Grain-Free Goodness: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Dinner with friends: divine. This dinner, alfresco, with friends, and an amazing rose´: a perfect Spring evening.

Starting with rose´ is totally optional, but honestly, why not?

A key to this delicious, flavor-packed meal is the lightly charred romaine. Oh my.

Add to the grilled romaine some tender grilled chicken, handmade croutons (not if you're grain-free like me), and a dressing so good it had me licking the spatula clean (a la` cake batter), and you have one unforgettable Caesar Salad.

Scrum-didilly-umptious! 

Oh, and let me mention the encore: homemade strawberry frozen yogurt and coconut milk mint-chip ice cream? Recipes forthcoming...

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Adapted from epicurious.com

Serves 6-8

Dressing:

1/2 C freshly grated parmesan cheese (can do in food processor with grater blade)

8 anchovy fillets

3 TBS fresh lemon juice

3 garlic cloves

2 TBS Dijon mustard

3/4 C olive oil

Salt & pepper

Chicken:

4 breasts of chicken

olive oil

2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

Salt & pepper

Croutons:

3 Tbs olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

3 3/4-inch-thick slices whole grain bread, crusts removed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (4 cups)

Salt & pepper

Salad

3 hearts of romaine, sliced in half lengthwise

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cracked black pepper

For dressing:

Combine all ingredients other than olive oil in a food processor; blend well. With processor running, add olive oil in a slow stream. Season with salt and pepper.

For croutons:

Preheat oven to 325F. Heat 3 TBS olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and fresh herbs and saute until fragrant, about one minute. Remove from heat and add bread cubes; toss to coat. Spread out bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until croutons are golden, about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For grilled chicken & romaine:

Preheat grill to high heat. Spray with cooking oil.

Smother chicken breasts with a little olive oil. Season evenly with fresh herbs, salt & pepper.

Grill chicken over high heat until cooked all the way through, or until internal temperature reaches 165F, about 4-6 minutes per side. After flipping chicken halfway through cooking, brush olive oil over cut sides of romaine. Place romaine, cut side down, on grill and cook until just charred, about 2-3 minutes.

To assemble salad:

On a large platter, arrange romaine leaves, cut/charred side up. Slice chicken breast and lay on top of romaine. Top with 1/2 cup grated parmesan, croutons, and cracked black pepper.

Joy the Baker giveaway winner!

Kim Cory, you're the lucky winner of the Joy the Baker cookbook giveaway! Happy Baking, friend!

Ode to Joy: Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies

Yes, you read that right. Peanut Butter. BACON. Cookies. I was skeptical, I admit, but there is something to be said about the salty, fatty goodness of these out-of-the-ordinary cookies.

The original recipe called for both granulated sugar and molasses, both of which were substituted with honey. Rather than a crumbly cookie dough, these were sticky and soft. Also, I used smoker-cooked bacon which added a sultry, smoky flavor to the cookies. (FYI: If you happen to have a smoker, I couldn't recommend this bacon-cooking method any more highly. It is amazing. Bacon Candy.)

If you like peanut butter cookies, imagine your favorite recipe with the added awesomeness of (smoked) bacon. And that's what we have here. Make at your own risk.

Yet another day, another recipe from Joy's cookbook. If you'd like the chance to have your own copy, it's not too late to leave a comment on the original post.

Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies

adapted from original recipe by Joy Wilson

makes about 2 dozen

8 slices bacon

1 C. all-natural peanut butter

1 1/4 C. honey

1 large egg

1 tsp. baking soda

generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 C. coarsely chopped roasted & salted peanuts

Place a wire rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place bacon slices in a single layer. Bake bacon until cooked through and crisp, 12-15 minutes. (Alternatively, place on a preheated 450F smoker and smoke bacon until cooked through, 12-15 minutes). Remove from the oven (leaving oven on), let cool slightly, then transfer to paper towels. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop the bacon and set aside.

Line a clean cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the peanut butter and honey until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, baking soda and nutmeg, and mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes.

Remove the paddle attachment and the bowl and use a wooden spoon to fold in the bacon and peanuts. Scoop the dough into heaping tablespoons and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Dough will be sticky.

Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Maddie: 65 Months

My Dear Maddie-Girl,

Another month has passed as you approach 5 1/2. Every day I see more and more of the baby girl you were slipping away as this mature, lovely & creative young girl emerges. It is hard work for a mama, both grieving the child that once was, caring for the child that is, and nurturing the person that is to come. Every day is a delicate balance, a teetering of prayer, hard work, and hopeful expectation.

This month you graduated preschool. I watched with wonder as you hugged your yellow room teachers goodbye, pausing to look over the cheery room with its small chairs, work stations, silkworm habitat and carefully decorated walls. Goodbye private Christian preschool, hello public Kindergarten. Yikes! But I must trust in the decision Daddy and I have made. You have the heart of an evangelist; you love to tell people about Jesus and pray for their salvation. You are a shining light; Christ is with you wherever you go, in your compassion, your wisdom, your desire to help, and in your cheerful spirit. It is our prayer that as we release you into the big world, and thus trust that God is sovereign and able to work in you and through you, all of these gifts will be used for his glory and your development.

For every way that you are changing and maturing into a little lady, there are still elements of babyhood that remain. Take, for instance, eating a cupcake (or any mealtime, really). How you manage to both wear and distribute your food all around your eating area is still a mystery. From that first taste of rice cereal to breakfast this morning, I can expect that your face will bear witness to the yumminess of your last meal. Funny girl.

You continue to love to draw and create. Some of your latest creations come from a rich, deep place within your imagination. No longer do you copy things you've seen but dream up and create these happy, colorful, detailed characters. It is so fun to see your love of drawing as it develops. I've secretly hoped for years that you and Sam would get the artistic gene that comes through Daddy's family. It appears my hopes have been answered! 

One thing that's been especially fun this past month is your gymnastics class. After many months of waiting for a tae kwon do class to pan out, only to have it cancelled, gymnastics was your next choice. And what a pleasant experience it's been! Your body is so strong and lithe and capable. I LOVE to watch as you try something for the first time and power through it with ease and joy. Yet I also love to watch as you try, fail, and try again and again. The frustration that plagues your tendency toward perfection falls away at gymnastics. When something doesn't come easily or quickly, you jump right back in with gusto and keep at it. 

Last week you were practicing your cartwheels when a little boy remarked that they were "horrible." You smiled, assumed the starting position, and said, "but I will keep practicing and practicing until I get it right! I will be able to do this!" It was like the heavens parted, angels trumpeted, and your Mama's heart leaped within her chest! All those prayers for you not to be crushed by failure but to persevere with joy and intention, all the times you've given up out of frustration, all the times I've told you, "keep trying, you will get it!"-- it was God himself quieting my soul and enabling you to find your worth not in failure, not in someone's opinion of you, but deep within a peace and centeredness that enabled you to turn away from criticism, smile, and tumble in the grass. Praise God!

My prayers will continue, that you find great joy and purpose in Christ, and not in your own abilities or inabilities. I will pour my love out over you in order to point you to the love of Christ. I will celebrate your developments and point out your uniqueness as God's beloved child. I love you, my sweet big girl.

Love,

Mama

Ode to Joy: Becky's BLTA

If the biscuits weren't enough goodness on their own, then let me just take them to the next flavor level for you. Who doesn't love a good BLTA--bacon, lettuce, tomato & avocado? 

Realizing the potential of the bacon already in those biscuits and having both a perfectly ripe and surprisingly sweet grape tomatoes on hand, I whipped up this non-traditional sandwich in less than five minutes and finished it even quicker.

And while you're dreaming of bacon, be sure to comment on the giveaway page to be entered in a chance to with Joy's cookbook.

Becky's BLTA

serves 1

1 bacon-cheddar biscuit (recipe here)

half of an avocado

lettuce leaves

tomato, sliced (or chopped, in the case of grape tomatoes)

mayo

salt & pepper

My non-traditional option was made by combining chopped grape tomatoes, diced avocado, mayo, salt & pepper in a bowl and then spreading it on the biscuit for an open-faced sandwich.

Traditionalists can use sliced tomato and avocado with a spread of mayo on one half.

Enjoy!

Ode to Joy: Honey-Mustard Cashews

I love a good snack. This, my friends, is the perfect poolside snack with a large, sparkling beverage. Tangy, sweet and a little bit of bite, these cashews take care of all my summertime cravings. Another tip of the hat to Joy the Baker!

