Well, I didn't exactly get the oven as promised before Thanksgiving day but I did get a small convection countertop oven to hold me over until I think what is looking like Christmas. I was able to make my favorite veggie dish for the Thanksgiving party however instead of adding more potatoes to an already over potato filled feast I replaced them with turnips, rutabaga and celeric and I loved the results. If you want to go 100% Paleo on this dish just eliminate the goat cheese medallions and you will still be pleased.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Roasted Root Vegetables with Goat Cheese Medallions
I received a call last week claiming that our oven is actually on island! It will be a miracle if they actually get it installed before Thanksgiving so I can bake my annual favorite vegetable dish! But I don't have my hopes up. Island Time takes on a new meaning in St Thomas! From my first Gluten Free Cookbook that my mother-in-law gave me back in 2003, Cooking Gluten Free by Karen Roberston, came this keeper! I have been making it every year since and all who partake LOVE it!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Gluten Free Roasted Vegetable Torte
We have been in St Thomas just over a month and I have never felt more welcomed by so many wonderful new friends. I drove the kids to school the other day and was delivered this delicious Roasted Veggie Tort by one of the moms, Kim. I was floored at her generosity and couldn't wait to have some for lunch that day. It was a great compliment to salmon burgers and my husband loved it. I'm still waiting for our oven to arrive... I think this is the longest I have ever gone without baking something. But when it finally does I'll be making this one for sure. Thanks Kim! You along with many others at Antilles have made our move and transition to the Island wonderful!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Chocolate Almond Banana Smoothie
With a splash of this mornings leftover coffee came this delicious midmorning smoothie treat! A perfectly refreshing drink that was super simple and yet satisfying. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 Frozen banana
- 1 spoon full of almond butter (my favorite is Justin's)
- 1 scoop of Amazing Grass Greens SuperFood, Chocolate
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup leftover morning coffee (optional)
- Place all ingredients in order into blender.
- Mix until blended and smooth
Saturday, September 10, 2011
GFC Hearts of Palm Chicken
It is long overdue that I sit at my computer and share another delicious favorite recipe with you all. Thank you for your patience while we have been relocating the family and getting settled into our new Island life. It has been a long four months of living out of suitcases and waiting for things to arrive. We are finally unpacked and living in a wonderful place. I look forward to many new adventures in the kitchen whenever my kitchen supplies decide to show up. Moving in Hurricane season is not always the best when you have to rely on the slow boats to deliver. So in the meantime and in keeping with tradition, simple, delicious and quick meals are on the menu ahead.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Paleo Almond Coconut Cookies
My youngest came into the kitchen while I was preparing these cookies and wanted to help. Sweet!! So with his help we made a very yummy treat. He took one bite and said "Mmmmmm, I like these!" I love it when I make a healthy treat for the little ones and they actually like it. Well at least one of them does. My 4 year still refuses to even try most food that I offer him and said to me "I don't like these!!" Very frustrating for mom because I know if he would taste it he would like it. Some day I keep saying, someday!
I found this recipe when I was at the CrossFit Regionals Northeast Games from the Paleo Table and only made a couple changes. I actually cut the recipe in half to be on the safe side and it still made a 24 cookies. If you want to check out more great recipes visit their website.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Banana Blueberry Chocolate Smoothie-Full of Greens & Protein
It is a beautiful and perfect summer day in Newport and what better way to start it off then with this refreshing smoothie that my youngest loves! I was in the health food store the other day and came across Amazing Grass SuperFood for kids. It is awesome in smoothies and to make just chocolate milk with your milk of choice. It is full of great phyto-nutritious greens and fruits and of course it is gluten free and vegan. When I make it for my son as just chocolate milk it reminds me of Ovaltine which immediately takes me back to my childhood. Delicious and "Mikey Likes it"!! Enjoy!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Planned Leftovers... Chicken with Avocado Pineapple Mango Salsa
Ohhh how nice it will be to have proper dishes again. Tonight is our last night of the plastic picnic plate dinner series. I didn't think it would take two months for our things to arrive from Germany but I should have known better. You have all probably be wondering... what is the DEAL with the stripped plates... or maybe not.
