Sometimes the best meals are made on a whim with whatever is left in the frig. I haven’t been cooking a whole lot lately, having been dog sitting and staying away from home for a week. So when I needed dinner last night before leaving for home I peered in the frig to see what I’d find. I wasn’t expecting much. What I came up with though was healthy and satisfying, so good in fact that I may have it again tonight!
Acorn squash- ok I know this is a fall thing, but I just can’t get enough squash. They are probably one of my favorite foods. I sliced one open, scooped the seeds, and placed them skin side up in a microwave dish with ¼” water and a lid. I zapped them for 6 minutes, rearranged them, and then cooked them 6 minutes longer. Perfect! I like them just like that, but feel free to add butter and brown sugar.
Then to complete the squash I had a salad without lettuce. I did find broccoli slaw for my base, then added some turkey deli meat, broccoli, avocado, and cottage cheese. A little drizzle of Paul Newman’s Three Cheese Balsamic dressing and I wasn’t missing the lettuce at all!
This may be a pregnant lady’s meal for I am craving some strange food. My newest obsession has been grapefruit. At least it is healthy right? I hope to cook more in the days ahead and share some recipes. I am feeling so good in the second trimester-loving food again and feeling energized to cook. I am treating myself to an afternoon off from work today. A pregnant lady needs her pampering! I will let you know what fun I come up with…
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Happy Birthday Love!
I love birthdays! Of course I love mine, but I love celebrating the birthdays of my loved ones even more. That is why it is hard for me to be apart from my love today on his birthday, March 30th. So as a treat to him, I dedicate this to my Jacob.
In college, my ever lively, ever creative roommates came up with the tradition of ringing in birthdays. It is something now that I always look forward to. In the minutes before midnight on the eve of the birthday you spend time reminiscing about your year and what you look forward to in the year to come.
We didn't think we would be able to stay up for midnight last night. Then, I decided to take the morning off from work...no reasons not to stay up! I loved lying there with him at 11:50pm as he listed off all the wonderful news that came his way at the age of 25. He wondered if 26 could possibly get better. Of course it will, we both decided with the start of our family.
Birthday breakfast for Jake has to include blueberry muffins. I try to get the one brand that includes a sugar crumble topping, his favorite. Today, with that mix no where to be found, I settled for a different mix and made my own topping. They were a hit! The muffins were not gluten free, I just couldn't do that to him on his birthday. I thought I would sit with him and eat some brown rice crisps, but as I was getting ready for the day, I heard him start up the stove. He cooked for me on his birthday. What a man!
At the breakfast table for two he enjoyed his muffins and I relished my cheesy eggs and fried peppery turkey. Others may find this odd, but instead of bacon or sausage in the morning, we like to fry up lunch meat. This is a cheaper, healthier, alternative and since I loathe even the smell of bacon right now (pregnancy aversion) it is the perfect treat. Simply add some olive oil to a skillet, throw in some meat (I trust Oscarmayer, Hillshire Farm, and Budding), add some fresh cracked pepper, and some honey or sugar and let it crisp up. It is a great way to jazz up boring lunch meat and tastes spicy sweet- the perfect combination!
Happy Birthday my love. Enjoy your weekend in New York!
In college, my ever lively, ever creative roommates came up with the tradition of ringing in birthdays. It is something now that I always look forward to. In the minutes before midnight on the eve of the birthday you spend time reminiscing about your year and what you look forward to in the year to come.
We didn't think we would be able to stay up for midnight last night. Then, I decided to take the morning off from work...no reasons not to stay up! I loved lying there with him at 11:50pm as he listed off all the wonderful news that came his way at the age of 25. He wondered if 26 could possibly get better. Of course it will, we both decided with the start of our family.
Birthday breakfast for Jake has to include blueberry muffins. I try to get the one brand that includes a sugar crumble topping, his favorite. Today, with that mix no where to be found, I settled for a different mix and made my own topping. They were a hit! The muffins were not gluten free, I just couldn't do that to him on his birthday. I thought I would sit with him and eat some brown rice crisps, but as I was getting ready for the day, I heard him start up the stove. He cooked for me on his birthday. What a man!
