or whatever meat I am using, drain and add to sauce. I will then wipe the nonstick pan, add enough of the meat sauce to coat the spaghetti and add the cooked noodles to the pan to soak up the sauce. I then freeze the rest of the sauce for a later date. Add sauce about 1 cup at a time until desired coating. Serve hot and top with Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Low Fat - Allergy friendly Mozzerella Sticks
12 sticks weight watchers mozerella sticks or other reduced fat mozerella sticks, cut in half and frozen
1 c gfree all purpose flour of choice
1 c unsweetend almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 c very fine gfree breadcrumbs of choice (there are some available in stores or you can take your leftover gfree bread and make breadcrumbs OR Glutino has some yummy crostini now available that you can grind finely in your food processor for instant breadcrumbs)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
It is very important for you to know that the mozerella sticks MUST be frozen prior to making this recipe or you will have one big mess on your hands. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Have 3 shallow bowl or pans ready with flour, milk and breadcrumbs with italian seasoning mixed in. Take the frozen sticks out of the freezer and working quickly dredge them in the gfree flour, then allow them to soak up the milk a little and roll them in the bread crumbs and place on the cookie sheet. once you get all 24 sticks rolled and on the sheet place in the oven for 5-8 minutes watching carefully for a sign they will bust. You should be able to turn them at this point and let them go another 3-5 minutes, just watch them closely. They should end up golden brown and beautiful. Take them out and allow to cool and enjoy with marinara sauce as a great appetizer before the spaghetti OR as an after school snack.
Isabelle has had issue with dairy in the passed and is not a fan of cheese usually BUT she loves these sticks and asks for them regularly. You could also use this method to make fish sticks with strips of tilapia or your favorite white fish.
Buon Appetito!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Skinny Bang Bang Cauliflower and oriental night
We're trying to get back on schedule after the holidays and each week something seems to come up that throws us all off again...Lana's testing in Little Rock, this week is Shelby's gym meet in Dallas. For the next 9 weeks we will be traveling to gym meets almost every weekend! As I was meal planning for the week I thought I'd try something different and ask each of the kids what they wanted for dinner this week "theme wise mainly". This week we're making Irish, Oriental, Mexican and Italian meals plus a few other things. Tonight was Lana's choice to pick and we are having an oritenal night. For after school snack/appetizer I made Skinny Bang Bang Cauliflower. You can google or search Pinterest and end up with about 200 recipes for buffalo cauliflower or some varition. All of the recipes are pretty much the same but this one I followed several recipes closely but decided on this one in the end.
Skinny Bang Bang Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 Gfree flour blend
1/2 water
1 TBSP + 1/4 C Frank's buffalo sauce, divided
1/4C olive oil
Preheat oven to 450 degrees and grease a cookie sheet. Mix the flour, water and 1 TBSP of Buffalo sauce until combined. Dip each floret into the batter and place on the cookie sheet. Cook 10-15 minutes or until the batter has become firm. Meanwhile mix together the remaining buffalo sauce and olive oil and brush onto the cauliflower after the batter firms up. Place the cookie sheet back into the oven for another 5 minutes or until crisped. Cool and enjoy! I used Skinnytaste's low-fat blur cheese for dipping with the cauliflower and celery - here's the link to that: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/04/low-fat-creamy-blue-cheese-dressing.html
The rest of our menu entails Chicken Stir Fry and Asian Lettuce Wraps:
Chicken Stir Fry
1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced on the biase
1 16 oz package Deluxe Stir Fry Frozen vegetables, thawed
1 Tsp sesame oil or olive oil if your allergic to sesame
1/4 C San-J Gfree Orange Sauce
Warm oil of choice in Wok or large fry pan. Salt and Pepper the tenderloins and brown in oil until chicken is cooked. Add Veggies and stir til warmed through completely then add Orange sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the Sauce has absorbed and thickened.
Asian Lettuce Wraps
1 head butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce)
1 lb ground turkey
1 16 oz package Stiry Fry Vegetables of choice, thawed
1 tsp sesame or olive oil
1/4 C San-J Stir Fry Sauce
1 TBSP San-J Tamari gfree soy sauce
Brown the turkey in a fry pan with a little olive oil, add veggies and warm through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place mixture, in batches in the food processor and pulse until desired consistancy, returning to the same pan when finished. Heat over medium heat and add stiry fry sauce and soy sauce until the sauce has warmed and thickened. Meanwhile peel each butter lettuce leaf off the head and serve like a cup with about 1/4 of turkey mixture in each leaf.
Hope you enjoy these recipes!!!
Skinny Bang Bang Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 Gfree flour blend
1/2 water
1 TBSP + 1/4 C Frank's buffalo sauce, divided
1/4C olive oil
Preheat oven to 450 degrees and grease a cookie sheet. Mix the flour, water and 1 TBSP of Buffalo sauce until combined. Dip each floret into the batter and place on the cookie sheet. Cook 10-15 minutes or until the batter has become firm. Meanwhile mix together the remaining buffalo sauce and olive oil and brush onto the cauliflower after the batter firms up. Place the cookie sheet back into the oven for another 5 minutes or until crisped. Cool and enjoy! I used Skinnytaste's low-fat blur cheese for dipping with the cauliflower and celery - here's the link to that: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/04/low-fat-creamy-blue-cheese-dressing.html
The rest of our menu entails Chicken Stir Fry and Asian Lettuce Wraps:
Chicken Stir Fry
1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced on the biase
1 16 oz package Deluxe Stir Fry Frozen vegetables, thawed
1 Tsp sesame oil or olive oil if your allergic to sesame
1/4 C San-J Gfree Orange Sauce
Warm oil of choice in Wok or large fry pan. Salt and Pepper the tenderloins and brown in oil until chicken is cooked. Add Veggies and stir til warmed through completely then add Orange sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the Sauce has absorbed and thickened.
Asian Lettuce Wraps
1 head butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce)
1 lb ground turkey
1 16 oz package Stiry Fry Vegetables of choice, thawed
1 tsp sesame or olive oil
1/4 C San-J Stir Fry Sauce
1 TBSP San-J Tamari gfree soy sauce
Brown the turkey in a fry pan with a little olive oil, add veggies and warm through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place mixture, in batches in the food processor and pulse until desired consistancy, returning to the same pan when finished. Heat over medium heat and add stiry fry sauce and soy sauce until the sauce has warmed and thickened. Meanwhile peel each butter lettuce leaf off the head and serve like a cup with about 1/4 of turkey mixture in each leaf.
Hope you enjoy these recipes!!!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Update on Lana
Lana had her 2 year biopsy this passed Friday. Although we were nervous about some new testing they were doing, it ended up being more than fine. She achieved her lowest rejection level ever! Her beautiful gift and miracle continues to shine bright and work hard. We were at Arkansas Children's for about 12 hours but she did amazing and we were released and spent another night with amazing friends. As I walked out of the outpatient surgery room and into the waiting room I noticed right away a family with three fantastic looking boys about Noah's age. I had to plug my phone in and as I sat down near them to use the wall plug one of the twins came to sit with me and started talking. They were adopted and this sweet boy in particular was absolutely involved and interested in architecture and was thumbing through a log cabin magazine. For several hours that family took my mind off of my nerves and put a big smile on my face. I have spent a large majority of my adult life in hospital waiting rooms: worrying, listening to other's stories, reading magazines, texting, checking my phone, worrying some more. I've never had a distraction quite like this and it was a welcomed one. I learned all about this family and their journey that was somewhat similar to ours. They left Chicago for Arkansas for a job with two teenage children. Their journey though was not about a job, it was about finding three more members of their family. The twin boys joined them when they were 3 and then a couple of years later they adopted their two year older, autistic brother. These boys had a light in their eyes you can't explain. I was happy to sit with them and hear their story and listen to Trent, who was in love with Marvel comics and Trey, who told me all there was to know about architecture and ceiling fans and asked me more times than I can count how many bedrooms and bathrooms our house had and how many ceiling fans we have and which rooms were they in:). They were just amazing.
