Roast Chicken – My Favorite One Pot Meal

For years I was under the impression that roasting a chicken was hard work.  Perhaps it’s because I haven't known too many people who prepared a whole bird or maybe I assumed there was more to it than there really is, but in any case, I stayed far away from whole birds for quite some time.  As I have more recently learned, roasting a chicken is actually very simple and is a great dish to make when you don’t have a lot of time or energy for food prep.  A roast chicken with a simple salad can be a lovely dinner to serve for company, allowing the host to focus on spending time with guests as opposed to overheating in the kitchen! 

I usually get my whole birds from the Denver UrbanHomesteading farmer’s market at the Ranch Foods Direct stand.  Not only are the chickens local and good quality, but the prices are also quite reasonable and much more budget friendly than purchasing chicken breasts or tenders.  There is also the added bonus of being able to make your own chicken stock with leftover bones, another great savings measure (see my tips for making stock here).

Roast chicken in its most simple form is obviously gluten-free; however,  keep in mind that some restaurants may serve roast chicken with a gravy or sauce that usually contains flour and is NOT safe for the gluten-sensitive folks.  For an easy alternative to what you may find in a restaurant (and equally moist, I might add), take a look at my gluten-free Lemon Herb Roast Chicken recipe below. Oh, and Happy New Year!

Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

·         1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds, giblets removed

·         1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

·         2 heads of garlic, cut in half

·         5-6 tablespoons butter, melted

·         2 lemon wedges

·         3 fresh rosemary sprigs(or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)

·         3 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)

·         Sea salt

·         Pepper

·         1 cup chicken broth or water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place onion slices and cut garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan.  Place chicken on top of onions and garlic.  Stuff the herb sprigs and lemon wedges into chicken cavity.  Brush 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter on the side of the chicken facing up.  Season with sea salt and pepper.  Pour broth or water into roasting pan, taking care not to pour directly on the chicken.  Place in oven and roast for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven, turn chicken over, and brush with remaining melted butter.  Season with sea salt and pepper.

  

Place in oven and roast for 45 minutes.  Chicken is cooked when juices run clear.  For extra crispy skin, broil on high for an additional 1-2 minutes after chicken is cooked through. 

 

Gluten-Free, Step by Step

Going gluten-free – how is it done?  After my own experience yo-yoing on a gluten-free diet, I now undoubtedly know that the best way to go about eliminating gluten from one’s diet is to do it cold turkey.  It may sound easier said than done, and to some extent, it is. Unless you have a plan in place, you’re almost guaranteed to fall off the wagon.  When I initially took gluten out of my diet, I didn’t quite understand the repercussions that “just a little” bit of gluten were having on my health.  I was under the false impression that indulging every once in a while couldn’t hurt as long as most of my meals were gluten-free.  As I later learned, gluten can stay in the system for weeks, and even the tiniest bit of gluten can wreak havoc on those with the most minor sensitivities.  This is why I advocate a 100% gluten-free lifestyle for those who have or suspect a gluten allergy.  If you are thinking about going gluten-free, even just for a short while to determine if you have a sensitivity, please take a look at my step-by-step plan:

1)      Change your outlook.  While many people view a gluten-free lifestyle as one that restricts and makes it difficult to dine out or attend parties, try looking at it a little differently.  Not only will going gluten-free be much easier on your body and quite likely heal some of your ailments, it’s also much easier to eat healthy when subscribing to a gluten-free diet.  Most fast food, bread, pasta, and desserts will be out of the question, resulting in a lower carb intake.   Sure, there are gluten-free varieties of many processed foods, but most gluten-free folks find that after cutting back on carbs, the cravings just aren’t there anymore.  Plus, if you frequently dine out, gluten-free pasta, bread, and dessert simply won’t be available at many restaurants. 

2)      Clean out your pantry.  As I said before, the best way to approach gluten-free eating is by making it a lifestyle and allowing no compromises.  Get rid of everything in your pantry and refrigerator that contains gluten.  Donate your canned and boxed items to a food bank, ask a neighbor or friend if they would like some extra food, make a pie for the local shelter – whatever you do, get rid of all of the gluten-containing foods in your house!  Trust me, it will make the process much easier.

3)      Begin to embrace your inner chef.  No, you will not need to become a gourmet chef, but be ready, willing and able to prepare the basics: steamed rice, baked fish, your favorite fruits and veggies, etc.

4)      Make a two-week menu for yourself and your family, replacing favorite gluten-filled foods with gluten-free options.  It’s ok to have the same things over and over, but preparing two weeks’ worth of food will help you see the big picture and make the process more manageable.  Include things that are simple and require little preparation.  Here is a sample menu for one day to get started:

Breakfast – Yogurt and berries with a hardboiled egg

Snack – Lara Bar

Lunch – CranberryWalnut Salad with chicken

Snack – Apple slices with almond butter

Dinner – Baked salmon with rice and sautéed vegetables

Dessert – Dark chocolate squares

5)      Make a grocery list.  Include all of the ingredients necessary for your first full week of gluten-free eating.  

