I'm a gluten free health geek.

And i'm also a person who has a few physical challenges.  When my body first went AWOL on me, i was told i could look forward to surgeries  & chemical interventions OR i could change my diet & lifestyle to counter outcomes.

I took the 2nd option. 

And it has been a life of learning, experimentation and then some. 

If anything i have learned can be of help to you, i would be thrilled!! [ Why go through all this if it can't help others!!! ]

Broccoli & Lime

Steamed broccoli with fresh squeezed lime juice. That's it, that's the whole thing.

Steam the broccoli heads, Let them cool to room temp and squeeze on fresh cut lime juice.

If you want it sweet, don't add salt. If you want a little pep, add salt.

It's addicting.

Enjoy! ( Use ORGANIC !!!! )

 

 

Brownie Soufflé Cake

I've gotten lazy.

I took in a very old dog who uses a whole bunch of my energy, and in order to have anything remotely "home made" i have begun to cheat. I'm taking pre-made mixes and zhuzhing them up to make them more substantial.

Exhibit A:  Brownie Soufflé Cake

I start with a really inexpensive mix that is offered by Aldi's GF line, add some magic and come up with a not-too-sweet, dense, moist chocolatey cake.  Recipe is below.

*** Warning: this is dairy heavy and i can't offer any substitutions which i could stand by.

Brownie Soufflé recipe

Using the box mix recipe as your baseline

Change out the water/milk for half-n-half or heavy cream

I whip together liquids/eggs seperately:

  • Eggs as mix requires
  • Half-n-Half substitution( + 1 Tablespoon )
  • 1/4 Cup Greek or Goatsmilk Yogurt
  • 1/2 Can Puree'd Butternut Squash
  • 2 TBL EVOlive Oil
  • Melted Butter as mix requires
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Then in the "dry" ingredients

  • Entire box mix
  • 2 TBL Beet Powder
  • 4-5 Scoops Dry Peanut Powder

Mix all together until smooth- if too dry add extra water or Half-n-Half.

Greece pan and pour in batter mix.

Bake as to recipe.   

I use an air fryer set to bake at box required temp for about 14 minutes, and check it's progress. If not done, i return it to baking at 5 minute intervals until complete.

Let cool to room temp.

Serving suggestions: 

  • a berry drizzle
  • whipped cream

Slurp This!

When it's hot and humid, who can resist something cool and refreshing?
Not me. I live for it in the sweltering heat of summer!
This is my version of a grown up slurpy.
No added sugars, real fruit **goodness, low on calories, high on refreshment!

Natural Slurpy Recipe

Per 16 oz cup
*Small handful of frozen strawberries
(or any berry you prefer)
*5 ice cubes ( i use distilled water)
*2 oz of unsweetend cranberry juice ( or dark cherry or blueberry...the options are yours)
 *The juice from half a freshly squeezed                                                lemon or lime (no pits!)
 * 3/4 liquid measuring cup of chilled water.

Place all in good blender or Bullet, and blend until slushy and no cubes are left.

When i am entertaining adults, a shot of chilled vodka into a mix of pineapple, strawberries and lime juice is very refreshing.

** I use organic frozen fruit whenever possible.

Grown-Up Options

I use a packet of EmergenC in mine, when i want to increase health benefits.

For variety, I have used coconut milk frozen into cubes, replaced half the ice cubes with those, that creates more a creamy smoothie feel.

There's also options like frozen mango, pineapple or dark cherries that make variety options deliciously. 

For delicate flavor- how about pineapple basil? Or Blueberry lemon? Fresh mint too.

 

Got Kiwi?

Did you know Kiwi have loads of vitamin C in them? 
No, they aren't low carb or low sugar.
But they are nutrient dense and delicious!

Check out these RDA values!!

1 Cup of kiwi =
( from SelfnutritionData)


Golden Milk- ahhhhhhhhh!

It's an addicting bedtime ritual

By now, most people have heard of golden milk. It's the English name for a warm turmeric chai-like drink that has no caffeine, but lots of comfort. It can be made traditionally with cow's milk or cream, honey, butter and spices OR it can be made dairy free with coconut cream or milk, coconut oil, honey and spices.

Either way, if you like it, you come to love it. It really is a soothing bedtime ( or after a blustery cold winters day ) drink.

Ingredients

This is all very subjective- play with it based on taste preferences.

Here's how i do it per 16 oz cup:

1/2 can of Coconut Cream

1/2 cup of almond milk

powdered spices: big shake of cinnamon, med shake of ginger and 2 shakes of turmeric

drop of vanilla extract

1/2 tsp honey

**If i want it for breakfast, then i also add a Tblsp of vanilla or unflavored collagen powder.

 

Directions

Put the cold liquids together with the honey & vanilla in a pot over low heat. ( if you are adding the collagen, do it before heating, and whisk well ) Once it begins to bubble, wisk in the spices. Leave it on the heat and it should get a little froth building. Take an immersion blender to it, and really froth it up. Serve hot

Cold Shake Version

I liked it sooo much, that i worked out a cold version.

Golden Shake

Put into blender the following:

1 Cup ( of your size preference) of cold alternative milk
1 frozen banana
1 TBLSP coconut cream
1 tsp turmeric paste
1 shake of cinnamon
1 shake of nutmeg
honey to taste, if you like things extra sweet.

Blend until frothy ( about 1 minute)

Pour and serve!

Best.Paleo.Loaf

I was at my clients when i was introduced to Pumpkin Seed Powder.
​The minute i tasted it, my mind started imagining how great it would be in a grain free muffin.

