Posted by alisa on April 30, 2009 | 2 Comments
The clock is ticking … just over a week until Mother’s Day. I am doing my best to plan ahead so I don’t end up in a last minute panic calling a local florist where my mom lives. In fact, I gathered together some of my top Mother’s Day Foodie Picks, including recipes for homemade gifts and awesome premade gifts for purchase. All of the “to purchase” items are ones I have sampled myself and consider worth the money rather than overpriced bundles monopolizing on the necessity of this special day. Nuf said.
[Note: All of my picks are "friendly" for lactose intolerance and other milk-free dieters, as well as vegans and other special diets; but seriously, they are just plain awesome, free-from diet or not!]
I had planned on doing something homemade. Definitely including dark chocolate and almonds, since my mom loves both. But … after getting a gander at the Mom’s Day Box from Premium Chocolatiers, I may not be able to resist sending her this …
My article on Mother’s Day Picks included Premium Chocolatiers, but that was even before I saw this new heart box filled with “milk” and dark chocolates. From a value perspective, I am still loyal to their traditional truffle box. But, when that extra-special packaging and a few more truffles are required, this may be worth the step up. In case you hadn’t heard, Premium Chocolatiers runs a dedicated dairy-free and nut-free facility … and their chocolates are deee-lish-us!
Okay, with all of that over-indulgence out of the way, I will be back tomorrow with a healthier post and this weekend with a giveaway!
Posted by alisa on April 27, 2009 | 15 Comments
I think we all lose our mojo at certain times in our life, whether it be our inspiration, energy, creativity, or motivation. And let’s face it, getting it back is no walk in the park. But like Austin Powers (my idol of course) , I have vowed to get it back at any cost.
My mojo started to slip away about a year ago. I played soccer for 25 years of my life, at least 2 days a week, if not more. Sure, there were injuries, vacations, etc., that sidelined me for a period of time, but I always knew I would be back. Mind you, I am not a competitive person at all, but soccer was my fun, my fitness, and my social network all rolled up into one easy to schedule event. But, last year, about this time, a permanent injury on the field ensured that I would not be returning to soccer or any other contact sports. Doctor’s orders. Darn that doctor.
So, I made feable attempts to continue exercising and immersed myself in finally writing my book. I was in the kitchen constantly, testing and creating recipes. It was fun, but then, my book was done. As a reward for completing it, and to relax, I gave myself a break from the kitchen. Big mistake. So we began to eat out more, and I started exercising less, and I ate more quick sugars, and I started exercising less … do you see a negative pattern forming here?
Needless to say, my energy, inspiration, creativity, and motivation (aka mojo) have all but left me. But I will be darned if I don’t go chasing after it! Luckily, I have a partner in pursuit of their stolen mojo too, my husband.
While lying in a hotel room, watching an infomercial on TV, after consuming a giant dinner out (um, I did say our mojo was gone didn’t I?), Mini-Me ran in and started jumping up and down on our stomachs. Okay, not literally, but it felt like it. Actually, for the first time in my life, one of those irritating infomercials was useful!
We both started talking after it and just one week later, here we are, embarking on a well-planned diet and fitness routine. It is a strict one, making it very difficult for us to stray. And the eating portion is really just preparing all natural food from scratch, no skimping or starving at all (more food in fact!), my kind of dealio. It is more about exercising and eating the foods you need to support that lifestyle as you get fit and for the long run.
Though my husband does need to lose a few pounds (or more) around his middle (I love you dear!), our main goal isn’t weight loss, it is to recapture our energy. We want to get back into hiking, swimming, and all of the things that we now just feel too lazy to do.
I am not yet going to mention the food and fitness plan we are trialing, as I don’t want to promote something until I know it is effective. However, I will be posting up more recipes and foodie ideas. Don’t think for a minute that this means less posts, au contraire baby! (sorry, channeling my inner Austin again)
For anyone still with me, thanks for reading and wish us luck!
Posted by alisa on April 22, 2009 | 25 Comments
Actually, this little dish isn’t sinful at all, but that title just sounds so good doesn’t it? Well, this saute does produce tender, juicy apples with a wonderfully rich, sweet, and cinnamon-y syrup, rendering it indulgent enough for a healthy dessert.
However, I had it for breakfast. I ate it on its own as a part of my multi-course Sunday grazing. But, this simple recipe (just 10 minutes!) is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving options. You can:
- Serve the apples with your favorite yogurt (mine being this one), stirring a bit of the resultant cinnamon apple syrup into the yogurt if desired.
- Top waffles with the apples and resultant cinnamon-apple syrup.
