tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67231545189780393022024-03-13T11:38:38.354-05:00Mama Me Gluten FreeLiving a deceptively delectable gluten-free life ...Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-87965328734857353432014-03-11T16:19:00.001-05:002014-03-11T16:19:12.625-05:00Blueberry Pecan Muffins with Toasted Millet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM3CvoAmMg8/Ux93JbraSLI/AAAAAAAADEE/wSvDvPfqRw8/s1600/blueberry+millet+muffins-6081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM3CvoAmMg8/Ux93JbraSLI/AAAAAAAADEE/wSvDvPfqRw8/s1600/blueberry+millet+muffins-6081.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't even begin to tell you how surprisingly happy I am with these muffins. They are really, really good.<br />
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I've had several of you ask me if I've tried <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00934S39E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00934S39E&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Pamela's Products Artisan Flour Blend</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00934S39E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and until recently, I hadn't tried it - nor was I that anxious to try it. However, I've been doing a lot with sourdough these days (I'll share about that at a later date), and making actual bread loaves with the starter has been posing a challenge for me with the flours I'm trying to combine, as well as blends that I normally purchase for use in other baking. I started thinking this particular blend might work a bit better, but I haven't tried it with the sourdough yet. Seeing it available as a single bag purchase through Amazon's subscribe and save program, however, gave me the incentive to go ahead and purchase a bag.<br />
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The first thing I tried with this flour blend was pancakes. I mostly followed the instructions on the bag, with a few of my own tweaks. I have to beg of you in the name of all that is good to NOT make pancakes with this flour blend. My daughters found them edible, but not as tasty as other pancakes. I, on the other hand, could barely gag them down. The texture was terrible. Very gummy and heavy. The batter was thick and slimy. Yuck, yuck, yuck.<br />
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So it was with much trepidation that I made muffins out of it, following the basic recipe on the bag but making my own adjustments that I felt would give the batter a better chance of turning out something edible. I wasn't disappointed, and am looking forward to making them again this week. The toasted millet adds a lovely crunch and flavor you don't want to skip out on!<br />
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I feel better about trying it with the bread soon. I'll let you know how that goes.<br />
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<b>Blueberry Pecan Muffins with Toasted Millet</b><br />
(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/blueberry-pecan-muffins-with-toasted-millet"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Printable Recipe</span></a></u>)<br />
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Projected Prep Time: 15 min; Projected Bake Time: 15-18 min; Makes 14-19 muffins (regular size)<br />
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2 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00934S39E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00934S39E&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Pamela's Products Artisan Flour Blend</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00934S39E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1/2 cup almond flour<br />
1 Tbsp. gluten-free baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. kosher salt<br />
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed<br />
8 Tbsp. melted butter, unsalted<br />
2 large eggs, room temperature<br />
1 1/2 cups milk, room temperature<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/3 cup toasted hulled millet (see directions)<br />
1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen<br />
2/3 cups pecan pieces<br />
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Place 1/3 cup hulled millet in dry pan and cover with lid. Heat at low-medium heat for a few minutes, shaking pan often, until millet is hot and toasted. Remove from heat.<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line muffin tin with baking cups.<br />
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Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl with a fork.<br />
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Whisk together melted butter and milk (room temperature will keep butter from getting firm again), then whisk in eggs and vanilla.<br />
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Pour liquids directly into dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Mix in toasted millet. Fold in pecans and then blueberries.<br />
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Drop evenly into muffin cups (the batter made 19 muffins in my regular size tins).<br />
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Place in oven (top rack if gas oven) and drop temperature to 375 degrees. Bake 15-18 minutes or until done. Cool on wire racks. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator, bringing to room temperature or warming back up just a little to eat.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBJgsmYtd08/Ux93JpaHqaI/AAAAAAAADEI/LZthhgSGT8s/s1600/blueberry+millet+muffins-6084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBJgsmYtd08/Ux93JpaHqaI/AAAAAAAADEI/LZthhgSGT8s/s1600/blueberry+millet+muffins-6084.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-1825536861471111182014-01-22T12:02:00.002-06:002014-01-22T12:09:19.076-06:00Comforting, Simple ... Pumpkin Pie Snack Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKURxF5kahI/Ut8zFRUOXlI/AAAAAAAADC8/P4yS_a6D9P4/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKURxF5kahI/Ut8zFRUOXlI/AAAAAAAADC8/P4yS_a6D9P4/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4508.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear readers ... Is it over? Are you still here, reading once in a while? Did 2013 end? Did it really end with my last post on another pumpkin recipe more than two months ago? I'm not sure I even have enough good recipes from 2013 to do my annual "top 10" list!<br />
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Was 2013 a good year for you? Oh, how I pray it was! If not, would you like to join me in a toast to 2014 with high hopes of a much, much better year?</div>
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I've started to type out a post or a recipe for you on several occasions, but I have to admit my heart wasn't much in it. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2013/08/ashleys-chocolate-oat-crispy-treats.html"><span style="color: #0c343d;">My blog's biggest fan no longer here</span></a></u>, and all I've been doing trying to juggle my work schedule around a first-time home school schedule and just LIFE these days ... it's been hard some days to do anything but *not* feed (again) my family grits and eggs, or eggs and toast, or cereal, or pancakes, or a casserole that lasts several days - so the times when I have made a meal or a treat worth sharing and then actually remembered to take a photo of it or write the recipe down have been limited.<br />
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My youngest sustained a traumatic injury the day after Thanksgiving and spent three days in the hospital, as well as a few hours in surgery. The weeks following were a blur of little to no sleep, going between shaking my fist at heaven and being so incredibly thankful that it wasn't worse, and just generally trying to keep my head above water. We are so thankful that she is okay. She will need a little more work done, but she is OKAY. She is healthy and happy. We are blessed.<br />
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But ... I'm SO TIRED of saying, "This too shall pass," secretly wondering in the moment if it really will, while at the same time feeling guilty because I know so many have it worse. So. Many. Have. It. Worse.<br />
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Enough.<br />
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It's too much.<br />
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I'm ready for unending moments of saying, "I don't want this to pass." Moments I want to sit in and savor. I know life doesn't work that way with those moments unending, but I wish it did. And I guess if I'm honest with myself, I realize it's up to me to acknowledge the little daily blessings that I can make into little moments worth savoring for a while, even if it's just a minute or two here and there.<br />
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(What do you do to help with your daily perspective on this? I'd love to hear.)<br />
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I'm hoping I will this year gain<u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/beauty-in-eye-of-beholder.html"> <span style="color: #0c343d;">inspiration once again</span></a></u> to list my blessings and to deliberately find beauty, whether it's in the form of pen or photo, or both. It's not something I need inspiration for, I guess. I just need to do it.<br />
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Baby steps.<br />
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I find beauty in my family. The small hands that draw sweet pictures and make messes and sneak snacks.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xt8hzgowxM/Ut8zEp3cyNI/AAAAAAAADC0/FylxZtvLbqI/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xt8hzgowxM/Ut8zEp3cyNI/AAAAAAAADC0/FylxZtvLbqI/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4501.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is much to be thankful for. And I've needed simple lately to keep it in perspective.<br />
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This cake is simple. It's wonderfully easy and delicious enough for this entire huge pan to not last a full day. (I've made it more than once.) Yes, it's pumpkin and yes, it could be used as a holiday treat. But who cares? It's still cold outside and it's yummy. And would be equally yummy on a hot summer day. Maybe topped with ice cream.<br />
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It's not that "healthy" for your body, but it is comforting for your soul. It was born out of a need one morning to find "comfort food" out of ingredients I had on hand without working too hard for it. One of those experiments thrown together with nothing else but a thought that it might work. A little of this, a dash of that and a lot of expecting to open the oven door to a gooey disaster. It was anything but.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1oI0XV4M5k/Ut8zGIObRRI/AAAAAAAADDM/MNRNZ5sXxXw/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1oI0XV4M5k/Ut8zGIObRRI/AAAAAAAADDM/MNRNZ5sXxXw/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4512.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easy Pumpkin Pie Snack Cake<br />
(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/easy-pumpkin-pie-snack-cake"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Printable recipe</span></a></u>)<br />
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2 large eggs<br />
15 oz. pureed pumpkin<br />
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk<br />
1/2 cup dark brown sugar<br />
1 cup pecans, chopped (if you have a stand mixer, let the mixer break them up for you - see below)<br />
1 1/2 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZDJ0K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000DZDJ0K&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000DZDJ0K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
Dash of allspice<br />
Small pinch of cardamom<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Grease 9x13 baking pan.<br />
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Into small mixing bowl, sift together baking mix and spices. Set aside.<br />
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Into large mixing bowl, add eggs, pumpkin, condensed milk and brown sugar. If you are using a stand mixer, also add pecans if they are whole and use the paddle attachment to mix everything together at low speed and let the paddle break up the pecans. If you have pecans already chopped, leave them out for now.<br />
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Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix well until all combined. If you haven't added your pecans yet, do it now.<br />
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Pour into baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched.<br />
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Cool in pan on wire rack. Enjoy warm or room temperature.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-et9bQaZcTrI/Ut8zFWnodGI/AAAAAAAADDA/Kd_iF-Q7IhM/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-et9bQaZcTrI/Ut8zFWnodGI/AAAAAAAADDA/Kd_iF-Q7IhM/s1600/pumpkin+pie+snack+cake-4503.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-52410539766027441332013-11-12T16:43:00.001-06:002013-11-12T16:43:34.452-06:00Pumpkin Bread Pudding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc0TCazP1FQ/UoKl_pZyKEI/AAAAAAAACnQ/Vfcr-b1h2NY/s1600/pumpkin+bread+pudding-2175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc0TCazP1FQ/UoKl_pZyKEI/AAAAAAAACnQ/Vfcr-b1h2NY/s400/pumpkin+bread+pudding-2175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The weather was glorious this morning - fog covering the mountains and descending into the streets, a wet drizzle soaking into the ground and nourishing plants for the winter ahead. I'm wearing a sweater, and smelling the delicious candle lit in front of me. And enjoying pumpkin bread pudding for breakfast, with a cup of black coffee (no sweetener, thank you). Perfection. </div>
