Month: August 2015 Page 1 of 2

TGIF…Saturday morning training? I got your back (and tummy) with this Gluten Free Pre- run dinner of Apple Spice Waffles

On August 29, 2015

Friday night! WE made it! The kids through their first week of school, my fiancé got back from overseas business travel at 0400, my parents arrived back this evening from vacation (for their 50th Anniversary!!!), and me too… From a week of work, school supply shopping, driving, guiding, cooking, airport dropping & picking up and all the things that we, as working moms, do. I’m proud to say, I even hurricane “readied” (you’re never really ready) my home…. I know… I technically should have done that a couple of months back…but Hey! It’s done now.

At the end of this whirlwind of a week… Kids stressed, tired and a bit anxious… The crazy hours and loads of homework and after school activities, I really had a moment when I realized how very blessed I am. Friday morning, I got up at 4, went to the airport, picked up my BF, came home, took my son to the metro, went to the pool and had an awesome swim and while walking to my car, I got an email. From a patient… She wasn’t sure if I’d remember her (I did),but she’s now 25 and doing well after a horrible, terrible cancer, and she wanted to say hi, that she will always remember me and thanks. BOOM. Mind blown. That’s it right? That’s all. That is the singular reason why I love my everyday… Life and the resiliency of the human mind, spirit, and body… Truly beautiful. I have the career I always dreamed of, beautiful parents that have stayed together 50 years, 3 healthy children, wonderful friends and a truly fabulous fiancé… Who, by the way, is training for New York Marathon number 8? (I think) … (More on marathons and the stresses of being a marathon cheerleader later… Let me tell you.. That’s gonna be a long blog.)

Anyway, nutrition is important and Runners world, which my fiancé reads and follows… Religiously…suggested some pre-run meals to fuel the run and minimize those GI issues (runners… You know what I mean…ugh). One of their suggestions was pancakes and eggs.

So… Gluten free waffles… High in protein, fiber, but not too much… Serve with an egg (or add extra to the mix) and you’ve got yourself a great Pre-run meal that will beat spaghetti any day!

Gluten Free Apple Spice Waffles

This recipe was for 8 people (18 waffles)

2 apples – cored, chopped, peel on. I used organic daisy girl

1/3 cup sugar (turbinado)

2 tsp cinnamon

Dash nutmeg

2 T lemon juice

Mix together in small bowl and allow to sit

daisy girl organic apples.

sugar & spice & everything nice

ok… i did eat a bit of this yumminess?

1/2 cup butter, melted

5 eggs, separated

2 t vanilla

2 T apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 c water (can use milk)

4 cups Pamela’s gluten free pancake mix

Dash salt

Whisk egg white until stiff peaks, set aside

Mix wet ingredients together reserving several tablespoons of butter to brush on the waffle iron, mix in Apple mix

Add wet to dry and mix until just thoroughly combined. Fold in egg whites.

Cook in waffle iron.

lets get this party started!

Serve with eggs, fresh fruit, walnuts and maple syrup.

a meal fit for a table of hungry athletes

dinner, breakfast, brunch or lunch… this is just, plain, good

YUMmmmmmmmm❤️

What makes a surgeon

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 25, 2015

In Uncategorized

I just found out that Dr Red Duke died. I know that no one lives forever, I know that he was a man. But somehow, he just seemed superhuman.. Immortal. I remember when I met him. It was during interviews for surgical residency. The chairman from UF had talked to him,so he personally greeted me. “Well Hello Suga! Ted told me to look for you!” And he followed that with a big sip of black coffee from a small hospital styrofoam cup then a puff of his handlebar mustache to clear the excess.

Hook.. Line… Sinker

I thought the attire around the institution was because it was ” Go Texas” day, but it turned out that cowboy boots were normal OR attire and Red actually did have an apartment in the hospital. He made residents and interns look like pansies. He taught us what devotion meant. He taught us what it meant to care. Ethics. Integrity. Perseverance. Tenacity. Equality. Dr Duke was a good southern man, but he treated me more like a surgeon than any of my 5 male counterparts .. despite ( or with the benefit of ) being called “honey” “suga” or “good Lookin”… You see Dr Duke very rarely would call you by name… But you could certainly hear him calling the residents by their nicknames from miles away.. “Hey sh**head” was common.

I remember the day that we had so many traumas at once that he said ” Holly, you take care of these and I’ll start on the others”. I understood what that meant and means. I’ve had so many wonderful mentors…. And that’s what makes a surgeon.

❤️

Not sure where to start… but I’ve rode in this rodeo before And you have to DEFINE what it means to Do It All

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 25, 2015

In Gluten Free Dining, Home organization, Uncategorized

yep. It’s true. Lack of confidence is not my game. But this back to school thing… Wow. Nothing gets a Mom like seeing her kids stressed. I even started taking Zantac and am having a Tuesday glass of wine. I think I’ll title that terrific Tuesday to make it seem legit.

Gluten free cooking? Well let me share a true story and pearl of wisdom… The pearl… It’s ok to ask for help… It’s ok… Just use the Dominos App. Oh… And in case you were wondering… Their gluten free pizza is yummy (I get tomato, spinach and mushroom) and I’ve Never gotten sick.

The story… So Monday is back to school… I take the day off (because my oldest is 14 and my youngest 8 and I’ve riden this bull in the rodeo before…did you guys know I lived in Texas for 8 years???) The problem is that I have expectations… Easy 545 am drop off to the metro with the 14 year old, easy walk in and drop off 8 & 10 year old Girls, time off from 8-130, pick up 14 year old and take him to swim team tryouts and them swim team practice and Viola! I’m done!

Well… It’s pitch black at 545. (You and I know that… But 14 year olds don’t). Suddenly, it’s a good idea that I ride the metro to find the school bus.. Ok cool.. I’m in. All ok. I support the decision wholeheartedly .. Back to get girls… Fine.. Except my 8 year old won’t speak once we get to school… Like not even her name… Not Hi to her friends… She’s pale… Hmmmm… Well, yes… Actually I am a doctor… She’s … Wait for it .. Terrified.

So I get home and I embark on my day’s project… Paint a wall, a bench, plant 6 planters with flowers… (I do have goals… After all… I took the whole day off):)

Then I get the text that the swim team tryout application is incomplete… The papers downloaded (last week) are last year and have to be redone… Wow. Because I spent Saturday finding a notary to do it… Wow. So super dad steps in and gets it done… But the office still won’t take it… Until the next day. Bureaucracy… Alive and well.

So, we go to club swim team practice, drop rice in rice maker for sopes and rice and beans, head to Office Depot, next kid to swim practice … When I realize… Dinner will not be on the table until 9….best case scenario.

Uff… Breathe. Yep. If you can’t get it done, accept it & make a change. Dominos it is. Done.

Sometimes it’s just gotta be… You can’t be 200 places a one time. You can’t control the traffic, the hideous line at Office Depot… Make choices that work. You can have balance… But some days, you have to define what it means to do it all.

Tuesday …this time 0600 metro… he’s confident on his own…All good. Swim team tryouts attended…Will find results out tomorrow. The usual homework difficulties… Printer broke (hallelujah for Amazon prime NOW.. Printer arrives in 2 hours)…laundry -CHECK…. Homework -DONE… Teacher of stressed out 7 year old -EMAILED…. Dinner… Sopes and rice and beans complete and delicious. Bedtime stories read, homework assistance provided… You can do it all… You just need to define “all” and realize that it is okay to ask for help… (And to cry… And to have terrific Tuesday) YOUVE GOT THIS, and so do I.

845 and ALL children asleep.

Buenas noches…. Good night.

Parenting isn’t easy, but it’s not the nights that knock your socks off, but the beautiful feet that you put the socks on.

❤️

Back to School Blues?.. How about Back to School BBQ! Bacon wrapped hot dogs & portobello mushrooms on the grill with Mexican Street Corn (elotes)

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 23, 2015

In Gluten Free Dining

Wow! It’s the last night of summer! The stress, the excitement… The sewing of school patches… The laundry… The SHOPPING! OMG… For real? I think I bought out Office Depot…AND… They were out of shopping carts. REALLY! I was using a hand basket! It’s been a week and I think the indentions in my arm are permanent! But tonight, while the kids were heading out to the pool, and I was out to the Grill, my little one… The one with ADHD… The one with less than perfect self esteem…. The one who struggles just a bit more than the others… Says ” I’m a smarty Mom, you know that? I’m a real smarty” Hallelujah. What a beautiful way to start the school year. It comes from within… And it has to…but we have to be there to fuel the fire….keep the awesome…encourage the SMART, not just the “pretty”. Let me tell you, I LOVE the smarty comment…LOVE IT!

In celebration of the summer, I have bought BACON. As a doctor, I don’t consider Bacon food, it’s a fat, like butter, but anyway, like butter, it makes people happy, so we are having bacon wrapped hot dogs, for me…. Bacon wrapped portobello mushrooms and Elotes (Mexican Street Corn).

The kids are in the pool, I’m in the kitchen… So basically, everyone is happy!

Here’s what you need (warning… This isn’t healthy)

Bacon

Hot dogs ( I used Oscar Meyer select turkey dogs)

Buns ( I used top split pepperidge farm)

Portobello mushrooms

Corn on the cob

Mayo ( I use olive oil mayo)

Queso Fresco – crumbled

Chili powder

Butter corn on the cob, sprinkle with salt, wrap in foil -cook in oven 400 x 30 mins

Heat grill, then turn to low

Wrap hot dogs and mushrooms in bacon and place wooden toothpick to secure

Place everything on grill

Close lid x 7 mins

Turn up heat to medium… Yep… Turn up the heat!!

wine, grill, pool, kids, dogs, cooking, summer, miami = perfect

loaded grill….

Roll corn, dogs, and flip mushrooms

Place buns on top shelf to brown x mins

Take everything off the grill, remove all toothpicks!

Coat corn with mayo, crumble cheese over corn and sprinkle with chili powder

ENJOY!

necessary ingredients for Elotes!

hello! portobello mushroom!

hot dogs in paradise!

Get those kids out of the pool!

After dinner, we had a little more pool time, followed by Klondike bars!!

Yep… Now THAT’S a celebration!

Oh… And they were all in bed by 830! THAT’S a miracle!

Have a beautiful night!

❤️

Be Brave, Try new things… Especially these yummy tacos- Honey chipotle Drenched Fish and Beef Tacos

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 14, 2015

In Gluten free, Uncategorized

From the response of my last blog, it seems that a little inspiration is needed… Maybe more out of the kitchen than in…I don’t know if I’m one to inspire, but I am often inspired by others…. Actions little or big, unintentional or not, nice or mean… I think ALOT while I cook. I think ALOT when I exercise. I’m not one to review or perseverate about the day once I put my head down. Literally, 2 deep breaths and that’s it – “in with the good…… Out with the bad x 2 and I’m unconscious.

Everyone deals with stress differently, some are good strategies… Others utterly destructive. So much of our stress if from that “could have…” So today, while making Honey Chipotle Drenched Tacos on the Grill I want you to think about being Brave. Brave, not foolish. Confident, not aggressive. Do you have the solution at work? Do you know the answer at school? Did you just figure out how to find world peace or feed the hungry? Or were you just wrongly accused or think that color looks great on your friend? Speak up! Lift that beautiful head of yours (or your pen if you’re that kinda person) and put it out there! Lack of confidence can become lack of opportunity, lack of action, lack of getting from point A to the point you want to B. Sometimes you don’t have to be confident – you just need to be Brave. Take a deep breath and go get em tiger. Now… Let’s get cooking!

I decided to grill tonight. Grilling in Miami is like a sauna, hot tub and steam facial all in one… And since at 44 I still have skin difficulties, I’m in.

I’m grilling meat tonight as the going away dinner for our wonderful Au Pair, who will be truly missed as have been the 2 before her. This program, through cultural care Au pair, is such a wonderful thing!

Anyway! Back to the grill!

Pick a nice fish, like Mahi or grouper or snapper. Also I chose thinly cut organic beef

you cant put too much!

Mix

1/4 c honey

1/3 c chipotle sauce

1 green onion sliced

Pepper to taste

1/2 onion

1/2 t red pepper

Drench the meats with this sauce, cover until ready

Other things you need

Guacamole (see prior post)

Slaw if you like (I love!!) simple cabbage, cilantro and dressing

Corn tortillas

Rice and beans

All these you can find, if desired, in prior posts

Put the beef on the grill first and after turning, add the fish- cook the fish only 3-4 mins per side or until flaky

my sauna

Serve with additional chipotle

dinner party time!

yum!

Enjoy! Be brave! Be confident! Be You!❤️

Food for thought… Are you Awesome?

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 11, 2015

In Uncategorized

I am in hot yoga. There is so much water pouring off my red hot face on to my towel on the floor while I’m sitting here in utkatasana (chair pose) that I’m drawing a happy face with the never ending stream. Round 2, round 3… Yeah my legs are burning, but what you can do once you can do twice, and I’m occupied with my sweat art. Then, something interesting happens, the teacher says, don’t believe the voices in your head, you CAN do this.. And I hear the noises of frustration, of defeat, even 1 “can’t”. And then I wonder “EXACTLY WHEN DID YOU GIVE AWAY YOUR BELIEF THAT YOU ARE AWESOME?” WHEN?? I want to scream it. I’m raising 2 daughters and 1 son and I see the constant chipping away at the belief of self awesomeness. I’ve experienced and watched the process of self restoration. I see Friends, colleagues, family members… Even myself. I talk to college and medical students. We take less pay, crash into glass ceilings created by ourselves, or created by others but accepted by us, we enter into bad relationships, accept abusive spouses (physical or mental), develop eating disorders, and put ourselves through cosmetic procedures to meet the expectations of WHO?
When did you lose the feeling that you could do anything? That you were the Best? That you were awesome? When did you decide you weren’t good enough, you weren’t pretty enough, smart enough, you didn’t have what he or she had, you couldn’t do it? When did “can’t” enter your vocabulary? Why do students tell me they can’t be surgeons? Engineers? When did you decide that it was okay that you made less than Johnny at work, or didn’t get that promotion? Why did you justify it? You always had to leave at 6 or 7 and weren’t as dedicated because you have kids to care for? You come in early, work through lunch and work steadily through the day, while Johnny comes in late, takes a rediculously long lunch and plays video games at his desk all day? Why do you criticize your projects and tell your boss you can do better? When did you give away your awesome?
Get it back! It’s yours and it’s in there. It might just need some dusting off, or you might need to dig deep, but go and get it and then hold on tight and let it shine!

You are awesome!

Gluten Free Smorkies! (Smore chocolate chip cookies)

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 9, 2015

In Gluten free

I saw a recipe on Twitter last week by Alea Milham (my kids say “thank you”) and I just had to try it gluten free. Quick and easy, homemade or from premise cookies this is just a snap!

I made a big dinner tonight, so I used pillsbury gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix… But any chocolate chip cookie dough will work!

Smorkies!

Marshmallows

Chocolate chip cookie dough

Chocolate syrup

That’s it… Really!! Ready?!?!

Scoop chocolate chip cookie dough into muffin pan (grease well, including the top in case of marshmallow puff over)

add a little cookie to each cup

Bake 12 mins at 350

Add 1 marshmallow to each and bake 5 more mins

press in a marshmallow! (this is such a good idea!!)

Allow to cool 5 mins, take out and top with chocolate syrup.

yummy!!! wish i had a campfire

ok. this is seriously sweet deliciousness

Enjoy!!!!

❤️

Sunday morning happiness

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 9, 2015

In Gluten free

Sunday, not on call, I have a couple early morning errands, but I would LOVE to have a yummy breakfast with the kids. I don’t know about you, but I can’t start cooking until….. Until I exercise, until I take care of the dogs, until I clean up the kitchen… This one I don’t understand. I’m about to make a big mess, but I refuse to start unless the dishwater is empty, the counters cleared and wiped. Yeah, I agree, I have OCD. I try to control it, but fail…. I start breakfast at 1045… After errands, after hot yoga, after 2 cups of coffee & the kitchen is shining.

My daughter has requested waffles.. Pumpkin waffles. I’m in! I have ripe bananas, so while I’m trashing the kitchen, I’ll make banana bread.

Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Waffles -Gluten Free

3 eggs separated

1 c milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 c butter, melted , plus 1 T reserved for griddle

3/4 can organic pumpkin pack

1 T apple cider vinegar

Whisk egg whites to soft peaks, and put aside. Mix all wet ingredients

2 1/2 cup gluten free baking mix (I used Pamela’s)

1 packet gluten free oatmeal mix (I used Eco-planet maple & brown sugar)

1t pumpkin pie spice

Whisk together and mix in wet ingredients

Fold in egg whites

Brush griddle w butter, cook…

gluten free flour with oatmeal

the kitchen getting dirty….why i needed it clean first….i dont know

fold it in 🙂 inhale…. yum

yum, yum, yum! not even a crumb left….

Gluten Free Banana Bread

2 eggs

1/4 c melted butter

1 t vanilla

1/3 cup sugar

2 bananas

1/4 c pumpkin pack

1 T apple cider vinegar

Mix well

1 3/4 gluten free flour ( I used Pamela’s baking mix)

If using plain flour, add salt, baking powder & baking soda

1/3 cup walnuts

1t cinnamon

Dash nutmeg

1 t pumpkin pie mix

Mix with wet ingredients

Pour into greased bread pan, top with raw sugar & walnuts

Bake at 350, 55 mins

i dont know what youre thinking, but im thinking EAT!

moist, delicious, nutritious !

Happy Sunday! Make it a great day❤️

Quinoa Crusted Quiche….Vegetarian & Gluten Free!

