I've decided to write a monthly update on how my 2011 goals are coming along, mainly because I think it will keep me motivated. I would dread having nothing to update!
My main goal this month, particularly concerning the blog was to post every day. I signed up to the bloggymoms blog dare to post every day in 2011 to keep me motivated. So far, so good. I wasn't immediately inspired every day, but it did help me organize somewhat of a posting schedule. Menu Plan Mondays (today is an exception) and Wordless Wednesdays have worked out well for me so far. I'm looking forward to perhaps participating in a regular blog hop or having a specific weekly recipe posting day.
On the home front, I finally put up a mirror that's been sitting in my closet for over a year and bought an area rug for my family room, which were priorities. My husband and I got a night out, and I made time to see a few friends on my own as well. That was a big one for me, because I often get so caught up in my responsibilities that I forget to make time for fun! We've started going out as a family on Saturday mornings, and since our local library has a play area for kids and a huge selection of book and videos, I think we'll be spending many Saturday mornings there. We even managed to reschedule our family photo session that we had planned way back in November. I can't wait to get the pictures!
Looking forward toward February, I have a few priorities. I'd like to get the first draft of my thesis done and sent off to my supervisor. My husband and I have some big expenses this year, including a trip to visit my husband's family, our 5th wedding anniversary, and a wedding. Potentially two. So... budgeting and cutting back will be the theme for February, despite my son's 2nd birthday, and Valentine's Day, and my husband's brother flying in for a visit... I'm sure other things will arise as the month goes on, but money is priority number one. I'll let you know how it goes when I check back in at the end of February!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Getting Ready for Superbowl Part 1
I must confess, I love football. I know. I'm Canadian. But for those of you who don't know, we happen to be HUGE football fans in this country. So huge, in fact, that not only do we cheer for the NFL, but we also have our own league, the CFL. Just because we like hockey doesn't mean we don't like a bit of off ice sports as well.
This year is the first time I'll have to worry about preparing for the big game gluten free styles, so I thought I would organize a couple of posts about offering gluten free goodies that everyone can enjoy. This post is about snacks, and I'll follow it up in a few days with some simple meal and drink ideas.
When I think of a Super Bowl Sunday, I think chips, wings, beer and chili, and that's all possible to offer gluten free. If I'm hosting, I don't see the need to prepare separate options for those who are gluten free and those who aren't. It's extra work, and trying to ensure that no cross-contamination happens over the course of several hours when finger foods are involved is just too much of a headache for me. Instead, I'm planning a Gluten (and dairy) Free Super Bowl party. And no one will be the wiser.
Snack Ideas:
Potato Chips: Many regular potato chip brands are gluten free if you buy salted or plain. Add a gluten free dip and everyone's happy.
Pretzels: I love pretzels, and recently discovered that Glutino makes awesome pretzels. I like to eat them dipped in mustard. Others like melted cheese.
Party Mix: Chex makes a gluten free party mix, or make your own.
Marshmallows: Bowls of multi-coloured mini-marshmallows can be strategically chosen to match team colours.
Vegetable Tray/Fruit Tray: Healthier options to provide some variety.
Nachos or Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or a bean dip is always a crowd pleaser.
Chicken Wings: Store-bought chicken wings can be tricky, because often the sauce is not gluten free. Making them yourself with a homemade sauce or a store-bought gluten free sauce is a safer option. Look for some options when I post the meal recipes later this week.
Jalapeño Poppers: Made with gluten free breadcrumbs of course!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Make 'em mini and they're a great snack food
Deviled Eggs: Don't laugh. Everyone makes fun of them, but I've yet to be at a party where there were any left over at the end of the night.
Assorted Olives/Appetizer Platter: olives, pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, etc.
Shrimp Ring: Defrost, add seafood sauce, serve.
Coming up in the next Super Bowl post, quick and easy meal ideas for your Super Bowl bash, even if it's just a quiet gathering for two!
This year is the first time I'll have to worry about preparing for the big game gluten free styles, so I thought I would organize a couple of posts about offering gluten free goodies that everyone can enjoy. This post is about snacks, and I'll follow it up in a few days with some simple meal and drink ideas.
When I think of a Super Bowl Sunday, I think chips, wings, beer and chili, and that's all possible to offer gluten free. If I'm hosting, I don't see the need to prepare separate options for those who are gluten free and those who aren't. It's extra work, and trying to ensure that no cross-contamination happens over the course of several hours when finger foods are involved is just too much of a headache for me. Instead, I'm planning a Gluten (and dairy) Free Super Bowl party. And no one will be the wiser.
