Gluten Free…Who? ME?

Bye bye!

2010-10-30T12:20:00.002-04:00

Things change - life changs. And so do blogs:

Please join Mike and I as we start our family blog together and pursue our dream of adoption...

http://theannessafamily.blogspot.com/

Michael's Steak

2010-08-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

This is one of the best meals I’ve ever had – super pricey restaurant meals included. Every time my husband makes this I am reminded that I am a lucky, lucky woman. And then…I see the dishes and the aftermath of cooking something in Olive Oil on a black gas stove…and then I smile and remind myself that, although he is wonderful…he is a man, a man who needs a wife. If for nothing more than to tell him he makes one hell of a steak and to clean up after his messy ass!

Here is what you’ll need…

· 2 cups of red wine
· 2 steaks (we’ve used everything from filet to NY Strip)
· Olive oil to coat the pan well
· Mushrooms ( 1 tub)
· Onions (1 diced fine)
· Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
· Rosemarry (4 sprigs, chopped)
· S&P to taste

Begin by heating some EVOO in a large, oven safe pan. Dust both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper and sear them for 2 minutes on each side. Add the garlic, onions, mushrooms, and rosemary. Stir a bit. Put the pan into the oven at 375 for 10-15 minutes (time depends on your cut of meat and how you like your steak). Remove the pan (DON’T FORGET YOUR MITS!) and add the red wine. Simmer for about 10 minutes on the stove.

Serve with mashed potatoes to get all the yummy juices off your plate and some lightly steamed green beans to make you feel better about how much steak you’ll be eating. And of course, it's gluten free!

I have a confession...

2010-08-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

I think that movies cost way too much these days. Around here it's $11 a ticket, $14 if you happen to choose a "digital projection" showtime. And what do you get for your extra $3 - not a damn thing worth paying for! I certainly can't tell the difference in picture quality (though I also can't tell the difference in HD, which drives my husband crazy) and I really don't need someone coming to my seat and taking my order for popcorn. Especially when I bring my own!

When you add up the cost for two people to go see an evening show it's sort of staggering. $22 for tickets, about $15 for snacks and drinks, and you're pushing $40 - with no guarantee you'll even like the flick! After a horrific experience going to see Hot Tub Time Machine (worst movie, ever, of all time, almost caused a divorce, bad bad night), we decided to go easy on our $40 gambling. Typically we go to redbox, rent a movie for $1, and I'll make some air-popped popcorn at home. We can eve cuddle on the recliners with are two dogs - what could be better?

That all being said, sometimes you just have to go see something when all the cool kids are going too. Get Him to the Greek (Pretty good movie!) was a movie we both wanted to see because we find Russel Brand to be pretty darn funny. So - what do you do when you are A: Cheap. B: Gluten Free. and C: Sneaky? You go see a matinee ($8.50 per ticket) and you bring your own!

It took me about 10 minutes to switch purses to my larger one, fill up the water bottle with ice, realize the ice made a "clinky" sound and dump it all out and start over, transfer the white cheddar popcorn to a ziploc bag so I could stuff it in easier, and remind my husband that I eat my weight in popcorn so he better grab some sweedish fish. Whew! That was work! But so worth it! Not only was it cheaper, it was healthier! And I could be 100% certain it was gluten free.

Watermelon

2010-08-03T07:40:00.003-04:00

I would argue that a more perfect food on a hot summer day would be impossible to find. When I think back to my childhood I have vivid memories of my chubby little bottom sitting on a warm patio, watermelon in my hand (and on my face), seeds everywhere (did they have seedless watermelon when I was a kid? If they did my parents were holding out!), and my wispy blonde hair constantly getting stuck to my sticky, pink cheeks. Watermelon has always remained a constant in my ever evolving summers.

Though I certainly enjoy my watermelon right off the rind and "plain" (that sounds wrong to say about something so awesome) part of growing up, getting married, and needing to entertain on occasion means I get to challenge myself to create something different and unique out of something old and trusted. Here are two watermelon "recipe's" that are both raw and vegan. And both utterly delicious anytime you can get your hands on a ripe watermelon:

"You put the lime in the watermelon..."
(Sorry...couldn't resist...more mature individuals may call this "Watermelon & Lime Side dish/Salad"). Serves 4...or one...if that one is me:)

One watermelon, cut from it's rind and cubed
Two limes, zest of both and juice of one (or to taste)
Sea salt of choice (to taste...I use about 1 t)

So...ya...it's sort of easy huh? Just toss the watermelon, zest, juice, and salt...chill...and eat! Super simple and super yum:)

"Watermelon Limeade"

(tons of recipe's online but this is my version), Makes four glasses

Half of a watermelon, cubed.
2-3 limes, juice and zest
4 cups water
1-2 cups ice (depending on the consistency you want)
Sweetener of choice (I went with just a bit of agave...but you may not need any.

So...just put it in the blender and blend! It's a little thicker than traditional limeade so you could juice/blend & strain the watermelon if you would prefer.

So get out and enjoy your watermelon! The summer months are short...and it's already August!

Person: "You look too thin"

2010-08-02T11:05:00.011-04:00

Me: "Really? - Well, I think I look pretty good"

Person: "Are you eating?"

Me: "Yessss..."

Person: "Are you sure you're eating enough?"

Me: "Well, I'm not hungry..."

I just need a sign... "No I am not anorexic. A: Since more than 50% of the population is obese maybe you need to check your comparison's. B: It's called Celiac Disease...google it".

Or maybe that's TMI, maybe just "It's called Celiac...google it".

I eat. I eat a lot. However...I eat a lot of super healthy stuff because I can't eat all the processed crap everyone else does. And the reasons for this are more than just the Celiac Disease...I also know myself well enough to know what my body needs.

I eat gluten-free pepperoni pizza with a load of cheese and tons of grease. Ask Mike. Though i do it rarely because...

A: The only gluten free pizza I like is 45 minutes from my house.
B. I'm discovering I have a slight reaction to dairy so I am trying to avoid it when possible, and
C. I feel like crap afterwards.

Yes - my diet is strange. I eat more raw foods in one day than most people do in a week. I don't do it because I want to be skinny...I do it because I feel better when I do.

I've polished off a bag of ranch Doritos...on my own...and yes we are talking about the FAMILY SIZE bag. I love my TJ's Soy Cherry Chocolate Chip icecream. I eat my moms spaghetti and LOVE it. But when I am planning my food just for me (so breakfast and lunch) it's consistently raw and vegan. Why? Because I damn well want to...that's why. I am eating what I HAVE TO so I don't have any more medical complication and what I WANT TO so I continue to feel good and stay healthy.

And dinner...well...I have a husband. And I love my husband. And while we have 2-3 vegetarian/vegan dinner a week I am not opposed to meat and dairy when it's organic and the animals have been treated humanely (yes, I know the end result is death which isn't humane...I'm working it out people, give me time).

