REAL Comfort Food

Whenever someone uses the term, "comfort food", I think of food that makes me feel good physically and mentally.  But, I think many people use the term (including me, at one time!) to describe food that makes them "comfortable" mentally (for various reasons, mostly what we grew up eating/what our mothers made), EVEN THOUGH it makes us feel very UN-comfortable physically (i.e., bloating, indigestion, heartburn).  Our senses of taste and smell are most closely linked to our memories; so, that makes sense.  But, I think we need to try to still eat amazing, decadent "comfort" food AND be healthy/feel good. 

Everyone's body is different.  Everyone needs to find out (trial and error is really the BEST way) what foods make them feel UN-comfortable.

I did not notice how badly some food was making me feel until I HAD to pay attention.  I was told by my doctor (over 3 years ago, now) that I should try eating gluten free for 2-3 weeks and then try gluten and see what happens.  Whoa!  When I ate gluten after eliminating it from my system, my body REACTED (sinuses filled up, major gastrointestinal discomfort and 3 DAYS of pea-soup thick fatigue...ugh!).  I have tentatively tried it a few times over the last few years, only to have the same reaction.  Pretty sure my body ATTACKS gluten as if it were invading (aka allergic reaction)!

The other gastrointestinal health problems I have had over the past year have brought to light more things to which my body is sensitive:  chocolate (that's a really hard one for me), cow's milk (lactose, mostly), tomatoes, peppers, white potatoes, eggplant, and tomatillos (these are all in the same plant family-nightshades; and, these are also hard because this is everything my Mexican husband uses to cook).

The best compliments I have gotten for my cooking are from friends who say, "That was so good; and, I feel so good after eating it!"  Yes!  That's my goal!

So, what does my family eat?  I have learned a lot about what we can eat by trial and error (my kids have sensitivities, too!  Our kids are often allergic to the same things as their parents).  But, I have also learned by reading.  I now know that butter, brie, camembert and many hard cheeses (even made with cow's milk) do NOT have lactose (and, my body is fine with them, too!).  We go for organic and sheep's milk and goat's milk hard cheeses as often as possible for the added nutrients/environment-friendly/easier-proteins-to-digest aspects.

My oldest son wanted something "thanksgiving-y" for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.  So, the night before, I made an orange-cranberry bread (which I used to make with gluten).  I found this awesome recipe for Paleo Cranberry Orange Bread a few weeks ago at, theholisticmama.com.  When we had it in the morning, it tasted like pound cake with cranberries in it!  Decadent AND makes us feel so good!  I am serious.  It is SO GOOD.

For our Thanksgiving dinner, I also made some gluten free artisan bread the night before (because as hard as I tried to NOT WANT stuffing, I WANTED STUFFING!).  I cubed and toasted the bread in the morning.  I used a new stuffing recipe because I wanted something different and it WAS SO SUPER YUMMY, I have to share (please see below).  I also got a turkey (I would like to try this dry-brine method; but, until I feel like changing, I just massaged it with butter and spices and roasted it breast DOWN at 425 for 20 minutes, then at 325 for the rest of the baking time.  I never baste and it has always come out perfect.  Phew.).  We also had green beans with bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, salad and cranberry bars (recipe also below) and a GF pie my sister brought.  My sister also brought a selection of hard cheeses and GF crackers, which we had with some kielbasa and vegetables for lunch.

Paleo Cranberry Orange Bread
Here is my version (I omitted the Young Living Orange Essential Oil and added organic agave nectar instead of maple syrup).  I was going to take a picture for you; but, we gobbled up all but two pieces.  So, I took a picture of myself eating one of the last pieces.  LOL.

4 free-range eggs, beaten
1/4 c.  organic coconut oil, melted
1/4 c. canned organic coconut milk (classic, full fat)
1/3 c. organic agave nectar
1/2 c. fresh squeezed orange juice (we actually used tangerines)
1 t. organic vanilla extract
1/2 c.  organic coconut flour, sifted
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. sea salt
1 c. fresh organic cranberries, chopped or halved

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together the wet ingredients and add the dry ingredients and stir until combined.  Fold in the fresh cranberries.   Pour batter into loaf pan greased with coconut oil.  Bake for 1 hour or until loaf is set and a toothpick comes out clean.  Enjoy!  I did!

Cranberry Bars
(These were so good, I had 2 for dessert and 2 with breakfast!)
I found this recipe at elanaspantry.com, one of my favorite GF blogs.

