| Thursday, May 24, 2012 |
| A New Chapter Begins... |
Today marks the beginning of summer for Jay and Max. Work never ends here for Tony and I (thank goodness), but we hope to show the boys a great summer. Time is going fast and I know we won't have this time forever...
I won't bore you with all my mama talk. I will mention that my boys have officially moved on to be a 6th grader and a 9th grader, as of yesterday. That means no more elementary schoolers here...we now have a middle schooler and a high schooler. UGH, how did this happen?
So, this all got me to thinking about the passage of time. I get extremely weepy when I think about this. The slide show starts and the sappy music gets going. Here come the tears. Not tears of sadness as much as tears of hope and excitement for adventures to come (maybe a little sadness, but more happiness). Life is changing constantly and sometimes I feel like we don't take the opportunity to really look for the adventure in these changes. I'm kind of a big picture girl and that gets me into trouble. I'm learning that looking at each day and enjoying the ride it sets me on, makes life (and tasks) easier to get through. I think long term goals are good, but it's really the short term goals that get you there. I have a few things I'm in the middle of working on and I hope to have myself organized and through these adventures so I can enjoy the next adventure (that was me putting a positive spin on some reorganization tasks and some not so fun work tasks).
Well, today I slept in. I have three guys that want to go to the gym with me in a little bit! I am excited to have my workout buddies back! I have a recipe I'm working on developing, I need to get the oil changed in the car (I know the excitement is killing you all), the boys need shorts (they won't stop growing!) and I hope to get some lentil burgers made for some quick summer time grilling!
How do you look at change? Life isn't always how I thought it would be, but I've come to understand that is ok. It used to bother me, but now I am looking for the adventure in the change. Trust me, I know not all things are great adventures, but negativity gets me nowhere fast. I'm not completely there, but I'm working on it!
Happy Thursday! Labels: about me |
posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 8:29 AM  |
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| Tuesday, May 22, 2012 |
| Where to begin??? |
I think I'm at the point where I don't even know where to begin. The past couple of weeks have been really bizarre for me. I haven't had a computer in weeks due to some hard drive issues which put my computer in the shop and then we had crazy power outages due to heavy storms and then I went out of town for a girls weekend with my grandmother. So, that leads me to here...
I have been practicing letting things go the past couple of weeks. My work depends a lot on me having a computer and I don't like being so disconnected that I open my email and realize that people have been trying to get in touch with me. It was a little stressful, but things are back up and running so we are good to go. I missed keeping in touch with my friends too! I realize blogging is not the most important thing in the world, but I like catching up with my blog friends. Being disconnected is one thing, but people get a little freaked out when you disappear too long. Thank you to everyone that checked in on me. It really means so much to know that people care about you and get concerned when you aren't around!
This past weekend was a complete girls weekend for me and boys weekend for my guys. I escaped to Raleigh, NC to visit my most amazing grandmother!
My little granny is such a bright spot in my life and we enjoyed an entire weekend of pjs, movies (love stories! - British version of Pride and Prejudice was definitely watched), fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and tons of great conversation! I know, we like to play on the wild side!
It has been far too long since I saw her last and I will not let that happen again! Life is too short not to spend it with the ones you love!
I also discovered how much alike my granny and I are...more so than I thought. She has the yellow version of my blue retro bowls! I felt so at home eating from my favorite salad bowl. I know I'm crazy, but I have my favorite dishes that I use over and over for certain things. I know Kristin gets me!
There has also been some playing in the kitchen. Not much, but a little...
I started playing around with my socca recipe. I added oats, egg and baking powder for fun to see what would happen. So, guess what happened? A fluffier, crisper version of socca happened. This comes together so quickly and it was exactly what I needed!
I made a bigger batch for pizza too!
Peppers, tomato, onion and fresh basil from my garden (just the basil from my garden, but I'm working on the rest)!
The great thing about this recipe is that you use equal portions depending on how big you want the flat bread, to it's really simple!
Chickpea Flatbread
1/3 cup quick oats
1/3 cup chickpea flour
1/4 tsp salt
pepper (to taste)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/3 cup egg whites
1/3 cup water
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray a bread pan with olive oil.
Combine the dry ingredients and then add the wet. Stir to combine. Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
I love it crispy so I baked it a little longer. Go for the 20 minutes if you're going to top it and eat it pizza style. I went with half cup measurements for the pizza and baked it in a 9 inch cake pan.
Labels: about me, breads, gluten free, main course, quick breads, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 1:21 PM |
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| Wednesday, May 9, 2012 |
| Almost Wordless Wednesday... |
I am trapped under a ton of work...
I have to fight all urges to do a complete face plant into this icing!