The plastic plate picnic special tonight is a morphing of last nights sun-dried tomato olive garlic topping and today's slow cooked chicken with a green salad that I lightly drizzled with my Vansisseren Vinaigrette and topped with this Holly inspired salsa.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cilantro Roasted Summer Squash
I absolutely love this time of year where the organic yellow squash and zucchini have so much deliciousness about them I could make this dish every night. My next challenge will be to start a garden and grow my own squash like my friend in Portsmouth is doing. Her yellow squash look beautiful! Still working on turning my brown thumb to green.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tuckers Bistro Gluten Free Dining Review
In true Anthony Bourdain style my husband and I had one of the most amazing seven course meals at Tuckers Bistro in Downtown Newport, Rhode Island, a very quaint 1930's French Bistro. Yep I did say SEVEN. If I may, the BLUF (bottom line up front for you non-military types) ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Not only was did this restaurant have a menu where almost every dish was designed to be gluten free or could be easily turned gluten free, they really and I mean really understood the concept and meaning behind eating and living a lifestyle as such. It also helps that three of there staff members are gluten free.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
It Is What It Is...
Flamboyant Tree St Thomas |
... A saying that is used often in our household especially during a challenging yet exciting transition that we are currently going through. Moving from Germany, getting out of the military, job hunting, eating healthy when you're on the road, staying in multiple houses/hotels and finding good schools for our boys has been a lot harder than I expected. Things happen for a reason and to remain flexible and understanding we look at each other and say "whatta ya gonna do? it is what it is..." Embrace and move on.
4th of July Paleo Feast
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Holly's Garden |
How many of you felt completely satisfied after your dinner last night? We had the best 4th of July meal I have ever had thanks to a great friend of mine willing to take on some Paleo cooking. Our only complaint... it was the last day of the weekend filled with beach volleyball, great friends and excellent food! It is always a drag when the actual holiday is at the end of the weekend instead of kicking it off but we made the most of it.
Monday, July 4, 2011
GFC Tamari Salmon with Red Swiss Chard
It has been sooooo long since I have had Red Swiss Chard and oh how I've missed it the past three years. Some things you just can never find living in different countries. The shrink factor on chard, spinach and other greens still always amazes me. You think you have so much food and then when it's cooked there is barely enough to feed two that are on the Paleo diet. You might want to double the amount of chard if you are serving 4 with this meal.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
GF Research St Thomas Virgin Islands
Megans Bay & Peterborg Peninsula |
Just when you think you are about to settle life throws you a sudden curve ball and when it feels as right as this one you've got to jump on it. I didn't expect it to come so sudden after our relocation from Germany but when we got a potential opportunity to live in St. Thomas we had to look into it. As always one of my biggest concerns is that we are able to find organic fruit, veggies, grass-fed meat and see what, if any, gluten free options there are. One thing that I never want to sacrifice is our health.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Ginger Beef with Mango Salsa
White wine and grilled steak? After a long day at the soccer fields my mother-in-law likes nothing better than to come home and have a super cold glass of white wine with dinner, and yes those are ice cubes in her glass! It is her signature. Give it a try, it is actually very refreshing especially on a hot and slightly humid day as today.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Welcome to Gluten Free Newport & Middletown RI
I apologize for the long delay in posts. I didn't anticipate this move and life transition to be so difficult and exhausting but changing routines and many timezones on two toddlers is never easy. I'm not sure who has it harder... kids or the mom. Now that our time clocks have settled a bit, it is time to move on to the good stuff... What does Rhode Island have to offer? Many things as I'm quickly discovering and so excited to share.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
GFC Choice Restaurants Stuttgart Germany
I have moved around a ton in the past 17 years of my life and one of the things I use to always rave about was knowing the places to get the best sushi, mexican, thai, greek, fish tacos, breakfast... ect. When friends and family would visit I would always have a suggestion. Now I hope to share the best places to get the gluten free version of all my favorite types of food.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Suzanne Somers Spicy Fried Eggs & Crispy Onions
I always feel like Sunday morning breakfasts should be something special. A lazy day at home with the family, a good cup of coffee and a slow enjoyable good for me breakfast with my hubby. Although make sure when you eat this breakfast that you both eat it at the same time because the onions take over the breath something serious. I had a few bites first and then tried to smooch on my man and he said whoooaaa onions!!!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Multi-Purpose Gluten Free Spice Rub
Here I go again... In a hurry? Seems to be my mode of operation these days as we only have a few weeks before we move back to the United States! So much to do and so little time but we are plugging away and with recipes like this one dinner is done in a snap.
