tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30816463379248873292024-03-18T20:53:28.180-07:00Sugarless, Flourless, and Fabulous!Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-57803258711305368972012-07-16T09:25:00.001-07:002012-07-16T09:25:54.322-07:00Tea GoodiesLast Saturday, my husband and I had friends over for tea (you can read about it on my other blog <a href="http://www.cupcakecaramel.blogspot.com/2012/07/french-friday-59.html">here</a>) in honor of Bastille Day. Though the menu wasn't strictly French, it was influenced by the seasonal sourcing of ingredients and my aim to keep the menu low-carb. Enter Elana Amsterdam's <u>The Almond Flour Cookbook</u> to the rescue.<br />
<br />
We had:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Salmon cakes with mint, lemon and a wasabi-laced remoulade</li>
<li>Almond bread bruschetta with a cherry tomato rustic confit (rustic means I chop, not mince)</li>
<li>Almond flour chocolate cookies, made in the French sable style</li>
<li>Parfaits with raspberries, chopped almonds, and unsweetened creme chantilly</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PV9ciJDgPw/UAQ_Pr_HPoI/AAAAAAAABJQ/UmNCaFcZEmw/s1600/IMG_1380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PV9ciJDgPw/UAQ_Pr_HPoI/AAAAAAAABJQ/UmNCaFcZEmw/s320/IMG_1380.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato and olive confit on almond bread, salmon cake with tangy remoulade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5jXakQ5K1A/UAQ_WjQfOvI/AAAAAAAABJY/qTuuBPzEnto/s1600/IMG_1381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5jXakQ5K1A/UAQ_WjQfOvI/AAAAAAAABJY/qTuuBPzEnto/s320/IMG_1381.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea and a pitcher of ice water with a stalk of mint to perfume the l'eau de vie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zy-2FfDoQM/UAQ_eFeyIbI/AAAAAAAABJg/kCbPHyaj3O8/s1600/IMG_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zy-2FfDoQM/UAQ_eFeyIbI/AAAAAAAABJg/kCbPHyaj3O8/s320/IMG_1382.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert: slabs of almond flour cookies and the raspberry parfait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3NWectE0fQ/UAQ_mRbe3dI/AAAAAAAABJs/vnd3hlnjBhs/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3NWectE0fQ/UAQ_mRbe3dI/AAAAAAAABJs/vnd3hlnjBhs/s320/IMG_1383.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so pretty I had to take a close-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While the rest of the guests had iced tea, I preferred to sip a pot of Harney & Son's Paris blend in my toile pot and cup. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Though the conversation did not orient itself to the storming of prisons, the repression of the masses, or a potential credit downgrade, it was nice to be with friends and EAT. Being free to eat whatever is placed before me on the table is the primary reason I prefer to entertain at home rather than at restaurants.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-81330071847696013872012-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T21:00:06.661-07:00Homestyle Fresh Chili ReviewShortly after<b><a href="http://therichlifeonabudget.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-weight-loss.html" target="_blank"> writing a blog post about my weight loss and low carb way of eating </a></b>on my other blog, The Rich Life (on a budget), I was contacted by <b><a href="http://www.homestylefresh.com/about.htm" target="_blank">Homestyle Fresh</a></b> to do a review of their two chilies, Chicken Chili with Beans and Beef Chili with Beans. <br />
<div><br />
I jumped at the chance to try their products. There are so few pre-packaged, convenient on the market that are low carb. </div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-rXA07vtwdzuGtN9sapMN_LDODR6AfgJb8Ye85XRtKIZlvAC-8Pc_VjXz6FkB53htIqPSBPiArVOhjcF8esTPsIVh_90RIdA6kwilaOv3wdIdiz2UQycU6izC4mZDeqt-x4WKyjNinop/s1600/IMG_5630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-rXA07vtwdzuGtN9sapMN_LDODR6AfgJb8Ye85XRtKIZlvAC-8Pc_VjXz6FkB53htIqPSBPiArVOhjcF8esTPsIVh_90RIdA6kwilaOv3wdIdiz2UQycU6izC4mZDeqt-x4WKyjNinop/s400/IMG_5630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I heated both packages up in the microwave - one at a time - and did a tasting with my teenage stepdaughter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcIoN2pV5sGpZ6HknweiBv_qITlBtqOZSyFPdtEVEYPpifwgCjJPHnYqFythizLu13cGIDi3XIYTD5X-NVkbgBmDqNn1SmWtsWs0YGQVgLBW1VnV46NrSE6l_I_F7B-jnLTYkw9AFdOSI/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcIoN2pV5sGpZ6HknweiBv_qITlBtqOZSyFPdtEVEYPpifwgCjJPHnYqFythizLu13cGIDi3XIYTD5X-NVkbgBmDqNn1SmWtsWs0YGQVgLBW1VnV46NrSE6l_I_F7B-jnLTYkw9AFdOSI/s400/IMG_5633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We both agreed that we like the chilies. They have an authentic flavor, the beans are nice and firm not mushy, the meats are lean and tender and the chilies' consistency is just right - not too watery and not too thick.<br />
<br />
Both chilies are mild in flavor and I usually prefer a spicier chili. But that is easily remedied with a few shakes of Tabasco sauce.<br />
<br />
Both chilies weigh in at 5 net carbs or less and the serving is big enough for a meal. In fact, I had the Beef Chili for lunch Monday and was full by the time I cleaned my bowl.<br />
<br />
A great dinner idea would be to serve the chili over <a href="http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">low carb pasta</a>, top it with diced red onions, shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a tasty low carb Cincinnati Chili.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in trying Homestyle Fresh Chilies, click here. <b><a href="http://www4.netrition.com/lc_homestyles_meals_page.html" target="_blank">Netrition </a></b>is currently selling each package for just $2.69 each.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Adrienne </b></i></div></div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-84019912716132997012012-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:002012-06-11T02:00:10.453-07:00Low-Carb Candy Options<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R77gQQeiM7U/T9PEm5EorPI/AAAAAAAABCQ/6HZ7a84sm1M/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R77gQQeiM7U/T9PEm5EorPI/AAAAAAAABCQ/6HZ7a84sm1M/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know this looks like sludge - but that's because it's huge chunks of almonds and French sea salt surrounded by a layer of molten and super dark chocolate. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I needed a big dose of
something special last Friday, and I tried to fulfill this craving in a
somewhat responsible but decadent manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
In my head, I was chanelling a huge bar of Cadbury's Milk Chocolate and Nut candy. Gosh, in pre-low carb days I could eat one of those things in 3 minutes flat.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In making my own chocolate candy bark, I was able to control the sugar
content (very low) and pump up the volume with high-protein and good-for-you
almonds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also chopped up the remainder
and used it to make low-carb and dairy-free ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Please visit <strong><a href="http://cupcakecaramel.blogspot.com/2012/06/french-friday-57.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">cupcakecaramel</span></a></strong> to see the
details.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Because sometimes, you just <em><strong><span style="color: magenta;">need</span></strong></em> dessert!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-86924465722014867662012-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:002012-06-04T00:00:06.195-07:00Reading List: The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcODBhbDKNY/T8ZRM2TZx3I/AAAAAAAAA9s/A6bf4BubY2Y/s1600/low+carb+living+book+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcODBhbDKNY/T8ZRM2TZx3I/AAAAAAAAA9s/A6bf4BubY2Y/s1600/low+carb+living+book+jacket.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not going to do a book review; you can find those on
Amazon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just going to recommend this
as an addition to your low-carb library if you would like to read about our way
of living from a perspective that is:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Biological<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Physiological<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Chemical<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Clinical<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After reading and understanding this book by Drs. Jeff
Volek and Stephen Phinney, you’ll be able to throw around terms like “lipogenesis”
and “ketogenic hierarchy”, as well as how and why glucose goes to your
liver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intimidating? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hated biology in school.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If nothing else, this is a great book to give to your doubting
medical practitioner or your friend who thinks you are following a quack diet
that is doomed to bring disaster to your next physical check up.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And if that fails to convince you, there is a
rocking-awesome ice cream recipe in the back.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Rebekah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-34517715314292209722012-05-28T09:09:00.003-07:002012-05-28T09:09:38.230-07:00Rosemary Olive Bread – Elana’s Pantry<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made bread this last week with huge success!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, if you measure success by making
something for the first time and it is edible, which this absolutely was.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don’t dream about buttered toast anymore, but every
once in a while I get hungry for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had been wanting to make some of the quick breads in Elana Amsterdam’s cookbook, <u>The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook</u> (click
<a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/">here</a> for Elana's blog), but the missing ingredient was sourcing arrowroot powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eventually found some at Amazon and it
arrived last Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The secret
ingredients to Paleo bread are arrowroot powder and almond butter.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3Rqpf8GLfE/T8OgtCUuUCI/AAAAAAAAA8I/CbxKdat98fY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3Rqpf8GLfE/T8OgtCUuUCI/AAAAAAAAA8I/CbxKdat98fY/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowroot and almond flour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58WLAT8BsUI/T8OgwV2DLNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6bKUbM4xPQ4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58WLAT8BsUI/T8OgwV2DLNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6bKUbM4xPQ4/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All from Costco - you can certainly use stevia instead of agave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKsSseRKLiI/T8OgzxhKacI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/n6nO4EwgAF0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKsSseRKLiI/T8OgzxhKacI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/n6nO4EwgAF0/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalamatas and rosemary from my herb garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made the dough, and it was sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was skeptical how good sweet bread with
rosemary and chopped kalamatas would taste, but the baked product was nothing
