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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Gluten Free Yorkshire \Pudding

I searched the web to find a suitable gluten free recipe for Yorkshire Pudding. After reviewing a few complex recipes, I opted to take my own recipe and adapt it.

So here is my recipe for Gluten Free Yorkshire Pudding.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

INGREDIENTS

12 tbsp vegetable oil
4 organic free range brown eggs
2 cups Zena's Gluten Free 'Zap' flour mixture
1 tsp Xanthum Gum
2 cups 1% milk (or milk substitute like original Soy)

DIRECTIONS

Blend eggs, flour, xanthum and milk and let sit for approximately 1 hour

I like to use a cupcake pan, but you can make it as a sheet too.

Place 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in each cupcake slot. Place pan in oven until smoking hot! (10 mins is usually good)

Pour mixture into each individual slot till about 3/4 full.

Bake for 25 mins until golden brown and puffy.

Serve hot with gluten free gravy!

** they taste amazing cold too**

***If you can't get the Zena's gluten free 'Zap', use your favorite gluten free all purpose flour mix ***

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

GLUTEN FREE TO BE ME

...A JOURNEY OF PAIN, PROGRESS AND PASSION

Growing up, I was much like any other kid. I loved hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, pancakes, sandwiches and cakes. What I didn't realize at that time, was that all that gluten would one day wage war against me. I can't remember a time where I didn't have stomach issues. From the constant constipation to massive cramping and volatile diarrhea. I had it all. Yet, no medical professional ever once mentioned that 'gluten' could be the culprit to my gaseous gut.

As I got older, my love of gluten filled products continued on. I indulged in all things flour, with never a second thought. Loving that short stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning. Who knew my passion for food would someday bite back?

After being diagnosed with a myriad of diseases (from Osteoarthritis to Fibromyalgia and more), I became very cognisant of food and its impact on my aging body. It seemed like pain would become unbearable after eating a sandwich or cookie. I would double over in anguish and spend countless hours in various bathrooms. Still, never put the two together. That was until last year.

A friend suggested to me that I try taking 'gluten' out of my diet to see if my symptoms would ease up. 'Omg, you can't be serious?' How could I possibly give up everything that gave me comfort growing up? How the hell was I going to bake gluten free? I knew nothing about gluten free flours or products. Hell, I didn't even know what gluten was.

So, I tried it. Slowly at first. Being a Taurus/Gemini really doesn't help facilitate change easily. I'm just too stubborn. I digress. The first few experiences in tasting gluten free were not pretty. In fact, they were down right disgusting.

In hindsight, it was likely my abhorrence to change. But, I started to notice a difference. I wasn't spending hours in the bathroom puking and other assorted bodily functions that are nasty. My stomach wasn't in a permanent state of cramping and I was losing weight.

Really? Weight loss? This was cool. So, I started doing research and reading everything I could get my hands on with regards to gluten free. I found an amazing bakery in Maple Ridge (Zena's Gluten Free on Dewdney Trunk Rd & 223rd). They had fresh baked goodies (including my weakness towards brownies), breads and pizza shells. As if that wasn't enough for me to jump for joy, Zena's also had their magical mix called 'Zap'. A pre-mixed gluten free flour base that I could substitute one for one with regular flour. I thought I died and went to 'foodie heaven'.

It has taken a year, but I'm finally happy with cooking gluten free. Sure, I still crave those pancakes, but now I can enjoy them without the pain. (although, honestly I haven't found a gluten free pancake batter I like yet)

I have been able to alter some of my favorite recipes using that aforementioned 'Zap' along with other gluten free products that are on the market. I have also managed to drop from a size 22 to a 15.

If someone was to tell me five years ago that I would be enjoying a gluten free lifestyle, I would've laughed my ass off. Now, I am encouraging others to take the step to better health.

