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Monday, November 16, 2015

Gestational Diabetes/Gluten Free Approved Recipe - Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai





Chinese food is something I have been craving since I changed my gestational diabetes diet to low carbs several months ago. After doing some research, I found this original recipe at http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Paleo-Pad-Thai-Recipe-32022190 for Pad Thai over spaghetti squash. Surprisingly it tasted like the real thing and I think it was better with the squash than the rice noodles. And I must add it was low in carbs, high in protein, and gluten free so that I could enjoy many bites! Finally, I will also point out that I learned to cook with baby bok choy for the first time!
Original Recipe
1 medium spaghetti squash, seeds removed and cut into quarters (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 head broccoli, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 heads baby bok choy, sliced crosswise into 1-inch strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cashews, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup tangy peanut dressing, recipe below
For tangy peanut dressing:
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ume plum vinegar
1/8 cup roasted almond butter
1/4 cup coconut milk
Place a metal steamer basket in a large pot and add three inches of water. Steam the spaghetti squash in the basket for 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the spaghetti squash from the basket and allow to slightly cool so you can handle.
While the squash is cooking and cooling, create the tangy peanut sauce. Puree the lime juice, ginger, garlic, and vinegar until very smooth. Blend in the almond butter and coconut milk until thoroughly combined. Divide 1/4 cup for your pad Thai and store the rest in a glass jar for up to three days.
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop the spaghetti squash out of the skin and set aside.
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion for eight to 10 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the broccoli and saute for about 10 minutes, under tender. Stir in the bok choy and saute for three to four minutes, until wilted. Add the squash to the skillet, stir briefly to incorporate, then add the scallions and cilantro.
Top with toasted cashews and tangy peanut sauce. Serve hot!
Adapted Recipe
1 medium spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head broccoli, chopped 
2 heads baby bok choy
6 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced 
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cashews, already halved
1/4 cup tangy peanut dressing, recipe below
For tangy peanut dressing:
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/8 cup roasted almond butter
1/4 cup coconut milk
Cut the spaghetti squash in half length wise. Remove seeds. Take first half and lay face down in approximately an inch of water in a microwavable dish. Put in microwave for 15 minutes. Then remove and scrape out squash from the skin with a fork. Repeat for second half or store in fridge for another time.
Prep all your food ahead of time including the baby bok choy. 
To wash baby bok choy, first remove stalks and rinse the dirt off in water or wash like you would a herb. Periodically cut of the base of the cabbage to separate all the stalks. To chop the vegetable, start chopping down the middle length wise. Then cut the white bottom from the leafy top. Slice each but separate the white part of the plant from the green leaf into a separate bowl. You will saute the white portions longer as they are harder. Put in the leafy greens toward the end.
To create the tangy peanut sauce, puree the lime juice, ginger, garlic, and vinegar until very smooth. Blend in the almond butter and coconut milk until thoroughly combined. 
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion and broccoli in some garlic until the onion is translucent and the broccoli is tender. Stir in the bok choy and pepper flakes and saute for three to four minutes, until wilted. Add leftover shredded chicken or a can of chicken. Top with the toasted cashews and tangy peanut sauce. Serve hot over the spaghetti squash.

I will finally add that if you are counting carbs, be sure to watch how much squash you are eating. If you need a few more carbs, then fix an egg roll on the side!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Make Monday: Make a Difference, Take a Stand Against Gambling

I know, it is Christmas week and you're expecting a post about crafts, how to wrap gifts etc. Trust me, this is much, much more important.

This week you will be with family and friends. Tell them that you are against the expansion of gambling. As a parent, if internet gambling is allowed, that will turn any smartphone/kindle into a slot machine. Gambling, of any kind, is not good for children.

Conservative or liberal, you know the implications that gambling has on families. You'll be with your families this week. We have one question for you to ask your family members.

How has gambling effected you?

This week my father in law retired. At the party, my Uncle (in law) said, "They should make everyone pass a test of probability before they enter. The house always wins."

He also shared a story. "It (Prairie Meadows) was just going to be a small horse race track. It turned in to so much more. I know someone who lost everything and he was making good money. He declared bankruptcy. He lost his job. Just make good choices."

I feel for anyone who lost their parent/grandparent/Christmas this year because of gambling (suicide).  I feel for families who are brought in by the empty promises of wealth and lose it all.

Enough is enough.  Iowa Conservatives Against Gambling Expansion says, "No MORE!"  https://www.facebook.com/pages/ICAGE-Iowa-Conservatives-Against-Gambling-Expansion/639300049486581
Not here, not Iowa.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Food Friday: Cold Days, Hot Soup...Irish Queso Soup!

It's cold. Maybe not as snowy as Buffalo, NY, but cold.

Who doesn't love a good soup...especially when you can just dump it in the crock pot and go about your day?!!

I found a recipe for Pepper Jack Cheese Soup...but our boys didn't like the name. Our 5 year old said, "It's like queso, but with potatoes and ham."

Our 8 year old chimed in, "Ham and potatoes, that's Irish, right? So it is Irish Queso Soup."

And with that, this meal had its new name.

It is SO easy. Spray the crock pot and add...

  • 2 Cans Diced Potatoes
  • 2 Cans Chopped Green Chilis
  • 2 Cans Cream of Potato Soup
  • 2 Cans Cream of Celery Soup
  • 2 Cans Evaporated Milk
  • 1 Package Diced Ham
  • 2 Blocks of Pepper Jack Cheese (I just hand tore the blocks into smaller chunks)
  • 2 Cups Water 
Start it on low, cook for 8 hours. Use leftover ham (chopped) or buy prepackaged ham.  I'm sure the sodium content is off the charts, but it is SO good.

Add pepper and cilantro for a little more of a kick, if you like.



Easy and yummy dinner.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Tooth Thursday: The Dentist with Our 4 Year Old...And I Feel The Worst.

Brendan (4), aka B, had three cavities filled today.  He played with another little boy (his mom called him T and he was 6) with Legos in the waiting room.



B climbed into the chair, and when the dental assistant said, "I have to put this bib on you," B replied, "I know."

I said, "It's not Cavity Carl's first rodeo." He's had three cavities before.

The dentist thinks it's due to a lack of enamel. Dr. Kerby asked if I had taken antibiotics during pregnancy, and I had. And yes, I feel bad.

The 6 year old was in the chair next door. He was SCREAMING. B said, "What's his problem?" The assistant said, "He has to have one cavity filled. They are just putting the bib on him."

B replied, "I have free (3) cavities! And have da bib. And he's older dan me!"
I reminded him, "It's not a competition, dear."

B had "the gas" to help with the pain.



I asked B what he wanted, if he was good. Last night, his oldest brother got a slinky after a good parent/teacher conference. So, of course, all he wanted was a "swinky" of his own.

He sat so very still, he had tears in his eyes, the assistant wiped them away with the bib when they would run down his face. But he never once complained. One of his cavities was between his front teeth, and they had to get special small equipment to help fill it. B was a trooper.


And he got his "swinky" at Target after the fillings. I feel like a horrible mom, for him having low enamel on his teeth because of my antibiotics when I was pregnant with him, but God blessed us with such a tolerant and strong little dude.

Way to go, B. And yes, Mommy is sorry.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Make Monday: Make Memories and Help Veterans

Looking for something fun to do with the kids that helps injured heroes?

Why not build a gingerbread house?

The Puppy Jake Foundation is hosting a fundraiser, where all of the ingredients for your family's gingerbread home are provided.



The Puppy Jake Foundation raises and trains service dogs for our injured American heroes. It's a great way to make memories for your children and help those who served for our freedom.

You can print your entry form here
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