like the raw dough.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOkB3orIwU/T8OhLRT_eyI/AAAAAAAAA8g/TITuqxeSVNs/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOkB3orIwU/T8OhLRT_eyI/AAAAAAAAA8g/TITuqxeSVNs/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread dough - funky, huh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egi485WL2xc/T8OhPC4tmOI/AAAAAAAAA8o/zJwUu4YbBIU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Egi485WL2xc/T8OhPC4tmOI/AAAAAAAAA8o/zJwUu4YbBIU/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pan that is too big will yield stumpy bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAWy50VWzYE/T8OhSl_IYDI/AAAAAAAAA8w/fc5Fm0a135M/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAWy50VWzYE/T8OhSl_IYDI/AAAAAAAAA8w/fc5Fm0a135M/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stumpy but tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We’ve been eating it throughout the week, and it has been
delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say that the bread
tastes better toasted rather than not, and you may want to spread it with
something a little salty: grass-fed butter (Kerry’s Gold – at Costco), goat
cheese, olive tapenade or a homemade tomato compote.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I baked the dough in the wrong pan and it came out flat,
looking like biscotti when sliced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will better follow the directions and cook it in a smaller pan next time so I
get a better bread loaf.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my amateur calculation, I think the net carb count is around 60 grams for the entire recipe. If you are in Atkins Induction, this is not a good choice, but at all other phases a skinny slice (we get about 12 slices out of this recipe) with some fat (see above) is a nice snack.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>Rebekah</strong></span></em></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-7529394502291601342012-05-22T08:09:00.000-07:002012-05-22T08:09:02.709-07:00Shirataki Noodles<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve been reading up on shirtaki noodles, mostly because
I REALLY continue to miss Pasta Putanesca with bucatini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to make this delicious dish every 10
days in my carb loving days, and I savored every briny, pomodoran bite.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And with most things low-carb, you quickly figure out
that you don’t miss the pasta, you miss the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sauce</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about spaghetti squash, but it just
isn’t the same for this particular recipe.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I first learned about shirataki noodles, which are made
from yams and have a miniscule carb count, at <a href="http://www.sugarfreesheila.com/index.html">Sugarfree Sheila’s website</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After doing some research on the nutritive
effects – good and bad – I decided to make a purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hunted and hunted at my local grocery store
and could not locate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Curse you, Texas grocery stores, for only stocking
grain-based noodles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i>
want rice noodles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I want the
veggie noodles that skinny people eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why do I have to order on Amazon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why is it…oh, there’s an employee; let’s ask him.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Uh, I was in the wrong section.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Shirataki noodles are located in the refrigerated section
next to the tofu and seitan (satan).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a good thing I’m an introvert and didn’t have a visible temper tantrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkLvfupuHQ/T6wSfO-j5zI/AAAAAAAAA5E/VYoHQISarOI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkLvfupuHQ/T6wSfO-j5zI/AAAAAAAAA5E/VYoHQISarOI/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead of using the noodles with my coveted Putanesca, I
used them in a recipe I have from <a href="http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/about-the-author/">Wheat Belly</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t had Asian cuisine in a while, and a chicken
and veggie stir fry seemed like the most logical experiment for these yam-based
noodles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: some shirataki are made
from tofu, so if you have soy issues, beware.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The package I purchased advertised 4.5 servings, but we
got 3 out of it.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When you open the package, it smells like a place where
kelp and fish go to die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly rinse.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead of boiling them, I just put them in my stir-fry
for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
noodles sort-of absorbed the sauce, but not as much as I would have liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t tell if that is due to my cooking
method or their inherent limitations.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nutritionally speaking, these noodles had 1 gram of carbs
per serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have no fat, are
calorie free (which is illogical because 1 carb must have a calorie
equivalent), and have no stated vitamin nutrients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They resembled glass noodles, but were not as chewy
because there’s no gluten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They mostly
slipped down our throat, and they did not compete with the taste of the
stir-fry which contained chicken, mushrooms, green beans, bamboo, sesame,
ginger, and tamari.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYTHr0Zk1CU/T6wSrEPzASI/AAAAAAAAA5M/g3GsqgN85P4/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYTHr0Zk1CU/T6wSrEPzASI/AAAAAAAAA5M/g3GsqgN85P4/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjJqWMxmKN4/T6wSuQUH1xI/AAAAAAAAA5U/KTS2rSXGrao/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjJqWMxmKN4/T6wSuQUH1xI/AAAAAAAAA5U/KTS2rSXGrao/s320/013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saKELMhggK4/T6wSxo4ZnGI/AAAAAAAAA5c/T4MfXBD9md4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saKELMhggK4/T6wSxo4ZnGI/AAAAAAAAA5c/T4MfXBD9md4/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My conclusion:</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not sure I’ll be eating these things on a regular
basis except for once every couple of months when I have an urge for
stir-fry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the Putanesca, I’m
planning to serve it over fish.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you tried any new low-carb foods lately?</span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Rebekah</em></strong></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-85007519553089230192012-05-14T05:35:00.000-07:002012-05-14T05:35:57.415-07:00MDA's Lemon Parsley Brisket<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve had my slow cooker for a couple of months now, and I’m
mostly upset that I didn’t purchase it sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the best!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some
leftover pulled chicken and pulled pork the other day that I wasn’t able to pass
off as burrito bowls any longer (husband said, “No more this week!”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I made tortilla-less soup,
slipped in the leftover meat, and just like that a new recipe using leftovers
was created.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love using leftovers in creative ways.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But we’re not here to talk about my frugality in tricking
the spouse into eating food he previously refused; we’re here to talk about
brisket.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The recipe for this meal is at <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/tender-lemon-parsley-brisket/#axzz1uUIvd6Kj">Mark’s Daily Apple</a> and it
reminds me of an Italian recipe I saw one time wherein flank steak was
marinated in a paste of garlic and lemon, grilled, and served with an Italian
salsa verde.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brisket is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">informed</i> by this flavor
combination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIUAmaUEGHo/T6wMuakAs1I/AAAAAAAAA4w/tOiZIM5CwAQ/s1600/Mortar+and+pestle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIUAmaUEGHo/T6wMuakAs1I/AAAAAAAAA4w/tOiZIM5CwAQ/s320/Mortar+and+pestle.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand-dandy tool to smoosh the garlic and salt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The recipe is written for
the brisket to be roasted in the oven, but I opted for my slow cooker because:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Slow-cooking meat is nutritionally superior to fast-cooking
meat</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s hot already in Austin, so the oven stays
off! (at least for long periods)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m decreasing the cost-per-use ratio of the
slow cooker.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here’s a picture of the seared meat before the cooker is
on; this is a 2 ½ pound slab of meat:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrik9ThqUdA/T6wM-yGzeYI/AAAAAAAAA44/oHo9fBeJBns/s1600/Lemon+Parsley+Brisket+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrik9ThqUdA/T6wM-yGzeYI/AAAAAAAAA44/oHo9fBeJBns/s320/Lemon+Parsley+Brisket+before.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And here’s a picture before I stick my fork in:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Er40r5Vhl2o/T7D74TdBtJI/AAAAAAAAA58/C0pnpSb8dwU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Er40r5Vhl2o/T7D74TdBtJI/AAAAAAAAA58/C0pnpSb8dwU/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do give it a try!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Rebekah</span></em></strong></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-72880475055735883352012-05-07T07:24:00.000-07:002012-05-07T07:24:22.976-07:00Travelling Low Carb<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve been travelling off and on for the last several
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the biggest saboteurs to
my low-carb eating is not being at home, and to be honest it’s because my resolve
go on vacation and I lure myself into eating things I shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know these excuses, “I’ll never be here
again!” or, “Honestly, will this artisan pizza really hurt me?”, or even worse,
“The pain will be worth it!”</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On my latest quick trip to Seattle, my husband and I
visited old haunts we used to frequent when we lived here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, we skipped Top Pot doughnuts,
which was just a couple of block away from where we lived, knowing that the
intoxicating smell of yeast and sugar would be too much to pass up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I know what sugar does to me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So instead, we decided to murder our
intestines with Neapolitan pizza.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were so excited to drive out to the pizza place
because of the incredible yummy toppings and sauce, but also because we were
being bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in, “Shhh, I won’t be blogging about this!”
