A Beautiful Day

“This day is a beautiful room that’s never been seen before. Let me cherish the seconds, minutes, and hours I spend here.” (Anonymous)

Just love this quote I read this morning.

Mexican Pie

I’ve been rearranging and decluttering  the kitchen. I decided to look once again at my few cook books and see if I was using them or if any needed a new home. I came across this recipe I haven’t made in a few years. It was a family favorite and  seems it still is. It’s quick and easy to prepare, tastes yummy, and forms a nice thin corn bread on top. It’s good the next day too and freezes well. Enjoy!

( I used all Gluten Free ingredients)

(From Eat Well, Live Well The Canadian Diabetic Associations Guide to Healthy Eating, 1990)

 

Mexican Pie
1 Medium Onion
1 TBSP vegetable oil
1 can tomatoes (19 oz/540 ml)
1 can kidney beans (19 oz/540 ml) (I soaked and cooked the beans)
1 can corn (12 oz/341 ml) (I used frozen)
1 TBSP chili powder ( I suggest 2 TBSP or more)
¾ cup cornmeal
1 cup 2 percent milk (I used soy milk)
2 eggs
1 ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, or a mixture)
In a large skillet on medium high heat, cook onion in oil until transparent. Cut up tomatoes. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, corn and chili powder to skillet. Cook on low heat, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until slightly thickened, stir occasionally. (I used a masher and mashed the mixture a little to thicken the sauce). Pour into 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle corn meal evenly over surface. In separate bowl, beat together milk and eggs. Pour evenly over corn meal. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 350 oven, 50 – 55 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

 

 

Poor Posture? Achy Back or Legs?

When I was reading about women’s health this summer, I came across some information about posture. Like so many women, I can sit for long hours at a desk in front of a computer – doing office work, blogging (a little lax lately :)), researching family. But these activities can lead to a poor posture. Posture is something I wish to keep in good order. Here are two things I’m now using and really seeing the benefits of.

The roll I use on the chair at my personal computer. It provides excellent support for the curvature of my lower back  – to keep my frame straight. It  just feels good. The foot rest I use at my office computer as my legs don’t reach the floor. It supports my feet and  prevents back and leg discomfort! I find it far more comfortable than putting my feet on a box. Since using the footrest my legs don’t ache sitting at my desk.

Maybe one of these will bring you comfort and keep your posture healthy.

I’ve attached this link to an article about posture. Have a comfortable day.

Joyeux Noel

If I could recommend one Christmas movie, this is the one. I wish all families would watch it.

Christmas Fabric Wrap

This year, my daughter Erin suggested we wrap gifts in fabric – not paper. I think it’s a great idea as we can re use the fabric year after year. I picked up fabric scraps at the thrift store. I also came across some lightweight cotton place mats that will be a nice size to wrap a small gift.  I have a few older table clothes that my mom sewed for me many years ago. I think I’ll re purpose them into wrap also. I hope you give green gift wrapping a try.

Gluten Free Marble Cake

Thought I would jump in with a quick post. If you are looking for a simple loaf recipe that looks good, tastes good, is moist and gluten free, try this one out at Gluten Free on a Shoe String.

I used Namaste flour mix with Xanthum Gum although the recipe states not to use a flour mix with Xanthum Gum. I ran out of my homemade mix so used the store bought one. It was a little harder to marble but I managed. I also baked it on convection/bake 325 for 45 minutes on the middle rack.

Christmas Parcels

I’m getting into the Christmas spirit now. I wrapped up a few gifts that will be mailed in early December. If I get a jump start on things like wrapping and card writing in November, I’ll have time for other things that bring joy during this season.

Scrabble Slam!

With winter here, we’ll be playing more games inside. I found this one today. It is so much fun and fast moving. It keeps your mind active too! Because it’s really just a deck of cards, it’s convenient to take traveling.  Maybe you’ll like it.

Furry Friends Collage

I so love the furry friends that have blessed my life. Tonight I decided to frame photos of the four of them. I came across this frame and thought it would work fine. I really like the collage. It’s on my desk and when I look at it I’ll be reminded what a special gift each one has been to me .  Maybe you would like to display the photos of your special friends the same way.

