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Five Favorite Holiday Breakfast Recipes – Quiche, Frittata, Casseroles and more!

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You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to judge how appetizing and flavorful these 5 breakfast meals are.  The Quiche Lorraine with Spinach is one dish which will never fail to impress your guests. We eat this every holiday morning and it heats well a day, or two or even three days after making. My boys will devour two whole pies of this family favorite in minutes! I usually double or triple this recipe and make four quiche at a time. This is also the perfect quick breakfast to make ahead for busy mornings when the family is rushing to get out the door.

 
 
 Ready to go into the oven… not the prettiest crust but it will do. :-)
 
Holiday Breakfast
Quiche Lorraine with Spinach or Quiche Florentine with Bacon
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup roughly chopped fresh or drained frozen spinach
  2. 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled or real bacon bits (1/2 cup)
  3. 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
  4. 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  5. 3 large eggs
  6. 1 cup half-and-half
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  9. 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
Instructions
  1. -Preheat oven to 425. -In pie shell, combine bacon, spinach, cheese and onion.
  2. -Separately, mix together eggs and milk, add salt and pepper. Pour into pie shell.
  3. -Place quiche on baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake 15 minutes at 425, then reduce heat to 350 and bake 30 minutes more. It’s done when a knife inserted comes out clean.
Notes
  1. This recipe can be made with a number of different ingredients, including leeks, shallots, capicolla ham, sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, red peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

 

Ham, Zucchini, and Gruyere Frittata
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup chopped deli ham
  2. 2 small zucchini, sliced
  3. 1 tbsp olive oil
  4. salt and pepper
  5. 8 eggs, beaten
  6. ½ cup grated Gruyere
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. Heat oil in 10 inch ovenproof nonstick skillet. Add ham and zucchini, season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Add eggs and gruyere, season with salt and pepper. Cook until edges are set, 2 minutes. Transfer to oven, cook 10-13 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.
Notes
  1. Also try: Potato-Leek Frittata, Spinach, Onion, and Bacon Frittata, and Tomato, Scallion, and Cheddar Frittata.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
  1. 7 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed or cubed fresh rolls
  2. 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese
  3. 6 eggs, lightly beaten
  4. 3 cups milk
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  7. 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled or real bacon bits
Instructions
  1. In a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish, combine the bread cubes and cheese.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over bread and cheese. Sprinkle with bacon.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
  5. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
Raspberry-Swirl Sweet Rolls
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Ingredients
  1. Dough
  2. 1 cup(s) milk
  3. 2/3 cup(s) sugar
  4. 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) active dry yeast
  5. 1 stick(s) unsalted butter, softened
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 teaspoon(s) lemon zest, finely grated
  8. 1/2 teaspoon(s) fine sea salt
  9. 4 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  10. All-purpose flour, for dusting
  11. Filling
  12. 1 package(s) (10-ounce) IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) raspberries, not thawed
  13. 1/4 cup(s) sugar
  14. 2 tablespoon(s) sugar
  15. 1 teaspoon(s) cornstarch
  16. Glaze
  17. 3/4 cup(s) confectioners' sugar
  18. 3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted
  19. 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) heavy cream
Instructions
  1. Make the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over moderately low heat until it's 95 degrees F. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let stand until the yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the softened butter, eggs, grated lemon zest, and sea salt. Add the flour and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is soft and supple, about 10 minutes longer.
  2. Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands 2 or 3 times. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly buttered bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
  3. Line the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the short sides. Butter the paper and sides of the pan. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using a rolling pin, roll it into a 10- by 24-inch rectangle.
  4. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the frozen raspberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll up the dough to form a 24-inch-long log. Working quickly, cut the log into quarters. Cut each quarter into 4 slices and arrange them in the baking pan, cut sides up. Scrape any berries and juice from the work surface into the baking pan between the rolls. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have filled the baking pan, about 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, until they are golden and the berries are bubbling. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 30 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the butter and heavy cream until the glaze is thick and spreadable.
  7. Invert the rolls onto the rack and peel off the parchment paper. Invert the rolls onto a platter. Dollop glaze over each roll and spread with an offset spatula. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
  1. The sweet rolls can be filled with a variety of frozen fruit. Try blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, or chopped sweet cherries.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Chocolate Chip-Cinnamon Breakfast Ring