bad.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, we went, we ordered, we ate, and then something
terrible (but good) happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
realized it wasn’t worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour
after eating, I was feeling a little light-headed and the bloating was just
starting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taste wasn’t as savory as
we remembered, the service was just above mediocre, and it was all darkened by
the intestinal pain we knew was forthcoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And did it ever come.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My husband exclaimed very frustratingly, “Is there nothing
we can eat anymore!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, this no-wheat
lifestyle is limited if you spend your life travelling or not eating at
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our foray into dinner to find
something to soothe our tummies and nourish (not kill) us yielded this:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RL-40doZGS4/T6fZ9mfdOhI/AAAAAAAAA34/4py8qc_NFsY/s1600/2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RL-40doZGS4/T6fZ9mfdOhI/AAAAAAAAA34/4py8qc_NFsY/s320/2011+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The above is an wedge salad delightfully sprinkled with
blue cheese, blue cheese dressing made in house (so no gluten startches),
tomatoes wedges, and bacon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wheat-free,
low-carb and completely delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
darling, there are things to eat.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUkTN_ToHCM/T6faHXdPwGI/AAAAAAAAA4A/iIRlhzsGSLM/s1600/2011+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUkTN_ToHCM/T6faHXdPwGI/AAAAAAAAA4A/iIRlhzsGSLM/s320/2011+024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then we went to the grocery store and picked up lots
of low carb treats, including these very ripe, organic strawberries that the
Seattle Whole Foods is stocking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strawberries and full-fat Greek yogurt is modestly low-carb, and it
makes a delicious dessert and breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The picture you’re looking at is my husband’s and my breakfast this
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those muffins are egg and
sausage muffins I brought from home in case of a food emergency.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7hqOdzWieA/T6faR4Qw3OI/AAAAAAAAA4I/bzkLpCj8eAQ/s1600/2011+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7hqOdzWieA/T6faR4Qw3OI/AAAAAAAAA4I/bzkLpCj8eAQ/s320/2011+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"> Marcona almonds from the bulk foods section - better than French Fries!</span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s Monday morning, and I’m still feeling the digestive
effects of getting rid of Saturday afternoon’s pizza orgy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready to go home and have some bacon.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How do you stay low-carb and wheat-free while
travelling?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it awful how wheat is
in just about everything when you dine out!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Rebekah</strong></em></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-53324094296053561142012-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:002012-04-04T15:39:18.684-07:00Low Carb, Sugarless Barbecue SauceI like barbecue sauce. I like it on ribs and grilled chicken and pulled pork. Barbecue sauce just says summer to me.<br />
<br />
Most barbecue sauces, at least the ones that I like, have lots and lots of sugar, about 14 grams (about 3.5 teaspoons) per serving. Way, way too much for my sugarless lifestyle.<br />
<br />
Not wanting to give up barbecue sauce, I decided to make my own. And boy, am I glad I did! I scoured my cookbooks and found a classic barbecue sauce recipe in my ancient Joy of Cooking cookbook.<br />
<br />
I changed a few things to make it very low sugar and low carb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lEjYUmq1XISAsziIqSpuXrz5UMRmF7gwVd5cS91orlmi98BXwHwFoJjGE61Vcepc5G-uLKS1LXtCm_dtk6SY5Mpfzb5cVrBAjTc461YINIMilgJnmn_hHwT6oGz-o73LLyD9_KM0w-ZN/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lEjYUmq1XISAsziIqSpuXrz5UMRmF7gwVd5cS91orlmi98BXwHwFoJjGE61Vcepc5G-uLKS1LXtCm_dtk6SY5Mpfzb5cVrBAjTc461YINIMilgJnmn_hHwT6oGz-o73LLyD9_KM0w-ZN/s400/IMG_2142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>BARBECUE SAUCE</u><br />
adapted from <i>Joy of Cooking</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
1 1/2 cups <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heinz-Tomato-Ketchup-Reduced-Bottles/dp/B001IQ1ITW" target="_blank">Heinz Reduced Sugar ketchup</a></b><br />
1 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar<br />
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce<br />
1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
2/3 cup Splenda brown sugar<br />
2 tablespoons ground mustard<br />
4 tablespoons chili powder<br />
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
5 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 tablespoons vegetable oil<br />
3 slices lemon<br />
<br />
Put all the ingredients into a sauce pan and simmer for about 5 minutes. You may remove the lemon slices if you want, but I like them left in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwlc83noUID8jeoLnT3dNorvbbVeWOJh4hjnAqlHhK7WpxglaWfx0Op-o3AK-emZDE0Uy-UwBBa3-e6UQNui57Y526jgQk9ON7pQ-wmLB_eL7KKeszJRoPIXIwipHtxgMCY6tJuX1sJcB/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwlc83noUID8jeoLnT3dNorvbbVeWOJh4hjnAqlHhK7WpxglaWfx0Op-o3AK-emZDE0Uy-UwBBa3-e6UQNui57Y526jgQk9ON7pQ-wmLB_eL7KKeszJRoPIXIwipHtxgMCY6tJuX1sJcB/s400/IMG_1700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sauce will keep for up to two weeks - covered and refrigerated.<br />
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We had it with pork ribs on the grill the other night and oh my gosh....are they fantastic!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7P2K8rkldMUUGAbRM92rRXDhfcSW_v-Xb8v6N784tMKJn5uLdYFP_N5F-sPEq8Pad8fOyFF5ZmcT_GeLL6JZ_lZUx-B0BuCkPpi6LKh8XKZikhY5oTRU8QqqLSBSnQwv1XxaKTg-_v0g/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7P2K8rkldMUUGAbRM92rRXDhfcSW_v-Xb8v6N784tMKJn5uLdYFP_N5F-sPEq8Pad8fOyFF5ZmcT_GeLL6JZ_lZUx-B0BuCkPpi6LKh8XKZikhY5oTRU8QqqLSBSnQwv1XxaKTg-_v0g/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The best meal we have had in this house in weeks, maybe months. We have had the sauce two more times since on grilled chicken. It's fantastic with my stepdaughter's homemade sugar free and low carb cole slaw. I am asking her to write down the recipe next time she makes it so I can share it with you.<br />
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<b><i>Adrienne </i></b></div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-59355147017852842422012-03-21T09:57:00.000-07:002012-03-21T09:57:03.891-07:00Fat Head<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve been in awe of my slow cooker; it is truly a low
carb follower’s best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week,
I put in two packages of chicken thighs (I really do not like chicken thighs)
that had been rubbed with a spicy mixture of chili powder, cayenne, cumin,
etc., a sliced onion and a rough-chopped carrot on top, set the glorious thing
to high for five hours, and had shredded chicken by dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept half of the liquid that accumulated
and poured it over the shredded meat, and my husband and I have been eating the
chicken all week – re-heated with more spices, with salad, and tonight in soup.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I now like chicken thighs – at least shredded chicken
thighs.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonus: organic, boneless chicken thighs are $2.99 per
pound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frugal and yummy.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But my post today is really more of a recommendation for
you to see the following movie if you haven’t already: <a href="http://www.fathead-movie.com/index.php/no-bologna-facts/">Fat Head</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an amusing, yet acerbic, response to
Super Size Me, and our low carb friends Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades are
featured in the interviews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The graphics
are hokey and funny, and the commentary is pretty sarcastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you know nothing else about me, you know
that I love sarcasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I want
to be Lady Violet Crawley when I grow up (and I’m well on my way…).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQIvUsY8ugQ/T2oGTA7qUKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/vp2TN_5NX1k/s1600/violet+crawley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQIvUsY8ugQ/T2oGTA7qUKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/vp2TN_5NX1k/s1600/violet+crawley.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My husband watched with me, and while he knows the
importance of eating plenty of good fat – yes, animal fat – in his diet, he was
a little more convicted about removing sugar from his eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he doesn’t ingest anywhere near the
level that the average American does, he is still attracted to the bakery
cookie, the coffee shop cinnamon roll, etc. and he has two of these treats on
average each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is in addition
to my weekly rotation of low-carb treats that get baked.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While on a walk this morning, he said, rather resignedly
and completely ungoaded by me, <span style="color: red;">“I have to stop eating the cookies, don’t I?”</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial;">“Why are you saying that?”</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">“Because, sugar is the devil.”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial;">(treading carefully) “Well, sugar has many harmful
effects on the internal functioning of the body, the least of which is gaining
weight and having huge thighs like me.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">“I know, and while I don’t have any weight to lose <span style="color: black;">[and
he doesn’t]</span> I should be more cognizant of high blood pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not participating in the pharmaceutical
industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to carry a
suitcase full of pills with me wherever I go.”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial;">“So, do you want to try no sugar for a week and see how
you feel?”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">“And while we’re at it, can we have more bacon?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then, you know, trumpets sang from the heavens, bunnies
danced at our feet, and non-carcinogenic fireworks popped out from the trees.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The morale of this little story, if you live with a skeptical
member of your family, is to get Fat Head from Netflix and play it so others
can sit down and watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then let
them start the conversation.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhWL-F6gvlo/T2oHfRiW_II/AAAAAAAAA3M/KTfyfV3qdbc/s1600/fat+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhWL-F6gvlo/T2oHfRiW_II/AAAAAAAAA3M/KTfyfV3qdbc/s1600/fat+head.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Rebekah</span></em></strong> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">***<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am so having
one of those “I could’ve had a V-8! moments” -- </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I should
have played this movie when my MIL was here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe at breakfast when she was eating corn flakes and sugar…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-8294044339959659932012-03-14T12:54:00.000-07:002012-03-17T10:00:02.875-07:00Pulled Pork<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last week, I brought home a new baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, not a cat (oh, I wish…): a culinary toy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After reading all the recipes out there for slow
