tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73053960061626554642024-03-21T03:52:08.911-07:00Jaxie JackAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-42657381985662105392014-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:002014-08-14T21:00:18.634-07:00Paleo Almond Vanilla Sponge Bread <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtAmVZk1bd8E-xzqfAyQVML6BilBfFfRFYqhVcgFqCy18Uuh-GfkxBs2xnlv4aoSvGTUPZkRICZiSLflsTpb3GGF5iEVj1KS1ew-0_qm2pDxTB_SB4ictYnhiQMWlDPSdzcZv9nVlWKk/s1600/DSCN2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtAmVZk1bd8E-xzqfAyQVML6BilBfFfRFYqhVcgFqCy18Uuh-GfkxBs2xnlv4aoSvGTUPZkRICZiSLflsTpb3GGF5iEVj1KS1ew-0_qm2pDxTB_SB4ictYnhiQMWlDPSdzcZv9nVlWKk/s1600/DSCN2775.JPG" height="213" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practical Paleo - Almond Sponge Bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had really high hopes for this Almond Sponge Bread from Diane Sanfilippo's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Paleo-Customized-Whole-Foods-Lifestyle/dp/1936608758#" target="_blank">Practical Paleo</a>. It looked great, moist and "spongie". The kids sat eagerly waiting for me to cut them each a piece. Everyone took one bite and spat it right back out. We tried adding honey butter to give it some flavor and sweetness. It was still barely edible.<br />
<br />
This recipe was a flop at our house. I'm sure we will encounter numerous recipes as we venture into real nutrient dense eating that don't suit the palates at our house.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-31890037946949145162014-08-05T15:03:00.000-07:002014-08-05T15:46:20.967-07:00Paleo Sweet Potato Gnocchi <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrjU30EsDFvfQ-EtDzSa3DN_5LOeXY115pxqJQg0I4nr28106liM1Djb5Iz5TfnJcPwS9n2W_CUd8ZlufmfTg-iknUrFPJfUd09vVfiw_NiZTpv5NapAN4TmcBWk0JiseVIfbwSuR0Lg/s1600/DSCN2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrjU30EsDFvfQ-EtDzSa3DN_5LOeXY115pxqJQg0I4nr28106liM1Djb5Iz5TfnJcPwS9n2W_CUd8ZlufmfTg-iknUrFPJfUd09vVfiw_NiZTpv5NapAN4TmcBWk0JiseVIfbwSuR0Lg/s1600/DSCN2937.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paleo Sweet Potato Gnocchi </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm on the hunt for carb dense paleo recipes. I've been strictly paleo for just over a month now and I've lost about 10 pounds. Five pounds would have put me at my goal weight. 10 is almost too much. My husband is convinced I'm on some crazy diet to lose weight.<br />
<br />
I'm still learning how to keep myself nourished. It is harder when you can't just grab something out of the cupboard. I've skipped a few meals over the last month because there was nothing "acceptable" for me to eat. I've assured my husband that I will figure this out and that starting to eat cheese and desserts again is not the only solution.<br />
<br />
I made a big batch of carb dense <a href="http://paleogrubs.com/sweet-potato-gnocchi-recipe" target="_blank">sweet potato gnocchi</a> on Sunday. It was VERY time consuming, but the results were super yummy! I had enough to take leftovers for lunch yesterday, I added some to my breakfast this morning and I still have some left over for tomorrow. The gnocchi reheats well in the microwave and in the oven.<br />
<br />
My husband loved the gnocchi, the kids are on the fence. It's a little too different for them to like but I think it will grow on them.<br />
<br />
The recipe for <a href="http://paleogrubs.com/sweet-potato-gnocchi-recipe" target="_blank">Paleo Grubs "Yummy Sweet Potato Gnocchi</a>" is easy to follow. I used the measurements listed in the recipe and they worked great for me. I did leave my batter in the refrigerator for about 5 hours before I cooked it and I peeled my potatoes before cooking them wrapped in tin foil. Rolling out the ropes, boiling and frying the gnocchi is a lot of work and it's super messy! My kitchen looked like a grease bomb had exploded.<br />
<br />
Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the kitchen from preparation to cooking to cleaning up. Don't forget to wear an apron!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-738886595391075112014-07-31T15:27:00.000-07:002014-08-05T15:41:50.039-07:00Dairy Free Chocolate Custard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3KWZch-pYf7EcAU5p2HEO7DAwztiVvUJ1gje0uQ8KHmYjfwo9EWzrImRVRm0_pe1PiJ7yRlm2LfJ_fy7wW6pJnHcixL4D9nZ6_AQ_SyLz7M34bwlo14NUnLGBSSAoMavaFlx5mT_kLU/s1600/DSCN2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3KWZch-pYf7EcAU5p2HEO7DAwztiVvUJ1gje0uQ8KHmYjfwo9EWzrImRVRm0_pe1PiJ7yRlm2LfJ_fy7wW6pJnHcixL4D9nZ6_AQ_SyLz7M34bwlo14NUnLGBSSAoMavaFlx5mT_kLU/s1600/DSCN2940.JPG" height="353" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dairy Free Chocolate Custard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nothing about making the move to nutrient dense paleo has left my tastebuds wanting. Sure sometimes I can't find a quick snack but I'm eating some of the best food I've ever made!<br />
<br />
Last week I was on a mission to create a paleo custard recipe. My first attempts were eatable but not mouth watering. My first success was a vanilla custard which will be featured in the September issue of Stepmom Magazine. Last night I had a sweet tooth and all the right ingredients to attempt a chocolate custard!<br />
<br />
This custard doesn't set up super firm. I don't mind the slightly runny consistency. If you want a firmer custard, slowly add a little bit of arrowroot powder to the mixture in step 8. This will also speed along the process if you don't want to stand over the stove string for 20-30 minutes.<br />
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 can full fat coconut milk</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>2 TBS cocoa powder (unsweetened)</li>
<li>3 TBS honey</li>
<li>2 egg yolks</li>
<li>cinnamon (optional)</li>
<li>cayenne pepper (optional)</li>
<li>arrowroot (optional)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t cheat or rush any of these
steps. If you do, you won’t get great results!</span><br /><ol>
<li>Make a double boiler out of a large pan and a small pot. Fill the pan half full of water on the stove over low heat. Put the pot inside the pan. </li>
<li>Add the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and honey to the pot and heat it till it's hot.</li>
<li>Turn off your stove. Leave the pan and pot where they are.</li>
<li>In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks.VERY slowly, one tablespoon at a time, transfer the hot coconut mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly. You will curdle your eggs if you do this too quickly. </li>
<li>Transfer the mixture back to the cooking pot. </li>
<li>Turn the stove back on low and whisk in the cocoa powder. </li>
<li>Whisk lightly but constantly until the mixture thickens. This takes 20+ minutes. If you aren't getting the consistency you want you can slowly sprinkle arrowroot powder into the mixture. Only add about 1/8 tsp at a time. </li>
<li>When you achieve a good consistency, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into serving dishes. This will catch the clumps you likely didn’t even know you had.</li>
<li>Allow the custard to cool. </li>
<li>Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to fully setup.</li>
<li>Sprinkle with cinnamon and cayenne to serve.</li>
</ol>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-30219265479904621152014-07-27T07:43:00.001-07:002014-07-27T08:16:59.102-07:00Asparagus Soup for Bladder Infection<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTg-NBuFsJlx7YRa6ukVmL8sLmqvVIycblV6u8yO07q-iIEssYTFeyQS3hVagP-Ptfctcm8tHoD5ebeVvuAydo3CVvCRHNyI2JR3eIMDzN_4jNqtegkfZE-bUKHKrqPrJ_S9dUhMfYW0/s1600/DSCN2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTg-NBuFsJlx7YRa6ukVmL8sLmqvVIycblV6u8yO07q-iIEssYTFeyQS3hVagP-Ptfctcm8tHoD5ebeVvuAydo3CVvCRHNyI2JR3eIMDzN_4jNqtegkfZE-bUKHKrqPrJ_S9dUhMfYW0/s1600/DSCN2828.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How would you like to stare down a cup of asparagus soup like this in the morning? And again in the afternoon... and another one that night? I'm going to be doing exactly that for the next three days.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons I started my nutrient dense paleo adventure was my chronic low back pain. I have a congenital defect where my L5 vertebra is partially fused to my sacrum. For over three years now my back has been bothering me daily to varying degrees. Researching online I started finding articles about the paleo diet, more specifically eating nutrient dense, real food and the effects it could have on chronic inflammation. Going paleo wasn't going to be a huge dietary change for me. I was already gluten free and eating about 80% paleo anyway.<br />
<br />