6)      Review your favorite restaurant menus to determine what you can/can’t eat there.  As gluten-free is becoming more main stream, an increasing number of restaurants are expanding their menus to include options for gluten-free diners.  However, some restaurants just aren’t ready to expand their offerings.  I strongly recommend checking out restaurant menus online or calling in advance to ensure you will be able to enjoy a gluten-free meal.  In some cases, your favorite restaurant many not be able to offer you much more than a salad, so be prepared to become a fan of salad or find an alternative.  I’ve found it very helpful to have a list of restaurants offering various gluten-free menu items like pizza, Italian food, burgers, and sushi.  If you are in the Denver area, take a look at some of my recent restaurant reviews for ideas.

7)      Come up with a plan when attending parties.  I find there are usually very few (if any!) gluten-free options at cocktail parties, casual outdoor barbeques, and event celebrations (baby showers, holiday parties, birthday parties, etc.).  To avoid starving yourself all evening or indulging in something you will later regret, have a light meal prior to the party and keep a small snack with you, just in case.  If you are attending a more formal dinner party, you may want to chat with the host beforehand to discuss your limitations.  In some cases, this may not be appropriate so, again, I would suggest eating a light meal prior to the dinner.  If there are plenty of gluten-free options, then you will still be able to enjoy the food, but your portions will be a bit smaller than if you had not chosen to eat a bit beforehand.  If there aren’t many options, then you will be glad you filled your stomach!  Food is a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family, but it doesn’t have to be the main event.  Enjoy parties and time with friends without focusing on food and try not to view it as a limitation.

Any other suggestions from my gluten-free friends?  

De-cluttering the Suitcase

Whether going to Grandma’s for the weekend or vacationing on a 10-day cruise, many of us have travel plans of some sort this holiday season.  Of course, along with the anticipation of spending time with loved ones and making fun travel plans comes the inevitable question: “what should I pack???”  I, for one, have always struggled with this question and so, in an attempt to make things easier, I always end up packing half of my wardrobe, a coat for each season, my entire bathing suit collection, and MANY pairs of shoes (just in case).  After about the millionth trip spent lugging around multiple suitcases and still with nothing to wear, I’ve decided to implement my de-cluttering policy when packing for my next trip.  Following many of the same guidelines I used when clearing out my wardrobe clutter, I’m going to focus on packing versatile pieces of clothing, appropriate for a variety of occasions.  I’m also going to limit the size of my luggage and the amount of bags I bring.  Even though we are driving and I could potentially use a larger suitcase, I will be limiting myself to one carry-on size piece of luggage, plus a large tote to keep with me in the car. 

De-cluttering the suitcase can make things physically easier during travel, create a more relaxing home away from home environment, and make for a more pleasant unpacking experience back at home.  Here are some basic guidelines to get you started packing for your next trip:

1)      Consider the event.  Is the trip casual or formal?  Where will you be spending most of your time? Do not pack a special occasion outfit “just in case.”  If there’s no obvious reason to pack it, then don’t.  Speaking from experience, I find it very rare to be invited to a ball while on vacation J.

 

2)      Consider the weather.  Check the forecast about a week before leaving and then again right before you leave the house, adding or taking away items accordingly.  And, as I learned one stormy day in New York City, ALWAYS pack an umbrella.

3)      Consider your mode and length of travel.  Longer trips call for more comfortable clothing.  A road trip with several planned stops may require a more polished travel outfit.  Regardless of how I’m travelling, I like to wear a large scarf, dress in layers, and keep sunglasses on hand.   

4)      Consider your accommodations.  Are you staying at a hotel with lots of amenities or will you need to pack your own shampoo, soap, hair dryer, etc.? 

5)      A week prior to the trip, make a list of outfits for each day, keeping in mind the considerations listed above.  If you are a visual person, hang your clothing items on a separate rod to make things easier.  Then, go back through and edit the list to reduce the number of clothing items and save space.  For example, if you have two pairs of jeans on the list, instead bring only one versatile pair.  Don’t forget items like belts, socks, gloves, pajamas and the like.

6)      Now make a list of toiletries and “extra” items like books, laptop, phone charger, etc.

7)      Wash clothing as necessary and pack all items (or as much as you can) a day or two before leaving.  I find this to be a much more organized approach to packing than the alternative of throwing everything into a suitcase on the morning of the trip.  By finishing your packing ahead of time, you now have the opportunity to add items you may have initially forgotten, thus minimizing the chances of forgetting to pack your toothbrush.

Happy holidays and safe travels to all of you!

Easy Appetizer Menu for Your Next Party!

