Welcome Friends!


Welcome Friends! I am so grateful for all who have shared their stories of food-related hurts and healings. It is an ever-evolving journey for me, and I have relied upon others who have held similar experiences for comfort, empathy, knowledge and support. In this blog, I share some of my personal experiences as well as some of my favorite foods. I am currently on a grain-free diet, very similar to the Paleo diet. Having multiple food sensitivities as well as hypoglycemia, I have taken liberties with the diet, such as using agave nectar instead of honey. I'm aware of the great agave debate, but keeping my blood sugar low takes priority. I use such small quantities, that it is a non-issue for me. In addition, I still use cream in my coffee as well as a few other dairy products sparingly. I have given up so many beloved foods, that I am stubborn when it comes to dairy. Also, when I am really craving a starch, I will eat quinoa, buckwheat, lentils or beans. Again, it isn't very often, and these foods have some very healthful benefits as well. However, I find I feel my best when following most closely to the Paleo diet, eating large quantities of vegetables and animal protein. It isn't a philisophical choice for me, but rather a choice to feed my body what it seems to need for optimum performance-pain free, clear-headed, energetic and balanced. I hope you find something here that looks delicious even though your diet may look quite different than mine. Good food transends across the boundries of "diet." Enjoy!



6.27.2011

Heavenly Hash

I expanded on Sarah Fragoso's sausage hash from her book, Everyday Paleo. It is so delicious! I absolutely love, love, love her cookbook and blog!

This morning, I was in the mood for some spice, so I thought I'd try for a bit of Cuban flare. I always make double batches of this hash to heat up quickly later in the week. I am not a morning person-to say the least, so having breakfast already cooked is a huge boost to my morning energy.


  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage bulk or link (Mulay's or Boulder is my preference. Chorizo would be excellent-but I can't have the garlic)
  • 2-3 Tbsp coconut oil (I buy whatever organic, expeller pressed coconut oil is cheapest)
  • 3 smaller or 2 larger orange-fleshed sweet potatoes/yams (however your supermarket labels them) there is a difference between the two, but there seems to be a large-scale confusion as to which is which. I just buy whatever is available at Natural Grocers.
  • 1/2 small white onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • dash of cayenne
  • pepper to taste
  • 4 eggs, however you like them. I poach mine to over-medium

In a large skillet begin browining sausage

Grate sweet potatoes with a cheese grater or in food processor

Once sausage is browned (cut links into bite-sized pieces), add coconut oil and grated sweet potatoes and onion. Saute for about 5 minutes

Add in cumin, paprika, cayenne, pepper and saute 5 more minutes until potatoes are soft and lightly browned
While potatoes are finishing, poach eggs

Enjoy!

*I also like this with Tomotillo Salsa, which I will post the recipe for soon.




6.26.2011

Kale Salad with Proscuitto and Apple

This made for a very tasty lunch today. I was lucky enough to stop by our local farmer's market Wednesday, where I found some organic baby kale from Venetucci Farms. So today, my tummy began to grumble for some sustinence and I remembered the fresh greens in the fridge. I also happened to have some Applegate proscuito waiting to be used up (that stuff lasts forever!). Remembering a bacon, apple and spinach salad I'd made a few months back, I thought, "why not kale and proscuitto instead?" It was simple and delish! Tummy is now content...

Salad:
  • 4 oz. proscuitto, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 bunch baby kale, washed and rough chopped
  • 1 apple, washed, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces. I used a Fuji but will try a Granny Smith next time
  • 2-3 Tbsp chives, sliced (scallions would be good as well-just had chives in the garden right now)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (Elana's candied pecans would have been great!)

Toss all ingredients together with the dressing, and enjoy!


Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (Bragg's preferably)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard (Annie's)
  • 1/2 tbls agave nectar

Mix all with a whisk