Kale! Oh yeh...and some updates:)
Well, wow, I can't believe I haven't written since August. Life has been flying by and busier than ever and of course the writing takes a back seat. After all, I have the rest of my life to share with you all I've learned but only so many years to cater to my kids every whim:). Lana is a junior, Shelby a sophmore...so in two more years I will be no less of a mother but will have two kids away in college and two in elementary. That seems surreal! But I did want to catch up on a few things and hopefully share a little more than I have been lately. Since I last wrote we traveled to St. Louis again to apple pick for the second year in a row. This year my sister and her kids came along and we met her amazing friends that have been retationed there. We had such a fabulous time and great food. I learned that a restaurant we have locally, Red Robin, has a gluten free burger ON and gfree bun and gfree french fries! It's always fantastic to find new places to eat that will accomodate everyones tastes but especially Isabelle's allergies. There is a ton more I could catch you up on from birthday parties to Halloween and the holidays but it would take FOREVER to write all that. I'll try to add little bits in each new posting to catch everyone up but I will tell you that out of the blue, Isabelle has become anaphylactic to eggs. It seems it's mainly in the raw form and things like cupcakes or pancakes are ok (possibly due to the temp they reach in the cooking process???) but I am pretty much on edge about allowing her to have anything with them whatsoever. It's like starting from scratch all over again but I will tell you this...I have already learned a few tricks and I will be sharing them with some upcoming recipes! If any of you are also Egg free and have tricks of replacements I would love to hear from you!
SO with the New Year here and upon us we are going to start out with one healthy recipe that my kids love so much they've been asking for it every single day in the New Year....KALE CHIPS! I've had several friends ask for my recipe as they've tried to make them several times to no avail. So before you cringe your nose or tell me yours don't come out or it's too much work....try my recipe first.
I try to use all organic products but up here in Walmartland it is extremely hard to find organic Kale once the farmer's market closes for winter. I could drive to Fayetteville but sometimes it's just not convenient to drive the 30 minutes south to get one batch of organic Kale. When all else fails there is the big huge bags of already washed and cut up Kale in the produce section near the collard greens and spinach and that saves you half the work and time! Another very important part of making the Kale Chips successful is NOT adding salt before you cook it!
Garlic Kale Chips
1 16 oz bag already triple washed, cut up Kale
4-5 TBSP olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
seasonings of choice (I prefer minced fresh garlic or garlic powder...for a little more kick try adding a little ceyenne)
Lemon Yogurt dip
2 Tbsp non-egg Mayo (I prefer Earth Balance egg and dairy free spread but you can use Veganaise or another brand you like)
3/4 non fat plain greek yogurt
zest of one lemon
juice from one lemon
dash of salt
Preheat oven to 350. Add the kale to a bowl making sure all the big stalks/stems are removed before adding to bowl. Drizzle just enough olive oil to coat lightly. Too much will make a soggy chip and again, DO NOT salt at this point. Spread a single layer of Kale onto a cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes...at about the 8-10 minute mark you will start to smell it so check it a few times to ensure you don't burn it. It should be a dark green, if it's still lighter or bright green, it's not cooked enough. When it reaches that dark green, fragrant status, take out to let cool, but while it's still hot you want to season with your salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like on regular chips. The kids love just some salt and garlic powder. But if you like spicy you can do ceyenne or a taco seasoning or chili powder blend, you can also use infused olive oil, something like a olive oil with seasonings that you would use for Italian dipping bread and then add a little salt and parmesan. The craziest thing we've ever tried was truffle infused olive oil sprinkled with a little truffle salt and a dash of garlic powder...Might be Izzy's favorite way (she is definately my child;)). While the chips are baking away you can make the yogurt dip, all you do is combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well, refrigerate and the longer it sits the more the flavor develops. The mayo substitute adds a richness to the creamy yogurt and can be left out completely or you can use regular mayo as well. You can also sub the yogurt for fat free sour cream if you like that better.
SO with the New Year here and upon us we are going to start out with one healthy recipe that my kids love so much they've been asking for it every single day in the New Year....KALE CHIPS! I've had several friends ask for my recipe as they've tried to make them several times to no avail. So before you cringe your nose or tell me yours don't come out or it's too much work....try my recipe first.
I try to use all organic products but up here in Walmartland it is extremely hard to find organic Kale once the farmer's market closes for winter. I could drive to Fayetteville but sometimes it's just not convenient to drive the 30 minutes south to get one batch of organic Kale. When all else fails there is the big huge bags of already washed and cut up Kale in the produce section near the collard greens and spinach and that saves you half the work and time! Another very important part of making the Kale Chips successful is NOT adding salt before you cook it!
Garlic Kale Chips
1 16 oz bag already triple washed, cut up Kale
4-5 TBSP olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
seasonings of choice (I prefer minced fresh garlic or garlic powder...for a little more kick try adding a little ceyenne)
Lemon Yogurt dip
2 Tbsp non-egg Mayo (I prefer Earth Balance egg and dairy free spread but you can use Veganaise or another brand you like)
3/4 non fat plain greek yogurt
zest of one lemon
juice from one lemon
dash of salt
Preheat oven to 350. Add the kale to a bowl making sure all the big stalks/stems are removed before adding to bowl. Drizzle just enough olive oil to coat lightly. Too much will make a soggy chip and again, DO NOT salt at this point. Spread a single layer of Kale onto a cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes...at about the 8-10 minute mark you will start to smell it so check it a few times to ensure you don't burn it. It should be a dark green, if it's still lighter or bright green, it's not cooked enough. When it reaches that dark green, fragrant status, take out to let cool, but while it's still hot you want to season with your salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like on regular chips. The kids love just some salt and garlic powder. But if you like spicy you can do ceyenne or a taco seasoning or chili powder blend, you can also use infused olive oil, something like a olive oil with seasonings that you would use for Italian dipping bread and then add a little salt and parmesan. The craziest thing we've ever tried was truffle infused olive oil sprinkled with a little truffle salt and a dash of garlic powder...Might be Izzy's favorite way (she is definately my child;)). While the chips are baking away you can make the yogurt dip, all you do is combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well, refrigerate and the longer it sits the more the flavor develops. The mayo substitute adds a richness to the creamy yogurt and can be left out completely or you can use regular mayo as well. You can also sub the yogurt for fat free sour cream if you like that better.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Back to school
Going back to school is often exactly what mothers are looking forward to at the end of a busy summer and kids are dreading. For some parents though, it is a scary and hectic time of year. New teacher, new issues, new explaining and hoping that your child's teacher can take care of them the way you would if they have a physical disability, health concern or food allergy. Yesterday I sent my two high schoolers off to the beginning of their junior and sophmore first days and was able to attend and meet most of their teachers. I flashed back to their first days of preschool and all of the subsequent years after when I had to go in and speak to Lana's teacher about her heart defect and go into detail about every little thing she could, or could not do. I actually had a letter on my computer that I updated and printed off each year for them and the PE coach to keep in the classroom. Well, this was the first year I did not have to explain anything about her or her heart condition. Last year I was still going around and explaining that she had just had a heart transplant and would be absent quite a bit and so forth. This year, she has a parking spot and a car and a full class load preparing her for college. WOW!
This year it also starts all over for me, Isabelle starts big girl preschool. No more, Mother's Day Out where her teacher was a celiac and understood everything. This year we go three days a week in a new school, with new teachers. Preparing mentally is half the battle. What I have learned through dealing with teachers the last 15 years is that, they err on the side of caution. It is rare to not get a teacher that will stop and call you before they give your child something. Gluten is a tricky one because although it is gaining in awareness, it's still misunderstood. People do not understand all the things that contain gluten nor do they understand the impact of celiac's disease. Most people are not anaphylactic but it doesn't mean it isn't serious. SO, #1 prepare yourself mentally (meet the teacher, talk with the school and know you've done all you can and feel confident that you've taught them and YOUR CHILD well) , #2 talk to the teacher about the allergy in detail/educate her on the disease or allergy, what it means, write a letter if necessary with a list of things that have hidden gluten in it and #3 be prepared. I've ordered Gfree animal cookies and graham crackers, cereals, crackers, anything that they might be serving for snacktime and I will bring that into the classroom the first day for the teacher to keep on hand. I also will ask for a list of the birthdays in the classroom and stock the freezer with cupcakes so when there is a birthday celebration in the classroom, I will defrost the cupcake and decorate and bring it to class so that Isabelle can celebrate along with her classmates. At this stage I still pack her lunch so that is all in my control. I've also bought moon dough and gfree glue so that she can participate safely with crafts without becoming sick. I've researched and bought gfree hand sanitzer for the classroom. Yes there is an expense that goes along with being prepared but to keep her safe and help with the learning process it is well worth it for our family.