Are you hosting a party but perplexed about what to serve?  Perhaps you haven’t had the time to think about your party menu and now it’s crunch time.  Whatever the case, we’ve all been there, with our best of intentions to throw an amazing party, only to be beaten by the clock.  It’s these occasions when I employ my “easy appetizer” menu.  Classier than serving chips and salsa but yet much easier to prepare than a gourmet spread, sometimes easy appetizers are undoubtedly the way to go. When planning a party, remember to inquire as to whether any of your guests have food restrictions and plan accordingly.  If you are serving appetizers a la my suggestions below, you will find that most special diets are easily accommodated.  Here are my recommendations, perfect for any occasion, any time of year:

Crackers – Nut Thins are gluten-free and come in a variety of flavors.  My personal favorite flavors are Smokehouse and Sea Salt.

Cheese – Offer several varieties, such as a simple mild cheddar or Monterey Jack, a soft cheese like Brie, and a harder cheese or one with a bit more depth.    

Sliced deli meats – Prosciutto is always a hit.  Thinly sliced salami is another great option. 

Jam – Recently, I came across this fig spread at Whole Foods and had to try it.  I served it with prosciutto, crackers, and Brie, and found it to be absolutely delightful.  This is definitely a new staple on my appetizer menu.

Veggies – The easiest to serve are baby carrots, but it’s nice to offer something green as well.  Cucumbers are perfect when sliced in rounds and can be used as a healthy substitute for crackers. 

Dip – This could be a favorite from the deli or a special recipe made in advance.  If you have a few minutes, I do highly recommend making your own.  One of my favorite dip recipes is SarahFragoso’s Roasted Red Pepper Dip (click on the link then scroll down for the recipe).  I’ve also included my easy honey mustard dip recipe at the bottom of this post. 

Olives – Pitted green olives are usually a safe bet. 

Fruit – Choose something easy to prepare and simple for guests to grab and eat.  Grapes are a wonderful choice year round; berries are always appreciated in the warmer months.

Nuts – Pecans and walnuts seem to be the most popular at parties.  If you have time, try spicing things up by serving my Maple Cinnamon Pecans.  Simply make them a day in advance, keep in a Ziploc bag, and serve in a cute bowl!

Honey Mustard Dip

·         ¼ cup mayonnaise

·         1 ½ tablespoons mustard

·         2 tablespoons honey

·         ½ teaspoon garlic powder

·         ¼ teaspoon cayenne

·         ½ tablespoon olive oil

·         ½ teaspoon lemon juice

·         Pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Serve with sliced veggies.

Denver Restaurant Reviews - Uptown and Downtown

One of the best things about having out-of-towners visit is the opportunity to show them around the city, introduce them to old favorites, and possibly discover new little gems along the way.  My brother and sister-in-law recently visited and we had a great time wandering around town, checking out the scenery and eating delicious meals.  Looking back, I realize that we were quite the difficult crowd to please:  I am gluten-free, my brother is a pescatarian, my sister-in-law is a vegetarian, and Dave is just plain picky!  As you all know I’m always on the lookout for great gluten-free menu options, so here’s my review of three local joints and their gluten-free offerings (click on the restaurant name to view the menu):

Jonesey’s:

 I recently reviewed Jonesey’s and had some serious beef with them when they told me they didn’t have a current gluten-free menu.  Well, I’m happy to say Jonesey’s has redeemed itself!  As Dave and I have visited the restaurant twice in the past month, we have been quite pleased with the service, food, gluten-free menu, and even the Christmas décor!  They definitely have that “cozy, neighborhood” vibe going on.  All gluten-free diners know how difficult it can be to come across a truly great gluten-free menu at a casual neighborhood place, and in my humble opinion, I believe Jonesey’s has hit the nail on the head.  Since I rarely have the opportunity to indulge in French fries, I usually jump at the chance to split an order of gluten-free fries at Jonesey’s.  The four of us shared a double order, half buffalo half Thai ginger, so bad but yet so good!  The Thai ginger combo knocked my socks off; Dave has been a fan of the buffalo fries for quite some time now.  Needless to say, there wasn’t a fry left on the plate by the time we received the main course.  I went with the Savory Duck Rice Pudding, a new dish for me, and WOW was it fantastic!  I would say a good 2/3 of their regular menu is gluten-free, including the fries, mussels, hummus, salads, sliders (no bun), and all of the entrees besides the pasta.  While their prices are a bit higher than normal pub fare, keep in mind that their menu is very diverse and the food is much higher quality than your average neighborhood hangout.  I strongly recommend Jonesey’s, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