Photo Credit – Pillsbury.com

 

Chocolate Chip-Cinnamon Breakfast Ring
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  2. 2 (12.4-oz.) cans Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
  3. 1 (3.4-oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding and pie filling mix (not instant)
  4. 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  5. 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Using 1 tablespoon of the butter, generously butter 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining butter on High 1 min or until melted when stirred.
  2. Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls. Cut each roll in half crosswise; place half of roll pieces in pan. Sprinkle with half of the dry pudding mix and half of the brown sugar. Drizzle with half of the melted butter. Repeat with remaining roll pieces, pudding mix, brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  3. Bake 24 to 28 minutes or until rolls are deep golden brown and dough appears done when slightly pulled apart. Cool in pan 2 minutes. Place heatproof serving platter upside down over pan; turn platter and pan over. Remove pan. Cool 15 minutes.
  4. Remove lid from icing. Microwave icing on High 10 to 15 seconds or until of drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over ring. Cut into wedges to serve.
Notes
  1. Prep the night before - put everything except butter in pan the night before, refrigerate. In the morning, drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
5 Christmas Breakfast Recipes

My Gluten Free Haircut at Shear Illusions

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Before:

I should start this post out with my before picture. Here’s my outrageously long hair.
Jodi's outrageously long hair before her gluten free haircut

Crazy Long Hair!!

I don’t mind long hair, but it’s not really that long by choice. It’s mostly that long because I dread going for a haircut. In addition to having problems when I eat gluten, I’m sensitive to gluten on my skin and I have to be very careful about which hair care products and cosmetics I use.When I do go to a hair dresser, I either have to read the labels on all the products they use, or I have to just do without a wash or style. And really it’s not quite the same getting a haircut without any style. That’s why I have to select the best products so I know how to grow black hair faster, after I get a haircut.

OPTION 1

This is my first option when I go to the hairdresser.

This is my first option when I go to the hairdresser.

OPTION 2

And here's my second option at the hairdresser.

And here’s my second option at the hairdresser.

OPTION 3

Last month that all changed. My gluten free daughter and I won haircuts from Shear Illusions! Owner Michael Flanagan has Celiac disease and reacts really badly to products that contain gluten, so he’s replaced all of his hair care and styling products with gluten free brands. In addition, he allows his clients to keep their own hairbrushes and combs in his salon to ensure they’re never affected by products that walk in on someone else’s head, they have some real salon pro equipment in there. I was thrilled. I could finally get rid of over a year’s worth of split ends, without reading labels or passing on the style. I honestly wasn’t that ambitious. All I really expected was a quick trim. After all, it was a free haircut. But Michael suggested this amazing haircut with long layers and lots of body. Great! It’s really the nicest haircut I’ve ever had.  Of course if you want to look beautiful for a wedding or another event you need to have a nice hair styling to looking the best you can look.
Finally a third option!!

Finally a third option!!

My daughter, who usually cuts and colors her own hair, showed him a picture of a cute little pixie cut. He reproduced it perfectly, incorporating all of her changes to the picture (longer bangs, a piece right here etc)
We were so pleased with our haircuts, that my daughter nicknamed Michael the “Hair Magician.”
Here's my after picture!

Here’s my after picture!

Should YOU use gluten free cosmetics?

The experts suggest that Celiacs can safely use cosmetics that contain gluten. See this article for more information The measure for “celiac safety” is the amount of damage done by gluten to the intestine. Gluten molecules do not pass through the skin and therefore can’t cause damage to the intestine. There are some people, however, that have skin reactions when they use products that contain gluten or airborne reactions when they smell products that contain gluten.  Even without an obvious reaction, some celiacs find they just feel more secure using cosmetics and hair products that are gluten free. The real test here is to trust your own body. Only you know for sure if you’re reacting to a cosmetic.

