I was intimidated to buy quinoa (naturally gluten free "super" grain) and even more intimidated to cook it. I finally bought some (on sale) and it was in my cabinet for more than a couple of months...until this week!
I was determined to use what I had to prepare our meals this week. So, out came the quinoa (with a recipe from "Super Natural Cooking" by Heidi Swanson). After rinsing it thoroughly, it took about 30 minutes to cook, using the following recipe. The results? Deeelicious! My 21 month old loved it, I loved it, my husband loved it and my 4 1/2 year old took more than 2 bites! Woo Hoo! Enjoy!
Quinoa and Crescenza with Sauteed Mushrooms
Rinse quinoa thoroughly, running under water for about 1 minute, with a fine mesh strainer.
6 T clarified butter or olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
2 c. quinoa (any variety), rinsed
1 c. good quality white wine (the author noted this could be replaced by a light tasting vegetable broth, which is what I used)
1 t. fine grain sea salt, plus more as needed to taste
2 c. water
2 big pinches of red pepper flakes (I omitted this for my boys)
1 pound mushrooms, sliced 1/4" thick (I had white button mushrooms on hand; but, I am sure that any variety would be delicious)
freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 - 4 oz. Crescenza cheese (the author noted this could be replaced by gruyere, which is what I had on hand to use, or another melting cheese)
Heat 3 T of the butter or olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the garlic and onion and saute for 5 minutes or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the quinoa, wine and 1 t. salt, bring to a boil, and continue boiling for 3-4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced a bit.
Add the water, return to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the quinoa opens up, revealing a little spiral, and is soft and pleasant to chew. (I followed this and had to add extra broth and water at the end because it was starting to burn and seemed too dry...I added about 1 1/2 c. more and it was just right...it may have been my pan or the level of heat).
Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium high heat, along with the red pepper flakes and a few pinches of salt. Stir in the mushrooms and cook without stirring for a few minutes, until they've begun to brown and release their juices. Then shake the skillet every few minutes until the mushrooms are evenly browned, about 4 more minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the quinoa is perfectly tender yet textured, drain off any excess liquid and stir in the cheese. Ladle into bowls and top with the mushrooms. Like I said, "deeeeelicious"!
Heidi Swanson also blogs at www.101cookbooks.com
Next up from this cookbook, Quinoa and Corn Flour Crepes...stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Gluten Free Cake Mix Nixed
So, I was really excited about a cookbook I got from the library called, "The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free". I looked through some of the delicious recipes and saw a lot of ingredients I would use. I wanted to "doctor" a yellow or chocolate cake mix as soon as possible!
This is written in the past tense because I then went to the store. To my astonishment, the gluten-free cake mixes (for one cake) where $6-$8/each! Ummm...no. I can't pay that much.
I have, however, taken the gluten out of my family's favorite chocolate cake recipe! It was delicious on the first try; but, it needs some "doctoring" to get it exactly right. It is homemade and it costs less than $8 for ALL the ingredients!
This is written in the past tense because I then went to the store. To my astonishment, the gluten-free cake mixes (for one cake) where $6-$8/each! Ummm...no. I can't pay that much.
I have, however, taken the gluten out of my family's favorite chocolate cake recipe! It was delicious on the first try; but, it needs some "doctoring" to get it exactly right. It is homemade and it costs less than $8 for ALL the ingredients!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Peligroso! Dangerous!
Well, it is a good thing playgrounds are few and far between in Mexico. Truly, I wish there were a lot more; but, only if they were made safer!
Picture this: metal everywhere...metal swings (yes, the seats, too), metal slides (ouch, they had those when I was a kid), metal monkey bars of all shapes and sizes, dangerous (long and sharp) metal see-saws, and much more - metal!
We chose not to go to the slide and swing set placed about 10 feet from the road and about 5 feet from the river. Instead we went to the enclosed playground inside the fence of the DIF building (this is the equivalent of a Department of Children and Family Services in the U.S.) with no shade trees (remember, it is all metal). ahem. Fun.
We also went to the beautiful Lake Chapala (the largest lake in Mexico!), next to which is the equivalent of a state park/playground/picnic area. You pay a small entrance fee to spend the day picnicking and the like. It was at this location, much to our horror, where my nephew's beautiful daughter was struck in the eye by one of those awful metal swings! "Dangerous" doesn't begin to describe it.
