Still cooking...

Seriously, I am. I'm simply revisiting recipes made in the past. SEE (It's at the bottom of the post).

Oh and HAPPY 2013!

Ham and Swiss Sandwich

Ham and Swiss Sandwich, page 42

Jonathan and I started a spin class this week. It's begins ten minutes after five o'clock in the morning. My alarm sounds at 4:33, giving me enough time to pull on clothes, clean my teeth and use the bathroom. I grabbed the water bottles I'd filled the night before (2 extra minutes of sleep saved) and drove to the gym. Isn't it completely natural, that marital bonding would happen on the spin bike?Who had this brilliant idea anyway? Mine, it was completely my idea. Yup, me, the one who made the call, pressed the numbers, handed over the debit card and BAM! just like that we were registered. As I'm questioning my brilliance, I'm also ready for lunch at 10:30 sharp. Please help, is this what happens at the end of triathlon season?

After an hour of flats and sprints, climbs and 2's and 3's and my desire to go aero, which is totally uncool in a spin class, I was hungry and all I had on my mind was this recipe. I'd seen it the day before & picked up the ingredients. When we got home, I walked in the door, woke Elliott, walked DandyDoodle and got to work.

Feed Zone Pals, it's easy. Super easy and so yummy and healthy and either FG* or GF** depending on how you fix it.

 I fully intended to get ham from deli, but forgot. I had to stop at Sam's later in the day, so I picked up a package of Black Forrest Ham there. Not freshly sliced, but it worked.

This is FG sourdough. I cooked it on both sides, then topped it with the Swiss for a few minutes to melt. Next, I added the ham before transferring it to a plate, topping it with kale and then the eggs. For mine I used Udi's Millet-Chia bread. It's my favorite.



I was in Chicago last week. I knew it would be a wild week for Jonathan. Chas was headed to Mexico, Elliott had student council early and soccer in the evenings, school drop off and pick up, lunches to pack, breakfast and dinner to make...the list continues. I knew Jonathan could handle it and with no trouble he did. He even discovered at Walmart they had a package of 40 Eggo Waffles for under $7.

This is why I love him. He knows what our boys like, ex: waffles for breakfast, and he know exactly what he can handle. He knew making waffles like I do, from scratch, 2 at a time in the waffle iron, would not be possible, but he wanted to give them a breakfast they loved. So he did. Just in a different way. I share this to let you know instead of a Ham and Swiss Sandwich with a poached egg, Elliott wanted waffles. And not the waffles I fix.


Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: Nothing
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: Sauteed kale for salad greens, poached the eggs instead of over easy, skipped the mayo
What I'll try next time: I think I'd keep it the same. Maybe if it was fixed for lunch, I'd use salad greens and keep them raw & add mayo.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 5
'becca: 5 (x5 that's how many times I could have eaten it that morning)
Elliott: waffles and fake syrup. (not only do our boys love Eggo, they also prefer Mrs. Butterworth's to Maple.

*FullaGluten **Gluten Free for those who may be new. I'm GF, but my family is FG. I make it work when I can and share with you how, just in case you are in the same situation.

Sweet Potato and Egg Burritos

Sweet Potato and Egg Burritos, page 55

 I peel, chop and boil potatoes to make smashed potatoes. How do you do it? Boil whole w/ peel, then cool, peel and smash? Every Thanksgiving it's the question. Apparently, I do it wrong.

 Have you had Chardonnay and cantaloupe this summer? If not, you should. Yummy on a hot afternoon and great snack as you cook. Oh and I met the owner of this vineyard. He was in Arkansas, no wait just across the border in Missouri. Did you know that "dry" counties still exist? Well they do. I live in one. Back to the owner, he was pleasant. He shared the story of his family and their years of wine making. I purchased nearly a case and he signed the bottles.

I'm quite distracted today as I share this recipe; tangent here, tangent there. Not only did I eat and drink as I cooked, I watched Julie and Julia. It took me much longer than 20 minutes to make this meal. I was also making page 70. I make those weekly.