This spice rub can be used in many different ways and when you make it make it HUGE so you have plenty in your pantry for another day. My absolute favorite use is sprinkling this all over some organic wild caught salmon! You can find wild caught salmon in the freezer section of the Commissary. If you don't have the coconut sugar you can use brown sugar or take out the sugar completely and it will still pop with flavor.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thai 4 Two
In a hurry and want something really tasty quick and healthy? This dish is enough for two dinners and two leftover lunches the next day. Pick up a package of Aromax Thai Red or Green Curry Soup mix from the International section in the German REAL store. This is a new section that is near the front of the store and it is great! The packets have just about everything you will need and there is no added MSG, Preservatives or Artificial Colors! You will also need the following ingredients.
Ingredients:
1 Eggplant1 package of cherry tomatoes
1 package of mushrooms
1 bell pepper of choice (optional)
The instructions are in English so no worries there and they are very simple to follow. Enjoy!
's Baggers Gluten Free Restaurant Review Nuremberg
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Nuremberg, Germany |
A bittersweet time… Our Germany tour is quickly coming to an end. What was supposed to be two years turned into three has already flown by. We have seen so much and our boys have had an experience of a lifetime completely immersed in the German culture at Kindergarten. Our last road trip was yesterday to Nuremberg. We were on a mission to finally see one last city and what better place to visit than a city with another gluten free restaurant, 's Baggers. We spent the afternoon on a quick walking tour of Old Town past all the market vendors and one specifically that caught my eye, A Gluten Free baked goods stand!! Wow, that was a first to see.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Oxtail Gluten Free Bourguignonne
- Have you ever heard of Oxtail??? Well I hadn't until I was reading the February 2011 Bon Appetit magazine. Ever since watching the movie Julie & Juila then watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain where he goes through the process of making Boeuf Bourguignon I have been wanting to try it myself. And what better way then with a meat that I have never worked with. But wait, where in the heck would I find this type of meat over here??? So I set the recipe aside for a later date.
- Then one day I'm walking through the Commissary freezer section and what do I see? Frozen Oxtail... Power of Suggestion maybe? Crazy weird. So of course I had to buy it and wow what an awesome dinner we had!! My only regret... I should have bought more! The package was about 2.5 lbs and I only bought one. 5 lbs would have been better for this recipe. And make sure you have a big pot!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Reiskorn Gluten Free Restaurant in Stuttgart
Yes, it is true... A gluten free restaurant right in our home town! Thanks to our friends for the recommendation, my husband and I enjoyed a great dinner date last Friday and tasted as many gluten free dishes that our tummies could handle. I'm still amazed that in the three years that we have lived here it has taken this long to find a restaurant near by that has a gluten free menu. My friend found this on Trip Advisor but if you do a search for gluten free restaurants in Europe you will find plenty around Italy, England and a few in Spain, Belgium, and Ireland. Then look at Germany and all you will see is one in Berlin. I know there are more out there and there are some great restaurants that you can easily find gluten free meals at, it is just not spelled out on the menu like it is at Reiskorn. I will post a list of my favorite restaurants soon!
