My Food Journey

Hey friends!
It has been way too long since I have posted. I apologize.

I have recently begun a journey to determine food sensitivities. My Naturopath gave me a 7-day Detox diet. I don't know if you have ever done one, but I actually felt GREAT!

I followed this up with a Food Allergies & Elimination Diet.
Click here to order the awesome e-book.

How it works: 
You stop eating many foods that commonly cause reactions. After 3 weeks, you begin reintroducing food groups - one at a time. You document any reactions.

My journey:
I began this adventure with eagerness. My kids were even supportive... "Mama, can you have this? Maybe someday you can again." As summer was approaching, I looked forward to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, complemented with almond butter, rice crackers, quinoa, etc.

After awhile, discouragement set in. I know many people who are gluten-sensitive, and most can have potatoes and corn. Both of these are not allowed during this process- so I had to get more creative. Then, I began having reactions to the food that I was supposed to be eating.... lettuce, pea pods, carrots- well, almost all vegetables. This was followed by a reaction to almonds.

To make a long story short, I am still in the "Reintroduction" phase. My diet is fairly limiting at this point.

The best part: I still feel great!!!

At first, I assumed I would find sensitivities to a couple food groups, adapt, and add the others back in. Now, after growing weary of rice cakes, (which I actually DO like!) I must come to terms with the fact that I might have to eliminate several food groups long term.

So begins the next adventure.... searching for recipes (especially to feed my sweet tooth) that are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free, almond-free.

So, stay tuned. Come July, I hope to begin posting some of the new recipes.

In the meantime, feel free to pass along recipes, blogs, resources that you have used or heard about. I already have found a few favorites and just ordered a cookbook. I am looking forward to experimenting!!

Chicks, Eggs & Bunnies

Well- if you want some fun and easy treats for your Easter season.... try this:

Bunny in Eclipse Tray

Chick in Eclipse Tray

Eggs in Egg Tray

The Eclipse Tray and Egg Tray are available this month (limited time!)

Fill your tray with your favorite cake, brownie, or even cookie mix.

Bunny in Eclipse Tray

Use frosting, sprinkles, pretzels and other toppings to create these fun Bunnies, Chicks and Eggs.

Chick in Eclipse Tray

Note:
I do have step by step directions available to all attendees of a home show this month.

So call me and get one on the calendar!

Deep Hearts!

I have enjoyed using my Deep Heart Tray for many things this season:

Sugary Cupcakes....

How to:
1. Cakes: Make cupcakes of your choice in the Deep Heart Tray.
               (Box mix works fine.)
                Chill in fridge for best frosting results.

2. Sugars: used store-bought colored sugars or make your own.
To make: Place sugar in a baggie.(refined or the "raw" sugar is a little bigger. Coconut works too!)
               Put a few drops of food coloring in the bag.
               Seal the bag.
               Smoosh (technical term) with your hands until mixed.
               Place in a small bowl.

3. Frosting: Place pre-made frosting in a small bowl.
              (I used store-bought- not my norm!!)
             Melt in Microwave for 15 seconds or so- until melted.

4. Assemble: Take chilled Heart cake.
             Dip in melted frosting
             Dip in colored sugar or coconut
             Set on cooling rack until frosting is set.

Jello Jigglers - filled about half full.

Other ideas for the Deep Heart Tray:    
        Meat loaf
        Brownies! (They work in every shape!!)
        Rice Krispie Treats
        Baked Pancakes
        Muffins
        Chilies Rellenos/ Egg Quiche
        Chapagne Salad (frozen strawberry salad)
        Ice cubes
        Ice Cream Heats

Long Time

It has been a long time since I have updated. So much for my once a week goal!!! I won't give up!

I thought some of you would find this amusing....

This is Jesus' Family Tree a la Brownies!!

My Foundations Class challenged me to make a visual of the genealogy found in
Matthew 1. The girl can't pass up a challenge like that!!

So I started with Abraham & Sarah...

                                                                  ... and ended with Joseph, Mary & JESUS!

I used the Little Chefs Tray.

Good times!