"Real Food" and "good food" don't need to be hard, or complicated. The trick to eating well is to have a few go-to recipes in your back pocket that you can count on in a pinch.
I've not been feeling well the last few days, due to an unfortunate "glutening" at a restaurant. I wanted something comforting and nourishing for my Sunday supper, but had zero energy to cook.
Enter, Easy Curry Rice Bake. Vegan. Gluten Free. Easy Peasy.
{{Photo that I was too tired to take goes here}}
Easy Curry Rice Bake
2c Assorted frozen vegetables* (my favorites are onions, spinich, broccoli, or bell peppers)
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained* (I was out of chickpeas, so omitted them this time)
1 14oz can diced tomatoes*
1 14oz can light coconut milk*
1 1/4 c brown rice
1/2 teas. diced garlic (I keep a jar in the fridge, for "emergencies")
1 teas. salt (to taste)
1 - 2 tbsp curry powder (to taste)
Throw it all in a covered casserole dish and into a 350 degree oven. In an hour, you'll have a happy tummy.
*Of course, for maximum nutrition, fresh is always best. Also, canned goods can leach BPA, a hormone disrupter. I mostly avoid canned goods, but hey, sometimes a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do to get fed!
Nutritional bonuses:
- Pack as many veggies as you want into this dish... more phytochemical goodness is always welcome!
- One of the main ingredients in curry powder is tumeric, which is a powerful anti-inflamatory.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think my sofa is calling....
11.19.2012
8.15.2012
6.03.2012
Welcoming Early Summer
This week, I had the opportunity to have dinner with some new friends. My mother always taught me that one never shows up to a gathering empty-handed, and I love to cook for others, so I offered to bring the desert.
It was to be a warm, sunny, perfect early-summer day, so I wanted a desert to reflect the bourgeoning season. To me, nothing says the arrival of June like strawberries and rhubarb. And thus, a desert was born.
I'd missed the morning's farmer's market, so off to the co-op I schlepped, Cream City Pooch in tow, for supplies. Organic berries. Local Rhubarb. Sassy Cow vanilla ice cream.
For inspiration, I reached out to two of my favorite gluten-free recipe sources, Gluten Free Girl and Gluten Free Goddess.
Here's what resulted:
Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Filling:
1 qt Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (Buy organic! Strawberries are part of the Dirty Dozen.)
2 C. Rhubarb, chopped
1 T Cornstarch
1 1/2 T Sugar
1 tea Vanilla
Topping:
1/2 C. Almond flour
1/2 C. Gluten-free Oats
1/2 C. Brown rice flour
1/2 C. Cornmeal
1 tea Baking powder
1/2 tea Salt
3/4 C. Brown sugar
1 C. Butter, frozen
Preheat oven to 375. In a buttered baking dish (8x8, or shallow casserole works fine), toss fruit with cornstarch and sugar. Drizzle with vanilla.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry topping ingredients and brown sugar. Using a box grater or microplane, grate in frozen butter. (This breaks up the butter into small pieces and makes it easy to combine with the dry ingredients.) With a fork or pastry cutter, incorporate butter into the dry ingredients. When the mixture looks like pea-sized crumbles, you're ready to rock.
Dump the topping on top of the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out so that all the fruit is covered.
Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the fruit juices begin to bubble up through.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. Serve with fresh whipped dairy cream or coconut milk, or with ice cream.
Sit back, sigh, and welcome summer into your home and your mouth.
(Please excuse the bad phone photos...)
It was to be a warm, sunny, perfect early-summer day, so I wanted a desert to reflect the bourgeoning season. To me, nothing says the arrival of June like strawberries and rhubarb. And thus, a desert was born.
I'd missed the morning's farmer's market, so off to the co-op I schlepped, Cream City Pooch in tow, for supplies. Organic berries. Local Rhubarb. Sassy Cow vanilla ice cream.
For inspiration, I reached out to two of my favorite gluten-free recipe sources, Gluten Free Girl and Gluten Free Goddess.
Here's what resulted:
Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Filling:
1 qt Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (Buy organic! Strawberries are part of the Dirty Dozen.)
2 C. Rhubarb, chopped
1 T Cornstarch
1 1/2 T Sugar
1 tea Vanilla
Topping:
1/2 C. Almond flour
1/2 C. Gluten-free Oats
1/2 C. Brown rice flour
1/2 C. Cornmeal
1 tea Baking powder
1/2 tea Salt
3/4 C. Brown sugar
1 C. Butter, frozen
Preheat oven to 375. In a buttered baking dish (8x8, or shallow casserole works fine), toss fruit with cornstarch and sugar. Drizzle with vanilla.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry topping ingredients and brown sugar. Using a box grater or microplane, grate in frozen butter. (This breaks up the butter into small pieces and makes it easy to combine with the dry ingredients.) With a fork or pastry cutter, incorporate butter into the dry ingredients. When the mixture looks like pea-sized crumbles, you're ready to rock.
Dump the topping on top of the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out so that all the fruit is covered.
Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the fruit juices begin to bubble up through.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. Serve with fresh whipped dairy cream or coconut milk, or with ice cream.
Sit back, sigh, and welcome summer into your home and your mouth.
(Please excuse the bad phone photos...)
5.30.2012
...just like starting over
It's been just over a year since I've posted here to Cream City Green. When I welcomed 2011, I had little clue what was in store.
