The New Look and a Cookbook Review

First things first...

I’m sure you’ve noticed the changes to the blog and hope you like the new look.  As I mentioned in my “Reviving the Blog” post a few weeks ago, I’d like both the title and appearance of my blog to reflect a more broad content, as my former title felt a bit restrictive.  If you are fearful that I may be giving up on the cooking theme, not to worry!  I still plan to share many delicious gluten-free and paleo-inspired recipes along with other ideas for the kitchen.  My intent with these changes is to open the door to more conversation and ideas outside the realm of food. 

With all of these changes taking place, I’ll go ahead and point out how you can stay updated, especially since there has been some confusion in the past about how to sign up for blog updates.  If you’d like to do so, simply enter your email address into the text box located on the upper right hand side of the blog (directly beneath my picture).  Click “submit”, follow the Feedburner instructions, and you will receive my new blog posts in your inbox.  Also, If you are a frequent Google user (and really, who isn’t?!), the link to “follow” is on the right hand side of the blog.  Or, if you would simply like to check back frequently, that’s ok too J

Now, on to the good stuff...

"Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child, with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle

As much as I enjoy cooking, it may be a bit strange for some to find that I don’t keep many cookbooks in my kitchen.  Over the years, I’ve found it more and more difficult to find quality cookbooks, especially ones with recipes that meet my dietary restrictions.  As with many things in my life, It seems that my favorites are the classics: my trusty Betty Crocker Cookbook, “Jacques Pepin’s Complete Techniques”, and my new favorite, Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”  For those who don’t know, Julia Child was a master at French cooking, a savvy businesswoman, and an all around lovely lady.  This cookbook is an embodiment of her vibrant personality and a must-have for any chef, professional or otherwise.

“Mastering the Art of French Cooking” contains all of the classic French recipes you could ever imagine preparing along with their very descriptive preparation instructions.  Julia had a special way of speaking that translated quite nicely to print, which is one of the reasons I’m so fond of this particular cookbook.  The pages are not filled with color or photos, but instead contain a great amount of wisdom from a woman who happily taught generations how to successfully prepare traditional French dishes.  When reading how to make a proper hollandaise, I feel as though she is right there with me saying “keep whisking!” 

While it may seem that many traditional French recipes would be quite difficult to convert to gluten-free versions, I have learned this isn’t necessarily the case.  No, my fellow gluten-free friends, you will not be able to make a tart or croissant or baguette using this cookbook, but rest assured there a plethora of other delicious recipes that are either inherently gluten-free or could be made so with only a few small tweaks. 

This book was given to me as a gift and has been a joy to read through and learn from.  If you are searching for a cookbook which contains all of the classics and one which will stay on your shelf for years to come, consider adding this one to your collection.  Or even better, gift it to someone you love.

Organization Tips - Part 1

The holidays are upon us!  I hope everyone is able to relax a bit and enjoy some time with loved ones.  Since many of you will be entertaining over the next month or so, I’ve decided to include a few posts about organization and keeping the home in order.  As organization is something I believe I have developed a true appreciation for over the years, I will be sharing a series of suggestions and ideas in this and future posts.  I hope you will find my suggestions helpful.  Happy Holidays!

Others frequently tell Dave and I that our house is always “SOOO clean!”  While I certainly appreciate the compliment, I also don’t want to give the impression that I’m constantly walking around with the vacuum and duster!  I think that, quite possibly, our home gives others the illusion that we clean much more than we actually do.  Yes, I like things to technically be clean and do make sure to give my home adequate cleanings on a routine basis, but it’s also my very humble opinion that a clutter-free home will always appear much cleaner than one constantly filled with stuff.  Quite simply put, if one makes an effort to tidy up their own messes and always have a place for new items brought into the home, things will just naturally fall into a tidy state.  Don’t get me wrong – we have those days when it would be a complete and utter embarrassment to have anyone step into our home (those are usually the days the neighbor or a friend makes an impromptu stop by to say hello!), but those days are few and far between since we’ve begun to implement our “no clutter allowed” policy. 

