So...we were supposed to leave on our road trip to la belle province this afternoon. All the items on my checklist had been checked:
-clothing packed
-vitamins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. packed
-toys and activities for the car
-gluten free snacks and a spill proof cup
-towels, blankets, pillows, you know, just in case
-the list goes on.
What did I not have? A healthy toddler. Sigh. The daycare called this morning to tell me that my little one had already experienced 3, count 'em 3 bouts of diarrhea. By 10:30 a.m.
We picked him up early, and by 5:00 p.m. that count had gone to 6. So, with all of our road trip items piled by the front door we called our friends and apologized for having to cancel.
I don't think we've fully given up on the idea though, because we refuse to move the bags from the front door, hoping that he'll feel good enough to set out in the morning. Wishful thinking, I know. But it's all we've got right now. The more reasonable option will probably be to reschedule for next weekend, although I was looking forward to visiting that wonderful sounding bakery I posted here. I guess another week won't kill me. And the brownies I baked once I realized we wouldn't be leaving tonight will have to do as a substitute for the french pastries I was looking forward to sampling. All in the name of research for this blog, of course. Oh well, as they say, c'est la vie!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Vietnamese Style Fresh Spring Rolls
I have recently started making fresh rolls using rice paper, and I love making them as appetizers or as a healthy lunch option with some soup or a side salad. I've experimented with different ingredients, but this is the basic one I go back to most often.
Ingredients
10 rice papers
100 grams thin rice noodles (in a package with 4 bundles, use 1 bundle)
2 carrots, cut in matchsticks
1 cucumber, in matchsticks
1 mango, sliced in thin strips
1 yellow bell paper, in thin strips
1 handful lettuce, shredded
1 handful chopped parsley or cilantro
1 tbsp. sesame oil (optional)
1 tsp. rice vinegar (optional)
1/4 tsp. sugar (optional)
Directions
1- Cook rice noodles as directed. Drain. Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar and sugar if using and toss with noodles.
2- In a large bowl, fill halfway with very warm water. Work with one sheet of rice paper at a time, finishing entire process before beginning the next roll. Dip rice paper in water until soft. Check instructions on package for soaking time. On a clean surface, lay rice paper flat and place some lettuce in the middle.
3- Place some carrot, pepper, mango, cucumbers, herbs and rice noodles on the lettuce.
4- Fold one edge of rice paper over the middle and tuck under. Fold in the ends and roll over once more to close.
5- Slice each roll in half.
Serve with dipping sauce of choice. I prefer a ginger chili sauce. Enjoy!
Ingredients
10 rice papers
100 grams thin rice noodles (in a package with 4 bundles, use 1 bundle)
2 carrots, cut in matchsticks
1 cucumber, in matchsticks
1 mango, sliced in thin strips
1 yellow bell paper, in thin strips
1 handful lettuce, shredded
1 handful chopped parsley or cilantro
1 tbsp. sesame oil (optional)
1 tsp. rice vinegar (optional)
1/4 tsp. sugar (optional)
Directions
1- Cook rice noodles as directed. Drain. Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar and sugar if using and toss with noodles.
2- In a large bowl, fill halfway with very warm water. Work with one sheet of rice paper at a time, finishing entire process before beginning the next roll. Dip rice paper in water until soft. Check instructions on package for soaking time. On a clean surface, lay rice paper flat and place some lettuce in the middle.
3- Place some carrot, pepper, mango, cucumbers, herbs and rice noodles on the lettuce.
4- Fold one edge of rice paper over the middle and tuck under. Fold in the ends and roll over once more to close.
5- Slice each roll in half.
Serve with dipping sauce of choice. I prefer a ginger chili sauce. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
Where I would like to be today....
Where I am today...
 |
| Eze, the south of France |
 | |||||
| Nice, the South of France |
Where I am today...
 |
| Ontario, Canada |
 |
| Ontario, Canada |
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A city mourns
Today in Toronto is the funeral for a police officer who lost his life in the line of duty. I normally don't blog about news items, but I'm making an exception. Sgt. Ryan Russell was the first police officer to die in the line of duty in Toronto in almost a decade. At 35 years old, his death leaves behind his wife and his two year old son. As the mother of a 23 month old, I feel for the woman who is left to raise her son alone, and for the son who will grow up without his father.