cooker-this and slow cooker-that, I decided to purchase one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a gift receipt return from an ill-fated
present, and I cashed it in on this:</span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A 6 ½ quart Cuisinart slow cooker!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-L_TGvicEs/T2D1ZIxLntI/AAAAAAAAA1k/DYs4gX_SRG0/s1600/2012.03.14+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-L_TGvicEs/T2D1ZIxLntI/AAAAAAAAA1k/DYs4gX_SRG0/s320/2012.03.14+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4bVy24GcVs/T2D1cyLMqRI/AAAAAAAAA1s/FzNRftqZOIY/s1600/2012.03.14+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4bVy24GcVs/T2D1cyLMqRI/AAAAAAAAA1s/FzNRftqZOIY/s320/2012.03.14+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qd6al9U0hH8/T2D1gtASvqI/AAAAAAAAA10/C2arbAorQoA/s1600/2012.03.14+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qd6al9U0hH8/T2D1gtASvqI/AAAAAAAAA10/C2arbAorQoA/s320/2012.03.14+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now why a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I will purchase a Dutch oven in the
Fall when the temperatures dip and it won’t cause a nuclear meltdown in my
house if the oven is on for three hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The slow cooker is meant to be a more efficient use of electricity AND
the heat is better contained on the counter when it’s 100 degrees outside.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, why not just grill?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Grilling is great for some items, like marinated
grass-fed flap steak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yumm…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it involves standing on the back porch
in the unforgiving sun, slaving over a 300 degree grill when the outside air is
100 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, uh, the grill is my
husband’s domain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s one thing I’ve
learned in eight years of marriage, it’s don’t mess with your husband’s cooking
utensils.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Besides, I was intrigued by the concept of slow cooking a
5-pound slab of meat and having lunch made for the next five days for both
people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What to make for its debut?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had to be Everyday Paleo’s Beyond Easy
Pulled Pork (click <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/2012/01/09/beyond-easy-pulled-pork/">here</a> for recipe).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I only have two complaints, and I did follow the recipe:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I had two cups of liquid at the bottom of the ceramic
container when the pork finished, and I wasn’t expecting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">soooo</i> much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roast was
wonderfully juicy and it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DID</i> fall off
the bone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, why so much water?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was that the water that was pumped into my
meat before it ever made it to the butcher’s case?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, was I supposed to keep the liquid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me out here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m new to this.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It wasn’t spicy enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the interest of full disclosure, we
like really spicy food (we should probably vacation in Thailand) and what’s
spicy to my Minnesotan in-law’s is bland to us.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After pulling apart the entire roast and storing it in
containers, I reheated a serving by sautéing 6-8 ounces with some bacon fat
(oh, yeah, baby), paprika, cayenne, sea salt, cumin and chili powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This worked wonders!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been making Chipotle-style burrito bowls
for my husband (he eats rice), and I’ve been eating the pork with homemade
guacamole.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Update: Amy at <a href="http://lowcarbhighstyle.wordpress.com/">lowcarbhighstyle</a> said she pulls the pork while it is still in the slow cooker, and she spoons the liquid over the meat so the meat reabsorbs the liquid. That explains why her pictures of pork (and the original author of the recipe at Everyday Paleo) look so succulent and juicy and mine don't - not that mine's dry. Mystery solved; thanks, Amy!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JK8i5yA3Z8/T2D2CutlHcI/AAAAAAAAA18/J3D-BL-G_-M/s1600/2012.03.14+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JK8i5yA3Z8/T2D2CutlHcI/AAAAAAAAA18/J3D-BL-G_-M/s320/2012.03.14+011.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">one of my containers full of pulled pork</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4FzX4KDVic/T2D2Gu2OhdI/AAAAAAAAA2E/yjnsai8KOvI/s1600/2012.03.14+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4FzX4KDVic/T2D2Gu2OhdI/AAAAAAAAA2E/yjnsai8KOvI/s320/2012.03.14+012.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">spicey girl spices</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVcY0b30Jgk/T2D2Ka3InTI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dgldJ5Wv4cI/s1600/2012.03.14+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVcY0b30Jgk/T2D2Ka3InTI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dgldJ5Wv4cI/s320/2012.03.14+015.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">oh so yummy in the tummy: very spicy pork, homemade guacamole, and celery root remoulade</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">On my other blog, </span><a href="http://cupcakecaramel.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">cupcakecaramel</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, you can visit a recipe
I made for today’s lunch: Ina Garten’s Celery Root Remoulade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a surprisingly low-carb salad for a
root vegetable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you follow her
recipe, the entire net carb count is just under 30 – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for the whole recipe</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
Continental upgrade from cole slaw.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Rebekah</em></strong></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-61911703766100289752012-03-13T05:49:00.000-07:002012-03-13T05:49:00.405-07:00Low Carb Shepherd's Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Top o' the mornin' to ya! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Since I am about 1/12th Irish, I thought in honor of St. Patrick's Day this coming Saturday, I would share a recent traditional Irish dish I made for my family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpsk5hwbZyWkzOOrsTpn1kwbEfq7vQoOzLdI2WF3VA4VHkE-_8OyeJW7qgriofXT7VIKNz4GwvlWEerT404q998Ey4uwP8EL1l9uV-J5zMyYO1pfcAVCZyZoRQWRh9Roc8FiKqBPbjyD7/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpsk5hwbZyWkzOOrsTpn1kwbEfq7vQoOzLdI2WF3VA4VHkE-_8OyeJW7qgriofXT7VIKNz4GwvlWEerT404q998Ey4uwP8EL1l9uV-J5zMyYO1pfcAVCZyZoRQWRh9Roc8FiKqBPbjyD7/s400/IMG_1230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's a Shepherd's Pie, low carb style without the peas and taters. Enjoy a nice glass of wine with this dish, like a creamy chardonnay or light Pinot Noir instead of the traditional St. Patty's Day beverage, beer and save yourself the belly bloat. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Low Carb Shepherd's Pie</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">First, make a batch of these <a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/01/better-than-potatoes-cheesy-cauliflower.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">fantastic cheesy fauxtatoes</a>. Or if you want, you could make Rebekah's <b><a href="http://sugarlessflourlessfabulous.blogspot.com/2012/02/cauliflower-and-broccoli-puree.html" target="_blank">Cauliflower and Broccoli Puree</a>. </b>I haven't tried it but I don't see why it wouldn't be tasty. And it would make for a very green and very festive for St. Patrick's Day. </div><br />
Once you've made your fauxtatoes or puree, your ready to make the star of the dish, the filling.<br />
<br />
Here is what you'll need:<br />
<br />
1 pound organic ground beef<br />
1/2 tablespoon butter<br />
2 cups onion, diced<br />
2 cups celery, diced<br />
2 cups carrots*, diced<br />
10 - 12 button mushrooms, sliced<br />
1 tsp dried oregano<br />
3 tablespoons tomato paste<br />
A couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce<br />
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, such as Dubliner (optional)<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Brown the ground beef in melted butter in a dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once it's almost done browning, add the onion, celery and carrots. Sauté until softened. Turn to medium-low and add tomato paste. Stir well. Add oregano, salt and pepper, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until mushrooms are done, stirring occasionally. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Into a casserole dish (I used a 9 x 13) sprayed with cooking oil, pour the meat mixture. Gently flatten out the mixture with the back of your serving spoon. Scoop the fauxtatoes onto the top of the meat mixture and again, using the back of your spoon, smooth out the surface. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you want, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Dubliner cheese on top. Or you can simply add a few dots of butter. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Put it in a 400 degree oven for about 15 - 20 minutes, until the sides start to bubble and the cheese or butter is melted. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>*We are not big fans of cooked carrots in this dish. I left them out and increased the celery. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Enjoy! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i>Adrienne </i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-49155874510878355952012-03-05T13:13:00.000-08:002012-03-05T13:38:44.964-08:00Sugarless, Flourless Sea Salt Chocolate Cake<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before we get to chocolate cake, I wanted to share that I
made <a href="http://lowcarbhighstyle.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/chicken-francese-over-zucchini-pasta/">lowcarbhighstyle’s Chicken Francese</a> last Friday night (in honor of French
Friday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so good and so
easy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re not a fan of lots of
lemon flavor, I suggest subbing out half of the lemon juice with chicken
broth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did that, but added the lemon
zest, and I still got enough lemon flavor to satisfy my taste buds (I love
lemon) while keeping my husband (a little lemon goes a long way for him)
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And zucchini “noodles” are now
our go-to veg when we have a sauce that needs soaking up – that is, until
spaghetti squash is back in season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Okay, chocolate cake time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adrienne sent this recipe to me, and I’m trying
to determine how to describe this “cake” to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because there is so, so much chocolate, I
found this to be much denser than a traditional flourless chocolate cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it tastes like eating a bar of
chocolate (so make sure you use <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>GOOD</u></b>
chocolate).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s rather intense, and my husband
says having a dollop of vanilla whipped cream (homemade, of course) takes the