About 2 weeks into my paleo experiment, my back pain got worse. A lot worse. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I also got a bladder infection, another issue I've been plagued with over the past few years. Frustrated with my latest bladder infection I consulted Google for some home healthy home remedies. I found a great list on <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029865_urinary_tract_infections_cure.html" target="_blank">Natural News</a>, three sounded doable; cranberry pills (or juice), lemon water, and asparagus.<br />
<br />
I drink lemon water every morning already. I needed to increase my dose though. So I've upped it to the juice of 2 lemons in 10 oz of water.<br />
<br />
Not wanting to add another drink to my routine, I'm opting for the cranberry pill once a day.<br />
<br />
I was most intrigued by the asparagus remedy:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Take about 5 or 6 asparagus stalks and boil them in a small pot until very tender. Eat them and drink the juice from the pot. Repeat two or three times daily to help clear the infection quickly.</i></blockquote>
Chowing down on soggy asparagus and drinking the water however did not sound very palatable. So, I made soup.<br />
<br />
I drank it for a day with my breakfast, lunch and dinner. My bladder irritation did improve and so did my back pain! Neither were cured after just one day so I am going to try my 3 part remedy for the next 3 days.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus Soup Recipe</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 bunches of asparagus, ends removed, cut into 2" pieces</li>
<li>water</li>
<li>3/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>pepper to taste</li>
<li>crispy prosciutto (optional)</li>
<li>olive oil (optional)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Soup Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Wash and cut your asparagus. </li>
<li>Put the cut asparagus in a pot and add enough water to just cover it.</li>
<li>Add salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Cook on med heat until super tender, about 7-10 minutes should do the trick. </li>
<li>I turn off my stove and let the asparagus and water cool for about 15 minutes before I throw it in my blender. </li>
<li>Pour some in a bowl or cup and top with crispy prosciutto and a drizzle of olive oil. </li>
<li>Store the rest in a bowl in the fridge to reheat on the stove later. I store my prosciutto in a separate bowl to keep it crispy. </li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>Crispy Prosciutto:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat your over to 350 degrees. </li>
<li>Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Lay 3 slices of prosciutto on the parchment paper.</li>
<li>Cook in the oven until just crispy (about 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Let the prosciutto cool, then chop it up. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-18041698700779203942014-07-21T23:39:00.000-07:002014-07-25T23:43:45.117-07:00Screen Printing Sunday at Grease Diner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFC0wZh-tuzLu7tl1_UxfrtpjxM-JKDBGKaWRtLlxVFypesUsuiIegsxEZuoRCzl3Zif2Gbg8Q8YcPU2D3ewNtvKl7BMgUyGosEN7Xh9tDB9-xfFVLsVy2lavpUYqq01gHbY5xFvuoYA/s1600/DSCN2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFC0wZh-tuzLu7tl1_UxfrtpjxM-JKDBGKaWRtLlxVFypesUsuiIegsxEZuoRCzl3Zif2Gbg8Q8YcPU2D3ewNtvKl7BMgUyGosEN7Xh9tDB9-xfFVLsVy2lavpUYqq01gHbY5xFvuoYA/s1600/DSCN2806.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen Printing at Grease Diner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am totally addicted to finding new artsy activities on Groupon and Living Social. This month I found a great Groupon deal for the <a href="https://thegreasediner.com/" target="_blank">Grease Diner</a> in Oakland. The kids started planning their shirts 2 weeks before we actually went. When the day finally came they were so excited. They weren't disappointed either.<br />
<br />
The whole process took about 2 hours. Before actually printing each shirt, there were a number of test prints on different materials. Each of the kids left with about 6 different prints on the various materials in addition to their shirts. They were thrilled!<br />
<br />
John and Laurie were awesome. In addition to the screen printing classes they have a store front filled with all kinds of different artwork from local artists. I even saw stuffed animals from a San Francisco Artist who I'd meet at FabMo a few years back!<br />
<br />
The kids can't wait to go back. Next time I will plan to make a shirt for myself too. I will bring the blank t-shirts for us all though. They provide them at the Grease Diner for a very reasonable price but the selection is limited. I'm pretty particular about my t-shirts too. I don't want to come up with an awesome design and then print it on a shirt I'll never wear.<br />
<br />
All in all it was a great experience that we would recommend to everyone.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-14470992084198281802014-07-18T23:11:00.000-07:002014-07-25T23:42:15.728-07:00Plantain and Egg Breakfast<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsL_3HeLyeffw7kpNkxDJ9airRXmgiGDubfXKWOqqqaUhLiJp67VajFHOz9gjWZk9pewhNBg3ZSrzH0Tqnl4WhJtCRSvFlD2LtCgEJ3WiIAkxIsJ0SQEIpxNcHl0weRdNaLG5GNpgRl4/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsL_3HeLyeffw7kpNkxDJ9airRXmgiGDubfXKWOqqqaUhLiJp67VajFHOz9gjWZk9pewhNBg3ZSrzH0Tqnl4WhJtCRSvFlD2LtCgEJ3WiIAkxIsJ0SQEIpxNcHl0weRdNaLG5GNpgRl4/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantains and Eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was in El Salvador, I loved the typical breakfast; fried plantains, eggs, cream, beans and a bit of cheese. Fried plantains have been a favorite of mine ever since.<br />
<br />
I made the plantains yesterday thinking that the kids would eat them up. I was wrong. They took half a bite, got that look kids get when their tastebuds reject what they've put in their mouth, and told me apologetically they didn't like it. Poor little sugar bugs, their taste buds must be really messed up if these weren't sweet enough for them.<br />
<br />
Luckily my plantains re-heated perfectly in the oven for this meal. I was pretty skeptical when I pulled them out of the fridge but 10 minutes baking in the oven at 400 did the trick!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>fried plantains (recipe to come)</li>
<li>2 pasture raised eggs</li>
<li>1/2 and avocado</li>
<li>1 - 2 TBS coconut oil or ghee</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>avocado oil (optional)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>While your plantains are re-heating in the oven, cook your eggs as you like them in a pan with coconut oil or ghee. I love fried eggs, I break the holds and let the runny goodness flow forth. </li>
<li>Remove you plantains from the oven. Place a heap of them on your plate. I you are like me you will want to put your eggs on top of the plantains so that the yolk will run all over them. If you are a scrambled egg type of person and don't like your food to touch, you can just put them next to each other on your plate. </li>
<li>Add your slice avocado and sprinkle the whole meal with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want you can drizzle some avocado or olive oil on your avocado. Squeezing some lemon on it would be a good option too. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-16724374209945316332014-07-17T22:50:00.000-07:002014-07-27T06:23:37.468-07:00Coco-Nutty Grain Free Porridge - Practical Paleo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsD_-NfFx8pRKF2iObi0SDcFf24FK4QGpVJVrpfI1tkZErZFzR7MO5BypB4OprPngVSPnuZ26Fjhb5vwcBcGzvcnM_bK8GvHPx4dMB-g1qmTUlSMjPSsiD4KMbnONOwCvdh5GotSpXsI/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsD_-NfFx8pRKF2iObi0SDcFf24FK4QGpVJVrpfI1tkZErZFzR7MO5BypB4OprPngVSPnuZ26Fjhb5vwcBcGzvcnM_bK8GvHPx4dMB-g1qmTUlSMjPSsiD4KMbnONOwCvdh5GotSpXsI/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paleo Grain Free Porridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looks delicious doesn't it? My most recent paleo cookbook purchase was <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936608758/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=40100435887&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17677205526067146475&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_21uhauvxp5_e" target="_blank">Practical Paleo</a></i> by Diane Sangilippo. I love that the first half of the book is a guide to shopping, eating out and understanding the relationship between food and our health. It's super informative and laid out really well!<br />
<br />
I wasn't a huge fan of the <a href="http://www.unrefinedsweetlife.com/2012/12/17/practical-paleos-grain-free-porridge/" target="_blank">Coco-Nutty Porridge</a>. Admittedly, I have never liked "porridge" so it might just be me. It was filling though, and for me sometimes that's enough. Not enough to make it again though.<br />
<br />
I opted to use the full fat coconut milk over the water option in the recipe but ended up needing to add water as well to get a good consistence.<br />
<br />