There were some definite high points (like the new career that curtailed my blogging efforts), and some lows (like losing an important relationship).
As the sine wave of life seems to be tempering, I'm hoping to redouble my efforts at this whole blogging affair. There will likely be more posts about food. There may be some armchair philosophy. There will certainly be bad puns.
For now, a photo of a recent day trip to The House on the Rock
Welcome back, Cotter.
There were some definite high points (like the new career that curtailed my blogging efforts), and some lows (like losing an important relationship).
As the sine wave of life seems to be tempering, I'm hoping to redouble my efforts at this whole blogging affair. There will likely be more posts about food. There may be some armchair philosophy. There will certainly be bad puns.
For now, a photo of a recent day trip to The House on the Rock
Welcome back, Cotter.
5.05.2011
Spring Cleaning- Digestion style
Lots of us have been busy cleaning house for spring. Opening those windows, airing out the rugs, scrubbing walls and woodwork... I've been doing a bit of that around here, too (though, admittedly, I don't much care for house cleaning). Spring cleaning when you're a pet owner takes on a bit of a different form, however, since you're constantly contending with their shedding! I've resigned myself to dust-bunnies for the next month. Don't judge.
Lately, I'd resigned myself to a dirty house, but also a "dirty" digestion system. By and large, I try to eat well. I don't eat fast food, am gluten-free and largely dairy-free, and try hard to sneak in extra veggies wherever I can. (My recipe for sloppy joes may just contain more veg than meat!) Inevitably, though, we all fall off the bandwagon sometimes. Despite our best intentions. I've been slacking on my fruit and veg intake, reaching for the bag of chips, and letting myself eat desserts and candy far too often lately. Well, it's all finally caught up to me. I feel like my digestive system is a "before" picture from a Roto-Rooter ad. So, this week, I'm cleaning up my act. Time for a little internal spring cleaning.
I sometimes hesitate to use the term "cleanse", because it so often conjures up images of strange tinctures, expensive supplements, and being chained to a bathroom for a week. I've done cleanses like that. They're hard. They're hard to complete, as you're depriving yourself so fully of your normal routine and the food you love. I also believe they're hard on the body. Our little ol' liver can only process so many toxins in a day (especially when it's been chronically stressed by alcohol, coffee, sugar, and food additives), if your body is releasing (due to the cleansing) more toxins than the liver can process, they're simply re-absorbed into the body. Seems pretty counter-productive to me. (especially while you're making yourself miserable by eating nothing but some weird "lemonade")
Most cleanses prescribe a fist-full of pills multiple times a day. While I don't take anything too fancy, I do know my body, and I know that it sometimes needs a little extra help moving things along. So while I'm cleansing I take psyllium husk fiber, and a gentle herbal laxative (I've had good luck with both marshmallow root and senna leaf containing formulas). Again, if you're working so hard to eliminate toxins, it doesn't do much good if they sit around in your colon, only to be reabsorbed!
I'm now at the beginning of Day 3 of my cleanse. And BOY, did I need it! The sugar and salt cravings the last 2 days have been a bear! I find that maintaining a positive intention and attitude helps. Instead of concentrating on how much I want the thing I can't have, I try to think about how out-of-whack my body must have been and how much better I'll feel on the other side.
If you're looking for some reputable resources on real-food cleansing (and eating!), check out these folks:
The Food-Lover's Cleanse - a 2-week plan full of amazing foods that you will truly want to eat, and that your body will thank you for. I use this plan heavily for inspiration.
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/blog/ - Joy is a certified holistic nutritionist, and has lots of great advice on eating to make your body joyful. She's also got a great way of adding in the science that I love!
http://www.drweil.com/ - Dr. Andrew Weil has been a trusted voice in the holistic health community for years. His site is a treasure trove.
www.cleanprogram.com - this site may be trying to sell you a program, but there's lots of great info in their "resources" section
www.101cookbooks.com - Heidi doesn't necessarily talk about cleansing, per se, but her site is full of gorgeous natural food recipes, and the photos to make you want to cook them!
*Disclaimer: I'm not a healthcare professional. I'm not an expert on any of this. I'm simply trying to share what I've learned works for me. If you need professional advice, go get it. ....just not from me.
Lately, I'd resigned myself to a dirty house, but also a "dirty" digestion system. By and large, I try to eat well. I don't eat fast food, am gluten-free and largely dairy-free, and try hard to sneak in extra veggies wherever I can. (My recipe for sloppy joes may just contain more veg than meat!) Inevitably, though, we all fall off the bandwagon sometimes. Despite our best intentions. I've been slacking on my fruit and veg intake, reaching for the bag of chips, and letting myself eat desserts and candy far too often lately. Well, it's all finally caught up to me. I feel like my digestive system is a "before" picture from a Roto-Rooter ad. So, this week, I'm cleaning up my act. Time for a little internal spring cleaning.
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But I digress... Everyone's body functions differently. These highly-regemented cleanses may work really well for some folks. Me, on the other hand, I'm a bit more delicate. My body needs to be treated a bit more gently.