These are just some ideas to help you through the start of the school year. I hope this helps with the little ones.
This year it also starts all over for me, Isabelle starts big girl preschool. No more, Mother's Day Out where her teacher was a celiac and understood everything. This year we go three days a week in a new school, with new teachers. Preparing mentally is half the battle. What I have learned through dealing with teachers the last 15 years is that, they err on the side of caution. It is rare to not get a teacher that will stop and call you before they give your child something. Gluten is a tricky one because although it is gaining in awareness, it's still misunderstood. People do not understand all the things that contain gluten nor do they understand the impact of celiac's disease. Most people are not anaphylactic but it doesn't mean it isn't serious. SO, #1 prepare yourself mentally (meet the teacher, talk with the school and know you've done all you can and feel confident that you've taught them and YOUR CHILD well) , #2 talk to the teacher about the allergy in detail/educate her on the disease or allergy, what it means, write a letter if necessary with a list of things that have hidden gluten in it and #3 be prepared. I've ordered Gfree animal cookies and graham crackers, cereals, crackers, anything that they might be serving for snacktime and I will bring that into the classroom the first day for the teacher to keep on hand. I also will ask for a list of the birthdays in the classroom and stock the freezer with cupcakes so when there is a birthday celebration in the classroom, I will defrost the cupcake and decorate and bring it to class so that Isabelle can celebrate along with her classmates. At this stage I still pack her lunch so that is all in my control. I've also bought moon dough and gfree glue so that she can participate safely with crafts without becoming sick. I've researched and bought gfree hand sanitzer for the classroom. Yes there is an expense that goes along with being prepared but to keep her safe and help with the learning process it is well worth it for our family.
These are just some ideas to help you through the start of the school year. I hope this helps with the little ones.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Read The Fine Print...
One thing many mom's of children with food allergies and people WITH food allergies learn to do very well and very quickly is read food labels. But do you really know what you are reading? For instance, did you know that things that read Autolyzed Yeast Extract and Modified Food Starch can both contain traces of wheat? Yep they sure can....and there is nothing other than research or knowledge, or flat out a bad experience that would let you know that just by reading the label
Also, with the Gluten Free diet becoming a "trend setter" in the news and on more labels, it's getting more attention. This is usually a good thing to raise awareness of things people don't even think about normally. I mean, eveyone knows what having a peanut allergy if like these days and it can be a very good thing to raise awareness for all these life threatening allergies our children and other adults have but Gluten seems to be a puzzling thing. People look at you as if they have no idea what you are talking about. Oh, you mean seasoning can have Gluten in it? Pudding, Candy, Chocolate, and so on.....No it's not just your everyday bread, crackers and pasta so the new awareness is a positive for the most part. BUT there are also dangers to this new awareness. For instance, many of the new pizza places like Dominos and Maggio's are advertising a Gluten Free Pizza Crust. Great, that's awesome. Glad to have another product in the community like this that naturally raises awareness but have you ever read the fine print on their commericals or adds? They make their Gfree crust in the same kitchen as the other regular glutenous crust and put it in the same oven and on the same pans. So their fine print states that if you have an allergy, verses living a gfree lifestyle/diet, you should NOT eat their gfree pizza. To me, it means it truly isn't Gfree and doesn't help our lifestyle at all because Isabelle can get sick from standing in a facility that has flour in the air, much less something that has touched a pan that has had regular pizza crust on it. So please, for those with celiac's or the more severe form of Gluten intolerance, stay away.
And whatever you do, READ THE FINE PRINT.
Also, with the Gluten Free diet becoming a "trend setter" in the news and on more labels, it's getting more attention. This is usually a good thing to raise awareness of things people don't even think about normally. I mean, eveyone knows what having a peanut allergy if like these days and it can be a very good thing to raise awareness for all these life threatening allergies our children and other adults have but Gluten seems to be a puzzling thing. People look at you as if they have no idea what you are talking about. Oh, you mean seasoning can have Gluten in it? Pudding, Candy, Chocolate, and so on.....No it's not just your everyday bread, crackers and pasta so the new awareness is a positive for the most part. BUT there are also dangers to this new awareness. For instance, many of the new pizza places like Dominos and Maggio's are advertising a Gluten Free Pizza Crust. Great, that's awesome. Glad to have another product in the community like this that naturally raises awareness but have you ever read the fine print on their commericals or adds? They make their Gfree crust in the same kitchen as the other regular glutenous crust and put it in the same oven and on the same pans. So their fine print states that if you have an allergy, verses living a gfree lifestyle/diet, you should NOT eat their gfree pizza. To me, it means it truly isn't Gfree and doesn't help our lifestyle at all because Isabelle can get sick from standing in a facility that has flour in the air, much less something that has touched a pan that has had regular pizza crust on it. So please, for those with celiac's or the more severe form of Gluten intolerance, stay away.
And whatever you do, READ THE FINE PRINT.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Smart Flour Foods and a yummy, healthy chicken salad recipe
Ok, I have one heck of a chicken salad recipe for you guys that is healthy and omits mayo altogether! What's that you say? How can you have chicken salad without mayo? Listen here my friends:)...
I have been quite obsessed with Pinterest and I've seen alot of pins that have been subbing avocado puree for mayo. Even though we LOVE avocado and I can see the similarity in the textures I was still unsure of this. Well no longer my friend! I had 3/4 of a leftover rotisserrie chicken from a recipe I made earlier in the week and I shredded all the meat into a bowl, added 1/2 C of celery and if you like raw onion, 1/2 cup sweet onion both diced or for a little twist you could add 2 minced shallots. In my food processor I put two HAAS avocados, seed and skin removed, 1 TBSP organic sour cream and a pinch of salt, garlic powder and cumin. Combine in the food processor and stir into the chicken, celery and onion if using. It was FANTASTIC! I added some halved grape tomatoes and put it in a lettuce cup and had it like a lettuce wrap but you could also stuff it inside a gfree pita half or a Gfree tortilla with some arugula and cheese.
Happy eating!
Now for some Gfree talk about a new company, ok well it's not new but it's new to me and this is ONE HAPPY MOMMA. I found them by accident when I followed a gfree recipe link that ended me on their website and the opening line reads, " Many gluten free products lack essential vitamins & minerals. Smart Flour™ is a unique gluten free flour blend of ancient grains created by Smart Flour Foods." OK, you definately have my attention. The whole website was filled with great information on their products and ancient grains. They have products from their flour blends for bread, pizza, all purpose baking to actual cookie dough and brownies, premade pizza crusts and so on. The price of the products themselves were very reasonable, the shipping however was almost a deal breaker. BUT, they offer if you have a $100 in products the shipping is free....now THAT'S what I'm talking about. It didn't take me long to rack up a $100 in products to try! I ordered a sampler pack as well as some other things and let me tell you, we love it ALL. Everything we've tried, all I have made with their flour, it is amazingly good. So here's a small plug for a wonderful Gfree company!
http://www.smartflourfoods.com/
I have been quite obsessed with Pinterest and I've seen alot of pins that have been subbing avocado puree for mayo. Even though we LOVE avocado and I can see the similarity in the textures I was still unsure of this. Well no longer my friend! I had 3/4 of a leftover rotisserrie chicken from a recipe I made earlier in the week and I shredded all the meat into a bowl, added 1/2 C of celery and if you like raw onion, 1/2 cup sweet onion both diced or for a little twist you could add 2 minced shallots. In my food processor I put two HAAS avocados, seed and skin removed, 1 TBSP organic sour cream and a pinch of salt, garlic powder and cumin. Combine in the food processor and stir into the chicken, celery and onion if using. It was FANTASTIC! I added some halved grape tomatoes and put it in a lettuce cup and had it like a lettuce wrap but you could also stuff it inside a gfree pita half or a Gfree tortilla with some arugula and cheese.
Happy eating!