Watching the funeral on television, I'm heartened but not surprised to see the enormous outpouring of support. The convention centre downtown will be packed with mourners and supporters from across Canada. The procession of officers and fire service workers from every part of the nation has shut down streets in the downtown core and the sight of so many marching in acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice is quite moving. The funeral home where the viewing took place over the weekend saw people lining up for hours in the freezing cold for the chance to pay their respects.
Hopefully in the years to come, Sgt. Russell's wife and son will be able to draw strength from the knowledge that his sacrifice was appreciated and mourned not just across this city, but throughout the nation. We often take for granted the work of those on the front lines everyday, particularly in a city that loses so few of them. Today is a day to remember, to mourn and to say thank you.
Watching the funeral on television, I'm heartened but not surprised to see the enormous outpouring of support. The convention centre downtown will be packed with mourners and supporters from across Canada. The procession of officers and fire service workers from every part of the nation has shut down streets in the downtown core and the sight of so many marching in acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice is quite moving. The funeral home where the viewing took place over the weekend saw people lining up for hours in the freezing cold for the chance to pay their respects.
Hopefully in the years to come, Sgt. Russell's wife and son will be able to draw strength from the knowledge that his sacrifice was appreciated and mourned not just across this city, but throughout the nation. We often take for granted the work of those on the front lines everyday, particularly in a city that loses so few of them. Today is a day to remember, to mourn and to say thank you.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday Menu Plan
Daycare Lunch Menu
(This is the menu the daycare has for this week's rotation. I supply a comparable GF meal for my son)
Monday: Chicken in Mushroom Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Corn
Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with mixed vegetables (turkey chili in this case)
Wednesday: Stir fry with mixed vegetables
Thursday: Pasta with meat and tomato sauce
Friday: Soup and Pizza Squares
Dinner Menu
Monday: Turkey chili over rice
Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and red peppers and mashed potatoes
Wednesday: Black bean soup, tortilla chip nachos with leftover turkey chili, salsa and a side salad
Thursday: French onion soup with GF bread and mozzarella cheese (no cheese for the little one), fritatta
Friday: Curry chicken thighs with rice, mushrooms and mixed vegetables
(This is the menu the daycare has for this week's rotation. I supply a comparable GF meal for my son)
Monday: Chicken in Mushroom Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Corn
Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with mixed vegetables (turkey chili in this case)
Wednesday: Stir fry with mixed vegetables
Thursday: Pasta with meat and tomato sauce
Friday: Soup and Pizza Squares
Dinner Menu
Monday: Turkey chili over rice
Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and red peppers and mashed potatoes
Wednesday: Black bean soup, tortilla chip nachos with leftover turkey chili, salsa and a side salad
Thursday: French onion soup with GF bread and mozzarella cheese (no cheese for the little one), fritatta
Friday: Curry chicken thighs with rice, mushrooms and mixed vegetables
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Gluten Free in Ottawa, ON & Gatineau, QC
We're going on a road trip! Next weekend, if the weather cooperates, we're heading to the Gatineau area of Quebec, just across the border from Ottawa, Ontario to visit some friends. I'm excited about going on a little mini-break and practicing my French again (it's been a while). I'm also excited to check out their gluten free offerings! Below is a short list of some of the places I hope to find time to visit:
Zen Kitchen 634 Somerset St. W, Ottawa ON. The menu states whether an item is gluten free, and most are. Some even state that they can be prepared gluten free.
The Table Restaurant 1230 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON. A buffet style vegetarian restaurant that offers gluten-free mains and desserts.
La Dolce Vita 180 Preston St., Ottawa, ON. A restaurant with a separate gluten free menu including pizza and pasta. Also offers take-out and delivery.
Patisserie Fine Fidélice 625 de la Gappe Blvd., Gatineau, QC, with another location in Hull. Offers a range of gluten free baked goods and cakes. Attached is the English pdf menu.
Casa Nicastro 304 Preston St., Ottawa, ON. An Italian fine food shop with an entire section dedicated to gluten free foods.