Most "alternative" breads only last 4, maybe 5 days even well wrapped in the fridge before they start getting funky. This one holds an entire week and then some!
It has zero negative effect on my less than stellar digestive system. It fills me up and regulates my energy ( so i'm assuming its regulating my blood sugar levels).
A thin slice can hold me for a couple hours.
It can be eaten plain ( a bit dry) or when i have the time toasted with some warmed some almond butter/ coconut oil drizzle over it. ( oh yum )
And the fiber content does wonders for daily regimens, if you get my drift.😊

Recipe

Here's the recipe for 1 loaf.

1 C Almond Flour ( i have used both fine ground and rough ground- works both ways! )
1/2 C Coconut Flour
1/2 C Pumpkin Seed Flower
1/4 C Dried Peanut Butter
1/4 C Teff Flour
3 Eggs
1 Can of Pumpkin Puree ( Wegmans Organic is too sweet! best choice)
     update: Increase pumpkin by 1/2 cup & 2 more Tbsp Olive Oil.
1/4 C Almond or Coconut Milk
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Butter or Ghee
Sweetener: Either 2-4pkts Stevia or 2 Tbsp Dark Honey or Maple Syrup
1.5 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Grated Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves ( i use 2 drops clove essential oil )
1 Tbsp Orange Rind ( i use 4 drops sweet orange essential oil )
1/2 tsp Allspice

Set oven @ 350˚
Abundantly grease a loaf pan with coconut oil

Mix all dry ingredients together.
Beat Eggs & add Vanilla, set aside.
In small saucepan combine oils, butter & honey ( if used) and melt down.
Mix melted ingredients with egg mixture, drop in any Essential Oils.
Mix Pumpkin Puree into wet ingredients.
Mix wet & dry ingredients together. If not moist enough to blend well, dribble in alternate milk to reach a good blend.
You want it a bit drier than a cake batter consistency.

Pour into greased loaf pan and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on loaf pan size and depth of batter.

Cool entirely before wrapping well for refrigeration.
But eating it fresh out of oven is really nice ( although a bit crumbly!)

Paleo

It can be done fully paleo, although i have a thing for Teff, so i have been using 1/4 C Teff in it- it can be swapped out with one of the other flours, no problem

Etc

I made a double batch and froze one for 5 days, came out great.

My guess is you could sub out the pumpkin for pureed butternut squash or water reduced pureed zucchini. 

Cranberry lemon walnut loaf

Grain Free, Gluten Free, Good Protein & Fiber, Low Sugars

This is an update on a former recipe.
​It's great fresh out of oven or as a snack at room temp, or toasted with spread for breakfast. Protein, fiber & antioxidants.

Perfect for the winter holidays!
Oooh fa la laaaaa! ⬇️

Loaf Recipe

Dry Ingredients:
2 Cups Fine Grind Almond Flour
1 Cup Tiger Nut Flour
1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
1/2 Cup Garbanzo or Garbanzo/Fava Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Wet Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Avocado Oil
1/8 Cup Butter or Butter Flavored Substitute 
3 Large Eggs [straight out of fridge]
Juice of 1 Large Lemon
Grate of Lemon Rind 1/4 tsp
1 Cup Cranberries ( half cooked )
1/4 tsp Liquid Stevia ( in glycerine, i used vanilla flavored )
1 tsp Maple Syrup ( if you like it sweeter, add more )
1 Very Brown & Mushy Banana


Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
Line loaf pan with parchment
Place all dry ingredients in mixing bowl, mix with fork for good distribution.
Seperate eggs, white from yolks into separate bowls. Put whites in fridge.
Beat the yolks to lemony color, add in browned banana, beat until smooth.
Warm oils & butter mixture in pan to liquid, add stevia & maple syrup. Mix well, pour into egg yolk mixture.
Add in juice of lemon + rind to yolk mixture, blend well.

Add yolk mixture to dry ingredients and stir well until all mixed.
If there is any dry ingredients sticking to sides or bottom of bowl, drip in some almond milk or melted butter /flavored spread.

Beat the egg whites to a big fluff and then fold into the rest of the mixture. Don't over mix, just enough to have everything blended.

Spoon into loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes. 
At 45 minutes, test it in the middle, and let it bake more at 5 minute intervals if needed.

Let it cool some before cutting to get good clean cuts.

It's mildly sweet, but putting some chocolate drizzle or whipped coconut cream or ice cream on top will take care of any sweet tooth needs.
It's also good toasted with nut butter or real butter or fruit spread.

I bet it makes good french toast!

Bon Apetite!

My "IT" Bread

If i have the time/energy, this is my favorite GF HEALTHY bread to make from scratch.. Here's the thing: i don't want to make something that's just simple no nutrition carbs. I can buy that anywhere.

I like food that has nutrition.

I know i'm odd. 

IT Bread Recipe

If you can tolerate grains, here's a nice hearty bread recipe that can easily be added to in the way of herbs & spices.
****This is a bulk recipe so you can have the flour premixed and ready to make the bread.

[[ANYWHERE you can get any of these ingredients in organic or sprouted  versions of flour, i will highly recommend.]]