So please - don't judge. Whether you're looking at someone you think is too large, is acting odd, needs a facial, or is too thin...for God's sake please remember we all have our own story. Maybe you're looking at someone with an endocrine disorder that makes it completely impossible to stay thin. Maybe you're looking at a young man with Autism who is struggling to fit in and doesn't need another person judging him. Maybe your looking at someone with Psoriasis - an autoimmune disorder that can absolutely tear you apart, outside and in. And maybe, just maybe, that thin girl you're secretly eyeing and sizing up - maybe she's me. And maybe it's called Celiac Disease.

Part Box, Part Fresh, All YUM!

2010-07-21T10:52:00.001-04:00

This was the first meal I made once I went gluten-free. When I found out that Old El Paso hard tacos dinner kits are completely safe I felt a strange sense of hope. I know, pathetic, hope from a taco kit. But when your busy as hell and have just had a rug pulled out from under you with this gluten free crap knowing you can buy a box and make dinner is so comforting. And of course, I have to dress it up and add some wonderful, fresh ingredients to make this meal as healthy as possible. We like to use chopped salad-mix lettuce to get a variety of leafy greens, fresh tomatoes, purple onions, jalapenos, and freshly grated cheddar from a local farm (Windmill Meadow). Organic, reduced fat, sour creme is also a staple for our tacos. We also use beef that is truly angelic...litteraly...and it makes such a difference to have fresh, local beef.

So buy the box, do what it says, use some simple and fresh ingredients, and enjoy knowing it's possible to enjoy the same standard, easy meals as everyone else. Gluten free, uncomplicated...love it!

What was your first home-cooked gluten free meal?

I Killed My KitchenAid! (Again!)

2010-07-18T00:09:00.000-04:00

And this wasn't the first time! I've been through two KitchenAid blenders - the first was the pretty stainless awesome cool version we got for our wedding, the second was the same just the white version. Both yielded the same results...they freakin died on me! Now, in defense of blenders everywhere mine get quite the workout. I start every morning with a green smoothie and it seems the addition of spinach, kale, or another greens is just too much. So WTF! My freakin blender isn't cool with going green? Not a fan of Raw? Fine then...I'm done!

In not-so-loving memory of my KitchenAid blenders

I give you the final smoothie...

So, whats a girl to do? I'm checking out reviews and really liked the one over at Kristin's Raw Blog that looked at the Vitamix and the Blendtec. I've looked in to both and am trying to decide what's best for me. It's not small investment...we're talking anywhere between $300 and $500. But I need a good blender that will keep up with my ever-changing lifestyle. I've contacted both companies mentioned above, plus two other high-powered blenders on the market for their input. So far I've had two companies offer to send me a blender, for free, if I only use their blender and talk about it frequently. I'm still holding out hope for one of the companies I'm very interested in working with to sign on...so we will see. Hopefully you all know that I would only work with a company I believed in...and with all the requests for reviews of products and restaurants I'm getting a lot of e-mails from people who are newly diagnosed and relying on my blog, among others, to help them make good choices. I actually got 27 e-mails for information on which crockpot I use and which one they should buy. 27! While it's a lot to handle I'm thrilled that so many people are learning from my experiences - it means a lot to know that something I am going is making someones experience a little easier.

I guess I don't mind eating all the gross GFree food, testing all the products that don't work, and eating lots of cheesecake...all in the name of helping someone else :)

Well...the blender situation continues...and my poor smoothies and I just sit...and wait...

Crockpot Chex Krispies

2010-07-11T20:25:00.000-04:00

Rice Krispies...oh how I love you! There is something about the blend of crunchy and chewy that I totally adore - the texture and the taste of rice krispies treats is just perfect. When I met my husband I quickly learned that these were a favorite of his. However, I didn't make them much. And to tell the truth, I used to be afraid of making them. I hated the whole stove-top marshmallow combo that seemed to always be a delicate balance between smooth and melty and scary burning smelly stuff. So I guess the point is that I didn't have the attention span or desire to hover over a pan in fear for the purpose of making something I could buy in a box if I wanted to. And then I discovered preservatives, and health, and all those fun things that never seemed all that important a few years ago.

And along with this discovery came another discovery...Crockpot Lady. Truth be told, when I decided to start a blog and went looking for advice, Stephanie was one of the TWO popular gluten-free bloggers who returned my e-mail and offered her support and suggestions - pretty impressive considering she manages two blogs, a beautiful family, and has also written a book filled with crockpot recipes inspired by her blog. I learned so much about my crockpot and cooking easy, gluten free, meals from Stephanie - she has been such a huge source of inspiration for me...and I've never even met her!

One of her first recipe's I tried was the Crockprot Rice Krispies Treat Recipe. The first thing I will tell you is that I LOVE making these in the crockpot. Gluten-free or not this is the way to do it. You don't need to worry about burning anything and, although it obviously takes longer, it's much less stressful and your much less likely to burn the crap out of yourself. And because Rice Krispies are not gluten free (malt barley) Stephanie made her with Barbara's organic brown rice crisps. Now I will say I tried these and, they were delicious. However, I did feel the crunch-part of the texture was lacking a bit. So I decided to experiment with various gluten-free cereal options. And the winner?

Rice Chex Crispy Treats!

1/2 stick of butter

1 package of mini marshmallows (some use a little less, I prefer the full bag)

6ish cups of Rice Chex

BE SURE TO SPRAY YOUR CROCKPOT WITH A GLUTEN FREE COOKING SPRAY! I am not responsible for the pain and suffering you will endure in getting these suckers out if you do not follow this crucial step!

Then just slice the butter into the bottom, dump in the marshmallows, dump in the Chex, cover and cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2 (I prefer cooking on low to avoid any burning possibilities). Give it a mix and if it seems like it needs more melting time, give it about 10 minutes or so. If you think it's to marshmallowy (weirdo!) add more Chex. Just play with it. Then spoon the mixture out into a square pan (brownie-ish size) that's been sprayed with gluten-free cooking spray ( I like this better than any wrap or foil - no worries of paper sticking), press down with a spatula, stick in the fridge for an hour, cut into squares, explain the "1 per day and not for breakfast" rule to your husband...or kids, whatever:)

Enjoy!

A Gluten Free Review: Earth Cafe Cheesecake

2010-07-07T21:37:00.004-04:00

When you go gluten free you are exposed to a world where food is no longer about stuffing your face with what is good, it’s about nourishing your body with what is good for you. You learn about eating to bring you maximum health and your mentality changes as you shift from processed to produce. You go from monochromatic lunches to plates filled with vivid colors. In short, you begin to eat consciously. With all of this conscious eating I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever be able to dive into another decadent dessert filled with deep flavors that meld together in creamy perfection. Okay, enough of the flowery language – I wanted a friggin piece of a cheesecake! And knowing what I know now about living healthy I wanted the most nutritiously dense cheesecake that would leave me feeling less like a diet failure and more like I just did something good for myself. Enter Earth Café. Though formerly vegetarian I was still a bit put off at the thought of vegan cheesecake. But not only was this cheesecake vegan, it is also wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, has no refined sugars, no harmful oils or fats, no cholesterol and is hand made from organic ingredients. And so, I chuckled to myself, and then went about trying to sample this cheesecake that seemed to defy all culinary logic. My cheesecake samples arrived at my office individually wrapped and kept fresh with dry ice. The vast array of flavors was astounding; Who’s Your Daddy (carob mousse), Rockin’ Raspberry, Cali Style (lemon), Strawberry Fields, Blueberry Thrill, and of course the good old Original. I let the slices sit for a bit and then snuck into the kitchen to grab a bite before lunch. I pulled out the Rockin’ Raspberry and took a fork to what was seemingly an ordinary piece of cheesecake. And this of course is completely un-ordinary as this cheesecake has NOTHING in it that a regular cheesecake does. Then...I took a bite...