La Boîte à Grains 581 St-Joseph Blvd., Hull, QC. A grocery retailer offering gluten free foods. English website not as well developed as the French.
Molto Ristorante 131 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, QC. Many gluten free menu items, and any pasta dish can be prepared using gluten free pasta.
Just a small sampling of what I've been able to find, but my goal is to visit one grocer, one restaurant, and definitely one bakery. Quebec has its own brand of gluten free beer as well. Beer's not my drink of choice, but I am curious to try one and see how it stacks up against a traditional lager. I'll keep you posted!
Zen Kitchen 634 Somerset St. W, Ottawa ON. The menu states whether an item is gluten free, and most are. Some even state that they can be prepared gluten free.
The Table Restaurant 1230 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON. A buffet style vegetarian restaurant that offers gluten-free mains and desserts.
La Dolce Vita 180 Preston St., Ottawa, ON. A restaurant with a separate gluten free menu including pizza and pasta. Also offers take-out and delivery.
Patisserie Fine Fidélice 625 de la Gappe Blvd., Gatineau, QC, with another location in Hull. Offers a range of gluten free baked goods and cakes. Attached is the English pdf menu.
Casa Nicastro 304 Preston St., Ottawa, ON. An Italian fine food shop with an entire section dedicated to gluten free foods.
La Boîte à Grains 581 St-Joseph Blvd., Hull, QC. A grocery retailer offering gluten free foods. English website not as well developed as the French.
Molto Ristorante 131 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, QC. Many gluten free menu items, and any pasta dish can be prepared using gluten free pasta.
Just a small sampling of what I've been able to find, but my goal is to visit one grocer, one restaurant, and definitely one bakery. Quebec has its own brand of gluten free beer as well. Beer's not my drink of choice, but I am curious to try one and see how it stacks up against a traditional lager. I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The accidental (almost) gluten free book club
Last night I went to my friend's place for our book club gathering. I love book club for a few reasons. I love to read, so getting together with other people who love to read for the sole purpose of discussing books is a little slice of heaven for me. I also love that due to our diverse tastes, I find that often the choice of book is not one that I would otherwise have picked up on my own; this has helped me expand my interests and as a result I've discovered some new authors that I now love. I get to see former colleagues that I otherwise probably wouldn't have kept in regular touch with. The book club has been going strong for ten years, with members coming and going, but the club has never disbanded and never taken a hiatus, something that I find amazing. We've been together through marriages, babies, moves (two members are currently out of country and one spent a year abroad but jumped right back in upon his return), retirement, family triumphs and tragedies, and much, much more. We share good food, good wine, good books (usually), and good conversation.
And last night, we shared an unintentionally gluten free main course. My friend Linda created an almost entirely gluten free meal without even trying. Besides the pita bread and the coffee cake (which I brought), here's the GF menu:
Veggie sticks and hummus
Shrimp and vegetable paella
Strawberry salad on a bed of mixed greens and almonds (the dressing was even GF, I checked)
Baked asparagus
Wine, Water and coffee
A few months ago, I wouldn't have even noticed. And that's what makes me the happiest about the whole evening; that someone put together a GF meal without it being an obvious Gf meal to those who are not gluten-free. So often the mention of my son being gluten free elicits such sympathetic reactions that its as though he can't eat anything but mush for the rest of his life. Thoughts automatically go to what he can't eat, rather than the huge assortment of everyday, regular foods that he can. And last night's meal was just another example of how gluten free food can be healthy, delicious, and a first choice go to, not a second place substitute.
Yet another reason why I love my book club friends.
And last night, we shared an unintentionally gluten free main course. My friend Linda created an almost entirely gluten free meal without even trying. Besides the pita bread and the coffee cake (which I brought), here's the GF menu:
Veggie sticks and hummus
Shrimp and vegetable paella
Strawberry salad on a bed of mixed greens and almonds (the dressing was even GF, I checked)
Baked asparagus
Wine, Water and coffee
A few months ago, I wouldn't have even noticed. And that's what makes me the happiest about the whole evening; that someone put together a GF meal without it being an obvious Gf meal to those who are not gluten-free. So often the mention of my son being gluten free elicits such sympathetic reactions that its as though he can't eat anything but mush for the rest of his life. Thoughts automatically go to what he can't eat, rather than the huge assortment of everyday, regular foods that he can. And last night's meal was just another example of how gluten free food can be healthy, delicious, and a first choice go to, not a second place substitute.
