Really, I’m in awe of my garden.  It starts so small and by August I have a jungle overrunning the bounds of the garden plot!  I still am learning about proper care, and much of the bounty is due to the nice rainy summer we’ve had.  At this point, I’m growing tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, watermelon, ground cherries, celery and a gob of herbs and a few berries. But isn’t it just lovely to see something go from a seed to something luscious you can eat?

DH is heading out of town part of the week, which frees me to play a bit more. I go through periods where I need more protein, and others where it doesn’t seem to matter. Lately, I’ve felt great when eating vegan, so I’m leaning that way when possible while balancing family harmony and time.

This week’s menu swap is hosted by Mary Francis of GF Cooking School.  Thanks for hosting!

Monday:
Vegan:
My favorite arugala salad (I will probably post the recipe sooner or later!)
Oven roasted tomatoes

Tuesday:
Vegan
Kalyn’s Summertime the Tomato salad (minus the tuna)

Wednesday:
Quick and easy
Millet crusted turkey cutlets with thyme, steamed artichokes in a lemony sauce

Thursday:
Freezer diving (vegan):
African Inspired Almond Collard stew

Friday:
Grillin’
Buffalo burgers with marinated peppers from my garden!

Saturday:
Vegan/batch cooking
Tomato soup with caramelized onions

Baked good: this month’s Daring Baker challenge
and I also just finished making
David Lebovitz’ Chocolate Idiot cake with Valrona shavings (GF, but NOT dairy or egg free…birthday cake for a friend)

I’m also working on GF, vegan, yeast free, sugar free hamburger buns/rolls. They’re getting better, but are not ready for prime time yet…

Garden harvest:

From my garden:
Red and green peppers
ground cherries
tomatoes
thyme
rosemary
oregano

From the market:

plums
peaches
apples
arugala
corn (for DH)

On to the adoptees:

Mary Francis hopped in early with Egg Rolls (gluten free, of course), courtesy of Kate at Gluten Free Gobsmacked.  Even though she improvised, due to accidentally doubling the liquids, they came out perfectly.  You had me at flaky dough!

Hannah, of Hannah’s Harvest, is treating her pregant sweet tooth to yummy Oatmeal Date Chocolate Cookies from Mrs. Gf’s Blog.  The picture has me drooling!

Anna, with her new blog Gluten Free Anna, made Mary Frances’ GF Pizza. Despite having to make a last minute run for more cheese, her pizza turned out beautifully.

I adopted Ricki, of Diet, Dessert and Dogs, and went for a double header adoption and adaption.  I adopted her Spicy Cauliflower soup (yum!!!) and adapted her Maple Cookies (even yummier!). Both got rave reviews.  I even made the soup twice, due to a camera glitch.

Kimberly of Living Free, made Sally’s Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. She loved the fact that they were so easy and they disappeared quickly at her house!

Last, but certainly not least, Thomas adapted Lauren of Celiac Teen, because he’s inspired by her outlook and fashion sense! He made her zucchini bread. He made it dairy free, too. Doesn’t it look lovely?

So that’s all for this month! Check in with Seamaiden from Book of Yum for next month’s adoption details, and I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Just a tidbit of news, since it’s making my day: Karina, the GF Goddess is posting low glycemic (low carb) recipes. As a nutritionist who is very into low glycemic foods, and someone who loves to eat, I’m delighted.  Wait, you’re not gluten free?  No worries, good food has no boundaries!  So check out her luscious blog, you’ll be glad you did.

Now on to other tasty topics: ground cherries.  I was reading a seed catalog, which isn’t as boring as it sounds. Hey, I was on a plane and didn’t have much else to do! The description was intriguing: they “have a flavor reminiscent of pineapple”.  How could I resist?  I’d never heard of them before, but hey, that’s never stopped me in the past!

Lo and behold, they’re totally delicious, and probably the happiest member of my garden.  They’re a relative of tomato, but are much sweeter, like a typical fruit.  Like tomatillos, they have a papery peel, which you remove to get the fruit.   Unlike tomatoes,  they grow close to the ground, and they are super low maintenece (i.e. all I do is pick ‘em and they’re happy)

As far as preparation, usually I don’t really do much with them aside from peeling and popping them into my mouth.  I’ve used them in salsa, and in salads as a colorful addition.  I found recipes to make a jam with them, but adding sugar to them seems totally unnecessary.  Besides, I end up eating them so quickly I’d have a hard time getting enough!

I wanted to make sure I was following the WHB rules and give a recipe, so I tried dehydrating a few with a tray of apricots I was drying.  They’re interesting and not as sweet as I expected.  They’re a bit like raisins, but don’t have as full of a flavor.  However, if by some quirk of fate, you’re allergic to grapes (like me), they might make a decent substitute.