 

(Clockwise top left – Beni, Mojo, Jackson, Aussie (with my mom))

Lentil Walnut Burgers Gluten Free

 

With BBQ season here, I decided today to look for a meatless gluten free burger recipe that I could make and bring to a BBQ.  I have two BBQ’s  to attend soon so the timing is good. I really didn’t expect the recipe I selected to work the first time, as I often have challenges with gluten free recipes and meatless burgers. I found this Whole Foods recipe online and I’m pleased with the outcome. The burgers taste good and keep the round shape. I like that the burger is mainly lentils and brown rice. The walnuts are very nice too. I changed the recipe a little:  I used  dill instead of thyme, I added 1/4 cup ground flax seed, and I used a little more cayenne.  The recipe made 9 patties and I froze most of them after cooking – I gobbled one up too of course.   They’ll be good with avocado and tomato. Yum.

Whole Foods Gluten Free Walnut Lentil Burgers

Serves 6

Walnuts add a little crunch and brown rice takes the place of bread crumbs making these savory vegetarian burgers a great gluten-free meal. Serve with a green salad or cooked greens.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped button mushrooms
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice, divided
• 1 1/2 cup cooked lentils, or 1 (15-ounce) can lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons high heat sunflower oil or expeller-pressed canola oil, divided

Method:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, mushrooms, walnuts, parsley, thyme (or dill), salt, pepper and cayenne and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.

In a food processor, purée 1 cup rice, lentils and egg until smooth. Transfer to bowl with vegetables, add remaining 1 cup rice and stir to combine. Form lentil mixture into 10 to 12 patties, using about 1/4 cup of the mixture to make each one.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Arrange half of the patties in skillet and cook, flipping once, until golden and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat process with remaining sunflower oil and patties. Serve hot.

Nutritional Info:

Per Serving: 240 calories (100 from fat), 11g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 9g protein

Notes: I used 2 TBSP chopped fresh dill instead of Thyme

I added ¼ cup flax seed (mixed with a bit of water  for binding).

Clumps of Dirt

Thought I’d jump right in and make a quick post.  Tonight was the first evening this season that I’ve spent in the garden.   I really enjoyed breaking up the clumps of dirt with my hands. I was amazed that this little activity could be so therapeutic. As the clumps of dirt broke down,  I sifted through the clumps in my mind that needed breaking down. After a few hours, I felt so peaceful. Gardening is wonderful  medicine for our soul. Give it a try.

Gluten Free Ranger Cookies

This is one of my all time favorite Better Homes and Gardens cookie recipe dated 1975. I’ve changed it to make it gluten free.

1/2 c. margarine or butter (I use butter)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

1-1/4 c. gluten free flour mix
1/2 tsp. gluten free baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 c.  gluten free crisp rice cereal or gluten free millet puffs
1-1/3 c. flaked coconut

1 cup chopped pitted dates (I use raisins)

Cream butter, brown sugar, and  granulated sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir together dry ingredients. Stir into creamed mixture. Stir in crisp rice/millet, coconut and dates. Form into 1 inch balls, place 2 ” apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 350 until lightly browned. About 10 min. Cool. Enjoy.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

 

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are so delicious. The pumpkin makes these soft on the inside and sooooo flavorful. I baked them at 325 convection for 10 minutes.  Find the recipe here. Give them a try.

 

Giving and Selling Stuff 2014 #2

As you may have noticed, I like to give stuff away and keep things out of the landfill. In March, we were having our floors refinished and new wood added to the remaining part of the house. I had a fair bit of carpet that was being removed. As each room was emptied, I posted that piece of carpet on Free cycle and Kijiji. Surprisingly, all the carpet was picked up right away.  Here’s an article by ‘This Old House’  called ’10 Uses For Old Carpet‘. I just thought it was interesting.  I hope you consider giving stuff away and before sending to the landfill.

(This is a not my carpet…image from the internet)

 

Time to visit with the Elderly

I thought I would jump right in and make a quick post, ’cause I think you will like it. Today I was walking my dog when I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on a nearby bench. I have chatted with this man in the past. We’d mostly talked about the city, the nearby plants and his late wife – whom he missed dearly. Today, I was on a tight schedule so I waved as I walked by. Then my instinct told me to go over and visit with him – just for a minute. I did. I greeted him and said it was good to see him again after the long winter. I introduced my dog, Jackson, as I didn’t have him the last time we talked in the Fall. I asked how he was. He said ‘ well… not so good’. With tear filled eyes he told me his sister passed away and he was going to the funeral tomorrow. She was 98. He is 94. He shared about his 10 siblings, all who lived well into their 80’s and 90’s, and their growing up years. He talked about what he thought contributed to longevity in his family. Things like nutrition, being physically active, and the ability to look on the brighter side of life – that’s where I paid close attention.  I appreciated his wisdom about  learning from all people and not being judgmental. After about 15 minutes, my dog was a little restless, so we departed. I was so glad I listened to my instinct and stopped to chat with this man again. I appreciated his bits of wisdom and I think he liked a listening ear. I hope you take time for an elder – even when it doesn’t seem convenient. Give yourself, and the other, a special gift. Blessings……..