Snack Ideas:
Potato Chips: Many regular potato chip brands are gluten free if you buy salted or plain. Add a gluten free dip and everyone's happy.
Pretzels: I love pretzels, and recently discovered that Glutino makes awesome pretzels. I like to eat them dipped in mustard. Others like melted cheese.
Party Mix: Chex makes a gluten free party mix, or make your own.
Marshmallows: Bowls of multi-coloured mini-marshmallows can be strategically chosen to match team colours.
Vegetable Tray/Fruit Tray: Healthier options to provide some variety.
Nachos or Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or a bean dip is always a crowd pleaser.
Chicken Wings: Store-bought chicken wings can be tricky, because often the sauce is not gluten free. Making them yourself with a homemade sauce or a store-bought gluten free sauce is a safer option. Look for some options when I post the meal recipes later this week.
Jalapeño Poppers: Made with gluten free breadcrumbs of course!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Make 'em mini and they're a great snack food
Deviled Eggs: Don't laugh. Everyone makes fun of them, but I've yet to be at a party where there were any left over at the end of the night.
Assorted Olives/Appetizer Platter: olives, pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, etc.
Shrimp Ring: Defrost, add seafood sauce, serve.
Coming up in the next Super Bowl post, quick and easy meal ideas for your Super Bowl bash, even if it's just a quiet gathering for two!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Welcome to the weekend
For some reason I feel as though this has been a VERY long week, so I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home with my family. I've got a few recipes to try out and hopefully some of them will be yummy enough to post to the blog. I've also got some party planning to get to, as the Super Bowl is coming up, and then Valentine's Day, and my son's 2nd birthday.....on second thought, this weekend has wiped me out before it's even begun!
Oh, and considering my 100 books in 2011 challenge, a trip to the library should probably be on the list! I have so many books I want to read, I now have an excuse to make them a priority. There may be some academic books on there since I've still got some reading to do for my masters, so don't be confused if you click on the book list page and see some pretty heavy stuff. I hope I'll be able to get to 100 without them, but I'm not ruling them out! If anyone has any recommendations for a great read, I'd love to hear them. I'm hoping to expand my normal interests over the course of the challenge.
Happy weekend!
Oh, and considering my 100 books in 2011 challenge, a trip to the library should probably be on the list! I have so many books I want to read, I now have an excuse to make them a priority. There may be some academic books on there since I've still got some reading to do for my masters, so don't be confused if you click on the book list page and see some pretty heavy stuff. I hope I'll be able to get to 100 without them, but I'm not ruling them out! If anyone has any recommendations for a great read, I'd love to hear them. I'm hoping to expand my normal interests over the course of the challenge.
Happy weekend!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
10 Gluten Free Breakfast Ideas
Trying to find something different to feed my son every morning can be difficult, so here's a simple go-to list of breakfast basic that are delicious for the whole family.
***Updated September 2013
1- Eggs: scrambled, fried, boiled. Add some bacon or sausage, fruit or GF toast. Need some recipes? Try one of these 5 Egg Breakfast Ideas.
2- Smoothies: a little water or milk, fresh or frozen fruit and some honey. Try a Strawberry-Banana Breakfast Smoothie, or one of these Three Smoothie Recipes.
3- Rice Cereal, Quinoa Cereal, or Oatmeal (if you can have oats): I add some raisins, brown sugar and soy milk. If oats are an option, a gluten free granola can be made in advance and eaten all week. Try my recipe for Gluten Free Cranberry Walnut Granola.
4- Gluten Free Pancakes or Waffles: Frozen, from a mix, or from scratch, with some fresh fruit. Pancakes can be made in advance, frozen, and popped in the toaster for a quick morning meal. My recipe for Homemade Pancakes is simple.
5- Fruit salad: with GF granola or a boiled egg
6- GF cereal bar: for those mornings on the run and some fruit or a smoothie
7- GF Cereal: with dairy-free milk. Chex, Rice Krispies, and other popular brands are now available gluten free.
8- Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt, fruit, nuts, seeds or grains and drizzle with some honey or agave for a touch of sweetness.
9- GF toast: with sun butter, peanut butter, etc., as a side or on its own. My son likes toasted corn tortillas, which are cheaper and have fewer ingredients. Tortillas are easy to make at home, freeze well, and can be popped in the toaster. Try my simple Recipe for Corn Tortillas.
10- Breakfast burrito or Eggs with Beans: Scramble some eggs with whatever veggies you like and wrap it all up in a tortilla. Or, try a typical Latin American breakfast with eggs, beans, avocado, cheese, and thicker, soft corn tortillas.