This is a gluten and dairy free chocolate pound cake. It is dense rich and fudgy. Here's the thing...Tony thinks it needs to be sweeter, but I think it's sweet enough. So, tell me, do you like your cakes to be super sweet or mildly sweet? My sweet tooth may be broken since I don't usually eat sweets other than fruit. I plan to make this one again only sweeter to see how he likes it. Then I will post both versions.
Tell me...really sweet or a little sweet?
Labels: about me, cakes, gluten free, quick bread |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 7:00 AM |
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| Thursday, May 3, 2012 |
| Carb Cravings... |
I have a client that talks about needing carbs during times of hormone surges or stress. While I would not recommend giving in all the time, I do feel like there are certain times that you should definitely just give in. I have decided that either I'm running a marathon (which I am definitely not), I have a surge of hormones (most definitely) or I'm stressed (always a possibility) because I'm carb loading like nobody's business. I have been craving sweet potatoes like you would not believe lately!
This, my friends, is a bowl of oats with a HUGE sweet potato plopped in the middle, a splash of almond milk and peanut butter (only because I mentally know I need the protein too) on top for dinner. Yep, not even breakfast, that was dinner.
Let me rewind now. I seriously bought these sweet potatoes 2 weeks ago due to said cravings. I have been trying to find a way to incorporate them into dinner and while talking with Tony, we decided a nice Thanksgiving style dinner would be perfect!
While we were talking, the subject of cornbread dressing (and apparently we are starting a trend of having Thanksiving in April according to that post) came up...of course. I mean with turkey and sweet potatoes how can you not do dressing? He didn't have to twist my arm on that one. I went for mini loaves instead of muffins this time (baked for an hour). This is only because I lost my muffin pans. Don't ask me where they are...I still have no idea. Who loses muffin pans? Apparently this gal?!
The upside is that I discovered this was a perfect way to add some dressing to Jay's turkey sandwiches for lunch.
Perfect slices peaking from his sandwiches. He loves this combination and thought I was a genius...who could blame him? I confessed that I got the idea from a Friend's episode, he still gave me props for it. Love that kid!
And to add to my salad making gift as of late, the toasted pieces make perfectly seasoned croutons for my lunchtime salads!
Tell me, do you give into cravings or find ways to keep them at bay? What do you normally crave and do you see a pattern when you crave them?Labels: breads, breakfast, gluten free, holidays, main course, quick breads, side dishes, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 7:00 AM |
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| Monday, April 30, 2012 |
| Creamy Cauliflower Casserole and Kitchen Adventures! |
To say this was a good weekend would be an understatement. Tony finished two projects this past week that he's been working on for awhile. It was a huge weight lifted off of him. He knew he had a new project waiting him for Monday (today), but he was off all weekend and this NEVER happens. So, there was lots of Words With Friends and Draw Something while having our morning cups of coffee and then we were off for a little Saturday hiking by the lake and some picnic lunching sitting on some rocks. It was so nice to get some vitamin D and fresh air. We decided that instead of doing a huge dinner we would have a little fun to round out the evening with pizza and a movie.
The crust was gluten free and heavenly! I used my new bread recipe with a few changes and added fresh rosemary...YUM!
Look, bubbles in my dough!!!
This was the perfect mix of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
I was so impressed that you could actually pick up the slices! This one is going in the book!
Sunday was a bowling day for us. We have really gotten into bowling as a family and we're cheap so we go the oddball times for $2 games. What can I say I like some good cheap fun!
The adventure on the food front continued...
I made mac and cheese for the guys, but I wanted to try something I have been thinking about for awhile. I happen to love cauliflower. Not everyone does here, but I do so this was all for me! I wanted to make a creamy dish with cauliflower and garbanzo bean flour. This was so creamy and rich with a crunch on top from the Corn Chex cereal.
Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
(serves 2 - 4)
1 head cauliflower cut into florets
1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup garbanzo bean flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
salt**
pepper**
1 cup Corn Chex, crushed
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Steam your cauliflower until just cooked, but still a little firm. In a heavy pot, combine the almond milk through dry mustard. Heat on medium heat whisking constantly until the mixture becomes thickened. Transfer your the cauliflower to a greased 9 inch square casserole dish. Salt and pepper to taste**. Next pour the cream sauce over the cauliflower to cover. Sprinkle the casserole with the crushed cereal. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes until browned and bubbly.
Serve as a side dish or a main ...
I know, I have a gift for eating everything over a salad covered in pasta sauce and nutritional yeast!
This was how I ate the leftovers! Still good the next day.
**I have been watching my salt lately. Not that I need to, but I noticed that I have been adding a ton of hot sauce and salt to things and I need to be aware/cut back.
Any new creations you want to share?
I'm sharing this on Simply Sugar and Gluten Free's Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.Labels: breads, gluten free, main course, product reviews, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 8:11 PM |
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| Monday, April 23, 2012 |
| Chicken Parmesan Promises... |
Tonight I promised a feast...
I actually made this promise last night and the need for a speedy meal left our feast postponed...
