BlueberryYogurt Stuffed Crepes

 Blueberry Crepe's ...Delightful!

1 egg white
3/4 Cup Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend
2/3 Cup Organic Milk
2 Pinches Baking Soda
1 tsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Pure Almond Extract (optional)

Directions: Pulse ingredients in your Ninja, food processor or blender.  It will be very, very, liquidy and runny.  This is the secret to great gf crepes.  Using non-stick cooking spray, on medium heat, preheate a  6-8" skillet. Pour enough batter to cover the bottom portion of the pan as in the above pic.  It doesn't take much, so don't get over zealous.  Cook 1 minute or so and flip.  Fill with something sweet.

Filling: 
Yogurt (Dannon-All Natural Vanilla Yogurt (Low-fat) or Stonyfield Organic French Vanilla Yogurt (Low-fat).
Blueberries (Fresh or frozen will do.)  The recipe below is for frozen fruit.
Sugar (optional-just for thickening)

Directions: On medium heat, place 1/4 Cup Frozen blueberries in heated skillet, add 1 Tbsp. Water.  Let cook till it begins to sizzle and water starts to bubble.  Add 1 Tbsp Honey or 1 Tbsp Sugar.  Cook on high 5-min while stirring.  Once the liquid starts to reduce and thicken turn off heat and spoon into crepe.

You can use these as tortillas, they fold great.  They are best fresh. Once refrigerated they get stiff.  You can re-heat in microwave, but nothing beats the fresh taste of Crepes.

Genetically Engineered Cow's ...What's in your milk?

Engineered milk?  What...should they do that?  Absolutely not!  Imagine, a cow-genetically modified- for the purpose of producing 'allergen free' milk...for babies.  This is ludicrous! First they tamper with our food supply, in an effort to yield unprecedented crops.  Now they use RNA Interference, the process in which extra genetic material is added to interfere with the normal chain of events in milk producing cows.  The change was meant to remove the beta-lactoglobulin milk protein, which causes allergic reaction to milk and other dairy products, for some people.  Professor Keith Campbell from the University of Nottingham, who was part of the cloning team, claims this is just one more way to use technology to produce, "potentially useful outcomes" [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19785006].
It was what he said next that surprised me, "There are zero risks in my opinion.  If it was poisonous the animal would be dead." 
Well, in my opinion, being poisoned would be only one of our worries, I don't know, let's ask the genetically mutated cow, who after this procedure was complete, was born without a tail.  Anybody else see any red flags here? We may get to the point that we just STOP using conventional food products, which in 10 years may be nearly 80-95 percent GMO.  Stop the madness!

I will say that BBC Science Editor, David Shukman mentioned  that "it won't affect the milk," I'm wondering how that's even possible.  The problem with genetically modifying anything is that there is not only a fundamental change in the DNA, there is a change in what it produces.  While it may not affect the look or taste of the milk, it's going to affect those that drink it, babies included.  Why should we wait for this to happen?  Many altered foods were introduced into the food supply without the average consumer paying attention.  And now we're on damage control.

Well, my advice is to know what you're eating, and whose messing with it.  My cure to stop milk allergens, is well, stop drinking milk products!  We have plenty of alternatives to milk.  Here are a few: Almond Milk, Rice Milk, Soy Milk, Goat Milk, Sheep Milk, Buffalo Milk, Oat Milk, Hemp Milk, Cashew Nut Milk, Coconut Milk. Check out more at the Green Ecologists website:    http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/food_and_drink/847876/top_10alternatives_to_cows_milk.html
My Fav's:
Almond Milk: This high protein, high magnesium milk is wonderful.  It has a mildly sweet nutty flavor and tastes great. Lactose free, soy free and gluten free.
Rice Milk: I use this frequently.  It also has a mildly sweet flavor.  It's great with Quinoa.  Lactose free, soy free and gluten free.
Soy Milk: I have used this in the past, however, those that are estrogen dominant will want to stay away from soy products and other products that contain phyto-estrogens.  Lactose free, and gluten free.
Coconut Milk: This has the most lovely flavor and it very high in lauric acid, which has many beneficial anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities.  Lactose free, soy free and gluten free.

Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup...I knew I wasn't crazy

Yep! It's finally been verified that High Fructose Corn Syrup is bad for our health.  Verified in 2009!  How many consumers, since that time, have ingested this nasty product?  According to the Washington Post, nearly half of the samples tested were found to contain mercury.  In addition the, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), one of our faithful watchdog friends, "found that nearly one in three of 55 brand-name foods contained mercury."  Please go as organic and natural as possible.  If it sounds foreign or processed, stay away from it.

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html

How to tell if your food is GMO

Ever wondered how to tell if you're eating genetically modified food?  According to the "Natural Society," website,

Reading the labels:

• Conventional Fruit Labels: Begin with the number 4, and never begin with the number 9.
• Genetically Modified Fruit Labels: Begin with the number 8. Note that it begins with 8, not just contains the number 8. This is often a 5 digit number.
• Organic Fruit Labels: These fruit labels always contain 5 digits, and begin with the number 9. Always check and make sure, as some “organic” products have been known to be deceptively labeled.

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/how-to-know-if-your-food-is-conventional-organic-or-genetically-modified/#ixzz285KcHNYg

There are so many things we need to be concerned about as consumers and eating GMO foods will definitely hinder our health.  GMO's have been linked to numerous health issues, including reproductive health.  So, next time you think cheaper is better, think again...your health will depend upon it.

Kefir Part II

So, my Kefir has finished and I added it to a batch of pancakes this morning.  My husband was delighted with the taste and texture.  The cakes were more fluffy and I made them a bit more thick than usual.  I am now making kefir daily and using it smoothies, baked goods and other wonderful items.

New product line for IBS

Once again I was perusing the net for health information and found a great article on IBS, rather a pioneer in the IBS field.  Her name is Heather Van Vorous and she has a complete line of herbal remedies as well as books that assist the IBS prone individual.  Check it out!  Heather's Tummy Care Her link is in my favorite links at the side bar.

If you are what you eat...please eat organic! Our food supply is not safe.

This information is so disturbing...If the cliche, "You are what you eat," is true...then it would make sense that eating poison will cause disease or kill you.  Please watch... (check out her link on my side bar under: allergy kids).

The Who, What, Where and Why of Kefir...

In my search to find intestinal balance, I tried every product I could get my hands on and afford.  Using yogurt and other probiotics in my diet was an everyday thing.  However, there were some drawbacks that I did not like, for instance, the added sugar, other sweeteners, and the fact that these probiotics weren't as active as they are touted as being. 

So, I searched for something new and promising.  Well, while not new in terms of existence, I have found something that appears rather promising.  I have yet to try it, however, I am in the process of preparing my kefir for consumption, starting with re-hydrating it.  

For those of you wondering what is kefir, let me explain.  Kefir is a cultured milk grain that  grows from a symbiotic relationship between the yeast and the probitotics.  It's grows much like a sourdough starter, however it does not contain any wheat, or other flour grains of any kind.  Kefir contains beneficial healthy yeast and probiotics that help to replenish and protect your intestinal tract.  This is the best, most economical and nutritive way to obtain probiotics. 

Studies have shown the benefits of Kefir to be substantial.  See the following links for added information regarding this wonderful milk culture.

 kefir

 natural news

yourkefirsource

Kefir Part I

I received my Kefir order three days ago.  I pulled out all of my little goodies and began the process of rehydration.
1.  I opened the package and poured the kefir grains into a glass jar.
2.  I poured 1 cup of organic non-fat milk into the jar.
3.  I covered the jar with a coffee filter and rubber-band.
4.  I let it sit in a lukewarm place for 24 hours.