Bison Lemongrass Meatball Salad
Another fine dinner adapted from Bon Appetit's Pork and Lemongrass Meatballs recipe. I have always wanted to make something with lemongrass but never got around to it and when I was reading this months issue of Bon Appetit I came across a whole slew of lemongrass recipes! Yippee, it was time. Lemongrass has a way of making things taste so fresh and what better time of the year to have a nice spring fresh meal. Unlike a lot of Bon Appetit recipes this one is actually pretty quick and simple and you can prepare it all a day ahead. I hope you enjoy this as much as my husband and I did!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday Traubenkern-Mehl Paleo Crepes
It doesn't get better than this on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in Germany!! Wow, who would have thought we would be having such great weather for the Spring. A much needed bout of sunshine after a long dark winter. And what better way then having a berry filled Traubenkern-Mehl (Grapeseed Flour, rich in antioxidants) Paleo crepes and eggs. This is another version of my first Paleo Crepe blog. The key is finding a super fine non-grain flour to make these gems. The grapeseed flour gives the crepe the perfect texture and rich dark color.
Savoy Cabbage Rolls with Seelach, Caper Sundried Tomato Butter
I was going to make a simple roast chicken the other night but when I found out we were having a dinner guest it was a must to rearranged my meals for the week. I love to have a reason to try something new and different especially when I can get more feedback on the results. It turns out that Jon, our guest, is not a fan of cabbage nor fish so he rarely eats either. Oops, I'm glad he didn't tell me that before I started cooking because I probably would have made something different. But while we were enjoying our meal together he said... "omg, you've got to send this recipe to Stacy (his wife) because this is amazing and I love it. " Thanks Jon!! So Stacey here you go... it is always nice to have another fish dish to make that your man loves.
This recipe was inspired from one of my favorite magazines, bon appetit. The original recipe is made with Halibut and a lot more butter than I used. I'm not a huge fan of halibut because I find it too heavy so using a thinner lighter white fish like the Seelach (Polluck Coalfish) was perfect. So here is my version... Enjoy!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Balance is the Key Life Ingredient!
Do you ever wish you could just slow down? Do you ever get so frustrated with your toddlers that you as the mommy have to take a time out? Do you workout hard but have no time to stretch or recover because you are always going a million miles a minute? Do you have passions in life that you never feel like you will get to enjoy? Are you changing your diet/eating habits weekly because you don't see results right away and are confused with the endless amount of dietary/nutritional guidance? Bottom line, do you just wish there were more hours in the day?
In all of this how is it possible to find and maintain your balance?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Bison Beef Stuffed Peppers
Friday, April 1, 2011
Chocolate Cranberry Paleo Bars
As promised my Paleo version of Elana's Pantry's Chocolate Cranberry Power Bars. These bars were so easy to make. A quick whip up in the food processor squished into a pyrex and thrown into the freezer for an hour and waaalaaa you have the perfect treat for the end of a perfect Paleo day!! Just wish I would have had this one during my first challenge.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Dad's Pork Chops with Asparagus
Another Successful Paleo Day!!!!
I can't tell you enough how wonderful it is to have energy again!! Chris and I are really enjoying our new routine that will soon become a way of life for us both. To go throughout your day without stomach pains and feeling very satisfied after a meal is enough to keep on doing it. I am so blessed to have such a supportive husband who is willing to try all creations that I make!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Paleo In Review...Day 1 Again!
In January my CrossFit friends and I completed a 32 day Paleo Challenge that you might have read about in my earlier posts. It was sweeping the Nation throughout many CrossFit boxes and now that Spring is finally here (well kind of in Germany) it is time to do another 30 days of spring cleaning of the body and mind!!