***Updated September 2013
1- Eggs: scrambled, fried, boiled. Add some bacon or sausage, fruit or GF toast. Need some recipes? Try one of these 5 Egg Breakfast Ideas.
2- Smoothies: a little water or milk, fresh or frozen fruit and some honey. Try a Strawberry-Banana Breakfast Smoothie, or one of these Three Smoothie Recipes.
3- Rice Cereal, Quinoa Cereal, or Oatmeal (if you can have oats): I add some raisins, brown sugar and soy milk. If oats are an option, a gluten free granola can be made in advance and eaten all week. Try my recipe for Gluten Free Cranberry Walnut Granola.
4- Gluten Free Pancakes or Waffles: Frozen, from a mix, or from scratch, with some fresh fruit. Pancakes can be made in advance, frozen, and popped in the toaster for a quick morning meal. My recipe for Homemade Pancakes is simple.
5- Fruit salad: with GF granola or a boiled egg
6- GF cereal bar: for those mornings on the run and some fruit or a smoothie
7- GF Cereal: with dairy-free milk. Chex, Rice Krispies, and other popular brands are now available gluten free.
8- Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt, fruit, nuts, seeds or grains and drizzle with some honey or agave for a touch of sweetness.
9- GF toast: with sun butter, peanut butter, etc., as a side or on its own. My son likes toasted corn tortillas, which are cheaper and have fewer ingredients. Tortillas are easy to make at home, freeze well, and can be popped in the toaster. Try my simple Recipe for Corn Tortillas.
10- Breakfast burrito or Eggs with Beans: Scramble some eggs with whatever veggies you like and wrap it all up in a tortilla. Or, try a typical Latin American breakfast with eggs, beans, avocado, cheese, and thicker, soft corn tortillas.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
100 Books in a year reading challenge
Because I love to read, and well, because I don't already have enough on my plate, I couldn't resist joining the 100 Books in 2011 Challenge on Book Chick City's site. I may add a page or something to chronicle my reads, and occasionally I might do a book review if something really catches my attention.
I can't promise that all the books will be great works of literature (ok, I'm guessing that most of them won't be), so don't judge! The goal is 100 books this year.
Here I go.....
I can't promise that all the books will be great works of literature (ok, I'm guessing that most of them won't be), so don't judge! The goal is 100 books this year.
Here I go.....
Wordless Wednesday
Since the snow condition hasn't changed here, I will post yet another couple of inspirational, warm weather photos!
 | |
| Siwa, Western Desert, Egypt |
 |
| Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt |
 |
| Siwa, Western Desert, Egypt |
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
White Bean, Spinach and Chicken Meatball Soup
This is a soup I make often because it really is simple to make and everyone loves it. It's gluten and dairy free, but still filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
For a thicker consistency, blend some of the soup before putting in the meatballs. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their beans and greens!
Ingredients
Soup
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups gluten free chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, pureed (Optional. If you don't like tomatoes, add more broth)
1 (15oz.) can white beans, rinsed
1/2 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
Meatballs
1 lb. ground chicken
1 egg
1/2 cup GF bread crumbs
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary (optional)
Directions
1- Prepare meatballs: Mix chicken, egg, bread crumbs, salt & pepper and rosemary in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Form into small meatballs and place on a non-stick baking pan (approx. 30-40 mini meatballs.) Bake meatballs at 350F until cooked through, approx. 15 min.
2- While meatballs are cooking, in a large pot, heat olive oil and add onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until soft, approx. 5 min. Add chicken broth, tomatoes if using, and spinach. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer.
3- Remove meatballs from oven and set aside.
4- Add beans to soup. If you want a thicker soup, puree a bit with an immersion blender until desired thickness is achieved. Add meatballs after blending.
Serve with some grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
When cooked, add beans and meatballs to soup and heat through. Adjust seasoning. Serve with some grated parmesan if desired.
*** I like to make a meal out of it by cooking up some macaroni or small shell noodles in a separate pot and adding them to the soup when serving. Rice would also work nicely.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday Menu Plan
Daycare Lunch Menu
Monday: Sheppard's Pie
Tuesday: Chicken burger with rice
Wednesday: Sweet and sour Meatballs with rice and vegetables
Thursday: Pasta with peas
Friday: Soup and quesadillas (vegetarian nachos)
Dinner Menu
Tuesday: White bean, spinach, and chicken meatball soup and leftover rice noodles and vegetables
Wednesday: Pasta with sun dried tomatoes and spinach in a garlic and oil sauce and salad
Thursday: Vegetarian Nachos with kidney beans, salsa and homemade guacamole
Friday: Leftover soup, stuffed zucchini and Spanish- style rice
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sometimes things happen for a reason
On Friday, I whined a little about not being able to leave on our trip to visit friends in Gatineau, Quebec, just outside of Ottawa. Click here for a refresher. Today I realize that sometimes things happen for a reason.