An Added Benefit:

An added benefit of having a gluten free hairdresser, is exchanging recipes! Michael gave me his artisan bread recipe! He used this video as a base for his recipe and replaced the flours with rice flour and gluten free Bisquick. You can watch the video to get the directions, just make sure to use Michael’s gluten free ingredients instead. I’ve included the gluten free version of the recipe below.

Want Your Own Gluten Free Haircut?

If you’d like a new look for the holidays, you can find Shear Illusion Hair Salon LLC at 7942 Picardy Ave., Ste A, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, right off of Essen Lane by Med-Aid and easily accessible from both I-10 and I-12. Their phone number is 225-757-9118.
You can visit the Shear Illusions website at  ShearIllusionsHairSalon.com.
 
Gluten Free No Knead Artisan Bread
Gluten free no knead artisan bread made with Gluten Free Bisquick.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups gluten free bisquick
  2. 3 cups rice flour
  3. 2 teaspoon red star yeast
  4. 2 teaspoons salt
  5. 3 1/4 cups room temperature water
Instructions
  1. Measure flour and yeast in a bowl.
  2. Add water to dry ingredients.
  3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise about 10 hours.
  4. Vigorously stir down the dough.
  5. Preheat your oven to 450F.
  6. Place a 5-6 quart sized dutch oven with its lid in the oven and let preheat about 30 minutes
  7. Meanwhile pour the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper that is large enough to fill your baking dish, and smooth the dough into a circle.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise while the baking dishes are preheating (30 minutes)
  9. Lift the dough with the parchment paper and set into the dutch oven.
  10. Cover the dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove lid and bake for another 15 minutes.
  12. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
  1. I found this helpful tutorial for making artisan bread: http://www.simplysogood.com/2013/03/artisan-no-knead-bread.html
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Thanksgivukkah Recipes – When Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Colide

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Thanksgivukkah? Two holidays collide for first time in 100 years! That’s right, for the first time since the 1800s, the first full day of Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving Day. Two holidays that celebrate gratitude and community.

Thanksgivukkah

I’m often met with puzzled looks when I share that we celebrate Hanukkah. Why would I, a Christian, celebrate Hanukkah?

We know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah at the Temple.  If it was important to Jesus then there should be no problem with Christians taking part in this Festival of Lights.

Though we are not not bound by law or tradition to celebrate any holiday, our Christian faith is tightly rooted in the Hebrew traditions. Some of  my ancestors were Jewish, my maiden name is Lindemann, therefore I personally felt it important to teach our boys the customs and traditions of the old testament as well as sharing this extraordinary story of faith.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday also called the Festival of Lights. Lasting for eight days, Hanukkah revolves around the Menorah that holds nine candles. Chanukah or Hanukkah is the Hebrew term for rededication; a  rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BC. Included in this “Festival of Lights” are the menorah, the game of dreidel, and food, such as latkes and jelly doughnuts.

Chanukah or Hanukkah?

Some spell it Chanukah and others Hanukkah.  These are two different English spellings and neither is incorrect.

Thanksgiving & Hanukkah Recipes

Latkes
A favorite Hanukkah food is latkes,or potato pancakes.
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Ingredients
  1. 1-1/2 pounds russet potatoes peeled
  2. 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
  3. 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  4. 2 tablespoons flour (or more) or matzo meal (during Passover)
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and freshly ground black pepper
  6. Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
  1. Grate or shred potatoes. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and transfer potatoes to the sieve or layer in paper towels to reduce moisture. Set sieve over a bowl, twist cheesecloth into a pouch, squeezing out some moisture. Let mixture drain for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour off liquid from the bowl but leave the white potato starch that settles in the bottom of the bowl.
  2. To that starch add shallots, eggs, flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and freshly ground pepper. Return drained potatoes to this mixture and toss to combine.
  3. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking pan with paper towels. When you are ready to eat, in a large skillet heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium high heat until hot. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of potato mixture and cook for 3 to 4 minutes a side; latkes should be golden and crisp on both sides. Eat right away or keep warm in oven. Serve with applesauce or sour cream or cottage cheese mixed with sour cream.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Serves 2
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Ingredients
  1. 12-14 large brussels sprouts
  2. 1 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 clove garlic, minced
  4. 1 shallot sliced thin
  5. pinch sea salt
  6. 2 tbsp brown sugar
  7. 1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
Instructions
  1. Slice each brussels sprout very thin until you have a mound of feathery brussels sprout ribbons. Heat the olive oil over medium high in a large skillet and saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the brussels sprouts and continue sauteing for another 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender. Add the sea salt and brown sugar and toss together. Finish by adding the toasted nuts.
Adapted from 101 Cookbooks & Eat Live Run
Adapted from 101 Cookbooks & Eat Live Run
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Simple Hearty Soups to Warm the Soul