You know I've never watched the film in its entirety. Gasp, but I have seen Julia's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I took my picture with my phone standing in front of it. I'd probably do the same in Biju's kitchen.

 I added my favorite spice to the meat. It goes so well with sweet potatoes, I just had do.

 Dang, he's cute. That's my husband, after a long day at triathlons, sitting down to breakfast for dinner.


Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: I had it all + some
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: I used ground turkey sausage, because it has less fat and is more breakfast-y, which is good for a breakfast for dinner meal. I added some mixed baking spices to the meat, left out the cheese and used tamari instead of liquid amino acids. To make it GF I prepared a side of quinoa and made mine into a little bowl, not a burrito.
What I'll try next time: Have some corn tortillas to enjoy mine.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 5
Elliott:4
Chas: 3 (meat in tortilla only)
Ian, our guest: I didn't ask him for a number, but he had seconds, so I'm guessing at least a 4
'becca: 5, loved it!



Not a FZ recipe, but it looked like one. Sticking to my randomness today I thought I'd share it.

Frittata with Red Pepper Oil

Frittata with Red Pepper Oil, page 216

Well, look-y who joined me in the kitchen to make this meal, my super eater {feel the sarcasm} Chas! I had a bit of a medical scare last week, which led to a conversation about taking care of our bodies as healthy prevention. My boys didn't quite understand how a person can make do their best to make healthy choices about food and exercise, but still be at risk for disease.  Hard conversations for a momma to have. Without teaching Punnent squares and talking about wrinkled peas, I did my best.  Maybe it was enough to get this little guy to add a bit of green to his diet.

Chas was a master with the whisk, our eggs ended up a little more than lightly beaten, but fluffy nonetheless. I didn't have the exact herbs in pots on my deck, nor did the grocery have them. I like tarragon, I need to grow it.

For the Red Pepper Oil, I used marinated red peppers. I used more of them than called for, less oil and a bit more salt. The bowl, container, top - what's it called - to the blender was in the dishwasher, so I used my little chopper, which was perfect. This oil would be delicious on all sorts of dishes, but especially on egg dishes.

{Chas whisking away} Parents, do you have a son or daughter who simply does not like to eat anything green? Does it concern you? Do you make them sit at the table until they eat the number of peas or leaves of spinach equal to their age? Do you give them a vitamin? Do you just let let it slide? Help!

What I do -- I don't fight the battle. I explain that it's best for their body to eat a rainbow of food and treats in moderation. It is the only body they will have and they need to treat it with respect and fuel it properly. I have healthy choices available, but then I buy Twizzlers to take to a ball game. Just being honest, but is this wrong?

Kitchen Action

Lacking in Pantry: tarragon
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: more eggs
What I'll try next time: start growing tarragon in the spring.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 4
Elliott: 4
'becca: 4.5 and then again in the morning chilled without the oil, 4
Chas: 5 for preparation, but no score for tasting it. He doesn't like peppers.

Egg & Chorizo Sandwich and Beet Juice

Richard is one of my most favorite people in NWA. His heart is big, his words are encouraging and ladies he's available. He drops by our home "African Style" (unannounced) and my family is always so happy to welcome him. He works at the same company with Jonathan and has become a dear friend not only me, but my family. My mom and dad, sister and brother all know him and love him too. But he's MY First Friend.

The picture to the right was taken at the finish of the Branson 70.3 & Sprint race (l-r: Dirk, Richard, me and the Duck). Where else but Branson, MO do you cross the finish line and are greeted by a "Ride the Ducks" duck and Saloon girls? I had to get a picture of 1 and passed on the other. This was my 3rd triathlon and had it not been for his encouraging words, I may not have made it past my first. Thanks FF, you are the best! 

Cooking and Eating through The Feed Zone readers...Welcome Richard!

