tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63776133802924242772024-03-12T18:53:21.770-07:00AlimentLadies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-74335423009717902152014-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-02T08:32:32.989-07:00Persimmon Freezer Jam and Basic Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Last week my Fella picked up a pack of 6 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persimmon">persimmons</a> he found on the discount fruit rack in the produce department. He thought they were tomatoes. I told him what they really were and that I'd never had them but I knew Martha Stewart seemed to like them a lot so they must be good. <i>Hee hee.</i></div>
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I was intrigued by these little guys but a little intimidated too. What would I do with them? Were all the recipes going to be complicated and <i>involved</i>? I was delighted when right away I found a super simple Persimmon Freezer Jam recipe by doing a Google search on "persimmon recipes." </div>
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I have been enjoying my jam (which took about two seconds to make...ok, maybe a little longer) on toast (when I manage not to burn it...or when I do, because then it tastes better) and on these quick and simple muffins via the good ol' <i><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/cookbooks-and-magazines/betty-crocker-cookbook">Betty Crocker Cookbook</a></i>. I love this muffin recipe because it is so easy and you can add just about any mix-in you desire to change it up. </div>
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Want to try?</div>
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The jam recipe is <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/freezer-persimmon-jam/">here</a>.</div>
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The muffin recipe is as follows:</div>
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<i>1 egg</i></div>
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<i>3/4 cup milk</i></div>
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<i>1/2 cup vegetable oil</i></div>
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<i>2 cups all-purpose or whole what flour</i></div>
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<i>1/3 cup sugar</i></div>
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<i>3 tsp baking powder</i></div>
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<i>1 tsp salt</i></div>
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<i>Bake in greased (bottoms only) muffin tin, filled halfway at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Makes about a dozen.</i></div>
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<i>*I actually make these vegan style and sugar free by substituting a flax egg, almond milk, and stevia for the egg, milk, and sugar respectively.</i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit,</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Tamar</span></i></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-10396103066192846552014-06-30T15:04:00.000-07:002014-06-30T15:11:38.425-07:00Meatless Monday--5 Simple Recipes<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;">Source: MeatlessMonday.com</td></tr>
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It's Meatless Monday and we're on board this vegetarian gravy train, are you? Going meatless for just one meal, one day per week does loads to help the evironment. Doesn't seem possible that one little itty bitty person making such a small change could make such a difference? Well if you don't believe me, check out more info at <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://meatlessmonday.com/">MeatlessMonday.com</a> </span>It's true! Since it's that easy, why don't you give it a try! If you're just not sure what the heck you would make for a vegetarian dish, well that's pretty easy too and that's why I've done the searching for you and found 5 simple recipes for your Meatless Monday enjoyment:<br />
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<b><i>1. Thin Spagetti with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Olive Oil</i></b><br />
<i>This one is seriously as easy as it sounds and it is SOOOO delicious! This is one of my favorite pasta recipes of all time for ANY time! You can find the details<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Thin-Spaghetti-with-Garlic-Red-Pepper-and-Olive-Oil/Detail.aspx?p34=Featured%20Quick%20Search%20Result&e11=vegetarian">here</a></span>.</i><br />
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<i><b>2. Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili </b></i><br />
<i>Don't let the long ingredient list throw you off, most of the items come in a can and are ready to toss in the pot and simmer away. A good chili is good any time of year. Nom nom nom! Find the recipe <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/three-bean-vegetarian-chili-10000001949760/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></i><br />
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<i><b>3</b>. <b>Creamy Barley Salad with Apples</b></i><br />
<i>This is a good one if you're in the mood for something a little different but without having to pick up too many exotic ingredients; I wouldn't be surprised if you have most of these things in your fridge or cupboards. And what you don't have will be easy to find at your local grocery store. Recipe<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/creamy-barley-salad-apples-00000000006890/index.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> here</span></a>.</i><br />
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<i><b>4. Roasted Zucchini Flatbread with Hummus, Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Almonds</b></i><br />
<i>Here's another one that gives you all the flavor of a special meal without sending you to a specialty store or even any unfamiliar specialty aisles at your grocery store. Grab these ready made ingredients and all the prep you'll need to do is slice the zucchini and assemble the rest. Voila! Restaurant style flavor without the having to be an experienced restaurant chef! Find out how to make it<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/roasted-zucchini-flatbread-with-hummus-arugula-goat-cheese-and-almonds-recipe.html">here</a></span>.</i><br />
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<i><b>5. Oatmeal Brulee in a Jam Jar with Fruit and Nuts</b></i><br />
<i>I know. Brulee. Does not sound simple does it? But honestly this delightful twist on a wholesome and easy favorite only requires one quick extra step. Treat yourself, you deserve it! And this recipe is a good reminder that your one meatless meal for the day doesn't have to be dinner! The recipe for this yummy one is <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/easy-vegetarian-recipes/oatmeal-brulee-jam-jar-fruit-nuts-vegan.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a>. </i><br />
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I hope these recipes have inspired you to go meatless for at least one meal, once per week now that you have a handful of ideas in your pocket that are easy and delicious without having to stock your cabinet with ingredients you've never heard of and can't pronounce!<br />
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<i>Happy Meatless Monday!</i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit, </i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i>Tamar</i></span></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-66377136563107779762014-06-19T13:38:00.000-07:002014-06-19T13:38:26.759-07:00Guest Post: Plant Sources of Iron & ProteinPopeye Had It Right<br />
By Leslie Vandever<br />
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Popeye the Sailor was a popular Saturday morning cartoon character in the 1960s whose main claim to fame was his love for spinach. At the crucial moment—usually when his nemesis, Bluto, was about to pound him to smithereens—Popeye would nom a can of spinach. He’d grow a pair of huge biceps (his “muskles”) and proceed to pound Bluto instead. And then he and his adoring “goil,” Olive Oyl, would stroll happily away together, cheek to cheek.<br />
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We’ll never know if Popeye was a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous, but he sure liked his spinach. He was a smart guy: spinach is rich in iron, a vital mineral our body needs to function. It makes up part of the protein hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of the body, including the muscles, which not only use it, but store it. When we don’t get enough iron, we develop anemia.<br />
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The iron in meat, poultry, and fish—heme iron—is the type that the human body absorbs most efficiently. Non-heme iron—the iron found in plant foods—is just as good, but the body also needs Vitamin C in the same meal in order to absorb it. The best plant-bases sources of iron, other than spinach,include:
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<li> broccoli, bok choy, kale, dandelion
greens, beet greens, collards, and asparagus
· soybeans, lima beans, and dried beans
and peas, chickpeas, lentils, black-eyed peas
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<li> dried prunes, raisins, and apricots
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<li> almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, sunflower
seeds
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<li> whole grains like wheat, millet, oats,
bulgur, and quinoa and brown rice
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<li> blackstrap molasses and tofu </li>
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Many iron-rich foods are also rich in Vitamin C. Others
include:
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<li> tomatoes, sweet and white potatoes,
green and red peppers, turnip greens, spinach, and other leafy greens,
cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
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<li> citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, mango, papaya,
pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon </li>
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It wasn’t just iron that made Popeye so strong, though. It was also protein (also found in spinach!). Protein is another essential nutrient, needed to build and maintain healthy skin, bones,
muscles, and organs. The myth is that it’s hard to get enough protein if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, but that’s simply not true—<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/ultimate-guide-herbs-vitamins-supplements#RAFacts1">if you’re mindful about what you eat</a> and make sure that protein-rich,plant-based foods are a regular part of your daily diet.
The best vegetarian/vegan-friendly,protein-rich foods include:
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<li> tofu, tempeh, seitan, soy milk, soy nuts
· beans and legumes, like navy beans, chickpeas,
split peas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas
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<li> cashews, almonds, nut butters, almond
milk, and sunflower seeds
· whole grains, bulgur, and quinoa </li>
<li> spinach and broccoli
Turns out that humble, green, leafy spinach really is a super-food,packed as it is with iron, Vitamin C, and protein. </li>
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How about that? Popeye had it right!