The next day at the same time of day I poured off the liquid into a strainer and kept the grains. 
I placed the grains back into the jar and added 1 Cup of organic milk and covered it.  I placed it in a warm place for another 24 hours.  The liquid that I poured off was just like regular milk, no coagulation or thickening.
On the third day, which is today, I went to pour off the liquid and to my surprise there was lots of coagulation and thickening.  I poured the contents into the strainer over a bowl.  It was so thick, that I had to use my wooden spoon to gently stir and press the gooey substance through the strainer as I stirred.  But, not too much so as not to disturb the Kefir grains.  I then repeated the process.  Added 1 Cup organic milk to the grains and covered for another 24 hours.
I realized that the reason for the thickening was that I had used my oven last night, which was very close to where these grains were sitting.  It smelled fine, so I figure all is good.  I will keep you posted on the rest of the processing.
Sorry for no pics, as my camera is under repair.  I will post pics a.s.a.p.

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

 I have always had problems with high oxalate foods.  In my twenties, my kidneys were always giving me problems.  I had frequent kidney infections and would constantly push myself to drink water.  In my thirties, it got worse.  The only remedy that I found to reduce the pain, with what I determined as kidney stones, was pure lemon juice.  If you have problems with some of these same things, check out this site.  See the link:

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

Posts to come...

It's been a troubling time without my deluxe digital camera.  It's broken and now I have to wait to post my foodie images.  But here is a tantalizing taste of what I'll post next...
Hawaiian Kabobs with Sweet-N-Sour Salad, and Coconut Smoothies.
Fabulous Chicken Curry...Hot & Spicy just the way I like it. 
Quinoa Mexicana Ensalada...a more exciting version of the one on my recipe blogs. 

Stay tuned for the follow up recipes...

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche

1-2 Cups Cocktail Shrimp (in the cold section at the meat counter). 

2 Cups of diced cucumber, 

3/4-1 Cup diced tomatoes (I used Roma, however, a juicer tomato would be great), 

1/2 Cup diced Red Onion, 

Juice from 2-3 Lemons, 

Juice from 1 Lime, 

2 Tsp. Cilantro, 

*optional: 1 small, firm, diced avacado. 

Snowy's Bumble Bee All Natural Clam Juice 8 oz. bottle, 

*optional: 2 tsp. Olive Oil, 

1 tsp. Sea Salt (use more or less according to your liking), 

dash of pepper, 

1-2 Tbsp. Tapatio Chili Sauce.

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa or GF Crackers or GF Bread

Fold ingredients together and serve on a bed of cold cooked Quinoa. I loved this because it's practically fat free, low sodium, gluten free, and no sugar.

How to make milk Kefir

I just ordered from the Cultures for Health company and can't wait to try out their Kefir cultures for the first time.  I'll post my experience as soon as it ships.  Enjoy!

How to make dairy free yogurt

What can I eat...and the curious case of the belly button

Hmmm...Fiddle Faddle.  So, your tummy is your nemisis, your belly button feels like it's on fire and you have this knawing sensation that something is not right within that body of yours.   Sounds like the curious case of Ibs or better known as, I Better Surrender...to change!
I have to say that many of my friends and family sit the fence when it comes to going completely gf.  I think the thought of having to do without, pervades the senses with senselessness.  Who ever said you have to go without?  So, it takes some work and you have to clean out your pantry of all the food offenders, including those Twinkies (that will survive the next Millenia).  You may even learn to like being in the kitchen and trying out your newly found chef skills.  Regardless, you will be better off.  Not only will you like the way you feel, you will love the way you feel.  So...here are some oldie but goodie pointers to help you down the road to awesomeness!
1.  Be a label reader!
2.  Stay away from Wheat, Barley, Rye and Spelt and their derivatives.
3.  Stay away from pre-packaged foods (hamburger helper, processed meats, etc...)
4.  Unless something is made in a gluten free facility, you can still have gluten in that food.
5.  Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, however, they have gotten better at listing the main food offenders on their lables.  I'm finding that just because it says it's gluten free, does not mean that it is!
6.  Know which manufacturers are reliable with their labeling.
7.  Ask questions.
8.  Start a food diary.(I'll have to upload this as a new post so that you can make the most of it.)