When I "cleanse", it's with real food. The plan is basic: if it's a vegetable, fruit, or gluten-free whole grain, I'll eat it. If it's none of those things, it doesn't go in my mouth. Sugars and fried foods are no-nos. I also cut out my morning cup of coffee to replace it with fresh lemon juice in hot water. I find the taste refreshing, the warmth comforting, and the lemon juice first thing in the morning gives the liver a jump-start to tackle the barrage of toxins in a day. In fact, I drink the lemon and water throughout the day. I feel like it makes my insides smile.
For breakfast, I might make a hemp-protein smoothie with fresh carrot or green juice and fruit. Or maybe I'll cube up some sweet-potatoes and have some hash and eggs (organic & cage-free, of course). (See? Cleansing can taste good!)
Lunch is often a green salad (spring greens and spinach pack a vitamin punch) loaded with veg of all sorts (whatever I'm in the mood for). I also try to add some chickpeas or black beans and/or some nuts and seeds for a bit of protein, maybe some avocado for that delicious healthy fat. If I'm not in the mood for salad, I might eat some leftover quinoa and sauteed veggies.
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Dinner is fairly wide open. Veggie stir-fry with brown rice? Sure! A quick curry? Absolutely! (Turmeric, cinnamon, and coconut milk are all super-healthy detox ingredients) Salad? If you're in the mood. Soup? Hey, why not! Brown rice risotto? Sounds good to me! When I cook, I use olive and coconut oils. I try to cook veggies only to the point of al dente, to retain their greatest nutrient power. I try not to use nightshades in excess (that's tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant), as they can be difficult to digest. As for meats, I go vegan for the first 2-3 days (which is not unusual for me, anyway). After the first few days, I simply try to listen to my body. Is it asking me for animal protein? When I do eat meats, I try to choice natural/organic meats that led a happy life and don't contain hormones or antibiotics. When cleansing, I also try to eat outside my norm when it comes to meats. I might go for a buffalo burger patty instead of beef, or venison if I can get it.
As for snack time (because we all need snacks... especially when our bodies are working hard and we're eating vegan), I try to choose raw veggies, or a piece of fruit, or a handful of almonds (soaked overnight is best, as they're easier to digest). I've also been totally addicted to these crunchy roasted chickpeas.
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I'm now at the beginning of Day 3 of my cleanse. And BOY, did I need it! The sugar and salt cravings the last 2 days have been a bear! I find that maintaining a positive intention and attitude helps. Instead of concentrating on how much I want the thing I can't have, I try to think about how out-of-whack my body must have been and how much better I'll feel on the other side.
If you're looking for some reputable resources on real-food cleansing (and eating!), check out these folks:
The Food-Lover's Cleanse - a 2-week plan full of amazing foods that you will truly want to eat, and that your body will thank you for. I use this plan heavily for inspiration.
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/blog/ - Joy is a certified holistic nutritionist, and has lots of great advice on eating to make your body joyful. She's also got a great way of adding in the science that I love!
http://www.drweil.com/ - Dr. Andrew Weil has been a trusted voice in the holistic health community for years. His site is a treasure trove.
www.cleanprogram.com - this site may be trying to sell you a program, but there's lots of great info in their "resources" section
www.101cookbooks.com - Heidi doesn't necessarily talk about cleansing, per se, but her site is full of gorgeous natural food recipes, and the photos to make you want to cook them!
*Disclaimer: I'm not a healthcare professional. I'm not an expert on any of this. I'm simply trying to share what I've learned works for me. If you need professional advice, go get it. ....just not from me.
4.22.2011
The Book that Started it All
There are moments in life that, for one reason or another, really seem to stick with you. I suppose you could call them "life- changing".
For me, the Fourth grade was one of them. I so clearly remember Mrs. Horton's reading corner in our classroom. The selections on her bookshelf shaped my life. Especially this one:
For me, the Fourth grade was one of them. I so clearly remember Mrs. Horton's reading corner in our classroom. The selections on her bookshelf shaped my life. Especially this one:
I'd always been taught not to litter, and to enjoy the beauty of nature, but this was my first real introduction to the perils facing the planet. I'm sure that I rivaled the kid in Jerry Maguire on the annoyance scale with all of my new-found facts, but it spurred a passion for the rest of my life.
Originally published in 1989, "50 Simple Things" was one of the first books to "spread the gospel" to the common folk about the green movement, and its urgency. Now a 5 million copy bestseller, with a new, updated, 21st century version, it continues to inspire, and be relevant.
And now, through the wonders of the internets, the original (out of print) 1989 edition is available, in its entirety, for Free!
So, Happy Earth Day. Here's a gift.
4.19.2011
Spring in Wisconsin
It snowed over the weekend. In the middle of April. Spring is a fickle mistress here in Wisconsin. About the only way to deal with it is a hefty dose of patience. And a sense of humor.
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| Via A Way to Garden |
4.17.2011
Cream City Cookies for a Cause
We're at it again! Cream City Green is partnering with some of our favorite folks at Burp! and #MKEfoodies for a great cause. You may recall that little event we hosted last fall that kindled a great friendship with Peef and Lo. So, when Lo approached me about pitching in on another event, I surely couldn't say no!
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers. Through local bake sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer.
On May 21, we'll join hundreds nationwide in holding a bake sale to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. To sweeten the pot, the Glad Products Company has pledged to match all funds raised for Cookies for Kids' Cancer during the month of May (up to $225,000)!