Now, the task of decluttering may be easier said than done depending on the sheer volume of stuff that has been acquired.  It is also understood that those with children may have even further challenges when dealing with clutter, but the idea in the beginning is to have an attainable goal and take it step by step instead of becoming overwhelmed.  Dave and I consciously made the effort to begin decluttering when we moved into our 920 square foot condo two years ago.  Some friends and family members questioned our decision to downgrade: “Where will you put everything??”, causing us to wonder, “Why do we need so much stuff in the first place?”.  We then began the process of decluttering, which is ongoing and trying at times, but quite freeing and a wonderful exercise in self-control and letting go.  Along with the minimal closet space in our condo, we also have a very small storage unit which houses mostly seasonal items, sporting goods, and some of Dave’s woodworking supplies (we do not have a garage).  Our condo is a highly functioning space and contains only a coat closet and a small alcove in which we recently installed a custom master closet.  Other than that we have had to make our own storage space within the home.  This is all we have but, to us, it still seems like too much and we are constantly pairing things down to the bare minimum.  We both feel much lighter and I must say I don’t miss anything I’ve gotten rid of.

Some of you may be thinking that since you have a large home then decluttering is not necessary as long as you have the space to house things.  I must argue that everyone can benefit from this process, whether you are a hoarder or a minimalist.  The idea is to start thinking in terms of quality rather than quantity, not a new concept by any means, but it is one that many of us don’t take to heart.  Try embracing this concept in every aspect of life: relationships, food, clothing, house wares, furniture, entertainment, travel, etc.  Not only will you be freed from the idea to “keep up with the Joneses”, but you will also begin to learn what it is you truly love and wish to include in your life.  Give it a shot, trust me on this one!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1)      Keep baskets on hand to store stray items.  Sometimes we don’t have time to file or shred or store items right away.  Having a few nice baskets around can help with this problem.  This will keep clutter contained and out of eyesight when guests come over or will help if you’d simply like your place to look a little more polished.  But don’t forget to clean out and organize frequently!

2)      Constantly review the items in your wardrobe, kitchen, garage, etc.  Do you have duplicate items because you think you may need the extra someday?  Chances are, these items are unnecessarily taking up space and perhaps even causing stress if they are creating clutter.  If this is you, check out #3.

3)      Donate!  While there are many ways to get rid of unwanted items – garage sales, EBay, gifting to friends or family – I have found that often times a trip to Goodwill is the best way to go.  Especially if the items are not of significant value but still functional, then it may be best to donate instead of letting the items further collect dust while you figure out how to get rid of them.

4)      One in, one out.  Simply speaking, if you buy something new, be sure it is either necessary or will replace a current item.  This is a particularly helpful rule to follow when shopping sales.  If a replacement item is purchased, be sure to immediately discard, donate, or recycle the old item.

5)      Remember, “stuff” is not your whole identity, but should be a reflection of who you are.  You are you regardless of how many shoes you have or the great deal you got on all that stuff that sits in the closet unused.  When you think in terms of your belongings being a reflection of yourself, it becomes much easier to eliminate the stuff that’s just taking up space.

Good luck!

Cashew Butter Cups - Recipe!

I had been searching (unsuccessfully, I might add) for quite some time for a Peanut Butter Cup recipe…except without sugar…and no peanut butter…and also gluten-free J.  Can you understand my dilemma?!  Finally, last week I took it upon myself to craft my own recipe, and not to toot my own horn, but it turned out pretty darn good!  Using a nut butter recipe I make often (modified from the Nourishing Traditions cookbook), I was able to create this delicious, creamy chocolate dessert.  Enjoy my Cashew Butter Cup recipe alone or topped with ice cream and a piece of fruit for some extra pizzazz.

Cashew Butter Cups

Makes 18 servings

Chocolate Base

¾ cup cacao butter, melted

1/3 cup cacao powder

¼ cup, plus 1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon vanilla

2 pinches sea salt

Combine all ingredients until smooth.

Cashew Butter

2 cups raw cashews, soaked and dehydrated

1 big pinch sea salt

3 tablespoons honey

½ cup coconut oil

Combine cashews and sea salt in the food processor and process on low until a fine powder forms.  Add honey and coconut oil to cashews and process until creamy.

To assemble Cashew Butter Cups:

Using a regular sized muffin tin, fill each space about ¼ full with the chocolate base.  Place tin in freezer for 20 minutes or until chocolate is solid.  Remove from freezer and top with an equal amount of cashew butter (each space should be about ½ full at this point).  Place in freezer for 15 minutes.  Remove from freezer and let sit for 5 minutes; this will help loosen the chocolate.  Serve alone or topped with ice cream and berries.  Bon appétit!