If you are a fan of porridge, this might be a great alternative to your morning oatmeal. Personally I'm going to stick with my Berry Yummy Breakfast (recipe to come).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-1990969613189841882014-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:002014-07-25T22:33:21.416-07:00Traveling Paleo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1df_cJNOEP_ZmqQFqok28dc9Y73ETvgEIDH_vE8B1S_gWAdAs63Ip4IqwQAyxQGG4XZO8iR3YHmqIKNF_QcMgvTTqA7-M-23kpMeQRhzndUudT1c7DRfMYOfWMFW_jA4r0LRuoBj8Os/s1600/DSCN2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1df_cJNOEP_ZmqQFqok28dc9Y73ETvgEIDH_vE8B1S_gWAdAs63Ip4IqwQAyxQGG4XZO8iR3YHmqIKNF_QcMgvTTqA7-M-23kpMeQRhzndUudT1c7DRfMYOfWMFW_jA4r0LRuoBj8Os/s1600/DSCN2718.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot Juice with Lemon and Lime - Flora Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The timing for my transition to paleo wasn't exactly ideal. One week after I started my journey down the nutrient dense path, I was at my cousin's wedding in San Diego for 2 days. No drinks, no dessert and I put up with the "special" meal they provided me. Why does gluten free often translate to a plate of steamed vegetables? Luckily there was a Trader Joe's near the hotel. I pretty much lived on olives and cashews. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A week after that I was on vacation in Mexico, land of rice, beans and corn tortillas. I was actually amazed at the number of amazing restaurants we found in Baja. Farm to Table has found Los Cabos. We had some amazing meals at <a href="http://www.flora-farms.com/#!field-kitchen" target="_blank">Flora Farm</a> outside of San Jose del Cabo. <a href="http://www.ranchopescadero.com/index.php/restaurant" target="_blank">Rancho Pescadero</a> just south of Todos Santos was great too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband rolls his eyes but, every restaurant I've eaten at over the last month, here and abroad, has been happy to accommodate my dietary choices by replacing carbs with extra veggies. Dropping the carbs, sugar and dairy has been A LOT easier than I thought it was going to be.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-20807971159482312672014-07-06T22:03:00.000-07:002014-07-06T22:07:04.919-07:00Airport Blues<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Over 4th of july weekend, I was away at my cousin’s wedding. I left my husband and kids at home so they could enjoy the 4th with his family. It was just a quick trip; down on the 4th, wedding on the 5th home early on the 6th. Totally not the kind of trip you want to take three kids on. The plan was they would pick me up from the airport and we would head straight to the Delta to spend the rest of the day on the water. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluJcUaPJ9_XsYULfiLf6jGx0H9A7nYdwsfyrAkGtk5ZDykXR_mXB2_0tQXAx4HHpVbXyXknEUhgzaM9FUsccvgCcAjA3FqPdcJrP17W7B7ck71lLi2I4U7N29OuOm_F1j5li6KNUvk6Y/s1600/flight-delayed-keep-calm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluJcUaPJ9_XsYULfiLf6jGx0H9A7nYdwsfyrAkGtk5ZDykXR_mXB2_0tQXAx4HHpVbXyXknEUhgzaM9FUsccvgCcAjA3FqPdcJrP17W7B7ck71lLi2I4U7N29OuOm_F1j5li6KNUvk6Y/s1600/flight-delayed-keep-calm.png" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I had just texted my husband, “flight’s on time, boarding in 20, see you soon”. I bought myself a water for the flight and wondered over to the screen to see where my parents flight was. I didn’t find their flight but my heart sank when I saw mine. Delayed. New departure time 2 hours from now. My new departure time also came with a new gate in a different part of the airport. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I called my husband. He was disappointed, “I guess we aren’t going to the boat. Keep me posted”. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thought about standby to Oakland or San Francisco but I found posted signs, “change to standby will require upgrade to full ticket price”. Crap. I walked back out past security and followed the signs toward my new gate. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited in the security line again. Unpacked my computer again, took my shoes off again, stood in the machine, that I don’t believe isn’t harmful, with my hands over my head again. I walked over to put myself back together and saw the TSA lady holding my bag. She took out the water I just bought for a ridiculously inflated price in the other terminal and told me I could step to the side and drink it if I wanted to but I couldn’t take it with me. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was pissed. Couldn’t they at least give me a voucher for my water? My day and my family’s plans for the day are already ruined due to this delay, now your going to stick me with paying another $4 for a small bottle of water? I begrudgingly bought my water, it was 2 hours till my flight no way I could go that long without water. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I looked up for the first time and found myself in small room with only 2 gates a restaurant that served food I wouldn’t feed my dog, and twice as many people as the space actually had room for. I located an empty seat but the girls in the seat next to it apologetically told me it was already taken. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I tried to casually navigate my way back through the bags, bodies, and baby strollers littering the small spaces between the rows of chairs. There were no open tables in the restaurant and a line to get in if one did open up. I tripped over a sleeping man’s leg and he glared at me. I was about to cry. This sucks. I resigned myself to my reality and found a place to sit on the floor. I pulled out my computer. Located the free airport wi-fi… no connection. Probably because I only have safari installed on my computer. </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Note to self, download Firefox. </i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s not like I charged my computer anyway. I wasn’t going to need it for such a short flight.</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Announcement… flight delayed another 15 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I talked myself out of my bad mood. Yes, it sucks, but there is nothing that can be done about it. I could either be miserable and angry and let it ruin my whole day or just sit back and read, enjoy my $4 water, see it as a challenge to find something to eat that has any nutritional value, and know that I would be home soon enough. In the great scheme of things being stuck at the airport for a few extra hours amounts to less than nothing. At least some seats opened up and didn’t have to sit on the floor for the full 2 hours. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-5833081948034107412014-07-03T08:32:00.001-07:002014-07-03T08:33:39.831-07:00Crock Pot Carnitas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosk6mPdqnQ4JGlxvElTfrqKQKkyZewwrMrLqRnKN9N2wTaSL0QD85ENaaDM0-JkrliSjPJ2t-wmvZibtUUa8lXoQ0iDvdo9ayoTHJmIDUeSvJSd51Ytz8kxtN4ACmrmafTKEDzPdWOP0/s1600/DSCN2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosk6mPdqnQ4JGlxvElTfrqKQKkyZewwrMrLqRnKN9N2wTaSL0QD85ENaaDM0-JkrliSjPJ2t-wmvZibtUUa8lXoQ0iDvdo9ayoTHJmIDUeSvJSd51Ytz8kxtN4ACmrmafTKEDzPdWOP0/s1600/DSCN2575.JPG" height="328" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crock Pot Carnitas on Plantain Tortillas with shredded <br />
cabbage, cilantro, avocado and paleo mayonnaise </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I almost followed a recipe from <a href="http://slimpalate.com/carnitas/" target="_blank">Slim Palate</a> when I made these carnitas. I printed it out, I bought the ingredients and I cut up the pork... Then I sorta decided I knew better. Or more accurately, I finally read the whole recipe and realized it was for some kind of crispy carnitas. I've never heard of that. I like my carnitas wet and full of flavor.<br />
<br />
These carnitas and the <a href="http://zenbellycatering.com/2013/08/17/plantain-tortillas/" target="_blank">plantain tortillas</a> got the seal of approval from my husband. The kids LOVED the carnitas but they were to wary to stray from their flour tortilla and try one made of "bananas?!?!" Too weird for them.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>3 pounds boneless pork shoulder butt roast, cut into 3 or so inch chunks. Don't worry about being exact. Mine were chunks were super messy and not uniform at all!</li>
<li>5 cloves chopped garlic</li>
<li>2 tsp chili powder (I used New Mexican style)</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin</li>
<li>2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/3 cup squeezed lime juice</li>
<li>3 bay leaves</li>
<li>1 stick of cinnamon</li>
<li>water</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Get your crock pot ready, turn it to high</li>
<li>Mix up the chili powder, cumin and salt. Rub it all over your chunks of meat.</li>