Now for some Gfree talk about a new company, ok well it's not new but it's new to me and this is ONE HAPPY MOMMA. I found them by accident when I followed a gfree recipe link that ended me on their website and the opening line reads, " Many gluten free products lack essential vitamins & minerals. Smart Flour™ is a unique gluten free flour blend of ancient grains created by Smart Flour Foods." OK, you definately have my attention. The whole website was filled with great information on their products and ancient grains. They have products from their flour blends for bread, pizza, all purpose baking to actual cookie dough and brownies, premade pizza crusts and so on. The price of the products themselves were very reasonable, the shipping however was almost a deal breaker. BUT, they offer if you have a $100 in products the shipping is free....now THAT'S what I'm talking about. It didn't take me long to rack up a $100 in products to try! I ordered a sampler pack as well as some other things and let me tell you, we love it ALL. Everything we've tried, all I have made with their flour, it is amazingly good. So here's a small plug for a wonderful Gfree company!
http://www.smartflourfoods.com/
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Garden...Sustainable Living
This year we have tried our hand at gardening. We've always had herbs in pots but this year we decided to go all out and teach the kids about what healthy organic food is all about. We live a healthy food lifestyle but growing it ourselves???? I thought no way can I keep anything else alive other than the kids and the dogs;). BUT...to my surprise, we have had an entire garden all summer, including surviving in the worst heat we've ever seen. This year we have grown tomatoes, corn, summer squash, spaghetti squash, mint, sage, rosemary, basil, and now pumpkins and watermelon. When we started it, it was an easy thought to run out and grab something to deal with aphids on the tomatoes.....I insisted that if we were doing this, doing this and teaching our children that we would use NOTHING that was not safe and healthy for the kids. So I researched what the best way to treat Aphids naturally was....lets see: there are lady bugs, there is a couple of drops of dawn dish detergent in some water sprayed onto the aphids a few times and there is the 3 TBSP of minced garlic soaked in olive oil for 3 days and added to the same dawn water you have leftover.
This is just the beginning of our amazing adventure in gardening:). Stay tuned but how cool is it that we have a pumpkin patch in our back yard?????:)
This is just the beginning of our amazing adventure in gardening:). Stay tuned but how cool is it that we have a pumpkin patch in our back yard?????:)
Vacation, vacation, vacation....
Traveling is one of the most difficult things to do when you or your child has food allergies. As a mom, I constantly plan and worry that the trip will go well and without incident. Sometimes planning the route of travel, if we are driving, by where we can safely stop to eat. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than hitting the Florida border and seeing that first Publix sign on the way back to our hometown. I know the grocery stores there but Publix is by far the best for organic, gluten free and peanut fee items in a normal, regular grocery store. You guys have to remember where I'm living and that our only grocery store is Walmart. The first week of our trip we stayed in a condo on the beach with a full kitchen. When we travel for lengthy times I like to have a full kitchen so that I know for sure I can feed my child if there are no other options for her there. In big cities we have been lucky but so often in other places there is the risk of cross contamination and she has gotten sick due to this. For other people who actually have celiacs, sometimes it's easier for them to "cheat" and eat the occasional gluten when traveling but for me, my children are my life and to think that I would give something to her that is not only unsafe for her but to know that it will make her sick, it's like a knife in my heart. I would do anything to keep any of my children safe and healthy and we have had our fair share of health issues in our family over the last 16 years, some in my control and some not. This is why it is so important for me to share the things we've learned, because I know how hard it is.
So, in Jacksonville, I relied almost entirely on Publix and a few good restaurants during our stay. I did bring two loaves of homemade bread sliced from home and some of her favorite snacks so we didn't have to search multiple stores for a few things. We were hit with a tropical storm at the start of our trip and some time we needed to kill that we couldn't be at the beach or pool. We ended up finding a really great restaurant in the Town Center area called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. I am shocked as I was very unsure about this place initially but they had an entire gluten free menu. It ended up being fabulous. There was also Mellow Mushroom Pizza and Taco Lu's that offer Gluten free options. The best part of the trip though was our second week. We spent the second week at Disney. We had researched and called and still had no clue what we were in for. Disney does everything right, why I lost sight of that, I just don't know. We had an amazing condo on Disney property with a kitchen yet I barely cooked that week at all, I think breakfast was the only thing I ended up making yet it wasn't necessary, just worked out with timing. Literally, Isabelle could eat at any restaurant on the property or any restaurant at any of the parks comepletely safe. The deal with Disney is you tell either your waiter or waitress you have a food allergy and the chef comes out of the kitchen and talks to you. He gets an understanding of the allergy/ies, offers you options for the specific allergies and then goes to a seperate part of the kitchen, prepares the meal and hand delivers it back to the table. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It was the most amazing and fantastic part of our vacation and I was finally able to relax a little and enjoy the entire Disney experience. It was pretty funny, Lana and Shelby said we should come back and live there after they head off to college so that Izzy could eat whatever she wanted. HAHAHAHA. Isabelle was offered so many amazing options, I didn't even care about nutrition for a week, they had options for her that she NEVER gets unless I figure out a way to make it homemade or find a product I can trust that tastes good. It was truly an amazing experience for everyone in the family.
So, in Jacksonville, I relied almost entirely on Publix and a few good restaurants during our stay. I did bring two loaves of homemade bread sliced from home and some of her favorite snacks so we didn't have to search multiple stores for a few things. We were hit with a tropical storm at the start of our trip and some time we needed to kill that we couldn't be at the beach or pool. We ended up finding a really great restaurant in the Town Center area called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. I am shocked as I was very unsure about this place initially but they had an entire gluten free menu. It ended up being fabulous. There was also Mellow Mushroom Pizza and Taco Lu's that offer Gluten free options. The best part of the trip though was our second week. We spent the second week at Disney. We had researched and called and still had no clue what we were in for. Disney does everything right, why I lost sight of that, I just don't know. We had an amazing condo on Disney property with a kitchen yet I barely cooked that week at all, I think breakfast was the only thing I ended up making yet it wasn't necessary, just worked out with timing. Literally, Isabelle could eat at any restaurant on the property or any restaurant at any of the parks comepletely safe. The deal with Disney is you tell either your waiter or waitress you have a food allergy and the chef comes out of the kitchen and talks to you. He gets an understanding of the allergy/ies, offers you options for the specific allergies and then goes to a seperate part of the kitchen, prepares the meal and hand delivers it back to the table. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It was the most amazing and fantastic part of our vacation and I was finally able to relax a little and enjoy the entire Disney experience. It was pretty funny, Lana and Shelby said we should come back and live there after they head off to college so that Izzy could eat whatever she wanted. HAHAHAHA. Isabelle was offered so many amazing options, I didn't even care about nutrition for a week, they had options for her that she NEVER gets unless I figure out a way to make it homemade or find a product I can trust that tastes good. It was truly an amazing experience for everyone in the family.
free Food Allergy Webinar for Back to School
http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/pages/webinars
Food Allergies in School: What Parents Need to Know
RSVP: Reserve your seat by registering
WHEN: Tuesday, July 31, 2012
TIME: 2-3pm Eastern (11am-12pm Pacific)
WHERE: Your computer or iOS device
Food Allergies in School: What Parents Need to Know
Many parents don't know where to start when they need to send their children off to school with food allergies. Attend this free webinar and you will learn the following from Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, pediatric allergist, parent of a child with food allergies, food allergy educator and chair of our Medical Advisory Team:
- Facts regarding food allergy and safety in the school setting
- Universal food allergy management strategies (preventing accidental exposures and preparing for allergy emergencies)
- Applying food allergy management strategies to the school setting
- Partnering with your school community
RSVP: Reserve your seat by registering
WHEN: Tuesday, July 31, 2012
TIME: 2-3pm Eastern (11am-12pm Pacific)
WHERE: Your computer or iOS device
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Things that I've been working on lately....
First and foremost, the last month has been crazy busy! A girls trip with my baby sister to Chicago to scout places to live when she moves there in the fall plus a little fun. We had an amazing food adventure while we were there and in turn I truly fell in love with that city. It's like NYC with a midwest flare. being on Lake Michigan was cool, and nice this time of year but I can only imagine what winter will bring. The seafood was spectacular everywhere we went though. I got back and right after Memorial Day and my other sister, Justine arrived with her two beautiful kiddos for about a week and a half in between Maryland and her move to Oklahoma City. We did some crafts with the kids, made homemade magic shell chocolate sauce for ice cream, made homemade blueberry sauce for pancakes/waffles/ice cream, made a sugar scrub for the shower and possible gifts later, and the supplies for some Father's Day presents and some other crafts. Lots of swimming and eating and fun and then they left and have closed on their house. We are headed out that way this week for a few days to help unpack! Cannot wait!