Basic Bread Baking mixture:
2/3 C garbanzo flour
2/3C lentil flour
2/3 C brown rice flour
1 C sorghum flour
3 C arrowroot flour/starch
3 C tapioca flour ( can be substituted with corn starch)

Recipe to make bread 
Ingredients per single loaf:
1 Egg + 2 Egg Whites
4.5 Tbsp Melted Butter
3/4 tsp White or Apple Cider Vinegar
3 tsp Liquid Sweetener --> Choose from: Maple Syrup, Honey, Agave, Molasses, Stevia
3 Tbsp Granular Sweetener --> Choose from Coconut Sugar, Stevia, Maple Sugar, Brown Sugar
1 Cup Water
2 1/4 tsp Xantham Gum
1 tsp unflavored/plain gelatin ( think Knox )
1 tsp powdered milk or substitute ( think plain non dairy creamer )
3 Tbsp Almond Meal ( any grind will do )
2 1/2 tsp quick rise baking yeast

Begin:
Whisk together;
1 whole egg + 2 egg whites,
4 1/2 Tbsp 
butter
 3/4 tsp white vinegar
 3 tsp liquid sweetener
.
Add in 1  cup 
water.
Set Aside

Combine 3 cups of above flour mixture with;
2 1/4 tsp 
xantham gum,
1 tsp unflavored gelatin,
3 Tbsp brown 
sugar,
1 tsp powdered milk substitute,
3 Tbsp almond
meal
2 1/2 tsp yeast.
Mix Well

IF you have a Bread Maker, follow instructions on wet vs dry ingredients
IF you are Baking in Oven 
mix all together to form ball and
follow bread rising/baking instructions for oven.

Best served hot & fresh.
​If not, cool, slice and FREEZE slices individually as you'd serve them

I have added chives, garlic, caraway seeds, cinnamon & raisins ( can get a bit sticky ).
It's pretty stable to play with.

Dairy & Grain Free Pumpkin Cookie

I love cookies. Only, when you are going grain free, truly enjoyable edible cookies aren't so easy to come by.
This recipe has upped the ante! It came to my feed on twitter and because it had PUMPKIN in the title, i was compelled to look at it immediately.
Looked simple enough, and surely sounded good. BUT, i didn't have all the ingredients in the house. So i traded some out, and the magic happened anyway!

Added bonus...Super low on added sugars.

Here is my version of Derek Henry's yummy cookie.

Grain/Dairy Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Makes about 3 dozen
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

In mixing bowl combine:

1 Cup pureed Pumpkin
1 Cup Raw Cashew Butter
2 Well Ripened Bananas ( sweetner source)
2 Tsp Vanilla

Blend well with mixer until creamy.

In separate bowl combine:

1 Cup Almond Flour/Meal
1 Cup Cashew Flour/Meal
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
1 and 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

Mix together well with fork.

Separately:
1 Cup Chopped Pecans
1 Cup Dark Chocolate Bits

Pour dry ingredients into moist ingredients mixing quickly with beater.
Mix in Pecans & Chocolate Bits by hand.

Line Cookie sheets with Parchment Paper

Drop Spoonfulls of mix onto lined cookie sheets and tamp down into flat rounds using back of spoon/butter knife. ( they don't really spread much)

Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Let cool.


Additional details

* If you don't want any added simple sugars, you can sub chocolate with raisins/dates, etc.

*Package in small freezer bags and store in freezer. You can eat them nearly straight out that way, or allow to come to room temp.


* Cashew butter and flour are sweeter taste and higher in healthy fats, and make the cookie moister than all almond would. 

* I think Pumpkin Seed flour might be a good sub out for one of the flours. It's super high in protein & amino acids, plus sweet. You need a high grade pumpkin seed- finely milled.

Lets Talk Celiac:

Gluten Free

I'm a celiac person. Diagnosed a long time ago, before there was gluten free foods labeled and certified in stores, restaurants, or even in supplements. Before there was GF beer, or shampoo or toothpaste.  So my attention to this has been a long learning curve.  All of the recipes i will post will be GF.  ( although as i have learned, everyone's body is different, and often changes - so oats are ok for some, Big No's for others. You may have to do some trial & error to know what is on your good & bad lists this season of your body's life.)


Ice Cream Recipe 

[ GF ]

Dairy Free, No Added Sugar Ice Cream Recipe

Here's my version of rich chocolate
* dairy free
* soy free
* nut free
* no added sugar
* vegan


And this one is also loaded with probiotics & collagen.
You CAN get your ice cream & healthy benefits too!

Ingredients

Per person
1 large frozen browned banana
8-10 frozen blueberries ( medium -large sized berries)
2 drops stevia ( i don't know what that equates in powdered)
2 Tblsp chilled coconut milk
1 tsp cacao powder
3 drops vanilla extract

Toppings of your choice - mine is coconut shred. You can also mix cacao with coconut oil, vanilla & stevia in a pot on low heat until well blended, and use that as a chocolate syrup.

Directions

Let all frozen elements sit out at room temp for approx 10 minutes. 
chop banana into sections, put all chilled things in blender ( or bullet) then add in liquids, and finally the powders. 
[ this is where i add probiotics & collagen - they don't freeze, so lose none of their benefits, and they add to making it creamy ]

Blend in short pulses until creamy BUT before it starts to liquify. If it's still too frozen, give it a few more minutes or add a few drops of water.

Top it and whala - delicious soft serve ice cream.
( i was going to make a coconut cream topping, but it wasn't behaving )

Serve immediately!!! ( or if you prefer more firm, dish out & put in freezer for 30-60 minutes ) I have pyrex ramikens with lids that work perfectly for this.

Delicious, nutritious and guilt free!

Other options are frozen chunk pineapple to make a pina-colada flavor, frozen strawberries & lemon juice & vanilla for a strawberry cheese cake flavor......


Super Detox Drink

I was having issues with intolerance to certain chemicals. With 2 "exposures"  in succession, my body gave me swollen glands & fever.
So either it's an allergic response to the chemical OR i was carrying a bug and the exposure to the chemical lowered my immune system enough to let the bug overtake.
Either way, this one was bad.
I racked my brain to come up with something to fight it. After trying everything  in my cabinets, this won! 

