Sunday, Sunday

Well, it was a lovely day, but I was exhausted! One dog decided to try several times in the night to return a dish-cloth she ate the other day (she's a large dog and can reach the sink). There were kids to run around and grocery shopping to do, along with trying to prepare some healthy food.

Today's menu included strawberries (and I cheated...a coffee with hot chocolate in it) as I was in a hurry, for breakfast. Lunch consisted of yummy left-over curry on basmati rice from yesterday and dinner was a Chili recipe from the book 'Make it Paleo' (http://www.makeitpaleo.com/ ) and some gluten-free Naan bread (I'm a dipper so needed a bit of a bread fix).

It has occurred to me that ever since I began eating gluten and dairy-free (except my chocolate cheat!) I have been having really, REALLY, weird dreams. Vivid and bizarre. I wouldn't mind except that part of my changing my habits is to try and rid myself of the constant fatigue I have been experiencing. Waking up or even remembering dreams means I am losing precious sleep during the night :( Could explain the headache and dizziness I've been experiencing all day today.

I have started taking a multi-vitamin with iron in it to up my lovely, very low, ferratin count, but am finding this isn't helping my other digestive issue, so I'm really feeling the bloat. I take an amazing probiotic and I am hoping it kicks in and does it's job for me ;) Also, at the recommendation of my very brilliant friend in the States, I am including calcium for my bones since I am now cutting out dairy, and Vitamin D supplements to try and up my energy level.

Not much of a meat-eater in general, I am feeling a bit gross about all of the meat I have ingested in the past couple of days. I'm hoping it all gets processed and 'moves along' instead of rotting in my digestive track. I really need the protein and the iron so am hoping my bod does its job and remembers it was created to be an omnivore and eat meat.

One issue I am finding is locating all of the ingredients required for some of these recipes, and the cost to make gluten/dairy-free alternatives. Yikes! A tiny bag of almond meal is over $10 and many recipes call for 1 cup...I think there is 3 in the bag. I looked for bulk almond flour and there was none to be found. More of a baker than a cook, the daunting task of preparing and cutting vegetables is not exactly fun for me. Sure I like to eat, but cooking takes more time than I like to give, so today, I recruited my son to help me cube up the meat for the chili. He is taking a food and nutrition course at school, so is showing more of an interest in the kitchen (thankfully!). Unfortunately, my daughter didn't appreciate what was on the menu and wouldn't try it, and no one wanted to help out with the dishes. Lots and lots of dishes creating today's meal. The only downside to an otherwise fantastic choice!

Presently, I am soaking a whole bunch of nuts in warm water and salt over-night in preparation of a home-made granola (so I can have sort-of cereal). I will post the final product in a day or two...as it has to soak for 10-12 hours and then bake 10-12 hours! A lot of time for a few cups of nuts. It should be worth it though :)

Here are some pictures of the delicious Paleo Chili and Naan followed by the recipe for the Naan.

Mmmm....Chili

Delicous Naan

Delightful combo... will make again!

Gluten Free/Dairy Free Naan Recipe

This recipe was taken from the Fire and Salt blog ( http://fireandsalt.blogspot.ca/2010/09/gluten-free-naan-bread.html /) with some substitutions of my own.

2 tsp Quick rising yeast

2 TBSP Sugar

1/2 cup Warm water (30 degrees C)

2-1/4 cups Gluten Free flour mix (I purchased a bag, but you can find recipes on-line)

1 tsp Minced garlic

1 tsp Sea Salt (recipe originally calls for just salt, but I only use a sea salt grinder)

1/8 tsp Xanthan gum (found in organic food section by gluten free flours)

1/8 tsp Garlic powder

1 Egg

1-1/2 TBSP ALMOND milk (I substituted almond milk for the called for cow's milk)

OLIVE OIL for frying (recipe originally called for butter)

• In a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, salt, xanthan gum, minced garlic and garlic powder.
• Add 1 lightly beaten egg and the ALMOND milk.
• In a bowl or Pyrex measuring cup, add the warm water, sugar and yeast. Proof the yeast for about 3-4 minutes. Mixture should foam up slightly.
• Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix with a dough hook until thoroughly combined.
• Lay parchment paper over a baking sheet or cutting board and lightly dust with Gluten Free flour (I used a lot as the dough was sticky)
• Using WELL-FLOURED hands (trust me on this one), divide dough into 4 pieces.
• RE-FLOUR hands (gluten free) and press the dough into four flat rounds a bit larger than your hands.
• Cover pressed dough with a clean tea-towel and place in warm area to rise for 20-30 minutes (doesn't rise a lot)
• Pre-heat a heavy skillet (I used a crepe pan), and add 1 tbsp of OLIVE OIL. Individually fry each piece of Na'an, adding more oil per piece.
• Pre-heat oven to 250degrees F
• Wrap Naan in foil and heat in oven for 4-5 minutes (the steam from the foil will make the naan soft and chewy)

ENJOY!!!!! (soooo good!!)

Not sure I can post the chili recipe due to copyright laws...now that it's in a book and all, but the basics are 3lbs of rump roast, cubed and lightly browned, yellow onion and garlic (the whole fist!!) sauteed in coconut oil, 2 green peppers sauteed until browned in more coconut oil, paprika (tbsp), 2 cans fire roasted tomatoes, 1 can tomato paste, salt and pepper, tsp of cumin and I think that's about it. Was really good. You cook it on looooow for a few hours in a pot (or all day in a slow-cooker on warm or the lowest setting). Serve it up with the naan and enjoy!

Off to enjoy a chamomile tea now and (crossing fingers) get me some big sleep!