- Spread nut butter on a bagel, toast, or rice cakes, and top with slices of cinnamon apples (one of my faves).
- Serve over rice or other grain (I don’t know why I just thought of this one, but it really sounds good).
- Sprinkle the apples with ground flaxseed or your favorite granola (homemade if you can!).
- Top the apples with a scoop of ice cream (this one and this one being my picks), drizzling some of the resultant syrup over top of everything for a sundae flare. Oh what the heck, sprinkle on some granola too!
- You say you’ve finished the apples, but have a little bit of leftover syrup? Use it to sweeten your favorite tea! Problem solved.
Okay, now that you are brimming with ideas, lets get to the kitchen …
Simply Scrumptious Cinnamon-Apple Sauté
Recipe adapted from the October 2007 issue of Natural Health Magazine
This recipe is Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, optionally Vegan, and optionally Soy-Free
- 2 Medium Apples (around 3/4 to 1 lb), sliced 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel!)
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed if you have it)
- 1-1/2 Teaspoons Oil or Margarine (I used coconut oil)
- 1 Tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (I used honey, but I think maple syrup may be even better)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- Generous Pinch of Salt (especially if using oil rather than margarine)
In a medium sized bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice and briefly set aside.
In a large skillet, melt heat the oil or margarine over medium heat. Add the honey or maple syrup and the vanilla extract, giving everything a quick stir. Add the apples, and stir to coat them with the sweet sauce. Sprinkle on the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and once again, stir to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
Cover, and allow the apples to cook for 3 to 5 minutes (or until desired tenderness) checking in to stir once or twice.
They are ready! Enjoy them as is, or see the beginning of this post for some serving options.
Cinnamon Pears Option: Use 2 medium pears instead of the apples. Pears are generally softer than apples, so you will only need 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time once covered.
Yields 2 Yummy Servings of Apples
My Earth Day Note: One of my Earth Day resolutions is to try to eat more seasonally. While I was sure that apples were a fall fruit, it seems the crops are brimming right now. I purchase organic apples, since they are a top “pesticide crop.” An abundance of northwest apples (as local as it gets for this area) allowed me to purchase a bag of these beauties (Fuji I believe) for less than a dollar a pound.
Tags: apples, breakfast, brunch, cinnamon, dairy-free, dessert, egg-free, food allergy-friendly, gluten-free, Magazine Mondays, milk-free, nut-free, quick & easy, recipe, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian
Filed Under: Alisa's Recipes
Posted by alisa on April 19, 2009 | 24 Comments
Earlier this week, I needed something to go with two salmon filets I was baking. Since I was craving some carbs, and it was a little too late to whip up a batch of bread … and I wasn’t patient enough to wait for brown rice to cook, I decided pasta was the way to go. The salmon was marinated in a sesame-soy concoction, generally Asian inspired, so I was excited when I spotted some udon noodles in the cupboard (to keep with the theme of course!).
I literally threw the noodles together with a simple veggie saute I created, and it turned out to be the star of the meal. We both agreed that the noodles had a Ramen-esque flavor, taking us back to the MSG-rich days of our childhoods. Obviously, I used a fair dose of sodium, between the wee bit of soy sauce and those few dashes of salt, but I dare say the dish was pretty healthy overall.
After the success of that throw together dish, my cravings lingered on … so much so that I had to attempt a re-creation just two nights later. Don’t misunderstand, this is a very basic dish, not earth-shattering in creativity by any means. But as mentioned before, it is often the simple flavors that get me most!
I ate this as a meal, it was rather filling, but yes, no “protein.” Sometimes I just crave veggies and carbs. If you want to add some protein, be my guest … meat, eggs, tofu, sliced almonds, chopped peanuts, whatever works for you! Hmm, I didn’t think to sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds, that might be nice too.
Easy Veggie Udon
This recipe is Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Protein-Free, and Optional Gluten-Free
- 8 Ounces Udon Noodles (may substitute other noodles in a pinch; for gluten-free I recommend Eden’s all buckwheat soba noodles or rice noodles)
- 3 Tablespoons Sesame Oil, divided
- 3 Carrots, peeled into large shreds using a vegetable peeler
- 3 Large Garlic Cloves, minced
- 12 Ounces Mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 5-Ounce Bag Baby Spinach Leaves
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Wheat-Free Tamari, divided
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt to taste (I used around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, but I would start with a dash or two and work your way up)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste or a Few Pinches of Crushed Red Pepper
Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
While those are boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil over medium-low heat (I do a lower heat to protect the flavor of the oil, but you can up it to medium if you are really hungry).