For more information about healthful eating and other health-related subjects, click <a href="http://www.healthline.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Leslie Vandever is a professional journalist and freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience. She lives in the foothills of Northern California.<br />
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References:
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<ul>
<li>What is Iron and Why Do We Need It? (2011, February 23) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on June 13, 2014 from <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html">http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html</a> </li>
<li> Protein in Diet. (2011, May 5) Medline Plus. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 12, 2014 from <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002467.htm">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002467.htm</a> </li>
<li> Iron in Diet. (2013, February 18) Medline Plus. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 12, 2014 from <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002422.htm">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002422.htm</a> </li>
<li> Mangels, R. Iron in the Vegan Diet. (n.d.) The Vegetarian Resource Group. Retrieved on June 12, 2014 from <a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.php">http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.php</a> </li>
<li> Mangels, R. Protein in the Vegan Diet. (n.d.) The Vegetarian Resource Group. Retrieved on June 12, 2014 from <a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.php">http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.php</a> </li>
<li> Tips for Vegetarians. (n.d.) U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved on June 13, 2014 from <a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-vegetarian.html">http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-vegetarian.html</a> </li>
<li> Building a Healthy Vegetarian Meal: Myths and Facts. (n.d.) Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Retrieved on June 13, 2014 from <a href="http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442476770&terms=vegan%20%20iron">http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442476770&terms=vegan%20%20iron</a> </li>
<li>Vitamin C. (2013, February 2) Medline Plus. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on June 12, 2014 from <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm</a> </li>
<li> Iron and Iron Deficiency. (2011,February 23) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on June 12,
2014 from <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html#Prevent%20deficiency">http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html#Prevent%20deficiency</a></li>
</ul>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-90088470184470379812014-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-11T06:39:17.883-07:00Rockin' the CSAThis year our family decided that it would be worth our money and our health but into our local organic crop share association (CSA) and I am thrilled that we did! I have wanted to start my own backyard organic garden for sometime, but this summer we will be adjusting to and enjoying the welcoming of our fifth child, so the idea of tending a garden doesn't seem feasible. Yesterday we picked up our first boxes share and it was amaze-za-zing! I couldn't be happier with our choice.<br />
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Speaking of getting our money's worth, with a large family who loves their fruits and veggies, we have made our grocery store's discount produce rack our main go-to spot in the store. We always come home with a variety of delicious produce for very little money. The other day my Fella came home with 16 lbs of fresh blueberries for $12, a calculated $67 value! We froze most of them to make them last. </div>
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This morning I enjoyed a healthy and delicious smoothie containing, milk, avocado, blueberries, spinach, mango and vanilla. Oh. My. Yum! </div>
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For lunch I just made a fresh salad of Boston lettuce, blueberries, mini turnips, radish, avocado, cheddar, and a lovely maple balsamic vinaigrette.</div>
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Last night we sautéed up bok choy, turnip, red bell pepper, young garlic and scallions with soy sauce and sriracha to have as a side to our chicken thighs. So savory and fantastic. </div>
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How do you keep it fresh while saving money? I'd love to hear from you in the comments. </div>
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<i>Bon Appetite!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Tamar</span></i></div>
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Thanks to Peas & Thank You for hosting yet another delicious What I Ate Wednesday blog hop!
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-50386542364758584522013-09-15T16:27:00.003-07:002013-09-15T16:27:44.201-07:00Meatless Monday<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm excited to participate for the first time in the Meatless Monday blog hop, hosted by Stephanie at <a href="http://reciperenovator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipe Renovator </a> If you haven't heard about Meatless Monday, you can get the low-down <a href="http://www.meatlessmonday.com/about/" target="_blank">here</a>. Yesterday, I made the official pledge on the MM website to go meatless one day per week. I have made this choice because I want to do something that is helpful to our planet, our animal friends, and my own body. Something about the pledge energizes me, I love knowing that this simple act of going meatless for one day per week will make such an important difference; and imagine if I go meatless even more days per week than that. I often do, so that is making an even bigger difference. Yay for a healthy planet, healthy body, and happy animals!<br />
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For some it might seem hard to wrap their heads around making a balanced meatless meal. It's really not hard at all though, I find that tossing some beans, nuts, or tofu into a dish is an easy way to meet protein needs. Not only that, but I have read several reports that a healthy plant based diet with plenty of whole grains actually provides all the necessary protein requirements.<br />
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Below is a recipe that is super easy, quite cheap, and can easily be "beefed" up (bad pun) by tossing in some beans or nuts, both would be nice additions.<br />
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<b>Easy Spinach Spiral with Tomatoes and Chard</b></div>
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1 lb. Spinach spiral pasta</div>
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1 bunch Swiss Chard</div>
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1-2 mid sized tomatoes</div>
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2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div>
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Salt and Pepper to taste (optional)</div>
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<li>Prepare pasta, set aside.</li>
<li>Coarsely chop chard. Slice tomatoes into chunks and set aside.</li>
<li>Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chard and saute until just wilted and tender.</li>
<li>When chard is nearly done, toss tomatoes in just until heated but still nice and fresh.</li>
<li>Add salt and pepper then toss veggies in with pasta.</li>
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Serve immediately as a side to a salad and/or meat substitute, or as a main dish tossed with slivered almonds, or garbonzo or white beans.</div>
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See, wasn't that easy?</div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><b>Tamar</b></i></div>
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<br />Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-88159383402399952102013-03-06T00:00:00.000-08:002013-03-06T05:46:18.600-08:00Candied Sweet Potato Fries A few weeks ago, while searching for a quick yoga workout on Yogi <a href="http://tarastiles.com/">Tara Stiles'</a> YouTube channel, I came across a video (see below) of Tara sharing her recipe for Candied Sweet Potato Fries. All I can say is YUM-O! I found these to be a delicious between-meal snack that were plenty filling, the next time I made them I used them as a side to compliment my quinoa, kale, and tofu stir-fry. Give 'em a try, they are delish! As a side note, feel free to play around with the recipe and don't stress if the exact ingredients aren't in your cupboard. I had agave syrup and olive oil on hand, so I swapped them out for the maple syrup and coconut oil. Also check Tara's yoga videos, they are a great way to sneak 10 minutes of mat time into your day.<br />
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<i>Namaste, </i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Tamar</span></i></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-24561573389164386872013-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:002013-02-27T00:00:07.006-08:00We're Back!! <i> A few months ago, Deirdre and I were feeling a little overwhelmed with the combination of the holidays and keeping up with posts on two (or three in Deirdre's case, see <a href="http://www.deirdreriordanhall.com/">here</a>) blogs. We loved all the blogs but felt it was a good time to cut back for awhile. Thus we took a break from our yumm-eriffic foodie blog Aliment and put our energy full force into our baby, <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a>.</i><br />
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<i> With the end of the year holiday season and the new year bustle behind us, we feel ready to share some more delicious goodness with you here. We may not be back to our thrice a week schedule for awhile, but we hope to share with you weekly nonetheless. Today we start off simple with a foodie post that is also being shared on Ladies Holiday.</i><br />
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<i><b>Enjoy!</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i>Tamar & Deirdre</i></span></div>
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Every once in awhile, we ladies find it fun to participate in </div>
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What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW.) </div>
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This nifty blog hop is hosted by the lovely Jenn over at <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank">Peas and Crayons</a>.</div>
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As some of you may remember, I started the new year off with the gentle, yet oh-so-effective</div>
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Adventure Cleanse, as found in the pages of Wellness Warrior</div>
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<a href="http://www.kriscarr.com/" target="_blank">Kris Carr's </a>sparkle-tastic health-eriffic book Crazy Sexy Diet.</div>
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Since participating in the 21-day cleanse I have been able to maintain this </div>
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cleaner lifestyle in regard to what I put in my belly on a daily basis and </div>
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I have found that I feel </div>
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<i>lighter</i>, more <i>energetic</i>, more <i>focused</i>, and generally </div>
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<i><b>happier</b></i> </div>
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than I have in a long, long time. </div>
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Now<i> that</i> is really something to rave about! </div>
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Here I share a glimpse into what my dishes are filled with </div>
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on a regular ol' day, but you'll see that it is not in the least boring.</div>
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<b>Brekkie: </b>I usually start my morning with green juice followed by a protein and produce packed smoothie, this sticks with me until lunch. Picture here, a blend of freshly juiced carrots and oranges, half an avocado, almond milk, and my favorite protein powder mix.<br />
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<b>Lunch: </b>I combined leftover quinoa from last night's dinner with sautéed kale and tofu. I topped it off with some delicious vegan cheddar, and sliced up the other half of my avocado on the side with a bit of lime juice and s&p on top.<br />