Unfortunately, there are much more important things that people are working to change--like cleaning up the pollution (in the air and water) and making sure the roads are safer, to name just two.
Picture this: metal everywhere...metal swings (yes, the seats, too), metal slides (ouch, they had those when I was a kid), metal monkey bars of all shapes and sizes, dangerous (long and sharp) metal see-saws, and much more - metal!
We chose not to go to the slide and swing set placed about 10 feet from the road and about 5 feet from the river. Instead we went to the enclosed playground inside the fence of the DIF building (this is the equivalent of a Department of Children and Family Services in the U.S.) with no shade trees (remember, it is all metal). ahem. Fun.
We also went to the beautiful Lake Chapala (the largest lake in Mexico!), next to which is the equivalent of a state park/playground/picnic area. You pay a small entrance fee to spend the day picnicking and the like. It was at this location, much to our horror, where my nephew's beautiful daughter was struck in the eye by one of those awful metal swings! "Dangerous" doesn't begin to describe it.
Unfortunately, there are much more important things that people are working to change--like cleaning up the pollution (in the air and water) and making sure the roads are safer, to name just two.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Economic Differences
I was confounded by how inexpensive it is to purchase food, clothing and household staples in Mexico. It was great, really! What I was confounded by was why EVERYTHING ("todo" in Spanish) is so expensive in the U.S.!
In Mexico, almost everything was "hecho en Mexico" (made in Mexico). If it was not made in Mexico, it was much more expensive (at least double, sometimes more).
I have not researched this; so, I can only offer my theory as to why U.S. prices are generally "competitive" across the board (with only what seems to me is a slight difference in imported vs. American-made products). I don't know if there are regulations that guide this phenomenon; but, I don't feel they work effectively.
My theory is that with "American" companies creating parts and product lines in factories in other countries and vice versa, the lines get blurry. So, this enables the companies to offer pricing that competes with other products, whether they are made in this country or not.
What I am thinking is that companies that make products in the U.S. have a bigger profit margin for the products they make that compete with imported products. I have no proof for this, only my impression based on the "real price" of goods. I would love to find out exactly why our cost of living is SO MUCH MORE than in Mexico. Anyone know?
In Mexico, almost everything was "hecho en Mexico" (made in Mexico). If it was not made in Mexico, it was much more expensive (at least double, sometimes more).
I have not researched this; so, I can only offer my theory as to why U.S. prices are generally "competitive" across the board (with only what seems to me is a slight difference in imported vs. American-made products). I don't know if there are regulations that guide this phenomenon; but, I don't feel they work effectively.
My theory is that with "American" companies creating parts and product lines in factories in other countries and vice versa, the lines get blurry. So, this enables the companies to offer pricing that competes with other products, whether they are made in this country or not.
What I am thinking is that companies that make products in the U.S. have a bigger profit margin for the products they make that compete with imported products. I have no proof for this, only my impression based on the "real price" of goods. I would love to find out exactly why our cost of living is SO MUCH MORE than in Mexico. Anyone know?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Month in Mexico
My sons and I just returned from a month-long stay in Mexico. We were staying with my husband's sister in El Salto, Jalisco, near Guadalajara. We made many observations about the culture, lifestyle, food and language.
We never quite matched their rhythym. We had to eat when we woke up; we could not wait until the normal 10am breakfast time in their household (after the trip to the "mercado"). We also could not wait until 4pm for lunch nor eat dinner at 9pm (my boys were usually asleep by 8).
What did we eat? My oldest did not like the fresh cheeses; so, we went to Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart!) to buy one of his favorite cheeses--non-smoked provolone (and sliced whole wheat bread, whole wheat crackers and a few other staples that are not readily available).
Eating gluten free was not too difficult. So many amazing foods are made with corn flour instead of wheat. I did miss out on the fresh flour tortillas at Los Burritos, though (they melt in your mouth). But, tamales, gorditas, and more were so, so, so delicious. As were the FRESHEST fruits and vegetables I have ever had.
We loved making trips to the market (mercado). I liked exposing my boys to the differences (and practicing our Spanish). I look forward to writing more about our experiences. Hasta pronto!
We never quite matched their rhythym. We had to eat when we woke up; we could not wait until the normal 10am breakfast time in their household (after the trip to the "mercado"). We also could not wait until 4pm for lunch nor eat dinner at 9pm (my boys were usually asleep by 8).
