Welcome to what might be your very first 'Virtual Progressive Dinner'. The wonderful and talented bloggers from Paleo Parents and Multiply Delicious, were gracious enough to ask me to join them in planning a New Years Eve Menu! I'm starting off with the main course (because I'm backwards that way). Then we'll move on to the scrumptious appetizer by Heather from Multiply Delicious and
Grain Free Chicken Pot Pie (GAPS, Paleo, Dairy Free)
Welcome to what might be your very first 'Virtual Progressive Dinner'. The wonderful and talented bloggers from Paleo Parents and Multiply Delicious, were gracious enough to ask me to join them in planning a New Years Eve Menu! I'm starting off with the main course (because I'm backwards that way). Then we'll move on to the scrumptious appetizer by Heather from Multiply Delicious and
Mushroom Business
Here's something other than potatoes to serve
along with your roast beef.
This is a savory mushroom strata/bread pudding/
side dish/casserole....a mushroom business.
side dish/casserole....a mushroom business.
It's another oldie but goodie recipe from
Peg Bracken's cookbook of 1966.
You can prepare it in the morning or the day before.
Love anything I can make ahead.
Love anything I can make ahead.
Butter 6 slices of bread.
Cut the bread into squares.
Put half the bread into a buttered 8" square casserole.
Slice the mushrooms. I used a little over half of a
1-lb package that I had leftover.
Saute the sliced mushrooms until fragrant,
about 3 minutes.
Add the chopped celery, onions, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the mayonnaise.
Spread this mixture over the bread squares.
Top with the remaining bread.
Slightly beat the 2 eggs and
combine with 1-1/2 C milk.
Pour over the bread.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
About 1 hour and 15 minutes before you want to
serve it, spread the top with the mushroom soup.
Bake uncovered for 50 minutes at 325.
Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with
cheese. I used Cheddar or a Cheddar/Jack blend.
Whatever you have on hand...Swiss, Parmesan, etc.
Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes
until nicely puffed. Serve.
Double the recipe and use a 9X13 casserole.
Mushroom Business
1/2- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
Butter, about 2 T
1/2 C chopped onions
1/2 C chopped celery
1/2 C mayonnaise
3/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 C milk
6 slices white bread
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 C shredded cheese (your choice)
Lightly butter the bread slices and cut
them into 1-inch squares. Put half of them
(3 slices) into the bottom of a buttered
8" square casserole. Saute the cut-up
mushrooms in a skillet with 1 T butter
until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
(3 slices) into the bottom of a buttered
8" square casserole. Saute the cut-up
mushrooms in a skillet with 1 T butter
until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped
onions and celery, salt and pepper.
Then stir in the mayonnaise.
Spread this mixture on top of the
onions and celery, salt and pepper.
Then stir in the mayonnaise.
Spread this mixture on top of the
bread squares. Top with the remaining bread
squares. Pour over this the two eggs slightly
beaten with the 1-1/2 C milk. Cover and
refrigerate at least an hour or overnight.
squares. Pour over this the two eggs slightly
beaten with the 1-1/2 C milk. Cover and
refrigerate at least an hour or overnight.
Finally, an hour and 15 minutes before
you want to serve it spread the
mushroom soup on top. Bake uncovered 325
for 50 minutes, then remove from oven
and sprinkle with the cheese. Return to oven
and bake another 10-15 minutes until nicely puffed.
6 servings
Enjoy!
note: The original recipe also had 1/2 C
chopped green pepper.
It's optional. If I have it I use it.
Links: A Stroll Thru Life,
Coastal Charm, Between Naps On The Porch,
Designs By Gollum, Funky Junk
Links: A Stroll Thru Life,
Coastal Charm, Between Naps On The Porch,
Designs By Gollum, Funky Junk
Cream Cheese Ball
My friend Sheila has been asking me to post my
recipe for the chipped beef cream cheese ball
...so here it is.
This makes one small cheese ball.
It's with pastrami or any chipped beef.
recipe for the chipped beef cream cheese ball
...so here it is.
This makes one small cheese ball.
It's with pastrami or any chipped beef.
It's nice to set out for a snack.
For a party double the recipe and make one large ball.
Or make two small ones and roll each one into
something different.
I used both green onions with chives from my
garden because that's what I had available.
Combine softened cream cheese, onions,
garlic salt, and W-sauce.
Finely chop the pastrami.
You'll have about 1/2 C.
Stir half into the cheese.
Blend well. Refrigerate until it's
firm enough to shape into a ball.
Roll into the remaining chopped beef.
You can also roll it in chopped pecans.
serve with crackers.
I also like it spread on toasted sourdough
bread for a snack.
something different.
garden because that's what I had available.
garlic salt, and W-sauce.
