I rececived six containers of unsellable strawberries yesterday. These were unsellable because some were bad in the containers, but after cutting off bad spots I ended up with a large bowl of them. I crushed them up and decided to make jam. After all the boiling jars and lids, preparing the jam, filling the jars and boiling them, I had a bit of a mess in my kitchen. A very sticky mess to be exact. But, I had a lot of fun doing it so I think I may try it again. When I woke up this morning, the "jam" still hadn't set (but they did seal), so I figure that I now have four large jars of strawberry syrup for pancakes, ice cream, and whatever else.
I can say that it was messy, I can say things didn't go exactly as planned, I can say that I am seriously thinking of investing in a pressure cooker canner and smaller jars, and I can also say that a canning funnel would have been a big help, but even if things weren't ideal I really want to do it again. I also think that with my Celiac, canning will not only be a healthy decision but also a good investment in my wallet. I don't really have a whole lot on my Christmas list, but canning stuff is definately one of those things.
If anyone has ever considered canning, I do recommend it. I also recommend that if you do it that you not have a bunch of hyper kids that just got home from school in the kitchen while you are doing it. The last thing I can say is that a canning funnel, though not necessary, is a VERY good idea; trust me, I had sticky strawberry goop all over my stovetop because I didn't have one. But overall, a fun experience. Good luck!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Going...going...almost gone
So, we are almost there...gluten free that is. I personally have gone gluten free, but we are all working on getting there. I first have to get the kids tested before they can go off oof gluten. I am highly suspicious that Jade has celiac like I do. Having the whole house go gluten free should make life a whole lot easier (and healthier too!) I would do it now, if I could; you have to be eating gluten for at least three months before you can be teseted for celiac or gluten sensitivity, so I am keeping the kids on it until they are tested (which they have an appointment for.) I am having them tested because it is often genetic and they are 1 in 20 likely to have it since I do.
I am very eagerly diving into my new gluten free life. It is not as hard as most people might think, at least now that I am properly informed. One major piece of information that I'll share with everyone is this: there are two types of gluten-free eating one is replacement and one is nutritional. I found out that the people who go gluten free, but only substitute the wheat(barley & rye)-filled items with their gluten-free counterparts they are filling up on completely empty calories. The gluten free alternatives lack the protein and other nutrients that make wheat, barley and rye healthy.
When you eat gluten free with only the ocassional (gluten-free) bread (pasta, etc.) you are eating much better and will be much healthier because of it. A basic rule is "if man made it, don't eat it" (I've read this in multiple books.) Also, when you do eat things like bread, go with the healthiest version you can find. I've learned all kinds of information about grains I've never even heard of that are nutritionally brimming with good stuff. Historically speaking, if you eat like the hunter-gatherers of the past (lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and many of the ancient whole grains that are widely available, you are eating the healthy-style gluten-free diet.
One other thing, I know how delicious those gluten-filled goodies can be, but I am slowly finding many things that I like even better and I highly recommend that everyone go gluten-free. I know, I know...sounds crazy right? But seriously, from all the reading I've done, I have found that 1 in 133 people have problems with gluten and don't even know it. I've also learned that since the grains containing gluten haven't been in the human diet for very long, the human body has yet to adapt to it, casuing our bodies to react in not so fun ways.
There are many books that have good arguments for everyone to go gluten-free, my favorites so far are Living Gluten Free For Dummies and Gluten Free Cooking For Dummies. I don't consider myself a dummy or anyone who may have actually read this far into my blog one either, but these books are written for us that don't have PhDs in science or medicine or understand the lingo in most other books. I not only recommend reading these, but challenge you to. You might even consider a gluten-free life yourself after you do.
I am very eagerly diving into my new gluten free life. It is not as hard as most people might think, at least now that I am properly informed. One major piece of information that I'll share with everyone is this: there are two types of gluten-free eating one is replacement and one is nutritional. I found out that the people who go gluten free, but only substitute the wheat(barley & rye)-filled items with their gluten-free counterparts they are filling up on completely empty calories. The gluten free alternatives lack the protein and other nutrients that make wheat, barley and rye healthy.