Steuben’s

I was beyond excited to visit Steuben’s since it’s been featured on the Food Network and is currently the talk of all Denver foodies.  And I definitely couldn’t wait to take a look at their menu!  As we waited for our table, I examined the enlarged menu posted at the entrance.  Everything from roasted Brussels sprouts to cheese fries to crab cakes were options – “this place is amazing!!” I thought, and probably said out loud several times.  As we were being seated, I remembered to request a gluten-free menu.  “Celiac or gluten-free?” the waiter asked me.  I went with the Celiac menu (apparently they have all sorts of allergy menus).  And then I looked at my menu.  Hmmmm.  I could have a salad, none of which looked all that appealing after I had spent the past 30 minutes drooling over the prospect of shrimp and grits.  I could also have several of the veggie sides, the steak plate, or the trout.  A tad disappointed in the limited offerings, I decided on the trout with a side of Brussels sprouts (yes, I went with the Brussels sprouts!).  My meal was delicious, trout cooked to perfection and served with crisp green beans and garlicky parsley potatoes.  The Brussels sprouts were actually phenomenal, if you’re into crispy crucifers like I am J.  I must also point out that when ordering off of a Celiac or gluten-free menu you are usually forced to eat healthier, so it’s really not all that bad.  My fellow diners seemed to enjoy their dishes as well.  The staff was excellent and from the moment we stepped foot into the place we were treated with respect and never had to wait long once seated.  As a point of reference, we went to the restaurant on a Thursday evening around 7:30pm and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table.  My only slight complaint about the service is that our server didn’t know what Celiac disease was, and so Dave and I felt the need to clarify several times that my order would be prepared gluten-free .  In conclusion, so long as you don’t order off of the celiac menu, you will have plenty of mouth-watering options.  And, even if you do order off of the celiac menu, I’m pretty sure your meal will still be delightful and tasty!

Tom’s 24

Tom’s is a very new addition to the Larimer Square section of downtown.  In the space formerly occupied by the Samba Room (right next to Comedy Works), Tom’s is in a fantastic location to attract all sorts of diners.  We went for a Friday lunch and left Dave at work.  The restaurant was packed with workers on their lunch breaks, but there was no wait since there is additional seating upstairs (the place is huge!).  My brother and sister-in-law had coffee, which they said wasn’t that good, but also added the disclaimer that they live in Portland where coffee is a big deal.  The menu, which is huge and a bit reminiscent of the Cheesecake Factory Bible (except not nearly as large), is divided into three sections: breakfast, lunch, dinner.  There is not a dedicated gluten-free menu available, but they have gluten-free and vegetarian dishes labeled as such on the menu.  Unfortunately, the lunch menu doesn’t have too many gluten-free options, mostly just salads.  I ordered the Cobb Salad as it seemed pretty substantial with chicken, bacon, avocado, and cheese.  The dressing wasn’t my favorite - a ranch remix of sorts – but it was not terrible either.  All in all, the meal did the trick, filled me up, and I didn’t have any complaints other than the limited gluten-free offerings.  Our server was excellent, very accommodating and friendly.  On a side note, the bathrooms were very clean and high-tech (commercials playing in/on the mirror).  I didn’t take a long look at the breakfast and dinner menus, but perhaps there are more gluten-free options.  I’ll give it another shot for breakfast and/or dinner, since it’s a new place and a much-needed restaurant concept downtown. 

Stay tuned for updates and reviews! 

Organization Part III - De-cluttering the Technology in Our Lives

I hope everyone has been enjoying the posts about de-cluttering!  Last week I discussed a difficult topic for some, the wardrobe.  This week I’m going to take de-cluttering to the next level by suggesting that while technology has undoubtedly made many positive contributions to modern life, it may also be preventing many of us from achieving, growing and living.  By the way, this is quite the revelation, coming from a former iPhone and Facebook addict!  Clearly, I still have an affinity for technology as I’m writing this for my online blog, and I’m not suggesting we give up on technology all together but perhaps, for many of us, a bit of reflection is necessary.  Just as we need be particular about relationships, food, and possessions, so should we be mindful of how we spend our most precious commodity – time.

The Phone  

I’m sure most of you reading this have a smart phone of some sort.  Maybe you’re texting someone right now, in which case unless you’re telling them how awesome my blog is, then put the phone down!  In all seriousness, as much value as smart phone technology brings to daily life, the dependence upon smart phones can provide severe limitations and also detract from quality of life.  I doubt I need to go into “the rudeness factor” as I’m sure most of you have experienced this by being put on the back burner whilst your companion checks his email, returns a text (or 10), or catches up on Words with Friends.  In my opinion, this is just plain rude, but unfortunately, this behavior is becoming quite commonplace and, therefore, acceptable in modern society.  As I have learned from my own experience, becoming more mindful in these situations helps to gain awareness of one’s own behavior. 

Over a year ago I noticed I was becoming very involved in my phone and decided to, for the most part, eliminate my use of the cell phone.  I still carry my cell phone, but without a data plan and now only use it to place the occasional phone call.  It’s not uncommon for my phone to be turned off for days, or even a week at a time.  Very rarely do I miss the ability to surf the web or look up directions, weather, etc.  I find that now I regularly engage in more human behaviors like asking someone for directions or the time, and carrying a book or journal with me if I know I may be waiting for a while.  It’s refreshing to depend upon myself rather than a machine.  