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<b>Dinner: </b>Oooh my mouth is watering at the memory. Vegan enchiladas: white basmati rice (although I usually use brown) mixed with lime juice and cilantro. Vegetarian refried beans. Vegan <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/our-products/jack-wedge" target="_blank">Daiya</a> brand Monteray Jack cheese. Fresh tomatoes. All wrapped up in Trader Joe's brand habenjaro lime tortilla and smothered in enchilad sauce. Yum yum yum!!!<br />
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What foods make you feel sparkly and truly <i>alive</i>?</div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Tamar</span></i></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-9990782979396764342012-10-08T14:24:00.001-07:002012-10-08T14:24:14.265-07:00Simmering...Hello dear Aliment readers ~ <br />
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Tamar and I are taking a wee hiatus from Aliment and food blogging. We absolutely love posting and writing about our culinary escapades, but our respective schedules are such that Aliment has to get put on the back burner for the time being. We will be back and are always to be found over on <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a>. In the meantime please join us there and check here back in a few. Thank you for your understanding and support. <br />
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Bon Appetit,</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>Deirdre & Tamar</em></span></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-135903018605366552012-10-05T06:05:00.000-07:002012-10-05T06:05:12.434-07:00Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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Source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401310478/?ref=as_li_tf_tl&camp=217145&creative=399349&ie=UTF8" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">amazon.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/michellelp/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Michelle</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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For several years now <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/about">Jamie Oliver</a> (celebrity chef) has been campaigning, first in his native Great Britain, and now here in the US for improved school lunches (and breakfasts where provided.) </center>
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I was a hot lunch kid, I remember standing in line for my green tickets, not the yellow ones which were reserved for paying families, nope I was one of millions of children who eat subsidized school lunch every year. Sometimes it was the best or only meal I ate all day. So it follows that school cafeterias provide a substantial amount of food, whether it is nutritious or not to our nation's children. The children who are the future, our future as we age they will be the ones leading, maintaining our infrastructure, teaching and so on. <em>Or not</em> considering <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/__cms/uploads/Obesity%20and%20Diabetes%20Toolkit.pdf">obesity</a> and the related ailments are higher than ever in children in the United States. Click <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/__cms/uploads/3_Toolkit%201_Get%20the%20Facts.pdf">here </a>to gain a better understanding of the school lunch program. </center>
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I grew up and had the good fortune to taste real food, fresh food from the earth. When I returned to the cafeteria with my own children I was appalled at what I had eaten (it was much the same, chop suey anyone?) and what was being offered my kids. </center>
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I joke that I'm a food snob, but I'm not, I just <strike>require</strike> prefer to provide and consume wholesome food as close as possible to its natural state as the staples in my diet. Cookie butter on occasion, but after I know that I've had a few square meals under my belt. Food is meant to be fun and pleasurable, but out of the food eaten over the course of the week it is made up of mostly whole grains, greens, fresh veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans with the occasional organic dairy item. </center>
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So what my kids, what our kids eat, is important to me so I just on board with Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and you can too!</center>
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<a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/school-food">Click here for the site</a> and to educate yourself, your school system and your community. You won't find any "Go-Go Juice" on this menu. </center>
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I encourage parents and people who care to work in your community to make it clear that what we eat matters and why and the positive impact it has, not only on our bodies and health, but on local agriculture, businesses and the future.</center>
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Bon Appetit,</center>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></em></strong></center>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-25259755064486837192012-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:002012-10-03T00:00:05.644-07:00WIAW~Tamar Learns Her Lesson As we do every Wednesday here on Aliment, today it's my turn to participate in the fun of "What I Ate Wednesday" (WIAW), a nifty blog hop hosted by the yummy-maker, Jenn over at <a href="http://peasandcrayons.com/">Peas and Crayons</a>. So here goes...<br />
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Source: <a href="http://lokalty.com/merchants/76-Scoop-DeVille" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">lokalty.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lokalty/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">lokalty</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Whoever said, "Life is short, eat dessert first" wasn't very smart...wait, I think that was Mark Twain, he was pretty smart and pretty awesome. Ok, fine, the idea isn't all bad...but I learned that for me, eating dessert first might be a bad idea. Why? Because if I'm hungry for a <i>meal</i> and I eat dessert first, then I'm much more likely to eat a larger portion of the sweet stuff than my belly can handle. If you've been following us for awhile then you'll know that my body doesn't respond well to too many sweets, but the other night I took Twain's advice and learned a lesson in moderation.<br />
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Let's start with the night before...<br />
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The culprit: Raspberry Shortcake (it was so stinkin' good.)</div>
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Should've stopped there...or not inhaled the whole thing in 90 seconds flat.</div>
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This was followed by dinner...which was a turkey burger patty, topped with a slice of meunster cheese and a dollop of dijon mustard. Yummy, but no picture. </div>
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Maybe it was just a bad combo, </div>
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or maybe I should've eaten a real dinner followed </div>
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by a smaller portion of the above shortcake. </div>
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Either way, next morning I awoke with a stomach ache!!</div>
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I felt like I had a hangover, nausea, slight headache, and just...blahhhh; </div>
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but no alcohol had been consumed, then I remembered dessert.</div>
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I felt like I needed a gentle and clean start to my day, which lead to</div>
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this very kind breakfast:</div>
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Two tall glasses of water and a juicy nectarine later, </div>
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I was feeling less wobbly and my belly was on the mend. </div>
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I was ready for lunch by 11am:</div>
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Mmmm. Sprouted grain bread filled with:</div>
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Sliced Fuji apples</div>
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One slice of Meunster cheese (one of my faves!)</div>
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3 thin slices of Applegate Farms Turkey Bologna</div>
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Baby Spinach</div>
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Dijon Mustard</div>
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My belly said "Thank you, I'm back to normal now!"</div>
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Tonight, a healthy dinner first...then maybe just a spoonful of Cookie Butter. :)</div>
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What's the tastiest thing you've eaten this week?</div>
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<i>Whatever it was or will be...</i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tamar</span></span> </i></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-74251407707643941702012-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:002012-10-02T07:44:55.304-07:00Make-at-Home Yogurt Drink<div style="text-align: center;">
What kid doesn't love a yummy yogurt drink? Yogurt drinks are fun, often portable, and full of tummy friendly probiotics. My beef with the store bought brands though, is that even the organic all natural brands are often packed full of sugar. One I bought not to long ago had a whopping 25 grams of sugar in one small bottle!</div>
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I got the following idea from my smarty pants Mama friend, Seana. Making my own yogurt drink at home is easy, cost effective, and I control the contents! I use whole milk, whole milk plain yogurt, all natural juice (just a splash) with no sugar added and a tiny bit of agave. There are all natural, chemical free food colorings you can buy at Whole Foods too if your little one would appreciate a little fun color too. My tot, Violet loves this drink in a spill proof cup with straw. Easy peasy!</div>
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Vi also likes this because she can feed herself, which she loves to do...and I like it because she doesn't quite have the dexterity for spoon feeding herself drippy droppy yogurt yet. </div>
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What little tricks do you use to make your own versions of more sugary store-bought items?</div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tamar</span></span> </i></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-83702835574470749662012-09-28T06:10:00.000-07:002012-09-28T06:13:24.639-07:00Spork Fed Cookbook Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gagjvi62CG0/UCRvd9PPytI/AAAAAAAABJk/7qI2N-AtCus/s1600/spork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gagjvi62CG0/UCRvd9PPytI/AAAAAAAABJk/7qI2N-AtCus/s320/spork.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you understand what it is to relish reading a good cookbook, then you'll completely understand why I dove deep into<a href="http://sporkfoods.com/"> </a><em><a href="http://sporkfoods.com/">Spork-Fed</a>: Super fun and flavorful vegan recipes from the sisters of Spork Foods </em>by<a href="http://sporkfoods.com/"> Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg</a>. Having been a longtime vegetarian leaning towards vegan eater, I appreciate the cooking tips, ingredient suggestions (I'm beginning to master the ingredient swap) and creative approach to this type of diet. <br />
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Each recipe has a little preamble with some "Sporkie-Scoops" toward the end outlining ways the food items may benefit your body and mind...fun and informative! <br />
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There are also loads of photos. I won't apologize for preferring shiny photos with my recipes. I'm like a magpie that way. The suggested menus page even has little thumbnails with photos of the dish! Joy for the visually inclined!<br />
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My family and I tried an assortment of dishes from Spork-Fed and the two my kids enjoyed most were (yes, I do try to be a crowd pleaser:)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade BBQ Sauce Page 114<br />