Necessity again the mother of all inventions!
One warning, the herxheimer effect on this is nearly immediate.
( meaning, whatever it is detoxing, happens so fast, that the toxins as they are being dragged out of your body en mass cause their own effect. To some headache, hives, zits, etc. To me, sleepies. I could fall into deep sleep.)

Recipe

So here's my "Killer Cocktail" - not for the feint of tastebud

2  cloves crushed fresh garlic
3   tsp crushed fresh ginger
1/3 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 handful of fresh spinach
2 oz of straight cranberry juice ( straight, no sugars)
1 package of Emergen-C ( my go to- not necessary)
6-8 oz of cold clean water ( i use distilled)

Blend impeccably. Drink right away.

Etc...

The thing that really strikes me about this : often when i eat a lot of garlic, if it's with food, i struggle with indegestion, and a few other less than crowd friendly outcomes. If i have this on an empty stomach ( like 12-16 hours without food), it goes down with few issues. Actually, my gut seems to really like it.

NOTE
The colder everything is, the easier it is to get down.
[[ I've been using the cubed crushed spices from Dorot. Although i know they aren't organic, which i would prefer.
I also used frozen pineapple, fresh spinach]]

Buckwheat brownie bites w/ nut butter drizzle

I was on a buckwheat kick. 
So when i got my bag of buckwheat flour in the mail and it had dense looking brownies on the package, i knew what was soon to come.

I looked up recipes and hacked around some, and ta-dahh!.

My version has - No Eggs, No Wheat, No Grains, No Sugar *
( but it is high carb, albeit high fiber, good protein & minerals )⬇️

Brownie Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Dry Ingredients:
3/4 Cup Organic Buckwheat Flour ( it's not really a grain, it's a seed )
1/4 Cup Cassava Flour
1/2 Cup Tapioca Flour ( some call it starch )
1 Heaping Tblsp Coffee fruit flour ( trust me, you want this! )
1 Tblsp Organic Beet Root Powder ( think red velvet )
1/8 Cup Organic Coconut Flour
1/2 Cup Organic Cacao powder
3/4 tsp baking powder


Wet Ingredients:
1 Stick Melted Organic Butter
1 Tblsp Coffee Concentrate
2 Tblsp Melted Coconut Oil
1 Tblsp Maple Syrup  *   ( you can do without, i just prefer the flavor)
10 Drops Liquid Stevia Extract
1/4 Cup Almond (or other) Milk.
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup + 1 Tblsp Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce.

Mix Dry ingredients well.
Mix Wet ingredients well
Mix Wet ingredients into dry ingredients until all dark and doughy.

Spoon into lined mini cupcake tins.
Bake for 12-16 minutes 

Nut Butter Drizzle:
Mix over low heat in sauce pan:
2 Tblsp Coconut Oil
2 Tbslp of nut butter ( powdered or regular )
4 Drops of Stevia Extract
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Let melt & begin to bubble, remove from heat.
Use knife to spead or drizzle over brownie bite when ready to serve.

( Or an old fav, warm some frozen organic raspberries, adding in a touch of coconut oil. Unwrap brownie bites and plate- then drizzle warmed berries along side & over the bites. Serve with coconut cream w/lemon or with real creme fresh. )

Breakfast Banana Mash

......She does the Mash....i do the banana mash,(the banana mash)  it's a kitchen smash ( she does the mash) it can be made in a flash ( the banana mash) i do the banana mash...a-woooooooo.

 

When your counter bananas are turning brown, and the skin almost completely recolored, move them to a dish in the fridge.  That will be your stock . They can stay a week or so in there like that.

One or two bananas per person, peel and mash, place into a small saucepan warmed with butter or coconut oil. Stir as it heats, then you can add in cinnamon, chopped nuts, coconut milk, flax seed, maple syrup, nut butter..... the list is endless, and only bound by your personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Sometimes i like it with a tsp of all fruit spread....
You can even add nut butters!

It makes a warm and sweet morning treat, perfect for starting your day!

Curried Chicken Salad w/ Cranberries

A sweet & crunchy salad with a few twists.

 

I served it room temp with warm clove poached pears thinly sliced. ( a side of farmers or some delicate soft cheese would be nice for the pears)

Curried Chicken Salad Recipe ( SCD friendly)

 Serves 2-4

2 Large skinless boneless chicken breasts, (boiled with sea salt)
1/3 cup chopped fennel
1/2 cup chopped raw or toasted pecans
1/2 cup mayonaise ( gf or scd compliant brand)

1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries ( sweetened for non SCD)
( For SCD add 1 tsp honey to the mayo)

1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp curry ( mild or strong depending on taste preference. i used mild to accommodate multiple pallets)


Let the chicken come to room temp and then chop.
Mix well the mayo, fennel, seasonings and berries
into a bowl, add in the chicken. Stir until all coated and flavors distributed. Chill.

Fresh Bloody Mary Cocktail or Mocktail 

V8, Eat your heart out!
Just had to put this up, got a craving for a Bloody Mary. With the heat, it will have to be virgin, too much to do. BUT, i picked up lots of good organic veggies from the market, and the craving hit hard!

Be aware- it comes out more muddy brown than red. Don't let that deter you. Truly!

Fresh Bloody Mary Base


Here's what i used per person;
2 handfuls of grape tomatoes ( i know, Roma would have been so much better, but they didn't have them organic today)
1 small stalk of celery
1/3 smallish zuchini
4 large basil leaves
3 ice cubes
a thick round slice of a lime, skin peeled off
* and at least 10 oz cold spring water
Blend until smoooooth!

I was tempted to add garlic, but the plastic bullet would hold the aroma/flavor and that isn't something i'd want in my fruit drinks, you understand.
I'm not a big pepper fan in my drinks, so i let that and the salt sit this round out.