At the breakfast table for two he enjoyed his muffins and I relished my cheesy eggs and fried peppery turkey. Others may find this odd, but instead of bacon or sausage in the morning, we like to fry up lunch meat. This is a cheaper, healthier, alternative and since I loathe even the smell of bacon right now (pregnancy aversion) it is the perfect treat. Simply add some olive oil to a skillet, throw in some meat (I trust Oscarmayer, Hillshire Farm, and Budding), add some fresh cracked pepper, and some honey or sugar and let it crisp up. It is a great way to jazz up boring lunch meat and tastes spicy sweet- the perfect combination!
Happy Birthday my love. Enjoy your weekend in New York!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
I couldn't ask for more
I’m back…where have I been since December? Rejoicing over all the changes in my life that started the end of 2006 and continued into this year. There is a lot to celebrate, so why keep it in? I do want to keep writing here, so here goes the start of my blog 2007.
And what a start it is…
I am pregnant!
I found out January 10th at my parents’ house while my hubby was overseas in London for a January term class. I just knew that night that I shouldn’t have wine with my meal. An hour later, with pregnancy test in hand, my intuition was confirmed! What a surprise that was for Jacob when I visited London the next weekend to tell him the news. I love how I didn’t actually have to tell him the news. I told him before any sight seeing that we had to talk. He sat down looking rather worried. “We need to talk” is not the way I wanted to start this conversation. I had all this time to plan how I was going to tell him, and that was the best I came up with! Then to top that great beginning, I was speechless. He smiled and asked, “What is it? You’re pregnant?” Tears of joy, hugs, and complete excitement followed.
We had talked about the possibility of not being able to have children. Celiac disease can take that dream away from people. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause infertility and miscarriage. I was diagnosed in July of 2005 and from the moment I found out, went gluten free. I gained weight back pretty much instantly after losing 30 pounds and felt better, but was I healthy again?
This baby is telling me I am doing things right. I am thankful every day that I had a thorough doctor that had the knowledge and insight of what celiac disease is. After two appointments with her, I was scheduled for an endoscopy and the biopsy confirmed celiac disease. Yes, it has been hard to give up some foods, and eating out is now daunting, but I am blessed.
Eating gluten free has given me my life back.
Eating gluten free has given me new life.
I couldn’t ask for anything more!
And what a start it is…
I am pregnant!
I found out January 10th at my parents’ house while my hubby was overseas in London for a January term class. I just knew that night that I shouldn’t have wine with my meal. An hour later, with pregnancy test in hand, my intuition was confirmed! What a surprise that was for Jacob when I visited London the next weekend to tell him the news. I love how I didn’t actually have to tell him the news. I told him before any sight seeing that we had to talk. He sat down looking rather worried. “We need to talk” is not the way I wanted to start this conversation. I had all this time to plan how I was going to tell him, and that was the best I came up with! Then to top that great beginning, I was speechless. He smiled and asked, “What is it? You’re pregnant?” Tears of joy, hugs, and complete excitement followed.
We had talked about the possibility of not being able to have children. Celiac disease can take that dream away from people. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause infertility and miscarriage. I was diagnosed in July of 2005 and from the moment I found out, went gluten free. I gained weight back pretty much instantly after losing 30 pounds and felt better, but was I healthy again?
This baby is telling me I am doing things right. I am thankful every day that I had a thorough doctor that had the knowledge and insight of what celiac disease is. After two appointments with her, I was scheduled for an endoscopy and the biopsy confirmed celiac disease. Yes, it has been hard to give up some foods, and eating out is now daunting, but I am blessed.
Eating gluten free has given me my life back.
Eating gluten free has given me new life.
I couldn’t ask for anything more!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Last night I had one of my best friends over to make Christmas cards.
I wanted the evening to be cozy for many important reasons: The house is decorated and makes me want to stay in for hours surrounded by warmth of a fire and glowing candles, I have worked for eight days straight and needed to rest, and because I have my first cold of the season and needed extra down time.
I didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen cooking for all these reasons, but I also wanted to eat something quick, healthy, and tasty. That is how this recipe for taco soup was created. It is quick because I used some canned ingredients. It is healthy, made with turkey, no oil, and veggies. It is tasty with different textures for your mouth to play with and the right amount of spice.
So if you want to experiment with some Mexican flavors and need something to fight a cold with, give this soup a try!
Taco Soup
1 pound (package) ground turkey
1 medium onion
1 package taco seasoning (I used chicken taco seasoning) McCormick’s is gluten free for now!