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<a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/better-than-store-bought-bbq-sauce.html">Tamar</a> inspired me to make my very own barbecue sauce. I could easily have dumped some store bought from a jar and called it a day...but I couldn't. I just couldn't. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPInn4qGxo/UCRrrCCeR8I/AAAAAAAABIQ/JO6BWBBSlvM/s1600/bbq+pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPInn4qGxo/UCRrrCCeR8I/AAAAAAAABIQ/JO6BWBBSlvM/s400/bbq+pizza.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And here is the finished product...Barbecue-Style Spelt Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Tempeh Bacon from page 116 (plus asparagus because I can't eat a meal without green.) Oh and corn on the cob, since it was after all, barbecue. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4SIPEOpBCQ/UCRrwAqMexI/AAAAAAAABIg/U8oy17KEMto/s1600/fig+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4SIPEOpBCQ/UCRrwAqMexI/AAAAAAAABIg/U8oy17KEMto/s400/fig+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the oven...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Cn8lb-IzE/UCRryNQbdgI/AAAAAAAABIo/rNj3Wz4XOcc/s1600/fig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Cn8lb-IzE/UCRryNQbdgI/AAAAAAAABIo/rNj3Wz4XOcc/s400/fig.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After...nom, nom, nom...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These Pear, Fig and Sage (fresh from my garden) Tarts with Roasted Garlic Aioli (page 2) were, how shall I put it? The BOMB. They were little parcels of deliciousness. Oh my goodness I didn't know food (that I make) could be so good!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5VcMQ3Rsu0/UCRr4CPbI_I/AAAAAAAABI4/WOl7wL3xAd4/s1600/plantain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5VcMQ3Rsu0/UCRr4CPbI_I/AAAAAAAABI4/WOl7wL3xAd4/s400/plantain.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And as for little 'ole me I was swept away in a rhapsody of flavors by the Caribbean Salad with Crispy Plantains and Avocado Mango Salsa in a Light Lemon Vinaigrette (page 26) I have long been a fan of fresh vegetables and this was a delicious representation of what vegan cooking can be. Note...those are peaches in case you noticed. My mangoes were not ripe. Sniff. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ovM_UnwgM/UCRr13IlxTI/AAAAAAAABIw/GYeD40tYG5Y/s1600/plantain+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ovM_UnwgM/UCRr13IlxTI/AAAAAAAABIw/GYeD40tYG5Y/s400/plantain+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the meal plated...the Salad, Plantains, Cuban-style black beans and coconut rice with a blue corn tortilla chip garnish. Perfecto!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn5eNLCgmwI/UCRsRf0pTrI/AAAAAAAABJA/7tWjPhRLSe0/s1600/plam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn5eNLCgmwI/UCRsRf0pTrI/AAAAAAAABJA/7tWjPhRLSe0/s320/plam.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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To be honest, I wasn't familiar with Hearts of Palm before preparing this meal...and luckily Trader Joe's had a jar...similar to artichokes, but with with the texture of cooked leeks. They were good and nicely paired in the salad! <br />
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That was my adventure with the Spork Sisters...for more about them visit: <a href="http://sporkfoods.com/">Spork Foods</a> where you will find their cookbook, loads of downloadable cooking class videos and lots more!<br />
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Bon Appetit,</div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></em></strong></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-50472551629812942742012-09-26T05:31:00.000-07:002012-09-26T05:31:29.787-07:00WIAW with Deirdre<center>
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<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH0wjj6Icmk/UEZUdRQU4eI/AAAAAAAAIfg/ZfjHDwHGxZs/s1600/wiaw+fall+into+good+habits+button.jpg" /></a></center>
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Here we Wednesday again and in case you're wondering what this "What I Ate Wednesday" hoolabaloo is all about check out <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/">Peas & Crayons</a>.</center>
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Happy Autumn. It's official. It's here and there is no denying it. Apples, pumpkin, cinnamon, mums, colorful leaves and crisp air. </center>
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But there was no way I was going to let that last day of summer slip me by so we went to the beach. It wasn't a sunny day (cloudy when we arrived, sunny when we left) nor was it warm (58 degrees) and by all accounts beach season appeared to be over, but not for us, nope...we savored it until the very last moment. </center>
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We pulled on our wetsuits, paddled out and rode those waves until our toes were numb and hot chocolate was the only remedy...and maybe some pumpkin bread. </center>
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Then we got back in the wild water and rode wave after wave and sat out there watching the water and chatted about everything and nothing. It was beautiful, perfect and warmed me from within. </center>
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When the sun started to dip low and we positively couldn't take the air temperature and wind any longer we peeled off our wetties, turned up the heat in the sandy car and went and got some warm butternut squash and cranberry soup in bread bowls...and for dessert, ICE CREAM! It was after all the last day of summer. Why not? And why not fall into the habit of doing what you love despite the odds, ride those waves, whether they be water or painting or writing or dog walking or whatever...do what you love and love what you do.</center>
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Unfortunately the camera was forgotten as I enjoyed most of this day, food included...so here are a few other items from my week, yes I take photos of what I eat...and no they're not high quality, but it's all part of savoring the flavor...</center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqCUe9QT_4I/UGCk2cN96JI/AAAAAAAACDQ/BoJNmy1DU2Y/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqCUe9QT_4I/UGCk2cN96JI/AAAAAAAACDQ/BoJNmy1DU2Y/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers! A week's worth of Sambucol for a cold...Boo Hoo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1ze9CRAaXI/UGClCTrsUHI/AAAAAAAACD4/EFGMhjGH1EY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1ze9CRAaXI/UGClCTrsUHI/AAAAAAAACD4/EFGMhjGH1EY/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato Soup and Gold Fish are good for the aformentioned cold...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a pretty big deal...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ohzoibRxhY/UGCk5Efkn3I/AAAAAAAACDg/OJdDOG0QnwQ/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ohzoibRxhY/UGCk5Efkn3I/AAAAAAAACDg/OJdDOG0QnwQ/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Dumpling pre-baked....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked with homemade whipped cream...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chard & Ricotta No-Noodle Lasagna with Parm.</td></tr>
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No, that's not a typo, I made the peanut butter. </td></tr>
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Bon Appetit, </center>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></em></strong></center>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-89798778470644289322012-09-25T06:51:00.000-07:002012-09-25T06:51:03.297-07:00Greens with Kick<div style="text-align: center;">
As <a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/oops-stay-tuned.html">promised</a>...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Tamar's Collard Greens with Turkey Bacon</i></b></span></div>
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<u><b>Gather:</b></u></div>
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<b><i>2 lbs Collard Greens or Kale, washed and cut into 1/2 inch strips</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK0u9rNOEds/UGGymw3naBI/AAAAAAAACFE/YkJZqzii27o/s1600/2012-09-17+16.10.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK0u9rNOEds/UGGymw3naBI/AAAAAAAACFE/YkJZqzii27o/s1600/2012-09-17+16.10.37.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOqC8z8FF38/UGGyn0Q45iI/AAAAAAAACFM/15NiKjepl5w/s1600/2012-09-17+16.13.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOqC8z8FF38/UGGyn0Q45iI/AAAAAAAACFM/15NiKjepl5w/s1600/2012-09-17+16.13.40.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>6 slices Trader Joe's Uncured Turkey Bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces</i></b></div>
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<b><i> </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaL253Z89eo/UGGyl6g14_I/AAAAAAAACE8/p6CKqp01560/s1600/2012-09-17+16.10.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaL253Z89eo/UGGyl6g14_I/AAAAAAAACE8/p6CKqp01560/s1600/2012-09-17+16.10.19.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><i>1 Tbs Garlic-Giner paste (or use fresh minced portions of each)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Coconut oil (for tossing) </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Low-Sodium Soy Sauce, to taste</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Chilli sauce/paste, to taste </i></b></div>
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<b><u>Then:</u></b></div>
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<i>Place greens in a large pot. Boil a kettle of water and pour over greens, </i></div>
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<i>let stand (poking & tossing occasionally) for 5-10 minutes.</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo3HqX7-n8o/UGGypHvxjaI/AAAAAAAACFU/n8ngHLSX25E/s1600/2012-09-17+16.19.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo3HqX7-n8o/UGGypHvxjaI/AAAAAAAACFU/n8ngHLSX25E/s1600/2012-09-17+16.19.57.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Meanwhile, fry up bacon in a pan until crispy.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskJqPFZfNw/UGGyqFmgg0I/AAAAAAAACFc/mCiMQtXWBI8/s1600/2012-09-17+16.21.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskJqPFZfNw/UGGyqFmgg0I/AAAAAAAACFc/mCiMQtXWBI8/s1600/2012-09-17+16.21.06.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Drain water </i></div>
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<i>(feel free to save this vitamin packed water in a jar for making soup stock later!)</i> </div>
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<i>Place greens and bacon in a bowl, toss with remaining ingredients.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b41_iREOjDM/UGGyrmgWKTI/AAAAAAAACFk/mqIQmfq0qyc/s1600/2012-09-17+16.49.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b41_iREOjDM/UGGyrmgWKTI/AAAAAAAACFk/mqIQmfq0qyc/s1600/2012-09-17+16.49.29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Serve alongside your favorite whole grain</i></div>
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<i>(brown basmati rice shown here.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Mdi5MbHqE/UGGysuajYQI/AAAAAAAACFs/YdbAoZP1TAM/s1600/2012-09-17+17.12.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Mdi5MbHqE/UGGysuajYQI/AAAAAAAACFs/YdbAoZP1TAM/s1600/2012-09-17+17.12.06.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>This is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. </i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tamar</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh6Uyl3k_1Y/UGG2c_6TP8I/AAAAAAAACGo/Sec5a7fVqCQ/s1600/for+collards+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh6Uyl3k_1Y/UGG2c_6TP8I/AAAAAAAACGo/Sec5a7fVqCQ/s1600/for+collards+recipe.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*all photos property of Aliment Blog, C<span style="font-size: x-small;">opyright 2012</span></span></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-79707507171053245862012-09-24T10:01:00.000-07:002012-09-24T10:01:49.662-07:00Oops! & Stay Tuned...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Good afternoon to the Blogsphere!</h2>
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I know <a href="http://alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/tamar-here-sharing-my-eats-in.html">last week</a> I promised you all a great recipe today for collard greens with turkey bacon </div>
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(yum! and I promise you don't want to miss it!) </div>
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but I've had a bit of a snaffoo with my little family today and I'll have to post-pone the post until tomorrow. </div>