1 c. raw pecans
5 organic medjool dates, pitted
1 T. grapeseed oil or vegan shortening (I used a bit of coconut oil and a bit of organic Earth Balance)
¼ t. celtic sea salt
6 c. fresh organic cranberries, picked over (discard bad ones, i.e. squishy or blackened)
1 c. agave nectar or honey (I used up a jar of honey and also used agave nectar to equal 1 cup)
1 T. orange zest (I used tangerine zest)

Place pecans and dates in food processor and blitz until coarsely ground.  Pulse in oil and salt until mixture begins to form a ball.  Press crust into a greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish.  Bake at 350° for 8-12 minutes until lightly browned. 
To make cranberry topping, place 4 cups cranberries, agave and orange zest in a pot on the stove.  Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer 10-15 minutes, until cranberries start to dissolve.  Add remaining 2 cups cranberries and cook covered for 5 more minutes.  Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Pour mixture over pecan crust.
Allow bars to set for 60-90 minutes.  (I refrigerated overnight). Cut in squares and ENJOY!

 

 

Gluten Free Sweet & Savory Stuffing

I googled "gluten free stuffing" and found this one that I wanted to try, http://www.oprah.com/food/Gluten-Free-Stuffing#ixzz2m3MVil6g; but, I omitted and adjusted a bit.

 

1 loaf cubed gluten-free bread (I made my own GF artisan loaf from "Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day")

6 oz. mild Italian sausage (we can only tolerate a little garlic)

1/3 c. and 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (we used a little expeller pressed grapeseed oil, too)

2 small celery ribs, chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 carrots , chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 stick (1/2 cup) organic unsalted butter , cut into 8 T.
1/2 c. dry white wine (we had an open bottle of pinot noir that I used)
1 large organic green apple, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 c. organic walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 c. organic raisins
2 c. of water (what we used, based on the amount of bread we had)
3 organic free range eggs (I can't make stuffing without eggs)
1 fresh lemon, squeezed for juice
1 T. dried thyme
2 t. kosher salt
2 t. cracked pepper

To make bread cubes: Place bread in a large bowl and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your hands, mix everything together well. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until the bread has turned a golden color—approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the oven. Flip the bread over halfway through baking using a spatula to make sure it is evenly baked. Remove from oven and let the bread cubes cool on the baking sheet for 2 hours to give them time to harden if you want to use them right away. 
To make stuffing: Preheat the oven to 325°. (I put ours in when the turkey was almost done and finished it for 30 minutes after the turkey came out).  Cook the sausage first. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until hot. Add the sausages and break up the meat using a metal spatula into small pieces. Cook until the meat has browned and has started to caramelize, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside. (I put the sausage in a bowl and added the vegetables and oil/butter to the same pan).  Add 1/3 cup olive oil, and then the butter. No need for the butter to completely melt before adding vegetables.
Quickly add celery and carrots. Cook about 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine and cook until almost evaporated. Place the bread cubes in a bowl large enough to mix the stuffing when the vegetables are added.   Add the cooked sausages, green apples, walnuts and raisins to the bread cubes. Add eggs. Add water gradually, mixing well after each addition. If the stuffing is too dry after adding all of the water (you can also use chicken stock), add more water 1/2 cup at a time.
Add the lemon juice, thyme, kosher salt and cracked pepper and mix well using a wooden spoon. Correct seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Place in a baking pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 325° for 1 hour.  I take off the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to get it nice and crunchy!

 

 

 



My family is THANKFUL for:  God, Family, and REALLY GOOD "COMFORT" FOOD!  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

 

 

I did not have any pictures of my youngest son from dinner.  So, this is a picture taken of both of my boys on Thanksgiving morning.  LOL.  To read more about this picture (below), go to www.houseoffigsandhoney.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Back to the Drawing Boards

A little over a year ago, we purchased a second dry erase board easel for our then-3-year-old for his half birthday present.  He LOVED it!  I could tell by his reaction how special he felt (his older brother had one that he always wanted to use).  But, I put it right NEXT to his big brother's easel board.  So, after witnessing him comparing his own drawings to the intricate drawings of his brother's; I sighed (to myself) and felt that his drawing would improve with practice.

Except, he STOPPED practicing.  He did not draw on this board that he LOVED.  He must have felt inadequate somehow.  This made me so sad. 

UNTIL, I had a light bulb moment!  I turned around both easels so they were back-to-back (or, chalkboard to chalkboard, LOL) so that he could no longer easily compare his drawings to those of his brother.  I did not show him or tell him what I did.  I just waited.

I feel like it happened slowly.  One day, my now 4 1/2 year old just started drawing on "his" board and kept doing it, more and more frequently, until his drawings began to take shape!  He now has very detailed drawings and does not try (as much) to just make what his older brother is making.