Coupled with this fun announcement is a plea for help. We need volunteers and bakers! We're also rounding up items for the silent auction, if you're a crafter/artist/business owner. If you'd like to help, just leave a comment, and I'll get in touch.
If you can't bake or volunteer, then just Save the Date! It's sure to be a fun event. Best Place is beautiful, and we #MKEfoodies are a pretty darned friendly bunch! (And don't worry, there's already plans in the works to accommodate our vegan and gluten-free cookie loving friends!)
Wave "hi" to Lo, and we'll see you on the 21st!
Can't make it, but still want to donate? Click here.
May 21, 2011
1-4 pm
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers. Through local bake sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer.
On May 21, we'll join hundreds nationwide in holding a bake sale to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. To sweeten the pot, the Glad Products Company has pledged to match all funds raised for Cookies for Kids' Cancer during the month of May (up to $225,000)!
Coupled with this fun announcement is a plea for help. We need volunteers and bakers! We're also rounding up items for the silent auction, if you're a crafter/artist/business owner. If you'd like to help, just leave a comment, and I'll get in touch.
If you can't bake or volunteer, then just Save the Date! It's sure to be a fun event. Best Place is beautiful, and we #MKEfoodies are a pretty darned friendly bunch! (And don't worry, there's already plans in the works to accommodate our vegan and gluten-free cookie loving friends!)
Wave "hi" to Lo, and we'll see you on the 21st!
Can't make it, but still want to donate? Click here.
3.28.2011
Waiter, there's Bacon in my Popcorn!
There are cultures on this fine earth that believe the pig is an unclean animal and should not be consumed. I don't know if they're right or wrong, but I do know that they're missing out. Of all the meats, pork has an amazing ability to transform into wondrous things... prosciutto, carnitas, ham, sausages, and, of course, bacon.
Bacon has magical powers. This is no secret. It was the power of bacon that compelled me back to being omnivorous after a dozen years as a vegetarian. As the saying, and the t-shirt goes, "Bacon makes everything better".
I guess it's no surprise, then, that when brainstorming ideas for an appetizer/desert to bring with me to Paul and Lori's recent Soup Night, I turned to bacon. Actually, in this case, the bacon was a happy accident. I'd decided that I wanted to make some sort of gourmet flavored popcorn to share with my foodie friends on the inspiration of Roots Restaurant. So I set to googling "gourmet popcorn recipes"... Eventually, I came upon this.
Sold.
And so the Nueske's bacon came out of the freezer (because no Milwaukee kitchen is complete without a stash on-hand), the bourbon supply was re-upped, and Bourbon Bacon Popcorn was made.
And then eaten.
All of it.
The Power of Bacon compelled me.
Bacon has magical powers. This is no secret. It was the power of bacon that compelled me back to being omnivorous after a dozen years as a vegetarian. As the saying, and the t-shirt goes, "Bacon makes everything better".
I guess it's no surprise, then, that when brainstorming ideas for an appetizer/desert to bring with me to Paul and Lori's recent Soup Night, I turned to bacon. Actually, in this case, the bacon was a happy accident. I'd decided that I wanted to make some sort of gourmet flavored popcorn to share with my foodie friends on the inspiration of Roots Restaurant. So I set to googling "gourmet popcorn recipes"... Eventually, I came upon this.
Sold.
And so the Nueske's bacon came out of the freezer (because no Milwaukee kitchen is complete without a stash on-hand), the bourbon supply was re-upped, and Bourbon Bacon Popcorn was made.
And then eaten.
All of it.
The Power of Bacon compelled me.
Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn (adapted from sarahsprague.com)
5 quarts fresh plain popcorn
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 lb bacon (applewood-smoked is awesome) - fried crispy and chopped into bits
1 cup butter (for extra bacon-y goodness, replace up to half the butter with an equal amount of bacon drippings)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 teas. sea salt
1/2 teas. baking soda
6 oz. bourbon
Preheat your oven to 250º.
Melt butter over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt and then stir until boiling at the edges. Lower the heat slightly and let boil until the caramel is 250º or until it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, add baking soda and bourbon. Once fully incorporated, stir in bacon and pecans
Divide mixed popcorn between 2 lightly-greased 9x13 or jelly roll pans. Pour caramel evenly over corn. Mix to coat. (Use a greased rubber spatula to keep from going crazy.) Place in oven and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 - 15 minutes.
Remove caramel corn from oven, spread on parchment or wax paper to cool. Break into pieces. When completely cool, store in airtight container. Store in refrigerator -- there's meat in there!
3.17.2011
A Lesson in Blogging
To my Faithful Readers: (all 5 of you)
I never really figured that anyone outside of my friends and family would care much about or read my meanderings here on the blog. I never had a particularly grandiose vision. Nor did I imagine that I'd somehow become a "professional blogger" due to my efforts here. I simply wanted a place to share some random musings from my life.
Because I never figured anyone would care, I made the blog public and left commenting open to anyone. In recent days, however, someone has taken to posting some unkind words here. Therefore, I've decided to begin moderating all comments before they're posted.
I generally try to abide by the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" rule. I hope for others to do the same. At the same time, I do enjoy a spirited debate. Wanna disagree with me? Great! Let's Discuss! ...of course, in order to have a conversation of well reasoned arguments, we need to know who each other are....
