I Am Thankful For....

Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving is not... I repeat... It is NOT about the food!


Thanksgiving is a holiday about family.


It is about snuggling up in your pajamas next to your sisters to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

It is about fighting your Dad for the last cup of coffee, but letting him have it because you love him.


It is about dragging the Christmas tree out of the attic and yelling at the boys to "stop playing around and come do this man job".


Thanksgiving is about love, laughter, and giving thanks for the wonderful, amazing people God has placed in your life.

That being said....

Today I started my Thanksgiving baking. In true Gluten Free Gidget fashion.... CHAOS ENSUED!
-My food processor developed a leak.
-I dropped a can of pumpkin puree which splattered all over the entire kitchen, up the walls,
across the floor, all over Dickens... You get the picture.
-I dropped the lid of a 2nd can of pumpkin puree on my foot. This time, I had a combination of
blood and pumpkin puree to clean up.

But... I persevered and was greatly rewarded.

I am thankful for....

Crustless, Vegan Pumpkin Pie
It is a recipe by the amazing Karina of Karina's Kitchen.


This delicious pie has been a tradition since my very first Gluten Free Thanksgiving 2 years ago.

I was so proud of myself for cooking an entirely Gluten and Dairy Free Thanksgiving meal for GF Guy and myself. Hahaha!

Harvest Muffins


Another Gluten Free Thanksgiving tradition. Actually, they are an "Anytime" tradition. We just LOVE them that much!

My mom started brining our Organic Turkey tonight. This is the recipe we are trying this year. It's something new. Here's hoping it works!

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

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Oldies, But Goodies....

Wow... this has been the busiest cooking day! Nothing I made today was new. Instead, I went with tried and true.
Life has been crazy busy as of late. I have been neglecting poor GF Guy, who has been left to fend for himself, poor baby. To make up for it, I made one of his favorite meals, Pulled Pork and Baked Beans. He has been hinting at wanting this dinner for a few weeks now. I figured it was time. The man has been working 13 hour days for 2 weeks. He definitely deserves a good meal. I began cooking the pork early this morning. By 6:00 the meal was ready! I packed everything up and took it to the theater for a little picnic in the lobby. You've got to get the time together wherever and whenever you can!

Today's other cooking endeavor was a bit more serious. Tita, my grandmother (actually my husband's grandmother... but basically mine, too),


has been in the hospital. She underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a cancerous mass. It was suppose to be a quick overnight stay, but turned into a week long ordeal. However, I am happy to report she arrived home from the hospital today cancer free! She is still in a lot of pain and completely exhausted, as is the rest of the family. Comfort food was in order in the form of Chicken Soup. I basically made Rainbow Chicken Soup, sans Purple Potatoes. Instead, I used Yukon Gold Potatoes and doubled the recipe. The steaming bowls of fresh, organic vegetables and nourishing, organic chicken were exactly what the family needed to soothe and nourish their bodies and souls after such a stressful week.

Since I don't have pictures of today's meals, (I needed to focus more on the people today) I will leave you with pictures of my newest dessert endeavor: Averie's Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups


I used Enjoy Life Gluten, Dairy, and Soy Free Chocolate Chips and Raw Almond Butter to create these little treats for GF Guy. Reeses are his FAVORITE!!!!!!!

PS- For those of you who were wondering, Pop LOVED the Picadillo!

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Overly Caucasian....

I married into a Cuban family....

I am very...

well...



...NOT Cuban. Let's just say I've often been referred to as "overly Caucasian".

I tried to learn Spanish once. I kept telling people "I have lots of men", when I meant to say "I am very hungry"....

Like I said, I am very not Cuban.

This being said, I decided to try to make a traditional Cuban meal for my husband's Grandfather. I decided to tackle Picadillo. As usual, I took a perfectly good recipe (a family recipe), found 3 other recipes, and used them all to create my own. I just can't leave well enough alone! I normally am not a huge fan of Picadillo. It's basically Sloppy Joes served over white rice. Surprisingly, though, I like my version, which I served over Quinoa. Let your taste buds be the judge.