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Sorry and thanks for understanding! Please stay tuned, because tomorrow I really WILL show & tell you how to make <i>this:</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5HvnhbZcD8/UGCRV18V8UI/AAAAAAAACBk/jmmlt1r07XA/s1600/Tamar%27s+collard+greens+and+turkey+bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5HvnhbZcD8/UGCRV18V8UI/AAAAAAAACBk/jmmlt1r07XA/s1600/Tamar's+collard+greens+and+turkey+bacon.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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Until then, eat something yummy and think of moi!</div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tamar</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khdciinH8HI/UGCR8bUg9zI/AAAAAAAACBs/yZiiyxbC8j4/s1600/IMG_20120912_165529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khdciinH8HI/UGCR8bUg9zI/AAAAAAAACBs/yZiiyxbC8j4/s1600/IMG_20120912_165529.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> </i></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-65247721550146981342012-09-21T05:16:00.000-07:002012-09-21T05:16:40.737-07:00Donal Skehan<a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/">Donal Skehan</a>, self-taught home cook, photographer, writer and truly one of my <em>kitchen heroes</em>, hosts a television show in Ireland, has several cookbooks and shares recipes, from sweet to savory, regularly on his <a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/category/blog/">blog</a>.<br />
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I have several favorites from his site and cookbooks, but one that I routinely return to and even have memorized (gasp! shocking only because I can hardly remember what I did last week) is his <a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/2010/11/mushy-roast-garlic-and-cherry-tomato-pasta/">Mushy Roast Garlic and Cherry Tomato Pasta.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMmOa8fTUGY/T8zjAYxmqRI/AAAAAAAAAdM/rTWku-Dmn_I/s1600/garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMmOa8fTUGY/T8zjAYxmqRI/AAAAAAAAAdM/rTWku-Dmn_I/s320/garlic.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Something is missing! Oops- forgot the garlic. </div>
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This recipe is a family favorite and as easy as can be to prepare. I also find it is a great substitute for those occasional macaroni and cheese or pizza requests. The roasted tomatoes and cheese are the gorgeous older sister to pizza sauce and have that authentic and sophisticated Italian flavor and the pasta fits the "macaroni" requirement. So there you go! This dish is a nice balance of comfort food and classed-up meal. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rx3jQSi0VM/T8zkM87Ed8I/AAAAAAAAAdg/MGKwjUkSEL4/s1600/rienzi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rx3jQSi0VM/T8zkM87Ed8I/AAAAAAAAAdg/MGKwjUkSEL4/s320/rienzi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ordinarily I serve with a more elegant pasta variety, but it was kid's choice for dinner. And we were feeling a bit whimsical.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zaq-1yi-1M/T8zjybLIX_I/AAAAAAAAAdY/jpY6-WhVpkc/s1600/mushy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zaq-1yi-1M/T8zjybLIX_I/AAAAAAAAAdY/jpY6-WhVpkc/s320/mushy.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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I sliced and peeled my garlic. Keeping it as is (like the recipe says) is great too, but I had just under a bulb, so I went at it. Toward the end of the roast, I add some fresh basil to the pan. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQu5vMpwZXU/T8zlZw7TsHI/AAAAAAAAAd4/hSrbhEJ55YI/s1600/pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQu5vMpwZXU/T8zlZw7TsHI/AAAAAAAAAd4/hSrbhEJ55YI/s320/pasta.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Mush and squoosh. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KW7FG3jDk5c/T8zlnggGzcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/dA1OeZT9AHQ/s1600/mozza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KW7FG3jDk5c/T8zlnggGzcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/dA1OeZT9AHQ/s320/mozza.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Toss, top and enjoy. </div>
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When I'm feeling decadent I serve it alongside Donal's recipe for <a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/2008/11/chunky-garlic-bread/">garlic bread</a>, which is hands down my favorite.<br />
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Bon Appetit,</div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></em></strong></div>
<br />Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-27992347298480000252012-09-18T16:05:00.001-07:002012-09-18T17:17:54.214-07:00Healthy Habits & What Tamar Ate Wednesday<center>
<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u395/plaughlin1/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a>Tamar here, sharing my eats in participation with the What I Ate Wednesday blog hop hosted by the delicious-maker, Jenn, over at Peas and Crayons. You can click the button (above) to hop over to her yummy site and learn more. :) </div>
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I devoured lots of food goodness this week, but my fave has to be the collards with turkey bacon that I made using greens that were gifted to us by my Fella's work-buddy, Michael. Like my Fella, Michael is what I'd call a Foodie, and like me he takes pictures of a lot of the food that he eats. I can't speak for Michael, but for me taking pics of what I've lovingly (or greedily) prepared for myself or my family is a way of extending pleasure. You know that moment when your recipe is complete and for a few seconds it is perfect...not a bite taken...displayed in all it's glory...beautiful...delectable...your masterpiece...........MUNCH!!! Mmmmmmmm....I like to extend that moment in picture form so I can look back with fondness, and perhaps a bit of longing as well, for the tasty times of past. This also inspires me to continue creating present and future tastiness. </div>
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Enough about my food porn, on with "What I Ate," and by the way you can check back here on Monday for more pictures and the recipe for that delicious dish I made with the collard greens. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. I started my day with <i>G</i><i>REEN JUICE</i>. Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2. For BREAKFAST I noshed on <i>GRANOLA W/ BLUEBERRIES & ALMOND MILK, and to sweeten the deal, COFFEE W/ AGAVE & SOY CREAMER.</i></span></div>
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3. My MID-MORNING SNACK was <i>BLUE-GREEN SMOOTHIE.</i></div>
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<i>4. </i>For LUNCH, home-made <i>BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI </i>with home-made wonton wrappers (special thanks the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762439378/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0762439378&linkCode=as2&tag=ladiholi-20">Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook: Crazy Delicious Recipes that Are Good to the Earth and Great for Your Bod</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ladiholi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0762439378" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for this simple and amazing recipe!)<br />
5. For an AFTERNOON SNACK I nibbled on some <i>APPLE SLICES & PEANUT BUTTER MOJO BAR BY CLIFF. </i>I'd like to say I enjoyed this bar, but it was actually a bit salty for me (I know, shocking right?)<br />
6. Here is my yum, yum, yummeroo DINNER which I will post the recipe for next week. <i>COLLARD GREENS W/ TURKEY BACON aside BROWN RICE.</i><br />
7. For DESSERT...I indulged. But I was so good and rather than just eating it straight outa' d'jah (that's East Coast speak for "Straight out of the jar") I spread my <i>TRADER JOE'S COOKIE BUTTER on a couple of lightly toasted TRADER JOE'S CRUMPETS. </i>Sweet satisfaction.<br />
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In keeping with this month's What I Ate Wednesday theme, this day of meals represents some of the ways that I am "Falling into good habits" by balancing fresh healthy veg with a few sweet indulgences. Additionally, I am making snacking a habit to keep me from turning into a shaking, grumpy version of my normally sweet and sparkly self by keeping my blood sugar at an even keel. Green juices and green smoothies have also become a welcome staple to a diet in which I treat my body with the respect and love it deserves by feeding it in a way that truly nourishes...as well as delights the taste buds. Lastly I'm making yoga a daily habit and spiritual practice. And that's all she wrote...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">No matter what you're eating this Wednesday</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Bon Appetit!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Tamar </i></span></span></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-65600213046857434912012-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:002012-09-17T10:41:12.486-07:00Review: Uber by Larabar<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/128211920612910847/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/128211920612910847_ybNoZfBu_c.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/apple-turnover" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">larabar.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/ladiesholiday/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ladies</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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If you've been following us for awhile, either here or over on <a href="http://ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a>, then you know how much Deirdre and I appreciate a good snack bar (which you can read about <a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/wiaw-fall-into-good-habits.html"><i>here</i></a> and <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/2012/05/pure-bars-review.html"><i>here</i></a>, oh yeah...and <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/2012/02/pms-cravings-nutrition-bars.html"><i>here</i></a>.) There are a few criteria I look for in a good snack/nutrition bar, I prefer organic whole food ingredients, and I prefer it to be low in sugar...though I've found that last criteria to be hard to come by. Many of these bars seem to be high in sugar, which has left me scratching my head. If these are supposed to be nutritional (some of them even boasting themselves as meal replacements) then why so many grams of sugar?<br />
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I started reading my labels even more closely and asking the question "Well exactly what kind of sugar is it? Where does it come from?" because that actually matters. If it's high fructose corn syrup then I drop that snack bar like a hot potato, but if it's something like <a href="http://www.lundberg.com/products/syrup/Organic_Sweet_Dreams%C2%AE_Brown_Rice_Syrup.aspx">Brown Rice Syrup</a> then I tend to be OK with it, because Brown Rice Syrup has a lower glycemic index than say, simple sugars like white refined sugar, and therefore is processed more slowly in the body and doesn't contribute to the common sugar high-crash cycle (great info on the benefits of brown rice syrups can be found <a href="http://www.brownricesyrups.com/">here</a>.) I also consider the amount of dried fruit in the bar (which there is usually a lot of if you are eating a raw bar) because natural sugars are part of the package when you're talking dried fruit, that's just the way it goes. Finally I remind myself that there can be benefits to sugar, especially if it is a healthier version of the sweet stuff. I often use these bars as an on-the-go snack to hold me over until my next meal, rather than a meal replacement, this keeps my blood sugar from plummeting, which in my experience can be a very ugly thing (shakes, headaches, irritability and exhaustion.) <br />
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While I usually opt for more protein packed bars with less of a sweet flavor--like Luna's Peanut Butter Cookie, or Cliff's Peanut Butter Crunch--recently I decided to try a new Larabar that I found at Trader Joe's. My kids love the regular <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/larabar">Larabars</a>, which are made with raw, whole food ingredients and are gluten free. The new chunkier style of the Apple Turnover flavored Larabar in their Uber line called to me off the shelf, I had to try. Funny thing is, I had bought a variety of bars that day for on-the-go snacking and completely forgotten what flavor this one was. I grabbed it one day on my way out the door and when I hungrily tore the wrapper off, hours later while driving my car I didn't stop to read what flavor it was.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I promise I was stopped at a light when I took these pics. Don't play with your phone and drive! (Aliment, Copyright 2012)</td></tr>
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All I can say is...<i>Oh my gawwwwd!!</i> First bite and I was completely twitterpated (if you've seen the Disney classic <i>Bambi</i> then you know that to be twitterpated is to be in love!!) I thought to myself... <i>"Mmmmm...this is to die for...this tastes (nom nom) just like (nom nom) an...an? An apple turnover!!!! Like EXACTLY!!" </i>Duh, that's why they named it that. Well done, Larabar. Well done. The apple was ooey gooey (in a good way) just like turnover filling, and the nuts were munchie crunchy. YUM. If you are looking for a new snack bar, you should try this one. I'd eat it for breakfast with a cup o' Joe. Mmmmmm. Did I say that already? MMMMMMM!! I'd love to try the <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/cherry-cobbler">Uber Cherry Cobbler</a> now, <i>hint hint Larabar...wanna send one my way??</i><br />