I can't express how fresh and refreshing this is.
But that i stopped to post this should give you a clue!

Berry Lemon Zest Loaf

This is a breakfast/snack favorite.
It's dense, full of flavor, texture and protein. It's easy to nibble on during the morning scurry.

It is virtually #Paleo.
Most of my ingredients are Organic.

Berry Lemon Zest Loaf

2 Large Lemons
4 Eggs, separated
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Avocado Oil
3 Cups Cashew Flour ( or fine ground meal)
1 Cup Coconut flour
1 Tsp Sea Salt
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Backing Soda
1 VERY Brown Banana ( i freeze mine and thaw before baking commences)
2 Tbsp of Honey
1 Cup EITHER Cranberries ( soaked)  or fresh/frozen Blueberries

Set Oven at 350
Line bottom of loaf pan with parchment, and grease sides of pan ( and parchment) with coconut oil.

Grate the zest entirely off of both lemons, put aside.
Beat the Egg whites to Stiff ( first) in separate bowl
Beat the Egg Yellows till Whipped in separate bowl

Combine all dry ingredients into their own bowl, stir.

In small saucepan over low heat, melt down oils, add in honey and then add in lemon zest, remove from heat, let soak. Squeeze the juice of the lemons into this pan, stir. Mash the brown banana into this and mix well.
Pour contents of saucepan into Egg Yellow mixture, stir well.
Add all that into dry ingredients, and stir in well.
Then fold that batter into Egg Whites, stir well.
Add in berries and stir.
Spoon into loaf pan ( will be very thick, almost chunky) and tap down the top surface some.

Bake in oven for 40-50 minutes, until top is getting touches of brown crust.
Let cool, then serve or store.

Additional info

I tried this with Almond Flour, and it was just too dry and gritty for my taste. I tried it with more Coconut flour, and it came out to crumbly and the texture was near to eating straw.
I made it 4 times with the cranberries, but now that i have tried blueberries, i may be sticking with those! Oh Yum.
The banana adds moisture, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
BTW, this bread stays nearly 7 days nicely in the fridge, and its better tasting on days 2-5.
I pan toasted slices of it, then buttered. Not too shabby!



Good Golden Rice

In the Agricultural world, there is a controversial grain they call "Golden Rice". It is a rice that is genetically modified to deliver Vitamin A. 

This is not that.

I took in an older dog with lots of health issues, and needed to update his diet. I make him a big pot of  brown rice each week and use it as a base for his meals. He has really bad arthritis & dementia.

I wanted to get some anti-inflammatories into his diet without irritating his stomach. So i started adding turmeric to the pot i make the rice in. 

He is a butter fan, so i added butter & salt along with the turmeric.

It came out delicious!

For human consumption, add a few shakes of black pepper to the mix, because it helps your body absorb the turmeric.

I use a heaping teaspoon of turmeric, 2 pats of butter and a qtr tsp salt for every 3 cups of water.

 

Got Electrolytes?

Chill & Frothy: Make Your Natural Electrolytes Deliciously

Looks like more than a third of the country is in the grips of a summer heat wave. 
It's hot hot hot out!
So my lunch was my version of a natural electrolytes in a very chill and delicious, frothy drink.


 
 Then say Ahhhhhh
 and simply be chill!


Recipe

Per person -
Take 1/3 bunch of fresh, cleaned refrigerated parsley.
1/2 Cup of frozen pineapple chunks
1 or 2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp fresh crushed ginger
10-14 oz cold water

Then blend like mad! 


 

Nutrition Stats

Nutrition
Fresh Parsley by the cup:
Vitamin A  5055 IU 
Vitamin C   79.8mg
Vitamin K  984mcg
Folate          91.2mcg **
Choline         7.7mg
Calcium       82.8mg
Iron               3.7mg
Magnesium   30.0mg
Phosphorus    34.8mg
Potassium      332mg
Sodium         33.6
More Stats 

Why Are Electrolytes Important?

** see video on MWL page, " you are what your parents ate "

Parsley is the green herb of choice for many an Italian dish. It's also a quick breath freshener when you have no tooth brush around.
But did you know that the humble parsley plant is a vitamin powerhouse?
I hear it's not to shabby as an antioxidant or diuretic either.

I like to use it in my green smoothies. Celery, pineapple, lime, spinach and a few tsp of fresh chopped parsley.
A super quick & simple fix is using ground frozen fresh. Here's my secret weapon.  i know it's not organic, and make my own when i can, but when i can't, i use mydorot.com/

 Parsley is a leader in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Potassium, Vitamin C & Iron.
Look at link in drink recipe above for nutrition stats on Parsley.

Crush-Kill-Destroy

One day I awoke to a swollen sore throat with conspicuous infection growing in the glands - yes, i took the flashlight & mirror and looked for myself.
It was not a day or week to be getting sick, so i took drastic measures.
I'd been playing with my Cherry Bomb recipe and came up with a version that seemed to be a serious detox.
So i made this new concoction. [ CRUSHED IT ]
And drank it.
And got all sleepy.
And napped for an hour.
When i awoke , i went back into bathroom to look in throat and WHALAAAH ! Conspicuous infection was gone. No longer visible. I didn't take it lightly. This was quite astonishing. [ KILLED IT ]
It also didn't feel sore any longer.
I can happily report i did not get sick that day, or week.
[ DESTROYED IT ]

Recipe

Put into Blender/Bullet/Ninja:

2 tsp FRESH Crushed Garlic
2 tsp FRESH Crushed Ginger
1/3 Cup Fresh Frozen Pineapple
2 oz Cranberry Juice ( straight, no sugar, no cocktail,just juice)
Juice from 1/2 fresh Lemon
 A few tsp of water
Let sit to defrost approx 5 minutes.
Then blend until pineapple is liquified

It comes out pink, spicy & frothy.
Drink ( don't chug) it immediately, don't let it separate.