So Saturday was Isabelle's very first ballet recital and we had to get up very early for her dres rehearsal. Once we finished with that, we headed for the Farmer's Market. A meltdown from Noah and Dad later, Izzy and I were strolling with our fresh zucchini and peaches we had bought when my eye caught something that made me stop dead in my tracks. The prize and coveted and never found in this little small town of mine....squash blossoms. A WHOLE HUGE bag of them for $3!!!!!!!!!! I knew we were having friends over for dinner and that got my mind twirling with possibilities. After Izzy's draining but adorable recital (any recital mom's out there know, you hurry up and wait, then wait in a crowded room with a bunch of 4 year olds, then finally in 2 minutes all the waiting is over and you tear up with how proud you are!) we rushed home to marinate the chicken and zucchini and prep the squash blossoms. I made homemade GF tempura batter and put it in the fridge to rest for an hour and then stuffed the blossoms with a delicious herbed goat cheese mixture and set in the fridge for 30 minutes while out friends arrived, we chatted and caught up and let the kids play in the back yard. I came back in while Jason was grilling the corn, zucchini and chicken (so this was my esaiest meal to prepare and cook EVER!:)) and took out the gorgeous blossoms, dipped in the tempura batter and added to the golden peanut oil and watched with baited breath. To my surprise, they fried up beautifully and tasted absolutely AMAZING!
Tonight, I took the last of the zucchini and cut into 1/4 inch slices, tossed in olive oil and then with homemade italian gf bread crumbs and parmesan cheese I topped each zucchini round, popped in a preheadted 400 degree oven and watch them crisp up and taste like fried zucchini with half the fat. I took the remainder of the corn from our garden and took it off the cob and made creamed corn and then we had leftover grilled chicken from last night. All the good recipes start NOW:
Magic shell:
1 1/4 C semi sweet chocolate chips (for GF, DF and Nut free I use the Enjoy Life semi sweet chips, you can also use Hershey's for just GF)
1/2 C solid coconut oil (it's like Crisco)
melt for 1 minute in microwave or stove top and let rest, stir until the oil melts the chips and then store in mason jar in refrigerator. When time to serve, warm in microwave 1-2 minutes swirling in between until the solid melts and top on ice cream of choice.
Blueberry sauce:
4 1/2 C fresh blueberries, pulsed in food processor
2 TBSP lemon juice
7 C sugar for regular syrup recipe ( you can use juice with sugar free fruit pectin for lower sugar content)
2 pouches of fruit pectin
make as if you were doing a cooked jam recipe: add fruit to saucepot, stir lemon juice. Stir in sugar or juice into fruit, add 1/2 Tsp butter for no foam and bring mixture to a rolling boil. Quickly stir in pectin, and return to full rolling boil for 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat. You can either can the blueberry jam at this point or pour into mason jar and add to fridge. I canned ours and it did not set completely so we used as syrup. Once opened, we refrigerated it and then it set but when we wanted the syrup/sauce, we took some, added to microwave bowl and warmed for a minute or so until liquidy and syrup texture.
Sugar scrub:
Its 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to coconut oil with 4 or so drops of essential oil. So depending on if you are making a large batch for gift giving or a small batch for home would depend on your measurements but we did 1 C cane sugar; 1/4 C coconut oil and 4 drops or til fragrance desired is reached of essential oil (we used lemon verbanum since it's summer but you can use lavender or at chirstmas use candy cane or gingerbread or vanilla with brown sugar instead of cane.) Mix all ingredients in a bowl with hands until desired consistancy and store in mason jar or decorative container with cute fabric top if gift giving and little tag or hand written note.
Zucchini Blossoms: (adapted recipe from Wolfgang Puck: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/tempura-fried-squash-blossoms-with-tomato-sauce-recipe/index.html)
Goat Cheese Filling:
Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. or if using already herbed goat cheese that's softened, add olive oil and mix together. For easy filling put into a ziploc or piping bag and cut tip, add about I TBSP each blossom into base of blossom. Cover with the petals and pinch the top to seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with peanut oil to 375 degrees F.
Hold the squash blossoms by the stem. Dip each into the tempura batter, making sure to coat completely. Let any excess batter drip off. Place the blossom in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, turning often to brown evenly. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
Zucchini Crisps: (adapted from Elie Kreiger's recipe)
1 lb. zucchini or squash (about 2 medium-sized)
1/4 cup shredded parmesan (heaping)
1/4 cup Glutino parmesan and garlic bagel chips, ground in food processor
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with foil and spray lightly with vegetable spray.
Slice zucchini or squash into 1/4 inch-thick rounds. Toss rounds with oil, coating well.
In a wide bowl or plate, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt and pepper.
Place rounds in parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides of each round, pressing to adhere. The mixture will not completely cover each round, but provides a light coating on each side.
Place rounds in a single layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the rounds.
Bake for about 22 to 27 minutes, until golden brown.
So Saturday was Isabelle's very first ballet recital and we had to get up very early for her dres rehearsal. Once we finished with that, we headed for the Farmer's Market. A meltdown from Noah and Dad later, Izzy and I were strolling with our fresh zucchini and peaches we had bought when my eye caught something that made me stop dead in my tracks. The prize and coveted and never found in this little small town of mine....squash blossoms. A WHOLE HUGE bag of them for $3!!!!!!!!!! I knew we were having friends over for dinner and that got my mind twirling with possibilities. After Izzy's draining but adorable recital (any recital mom's out there know, you hurry up and wait, then wait in a crowded room with a bunch of 4 year olds, then finally in 2 minutes all the waiting is over and you tear up with how proud you are!) we rushed home to marinate the chicken and zucchini and prep the squash blossoms. I made homemade GF tempura batter and put it in the fridge to rest for an hour and then stuffed the blossoms with a delicious herbed goat cheese mixture and set in the fridge for 30 minutes while out friends arrived, we chatted and caught up and let the kids play in the back yard. I came back in while Jason was grilling the corn, zucchini and chicken (so this was my esaiest meal to prepare and cook EVER!:)) and took out the gorgeous blossoms, dipped in the tempura batter and added to the golden peanut oil and watched with baited breath. To my surprise, they fried up beautifully and tasted absolutely AMAZING!
Tonight, I took the last of the zucchini and cut into 1/4 inch slices, tossed in olive oil and then with homemade italian gf bread crumbs and parmesan cheese I topped each zucchini round, popped in a preheadted 400 degree oven and watch them crisp up and taste like fried zucchini with half the fat. I took the remainder of the corn from our garden and took it off the cob and made creamed corn and then we had leftover grilled chicken from last night. All the good recipes start NOW:
Magic shell:
1 1/4 C semi sweet chocolate chips (for GF, DF and Nut free I use the Enjoy Life semi sweet chips, you can also use Hershey's for just GF)
1/2 C solid coconut oil (it's like Crisco)
melt for 1 minute in microwave or stove top and let rest, stir until the oil melts the chips and then store in mason jar in refrigerator. When time to serve, warm in microwave 1-2 minutes swirling in between until the solid melts and top on ice cream of choice.
Blueberry sauce:
4 1/2 C fresh blueberries, pulsed in food processor
2 TBSP lemon juice
7 C sugar for regular syrup recipe ( you can use juice with sugar free fruit pectin for lower sugar content)
2 pouches of fruit pectin
make as if you were doing a cooked jam recipe: add fruit to saucepot, stir lemon juice. Stir in sugar or juice into fruit, add 1/2 Tsp butter for no foam and bring mixture to a rolling boil. Quickly stir in pectin, and return to full rolling boil for 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat. You can either can the blueberry jam at this point or pour into mason jar and add to fridge. I canned ours and it did not set completely so we used as syrup. Once opened, we refrigerated it and then it set but when we wanted the syrup/sauce, we took some, added to microwave bowl and warmed for a minute or so until liquidy and syrup texture.