<li>Throw your meat in the crock pot. Add the chopped garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and lime juice. </li>
<li>Pour enough water over the meat to just barely cover it. </li>
<li>Let the meat cook for 4 hours. </li>
<li>Move the meat to a big bowl using a big slotted/straining spoon. Use forks to shred your pork. DON'T get rid of the juice. Leave it right there in the crock pot. </li>
<li>Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves from the crock pot and throw them away. </li>
<li>Return the meat to the crock pot. Leave the crock pot open and continue to cook for another 30 minutes. I like to pick out any really big chunks of fat during this time. </li>
<li>Turn your crock pot off and use your slotted/straining spoon to remove the meat from the pot again. Let the excess juices strain off the meat and move it to your serving dish. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Serve with your favorite taco condiments! </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-19046619492274519672014-07-02T09:36:00.000-07:002014-07-03T10:13:40.401-07:00All Good Goop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmYVBVl-r45WLCnsiInCgI0INbm4jA327rGwYC8iLI3fo54Vfc_0aLXmWV2EKc0_PL1rZR19AJeWjnLEUhNn7uqWCiNGamuUuEycwjjQWIYZ45CTIqJf0Cqy0ZARcPTFZlliWu3nWOuw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-03+at+9.17.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmYVBVl-r45WLCnsiInCgI0INbm4jA327rGwYC8iLI3fo54Vfc_0aLXmWV2EKc0_PL1rZR19AJeWjnLEUhNn7uqWCiNGamuUuEycwjjQWIYZ45CTIqJf0Cqy0ZARcPTFZlliWu3nWOuw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-03+at+9.17.42+AM.png" height="293" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Good Goop by Elemental Herbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've been using <a href="http://store.elementalherbs.com/all-good-goop-p2.aspx" target="_blank">All Good Goop by Elemental Herbs</a> as my face moisturizer for at least 3 years maybe even 5 years. I don't actually remember what I used before. I've tried to switch to a "normal" face moisturizer a few times but I keep coming back to the Goop.<br />
<br />
When I met my husband he was using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer. He often got red dry patches on his face and neck. It was hard to get him off Clinique's yellow lotion especially when what I was suggesting he replace it with claimed right on the bottle to be good for; diaper care, minor burns, bites and cracked heels. It took him about 6 months to fully switch over. Once he did the dry patches totally disappeared and haven't come back.<br />
<br />
When my girlfriends and I get on the topic of skin care products I always feel a little, no I feel a lot overwhelmed. They are using expensive anti-aging products with stem cells sold to the rich and famous in Hollywood. I'm using <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/545301/Elemental_Herbs_All_Good_Goop/" target="_blank">All Good Goop</a> which is also good for Diaper rash and <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/516078/Dr._Bronner%27s_18-in-1_Hemp_Pure-Castile_Soap%2C_Peppermint/" target="_blank">Dr Bronner's</a> which use to have some crazy recipe for homemade birth control on the bottle with all the other random "all-one" gibberish.<br />
<br />
As I'm cleaning up my diet I am also cleaning up my skin care products and my cleaning products. I was thrilled to see that my beloved All Good Goop currently has an overall score of 0 (which is the best possible score) on the Environmental Working Group's <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank"> Skin Deep Cosmetics Database</a>.<br />
<br />
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer scores at 5, moderately hazardous.<br />
<br />
<i>Skin Deep was launched in 2004 to create online safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products. EWG compares the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases. The Skin Deep database provides easy-to-navigate safety ratings for a wide range of products and ingredients on the market. Skin Deep is the world's largest personal care product safety guide.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-1528428938657243652014-07-01T17:34:00.000-07:002014-07-01T17:34:00.392-07:00Paleo Breakfast Stack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOFIVMZVVT4dpbCPpmPS9Xo4qFyoFd8Hxf7yhNnB4yi-5Z9KDlTPeyPs8t-KvSY0LuQTw_zCqgwGhp8qwm-rb2eaa4euyfZqs42i_d7dAuAMqoPUL6I2hKjzQigpbP1y26XZwu4RZe2c/s1600/DSCN2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOFIVMZVVT4dpbCPpmPS9Xo4qFyoFd8Hxf7yhNnB4yi-5Z9KDlTPeyPs8t-KvSY0LuQTw_zCqgwGhp8qwm-rb2eaa4euyfZqs42i_d7dAuAMqoPUL6I2hKjzQigpbP1y26XZwu4RZe2c/s1600/DSCN2558.JPG" height="400" width="395" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am not even kidding when I say that the first time I made this Paleo Breakfast Stack I wanted to lick my plate. I seriously considered doing it.<br />
<br />
I call it a breakfast stack but it doesn't have to be. To be completely honest, I called it a Paleo Breakfast Stack because I figured "Paleo Breakfast" would SEO better than "Portobello Breakfast" or "Open Face Egg Sandwich". The recipe was originally something I made for dinner one night when my planned dinner was going to take a few hours longer than I anticipated. I stared into my fridge debating what to do. It was full of options but nothing really sounded good.<br />
<br />
Oh happy accident! I hope you like it as much as I do!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 roasted portobello mushroom (see <a href="http://jaxiejack.blogspot.com/2014/06/portobello-mushroom-paleo-buns.html" target="_blank">Portobello Mushroom Buns</a>)</li>
<li>2 slices prosciutto </li>
<li>1 thick slice tomato</li>
<li>1 fried egg</li>
<li>3 basil leaves, torn</li>
<li>1 dollop paleo mayonnaise </li>
<li>1 TBS oil, I prefer avocado</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>If your mushroom cap is cold warm it in your oven. I guess you could use your microwave, but I'm anti-microwave. It doesn't have to be hot, just a little warmed up. </li>
<li>Prepare all your ingredients as your mushroom warms. </li>
<li>Heat your pan on the stove, add your oil and fry your egg. I like to sprinkle salt and pepper on my egg while it is cooking.</li>
<li>Plate your mushroom stacking all the ingredients on top of each other and plop a big dollop of paleo mayonnaise on top.</li>
<li>Eat up. If you want to lick your plate, you can. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-6037872131103096502014-06-30T13:19:00.000-07:002014-06-30T21:13:27.666-07:00Banana Rama Roundup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzWYI3smbYFh_vtEFj0LQRxtqBldnrpqu04kgHIorUZpvTkr9Bdg90keFhyphenhyphenohPyi087N-2Pef64goBp7vtdLrODbQ-i88fwtFKn2B38qL9i_GNNnljODsZl_-wwOT8DmIhSEHojLSlaU/s1600/DSCN2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzWYI3smbYFh_vtEFj0LQRxtqBldnrpqu04kgHIorUZpvTkr9Bdg90keFhyphenhyphenohPyi087N-2Pef64goBp7vtdLrODbQ-i88fwtFKn2B38qL9i_GNNnljODsZl_-wwOT8DmIhSEHojLSlaU/s1600/DSCN2522.JPG" height="187" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> Yellow Plantains Black Plantains Bananas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Over the weekend I went banana crazy. I have been meaning to make banana bread for the kids and finally I have perfect bananas. <a href="http://nomnompaleo.com/" target="_blank">Nom Nom Paleo</a>'s Plantain Fritters look scrumptious and I read somewhere about plantain tortillas.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>plantain fritters are in <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1449450334/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=18MT59AKTYZF2F4FXKWX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">nom nom paleo, food for humans cookbook</a>.</i></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMwCWcPPHY6fw0hylh-rVhrny3psDtIVYd3Bo8JqYwOHaRpOu_YCBQxLldYlyVdj82p4fmgaB1pgt-w7rdmOodBcc7ftW3XltXlbQte3Z6eV-mnU251baqFikl4Ail64saJ27xWXPpCQ/s1600/DSCN2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMwCWcPPHY6fw0hylh-rVhrny3psDtIVYd3Bo8JqYwOHaRpOu_YCBQxLldYlyVdj82p4fmgaB1pgt-w7rdmOodBcc7ftW3XltXlbQte3Z6eV-mnU251baqFikl4Ail64saJ27xWXPpCQ/s1600/DSCN2530.JPG" height="200" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">plantain fritters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First up, Plantain Fritters! I was super excited about these. They weren't hard to make. I don't think I messed mine up but I didn't love them.<br />
<br />
Mine did puff up a bit, but not as much as the picture in the cookbook. Michelle (Nom Nom Paleo) does say in the cookbook "overwork it, and you'll end up with a tray of dense, gummy pucks." That does sound a little like what I got...<br />
<br />