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth (Swanson’s NOT ORGANIC is gluten free)
1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed
1 large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (16 oz) corn
1 green pepper, diced
½ cup hot salsa (or milder if you prefer)
Splash of jalapeno juice (optinal)
Chili powder (optional) for an extra kick
In a large soup pot, fry turkey and onion over medium heat until cooked through. Add remaining ingredients and cook approximately 15-20 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer until ready to serve. It is really that easy!
Top with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream etc. And serve with chips. This soup is excellent for dipping!
I wanted the evening to be cozy for many important reasons: The house is decorated and makes me want to stay in for hours surrounded by warmth of a fire and glowing candles, I have worked for eight days straight and needed to rest, and because I have my first cold of the season and needed extra down time.
I didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen cooking for all these reasons, but I also wanted to eat something quick, healthy, and tasty. That is how this recipe for taco soup was created. It is quick because I used some canned ingredients. It is healthy, made with turkey, no oil, and veggies. It is tasty with different textures for your mouth to play with and the right amount of spice.
So if you want to experiment with some Mexican flavors and need something to fight a cold with, give this soup a try!
Taco Soup
1 pound (package) ground turkey
1 medium onion
1 package taco seasoning (I used chicken taco seasoning) McCormick’s is gluten free for now!
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth (Swanson’s NOT ORGANIC is gluten free)
1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed
1 large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (16 oz) corn
1 green pepper, diced
½ cup hot salsa (or milder if you prefer)
Splash of jalapeno juice (optinal)
Chili powder (optional) for an extra kick
In a large soup pot, fry turkey and onion over medium heat until cooked through. Add remaining ingredients and cook approximately 15-20 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer until ready to serve. It is really that easy!
Top with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream etc. And serve with chips. This soup is excellent for dipping!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Quesadillas
Sorry to ALL my fans about not writing lately. What is my deal? I guess I didn't realize that some of you check my blog frequently. I love it! Ok, so I need to get writing.
Corn tortillas have been one of my favorite additions to my diet since becoming gluten free. This means that when Jake feels like grilled cheese, I make quesadillas. It has been a while since he has wanted that soggy sandwich of cheese because our quesadillas are so delicious. He likes to make them for me too. Can't beat that.
Quesadillas
We like to use the Foreman to make a quick chicken breast. Just spray with some Pam and cook thoroughly. I like to add onion and green pepper to the grill too for some extra texture and flavor in the quesadilla.
When the chicken is done, sprinkle with a little taco seasoning if you have some on hand. I have been trusting McCormick brand, but always check the label!
Spray a skillet with some Pam and add the tortilla. Let it get a little crispy and then add the remaining ingredients: chicken, onions, green pepper, cheese, black beans, salsa...whatever you like! Top off with another tortilla and watch for the desired golden color and crispiness. We like to add guacamole on top when avocados look good in the store.
Hope this helps with a quick gluten free meal!
Corn tortillas have been one of my favorite additions to my diet since becoming gluten free. This means that when Jake feels like grilled cheese, I make quesadillas. It has been a while since he has wanted that soggy sandwich of cheese because our quesadillas are so delicious. He likes to make them for me too. Can't beat that.
Quesadillas
We like to use the Foreman to make a quick chicken breast. Just spray with some Pam and cook thoroughly. I like to add onion and green pepper to the grill too for some extra texture and flavor in the quesadilla.
When the chicken is done, sprinkle with a little taco seasoning if you have some on hand. I have been trusting McCormick brand, but always check the label!
Spray a skillet with some Pam and add the tortilla. Let it get a little crispy and then add the remaining ingredients: chicken, onions, green pepper, cheese, black beans, salsa...whatever you like! Top off with another tortilla and watch for the desired golden color and crispiness. We like to add guacamole on top when avocados look good in the store.
Hope this helps with a quick gluten free meal!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Give Thanks
Giving thanks-to health and family!
It is a tradition at Thanksgiving to go around the table and share what we are thankful for. We forgot to do this during our big meal with all ten of us squished on a picnic table and three dogs running around trying to sneak some turkey. My sister reminded us to take time and think about what we are thankful for the following day.
It was easy for me to answer.
I am thankful for being healthy once again. After a year and a half of officially having celiac disease, I am feeling good. I am learning each day better ways of preparing food gluten free and how to educate my family. I am happy about my diagnosis, something I couldn’t say a year ago.
Which brings me to another gratitude- my family. I am thankful to have all those that gathered for our Thanksgiving meal. Included in this group were my husband’s parents. I am blessed to be a part of two families that enjoy spending time together.