I never really figured that anyone outside of my friends and family would care much about or read my meanderings here on the blog. I never had a particularly grandiose vision. Nor did I imagine that I'd somehow become a "professional blogger" due to my efforts here. I simply wanted a place to share some random musings from my life.
Because I never figured anyone would care, I made the blog public and left commenting open to anyone. In recent days, however, someone has taken to posting some unkind words here. Therefore, I've decided to begin moderating all comments before they're posted.
I generally try to abide by the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" rule. I hope for others to do the same. At the same time, I do enjoy a spirited debate. Wanna disagree with me? Great! Let's Discuss! ...of course, in order to have a conversation of well reasoned arguments, we need to know who each other are....
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3.10.2011
Dirt Cheap Decor
Confession: I watch a lot of HGTV. Probably more than is healthy. One of the things that always makes me laugh/be jealous is when they show the "5 months after moving into our first home" shots, and everything looks professionally decorated and staged. Let's be honest, buying your first house pretty much decimates your bank accounts. (Especially when you have unexpected demolition and mold remediation projects pop up!)
Needless to say, my decorating budget has been pretty skimpy for the new house. (Personally, as much as part of me wishes that I had a home that could be featured on Design*Sponge, I enjoy the journey of homeownership.)
I've been staring at this blank wall in my living room for more than nine months.
Needless to say, my decorating budget has been pretty skimpy for the new house. (Personally, as much as part of me wishes that I had a home that could be featured on Design*Sponge, I enjoy the journey of homeownership.)
I've been staring at this blank wall in my living room for more than nine months.
Kindof depressing, right?
Thanks to a recent visit from Emily, my partner-in-crafting-crime, in idea was spouted:
Instead of shelling out a couple hundred bucks for a large-scale art piece, or enough frames for a proper photo-collage, why not make a stretched fabric canvas to bring in a pop of color and pattern? Brilliant.
The breakdown:
2 pieces of 1x2" moulding and a package of L-brackets = $5
1 yard of upholstery fabric (with 40% coupon, of course!) = $12
An hour and a half's worth of time (spread out over 2 weeks, because I'm lazy) = free
I had a couple of tin ceiling tiles that I had picked up at Hobby Lobby many moons ago (on sale of course!), and moved a few other things around....
Voila!
No more depressing college-y living room wall!
And yes, those books on the bottom of the bookshelf are Time Life Series home repair books. Copyright 1983. Courtesy of my dad.
3.07.2011
Quick Tuesday Eye Candy/Inspiration
2.27.2011
Gluten Free Goodness
Despite the fact that I've been eating gluten free for almost a year and a half, I had homemade GF Pizza for the first time last night.
Delicious!
For reasons I don't entirely understand, gluten free baking has always been off-putting to me somehow. Maybe it's a fear of failure. Maybe a reluctance to change the way I've been doing things since I was 12. Whatever the reason, since making my dietary shift, I haven't done much baking.
Until a few weeks ago.
Sarah over at Celiac in the City shared her grandmother's recipe for Monster Cookies. Because they're a flour-free cookie, they're naturally gluten-free, and, hence, less intimidating for yours truly. They are "omg"-inducingly good.
Gluten Free Pizza Crust
1 tablespoon dry yeast
1/2 cup milk, skim (I used rice milk)
1/2 teasp. sugar
2/3 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 teasp. xanthan gum
1/2 teasp. salt
1 teasp. Italian Seasoning (I used 1/2 tea. each dried oregano and basil)
1 teasp. olive oil
1 teasp. apple cider vinegar
Corn meal and rice flour (to prevent sticking)
- Preheat oven to 425*
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk for five minutes. In food processor, blend the rest of the ingredients, including yeast mixture, until ball forms. Dough will be soft
- Put mixture into greased 12-inch nonstick pizza pan
- Liberally sprinkle corn meal onto pizza sheet and press the dough into the pan with your hands. Sprinkle with rice flour to prevent sticking. Make edges thicker to contain toppings.
(I used corn meal, but didn't need any rice flour to prevent sticking. I think next time I'll omit the corn meal as well. Don't be scared that the dough is a little hard to work with. It'll come out just fine!)
- Bake pizza crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and add sauce and toppings. Bake another 20 - 25 minutes or until the top is nicely browned. (Mine was ready in just under 20 minutes.)
Delicious!
For reasons I don't entirely understand, gluten free baking has always been off-putting to me somehow. Maybe it's a fear of failure. Maybe a reluctance to change the way I've been doing things since I was 12. Whatever the reason, since making my dietary shift, I haven't done much baking.
Until a few weeks ago.
Sarah over at Celiac in the City shared her grandmother's recipe for Monster Cookies. Because they're a flour-free cookie, they're naturally gluten-free, and, hence, less intimidating for yours truly. They are "omg"-inducingly good.
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I've made them twice in the past month. They're that good. My first batch was for a Super Bowl party. And I may or may not have stood in the bulk candy aisle and picked through the m&ms for the green and gold ones. This last time, I decided to make them a little healthier, since I seem to be incapable of eating less than six of these buggers in a day. I added dried cranberries, golden raisins and chopped pecans and omitted the m&ms. I also shorted the sugar - omitting all the white sugar and increasing the brown sugar by a quarter cup. This less-sweet cookie was actually more to my liking, as I've become sensitive to sweets.