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What could make this even better? The fact that this bread pudding was left over from last night's supper. Yes, I did say supper. Or dinner, your preference. It was one of those days yesterday, and I was dead-tired. Didn't want to fix anything for supper, but wanted comfort food at the same time. My experimental food often turns out best when I'm in these moods.</div>
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When it was the last thing I needed to be doing, I cleaned and cooked and pureed a couple of pie pumpkins on Sunday. I have more pumpkin than I need for a pie.</div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FbUyyU3CeYI/UoKtEycbcFI/AAAAAAAACnw/nkBB5sx8S6A/s640/blogger-image-673574350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FbUyyU3CeYI/UoKtEycbcFI/AAAAAAAACnw/nkBB5sx8S6A/s200/blogger-image-673574350.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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And another package of some gluten-free rolls that I was disappointed in recently because they were so stale.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Ignore the lack of rotation here - I uploaded this one form the phone and can't figure out how to rotate it now)</td></tr>
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Pumpkin bread pudding? It sounds good. Did I see a recipe for that recently? Oh yes, I pinned it. And so it was with inspiration from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/331762/pumpkin-bread-pudding-with-dulce-de-lech"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Martha Stewart's recipe</span></a> combined with a bread pudding recipe from my beloved <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892723718/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0892723718&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Cooking Down East</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0892723718" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> that this one was born, giving us not-so-healthy-but-quite-comforting sustenance last night with a side of eggs.<br />
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And it is good.</div>
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I (finally) had another post planned for you this week, but felt I needed to share this one. Because it does good things for the mind, and if your mind is like mine these days, you might just want that extra comfort!</div>
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Pumpkin Bread Pudding</div>
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(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/pumpkin-bread-pudding"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Printable Recipe</span></a></u>)</div>
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15 ounces pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned)</div>
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1 1/2 cups milk</div>
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2 large eggs</div>
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar</div>
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1/4 cup organic pure cane sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp. kosher salt</div>
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1 tsp. pure <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HQE11O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HQE11O&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">vanilla bean paste</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002HQE11O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or vanilla extract</div>
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1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</div>
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Few small dashes of ground ginger</div>
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Few small dashes of ground cloves</div>
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Couple of small dashes of ground nutmeg</div>
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Package of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UB36OC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004UB36OC&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Schar classic white rolls</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004UB36OC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, cubed into 1 to 1 1/2- inch pieces (let sit out to dry a couple of hours if they aren't already kind of dry) - or a gluten-free bread of similar consistency</div>
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1/2 cup chopped pecans</div>
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(Optional) Cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle on top</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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Grease a 2-quart baking dish.</div>
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Place bread in baking dish and set aside.</div>
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Mix together pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugars, salt, vanilla paste or extract, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg.</div>
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Pour over bread and gently stir until all is covered. Let sit for a few minutes.</div>
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Sprinkle pecans over the top, and shake cinnamon and sugar lightly over it all if desired.</div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45-50 minutes.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-5563550358973224672013-09-18T13:22:00.001-05:002013-09-18T13:22:27.417-05:00San Francisco-bound - Celiac Awareness Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Celiac Awareness Tour hitting San Francisco this weekend!Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-44759948228503760252013-09-06T08:09:00.001-05:002013-09-06T08:09:53.212-05:00Epic Whole Foods Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's a new snack bar in Gluten-Free Town that can sustain you as an unbelievably healthy quick meal, and it lives up to some amazing claims. If you eat meat, listen up, because these bars are good.<br />
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<u><a href="http://epicbar.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">EPIC Bars</span></a></u> are: Paleo, gluten-free, low-glycemic, soy-free, dairy-free, nitrate-free AND have a one-year shelf life. On top of that, EPIC bars use meat from animals that are vegetarian-fed and grass-fed, antibiotic-free, hormone-free and humanely treated. They don't claim to be egg-free, but I don't see eggs on the ingredients of any of the bars.<br />
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According to EPIC's philosophy, these bars "are loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3's, muscle-building conjugated linoleic acid, and antioxidant rich vitamins A and E." Touting a decent amount of iron, and between 11 and 14 grams of protein per bar, that's all pretty good stuff.<br />
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But the best part? These bars are really, really tasty.</div>
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It's been a long time since my husband has had a good gluten-free bar that is high in protein that he loved, so when he texted me a photo of the wrapper of a Bison Bacon-Cranberry Epic Bar someone at work had given him to sample, and expressed his love for it, I knew I'd better get on that. I contacted Taylor Collins, one of EPIC's founders, and he kindly sent samples of all three flavors as well as some information and a cute bison sticker. Needless to say, my husband was pretty thrilled.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hNAmd4je0M/UijN2lSnfsI/AAAAAAAAClg/pwNGY1r5QBE/s1600/epic+bison+bar-0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hNAmd4je0M/UijN2lSnfsI/AAAAAAAAClg/pwNGY1r5QBE/s320/epic+bison+bar-0231.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I <i>think </i>my favorite flavor is the Beef Habanero Cherry, but the Turkey Almond Cranberry was a really close second. My husband's favorite is the Bison Bacon Cranberry, but he really did love all three flavors. I wish I could vouch for the bison flavor, but I'm not able to eat pork so wasn't able to try that flavor since it contains bacon. I have no doubts it's equally good. My oldest daughter loved all three flavors, and she said they were so good, she wanted one for dessert! The youngest has a more sensitive tongue when it comes to spices, so she said they were a little spicy for her.</div>
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The only thing that took a few bites to get used to was the texture, but it wasn't a huge hurdle. It's kind of a cross between a Larabar and softer jerky. Not quite what you are expecting, but it wasn't an issue for anyone in this family and once I was used to it, didn't mind it all.</div>
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Bottom line is, these bars are GOOD. Good for you, good tasting and a good "meal" to have on hand in your emergency supply kit, for trips or for your next outdoor adventure. My husband is bringing some on his desert biathlon coming up.</div>
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For more information on EPIC bars or to order or find a location near you that sells them, you can check out their site at:<span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span><a href="http://epicbar.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">http://epicbar.com</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnMFPhYbN28/UijN5cy7iAI/AAAAAAAACls/gdwxqZ2WFIY/s1600/epic+bison+bar-0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnMFPhYbN28/UijN5cy7iAI/AAAAAAAACls/gdwxqZ2WFIY/s320/epic+bison+bar-0227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">(Disclosure: EPIC provided these products for me to sample free of charge. The opinions on the bars are completely my own.)</i></div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-31953565919982520232013-08-29T16:26:00.000-05:002013-08-29T16:27:48.155-05:00Stuffed Summer Squash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This. Is. Amazing. (If you like summer squash.)</div>
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Once again, forgive the phone photos, but I had to share this yummy dish - made once as an experiment recently and a couple of times since - before I have a chance to make it again and take "real" photos.</div>
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This is the way I intended for the recipe to be made, and it was soooo good, but a little more work. The smaller dishes were the rest of the filling poured into the dishes after I'd filled the squash halves.</div>
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The second and third time I made this, I cut the squash into strips and put them flat in the pan and just poured the filling over them, rather than try to fill squash halves.</div>
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We were recently blessed with a bounty of squash from someone (our garden hasn't been so great, or big, this year) and I was wondering how in the world to fix SO MUCH before it went bad - and make an entire meal of it. Experiments abound in my mind, so this was one of them and we are all glad it was.</div>
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Stuffed Summer Squash</div>
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(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/stuffed-summer-squash"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>Printable Recipe</i></span></a></u>)</div>
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Total time, start to finish: Under 1 hour</div>
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1 large and 3 smaller (or the equivalent in volume) round summer squash (I think this is globe squash?) or the something similar (just make sure you've got the volume - summer squash is all good!)</div>
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Water</div>
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Butter</div>
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1 large white onion, chopped</div>
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1 1/2 cups prepared polenta (I used <span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NM1UYS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002NM1UYS&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #0c343d;">this gluten-free kind from Bob's Red Mill</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002NM1UYS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>)</div>
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1 cup shredded mozzarella, plus more for sprinkling</div>
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3 large eggs</div>
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Kosher or sea salt to taste</div>