I didn't love the flavor of the fritters so I probably won't attempt them again, but I was inspired with a fritter idea of my own that I hope to try out soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe5Kbn2BDXZ88UcYwPg-56FZ4Ot4c7t_K-UAgPgkFptsq6LnIg1xGAM_lOPK22yGI7hrzi-pitrNzzKR-us1oPIH0YAGtIniLurs4c8Od-z39MMWKQZf6MOWoYekQgdMav5BUCWHae0Q/s1600/DSCN2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe5Kbn2BDXZ88UcYwPg-56FZ4Ot4c7t_K-UAgPgkFptsq6LnIg1xGAM_lOPK22yGI7hrzi-pitrNzzKR-us1oPIH0YAGtIniLurs4c8Od-z39MMWKQZf6MOWoYekQgdMav5BUCWHae0Q/s1600/DSCN2536.JPG" height="166" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">plantain tortillas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up, <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1449450334/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=18MT59AKTYZF2F4FXKWX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">plantain tortillas from Zenbelly</a>. I was intrigued by these. How could they possibly work? What in the world would hold them together?<br />
<br />
I guess the plantain is starchy enough to work some magic because these tortillas do hold together, fold and roll just like Zenbelly says they will.<br />
<br />
I was so surprised by these, for a few reasons that they got their own post - <a href="http://jaxiejack.blogspot.com/2014/06/plantain-tortillas-by-zenbelly.html" target="_blank">read it here</a> along with my notes on the process of making them, their texture and their taste.<br />
<br />
Last monkey mess for the day, <a href="http://slimpalate.com/banana-bread-paleo-grain-free-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Banana Bread by Slim Palate</a>. My kids declared this bread is, "delicious!!!" I love it when this happens. It's not very often I can feel good about the food they eat. They are my stepchildren which means I don't have much control over their S.A.D. diet and trust me it is so sad it hurts. Their dad and I didn't love the banana bread, but I will continue to make it for the kids.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIfQALULbdP0YmEOu6m9ljEHoKAid8rzy6O8TIomP6FXqnN24kYWKyc8Jdq0Pei4ZpjDGkzShCdP30wQ8wUIeeRDCDrjdP_lUe31-_ZTgSj01EfjJ6n_3S6yQHul_o3UfDCOTCtVPmy0/s1600/DSCN2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIfQALULbdP0YmEOu6m9ljEHoKAid8rzy6O8TIomP6FXqnN24kYWKyc8Jdq0Pei4ZpjDGkzShCdP30wQ8wUIeeRDCDrjdP_lUe31-_ZTgSj01EfjJ6n_3S6yQHul_o3UfDCOTCtVPmy0/s1600/DSCN2571.JPG" height="341" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 kids polished of the whole loaf in one afternoon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A friend of mine also tried this recipe, she called what she ended up with banana porridge. I took Joshua's advice and used Bob's Red Mill Coconut flour. I opted to use 2 bananas not 3, and only 1/4 cup honey. I also let the batter sit for 15 minutes to let the flour start to absorb the liquid before I put it in to oven (something I learned from a Paleo cookie recipe). It seems to have worked because I have a loaf of bread, no runny mess.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-44330144568686071222014-06-29T09:31:00.000-07:002014-07-06T22:10:17.699-07:00Plantain Tortillas by Zenbelly<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://zenbellycatering.com/2013/08/17/plantain-tortillas/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAgLJo1G19s0tqklPX6yDSKJCC6O9Hoqo0qFosgtm19Fa8uQuZzL8qbjPz8dS3kb_FOV0AbxUBWuqIVvW07DWWEzOlfhjn0z45I-_UWStS7ghUOtnfHRuaOkXL_8lPGl1SoJOPKLcotc/s1600/DSCN2536.JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://zenbellycatering.com/2013/08/17/plantain-tortillas/" target="_blank">Plantain Tortillas - recipe by Zenbelly</a></td></tr>
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I am more impressed by these <a href="http://zenbellycatering.com/2013/08/17/plantain-tortillas/" target="_blank">plantain tortillas by Zenbelly</a> than I originally thought I was. I made them for the first time yesterday as part of my banana recipe weekend. My initial thoughts were: these are a lot of work and they taste like banana. But... they would probably be really great with carnitas.<br />
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I didn't finish making the full batch, it was such a slow process. I was really thinking this would be the first, and the last time I made these tortillas. My husband is out of town this weekend so last night I pulled out the remainder of my <a href="http://nomnompaleo.com/" target="_blank">Nom Nom Paleo</a> Roast Beast for dinner. I grabbed the tortillas, lettuce, avocado and Paleo mayonnaise (also <a href="http://nomnompaleo.com/" target="_blank">Nom Nom)</a>. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Roast Beast and mayonnaise recipes I used are from the cookbook "<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Nom-Paleo-Food-Humans/dp/1449450334/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404059639&sr=1-1&keywords=nom+nom+paleo" target="_blank">Nom Nom Paleo, Food for Humans</a>", I didn't see them on the website.</i></span><br />
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This morning I pulled the tortillas out again and ate them with chicken apple sausage. By this point I'm regretting that I didn't make the full batch. I'm planning on making carnitas for my husband tonight and to use these tortillas, but at this rate I won't have enough left!<br />
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I will be making plantain tortillas again. Next time I will make the full batch because clearly with the right meal I like them.<br />
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<b>Taste:</b><br />
These plantain tortillas have a very distinct taste. They taste like banana. I wouldn't use them to wrap everything, but I can definitely think of instances where the plantain taste can enhance an overall recipe. I'm thinking carnitas here! I'll let you know how that turns out.<br />
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<b>Texture:</b><br />
The texture of these plantain tortillas is great! They really are very traditional tortilla like. They fold and they roll without breaking or cracking. They look like traditional corn tortillas as well.<br />
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<b>Process:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Mixing the ingredients up is easy, throw it all in the food processor and there you go! </li>
<li>Zenbelly suggests using a ladle and wet fingers to spread out the tortillas. I found using plastic spatula much easier and less messy. </li>
<li>I only managed to get 3 tortillas on each tray. </li>
<li>My tortillas are about 4.5" each and I could have easily made at least 21 with the amount of batter I had following the recipe. </li>
<li>Make sure not to let the edges of the tortillas get to thin. They will start to burn before the rest of the tortilla is cooked. </li>
<li>When you make these, think street tacos - small, slightly thicker tortillas. </li>
<li>The tortillas re-heat well. I have been warming them on the stove in a dry pan on low heat. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://zenbellycatering.com/2013/08/17/plantain-tortillas/" target="_blank">Zenbelly Plantain Tortillas Recipe</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-88685501300948352922014-06-28T21:18:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:11:03.247-07:00What I'm Reading - Eat the Yolks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This month I am reading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195" target="_blank">Eat the Yolks" by Liz Wolfe, NTP</a>. As I'm making the shift to "Paleo" I don't think I could have found a better book to be reading. One of my biggest issues with Paleo is the whole Paleo stereotype. The images of cavemen and the extreme view points of about the "diet" don't work for me. I don't buy into the "diet", Paleo isn't a diet. It is a choice to eat real food, not concoctions cooked up in a lab being marketed as food. Someone decided to call it Paleo and it stuck. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_izf6CMIZRZrSA6XozL5SxR9utp7UTmKVPj06Te4FzhML_9bjhxurFU5tUzTgdP_kg154ls9rvHjX5l_hrmp9qm_4npVI82EXmrR45EpkHOKst5Rm9_9fEjXUcsFIvyTDv3ZoAi42oTw/s1600/9781628600193-2-e1387160140516.jpg" height="320" title="Eat the Yolks by Liz Wolfe, NTP" width="213" /><span id="goog_970379589"></span><span id="goog_970379590"></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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"Eat the Yolks" is about real food. Liz does a great job of breaking down technical biology and science and presents it in a plain, easy to understand, sometimes funny English. I stopped buying into the myths we are fed about food years ago. "Eat the Yolks" is opening my eyes not just deeper into those negative myths but also enlightening me with the benefits of those same foods we have been told are so bad like cholesterol and fat. </div>
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I had no idea how important cholesterol is to our bodies. I was really surprised to learn that high cholesterol is associated with higher rates of survival than low cholesterol in heart failure patients. I've never known anything about low cholesterol except that it was "good". I'm not buying that anymore, thanks Liz!</div>