Easter Food Bank Donation

Friends, if you are hosting an Easter dinner, would you consider asking your guests to bring along a donation for your local food bank. It’s a great way to share with those who are having food challenges at this time. My food bank does not accept perishable food, so check with yours beforehand. You’ll feel blessed when you drop it off in a day or two. Thanks, Linda

Giving and Selling Stuff 2014

 

You know, I sure like to give away or sell the things that  I’m not using any longer.  Last week I was having work done in the house and needed to move furniture around. I looked at my sideboard and wondered if there was anything in there that  I wasn’t using any longer. I noticed a few dishes that I don’t use any more. I had picked them up here and there to accent my table, so they didn’t have too much value to me. I wondered if someone else might like to enjoy them. I took a snap shot and posted them on Kijiji.   I didn’t really want to give them away  (that’s another post about give away on Kijiji). I decided I would like 30.00 so I asked 40.00.   Within a short time I sold them. The person wanting to purchase them had her great aunts incomplete set and my few pieces would compliments hers nicely. She mentioned she was giving the collection to her daughter for her upcoming wedding. I was glad I posted these pieces- they have more meaning to the buyer than they did to me. Also, I have 40.00 that I didn’t have before. If your not using things,  why not consider giving them away or selling them. You never know who might be looking for exactly what you have.

Are we in trouble Jackson?

I shared this story with a few girlfriends last week and one suggested I put it on my blog. Hope you enjoy it.

Oh dear…. thought my little guy and I got in a bit of trouble. It was very snowy this morning and I was walking Jackson on a path when a car pulled up nearby. The elderly driver asked loudly, “do you walk your dog everyday?”. I said that I did. He said he wanted to talk to me about my dog and said I was to come to the brown house and see him. Now I have walked dogs by this man’s house for 15 years and he hasn’t really noticed us before. I thought about this all day and wondered what this man could complain about – why else did he want to talk to me about my dog. I came up with ways I could avoid walking past his house in the future. I wondered if I missed picking up after Jackson – it’s possible as he walks off leash mostly. I told myself the guy was just an old grump. All kinds of things were going through my mind. On my way going for groceries this evening we drove past the house. I told Gerry to stop the car. He waited in the car as I nervously went to the door. The wife said her husband wasn’t very mobile and she led me to a back room where he was. She told him that the lady with the dog was here to see him. He asked me where my dog was – he wanted to see him. I said ‘oh I only have a minute, going for groceries, my husbands in the car waiting’. He told me to go get my husband. I didn’t of course – I could handle this myself. He then proceeded to tell me how much he enjoyed watching us on our walks. He thought Jackson was a wonderful dog with lots of spunk. He wanted to know about his breed as he hadn’t seen a dog like him before. He told me about a dog he once had many years ago. When I got back to the car Gerry said he thought the man really gave me trouble  – as I was gone so long. We were both happy that he just wanted to see Jackson and enjoy him. I told the man we would accept his invite and come for a visit soon. Thought you might like this story.

 

Jackson (10 years old) at the vet Feb. 14, 2014 – 10 days after we adopted him

 

Energy Bites – No Bake

These little energy bites are so good. Make them small, freeze, and take one out when you need a little pick me up.

No Bake Energy Bars. (Use  Gluten Free ingredients)

1 cup Oats

1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup Peanut Butter

1/2 cup Ground Flax Seed

1/3 cup Honey

1 tsp Vanilla

Mix, roll in balls, refridgerate. ENJOY!

(optional – 2 – 3 TBSP Coconut Oil melted, 1/3 cup Coconut)

Nutrition, Health, and Lifestyle: Issues and Insights Course

This is a great  FREE online course – starting the 20th of January 2014. I took it previously and am still benefiting from it. Thought some of you might like it.  It’s USA based, it’s very good information.

Click here for details. http://www.coursera.org/course/lifenutr

If you’re not interested in this course you might find another at www.coursera.org.

Have a wonderful week. Linda