Flying high on my recent cookie success, I decided that I should try my hand at GF Pizza! I go to Transfer fairly often for their delicious GF pizzas, but I'm trying to curtail my restauranting budget. I've had a recipe for Gluten Free Pizza Crust in my recipe box for ages. Unfortunately, I don't know the original source - my mom clipped it from a newsletter for me. I was glad I finally tried it.
The texture was slightly dense and chewy, but in a pleasant way. The edges had a delicious crispness. I topped my crust with what was on hand - jarred pasta sauce, caramelized onions and baby portabella mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and black olives.
Gluten Free Pizza Crust
1 tablespoon dry yeast
1/2 cup milk, skim (I used rice milk)
1/2 teasp. sugar
2/3 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 teasp. xanthan gum
1/2 teasp. salt
1 teasp. Italian Seasoning (I used 1/2 tea. each dried oregano and basil)
1 teasp. olive oil
1 teasp. apple cider vinegar
Corn meal and rice flour (to prevent sticking)
- Preheat oven to 425*
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk for five minutes. In food processor, blend the rest of the ingredients, including yeast mixture, until ball forms. Dough will be soft
- Put mixture into greased 12-inch nonstick pizza pan
- Liberally sprinkle corn meal onto pizza sheet and press the dough into the pan with your hands. Sprinkle with rice flour to prevent sticking. Make edges thicker to contain toppings.
(I used corn meal, but didn't need any rice flour to prevent sticking. I think next time I'll omit the corn meal as well. Don't be scared that the dough is a little hard to work with. It'll come out just fine!)
- Bake pizza crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and add sauce and toppings. Bake another 20 - 25 minutes or until the top is nicely browned. (Mine was ready in just under 20 minutes.)
2.03.2011
Snowed In
Well, like most of the midwest, Cream City Green got clobbered with a blizzard over the past few days. I must admit, as a former Yooper, the prospect of 12 - 20" of snow in and of itself doesn't phase me much. But even by my hearty standards, this was a heckofa storm.
Before I bought my current house, I was living in a duplex with a three-car garage and a side drive. With all that driveway to contend with, my dad got me a snowblower. I don't use it much here in the new house, with all 35' of street frontage, but it sure was nice to have yesterday!
Here's what I saw when I opened the drapes on Wednesday morning:
Even Cream City Pooch was having a hard time locating the steps:
Before I bought my current house, I was living in a duplex with a three-car garage and a side drive. With all that driveway to contend with, my dad got me a snowblower. I don't use it much here in the new house, with all 35' of street frontage, but it sure was nice to have yesterday!
Here's what I saw when I opened the drapes on Wednesday morning:
Even Cream City Pooch was having a hard time locating the steps:
We had some pretty serious drifts along the side of the house, too:
Those are full-size windows, by the way.
And, yes, for those of you paying attention, a rain barrel is on the wish-list for this summer!
The storm helped to point out some areas of the house that need some better weatherproofing.
I'll be replacing this door (moving it, actually):
And it looks as though the (detached) garage could use a bit of weatherproofing, too!
I actually love when Mother Nature makes us all stop in our tracks for a day or two. It reminds us all of how fickle our lifestyle really can be. I also love the way neighbors band together during snowstorms. Yesterday, I spent nearly four hours clearing the alley and chatting with neighbors that we had never met. We're already discussing barbecues and block parties for the warmer months!
As a parting note, I feel I should mention ... Global Climate Change (or Global Warming, as most folks call it) is indicated by overall increased earth temperatures. In temperate to cold climates, like ours, however, it is indicated by stronger and more frequent storm events and not necessarily by a decrease in annual snowfall or cold days.
That's right. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, yesterday's blizzard may well have been a symptom of global warming.
I hope you all got dug out, and enjoyed your day off.
Now I'm off to find another blanket and cup of coffee.....
1.29.2011
Excited for New Neighbors
Here at Cream City Green, we're very excited about the new pub going in around the corner from us. The Riverwest Public House will be Milwaukee's only cooperatively owned bar. Slated to open in March, the Public House will occupy the former Sayleece's space at 815 E. Locust. While we never had any problems with the patrons from Sayleece's, they did tend to make the neighborhood noisy and raucous when entering and leaving the bar. We're hoping that the neighborhood clientele of the Public House will be a bit more conscientious of the neighborhood.
More importantly, though, we're excited about this concept, and about a new great neighborhood hangout and music venue.
The concept of the Public House is modeled after traditional English public houses - a place for the community to gather, share stories and gossip, laugh, and arrange mutual help within the community. According to their website, the mission of the Riverwest Public House is "Building Community, one drink at a time!" They'll be providing a "welcoming social meeting place", providing "a variety of affordable local, organic and/or delicious beers, ciders and spirits", and will "raise funds to propagate other cooperatives through the Riverwest Cooperative Alliance".
You can find out more about the Riverwest Public House on their website, including info about become a coop member and benefits thereof.
It's businesses like these that make me love living in the city... in THIS city!
Cheers!
1.14.2011
Organization dichotomies
Over the last year or so, I've been trying to become a more involved member of the citizenry. I was raised to know that giving your time and talents to others is important and good. But as I've become more involved in the environmental community, I've realized something. Organizations seem to come in one of two flavors: button-down and businessy, or patchouli-loving hippie-dippie.