It is rare that a day goes by that he does not draw on his board.  He is happy and engaged and PROUD of his drawings.  Me too.

Health Update

Me, first.  I am healing-in so many ways.  I discovered that my vitamins (that I had been taking for about a year) had raw onions in them.  I have been allergic to raw onions my whole life.  I feel so foolish for not checking into that sooner.  I started new vitamins a little over a month ago and I have had many good days in the last few weeks.  I even had an awesomely "normal" week after I went to my chiropractor.  I am still healing.  I feel so much better, though.  My skin has started to look better, too (bonus!).

I am trying to stress less (as recommended by...everyone).  I make it a point to exercise and I may have a new yoga buddy!  If we can go to yoga at least once a week (and hold each other accountable for going); I think we will be happier mamas!  I LOVE savasana at the end of practice.  Healing happens in those 10 minutes of meditation and complete relaxation (it is also called, "corpse pose"!).  I also love being social and I have been making a point to get together with friends more often (it's not easy with busy mamas!).  

We have not invited people over at all for about a year.  It was just awkward and hard (with my dad in hospice care and us not wanting to disturb his rhythm).  We LOVE cooking for our friends (and having them cook for us! *grin*) and we miss it.  So, we have started doing that more.

I also did not realize how much "space" caring for my dad had taken in my head.  I don't know how better to describe this.  But, I am so grateful for that extra "space".  I feel a little guilty admitting that.  I love my dad with all my heart and it was worth giving him some of my "space" for a while.

Next, my dad.  He is slowing down.  Hospice says they can't see it; but, I can.  The last report from them was, "his vitals are good and...he's gaining weight!".  The same nurse that is seeing him had claimed that I might need to give dad more food (a few months ago).  We gave him as much as he would eat (A LOT!) and did not change a thing when he started gaining weight in late May (up 13 pounds by mid-July!).  He has gained about 5 more pounds since then.  My concern is that he is gaining "water weight" because of his declining kidneys.  Hospice doesn't think so.  So, I just continue to pray.

I pray for my dad to know true peace.  I pray for him to know true comfort.  I pray for him to know true love.  I pray for him to experience these things on earth, while he is still with us.  I pray for him to leave this world before he declines too much to function.  I pray for peace for me and all my family.  I pray to feel God's presence with us all, through it all.  Amen.

 

"42" and "Obamacare"

My husband and I just watched a wonderful (and tremendously sad) movie about the story of Jackie Robinson, called "42".  I cried during parts of the movie.  My stomach lurched during parts where the racism was so palpable, it hurt.  Mr. Robinson was so brave. His story was triumphant.  He came before Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.  He came before Barack Obama.

The sad, sickening part is that we still live with racism (and sexism and ageism) and I think that is crazy and awful.  Why does hate exist?  What makes a person think that another person was not created equal? What makes someone think that people should be treated as "less than" (less than them, less than human at worst)?  There is nothing more blinding than hatred.  We are all God's children; therefore, we are all equal.  Our socioeconomic status does not matter.  Our sex does not matter.  The color of our skin does not matter.  Our religion does not matter.  I know that is easy to say.  But, that is what I really believe.  I know many, many other people believe it, too.  More and more, I would like to believe.

Love thy neighbor.  There are no qualifiers.

I have experienced discrimination at times.  Because I am female.  Because of sexist comments.  I have even experienced discrimination because of my Mexican married name, Ruvalcaba.  But, what I have experienced in my 38 years is NOTHING compared to the HATE that many people have endured for generations.  I just can't imagine.

I am not an expert in what is happening in our government; but, it looks pretty messy to me.  Sometimes it makes me cry.  Sometimes it makes my stomach lurch.  The racism in Washington is palpable.

It is crazy to me to discover that what is being billed as "Obamacare" was started by Republicans.  And, now, for some reason, they are doing everything they can to try to stop it.  What?  This makes no sense.

Remember when we were NOT required to have auto insurance? (for those of you who are younger, there was a time.) Has anyone ever been burned when they were in an accident with someone who did not have insurance?  Then, we balked a little when every driver was required to have insurance; but, those of us that already had insurance did not see a big difference (except there were no tax credits for it).  In fact, I feel like my rates have been about the same for 20 years!  If memory serves, I am paying less today than I was 10 years ago.

And so it goes with health insurance.  We are paying for the uninsured.  We may not notice it in the overly complicated medical billing process (to make up for the discrepancies, our bills to our insurance companies are supremely "marked up"); but, WE (the insured) are paying at least 1000% over the ACTUAL cost (sometimes more!).  And, you thought retail mark-ups were high!  So, because our insurance companies pay these inflated costs, they of course, want to make money, so they increase our rates.  Don't you see?  This has to stop.  Everyone needs to be insured.