If you would like to de-clutter the phone usage in your life, please take a look at these simple suggestions:

1.       Become more mindful of your behavior.  If you notice you frequently check your phone for email or texts, or feel the need to respond immediately when you hear your phone’s notification ring, take a step back and adjust your behavior.  Unless it’s truly urgent (see #3), try not to immediately pick up the phone, especially if you are in the presence of company.  On that note, if you are with company and know you will need to answer a call or respond to an email, give your company a heads up.  This is a very polite approach and tells others that you value their time as well as your own business.

2.       Separate yourself from the phone for periods of time throughout the day.  Learning to live without your phone or turning your phone off for a small time frame at some point during the day can help with detachment, especially if you use your cell phone all day for work.  Dinnertime is a great opportunity to turn off the phone, set it aside, and devote time to the family, your pet, or yourself and enjoy a lovely meal, without distractions. 

3.       Learn when to classify communication as “urgent.”  It seems these days everything is urgent…but is it really?  “Urgent” means different things to each of us, but if it can wait, without negative repercussions, then it’s not really urgent. 

4.       Adjust the role of “phone” in your life.  Some people use phones simply to communicate with friends and family.  Other people use phones to play games, check out the App Store, text with abandon, surf the web, shop and occasionally make phone calls.  Whatever your use for the cell phone, ensure it makes sense for what you are trying to achieve in life.  If the hours a day playing games and surfing the web are making it difficult for you to accomplish personal or professional goals, then perhaps it’s time to turn it down a notch.

Television

As part of the de-cluttering efforts in our household last year, we decided to severely downgrade our cable.  Now, notice I said we downgraded, not cancelled, because we just aren't quite ready to give up television all together.  I definitely understand how it can be relaxing to unwind after work with a favorite TV show or watch a sports game at home over the weekend with friends.  However, it’s easy to become caught up in it all, especially with DVR technology, as Dave and I learned... 

It was earlier this year, after we returned from a week-long vacation.  While we were gone, we had recorded a week’s worth of “our” shows, ready for us to view via DVR upon our return.  I felt overwhelmed, knowing that we had to watch the previous week’s shows before the new ones aired that week, lest we should fall further behind.  As silly as this may be, the sheer thought of watching all of these shows in a day or two’s time actually stressed me out!  A couple of episodes in, Dave and I looked at one another, simultaneously sighed and turned it off.  A few weeks later we got rid of the DVR, HD, and downgraded our cable.  As dramatic as it sounds, I immediately felt freed as I had become somewhat of a slave to my TV.  All of a sudden, I had loads of time for other pursuits and no longer felt the need to unwind with TV every night. 

Activities

Entertainment comes in many forms, but I believe the best spark careful thought and true appreciation.  Sometimes entertainment can involve technology, but all too often these forms of entertainment can be consuming and mindless.  Try to balance technology in your entertainment activities.  Instead of spending free time gaming or watching reality TV or mindlessly surfing the web, try these ideas:

1.       Swap movie channels for a few quality films and the theater.  If you love the movies, why not cancel your movie channel subscription and use Netflix?  This way, you will look forward to just a few quality films each week instead of watching movie upon movie from the moment you get home to the moment you fall asleep every night.  Even better, try attending live theater or your local independent film theater from time to time to gain a different perspective on acting and film-making.    

2.       Enjoy the great outdoors.  While I most certainly wouldn’t call myself an “outdoor enthusiast” (hey, I live in Colorado, that title is reserved for the truly obsessed!), I do love nature and enjoy a tame hike, camping excursion, or fishing trip.  If you are reluctant to participate in outdoor activities because they aren’t your thing, start small and take a little picnic or walk the dog through the park every Saturday. 

3.       Get a hobby!  There’s quite a lot to be said for developing a hobby, something personal and special to you.  Perhaps this hobby is crafting or writing or cooking or something sports-related, but make sure it’s both mentally stimulating and rewarding. 

4.       Read.  Seriously, it’s a very under-rated activity!  Read whatever appeals to you, whether it’s a book about home design or FDR’s biography.  Or both.  Reading opens the door to new ways of thought and helps to understand others.  At times, read things you would not normally choose or be drawn to. 

5.       Frequent museums, festivals, art walks and other cultural events.  There are so many wonderful people and things to be exposed to in these environments.  Even if you are somewhat reserved, as I normally am, I find a small amount of exposure to these sorts of events to be quite fulfilling.

6.       Learn something new.  This is very fun, as you can choose anything you’d like!  I’ve noticed there are plenty of affordable classes around that teach languages, cooking, and various crafting skills.  If a class is not your thing (it’s not mine either!), try teaching yourself or finding someone who can teach you one on one. 