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Cayenne pepper, a dash or two</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash squash and grease large 13x9 baking dish. </div>
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Slice off stems and ends of squash, then cut in half. Place squash cut side down onto baking dish and bake about 15 minutes, just until squash insides are getting softer.</div>
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Bring water for polenta to a boil and prepare polenta according to package directions, then set aside.</div>
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While squash is baking and polenta is cooking, melt a tablespoon or so of butter over low heat in a large pan. Add chopped onion and saute over medium-low heat.</div>
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Remove squash from oven and scrape squash with a spoon, leaving a little bit on the skin. (At this point you can either slice the squash skin into thick strips to place back in pan, skin side down, or leave the halves to fill in the pan.) </div>
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Place the squash pieces that were scraped off into pan with onion and raise heat to medium-high, breaking up squash into smaller pieces as it cooks and softens for several minutes.</div>
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After squash is cooked down some more and softened, remove from heat. Add polenta and season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper.</div>
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Add shredded mozzarella and stir to combine. Whisk eggs and slowly add to filling mixture, stirring quickly to prevent eggs from cooking too fast while incorporating throughout filling.</div>
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Pour filling into squash halves (in which case you will need a couple of greased ramekins to use up the rest of the filling), or over squash strips. Sprinkle a little more mozzarella over the top.</div>
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Bake at 350 degrees approximately 25-30 minutes or until filling is cooked throughout and squash halves or strips are completely softened.</div>
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I hope you enjoy! (And I hope this recipe is more clear than mud!)</div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-67288055053110318852013-08-28T11:31:00.001-05:002013-08-28T11:31:29.811-05:00Gluten-Free Awareness Tour Hits Detroit Soon!Are you near Detroit? If so, check it out! This is a great chance to learn more about the gluten-free lifestyle and sample some products! Click on the flyer below to zoom in and read the details about the Detroit event on September 7-8!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK87iImOsGU/Uh4loeEdyaI/AAAAAAAACko/7TxXQh8VwFo/s1600/GFATFlyer-Detroit_Back_+7+25+2013_Kroger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK87iImOsGU/Uh4loeEdyaI/AAAAAAAACko/7TxXQh8VwFo/s400/GFATFlyer-Detroit_Back_+7+25+2013_Kroger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-3599032392020433422013-08-23T18:05:00.000-05:002013-08-23T18:05:15.875-05:00Parmesan Crisps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9M_AQ4cHThY/Uhfl4pMJ6fI/AAAAAAAACjI/9fD3es87dpA/s1600/jalapeno1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9M_AQ4cHThY/Uhfl4pMJ6fI/AAAAAAAACjI/9fD3es87dpA/s400/jalapeno1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Kitchen Table Bakers</td></tr>
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Sometimes you just want something simple to make up a meal, or need something a little different for a snack. The Parmesan Crisps by <a href="http://www.kitchentablebakers.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Kitchen Table Bakers</span></a> will do just that.<br />
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Just Parmesan in the Aged Parmesan flavor. That's it. Cheese. They manage to take cheese and crisp it to a cracker. Other good, simple ingredients are added to flavors such as Jalapeño, Sesame, Rosemary, Flax Seed, Garlic, Italian Herb and the final flavor: "Everything."<br />
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Kitchen Table Bakers recently sent me samples of the Aged Parmesan and Jalapeño to see what I thought. I was pleasantly surprised at how truly crispy these "crackers" were. While the spicy Jalapeño flavor was my favorite out of the two, lovers of the bold taste of Parmesan won't be disappointed in the slightest with the true Parmesan taste both of these flavors provide. I have no doubt the other flavors are the same, and I personally look forward to trying the Rosemary and Garlic at some point.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LGx3y_GHjGo/UhfkLstkKLI/AAAAAAAACiw/fFkO20yiJrM/s640/blogger-image--1423590825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LGx3y_GHjGo/UhfkLstkKLI/AAAAAAAACiw/fFkO20yiJrM/s320/blogger-image--1423590825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They truly are crispy.</td></tr>
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While they may be overwhelming if eaten in a large quantity alone, they are a perfect companion to a simple meal, like the one I made out of these yummy green squash one evening. (Recipe for that squash dish is promised for the future.) My daughters and husband agreed.<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7oB4iI99f7A/UhfkNxjerQI/AAAAAAAACi4/mTQOhS1Zvzo/s640/blogger-image--935846846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7oB4iI99f7A/UhfkNxjerQI/AAAAAAAACi4/mTQOhS1Zvzo/s320/blogger-image--935846846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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They also make a great snack when paired with other ingredients, such as a slice of tomato or some seafood. The best part other than the simple ingredients? Of course, they are gluten-free. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NiNlWiaifk/Uhfl4GpsxFI/AAAAAAAACjQ/2gBbYAmprTc/s1600/jalapeno+crisp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NiNlWiaifk/Uhfl4GpsxFI/AAAAAAAACjQ/2gBbYAmprTc/s320/jalapeno+crisp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Kitchen Table Bakers</td></tr>
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<i>(Disclosure: Kitchen Table Bakers provided these products for me to sample free of charge. The opinions on the crisps are completely my own.)</i></div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-56974104413298379412013-08-17T16:30:00.000-05:002013-08-21T18:25:50.133-05:00Ashley's Chocolate Oat Crispy Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been putting this post off for a while. Making these treats and taking photos of them, and typing this post, kind of makes something so hard seem more final, like there's no turning back. And there isn't. But it was time for me to do it. Today I decided that my children would have these treats for going back to school on Monday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDt8Dfj4K48/Ug_nKhpuq6I/AAAAAAAACiI/L3lnR2JpsFI/s1600/ashley+treats-0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDt8Dfj4K48/Ug_nKhpuq6I/AAAAAAAACiI/L3lnR2JpsFI/s320/ashley+treats-0168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please forgive me and overlook any typos, because I'm likely to be a blubbering mess by the time I'm finished. I try hard to not include much of my personal life in this blog, keeping it mostly about food or tips on the gluten-free lifestyle. I have various reasons for this, but I know people want personal, and I often get more feedback when I do give glimpses of my life. I'm not so sure this will be one of those times, but telling you this is the only way I can give you this recipe. I'm going to tell you a very sad story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've read this blog for a while, you've probably seen references to some difficult things I have faced as of late that I said I would write about eventually, particularly in <span style="color: #0c343d;"><u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2013/04/and-then-comes-morning.html">my "And then comes morning" post</a></u>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On March 27, 2013 in the early evening, one of the most beautiful spirits to ever grace this world slipped from earth into heaven. Ashley was a beautiful woman, inside and out, a dedicated wife and mother who loved her husband and four young children fiercely, a loving daughter, granddaughter, niece and sister who blessed every person who came into contact with her, a friend who loved deeply. My friend. My closest girlfriend, my kindred spirit on earth. Gone suddenly after catching an illness that had been in her family, like all mothers do, and within less than a week of getting sick, she left us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't make friends easily, at least not the way I did when I was younger. I have lots of friends. I have a lot of women in my life who I listen to as they talk, needing someone to listen. I am their friend, and I love them. But I don't often let my heart open to them. I don't pour my soul out to them. I live in an area that has a high turnover rate. It's a gorgeous part of the country and I'm often told I live in paradise. But it's remote. It's several thousand people in an area that is nearly three hours from the nearest Target. Seven hours from Whole Foods. People either love it, or can't wait to leave. Many who love it can't find work to sustain them and are forced to leave, or live here for a job that will transfer them in a few years. I have made lifelong friends here. Friends who have to leave. The last time I waved goodbye to one of my best friends a few years ago, I said never again. I couldn't keep opening my heart to people who leave me. Even so, I know I am blessed to have people I can call friends in my life when some don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have several close friends and even a couple of best friends - one I've had since the age of 8. I do love her with all my heart. But only one very close friend still lives near me. I have a sister I love with all my heart and she's one of my best friends, too, but she lives across the country. With the exception of my husband, Ashley was the friend who was my closest in the entire world. She was my kindred spirit. We got pregnant at the same time with our second children, and talked for hours each day about everything. We gave birth days apart and were talking to each other on cell phones through labor. We are so much alike, she and I. We had so many things in common - plus when you go through a pregnancy with another woman you are close to, there is a bond that forms that is unlike any other. When you reach that bond, you are able to talk to one another about anything, without fear of what the other will think or say. Ashley had to move away one day, too. Her husband's career took them several states away, as we had known it eventually probably would. But we kept talking every day for years. And until the week before her death, it was usually at least once a week with texts in between.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I last talked to her about a week before her death. She texted me later and told me she was getting sick with the illness that her family had. On Friday we texted back and forth a little, and over the weekend she took a terrible turn in her sickness. On Monday I learned that she had been put in ICU. It was an up and down roller coaster from then on, with bad news and hopeful news. On Wednesday my youngest lost her first tooth in a manner that was fit for a comedy movie, and I naturally took a photo and started to type up the text to send to Ashley, then stopped myself because she was in a coma at that point. I sent it anyway, letting family know it was there and requesting that it be read to her. It was the last communication I had with her, as she passed on hours later. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was such an utter shock, so unbelievable and surreal. There were hundreds, and most likely thousands, of people in serious prayer for Ashley. I won't lie that the fact that God had other plans has been hard to swallow and trust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Months later I continue to want to text her the latest thing, and still occasionally think I'll hear her voice when I hear my phone ring. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">When my husband was holding me one night after I'd broken down again, my youngest came in and heard me saying these things. "You can still talk to her, Mommy," she told me. "Yes, baby, I can," I said. "But I can't hear her talk back, and that makes Mommy sad." She smiled and said, "But yes you can, Mommy. You can hear her inside of you." And she's right. I can still hear her voice. I can imagine the answers she'd give me. But it's just really, really hard. I can talk to my husband about anything, of course, but there are just some things that husbands really don't want to know sometimes. Things that you can talk to your best girlfriends about.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">And I really want to talk to her about our decision for me to home school our youngest, now starting second grade. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would attempt home schooling with my children. Ashley home schooled her four children (now ages 3-9 - they were ages 2-8 when she passed away). I know she would have so many things to tell me and would love that I was going to try home schooling the sweet girl she felt so close to during our pregnancies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>LIFE </i>can be so unfair, so brutal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That a mother of four young children and a devoted wife could be ripped away from those she loves so much and who love her so much is just too much. That her parents and brother, grandparents and aunts and uncles and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and countless friends could lose her this way is just too much. It makes me really, really angry. And bitter. And it rocks me to my core and shatters my heart to millions of pieces that can't possibly be seamlessly mended ever again. It makes me scream "Why?" and question everything I've ever believed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I said in that post mentioned above, it's just <span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;">too much. It's all too much.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so I pray. I pray for those hurting and for those who have lost. I pray for our world and for love to reign. I pray for peace and for comfort, for all and for me. And when I don't feel like I can pray, when I feel too angry or bitter or "what's the point?" to pray, I take a big breath, and take one more step, and say, "I know you can hear me, anyway, God, and I know you'll be there waiting when I can start up again."</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And yet, life can be so beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then I look outside and see new life. I look at my husband and my children and I see love and joy, and eventually a smile or a laugh comes from me. I remember that there is no sadness or pain in heaven, and that those I've lost are there together, and have faith that one day I'll see them again. And that brings me joy, too, in the sadness of missing them.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That Ashley had lived and blessed so many was beautiful. That I have faith I will see her again is beautiful. That we somehow, someday, sometimes get to see glimpses of beauty in our world and sometimes are able to dwell in that beauty until it soaks into our souls is beautiful. That we are blessed with family who loves us and we love is beautiful. There is so much beauty. And so much pain. I'm still in a lot of pain, and grateful for the beauty and family that surrounds me every moment I breathe.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this cycle starts all over again. Pray. Breathe. Take another step. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Pray. Breathe. Take another step ...</span></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's this taking another step that brings me to this recipe. It's a recipe that Ashley and her children came up with several months ago. "They are sooo good! It's tastes a lot like a 100 Grand bar!" she told me excitedly. "You can use it on your blog if you want!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ashley was probably this blog's biggest fan. With the exception of my family who gets to be guinea pigs and tell me first of their enthusiasm or suggestions for my recipes, Ashley was the most excited about my creations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She texted me the recipe and we made it, agreeing it was a good snack. S</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">omehow back in February I accidentally erased several months' worth of our correspondence. I kept meaning to ask her to send it again, but when we would talk I would always forget and I can't for the life of me figure out why I didn't just text her to ask for it again. And then she was gone, and I desperately wanted to put this recipe on the blog and no longer had it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">I knew I needed to figure the recipe out, but I kept hoping by some miracle she would text it to me from heaven or those missing texts would just reappear. In an odd way, as long as I kept putting this off, it wasn't quite so final that I couldn't ask her for it again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">With some brainstorming between me and my family who remembered the treat, and a friend she had told about it but hadn't yet shared the recipe with, I think I got it back. I do remember her original called for 2 cups of oats and crispy rice, but when I made it the first time I thought I should cut back on the oats (gluten-free oats seem different to me for some reason). I also couldn't remember if it contained raisins, but my oldest said it did and her memory is generally better than mine so I added them. I'm pretty sure she had cinnamon and vanilla in the recipe, so I added them, as well, but I could be wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Regardless, I'm pretty sure Ashley would approve of this final version and I hope you do, too. I hope you make it with your children, and hold them a little tighter today and let you know you love them. Cherish the moments with them, and make some memories. And please say a prayer for Ashley's family whenever you make these.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And slowly, every day, there is light that comes out of the darkness. And there is morning after night. </span></span></h4>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VtnJhjwcfI/Ug_nIlJt0tI/AAAAAAAACho/uvZHxv1UZEg/s1600/ashley+treats-0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VtnJhjwcfI/Ug_nIlJt0tI/AAAAAAAACho/uvZHxv1UZEg/s320/ashley+treats-0156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Ashley's Chocolate Oat Crispy Treats</b></i></div>
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(<u><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/ashley-s-chocolate-oat-crispy-treats"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Printable Recipe</b></span></a></i></u>)</div>
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Projected prep time: 15 minutes</div>
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1/2 cup almond butter (creamy, natural)</div>
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1/2 cup raw honey</div>
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3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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3 Tablespoons organic extra-virgin coconut oil</div>
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1 teaspoon cinnamon</div>
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla</div>
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1 cup certified gluten-free rolled oats</div>
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2 cups gluten-free crispy rice cereal</div>
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1/2 cup raisins</div>
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In a large saucepan, place almond butter, honey, chocolate chips and coconut oil and stir over low heat until melted together.</div>
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Stir in cinnamon and vanilla. </div>
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Remove from heat.</div>
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Gently stir in oats, then crispy rice. </div>
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Fold in raisins.</div>
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Line two baking sheets with wax paper and scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture, gently squeezing into a ball and then slightly flattening. Place on wax paper. </div>
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Refrigerate until set. Store in airtight container, preferably in refrigerator.</div>
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Makes approximately 2 baker's dozen.</div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-82546179235144301762013-07-20T14:25:00.001-05:002013-07-20T14:25:25.902-05:00Gluten-Free Ratio Rally Does Tea Bread!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_r7NO-Xv20/Tb8Rq8vM3RI/AAAAAAAAArw/5QVG9zjrisk/s1600/GLUTEN-FREE+RATIO+RALLY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_r7NO-Xv20/Tb8Rq8vM3RI/AAAAAAAAArw/5QVG9zjrisk/s400/GLUTEN-FREE+RATIO+RALLY.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Logo designed by </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.girlfriday.ca/" style="color: #2a837d; text-decoration: initial;">Anile Prakash</a></u></td></tr>
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Time for me to post another Gluten-Free Ratio Rally catch-up - eventually I'll catch up to where they are and maybe, hopefully, I'll be able to start baking in the challenges again!<br />
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The rally participants did tea bread for the challenge in May, and the ever-so-sweet <u><a href="http://bellwookie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brooke from B and the boy!</span></a></u> was the host for this challenge with her <u><a href="http://bellwookie.blogspot.com/2013/05/ratio-rally-tea-breads.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Scottish Tea Bread</span></a></u>. Be sure to check out Brooke's yummy bread, as well as the recipes the other participants baked up for you.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">If you aren't familiar with the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally, I have a </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/p/gluten-free-ratio-rally.html" style="color: #1f1409; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">rally page here</span> </a></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">where I link to all the challenges I participated in, as well as host posts to those I didn't.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Heather: Discovering the Extraordinary -- </span><a href="http://discoveringtheextraordinary.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/figgy-tea-bread.html" style="color: #993322; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">"Figgy" Tea Bread</a><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Adina: Gluten Free Travellette -- </span><a href="http://www.glutenfreetravelette.com/blog/2013/5/1/rhubarb-tea-bread.html" style="color: #993322; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rhubarb Tea Bread</a><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Morri: Meals with Morri -- </span><a href="http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.com/2013/05/one-year-closer.html" style="color: #993322; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Oatmeal Raisin Tea Bread</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I hope you're all having a great summer!<br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-35955206448402006412013-07-08T14:01:00.001-05:002013-07-08T14:01:32.711-05:00Ibotta what?A quick post for you, if you enjoy saving money as much as I do.<br />
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Have you heard of the smartphone app called <u><a href="http://ibotta.com/r/7rWXEA"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Ibotta</span></a></u>? You may have - you're likely not as behind the times as I am. I saw a friend posting on Facebook about some purchases she made a few weeks ago - organic purchases, at that - where she got rewarded through something called "<u><a href="http://ibotta.com/r/7rWXEA"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Ibotta</span></a></u>." After seeing a few of these posts, I was intrigued and asked her about it, and followed the links for more information.<br />
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My friend informed me that she was indeed earning money back on some of her purchases, and the bonus was it was all fairly simple - or she wouldn't be doing it, she said. You earn money on certain purchases and it's transferred to your PayPal account when you want it to be.<br />
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I figured it was worth a try - and earned $13.75 to my account in less than two weeks for just redeeming offers on five products I'd purchased. Of course, $10 of that was for redeeming enough offers in my first two weeks, but still. That's a few sno cones or some other little fun treat for the girls this summer.<br />
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Here's how it works: You have certain products, some of which you're likely already going to buy (Almond milk, anyone? Salad? Coconut water? Organic kids' snacks? Potato chips? Eggs? Olive oil? Lip balm?) ... Then you click on that product through the app, take a little poll or read a little fact or something else that takes seconds ... Then once you've purchased it at a participating store (Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, many grocery and pharmacy chains, dollar stores, etc.), you click redeem through the app, where it will take a photo of your receipt, then scan the bar code of the product you purchased. It takes just a few seconds (trust me, if it was complicated or time consuming I would NOT be doing it), and some products are worth a few dollars back, some are worth 50-75 cents or more.<br />
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Sound good?<br />
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I've decided after using it for a couple of weeks that it's worth it to me to continue using it, so I wanted to share with you for two reasons. The disclaimer is the one for my personal benefit: I earn a dollar for referrals. The other reason is I love a deal, and I've always loved sharing a deal, so I wanted to share this <u><a href="http://ibotta.com/r/7rWXEA"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Ibotta </span></a></u>thing with you in case you didn't already know about it. Here's the link if you want more information or to join (it's free!): <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/7rWXEA"><span style="color: #0c343d;">http://ibotta.com/r/7rWXEA</span></a><br />