As long as you're here, be sure to check out the awesome giveaway and leave a comment to enter! If you win, you'll have these recipes plus so much more in your hot little hands.

Honey-Mustard Cashews

barely adapted from original recipe by JoyWilson

makes 2 cups

1/4 C. honey

1 TBS oil (vegetable, olive, grapeseed)

1-2 tsp ground, dried mustard

1/2 tsp yellow mustard

2 cups raw cashews

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375F. LIne a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, oil and mustard. Add cashews to the bowl and toss to coat, until every cashew is coated in the honey mixture.

Spread nuts out into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top with black pepper and bake for 15-20 minutes, removing the nuts once or twice during baking to toss. Remove from oven and cool. Once cool, store in an airtight, at room temperature, for up to one week.

Sunday Brunch: Ode to Joy

You may remember that last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting the talented, funny Joy of Joy the Baker fame. She gave a lovely brunch demonstration and today I'm sharing my own grain-free rendition of her delicious recipes. And, dear readers, an awesome giveaway!

Joy thinks a good brunch should include coffee, bacon, and a savory bread. I couldn't agree more! Her original menu included Cheddar, Chive & Jalapeno Biscuits, Coffee Bacon, and Kale, Spinach, Banana & PB smoothies. Yum. After some trial and error, I give you a few updates:

I cooked the bacon in a syrup made of coffee and honey, then incorporated the bits into an almond flour biscuit with cheddar, green onions, and red pepper for a little bite.

My hubby contributed amazing iced coffee, and I whirled together kale, spinach, banana, almond milk, and OJ for a nutritious smoothie. Thanks Joy for the wonderful inspiration!!!

Today, because I love ya (shout out to PW), because it's Sunday, because I'm on a much-needed girls' weekend, & just because baking is fun, I have a signed copy of Joy the Baker's cookbook to give away!

To be entered in the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post answering the following question by Sunday the 17th of June. Winner will be announced in the next installment of Sunday Brunch at as the noonday!

What is your favorite brunch?

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

recipe inspired by Elana Amsterdam and Joy the Baker

makes 12 biscuits

2 1/2 C. blanched almond flour

1/4 tsp. sea salt plus 1/4 tsp. for sprinkling

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 C. cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (sub grapeseed oil, see below)

1/4 C. honey

2 large eggs

1/2 C. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

1/4 C. chopped green onion

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

4 slices bacon

1/2 C. brewed coffee

1/4 C. honey

Preheat oven to 350.

To make coffee bacon:

In a skillet over medium heat, simmer coffee and honey together until reduced and syrupy, about 5-6 minutes. Add bacon to pan and cook, turning regularly, until browned and crisp. Set aside. When cool enough to handle, chop into small pieces.

To make biscuits:

Combine first three ingredients in a large bowl. Using fingers, "cut" butter into flour mixture, breaking cubes into smaller and smaller pieces. Continue until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in the  dry ingredients.

In another bowl, mix together honey and eggs. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well with a fork. Mix in cheese, onion, pepper flakes, and bacon. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

*********

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute 1/4 cup grapeseed oil for the butter. No "cutting" will be necessary. Just mix the oil in with the honey and eggs and combine with dry ingredients. The crumb will be less flaky, but softer and chewier. (picture below)

*********

Iced Coffee

makes 5 cups concentrate

1/2 pound coffee, coarsely ground

5 cups cold water

honey

almond milk

Combine coffee and water in a large pitcher (or large french press, if you have one). Put in the refrigerator overnight. 

In the morning, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve. 

Mix equal parts coffee concentrate and almond milk in a glass. Add sweetener to taste. Fill with ice cubes. Chow!

*********

Kale, Spinach & Banana Smoothie

based on original recipe by Joy the Baker
Makes 1 large or 2 small smoothies

1 C. kale (any variety)
1 C. spinach
1 1/2 C. almond milk
1 banana, sliced
Splash of freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tsp. honey

Combine ingredients in a blender until thoroughly combined.

Samuel: 39 Months

Oh my little Sambo (Sam + Rambo),

What a month it's been, you crazy boy! I feel like I can hardly get you to sit down (unless a show is on). You are a whirling dervish of a boy, full of life and energy, karate moves and sound effects. What a treat it is to have a boy!

And thus, a tribute. To all things boy.

STICKS!