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When the temperature drops and the days become shorter, there’s something so comforting about sitting down to a nice bowl of piping hot soup.  Soup warms the body and soul and gives you that feeling that everything is going to be o.k.  It can be compared to getting a hug, except it’s in the form of food. 

I remember as a child dumping a can of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup in a sauce pan, adding water and gobbling it up.  Back then, I thought it was the most delicious, wholesome soup I had tasted.  Unbeknownst to me at the time, Campbell’s was not as healthy as I thought.  Today, I make my own soup and I eat much healthier than I did in the past. 

Today, I want to share two simple hearty soups to warm the soul.  These are family favorites and we eat them often during the colder months. Not only are they healthy, they are perfect if you’re in a crunch for time.  The first is Roxanne’s Italian Chicken Soup.  This is named after my step-mom, Roxanne.  She is the master of coming up with delicious recipes on the fly and this one proves to be no exception. 

orzopasta

Roxanne’s Italian Chicken Soup
1. Remove the meat from 1 Baked Chicken and set aside.
2. Next, finely chop 1 small Zucchini and 1 Yellow Squash. Add 1 liter of Chicken Stock
to a large pot and bring to a boil.
3. Once at a boil, add 2 cans of Italian Stewed Tomatoes.
4. Stir well to combine and bring back to a boil. Next, add chopped Chicken, Zucchini
and Squash.
5. Boil for 15-20 minutes on low/medium heat or until Vegetables are slightly soft.
6. To finish the soup, add in ½ cup of Orzo or Noodles of your choice.
7. Continue boiling until the noodles are done.
8. Add more Water or Chicken Stock to your desired thickness

 

The second soup I make regularly is Debbie’s Chili.  Debbie’s Chili is my mom’s chili recipe and it’s also super simple to make.  It’s always a hit in our house.  This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for freezing and eating later.

chili

Debbie’s Chili                                                                                                                                                                                               Brown 2 lbs of Lean Ground Beef, Turkey or Deer Meat with 1 Onion, chopped fine.
Season with Salt and Pepper.
Add one 64 oz bottle/can of Tomato Juice,
two 14 oz cans of Chopped Tomatoes,
two 14 oz cans of Kidney Beans (drained),
1 tsp Garlic Powder,
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper and nearly ¼ cup of Chili Powder.
Taste test along the way to determine the amount of Salt and Chili Powder preferred.
Simmer until bubbly or cook in crock pot on low all day or high for 2 hours and serve.

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Dishes and Desserts in Baton Rouge

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Looking for Gluten Free desserts or sides for this Thanksgiving? The Baton Rouge area has a huge selection! 
 
Bibi’s 
1321 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA ‎
Bibi’s is a dedicated gluten free bakery located in Lafayette, perfect if you have house guests looking to make a day trip. This season they’ll have all their usual favorites, plus some special treats for the holiday. Look for their Thanksgiving sides and salads, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, praline cupcakes and cream puffs.
 
gluten free bread, bread, baton rouge

Gluten Free Bread from Bibi’s in Lafayette
Photo Courtesy of Bibi’s

 

Truly Free
4321 Perkins, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
Baton Rouge’s only dedicated gluten free bakery and deli will have your favorite Thanksgiving sides, stuffing, and pies (including sugar free apple pie) and dinner rolls.
 