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Have a good week!<br />
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<br />Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-6737634759267537422013-06-24T16:09:00.001-05:002013-06-24T16:09:11.623-05:00Gluten-Free Ratio Rally Does Shortbread Cookies!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_r7NO-Xv20/Tb8Rq8vM3RI/AAAAAAAAArw/5QVG9zjrisk/s400/GLUTEN-FREE+RATIO+RALLY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Logo designed by </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.girlfriday.ca/" style="color: #2a837d; text-decoration: initial;">Anile Prakash</a></u></td></tr>
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I've been really, *really* MIA on the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally lately. And with so many things going on, I've also missed posting the challenges each month even when I'm not participating. I'm sorry.<br />
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So, I'm catching up now. (I'll continue to post updates on occasion until I'm all caught up - and hopefully participating again at some point!) This is the challenge from APRIL - and it's delicious. Who doesn't love shortbread cookies?<br />
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The host of the shortbread cookie challenge was Meaghan over at the Wicked Good Vegan. Check out <u><a href="http://www.thewickedgoodvegan.com/2013/04/03/gin-and-tonic-cookies/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">her host post of gin and tonic cookies</span></a></u> - as well as the other yummy recipes the other participants baked up for you!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">If you aren't familiar with the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally, I have a </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/p/gluten-free-ratio-rally.html" style="color: #1f1409; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">rally page here</span> </a></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">where I link to all the challenges I participated in, as well as host posts to those I didn't.</span><br />
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Heather at Discovering the Extraordinary made <a href="http://discoveringtheextraordinary.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/fully-alive" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Buckwheat Shortbread Cookies with lemon curd</a></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jonathan at The Canary Files made <a href="http://thecanaryfiles.blogspot.com/2013/04/ratio-rally-gluten-free-vegan-teff.html" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Black Sesame Teff Shortbread Cookies</a></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mary Fran at Franny Cakes made <a href="http://frannycakes.com/recipes/gluten-free-jammie-dodgers" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gluten-Free Jammie Dodgers</a></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meg at Gluten-Free Boulangerie made <a href="http://gfboulange.blogspot.com/2013/04/ratio-rally-lemon-bars.html" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lemon Bars with Lemon Shortbread Crust</a></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Morri at Meals with Morri made <a href="http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.com/2013/04/teatime-in-spring.html" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Earl Grey Shortbread</a></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rebecca at Salts Kitchen made <a href="http://saltskitchen.net/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rosemary, Lemon, and Toasted Pecan Shortbread</a> <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</em> <a href="http://saltskitchen.net/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #f58720; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Espresso and Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Shortbread</a></li>
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Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-1160391292107383492013-06-22T13:44:00.000-05:002013-06-22T14:16:36.362-05:00Product Highlight - Gratify Pretzels (and free of many allergens!)<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KFPNP7flGJI/UcXtz8qqzfI/AAAAAAAACfc/QmmXifFRIEA/s640/blogger-image--584532581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KFPNP7flGJI/UcXtz8qqzfI/AAAAAAAACfc/QmmXifFRIEA/s400/blogger-image--584532581.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's been a while since I've done product highlight here, but I thought these <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJH5CFG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJH5CFG&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Gratify pretzel thins</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BJH5CFG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> were worth it!<br />
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I picked these up at Walmart the other day because I'd never seen them before. They are free of gluten, milk, casein and eggs AND are non-GMO. I thought I better give them a try. I'm glad I did - they are pretty darn good. I won't tell you they are healthy, though ... the ingredients are mostly starchy. But if you're looking for an occasional snack of this type and free of several allergens, this certainly fits the tasty bill and I think it's okay to indulge on occasion. :)<br />
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This was the only flavor I saw there, but it looks like they also come in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJH5CEC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJH5CEC&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">sesame</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BJH5CEC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJH5CEC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJH5CEC&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">sour cream and onion</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BJH5CEC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and some other flavors.<br />
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Have you seen these yet? Have you tried them? Do you like them? I noticed they are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJH5CFG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJH5CFG&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">a new arrival</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BJH5CFG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
on amazon as well, so maybe we'll be seeing more of them in the stores at some point.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2gzfk1AF1hQ/UcXt1soqUWI/AAAAAAAACfk/vxzegU8xTDM/s640/blogger-image--226418613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2gzfk1AF1hQ/UcXt1soqUWI/AAAAAAAACfk/vxzegU8xTDM/s320/blogger-image--226418613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-10441104692123581572013-06-08T15:04:00.001-05:002013-06-08T15:09:41.407-05:00Food Allergy Coaching<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
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<strong>https://ey106.infusionsoft.com/go/FACP/MamaMeGF</strong>Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-59534524332046712742013-05-26T12:15:00.001-05:002013-05-26T12:15:30.737-05:00Cinnamon Pastry Iced Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GMGv0OS9mPY/UZvuK1gcO2I/AAAAAAAACfI/a3GsYTJ4jq8/s640/blogger-image--1640103071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GMGv0OS9mPY/UZvuK1gcO2I/AAAAAAAACfI/a3GsYTJ4jq8/s400/blogger-image--1640103071.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So you've no doubt noticed that things have been a little different around here lately. A <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2013/05/in-need-of-smile.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">dog video in the last post </span></a></u>and iphone photos to be expected in the <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2013/04/cocoa-baked-oatmeal-in-mug.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">cocoa baked oatmeal in a mug post before that</span></a></u>. Work is keeping me busy, my chronic fatigue syndrome is beating me up and I'm desperately <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2013/04/and-then-comes-morning.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">missing my best friend</span></a></u> and hurting for her precious family. </div>
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Thanks for being patient.</div>
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And what a week we've had as a country. What a month we've had. What a time we've had the last few months ...</div>
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Lots of prayer going up for a lot of people in the country and in the world these days.</div>
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So, I've needed quick, simple and easy in my life lately and I'm assuming I'm not the only one. Another iphone photo for you - that doesn't even really show this iced coffee very well. I'm sorry. (By the way, the goldfish tumbler is my oldest daughter's. I always borrow her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AGCO3Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009AGCO3Q&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">goldfish Tervis tumbler</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009AGCO3Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or my youngest's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AGCGRK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009AGCGRK&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Hello Kitty Tervis tumbler</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009AGCGRK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for my iced coffee because they are the perfect size. Both were gifts from the grandparents from Bed, Bath & Beyond.)</div>
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A word on this iced coffee variety: We got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AQSMPO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AQSMPO&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Keurig</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AQSMPO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for Christmas, which made me very excited. But a little background, first. When I was a reporter, I had a serious coffee habit. Working 60-hour-plus weeks and deadlines until the middle of the night kind of does that to you. A big part of my paycheck went to the coffee shop, as I could only stomach the office coffee in the late hours. I got to where I was easily drinking 8-10 cups a day, and not just to keep me awake. I love coffee. My husband wasn't a coffee drinker at the same time I was.</div>
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When I got pregnant, I had to quit coffee cold turkey and it was hard. I had horrible withdrawal and was very sick. I swore I'd never get that way with coffee again, and for years wouldn't touch a drop. The last few years I've allowed myself a cup or two a month, and even though I wanted to immediately have another cup, I would fight the urge. After I gave up coffee, my husband started enjoying it. We had a Senseo maker (I don't think they even make those anymore?) at the time, and it was perfect for him being the only one drinking it. About the time I started feeling like I might be able to handle a cup every day without going overboard, the pods became too expensive and it was back to the drip machine. The only problem is he enjoys his coffee weaker than I like mine, so I decided to continue not drinking it rather than have a weak cup. The Keurig solved this, of course - and gave us lots of options.</div>
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One of the options when you order K-cups from <u><a href="http://keurig.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Keurig.com</span></a></u> (I have found it's worth it to register your maker and get the two free boxes, become a club member and get 10% off your order and in addition, wait to order when I can find additional coupon codes) is you can order small sample boxes. The <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00611ZTUI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00611ZTUI&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Timothy's Cinnamon Pastry cups</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00611ZTUI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> had good reviews, so I thought I'd give them a try in a sample box. </div>
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<i>(*Please note that I researched this flavor before trying it, to verify gluten-free status. I read <u><a href="http://www.keurig.com/customer-service/k-cups-and-beverages-support/frequently-asked-questions#{64C67B7F-8262-4A15-A55C-0EF8381DAB33}"><span style="color: #134f5c;">this concerning gluten in K-cups on Keurig's site</span></a></u>, and<a href="http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/customer-service/coffees-teas-and-specialty-beverages/frequently-asked-questions#{F43BEAAF-080E-41C8-8A73-E00C5348B04E}"> <u><span style="color: #134f5c;">this on Green Mountain Coffee's site</span></u></a> (Timothy's is in the Green Mountain family). I tried contacting Timothy's directly, but basically received the same answer from the Canadian branch. I also came across several others who can't have gluten who drink this flavor without trouble. So I felt it was okay to give it a try, and both my husband and myself have been able to drink it without problems.)</i></div>