Caveat

Now the caveats are many.
Don't do this if you need to be wide awake. It seems to have a strong herxheimer effect when you first introduce it.
You also want to have STRONG mouthwash handy.
Don't drink this right after eating. Try to drink it on a mostly empty/digested stomach.

Ok, You have been warned.
Now Proceed.

Add in's

Things you can add to boost effectiveness once you know how your body handles it:
Turmeric Paste
EmergenC or Airborne ( raspberry my personal flavor fav )

Super Probiotic Dairy Sour Cream

If you can have dairy, this is a fantastic, rich sour cream you can make at home, PACKED with probiotics.

Probiotic Sour Cream Recipe

1 Quart half & half
1 packet of Yo'gourmet freeze dried yogurt starter ( gold box if you have gut issues )


Clean and wrap up a stirring spoon, a measuring cup and glass bowl/lid

Take clean pot & lid, pour dairy into it, set it on med heat with lid until it boils.
With dairy, it will always froth ( which has a distinct sound) and try to boil over the pot.
Turn off heat, remove from stove to cool to body temp.(keep lid on)
Pour some of the milk into measuring cup, add in packet of starter, stir really well.
Pour it all back into pot, stir in until completely integrated.
Pour into clean class bowl.
Place clean lid on, put into oven with light turned on ( no heat) and allow to ferment for 24 hours.
OR as i did the one year my oven light wasn't working- purchase a yogurt incubator.
It holds a 1.5 quart bowl( no lid) beautifully.

After your 24 hours is up, spill off the whey liquid ( if you don't see it right a-whey, it will surface as you go) put a lid on it and put it immediately into the fridge. That stops the fermentation process and keeps other bacteria from floating in and making itself cozy. Serve once chilled.

Sorghum to the GF bread rescue?

Food researches wanted to try to rescue GF bread from it's cons..... short lifespan, dry texture, many too many ingredients to replace the wonder of gluten. Maybe sorghum bran is what we've all been waiting for?

Carrot Coconut Cream Soup

That Wascally Wabbit had something very right!
This soup is tasty, healthy and really nice on a chilly morning!
**Everything here was organic.

Recipe

Makes 4 cups of soup

1 lb  Baby Carrots 
2/3 Can of Whole Fat Coconut Milk ( equal liquid & cream)
1 Tblsp Fresh Grated Ginger ( more if you like)
2 Cups Turkey Broth ( salted)
Shake of ground pepper

Place broth, carrots & ginger in a pot together and simmer until carrots are nice and soft.
Pour into blender and process to puree, add in coconut milk, and whip until creamy.
Serve warm or cool, but not really hot. Flavor disappears at higher temps.
It thickens when stored in fridge, so just thin with a little water before re-heating.
Spicing it up depends on your tastebuds. Garlic for dinner, cinnamon or 5 spice for breakfast.... 

It's Socca!

Socca is a  super simple and savory grain free flat bread that hails from France. 
Not sure how this amazing goodie has not overtaken the GF community network. It's pretty fabulous!

The original recipe is made from all chick pea flour. It is intentionally made with a soft & chewy center and crispy edges. Street vendors in Nice make these fresh and serve them hot off of the pan cut in half and rolled into paper.

Not wanting that many carbs, i tried switching out half of it with almond flour. It works for me! Might not work for traditionalists. ( i would understand ) ⬇️

Socca Recipe

First things first:
You need a well seasoned cast iron pan/skillet ( at least 10" across )
You need a broiler.
You need somewhere room temp where you can let the batter rest covered, anywhere from 1/2 hour to 24 hours.

Here's the recipe I use:
1/2 Cup Garbanzo Flour ( Bobs is great & GF )
1/2 Cup Fine Almond Flour
1 Cup room temp water
1.5 Tblsp EVOO  [ extra virgin olive oil - i recommend California Olive Ranch
1.5 tsp sea salt
1.5 Tblsp crushed rosemary
1 large clove fresh crushed garlic [ i recommend Dorot fresh frozen]
2 Tblsp Avocado Oil 

Mix well the flours, water, herbs, salt & olive oil in a bowl, cover & set aside to "rest". It will be runny consistency.
As reference, i let it rest about an hour.
The longer it rests, the softer the middle of the Socca will come out after cooking. If you want it really soft, and will let it sit for hours or overnight, i suggest switching out the raw garlic for garlic powder.
If you want to get the true Socca, use only garbanzo flour for the 1st attempt, no garlic.


When you are ready to cook -
Heat your oven/broiler ON Broil.
Pour 1 Tblsp of Avacado oil into pan/skillet. Swirl to cover entire surface.
Place pan in OVEN to heat for 5-7 minutes.
When you remove it, add another 1/2 - full Tblsp of Avocado oil, swirl again. [ i use avocado oil because of it's high heat smoke range ]
Pour the batter into the pan, filling the entire surface evenly.

Place the full pan firmly/evenly into the broiler section of your oven, not tooo close to the broiler flame/heating element.
[ mine is about 2" below  - works well ]

Let it cook there for about 8 minutes. You want top crusty, edges crispy and bottom willing to release from the pan. Check it at about 5 minutes.

Remove from broiler and serve while warm.
( although it toasts up in my George Forman just fine the morning after )

** DON'T Do a lot of improv to it until you get the first recipe down. It's a bit fussy with other ingredients.

How you want to eat it is up to you!
 Soft cheese spread. Infused olive oil dip. Red Sauce dip. Butter.
Grilled onions. Scrambled eggs. Salsa. 
Use it as sandwich bread, as a pizza type crust, in thin strips as an appetizer base with grilled vegetable toppings, hummus.... options are many.