***

Below are recipes as cooked by myself that come straight from ‘The Feed Zone Cookbook. I gotta admit, since my BFF ‘becca Nimrod mentioned it, I have been hooked on this book. The food is amazing and simple to create. Plus, I’m a bit of a ‘rule follower’ so I like following the recipes.  And it sure beats the “food guideline” that I have been following for the past year of BORING food. Lets dig in.

Egg and Chorizo Sandwich, page 48

Kitchen Action: So this one appealed to me because I have done breakfast sammiches before. This one is interesting because it used chorizo. Which I have not cooked with before. And I’m Hispanic! Meh.

Anyway, if you are looking for chorizo in the store, it is near the refrigerated dough and yogurt. Makes no sense to me but that’s where it is. Because I thought it would cook like a breakfast sausage, I made patties out of it. When it hit the pan, the chorizo separated due to the fat and was more like a chorizo crumble. Oh yea, this is gonna be good.

Lacking in pantry: nada

Additions/Substitutions or method changes: For ‘rustic bread’ I used a loaf of neo-tuscan boule. Also added cheddar cheese and cilantro that I had from the night before. On the poached egg, I actually like it when the yolk is gooey and sopps up the bread. So good.  The bread had chorizo, egg yolk, melted cheese and cilantro in it. Oh wow…

What I’ll try next time: Make more of it! Once you toast the bread, place the chorizo and egg on top. Its magic.  Always good with beet juice (see below) and a mug of freshly roasted TTR coffee.

How it scored (1 low – 5 high): 10. No really.

Beet Juice, page 113

Kitchen Action:  I’m a huge fan of juice. I bought a Breville Juice Fountain about 4-5 months ago and have been ‘on the juice’ ever since. My favorite has always been apple-orange-carrot-ginger so trying a new juice was a bit of an adventure for me.

Lacking in pantry:  Nothing. After picking up beets and a few other items from the Bentonville Farmer’s Market, we are set.

Additions/Substitutions or method changes:  Subbed the apples for oranges because I had oranges. A lot of oranges. Still tossed in 3 apples for sweetness but the gala apples here are really small. Had to kick it up a notch. And few stalks of celery because they were sitting in the fridge. What the hay!

Also, the only change I made was to make more of it. I am not a fan of juicing daily just from a cleaning the machine and counters and cabinets and floors perspective. So I juice weekly and fill a jug so I can just pour it out as I need it.

What I’ll try next time: nada nada

How it scored (1 low – 5 high):  4.98. I give it a near perfect score because it is a great juice and I can definitely notice a difference when drinking or not drinking beet juice The 0.02 miss comes from the fact that the beet turns your hands and your pee red. Sorry, had to subtract something for that.

Biju's Oatmeal

Biju's Oatmeal, page 34

In our family oatmeal has been an acquired taste. Jonathan only eats old fashioned made on the stove top and not sweet, the boys like instant oatmeal from the packet, maple brown sugar only and as much as I like them, they do not like my belly, therefore I fix, they eat.

Knowing this recipe has both  brown sugar and molasses, I've hesitated fixing it for Jonathan as part of his breakfast. I didn't use the full amount of sweetness, which isn't much, but I did add a little. I'd say, about half.

I measured the raisins exactly...'becca style, by a handful, but was out of bananas. I topped it with almonds, dried cherries and a few more raisins, then served it. Jonathan enjoyed it and said it wasn't too sweet, but he still prefers the way I've fixed them for years. The boys had egg, bacon and bagel sandwiches that morning, not in the mood for oats.

Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: banana
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: half the amount of brown sugar & molasses, added dried cherries, almonds and raisins to the top
What I'll try next time: leave out the sweets, making it the same way I have for years.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 3.5

Quinoa and Vegetable hash with Eggs

Quinoa and Vegetable hash with Eggs, page 64

I followed this recipe...almost. I didn't measure the olive oil exactly. Who does? And maybe I used a little more than 2 cups of sweet potatoes. I like 'em. BUT, the rest of it I followed. I lied. I didn't measure the parsley either. 