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Is the flavor as good as the reviewers said? Bleh. (But you might not think so - the reviews from others are very good.) </div>
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Here's the thing about me: I like my coffee black, no sugar, no creamer. The bolder, the stronger and darker, the better. The problem with this coffee flavor is it's one of those that tastes like it needs to be sweet with cream, and that's not my style for hot coffee. <i>Iced</i> coffee, however, I like sweet and creamy. I thought I'd give it a try, and it's actually pretty good. So, here's my solution if you have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQ9NI36/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AQ9NI36&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Keurig</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AQ9NI36" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> brewer and want to make cinnamon pastry iced coffee:</div>
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1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00611ZTUI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00611ZTUI&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Timothy's Cinnamon Pastry k-cup</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00611ZTUI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><i>(*See note above)</i></div>
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1 cup ice</div>
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8 Tablespoons unflavored coconut milk (not canned, but the refrigerated kind)</div>
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4 teaspoons organic pure cane sugar (or sweeten to taste with natural sweetener of choice)</div>
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Place ice, coconut milk and sugar in 16 oz. tumbler or glass of choice and place in brewer.</div>
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Place k-cup in brewer and brew at 6 oz. size option.</div>
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Stir until sugar is dissolved.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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(And yes ... iced coffee is usually a very occasional <i>second </i>cup of coffee in a day, later in the morning or afternoon, and only if I really need a pick-me-up. I stop at two now, and I limit that to a few times a week. It's all about moderation!)</div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-51057006019912720162013-05-10T16:29:00.001-05:002013-05-10T16:29:07.239-05:00In Need of a Smile?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Are you in need of a smile as much as I am today? I hope this helps.</div>
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If you follow this blog, you know things have been tough lately. Added to that we had the unexpected death of one of our beloved chickens a couple of weeks ago and I had to tell my oldest after school today that her fish had died. We are an animal-loving family, and every pet death is hard. Considering my daughter loves marine life so much she wants to be a marine biologist, I struggled when I discovered Thunder had passed on to the golden water in the sky.</div>
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Before picking them up, I watched this video that a friend posted on Facebook. I knew right away it wasn't a coincidence, and sure enough it provided lots of smiles and laughter for our sad girls. </div>
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I don't think I've ever shared anything like this here before, but maybe I need to give you all something to smile about more often? </div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-16081245411294154452013-04-27T11:33:00.000-05:002013-04-27T11:40:59.685-05:00Cocoa Baked Oatmeal in a Mug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-No9YPwjGnDI/UXvxBY-i-VI/AAAAAAAACd8/p0aUdVfkntM/s640/blogger-image-1101431937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-No9YPwjGnDI/UXvxBY-i-VI/AAAAAAAACd8/p0aUdVfkntM/s400/blogger-image-1101431937.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A mug breakfast dessert, of sorts, for you this morning. Gluten-free, as always, and dairy-free. Forgive the phone photos.<br />
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I'm not feeling well this morning. Yesterday I started feeling the scratch in my throat and took every supplement, essential oil and natural remedy I had on hand (properly spaced apart, of course) to avert the illness I felt imminent. My husband came down with a mild cold last week and my youngest came down with a bad cold this week, so I'm hoping it's the first cold and not the latter that I'm fighting. Regardless, I don't feel great.<br />
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After I slept in for a while, I got up and everyone else had already eaten. So no big breakfast. They'd finished off a pan of oatmeal (certified gluten-free, of course - and FYI - not everyone who eat gluten-free can handle even GF oats so use caution and listen to your body if you're not used to eating them). I didn't feel like cooking or baking. I wanted something simple, single-serving and yummy. I really wanted <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2010/11/baked-oatmeal.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">baked oatmeal</span></a></u> (goodness, speaking of photos! I shudder at my early ones!) or something of the sort but wasn't about to wait that long or give that much effort. Mug baked oatmeal?<br />
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You have seen a couple of <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/03/banana-mug-cake.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">mug cake</span></a></u> recipes posted here, and I have even more I have yet to put up. Some of them include oatmeal in them, but I hadn't tried pure baked oatmeal in a mug-microwave combination yet. I did a quick search to see if anyone else had attempted it yet. Given the way I'm feeling, I didn't want to mess with too much experimenting.<br />
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I came across <u><a href="http://oatgasm.blogspot.com/2013/02/instant-fudge-brownie-baked-oatmeal-in.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">this instant fudge brownie baked oatmeal in a mug</span></a></u> and at first decided to not use the cocoa, because I <i>thought </i>I wanted cinnamon. I changed my mind, though, and went all out. I modified the recipe to suit my needs and desires, as you can see below.<br />
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Was it good? It was exceptional. A word of warning, though - as you can see from the photos, it overflowed from my standard size mug. Because it was a different consistency than other mug cakes I've made, it actually dribbled down the sides of the mug rather than just puff up and then shrink back into it. The Nutella mug pictured next to it below with my coffee would have been a better size for this microwave-baked oatmeal.<br />
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In the state of mind and all going on in my life lately, I'm likely to be posting more phone photos for you just so I can get posts up. It's really a little ridiculous considering I use my good camera nearly every day and am editing photos nearly every day, to not be taking good photos of my food for you! To be honest, though, I've been going through a lot and my family has been fed grits and eggs, toast and eggs and pancakes for more meals in the last couple of months than I'd like to admit. Thankfully I have an awesome husband and children who must think I even make eggs and grits with a magic hand - or they are just being really super sweet, which is more likely the case.<br />
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Projected time start to finish: 6 minutes<br />
(<u><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/cocoa-baked-oatmeal-in-a-mug"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Printable Recipe</span></a></i></u>)<br />
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1 large egg<br />
1 Tablespoon coconut milk<br />
4 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce<br />
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla<br />
1/4 cup <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TXT502/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002TXT502&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">certified gluten-free rolled oats</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002TXT502" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
2 small pinches kosher salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder<br />
2 1/2 Tablespoons pure organic cane sugar<br />
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Grease inside of large microwaveable mug and add egg, coconut milk (or milk of your preference), applesauce and vanilla. Stir with fork until blended.<br />
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In a small bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and sugar. Mix into mug slowly until all is combined.<br />
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Microwave on high about 2 minutes and 15 seconds or until it's all "baked."<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-22149163339981389812013-04-16T10:44:00.000-05:002013-04-16T16:25:23.876-05:00And then comes morning ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oylP7yTCU4Q/TzAK6WD67aI/AAAAAAAABUI/2K7Y9rdPp6I/s1600/early+sun+in+pecan+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oylP7yTCU4Q/TzAK6WD67aI/AAAAAAAABUI/2K7Y9rdPp6I/s400/early+sun+in+pecan+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were all in shock yesterday as the events unfolded at the Boston Marathon. When bad things happen, we usually are shocked at first. Then we grieve. We hurt. We cry. We scream, "Why??" We pray. We help, and to quote the beloved Mr. Rogers, we "look for the helpers."</div>
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Since a few weeks prior to this, I've already been grieving and hurting and screaming about a loss that has rocked me to the very core and has broken my heart into millions of pieces that can't possibly be fully repaired. I'll write about that sometime, the sudden passing of my dear kindred spirit on earth.</div>
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So as I'm already on the verge of tears every second of every day, the news yesterday morning that a beautiful blogger named <u><a href="http://www.kateleong.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Kate of Chasing Rainbows</span></a></u> said goodbye to her son that so many of us had been praying for - it seemed like more than anyone could bear. And then the explosions at the Boston Marathon brought yet another tragedy into more lives.</div>
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It's too much. It's all too much.</div>
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And so I pray. I pray for those hurting and for those who have lost. I pray for our world and for love to reign. I pray for peace and for comfort, for all and for me. And when I don't feel like I can pray, when I feel too angry or bitter or "what's the point?" to pray, I take a big breath, and take one more step, and say, "I know you can hear me, anyway, God, and I know you'll be there waiting when I can start up again."</div>
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And then I look outside and see new life. I look at my husband and my children and I see love and joy, and eventually a smile or a laugh comes from me. I remember that there is no sadness or pain in heaven, and that those I've lost are there together, and have faith that one day I'll see them again. And that brings me joy, too, in the sadness of missing them.</div>
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And I look for the helpers, and I look for ways to help. Whether that's donating money to charities providing aid, or directly to families, or being a shoulder for someone to cry on or cry with, or an ear to listen, or writing a note, or praying. Or doing more. Or all of the above. There is something I can do, no matter what my strength. Something you can do, no matter what your strength.</div>
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And this cycle starts all over again. Pray. Breathe. Take another step. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Pray. Breathe. Take another step ...</div>
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Cherish those you love, and let them know. Squeeze them tight and make some memories. </div>
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And slowly, every day, there is light that comes out of the darkness. And there is morning after night. </div>