This time my husband asked to do it along with me which is very cool so today was day one yet again. I feel so much more prepared and I know more of what to expect so I think it could lead to a lifestyle more than just a month long challenge, well at least a very close version of it. I know many people are wondering why I want to do this "diet" again when I don't have any weight to lose... let me explain.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday Morning Spa Day Mineraltherme Boblingen
Mein Mann ist zu mir so gut! (My husband is so good to me!) Not only did he take care of the boys who wake up before 6am every morning so I could get some much needed sleep, he insisted that I spend the morning at our local Mineraltherme Böblingen and just relax while he takes the boys to their favorite fun park. It is an all boys play date at JUMPINN fun park, I know they are having a blast!
My husband and I are starting the 30 day Paleo Challenge tomorrow morning so what better way than to start out with some steam rooms, cold baths and foot soaks to begin the detoxing process. If you have not spent any time in a German Bath house I'd like to walk you through the process so that you might find yourself over there taking advantage of a wonderful therapeutic and peaceful place.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tri-Pepper Linguine with Spicy Lobster
I only started really exploring my own kitchen and cooking when I lived in Japan back in 1995. If you ever want to eat anything other than Japanese food then you better learn to cook if you live over there. I never had a need to cook before since I lived with my sister at the University. She was an awesome cook and always took such good care of me until we were both off in separate directions... she was commissioned into the Marine Corps, I was commissioned in the Navy and so life experiences and travels began.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake Review
I was walking through the commissary the other day and noticed a new product on the shelf, Bisquick Pancake and Baking Mix Gluten Free. Now normally I would just keep walking and not purchase anything from Bisquick because of it's lack of nutrients and what I considered "junk" food, but because of my previous pancake challenge with King Arthurs, Bob's Red Mill and Pamelas mixes it is necessary for me to add this product into the comparison.
Gluten Free Dad's Lasagna
How many of you think back on your childhood and remember how great the food was that your dad made? My dad didn't cook that often but when he did the four of us kids would get sooooo excited because we knew it was going to be awesome and usually not super healthy. Mom my was and still is a health food nut and some of the creations she would make us would make my stomach turn, sorry mom. She was looking out for our best interest and I'm so glad that she did because I don't think I would be as fit and healthy if it wasn't for the good eating foundation that she built for all us kids. Thanks Mom, you rock!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mission Beach Gluten Free Huevos Rancheros
Why Mission Beach??? Well back in the day when I had no kids and was single I lived one block from the beach and one block from the bay in San Diego... yep life was pretty good! Our worst worry was how much wind will be on the beach and if it was too windy we would set up our vball net on the bay side where it was always calmer but we much preferred to play beach ball on the beach side naturally. Our Saturday mornings were dedicated to the sport and on those Saturday mornings I would crank out these Huevos Rancheros for all my buddies. I only had a small table for 3 in my little cottage so the boys would come in in waves to chow down on the best Huevos in town and then hit the sand! I still to this day have not found a restaurant outside of New Mexico that won't disappoint me, so most of the time if I see it on the menu I won't even bother ordering it. It is such a simple dish to make... try it out you will love it.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Apple Cinnamon Spice Gluten Free Muffins
From my Pumpkin Spice Muffins that my kids loved so well came this Apple Cinnamon Spice Muffin recipe. I have to keep experimenting with the muffins because it is the one thing that my kids really get excited to eat. When the muffins are in the oven they stand their and watch them bake and the second they come out of the oven they jump up on their step stool and start blowing on them to help them cool faster. It is too cute to watch since they can barely blow air out of their mouth without spit coming out too. Lovely thought I know but don’t worry I don’t let them get that close. Once the muffins are slightly cooler they are ready to devour them and say over and over “MUFFIN, MUFFIN Momma!” It makes me so happy to know they are enjoying a healthy snack with minimal grains, no refined sugars and minimal agave sweetener.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Gluten Free Tamari Beef Short Ribs
I was supposed to fly out to the states the other day for work but when my flight itinerary finally hit my inbox the travel office had my departure date wrong. I spent the entire day trying to correct the problem but if you know anything about Navy “Systems” you know that nothing is easy. Needless to say I was unable to correct the problem and ended up leaving a day late. The best part about this story is that I got to spend an extra night with my sweet husband and enjoy another great dinner, a glass of wine and some great conversation. We were able to get the kids to bed early and have a wonderful evening together. I wanted to make something that I knew he would love and that we haven’t had in a long time. So I walked down to our market and found some cuts of beef that almost looked like short ribs (impossible to find in Germany) and it immediately reminded me of a meal I hadn’t made since we left the states.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Gluten Free #1 Neapolitan Pizza Experience!