My personal examples may seem a bit extreme to some of you and an impossible idea for others, but I’m not suggesting that my decisions are the solution for everyone.  We all have our own unique experiences and I appreciate that; however, I truly hope these ideas have sparked some thought and inspiration.  

Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

I’m not a big salad person; in fact, unless there’s a really fabulous dip alongside, raw veggies don’t quite do it for me.  Over the past few years as I’ve attempted to diversify my foods and how they are prepared, I’ve found it a bit difficult to find enjoyable ways to eat raw vegetables.  I feel like a little kid, wrinkling up my nose and eating the stuff because I know if I don’t then I’ll get in trouble.  Of course, now the only person reprimanding me for not eating my fair share of raw veggies is myself, but that’s beside the point… So, you can imagine my delight upon eating a truly delicious salad at a local restaurant last year - “I can do this!” I thought to myself, and, sure enough, I came up with my own version of this tasty new favorite.   I’m happy to say that I’m now a regular salad eater, as is my fellow raw veggie hater husbandJ.  This salad can easily be converted to a main dish by adding chicken (or another protein), and can accommodate both my vegan and lactose-intolerant friends by omitting the cheese (although I’ve heard and read that many lactose-intolerant folks can tolerate raw goat feta cheese).  Try with my balsamic vinaigrette recipe, as it makes a lovely accompaniment to the savory sweetness of this salad.  Bon appétit!

Cranberry Walnut Salad

·         1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed, stemmed, roughly shredded, and spun dry
·         ¼  cup walnuts, roughly chopped
·         ¼  cup dried cranberries
·         ¼  cup blue cheese crumbles OR raw goat cheese feta crumbles
·         1 avocado, diced
·         1 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)
·         Balsamic Vinaigrette

Place spinach in a large salad bowl.  Top with walnuts, cranberries, cheese, avocado and optional chicken.  Toss and serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette.  

OOPS!  I forgot the avocado! Use your imagination...

                                   

The finished product.  I added seared Ahi Tuna to mine to make a complete meal. Yum!

The Social Experiment

I have a confession to make – several weeks ago I conducted something of a “social experiment.”  You see, for a few weeks I had to walk to work which is not exactly a quick jaunt down the road, so the mile plus of pavement and stoplights gave me the opportunity to think sans dogs, internet, and other distractions.  A few days into it,  I decided to make some changes and see how people, both strangers and acquaintances alike, reacted to said differences.  These are the strategies I implemented:

1. SMILE – In general, keeping a pleasant look on one’s face yields positive results.  The other day I noticed a young woman jogging down the street.  She had a slight smile on her face and bopped her head to the music on her Ipod.  I took one look at her and thought, “Wow! She must be happy!”  Sadly, this sort of observation is rare, at least in my experience.  As I walk downtown, I notice people everywhere with what appear to be scowls or looks of malcontent on their faces.  Perhaps most people are simply thinking about something serious or concentrating on getting to work or maybe they really are just plain miserable, but I've learned it doesn't take much effort to keep a look of contentment on one’s face.  I recall the time period in high school shortly after I had my braces removed.  As a result of the orthodontics, not only did I have great teeth but I also had a new found self-confidence and smiled much more as a result.  I received so many compliments on my beautiful smile and subconsciously started to smile a lot more.  As I got older I noticed my smile getting thrown to the wayside.  After all, being a grown up means being serious, right?  Life becomes so much more complicated with bills to pay and other people to take care of and really important appointments that can’t be missed.  Even with all of that seriousness, I think it’s important to hold onto whatever joy we may have.  But, please, don’t walk down the sidewalk grinning ear to ear and chatting away with your imaginary friend.  You may then have a problem more serious than the scope of this blog J

2. Greet people – A simple “hello” will do in most situations.  By greeting people (happily, I must point out), it becomes apparent that we value them.  Now, when I was walking to work I obviously didn't greet every person I saw (that would be tiring!), but I made it a point to greet people whom I saw on a routine basis.  For example, there is a machine shop several blocks from our condo.  I see the same few workers out front everyday and usually just walk right on by.  As I've started to greet them, not only does it make my walk more pleasant, but I have a feeling that they felt more appreciated as well.  I remember how my grandfather used to wave and say “howdy” to everyone and I believe it brought him the greatest joy to show others he cared no matter if they were the town gossip or the local preacher or crazy Aunt Sally!  City living is much different than country living, but that doesn't excuse us from our responsibility to treat others with kindness.  Try it.

3. Use common courtesies– Those who know me well know that I abhor rudeness and can’t stand how “people these days” seem to have no respect for one another.  OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I think it’s pretty safe to say manners are not as commonplace as they used to be.  A large part of courtesy is respect, and once that hurdle is cleared it becomes quite easy to practice proper manners.  I’m not talking about which fork to use at the dinner table, but rather common courtesies such as holding the door open for others, helping someone trying to carry  heavy items, holding the elevator, saying “pardon me” when appropriate.  You get the idea. 