And then I praised myself for having these samples sent to my office. Because, you see, this cheesecake was so amazing that had I been left alone in my own home, I would have found a comfy corner and gone to town on every last piece. The fact I could plate them all up and share with coworkers meant I wouldn’t be in a cheesecake comma in a few hours AND I had an entire panel of testers. Non-gluten free, skeptical, and un-foody testers at that. And the realization that we all came to when trying to describe the taste of these cheesecakes was that each slice simply tasted like a piece of really good, super fresh, gourmet cheesecake. The Rocking Raspberry, my person favorite, is made with fresh raspberries, soaked cashews, coconut, coconut butter, agave nectar, soaked pecans, soaked walnuts, lemon, vanilla bean extractive, cinnamon, lecithin, and sea salt. Put it together and you have a slice of creamy, tart, sweet, light, fresh and delicious cheesecake. Even if you’ve never eaten a raw meal in your life, have no food restrictions, and think I am insane. Just order a cheesecake. I dare you. You will understand that raw, vegan, and gluten free doesn’t mean you sacrifice a thing in taste. Simply, you will NEVER look at food the same way again.

One more thought: The soaked walnuts come through a little strong, as walnuts are known for their strong flavor and after-taste. Maybe try soaked almonds instead? Regardless, this was the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted; gluten filled and non vegan included!

Simple Shrimp Scampi

2010-07-01T08:42:00.000-04:00

Shrimp Scampi sounds so intimidating - so fancy pants restaurant-y I never even considered it. And then I looked through recipes, and thought about how to make it as simple and fresh as possible. And this is what I came up with - it's not rocket science of course; however, my anti-seafood husband even requests this meal and says it's one of his favorites. I get so much praise for this meal - it's perfect. Simple ingredients you probably have at home, quick to make, easy to clean up - what more can you ask for? This lovely dish will also be featured as a guest post over at Ginger Lemon Girl today!

Simple Shrimp Scampi

3 T butter

Juice and zest of one lemon

Salt & Pepper to taste

2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

12 shrimp (I use frozen shrimp that's already fully cooked and just thaw)

2 small zucchini (or any green veggie of choice such as fresh green beans or broccoli)

Gluten free noodles (I LOVE tinkyada brown rice pasta - any shape works)

Start with the butter, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a non-stick pan (above) and melt. Add in your zucchini and saute for about 5 minutes.

Add in your shrimp and saute for another 5.

Add in your noodles (boil first to a little less than al-dente - so like 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time) and saute for another 5 minutes.

You're Welcome!

Gluten Free in NC: The Snowbird

2010-06-28T08:23:00.000-04:00

If you are EVER anywhere EVEN CLOSE to the Outer Banks you MUST drive by and get some soft-serve. This place is just ridiculous – absolutely ridiculous. After assessing the small risk of CC from the cones being near the mixer they agreed to wipe it down and be sure to keep my cup away from anything gluten-y. I quickly decided on peanut-butter soft serve even though the heat would have made even the most die-hard peanut-butter fan order something fruity…but I’m no fair-weather fan…I mean business. And I will tell you that this was the best ice-cream of my life. I will also confess I refused to leave the Outer Banks without getting some for the drive. And then I will confess I had a dream about it once we were home. It is that good. And they use REAL PEANUT BUTTER and mix it in with the vanilla soft serve in a beautiful little machine that makes absolutely magic. I have delusions about driving back to NC one weekend, just for peanut butter soft-serve at Snowbird. Luckily I have a husband who is pretty darn good at saving me from myself.

My only recommendation would be to have a cone-only and cup-only station to better control for CC – other than that all I have to say is…OPEN ONE UP IN VIRGINIA, will ya? If you're one facebook and want to become a fan of Snowbird, you just might find me there:)

Gluten Free in NC: Goombays

2010-06-24T13:31:00.001-04:00

Goombay's is a local favorite, a great hang out spot, and a place I have fond memories of from years past (parking in a tree, the “flying bird” and hearing about the “Gooooommmbabyyyyyssss SMASHhhhhhhhh” from my aunt Bev about 50 times). Now the Goombay’s Smash is delicious, a great “get drunk drink” as my mother-in-law puts it because the taste is just amazing and refreshing, so you don’t realize what you’re doing to yourself later. We stopped here for dinner on our first night and I asked the waitress about several menu items which she checked with the chef on. Turns out that they can make a lot of their items gluten free, such as the crab-stuffed portabella, just by using plain old lump crab meat and not “the mix” which she indicated had bread crumbs.

In the end the beach bum in my won out and I went for the spiced steamed shrimp after they brought me a hand written (nice chef, huh?) list of the ingredients in their spice mix. I also had a side salad which was very good.

My only recommendation other than to go out on a limb and create a few gluten free items and label them in the menu would be to offer a gluten free dessert. They boast hand-made desserts that change daily and it would have been nice to have a gluten free option to enjoy.

Gluten Free in NC: Mulligans

2010-06-21T09:25:00.001-04:00

I can’t lie. We ate at Mulligan's not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES. We even canceled reservations at an swanky on the water restaurant to come back here for dinner. Now, you might be thinking “That’s pretty pathetic”. However, when your gluten free it’s all about finding a place that makes you feel safe. Our first encounter was for lunch after a morning on the beach and we decided to sit outside on the top balcony where you get an amazing view of the Outer Banks and the ocean. We sat in a mini-picnic-benchish-thingy with an umbrella. Our waitress was a doll, and I’m so sorry I didn’t get her name (cute girl, brown hair, bandana-esk thing in her hair…on both occasion…ya we had to tuck our tails between our legs and don a guilty smile when we returned the next day for lunch…again) because she deserves the credit for us being repeat customers. To begin, the drinks were amazing. The Orange Crush and Ruby Red Crush were outstanding; each with fresh juice. For lunch (both days…I know, pathetic) I ordered a Greek salad. Now I explained what I needed and she assured me they would accommodate my gluten intolerance. Minutes later she returned and asked if they could pane sear my chicken in a little EVOO and some S&P instead of the grilled I asked for because they were worried about CC. I smiled and said absolutely and thanked her for being sure everything went right in the kitchen. She then returned to inform me of exactly what was in the dressing to be sure it would work for me. It was amazing to be able to relax, drink in one hand, my hubby’s hand in my other, and the ocean right in front of us. And then lunch came.