As a totally unexpected bonus, they also make an excellent cat toy.  I co-habitate with a large, lazy feline, and he went nuts for one that I dropped on the floor.  Apparently, it makes a great puck.  But the next morning I discovered they’d somehow maneuvered a bunch out of the bowl they were in so the guys would have more toys.  Gotta love it.

This is my entry into Weekend Herb Blogging, as originated by Kalyn’s Kitchen.  This week’s happy hostess is Marija from Palachinka, a fellow Daring Baker who has some seriously drool-worthy pictures on her site.

Cat says: Lizard watching is better than the Olympics.  To each his own…

This week is hosted by Wheatstate Celiac and the food is tofu.  Since I’m allergic, it’s not on the menu.

I have an un-plan for this week. I’ve had more and more stomach discomfort for the past week, and no matter what I ate, my stomach would hurt or I’d get nauseous. This happens on and off, usually with stress, and generally it goes away after a few weeks.  And yes, I’ve done the conventional doc and alternative medicine route.  Then I had one of those light bulb moments. Why, exactly, am I continuing to eat when it causes discomfort? So I fasted for most of day, and now am having blended veggies, coconut water and broth and I must say, my GI tract is much, much happier. I can’t believe that in the last 4 or 5 years that never occurred to me before!  I do make a point of eating mindfully, but usually, I feel that *of course* I have to eat. But now I’m leaving it up to my body for the next few days. I am feeling better and so I will probably start more typical food soon, but I’m making a point to plan NOT to plan. It feels really liberating to not have to follow any rules about making something because it’s dinnertime. Fortunately, DH is out of town, so I’m free to eat as strangely as I please.  It’s not in any way a long term solution, but it’s nice to find another way of approaching the situation.

But since DH is away, I hope I’ll be making some of the things that he’s not really a fan of in his absence:

• Broccoli raab with sauteed garlic and pine nuts
• Seared tuna steak with caramelized onions

I’ll also be doing a remake of Ricki’s Spicy Cauliflower soup for Adopt a GF blogger, since my camera ate the last round of pictures.  At least someone in this house currently has a healthy appetite!

So instead of a real meal plan, feast on a roundup of GF news.  As a dietitian and someone who is GF, I’m always immersed in the GF world of events.

News:

There’s new research by Dr. Fasano on where and how gluten causes damage in the intestines of people with Celiac Disease. Here’s an article summarizing the findings.

There’s also an interview from one of the top Celiac docs on the differences between CD and Gluten intolerance

The rules, they are a changin’

In the past, traveling abroad poses some challenges, since many countries follow guidelines known as the Codex Alimentarius, which defines under 200ppm as gluten free (most experts in this country recommend under 20 ppm). However, it’s been reported that they’ve decided to lower their limit to 20 ppm.

Canada has become more proactive as well, and has announced new proposed regulations that all gluten sources must be labeled.

Speaking of the new limit, the official ruling on what can, and can’t, be labeled GF in the US is due out in August, 2008, so stay tuned! However, unlike Canada and abroad, in the US the new ruling is ONLY voluntary. Essentially, if a company wants to label something as GF, they must comply with the rules, but most of our food supply will still not be required to have gluten information on the label.

Local Events:

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NCFA) is hosting a special Celiac Awareness Night on Saturday, August 16th for a game against the Colorado Rockies.

Products, etc.

Triumph Dining is giving away their dining cards. But it gets even better! If enough people take them up on it, they’ll donate to a Celiac related charity.

Good news for multi-allergic chocolate lovers! Enjoy life has new gluten/dairy/soy/nut free chocolate bars that will be at Whole Foods in August. There’s even a crispy rice bar!

Heartland’s finest has closed!  If you are a fan of their pasta or Cereos, you’ll have to act quickly to stock up.  Allergygrocer has some in stock, and you may be able to find in other places, too.

Recipe and info round-up:

We’re seeing GF recipes in the mainstream more and more! Emeril had a recent episode, with recipes that are gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free! The included a brownie, wraps and more.

And, of course, Adopt a GF blogger for July is coming to a close, so please send me your pictures and links.

Mint tends to be a potent tummy soother, and is a good source of fiber. It’s even got a neat story from Greek mythology about its origins. And, of course, if you grow it, you know that it’s very plentiful and a perennial, so I’m always looking for ways to keep up with my plant.

I enjoy this dish because it’s low carb, quick, easy, and using mint is a nice way to add a little variety. The chicken is yummy on a bed of lettuce with cucumbers and tomatoes, and I also like it with apple. We grilled a few ears of corn to go with it as well. And, of course, what I like most is that DH grills it and I can be lazy. For winter months, we just bake it in the oven.