How much water should we drink???

According to some physicians, drinking 8-10 glasses of water is debatable depending upon certain conditions, body mass and activity.  Not to mention the fact that we can also include high water content foods such as, watermelon, peaches, cucumbers and oranges.  Many of these are high in needed potassium.  In addition, one of the best forms of hydration can be found in coconut water.  This can be found in the white husked coconuts.   Regardless of our choice of hydration, it's important not to overdue our consumption, because of certain health risks associated with excessive fluid consumption.  My thoughts are, if you are exercising, you need to rehydrate a sufficient amount to replace fluid loss, this is outside of your normal 8 glasses of water per day.  If you are thirsty, drink!  We need to listen to our bodies and pay attention to the quantities we consume each day.  Many times, if we are busy, we can go all day without so much as a pint of water.  Our bodies are 70 percent water, and our muscles, tissue, blood and organs need the fluid to perform sufficiently.  In addition, if we want to stay regular our water intake needs to be adequate.  So, remember not to get water logged and to stay afloat of what your body is telling you...by remembering quality & quantity of fluid intake.

1 in 13 have food allergies...go figure!

Is it any wonder, with all of the pesticide use and genetically modified foods that our children are becoming more sensitive to what they eat.  Knowing that seeds are genetically modified to contain the pesticide is alarming.  Parents have to be vigilant to know what is going into their child's body and be aware of any potential reactions.  Statistically speaking, 1 in 13 children have food allergies.  Check out  this link for more information.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43472109#43472109

Best Gluten Free Foods...You be the judge!

Over the years I have tried many gluten-free products.  Some of my favorites have been included in this post.  Tell me what your favorites are.  http://www.shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/the-best-gluten-free-foods-2486894/

• BobsRedMill-  Love his flours and grains.  I order in bulk from his shop in Oregon.
• EnerGFoods.  Great foods as well.  Pastas, grains.
• Thai Kitchen.  If you love oriental foods, this is a great place to start.  I've tried many of their tried and true recipes from their website.  Check them out!
• Prego.  Yes, it's gluten-free!
• LaVictoria.  Again it's gluten-free!
• Alfresco sausages.  Love them!
• Tinkyada rice and pasta!  This is a staple at our house.

• Annies pastas, salad dressings, snacks.  Wonderful!  My daughter loves their gluten-free mac and cheese.  Delightful!  

Hope this helps direct you a bit.  These are all great food suppliers for the gf diet.

Sweet Potato Spice Cookies

Delicious Canned Yammie Cookies:

Flour Blend:

1 Cups Sorghum Flour

2/3 Cup Millet Flour

1/8  Cup Potato Starch

1/8 Cup Arrowroot Starch

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

2 Pinch of Cloves

2 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Ginger

1 ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract (Pure)
1/4 C- Dark Agave or 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 C- Honey or Molasses

¾  Cup of Mashed Sweet Potato or Yams (canned) * may substitute 1 Cup pureed carrots, yams, or pumpkin

1/4-Cup Grapeseed Oil  (use smaller amount if reducing fat intake or if you like a dryer cookie)
*1/4 Cup Almond Milk (optional)  If you find that the batter is too thin, you may omit this ingredient.
*1 egg or 2 egg whites (optional)

Optional mix-in’s:  2/3 Cup Chocolate Chips, 2/3 Cup Raisins, 2/3 Cup Almonds, walnuts or pecans. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Drop cookie batter onto cookie sheet.  Bake for 12-15 minutes until soft but firm.  This recipe will make 24 mini cookies or 12 larger cookies.  Enjoy!