Room for Dessert
9618 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
New in Baton Rouge, Room for Dessert has dedicated half of their bakery, including the equipment, to baking gluten free treats. This week you can order pies! Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Lemon Icebox, Apple and Key Lime. They also have Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Cheesecake. A note, not all of Room for Dessert’s products are gluten free, so double check before you purchase.
 
cupcake, gluten free, baton rouge

Gluten Free Coconut Lime Cupcake from Room for Dessert Baton Rouge.
image courtesy of Room For Dessert

 

Whole Foods
7529 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA ‎
Whole Foods has a whole line of in-house gluten free products made in a dedicated facility. Our favorite company friendly dessert is the Gluten Free Cherry Pie. (And we might occasionally pick one up even when we don’t have company.)
 
Trader Joes
3525 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
I was so happy to see that Trader Joe’s brand of Turkey Gravy is gluten free. They also have frozen vegetables, including baked and mashed sweet potatoes, to make your meal preparation easier. They also sell gluten free fully cooked Whole Roasted Turkeys. 
 
turkey, gluten free

Fully Cooked Gluten Free Turkey from Trader Joe’s
photo courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Maple Bourbon Green Beans
A flavorful Thanksgiving Side
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Ingredients
  1. 4 cups Green Beans
  2. 1 cup Pearl Onions, halved
  3. 2 cups Sliced Mushrooms
  4. 2 tablespoons Butter
  5. 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  6. 1 tablespoon bourbon or Jack Daniels
  7. 2 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional, for topping)
Instructions
  1. Steam green beans for about 3 minutes, remove from heat and rinse with cool water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter, add onions and sautee about 5 minutes.
  3. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until both mushrooms and onions are tender.
  4. Add bourbon and maple syrup.
  5. Gently mix green beans into the skillet to fully coat with glaze and heat through.
  6. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with bacon.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

 

8 Tips for Surviving Holiday Indulgences

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It’s getting to be that time. The holiday candy and cookies are starting to come out, holiday parties are booked. How can I indulge but not overdo?

Here are 8 Tips for Surviving Holiday Indulgences:

Holiday Indulgences

 

  1. Take an extra class at the gym whether it is Zumba, Yoga, Spin class anything to get some extra cardio in and take a little holiday stress off.
  2. Sign up for a holiday themed 5k. Here are a couple local ones in Baton Rouge: http://www.turkeytrotbr.com/      http://www.forum35.org/?page=RR
  3. Go dress shopping ladies. Yes, dress shopping. Find a flattering, snug dress for a holiday party.  Instant weight management!
  4. Eat a small snack before leaving for your holiday party or dinner. Whether it is raw almonds, carrots with hummus, anything to take the edge off of your hunger so you don’t over indulge. Drink lots of water throughout the day which will naturally make you more full.
  5. Watch your calories in alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks such as Egg Nog. Choose lighter varieties. Tip: Champagne only has 110 calories per 5 oz. versus White Russian 307 calories per 5 oz. 
  6. Skip the hors d’oeuvres. You know there will be plenty of dinner offerings to satisfy you and this way you can save a little room for dessert!
  7. Survey party offerings before filling your plate. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced. Enjoy smaller portions of your holiday favorites. Eat until you are satisfied not stuffed. If possible sit far away from  tempting dishes.
  8. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday potluck so you know at least one dish that you can enjoy guilt free. Look up some healthy holiday cooking recipes to experiment and learn where you cut back on calories.

   It is the holidays and you can enjoy without the guilt! 

Gluten Free Cooking Classes for Thanksgiving at Bibi’s Patisserie

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Thanksgiving usually means family, fun and FOOD!! But if you’re newly gluten free, it can be a stressful time. You might still have questions about what you can eat, and you might not have any idea how to make your favorite Thanksgiving dishes gluten free. I totally understand. My first gluten free Thanksgiving, I sat down to plain chicken and mashed potatoes. Not the feast I was used to. 
 