If I had a dollar for every stick I removed from my car, the back yard, garage, front porch and surrounding areas, I'd have a lot of money for pedicures. You are constantly collecting sticks and using them in a variety of sword-fighting and light saber-wielding adventures. No stick is safe from your grasp.

DIRT, GRIME, SAND, GREASE, MESS!

Around 5:00 each evening, no matter what we've done, where we've gone, or what you've consumed, your face is always a sticky, dirty mess. It's like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown. The mess follows you. Sand sticks in every crevice and collects by the inchful in your boots and pockets. You're not afraid to stick your toes in something sticky or your head in something wet. It's remarkable, really.

FIREFIGHTERS, POLICEMEN, & OTHER HEROES

Here you are, happy as can be, in the back of a police cruiser. Let's just hope it's the last ride you ever take. :) You talk about policemen and firemen non-stop, but when we had our chance last Saturday to talk to some real, live heroes, you shut up like a clam. No words, no excitement, just utter and complete shock. Even after getting the sticker badges, riding in a cruiser, and getting complimented by some sweet firefighters about your fire boots, you still remained silent. (That is, until we walked away. Then we couldn't get you to stop talking).

Here is a little montage of you dancing to the Vintage Music Collective last weekend. Once you opened up, you got right down to business with your very own dance moves. The booty shifting, leg raising Sam dance.

 SPORTS

You've never really played organized sports before, but at church on Sunday the dads arranged you kiddos for a game of Steal the Bacon. When it was your turn, with a little coaching, you dominated! Grabbed that pigskin, took off sprinting, and carried it across your line with a smile on your face. I could hardly believe my baby was dashing across that field, long legs pumping, arms gripping that football tightly. When did you get so big?

And then, when it wasn't your turn anymore, you pouted and shrugged your shoulders and sat out in the shade. If the above two pictures don't perfectly capture what it is to be 3, then I'm not sure how else to spell it out. Pure, enthusiastic joy one minute; pouting frustration the next.

You still love to snuggle. As a matter of fact, the last two nights you've made your way in between Daddy and I early in the night. Generally, I'm alert enough to notice you come in, and I walk you back to your own bed. You've been coming in earlier and earlier (midnight, maybe?) and I'm so dead asleep I don't notice until a limb makes its way to my face. Then it's pretty difficult to deny your long-legged existence in our smallish queen bed. Yet I don't think Daddy or I is in any hurry to boot you out, not when you snuggle in close, lovingly stroke a cheek or an arm, and breathe quietly beside us.

You're such a wonderful, spunky, ornery, friendly, happy, crazy, funny little guy. Here's hoping that for every run down the football field, we've got another snuggle coming our way. At least for now.

Love you, sweet boy.

Love, 

Mama

Grain-Free Goodness: Thai Steak Salad

And it seems, with hardly a break, that I'm back with another Thai-inspired meal. Turns out, most meals that catch my eye as I flip through magazines and pore over blogs are Asian, full of fish sauce and lime juice, ginger and garlic. I just can't help myself when it comes down to the umami of these delicious, nutritious, vegetable- and flavor-packed recipes.

I don't know how Thai this salad really is, but it is delicious and comes together quite quickly. We had this for lunch on a warm day and it really hit the spot!

Thai Steak Salad

inspired by Cooking Light

6 ounces leftover steak, cold (I used three slices of barbecue-flavored, smoked tri-tip)

1/4 tsp black pepper

dash of salt

1 clove garlic, minced

2 TBS lime juice

1 TBS honey

1 TBS coconut aminos (substitute soy sauce or tamari)

1 1/2 tsp fish sauce

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced cabbage

1/2 cup julienne-cut carrots (or just shave off pieces with the vegetable peeler)

a few leaves of each mint, basil and cilantro, sliced

For the dressing:

Combine first 6 ingredients (pepper through fish sauce) in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Mix well.

For the salad:

Split cabbage, carrots and fresh herbs evenly between two plates. 

To serve:

Drizzle dressing over salad plates. Top with slices of beef. Enjoy!

all about as the noonday

Well, hello there, dear readers.

I'm Becky, author of this here blog. The above picture was taken in Kauai, my happy place (if you couldn't already tell by the excitement on my face and in my bulging neck veins).

I was born July 9, 1978 to an Eskimo family in the great Alaskan wilderness.