And let me tell you – this salad – is just amazing. I’ve had my share of Greek salads because they are truly a favorite – but this was above and beyond. After a great lunch we returned to the beach where we concluded we are not “expensive restaurant on the water” beach people; instead we are “cheap place with great food and great drinks and a view” beach people. So we returned and I ordered the crab legs and a side salad, both delicious, both GFree (thanks to waitress number 2).

And then we returned the next day for yet another Greek Salad, done my way, before hitting the road for home.
My only recommendation here would be to clearly label the menu with some gluten free options. No regular customer would mind seeing a small “GF” or “Can be made GF” next to their favorite on the menu and it would sure be a pleasant surprise for anyone who is Gluten free.

Gluten Free in NC: The White Doe Inn

2010-06-18T09:30:00.005-04:00

Imagine the perfect house; a combination of old and new; a mix of a cottage in the country and life on the beach. The White Doe Inn has everything that makes me smile; a wrap-around porch, tree swing, several “secret spots” complete with hammocks, lounge chairs, fire pits, bocce ball; it just has everything. This is only the outside.

When you walk in the mix of old/new/beach/cottage continues. The gorgeously decorated sitting rooms still remain inviting and cozy; the fine furniture and antiques don’t impart that “look, but don’t touch” feel of many bed and breakfasts. Everything is artful, tasteful, brimming with simplicity at it’s absolute best. Every turn you make, every door you walk through leads to something new, something even more perfect than the room before.

We chose The Garden Room. This is a spectacular room with a private entrance off to the side of the home that boasts a fireplace, separate shower and hot tub, a sitting area, and absolutely beautiful décor.

See what I mean? It is all simple and extravagant at the same time. And all of this simply pales in comparison to what you will wake up to in the morning. As you rise from your amazingly sound sleep it begins; the smells of breakfast waft through the walls and seem to call you to join the other guests for breakfast. And this is no continental or “hot breakfast” special that consists of a toaster and some waffles. No. This is a four-course masterpiece that is again, a brilliant mix. Everything from grits with cheese and butter to gourmet, fresh fruit inspired, dessert (thats right - dessert - at breakfast!

I know I keep coming back to the same thing; but truly, to master the balance they have is just extraordinary. How many times have you staid somewhere that you felt completely comfortable enjoying a gourmet breakfast on the side porch in the midst of ethereal gardens and off of fine china and glass stemware…IN YOUR FLIP FLOPS? With your hair still wet? Wearing a bathing suit and a cover-up? I would wager this has not happened to many of you. And so, here are some exquisite examples of the two breakfasts we experienced (truly, it’s an experience) during our stay.

And the owners, well they are just as perfect. They embody that simplicity and ease that comes with life on the water. They are down to earth, they are real, and the realness comes across with grace and beauty. From the warm welcome, to the hug when you depart; they show they care. Whether it’s making gluten free reservation at a fancy restaurant, or giving you the skinny on the best local bar or where to go for ice-cream – they are truly beautiful people.

And as I alluded to earlier; they accommodated my gluten intolerance brilliantly. I was served a delicious and sade breakfast every morning and they even took the time to speak directly the owner of the restaurant we were eating at to ensure they understood my needs. As those of you with allergies, sensitivities, or an intolerance know it feels so satisfying to be taken care of and catered to in a way that is effortless and doesn’t draw attention. When the beautiful girl serving our breakfast came out to bring our first course on the first morning she came to our table, served me and my husband, smiled at me and said she knew of my concerns with gluten and that all the food is being prepared separate for me and she will be taking great care in bring it out as well. I didn’t need to say a word, well, other than “thanks!”.

My only recommendation in the gluten free department would be to mix things up. I had a quiche both mornings, and while delicious, chefs should be aware that gluten free doesn’t mean protein only breakfasts. If my husband (God love him) can make gluten free pancakes I’m sure a chef could figure it out too. The Inn also offers a great assortment of cookies, cakes, and other baked goods in the evenings along with trail and snack mixes. Unfortunately, none of these were gluten free. It would have made me completely overjoyed to see a “flourless peanut butter cookie”, like this one. Sometimes the extra little step really can make all the difference when you live in a culinary world that very rarely offers you anything extra, or surprising. Gluten free food is not about living without; it should be about being inspired to create dishes that equal or better the gluten containing alternative.

Gluten Free in NC: The "Emergency Food Bag"

2010-06-16T09:50:00.006-04:00

No, it isn't fair. It's a pain in the ass to have to bring an entire extra bag (or suitcase) of your food just in case. However, the alternative puts you at risk for a lot of negatives I would rather avoid. Things like taking a chance on a meal being GF when you're not sure, starving, having to go to the grocery store every day, getting sick, etc...

While I have one hell of an understanding husband I like to make things as easy as possible. We don't get a lot of time to vacation together and I don't have any desire to spend that time together, especially at the beach, in the grocery store...or...you know where.

So I packed my favorite chips, apples, bananas, carrots, almonds, GF pretzels, lara bars, and one microwaveable GF meal. It was nice to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. And guess what? During our 3 day trip the only thing I ate from my "emergency food bag" was a freakin banana! It turns out being Gluten Free in NC was a huge success!

Up next, our lovely B&B, done gluten-free just for me!

The Start of Summer & Gluten Free in NC!

2010-06-12T20:26:00.001-04:00

I love my husband. I adore every little thing about him. From the crinkles the corner of his eyes get when he smiles, to the way his eyes actually do change color depending on his shirt (going from a sky blue to a subtle green – both equally gorgeous), he’s just made for me. And nothing makes me love him more than staring at him out of the corner of my eye as we point our car towards the south and head to the beach.

And not just ANY beach, MY beach. I say that because I am an NC girl (Outer Banks to be exact), through and through. White sandy beaches with clear, blue water – not for me. Even my husbands beach, South Carolina (more specifically Hilton Head), is just a little too pristine for me. The sand is a little too white, the ocean a little too blue, the vibe a little too much for me – I guess for me it lacks simplicity. I savor the texture of my darker beach – fine and powdery to more coarse and grainy. The feel of the sand as I walk along the beach is priceless – I twist my foot a little with each step to feel it even more. And the feeling of stepping down and finding the sand beneath my feet and between my toes is renewed with every wave that crashes and brings the crisp water to shore – wiping away the sand and allowing me the opportunity to start all over again. The water is chilled, slightly startling at first, and then it becomes refreshing and needed in the hot sun of summer. I love the diluted, simple, blue/green-ish color of the ocean and the white streaks that engulf the waves as they crash, bringing to shore a whisk of cold ocean water led by a line of white foam. The sounds of the turning ocean, the crashing waves, the foam as it fades into nothingness against the shore – it’s all too perfect for me (not to mention it’s a little less about golf and more about the beach – sorry mom & dad Annessa, I’m just not a golf girl…yet…but how about a game of tennis?). I love the houses that line the coastline – from the massive, pristine mansion’s to those dubbed part of “historic Nags Head” – the real houses all made from wood, all on stilts, all porches and decks, and no fuss. I need the small dives and local-loved restaurants that no one who didn’t know the Outer Banks would flock to. I love the worn, weathered feel to everything that is my beach.