Thankfully, Louisiana is filled with gluten free resources, including gluten free cooking and baking classes at Bibi’s Patisserie in Lafayette. This month Bibi’s will be offering two Thanksgiving classes, one to teach you how to make your favorite sides gluten free, and one to teach you some favorite family desserts. 
 
All the dishes you make will also be egg, dairy and sugar free and vegan, so you’ll be able to fit lots of special diets around your table. My own extended family includes gluten free, diabetics and vegetarians. It going to be nice to have something for everyone. 
 
The three hour classes include personalized instruction from Bibi’s head chef Hannah Ellaham-Raffel. She’s well known gluten free expert and you’ll have a chance to ask her questions about being gluten free and gluten free cooking techniques. You’ll also get to eat all your creations along with free wine or sparkling water, take home the recipes and a treat! 
 
The classes, including food and wine, are only $65/person or $99/couple, so they’d make an excellent girl’s night out or date night activity. They do fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, contact Bibi’s at 337-534-0173 or on their website. 
 
cupcake cake

Chef Hannah is famous across the country for her special creations like this Cupcake Cake she made for Know Gluten

 

Bibi’s Thanksgiving Classes

 

Down-Home Baking- Friday, November 15 at 5:00 pm

This class is gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan (optional)

On the menu: A southern bread pudding that will have your family asking for seconds, but never second guessing if it is gluten-free. You’ll also learn how to create a sweet potato casserole topped with house made vanilla bean creme marshmallows, and a rice puff bar made with gooey caramel and an almond butter ganache.  The entire dessert menu will be served with house made apple cider, red wine, white wine, filtered/sparkling water, and of course mimosas! 

 
A Southern Thanksgiving: The Bibi’s Way! – Friday November 22 at 5:00
 

Come and enjoy a thorough cooking demonstration and instructional cooking class with Bibi’s head chef Hannah Ellaham-Raffel. Allow her to show you how to cook a traditional southern Thanksgiving dinner using unconventional ingredients, that will leave your family begging for more! Join Bibi’s in making a creamy green bean casserole, corn maque choux, and a cornbread dressing that is absolutely mouthwatering! Served with your choice of beverage: red wine, white wine, filtered/sparkling water, or apple cider.

Future Classes:

Bibi’s offers classes almost every month. They’re an excellent chance to not only learn how to cook and bake gluten free, but also a great opportunity to have your questions personally answered by a well known gluten free expert.

To contact Bibi’s and register for these classes, visit their website, or call  (337) 534-0173. 

Bibi’s is located at  1321 W. Pinhood Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503.  

Quinoa and Black Beans

Here’s a popular side recipe  that would work for the holidays or any day for that matter…

Quinoa and Black Beans
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Ingredients
  1. 1 teaspoon olive oil
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  4. 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
  5. 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  7. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  8. salt and pepper to taste
  9. 1 cup corn kernels
  10. 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  11. 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  12. Lime
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.
  2. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
  3. Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro. Garnish and drizzle with lime.
Adapted from All Recipes
Adapted from All Recipes
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Gluten and Allergen Free Wellness Event and Giveaway

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If you’d like more information about going Gluten Free, if your family is living with food allergies, or if you’d just like to buy some tasty cookies, you’re invited to the Gluten and Allergen Free Wellness Event on November 2. GFAF will be held in the Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU, 3848 West Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 from 10am-3pm. Tickets are $10 per adult, children under 13 are free, and LSU students get 50% off with student ID. 

gfaf wellness event baton rouge

Taste and Shop:
GFAF will include a vendor’s fair featuring some favorite gluten free and allergy friendly brands and local businesses. This is a perfect time to try some gluten free samples and pick up some treats.
 