THE RESULTS

You may be wondering how my “experiment” ended.  Did I notice a big change in how others treated me?  Perhaps not a big change, but my pleasant demeanor did receive many lovely compliments from strangers on the street.  I’d like to think I helped brighten their day a bit.  Most notably, though, I noticed a change in myself and how I felt at the end of the day – happy, just what I was going for  J

Organization Part II - Decluttering the Wardrobe

A theme I notice recurring in my approach to life, thereby frequently appearing on this blog, is the idea to confront all areas of life with the greatest of intent.  I believe being intentional with conversations, food, possessions, and relationships helps to improve quality of life on so many levels.  Once this concept is embraced, we can begin to declutter and start living with a deeper sense of fulfillment and a greater confidence in our ability to determine what it is we truly want and need.

One of the most basic ways to be intentional with life is by determining which possessions we need and which are simply causing clutter and potentially prompting stress.  Last week I shared some basic suggestions about how to keep the home clutter-free and am delighted that many of you were inspired to begin working on your own decluttering efforts.  This week I’m going to get more specific and discuss a topic that some of you may be resistant to decluttering – the wardrobe. 

As most of us have heard, the average woman only utilizes a small percentage of her wardrobe and the rest will sit for years, untouched.  What a waste, both in terms of being a waste of space in the home and also a waste of resources!  I’d like to open your eyes to a different approach to the wardrobe, one that may seem unrealistic at first but upon more contemplation I hope you become encouraged to pare your closet down to a more manageable volume.

Disclaimer: I am not a fashionista, just someone who enjoys looking put together and prefers not to be bogged down by clutter.

My husband was my original inspiration for reducing the amount of clothing in my closet.  He would constantly ask why I kept this or that and suggested that by minimizing my wardrobe I might decrease some of the stress in my life.  I began to get rid of things, reluctantly at first, but once my clothing collection started to become smaller I felt oddly relieved.  However, I still felt a bit lost and confused as to what my end goal was supposed to be.  Was I just getting rid of stuff to get rid of it?  Could I add to my wardrobe?  If so, what would I add? 

THE CAPSULE WARDROBE

Through one of my favorite blogs, The DailyConnoisseur, I was introduced to the idea of “The 10 Item Wardrobe.”  It sounds extreme (and it is!) but I believe there’s a lot to be learned from this concept.  Most importantly, I’ve learned how to create a capsule wardrobe for my own lifestyle.  With no real direction I had been paring my closet down for over a year, but it wasn’t until coming to understand the concept of the capsule wardrobe that I began to take a more decidedly aggressive approach to eliminating my clothing clutter (it actually took quite some time for me to accept that my precious clothing could even be considered clutter!).  As you will notice in the photos below, my wardrobe happens to be much larger than ten items; however, the idea is not necessarily to achieve a certain number of pieces in the wardrobe, but instead to only keep or add items that are necessary, well-fitting, (mostly) timeless, loved by you, and of good quality.  These items, your capsule wardrobe, should make up the bulk of your day-to-day outfits.  Also, keep in mind that a typical capsule wardrobe is season-specific.  My wardrobe pictured below is for fall/winter, while I keep my spring/summer wardrobe in storage (a mere 15 pieces of clothing which fit nicely in a dresser drawer).  A capsule wardrobe will usually not contain nice tee-shirts, shoes, special occasion outfits (cocktail dresses/nice suits), workout/hiking clothing, blazers/jackets/coats, scarves/accessories, and undergarments/pajamas - these are extras.  However, if you embrace the concept of the capsule wardrobe, you will most likely begin to think differently about all of your clothing possessions. 

MY CLOSET

Over the past two years, I have eliminated close to 70% of my wardrobe, the majority of the purge occurring within the past 3 months.  To give you a point of reference, I have 52 inches of hanging space in my closet, 12 of which is for long hanging items (dresses, long skirts).  My clothing has plenty of breathing room and it’s much easier for me to decide what to wear – there aren’t a ton of options, but everything I own I love, is well-fitting and versatile.  I like to hang as much as I can so I can clearly see what my options are and it makes dressing in the morning so much easier!  There are a few items I keep folded in drawers, like a couple pairs of jeans and a few sweaters, but for the most part this is it.  Clearly, I wear a lot of tee-shirts and still have some paring down to do! 

TIPS TO ELIMINATE CLOTHING CLUTTER AND CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE:

1.       Evaluate your lifestyle and make a list of what you would like to include in your capsule wardrobe.  If you work from home and spend your free time hiking in the mountains, you clearly will have much different wardrobe needs than someone who works in a professional environment and enjoys fine dining and theater.  Perhaps you may even have two small capsule wardrobes if you split your time between two very different settings.  When making your list, focus on classic items that will get a lot of wear and could possibly even carry from one season to the next.  If you enjoy following trends, think carefully about where you would like to add trendy items into the wardrobe. It's also helpful to pick a color palette and stick to it. 