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<i>Nomatter what you're noshing on today...</i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tamar</span></span> </i></div>
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was not compensated in any way for writ<span style="font-size: x-small;">ing this review.</span></span></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-69807929536565220002012-09-14T06:45:00.001-07:002012-09-14T06:45:03.989-07:00Creamy Caramel DipYes...I am still going on about the <a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/wiaw-apple-day.html">apples</a>. This afternoon I was hankering for something sweet and a little salty and kinda healthy, but still indulgent. I'd read a few recipes for Caramel Apple Dip and Cookie Dough Dip and wanted to marry the two into a tasty treat. <br />
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After satisfying myself with a few bites I offered this platter to my kids and their friends and it was declared a winner! Seconds were requested and they actually knew what the ingredients were. <br />
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Not too shabby mama, not too shabby. <br />
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Creamy Caramel Dip</div>
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By <span class="author">Deirdre</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 3 hrs (soaking)</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 5 minutes (mixing)</span></div>
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Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (About 2 cups)</span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 cup of Medjool dates (no pits)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1 cup chickpeas (cooked)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 cup nut butter (I used almond)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">2 tsp lemon juice</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">1/4 cup vanilla</li>
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1. Soak dates in warmed water for about 3 hours (or up to 4 is ideal)</div>
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2. Remove dates from water, but reserve water.</div>
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3. Add dates and chickpeas to food processor. Pulse.</div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-55373504049007715792012-09-12T05:22:00.000-07:002012-09-12T05:22:57.685-07:00WIAW - An Apple a Day<center>
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My family and I went to an apple farm this past weekend...it was a beautiful blue sky day, we visited cute little rabbits in a rocky grotto, watched helplessly as a donkey tried very loudly to tell us something and saw two roly-poly little sheep wearing blue bandannas, we tried apple cider doughnuts, my husband checked out some fine tractors and we busily picked from trees dripping with galas, greenings, McIntosh and more. It was perfect, but as far as I am concerned it is still summer. I'm not giving up. Not yet.</center>
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In the meantime for this WIAW (details about this fun, healthy and helpful weekly event courtesy of Jenn from Peas & Crayons click <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/p/what-i-ate-wednesday.html">here</a>.)</center>
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This is what I ate Wednesday: </center>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eM2vfUToZIk/UE5rS9KL8fI/AAAAAAAAB00/PgiBth2uJfM/s1600/WIAW+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eM2vfUToZIk/UE5rS9KL8fI/AAAAAAAAB00/PgiBth2uJfM/s400/WIAW+fall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Clockwise from largest -- </center>
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Dinner: three homemade grilled pizzas: #1 with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil and roasted tomatoes from my garden, </center>
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Lunch: left over panzanella salad: loads of veggies, tofu, Parmesan cheese and croutons, </center>
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pizza #2: homemade pesto with fresh mozz,</center>
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pizza #3: opposite of the first</center>
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Breakfast: Ezekiel cereal, blueberries, bananas and almond coconut milk- I love, I love it, I love it!</center>
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And my <em>fall</em>ing into good habits tips: An Apple a Day!</center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUaoZdU1sWE/UE_T6TSBx3I/AAAAAAAAB4c/kItm1aSTQKM/s1600/apple+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUaoZdU1sWE/UE_T6TSBx3I/AAAAAAAAB4c/kItm1aSTQKM/s320/apple+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright 2012 Deirdre/Aliment<br />
Yes, that is an apple cozy.</td></tr>
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1. They are great on their own, but also will do the body good in:</center>
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2. Muffins</center>
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3. In whole grain pancakes, yeah, don't mind that crazy nob of butter on top. </center>
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4. Sliced and spread with peanut butter, Cookie Butter or Nutella.</center>
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5. Sliced thin and placed in a grilled or toasted cheese.</center>
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6. Atop a salad with walnuts, cranberries, balsamic and...whatever you think mixes well. Photo where'd you go? Lost! Dag-nab-it along with that apple pie smoothie that I swear was real, it was just gone so fast...but if you're wondering what that might have been like click <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2012/06/07/hot-apple-pie-smoothies-and-popsicles/">here</a> (which technically makes the total eight.) </center>
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7. Crisped!</center>
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What are your favorite ways to eat apples? Please share below!</center>
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Bon Appetit, </center>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></em></strong></center>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-54953730551957066592012-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:002012-09-10T06:56:33.253-07:00School Lunch--Packed Consciously at Home<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/202802789439544708/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://s-media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/upload/202802789439544708_uECRkdRf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/foodpyramid.aspx" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">drfuhrman.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/2briterfly/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Brittany</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This school year our family has decided to start packing lunch for school. While I believe our school has come a long way in offering healthier meals for our kids, and I truly appreciate the efforts of the lunch staff to provide an entire Gluten Free lunch menu for the handful of kids who suffer from Celiac Disease there, the bottom line is: my family needs to save every penny these days! School lunch is reasonably priced, but with three kids buying every day we would be spending more than if we packed our own. Not to mention, that as well as the school does with their menu...I feel even better when I know exactly what my kids are eating and where it is coming from. I like that I can control the quality of the meals I prepare for them, where it comes from, and the portions. My kids have really <strike>big</strike> healthy appetites (which would surprise you because they are itty bitties) I try to serve them fresh fruits and veggies that are local and organic more often than not. I steer clear of overly processed foods. I'm not trying to sound like a food snob here, I'm just saying this is the ideal I am striving for, this is what I want for my kids. Packing their lunches myself means I can meet my goals more fully.<br />
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With such "high ideals" for healthy meals, it should come as no surprise to you that I am also concerned about many of the chemicals found in conventionally made food storage containers and lunch boxes out there. The good news is that many companies are jumping on the bandwagon now and either removing harmful things like BPA (to name only one) from their products or creating new products made from things like stainless steal, silicone or even cloth! If you've been following us over at <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a> then you know how much we love <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/2012/04/in-mix-monday-againbags-review.html">AgainBags</a> reusable snack and sandwich bags. I have been coveting the <a href="http://www.lunchbots.com/">LunchBots bento boxes</a> for some time now, but my wallet keeps saying "No!" to me, boo.<br />
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*<i>Be that as it may...if any kind soul over at LunchBots wants to send me something to try, I'd be happy to give it a whirl and tell everyone why they are worth the money!! :)</i></blockquote>
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I was absolutely delighted--only one day after deciding that I'd start packing school lunch--to literally just happen upon these nifty lunch boxes from <a href="http://www.smartplanethome.com/default.asp">SmartPlanetHome</a>. I had been wandering my local BJ's Wholesale Club while waiting for my new car tires to be mounted and <i>BEHOLD! </i>There they were. With great excitement I present to you, the consciously made collapsible <a href="http://www.smartplanethome.com/Silicone_Eco_Lunch_Box_p/ec-34l.htm">ECO Lunch Box</a>, made from silicone (dishwasher and microwave safe, BPA free.) The best part? On the SmartPlanetHome website these beauties cost $17.99...while I'll say I still think that is a great price in comparison with similar products out there, I probably couldn't have afforded to shell out the cash to get one for each of my three littles. BUT, at BJ's, I spent only $9.99 each! What a steal!!<br />
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From top to bottom you will see:<br />
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<li>The ECO Lunch Box comes with minimal packaging (one thin sleeve of plastic and no paper but for the label.) </li>
<li>The ECO Lunch Box collapses to a slim, easily store-able size, but then pops open to DOUBLE it's size with lots of room for good, healthy eats. </li>
<li>It has secure, yet easy to use, snap closure lid on all four sides.</li>
<li>Comes with a built in spoon/fork/knife (fork has a serrated edge to use as a knife--genius!)</li>
<li>A nicely sealing small silicone cup on the top outside of the lid holds condiments.</li>
<li>I packed my gluten-eater, Isaac, a PB&J on whole grain bread, strawberries, and multi grain chips, it all fit nicely.</li>
<li>My two gluten-free kiddos got a Mom-Made-Gluten-Free-Lunchable on their first day using the ECO Lunchbox. Shown above (clockwise from the top right): Sharp cheddar, <a href="http://www.applegate.com/"><i>Applegate Farms</i></a> Turkey Slices, <a href="http://www.driscolls.com/index.php"><i>Driscoll's</i></a> Organic Strawberries, garden fresh cucumber, and packed in the <a href="http://www.againbags.com/Default.asp">AgainBags</a> snack bag (to keep them from getting wet next to the fruit) <a href="http://foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/"><i>Food Should Taste Good </i></a>brand all natural chips called "The Works."</li>