I covet the lives of those who get to call my vacation spot home. The locals are this mix of every type of person I love – almost like your family, including the crazy Uncle Joe. They are part beach bums, part dreamers and idealist, part blue-collar-bust-your-ass-to-make-a-living kind of people; give the shirt of their back kind of people -my people.

My next few posts will be of some of the places I visited on our trip to North Carolina and some tips on being Gluten Free In NC – Hope you come back and check them out!

Thank's Carrie!

2010-06-09T20:19:00.003-04:00

I feel honored to have the opportunity to do my first (hopefully, of many) guest posts! It was for GingerLemonGirl's "30 days gluten free quick & easy" and I shared my stir-fry recipe and garbanzo bean cake recipe! Go check out my guest post and take some time to get to know GingerLemonGirl!

Very Appeeling

2010-06-06T19:08:00.007-04:00

I truly don't know how anyone can survive without smoothies. Whether it's a quick breakfast or the only dinner I have the energy to throw together - smoothies can be a very healthy part of your day and help you get multiple vitamins, nutrients, and other things you need in one little glass. I've shared my PB&J Smoothie before and, the truth is, there is no right or wrong way to make a smoothie (unless you add a ton of icecream, artificial sweeteners, and PB with high fructose corn syrup - so ya, I guess you can mess it up). My rule of thumb is to always have a protein (peanut butter, nuts - you can soak whole, raw almonds overnight in water, and some strawberries and rice milk, and blend into a strawberry-almond smoothie), a binder (milk, soy milk, rice milk, etc - or juice if your doing an all fruit smoothie - yogurt with a little water can work too), and a banana (don't know why, just think it makes everything more creamy). You can do a green smoothie too - which I don't know as much about. Though I have tossed a chunk of kale into a regular fruit smoothie and, although the color can end up a but...eh...odd...the taste is still really much the same.

Anyways the point of this post is for those of you who, like me, feel a banana is a smoothie requirement. I recently learned, thanks to a sign by my organic bananas at Trader Joe's, that most of the fiber in a banana stays tucked into the peel. All you need to do to get at this yummy, fiber-rich goodness is take a spoon and skim the inside of your peel. That's it!

The calm AFTER the storm...

2010-06-05T22:33:00.006-04:00

There is something about a good storm that leaves the world calmer and filled will a sense of renewal. The rumbling of the thunder and the flash of lighting create fear, uncertainty; leave you on your edge with your heart thumping a bit more wildly. Well the rolling thunder came through my home…literally. Rolling Thunder - a yearly tradition where motorcyclists from around the country begin a ride to The Wall in Washington DC. Some ride for thousands of miles, other only a few; but all ride for the same reason. And that reason is to raise awareness and to make sure we never forget our heroes who are Missing In Action, or Prisoners Of War.

I know several people who ride in this every year, one of which I am proud to call dad. My father, Ralph (and no – if we have a boy we are NOT keeping the name in the family – sorry day, love ya!), is one of the most interesting men I have ever known. He is everything a dad should be when he has a daughter. Strong and big enough to scare the crap out of all the boyfriends who aren’t man enough, and sweet and kind enough to welcome the ones who are worthy with open arms.

The reason my dad rides is still somewhat of a mystery to me and I’m realizing, with a heavy heart, that there is a lot of my dad’s life I just don’t know. The truth is, with my parents being divorced and my mom having physical custody of me (meaning I lived with her, saw my dad every other weekend), I just know more about my mom. Maybe I’ve been told about my dad’s past; but when you only hear something once it’s easy to forget. My mom’s stories are my own, told and re-told by multiple family members. I’ve seen her elementary school in West Virginia. I’ve tasted her grandmother’s spaghetti. I’ve worn her highschool ring. The stormy divorce that split my parents and divided me into what felt like a million little pieces has finally passed. After rumbling throughout my childhood and well into young-adulthood the storm finally passed at my wedding in 2008. Maybe it was the forced closeness of being at the same B&B, maybe having to walk on either side of me down a sandy beach, or maybe just the shared experience of watching me become a wife. Whatever it was – I am relieved and frustrated to have it behind us. The frustration is that it took almost 17 years for this one, hell of a storm, to pass. In the aftermath of the storm I am left with a feeling that I missed something – that through the wild rain and sharp lightning I was blind to my dad’s story – to a whole half of me. It’s something I’m slowly trying to regain, something I know I need to just dive into and face head on. In this calm I feel a sense of trepidation, like I’m always one step away from the next distant rumble on the horizon. Dad and I will get there, I know we will. And I take so much comfort in the belief that if I never have the opportunity to learn another thing about his past; I know the truth of what is in the present. The motto of Rolling Thunder is “We will not forget”. Even though I may not know everything about his past, I know the reality of who he is to me today will never be forgotten. I know my dad is a man of honor and respect. I know he is a good man who works hard for the things he believes in. I know he loves me, more than anything else in the world. And truly, that’s all a little girl really needs to know. I know he is the only man who can play Santa Clause for a group of little kids who have brain injuries in December, and then ride his Harley to DC for Rolling Thunder – complete with leather jacket, bandana, and a few tattoos.

I know he’s my daddy, I know he’s made me who I am (ugly ass toes and the ability to be two totally different people included) today, and I know I am one lucky girl.

"If I Had A World Of My Own...

2010-05-30T06:56:00.008-04:00

...Everything Would Be Nonsense. Nothing Would Be What It Is, Because Everything Would Be What It Isn't. and Contrary Wise, What Is, It Wouldn't Be. and What It Wouldn't Be, It Would. You See?"

If I had a world of my own I would be able to take care of her. I would be there all the time to wipe her nose so it never gets stuck to her face. I would take her to get her bangs cut so they are even. I would spend time every single day to teach her new signs. I would sit with piles of medical records and research and travel to countless specialists to be sure she had the best care and the best opportunity and the least restrictive life. I would march into her school for all of her IEP meetings and make sure she was getting everything she was entitled to. And - I would march into her school for all her parties...any letter I got for any activity...I would be there. I would dress her in clothes without holes. I would encourage her to walk. I would take her to the park. I would do...anything.

But this world is not mine. And I trust that because this world belong to God there is a reason for all of this. There is a reason for loving someone you can't call your own. (I think back on high school, and boys, and how I thought it was the end of my world if I couldn't have the boy I want be mine...it definitely wasn't...now I'm wondering if this is). I know I'm being prepared for something. Maybe to be a mom. Maybe one day I will need all of these lessons for something more. Maybe one day, in my world...

I'll need to be prepared to be a mom to Lydia. I'll have to have the strength to get on a plane with just my hope and faith and see what happens.

Maybe to step up and save Alina before she's gone forever. To save her from a life (and death) in an institution.

Or maybe to be there to grant a selfless families wish that their daughter have the chance to thrive in America instead of die in the Ukraine.