What did we eat? My oldest did not like the fresh cheeses; so, we went to Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart!) to buy one of his favorite cheeses--non-smoked provolone (and sliced whole wheat bread, whole wheat crackers and a few other staples that are not readily available).
Eating gluten free was not too difficult. So many amazing foods are made with corn flour instead of wheat. I did miss out on the fresh flour tortillas at Los Burritos, though (they melt in your mouth). But, tamales, gorditas, and more were so, so, so delicious. As were the FRESHEST fruits and vegetables I have ever had.
We loved making trips to the market (mercado). I liked exposing my boys to the differences (and practicing our Spanish). I look forward to writing more about our experiences. Hasta pronto!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Gluten Free Update
The first week, I used things we already had. The second week, I bought brown rice flour and a friend gave me some white rice flour. It is amazing what we can cook without gluten! The first thing I "re"made was my scones. Besides needing a little extra moisture and less time in the oven, they were fantastic! Better than the original recipe! Hello yummy!
The second thing I remade was my pancakes, which tasted yummy with 1 c. white rice flour and 1 c. brown rice flour in place of the white wheat flour; but, they stuck more to the pan and were a bit dry. I plan to attempt my pancakes again with gluten free oat flour, which I purchased this week.
I have tried eating gluten a couple of times and I notice it in my body almost instantly. I have more mucous for a couple of days, I sneeze more and I often get pains in my back (gall bladder?) that make it hard for me to breathe. When I consume gluten-free foods, I do not get those pains. I also haven't noticed any of the strange symptoms that prompted my doctor to suggest the change in the first place (itchy hands and feet, mild vertigo, etc.).
Last night, I remade my chocolate chip cookies with oat flour. They were fantastic! But, I do have to fiddle with the baking time a bit.
I think this will work. I think I might like eating gluten free (so, hopefully my family does, too!).
The second thing I remade was my pancakes, which tasted yummy with 1 c. white rice flour and 1 c. brown rice flour in place of the white wheat flour; but, they stuck more to the pan and were a bit dry. I plan to attempt my pancakes again with gluten free oat flour, which I purchased this week.
I have tried eating gluten a couple of times and I notice it in my body almost instantly. I have more mucous for a couple of days, I sneeze more and I often get pains in my back (gall bladder?) that make it hard for me to breathe. When I consume gluten-free foods, I do not get those pains. I also haven't noticed any of the strange symptoms that prompted my doctor to suggest the change in the first place (itchy hands and feet, mild vertigo, etc.).
Last night, I remade my chocolate chip cookies with oat flour. They were fantastic! But, I do have to fiddle with the baking time a bit.
I think this will work. I think I might like eating gluten free (so, hopefully my family does, too!).
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
"Stand Up Straight"
I recently thought of something that a friend told me long ago; and, I can relate it to how I would like to raise my children. I was showing a friend some pictures of me with my girlfriends on spring break; and, in the pictures, I was always slouching and leaning down so that I was at the same height as my friends.
He told me, "Why aren't you standing up straight? You should stand up straight and be who you are."
For some reason, those simple, yet poignant, words resonated with me in a big way. I have done my best to "stand up straight" ever since. I like who I am.
There is a lot to be said for dialogue...those all-important conversations when both parties are open and respectful so that it gives each person room to maintain their integrity and "be who they are" and also be open to new ideas and perspectives. Some call it, debating. Sometimes it sounds more like arguing. But, a great debate should make both parties feel good! We should never feel like we have to suppress important feelings and ideas.
We have to choose when to remain silent and when to create dialogue. Truthfully, this is something I am still learning to do. It is really hard.
I hope to teach my children to "stand up straight and be who they are" in pictures and in life. I want them to have room to express themselves but also be open to others' ideas and perspectives.
He told me, "Why aren't you standing up straight? You should stand up straight and be who you are."
For some reason, those simple, yet poignant, words resonated with me in a big way. I have done my best to "stand up straight" ever since. I like who I am.
There is a lot to be said for dialogue...those all-important conversations when both parties are open and respectful so that it gives each person room to maintain their integrity and "be who they are" and also be open to new ideas and perspectives. Some call it, debating. Sometimes it sounds more like arguing. But, a great debate should make both parties feel good! We should never feel like we have to suppress important feelings and ideas.
We have to choose when to remain silent and when to create dialogue. Truthfully, this is something I am still learning to do. It is really hard.
I hope to teach my children to "stand up straight and be who they are" in pictures and in life. I want them to have room to express themselves but also be open to others' ideas and perspectives.
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