Nutrition

The base nutrition for the entire round ( 6 slices ) as i make it:
22 grams fiber
20 grams protein
46 grams carbs
37 grams fat
4 grams sugar

Grain Free Bread

There is a Grain free Woman named Danielle Walker who has posted this bread recipe for us to enjoy, and so i will share it with you here.

It works perfectly for PB&J, and for French Toast.
It also works well in a panini grill.

Grain Free Bread Recipe

You will need a GLASS loaf pan, Coconut oil and some parchment paper handy. I used a 5x8 Corning clear glass loaf pan. You will need 3 bowls; Large for nutter butter mixing, Small for dry ingredients, and one for egg whites and whipping,



Ingredients:
1 Cup Cashew Butter ( Raw & Smooth) ( other nut butters have different moisture/oil content, so if you substitute, be prepared to play with the recipe)
4 Large Eggs, Separated
1 Tblsp Honey ( 2 Tblsp if you like it sweeter, 1/2 Tblsp if you like it less)
2.5 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup Almond MIlk
1/4 Cup Coconut Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Preheat Oven to 300 degrees

Line the flat bottom of your loaf pan with parchment paper. Coat the sides of the loaf pan with a thin film of Coconut Oil.
Beat the Cashew Butter and  egg yolks together ( mechanically). Add in the vinegar, honey and almond milk in and beat again until smooth.
Beat the egg whites in separate bowl until stiff.
In separate bowl, combine coconut flour, salt and baking soda ( my 1st one was with baking powder and came out well also)
Before you mix all the ingredients together, make sure your oven and pan are ready to go, as  chemistry will change things  quickly if you don't move fast.
Mix dry  ingredients and then egg whites into nutter-butter mixture with electric beater. Beat until well combined, but not smooth.
THEN POUR QUICKLY and GET IT IN OVEN.
DON"T OPEN OVEN FOR 40 minutes. Or it may fall.
Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Cool it on counter for 15-20 minutes, then turn upsdie down, remove from pan and cool on baking rack until room temp. Then wrap it well in foil and place in a zip lock, it will keep very nicely in your Fridge for a week.
*** If you like a lighter color loaf, place a pan of clean water at bottom of oven during baking.

Lentil Loaf

Did it !  Gave in and ventured into the land of lentil loafs.
I'm not a vegetarian, and for the record, i have never ever found this type of recipe appealing. But duty called. So of course, it's not entirely veggie. Surely not vegan.
But it came out great!! ( almost all organic)

Lentil Loaf Recipe

2 Cups Sprouted Lentils
6 Cups Water
2 Tblsp Crushed Fresh Parsley ( think food processor)
1 tsp Sea Salt

Boil water in sauce pot with salt and parsley, add in lentils. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat, then lid pot, turn off heat and soak for 40 minutes more.
Drain and place 3/4 of the cooked lentils into food processor to turn lentils into chunky paste.

1 Cup cubed butternut squash
1/4 Cup finely chopped celery
3 Cloves of garlic crushed

1/4 Cup finely chopped white onion
4 Tblsp Avocado oil
2 Tblsp Chicken Broth Paste
3 Tblsp Beef broth ( liquid)
1/4 Cup sun dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil

While the lentils are cooking; Saute onions, garlic, both broths and oil until semi translucent, add in celery, saute more. Add in butternut squash, lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat, add in sun dried tomatoes, stir well, and lid.

Turn oven on and pre-heat to 325. Line a loaf pan with parchment.
You'll need  1 egg
1/4 Cup Cashew Flour

2 Tblsp Avocado oil
1 tsp golden mustard


After lentils are processed, return to sauce pot. Add in saute mixture, stir well. Add in 1 egg uncooked, the 2 Tblsp oil, mustard and 1/4 cup cashew flour, mix completely until cohesive.
Spoon into lined loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 45 minutes until edges are firm almost crunchy

It comes out moist, full of flavor and ready for your favorite condiment: be it BBQ sauce,  ketchup or...........

Let it cool a bit before cutting. Stays neater. Loaf serves 4 healthy portions.  I served it with roasted yam.


You can't beet it!

Some of the many uses of beets!

When i'm on a beet kick, it's usually the whole bunch.
The greens, straws, and root itself.
The anthocyanins ( super antioxidants ) & Vitamin K  alone make it worthwhile, but actually, i just started craving them after a visit to my organic farmers market late last year.

With a bunch of three big beets i can create sooooooooooo many dishes.
The drink in the middle picture up there is my actual drink. And it was yummmy!


I use those 3 beets:

  • in my morning shake ( 1/2 beet, frozen strawberries or raspberries, almond milk & collagen powder )
  • as a beet coconut ginger soup ( 2 beets, crushed ginger, coconut cream, chicken broth all in blender, serve hot or chlled )  
  •  chopped into a spinach & walnut salad ( 1/2 beet chopped, baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese, handful of chopped walnuts ) served with a cranberry poppyseed dressing ( mix 2 Tblsp of cranberry juice into every 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing ).

 Like i said, you can't beet it!

Prepping the beets

I start with cutting the beet from the leaves and leaving the beet bulbs to soak so they are easy to wash. Then i put the leaves & straws ( stems ) in a water bath to soak for half an hour, rinse and leave out to dry on a clean dish towel overnight.

 

Cooking

Straws:
I cut the straws/stems from the greens, put them in an oven safe pan with olive oil/avocado oil & sea salt and roast them until they're crispy.  Beet straw snack crisps- Season however it moves you!