The guys had...
Chicken Parmesan!
I haven't made this dish in so long and you would have thought they had hit gold they were so excited about this. I held up my end of the promise and they feasted!
Chicken Parmesan
(makes enough for 6 to 8)
2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup gluten free bread crumbs (I use Kinnikinnick)
1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast or (fresh grated parmesan cheese)
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
pepper
2 eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
Daiya Mozzarella Cheese or (mozzarella)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil at a time in a heavy metal pan (you will need to add a couple every time you put chicken in the pan so how much you need depends on how big your pan is. Cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise to make them thinner. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs and the parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs together. Next dip the chicken in the eggs and then in the bread crumb mixture to coat well. Place the coated chicken in the heated pan. Cook on both sides until browned on both sides. It will not be cooked through. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and continue to do this with all of the chicken. Place the chicken in the oven and bake about 15 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through. Sprinkle the chicken with Daiya and then broil until browned on top. Serve over gluten free pasta and sauce.
For me, I wanted something that would compliment their meal...
I roasted eggplant and peppers to have in my (overfilled) chickpea wraps!
This completely hit the spot for me!
I would say we started Monday off with a bang!
I'm sharing this on Simply Sugar and Gluten Free's Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.
Labels: beans, breads, gluten free, main course, quick breads, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 8:18 PM |
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| Thursday, April 19, 2012 |
| Planks and Volume Eating! |
Since returning home...
I have worked out! I wasn't so much worried that I wasn't working out with any sort of routine since I was walking so much. I love walking so I felt good doing this as my workout while we were away. Since we ended up walking so much on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, I didn't care about doing any sort of strength training either. It felt great to kind of give my muscles a rest and just move naturally while we were away. However, now that we are back, I'm back in action with my usual routine. A fun part of my routine has been adding planks. The twins have been posting their progress with a plank challenge they had to reach 5 minutes. I was so excited for them. They reached their goal! I love seeing people work towards something and achieve personal triumphs! Secretly I've been working at this too. I kind of love doing planks. I know, I'm a crazy lady. So, I did my planks yesterday and reached 4 minutes! That felt amazing! I was shaking afterwards and dang, that is some hard work! Have you ever held a plank for some time? I encourage you to try it. It's interesting to see how long you can go.
I have feasted!
I needed protein so badly...
This loaded egg white omelet was covered with sauteed peppers and mushrooms that were then topped with fresh tomatoes and nutritional yeast. I was in heaven! VOLUME and protein! Two things I never get on a trip!
Then came socca crackers with a HUGE salad topped with peppers, fresh celery (can't stand it cooked and I love the crunch of raw), sauteed mushrooms, nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar.
That mix of nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar is so good! Salty and tangy...YUM!
These crackers are loaded with protein and carbs...perfectly nutritious, delicious and filling!
I wish that I could say I enjoy the food of the land when I travel, but truthfully, when you are based close to a convention center, have to take a cab anywhere to eat (we walk as much as possible, but for some reason most cities don't have much for dinner around convention centers) and you have multiple food allergies and intolerances, there isn't much to enjoy with your $15 plate of lettuce (maybe 2 cups worth), three cherry tomatoes and three slices of cucumber. Seriously, it is so frustrating.
Luckily, I always find a grocery store to stock up on snacks and apples. Trader Joe's did not disappoint as my grocery store this time! Thanks TJs for keeping me fueled on the trip!
I've definitely a VOLUME eater. I can't help it. I love my fresh foods so I get to eat a lot more. I also know that I HAVE to HAVE protein or I just do not function at my fullest potential. So, now I'm kind of protein loading, but I will level off in a couple of days.
What's your favorite city to eat in? Paris was by far mine. I ate so many digestive enzymes that trip, but they don't help with the allergy part and only postpone the tummy troubles for a few hours for me. So worth the pain though...
Labels: about me, breads, breakfast, gluten free, main course, quick breads, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 7:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, April 18, 2012 |
| Chicago! |
Chicago, I don't even know where to start...
I had the most amazing trip this past weekend. I absolutely fell in love with Chicago! I'm going to spare you a huge drawn out post about the whole weekend, but I did want to share a few things.
When we got there on Thursday, Tony and I immediately got settled into our hotel so we could head out to see the area.
We started out with a walk...
to see a great lake! Dang this thing blew me away! It's HUGE!
We walked for hours. We had only eaten breakfast that day and were starving by 3pm!
After walking through a few areas, we decided to ask the concierge for a suggestion on something reasonably priced and filling. She suggested a Thai Sushi place not too far away. We were sold and headed over. I was lucky that they had an incredible build your own stir fry! That way, no sauce (can't have soy). Tony was impressed with my vegetable stacking skills on that little plate (the plate you see is a quarter of the size of the one I stacked my veggies on). If there's one thing I'm good at, it's stacking vegetables so I can eat more! This meal was amazingly delicious and filling! The vegetables were crisp and I loaded this thing with rooster sauce. YUM!