It's a frustrating divide, as I've always seen myself as being a bit of both. It's also frustrating, because it leads to duplication of effort and missed opportunities for collaboration. One group seems to have the lion's share of the money, and the other group seems to have the people-power.
I'm not taking sides, or advocating for one type of activism over another. Both have their merits. My point is simply this: if these two types of environmental organizations could find more common ground, we'd all win. More would get done. ...and isn't that what everyone was after in the first place?
Admittedly, I don't have a solution here. I wish I did. The best I can say for now is that those of us who know how to walk with a foot on either side of the divide need to step it up. It may be an uphill battle to get our voices and new ideas heard within an organization, but we are duty-bound to try.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Ready? GO!
It's a frustrating divide, as I've always seen myself as being a bit of both. It's also frustrating, because it leads to duplication of effort and missed opportunities for collaboration. One group seems to have the lion's share of the money, and the other group seems to have the people-power.
I'm not taking sides, or advocating for one type of activism over another. Both have their merits. My point is simply this: if these two types of environmental organizations could find more common ground, we'd all win. More would get done. ...and isn't that what everyone was after in the first place?
Admittedly, I don't have a solution here. I wish I did. The best I can say for now is that those of us who know how to walk with a foot on either side of the divide need to step it up. It may be an uphill battle to get our voices and new ideas heard within an organization, but we are duty-bound to try.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Ready? GO!
1.04.2011
Welcome back to the New Year!
Sorry I've been so derelict in this blogging enterprise. It's a new year now, and I'm resolving to write more. (Lucky you!)
The latter half of 2010 was a doozy for me, personally. There were joyous moments, to be sure, but on the whole, I'm very happy for this fresh start.
As many of you are heading back to "real life" today, as the holidays come to a close. I hope that they were a restful and joyous time for you and your loved ones.
To start our year on a courageous footing, I want to share a song that my friend Lori shared with me a few weeks ago, as certain things in my life were coming to a head. It gave me courage and solace when I needed some. So, if you need a little of those things in your life today, I hope this little song can provide.
The latter half of 2010 was a doozy for me, personally. There were joyous moments, to be sure, but on the whole, I'm very happy for this fresh start.
As many of you are heading back to "real life" today, as the holidays come to a close. I hope that they were a restful and joyous time for you and your loved ones.
To start our year on a courageous footing, I want to share a song that my friend Lori shared with me a few weeks ago, as certain things in my life were coming to a head. It gave me courage and solace when I needed some. So, if you need a little of those things in your life today, I hope this little song can provide.
12.16.2010
Climate Change Conspiracy??
I feel a little like we should all be singing "'tis the season to be leaking incriminating documents..."
Fa La La La La
Yesterday, an internal email from Fox News was released. In the email, the corporations Washington Bureau Chief instructed staff that any mention of climate change should be IMMEDIATELY followed by statements of skepticism about its scientific existence. (Read the original news article here.)
Those of you who know me personally, know that I tend to be "left-of-center" on most issues. Oh, and also? I'm an environmental scientist. You can imagine my reaction. (Suffice it to say, it wasn't all that different from the reaction of virtually every environmental group in the country.)
As the serendipity of the Internets would have it, another blogger published a great comic on climate change earlier this week. It gets a little finger-pointy in the middle, but is, overall, very well done.
Go read it.
Fa La La La La.
Fa La La La La
Yesterday, an internal email from Fox News was released. In the email, the corporations Washington Bureau Chief instructed staff that any mention of climate change should be IMMEDIATELY followed by statements of skepticism about its scientific existence. (Read the original news article here.)
Those of you who know me personally, know that I tend to be "left-of-center" on most issues. Oh, and also? I'm an environmental scientist. You can imagine my reaction. (Suffice it to say, it wasn't all that different from the reaction of virtually every environmental group in the country.)
As the serendipity of the Internets would have it, another blogger published a great comic on climate change earlier this week. It gets a little finger-pointy in the middle, but is, overall, very well done.
Go read it.
Fa La La La La.
12.12.2010
Sustainable Seafood
Now, I've said before, I'm not out to make this a "food" blog. But we all eat. And how and what we eat can make a pretty big impact on our world. So it's important.
Now, I've never been a huge fan of eating things that swim -or generally live in water at all- though I've often wished that I were. For those of you who do eat seafood, are you aware of all the Ethical Eating issues associated with it?
Many of our favorite species of fish are being harvested at unsustainable rates, and some fish communities are in serious danger of collapse. Today, a full 75% of major fisheries are overfished. The top predators in the food-chain are often the most popular eats, so they're the first to go. When fishing these species becomes too difficult, fishers move down the food chain, eliminating essential prey for those large predators. It's a vicious cycle. Farmed fish generally tend to be a better choice than wild-caught, in terms of overfishing.
How some of these fish are being harvested often ends up also harvesting "innocent by-swimmers". This bycatch is typical of large net and longline styles of fishing. Hook and line fishing is the least likely to produce bycatch, as unwanted species can be quickly released, unharmed. Shrimp, one of our favorite eats, is one of the largest producers of bycatch. (The best types of shrimp to buy/eat, can be found here.)