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I was a little nervous that first day, I'll admit it. Would they have trouble opening the box or putting the lid back on properly so there wouldn't be a mess on the way home? Would their food stay fresh? Well, they didn't seem to have a problem with the lid, they loved their lunches so I assume they hadn't spoiled to the point of smelling or tasting bad. I am still in search of an insulated lunch tote that will fit these babes (won't fit in a regular 9" lunch tote) in fact, I've got my eye on <a href="http://www.ebags.com/product/wildkin/bengal-orange-keep-it-cooler-lunch-box/234712?productid=10192829"><i>this</i></a> one--but all in all I am loving this product. I did notice on the <a href="http://www.smartplanethome.com/">SmartPlanetHome</a> site that there are smaller sized containers (square one compartment or round with two compartments, see them <a href="http://www.smartplanethome.com/category_s/41.htm"><i>here</i></a>) that would likely work for most kids and fit in regular lunch totes. For my kids though, the larger size was the way to go! Another thing I might try is getting some small, non-toxic cold packs that could lie flat in the bottom of the large section to keep a tuna sandwich cold (or the like.) I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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In other lunch system innovations, I know Seana from the <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a> team bought a couple of the <a href="https://packit.com/">PackIt</a> lunch totes for her kids this year and is loving them! If I can fit one of our ECO Lunch Boxes into a PackIt, then you better believe I will be hopping on that train...especially because they have a great BOGO offer right now!<br />
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What eco friendly lunch systems have you tried? What do you like? I'd love to hear!<br />
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<i>All packed and ready to go, </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tamar</span></span> </i><br />
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-83924423941152559292012-09-07T06:18:00.000-07:002012-09-07T06:18:22.517-07:00Joy the Baker Cookbook - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I enjoy reading cookbooks, much like novels. I sit down and leaf from start to finish...then since it <em>is</em> a cookbook I decide what I will prepare from its pages. Joy the Baker's cookbook is much like her <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">blog</a>, funny, indulgent and creative. <br />
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When flipping through the cookbook pages I noted loads of delicious looking treats that I practically smell wafting from my oven, but when it came down to it, I let my kids decide and wouldn't you know it - they chose whoopie pies, not your ordinary chocolate cookie-cake with white frosting smothered on the inside...oh no- these were cocoa cookie-cakes with peanut butter on the inside. I am if nothing else, a sucker for peanut butter. And since I don't always love chocolate (I know I'm weird) I certainly had more than a spoonful of the pb filling. YUM!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1rEOmF_NUE/UCRm-0qHdeI/AAAAAAAABHs/lLyatCE4ZbA/s1600/whoopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1rEOmF_NUE/UCRm-0qHdeI/AAAAAAAABHs/lLyatCE4ZbA/s320/whoopie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See those flecks? More chocolate...'cos I'm a rule breaker. <br />
The recipe didn't call for chocolate shavings, but I thought, what the heck?</td></tr>
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For more joyful and tasty recipes, cooking tips and loads of laughs, check out Joy the Baker Cookbook and her <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">site</a>. Happy Baking! Oh, and if you make her <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2012/07/gluten-free-strawberry-ginger-pie/">GF Strawberry Ginger Pie</a>, please report back or really any other recipes she shares or prints. As much as I love to read about food, I think I enjoy talking about it nearly as much and of course there is eating it, that's pretty swell (or sweet) too. <br />
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Bon Appetit,</div>
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<em><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></strong></em></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-59826440470908209332012-09-04T19:37:00.002-07:002012-09-04T19:37:55.545-07:00WIAW--Fall into Good Habits<center>
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While I'm not super excited to see summer dwindling away, I am excited for the return to school and routine. Yup, you read that right. Routine. I thrive on it. I do have a <strike>rebellious</strike> laid back side to me that relishes the freedom of summer, time to relax, create, take on household projects, read for hours...you get it. BUT, truth be told, to be a healthy, functioning, really happy person...I need routine, it's good for me...ultimately (grumble grumble.)<br />
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Good Habit #1</h3>
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Eat Breakfast...in a reasonable amount of time after waking </h3>
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Tomorrow is the first day of school for my kids, and for me too (I'm going back to college...again!) and so the routine begins--you know what one of the best things about that is? I will eat breakfast first thing in the morning, instead of getting side-tracked by emails, blog reading, or trips to the playground...and this is what my body truly likes, eating first thing in the morning tells my body that I care enough to send the very best (which usually means a green veggie filled smoothie!)<br />
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Good Habit #2</h3>
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Snack Right and Often</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were all in my purse...hmmm, which should I choose? I ove having options!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was new to me, Luna Bar Vanilla Almond flavor, tasty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On another day I had this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm...like PB Fudge, but better for you!</td></tr>
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I will also be packing a lot more healthy to-go type snacks...my body likes this because it keeps my blood sugar from getting too low when I am in between classes, or errands, or blog writing, or sporting events for the kids. My daughter started cheer practice four nights out of the week in August, this meant lots of on-the-go snacking to hold me off until dinner. I've taken to trying new varieties of protein or other whole foods "snack" bars as I refer to them.<br />
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Good Habit #3</h3>
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Take the Time</h3>
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(to sit down and eat your lunch, </h3>
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instead of standing in my kitchen and rushing through each bite.)</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love me a tomato sandwich! Italian dressing, s&p, thinly sliced garden tomatoes, on whole grain bread (I often like it toasted!)</td></tr>
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Last year I formed this good habit, I learned to take advantage of the fact that my kids were at school and the house was pretty quiet...okay, really quiet. I learned to take the time to prepare myself something healthy and enjoyable. I learned to take the time to sit down with my food, in my quiet house, with the TV off, with my phone off the table (it's usually with me constantly and I am at it's beck and call...my phone and I are sort of having a love affair. Darn you technology! You've got me in your clutches!!) I learned to chew more slowly, taste more fully, and feel happy that I was enjoying such a wonderful uninterrupted meal. I look forward to getting back on track with this habit.</div>
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Good Habit #4</h3>
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Make Dinner Ahead of Time</h3>
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So I don't have to rush...or make something crummy because there's not time, or the kids need me, or I'm just too darned tired by that time of day!</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbdT8gDHfvQ/UEa25EuZ5TI/AAAAAAAABuw/9ECQmJH9p0o/s1600/2012-08-24+09.10.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbdT8gDHfvQ/UEa25EuZ5TI/AAAAAAAABuw/9ECQmJH9p0o/s1600/2012-08-24+09.10.12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive oil, thinly sliced turnips, and balsamic vinegar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topped with a couple of Turkey thighs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4hRAwaVOV4/UEa27HsHplI/AAAAAAAABvE/vaR3AD2M9Sk/s1600/2012-08-24+09.17.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4hRAwaVOV4/UEa27HsHplI/AAAAAAAABvE/vaR3AD2M9Sk/s1600/2012-08-24+09.17.39.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some yellow squash and onions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8O6ZWb4nlo/UEa28CGnD4I/AAAAAAAABvI/8-qBKl-0wwQ/s1600/2012-08-24+09.22.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8O6ZWb4nlo/UEa28CGnD4I/AAAAAAAABvI/8-qBKl-0wwQ/s1600/2012-08-24+09.22.45.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some tomatoes, a little water, a smidge of brown sugar, and crushed red pepper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWeSjq5refg/UEa29E4u-5I/AAAAAAAABvQ/ldZKlpuoYfM/s1600/2012-08-24+09.25.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWeSjq5refg/UEa29E4u-5I/AAAAAAAABvQ/ldZKlpuoYfM/s1600/2012-08-24+09.25.45.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set it for 8 hours and waltz away to enjoy your day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um...YUM!</td></tr>
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This will be a new habit. I actually started it in August when the evening cheer practices started which required us to be at the field from 5:30-7:30 nearly every night. I began to make good use of my crock pot, that way I'd have dinner ready to eat either before (at 4:30) or after (with a snack to hold us over before hand.) It's been grrrreat! On days when I'm not using the slow cooker, I often put some rice in the rice cooker after I make my lunch (it sets to warm after it cooks and can stay like that for days) set out a can of organic black beans for use that night and chop veggies ahead of time to either eat fresh alongside beans and rice or quickly saute up to mix in. This means that most if not all of my dinner prep is done before 4pm. During the school year this will mean that I have one less thing to worry about during those "witching hours" between 3:30pm and the kid's bedtime, which means (I hope) I'll be more patient and able to devote more attention to homework help and "heart help" with my kids. By Heart Help, I mean soothing broken hearts and wounded feelings from any number of minor to major (from a child's perspective) woes of the day. This will be a very good thing for all.</div>
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Good Habit #5</h3>
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Have a "Treat" by the End of Each Day</h3>
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(especially if it was a tough one!)</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQa4dgP64EA/UEa3GDRNhSI/AAAAAAAABwU/RIrGN7HC9p4/s1600/2012-09-01+10.29.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQa4dgP64EA/UEa3GDRNhSI/AAAAAAAABwU/RIrGN7HC9p4/s1600/2012-09-01+10.29.19.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooh! I've been seeing those commercials, I've wanted to try this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sO9C3SmOyvk/UEa3G31nlXI/AAAAAAAABwc/QQpiQ1onnjE/s1600/2012-09-01+10.30.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sO9C3SmOyvk/UEa3G31nlXI/AAAAAAAABwc/QQpiQ1onnjE/s1600/2012-09-01+10.30.00.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry goodness...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6LXx2dnNOo/UEa3H1J5KEI/AAAAAAAABwg/zR_kRHEg5T4/s1600/2012-09-01+10.31.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6LXx2dnNOo/UEa3H1J5KEI/AAAAAAAABwg/zR_kRHEg5T4/s1600/2012-09-01+10.31.37.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alright, dude, admittedly: delicious! And yeah, this is yogurt. BUT when my yogurt has 20 something grams of sugar in one tiny serving? I'm sorry, that's gonna have to count as a treat for me.</td></tr>
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Without any judgement (just love!) for myself or anyone else's choices, which may be very different from my own, I remind you that I have been on a Clean Eating Adventure in an effort to break habits that were harming my body and making me feel unwell...basically, my addiction to salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats was keeping me from truly thriving in my life and doing all that wonderful things that I am meant to do! So when I say I'll "treat" myself, I use quotes to remind me that I need to be sensible and not overdo it...but that I can find lots of good treats that won't make me crash, or make my body hurt. Treats are good. Enjoying what you eat is GREAT...and IMPORTANT to a happy, healthy life (that's what I think anyway!) :)</div>
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<i>And that's all she wrote!</i></div>
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<i>What healthy habits are you falling into?</i></div>