The next day was all business for Tony and I. We both went out separate ways. I got in my rental car and headed to the other side of town for Nourished! This was such an incredible event ( I plan to write more on this later). I was extremely impressed with everyone there too! I made some great connections and spread the word about how great Bob's Red Mill is! Most of them already knew though, of course!
The next day, Tony and I were on a mission! First came fuel! I know, no one wants to see oatmeal and this is not the sexiest bowl you will ever see, but let me tell you. When all you get to eat on a trip is lettuce and apples (expensive at that), a $3.75 bowl of organic old fashioned oats with raisins and cinnamon is like a gift sent down from heaven. This was exactly what I needed since we were heading out for some amazing home tours...
Tony and I are HUGE fans of Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Walking through a 100 + year old house that had so much history and so much artistry was inspiring and humbling. There were many homes he designed throughout the neighborhood, so we spent the entire day walking in the most amazing neighborhood with the most breathtaking gardens. It was such an incredible day. One I will remember forever!
The next day, I got the opportunity to meet up with one of my favorite bloggers! Amy from Second City Randomness was nice enough to hop on a train and come visit me at a little place (the oatmeal place) to have some girly gossip time. I was so excited to get to meet her face to face. I already felt like I knew her, but the nerves definitely set in when I knew I was meeting her for real. The nerves turned out to be for nothing. We talked like we were a bunch of old friends catching up...because really we are. She is such a sweetheart and I had such a great time chatting it up with her. Thanks for braving the wind and sleep deprivation to come hang out with me lady! It was much appreciated and I can't wait until next time!
The time went way too fast too! Tony and I were heading out of Chicago that day and had one more home we wanted to see...
We took a self guided tour to Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. This house is what I've always wanted. To say it's amazing would be a HUGE understatement! This was the first time I've ever done a self guided tour like this with head phones. It was definitely a fun adventure!
We finally arrived home on Monday late in the day. While I already miss Chicago, I am really glad to be home. Now I'm inspired to do things around the house, as well as around my site, work and well, life. I have a few changes I need to make, but nothing big. I feel like work and studying has changed things so much for me. I need to find my groove again and start moving. I feel renewed and inspired! That's how you get back from a trip!
Thank you for all of the support you all have given me. Those that emailed me, texted me, commented and called me to wish me luck, that meant the world to me! Thank you all for thinking of me!
Now, it's Wednesday and I need to get a move on! Have you ever been to a city that you fell in love with? Where would you live if you could live anywhere? I'm definitely thinking Chicago now in a Frank Lloyd Wright home. A girl can dream right?Labels: about me, gluten free, holidays, main courses, product reviews, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 7:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, April 11, 2012 |
| Things I've discovered about myself lately... |
I can make a masterpiece dinner out of odds and ends of leftovers in the fridge (we are on operation clean out the fridge mode). I was pretty proud of coming up with this little concoction with what no one else wanted to eat from the fridge. Kind of a vegetarian salad nicoise salad...kind of...
(potatoes, eggs, green beans, lettuce, nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar)
I can't get enough of words with friends. People, Tony and I have always played scrabble together (we are talking way back 17 years ago until now), but now we can play each other, our kids, our friends...this stuff is addictive. Oh and for the record, my kids totally kick my butt in the game. Shameful. I may need a program for getting over all of this...
I am infatuated with my little garden.
I can see this as being extremely time consuming for me.
I saw these little strawberries and almost shed a tear of joy. I can't wait for more! I still need to plant more stuff and don't mine the egg shells in the beds. We used them in our compost.
Jelly Bellies...need I say more? You can have your chocolate if I can have all the jelly bellies.
Oh, have you seen the documentary on the creator of jelly bellies? It was on Netflix and wow! That's all I will say, you should watch it for a little bit. Trust me, that's all you'll be able to watch...
When put to the challenge, I can eat a massive about of vegetables.
I have eaten 1 1/2 bags of these peppers in 3 days.
I've also eaten two tomatoes everyday in the past 3 days and 4 heads of lettuce.
I told you I have to clean out the fridge!
Banana soft serve time is on! Now I have Max hooked on this too! He was incredible impressed that it was just frozen bananas.
Also, I am the queen of procrastination. People, I can put anything off until the last minute. That means today is a crazy one, but I will get it done! I have worked out, I've got to get the kids to school, shower and then I have a client meeting, bank runs to make, finish packing and sausage balls to make (for my main man). All this before 4pm!
Wednesday, it's on! Thursday, I will be Chicago bound and off to Nourished on Friday spreading the good word and treats from Bob's Red Mill! Labels: about me, gluten free, holidays, main course, product reviews, vegetables |
| posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 7:22 AM |
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