You'll have about 1/2 C.
firm enough to shape into a ball.
You can also roll it in chopped pecans.
serve with crackers.
bread for a snack.
Cream Cheese Ball
1 8-oz package cream cheese
2-oz pastrami-about 1/2 C
(1/4 of an 8-oz package)
2 green onions-about 1/4C
1t Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t garlic powder
Soften the cream cheese.
Finely chop the pastrami and green onions.
Combine the cream cheese, half of the chopped pastrami
(about 1/4 C) the green onions, garlic salt, and
Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
Chill until it's firm enough to roll into a ball.
Roll the ball into the remaining chopped
pastrami. You can also roll it into finely
chopped pecans. Make one of each!
Enjoy!
December Sanity Challenge -- Self Care Through the Holidays
Last week I shared an introduction on Cheryl Harris' December Sanity Challenge. A challenge to truly take the time for self-care through the holidays, with specific goals.
My goals for this challenge were quite simple. I didn't want to make rigid goals that I knew I couldn't keep through the crazyness of the month.
My goals are:
- To journal every day, for as little or as long as I needed too
- Along with (or a part of) journaling, to Pray often
- To continue following a Paleo Food Plan
My "unofficial" goals were to allow myself to say NO, to not stress over food, to "breathe" when I started to feel overwhelmed (to purposefully take very deep breaths and allow them to physically relax my body), and to recognize and put a name to my feelings when I started to feel stressed (ie... this is bothering me and makes me feel disrespected because I have feelings of Jealousy, Frustration, Loneliness etc... to actually vocalize or write down the WHY behind why I was/am upset.)
Following Through:
- Journaling: I've been a "journaler" on and off most of my life. I have paperback journals starting from when I was 7 years old. Writing soothes me. As we've come to live in a mostly digital age, I've been very hit & miss with my journals. It's hard to carry it around everywhere with me, and since most of my writing takes the form of blog posts or google word documents now, I was determined to find a digital way to start journaling. I did a little research and found a really neat website for PRIVATE journaling called Penzu. The privacy was important to me. When I journal, I was to say whatever is on my mind, work through my thoughts and feelings, and do it with an open mind and heart. I have also used Google documents in the past to journal, but to be honest, it's a very boring way to journal. It isn't pretty. And as silly as it sounds, it's a lot more meaningful to journal, when you can share your feelings on a beautiful surface or with a beautiful instrument. With all of these "requirements" of digital journaling I found a great service called "Penzu.com" -- which allows you to journal privately for free. You can share it with friends if you'd like, but it's primarily meant to be a private journaling space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. If you want to upgrade to a "Pro" account, you can have a "pretty" journal and change the basic settings. I found this service to be a really neat way to encourage my goal of journaling. I have journaled nearly every day since discovering Penzu. It even sends me a reminder in my email to take the time to share my thoughts.
- What's gone well? I have discovered that when I'm frustrated or suddenly stressed about something (and it can be hard for me to initially pinpoint WHY I'm stressed) -- by opening up my online journal and just starting to write I can work through my feelings and discover the WHY behind my thoughts and actions. While I haven't journaled every single day, I feel like by making it a priority I have been able to have a much better Holiday season so far!
- Prayer: In my own personal spiritual life, prayer is extremely important to me. Connecting with my Creator on a regular basis helps me to find peace and strength. I haven't done this as often as I would like too, so my goals for the rest of this month are to start each morning with a small prayer using a devotional I have placed next to my bed. The days I have been able to initiate prayer I often write it out in my online journal as well.
- What's gone well? When I'm actually journaling my prayers, I feel like they are more concrete. I have a way to look back and see what I was feeling and why. I have to way to see how prayers are answered, how life is progressing, and how good life really is. I'm thankful that with daily journaling I've had a space to share my prayers on a more regular basis.
- Paleo Food Plan: I have to admit this has probably been the main area in my goals that I haven't followed through with very well. I would say I'm eating Paleo foods probably 80% of the time. Which considering this is my first Holiday season using these food guidelines, that's not too shabby. I hope by next year, I will have a better sense of how to handle the pressures of sugary-carb-filled (even gluten free!) holiday treats and still be able to eat well for my body. I didn't want to be TOO strict in this area, because food and I don't always have a good relationship. I know if I am too strict I will beat myself up which will stress me out and THEN cause me to want to eat EVEN MORE for emotional reasons. So I've found that right now my main meals are all paleo, but I am allowing myself to have holiday treats. I will be more strict with Paleo beginning in January and more importantly after I've finished writing my cookbook.