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<i>Happy hopping and...</i></div>
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<i>Bon Appetit!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tamar</span></span> </i> </div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-78231432590261061442012-09-04T06:23:00.003-07:002012-09-04T06:32:09.641-07:00Simply Gluten-Free & Visiting a Dear Friend<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;">
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You might feel the same sarcasm represented in the above picture when you enter your kitchen if you are trying to prepare gluten-free foods, it isn't always easy. Whether you have "gone gluten-free" as a personal health choice, or if you have been forced to make the life-altering switch to gluten-free grains as treatment for a serious health condition such as <a href="http://celiac.com/">Celiac Disease</a> (CD), I want you to know that it doesn't always have to be complicated.<br />
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<b>Our Story</b><br />
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My daughter Piper was diagnosed with CD at the age of two, her younger brother began showing signs of his CD as an infant, and nearly four years after Piper's diagnosis we learned that her father--who had carried the gene--developed CD as well after a minor surgery caused the gene to "kick into action." But this post is not really about Celiac Disease, I'll save that discussion for another post. Here's what I really want to share today:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Yes, going gluten-free can be a big and difficult change</li>
<li>Yes, making gluten-free versions of your favorite tasty baked treats can be tricky</li>
<li>BUT... I've found that there are a plethora of <a href="http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/">blogs</a> and books/<a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/babycakes-ii-cookbooks.html">cookbooks</a> out there that can ease the transition </li>
<li>Yes, you can still enjoy a varied and delicious diet of foods</li>
<li>AND...it can be simple (sometimes)</li>
<li>ALSO...I recommend that you ask your GI doc* to refer you to a Nutritionist who is knowledgeable about CD and can guide you on your journey with gluten-free living. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i><i>*As always, please follow the advice of your doctor when making any dietary or lifestyle changes, and remember that this post refers to my own experiences, is not to be taken as advice in place of a doctor, and that the information I share here is not to be considered comprehensive of the many layers and details on the subject. </i></span></li>
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<b>Wholesome Simplicity</b><br />
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That said...over the weekend I popped in to see one of my favorite people in the world, my sister-by-heart and fellow <a href="http://ladiesholiday.com/">Ladies Holiday</a> contributor, Seana. Seana does not have CD, but she chooses to eat mostly gluten-free grains because she finds that it is easier on her overall system. When I stopped by, Seana was making a simple meal which happened to be gluten free and which looked and smelled so scrumptious that without thought I began taking photos (taking photos of food, though usually my own, has become a habit since I started blogging about food...I can't help it!) I wanted to share it with you today, not because it was gourmet or particularly "exciting" as meals go, but it was wholesome, healthy, gluten-free, and so simple! I knew right away that this was a perfect example of how easy it can be to make the switch, in addition to being careful about cross-contamination, making a traditional meal into a gluten-free one can be as simple as swapping out one ingredient.<br />
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Without further adieu, I give you...<br />
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Seana's Gluten-Free Garden Goulash</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSwaacl8Vnw/UEX7eOYvrkI/AAAAAAAABos/-uxzR3F6QQY/s1600/2012-09-02+17.26.11_edit0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSwaacl8Vnw/UEX7eOYvrkI/AAAAAAAABos/-uxzR3F6QQY/s1600/2012-09-02+17.26.11_edit0.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aliment, Copyright 2012</td></tr>
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by <span class="author">Seana (as told to Tamar)</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prep Time:</span><span class="preptime"> 5 min</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cook Time:</span><span class="cooktime"> 10 min</span></div>
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6031920</div>
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Ingredients</div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">3 Fresh veggies of choice (we used onion, green bell pepper, and tomato)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">Protien of choice (we used lean ground turkey)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">Gluten-Free Rice elbow pasta (we like Tinkyada brand)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px;">Plenty of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking and drizzling</li>
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Instructions</div>
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<li>Put a pot of water on to boil. When water starts to boil toss in your gluten-free pasta and cook according to package directions. <a href="http://www.tinkyada.com/">Tinkyada</a> has a simple, mess-up free method of cooking their pasta until it is perfectly al dente and not mushy!</li>
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<li>While waiting for water to boil...Toss your protein choice into a frying pan and cook over medium high heat until cooked as desired (we scrambled the ground meat and cooked until slightly crispy.)</li>
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<li>While protein is cooking, chop veggies into big chunks. Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat and toss veggies in to lightly saute until crisp tender and bright in color, then remove from heat.</li>
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<li>When everything is done (pasta drained, protein cooked through, veggies crisp and tender) layer your plate with pasta, veg, and protein. Drizzle a generous serving of healthy Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the top. Dig in!</li>
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<li>It's that simple...and delicious!</li>
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Powered by <a class="single_recipe_header" href="http://www.recipage.com/" style="color: #2e4eae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Recipage</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">I was astonished by how the flavors blended and exploded in my mouth in their simple, wholesome goodness. The tomatoes were especially sweet and everything was so flavorful. I am one who loves to add salt to my food, but as I've been going for a <a href="http://www.alimentblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/wiaw-clean-eats-w-tamar.html">cleaner diet</a> I have learned to take several bites of my food (not just one) before deciding if <i>a little</i> salt is in order. I had no desire to add anything to this meal. Feel free to add spices if you wish to liven things up, but I promise you there is nothing bland about this meal. Also, I recommend sticking to no more than three veggies, one of them being a savory choice (like onion, shallot, or garlic) this not only keeps your prep simple, it allows each flavor to stand out without being overwhelmed by too many flavors. Divine. Simply divine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Another interesting note, Seana adds a generous portion of healthy fats to pretty much every meal by adding a minimum of 2 Tbs of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) to whatever she's eating (that's not counting the EVOO she cooks with!) Choosing the right oil, with the most flavor is important. I also had a chance to pop in on my sweet pal <a href="http://www.ladiesholiday.com/2012/08/resolution-revolution-attention.html">Deirdre</a> (Aliment and Ladies Holiday team member) yesterday, she happened to mention in passing that her new favorite EVOO is the <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/site_search/organic%20olive%20oil">Organic Whole Foods brand</a>, I believe her words were "It's so good, you could eat it with a spoon"...I'm pretty sure she licked her lips just thinking about it too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I hope you take this recipe and run with it, change it up with whatever variation of protein and veg you have on hand. Save time in the kitchen with this simple meal and enjoy more of your time taking care of yourself, filling your body with wholesome meals, and hopefully enjoying at least of few of those meals in the company of dear friends...I did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bon Appeti<span style="font-size: small;">t!</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tamar</span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">See below for more pictures of my lovely visit with Seana <span style="font-size: small;">in the kitche<span style="font-size: small;">n!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All Photos on this page <span style="font-size: x-small;">are the prop<span style="font-size: x-small;">erty of<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Aliment, Copyright 2012</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377613380292424277.post-15119586464162106662012-08-31T06:01:00.000-07:002012-08-31T07:06:39.039-07:00Onigiri - Creative Cooking with Children<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;">Copyright: Deirdre/Aliment 2012</td></tr>
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I have a thing for <strike>cooking </strike>playing with my food. I don't really like to cook or bake, but I like to eat and if you connect A to B chances are at some point I will have to find myself in the kitchen if I am to sustain this mortal form of mine. <br />
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Each day I make my kids "home lunch" as opposed to school lunch, which appologies if this is personal- it's not meant to be, school lunch is, in the words of my children, "disgusting." I don't know if it has changed much in twenty years, but I ate breakfast and lunch at school if I was lucky and I seemed to have survived. <br />
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Anyway, I dutifully pack lunches each morning and, at risk of making my kids out to sound spoiled, they pretty much won't have anything to do with the old "P B & J" standby. I sneak it in about once a week nonetheless, but this mama has to get creative...<br />
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I've long admired the bento style lunches commonly found in Japan. For an overview check <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/">this out</a> and <a href="http://happylittlebento.blogspot.com/">this</a>. What's not to love? <br />
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So I gave Onigiri, also known as rice balls, a whirl. The recipe I followed was from the blog <a href="http://www.justhungry.com/2007/01/onigiri_omusubi_revisited_an_e.html">Just Hungry</a> . It was very instructional and guided me toward successfully creating my first Onigiri, if I do say so myself. And my kids were delighted by their lunch!<br />
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It really is easy peasy. See the link above for more detailed instructions. Measure 1 cup rice. I used short grain brown. Add two cups of water.<br />
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Boil Rice, then reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes. Then allow to cool a bit, so it is just comfortable to handle, but not cold. <br />
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Prepare ingredients. I used a splash of rice wine vinegar. A piece of plastic wrap in a small bowl. I drizzled some water on the on the plastic so it doesn't stick. Followed by a pinch of salt. I scoop the rice into the bowl. Poke a shallow hole in the center and insert peas and edamame for the "treasures" in the center of the ball. <br />
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Gather the plastic wrap then twist to shape into a ball. Then once it's nice and snug you can remove the plastic and shape as desired. Decorate to your heart's desire or sprinkle with Japanese rice seasoning. Domo Arigato. <br />
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Bon Appetit,</div>
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<em><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Deirdre</span></strong></em></div>
Ladies Holidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05861380625452005012noreply@blogger.com0