Favorite New Thing - De Boles Pasta

        After going gluten free I abandoned the thought of finding great tasting pasta. Brown rice, corn, quinoa all great grains but in the end made for terrible pasta. My world was turned upside down when I encountered De Boles Multi Grain Spaghetti Style Pasta. Made from a delicious blend of rice, quinoa and amaranth De Boles is the first pasta I've kept in my cupboards (as opposed to tossing it out after the first use). It's surprisingly great tasting and filling. I love the fact that it blends well with sauces (instead of tasting like corn or rice with spaghetti sauce on top of it). To use simply toss in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until al dente. I'm still having a little problem getting the al dente part down but I will get it. Best of all I love how it's given me a pasta experience I can look forward to.

Love that app!!!

        With so much going on in our daily lives it can be tough to keep track of our obligations. Evernote, a free app through the Android market place allows you to stay organized by allowing users to take photos, create to do list, record audio, draw, sketch and last but not least take notes. Best of all it remembers everything since it syncs across all your devices (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc...). It's somewhat similar to ColorNote Notepad but with more features and functionality. I use my Evernote to create

• Daily to do list
• Grocery list
• Take photos

        It beats using pen and paper and you don't have to worry about remembering about taking your list with you everywhere (instead just take your smart phone). It takes some getting use to but if your into organization Evernote is for you. 

   

Happy V-Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your loved ones!

Tools of the Trade - Misto

Controlling your fat intake (especially the unhealthy kind) can be challenging, looking for a product that could assist me I stumbled upon Misto Olive Oil Sprayer. Available for $10 at various retailers, Misto is perfect when you’re watching your oil usage. Suitable for a variety of oils including olive oil, corn oil (or in my case canola oil) you can even use lemon juice in your sprayer. To use simply remove the top, fill half way up with the liquid of your choice and screw the nozzle back on. Use the cap to pump air into the container and all that’s left to do is point and spray.

             I’ve been using Misto now for four months and I am definitely pleased. I’m amazed how little oil I end up using. My oil seems to last longer and there hasn’t been a difference in the quality of food. The before and after in my oil usage is very apparent. I'm really glad I purchased it. After reading the reviews online I’ve learned a few helpful hints that I think will help you with your Misto. 

1. Keep Misto upright to get the best mist of oil (tilt the pan instead).
2. Release any used pressure from the canister by unscrewing the nozzle. 
3. Wash your Misto after you used all the oil. 

GF Product Review - PureFit

You wouldn't believe the struggle it took to find a gluten free protein bar. I ran into many imitators but never the real thing. Bars laden in sugar but low in protein wouldn't do. When all of a sudden I learned of PureFit Bars. Dairy, wheat and gluten free PureFit Bars come in five different flavors

• Granola Crunch
• Almond Crunch 
• Berry Almond
• Chocolate Brownie
• Peanut Butter Crunch 

Each bar contains around 220 calories, packs 18 grams of protein and follow a 40/30/30 (carbs/protein/fat) ratio. They have a bit of a chewy texture close of that to a dense brownie (but nothing that's unruly). They're excellent for when you're on the go. I simply place in my backpack and walk out the door with confidence that I have a gluten free option with me. The fact that the don't melt is an added plus. My favorite flavor has to be Peanut Butter Crunch, Chocolate Brownie didn't live to my expectations. Having an alternative like PureFit Bars really helps me in the course of my day. I just wish I could have found them sooner. 

Book Review

         I use to think that salad was a road block on the way to the entree. After all anything that healthy can't possibly taste that good...can it? Since picking up Raising The Salad Bar by Catherine Walters I now think of salad as a welcomed addition to the meal. RSB takes you on a journey through the world of salads opening your eyes and mind to what a salad could be. Your journey begins with an intro into salad basics before moving on to chicken, steak and seafood salads. As you continue your mind is further immersed as potato, pasta and bean salads are highlighted. Grain, cole-slaws and garden salads round out your education. Through out the book you'll find useful tips, techniques and recipes for delicious home made salad dressings. Once you make your own dressings you'll never go back to store brought. While the book is not entirely gluten free and few simple swap outs can convert most recipes into safe fare. I've had RSB for close to two years I can honestly say it was money well spent.  The best part of the book isn't the great recipes, the exposure to new ingredients or the new found love I have for making my own dressings but the way it changed my view on salad. When a book can open your mind that makes it pretty special.

Quotes and Sayings

"An onion can make people cry, but there has never been a vegetable invented to make them laugh." 

Will Rogers