Add the carrots and saute for a few minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms and saute just until the mushrooms begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the spinach and 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce, and saute for just a couple of minutes, until those leavese start to wilt.
Turn off the heat, and stir in the noodles, garlic powder, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and any add-ins (see below), tossing well to ensure everything is coated with those flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in big bowls.
Add-ins: I steamed 12 oz of broccoli florets (about 7 minutes; until crisp tender) and tossed them in along with the noodles. The second time I made it, I also added about 1/2 lb of steamed baby carrots, merely because I didn’t have any whole carrots to shred. I recommend the peeled or shredded carrots (in the recipe) over the steamed chunks, but personal preference.
Yields 3 meal-sized servings
Blog Events: I am submitting this recipe for Presto Pasta Nights # 110 being held at Chew on That. It is my first contribution to that blogging event; hopefully more to come!
Tags: carrots, dairy-free, egg-free, food allergy-friendly, gluten-free, milk-free, mushrooms, nut-free, pasta, Presto Pasta Nights, recipe, side dish, spinach, sugar-free, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian
Filed Under: Alisa's Recipes
Posted by alisa on April 18, 2009 | 4 Comments
Comment #29 – Tyler at Raspberry Runner – “I think i’d want to try the red quinoa!!! i’ve never seen that in stores before…”
Comment #234 – Heather C – “Can’t wait to buy the Good Karma Chocolate Ricemilk.”
Each of these two lucky winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to shop at the Navan Foods Online Store with free shipping! They can use the special diet search (free-from, vegan, sugar-free, low fat, organic, etc.) to locate some new-to-them finds or jump straight to their favorite products. Congratulations ladies!
Now, stay tuned, tomorrow is a new day and a new recipe (a pretty tasty one I might add), and next weekend we will have another giveaway!
Posted by alisa on April 17, 2009 | 7 Comments
I was honored with a wonderful blog “Friends Award” to pass on and share, and I also have some other giveaways to mention …
Mariposa at What Do I Eat Now? is by far my most energetic bloggy friend, and she has bestowed this awesome Friends award upon me, which I am now honored to pass on. The rules seem loose, but I want to award six bloggy friends who I think of as “my possy.” These ladies not only run awesome blogs, but they have also contributed tons of wonderful recipes and reviews to Go Dairy Free (my alter ego) … I don’t know what I would do with out them (don’t forget to pass it on!) …
- Hannah at Bittersweet is certainly my longest running blogger friend, and honestly, she has been my biggest inspiration. For over a year we literally emailed daily; and if you haven’t seen her awesome blog then I just have to know, where have you been?
- Sarah at No Whey Mama has to be one of the most awesome moms, and I more than enjoy having her as a fellow dairy-free blogger.
- Sarena at The Non-Dairy Queen and I have far too much in common. If only she didn’t live on the other side of the country!
- Veggiegirl probably has a bazillion of these awards stacking up in her inbox, but I appreciate her too much not to throw one more her way.
- Karen at Avoiding Milk Protein is a machine when it comes to discovering all things related to milk allergies. I am always amazed at what she finds.
- And of course, right back at Mariposa. Seriously, her positive energy is infectious!
For some awesome recipes and posts, check out all of these ladies’ blogs. Now, for the giveaways! As you probably know, today is the last day to enter the Navan Foods Giveaway on this blog, so enter now if you haven’t already, but there are a couple more I would like to mention:
I can vouch that both products are awesome, so don’t miss out!
Back tomorrow with two winners and more recipes coming your way soon!
Posted by alisa on April 16, 2009 | 14 Comments
Do you have skin that reacts to just about everything you put on it? If so, I can relate! My fair Northern European skin combined with childhood eczema (gone thanks to a milk-free lifestyle!), allergic hives, and the fact that I have had mild rosacea since around the age of two (who needs blush?), pretty much guarantees that my skin is a minefield waiting for the wrong ingredient to set it off. Of course, I have tried all of those sensitive skin products, the calming lotion potions, the all-natural brands, and even some topical dermatologist treatments, but more than anything, my skin just wanted to be left alone.
For a while, I didn’t use anything … soap / cleanser, lotions, or oils. I had to let my skin “chill” and cleanse itself via exercise and gentle rinsing. Surprisingly, it did rather well, but with extremely dry weather, and my desire to wear just a little make-up, some sort of a skincare routine was eventually required. That said, I searched for years for some products that wouldn’t elicit a bright cherry color. And, at least for now, I have found success! Plus my mini-routine is not only ultra-sensitive, but it is also all-natural, and really cheap!