… Yes Pizza for a Celiac is an Experience to rave about…
Eggplant Mozzarella |
After finishing up a long day at work driving over an hour in Italian traffic I arrived back in Monte di Procida, the top of the “mountain”, where our friends live. Their house is perched just so on the mountaintop with a breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and what I believe is part of the Amalfi coast.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Duty Calls in Monte di Procida Italy
View from the Restaurant Toristico |
The great thing about being in the Reserves is you only have to work one weekend a month and two weeks of your choice during the year. The bad thing is I have to work two weeks out of the year on military projects instead of spending my time with my kids, cooking and blogging. So I must say that I am sorry for the long pause in posts. I have to work again this weekend but I'm hoping that the long flight to DC will allow me plenty of time to think and write. It will be strange taking that long of a trip without my boys but I know it will be a lot less stressful so I will enjoy that part.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Keep It Simple... Ribeye Steak & Asparagus
I'm sure all of you have said or heard this phrase a million times before. "Keep it simple stupid". It happens to be one of my favorites especially when things just begin to get too complicated for no reason. Lets get to the point, get the job done in the most efficient manner and stop with all the busy work. We love, well maybe not love, but we seem to always want to make our lives complex and the only way to slow down and really enjoy the beauty of a simple life you have to remove yourself from your day to day routine and or just step back and evaluate the importance of all this STUFF you have put on yourself to do.
You don't need to spend a lot of money on food and you don't need an elaborate recipe to make a great healthy meal. Sometimes the most simple meals are the ones that really hit the spot and you feel great about it because you know you are feeding your hard working body the best whole nutritious foods.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lamb Goulash Over Shredded Zucchini
You will quickly learn that Lamb is one of my most favorite meats to eat and prepare! I love this meat because it not only is highly beneficial for me and my blood type but it is one of the best tasting red meats out there. If you love lamb you will love this! A gluten free Paleo and Eat Right 4 your Type friendly dinner that will melt in your mouth. I apologize for the photo, but it is one of those dishes that tastes way better than it looks.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Paleo Raspberry Crepes
If you ever need a quick sweet fix while on the Paleo diet and you don't have a lot of time. Try whipping this recipe up. You will absolutely love it and feel extremely satisfied!! I just timed myself and it took me 11 minutes 15 seconds from start to first bite. If you can find chestnut flour it really is worth it. It is a super fine flour so it works great without having to sift it and it gives it a very smooth taste. I think I fell in love with roasted chestnuts at the German Christmas Markets this winter. I have never had them before and wow, yummy.
The original recipe can be found on the 30 Days of Paleo site.
Print Recipe
The original recipe can be found on the 30 Days of Paleo site.
Print Recipe
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Nutty Fig Muffin
I made these Paleo friendly muffins for a treat the other day as I was experimenting with new nut flours. While trying to come up with an apple cinnamon version of my pumpkin spice muffins for the kids without any sugars or agave I attempted these. My husband took one bite and was floored. He said, "now that is the BEST muffin you have made so far! Are you sure there isn't any flour in that?" Nope, all nut flours so he dubbed it the Nutty Muffin. The kids were excited to have one but they both took only one bite. I guess I will have to stick with adding a little agave for the boys. This is a great breakfast or desert treat for those of us that find these sweet enough. :) Enjoy!