Just kidding. I think that's just some fancy photo props. I lived almost my entire childhood on an idyllic, verdant 33-acre property in Sandy, Oregon. I have the best family in the whole world.

I'm married to Ben. We'll be celebrating 12 years of wedded bliss in just a few weeks. Being married twelve years makes me sound old, but we were just young'ns when we tied the knot. He is my best friend and just about the smartest person I've ever met. He also makes me laugh and scratches my back when it's itchy.

I have two kids: Maddie is 5 and Sam is 3. Maddie is compassionate, smart, energetic, talkative, sensitive, witty, creative & funny. Every day occurrences include: drawing pictures, helping her little brother, feeding her pet fish Paz and talking my ears off. Sam is all boy, athletic, funny, loud, cuddly, sweet, ornery & affectionate. If you were to follow him around, you'd probably vacillate between, "Aw, isn't that cute?" and, "OH MY GOSH, he's going to kill himself trying that!"

I'm a stay at home Mama and church planter. My hubby and I recently planted Soma Communities of San Ramon Valley. He's the pastor, I'm his number-one support person, and we are quite a team. We love Jesus, adore our community, and feel like we won the lottery every day we get to journey closely with folks in passionate pursuit of Christ, as well as those who've never encountered his radical grace.

I love writing, baking, trying new recipes, taking pictures, instagram (username: beckyjoyce), hiking, hanging out with friends, hosting barbecues, drinking wine, staying healthy, reading, sitting in the sunshine, vacation, and family.

If you've managed to follow all that, please take a minute to notice my new option of following this blog.

If you've been reading my posts for a while or just a bit, would you consider being a follower?

I'd love to know who's out there, reading these random bits of information. And I'd love the chance to follow you, too.

XOXO,

Becky

Sabbath Adventures: Blogger Nerdiness Exposed

On Saturday my sister-in-law Jennie and I went to the Sunset (magazine) Celebration in Menlo Park. Jennie was exposed to my extreme blogger nerdiness, I'm afraid, but she was an awesome sport. First up: see Joy the Baker give a brunch demonstration.

Joy the Baker--if you've been following along, you know that I love her. She has a unique, funny blogging voice, beautiful photos, & delicious recipes. Just a few weeks back I made a grain-free version of her asparagus tart. I liked it so much, I turned it into breakfast the next day. :)

This was one of those cases in which meeting the real person was even better than reading her blog. Joy is funny in person. Really funny. She had me cracking up with her self-effacing & witty running commentary. The brunch recipes she shared sounded tasty and simple: cheddar-chive biscuits, coffee bacon, and a kale-spinach-banana-PB smoothie.

And the awesome blogger bonus: Tracy Shutterbean was there, too! Joy pointed her out and I totally blog-stalked her after the presentation. And here we are:

The blurry photo is totally my bad. I had my camera focus set to the center point and didn't warn Jennie. Blurry or not, you have the evidence in front of you. I loved every minute of getting to visit with this talented local.

After buddying up stalking she of shutterbean fame, I headed over to the book signing tent to meet 1:1 with the lovely Joy.

In line I talked for a while with a super sweet food blogger Tiffany who is making her way through Joy's cookbook. I just love meeting other bloggers! And we had more than just food in common. So fun!

Here is Joy, signing my book: "Becky, big loves! happy baking! you're major! xo Joy"

She totally called me "major." :) Oh yeah.

I told Joy how much I love her site with its beautiful photos and scrumptious recipes. I told her about my grain-free version of her tart and told her she always inspires me to try new things based on her ideas. 

And then Jennie took my picture with the lovely baker:

After walking away, a representative from Sunset's publishing firm approached me and asked some questions about my blog. I explained that I'm totally small fry but write about all kinds of topics: food, faith, family, grain-free cooking, and adventures. She gave me her card and told me they are always on the lookout for up-and-coming blogs, asking me to forward my link. Yikes! How exciting!

 Stay tuned for a really, really awesome post and giveaway concerning Joy. It's gonna be epic!!!

good eats, good reads

good eats:

I need to buy some beets ASAP and make these gorgeous beet chips! Yum!

Roost, you had me at Watermelon Mojito Pops.