 It took me longer than 10 minutes to prepare this, because I didn't have pre-cooked sweet potatoes. I peeled, cubed and cooked them in the morning as I was making the dish. Taking longer in the kitchen, simply meant I had more time for coffee. Speaking of coffee, check THIS out. Cool? I'm pretty pumped about it and can't wait to have some in my possession tonight.

 Once the potatoes and onions were finished, I mixed in the remaining ingredients and finally the quinoa. As it finished cooking, I cooked the eggs in a separate pan. I served it to Jonathan and the boys. Jonathan said it was "an African" breakfast. One you could eat, then go work all day, knowing you would have dinner when you returned. It's a meal which will carry you though the entire day. Quite a compliment, but I still sent him to work with a packed lunch.

Two mornings later, my time in the kitchen was limited, probably because I hit snooze, so I made left over quinoa & veg hash breakfast burritos. I left out the eggs. I just reheat the left overs, put it inside a wheat tortilla, warmed it on both sides and served them with a side of blackberries. Quick, easy and filling.

Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: nothing
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: I didn't switch any, but didn't measure either.
What I'll try next time: I'll keep it the same.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 5
Elliott: 3.5
Chas: turned up his nose
'becca: 4.5, I also ate it after a bike ride one day chilled and it was yummy then too.

Brown Rice Muffins

Brown Rice Muffins, page 106

I made two batches of these, one as muffins and the other as a thin cake. The cake is easier to freeze and also easier to wrap similar to a rice cake for a ride. 

Did you ever read the magazine Highlights as a child? Remember the hidden picture page and the puzzles where you compared the two pictures finding the differences? I realize I didn't do a very fantastic taking the two photos from the same spot in my kitchen. Differences? Leave a comment and let me know what you notice. 

I followed the recipe, making sure to only use 1/4 cup of milk to begin. I am thankful I did, because the batter would have been too runny, had I used 1/2 cup. I only had 5 eggs, using 3 in the first batch and 2 in the second. It didn't seem to make much of a difference in the thickness of the batter, but that could be, because I used a bit of extra apple sauce to make up for the missing egg.

I do not always have on hand, potato flour, usually rice flour. So, that's what I used. I placed the ingredients in the Blentec & chose the batter setting. It took 2 cycles to make it smooth, allowing it to pour with ease into the muffin cups.

I am not sure if I filed them too high, but they sank in the middle. Not a big deal, because the little indention fills well with a rhubarb strawberry compote I made over the weekend. They just are not very pretty.

I have eaten them warm, chilled, in the car and on my bike, shared some, but mostly eaten them myself. Each time, especially on the bike, they hit the spot.


Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: 1 egg
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: Brown rice flour & almond milk were used, vanilla, cinnamon and fresh nutmeg were additions.
What I'll try next time: I'm not sure how to make them not sink in the center. Boo! Any suggestions?
How it Scored: 4.5 for taste and 5 for ease. I'm the only one in this family who has eaten them.

Muesli (sorta. kinda. ok, not really)

I'm feeling left out! I am unable to eat any of the recipes my boys have created. I am unable to eat oats. Yes, I know there are Certified Gluten Free Oats, but oats, GF or not, cause a very similar reaction inside my belly as wheat. This has been a fairly recent discovery for me and was unfortunately confirmed when I sampled every flavor of Bonk Breaker at the Galveston Half Ironman expo. I should have known better, but I have a serious weakness for almond butter and honey. From now on I will stick to rice cakes and ride waffles, which offer me no tummy troubles.

I thought I'd try to make a recipe similar to the ones my boys are making, but using cooked, chilled rice in place of old fashioned rolled oats.

Not really Muesli, Chocolate, Cherry
by a feeling left out mom, 'becca

 Above are the ingredients I used: plain Greek yogurt, chocolate almond milk, cooked & cooled rice, dried cherries.