Then there's the matter of what else is lurking in that tasty fish your eating. Mercury. Many of our waterways and fisheries are contaminated with this heavy metal. Mercury is released into the air through industrial pollution. It eventually "falls" into the water, where it becomes methyl mercury. This substance is easily absorbed by the fish, as they feed, and by humans, as we feed on fish. Nearly ALL fish have some level of mercury. Children and pregnant women are cited by the EPA and FDA as the most vulnerable populations, but there is a faction of the medical (western and alternative) community that believes that mercury and other heavy metals in our bodies can lead to everything from fibromyalgia to autism. Generally speaking, the higher you go up the fishy foodchain, the higher the mercury levels of that fish.
Species generally considered to be low in mercury (by the FDA and EPA) are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
So what's a seafood lover to do?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a host of resources to educate yourself, including a pocket guide to sustainable seafood species, as well as an iphone app!
Consider joining The Daily Green in their boycott of Bluefin Tuna. This popular sushi species is consistently listed as one of the eco-worst!
Most importantly, don't dispair. As with most of our choices, a healthy dollop of informed consumerism can lead to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
Now, I've never been a huge fan of eating things that swim -or generally live in water at all- though I've often wished that I were. For those of you who do eat seafood, are you aware of all the Ethical Eating issues associated with it?
 |
| Via: Roots Restaurant |
Many of our favorite species of fish are being harvested at unsustainable rates, and some fish communities are in serious danger of collapse. Today, a full 75% of major fisheries are overfished. The top predators in the food-chain are often the most popular eats, so they're the first to go. When fishing these species becomes too difficult, fishers move down the food chain, eliminating essential prey for those large predators. It's a vicious cycle. Farmed fish generally tend to be a better choice than wild-caught, in terms of overfishing.
How some of these fish are being harvested often ends up also harvesting "innocent by-swimmers". This bycatch is typical of large net and longline styles of fishing. Hook and line fishing is the least likely to produce bycatch, as unwanted species can be quickly released, unharmed. Shrimp, one of our favorite eats, is one of the largest producers of bycatch. (The best types of shrimp to buy/eat, can be found here.) |
| Via: TN State Dept of Health |
So what's a seafood lover to do?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a host of resources to educate yourself, including a pocket guide to sustainable seafood species, as well as an iphone app!
Consider joining The Daily Green in their boycott of Bluefin Tuna. This popular sushi species is consistently listed as one of the eco-worst!
Most importantly, don't dispair. As with most of our choices, a healthy dollop of informed consumerism can lead to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
12.05.2010
Saner Gift Giving (Part 3) - Useful and Green Gifts
For those of us who like to give tangible, un-wrapable gifts, "Saner" gifting is a particular challenge. But you can present your petty pretty package (stay tuned for more on that!), and still feel good about what's inside. To me, the most wasteful and least "sane" gifts are the baubles and tchotchkes that have no particular use or purpose.
So this year, I challenge you - whether for a family member, friend, "secret santa", or host/ess - give a useful and/or green gift. Here are a few ideas and resources to get you started:
If you don't know your giftee very well - in a secret santa or host/ess - situation, I like giving food gifts - a plate of homemade cookies, a jar of yummy trailmix, a bottle of wine, a box of organic, free trade chocolate, even a fruit basket! (Outpost, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's are my favorite places to find good, and out-of-the-ordinary food gifts. There's also Alterra and Anodyne for locally roasted coffee, and Rishi for amazing teas.) Even if you end up giving them something that they don't personally enjoy, chances are that they'll have some sort of event during the holidays where they can put it out to share. And wine is one of the most re-giftable items out there! (Just make sure you dust off the bottle before you slap on that bow and take it to your next cocktail party.)
For Milwaukeeans who love to dine out, City Tins could be a great option! For a mere $25, you get a set of 20+ $10 gift cards to great local restaurants. (Maybe your giftee will even take you out to dinner!)
Ideas and resources for green gifts are all over the web. Check out:
- etsy.com - for anything and everything vintage and handmade
- Viva Terra - for design-y, gorgeous, and ethically sourced finds
- Branch Home - for more beautiful, unusual and green items for the home
- Reuseit.com - for thermoses, water bottles, and reusable lunch kits
So this year, I challenge you - whether for a family member, friend, "secret santa", or host/ess - give a useful and/or green gift. Here are a few ideas and resources to get you started:
If you don't know your giftee very well - in a secret santa or host/ess - situation, I like giving food gifts - a plate of homemade cookies, a jar of yummy trailmix, a bottle of wine, a box of organic, free trade chocolate, even a fruit basket! (Outpost, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's are my favorite places to find good, and out-of-the-ordinary food gifts. There's also Alterra and Anodyne for locally roasted coffee, and Rishi for amazing teas.) Even if you end up giving them something that they don't personally enjoy, chances are that they'll have some sort of event during the holidays where they can put it out to share. And wine is one of the most re-giftable items out there! (Just make sure you dust off the bottle before you slap on that bow and take it to your next cocktail party.)
For Milwaukeeans who love to dine out, City Tins could be a great option! For a mere $25, you get a set of 20+ $10 gift cards to great local restaurants. (Maybe your giftee will even take you out to dinner!)
Ideas and resources for green gifts are all over the web. Check out:
- etsy.com - for anything and everything vintage and handmade
- Viva Terra - for design-y, gorgeous, and ethically sourced finds
- Branch Home - for more beautiful, unusual and green items for the home
- Reuseit.com - for thermoses, water bottles, and reusable lunch kits
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