Archives for June 2012

How to Read a Recipe

June 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In the spirit of this week’s Independence Day holiday, I’m delighted to announce a guest blogger, and good friend of mine, Jennifer McClanahan-Flint.

Real quick, though, I want to share just a few tips for your holiday celebration – so you can enjoy your summertime barbecues without feeling left out.

First, if you’re wondering where to find gluten-free hamburger and hotdog buns, check out these suggestions:

Little Aussie Bakery

Udi’s Gluten-Free

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery

Second, if you find yourself sharing a summertime grill with gluten-loving family members or friends, be sure to save a safe spot on the grill for yourself – so your food won’t be contaminated from things like pesky bread crumbs.

Third, if you’re feeling inspired and want to tackle a recipe or two – be sure to keep reading as Jen shares her expertise on How To Read a Recipe.

Wishing you a safe & happy 4th!

 

How to Read a Recipe

By Jennifer McClanahan-Flint

Have you ever started cooking a recipe for dinner and realized halfway through that it needs to simmer for 2 hours and you only have 30 minutes until dinner? Or worse, you are near the end of a recipe and realize you are missing a vital ingredient. It has happened to all of us and it usually happens at the worst time.

Many of us are so busy, we quickly scan recipes in cookbooks and online, and decide we want to make them without paying close attention to all the details. This guide is designed to help you effectively read and follow a recipe.

1.  Before you start, read the recipe from beginning to end so there are no surprises. Pay attention to the details so you can gauge the time you need to complete the recipe.

2.  Most recipes start with the ingredient list. Ingredients are listed in the order in which they are used.

3. Inventory your pantry, refrigerator and/or freezer for all the necessary ingredients in the ingredient list, or have appropriate substitutions on hand.

4. Set out all the required equipment, eg. measuring spoons, food processor, knives, cutting boards.

5.  Place all the ingredients and required equipment within easy reach before you start to prepare your dish.

6.  Measurements in baking are critical, not as much for cooking. But you should always use accurate measuring utensils, not the spoons or cups that you use for eating or drinking.

  • Tbsp = Tablespoon
  • Tsp = Teaspoon
  • Oz  = Ounce
  • C = Cup

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What 5 Favorite Foods Would You Bring To The Moon?

June 22, 2012 By 2 Comments

I came across this question the other day, and it got me thinking.

If you were indeed to take a trip to the moon – or were stranded on a deserted isle – which 5 foods would be on your list of ‘must haves’?

Of course, there’s no cheating allowed, not even on the moon.

Meaning whichever 5 foods you choose, they must also be gluten-free as well as free of any other allergens you normally avoid.

So, here’s my list:

  • Quinoa
  • Blueberries
  • Hummus
  • Avocados
  • Salmon

Yes, I know.

That almost sounds a bit too healthy.

But that’s how I live my life. No matter where I travel, I like to be well-fed in a healthy sort of way.

However, if push came to shove, I would also include a supply of Beanitos Chips (gotta have something fun, right?)

Oh wait, that makes 6 items.

Oh well, I can’t think of a single item I would leave out.

Blueberries are full of antioxidants.

Salmon provides Omega-3’s.

Quinoa is an excellent source of protein. The cooked grain is wonderful for breakfast – topped with nuts or fruit – but also fills in as the perfect side dish along with Salmon, or even a vegetarian entrée.

A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with Quinoa.

For starters, they’re not even sure of the correct pronunciation. (Try “keen-wa”)

And avocados?

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Do You Eat Mindfully?

June 8, 2012 By 2 Comments

I once tried to explain the concept of eating mindfully to my son, as I watched him devour a plate of spaghetti.

He looked at me like I’d really lost my marbles and with a voice full of disdain said “Mom, I think I know what I’m eating.”

However, eating mindfully goes beyond knowing what’s on your plate.

It’s about recognizing when you feel satisfied, rather than eating to the point of feeling ill.

It’s the difference between acknowledging that you’re indeed holding a plus-size bag of potato chips and realizing before you’ve eaten the entire bag, that you:

A)  Don’t care all that much for the flavor

B)   Aren’t particularly hungry

C)   Could have stopped after the first handful

That’s what we call being aware, as well as mindful of what we’re putting in our mouths.

A frequently cited example of mindful eating, asks that you focus on a single raisin.

The idea is to really taste it.

To notice it’s sweetness, the chewy texture – even the wrinkly brown color, before you pop it into your mouth.

You might even realize – after years of eating raisins – that you don’t even like them that much, or that they’re much too sweet for your taste buds.

Moments like that create a huge aha!

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