Looking for inspiration for Kelly's birthday, I stumbled upon these. Oh my.

good reads:

This beautiful post is specifically about working with the poor, but the insights are directly applicable to life on mission. via Kristen Howerton

If you read my post last week about Maddie's last day of preschool, then you know how I feel about sending her off to Kindergarten. Really appreciated Kelle's post on the same topic.

Thoughtful tips on writing. Bookmarked it.

Happy Friday, dear readers! Go off and have a lovely weekend!

Sabbath Adventures: Don Pedro with Friends

Last Thursday our friends and fellow church planters the Foxes invited us out for a day on their boat. Don Pedro is their "happy place" and we're so glad they asked us along. We spent the entire day relaxing, floating, tubing, eating, talking, sun-bathing, and laughing. What an amazing day!

Maddie and Ben were the first to tube. Our little adventurer had a super fun time and kept giving the thumbs-up sign for "Faster!"

Their faces were almost identical: broad smiles and laughter the entire ride!

Sam wasn't so sure about the whole tubing thing to start, but was very happy to hang out on the boat and watch the tubers enjoying themselves. 

Next Ezra, Rebecca and Maddie went for a slow ride. We think Ezra enjoyed himself, but the serious faces made their debut. 

The fellas:

We eventually got Sam on the tube, under the guise of wrestling with Daddy. As the rope lengthened, he grabbed onto the hand-holds and ended up having a great time. He had perma-grin for the entire tube ride until he eventually laid down and tired out. Here they are after their fun ride:

Later that afternoon, Brian gave us a great time on the tube, impressing us with centrifugal force and eventually doing everything possible to toss us off the tube. It was SO fun. Ben and I got to ride together at the very end of the day and we enjoyed a good laugh before flying off at high speeds and skidding across the water. A few days later, my pecs and lats are super sore and the skin is rubbed raw on my knees and wrists, where I hung on for dear life to that tube!

Thanks Brian, Rebecca, Ezra and Ethan for a fabulous day on the lake!

Cured and Smoked Salmon

Our family loves to smoke meats, and it's really hard to beat a delicious piece of smoked salmon. Most recipes are full of sugar, which is out for those of us following the SCD. Kendall Conrad (Eat Well, Feel Well) has done it again with a delicious, sugar-free recipe for cured salmon that tastes amazing. If cured salmon isn't your thing, you can completely rinse the fillet after brining and then slow-smoke it. 

Once you've made it through the two-day curing process, the possibilities are awesome: cured salmon and farmer's cheese on grain-free crackers, smoked salmon salad, cured salmon on grain-free toast.

Cured Salmon
Original recipe by Kendall Conrad

One 2-pound wild salmon fillet, skin and bones removed
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup vodka
2 TBS orange zest
2 TBS lemon zest
2 TBS crushed peppercorns
1/4 cup fresh dill (optional)

To prepare the salmon:
Lay the fillet on a large piece of plastic wrap.

Mix remaining ingredients (salt through dill) in a medium bowl. Spread the mixture all over the fish, pressing it into the flesh.

Cover the salmon with another piece of plastic wrap and set in a shallow baking sheet. Place another shallow cookie sheet on top and add a couple of heavy items to weigh it down (I use whatever I have in my fridge: peanut butter, leftovers, etc.) Leave in the refrigerator for two days.

To serve:
Slice the salmon very thinly and serve with your favorite garnish (red onions, homemade creme fraiche, capers, lemon wedges, chopped parsley, homemade crackers, etc.)

********VARIATIONS********

To smoke the salmon (if desired, not necessary after curing process):
Remove salmon from plastic wrap and rinse thoroughly. Dry with paper towels

Heat smoker to 150. Slow smoke salmon over low heat for at least 2 hours.

Smoked Salmon Salad
Serves Two

Two palm-sized pieces of smoked salmon, flaked
5 cups herb mixed greens (Trader Joe's makes a great one, or just add your own chopped dill and parsley to your favorite lettuces)
1 small cucumber, halved lengthwise and cut into thin half-moons
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pistachios

Balsamic salad dressing
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TBS dill (optional)
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
squeeze of lime or lemon juice
salt and pepper

To prepare the salad:
Combine all salad ingredients besides salmon in a large bowl.

Mix salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jarred container. Mix well.