Dinner Table Discussions

Several months ago Dave and I went to a wine tasting event a few blocks from our condo and ran into a neighbor with his girlfriend.  As I had not yet met his girlfriend, I introduced myself and we began to have a lovely conversation.  Over the course of the next hour, we discussed travel, food, and our experiences growing up in different parts of the country.  Never once did we discuss work and never once did it occur to me to bring it up.  Later that evening, as I was packing for a weekend trip, I realized I had not asked her what she did for a living.  It seemed strange at first and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I had carried on a lengthy conversation with someone I didn’t even know, fully engaged, and walked away having gained a new perspective from a person who, for all I knew, could have been a touring ventriloquist!  What a strange but intriguing interaction! Would I have had a better conversation with her had I known her career?  Or, would I have had some amazing insight into her as a human being had I known she was a waitress or a doctor or a stay at home mom? I really don’t think so.  

Maybe we are going about this conversation thing all wrong.  Perhaps we’ve just become accustomed to discussing work all of the time, but truthfully, is that the way to live?  When there are so many things to talk about, why not discuss some of those “off” topics at times.  While everyone else is lamenting about workload or horrible bosses or annoying co-workers, how about bringing up the new restaurant downtown or a funny personal anecdote or thoughts about future or past travels?  While difficult, I’ve been consciously trying to steer my conversations away from the predictable and on to more interesting and fresh topics.  Likewise, try having a conversation with someone new without discussing career, or weather, or any of those predictable topics.  See where it takes you.  Maybe it will be the best conversation of your life! 

Gluten-Free Dining in Downtown Denver

Dining Out, Gluten-Free Style

There are a plethora of lovely restaurants here in Denver, especially downtown where we live, but I’ve found that few have decent gluten-free menus.  By “decent” I’m referring to a dedicated gluten-free menu with options other than steak or salad (both of which I like, but I prefer to have more options when dining out).  It’s also been a challenge to find restaurant staff that is knowledgeable when discussing gluten-free options.  Most of the time it’s somewhat exhausting explaining what I can/can’t eat and constantly following up to ensure my items are, indeed, safe to eat.  As annoying as I feel at times, I’ve found it necessary to verify that certain dishes are gluten-free once brought out.  There have been plenty of times when the server has forgotten to request the dish be modified or the kitchen staff has neglected to read the special instructions and then I wind up with a big plate of gluten!  So, it definitely pays to be a little persistent, especially when health is involved.  That being said, here are a few of my favorite restaurants in the downtown Denver area with decent (or, in some cases, great) gluten-free menus*:

*Click on the restaurant name to view the menu.

Maggiano’s (16^th Street Mall) – Italian.  They don’t have a gluten-free menu per say, but they can alter just about anything on the regular menu to make it safe for someone with a gluten allergy to eat.  The gluten-free pasta is corn based and takes some getting used to, but bottom line – they will work with you regarding food allergies.

Zengo (Riverfront Park) – Asian Fusion. Fabulous gluten-free menu which includes soups, salads, sushi rolls, rice and noodle stir fries, and a great selection of unique small plates and entrees.   

Root Down (LoHi)  – Trendy, comfort food. Very unique gluten-free offerings and arguably one of the best restaurants in the Denver area.  Both the brunch and dinner menus are phenomenal.  Everything I’ve had is flavorful and perfectly executed.  Just remember to make a reservation!

Vesta Dipping Grill (LoDo) – Spanish, tapas-style. Another real winner.  The staff takes food allergies very seriously and will work with you to create the perfect gluten-free dinner.  They will also bring out a gluten-free bread basket which is actually very good!  Gotta make a reservation with this place too, they are usually packed.

Jonesey’s (Uptown)  – Neighborhood bar/grill. I’m on the fence with Jonesey’s right now.  Due to a recent menu revamp, they don’t yet have a menu explicitely for us gluten-free folks.  Their saving grace? Gluten-free house-made fries, delicious when you want a serious indulgence!  They also have awesome burgers which easily become gluten-free by eliminating the bun.

Little India (Champa Street) – Indian. Most of the dishes here are inherently gluten-free, aside from a few of the breaded appetizers.  Typical menu, but very delicious, and they deliver to the downtown area (hey, some days you just need your dinner delivered to the front door!).

Sonoda’s Sushi (LoDo) – Asian/sushi. I adore Sonoda’s.  The staff is excellent and always friendly.  It’s usually pretty easy to eat gluten-free when going out for sushi, just ask for Tamari and make sure the fish isn’t pre-marinated in soy sauce.  Try the Rainbow Roll, it’s probably the best value on the menu and never disappoints.

