366 Days of Natural Recipes: A New Years Resolution

A new year is upon us. Today is the eve of 2012. My predictions and expectations for the New Year are vast, but none of them include Mayan calendars.

As I've contemplated over the last month or so what my new year's resolution would be- I came to the conclusion that it wasn't necessarily something I wasn't already doing; but rather something I wasn’t doing whole-heartedly. I’ve decided, not only for myself but for my growing little (and fairly new) family that I am going to create one new natural recipe for each day over the next year. Keep in mind that htis year is a leap year- 366 days. In order to increase my stick-to-it-ness, I am going to blog the recipe and my results daily as well. The idea is that it will force be to be more introspective about the food I and my family consume, as well as develop a menu for the week to aid in my other goal of budgeting better.

I was going to title this post as "Natural HEALTHY Recipes", but let's be honest; I have every plan to make some deliciously sinful recipes as well. That being said, there are rules to the resolution…

1.      Being that my house is virtually a gluten free one, all recipes will be GF as well. My husband and older son (Isaac) don’t mind, because they like my GF cooking and are both born human garbage disposals that will eat anything I thrown at them (within reason). That’s not to say I won’t get good feedback, but they will eat it regardless of their inner desires.

2.      I will post with each recipe what food allergen communities the recipe is SAFE for. If my bakery business has taught me anything, allergens are on the rise and it’s better to be “in the know”.

3.      All recipes will be created with “from-scratch”, in-season and local ingredients whenever possible. The exceptions are obviously cheeses, pastas and some sauces- but I will venture to make those from scratch as well when possible. Listen folks, I’m a mommy, a teacher, an entrepreneur and a wife- time is of the essence when it comes to food prep.

4.      Not only will I post “dinner recipes”, but also breakfast, treats, desserts and baby food. My 6.5 month old appreciates a good home-cooked meal as much as the next person.

5.      I may use recipes from books and online, but I must adapt them to make them “my own” and fit the needs of my family.

6.      AND FINALLY… I will be brutally honest about what has been successful and what has flopped. I’ll include any other aspects I would change if I were to carry out a “do-over”.

As part of this whole experience, my husband and I will be expanding our garden selections in the spring. We have always attempted to be a little self-sufficient, but check out the stash that Santa Claus left in my stocking this year... what a great guy!

For anyone who should stumble upon my little blog, please let me know what you think of the recipes. I fyou have anything you would like me to attempt a GF version of, please let me know! Leave comments and Bon Appétit!



Naturally,

Raych

Tomorrow's recipe: Thin Crust Pizza with Farmer’s Cheese, Tomatoes and Honey-Caramelized Onions

A Gluten Free Review of Disney

Quite obviously I would not be able to "eat my way" through all of Disney in only a seven day trip and on a limited budget, but I decided that I would do a section of reviews regarding gluten free dining in Disney World (Orlando, Florida) based upon my personal experience. Also obvous- this trip did not include mouch food on the "natural" spectrum. Overall, our trip is going very well. We have managed to keep both my 3 year old and my 4 month old fairly content and we have only one day left of park hopping. The gluten free free options, or for the most part, awareness, is astounding to me- with ony a few faults along the way.

I should start first with the quick-service dining at the resort we are staying at- Disney's All Star Movies. It was not really well advertised that there were so many gluten free options in the cafeteria style dinging areas at Disney, but on day two I decided to inquire about whether a product had contained gluten and I was directed to the head chef. I would later find out that it is Disney policy to bring out a chef to talk to you every time you ask about a food containing an allergen. Throughout this past week I have enjoyed omelets, hashbrowns, pizzas, brownies, hamburgers (on GF buns) and a delicious turkey dinner with a roll, all for free due to a quick-service meal plan giveaway, and ALL gluten free! I will have to admit that many of the brand choices are not always the most desireable- sorry Glutino, but your pizza products crumble in my mouth. Nothing compares to Connecticut's own "JD's Best" pizza. However, considering the options I was pleased to get some starchy foods in my diet for the week.

A disclaimer to all of those out there looking to travel to Disney and eat GF in the caeteria areas- plan ahead. Your meal will take at least twice as long to prepare, so order BEFORE going to get food for the rest of your family. Don't forget dessert- they have GF brownies and cookies as well that a chef can get from the back for you! That being said, the fact that they have the forethought to think of all of us out there, who would otherwise be hesitant to eat at Disney, is wonderful!

Next time, I will review GF Epcot- with a focus on what has turned out to be the most pleasant suprise, the Coral Reef restaurant!

Naturally,

Raych

My slice of the blogging world

You've found me! I have given in to the desire to bite off my own little piece of the bloggo-sphere!

My aim is to chronicle not only my life (as a wife and as a mom of two beautiful little men -Isaac, 3 years and Henri, 3 months) but also my quest to expand my co-owned gluten free and allergen friendly bakery and live an overall "natural" existence. 

I plan to share quips and stories, recipes and reviews. I hope to provide those who should stumble upon my little dwelling, an insiders view of the gluten free/natural food industry, as I see it. Which will provide the reader with, if not insight, at least a few minutes of break from what is likely a stressful day on your end too!

Thanks for reading!

Naturally,

Raych