- What's gone well? I think being able to follow Paleo during the Holiday season at LEAST 80% percent of the time has been a very postive and good thing! I haven't baked nearly as much as I have in years past. And the baking I have done has been for a specific reason or for other people. The gluten free baked goods that I have made, have not stayed in my house. I know my body feel so much better with less sugar and refined carbohydrates. (To read more about these goals, please see my recent interview with Easy Paleo.Com)
As I posted last week, I hope you will also share your own thoughts and feeling on self-care through the holidays with Cheryl's sanity challenge. By leaving a comment on ANY our posts through this month you will be entering yourself to win an awesome prize -- A $50 gift certificate to Nutsonline.com provided by Ms. Cheryl Harris herself.
Previous December Sanity Challenge posts to read and leave your comment on:
- Cheryl Harris' thoughts on Gluten Free Goodness -- Intro & Week 1
- Iris Higgins thoughts on The Daily Dietribe -- Week 2
- Valerie's thoughts on City Life Eats -- Week 3
I hope you have a Blessed, Beautiful, and Healthy Holiday season!
White wine & Pecan Cashew 'Cream' Cheese Ball (Dairy Free, Vegan, RAW)
Ok, here it is the mighty CHEESE BALL! A cashew cheese ball that is... and it IS awesome. It's dairy free and completely vegan. I have seasoned this one with crispy shallots, garlic and my personal favorite...dry white wine. (You could easily replace the wine with water if you prefer. White wine is GAPS friendly and some Paleo people have it in moderation)
I promise, you
Rosemary Spaghetti Squash Egg Nests (GAPS, Paleo)
This is one of our family FAVORITES. It's as though, when I make this I can do no wrong! They are pretty easy to make and well worth the effort for a special occasion breakfast. Which apparently means, everyday in my house. We make these at least once a week.
Rosemary Spaghetti Squash Egg Nests
Ingredients:
3 cups lightly packed cooked spaghetti squash (
The Breakfast Club
What are having for breakfast?
 |
| Strawberry Puff Pancakes Oven puffed pancake filled with fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of lemon juice and dusted with powdered sugar |
We usually have one of our favorites.
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| Swedish Pancakes Thin crepe-like pancakes sprinkled with lemon juice and cinnamon or powdered sugar. |
 |
| Swedish Pancakes with Mini Chocolate Chips and Fresh Raspberries |
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| Baked Apple Pancake Oven baked batter with slices of apple and layers of cinnamon, brown sugar mixture, topped with extra lemon juice. |
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| Tuesday Pancakes Very light sour cream and cottage cheese pancakes are topped with raspberry sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar |
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| French Muffin Puffs Light muffins rolled in butter then cinnamon sugar. |
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| Spinach, Tomato and Cheese Omelete |
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| Puffins Mini muffins made with pancake batter and mini chocolate chips, dipped in maple syrup. |
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| Pumpkin Oatmeal Oatmeal with pumpkin, pumpkin pie spices and brown sugar. |
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| Buenos Dias! Baked eggs, cottage cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green chilies puffed in the oven. |
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| Baked Apple Oatmeal A hearty combination of oatmeal and chopped apples, are mixed with cinnamon, brown sugar and milk then baked in the oven. |
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| Cinnamon Roll Swedish Pancakes Cinnamon roll filling spread onto Swedish pancakes then rolled and sliced, dust with powdered sugar |
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| My Favorite Waffles |
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| My Homemade Granola Oatmeal, pecans, and almonds, flavored with brown sugar, honey, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon are baked until crunchy. |
 |
| Coffee Love |
Frothed milk in our coffee....always!
We always have breakfast together.
(Click on any of the blue titles for the recipe.)
Enjoy Your Morning!
Merry Christmas: From The 'Posers'
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
We wish you a Merry Christmas!f
(Jenni...the mannequin)
We wish you a Merry Christmas...
(Oscar & Linus...the mannequins)
And a...
Happy...
New Year!
Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies
Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies
The perfect Christmas cookie, absolutely delicious!
Makes 30
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
140g/4 ½ oz plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
75g/2 ½ oz rolled oats
125g/4 oz soft butter
75g/ 2 ½ oz dark brown sugar
100g/3 ½ oz caster sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
75g/ 2 ½ oz dried cranberries
140g/ 4 ½ white chocolate chips
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
2. Place the flour, baking powder, oats and salt into a bowl.
3. Add the butter and sugars into another bowl and beat together until creamy with a blender or mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence.
4. Mix through the flour mixture and fold through the cranberries and chocolate chips. Place the cookie dough in the fridge for 15 minutes.
5. Roll tablespoons of dough into a ball with your hands and place onto a greased baking tray and squash with a fork. You may need to bake the cookies in two batches.
6. Cook for 15 minutes until the cookies are golden. Let the cookies cool and then place on a wire rack, enjoy!
Risotto with Pesto
Risotto with Pesto
Risotto & pesto – the flavor combination is fantastic!