I know I am not alone in my search for gentle products; it seems like sensitive skin has become more the norm than the exception in this day of chemical products and mineral heavy water. So I wanted to share my skincare buys, just in case it helps a few others.
Did these products cure all of my problems and leave me with a movie star quality skin? No, of course not. But, my skin is softer, calmer, and generally happier. That, I say, is a huge step in the right direction! Now for the real kicker. Can you guess where I buy my frugal face care? Two out of three items are bought at Whole Foods. I am totally serious. Here we go …
Alisa’s Affordable “Skinfood” for Beauty on a Budget
The Cleanse: 365 Unscented, French Milled, Vegetable Glycerin Soap
The Ingredients: Saponified Coconut and/or Palm Oil, Vegetable Glycerin (that’s it!).
The Price: $1.49
The Scoop: I use this at night to rid any grime, and it seems to work well, even with the light make-up I sometimes use. It also doesn’t dry out my skin at all, and is extremely gentle. To make it last even further, my husband cuts the bar into 5 or 6 mini-bars. I keep one in the shower, one by the sink, and keep the rest to use as I need them. The littler bars also come in handy for travel.
The Moisture: Trader Joe’s Vitamin E Oil
The Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Vitamin E, Coconut Oil
The Price: $4.99
The Scoop: I have tried many oils, and they all seem to irritate, but this little combo leaves me with a calm complexion after application. It lasts a while to, as I just add a few drops to my palm, rub my hands together, and apply it all over my face (including under eyes) just after patting my face mostly dry. I emphasize that I use a very small amount, and it doesn’t seem to clog pores at all. I skip the toner/astringent phase as it is always too harsh for my skin.
The Lips: Whole Foods Vanilla Honey Lip Balm
The Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flavor, Vitamin E Acetate, Lanolin, Organic Comfrey Oil, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E
The Price: $1.99
The Scoop: This one is obviously not vegan-friendly, but despite the name, it isn’t because there is any actual honey in it. Beyond the misleading title, this simple, organic balm does the job on my cracked desert lips. There are some other great brands out there, but all that I have found in my local area contain colors or sunscreen. For some odd reason, if I wear lip balm with sunscreen, my lips swell up like a balloon when I go in the sun. I know many women pay for that look, but I find it a bit uncomfortable. I really just wanted a bare bones lip balm, and this one responded to my request. A little tip though … if your lips are in need of repair and some serious moisture, dab on a thin coat of honey and resist the urge to lick. I am always amazed by how healing honey is.
The Tools: Ultra-Soft Bamboo Wash Cloth from The Body Shop
The Price: Not Sure, it Was Free!
The Scoop: I almost always just use my hands for the most gentle wash, but when I need a little help, this washcloth does the trick and is extremely soft and gentle. My husband got a $10 free coupon (no purchase necessary) at the Body Shop, and I immediately fell in love with this washcloth. It was so soft, what can I say?
That’s it. My whole skincare routine for under $10, and I only need to replenish my supplies every few months. I am still tinkering with body care, but I have had good luck with one of my favorite baking ingredients, coconut oil!
What about you? Any tips, favorite products, or all natural beauty tricks?
Posted by alisa on April 15, 2009 | 1 Comment
With the busy holiday time over the past week, combined with today, torturous tax day, it was suggested that I give everyone two more days to enter to win our Navan Foods Giveaway. Since I did cut that giveaway a bit short, I saw no reason not to oblige. So, if you have not already left a comment to enter (and twittered or posted about the giveaway for a second entry), now is the time! Head to the Giveaway Post Now! You have until Friday April 17th. Winners will be announced the following day.
Posted by alisa on April 13, 2009 | 17 Comments
Is there such a thing as too much broccoli? No seriously. The fact that I ate half a pound of broccoli in one sitting doesn’t indicate that I have a problem does it? Perhaps I have a slight love for those little green trees, or perhaps this recipe was just too darn good.
Let me start from the beginning to work this out …
So I signed up for Taste & Create. I have been hesitant on joining any of the blogger cooking/baking events, as I kind of panic when it comes to having to cook a specific recipe. But, I liked the idea of picking a recipe from an assigned blog (with some options) to try out. You see, when it comes to trying new recipes, I tend to be a commitment-phobe. I bookmark and clip a bazillion recipes, but my execution rate, well, it’s pretty dismal. This blogging event would force me out of my little box.
For my first Taste & Create event, I was assigned to LET THEM EAT CAKE … and all things baked! She is a relatively new blogger, launching her inaugural post in January of this year, but already a veteran in the blogger event world. I hope I don’t disappoint, but contrary to the blog name, I, for once, did not choose a baking recipe. Nope. I went for a humble, yet insanely delicious, broccoli side dish. This recipe is from her participation in the Barefoot Bloggers events, tributes to all recipes Ina Garten. It was my first recipe from Ms. Ina, and she definitely did not let me down.