My passion for food hasn't changed much since my early years. What has changed is how I see food. It isn't just something to shove in my body for fuel anymore. Food is a pleasure of life and shouldn't cause you grief, pain or discomfort. My foods now are healthier, fresher (thanks to local Merchants) and flavorful.

Going gluten free isn't a challenge, it's a reward. I am free to be me! I may never be pain free but at least I can control the extra impact from food.

Living Without - Gluten-Free Yorkshire Pudding - Recipes Article

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Daiya Cheese Coupons Giveaway

Sunday, February 10, 2013

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH FEB 10 2013

31stANNUAL PCAHA

JUVENILE SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT

wrap up

by Sher Boudreau

This year's final game was hosted by North Delta Minor Hockey Association, at the Sungod Arena. Saturday February 9, just also happened to be 'Hockey Day in Canada'. A fitting occasion to see these all-star teams: "PCAHA Flames" vs. "PCAHA Canucks" play on the same day as their namesake NHL teams The Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks.

The final's rivalry began when the two teams met in round robin play. The PCAHA Flames won their first outing by a butt whooping score of 11-3 over the battered PCAHA Canucks. The Flames also won their game against the PCAHA Senators (who consequently came third in the tournament). With the Flames in full lead of the tournament, the Canucks had a settle to score.

The Scholarship Tournament was not only about winning the coveted Earl Sinkie Trophy. But an opportunity for these juvenile players made up from the lower mainland to play together on these all-start teams with different coaches. To develop new friendships, improve team-play, fair-play and also for a chance at one of three $500 bursaries awarded at the end of the tournament. (One bursary per team). This year, the final game was proud to have Earl Sinkie on hand to award his namesake trophy as well as the gold, silver and bronze place medals.

The first period was very fast paced with good clean hitting and outstanding net-minding by both sides. At the end of the first period, the teams were locked at 0-0. As the second period started, there seemed to be a newly lit fire under both sides. It would be the PCAHA Canucks that would draw blood first at 19:51 with an unassisted goal by Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio.

The Flames pressed and peppered shots at the Canucks goalie at struck pay dirt at 9:28 with a goal by Coquitlam Minor Hockey's Anthony Basso and assisted by Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey's TJ Bevilacqua. The Flames would continue to fire bullets at the Canucks net-minders (both Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell and Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Jacob Durose who would finish the game).

At 6:58 of the 2nd period, the Flames would get on the board again with a goal by Seafair Minor Hockey's Kris Hay with an assist by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

The Canucks would rally back and Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio would get his 2nd goal of the game. This time with the assist of Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Hirsh Gill.

Tensions were mounting as the clock whined down to zero and the 2nd period would end in a 2-2 tie. The third period would start with some good clean checking and constant pressure on both goalies. It would be the Flames to score at 11:41 of the 3rd period to take a 3-2 lead. Scored unassisted by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong also won the game's MVP for the Flames. While, the MVP for the Canucks was their goalie; Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell.

At the end of the game, the award presentation also included the awarding of the three $500 bursaries.

From the PCAHA Senators - representing North Vancouver Minor Hockey was Ryan Eisenbock who was on hand to receive his award. The second bursary was awarded to PCAHA Canucks player Kevin Scott, representing Surrey Minor Hockey. The third $500 bursary was awarded to PCAHA Flames player TJ Bevilacqua, representing Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey.

Prior to the final game's commencing, I had a chance to talk to a few of the coaches. While speaking with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey coach Derek Bedard, he was looking at all the name plaques on the trophy. It was at that moment that he made what would be quiet a prophetic statement.

"Hey Sher, remember when I played in the Scholarship Tournament?" "Yes," I replied happily. "Well, my winning team then was the PCAHA Flames. I'm now coaching the PCAHA Flames. Maybe this is a good omen".

No truer words could have been spoken that afternoon.

Congratulations to all the coaches, managers and especially to all the players. The Tournament showcased a remarkable display of sportsmanship, teamwork and fantastic hockey! Hockey Day in Canada certainly made it's mark for these graduating minor hockey players.