Sugar scrub:
Its 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to coconut oil with 4 or so drops of essential oil. So depending on if you are making a large batch for gift giving or a small batch for home would depend on your measurements but we did 1 C cane sugar; 1/4 C coconut oil and 4 drops or til fragrance desired is reached of essential oil (we used lemon verbanum since it's summer but you can use lavender or at chirstmas use candy cane or gingerbread or vanilla with brown sugar instead of cane.) Mix all ingredients in a bowl with hands until desired consistancy and store in mason jar or decorative container with cute fabric top if gift giving and little tag or hand written note.
Zucchini Blossoms: (adapted recipe from Wolfgang Puck: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/tempura-fried-squash-blossoms-with-tomato-sauce-recipe/index.html)
Tempura Batter:
- 1/4 cup super fine white rice flour
- 2 cups GF all purpose flour of choice ( I used the GF Artofglutenfreebaking.com Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Mix (mix together and store in a cool, dark place, or in fridge for long-term storage). 1 C of this mix equals 140g. Use this mix cup-for-cup or gram-for-gram in all of your recipes:
1 1/4 C (170 g) brown rice flour
1 1/4 C (205 g) white rice flour
1 C (120 g) tapioca flour
1 C (165 g) sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour or under the brand name, Mochiko)
2 scant tsp. xanthan gum - 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 cups soda water
Goat Cheese Filling:
I had a huge bag of squash blossoms (20-25) and I used a 16 ounce log of already herbed goat cheese, softened and added the olive oil for some time savings as well as money savings and it was FABULOUS!- 1 (8-ounce) log mild goat cheese, softened
- 5 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped chervil
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 16 squash blossoms
Tempura Batter:
Sift together all of the dry ingredients. Whisk in the soda water, a little at a time (about a cup at a time), until the right consistency is achieved. The batter should coat the back of a spoon, but some excess batter should run off the spoon. Allow to rest in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before use. Goat Cheese Filling:
Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. or if using already herbed goat cheese that's softened, add olive oil and mix together. For easy filling put into a ziploc or piping bag and cut tip, add about I TBSP each blossom into base of blossom. Cover with the petals and pinch the top to seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with peanut oil to 375 degrees F.
Hold the squash blossoms by the stem. Dip each into the tempura batter, making sure to coat completely. Let any excess batter drip off. Place the blossom in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, turning often to brown evenly. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
Zucchini Crisps: (adapted from Elie Kreiger's recipe)
Slice zucchini or squash into 1/4 inch-thick rounds. Toss rounds with oil, coating well.
In a wide bowl or plate, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt and pepper.
Place rounds in parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides of each round, pressing to adhere. The mixture will not completely cover each round, but provides a light coating on each side.
Place rounds in a single layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the rounds.
Bake for about 22 to 27 minutes, until golden brown.
Friday, May 18, 2012
My crazy, crazy life....
It has felt like a century since I last posted! I cannot believe how quickly this entire year is flying by and how grown all my sweet angels are getting. Life has truly been so hectic since our mild winter entered into an early spring and an earlier summer here in NWA. We have been back and forth sick, visited Tulsa and Oklahoma City and I'm now prepping to meet my baby sister (26) in Chicago for my first ever girls trip and house hunting trip for her (she was recently accepted for her PhD at NorthWestern). As soon as I'm back, the house is being painted; my sweet sister, Justine and family are coming for their amazing move to a MUCH closer place (OKC). Then they close on their house, followed by me and 3 kids heading to help the transition/move and Jason and Shelby heading to Kansas City the same week for Gymnastics camp. All this fun and excitement brings me much joy and happiness for I know that I will completely miss this in a few years once my beautiful older girls head off for college ( 2 and 3 years away) and then as my sweet babies (not babies anymore at 3 and 4) grow into the amazing children, teens and adults I know they will. BUT with all that said, I have totally neglected this blog and it's purpose. I have talked with many people on FB and via email who have had questions and need help and then....there was Pinterest....OH MY GOODNESS! What a fabulous site with amazing recipes that people pull together. Some work fantasically, some are ok but I have been able to convert so many new recipes to GF as well as DF and ALWAYS PF it has just been amazing. I have a treasure trove of recipes to share and some new things to talk about as well: like"What's a safe suncreen to use;? How do you know sunscreen, lotions, make up, self tanners, vitamins and other things are safe?; What is Ataxia? ; Celiacs and Diabetes AND How to entertain GF , as well as how to organize your "month at a glance" menu planning like the pros yet GF." So, trust that I have not abandoned you....just taken some well needed time off for some super important times in my life with family and kids.
Yesterday was the last day of preschool for the regular school year and today is the last day for both teens. I am super excited about sharing some great summer recipes and safe tips for traveling. If you guys need any help reorganizing a pantry, starting the GF diet or converting recipes, shoot me an email or comment on my post. I will be updating some things on my blog and some new pics and sharing in the coming weeks but will always answer questions or things you'd like to hear about, so drop me a line anytime!
Yesterday was the last day of preschool for the regular school year and today is the last day for both teens. I am super excited about sharing some great summer recipes and safe tips for traveling. If you guys need any help reorganizing a pantry, starting the GF diet or converting recipes, shoot me an email or comment on my post. I will be updating some things on my blog and some new pics and sharing in the coming weeks but will always answer questions or things you'd like to hear about, so drop me a line anytime!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Chicken Pad Thai
Ok, it's been a while since I posted last. Since the last time we went to Little Rock for Lana's biopsy, celebrated her amazing 1 year heart day of her transplant, and I somehow hurt my shoulder and have been a little out of commision lately. BUT, you know I haven't stopped cooking AND I am happy to say that I have some great recipes to share over the next few days. So Sunday, I sat down and organized myself, menu planned and made my shopping list and while everyone was napping I headed to the store and got everything I needed to feed us for an entire week to try and cut down on my stopping and ending up with unnecessary things! IT worked! I didn't make but that one trip to the store this week and my stress level was so much better. You know how I am always telling you to plan ahead and it will prevent slipping up and eating something that will make you sick. SO, this weeks menu was Spaghetti and meatballs; Tilapia pouches with broccoli and zucchini with rice, Pasta with white beans and broccoli pesto, Shepards Pie, Chicken and vegetable Pad Thai, and chicken tortilla soup. As always all of this is GF and almost always DF and definately Peanut free (yes that means even the Pad Thai). So this post I will highlight the Pad Thai as well as the pasta with white beans and broccoli pesto at the request of several friends of FB.
Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai or Tofu and Vegetable Pad Thai:
(Thai Kitchen makes a whole kit even that has the Thai sauce GF together with the noodles for an even faster version BUT, we eat very few processed foods where I can control the salt/sauce so I made mine from scratch)
8 oz dried wide flat rice noodles (the Thai ones can be found a natural food stores or Whole Foods (most of you know we don't have WF here and re really challenged to find some things that are GF here but our natural store did have them in the GF soy area. LOVE LOVE LOVE these noodles for any type of stir fry or lo mein and they make the super thing ones as well)
1/4 C fresh lime juice plus lime wedges for serving
3 TBSP GF Tamari soy sauce
1 TBSP GF chili sauce (like sriracha)
1 TBSP packed brown sugar
2 TBSP Vegetable oil (I only use olive oil but you can use your choice)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 pkg firm tofu (drained, thinkly sliced and patted dry) OR 4 oz cubed cooked chicken breast
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (for a quicker version I buy the organic already shredded carrots)
8 scallions, white and green parts thinkly sliced ( 1 tso green part reserved)
kosher salt
2 TBSP roasted salted and chopped cashews (or peanuts if you are not allergic)
1/4 C cilantro leaves chopped roughly
Boil 4 C water in a saucepan, remove from heat and soak noodles for 4-8 minutes until tender but aldente (still firm to the bite). Meanwhile, in a small bowl wisk together lime juice, soy sauce, chili sauce and brown sugar and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok heat 1/2 tsp oil over medium high heat tilting to coat pan. Add eggs and swir in a crepe type fashion to coat bottom of pan and cok until just set. Remove to cutting board, loosely roll up and cut into thin strips. Add 4 tsp of oilto skillet or wok and add tofu in single layer or if using uncooked chicken cubes salt and pepper well and add to pan. Cook tofu until brown on each side (abt 7 minutes) or on medium high heat brown chicken until cooked through and sprinkle with a little lime juice and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 1/2 tsp of oil to skillet/wok and add carrots, garlic and scallionsand cook until soft (about 5 min) and add lime juice mixture, bring to simmer and add noodles, stirring to combine. Add egg, chicken/tofu and toss one last time. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with cilatro, lime wedges and a tsp of the green part of the scallions.