It was delicious and will be something I make again in the future. I know it will be refreshing this summer after a workout in the heat and humidity of the Ozark Mountains.

Recipe
Ingredients ~
1 cup cooked & cooled rice
1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup dried, tart cherries

Method ~
Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight. If you forget to make it the night before, you can combine the ingredients and enjoy it after, but it it best after an overnight soak.

Review:
I'll stick to unsweetened vanilla almond milk, my favorite and maybe sticky rice. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't outstanding. It will be refreshing after a hot and humid ride or even as an end of the day sweet treat. If you, like me, are unable to oats and are also GF let me know what you think about this recipe. It is not from The Feed Zone and it is not something which Dr. Lim or Chef Biju make or use. It is purely the result of a mom who watched her kids make recipes she was unable to eat and her husband enjoy.

Muesli (Mango-Mango)

Today is Elliott's birthday, he's 11. Happy Birthday to the person who made me a mom.

 I love you more than you can imagine and pray that you discover for the very purpose you were created and upon that discovery, pursue it without abandon. I pray that in the world you live, play & work, you are a leader and changer, loving God and people. I pray you achieve the goals you have set with hard work, grace and kindness. May year 11 bring great moments...I love you, kiddo. ~ momma

As we cook and eat our way through The Feed Zone, many of the recipes have become meals we prepare with regularity. Last night Elliott had 5 of his pals sleep over. Yes, it was brilliant, birthday chaos. Yes, they were wide awake playing Xbox at 2 am. Yes, they played a combo game of hide & seek and tag around 3am. No, Jonathan and I didn't sleep well. Yes, they are still sound asleep in various corners of the boys & guest room, under makeshift tents. And yes, they had Feed Zone pizza crust as the building block of make-your-own-pizza for dinner. This morning they will have Buttermilk Pancakes when they wake.

The Muesli recipe we are sharing this morning was from our lover of mangoes, Chas. Last week the boys were talking about memories they will always have with their daddy. They both said, "We will always remember eating mangoes with daddy. The ways he peels them, slices them and shares them with us." Chas, our picky eater is a huge fan of mango. Here is his Muesli recipe...

Muesli, Mango-Mango
by Chas

 oats + milk

 oats + milk + yogurt

 oats + milk + yogurt + frozen mango

 oats + milk + yogurt + frozen mango + dried mango

now STIR!


Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1/4 cup dried mango,cut into pieces

Method
Mix ingredients above, stir, refrigerate overnight, enjoy the next morning for breakfast or as a snack.

With the boys still sound asleep, Jonathan enjoyed open face egg and greens sandwich, coffee and a bowl of muesli, mango-mango. I also packed a bowl for him to have as his mid-morning snack at the office.

Muesli (Vanilla, Banana)

I have zero pictures of this being made or eaten. Last night we received a phone call from my parents asking us if we could help out a person stranded person in the area. Through the magic of social media, they realized a the youth pastor, of a pastor friend, of a friend, of a co-worker of my dad's, was indeed stranded and sitting at a McDonald's 20 minutes from our house. His bike was broken and he needed to get parts in the morning. Until the shop opened he would need  a place to rest his head and my parents knew we had an extra.

With what little information I had been given, the word I heard loudest was bike? I immediately thought he must be biking across America and popped into action mode. We will put the rack on the Jeep, come to his rescue and introduce him to our cycling friends in the morning making sure the rest of his trip was smooth sailing. As I came up with this plan, my thumb* dialed his number.

"Hi, I'm 'becca and you don't know me, but because of a message on Facebook my parents read (I'm not on Facebook) and a series of connections, we got your number and are happy to have you in our home for the night. Where are you and can I fix you a meal before you arrive? Oh and what kind of bike are you on?"

The conversation was short, but I learned this, it was not a Trek or Specialized, it was a Honda and he was on his way to Oklahoma to attend a week long spiritual retreat. His trip was rudely interrupted by a nail in the rear tire and he didn't need dinner. Because he was stranded at McDonald's and had eaten dinner there.