Marco’s Coal Fired Pizza (Larimer Street) – Italian/pizza.  The best gluten-free pizza ever.  Period.  Really, the pizza is just to die for and it’s impossible to tell it’s gluten-free.  I know this because Dave eats it too!  They have awesome toppings, services is great, and it’s just a fun place.  Casual, but nice enough for a special date.  It’s a  little pricey, but you get what you pay for.

And, just when I had given up on the thought of a Paleo restaurant concept…

Caveman Cafeteria Food Truck (and Catering)!  - Clearly this is a food truck so the offerings are limited and the schedule unpredictable, but if you see this truck around I seriously recommend checking it out.  I see it a lot in our neighborhood (RiNo/NoDo), probably due to the millions of Cross-Fit gyms taking over our streets.  They serve the kind of food I make for myself at home (e.g. sautéed veggies, sweet potato fries, short ribs, etc.) and if they had a brick and mortar location, I would be there A LOT.  I did notice they are starting to expand their menu and now have things like cheese and buns on the menu (NOT Paleo), so it may not hurt to make sure your order is gluten-free.

Places to stay away from?  I’d avoid most of the pizza places, sports bars, and chains like Cheesecake Factory and Chili’s.  These places simply do not have options for gluten-free diners.  Other options? Mexican restaurants are hit or miss, but The Rio on Blake Street at least offers a few options, sans gluten.  If your friends really want to go to a sports bar you may want to try Wynkoop Brewery in LoDo as they have some “ok” gluten-free options on the menu.  Of course, don’t expect to partake of the chicken wings or nachos with everyone else.  But at least you’ll leave feeling good about what you ate J

Any recommendations from my fellow Denverites? 

Reviving the Blog

I started this blog partly for myself as a way to express my thoughts, but a large part of my motivation comes from the desire to inspire others to live healthy, fulfilling lives.  Upon much reflection and an obvious hiatus from the blog, I've come to realize that my inspiration doesn't always come from food (although, I must admit food plays a large role in my life). Like most of you, I find my thoughts frequently wandering and this is often reflected in my writing.  Over the past several months I haven't stopped writing; in fact, I have close to 20 different blog entries I have started but neglected to finish.  I find that when my life is "cluttered" - whether simply from tangible items taking up precious space in my closet or a messy house that I can't find the time to clean, to more serious issues like toxic people absorbing my time or a job that feels like a deadend - it is easy to lose sight of myself and quite difficult to see anything with much clarity.  In my personal experience, it takes the elimination of these distractions before I can move on to a positive, productive place in my life.  I feel as though I'm making great progress and look forward to sharing with all of you.

Through much self-reflection, I have learned that a large part of living a fulfilling life, for many, involves staying focused on a few key concepts.  Yours may be different, but here are some of mine:

Creating beauty - As a visual person and one who loves to create asthetically-pleasing things, I love the idea of finding beauty in everything.  Food, home decor, nature, our own unique style - these are all places I observe beauty daily. And, while life can't always be attractive, I find the opportunity to brighten things up a bit is constantly awaiting us all.

Staying inspired - It can be incredibly difficult at times to feel inspired, as I know from personal experience.  After working long hours, running errands, and taking care of the family, one can feel exhausted, at best.  I find that constantly reminding myself of goals, ideas, encouraging stories or my own special memories is crucial to my personal growth.  I am inspired when I read, talk to others, listen to music, or even when I daydream.  Once open to the idea of staying inspired, life becomes more meaningful.

Making each moment special - Now, this is a critical concept to living a fulfilling life, but one that requires to be carried out with a great amount of intent, at least at first.  It is often the "everyday" parts of our lives that we go through without much joy or expectation.  A trip to the dry cleaner, vacuuming the house, walking the dog - hardly any of us look forward with anticipation to these "chores."  So, the question is, how do we make these moments count, if even just for ourselves?  Here's an example: I often work from home, rarely leaving the house during the day and sometimes with no human interaction until Dave gets home.  It's easy to get caught up in myself with this type of schedule.  I find that giving myself a few key things to look forward to each day helps me to stay focused and value my days at home.  I look forward to listening to my favorite jazz or classical music while working from my home office, taking a mid-morning stroll with the dogs, preparing myself green tea and a square of dark chocolate each afternoon, and allowing myself some time to journal or simply think for several minutes at some point during the day.  While obviously there are days that are more full, more frustrating, or more exciting, these "small joys" help me appreciate the days that would otherwise seem like they don't matter.

I hope some of these ideas strike a chord with you.  Stay tuned for more food talk, recipes, insights, glimpses into my own life, and more.  Thank you for reading :)