Learn:
If you’d like to learn more about living gluten free, there will be several presentations throughout the day.
  • 11:00-11:45 – Living heart healthy with Celiac Disease with Mrs. Northwest Brandy Wendler
  • 11:45 am – 12:30 pm Embracing the gluten free lifestyle with Carol Kicinski from Simply Gluten Free Magazine
  • 12:30 Raffle Drawing – you must be present to win
  • 1:00-1:45 Dispelling Myths of Celiac and Gluten Free with Melinda Dennis MS, RD, LND, Coauthor of Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten-Free 
  • 1:45-2:30 A Gluten free holiday meal for the family, with meal options for gluten free and other dietary restrictions with Gail Johnston RD
Win Tickets!

We’re giving away two tickets to this fun and tasty event! Use the handy form below to enter!

The only mandatory entry is to leave us a comment and share why you would like to attend the  Gluten and Allergen Free Wellness Event. All other entries on the Rafflecopter below are extra entries into the giveaway. 
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Tips for Eating Clean on a Budget

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As the main cook in my house, feeding my family healthy meals is very important to me. The main focus when planning our meals is to use very few (none if possible) processed ingredients. My pantry and fridge consists mostly of fresh produce, hormone-free/antibiotic-free meat and diary products, healthy oils, spices, beans and lentils and minimally processed grains.  Of course, eating this way can get a bit pricey if you’re not careful so here are some tips for eating clean on a budget.
 

Eat at Home

I’m not naive enough to think that, with our busy schedules, we can cook every night of the week. However with a little planning ahead, eating most of your meals at home can be easier than you think. Preparing your own meals not only saves money but allows you to control the ingredients that are in your food.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is the key to being successful with any healthy diet plan, as with any sort of investment. If you buy silver bars online – you’re not buying them willy nilly, you do research with exact expected outcome for when you’re planning to sell them. And it’s the same with a proper diet, without a plan, we may fall victim to the “quick supermarket dash” or worse – the drive thru; both of which will cost you more in the end, I recommend getting health tips from the Mayo Clinic for those want to become healthier.

Use these easy steps to plan ahead for one or two weeks of at-home meals:

1. Print out a blank calendar template or use your online calendar. Take note of how many days you absolutely can NOT eat an at-home meal. (NOTE – you do not have to be at home to eat a meal that you prepared yourself – bringing leftovers instead of paying for lunch everyday will save you a ton of money).

2. Choose as many meals as days that you have to fill on your calendar. Deciding on healthy meals for your family has become so much easier with the introduction to sites like Pinterest. You simply pin or repin recipes that you find on the web on your “healthy meals” board. Of course, if you’re like me you will also have lots of recipe books and magazines to search as well.

3. When choosing meals, pick a few recipes with like ingredients so that there will be no waste when using specialized items (ex. Coconut Milk, Turmeric – items you may not use often). Also, plan a few meals that use less meat (like salads or soups) or no meat.

4. Make a list of items that you need to buy along with the increments needed. This will prevent you from overbuying.  

5. Fill in your calendar with your planned meals.

Saving at the Store

Sales

The best way to save is to buy what’s on sale at a few different stores. I know, I know driving around town doesn’t sound like most people’s idea of fun but if you can schedule one day to hit 2 or 3 stores it will save you more money than you think. Make sure you keep it to only 1-3 to keep fuel costs down.

For those times that you just can’t fit in such a trip, shopping for Organics and natural foods at one store will save you time but may not save the most money.

Clip Coupons

Visit online sites like Coupons.com to print internet coupons and clip coupons from your Sunday paper. When possible, pair your coupons with sales. Natural food stores like Whole Foods also have their own store coupons.

Shop Local and Seasonal

We are very fortunate to have many great Farmer’s and Produce Markets in and around Baton Rouge. Buying fresh/seasonal produce and dairy items from local farmers not only helps support the local economy but almost always guarantees a lower price than like items at natural food stores. Local items are also fresher and therefore last longer than items that are shipped from across the country or imported from other countries.

When you can’t buy local and seasonal, frozen fruits and veggies are a great substitute. If you have a green thumb, growing your own produce is a an even better option.

Buy Cheap Proteins

Unless you come across a major meat sale, save the steaks and fresh tuna for special occasions. Plan your meals around frozen chicken breasts (Walmart carries a line of hormone-free free range chicken for around $8 for 2.5lbs), canned fish, frozen Tilapia, ground beef, eggs, beans, pork, etc.