The best way to do that is to make it AFFORDABLE (Obamacare).  We still have choices.  We just have to be insured.  From what I have read, a LOT of thought has gone into this.  There are tax credits to offset the cost of insurance.  The choices are better.  The private companies are going to HAVE to be more competitive because the public is making more INFORMED choices.  We (the public) have had to educate ourselves over the last few years as we analyzed all of our health care costs because it is one of our biggest expenses (in my house, at least).

In my home, we start with prevention.  We choose to go to the doctor less.  We eat pretty "clean" (very little processed food, almost all organic).  We exercise.  We go to the chiropractor regularly (this has helped us greatly with our immune system and allergies).  We pay more for food to be healthier.  It is the best investment for my family.  It is the most important thing to us.

Back to Jackie Robinson.  And, OUR President Barack Obama.  Thank you, both, for helping to change the world (and so many others).  Thank you for helping us to see the whole world in color.  There should be no "black" and "white".  Ever.  Two men, doing/did the best they can/could, to make the world a little better.

"Obamacare" makes perfect sense.  So does a world full of color!

Fear

I am inspired to write about fear after reading Glennon Doyle Melton's, "Carry On Warrior. Thoughts on Life Unarmed".  By the way, I loved her words, her stories, and her.  She is authentic and "brutiful" (she says life is brutal and beautiful, therefore...).  A friend just told me she also loved Melton's book and she currently can't stop reading books by Brene Brown.  Brene Brown!  I loved her TED talk on "Vulnerability".  I am definitely reading her books!

Oh!  I just found one of her books, "The gifts of imperfection : let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are".  Totally reading THAT one.

So, regarding fear, I first thought about my children.  I have been reading "Homeschooling Education Magazine" lately; and, many of their contributors write about trusting in your children and letting them take the lead for their education.  I know in my heart that this is what I want to do; but, we are not quite there yet.  We get closer every day, though.  Really. (Fear!)

One recent article described offering children the opportunity to not only have EXPERIENCES (field trips, nature walks, etc.); but, to also give them freedom to experience ADVENTURES (letting them go on their own and see what amazing things can happen).  I already believed this; but, I am grateful to see it in writing.  Looking back, I can see some moments I have "let go". 

When my kids were learning to walk, they wanted to climb our stairs (of course).  So, I let them (I was right there with them, helping them; but, I got farther and farther away until I knew they could do it alone).  Ironically, learning how to go up was easier for them than learning how to go down.

After the stairs came the playground.  They both wanted to climb the tricky rope ladder at an early age, so I let them.  I was right there if they needed me; but, they did a pretty darn good job on their own!

I have taught my children to cross the street properly (even the alley behind our house is treated as a street, of course!).  So, I feel confident that they will look and listen in both directions (or all 4) before they cross any street.  Therefore, when my oldest was 5, (after having walked him both ways a few times for his half-hour piano lesson), I let him go by himself (It's just about a block away).  I also let my boys walk together to a friend's house nearby, crossing two streets and just beyond my view (eek!).

I also trust my oldest son on his own at the library.  But, the library has a rule that you have to be 8 to be on your own (he has been on his own frequently since he was 5).  There was one unfortunate time (recently!) that for some reason (even though he could see our car out the window) he thought we had left him at the library (I had, in fact, taken his brother and cousins to the movie section).  So, he was crying and the library lady glared at me.  After that, I FOUND OUT about the 8 year old "on your own" age requirement by way of signs posted in the library.  Ugh.

Looking forward, I need to make a conscious effort with my boys.  I want to continue to connect with them and truly trust them.  I picture a fishing line and reel; but, I don't know if that is quite the right analogy.  I often let them go and "reel them in" if necessary.  We have a "rule" (I don't really like that word) that you have freedom until you break the rules (be respectful and don't harm anyone or anything).  But, then there are the times that they "swim away" (I let go) and then they "swim back" (phew).

I do these things because I KNOW they are going to be OK.  God tells me.  Sometimes not in words.  But, sometimes I REALLY DO hear a voice that I don't expect.  He lets me know everything is going to be OK.  I would never intentionally put my kids in danger.  I KNOW when I should avoid certain situations.  God tells me.  He is also with my kids.  They know it, too.  In fact, I still remember one time when I got up at night to use the bathroom; and, when I returned, my sleepy youngest son said, "I wasn't scared, mommy.  God stayed with me."

Then, I started thinking about myself.  I have often taken on challenges and conquered my fears.