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pesto
1 handful of pinenuts, toasted
1 small clove of garlic, peeled & chopped
1 large bunch of basil, chopped
1 handful of parmesan cheese, grated
Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground salt & pepper
For the Risotto
1.1 litres/2 pints chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp olive oil
1 knob of butter
1 large onion, peeled & finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled & finely chopped
4 sticks of celery, finely chopped
400g/14 oz risotto rice
2 glasses of dry white wine
Freshly ground salt & pepper
70g/2 ½ oz butter
115g/4oz freshly grated parmesan cheese
Method
1. To make the pesto, put the basil, parmesan, garlic and pine nuts into a food processor and season well. Whiz together and with the motor still running, pour the oil in until the pesto thickens, season to taste.
2. To make the risotto, heat the stock in a pan. Put the olive oil and butter into another pan and add the onion, garlic and celery. Cook very slowly on a low heat for 15 minutes.
3. When the vegetables are softened, add the rice and turn up the heat.
4. When the rice is slightly translucent add the wine and keep stirring until it has cooked into the rice.
5. Add the first ladle of stock and reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep adding the ladlefuls of stock gradually allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This should take around 15 minutes. Season to taste.
6. Remove from the heat and add the butter and parmesan, stir well. Place the lid on the pan and allow to rest for 2 minutes.
7. Serve the risotto and top with a dollop of pesto and a sprinkling of pinenuts & parmesan. Enjoy!
Dairy Free Hot Cocoa W/Peppermint Marshmallows (GAPS, Paleo)
"Baby it's cold outside", and even if it's not (like here in Texas) you can still enjoy a nice warm cup of hot cocoa with a big huge marshmallow on top.
I remember my mother making different homemade hot cocoa mixes when I was younger. She would keep the mixes in tins, readily available to warm our freezing little bodies after a long day of snow ball fights and igloo building! My
Blue Cheese Macaroni
Blue Cheese Macaroni
Comfort food at its best! A perfect mid-week meal for a chilly evening!
Serves 2
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
250g/8 ½ oz macaroni
20g/ ½ oz butter
1 bunch of spring onions, thinly sliced
1 sprig of thyme
20g/ ½ oz plain flour
200ml/6 ½ fl oz white wine
125ml/4 fl oz double cream
150g/5 oz blue cheese (use your favourite)
Freshly ground salt & pepper
2 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves
Olive oil, for drizzling
Method
1. Cook the macaroni as per packet instructions.
2. Whilst the pasta is cooking melt the butter in a pan and stir in the spring onions and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are tender then add the flour, stir continuously for one minute.
3. Slowly add the wine to the pan, stir continuously. Add the cream and bring to a simmer, cook for 5 minutes until thickened and remove the thyme.
4. Slice the cheese and add half to the sauce. Season to taste and heat until the cheese has melted.
5. Drain the macaroni and add to the sauce, stir the spinach into the pasta and then divide into individual dishes or a large dish to share.
6. Lay the remaining cheese over the pasta, season with pepper and a drizzling of olive oil and place under a very hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling, enjoy!
December Sanity Challenge
Last month, my nutritionist of awesomeness, Cheryl Harris (of Harris Whole Health and Gluten Free Goodness), emailed a handful of gluten free bloggers on Black Friday with the following challenge:
"The challenge—post on what you plan to do to make your holidays sane, happy and healthy. Make it specific! Not just “I’ll get more sleep," but “I’ll get at least 7 hours of sleep, 5 days a week”. Not just “I won’t go crazy making desserts," but “I’ll make a maximum of XX desserts, and space them out over XX time”. You know what you need to do to keep this doable, and writing it down will help you get there!"
Cheryl started the event with a post on Thursday December 1st. Cheryl focused specifically on getting more movement during the month of December.
Next, Iris Higgins, author of the gluten free food blog The Daily Dietribe shared a post on Thursday December 8th. Her goals revolved around getting adequate exercise everyday and making the time to mediate.
For our 3rd post today (December 15th) Valerie, author of City Life Eats, shared her goals for this very busy month. Valerie centered her post today on goals such as spending less time blogging, more time exercising, and taking restorative yoga classes.
I will be sharing my thoughts for the December Sanity Challenge next Thursday, December 22nd.
My goals will focus on self-care, journaling, prayer, and continuing to follow the Paleo food plan.
Are you up for the challenge?
"You can participate in this December Sanity challenge too. Write a post on what your goals are for this month and link back to this post (Valerie's December Sanity Challenge post) or any of the other participant's posts. Leave a comment with your link. Make yourself accountable by putting it in writing! Anyone who joins in on the December Sanity Challenge will be entered into a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Nutsonline.com (they are not sponsoring, Cheryl is just that awesome)." -- Valerie of City Life Eats