Print Recipe
Print Recipe
Friday, January 28, 2011
VanSisseren Vinaigrette
To have your own homemade dressing is the best! I try and make this once a week so I have it on hand for salads or to drizzle over my spinach and eggs in the morning. It is also great drizzled over steamed or broiled asparagus and probably any steamed veggie of choice.
When I would visit my sister back in my early 20's her husband would always whip up some great sauce or salad dressing with no recipe. I never cooked back then so it was like magic and I was always so impressed. And this salad dressing was always my favorite so I finally asked him to write it down and I could attempt to make it on my own. To this day I still have the old back of an envelope that he wrote the recipe on and I thought it was time to actually make it digital. Thanks Mike!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kids Loved Them... Pumpkin Spiced Muffins vs. 2
In my continuous quest to find something that both of my boys will eat and enjoy but are heavy on the healthy side has finally come true today!! I have made so many versions of muffins and bars and most of them they will not touch. Today I took my Pumpkin Spiced Muffins to a new level... Kid Approved!! I know you mom's out there know exactly what I'm talking about and something like this makes you feel like you have accomplished the most difficult task in your life.
I made enough changes that I felt it necessary to re-write the recipe to keep it simple. Instead of Bob's red mill gf all purpose baking flour I used a combination of almond flour and buckwheat flour and because of the change in flour I was able to eliminate the xanthan gum and baking powder. Two less additive ingredients two steps closer to a better healthier product is the way I see it. The last thing I did was remove the butter and replace it with grapeseed oil. I hope you and your kids enjoy this one!
Print Recipe
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Lamb Shanks & Broccoli Soup
I had to work my weekend Warrior duties today, ie. Navy stuff, and was planning on coming home to roast a chicken. Well I didn't exactly calculate the thawing time out correctly nor did I give my husband any direction on what to do so we looked at each other and both said, "what's plan B?" Wish I had one. You feed the kids and let me think... Luckily the lamb shanks that I pulled out of the freezer yesterday already thawed and I could make my old trusty favorite. Only problem with that... it was already after 5pm and this recipe has to cook for 2 1/5 hours after all the prep. It wouldn't be big deal but we were both starving so we munched on some celery and almond butter as dinner preps began. The prep is quite simple and once it is all in the pot I had time to get the kids ready for bed, read books and say goodnight. The best part about this is that I get to have a nice quiet delicious dinner and evening with my husband. So worth the wait. Ahhhhh!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Use What You Got Inspired Italian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers
Trying to figure out what to make for dinner? My rule of thumb is to look in the fridge and freezer to see what might be hiding in there that can spur an idea. Pick one thing and then build your dinner around that. I found ground venison in the Commissary the other day and had to buy it. It has been in my freezer for a couple of weeks not knowing what I would do with it. I think I have cooked a Venison Stew once before but that was it.
I thawed the meat in the fridge yesterday and looked for a recipe that would work. The Italian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers from Balanced Bites looked like a good fit. It called for ground beef... close enough. I had a few bell peppers both yellow and red, a box of frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach, one tomato and some marinara sauce that I needed to use before it went bad. I always have onions and garlic on hand and some fresh basil so I was good to go. Don't ever feel like you have to follow a recipe exactly otherwise you will be spending all your days at the grocery store because there is always something missed on the list.
It was super simple, quick and DELICIOUS!! Click here for the recipe.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thai Spiced Lamb & Beef Lettuce Bowls
Today was a great day! I was driving home from my Ayurveda treatment and decided to go a different direction. I had seen a Natur Markt (health food store) store previously on this route but never had a chance to stop so today I made the time and I am so glad I did. This place was awesome, just a wee bit smaller than a Whole Foods but the aisles were spacious unlike most health food stores. I was even more thrilled to find organic ground lamb. If you live in the states you are probably thinking, so what I can pick that up anywhere. I make a big deal about this because it is the first time I have found it here in Germany and I have lived her for almost three years. Needless to say I knew what I was going to make tonight. It has been a very long time since I made this and this time I tweaked it a bit more to make it a Paleo recipe. Now there is one teaspoon of arrowroot starch in it but I think it would work just fine without it. I hope you enjoy this as much as my husband and I did!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Substitutes... Really?