This Little White Girl's Picadillo


Ingredients:

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 White Onion, chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 lb. Organic, Grass Fed Ground Beef
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Gluten Free Beer (I used Redbridge)
- 1/4 cup, or less, Spanish Olives
- 2 teaspoons Capers, and a little brine
- 1/4 cup Golden Raisins

In a large pot, saute onions and peppers in oil over medium high heat.
Once onions are soft add garlic and spices.
Allow flavors to marry, about 1 minute, before adding the ground beef.
Brown the beef.
Add all other ingredients.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 30 minutes.

Simple, no? I don't know if Pop liked my version, yet. GF Guy took it over this morning before work. Keep your fingers crossed!

While I made this man meal for the Cuban men in my life, I made myself an utterly delightful "Me Meal".


Spiralized Zucchini "Noodles" with steamed Spinach and Brussel Sprouts covered in Marinara Sauce and sprinkled with Nutritional Yeast Flakes. A slice of Oat So Good Bread was the perfect dipping tool. (PS- the bread is the moistest, most delicious gluten free bread I have ever tasted! You MUST try this recipe!)

Also... I need your help. I just found out I will be cooking for the ENTIRE family this Sunday. I need to cook a meal sure to feed the hungriest of appetites, yet something light enough that my grandmother will be able to eat it. I am thinking soup. Any suggestions would be most welcome and appreciated! Thanks!

AND... I just found out one of my blog posts is featured on Be Well @ Stanford powered by Wellsphere! Check it out!

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Candy Bars Are So Last Year....

I have an embarrassing confession....

I used to LOVE candy bars. The ooey, gooey, chocolaty goodness called to me, and I answered it's siren song. My friends personal favorites were:

Carmello

Midnight Milky Way


Twix


and.....

ALMOND JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Can you guess which one was my favorite?

How can you resist those layers of coconut and almonds coated in rich chocolate?

Plus, they are joyous! They have a sense of humor....


Now, the thought of eating one of these sweet bars of decadence kind of makes me sick. How did I ever eat a whole one of these in one sitting?! I would probably go into sugar-shock for a week... solid! However, that does not mean I do not still appreciate and love the flavor combinations of these classic check-out line treats. How can you go wrong with coconut, almond, and cocoa?

BUT... I have grown up... (don't laugh!) I have moved on... I have evolved...

You get the picture...

I decided to use my new found love of "children" to create a "grand baby" for my mom to enjoy. It is time for more fun with Fudgie Babies!!!!!!!!! My mom prefers her babies less "date-y" and more "cocoa-y". Using her personal preferences, this is what I came up with.


Almond Joy Fudgie Babies


Ingredients:
- 8 Medjool Dates, pitted
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 5 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- organic Unsweetened, Shredded Coconut, for rolling

Place all ingredients, except the coconut, into a food processor.
Process until the ingredients come together to form a ball.
Form into balls and roll in coconut flakes.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Next time I might try using Almonds instead of Walnuts and Vanilla Extract instead of Almond Extract. I liked the flavor, but I think these changes would be more like the original.

My mom LOVED her new Fudgie Grand-Babies. In fact, she took most of them home with her! Thanks mom! You are the best Grandma EVER!

What were/are your favorite candy bars/candy?

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National Homemade Bread Day....

Happy National Homemade Bread Day!!!!!!!!!!

In honor of this illustrious holiday, I developed a new recipe, based on an existing Oat Bread recipe from the Cream Hill Estates website.

Oat So Good Bread


Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Hot Water
- 2 Eggs
- 3 tablespoons Oil
- 1 cup Certified Gluten-free, Old Fashioned, Rolled Oats (Lara's from Cream Hill Estates)
- 1 cup Certified Gluten-free Oat Flour (Cream Hill Estates)
- 3/4 cup Brown Rice Flour
- 1/2 cup Sorghum Flour
- 3 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Xanthum Gum
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Place ingredients in you Bread Machine according to manufacturer's instructions.
Select the Gluten Free setting for a 1.5 pound loaf.
Test loaf for hollow sound after set cook time ends. Add 5 minutes if needed.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
*Not all Celiac's can tolerate Gluten-free Oats. I am one of the lucky ones who can handle them in moderation.

