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Archive for 2012

New Year's Resolutions

December 31, 2012

New Years is an interesting time, people look back at the past year with two things in mind, what they liked and what they want to change. This is our opportunity to get set on the path to becoming the best people we can be, but normally we fall back in our ways come February. Gym membership sales are highest in January and cigarette sales are highest in February. When ever there is a habit I want to begin or break, I always start that day. Why would I put off bettering myself for another day? You are more likely to keep a habit that you begin on a random day than on you say you will start in a week, a month, or for New Years. If you want to start working our more, go right now! Begin this moment.

Some of the most common resolutions are…

1. loss weight

2. exercise more

3. eat healthier

4. spend more time with family

5. pay off debt/ save more money

6. quit smoking

7. drink less

We see these every year and most of us have one or two of those on our own lists. They are difficult things to fix but seriously worth it! And if it is too much to bite off then try for something a little more attainable. Maybe instead of exercising everyday you can try to just live an active lifestyle- going outside once on the weekends and be active for 20 minutes twice a week. It is enough to make changes happen but not too much that you quit before you begin.

YOU CAN MAKE THE CHANGES HAPPEN! You are the only person that is in control of your life and you have the power to turn it anyway that you want:) We are all rooting for you here at Rudi’s! Happy New Year and may this one be the best year you have lived yet!

Photo from:

allaboutbooksandcomics.com

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Almond Thumb Print Cookies with Honey Lemon Curd By Guest Blogger Denise from Edible Harmony

December 28, 2012

This is actually a marriage of two recipes into one… and they can be created together or separately.  However, since I loved the way they pair up, I decided to present them as one.

Feel free to play around with it.  The cookie dough can be used to make plain almond cookies or thumb print cookies filled with lemon curd, pumpkin butter, nut butter,  avocado chocolate pudding, or your favorite fruit preserve.

The honey lemon curd is a combination of a key lime pie filling and lemon butter.  I made it with whole eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and you have the option of using butter or coconut oil. It can be eaten over your favorite cookie, bread, cake, cracker, or just as is with a spoon.

Ingredients for the lemon curd:

1/2 cup of lemon juice
3 eggs
¼ cup of coconut oil or grass-fed butter
½ to 1/3 cup of honey
1 tbsp of lemon zest.

Preparation:

  • Blend all the ingredients together on low / medium speed.
  • Pour the mixture in a stainless steel or heat-resistant glass bowl
  • Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
  • Remove from heat and immediately strain it (optional)
  • Place in the refrigerator to set for at least two hours.
  • Enjoy over your favorite cracker, cookie, bread or just eat it by the spoon.

Ingredients for the cookie:

2 ½ cups of almond flour
3 tbsp of coconut flour
½ cup of coconut oil
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
½ cup dates
1/3 cup of honey.

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Using a blender or food processor, blend the dates, vanilla, oil and honey, until there aren’t any large pieces of dates left.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. If you are using a blender you may need to mix it by hand in a medium bowl.
  • Divide the dough into small balls (about 1 tbsp) and lightly press them onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, making circles about a ¼ inch thick. If you are making thumb print cookies, press your thumb on the center of the cookie to create room for the filling. Do not press the cookie to hard or it will be too dense.
  • Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
  • Carefully transfer cookies to a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes. Cookies will be very soft coming out of the oven but they will harden as they cool.
  • Eat as is or top them with lemon curd, chocolate avocado pudding, pumpkin butter, or your favorite fruit preserve.

Makes about 24 cookies

About Denise, she is originally from Costa Rica, but has been living in California since 1996. After being diagnosed as Gluten Sensitive in 2009, she began to try new gluten-free recipes. When more and more of her friends began to ask for these recipes, an idea was born. She realized that a lot of people struggle with creating healthy, quick and simple to make meals, so she decided to create her blog, Edible Harmony (www.edibleharmony.com) to share some of her family’s favorite recipes. All of her recipes are gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free and refined sugar free.

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Best Gluten Free Restaurants In The U.S.

December 27, 2012

Eating out is a really fun treat to be able to do, but eating gluten free can inhibit your choices. There are a few restaurants that are well known for not only have incredible food but for also being gfree! Some of these places are frequently visited by people who are celiac, have gluten allergies, and even people that do eat gluten.

“1—Risotteria, NYC

New Yorkers are practically stabbing and murdering each other to get into this major gluten free Italian spot that refuses to take a reservation. Chomp down on gluten free breadsticks, pasta, apple pie and wash it all down with gluten free beer. Forget you, carb free.

2—EVO Kitchen, West Hollywood

Sunset boulevard and gluten free. Try some of their beloved gluten free pizzas, brownies and beer.

3—Mariposa Ferry Building Bake Shop, San Francisco

Gluten free by no means takes all the fun out of bread. Witness here.

4—Help Yourself, Key West, Florida

House in renovated gas station (celiacs’ll get the irony of that) this is an adorable cafe that makes anything from Korean BBQ to Marinara to Humus Wraps to Thai to Lasagna in gluten free form.