Now to the food, which of course I am thankful for! My family gave up traditional food to make it in a way that I could enjoy.
My sister made squash soup with a kick to awaken our taste buds.
My mother-in-law made their family’s traditional Jell-O salad, but with gluten free pretzels!
We concluded that green bean casserole made with Bob’s Red Mill GF flour mix and gluten free corn flakes tasted even better than the one grandma used to make.
I made gluten free cornbread stuffing with sausage, cranberries, and walnuts.
The turkey dressed with herbs, lemon, onion, and garlic and finished off with thyme butter under the skin was a big hit.
Everyone agreed that the best side was the sweet potato dish with a cranberry glaze that my mom made.
I didn’t even miss having pie with the gluten free trifle I made. Layers of gluten free spice cake, vanilla pudding and pumpkin, and whipped cream. Delicious!
Who misses gluten with a meal like this?
It is a tradition at Thanksgiving to go around the table and share what we are thankful for. We forgot to do this during our big meal with all ten of us squished on a picnic table and three dogs running around trying to sneak some turkey. My sister reminded us to take time and think about what we are thankful for the following day.
It was easy for me to answer.
I am thankful for being healthy once again. After a year and a half of officially having celiac disease, I am feeling good. I am learning each day better ways of preparing food gluten free and how to educate my family. I am happy about my diagnosis, something I couldn’t say a year ago.
Which brings me to another gratitude- my family. I am thankful to have all those that gathered for our Thanksgiving meal. Included in this group were my husband’s parents. I am blessed to be a part of two families that enjoy spending time together.
Now to the food, which of course I am thankful for! My family gave up traditional food to make it in a way that I could enjoy.
My sister made squash soup with a kick to awaken our taste buds.
My mother-in-law made their family’s traditional Jell-O salad, but with gluten free pretzels!
We concluded that green bean casserole made with Bob’s Red Mill GF flour mix and gluten free corn flakes tasted even better than the one grandma used to make.
I made gluten free cornbread stuffing with sausage, cranberries, and walnuts.
The turkey dressed with herbs, lemon, onion, and garlic and finished off with thyme butter under the skin was a big hit.
Everyone agreed that the best side was the sweet potato dish with a cranberry glaze that my mom made.
I didn’t even miss having pie with the gluten free trifle I made. Layers of gluten free spice cake, vanilla pudding and pumpkin, and whipped cream. Delicious!
Who misses gluten with a meal like this?
Friday, November 17, 2006
love my co-ops
Gluten free pretzels, what could be more important?
That is how I felt last night at a co-op in Saint Paul. A simple question at the register inquiring if the store carried any turned into a storewide search. I love that about people who my husband refers to as “my kind:” those that have food allergies, care about the environment, and eat healthy. Usually they are eager to help with whatever I need and want to know about my celiac disease. At the co-op I followed the nice cashier around the store as she pointed out her favorite gluten free items. Tortillas, truffles, crackers, pizza crust…most I had heard about, but I followed eagerly happy to listen to her enthusiasm.
I love even more talking to people that have celiac disease or are eating gluten free for other reasons. Which brings me to a new topic. The cashier last night indicated that she was gluten free because of the diet she is on for her blood type. My future sister-in-law is eating according to her blood type as well. Is this something new? Am I one of the only few that hasn’t heard of this yet? If you have information on this, please enlighten me. I find this fascinating.
Thanks for your help, all you lovely people that help me at the co-ops. You make my life easier and more fulfilling!
That is how I felt last night at a co-op in Saint Paul. A simple question at the register inquiring if the store carried any turned into a storewide search. I love that about people who my husband refers to as “my kind:” those that have food allergies, care about the environment, and eat healthy. Usually they are eager to help with whatever I need and want to know about my celiac disease. At the co-op I followed the nice cashier around the store as she pointed out her favorite gluten free items. Tortillas, truffles, crackers, pizza crust…most I had heard about, but I followed eagerly happy to listen to her enthusiasm.
I love even more talking to people that have celiac disease or are eating gluten free for other reasons. Which brings me to a new topic. The cashier last night indicated that she was gluten free because of the diet she is on for her blood type. My future sister-in-law is eating according to her blood type as well. Is this something new? Am I one of the only few that hasn’t heard of this yet? If you have information on this, please enlighten me. I find this fascinating.
Thanks for your help, all you lovely people that help me at the co-ops. You make my life easier and more fulfilling!
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