1.5 cups of mint leaves, loosely packed
6 large stevia leaves
several good squeezes of lemon, or a pinch of unbuffered vitamin C powder
1 tablespoon fresh marjoram leaves
1/4 cup oil
2-3 tablespoons water

Either put everything in the blender or chop the mint leaves and combine. Marinate chicken for 2-3 hours (I tend to do all day for chicken pieces). Drain marinade, grill and enjoy!

This is my weekly “Weekend Herb Blogging” submission, founded by Kalyn’s Kitchen. Our host this week is Divya of Dil Se, a yummy blog chock full of East Indian dishes. I’ve bookmarked it and plan to try some!

• I increased the flour to 1/2 cup (actually, even 1 tsp or two more) and changed it from barley to brown rice
• I used hazelnut praline paste rather than tahini (leftover from the last Daring baker challenge) since I’m allergic to sesame
• I used just a tiny pinch of vitamin c crystals instead of the apple cider vinegar since I don’t do anything fermented
• I reduced the maple syrup to 1/4 cup, since the paste was sweetened
• I made a few without sea salt for a friend who can’t have any salt, and those turned out well, too.

I planned on using teff because I like the flavor and it’s quite a bit more nutritious than brown rice, but I’ve been on a baking binge lately and so I was out!  I might also try unroasted (light) buckwheat flour, or add in a pinch of mesquite.  Ya know, just for the sake of scientific experimentation.

They were delightful and cooked up beautifully! I will certainly make these again and play with variations.  Flax is very healthy, and I often avoid taking it because I’m not crazy about the taste.  These will give me good incentive

One thing, though…since you GF bloggers out there all seem to be getting pregnant, recommendations are to eat no more than 2 Tablespoons a day of flax seeds while pregnant.  So you can eat half a batch, but not  the whole thing!  At least not in one day.

Spicy Cauliflower soup

Summer time isn’t usually soup time, but I love soup.  It’s just so comforting and soothing, even when it’s 90 degrees out (or 93, I think, but who’s counting!).  The spices are a lovely mix.  I made it according to the recipe, but put in cauli stem instead of potato because *sigh* no potatoes for me, and used almond milk instead of soy.  I also have some in my freezer for the next rainy day!  I’m sure this will be a regular in our rotation in winter months.

Due to camera issues, I made the soup twice.  It ended up being a very good thing, because when I have a tummy ache, blended soups are the perfect thing.  The second time around, I blended in a few overripe apricots and the gave a subtle sweetness, and I added a little ground nutmeg on top.  I can’t wait to explore the different ways to enjoy Ricki’s soup!

So, check out Ricki’s blog.  Her recipes are great, and the stories are always entertaining.  And the doggies are too cute for words, too.

This post will be part of the Adopt a GF Blogger round up.  I’m hosting, which is why I wanted to make sure to post it on time!  Adopt a GF blogger is the “baby” of Seamaiden of Book of Yum.  If you want to adopt someone, you still have time!  Just email me or put it in the comments, and post by August 11th.

Also, if you haven’t already, please consider joining the fun and participating in this months’ Adopt a GF Blogger, which is now through Aug 11th.

Monday:

Grillin’ Rosemary Salmon with grilled marinated peppers

Tuesday:
Quick and easy:
Baked turkey cutlets in a tomato basil sauce with roasted asparagus

Weds:
More grillin’
Grilled mint-stevia chicken with roasted corn (for DH) and broccoli for me (I will post this recipe if anyone is interested)

Thursday:
Vegan:
Southwestern Quinoa and black bean salad, featuring my very own tomatoes

Friday:

Leftovers =)

Saturday:

East Indian
Beef and coconut curry with Spicy Cauliflower soup (my adoption of Diet, Dessert and Dogs) and maybe even papadams, if I get some energy!

Garden harvest:

From my garden:
Ground cherries
green peppers
garlic
Chocolate mint!
tomatoes
basil
rosemary
stevia

From the Farmer’s Market:
Peaches
Apricots
Cabbage
Summer onions (very yummy)
Red peppers

Dessertof the week:
some variant on chocolate cherry pudding, and possibly something else. I have been a baking fool lately, but most of my endeavors have fallen a little flat (no pun intended)

The summer months are a great time for uncooked meals. Fresh tomatoes and an avocado. Peaches and cashews. Tuna, green apple and arugala with some balsamic. Quick, easy and perfect!  I’ve always been a fan of the simple stuff, but never delved much into more involved meals and desserts.  This has given me a bunch new great ideas!

Here’s a roundup of what all of you DIDN’T bake:

Naomi at Straight into Bed, Cakefree and Dried is the the founder of GAHIGF.  She’s treated us with a lovely gluten free, dairy free, basil pesto recipe.  I can’t wait until my basil gets big enough!  Naomi has a great bunch of SCD recipes, and just gorgeous pictures.

Hannah, from Hannah’s Harvest, is joining us for the first time.  She has a beautiful Candy Apple Fennel Salad, which is great sweet treat, and a good way to use up fennel!