5—Austin Grill, Washington DC

Tex Mex all gluten free!

6—Taco Deli, Austin, Texas

Austin’s a great little gluten free town and this authentic Mexican joint has enough awards to make it stand out from the rest.

7—S’mac, NYC

Gluten free mac and cheese. Enough said.”

Information from: newnownnext.com

Photo from sheknows.com

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Stay Active In The Winter Months!

December 26, 2012

I know it can seem like with the holidays and short cold days that is it impossible to stay healthy. But now that the holidays are almost over and the days are getting longer there is hope yet! Staying active all year long is just as important as eating well. We can all get a little bit of cabin fever and need to break loose from the family tension, working out/ being active is one of the best releases to feel revitalized for the new year!

I also suggest not starting this new active lifestyle at the new year, if you are serious about getting healthy start right now. Here are a few simple ways that you can start during the winter.

Running …Outside- Yes it will be cold, but as the Norwegians like to say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” The weather will always be an excuse so if you start during the most difficult times it will only get easier. This will be inexpensive and you don’t need to join a gym, just grab a coat and your old sneakers and be on your way.

Playing In The Snow- Instead of just sending your kids outside, join them. You will be amazed how difficult it is to keep up with them but it honestly is a good work out. Sledding and building snowmen are both ridiculously fun and you won’t even realize how much time has past. Plus being outside is always better than staying inside and your kids will love spending the time with you!

Shoveling- I know it seems like a better option to make your kids or husband do this but it is another way that you can get your active time in during the day. If you know a run or going to the gym isn’t going to happen, opt in for shoveling the driveway and you will be good to go! Those arms will be toned before you know it!

Even the small things make a difference, you don’t need to work out for hours everyday to change your life. You just need to make the initial step and the rest will follow! Good Luck:)

Photo from left to right- Chelsea, Maria, Emily, Myself (Grace)

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Rudi's Tasty GF French Toast

December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas! At my home we always wake up before the sun and begin the day with opening presents while my dad makes everyone breakfast. Last year he made the most remarkable french toast and I decided to recreate them this morning for my family! We start our Christmas at 6:00am every year so everyone was elated when I came out with the french toast, and no one knew they were gluten free!

Rudi’s Gluten-Free French Toast

1 cup milk

3 eggs

4 tbsp butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp gluten free vanilla

8 slices of Rudi’s Soft & Yummy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Directions:

In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, and milk. Once combined, add in vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Soak each piece of bread in the milky sauce and place in a baking dish until ready to cook.

Heat a pan to medium heat and cover with a slice of butter. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot place the soaked bread on the stove and cook until each side is golden brown, enjoy:)

** Over night option:

If you don’t have the motivation to make this in the morning, you can do the prep the night before. Instead of cooking them right away you can do everything in the first step and place the soaked pieces of bread in a pyrex pan, cover, and refrigerate over night. Then in the morning you can heat a pan and cook each bread until golden brown:)

This is perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast when you are too busy unwrapping presents to make a full yummy meal!

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How To Conserve Your Wrapping Paper Waste

December 24, 2012

One the the hardest things for me to see on Christmas is the huge piles of wrapping paper that is wasted every year. Up until recently my family would just throw it away but then we started to recycle. I think it is possible to take it one step further! Thanks to Pinterest, there really isn’t any need for you to stress out about how to reuse your wrapping paper. Sure you can try to conserve it and save it for next year but who really does that? I think it is time to get crafty.

School Book Covers- It is about to be the beginning of a new semester for your kids so that means new textbooks to be covered. If you don’t have book covers that can be reused then why not use the wrapping paper? They have such cute designs and even if your child doesn’t want elves dancing on their book all year they can flip it inside out to create a white canvas for them to decorate how ever they please!

Frame It- For the paper that isn’t too festive and you can get away with seeing it everyday of the year, frame it! Use it as a background for photos to add a little extra color and design on your walls:)

Shred It- If you don’t have a paper shredder grab your kids and hand out some safety scissors. You can use this shredded wrapping paper as cushion for packing valuables away or even for gifting late presents!

Regardless if you are crafted out, please make sure you recycle what ever leftover paper and plastic that your family uses, our earth would greatly appreciate it! Have a very happy holidays:)

Photo from:

businessinsider.com

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Rudi’s Holiday Survival Blog Post By Guest Blogger Sarah Platanitis

December 21, 2012

Gluten sensitivities can definitely put a damper on holiday get-togethers.  A little bit of planning can help.  Here’s seven lucky tips for you to follow:

1. Let your host know that you can’t have gluten and offer to bring a dish. This guarantees that you can safely eat at least one dish at the party.  Need some ideas?  There’s two recipes at the end of this post that you can try.

2. Before you head out the door, eat something.  If you don’t go hungry you’ll be less likely to drool over those off-limit items.  My go-to snack before a social event is two slices of Rudi’s gluten-free multigrain toast with peanut butter.