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The book isn't about Paleo. It's the groundwork for understanding real food and overcoming the lies we have come to believe as truth. I had no idea how many food lies I was still buying into. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-4755096825238065322014-06-27T22:50:00.000-07:002014-06-29T07:37:58.674-07:00Dudley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NWojl2PAweJH79uoFI5S4HAfTEvr0l0gMqFjcV6Cd_KvJu-p57aoTnzIKWbteBmZmZrZYZvJdV9XoNEsNjQ40kL_OgLksv-H03GbJSrcozX6VZYZkA-f9AOMAJJu2_mPny2a-7sarRM/s1600/DSCN2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NWojl2PAweJH79uoFI5S4HAfTEvr0l0gMqFjcV6Cd_KvJu-p57aoTnzIKWbteBmZmZrZYZvJdV9XoNEsNjQ40kL_OgLksv-H03GbJSrcozX6VZYZkA-f9AOMAJJu2_mPny2a-7sarRM/s1600/DSCN2554.JPG" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
This is Dudley. Yes, we have a girl chicken named Dudley. The kids named her before they even met her. She came with our house when we moved. I have to say she has been an EGGCELLENT addition to our family!<br />
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Until we moved in she ate something called crumble. It was gross, covered in mold and I have no idea what it was made of. I didn't want to feed my family eggs from a chicken who ate moldy who knows what!<br />
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When her crumble ran out, I started giving her all our fruit and veggie scraps and a piece of bread bread everyday. She clearly liked it because she turned into a squawking maniac bird. The day after her first real meal she was standing at the door of her coop making a ruckus demanding more food.<br />
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I've since replaced the piece of bread with <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068SP1XE/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Organic Scratch and Peck</a>. She's calmed down and doesn't yell at us anymore in the mornings, but she's there everyday, bright and early waiting for her tasty meal.<br />
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We live up in the mountains so we have to keep Dudley safe in her chicken coop. She does get to come out with us during the day sometimes to search the yard for bugs and grubs.<br />
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Next on the list for Dudley is a friend. Dudley is great but with 5 people in the house, 1 egg every 3 days just isn't going to cut it. We need lots of organic eggs around here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-66105991169484415722014-06-25T13:31:00.000-07:002014-06-30T14:42:32.780-07:00Marrying a Man with Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDamiYb-7XKG8XW83-pLEZis7AhZKs4MiywaHKKlh6x8KQ6KZsdcIv-6cll5AWVWVsg5Iu4THm9oSalzUY70B4GM6HHPTM7rYIUBbdR4i4LSbRefVpX5COlWHXYG4Ui_WNmbE-Uwp6d8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+7.50.48+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDamiYb-7XKG8XW83-pLEZis7AhZKs4MiywaHKKlh6x8KQ6KZsdcIv-6cll5AWVWVsg5Iu4THm9oSalzUY70B4GM6HHPTM7rYIUBbdR4i4LSbRefVpX5COlWHXYG4Ui_WNmbE-Uwp6d8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-26+at+7.50.48+AM.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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One month ago I married my husband and his three kids. I've always known that marrying him meant committing myself to all of them. A year ago when we started talking about getting married I told him that he could even think about asking me until the kids were on board. I also made it clear that getting the kids on board was his job and he'd better get to work.<br />
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I've heard too many stories from other stepmoms about how everything was going great until they got married. Suddenly relationships with the kids feel apart. Some kids pulled away not just from their stepmom but also from their dad. I was not about to let this happen. Being a stepparent isn't easy, no reason to make things more complicated!<br />
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The first time he talked to the children about us getting married, they were unsure. "What about mom?" the 9 year old asked. They said they would feel bad for their mom if he was married and she wasn't. I was not happy about this. Their mother and her boyfriend had been together longer than he and I had!<br />
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He talked to them a few more times with mixed emotions and results. By Christmas they were all fully on board and secretly plotting with him on how he should propose to me. It was pretty cute, they had no idea I knew. The proposal did not go exactly as planned, but that's an entirely different story.<br />
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When we started planning for our big day I made sure to include the kids. We'd talk about different things regarding the wedding. From the start the kids all referred to it as "our wedding" meaning all five of us, not just their dad and I. We encouraged that thought and made it our reality. They had some ideas about the wedding, like orange tuxedos. I had to say no to that one! I was encouraged though. These are the same children who insist that wearing anything other than t-shrits and athletic shorts is unfair, ridiculous, controlling and just mean.<br />
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On the day, the kids didn't complain at all. The boys happily wore their grey tuxes despite the heat. My stepdaughter remained in her dress even after my other flower girl changed into something more comfortable. After the ceremony, my oldest stepson told my stepmom friends he was glad I was his stepmom. It was a really a wonderful day for all of us.<br />
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My relationships with my stepchildren were not damage in any way by our marriage. The single event didn't magically make our relationships better either. Relationships are more complicated than that. I shed more than a few tears waiting for the kids to get on board, but I am glad I did.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-58729957304038737342014-06-19T15:30:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:05:15.152-07:00Green Smoothie RecipeLast April my friend Anjanette from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195" target="_blank">My Nulif Studio in San Carlos, CA</a> introduced me to green smoothies. I've been drinking them almost daily ever since. I've tweaked my recipe quite a few times and mine is totally different from Anjanette's. Green Smoothies are pretty much anything goes. there isn't a "right" way to make them or a best green smoothie recipe. It's all up to you and your taste buds. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL_sY7ngED2zlN09FlkwN0FHjENC-Z478rnLjMZG4L67rgF74q1kl8ViDGb9HQ7K3MAIVHPJ4O-hS59UpfxwdR5NGv5JljEl4Yo7iANDc36GEl2ITv7ABIVHSwruRSzK0l9CCmuktBac/s1600/DSCN2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL_sY7ngED2zlN09FlkwN0FHjENC-Z478rnLjMZG4L67rgF74q1kl8ViDGb9HQ7K3MAIVHPJ4O-hS59UpfxwdR5NGv5JljEl4Yo7iANDc36GEl2ITv7ABIVHSwruRSzK0l9CCmuktBac/s1600/DSCN2492.JPG" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first few times you make a batch of green smoothies it seems like quite a chore. Don't quit, you will find your rhythm! I hardly even make a mess anymore, I've got a system that's fast and efficient. The ingredients about will make four 16 oz green smoothies.</div>
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<div>
<b>Ingredients (pictured above)</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 ripe bananas</li>
<li>2 green apples</li>
<li>1 lemon, juice only</li>
<li>1 1" piece of ginger</li>
<li>1 golden beet</li>
<li>1 bunch of dinosaur kale</li>
<li>2 cucumbers</li>
<li>half a bunch of flat leaf parsley</li>
<li>2 cups water</li>
</ul>
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<div>
<b>Step 1</b></div>
<div>
Lay out all your ingredients</div>
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<b>Step 2</b></div>
<div>
Wash all your fruits and veggies. I fill a large bowl with water and put a colander in the sink. I wash everything in the water then put in in the colander. </div>
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<div>
<b>Step 3</b> </div>
<div>
Peel the beet and cut it in quarters, remove the ends from the cucumbers and slice them in to 1 inch chunks, peel the ginger, remove the ends from the kale, slice the apple off the core, remove the ends from the parsley, juice your lemon, peel the bananas and break them in half. </div>
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<div>
I put each item in the blender as I go. Add the water and blend each time you add 2-3 ingredients. It doesn't matter what goes in the blender first. Tear the kale or add it one piece at a time while the blender is running. </div>
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<div>