Pasta with white beans and broccoli pesto:
I personally LOVE the Quinoa Fusili or rotelle pasta for this dish but the Schar penne is also good. Use the GF pasta that you like best.
1 head Broccoli, cut into 1 inch peices
10 oz GF pasta of choice, preferrable short like fusili or penne
5 tsp olive oil
kosher salt and pepper
1/2 ouce Parmesan (this is not DF, Diya makes a shredded version but some people who are DF can tollerate parm in small amounts but this portion is even optional altogether), finely grated plus more for serving
1 tsp grated lemon zest, 1 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 c chopped parsely (Italian flat leaf)
1 clove garlic
1 can cannelini beans (BPA free can) rinsed and drained
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook broccoli just until tender and bright green (about 4 min) and remove with slotted spoon. Transfer to food processor and return water to boil, add pasta. Reserve 2 C pasta water and drain pasta when it's aldente. Add oil, parmesan (if using), zest, lemon juice, parsley and garlic and puree until smooth. Transfer pesto to pot with pasta adn stir to coat, adding enough reserved pasta water to make a creamy sauce. Stir in cannelini beans and heat until warmed through. season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with more parm if desired.
Both of these recipes are great, kid approved and take 20-25 minutes to make!
Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai or Tofu and Vegetable Pad Thai:
(Thai Kitchen makes a whole kit even that has the Thai sauce GF together with the noodles for an even faster version BUT, we eat very few processed foods where I can control the salt/sauce so I made mine from scratch)
8 oz dried wide flat rice noodles (the Thai ones can be found a natural food stores or Whole Foods (most of you know we don't have WF here and re really challenged to find some things that are GF here but our natural store did have them in the GF soy area. LOVE LOVE LOVE these noodles for any type of stir fry or lo mein and they make the super thing ones as well)
1/4 C fresh lime juice plus lime wedges for serving
3 TBSP GF Tamari soy sauce
1 TBSP GF chili sauce (like sriracha)
1 TBSP packed brown sugar
2 TBSP Vegetable oil (I only use olive oil but you can use your choice)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 pkg firm tofu (drained, thinkly sliced and patted dry) OR 4 oz cubed cooked chicken breast
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (for a quicker version I buy the organic already shredded carrots)
8 scallions, white and green parts thinkly sliced ( 1 tso green part reserved)
kosher salt
2 TBSP roasted salted and chopped cashews (or peanuts if you are not allergic)
1/4 C cilantro leaves chopped roughly
Boil 4 C water in a saucepan, remove from heat and soak noodles for 4-8 minutes until tender but aldente (still firm to the bite). Meanwhile, in a small bowl wisk together lime juice, soy sauce, chili sauce and brown sugar and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok heat 1/2 tsp oil over medium high heat tilting to coat pan. Add eggs and swir in a crepe type fashion to coat bottom of pan and cok until just set. Remove to cutting board, loosely roll up and cut into thin strips. Add 4 tsp of oilto skillet or wok and add tofu in single layer or if using uncooked chicken cubes salt and pepper well and add to pan. Cook tofu until brown on each side (abt 7 minutes) or on medium high heat brown chicken until cooked through and sprinkle with a little lime juice and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 1/2 tsp of oil to skillet/wok and add carrots, garlic and scallionsand cook until soft (about 5 min) and add lime juice mixture, bring to simmer and add noodles, stirring to combine. Add egg, chicken/tofu and toss one last time. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with cilatro, lime wedges and a tsp of the green part of the scallions.
Pasta with white beans and broccoli pesto:
I personally LOVE the Quinoa Fusili or rotelle pasta for this dish but the Schar penne is also good. Use the GF pasta that you like best.
1 head Broccoli, cut into 1 inch peices
10 oz GF pasta of choice, preferrable short like fusili or penne
5 tsp olive oil
kosher salt and pepper
1/2 ouce Parmesan (this is not DF, Diya makes a shredded version but some people who are DF can tollerate parm in small amounts but this portion is even optional altogether), finely grated plus more for serving
1 tsp grated lemon zest, 1 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 c chopped parsely (Italian flat leaf)
1 clove garlic
1 can cannelini beans (BPA free can) rinsed and drained
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook broccoli just until tender and bright green (about 4 min) and remove with slotted spoon. Transfer to food processor and return water to boil, add pasta. Reserve 2 C pasta water and drain pasta when it's aldente. Add oil, parmesan (if using), zest, lemon juice, parsley and garlic and puree until smooth. Transfer pesto to pot with pasta adn stir to coat, adding enough reserved pasta water to make a creamy sauce. Stir in cannelini beans and heat until warmed through. season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with more parm if desired.
Both of these recipes are great, kid approved and take 20-25 minutes to make!
Friday, January 6, 2012
First week of the New Year menu, Epiphany and one year ago....
This week of the new year has been one of alot of reflection. 1/4/11 I packed up my car with 3 of my 4 kids and all the supplies we would need for a few weeks and drove to Little Rock (3 hours away) and admitted my oldest daughter into the cardiac ICU unit at Arkansas Children's Hospital to awat a heart transplant. We had no idea how long the wait would be, she was hooked up to a medication to preserve what was left of her heart function, and we had no idea the outcome. Luckily God brought us back from what can only be described as close to hell as it comes and on 1/25/11 she received a new heart. This week has been an emotional journey for us as will the next few weeks will be. The good news is, we are not there anymore, and we can focus on more amazing things going on in our family. THANKS BE TO GOD!
Today as I right this, it is the Epiphany. The day the wise men reached the birthplace of Jesus and brought him amazing gifts. Some countries call it the celebrations of lights given that the north star is what led them to the littel child in the manger. Most people do not take their Christmas trees down until after the Epiphany but alas, I had to. Everyone was having allergy attacks and asthma type symptoms and the clutter almost drove me batty so away it went...Oh well, at least I waited til after the new year:).
As I prepared my menu for the week, I tried to focus on healthy eating since most people do that in the new year. We typically eat as "clean" and healthy all year round with a few exceptions but I really wanted some new material as it's been more like spring here than January. With no snow and temps in the 60's it's almost a Florida January and closer to bikini season than usual:). So, here is a list of my weeks' menu:
Tuesday I made my asian lettuce wraps:
1 pd ground turkey
1 onion diced
1 red bell pepper chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bag deluxe stir fry mix (frozen food section)\
1/4 C of GF San J terryiaki stir fry sauce
1/4 C of GF San J Orange Sauce
1 head butter living lettuce or boston lettuce
In a medium skillet saute onion and bell pepper ( adding 1 TBSP olive oil if necessary) for about 5 minutes and add ground turkey and brown together. At end of browning add in garlic and cook for another minute or so. Add in the frozen stir fry veggies, thawed or frozen. Cook about 10 minutes until veggies are warmed through yet still firm. My kids like the texture small so I add this mixture to my food processor and pulse briefly to make it more of a crumbly mixture and add back to saute pan but this step is not necessary. Add the stiry fry sauces and lightly cook on medium low until more of a carmelized texture. Break the lettuce leaves apart to make cup sized wraps and set aside, add beef/veggie mixture to bowl and serve. You add about 1 heaping TBSP to the small leaves and maybe two to the larger leaves and wrap to eat like a taco wrap.
Wednesday was Lime in the Coconut Chicken drumsticks with avocado and tomato salad and roasted broccoli:
Rachel Ray's recipe for the chicken is both gluten and dairy free and was good, although the marinade did not sink into the chicken as much as I thought it would. I would reccomend poking more slits in the chicken and letting is marinate longer with possibly even more lime juice:
For the chicken:
3 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 c chopped scallions, whites and greens
1 c cilantro
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 c honey
1 c coconut milk
1/3 c lime juice
10 skin on chicken drumsticks
In a blender combine all ingredients but chicken and puree. Cut 2 deep slits in each drumstick and marinate in coconut mixture at least an hour. transfer chicken to a rack placed on a foil lines cookie sheet and season. bake at 450 for 20 minutes, flip and bake 10 more minutes.
