Food

    Just when I thought I was on the right track, eating all organic, no soy, no dairy… etc. I found out most of the almond and rice milks I have been drinking (along with other things come to find out) have this toxic additive called carrageenan in them. Learning about this has just motivated me further, and hopefully will move you too, to opt for natural foods or ingredients that I can pronounce and/or know what they are.   Carrageenan is extracted from red seaweeds, has multiple forms and is used in cooking and baking. Similar to gluten, carrageenan works as an emulsifier and thickener keeping ingredients from separating, and while once was a natural additive, has become a highly processed additive. Carrageenan is known to cause...

    When the going gets rough or scary or stressful I wind up in the kitchen. Which for me is a wonderful place because I get to zone out, be creative and it becomes a place for me to relieve my stresses. I know it might sound odd but cooking and baking really helps me feel like I have some control over my health. When I get in the kitchen I don’t feel restricted, I’ll make something that is good for me yet I feel like I’m still a “normal person” who is eating “regular” food. I suggest to anyone, even if you don’t normally like to bake or cook, if you have celiac disease or other health conditions that restrict your diet, to get in the kitchen and make something delicious that you CAN have. It really gives...

    Franky Beans always seems to have bananas on his brain! Every time I go in to the kitchen or even close to the kitchen where the bananas are he stares at me with a look that says “give me that banana!” This boy has loved bananas ever since he was a pup. Bananas and apples and carrots – the BEST treats for your doggies! They’re good for us to eat and just as good for them. As I’m standing there looking at these two very ripe bananas and one funny pup, I think banana cookies! Franky happily agreed.   On another note, which leads to why I chose these specific ingredients, I have been feeling not my best and most recently been dealing with my eye lashes falling out. Which is always wonderful… I went to a few...

    As most of you know having celiac disease is an ever and on going journey. Every meal needs to be looked at, even vitamins and minerals need to be monitored from time to time to make sure your getting all your nutrients. This lifestyle can definitely be a struggle at times. And for me the last couple weeks have been a struggle to say the least. In efforts to find relief I started doing more research to find ways I can get even more vitamins and minerals in to my system to supplement what I have been low in which is vitamin B and my vitamin D is always in constant conflict. One thing I kept coming to in my search to feel better was the sweet potato. A beautiful orange sweet potato. I used to love these as a kid! I would load them with butter and eat...

When I’m working on the set of Blue Bloods, rarely can I eat what Kraft services or catering has to offer because of all my extreme allergies. And while the show is only an hour on TV the amount of hours and days and nights that go in to creating the show is a whole other beast… The days are long and nights can be longer. Although Krafty always tries to have something for me, I’d rather be safe by preparing my own food. So I really have to prep for these work days and bring plenty of food to set to keep me going and my energy high. We all probably find ourselves in situations where we need something quick and easy but still want it to taste good while filling us with nutrients to get us through!   So! Whether it be for a quick dinner or a...

  As some of you have probably noticed I have not posted in a few weeks. Some of you may have come to the sad conclusion that something was wrong. Yes it is so, my beloved Troop, Betty Boop has passed away. It happened a few weeks ago and I just needed some time to breathe. She went quickly and in my arms as I said goodbye to my sweet wonderful friend. I thank you all for your kind words and prayers. She was an awesome dog and a better friend.   I have written previously that in her last months she ate like a Queen. Her favorite meal being a juicy well seasoned Filet Mignon. Her eyes would light up as the smell would take over the apartment. Towards the end though she really wasn’t very interested in food. Except when would I sit next to her on...

          When I was a kid I loved baking chocolate chip cookies with my sister. Whether it be during Christmas or just one lucky Sunday afternoon, I was thrilled! Thrilled because I got to eat these hot chocolate chip cookies as they came out of the oven but thrilled also because I got to spend this time with my older sister who was… my GOD. We had such a blast and the smells that would come out of our kitchen! The butter the vanilla the chocolate ALL baking together, would create an aroma throughout the house that would linger for days. As we got older we continued this tradition. I could be anywhere and anyone baking a chocolate chip cookie would bring a smile to my face. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease and my sister was diagnosed...

Did you know celiac disease and depression are linked? Did you also know 90% of the bodies supply of serotonin (which is linked to depression) lies in your digestive tract? Serotonin is a chemical manufactured in the brain and when at “healthy” levels we feel balanced and happy. In short it regulates our mood. So if our gut is off then we are off! And since we, Celiacs, already have a decreased ability to absorb crucial vitamins and nutrients, we may not be absorbing enough of the important protein that create serotonin. We have millions of brain cells and serotonin affects most of them directly or indirectly – which will then affect our mood, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, and some social behavior. And that’s only to name...

I was home last Saturday night with My Troops, my favorite place to be, when I had an urge for some fries! Yes I know we gluten free challenged can have fries as long as they are cooked in a gluten free cooker but I wanted something more! I also wanted something sweet. Love that salt and sweet mixture. Every week I like to go to the farmers markets and fill up a basket full of whatever fresh veggies the farmers have that day and then unpack it all on to my counter in the kitchen. Since I hate seeing food go to waste it forces me to bake or concoct something with those veggies and chow down.   So My Troops and I wondered into the kitchen and there they were –...

First a BIG THANKS to everyone who shared your stories for What Do You Miss, not only telling me what foods you miss the most but WHY. It’s amazing how the simplest things can bring back the happiest and vivid memories.   While going through all the entries and reading all the food stories I got so hungry I had to get in the kitchen and make something!! I ended up creating this cookie that has something for everyone. And while it tastes AMAZING it is also packed with all sorts of good for you ingredients – it’s healthy and called a Yum Ball!!     Yum Balls preheat oven to 350, bake for 18-22 minutes (depending on oven)   Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup almond flour 1/2 cup arrowroot flour 1/2 cup quinoa flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbls...