Special Chicken

A week ago Justin and I attended his ALS (airman leadership school) graduation. My husband worked incredibly hard for those six weeks and I couldn't be prouder of him. In July, he will finally get to put on his fourth stripe and become a Staff Sergeant!

The celebration was held at the Gateway Club, which of course means mass eating, two choices for dinner: pork or chicken. Justin is a sweetheart and notified the staff ahead of time about my dietary needs. This is what my name card read, "Special Chicken."

My salad was sans dressing, which I did appreciate even though it was difficult to eat because the salad was dry and literally consisted of spinach, parmesan cheese, and a few tomatoes. However, I was impressed with my dessert, fresh fruit! Others at the table who were served cake drooled over my fruit.

My dinner left little to be desired, plain grilled chicken atop what I assume were frozen veggies. I feel I can't complain too much though because they accommodated me. I was able to eat like everyone else; I didn't have to secretly eat the Lara bar I packed in my purse and let my food go to waste. 

My tip: Be proactive and call ahead. You might be surprised that they will take the time to provide a separate meal just for you :)

Happy Memorial Day!

I would like to take a moment to remember those military members who have fallen while serving our great country. Thank you to all our veterans, especially my hubby! (I still need to post about his ALS graduation. Here is a photo to hold you over.)

Saturday and Sunday we were fortunate enough to spend some time in Wimberley. This provided the perfect opportunity to grill up my safety incentive from work, three racks of ribs! Here my husband rubs them down with a rub (GF of course).

While we were waiting for the ribs to cook, I enjoyed my first ever Woodchuck Hard Cider. I tried the amber flavor. It was sweet, succulent, and went down easily! Since it was so sweet, I don't think I could drink too many in a row. I can't wait to try some of the other flavors.

While these were messy, they were tender and meaty. What a great way to celebrate the 3 day weekend!

Chipotle Turkey Chili (take 2)

Tonight's dinner was chipotle turkey chili. I came across the recipe on a free Eat Better America calendar I had received at the start of the year. Since it was from my calendar, I followed the recipe card. This is what the result looked like.

Doesn't it look yummy? I actually made it once before but couldn't find any GF adobo chipotle chiles, so I used jalapenos instead. It was rather bland and I was disappointed in the result. On a recent shopping trip to HEB, we came across these La Costena chiles, which I concluded to be GF.

As I mentioned earlier, I followed a recipe card (not this link, which gives reviews.) I was so ecstatic to include the chipotle peppers because I knew they would add the missing flavor (unlike the first time I tried the recipe). When you get to adding the peppers, the recipe card says this:

• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce (from 7 oz. can), finely chopped

Well, I read it quickly and finely chopped the entire 7 oz can! I never cooked with these peppers before and only briefly questioned it, as I chopped all 10  to 12 peppers. I guess in my head I figured they were sweet.

Without hesitation, I dumped them all into the pot. Here is the evidence, the empty can.

I went to taste it with a spoon, SO SPICY! Then Justin tried a little and when he said it was very spicy...I knew I had overdone it. We proceeded to make our bowls with the garish of sour cream, cheese, and cilantro in hopes it would mask some of the spiciness. 

Epic fail, way too hot. We attempted to eat it. My nose ran constantly, my face was covered in condensation-like sweat, and I took a drink after every bite. I even resorted to running to the fridge to chug some milk. 

I was extremely disappointed in my misreading of the recipe. One or two chiles would have added plenty of flavor! I hate wasting food too. Lesson learned, third time's a charm?

Now Gluten Free?

I was craving some hummus at the store. As I went to grab my favorite flavor, Sabra's roasted pine nut, I noticed a packaging change. (Shout out to my packaging roomie on her birthday today!)

The package says, "Now gluten free." This made me question, was it always gluten free or have they changed an ingredient? To be honest, I bought it in the past thinking it was GF. There was the questionable natural flavorings...but for some reason I assumed it was safe. Now the story is settled and I am assured it is GF.

I had been in a carrot rut, where I couldn't get myself to eat any. Having hummus makes carrots a favorite snack, especially with a gob of hummus on the end.

My Favorite Things

I often share my favorite GF recipes, products, and restaurants. I also want to share some of my current favorite things with y'all too!

1. Tom's

Just look at my collection

They are my favorite shoe to wear to work. I find them amazingly comfortable and can walk around all day in them! They offer enough support and are cute too.

You may remember around Easter I posted that I would be getting a new pair of Tom's. Well, here they are...you can wear them with or with out the pink laces!

Did I mention, for every pair you buy a child in need receives a pair of shoes!

2.James Avery charm bracelet

I know it's a little blurry, but it's the best I could get. I guess the shiny silver was too much for my old camera to capture. In the future, I hope a new camera makes my favorite things list. Slowly, but surely my Texas charm bracelet is growing, it represents my time living here. 

My current charms include my "special teacher" apple charm that Justin bought me after my first year of teaching along with the "K" charm for Karen to start my bracelet. For my birthday, he bought me the deep in the heart of Texas charm. The dog bone with "Iivana" was a Christmas present. For valentine's day, I received the "te amo" charm.

I want to buy this awareness charm some time this month since May is Celiac Awareness month. I was diagnosed with celiac disease down here, so it deserves to be a part of my bracelet as well.

3. Netflix Instant Stream through Wii

We successfully spent most of our weekend streaming movies, documentaries, and TV shows. For only $7.99 a month, it saves trips to the Red Box and is available instantly, no mailing required. While the streaming version doesn't have all the latest movies, it has enough to keep our interest.

4. Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop

All of my favorite things can't be fun and games. My sister, Jill, shared her love for her Shark mop with me during our Surprise Attack trip. I hate cleaning, especially the floors...but this steam mop makes it a breeze. I used to use the Swiffer Wet Jet but it left a residue and always felt dirty. This baby only needs distilled water and steams the floor sparkly clean. It doesn't require much hard scrubbing motions either. If there is something stuck, you simply hold it over the spot a little longer, and it will come off!

Now I must do one of my least favorite things...grading papers. Only two more weeks of school left.

Gotta Get Down on Friday

Can you see the darkness in this picture? I took it as the sun was beginning to set last night. 

Justin came home with the ingredients for a couple different drinks. It was the perfect way to spend a Friday night after the work week. We sipped and chatted the night away. The mojito he made was refreshing and crisp. Justin followed the Bacardi recipe, listed below.

Bacardi Mojito Cocktail

• 1 Part Bacardi Rum
• 3 Parts Club Soda
• 12 Mint Leaves
• 1/2 Lime
• 1/2 Part Sugar

The next drink was inspired by the Peanut Barrel's long islands. The one Justin made me tasted just like I remember them back on the patio in East Lansing.

Long Island

• 4 Equal Parts: Vodka, Gin, Rum, Triple-Sec
• Fill rest with 50/50 diet Pepsi and sour mix
• Don't forget a slice of lemon

The long island was sweet and easy to drink. Justin made a different version with tequila for himself, but we both agreed the one he made me was better!

Can you find Iivana in the background of each picture?

Another Salad?

This Portobello and Asparagus Salad may be Paula Dean's only recipe that does not include a stick of butter. Justin made it a few months back and we debated whether it is meant to be served hot or cold. However, we ended up serving it luke warm and it was delicious. (The cold left overs also taste good.)

I've said this before, Justin probably cooks more than I do. Since he's been in ALS though (next week is his last week!), I've found myself in the kitchen a lot more. I attempted the recipe on my own this time!

All of the vegetables are grilled; I used our stove top grill.

I also grilled the grape tomatoes and the portobello mushrooms.

Of course, I used GF pasta instead of regular wheat containing pasta. I only used about half a pound of pasta, so we could enjoy the veggies more. I can't decide which salad is more beautiful, this one or the Quinoa Salad.

And to make your heart smile...here is my Vana resting peacefully in her bed while using the curtain as a blanket.

Health Attack

"It's almost too healthy for me to eat," my husband replied to me after I asked him if he enjoyed the black bean-quinoa salad with basil-lemon dressing I packed in his lunch. My sister, Jill, had made this one summer when I lived with her while I was switching leases in college. It was delicious and nutritious. I think I lost 5 pounds living with Jill for about 2 weeks. When we were trying to come up with different ideas to make for the week, I pulled this one from my memory.

Here are a few of the reasons why this salad is so healthy.

1. Quinoa

2. Tofu

3. Edamame (I subbed instead of lima beans)

What a beautiful salad! I can't forget to mention it also includes tomatoes, carrots, and black beans. While it does take a bit of time to prepare, it is worth it. I will be packing a little in my lunch everyday. Although I can't speak for my hubby after his response to my question.

Sour Dots

No matter how healthy I eat, I always want something sweet after dinner. My biggest weakness is fruity candy like gummy bears or taffy. So when Justin picked up a few boxes of Sour Dots over the weekend, I was pleased to notice a packaging change.

The box used to only recognize being peanut free, but now they've included the facility being free of tree nuts, eggs, and gluten!

My mouth waters just imagining their sour flavor on my tongue. They are fruity, chewy, and sour all at the same time. They don't disappoint! While they will get stuck in your teeth, that is exactly what makes them one of my favorite chewy candies.

The Iivana Saga Continues

Last night we gave Iivana a bath, since we could finally take her e-collar off. She looks so silky, shiny, smooth, and clean!

This occasion required a brand new collar!

She looks like a brand new pup.

Upon further examination, Justin discovered one small stitch remains. So tomorrow I'll be going back to the vet, yet again to have the last stitch removed. And so the saga continues...

I also ventured to the grocery store this evening. We can't go a trip without picking up treats for Iivana. These Newman's Own peanut butter treats are one of our favorites to buy. They're small training treats that Iivana drools over.

And of course, I can't forget to mention they are heart shaped. If you notice from the picture above, they do not contain wheat flour. Although, they are made with barley flour, which is still gluten. Every time I give Iivana one of these, I wash my hands like I have OCD.

Tonight I came across these healthy bones. Can you possibly tell why I was excited to buy them (besides the fact that I had a coupon)?

In case you couldn't see it in the last photo, this closer one shows, "gluten free formula" in the upper right hand corner.

As I began taking pictures, I wondered what they were made of. So I looked on the ingredients and the first ingredient was wheat starch! 

Apparently wheat starch is questionable. According to Celiac Sprue Association, "WHEAT starch By-product of WHEAT processing in which the carbohydrates (starch) are separated from the gluten (protein) in wheat flour by means of a complex process of washing, agitating, sieving, centrifugation and use of hydrocyclone, then drying.  Sometimes added to food items during processing to thicken and stabilize.  WHEAT starch is not considered a risk-free choice; gluten content of WHEAT starch varies greatly.  Both the Codex Alimentarious and the proposed FDA definitions for "gluten-free" allow the use of WHEAT starch and other ingredients "specially processed to remove gluten" in foods labeled "gluten-free" so long as the gluten level does not exceed 20 parts per million in total based on the food as sold or distributed to the consumer."

Iivana enjoyed them, she downed one bone in less than five minutes.

Mission Complete

We had an appointment for Iivana to have her stitches removed tonight. Remember the first attempt and the nightmare that followed? We waited 14 more days, so this round should be better. She was a brave doggie, so in this picture she's enjoying a rawhide reward treat. She still needs her e-collar though.

We make a ton of Mexican food and corn tortillas always seem to make an appearance. I always read the ingredients on these Mission corn tortillas and they seemed fine to me.

I was relieved to see the new packaging, with the official "gluten free" designation. It's always a breath of fresh air to see something you were pretty sure was safe, is indeed GF.

We make a variety of tacos including fish, pork, and chicken. Remember the fajitas and soup garnish? Those meals used Mission tortillas, so stay tuned for more uses with these corn tortillas. They are inexpensive too!

Fruity Pebbles Treats

You may remember I was obsessed with Cupcake Pebbles. For some time I've become quite fond of the Fruity Pebbles Treats.

These make a great addition to my lunch. They give me the little bit of sweetness that I crave and have only 90 calories.

Although sometimes I wish they were a little bigger, they help with portion control. If I made homemade ones, I know my serving would be more grandiose. 

I love that more mainstream items are available for the gluten free community. I just hope they are all taking the necessary precautions to ensure they are truly GF. Since gluten free is becoming a "trend" those of us with celiac disease want to make sure those who are producing gluten free products are educated to provide safe options.

I'm excited for the gluten free Rice Krispies with brown rice to be available in June so I can try them!

Breakdown of the Weekend

Friday
I was supposed to work a half day and attend a meeting in the afternoon. When I arrived to school, I was told the sub who had picked up my job earlier in the week, dropped it last night. This was exactly what I was afraid when I requested an afternoon only sub on a Friday. I had contemplated taking the whole day, but when the job was picked up, I felt I was safe. Wrong.

I was frantic the whole morning, hoping they would find someone to cover. It didn't help that three other people called in and aides were filling in for their classes. I pleaded with the secretary to find someone because I wanted to go the meeting badly. The professional development meeting was at UTSA and was funded by a grant. At 11:15 the secretary buzzed me on the P.A. and announced I could go!

I am a spaz. I grabbed all my things and rushed to my car so I could arrive on time. Then I realized I left my phone in my desk, so I ran back into the school and up the stairs. Yes, I am a good role model, running in the school. You might be able to guess what happened next...I wiped out on the stairs, landing on my arm. This whole ordeal was witnessed by two other teachers. Embarrassing, yes! They asked if I was okay, my response was, "Yeah, I'm trying to do too much at once!" I was fine, although my arm feels a little bruised.

My day only got better! The professional development was awesome and I love grants. Check out what they gave me.

• 5 Flip Cameras
• An external drive
• A freaking computer!
• An English Language Learners book

My students are going to be so excited when I tell them what I got for our classroom.

After work we met Justin's ALS (Airman Leadership School) classmates at Red Robin. They had an allergen menu, although mostly everything was minus a bun. I ended up getting a chicken sandwich on lettuce with melon slices. It was decent, I was just glad to have something I could eat there. But I did forgot to take a picture.

Saturday

Bum - summarizes my morning and afternoon.

Saturday night we stopped at Target and then went to the movies to see Water for Elephants. They have the best Coke machines there, where you can pick any kind of soda Coke makes. You could spend an hour trying all the flavors. 

Sunday

Breakfast:

Waffles

Lunch:

Fluffernutter Sandwich

Toasted Udi's white bread, JIF peanut butter, & marshmallow fluff

Dinner:

Tandoori tofu with wild rice and vegetables

We found this recipe in "Eat Healthy Your Way" magazine which we picked up from the commissary. If you're interested you can find the recipe here. It was something totally different than we usually eat. The sauce was my favorite part. I like tofu, but it was a little squishy. I think next time Justin is going to pan fry it and then coat it in the sauce. I would recommend it though!

Happy mother's day to my amazing mom, I wish I could've spent the day with you!