Yet another reason why I love my book club friends.
Friday, January 14, 2011
I think I need to loosen up....
So I'm new at this whole blogging thing, and I really started blogging as a way to connect with other people. I love browsing for ideas on all sorts of things, and reading about how others handle the ups and downs of their lives, both personally and professionally. I took the plunge into blogging to look fo support from others coping with gluten issues and their lives, and to offer any advice that I could as I got more experienced with the topic. I also wanted to blog about my work, my experiences, my life.... but for some reason I kept limiting myself as to what I would post. I felt as though my posts should all be related to gluten/celiac, and as a result kept refusing to write about things that I felt like writing about.
I've decided that I need to loosen up.
The bulk of this blog will definitely be dedicated to gluten free living because that's what I always intended it to be, but I'm going to give myself a break and lose the rigidity that I've been trying to maintain for some unknown reason. I'm toying with the idea of beginning another blog to discuss my writing, my research, and my other adventures, but I'm not ready for that yet. Right now I'm just excited to be blogging at all, to be meeting new and interesting people, and to be learning the ins and outs of the blogging world. Like how to make my links open up in new windows, for example. But that's a post for another day.
I know why this has been challenging for me. It's the rule loving teacher in me who's afraid to let my creativity loose. It's the fear that I may not actually have as much creativity to let loose as I think I do. Whatever. My favourite blogs to read are the ones where I learn about the person behind the blog, behind the information that I'm seeking or the resource that they're offering. So I will put myself out there and share my life, gluten issues or no gluten issues, the way that I want to.
I'm grateful that I signed up to the blog dare, so that I've been compelled to write every day, because without it, I think I would have been content to limit myself to only posting occasionally and to keeping an overly narrow focus to the blog. I love a challenge though, and posting every day has already been much more challenging that I would have ever expected. But with my new open approach to blogging, the rest of January at least should be a breeze!
I've decided that I need to loosen up.
The bulk of this blog will definitely be dedicated to gluten free living because that's what I always intended it to be, but I'm going to give myself a break and lose the rigidity that I've been trying to maintain for some unknown reason. I'm toying with the idea of beginning another blog to discuss my writing, my research, and my other adventures, but I'm not ready for that yet. Right now I'm just excited to be blogging at all, to be meeting new and interesting people, and to be learning the ins and outs of the blogging world. Like how to make my links open up in new windows, for example. But that's a post for another day.
I know why this has been challenging for me. It's the rule loving teacher in me who's afraid to let my creativity loose. It's the fear that I may not actually have as much creativity to let loose as I think I do. Whatever. My favourite blogs to read are the ones where I learn about the person behind the blog, behind the information that I'm seeking or the resource that they're offering. So I will put myself out there and share my life, gluten issues or no gluten issues, the way that I want to.
I'm grateful that I signed up to the blog dare, so that I've been compelled to write every day, because without it, I think I would have been content to limit myself to only posting occasionally and to keeping an overly narrow focus to the blog. I love a challenge though, and posting every day has already been much more challenging that I would have ever expected. But with my new open approach to blogging, the rest of January at least should be a breeze!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Gluten Free Dining
Below you will find links to fast food eateries and chain restaurants that have gluten free menu information on their websites. Please ensure that the information on the website is accurate and up-to-date should you choose to eat at a particular location. This list is for information purposes only. The list will be updated regularly, so check back often!
Arby's
Baskin Robbins
Chili's
Dairy Queen
Jack Astor's
Kelsey's
Montana's Cookhouse
Outback Steakhouse
Taco del Mar
Wendy's
Arby's
Baskin Robbins
Chili's
Dairy Queen
Jack Astor's
Kelsey's
Montana's Cookhouse
Outback Steakhouse
Taco del Mar
Wendy's
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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