Bulbs:
I take the clean beet bulbs and boil them with sea salt for a good 45 minutes, or until fork goes through them easily. Remove and cool. Drain, quarter them and put in fridge. ( they get really sweet next day )

Greens:

I sautee the greens in a pan with avocado oil ( which takes high heat best), fresh crushed garlic & sea salt. I serve them with grated or shaved hard cheeses.

Nutrition

Got That Cravin' For Pumpkin Spice?

 

Actually, for me, it's ALWAYS a good season for pumpkin. I am a total fool for that fruit!

This little combination came by inspiration. The second iteration ( the image below ) was a bit more complicated - i needed to use up some coconut milk before it went bad and i had some inflammation, so i went to my turmeric jar.

Version 1: cleaner, sweeter
Version 2: if you like pumpkin spice anything, this one is for you.

Preamble: They both call for chia seeds, but you can substitute with flax seed. Grind the chia or flax seed to a fluffy flour ( not too long or you'll have oily flour or worse; butter) Use a food processor, blender or coffee grinder - short pulses, small batches. I suggest storing it in glass afterwards.

Both are nutritious & filling, albeit if you are watching your sugars, option 2 may be better. I use all organic ingredients. My pumpkin is canned because i don't have that type of energy or patience for fresh. 

Version 1: Cleaner & Sweeter, More Like Summer Food

Version 1: per serving
1/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree 
1/4 Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
1/2 Frozen Browned Banana
2 Tablespoons the pre-ground Seeds
4 oz juice or water ( i use cranberry or cherry)

Pour liquid into blending carafe, mix in seeds, stir & let sit for 5-10 minutes
( i put it back in the fridge)
Remove frozen mango & frozen banana from freezer and place out on counter to soften up a bit.
After seeds have had the chance to gel & thicken-up the liquid, chop in the banana, toss in the mango, let them sit in the liquid for another few minutes, then scoop in the pumpkin and blend.

If you want to make sorbet of it- then pop it back in freezer for a few hours after blending.

Version 2: Autumny Pumpkin Spice

Version 2: Pumpkin Spice per serving 

1/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree 
1/4 Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
1/2 Frozen Browned Banana
2 Tablespoons the pre-ground Seeds
4 oz Cocounut Milk or Cream

1/2 tsp Turmeric

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

This version takes the flax seed better because of it's nutty flavor.

Then you can dress them anyway you like. I used crushed pecans & flake coconut for my "pumpkin spice" version.

Cherry Bomb

 

A Cherry Bomb

My body was not feeling great. I needed something to work on multiple systems in this body of mine. 

I wanted to go after any bug that may have been taking up residence  in my gut, throat & sinuses. I needed something to kick my immune system into behaving.

So i combined all the healthy live stuff i had.

Cranberries, garlic, ginger & turmeric.

The reason i call it a "bomb" is because it lands hard, and really did wonders!


Could My Favorite Farmer Be Yours?

 

This is an unsolicited and unpaid advertisement for my favorite livestock farmer. I don't want to lose them to the ethos of Sonny Perdue. 

So I want to share the love and get them more business.

Their livestock & eggs are some of the best i've ever tasted. Really, I used to be quite the foodie.
They have a blog, which you can see how they do, what they do and why they do it. They eat, sleep & breathe regenerative farming. 
And they ship!!! ( not the eggs though )

 

It's pricey - which is fine since i have reduced my meat/poultry quota significantly. I eat about 45 lbs per year. ( the average american consumes over 200 lbs of meat & poultry annually ) I put aside a certain amount of my monthly income for meat when i can.

By purchasing with them, i  am putting my money where my ever expanding ethos are - into small, local regenerative farming.

Here's the link to Wrong Direction Farm in Canajoharie, NY
​Here's their blog.
Here's their turkeys struttin' their stuff! ⬆️

PS
I grew an addiction is their chicken livers & ground pork. ( not together ) I sauté the liver with deep berried balsamic, fresh rosemary sprigs & sea salt. Cut them into dollar rounds, let them cool and serve them with a homemade dijonaise.  The ground pork makes the best burgers. Really. . AND if you are a fan a charcuterie board, their salami's ( in variety ) are ridiculously, fall over good.  I save those for holiday. I can eat an entire package in one sitting if i am not careful.


Tomato Leaves?

 

While making bean soup, i realize i didn't have any bay leaves. I tried to think of anything that would add a nice touch to the soup.

As i took out the trash, i passed my tomato plants,  see all those gorgeous leaves and  grabbed one. The normally intense aroma had diminished since the heat of summer. I brought it into the house and started my research.

Firstly is it edible? The answer: YES! So i nibble it and recognize it won't add anything to this type of bean soup, but it could other foods. ( look up tomato leaf pesto!

Then i keep reading.
It seems one of the alkaloids in the green leaves, stem & even the green tomatoes themselves is called Tomatine. Tomatine, a glycoalkaloid has been played with in the lab where in hampster trials was found to bind itself to LDL cholesterol   ( the "bad" one )  removing it from the body via feces.  

 

I, an uninitiated gardener didn't know about the wives tales of tomato leaves being toxic.
Well, they are half tales. If you consumed a lot of them, you could have some serious gut irritablity. Or if you have allergies to tomato or its alkaloids.

But i regress.

The other part of the equation in the lab trials, is that in measuring the alkaloids presence in the blood stream, showed minimal absorption, passing also through the bowels. This is a good note in concerns of toxicity.

Here's the research paper that gave me all the good intel. 

So my takeaways: besides not wasting all those gorgeous fragrant leaves in the midst of summer, it looks like there may be another dietary hope for people struggling with high cholesterol, and it's sitting right there in their (or their neighbors) garden!