All of these beautiful little girls need a mommy and a daddy. All of them have immeasurable value and worth. And all of them are sentenced to death unless someone steps forward. It's estimated that 90% of children in Eastern Europe with disabilities who age out of orphanages and into institutions will die within 1 year. 90%. For more information or to make a contribution to a child of your choices' adoption fund to help a family bring them home please go to...

I don't know what the future holds. I don't know how we'd find the $26,000 necessary to cross the world to bring home our daughter. I do know that there are families who have done it. I know that because someone took a huge leap of faith, Sofia will be home soon. And to the world Sofia might not even be a blip on the great radar screen of life - but now she's someones whole world, she's someones daughter. And she'll have the opportunity to be someone friend, a sister, a girlfriend, a mentor, a students...and so much more. If my brother Brad can change the world, there is no reason Sofia won't be able to do the same. And there are countless little girls (And boys) just like Sofia...waiting for the opportunity to be something...to someone.

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12

Don't Judge!

2010-05-23T15:48:00.004-04:00

If you're looking for a gluten free blog that will inspire you with tales of home made puff pastry, fresh gluten free bread, and an everything-from scratch approach you have come to the wrong place! There are plenty of amazing blogs that will tell a story with a recipe and guide you through weighing flours and mixing in xanthan gum. The Gluten Free Girl & The Chef is an amazing example of deliciousness when it comes to cooking gluten free. I; however, am a lazy ass when it comes to cooking gluten free. Well - I guess I don't really mean that. I am all about fresh produce and ingredients and using whole foods. But sometimes a girl needs a box. And this morning I needed a box. I needed a box of pancake mix that also happened to be gluten free. And thankfully, I have found Maple Grove Farms ALL NATURAL Gluten Free Pancake and Waffle Mix.

And again I am stunned. How the hell can they make gluten free pancakes from a box that taste amazing but I can't find bread. It's rediculous and I swear someone is just trying to screw around with me. But! I digress...

The above stack of gluten free blueberry pancakes brought to you by my amazing husband who is kick-ass at making pancakes. Seriously, I fail every single time. You know you found "the one" when they voluntarily go looking for frozen blueberries to add in.

So it truly could not be simpler. Buy the box, follow the directions, and if your lucky enough to have an amazing hubby who tosses in some frozen blueberries - rock on! (Note to husband's considering this - DO NOT thaw the blueberries first. You'll just end up with blue pancakes that are all mushy in the middle because of the extra liquid - toss in about 1/2 cup to 1 cup frozen in your batter and make em!). Though hubby and I agree on the addition of blueberries - we don't always agree on the topping. He prefers blackberry syrup while I go for the real maple syrup. Either way it makes for one hell of a great Sunday morning brunch.

And it's from a box! An ALL NATURAL box. With ORGANIC frozen blueberries. And NATURAL maple syrup. (Can you tell I'm trying hard to justify the box?) No matter.

A bite even the fancy-pants gluten free bloggers could be proud of :)

Layers

2010-05-23T15:22:00.006-04:00

When we first bought our home it all felt so strange - like it belonged to someone else. I'm sure part of that feeling came from the endless trips to the model home to look at what our home could be and the constant sneaking in to other people's home's as they were being built. Even when we we're sneaking into our own house...made of only sticks at the time...it still didn't feel like ours. I still sometimes lay in our bed and say out loud "This is ours. We own this. This is our home". Making it our own has been a process, or as my mother-in-law puts it "layers". And it's true. Life is made up of so many layers. My dad came to lay down the first layer that made this home ours, the paint. After painting came moving in furniture which was a multi-family effort of 5 cars total in the caravan. That was a crazy day. And then there was the buying of new furniture, the things we chose together that were ours, the things that filled the empty spaces the builder made for us with our bits and pieces of a home.

It's been almost nine months since we moved in, and it sometimes still doesn't feel real. I look at the layers we have now; the pictures, the priceless family heirlooms from my mom, the paintings, the dog toys, the scuffs in the wood. And I think of the family that's been through our doors already, generations of both our family's have sat at our table and had a meal with us. I also can't help of think of the missing people; the people we've loved throughout our lives who don't get to come to dinner. I think of my Nan, and I know she would have loved to see me in this home. And I would have loved to sit her down at our kitchen island and have her tell me every single step to making her chicken and dumplings (I wonder if we could have figured out how to make them gluten free?). I have tears in my eyes just hearing the sound of her laugh, and the clink of her jewelry on our granite as she watches me try my best to cook like her. And then I smile when I think of the layers still to come. Our family in other states I hope to welcome to our home on holidays, or just whenever (please call first guys, okay?). I think of the one last IKEA table that needs to be replaced with something a little more durable and stylish. The bears I will add from the Boyd's Bear Factory (unless he threatens divorce...I keep telling him...bears or baby's...and I keep buying bears). And then I think even further in the future. I think of wanting a baby. I still don't know how it will happen (read on before calling me with the "birds & bee's speech" - that's not where I'm going with this). I wonder if I'll ever be pregnant and cursing at the amount of stairs in this damn place. Or if I'll be driving home from the airport with our new little girl in the backseat as we pull into the garage with her for the first time. I wonder about the sounds that will bounce off the walls, the dents in the floor, the crayons on the wall, the juice on the carpet. I don't know how, I just know I'll be a mom.

Though I certainly don't know everything, I do know that we have a future in this home. A future that I can wait for. Because in the meantime I have a lot of layers to put on, a lot of growing to do, and a lot of time I need to spend just being a wife...before I get to be a mom. So in the meantime I hope you enjoyed one of our latest layers. After several weeks of worrying we must have picked up the wrong plants...we finally have a flower on our azalea bushes. And...IT'S PINK!

Don't worry. It's (sorta) healthy.

2010-05-16T21:52:00.000-04:00

Again, my friend Jo told me about this place (I guess I should listen to her a little more...at least a little more quickly anyways) and I am so glad she did. This is the seriously one of my new favorite things in the whole world...frozen yogurt. And not just any frozen yogurt. No. This is natural, good for you frozen yogurt. I swear it's like someone came along and made healthy ice cream just for me! The picture is of my strawberry frozen yogurt with chocolate chip topping (And yes I am aware the chocolate chips may take away a bit from the health factor hear. HOWEVER they are dark chocolate, and dark chocolate is good for you, right?) and it is delicious. It's delicious and is also an immune booster, digestive helper, and anti-carcinogen (all according to their website - therefore it must be true - right?). So yummy...wanna bite?

So if you have one in your area check them out. It's yummy, healthy (right?), and even if all the immunity and healthy crap is complete BS...it's gotta be better for you than plain old ice cream...at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Happy 6th & 1st Birthday!

2010-05-16T21:24:00.000-04:00

In my opinion, humble as it may be, the most important thing in life is making a lasting impression. It's not what we add up, take with us...it's the things we do, the difference we make, that can live on forever.

Institutionalization. The word means very different things to many people. For me it signifies two things: Fear & The Status Quo.