edge off.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egWCpfMhQ-8/T1UrVtbj2EI/AAAAAAAAAzU/g3ZWMFLkaGI/s1600/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egWCpfMhQ-8/T1UrVtbj2EI/AAAAAAAAAzU/g3ZWMFLkaGI/s320/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzCV1LXcLDU/T1UrZkhS7AI/AAAAAAAAAzc/W_6RIy2zGzU/s1600/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzCV1LXcLDU/T1UrZkhS7AI/AAAAAAAAAzc/W_6RIy2zGzU/s320/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73hZG6PiTec/T1Urcjw_h5I/AAAAAAAAAzk/3PgMzdcy1uk/s1600/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73hZG6PiTec/T1Urcjw_h5I/AAAAAAAAAzk/3PgMzdcy1uk/s320/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNlYNg3zVwQ/T1UrfZfiCVI/AAAAAAAAAzs/VYsfhUoMSfs/s1600/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNlYNg3zVwQ/T1UrfZfiCVI/AAAAAAAAAzs/VYsfhUoMSfs/s320/21+Feb+Choc+Cake+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For me, I liked the cake <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">better</i> when I kept it in the refrigerator (or freezer) for a few
days so the texture became even fudgier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Food takes on a slightly different taste when it is cold versus being
warm or even room temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tasted
better having it with coffee and heavy cream than it did by itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A sugarless raspberry sauce may be a good future
accompaniment, as would a low carb crème anglaise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also toying with the idea of ice cream
made from coconut milk and cinnamon and sandwiching it between two wedges of
cake for a little ice-cream-sandwich action.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlppNAUXbdY/T1UroqnQndI/AAAAAAAAAz0/oiHc1BgjY1k/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlppNAUXbdY/T1UroqnQndI/AAAAAAAAAz0/oiHc1BgjY1k/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Update: The originator of the recipe is Andrea Drugay; there are some pretty fabulous looking recipes at her site, so please be sure to visit!</strong></span><br />
</div>
<strong><span style="color: red;"> </span></strong><a href="http://andreadrugay.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/sugarless-flourless-sea-salt-chocolate-cake/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>andreadrugay.wordpress.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>2012/02/12/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>sugarless-flourless-sea-sal</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>t-chocolate-cake/</span></strong></a><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sugarless,
Flourless Sea Salt Chocolate Cake</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Tbsp raw cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12 ounces 100% unsweetened baking chocolate</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
broken into pieces<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 Tbsp stevia<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 stick unsalted butter<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 tsp sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 eggs, separated<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Steps</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preheat the oven to 375F.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grease an 8″ round cake pan and dust with cocoa powder.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Using a double boiler, melt together the chocolate and
butter until smooth. Stir in the salt and 6 Tbsp of the stevia, then
remove from heat.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Stir in
the remaining 2 Tbsp of stevia until it is fully incorporated into the egg
whites.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gently stir the egg yolks into the chocolate-butter mixture. Fold
in the egg white-stevia mixture until completely incorporated.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Add the mix to your prepared pan.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a
wire rack cool completely. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutrition
Info (created using </span></b><a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recipe Calculator</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8
servings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amount
per serving<br />
Calories: 456.6<br />
Total Fat: 47.3 g<br />
Cholesterol: 154.5 mg<br />
Sodium: 350.1 mg<br />
Potassium: 529.3 mg<br />
Total Carbohydrate: 18.4 g<br />
Dietary Fiber: 9.6 g<br />
Sugars: 0.5 g<br />
Protein: 11.5 g<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you try this recipe, please share your experiences and
other suggestions to improve it. I think it's a great base to launch many permutations!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rebekah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-45314006357356055112012-02-28T09:12:00.000-08:002012-05-30T10:01:33.651-07:00CheatingI am frequently asked if and when I cheat on my low carb diet. The answer is: I rarely cheat. And when I do, it's intentional. Planning on having pizza and pasta while on vacation in Italy and enjoying a perfectly made croissant on my birthday are intentional cheats that, for me, are worth it. The rest of the days of the year, I adhere to a low carb lifestyle.<br />
<br />
It's not that I have loads of will power and it's not that I am a rigid and structured person. I have little in my personality that even resembles will power and rigidity.<br />
<br />
What keeps me from reaching for the occasional cookie, potato chip or slice of French bread? It's a combination of the following:<br />
<br />
1) I am Committed with a capital "C". We all have at least one friend who follows a vegan or a vegetarian diet. Do you find that they ever stray away from their commitment to not eat meat? My guess would be rarely; maybe even never. I have become the same way about my low carb way of eating. I am not eating this way temporarily as a way to help me shed a few pounds. I believe wholeheartedly that a life without sugar and flour is the healthiest life <i>for me.</i><br />
<br />
2) I am in ketosis. I have skirted this topic all these many months because it is controversial and often misunderstood. Ketosis is a complicated condition to explain and so instead of me ineptly trying to do so, I would like to refer you to a few links at the bottom of this post that expertly and thoroughly explain what ketosis is and how it happens.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbS26NnOWR4C-vk-rtCNKp2HRG5_7oo0V9U2VUJBVEKnWO5YrLSPRrZmApcPmQva9kXRiEzqWjnEb5SuRfAn9bbTBqx4oy50HPHNHtf9CPpNVVL0vsLazLeYUoXvG-tQ2ix5KXeK40K7p/s1600/teststrips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbS26NnOWR4C-vk-rtCNKp2HRG5_7oo0V9U2VUJBVEKnWO5YrLSPRrZmApcPmQva9kXRiEzqWjnEb5SuRfAn9bbTBqx4oy50HPHNHtf9CPpNVVL0vsLazLeYUoXvG-tQ2ix5KXeK40K7p/s1600/teststrips.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/ketostix.html">Photo Credit and info about ketosis strips</a></b></td></tr>
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I am still losing weight and have yet to reach weight maintenance so for now, I plan to be in ketosis. I check myself regularly with ketosis sticks I buy at the drugstore. Checking my levels helps me determine if I am staying on course or not. And it will help me see, literally, if I am consuming something that contains hidden sugar, like a restaurant's salad dressing, for example.<br />
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If I cheat, I will go out of ketosis. It sometimes takes a few days to get back in.<br />
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3) Is the cheat worth it? When a temptation presents itself, I ask myself that very question. Is it worth the bloat, the immediate water weight gain, the sluggishness and fatigue, the eventual cravings for more? The answer is almost always, "Hell no, it's not worth it"! Works every time.<br />
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And those are the reasons why I don't cheat. This mindset did not happen over night. It's taken months, if not years, to reach this point. Reading up on the topic was instrumental. Currently, I am reading<i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Science-Low-Carbohydrate-Living/dp/0983490708"> The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living</a></b></i> and <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wheat-Belly-Lose-Weight-Health/dp/1609611543/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330446606&sr=1-1">Wheat Belly</a></b></i>. I recommend both books to you as excellent sources for living your life sugarless, flourless and fabulous.<br />
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Ketosis articles:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/metabolism-and-ketosis/">From The Blog of Michael R. Eades, M.D.</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://waroninsulin.com/nutrition/is-ketosis-dangerous">The War on Insulin </a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/499592-ketosis-risks-benefits/">Livestrong </a></b><br />
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<i><b>Adrienne </b></i></div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-78490933572761332462012-02-27T12:48:00.001-08:002012-02-27T12:48:41.984-08:00My home is a haz-mat site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yioPlEaD63g/T0vogbon8mI/AAAAAAAAAyU/xYB7j9e8-bY/s1600/evil+wheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yioPlEaD63g/T0vogbon8mI/AAAAAAAAAyU/xYB7j9e8-bY/s1600/evil+wheat.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was all set to post
about a sugarless, flourless chocolate cake recipe Adrienne sent me for
Valentine’s Day (Adrienne unwittingly gave me the perfect gift: an excuse to
purchase a block of pure, bitter chocolate and have playtime in my kitchen).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then she emailed me
recent news articles discussing the evils of wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sending her positive peer pressure via Ethernet
to induce her to post those links here and discuss her reaction to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My in-law’s are visiting
me from out-of-town, and so I’ll get to today’s topic: wheat and sugar
addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My MIL has Celiac
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thinks it’s just an iron
issue, that the protein in wheat gluten prevents her digestive process’ iron
absorption function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So her physician
gives her an iron shot (in the butt) periodically so she can continue eating
toast and corn flakes and hamburger buns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Screeeeeeeech!!! (my poor
attempt at tires braking against pavement) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why isn’t my MIL sitting
in my living room lecturing us all on how wheat is ravishing her body?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did we have to go to the grocery store
and purchase the following ingredients to properly host them for the next week
after my husband declared our house to be sugarless and flourless (and,
therefore, fabulous):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A one-pound sack
of white table sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The big box of
Corn Flakes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A loaf of sliced
white French bread – the kind that costs $1.49<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One bunch bananas<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One half-gallon non-organic
skim milk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And why did MIL tell FIL that
he couldn’t have eggs because his LDL is too high (he’s having Corn Flakes with
sugar instead)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why, for the love of
beautiful citrus fruit, is MIL putting sugar on her grapefruit.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While I understand it’s
difficult to wrap one’s head around eating eggs containing animal fat when you’re
on heart medication, I’m still muttering under my breath about eating cheap
wheat when you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am not going to badger her anymore with data – I believe in living by example (and I've already badgered her). I think she won't give up her drug of choice because modern strains of wheat, and certainly processed sugar, are so addictive that even people who have a medical condition cannot stay away from them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And here’s the worst truth of all: <strong><span style="color: orange;"><em>I’M JONESING FOR A PIECE OF BUTTERED TOAST</em>.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I stood in my kitchen last