3. Pack an emergency stash.  Worst-case scenario, you won’t be able to eat anything at the party BUT you’ll have something gluten-free to nibble while mingling.  Bring some homemade Rustic Tortilla Chips and fellow party-goers will wish they brought some too!

4. Your host’s intentions might be good but, when in doubt, don’t eat it.  Unless you are 100% sure the dish is gluten-free, it’s totally okay to ask to see packaging, check an ingredient list, or pass.

5. Be aware of cross-contamination.  The dish might be gluten-free to start but someone may have accidentally glutened it.  Ask your host to label the dish to remind party-goers that pretzels, crackers or utensils from other dishes should stay away.

6. Host your own party!  Sure, it’s a bit of work but you can recommend a short list of safe foods for people to bring.  It’s worth the peace of mind knowing that all your fiesta foods will be okay for you and your friends to eat.

7. When all else fails, focus on family and friends not the food.  Have a favorite drink, listen to some good music and have fun!

A little rusty about proper serving and kitchen practices?  Brush up and share those tips with your holiday party host. The NFCA has a great printable guide that lists all the ways to avoid gluten contamination.  For more info, visit celiaccentral.org

Check out Sarah’s recipes that work great for holiday snacks and meals:


For more recipes and tips to get you through the holidays and every day, visit my blog, www.sarahinthekitchen.com

About Sarah in the Kitchen: Sarah grew up a “restaurant kid” and spent most of her childhood pretending to be Julia Child.  Her blog is a place for gluten-free kitchen musings and her food writing, photography and illustrations.  You can find and chat with Sarah on her blog, sarahinthekitchen.com, on Facebook and @OkatteKitchen on Twitter.

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Dad’s Spanish Rice with Chicken by Sarah Platanitis

Need a dish that keep you full and appease the masses at your next holiday party?   Try my dad’s recipe for a tummy and heart-warming comfort food that’s perfect for a long winter’s night!

What You Need:

6 boneless chicken thighs, cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

½ c. red bell pepper

½ c. green bell pepper

1/2 c. cucumber, peeled and seeded

2 cups of white rice, cooked

1 cup gluten-free chicken stock

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 can fire roasted tomatoes

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt or to taste

1 tsp black pepper or to taste

What You Do:

-Heat onion, garlic, cucumber and peppers in a large skillet on high.  Stir frequently, until onions and cucumbers soften.  Set aside.

-In a separate deep-sided pan, brown chicken on high heat.

-Reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes, vegetable mixture, ½ cup stock and spices.  Stir well.

-Add rice and remainder of the stock.  Reduce heat to low and cover for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For more recipes and tips to get you through the holidays and every day, visit my blog, www.sarahinthekitchen.com

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Rustic Tortilla Chips by Sarah Platanitis

My favorite food of all time is chips and salsa.  This recipe was created in a moment of wishing and wonderment.  (“I really want chips and salsa…can Rudi’s tortillas save the day?”)  It’s quick and easy to make, just add favorite spices and keep an eye on the oven.  Plain is okay but why not try out a few flavor combinations?  I’ve satisfied my sweet tooth with cinnamon and sugar or cocoa and chili powder.  Need something a little more savory?  Blend garlic and salt or black pepper and rosemary.  There’s 8 to a package, so try them all!

What You Need:

1 package Rudi’s Gluten Free Tortillas of your choice

Nonstick cooking spray

Seasoning of your choice, sweet or savory!

What You Do:

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray tortillas on both sides with nonstick spray. Sprinkle seasoning both sides.

-Pile them up on your cutting board and use a pizza cutter or knife to cut triangles or strips.

-Arrange tortilla pieces in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for approximately 6 minutes or until crisp, curly and lightly brown.

-Remove chips and set aside.  Serve warm or let them cool to the perfect level of crispiness!  Need them to go?  Put handfuls of them into brown lunch baggies.

For more recipes and tips to get you through the holidays and every day, visit my blog, www.sarahinthekitchen.com

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Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pizza by Sarah Platanitis

I have fond memories of doctoring up frozen pizza when I was younger.  I’d add whatever toppings I could find and give it a hearty shake or two of black pepper and garlic then toaster oven that culinary work of genius to a crisp.  The best part was cutting the pizza in long, narrow strips.  I’ve tweaked the recipe a bit, make it a little more “grown-up” and, of course, gluten-friendly.  (These will get gobbled up.  Thankfully, Rudi’s puts two in a pack.  Just double the recipe below.)

What You Need:

1 Rudi’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust

½ cup shredded cheese, preferably an Italian blend

½ cup tomato sauce of your choice.

Small mozzarella ball, cut into thick ¼” slices

1/4 cup pre-made basil pesto

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced

What You Do:

-Place pizza shell on a baking sheet prepped with non-stick spray.  Add sauce and shredded cheese.  Spread pesto and top with mozzarella slices and tomatoes.

-Bake accordingly.  Let sit for a minute before transferring pizza to a large cutting board.  Use a pizza cutter to make long, 1-inch wide strips.  Serve warm.

For more recipes and tips to get you through the holidays and every day, visit my blog, www.sarahinthekitchen.com

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