When you eat gluten free with only the ocassional (gluten-free) bread (pasta, etc.) you are eating much better and will be much healthier because of it. A basic rule is "if man made it, don't eat it" (I've read this in multiple books.) Also, when you do eat things like bread, go with the healthiest version you can find. I've learned all kinds of information about grains I've never even heard of that are nutritionally brimming with good stuff. Historically speaking, if you eat like the hunter-gatherers of the past (lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables and many of the ancient whole grains that are widely available, you are eating the healthy-style gluten-free diet.
One other thing, I know how delicious those gluten-filled goodies can be, but I am slowly finding many things that I like even better and I highly recommend that everyone go gluten-free. I know, I know...sounds crazy right? But seriously, from all the reading I've done, I have found that 1 in 133 people have problems with gluten and don't even know it. I've also learned that since the grains containing gluten haven't been in the human diet for very long, the human body has yet to adapt to it, casuing our bodies to react in not so fun ways.
There are many books that have good arguments for everyone to go gluten-free, my favorites so far are Living Gluten Free For Dummies and Gluten Free Cooking For Dummies. I don't consider myself a dummy or anyone who may have actually read this far into my blog one either, but these books are written for us that don't have PhDs in science or medicine or understand the lingo in most other books. I not only recommend reading these, but challenge you to. You might even consider a gluten-free life yourself after you do.
Friday, October 8, 2010
WOW
I have been doing a lot of reading lately, mostly about going Gluten-Free now that I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I have to say that I have found many good recipes that I am eager to try. Many of them come from a book titled: GETTING YOUR KIDS ON A GLUTEN-FREE CASIEN-FREE DIET by Susan Lord. I started here because recipes made for kids, often being finicky eaters, sounded like a good place to start.
I am currently reading GLUTEN FREE COOKING FOR DUMMIES by Danna Korn and Connie Sarros. I am floored by the information I have learned, just from the first three chapters alone! This book is really nice because (being a book from the "Dummies" series) is written so people can understand it. It truly explains the WHY of both gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease and even the difference between the two.
I will continue to read more and more about this whole lifestyle change I must make. All this reading has made me very optimistic about changing everything and I highly recommend that even if you don't have a reason to go gluten-free, that you at least read GLUTEN FREE COOKING FOR DUMMIES, it is well worth it (and I found it at the local library!)
I am currently reading GLUTEN FREE COOKING FOR DUMMIES by Danna Korn and Connie Sarros. I am floored by the information I have learned, just from the first three chapters alone! This book is really nice because (being a book from the "Dummies" series) is written so people can understand it. It truly explains the WHY of both gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease and even the difference between the two.
I will continue to read more and more about this whole lifestyle change I must make. All this reading has made me very optimistic about changing everything and I highly recommend that even if you don't have a reason to go gluten-free, that you at least read GLUTEN FREE COOKING FOR DUMMIES, it is well worth it (and I found it at the local library!)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
...only given what I can handle
I am trying hard to realize when I am stressed so I can attempt to lessen or avoid whatever is causing it. Lately I am having difficulty pinpointing it. I have a million things going on, on any given day so it could be anything. I know that I don't have it as bad as many other people, but my stresses are difficult for me.
I am not complaining, just simply talking myself through it all. My wonderful husband has been doing a lot to help me out around the house lately. I have been sitting down and taking five minutes to myself when I feel tense and I have been forcing myself to have "me time" by doing things that I enjoy instead of only doing things for others and the house etc.
Life can sure throw a good curveball, but I am a strong believer that I'm only given what I can handle. I didn't always think of myself as a strong person, but I have learned that I surprise even myself at times. I'm also learning that no accomplishment, no matter how little, is worth celebrating.
I am not complaining, just simply talking myself through it all. My wonderful husband has been doing a lot to help me out around the house lately. I have been sitting down and taking five minutes to myself when I feel tense and I have been forcing myself to have "me time" by doing things that I enjoy instead of only doing things for others and the house etc.
Life can sure throw a good curveball, but I am a strong believer that I'm only given what I can handle. I didn't always think of myself as a strong person, but I have learned that I surprise even myself at times. I'm also learning that no accomplishment, no matter how little, is worth celebrating.
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