2.       Eliminate unnecessary items from your wardrobe.  It will be hard at first as you will be thinking about the money that was spent on the clothing or perhaps you may even have sentimental attachments to some pieces.  Look at the item objectively. Are you really attached to your 15-year-old high school sweatshirt?  Doubtful.  What about your great-grandmother’s favorite shawl?  Perhaps that holds some true sentimental value.  If you come across items that are ill-fitting or no longer suit your taste, or those which you simply don’t wear anymore, please consider getting them out of your closet!  If it becomes too difficult for you, emotionally, try putting all of the garments you’d like to get rid of in a separate closet or under the bed until you can come to terms with letting them go.  Sometimes the simple act of physically removing the clothing from daily eyesight can make it much easier to detach. 

3.       Begin to embrace the concept of quality over quantity.  As you start to build your capsule wardrobe, you may notice that you have all the pieces you want and need right there in your closet!  Lucky for you, but the majority of us won’t be that fortunate.  As you begin to consider adding items, remember to stick to the list you made in #1.  Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean that you need to purchase it.  Be picky!  Becoming more mindful of the quality of clothing items we purchase will cut down on “clothing waste” and help to build a more enduring wardrobe.  When I was first introduced to the idea of quality over quantity in the wardrobe I thought the idea was a tad pretentious, but now I understand why this works.  Whatever happens to be the best you can afford will be that which you take the best care of and from which you will find the most enjoyment.  Now, of course I’m not saying we should all be walking around in Gucci and Prada – that’s unrealistic.  What I am saying is perhaps we should try to think about things differently than most of us are accustomed to.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when shopping:

·         What is the best quality I can afford at the moment?

·         Do I need the item right now, or do I have time to save up for a month or two in order to purchase something of greater quality? 

·         Is this an item I’d like to make a staple in my wardrobe?

Consider the versatility of the item (both in color and style) and take into consideration how often you plan to wear it.  Keep in mind that better quality doesn’t necessarily mean designer labels or a huge price tag.  Look at things like materials used to construct the garment and quality of the stitching.  Also, do not forget about consignment stores or online marketplaces like Ebay.  There are wonderful deals to be had on great quality clothing items, usually at a fraction of the price of retailers.  I’ve also received a number of lovely pieces from friends as hand-me-downs.  Whatever you should decide to purchase, make sure it fits your criteria and is something you can proudly display for years to come.

Good luck with your decluttering efforts!  I’d love to hear about your progress!

Maple Cinnamon Pecans

Ah, the holidays, what joy they bring!   I know everyone doesn’t feel the same way and I do agree that sometimes the commercialism of it all can turn anyone into a Scrooge; however, many of the Christmas traditions I grew up with will always hold a special place in my heart.  Of course, one of those traditions is the preparation of traditional holiday foods, particularly sweets. After adjusting my diet to eliminate most processed foods and refined flour and sugar, I’ve found I have a different appreciation for sweets.  No longer do I crave the taste of corn syrup and white sugar, but instead I’ve developed a taste for rich and creamy textures, the delicate flavor of honey, and fine quality chocolate.  This delightful balance of flavors is what prompted me to create the Cashew Butter Cup recipe that I posted last week.  Today I’d like to share another favorite with you all.  This particular recipe is one I make often around the holiday season, and also frequently at other times during the year.  Instead of focusing on a rich and creamy texture, with this recipe I wanted to bring in the candied crunch that many of us enjoy, whether as a snack, on a salad, or atop a bowl of ice cream.  This week I’m happy to share my simple yet satisfying recipe for Maple Cinnamon Pecans.  Enjoy without the added guilt of corn syrup and sugar!

Maple Cinnamon Pecans 

·         2 cups raw pecans

·         ¼ cup maple syrup

·         1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

·         1 pinch sea salt

 

1.      Soak and dehydrate pecans.  I always try to purchase raw nuts, then soak and dehydrate them to ensure proper nutrient absorption.  (Of course, this week they were all out of raw pecans at the grocery store!  But, for the sake of this recipe, let’s pretend they are raw.) Soak in a bowl of water with one teaspoon of salt for 6-8 hours.  Then, dry in oven at lowest heat (or dehydrate) until dry.  Nuts naturally contain enzyme inhibitors that will hamper digestion and sometimes even prevent the body from absorbing nutrients.  Read here to learn more about proper preparation of nuts.

  2.      Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 300 for 15-20 minutes, or until crunchy.

3.      While pecans are roasting, combine syrup, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan and cook on low for 5 minutes, or until very runny.  Remove from heat.

4.      Mix roasted pecans with syrup and stir until pecans are coated. 

 5. Spread pecans evenly on parchment paper to cool. Serve when coating has hardened, after about 2 hours. Enjoy!