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 5, 2015

In Gluten free

I’m out of ideas for dinner….and its 6 pm…and I’m on call….I don’t like to be on call, because they call, a lot. It makes me cranky. I recite “it’s my job…I love my job” and I do, but not so much the night call. It’s the fear of the unknown, waiting for the other shoe to drop. So, wimpy, whiny and trying to regain my PMA (positive mental attitude), I decide to try my hand at a Quinoa Crusted Quiche.

During the creation, I had a couple of “technical difficulties”… I never get the water to quinoa ratio quite right, but I think I got this worked out. In the end, I have a yummy, protein rich meal fit for a family of 6 :). And, my mantra has worked, the challenge of a new dish has me happily distracted!

Quinoa Crust

1 1/2 cup quinoa

2 1/2 cup water

1 t chili powder

1/2 t salt

1 T olive oil

Rinse quinoa, add everything and bring to a boil, and then simmer until ALL the water is absorbed.

Whisk in 2 eggs (Whisking makes me happy…did you know that?)

1 c shredded cheese (cheese makes me happy too!)

1 c gluten free bread crumbs

Press into greased pan ( bottom & sides) and bake at 400 for 20 mins

press the quinoa mix into a pan

Quiche Filling

Add olive oil to pan,

Sauté 1/2 red onion

1 white onion (small)

1T chopped garlic

Add 1 c chopped butternut squash

1/2 c chopped red pepper

1 can black beans rinsed

Salt, pepper to taste

1 t chili powder

2 t oregano

Sauté until veggies tender

butternut squash.. but you could use any veggies!

saute up deliciousness

a little call can’t stop me! (well, actually it can…but so far, so good!)

Once crust ready,

Whisk 8 eggs

1c shredded cheese ( I used “Mexican blend”)

Veggies

whisk that whole mess together! like it spicy? add some chipotle!

the more cheese, the better!

Pour into crust, bake 30 mins at 400

Top w cheese & serve with salsa verde on the side!

looking Good!

catastrophe averted!

PMA Success!

I really thought this was going to be a dinner catastrophe! Instead my kids each had 2 servings and it was DELISH!

❤️

Get Your Grills Ready! Grilled veggies, Sriracha Glutenfree Mac & Cheese …. and Burgers for the Carnivores

By GlutenFreeHolly

On August 4, 2015

In Gluten free, Gluten Free Dining

Its Monday night and after 4 months of an empty propane tank, I finally have a refill (many thanks to my fiancé ….as I would have just let the grill rust vs. go get a new tank) and I’m feeling inspired (And a little obligated). After reading the terrifying instructions on reinstalling a propane tank….let me tell you…I used an entire watering pot of “soapy water” to check those seals and still was a little scared when I ignited the first section. My daughter walked by right then and I yelled “GET BACK!”. Poor thing just watched Mission Impossible and looked like she was going to duck & roll.

Grilled veggies are the best… And really any combination turns out amazing on the grill. Here is my veggie combo from last night.

Grilled Veggies

1 potato sliced

1 summer squash, sliced

2 sweet potatoes. sliced

5 sweet peppers

1 cup sliced carrots

1 c cherry tomatoes

1 red onion, chopped roughly

2 sprigs of fresh thyme, sprinkled across

1T olive oil, 1T hot pepper oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper

Mix together and grill in roasting pan 45 mins

don’t they already look good!

i love, love, love this sesame oil

grilled veggies ready for the table

Sangria

While grilling, I love a glass of wine… Especially after taking my life in my hands with the tank install! I prefer red…but goodness IT IS HOTl so I decided upon red sangria. An easy, refreshing mix, and so delicious! To prepare …pour glass of red wine, add several splashes of margarita mix, ice cubes, frozen berries….yep. time to grill!

now Im ready to grill!

Sriracha Mac & Cheese

Cook gluten free Penne pasta 7-8 mins, drain and rinse, set aside

In pot, melt 1/4 c butter

Stir in 1/4 t mustard

1 tsp Sriracha

Whisk in 1/4 c gluten free flour

2 c milk, whisk gently til thick

Add 1 c cheddar cheese

Mix into pasta, sprinkle and additional cup of cheese over top, add 1/4 c Parmesan over top, garnish with Sriracha. ( I only did 1/3 of the pan as 2/5 of my house is spice averse)

Bake a 375, 40 mins

I’m pretty sure NOONE wants to hear how to cook burgers from someone who doesn’t eat meat, so I’ll keep it short!.. Basically I just mix in salt, pepper, worchestshire sauce and throw on grill. I have no idea if they even taste good….but they disappeared quickly!

Anyway, make it an awesome day!

❤️