Do you wonder why we are always looking for substitutes for the foods that we think we need? Like our traditional American breakfast foods... pancakes, waffles, muffins, bread... all those delicious things that a Celiac or gluten intolerant person is supposed to avoid and most of the rest of the world doesn't eat.
I was chatting with a friend today about this and we both wondered why this habit of ours is so difficult to break. Is it really necessary for us to eat those foods that just don't do a body good? Is it because we were brought up this way and have been given such bad, contradictory and confusing guidance on the proper way to eat? We have been eating this way all our lives, it is near to impossible to break? I do think it is possible but for how long? Can I give up half and half in my coffee or coffee in itself for the rest of my life???? Yikes... I really don't know if I could. But you know when it is your health at risk or when you have a little baby growing in your belly you make the changes no matter what, at least I did. I had my boys back to back, so there I was, pregnant or nursing with no coffee and no wine for over four years. My husband loved it because he always had a designated driver. I actually didn't mind it but when I finished nursing my second I was pretty happy about my morning coffee again.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Red Wine Beef Short Ribs with Almond Courgettes
Don't have a crockpot? Don't know what a Courgette is? Then this recipe is for you. I have not had short ribs since I was in Virginia Beach and one of my favorite meals to make was this in the crockpot. I was still on active duty and had a newborn so my time was very limited. I'd wake up at zero dark thirty, as my dad used to always say, to get ready for work and just before I'd walk out the door I would throw together some version of a crockpot short rib recipe. In less than 10 minutes dinner was prepped and cooking. When I returned home to see the sweet smile on my baby's face the house would smell fantastic and dinner was just about served. Nothing better than that! This is the only way a working mom can survive those long days away from her little ones.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Paleo NM Green Chili Beef with Roasted Peppers
Day 6 of our Paleo Challenge and my teammate along with the other girls are doing an outstanding job maintaining their 25 daily points and not cheating. Way to go girls! We have been sharing ideas and recipes non-stop on facebook which is a lot of fun. Thanks for all the tips.
Tonight I took an old favorite from Bon Appetite Oct 2006 issue and made it gluten free and now Paleo. If I were still living in New Mexico this dish would be a green chili dream! To get my hands on some Hatch green chillies freshly roasted would be heaven but for now, living here, the Commissary's canned green chilies are the best I can do. For those of you that really want to make this the original way you will need some monterey pepper jack cheese and little bit of 1/2 and 1/2 or cream.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 4 Paleo Challenge
I always love a challenge like this to revisit the way I'm cooking and eating. It is so easy to fall into a routine where you end up eating the same meals week after week... might be good for you but it can be very boring! We have our favorites and they are simple quick and tasty but now that my boys are in school I actually can think and plan meals again. The Paleo diet is a good reason to explore new ways of cooking, new recipes and old recipes slightly altered. It doesn't take much to convert a gluten free recipe to a Paleo recipe. For instance tonight I took this great recipe out of the Delight gluten free Magazine removed the brown sugar and rice ingredients and there you go. Tonights dinner...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Paleo 30 Day Challenge
My CrossFit Trainer asked all us girls to start the New Year off right with a 30 day Paleo challenge and I immediately said "I'm in". We are paired up into teams so we can motivate and share ideas with each other, not to mention a little competition amongst the team. Whoever gains the most points wins a prize. Bring on the challenge!
I have wanted to try this diet for some time now not because I need to lose weight but more as a test to see if I can maintain a good energy level throughout the day no matter how much energy my two little ones drain from me. I'd also like to see if helps me put on more muscle mass and if I will have more strength during my CrossFit workouts.
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