Broccoli:
1 bunch broccoli florets
3 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic minced
preheat oven to 450, spread broccoli in a single layer in a baking sheet or casserole pan. Melt butter in microwave and stir in garlic. Drizzle butter mixture over broccoli and season with salt/pepper and roast about 10 minutes until tender.
Avocado/tomato salad:
2 avocados
1 pint cherry tomatoes
4 Tbsp lime or lemon juice and salt/pepper to taste
Halve, unpit and score both avocados and scoop our into small bowl. Slice or halve the cherry tomatoes, add juice and seasoning and toss.
Thursday was -GF Penne with turkey ragu:
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts finely chopped
2 ckives garlic minced
1 pd ground turkey
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
14 c fresh basil chopped
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces GF penne (I prefer Schar Penne or Quinoa Rotelle)
2 Tbsp half and half
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add pasta. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add leeks, garlic and turkey and cook, stirring until turkey browns, abut 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to boil and cook 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add half the basil and parmesan. Simmer stirring occasionally until thickened, about 10 more minutes. Stir and cook pasta until al dente then drain. Reserve 1/2 c cooking liquid and empty pasta directly into saute pan and stir. Add half and half and toss to coat, adding some of the cooking liquid to loosen if necessary. Serve warm with additional parmesan if wanted.
Finally Friday: Enchilada casserole and black bean salad:
1 pd ground sirloin or 1 pd ground turkey
1 c chopped onion
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp garlilc minced
1 1/2 Tbsp GF flour blend
1 C reduced sodium, GF beef broth
1 Tbsp 40% less sodium, GF taco seasoning mix (Old Elpaso)
1 8 oz can no salt added tomato sauce or homemade tomato sauce canned
1 small can chopped green chilis
12 small GF corn tortillas or 4 8 inch brown rice tortillas
1/3 C Weight Watchers Fiesta Blend shredded cheese or 1/3 C shredded Jalepeno jack cheese
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add beef/turkey and onion to pan. Cook 6 minutes stirring to a crumble mixture. Preheat over to 400. Melt butter in small saute pan. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and cook for about 30 secondsstirring constantly until lumps are gone. Add broth, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to pan and bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 C of tomato mixture to beef mixture and stir to combine. Place 1 brown rice tortilla or overlapping 4 corn tortillas in the bottom of a 9 inch pie pan. Top with 1 C beef mixture and spread around, top with 1 Tbsp cheese and layer accordingly ending with tortillas and top with leftover sauce and then leftover cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
Black bean Salad:
1 can whole balck beans drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes halved
1 avocado, halved, seed removed and scored then scooped
1 head romaine, chopped
salt/pepper
lime juice
Add first 5 ingredients to bowl and toss with lime juice and season to taste.
Today as I right this, it is the Epiphany. The day the wise men reached the birthplace of Jesus and brought him amazing gifts. Some countries call it the celebrations of lights given that the north star is what led them to the littel child in the manger. Most people do not take their Christmas trees down until after the Epiphany but alas, I had to. Everyone was having allergy attacks and asthma type symptoms and the clutter almost drove me batty so away it went...Oh well, at least I waited til after the new year:).
As I prepared my menu for the week, I tried to focus on healthy eating since most people do that in the new year. We typically eat as "clean" and healthy all year round with a few exceptions but I really wanted some new material as it's been more like spring here than January. With no snow and temps in the 60's it's almost a Florida January and closer to bikini season than usual:). So, here is a list of my weeks' menu:
Tuesday I made my asian lettuce wraps:
1 pd ground turkey
1 onion diced
1 red bell pepper chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bag deluxe stir fry mix (frozen food section)\
1/4 C of GF San J terryiaki stir fry sauce
1/4 C of GF San J Orange Sauce
1 head butter living lettuce or boston lettuce
In a medium skillet saute onion and bell pepper ( adding 1 TBSP olive oil if necessary) for about 5 minutes and add ground turkey and brown together. At end of browning add in garlic and cook for another minute or so. Add in the frozen stir fry veggies, thawed or frozen. Cook about 10 minutes until veggies are warmed through yet still firm. My kids like the texture small so I add this mixture to my food processor and pulse briefly to make it more of a crumbly mixture and add back to saute pan but this step is not necessary. Add the stiry fry sauces and lightly cook on medium low until more of a carmelized texture. Break the lettuce leaves apart to make cup sized wraps and set aside, add beef/veggie mixture to bowl and serve. You add about 1 heaping TBSP to the small leaves and maybe two to the larger leaves and wrap to eat like a taco wrap.
Wednesday was Lime in the Coconut Chicken drumsticks with avocado and tomato salad and roasted broccoli:
Rachel Ray's recipe for the chicken is both gluten and dairy free and was good, although the marinade did not sink into the chicken as much as I thought it would. I would reccomend poking more slits in the chicken and letting is marinate longer with possibly even more lime juice:
For the chicken:
3 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 c chopped scallions, whites and greens
1 c cilantro
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 c honey
1 c coconut milk
1/3 c lime juice
10 skin on chicken drumsticks
In a blender combine all ingredients but chicken and puree. Cut 2 deep slits in each drumstick and marinate in coconut mixture at least an hour. transfer chicken to a rack placed on a foil lines cookie sheet and season. bake at 450 for 20 minutes, flip and bake 10 more minutes.
Broccoli:
1 bunch broccoli florets
3 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic minced
preheat oven to 450, spread broccoli in a single layer in a baking sheet or casserole pan. Melt butter in microwave and stir in garlic. Drizzle butter mixture over broccoli and season with salt/pepper and roast about 10 minutes until tender.
Avocado/tomato salad:
2 avocados
1 pint cherry tomatoes
4 Tbsp lime or lemon juice and salt/pepper to taste
Halve, unpit and score both avocados and scoop our into small bowl. Slice or halve the cherry tomatoes, add juice and seasoning and toss.
Thursday was -GF Penne with turkey ragu:
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts finely chopped
2 ckives garlic minced
1 pd ground turkey
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
14 c fresh basil chopped
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces GF penne (I prefer Schar Penne or Quinoa Rotelle)
2 Tbsp half and half
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add pasta. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add leeks, garlic and turkey and cook, stirring until turkey browns, abut 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to boil and cook 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add half the basil and parmesan. Simmer stirring occasionally until thickened, about 10 more minutes. Stir and cook pasta until al dente then drain. Reserve 1/2 c cooking liquid and empty pasta directly into saute pan and stir. Add half and half and toss to coat, adding some of the cooking liquid to loosen if necessary. Serve warm with additional parmesan if wanted.
Finally Friday: Enchilada casserole and black bean salad:
1 pd ground sirloin or 1 pd ground turkey
1 c chopped onion
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp garlilc minced
1 1/2 Tbsp GF flour blend
1 C reduced sodium, GF beef broth
1 Tbsp 40% less sodium, GF taco seasoning mix (Old Elpaso)
1 8 oz can no salt added tomato sauce or homemade tomato sauce canned
1 small can chopped green chilis
12 small GF corn tortillas or 4 8 inch brown rice tortillas
1/3 C Weight Watchers Fiesta Blend shredded cheese or 1/3 C shredded Jalepeno jack cheese
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add beef/turkey and onion to pan. Cook 6 minutes stirring to a crumble mixture. Preheat over to 400. Melt butter in small saute pan. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and cook for about 30 secondsstirring constantly until lumps are gone. Add broth, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to pan and bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 C of tomato mixture to beef mixture and stir to combine. Place 1 brown rice tortilla or overlapping 4 corn tortillas in the bottom of a 9 inch pie pan. Top with 1 C beef mixture and spread around, top with 1 Tbsp cheese and layer accordingly ending with tortillas and top with leftover sauce and then leftover cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
Black bean Salad:
1 can whole balck beans drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes halved
1 avocado, halved, seed removed and scored then scooped
1 head romaine, chopped
salt/pepper
lime juice
Add first 5 ingredients to bowl and toss with lime juice and season to taste.
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