Buy Store Brands

Most stores carry a line of their own brand name items. Natural food stores such as Whole Foods, The Fresh Market and Trader Joes each have their own line of dairy, canned goods, grains, broths and more that are very cost effective.

For instance, Whole Foods line of 365 Organic items can be cheaper or around the same price as their conventional counterparts in other stores. Their hormone-free cheeses are the same price as Kraft most of the time – and better for your body AND better tasting.

Buy in Bulk

Some natural food stores, such as Whole Foods, have a large bulk section of grains, beans, spices and more. Because these items are NOT prepacked, you save money. You can buy a pound of brown rice in the bulk section for as little as $1.00 compared to almost twice that price in the packaged section.

Another advantage to buying from the bulk section – buying only the amount that you need.

On a recent trip I purchased 2 Tbsp of Organic Turmeric, 2 Tbsp of Organic Brown Mustard Seeds, 1 Tbsp of Organic Curry Powder and 1/3 cup grated natural coconut (the exact amount that I needed for a few recipes). I paid on average $0.10 for the spices and $0.23 for the coconut. It would have cost me $5-$10 for a whole bottle of each of the spices and $3-$4 for a whole bag of coconut and I may not have ever used it all.

Stock Up On Items You Use The Most

Simply put, when you find a good sale – stock up on the items that your family uses most. I recently found an amazing deal on Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and now I have enough for at least 6 months and only paid a fraction of the price.

Drink Tap Water

Invest in a filtration water pitcher to save on bottled water.

Cook in Larger Batches

Cooking in larger batches than you’re used to will give you healthy meals when you’re on-the-go or for those days that you just don’t feel like cooking. I know we could all use a little more time with the family on weekends. 😉

Creative Crafts and Mouth-Watering Dishes to Help you Celebrate Halloween

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It’s almost time for trick-or-treating and Disney’s Spoonful.com is brewing up some horror-fyingly creative crafts and mouth-watering dishes to help you celebrate Halloween! Spoonful’s affordable and easy-to make ideas will enchant you and feed your appetites.

Plus, don’t miss out on Spoonful’s all-new recipe customization feature, “My Take.” Spoonful’s latest feature will allow you to share your own version, or “take,” of almost any recipe on the site. To introduce My Take, some of our Spoonful bloggers partnered with Pillsbury® to create their own wickedly wonderful takes around some classic Pillsbury Halloween treats.

Creepy-Crawly Cupcakes

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These Creepy-Crawly Cupcakes might look grotesque, but I promise you won’t be able to say no to one, two, or even three. 

Edible Eyeballs

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 If you’re throwing a Halloween bash this year you should definitely set out a platter of these creepy peepers. Your Halloween party guests are bound to do a double-take.

Scary Pumpkin Carvings

Celebrate Halloween

Spooky and scary Halloween pumpkins add fright to the night. Maybe you want something just a little bit more spooky than a traditional jack-o-latern on your porch this year? Check out all of the spooktastic pumpkin carving cutouts at Spoonful.com.

20 Pumpkin-Decorating Ideas

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Transform your pumpkin into a spooktacular Halloween decoration with one of the many DIY pumpkin-decorating ideas at Spoonful.com.

Mickey’s Paper Bag Scarecrow

Mickey scarecrow

This fun tabletop Mickey scarecrow may be a bit ear-ry, but don’t count on it to keep the birds away. In fact, you’re likely to find young Mickey fans quickly flocking around it.

Find these creative crafts and mouth-watering dishes to help you celebrate Halloween by visiting Spoonful.com, a one-stop shop filled with thousands of inspired ideas that can bring a little magic into everyday family life. Spoonful delivers easy-to-digest daily doses of inspiration and information, designed to spark the enthusiasm of parents. The site helps parents just like you power through everything from getting a handle on holiday festivities to figuring out a fun way to get kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The site’s responsive design also makes it easy to access from home or while on-the-go via smartphones and tablets.

Which crafts or desserts do you plan on making with your family?