night looking sideways at the loaf of bread lying beside the toaster I hauled
out from under the cabinets, and I can taste the toast: hot, buttery, crunchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe some cinnamon, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nah, just the Irish butter made from
grass-fed cows who moo, “<span style="color: lime;"><strong>Top o’ the mornin’!</strong></span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The toast, the toast…my kingdom for a piece of toast.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Don’t worry, I didn’t eat
the bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it reminded me how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">addictive</i> these Franken-foods can
be, even with just a visual reminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I had to throw a
kitchen towel over the loaf of bread so it wouldn’t look at me with its
come-hither gaze. MIL wants to know what I'll do with the leftover sugar. I told her it would be dumped in the garbage (with everything else in the list above excepting the bananas).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ooh, no, I could make a sugar scrub.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Are you a wheat-free
evangelist? How are you handling the nay-sayers who live in the same house as
you (even if just for a short time)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you above temptation, or are there still tempting “foods” that you just can’t
be around?</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Rebekah</em></strong></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-58087947176725484432012-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:002012-02-20T10:11:34.814-08:00Lower Carb Turkey Chili<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a cold, wet weekend in Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it’s cold, wet, and Masterpiece Classic is airing Downton Abbey, I like to make something that is comforting and filling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I make chili.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think chili is one of those dishes where everyone has their own version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad had his secret recipe (we ate copious amounts of ground elk and antelope), my brother has his (ground mustard?), and I have my version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was developed one night a few years ago when I was cooking from The Zone cookbook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I served it to the husband and he declared the published recipe so bland that “my parents from Minnesota can eat it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh dear, time to up the ante.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This version may be too spicy or too thick for you (I think chili should be like Bolognese – others like a soupy or stewy consistency), but the technique holds true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just ease up on some of the spices or put a lid on the simmering stew to reduce evaporation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crushed tomatoes are the costliest component of this dish from a net carbohydrates perspective (one 32-ounce can contains 52 net carbs), so this is not a suitable dinner choice if you are on Atkins Induction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Rebekah</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u><strong>Lower Carb Turkey Chili (4 hearty servings)</strong></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Spice Mixture:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 teaspoons ground cumin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4 teaspoons chili powder (I like chipotle chili powder)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 teaspoon ground coriander</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (the freshest you can find)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 ½ teaspoons sea salt (sea salt is different in intensity than iodized salt or Kosher salt)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 bayleaf</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Other Ingredients:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1/8 cup fat of choice (I use chicken fat and bacon drippings I store in a jar in the refrigerator)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup roughly chopped onion (about one medium onion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup roughly chopped mushrooms </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 pound ground turkey thighs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 fat clove garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes, organic (it does make a difference)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Method:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt the fat over medium-high heat until fully liquid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté for 5-10 minutes or until soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not let the onions burn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the spice mixture and cook for 1 minute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Add the ground turkey to the cooked vegetables and incorporate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not overcook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the can of tomatoes and stir until incorporated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Reduce the heat if necessary and s</span>immer for 20-30 minutes uncovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want a thinner consistency, simmer covered for the same amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to check for seasoning <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>after</u></i> the chili has cooked for at least 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As you know, soups and stews get better they more they sit around to marinate the flavors together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer to make this meal several hours or even a day before I will serve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBjoL98MDYU/T0J4FIyq2GI/AAAAAAAAAw8/IwMVY0wtrQA/s1600/19+Feb+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBjoL98MDYU/T0J4FIyq2GI/AAAAAAAAAw8/IwMVY0wtrQA/s320/19+Feb+2012+001.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of spices mean layered flavor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzr84O0GDZY/T0J4JSOI2aI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Y8QnLmQ8tyI/s1600/19+Feb+2012+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzr84O0GDZY/T0J4JSOI2aI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Y8QnLmQ8tyI/s320/19+Feb+2012+002.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the "mise en place" rules of preparing spices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4sOduj7DdY/T0J4OM19ZJI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wibkFD_ggjc/s1600/19+Feb+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4sOduj7DdY/T0J4OM19ZJI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wibkFD_ggjc/s320/19+Feb+2012+003.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The others...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN2UBkj6vwE/T0J4TAQJE9I/AAAAAAAAAxU/Oy9EWzfT8r0/s1600/19+Feb+2012+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN2UBkj6vwE/T0J4TAQJE9I/AAAAAAAAAxU/Oy9EWzfT8r0/s320/19+Feb+2012+005.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never use super lean meats; fat is your friend and makes tastier chili!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syrdnZcDQf8/T0J4Xub1YmI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Y3AqeKAjRHA/s1600/19+Feb+2012+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syrdnZcDQf8/T0J4Xub1YmI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Y3AqeKAjRHA/s320/19+Feb+2012+007.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just added the turkey - the spice mixture makes everything look dark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uon17pzEcmo/T0J4cEjoNMI/AAAAAAAAAxk/tKtCBHqm-gM/s1600/19+Feb+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uon17pzEcmo/T0J4cEjoNMI/AAAAAAAAAxk/tKtCBHqm-gM/s320/19+Feb+2012+008.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emfnucC_vQs/T0J4oxyQpUI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Xv_Vyhw-d4M/s1600/19+Feb+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emfnucC_vQs/T0J4oxyQpUI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Xv_Vyhw-d4M/s320/19+Feb+2012+009.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfort on a cold evening.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-89291159420727036572012-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:002012-02-16T19:55:32.989-08:00Parmesan Faux-sottoI recently discovered "rice" made from cauliflower. I used it in my Chicken Tikka Masala recipe with great success. I started thinking about what other dishes I could make with "rice". I could try making Chinese fried rice, or jambalaya...how about sushi? I wonder if there is a way to make cauliflower rice sticky enough to make rolls with dried seaweed and raw fish?<br />
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Or I could make it easy on myself and try a basic risotto with parmesan.<br />
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I found my creative cooking streak and here is what I came up with. My very own low carb version of basic parmesan risotto. <br />
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I do hope you like it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9R5MsaecsO1HEWBx0Gw15jcprtHe9RQuFIWCLzTyCbPoXl05yWj5FcJHSNmswY3AGavnUqFSP1NUgqrvNkYQx3-ZuHfdFPq8OzTGKRkQljIZ3rrSR3VxrpiXiAwt8gn62t0gZbxvyjdG/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9R5MsaecsO1HEWBx0Gw15jcprtHe9RQuFIWCLzTyCbPoXl05yWj5FcJHSNmswY3AGavnUqFSP1NUgqrvNkYQx3-ZuHfdFPq8OzTGKRkQljIZ3rrSR3VxrpiXiAwt8gn62t0gZbxvyjdG/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so it doesn't look that special or even that appetizing, but trust me...it's good! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Parmesan Faux-sotto</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a side dish, makes about 6 servings. For a main course, about 3 to 4. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the parmesan sauce: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 tablespoons of organic, unsalted butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 garlic cloves minced or pressed </div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (I use the large grate) </div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup organic heavy whipping cream</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup white wine</div><div style="text-align: left;">Salt to taste </div><div style="text-align: left;">White pepper to taste (black is fine, too) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Melt the butter in a sauce pan. Add the garlic. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Add 1/4 cup organic heavy whipping cream and, using a whisk, blend over medium heat.</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the mixture starts to steam a little, add a handful of the fresh grated parmesan. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Whisk the cheese into the cream mixture. When it's melted, add a little more cheese and a little more cream. Continue doing this until you've added all the cream and cheese. Pour in the wine and continue to stir with your whisk. You should have a creamy cheese sauce by now. You can turn the heat on low and let it sit, stirring occasionally, while you make the faux-sotto. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">For the faux-sotto: </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">One cauliflower head, rinsed, and grated on a cheese grater - I use the largest grate. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">2 tablespoons olive oil</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Salt and pepper to taste (I like white pepper) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat.When the oil starts to glisten, add the cauliflower, salt and pepper. Sauté the cauliflower for about 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat. Stirring occasionally. When the cauliflower is cooked to your desired doneness, transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and mix well. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">And there you have your very own, almost carb-free, very satisfying and full-of-flavor faux-sotto. Just imagine the possibilities: </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">~ Add your favorite mushrooms </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">~ Sauté sliced prosciutto and add to the cauliflower along with some chopped, cooked asparagus</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">~ Add chopped chicken breast for an Alfredo chicken faux-sotto</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">~ Pesto! Pesto! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">~ Baby artichokes and onions </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">What other variations of faux-sotto can you think of? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i>Adrienne </i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-91019245183306588912012-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:59:37.582-08:00Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tomorrow is my husband’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only present he wants is carrot cupcakes, which I have made for him every year we have been married. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since giving up grain flour, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knew</i> he was mourning the loss of carrot cupcakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But thanks to better people than myself, I found a carrot cupcake recipe that I tested last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goddess that is Elana’s Pantry is a wonder with baking chemistry; she’s also a Paleo eater. Here's the </span><a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/carrot-cake-cupcakes/"><span style="font-size: small;">recipe</span></a>.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbBTqvq40_A/TzlABk1bQnI/AAAAAAAAAvM/RQHZLZwSSzI/s1600/2012.02.13+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbBTqvq40_A/TzlABk1bQnI/AAAAAAAAAvM/RQHZLZwSSzI/s320/2012.02.13+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One recipe makes 10.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOm6jjd3Rw4/TzlAJOppABI/AAAAAAAAAvU/PBpVQZFOJVY/s1600/2012.02.13+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOm6jjd3Rw4/TzlAJOppABI/AAAAAAAAAvU/PBpVQZFOJVY/s320/2012.02.13+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up (sort of); they look like real cupcakes! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPqThBYnCz0/TzlARNWRVlI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OxK28ZpWD8c/s1600/2012.02.13+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPqThBYnCz0/TzlARNWRVlI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OxK28ZpWD8c/s320/2012.02.13+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easiest frosting ever: cream cheese, cream and agave. I added vanilla - but lemon zest would be good, too.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhAIV_ws6Q/TzlAZfdk06I/AAAAAAAAAvk/ljEVzf7RRFk/s1600/2012.02.13+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhAIV_ws6Q/TzlAZfdk06I/AAAAAAAAAvk/ljEVzf7RRFk/s320/2012.02.13+053.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The secret ingredient: not for Atkins induction, but can be enjoyed sparingly. If you're good with Stevia, it would be a good sweet option.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqmQfmXZZhw/TzlAfXfX-0I/AAAAAAAAAvs/CXMlqbWo9jA/s1600/2012.02.13+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqmQfmXZZhw/TzlAfXfX-0I/AAAAAAAAAvs/CXMlqbWo9jA/s320/2012.02.13+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table is set for tomorrow, or as I like to call it: Cupcake Heaven</td></tr>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-74463084284279372782012-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:002012-02-10T10:02:46.199-08:00Low Carb Chicken Tikka MasalaOne meal I have missed since restarting my low carb lifestyle is Chicken Tikka Masala. It was off limits because of the added sugar, white rice and the accompanying naan bread that my family and I adore.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimui5lCTU-JlbJG2eJDfoK0Em-UZPfpMRNL8a6Cp9l1kbnhT2xjvFgt_fMHiD5YimtOazofSAaH5DDiFG6zl683VyKTGVGa5TJH5-RFjFmnDbnXvSAotQdoA6k0Atg5V313iHPpiJ7L6GM/s1600/IMG_9740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimui5lCTU-JlbJG2eJDfoK0Em-UZPfpMRNL8a6Cp9l1kbnhT2xjvFgt_fMHiD5YimtOazofSAaH5DDiFG6zl683VyKTGVGa5TJH5-RFjFmnDbnXvSAotQdoA6k0Atg5V313iHPpiJ7L6GM/s400/IMG_9740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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While cleaning out old recipes the other day, I came across my favorite Chicken Tikka Masala recipe from America's Test Kitchen. I read it through and realized I could tweak it to make it low carb by doing the following (here is the <a href="http://www.copykatchat.com/tried-true/49392.htm" style="font-weight: bold;">original recipe</a>):<br />
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~ Substitute 2 teaspoons Truvia for 2 teaspoons of sugar that is used in the sauce.<br />
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~ Serve cauliflower rice* with the chicken instead of white rice. My stepson's girlfriend did not know it was cauliflower until we told her. It's that similar!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjxWVL5OYdIhBCfG8Zyu8YhAsuTEx__vy7cWqp5l7mMDmmwtQ81OUPBPXE6uS0Dgv7NNsw3EoTD6AW_iB1-4DAWqzV1TJdfY5qdZ_LsGUQXxVZtJbbQC_tXQyi7AmzwT7NrfszJstmrMo/s1600/IMG_9745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjxWVL5OYdIhBCfG8Zyu8YhAsuTEx__vy7cWqp5l7mMDmmwtQ81OUPBPXE6uS0Dgv7NNsw3EoTD6AW_iB1-4DAWqzV1TJdfY5qdZ_LsGUQXxVZtJbbQC_tXQyi7AmzwT7NrfszJstmrMo/s400/IMG_9745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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~Making a naan substitute by lightly toasting low carb pita** in the oven then coating it with a minced garlic, sea salt and olive oil mix before toasting again to desired crispness. <br />
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~ Use full-fat Greek yogurt to add richness and to cut out the fillers and sugars often used to make a product low fat.<br />
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This dish is so delicious, I made it twice this week. I hope you try it. If you do, please let me know your thoughts!<br />
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* Cauliflower rice is so easy. Rinse a head of cauliflower well and cut into big chunks. Using your cheese grater, grate the raw cauliflower on the largest grate into a microwave safe casserole dish or serving bowl. When you're finished, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave until cooked. It usually takes my microwave about 5 or 6 minutes to cook a full head.<br />
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** Of course, this meal is great without naan and if you're avoiding all bread products, even low carb, skip it. But if you can get your hands on some low carb pita and you want a special treat, it's worth making naan. I'm lucky because our local market carries a low carb pita bread. If your market doesn't and you'd like to get some, you can order it online<b><a href="http://www4.netrition.com/josephs_bakery_pita_bread.html"> here.</a></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Adrienne </b></i></div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-47470447345603336652012-02-08T05:35:00.000-08:002012-02-08T05:35:00.301-08:00Rice: yes or no?I want you to read this article at Mark's Daily Apple regarding the "Asian Paradox".<br />
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One of the pushbacks I receive from people, including my husband, is "if carbs are so bad and make you fat, then explain little Asian people." Fantastic question.<br />
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Here's the answer: <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-asian-paradox-how-can-asians-eat-so-much-rice-and-not-gain-weight/#axzz1ldtmiob1">http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-asian-paradox-how-can-asians-eat-so-much-rice-and-not-gain-weight/#axzz1ldtmiob1</a><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Rebekah</em></strong></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-25787617404975218512012-02-06T11:57:00.000-08:002012-02-06T11:57:09.427-08:00Cauliflower and Broccoli Puree<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m recovering from a touch of stomach flu I got over the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in the middle of flu, you don’t want to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re wrapping up the ailment, you are hungry but for only certain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, cookies and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly I’m not having those, but one thing I was trying to justify eating was a bowl full of mashed potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, cream and butter and salt…so yummy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Luckily, I ran across this recipe for mashed cauliflower from <a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/01/better-than-potatoes-cheesy-cauliflower.html">I Breath...I'm Hungry</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you may have already tried mashed cauliflower as the obvious low-carb substitute for potatoes and wished you hadn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit to a certain skunkiness in cooked cauliflower.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This recipe is different!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But I had a dilemma; I didn’t have a whole head of cauliflower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had leftover cauliflower and broccoli florets I inherited from a vegetable tray at a meeting I attended last week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I used the cauliflower AND the broccoli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgXnPE1B5ZM/TzAwHfSEIGI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SdgFgIqo_64/s1600/cauliflower+puree+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgXnPE1B5ZM/TzAwHfSEIGI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SdgFgIqo_64/s320/cauliflower+puree+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yumminess in a bowl. And very filling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This would make such a great topping for a low-carb version of Shepherd's Pie.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-62334501932432465062012-02-02T11:15:00.000-08:002012-02-02T11:15:20.648-08:00Pinterest for Meal PlanningI have been trying for years upon years to not only organize my paper recipes into a simple and accessible system, but also meal plan in a way that is fun and creative (making me <i>want</i> to meal plan) and easy.<br />
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Pinterest takes care of both for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWUwxUkhKhsqih6FpFJsoe0LzrolmX1eAtjHU3fz0wdcxbM_S8cjInuYumU7s98_uhly6DZIPn4Jygi5fkB5RA_SOywTUAvj2_-kFeozG9dfXKheKcc9hLSD-jdKcocOMD0nMVujuj3d8/s1600/love-pinterest-450x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWUwxUkhKhsqih6FpFJsoe0LzrolmX1eAtjHU3fz0wdcxbM_S8cjInuYumU7s98_uhly6DZIPn4Jygi5fkB5RA_SOywTUAvj2_-kFeozG9dfXKheKcc9hLSD-jdKcocOMD0nMVujuj3d8/s400/love-pinterest-450x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://thecreativemama.com/10995/love-pinterest/">Photo Credit</a></b></td></tr>
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When I first joined Pinterest, I began amassing low carb recipes on a board I creatively titled "low carb". I find online recipes on my own to pin and also follow<b><a href="http://pinterest.com/amyreh/"> Amy on Pinterest</a> </b>(from the blog, <b><a href="http://lowcarbhighstyle.wordpress.com/">lowcarbhighstyle</a></b>). She pins lots of low carb recipes that I quickly snag for my own board. Following Amy and other low carb boards cuts down on my time spent combing the blogs for recipe ideas.<br />
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Now that I have a 61 pins on my low carb board, it's easy to browse through it and select recipes to make for the upcoming week. I simply re-pin them onto a board called "Meal Planning for Week of...." (I really missed my calling as a branding and marketing expert) and I include the dates for that week.<br />