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Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-4362827288146639462013-03-14T15:31:00.000-05:002013-03-14T15:31:48.530-05:00Creamy Low-Dairy Nutella Popsicles - and Zoku<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFRQu0SBlVf1HeoHeoWX30UamSfVFBCJQ_ExgIEhyphenhyphenLGat54DCsiMsUrW0q9YKAjBU4uqmTy-C-lhw05D39VLiNuIjWSiXQr4KLaLKU57wo8MsgXEc9XYmooBYtPgWHvCzE6Yqv_fg8ng/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFRQu0SBlVf1HeoHeoWX30UamSfVFBCJQ_ExgIEhyphenhyphenLGat54DCsiMsUrW0q9YKAjBU4uqmTy-C-lhw05D39VLiNuIjWSiXQr4KLaLKU57wo8MsgXEc9XYmooBYtPgWHvCzE6Yqv_fg8ng/s400/photo+(2).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Do you see these creamy pops freezing in this <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00560V6SE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00560V6SE&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">clever little popsicle maker</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00560V6SE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>? Those are addicting, delicious, wow-me-and-surprise-me, oh-so-simple Nutella popsicles made with very little dairy. They are so creamy, yet the only dairy in them is the amount in Nutella. And with this little pops maker, it took <i>less than 10 minutes</i> to freeze these two wonders.<br />
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Even my husband, who isn't a chocolate lover and could do without Nutella, and isn't that crazy about coconut milk, really<i> really</i> liked these popsicles.<br />
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I took quick photos with my phone yesterday because I knew I wanted to get this recipe to you today. (This is one of the main reasons why I've slowed down on the recipe posting - I try to take nice photos with my big camera and then life gets too busy to allow me time to edit these photos before I can give you the recipe!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhQk-RRtqwo/UUIrhmXA2iI/AAAAAAAACdo/Ib2mSdko4jM/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhQk-RRtqwo/UUIrhmXA2iI/AAAAAAAACdo/Ib2mSdko4jM/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, I had already eaten some before I remembered a photo :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had been seeing this <u><a href="http://foodbeast.com/content/2013/02/14/silky-smooth-nutella-popsicles-in-just-4-easy-steps/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Nutella popsicles photo sequence</span></a></u> floating around Pinterest (this is what I based my recipe on, to give credit where credit is due), and thought I better give it a try since we received a Zoku Quick Pop Maker (they come in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Y25AWG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006Y25AWG&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">single</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006Y25AWG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00560V6SE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00560V6SE&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">double</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00560V6SE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U9ZCRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U9ZCRO&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">triple</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003U9ZCRO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> pops!) for Christmas and had yet to use it. I washed it out, let it dry and stuck it in the freezer for use in the next few days.<br />
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I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0005Z6ZK4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0005Z6ZK4&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Nutella</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0005Z6ZK4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I LOVE Nutella. And ice cream pops. And I also am lactose-intolerant and am not able to eat more than a couple of spoonfuls of ice cream <i>with</i> taking a couple of Lactaid (one for each spoonful). So, I was determined to make these pops something that I could eat.<br />
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I mixed up some coconut milk, a little almond milk and some Nutella with an immersion blender in a matter of seconds, then we were good to go.<br />
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Can I just tell you how quickly I fell in love with this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00560V6SE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00560V6SE&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Zoku maker</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00560V6SE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />? When we received it I thought it was a very, very cool toy (and I'd seen them on several food blogs and was admittedly curious) ... but that it was also a gadget we might use a couple of times and then find inconvenient and not use much more after that. Nope. I was wrong. This is <i>the most</i> convenient way I've ever made popsicles, and they freeze so perfectly. It's like you just ripped them open from a wrapper out of a box you picked up at the store, but they taste fresher. And they don't get that icy taste that popsicles frozen the old-fashioned way do.<br />
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We also got this handy-dandy airtight Zoku pops <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G7W8BW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004G7W8BW&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">storage case</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004G7W8BW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> and this amazing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615391206/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615391206&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">recipe book</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0615391206" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with our Christmas present. I need to add <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VJWUE6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VJWUE6&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">extra popsicle sticks</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003VJWUE6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KS5BQ6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004KS5BQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">the cool tools</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004KS5BQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to our collection at some point.<br />
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If you don't have one of these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00560V6SE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00560V6SE&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Zoku pops makers</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00560V6SE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, you don't have to worry. You can make these the traditional freezer way, you'll just have to wait a lot longer. ;)<br />
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Projected prep time: 3 minutes; Projected freeze time: Under 10 minutes (if using Zoku, longer if traditional)<br />
<b>(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/nutella-popsicles"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Printable Recipe</span></a></u>)</b><br />
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3/4 cup original coconut milk (not flavored or low-fat etc. I usually use Silk)<br />
1/4 cup original almond milk (same info and brand as above)<br />
1/3 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0005Z6ZK4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0005Z6ZK4&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Nutella</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0005Z6ZK4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (okay if it's slightly heaping)<br />
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Mix all ingredients together until blended well and no chunks of Nutella are evident. I used a hand immersion blender, but feel free to use the method of your choice. Cover and refrigerate until cold (the night before is perfect). Pour into popsicle molds according to the manufacturer's directions until frozen.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-2334941800127058702013-03-13T17:13:00.000-05:002013-03-14T15:36:45.313-05:00Gluten-Free Ratio Rally Does Waffles!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Logo designed by </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.girlfriday.ca/" style="color: #2a837d; text-decoration: initial;">Anile Prakash</a></u></td></tr>
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Waffles this month, and I missed it again! My friends in the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally cooked up some delicious waffles for you as their challenge this time around, and even though I had to miss out on the challenge again this time around, I wanted to share the delicious recipes the other participants cooked up for us.<br />
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If you've been keeping up with the rally, you've probably noticed that things have slowed down. So many of us have had such big changes in our lives, or busyness ... or both, that we've had to put some things on the back burner. There are only two participants in the rally this month, and I applaud them for carrying it on for us until we can jump back into things with them.<br />
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Morri over at <a href="http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Meals with Morri</span></a> was the host this month, and she mentions several of these life events in her <u><a href="http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.com/2013/03/keeping-it-simple.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">host post with these amazing and beautiful blueberry waffles</span></a></u>.<br />
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Who doesn't love waffles?<br />
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Be sure to check out <u><a href="http://mealswithmorri.blogspot.com/2013/03/keeping-it-simple.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Morri's waffles</span></a></u>, as well as<u><a href="http://discoveringtheextraordinary.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/sunshine-waffles/"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">Discovering the Extraordinary Heather's Sunshine Waffles</span></a>.</u><br />
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If you aren't familiar with the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally, I have a <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/p/gluten-free-ratio-rally.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">rally page here</span> </a></u>where I link to all the challenges I participated in, as well as host posts to those I didn't. Try it out - baking by ratio gives you kitchen independence you never could imagined before trying it!<br />
<br />Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-29023773418537200402013-02-25T09:47:00.001-06:002013-02-25T09:47:24.265-06:00Garlic and Sapphires .. a book recommendation<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143036610/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0143036610&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0143036610&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mamamegf-20" width="130" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0143036610" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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"Time slows down in the kitchen, offering up an entire universe of small satisfactions." - Ruth Reichl</div>
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That above line spoke to me last night, and I thought I better share it with you just in case you needed to hear it, as well. Things have been a little chaotic in my little world lately, and I needed that reminder. The entire paragraph that precedes this line was soothing to me as it described different elements, sounds and smells of cooking.</div>
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My aunt gave me "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143036610/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0143036610&linkCode=as2&tag=mamamegf-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mamamegf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0143036610" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" for my birthday several months ago and I finally had a chance to start reading it recently. (I'm one of those people who reads at least two or three books at a time but I like to stick to one of those books as a pleasure read and finish it before picking up another pleasure read - I had a few books to check off my list before picking this one up.) I'm enjoying it immensely and highly recommend it to anyone who knows the joy of eating good food or cooking it, or both. Even if you don't, I think you'll enjoy it.<br />
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Reichl writes the above line in a chapter where she's describing a time in her life that I can identify with at this very moment. I think I just need to escape to the kitchen for a few minutes when I'm feeling overwhelmed and let the familiar methods, rhythms and smells engulf me without feeling like I *have* to do this or that quickly. Even slicing an avocado would give me more stress relief and would be better for me than reaching for that candy bar as a quick break from work. I can read a page or two of this book as I'm enjoying it before getting back to busy.</div>
Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-37037849568201202442013-02-13T09:35:00.000-06:002013-02-13T09:35:06.180-06:00Gluten-Free Ratio Rally Does Souffle!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Logo designed by </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #1f1409; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.girlfriday.ca/" style="color: #2a837d; text-decoration: initial;">Anile Prakash</a></u></td></tr>
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The Gluten-Free Ratio Rally is at it again this month with a perfect Valentine's Day treat, whether you are looking for sweet or savory: Souffle!<br />
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I tried to work a couple of souffle trials into my life this past month, but it just didn't happen. I love souffle, so I hope to provide you with at least one souffle recipe at some point in the future, but for now I didn't want you to miss out on the yummy recipes provided by rally participants this month. The rally was small - I guess life is happening in a big way for many of us at the moment - but please make time to visit the delicious posts written up for you!<br />
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<u><a href="http://tcrumbley.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">T.R. from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies</span></a></u> is the host for the rally this month, and made <u><a href="http://tcrumbley.blogspot.com/2013/02/ratio-rally-gluten-free-chocolate.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">a beautiful chocolate souffle</span></a></u> for us. Check it out, as well as the souffles from the other participants, which can be found on T.R.'s host post.<br />
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If you aren't familiar with the Gluten-Free Ratio Rally and freedom in the kitchen by using weight, you can <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/p/gluten-free-ratio-rally.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">check out my rally page here</span></a></u>, where I include links to all the rally challenges I've participated in, as well as links to the host posts from those I didn't get a chance to work on.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-63764064704482574112013-01-31T14:02:00.000-06:002013-02-13T09:43:19.176-06:00Zucchini "Panini"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I55iIQu6lrI/UQrITNDGugI/AAAAAAAACc4/p2JPl5V0Vb4/s1600/zucchini+panini-0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I55iIQu6lrI/UQrITNDGugI/AAAAAAAACc4/p2JPl5V0Vb4/s400/zucchini+panini-0326.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you ignore the homework mess in the upper left of this photo and forgive the lighting, you'll discover a delicious, quick and super-simple meal to serve on these oh-so-busy school nights. I call it zucchini "panini."</div>
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Corn tortillas, zucchini, white onions, mozzarella, salt and pepper and about 20 minutes from start to finish for five of these yummies.</div>
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My husband and daughters got me this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YD99Y4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002YD99Y4&linkCode=as2&tag=sahmsnwahms-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Cuisinart Griddler</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sahmsnwahms-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002YD99Y4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
for Mother's Day this last year. While I'd been eyeing the appliance for a few years, I had hesitations about it being just that: Another appliance that gets pulled out for use a few times a year and takes up space the rest of the time. Boy, was I wrong. With the exception of my mixer, the coffee maker and my blender, it probably gets used more any other small appliance in my kitchen. We even make our fresh eggs on it in the morning, sandwiching them together between the flat side of the plates for about a minute or two, and we have "fried" eggs without frying them. This griddler is what I make the zucchini paninis on.</div>
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Projected prep time, start to finish, for 5: About 20 minutes</div>
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(<u><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mamameglutenfreerecipes/zucchini-panini"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Printable Recipe</span></a></u>)</div>
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10 gluten-free corn tortillas</div>
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2 or 3 zucchini, cut in half, then slice each in four slices lengthwise</div>
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Half of a medium white onion, or a whole small one, sliced</div>
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Shredded mozzarella</div>
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Sea salt</div>
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Italian pepper</div>
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Place panini grill plates into griddler and heat on grill setting at medium/high. If when you begin to cook, the grill marks don't start to brown the vegetables within a couple of minutes, turn the heat to high.</div>
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Cut onion in half and slice it. Place slices onto grill, close and cook for a couple of minutes.</div>
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While onion is cooking, cut up zucchini. Remove onions and place on a plate, then put the zucchini slices onto grill, close and cook for two or three minutes. Remove and place on plate.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0oc-P7-rps/UQrITLUC5vI/AAAAAAAACc8/i5YfatiRAdU/s1600/zucchini+panini-0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0oc-P7-rps/UQrITLUC5vI/AAAAAAAACc8/i5YfatiRAdU/s320/zucchini+panini-0322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On one corn tortilla, sprinkle a small handful of mozzarella onto surface, then top with three or four zucchini slices. Top with several onion slices, then grind some sea salt over the vegetables and follow with a dash or two of Italian pepper. Sprinkle more mozzarella over vegetables and top with another corn tortilla. Repeat. Place the two "sandwiches" on the grill and close the plates, cooking for a few minutes until the tortilla surface has crisped up and cheese is melting well.</div>
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Continue repeating until you have enough. Slice panini in half, or quarters.This recipe will make five "paninis."</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I55iIQu6lrI/UQrITNDGugI/AAAAAAAACc4/p2JPl5V0Vb4/s1600/zucchini+panini-0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I55iIQu6lrI/UQrITNDGugI/AAAAAAAACc4/p2JPl5V0Vb4/s320/zucchini+panini-0326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-25853362972221672572013-01-24T11:59:00.000-06:002013-02-13T09:43:30.900-06:00New Year and Top 10 from 2012Happy belated New Year! I just realized that, not only am I late in wishing you a happy new year (at least it's still January, right?) - but I also forgot to do my top 10 recipes from 2012 for New Year's Eve, or shortly after.<br />
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It's always hard for me to make this list, but I think I've got them down now:<br />
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1. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/04/triple-chocolate-brownies.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Triple Chocolate Brownies</span></a></u> I make these nearly every weekend, and we still aren't tired of them.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJEiItu7AA/T3sQZzZApoI/AAAAAAAABqU/qXIC3uOyts0/s1600/brownies+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJEiItu7AA/T3sQZzZApoI/AAAAAAAABqU/qXIC3uOyts0/s320/brownies+square.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/03/slightly-sweet-crepes.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Slightly Sweet Crepes with Caramelized Bananas and Nutella Sauce</span></a></u> I have made these crepes many times since this, and I also make a savory version I also need to share with you.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8hU5XwAGbM/T1ZE2IQc29I/AAAAAAAABkA/4PDXFfwJoh4/s1600/closer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8hU5XwAGbM/T1ZE2IQc29I/AAAAAAAABkA/4PDXFfwJoh4/s320/closer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/chicken-and-mushroom-penne-with.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Chicken and Mushroom Penne with Sundried Tomato Pesto Feta Cream Sauce</span></a></u> Enough said!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOTakS0z060/Tzk9txTOADI/AAAAAAAABYY/GKIFgkjYrPI/s1600/plate1square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOTakS0z060/Tzk9txTOADI/AAAAAAAABYY/GKIFgkjYrPI/s320/plate1square.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/whole-grain-pecan-drop-biscuits.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Whole Grain Pecan Drop Biscuits</span></a></u> Don't let the "whole grain" bit fool you into thinking these aren't marvelous. You won't want to stop eating them if you are anything like me, or my family.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_Ye0uTvb8/TwOzSA3u3oI/AAAAAAAABQQ/u4zBA4LFcGE/s1600/pecan+biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox_Ye0uTvb8/TwOzSA3u3oI/AAAAAAAABQQ/u4zBA4LFcGE/s320/pecan+biscuits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/super-strawberry-green-smoothie.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Super Strawberry Green Smoothie</span></a></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy9vKh8mULQ/T0u80E4rWSI/AAAAAAAABh8/zUgw3sfw6ik/s1600/super+strawberry+green+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy9vKh8mULQ/T0u80E4rWSI/AAAAAAAABh8/zUgw3sfw6ik/s320/super+strawberry+green+smoothie.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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6. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/11/date-pecan-bundt-cake-with-orange-glaze.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Date Pecan Bundt Cake with Orange Glaze</span></a></u><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGBANVGYwcU/UJnk83OWWQI/AAAAAAAAB_I/KsLgsHl3010/s1600/date+pecan+cake+slice2-7617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGBANVGYwcU/UJnk83OWWQI/AAAAAAAAB_I/KsLgsHl3010/s320/date+pecan+cake+slice2-7617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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7. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/03/banana-mug-cake.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Banana Mug Cake</span></a></u><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrRrl5i2mns/T147bXoc0RI/AAAAAAAABmw/OYRCduLfeew/s1600/mug+cake+bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrRrl5i2mns/T147bXoc0RI/AAAAAAAABmw/OYRCduLfeew/s320/mug+cake+bite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/cheese-baked-eggplant-with-warm-red.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Cheese Baked Eggplant with Warm Red Quinoa</span></a></u><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT2Jc6tSgSk/T0VCwO4534I/AAAAAAAABdY/3qShLdpWs1U/s1600/eggplant+and+quinoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT2Jc6tSgSk/T0VCwO4534I/AAAAAAAABdY/3qShLdpWs1U/s320/eggplant+and+quinoa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. <a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/10/pecan-tollhouse-tarts.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Pecan Tollhouse Tarts</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zuRdBjvTVA/UGuyD0OsWcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/1Mm7lEKS4qo/s1600/tollhouse+tart+2-5365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zuRdBjvTVA/UGuyD0OsWcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/1Mm7lEKS4qo/s320/tollhouse+tart+2-5365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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10. <u><a href="http://mamameglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/04/hot-cross-buns.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Hot Cross Buns</span></a></u><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfkLR6LvoHc/T3sq6F4uhcI/AAAAAAAABr4/AgPXSbtOLas/s1600/hot+cross+buns+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfkLR6LvoHc/T3sq6F4uhcI/AAAAAAAABr4/AgPXSbtOLas/s320/hot+cross+buns+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you for your support in 2012! I hope you enjoy these, and I hope 2013 has started off as a great year for you so far. Here is to a year full of health and happiness for us all!Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6723154518978039302.post-24293741494756413522012-12-24T12:07:00.002-06:002013-02-13T09:43:49.050-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx2d7-41rTM/TvuQxQuuGEI/AAAAAAAABNI/OsWKMXuGyHw/s1600/snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx2d7-41rTM/TvuQxQuuGEI/AAAAAAAABNI/OsWKMXuGyHw/s400/snowman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas from my family to yours. I hope you have a holiday surrounded with love, blessings and happiness.Caneelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542567278525155850noreply@blogger.com0