The Simple Woman's Daybook 5 May 2013

Outside my window...the world is bright and brand new.  The sun is shining and multitudinous birds are singing.

I am thinking...about music and the range of feelings and emotions that can be expressed by a few simple chords.

I am thankful for...a day spent without any stress or schedule.  Thank you to my wonderful husband for giving in to the whims of his emotional wife.  Yesterday was perfect.

From the kitchen...the plan is for Auntie Kim's Cowboy Casserole.  There, now that we have a plan the rest of the day can begin.

I am wearing...an odd combination of sweatshirt and capris.  It's Monday and there is no place I have to go and no one here cares what I look like!!!!! Hooray for days like this.

I am going...nowhere!!!!!  The car shall have this day off to rest and recover from all of its faithful service.

I am reading...Othello by William Shakespeare

I am hoping...to get the bulk of my remaining assignments done today.  The stacks of fabric that I have been playing with are calling to me.  I have this large need to cut and sew.

I am hearing...Layn upstairs getting his room cleaned up and his laundry together (yes at 3 his mean grandma makes him do his own room and gather his laundry), I can hear the murmurs of MK and Melissa talking about something, and the parakeet chirping in its cage.

Around the house...there has been a subtle shift to warm weather mode.  Window areas have been cleared so that breezes don't knock things over.  Winter things are slowly disappearing and signs of spring and summer appear in their places.  It is housekeeping's nod to the change in seasons.

One of my favorite things...laying on the grass and watching the birds in the trees.  Spent plenty of time yesterday doing just that.

A few plans for the rest of the week....I think that this week I won't make plans.  Playing it by ear seems to be in order and coordinate well with the warm temperatures.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you....

An ants eye view of MK's perennial garden.

Going beyond Gluten free

I have difficulty with my weight, always have. In the past ten years I have also had problems with my digestion and an increasing number of food allergies and sensitivities.  I did not jump on the bandwagon of gluten free eating just because it is the fad, believe me this girl misses eating the homemade bread that she bakes every week!  I have researched and chosen to eat mostly gluten free for a couple of years now because I notice a positive change in my digestion and in how uncomfortable I am in the evening.  

Recently I bought and read a book call "Wheat Belly" and have had a dietary epiphany.  After eating totally grain free for over a week now, and going through withdrawl symptoms I can say that I feel incredibly good.  There have been no symptoms of GERD for four days now and I am completely free from cravings.

Tonight I was very tempted to cheat because my family is having Tacos and I really like wraps of any kind, especially spinach!!! So I decided to try this recipe from the "Wheat Belly Cookbook" and it is definitely a keeper!!!

Herbed Focaccia

2 cups almond meal/flour

1 cup garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour

1/2 cup ground golden flaxseeds

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp fine sea salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp instant yeast (optional)

4 egg whites

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a round baking stone with olive oil, line it with parchment paper, and then liberally brush the paper with oil.

To Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, and salt.  Stir or whisk to combine and break up the flour.

In a small bowl or glass measure, whisk the buttermilk and the yeast until it dissolves.  Set aside. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a rough dough ball forms. Gently fold in the egg whites until they're fairly well incorporated. The dough will not become completely smooth, and the whites will still be somewhat frothy.

Spread the dough in the pan with a spatula or spoon. Lightly coat your fingertips with oil and dimple the top of the dough. Pour oil over the top making sure it is entirely covered.  

I sprinkled mine with basil, oregano and garlic powder but you can leave it plain or use a different mix of herbs.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and slightly spongy in the center.

With a pizza cutter or knife, cut into the desired size and number of flatbreads. Serve warm.