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No more handwritten weekly meal plan that I either soil, lose or disregard. Now I can access my board anytime I have my phone, which for me is <i>all</i> the time.<br />
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Most weeks I don't need seven meals for seven evenings because we usually do leftovers once or twice a week. But I like to have variety in case a meal doesn't sound appealing one night or I don't have time or energy to cook the dish designated for that evening's dinner.<br />
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I wanted to show you what my Meal Planning board looks like so I tried to cut and paste it onto this post with disastrous results. If you want to see it and are on Pinterest, look me up, I'm listed as<b><a href="http://pinterest.com/richlife/"> Adrienne Shubin</a></b>. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you meal plan each week? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a clever way to organize your recipes? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd like to hear how you do it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Adrienne </i></b></div><br />
Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-15810253665395672932012-01-30T14:38:00.000-08:002012-01-30T14:38:34.039-08:00Day of Reckoning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, low-carb friends. I was in Galveston, TX last week on a <em>petites vacances</em> with my husband. I enjoyed some delicious pineapple and fish throughout the week, and I managed to indulge in some creamy desserts with mango and coconut. While on vacation, I find that I do better when I live the 80-20 rule: be diligent for 80% of the meals, and allow off-limits treats for 20% of the meals.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbn5FIQQSVk/Tycbh3I_BHI/AAAAAAAAAts/DBUeh47MdLs/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbn5FIQQSVk/Tycbh3I_BHI/AAAAAAAAAts/DBUeh47MdLs/s1600/sugar.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, although I did indulge in some high glycemic fruits and sweet things while in the near-tropics, I didn't go overboard on my regular meals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I promised you a food diary from my travels. I do not have the food diary. It, er, got lost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did do a couple of good, really good things, this vacation that I don't usually do:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I intentionally exercised. There were plenty of strolls, but I made it to a fitness center and worked out with free weights. Ah, the happy soreness of muscles recently pushed through a regimen of flys, presses, and anything that elicits a ladylike grunt. I like it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only had three glasses of wine the entire week. I don't know about you, but I tend to throw sobriety out the window when I'm away from home. But I just didn't feel like it this time. Was it the warm weather? The blog accountability? The ladylike grunting from the previous bullet point? Perhaps it was the observation of people too old to party like they're 21 and seeing what complete buffons they were. And are. Pass me the water, please.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week is "detox week" for me, which really means just a return to sensible, low-carb eating habits and the shunning of all fake things. Oh, the headache I have from a few sweet indulgences last week! My tummy is rumbling ("I want mago gelato, and I want it RIGHT NOW."), my head is banging around for a diet soda, but thank goodness my refrigerator and pantry are absent of items too tempting for a middle aged woman stalking for sugars so she doesn't claw her husband's eyes out. *</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to a healthy week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*<em>It would never come to that. I could always make a cocoa smoothie.</em></span><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Rebekah</span></strong></em></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-69382728814375271332012-01-26T14:58:00.000-08:002012-01-26T14:58:24.497-08:00A Tale of Two Pizza CrustsLow-carb cooking has come a long, long way since I first tried Atkins back in 2003. There are so many tasty and inventive recipes out there.<br />
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I created a board on Pinterest where I am amassing quite a collection of low carb recipes and trying a couple each week. You can follow my board <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/richlife/">by clicking here</a></b>. Let me know if you need a Pinterest invite and I'll send you one.<br />
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One of the first recipes I pinned is Rebekah's cauliflower pizza. I always think of it as Rebekah's recipe, but the original creator is <b><a href="http://yourlighterside.com/recipe-the-original-cauliflower-pizza-dough-2/">Jamie of Your Lighter Side</a> </b>(a fantastic low carb blog).<br />
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I made it recently. It was delicious and easy, my family loved it. The only negative is that it needs to be a bit more crispy for my taste. Next time I will take Rebekah's advice and make mini-pizzas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnZyPU6UT6x-VdQpnKtQ59XEY8HHjGh05xaTMNb0FPiGI8cC18AIvkEz-aw2V-eiTo35QOUxxXt1ESZkTz_1JrNxPe2k_F2VJ6x5_AvgA3yhX6twixTkIAjsUqnzjXNOThjpuGgTAGb5C/s1600/381956_3142184917518_1351801207_33446114_759075925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnZyPU6UT6x-VdQpnKtQ59XEY8HHjGh05xaTMNb0FPiGI8cC18AIvkEz-aw2V-eiTo35QOUxxXt1ESZkTz_1JrNxPe2k_F2VJ6x5_AvgA3yhX6twixTkIAjsUqnzjXNOThjpuGgTAGb5C/s400/381956_3142184917518_1351801207_33446114_759075925_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom, pepperoni, bell pepper pizza on cauliflower crust. With lots of cheese! </td></tr>
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I also came across<b><a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/01/zero-carb-flax-meal-pizza-crust.html"> this recipe</a></b> in my Pinterest recipe search. It's a flaxseed-based crust. I made it for my family earlier this week and got mixed reviews. It's heartier, and a bit more crisp, but the flavor and texture makes one think more of a pizza box than a pizza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dRwoSEx7T6DQv-9fe4KL9i5MdnSNJmzihjqU5BpTSKkgrhr80tu39ORDnOzzNOIq-BHCs4Q-NMqKsX7Isa-pLFV2SbHbqbzPkm01hzIjciCA1yBF63xXbgElearUqmNNSfd9L7JkwPVP/s1600/IMG_8809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dRwoSEx7T6DQv-9fe4KL9i5MdnSNJmzihjqU5BpTSKkgrhr80tu39ORDnOzzNOIq-BHCs4Q-NMqKsX7Isa-pLFV2SbHbqbzPkm01hzIjciCA1yBF63xXbgElearUqmNNSfd9L7JkwPVP/s400/IMG_8809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic pepperoni and extra cheese. </td></tr>
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Perhaps some butter, seasonings and garlic added to the flax meal, parmesan and egg batter would help. I will give it a try sometime soon. It's a very healthy and fiber-rich crust. If you are looking to add more fiber to your low carb diet, this is the way!<br />
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If I had to chose between the two pizza crusts, the choice would be cauliflower all the way!<br />
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Have you tried any new low carb recipes lately? </div>
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Please share! </div>
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<i><b>Adrienne </b></i></div>Adrienne Shubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05826463555838820028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081646337924887329.post-26626568274806215442012-01-20T13:34:00.000-08:002012-01-20T13:34:54.245-08:00Friday Q&A<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you have a favorite exercise?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rebekah</span></u></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not a cardio person. I like walking, but only enjoy it as a means of transportation to a destination. I’ve never been a fan of walking circles in the neighborhood, and I’m even less a fan of walking on the treadmill – though it’s better than walking in snow and ice or 108 degree summer days!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My favorite exercise is weight lifting, and my favorite move is the assisted chin-up. I use a wide-shoulder stance. When I was first introduced to this move, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to do it, and I was mad at the very patient trainer I had at the time who wanted to prove to me, her client, that I was stronger than I thought I was. I was hooked right away, even though I struggled and grunted just like the big boys in the gym do.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s one of those exercises that has real-life application (like hauling yourself out of a swimming pool or over a fence) and instant gratification (I’m lifting myself!). I’m far away from doing this exercise without the assist, but I’m farther down the road then I was when I started this move over a year ago!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My other favorite exercise is the leg press. Women have strong legs in general, and I have really strong legs in particular. Even though my thighs are encased in fat, when I flex my hamstrings you can feel the hard leg muscles underneath. As we age, we all need solid leg muscles so we won’t be prone to falling and breaking our bones. Strong leg muscles (and bones) equal longevity! So load up the plates on your leg press if you have a gym. If not, squats and lunges are your best friends.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 4.8pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Adrienne</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">On the not-so-frequent occasion that I do exercise, my favorite is hiking. I love hills, I like to have a destination and being out in nature does wonders for my spirit. Unfortunately, I am too scared - or too smart - to hike alone in the wilderness. We have far too many cougar and rattlesnake sightings around here for me to feel comfortable being alone in the hills. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">When I can't find a friend to hike with or can't convince my husband to join me, I go for walks. There is a retirement community up the road from where I live. I found a hilly loop that is about 3 miles long. The community is safe, clean, has wide sidewalks and plenty of fresh air due little traffic. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">I also have a lake nearby that is 2.25 miles long. It's a poplar place for people to fish, kayak, walk, ride bikes, or simply walk. My husband and I bought a pass for the year so we don't have to pay each time we use it. The goal is to use it frequently enough that it pays for itself a few times over. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">As far as toning exercises go, I do not like to lift weights. I do girl push-ups (on my knees) and try to do 40, but not usually in a row. I do as many as I can, then rest, then resume. I also do 100 crunches, again, not all at once. Form is more important than repetitions. I get more out of 25 crunches done properly and with purpose than I do 100 crunches done quickly and with disregard for form. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Exercise used to be a huge part of my life. I was a personal trainer and exercise instructor in my mid-30's. These days, in my mid-40's, I have gotten so far away from regular and frequent exercise, it feels foreign to me. It's become a "thing" that I am working on remedying, but with poor results. There are seems to always be something more pressing or more interesting to do other than exercise. And I have a feeling it has to do with my passion for blogging. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">What is your favorite exercise? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Do you feel that you exercise enough?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i><b>Rebekah and Adrienne</b> </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">We are asking for questions from our readers for Friday Q&A. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">If you have one for us, leave it in the comment section </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">or send either of us an email and we'll be sure to answer it! </span></span></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7