Lauren, the Celiac Teen, waltzed in with some no-bake cheesecakes. She’s celebrating 6 months gluten free, so let’s all raise a glass of…err…non alcoholic beverage… in her direction!

Cindalou, of Cindalou’s Kitchen Blues, is taking a minute off from her cloud of newly married bliss to share her Purslane, Plum and Avocado Salad. I grow purslane, and am always looking for new ways to use it, so I’m jazzed!

Rachel, the Gluten Free Mama has graced us with a gorgeous, seasonal Kiwi Strawberry Salad with Citrus dressing. It was her way to make great use of an abundance of lettuce and spinach in her garden.

After a few raw desserts that didn’t quite work as planned, I pulled together a yummy, tangy, peach ginger ice cream.  This was the first ice cream I’d had in years, and so I was delighted.

Last but not least, Rachael of the Crispy Cook limboed under the deadline with her Striped German Tomato Salad.  Not only is the tomato from her garden, but it’s the first of the season, which makes it even more exciting!

She doesn’t have a purty picture, but M-elle of Cooking and Uncooking has a Mango Avocado salad posted.  Since mangos and avocados are my favorite foods, it sounds just about perfect to me!

We must all be on the same wavelength, because Karina, the Gluten Free Goddess, posted recipes for greenwiches (uncooked lettuce wraps).  Yum!

So I think we hit everything, from appetizers, to salad, to main course, to dessert.

If you had fun with this, please be sure to check out this month’s Adopt a GF Blogger, which is runs from July 28 - Aug 11.

And, of course, be on the look out for the next month’s edition of Go ahead, honey, it’s GF.  This just in!  Rachel, from the Crispy Cook will be hosting, and her theme is seasonal veggies.  Also, you can check out the main page at Naomi’s blog!

Sorrel has a nice tart taste to it, and is supposed to be lovely with fish. Next time! It can be hard to come by, and I was happy to find it at the market.

I know I saw a recipe last year, but don’t remember where, so I decided to just wing it. I left some of the lettuce and veggies un-pureed because I like the texture and hint of crunch, but that’s a a matter of personal preference.

Last time, I thickened with a potato, but those are off limits, so I used a little coconut flour. I’m sure more walnuts or another root veggie like parsnips would work, too.

2 Tablespoons oil
1 cup diced onions
2 big romaine hearts, chopped (divided)
3 cups veg or chicken broth
4 cups or so sorrel
2 Tablespoons coconut flour, or potato flour (NOT starch)
1/2 cup walnuts, soaked overnight if you think of it!
sea salt
fresh mint
white pepper

Saute the onions for 5-6 min until soft with a pinch of salt. Add in 1 1/2 of the romaine hearts and saute a few minutes more. Add broth, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sorrel and simmer 5 minutes more. Reserve 1 cup or so of cooked veggies and puree the rest with the (drained) walnuts. Add back reserved veggies and add in the last 1/2 chopped romaine heart. Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with fresh chopped mint.

Enjoy!

This is my weekly offering for Weekend Herb Blogging, the brainchild of Kalyn of Kalyn’s Kitchen. This week’s kind host is Sounding my Barbaric Gulp

~from Cheryl’s kitchen ©2008. Please do not replicate without crediting/permission.

It was a bit of a comedy of errors. My first two recipe attempts–banana macadamia candies– were okay, but underwhelming, and time was running out. So I decided to go for one more attempt, peach ice cream, and as usual, I figured I could could wing it. I used young coconuts for a creamy texture, and blended in a few peaches, but you could barely taste them. Coconut milk is wonderfully creamy, but it takes a strong flavor, like chocolate, mint, berries, etc. to mask it. So I hastily ran out to the Farmer’s market, and pureed some more peaches. You could taste the peach, but still it wasn’t prominent.

Hmmm. So I had a vat of yummy, peach goop, and I needed inspiration. Pecans? Extracts? And then I realized, of course! Crystallized ginger.

The ginger and peach pairing worked really well, with the sweetness balancing the sharpness of the ginger. I would make vanilla ice cream again, and have chunks of peaches, but I wouldn’t do peaches by themselves again. I would try it with pineapple or banana in the future, and will certainly tinker with this recipe again!

You live, you learn. May all my “mistakes” be this yummy!

Makes a batch for a 4 quart ice cream maker

“meat” of 2 young coconuts
4 cups of water (I assume you can sub 2 cans of coconut milk for the coconut and water)
2 tablespoons of raw cashew butter
1/2 cup agave nectar
7 peaches
1 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
vanilla or almond extract, if desired

Puree all ingredients, except ginger, in batches. Stir together in a big bowl. Chill for 1 hour. Add in ginger chunks, and put in ice cream maker and follow instructions.

~from Cheryl’s kitchen ©2008