For example, in high school I suffered from low self-esteem.  It did not help when I was called upon to read aloud in Honors English.  I often STOPPED BREATHING as I read (I do not know why but, fear struck hearing just my voice in the super-quiet classroom) and then, I began HYPERVENTILATING before I finished the selection (which made my whole body shake and made my voice come out even quieter and probably a bit squeaky).  That was EMBARRASSING.  I had to take speech class, too.  I had to do better.  I was not great at it; but, I was always complemented on my speeches (by the people who sat in front and could actually hear me). 

So, in college, I took two more speech classes.  Then, at my first "real job", I was asked by our manager to do the employee orientation and Radisson guest service training.  I did it.  Many times.  And, I loved it so much I decided that was what I wanted to do, that was what I liked most about my job.  So, I met a guy who was Vice President of Lettuce Entertain You (a successful restaurant group based in Chicago).  He was staying at the hotel and a good friend of mine was working for him.  He gave me his card.  So, when I wanted to move back to Chicago (because I was not "feeling it" in Champaign, IL), I called that guy (oh, the fear!) and asked if he had a training manager job for me.

I quit my job and moved to Chicago with just an interview scheduled for the next day (fear!).  I went to the interview, he hired me and I started training at a restaurant (Ben Pao) where the training manager was leaving (or, she was supposed to leave and never did; but, that is another story).

In college, I did ALOT of things that I was afraid to do.  Just going to college was scary.  First day, in the dorms, did not know a SOUL.  Scary.  I walked most places, even at night (and, of course, I lived in the dorms on the opposite end of campus from my architecture studio).  I was always alert; but, not ever afraid (God was always with me and I know that now). 

My favorite story is joining the Falling Illini.  My mom had a boyfriend (that I disliked greatly) that was a skydiver.  I thought, if that coward (forgive me, he was the only person in the world that ever socked me in the face) can jump out of a plane, I can do it, too.  So, one of my sorority sisters and I (I hope you are doing well, Julie!) went to Vandalia, IL to go through the training and do our first jump.  (FEAR! FEAR! FEAR!).  We did a "static line" jump, where you have to CRAWL OUT ONTO THE WING OF THE PLANE AND LET GO (what was I thinking?).  It was AWESOME!  Then, one of my good friends and HER sorority sister wanted to do it; so, I went with them.  My first jump that day, they were still in training; so, they watched as I careened to the earth with my broken radio (and it had been at least a year since my first jump) and tried to remember how to land.  I ended up in a corn field; but, honestly, it was the softest landing I remember.  They laughed.  I thought it was GREAT!  Then, I jumped with them later in the day.  Three times.  Jumped from a plane.  I DID it!

I am discovering more things about myself each year (I wish I could say each day).  I have done many more things that I was afraid to do and I hope I continue to do things that scare me.  Most recently, I was VERY AFRAID to take in my dad (who suffered a stroke about 5 years ago and has dementia).  He lived with us for two years and I WAS EVEN MORE AFRAID to move him out one month ago.  But, I did it.

I don't see the things I learn until I look back on the things I was afraid to do.  I was VERY AFRAID to write a blog.  We'll see how that goes.  LOL.  But, I discover so much about myself and about the world.  I discover what I am MEANT to do and I plan to help my children conquer their fears and find their own ways.  God is WITH us.  He is part of us and he is with us, always.  He will help you to conquer your fears.  You are NOT ALONE.

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

Today marks 10 years since the day I wed my wonderful husband.  Through all the ups and downs, these have been the best years of my life.

We have challenges and we see them.  We acknowledge them.  We work on them.  Together. 

We have triumphs and joys and laughter and a lot of love.  We have two wonderful gifts (our children)

I love you my dear, sweet husband!  Happy Anniversary.

I look forward to celebrating with you when I get home!

Leaving for the Weekend

It was really, really stressful for me the first time I left my kids for the weekend (one year ago).  Maybe one of the reasons they call it, "attachment parenting" is because I am attached to THEM. 

The good thing is that it also led to a one-night getaway this spring for my husband and me.  That was a wonderful time to reconnect.  Now, I know why other parents suggest it!

And, I am getting ready to leave again.  Just three days; but, it is still hard.  After caring for my dad for two years, everyone says this is good for me.  I am keeping that in mind.  I don't feel AS stressed- especially because my husband does not also have to care for my Dad.

It also helps that we have a celebration planned for Sunday (when I return) centered around my Dad and my brother's homecoming, who was first in Korea and now in Alaska (serving in the Air Force).

I am almost packed.  My friend (and ride to the airport) is coming soon.  I am ready for this America in Bloom symposium.  And, I will miss my boys (and my husband!) but, I know they will have fun.  I love them.