I also empty my bowl of water and throw all the ends, cores, and stems into the bowl (my chicken loves the days I make green smoothies!). Keeping all the mess contained helps clean up time at the end. </div>
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<b>Note:</b></div>
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I have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vitamix-1300-TurboBlend-4500/dp/B0000YRJT6" target="_blank">Vitamix</a> blender. If you don't have a high power blender you might need to cut your veggies smaller to blend and divide the ingredients into 2 batches. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuhDmRxPTMeVH50QYX4k4XeykGThQF8rEb_qwyYL4OS6_s8Is5MBF8XLfEADp5qeRUtn0RwFCc8DtOlQJj_gz8wshX5hUctkC4He6PCJsoe9bvrrvmLb9CaRDD-vsgz89l5SseSnqjjw/s1600/DSCN2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuhDmRxPTMeVH50QYX4k4XeykGThQF8rEb_qwyYL4OS6_s8Is5MBF8XLfEADp5qeRUtn0RwFCc8DtOlQJj_gz8wshX5hUctkC4He6PCJsoe9bvrrvmLb9CaRDD-vsgz89l5SseSnqjjw/s1600/DSCN2503.JPG" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A version of this recipe originally appeared in the January 2014 issue of <a href="http://www.stepmommag.com/" target="_blank">StepMom Magazine</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-90739895946949749672014-06-12T10:14:00.000-07:002014-07-03T10:27:27.610-07:00Portobello Mushroom Paleo Buns<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ENLQMw3IyJBsfa8_Sxn0t90TSahMzxHhNGH1CfBaq80wOsc0YqWQ_bKwxM-IpEstXFToWfDw64X9BB_JicP-YaUb46xTUSh9jUAqhp0Y3cUqbuuPNXznejY29Io06PWJRntEA28A44/s1600/DSCN2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Portobello Mushroom Paleo Buns" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ENLQMw3IyJBsfa8_Sxn0t90TSahMzxHhNGH1CfBaq80wOsc0YqWQ_bKwxM-IpEstXFToWfDw64X9BB_JicP-YaUb46xTUSh9jUAqhp0Y3cUqbuuPNXznejY29Io06PWJRntEA28A44/s1600/DSCN2546.JPG" height="303" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portobello Mushroom Paleo Buns</td></tr>
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Portobello Mushroom Buns! Brilliant!!! For years I've been trying to wrap my burgers in lettuce only succeeding to make a slightly smaller mess of myself than if I'd just squeezed ketchup and mustard in my hand then added lettuce, tomato and the burger.<br />
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I did not come up with this idea on my own. I saw it on Pinterest and then on every Paleo blog out there. There are quite a few variations on the Portobello Bun. You could get really fancy, but I like to keep things simple. I also use these buns as sandwich bread so I usually make 3 buns (6 mushrooms) at a time. I can also cut them up and quickly add them to omelets or a salad.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Oil</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Portobella Mushrooms (at least 2)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees </li>
<li>Clean your mushrooms and remove it's stem and gills.</li>
<li>Rub your mushrooms with about a teaspoon of oil. Sprinkle them generously with salt.</li>
<li>Place them on a baking tray gill side down and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the mushrooms over and cook for another 7 minutes. (Thicker mushrooms may need to cook longer.)</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and allow to cool.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Don't forget your napkins. The buns still aren't as absorbent as a bread bun but they are much more satisfying than a lettuce wrap! To avoid mess, consider dipping your burger in your condiments instead of putting them on your "buns".</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-63669004146303629222014-06-04T22:09:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:11:19.549-07:00I'm Not a Mom, I Just Play One at My House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNCVk7K5nGvESQSqvbL-UwirssQd45CEMcVA-G2Xtavxc0UvL8HHh1inTcpZ72WlYcAET82Lt7dSdBA9G45vub6eyM1LTvcht7H4twnjlAa8QBZx5hr2PqWwOB1tnVMz9z92UELzJGJg/s1600/il_fullxfull.260190737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNCVk7K5nGvESQSqvbL-UwirssQd45CEMcVA-G2Xtavxc0UvL8HHh1inTcpZ72WlYcAET82Lt7dSdBA9G45vub6eyM1LTvcht7H4twnjlAa8QBZx5hr2PqWwOB1tnVMz9z92UELzJGJg/s1600/il_fullxfull.260190737.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I am not a mom, but I have three kids. I do everything a mom does. I cook, clean, help with homework, read bedtime stories, plan vacations, drive kids to school... I'm expected to treat these three children just like they are my own. That is easier said than done.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Balancing work and family is difficult for any mom. For a stepmom it's even more difficult. Compromising for three kids I didn't bring into this world isn't easy. I have to balance work, my relationship with my partner, my relationship with kids who aren't mine, and the relationship or perceived relationship with the kids' mother. Oh, then there is the relationship with my family and his family. It feels a lot like like musical chairs and I am always the one who ends up without a chair.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">There is the constant reminder that I am not a mom. He let's it slip, "you don't understand because you don't have kids". The kids sing the mommy song and do the mommy dance when it is time to go back to their mom's house. My family is great, but they don't acknowledge the children's birthdays, which feels like not acknowledging that I have kids. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">On the outside I look like a contender for mom of the year. I go to little league games, soccer practice, I leave work early so my partner can coach the boys teams, I cook healthy meals plus a simplified version for the kids to eat, I plan birthday parties and I genuinely am invested in his children. I want to be the best "mom" possible, but sometimes it hurts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This past Sunday was Mother's Day. For me, this year, it came like a slap in the face. It screamed at me YOU ARE NOT A MOM. My partner was right when he told me I place a lot (he said too much) of significance on things like holidays and birthdays. It's not just mine though, I place significance on everyone on these days. I want everyone in my life to know that they matter. I want to know that I matter.</span><br />
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My partner was wonderful to me on Mother's Day. He celebrated me for being such a wonderful mother figure to his children. He let me know how much he appreciates me and everything I do. Despite all he did for me, I still have an empty spot in my heart. </div>
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Originally Posted on 5/16/13</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-8679865376751243492014-05-29T22:14:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:20:37.361-07:00The Label of Stepmom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I label myself as a stepmother. It is the most accurate description for the role I fill in my kids’ lives. They label me as their stepmom because it is the easiest explanation for who I am in their lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, I sometimes call them my kids. They are the children in my life. They live with their father and I 50% of the time. When I go to their school or sporting events and someone asks me “which child is yours?” I don’t say, “none of them”. I say, “that one”. Sometimes I explain further that I am the stepmom, sometimes I say I am their father’s girlfriend. It all depends on the situation and who I am talking to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I label myself as <i>girlfriend</i> when referring to my relationship with my boyfriend. Sometimes I label him as my <i>partner</i>. I guess you could get technical and label him my <i>domestic partner</i>, but that just sounds so stiff and formal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I label my stepkids’ grandma, <i>grandma.</i> She is their grandmother 100%, even though she has no biological or legal bond to them. Her emotional bond is just as deep with my boyfriend’s kids as it is with her own biological grandchildren.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My parents label me a mother, because that is the role I fill in my house. I have more than once, in my adjustment into parenthood, been told by my parents “that is the mom’s job”. They are not insinuating that I am, or should be, taking the children’s mother’s place. They are simply using a label.