Jonathan and our boys hopped in the car to go pick him up and I made the guest room for him, cleaned the bathroom, swept and mopped the floors, finished laundry, tried to tidy up the kitchen and in the mix of it all threw together the ingredients for the Muesli the boys wanted to try the next morning. At the very least I would be able to feed him a healthy breakfast before he left our home.

He was so kind, a beef farmer, fish and wildlife worker and youth pastor. Oh and get this, he lives with is grandmother. Not weird, but sweet. He is young and she is old and it works. He spoke so genuinely about her, so darling. He was kind of surprised, but so thankful we opened our door to a stranger. I said in return:  it's what you do. It's how we should treat others, with grace and love and kindness and yummy food like Muesli...vanilla, banana, muesli.


Recipe
Ingredients ~
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup white cows milk
splash of vanilla
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup banana chips
1 fresh banana sliced

Method ~
In the order listed above and in a bowl, mix well. Cover with a lid, refrigerate and in the morning you have breakfast.

In the morning I woke at 4:45 to make it to a 5:20 swim workout with some tri pals. I usually train alone, so it was nice to have people to push me during our main set. I returned home to kiss Jonathan on his way to work and bake 2 batches of scones before they, my boys and our guest, woke. The warm scones and the cool Muesli went well together. Muesli was new to him and he liked it. My boys thought it was fair.

I drove him around out little town and to the Honda motorbike dealership. They had the parts he needed in stock, which was an answer to prayer. He wanted to be on his way to the retreat and I couldn't blame him. We drove to the place where his bike stayed the night and would be repaired. I handed him a bag of  bike treats I packed for him: fruit, cliff bars**, scones & almonds, wished him traveling mercies and waved.

I trust he made it to his destination and for some reason our paths crossed. He said our gesture gave him reassurance that there are still good people in the world. Maybe he needed that reassurance and I need to know that the Muesli is a perfect match for someone. So far we have had more misses than hits for the @nimrodboys. I'm beginning to think they like their oats warm. We have 2 more recipes to try. Tomorrow it's Chas' turn: Muesli Mango!
Muelsi, Chocolate Chip Recipe
Muesli, Honey and Jam Recipe

*That's for you Amy.
**I know, I know. I'm currently out of rice cakes.

Muesli (Honey & Jam)

If this is your first time here, welcome. We are spending the week playing with the Muesli recipe on page 33 of The Feed Zone. Each day we are making it a new way and sharing the recipe with you. Here is a link to Muesli ~ Chocolate, Chocolate Chip which we shared yesterday.

Red, watery eyes, coughing, stuffy noses...allergies. Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? How do you treat it? With our most recent move, both of our boys have discovered whatever is blowing in the air is making them blow their noses, bummer! Saturday was opening day for at our local Farmer's Market and we were able to finally find local honey. A much better way to treat the sniffles, than Benadryl, don't you agree? That local honey is key in today's recipe.

Muesli ~ Honey & Jam
by Elliott with help from Chas

 ingredients.

 They'd been playing outside all afternoon and his hands were filthy. Teaching good food prep manners, wash your hands boys!

 First in...oats.

 Ahhhhh, liquid silver....honey. (Come on, liquid gold is coffee, but honey runs a close second.)

 Look at the grin in Chas' face. He most certainly scooped in more than the 2 tablespoons our recipe has listed below.

 As I snapped this picture, Chas was digging in the drawer for the perfect wooden spoon with which to stir.

He found it.
We used an all fruit strawberry jam, which is sweetened with fruit juice and as you have already read, local honey.

Muesli, Honey and Jam
Recipe 
Ingredients ~
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup plain cow's milk
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
2 tablespoons honey, at least
2 tablespoons of your favorite jam

Method ~
Combine all of the ingredients above and mix thoroughly. Place a cover over the bowl and refrigerate overnight.  In the morning, enjoy. You may want to add a bit more honey and jam to taste.