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Fudgie Not Pudgie....

I have become a part of a growing movement. A movement so amazing, I can not keep it to myself.....

GF Guy and I are having a baby!


A FUDGIE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone's favorite Chocolate-Covered Vegan, Katie, has started a raw revolution with her Fudgie Baby recipe. Variations have been popping up all over the blog-o-sphere. It was only a matter of time before I jumped on the bandwagon.

I was a bit nervous about how receptive GF Guy would be to welcoming these adorable babies into our little home. I need not have worried. HE LOVED THEM! ... as did my mom,and trainer, and..... you get the picture. I just can't help myself! I have to spread the word! These are the BEST, easiest, healthiest, most satisfying dessert EVER!!!!!!! Make them NOW!

Mint Chocolate Fudgie Babies


Ingredients:
- 8 oz. Dates, pitted
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 4 tablespoons Cocoa Powder

Place ingredients in a food processor.


Whirl away until a ball forms.


Pinch off pieces and roll into little baby balls.
Enjoy!

I can not wait to try more variations. My mind is going crazy with the possibilities! Any requests/suggestions?
Speaking of Katie, she is hosting an awesome Chocolate-y giveaway!
While you are at it, be sure to check out Katie's Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness. She is such a wonderful lady with such a giving heart!

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There Was a Little Girl, Who Had a Little Curl....

I am that little girl, and I have a whole lotta curl. Are you curious as to why I have so much curl today? Well, it because.....

I GOT A SPIRALIZER FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She's beautiful, isn't she?.... le sigh....

After seeing Spiralizer creations featured on Averie, Katie, and Gena's blogs, I knew I just had to have one of my own. In fact, I have been lusting after a Spiralizer for months. After tonight's "Me Meal", I can definitively state, it was worth the wait.

If you are just tuning in to the "Me Meal" episodes, I will give you a quick recap. GF Guy is in tech for the new musical he is working on, Wonderland. This means he is at the theater until after midnight every night, leaving me a "Theater Widow". I miss not seeing much of him. However, I am always one to accentuate the positive. I am looking at this as a chance to make all sorts of fun meals I have been wanting to create, but haven't because I didn't think he would like them. Hence, the "Me Meals" series was created. We are now in week 2.

Behold.... a Spiralizer creation! I was craving meat tonight, for some odd reason. This is a rare occurrence, so I knew my body must need it. Unfortunately, I did not have any meat in the house... or so I thought. I peered into the depths of my freezer (aka my best friend) a found a few frozen Turkey and Spinach Meatballs! SCORE! It was time to go Italian!

"Spaghetti" a la Zucchini


Ingredients:
- 1 Zucchini Squash
- Marinara Sauce
- leftover Turkey and Spinach Meatballs (from the freezer)
- Garlic Powder
- Nutritional Yeast Flakes

I began by cutting the ends off an organic zucchini squash (bought at the Farmer's Market yesterday). Then, I cut a shallow, slit lengthwise down the center of the zucchini, placed it on the Spiralizer, and set to cranking.


It's a miracle! Curly noodles began to accumulate in greater volumes then I had anticipated.


I originally planned on using both a zucchini and a yellow squash,

but only need the zucchini!

The remaining zucchini scraps looked a bit... awkward.


However, the resulting bowl of "noodles",


which I topped with marinara,


meatballs, and "cheese" was a big old bowl of heaven!

This meal was surprisingly filling, and not so surprisingly delicious. If you don't have a Spiralizer, ask for one for Christmas! You definitely NEED one of these!

I also made a decadent, sinless dessert, but.....

You will have to tune in tomorrow for the details!!!!!!!!!

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