Fear is a powerful things. And the idea that individuals with multiple disabilities, medical complications, and even individuals on life support can live at home is scary. Imagine requiring multiple machines to sustain your life. Imagine being cared for 24 hours day, 7 days a week, by a full medical staff for over five years. The idea of someone in the position going home, living with family, and being a part of their community is just crazy. It's scary. Face your fears.

The status quo. Continuing to do what we are told is right, without question. I always loved the saying that "Well behaved women rarely make history" - and I think it makes a good point. If no one ever rocked the boat, challenged the status quo - think of where we'd be today. Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation...someone stepped up to push the envelope, to speak up and say that the way it has been is no longer good enough. What about people with disabilities? When we refuse to comply with the way things have been we realize that the possibilities are endless. We realize that a sterile hospital facility may not be what someone needs most. That family, stimulation, fresh air, the sun, movies, music, walks outside...that these simple things may be better than any facility staffed with doctors and nurses. When we refuse to comply we create change. Challenge the status quo.

Face Your Fears. Challenge The Status Quo.

I did.

And I got to wish someone a very happy 6th birthday. And a very happy 1st birthday...at home.

I love...

2010-05-13T08:51:00.000-04:00

In the hunt for new gluten free staples to make my old favorite recipes Trader Joe's has come along to fill many of the gaps. I admit - I was a Whole Foods girl. And then I was a "wherever I can get it cheaper" girl. Now I am somewhere in-between a girl with a mortgage and a girl with a commitment to whole, organic, local, foods.

The recipe I was stuck on was for Enchilada's. I love Enchilada's and I love the salsa I make to go with them. And I hadn't been able to make this household staple (I used to get around to it every other week or so) in nearly 3 months. And what was my hang up?

Tortilla's!

So I tried the corn tortilla's and they made everything taste different...and I didn't want different. I wanted my old recipe back.

So after hearing my friend Jo sing their praises I decided to stop by Trader Joe's.

My first thought was..."Wow this place is SMALL - how the hell am I going to find everything I need in here!". Then I saw the gluten free breads section...and not gluten free frozen breads and baked goods...gluten free fresh baked goods. And there they were. Staring up at me.

Brown Rice Tortilla's. Genius. So to make a long story short I thought about it as I rambled through the store. "Will this actually taste good?" "Will this taste like the really crappy bread?" "I would hate to waste an entire pan of enchilada's because of these things". And then I remembered that brown rice pasta tastes the same as gluten pasta. So then one could only hope brown rice tortilla's would taste the same as gluten tortillas.

And guess what?

THEY DO! They really, truly, do.

Black Bean Enchilada's:

I package brown rice tortilla's
1 large can enchilada sauce (I use Old El Paso - it's gluten free) (or about 3-4 small cans)
I package taco seasoning (Old El Paso again)
2 -3 cans of black beans (rinse and drain)
3/4 cup of shredded cheese (loving my fresh cheddar from the local farmers market right now!)

Prepare a pan by using a little gluten free spray to prevent sticking. Then pour a bit of the sauce into the pan and turn the pan to distribute a thing coating. Put the beans in a bowl, stir in the package of seasoning, and mix well. Fill the tortillas and lay them flap down in the pan. Use half of the cheese to sprinkle directly on top of the tortilla. Then pure the remaining sauce over all of the enchilada's trying to be sure all of the tortilla's get covered. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake @ 350 for 45 minutes. (I like to take the foil off for the last 10 or so minutes).

VERY IMPORTANT: The brown rice tortilla's have one little glitch (As does everything gluten free it seems) and that is that they don't roll as nicely. They are more rigid and will break easier. I recommend heating them in the microwave for 30 seconds with a damp paper towel on top. Even doing this you will likely end up with cracks. At some point you may cry a little (Don't judge me, it was a LONG day) and feel like it's all going to turn out terrible. Just go with it. You can also turn it into more of a bake (That's what I'll do next time) and layer on the ingredients.

Best Salsa Ever:

In a bowl chop the following into small pieces:

1 Avocado
1 Tomato
1/2 of a purple onion
1 mango
1/2 cup of pickled jalapeno slices (dice small)

Stir to combine, cover, and let sit in the fridge for about an hour.

Someone published my soap-box moment:

2010-05-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/letters/article/disability_community_-_once_forgotten_now_attacked/

Chocolate makes my clothes shrink...

2010-05-09T21:30:00.000-04:00

I love chocolate. I love it any way I can get it, white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate chips, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate ice cream, hot chocolate... You get the picture.

One way I never really appreciated chocolate was in a cake. I am just not a cake person. I always liked brownies, I like cheesecake well enough, ice cream cake was always a decent option. But not cake cake. I actually didn't even have a wedding cake. Nope. Hubby and I shared a spoonful of ice cream from our sundae bar instead.

After going gluten free I had a conference to attend out of town in Roanoke and my dad happens to live nearby. I stayed with him, my stepmom Diane, and my brother, Brad. My stepmom was very sensitive to the diagnosis and she read up on it and found a lot of recipes. Once recipe she found was for this cake. She wouldn't tell me anything about it, just that she'd make it while I was out at my conference...I can't lie, her secrecy make me nervous.

Then I got home and the house smelled wonderful...like you were in a chocolate factory or something. I saw this beautiful gourmet looking cake that was dusted with powdered sugar and saw (and smelled) raspberries simmering on the stove. Then it all came together on a plate and the girl who didn't even particularly like cake with gluten in it, sat down to take her first bite of gluten free cake.

Damn!

This is good cake.

It's rich, and the texture is somewhere between a brownie and a cheesecake. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, some raspberry sauce, and a scoop of french vanilla icecream - this is heaven. Even for someone who used to be anti-cake.

And guess what's in it?

Go on.

Seriously people...guess!

GARBANZO BEANS!

That's right, beans. Beans are in this cake. Don't think to much about this though...no matter how strange it sounds or even if you HATE garbanzo beans...just go make this cake. Now. Do it.

Garbanzo Bean Cake:

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
2.25 cups of garbanzo beans, rinse and drain

4 eggs

3/4 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a blender (I know its strange, just do it!) mix the beans, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. Place 1.5 cups of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Stop to stir every 30 seconds. And the chocolate to the blender and blend to combine. Add the remaining chips and just stir to mix in. Prepare a round baking pan (be sure to use a gluten free cooking spray or flower to coat - this cake is very dense and sticky so you want to be sure it lifts out later) and then dump the blended mixture in. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.

Suggested Toppings:

2 cups frozen raspberries (Place in microwave safe bowl, add two tablespoons jelly - whatever is on hand, and heat for 2 minutes or so in the microwave)

Powdered sugar to dust over top

French vanilla icecream

Any fresh fruit

Whipped cream

More chocolate

I could continue...but I think you get the picture...

The Peanut Butter And Jelly

2010-05-06T11:23:00.000-04:00

So - I'm sure you are wondering...

How could a sandwich so simple be worthy of it's own post?