While broccoli may not seem adventurous to some, I really hadn’t ventured beyond steamed and sprinkled with salt, so a new flavor or two was in order. The original recipe called for Broccolini. I realize this baby vegetable has become quite hot on the internet, but I could only find it at Whole Foods … at $2.49 for a pitiful little bunch! But… beautiful broccoli crowns were on sale at my local grocer for just $.78 per pound! Come on, which would you choose? On my behalf, I cut the broccoli into strips using more of the stem, so they looked kind of like broccolini … well, sort of.
I made a few little changes to the recipe to make it my own and to keep it dairy-free. I also found, that if you wanted to go lower in fat, you should be able to get away with just a wee bit less oil … perhaps 1-1/2 tablespoons or 4 teaspoons. Though I wouldn’t go lighter than that, and I did like it with the full amount (I used coconut oil … just love the rich flavor).
Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Broccoli(ni)
Taste & Create recipe idea from: LET THEM EAT CAKE … and all things baked!
Recipe adapted from: The Food Network / Ina Garten
This Recipe is Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, and Vegan
- 1 lb (16oz / 454g) Broccolini, Broccoli Florets, or Broccoli cut into Broccolini-like Strips
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, plus a dash for the boiling water
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
- 1 Heaping Teaspoon Grated Lemon Zest + 1 Tablespoon Juice from that Lemon
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Bring a large pot of water to boil with a dash of salt. Add the broccoli and allow it to cook for 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli immediately, and submerge it in a bowl of ice water to quickly stop the cooking process.
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the lemon zest and garlic and give it a quick stir. Drain the broccoli well, and add it to the sauté pan. Sauté the broccoli for just 2 minutes or until it is heated through. Add the lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper, and toss well before serving.
Yields 4 Servings (or 2 if you eat as much broccoli as I do)
Tags: broccoli, dairy-free, egg-free, food allergy-friendly, nut-free, recipe, side dishes, soy-free, sugar-free, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian
Filed Under: Alisa's Recipes
Posted by alisa on April 10, 2009 | 274 Comments
… and we aren’t talking just any old groceries here. Oh no, try a free $25 gift certificate to the online grocer, Navan Foods (with free shipping included, of course!). Oh wait, did I say “a” gift certificate; lets go for two, shall we? Yes, two people will win a $25 e-gift certificate for Navan Foods with free shipping included!
So, who is Navan Foods? They are an awesome specialty food grocer, offering simple shopping both in store (walk right into their Virginia Beach location) and online (they ship throughout the United States). Navan Foods touts itself as “The Allergy Free Food Shop,” but they offer so much more. Their easy to use online market allows you to shop not only by allergens (no peanuts, milk, eggs, or soy? no problem) but also by various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegan, organic, kosher, diabetic-friendly, low fat, and the Feingold stages. Seriously, this is the best designed website for an online grocer I have ever seen.
Of course, since I can’t win, I spent way too much time searching the Navan Foods’ site to see what I would pick with a $25 gift certificate … and may now just have to buy! My list includes:
- Road’s End Chreese Mix and Shiitake Mushroom Gravy Mix (based on Sarah’s recommendation)
- MimicCreme Unsweetened (dying to try this nut-based “cream”)
- Natural Desserts Unflavored Jel Mix (looks like fun to experiment with)
- Enjoy Life Boom Choco Boom Rice Milk Bar (another one on my “must try” list)
- Arico Ginger on Fire Cassava Chips (love these, nice change of chip pace)
- Enjoy Life Snickerdoodle Cookies (soft, chewy heaven) … and …
- Sunspire’s Vegan Carob Chips (my latest addiction) or Ricemellow Creme (another curiosity)
So, you probably want to enter to win, no? I wouldn’t leave you hanging.
To enter just …
Leave a comment on this post, and let me know either, what item(s) you would be most excited to purchase from Navan Foods with your e-certificate or vent about a food you love or want to try, but have had a heck of a time finding.
To enter twice …
If you have a blog or if you twitter, let others know about the giveaway with a mention and link to this post for a second entry!
Since a holiday weekend is upon us, the comments section will be open for entries through tax day, Wednesday, April 15th. Two winners will be selected at random on the 16th, so get your entry in … now! (Update: You now have until Friday, April 17th to enter, winner to be announced on the 18th!)
Good luck, and stay tuned to One Frugal Foodie … more inexpensive, easy recipes on the horizon.
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