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some of the family members that I label “cousin” are actually my mom’s cousins. I’m not really sure what my first cousin’s daughter is to me either so I just label her cousin as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We all go by many relational labels, none of which do anything but help others categorize our relationships with different people. Mother, Stepmother, Father, Stepfather, Sister, Brother, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Niece, Grandparents, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Fiancé, Wife, Husband, Ex-wife, Ex-husband, Friend, Acquaintance, Boss, Co-worker, Supervisor, Artist, Mechanic, Teacher…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people are stricter about family relationship titles than others. I know a lot of people who chose not to have sex or to live together before they got married, no wait… I can actually only think of one couple who did that who I know personally and I’m not really sure about the sex part. It is 2012 not 1900, times and family dynamics have changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At my house, with my family, my label is stepmom. The kids call me Ash. They know that I am not married to their dad, but they also know that I love him with all my heart. They know that I am going to cook their dinners, make their lunches and help them with their homework. I am going to do everything that a stepmom or a mom is “supposed” to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I fell in love with my boyfriend I knew I was stepping into a much bigger role than just girlfriend. I understood that I was stepping into the <i>mother</i> role in the home the children have when they are with us. I never mistake that role as actually being their mother, but I also never minimize the importance of the role I am playing in their lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Originally Posted 11/5/12</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-78890619990539529942014-05-21T22:17:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:17:44.987-07:00Bonding with Stepkids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bonding with step kids does not happen overnight. At the end of having known my kids for a full year now, I feel like I am still just starting the process. According to everything I have read, and our therapist agrees, blending a family takes 5-7 years. </div>
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Parents get to bond with their children from the day they are born. The connection is innate and mutual. Children naturally feel love and affection for their parents, these are the most important people in their lives. </div>
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I want to feel that. I am a childless stepmother, which means I don't have kids of my own. Every once in a while I get a little glimmer of what that parent/child bond feels like but for the most part, what it feels like I get, is a lot of responsibility. </div>
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My relationship with my step children will be what I make of it. If I do nothing and offer nothing, I will likely get nothing. So I offer myself. I make sure I am available to my step kids. I listen to them even when they are just rambling on about some kid thing I know nothing about. I ask them questions about school and any activities they are involved with. I do a million mundane everyday expected things like this. </div>
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While all of those things matter, there are three specific things I do with my step children that I know are the keys to our bonding. </div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I do crafts with the kids.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I have the kids help me cook.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">We have a special show that we watch together.</li>
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Niether of my kids' biological parents can cook or turn a bottle cap into a necklace. These are special things that the children do with me. In our house these are what I think of as "safe activities" meaning that there are no loyalty issues for the kids because I am not treading in their mother's <i>place</i>. I do not try to do the same things she does with the children. The last thing I want to do is create a situation that feels to them like I am competing with their mother. </div>
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The kids watch an array of annoying kid's shows. They watch sports with their dad and who knows what with their mom. We have a special show that we watch together though, just the kids and I. Yesterday, while the four of us were huddled together under blankets on the couch, my oldest stepson said, "I like it when we watch this show together, it feels cozy". My heart melted a little and the memory still makes me feel emotional. I assure you that the show we watch together is not "cozy", he was referring to all of us and the comfortable, mutual relationship bonds we are building. </div>
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Originally Posted 10/3/12</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305396006162655464.post-41249072978478912352014-05-13T22:19:00.000-07:002014-06-28T22:20:16.131-07:00Step vs Bonus in Blended Families<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Does the Step in Stepmom and Stepchild really have a bad connotation? Frankly, I don't think it has anything to do with the actual word. If you are going to get your panties in a wad over a word that simply explains to others how your family fits together, good luck dealing with any issues that actually might affect your life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I've been a stepmom for about a year now. Or to be completely upfront and exact, I have been in my boyfriend's, childrens' lives for almost a year. Dad's girlfriend really doesn't do justice to my position in the kids lives. I never thought much about the term stepmom. When I found myself becoming one I defined it as, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">at dad's house I "step" in and fill the mother role. </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">That is not actually where the step comes from, if you want to know the actual origin you can try to dissect the definition found in the </span><a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=steop&searchmode=none" style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Online Etymology Dictionary</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Some stepmoms opt to use the word "bonus" instead of step. This I don't understand. In a child's life how in the world can one more parent be a bonus? Kids want to rebel and get away with all the things we tell them not to do. I'm pretty sure 3 or 4 parents instead of just 2 puts a major cramp in the ease of parental manipulation children are trying to achieve. They also now have to navigate the complicated and often negative relationships between all those parents.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I do see how the addition of another person can be a bonus, especially one who loves and cares for the child. A relationship that creates security is a bonus. An extra parent, not so much bonus there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">In my family we use the word step to help someone else see our family tree clearly. If someone calls me mom, no one jumps to correct them unless clarification is necessary. The step also helps the kids not feel like I am trying to take their mother's place. I'm not sure bonus would do the same thing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Bonus just sounds like you are scared of the word step and the realities that come along with the fact that you are the stepmom not the mom. These are your step kids not your kids. Those can be painful facts to face. You have all the best intentions, but you are not an equal parent. You love these kids and you may be doing just as much if not more than their mom, but they don't love you the same way they love her.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">You can use bonus, but the biological mom's at the soccer game are still not going to give you full mom credit. Your partner is still going to slip every once in a while and say, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">you don't understand because you don't have kids of your own</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">. Your "bonus" kid is still going to going to yell, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">you aren't my mom </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">when he gets mad.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Step is just a word and it happens to be the word used to describe the relationship between members of blended families. Changing the word won't change it's "connotation". I think what really needs to change is your perception of the word and perhaps your expectations of the relationships you are building.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Originally posted 9/27/12</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501331064789174544noreply@blogger.com0