Well when it's your favorite sandwich and you suddenly can't eat bread, it becomes the corner stone of every single crying episode that surrounds your new gluten-free life. My husband will tell you the times, usually when I was triggered by something else, I would cry and through pitiful tears say "I just want a damn peanut butter and jelly sandwich". It may be my aversion to cold meat (meat should not be cold - egh! - freaks me out) but PB&J's have been my go-to, easy, cheap, and gross floppy cold meat solution to lunch, a snack, breakfast, heck - even dinner. I would make it the morning, tuck it in my lunch, put it in the fridge, and enjoy the deliciously chilled jelly and the soft chewy bread that gave way to the perfect stickiness and crunch of the extra crunchy peanut butter (and yes, I DID just describe eating a PB&J as if it were a gourmet meal).

So - what was I going to do. Well to begin I tried EVERY GLUTEN FREE BREAD IN THE WORLD...and it was all without any luck. Some were tolerable (with enough mayonnaise and bacon to scare a cardiologist), and some were...well...there are no words. And I am still baffled how it's possible to make gluten free pretzels, gluten free waffles, gluten free crackers...and they all taste good. But the bread is just horrible.

So I was forced to do the one thing I hate doing most. I was forced to compromise. And here are the results of that calendar worthy occasion:

The PB&J Smoothie(serves 2)

2 ripe bananas

2 cups frozen strawberries

4 T crunchy peanut butter

Enough skim milk to make it blend (about 1-2 cups)

Peanut Butter & Jelly Larabars

These were a miraculous find for me. They truly...and I kid you not...taste exactly like eating a PB&J sandwich. I put them in the fridge and eat them with a glass of skim milk and it's like heaven. Seriously - try them people. TRY THEM!

The PB&J Wafflewich (I know it's no big breakthrough but it sure as heck felt like I should win a prize when I finally figured this out!)

2 gluten free waffles (I like vans) toasted

Fill with PB&J

Feel like a complete fool for not figuring this out sooner (I certainly felt like an idiot)

My friend, Elliot

2010-05-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

Cooking With Color

2010-05-05T20:54:00.000-04:00

As a former vegetarian I try to make some meals each week without any meat at all. Tonight I made a veggie stir-fry. Grocery shopping is something I actually love to do ( I know, sick, huh?) and I especially like to shop for stir-fry veggies because it's all about color. The more colorful your diet is the healthier you are likely to be. http://news.health.ufl.edu/2010/8460/multimedia/health-in-a-heartbeat/colorful-diet-helps-health/

Recipe for Veggie Stir-Fry (serves 4)

Veggies of choice (should add up to about 6 cups): I used 2 cups of broccoli and mushrooms, 1 cup of peppers and baby carrots, and 1/2 cup of onions.
1 can baby corn
1 can water chestnuts
1 bottle gluten free stir-fry sauce (see what I used below)
Season to taste (I used ground ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper)

Use a little EVOO in a large pan or wok and add in the onions and garlic first. After you add each new veggies group drizzle some of the stir-fry sauce on top. Next the carrots (take about 5-10minutes for these), then add in the broccoli and peppers (give those about 5 minutes), and in the rest of the veggies and both cans (drain first), and give them about 10 minutes to all come together. Add in the spices and any remaining sauce - cook for about 5 minutes more and your done!

I served mine over brown rice and added about 1 T of stir-fry sauce to the boiling water.

And if your gluten free note the awesome stir-fry sauce! It's amazing!

Because of you...

2010-05-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Before I press on with my (pitiful – I know) attempt at blogging I need to step back to honor the reason why I am here. While I have two amazing parents, one amazing step-mom, a husband that was truly made just for me, and a lot of other special people in my life…I also have Brad. Brad is my big brother. Brad has Down syndrome. I know many people look at those with disabilities and contemplate their value and worth in this world that is driven by money, power, and beauty. This world where we are still working towards tolerance of those with disabilities and are dreaming of the day when acceptance is a thing of the past and we finally cross the hurtle into embracing everyone as equal. Tolerate. Accept. Embrace.

I Embrace. And I embrace because of the life I was fortunate enough to live; a life of diversity and inclusion from the time I met my brother when I was 7. I remember Friday nights at my dad’s house eating Pizza around a table of individuals of all abilities. Some of my brother’s friends who came to dinner had intellectual disabilities, some had Autism, Down syndrome, some were blind, and some had been abused. But they were all part of my world from a very young age – and that I think is the solution to creating a culture that embraces individuals of differing abilities. I got to meet Elliot - an man who has Autism and is blind. I had the opportunity to see him transform when he was given the opportunity to live outside of an institution and in a group home. Did I mention he can sing? I'll post his video....

But back to my soap box...

We have to change the culture, we have to educated our children. Every school system should promote inclusion and have a curriculum that is diverse and reaches out to those with special needs. Every child should sit in a wheel chair, feel what it’s like to be blind, play with a dynavox, have the opportunity to ask ANY question they have. We teach children that they need to be accepting of all races and religions, but are we really teaching them to do the same with their peers who are disabled? Do they read books that depict a child in a wheelchair? Do they have the opportunity to play on the playground with a friend who has Down syndrome? Are they taught how to be a friend to someone with Autism? That answers is that, yes, sometimes these situations happen and those children are better for it. But the truth is that it doesn’t happen enough. If every child had the opportunity to be a part of the disability community I believe they would grow up as I have. They would realize that people with disabilities are not tolerated, they are treasured. Because of my brother I am a social worker. Because of my brother I work for a non-profit and get to be a part of the lives of 20 different kids with a brain injury. Because of my brother I volunteer at the children’s nursing home. Because of my brother my husband and I will adopt a daughter with special needs some day. Because of my brother every single person who has ever spent a moment with him is forever changed for the better. My brother has changed my world – and now I get to carry on that legacy and change the world for others. Brad – I love you more than I could ever express to you. I love you more than Chuck E Cheese pizza, gummi bears, and reece cups all rolled into one.

The Sore Throat

2010-05-04T08:33:00.000-04:00

Since going gluten free I've had my ups and downs in the health department. I've been tired, run down - mainly because I've been struggling to get a hold on what I can and can't eat. Several weeks ago I discovered I had strep. It was the very early stages, and my doctor praised me for "knowing my body" so well to pick up on it. I figure that two years of being a Supper Nanny and volunteering at the children's nursing home have both given me some immunity and also taught me how to notice the first signs of something coming on. I got over my strep relatively quickly. But yesterday I felt a slight sore throat and awoke today almost unable to swallow water. It doesn't feel like strep at all so I'm trying some home remedies and thought I would share them with you...

1) Momma Knows Best: Gargle with warm salt water!

2) Kiss Killer: Take one clove of peeled garlic and slice in half. Tuck into the corners of your cheeks and suck on them for as long as you can take it. PS: The slight burn lets you know it's killing the bad stuff!

3) Fuel for the Fight!: One problem I NEVER have is being too sick to eat. I don't know if it's a mental thing or not but I feel like if I eat, I'll stay strong. And when your body if well fueled it can work to fight off whatever your going through. I started my sore throaty morning with a sliced banana topped with peanut butter. Yum!

*I'm no doctor, so double check with yours before giving my methods a try.