This morning, Ottawa woke up to a balmy -25C, -39C with the windchill. For those of you who go by Fahrenheit, that's -13F with a windchill of -38.2F. Not that it was much warmer here; we enjoyed a lovely -32C or -25.6F with the wind factored in, but at least we could just hunker down and keep out of the cold. I spent the time watching football and cooking up a storm for the week ahead. My menu plan will be posted tomorrow.
Tonight I'm going to try baking some bread from the Bob's Red Mill bread mix. I've had some trouble finding a GF bread that I like enough to just eat on its own, and I'm still a little wary of trying to bake one from scratch, so this seems like a good compromise. I'll post the results. Tonight I'm looking forward to curling up on the couch, flipping between tennis and football, with a slice of warm homemade bread and perhaps a nice glass of wine..... Enjoy your Sunday night!
This morning, Ottawa woke up to a balmy -25C, -39C with the windchill. For those of you who go by Fahrenheit, that's -13F with a windchill of -38.2F. Not that it was much warmer here; we enjoyed a lovely -32C or -25.6F with the wind factored in, but at least we could just hunker down and keep out of the cold. I spent the time watching football and cooking up a storm for the week ahead. My menu plan will be posted tomorrow.
Tonight I'm going to try baking some bread from the Bob's Red Mill bread mix. I've had some trouble finding a GF bread that I like enough to just eat on its own, and I'm still a little wary of trying to bake one from scratch, so this seems like a good compromise. I'll post the results. Tonight I'm looking forward to curling up on the couch, flipping between tennis and football, with a slice of warm homemade bread and perhaps a nice glass of wine..... Enjoy your Sunday night!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Infinitea Tea Room and Gluten Free Bakery
Today I had the chance to stop by a new gluten free bakery and tea room just around the corner from my house. The tea room, Infinitea, is part of a larger natural health store and clinical practice, all under the banner Body and Mind. I stopped in today because I received a flyer in the mail about the gluten free items available in the tea room.
The store is located near the back of a strip mall, making it a little difficult to see from the street, but the tea room is spacious and clean and is attached to a small health food store, stocked almost entirely with gluten free foods.
Tea Room: The tea room offers loose leaf tea for purchase, as well as an assortment of tea pots, portable cups, and other accessories. The baker is in during the week only, and bakes fresh gluten free muffins, cookies, scones and other treats. The bakery also offers gluten free meal options, such as a GF chicken sandwich with goat cheese. They only serve lunch, so I'll have to return on a week day to try it out.
Store: The store was packed with many of the most popular gluten free brands, at competitive prices. The selection of Bob's Red Mill had mixes that I haven't been able to find at any other store. The frozen section had a great selection of frozen breads and baked goods, as well as frozen GF entrées at reasonable prices.
The tea room and store are not open most evenings, which can be a bit of an inconvenience, but I'm hoping that as they get established they will increase their hours. The clerk was knowledgeable and polite, and the selection was quite good. The website focuses mostly on the medical practice and health products available for order online, but does provide some information about the tea room. A link to a separate website for the tea room is under construction.
Definitely a place I will go back to, especially if I want to take my son somewhere close by to have a quick lunch or a fresh baked treat!
The store is located near the back of a strip mall, making it a little difficult to see from the street, but the tea room is spacious and clean and is attached to a small health food store, stocked almost entirely with gluten free foods.
Tea Room: The tea room offers loose leaf tea for purchase, as well as an assortment of tea pots, portable cups, and other accessories. The baker is in during the week only, and bakes fresh gluten free muffins, cookies, scones and other treats. The bakery also offers gluten free meal options, such as a GF chicken sandwich with goat cheese. They only serve lunch, so I'll have to return on a week day to try it out.
Store: The store was packed with many of the most popular gluten free brands, at competitive prices. The selection of Bob's Red Mill had mixes that I haven't been able to find at any other store. The frozen section had a great selection of frozen breads and baked goods, as well as frozen GF entrées at reasonable prices.
The tea room and store are not open most evenings, which can be a bit of an inconvenience, but I'm hoping that as they get established they will increase their hours. The clerk was knowledgeable and polite, and the selection was quite good. The website focuses mostly on the medical practice and health products available for order online, but does provide some information about the tea room. A link to a separate website for the tea room is under construction.
Definitely a place I will go back to, especially if I want to take my son somewhere close by to have a quick lunch or a fresh baked treat!
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)