Toss salad greens with as little or much dressing as desired. Divide salad among two plates. Top with flaked smoked salmon.

how he loves: an update on my health

It was eight weeks ago that I came home from a 12-day stint in the hospital. If you haven't read my original post (I know it's long), you should start there. Some amazing stuff happened in that hospital room. And while I wouldn't wish incredible pain or suffering on anyone that I love, I have an entirely new perspective on what it means to experience the overwhelming grace of God, and I would not, for a minute, exchange the experience I had for a life without suffering.

You may or may not recall that in the hospital, the status of my ulcerative colitis was changed from moderate to severe. I lost fifteen pounds in about two weeks and could not keep any food in my body for many days. There were three days in the hospital where I was basically in a sedated sleep because it was the pain and vomiting were so intense I could barely call my nurses for help. It was scary, overwhelming, and the entire situation was completely out of my hands.

Last week I met with my naturopath to review some of the tests she ordered after I came home from the hospital. Against my gastroenterologist's advice, I decided to hold off on the immuno-suppressing, bank account-draining infusions and try some other, more natural avenues first. My naturopath ordered a few tests. The first was a complete metabolic/nutritional panel that measured what vitamins, minerals, or enzymes my body was deficient in, and also assessed how efficiently my body was digesting and metabolizing food. The second test measured the number of beneficial and harmful flora in my gut. I also had some blood tests done to measure my levels of vitamin D, among other things.

The results showed that I'm deficient in a number of vitamins and minerals: oleic acid, insulin, calcium, zinc, and vitamin K2. However, I'm basically borderline deficient in everything except zinc, which was my lowest mineral by far. Both my antioxidant functioning and my immune system registered in the average levels. There are LOADS of beneficial flora in my gut, more so than my naturopath has ever seen in someone who has my disease. However, I do have quite a bit of one particular dysbiotic flora, and some flora that are out of balance. I have no abnormal yeasts, no blood and no mucous. This is HUGE. Basically before going into the hospital I was losing a ton of blood and mucous (ulcers in your colon = lots of blood. Body trying to heal itself from the inside out = lots of mucous).

The naturopath basically said for someone who had so recently left the hospital, with a condition as severe as mine, she is amazed at how healthy I am. All of my numbers show an average, healthy person!! There's a little work to be done but I am BEYOND GRATEFUL to Jesus for healing me, protecting me, and restoring my body to health.

Right now the plan is to continue with my colitis anti-inflammatory drug (asacol), and a killer round of vitamins, minerals, and gastrointestinal support supplements (to remove the bad bacteria/flora) as well as replenishing and rebuilding supplements (probiotics and fish oil). All in all, I'll taking TWELVE vitamins and supplements. My daily routine is pretty crazy and I have to write it out so I remember everything to take at what meal. :) I've also been strictly following the specific carbohydrate diet. I haven't eaten a single carb, grain or sugar since I left the hospital.

But here's even more good news: she believes that my nutritional deficiencies can be turned around in 3 months and my gut flora rebalanced within 1 month. HOW GOOD IS THAT?!

I've been feeling really good, almost back to normal, but having the science to back it up is just such wonderful, awesome news. I'm so grateful for a naturopath who has been so caring and responsive, for my friends and family who've allowed me to rest and recuperate since coming home from the hospital, and most of all to my Heavenly Father, the Great Healer and Provider, who has done an amazing work not only in my body but also in my spirit. To him be all glory and power and praise!!

For more information on the diet, see the original site or read the book. My naturopath is Dr. Melody Wong and you can read more on her site as well.

Sunday Brunch: Breakfast Pizza

What part of breakfast pizza doesn't make you smile? It's two of my favorite things combined: breakfast and pizza! Except this isn't some cold pizza from last night's box; this is the real deal, folks.

All you need is some leftover Asparagus-Gruyere pizza (or another of your favorites) plus a poached egg:

Breakfast Pizza

2 slices leftover Asparagus-Gruyere Pizza
2 eggs

Preheat broiler.

Bring a saucepan of water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add a dash of white vinegar (helps keep the egg white nice). Crack eggs into separate measuring cups or small ramekins. Add egg as quickly as possible with lip of measuring cup/ramekin as close to the surface of the water as possible. Simmer eggs over medium to med-high heat for 3-4 minutes. 3 minutes will give you a very soft poached egg; 4 minutes for a less runny yolk.

Meanwhile, place pizza under broiler until hot and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).

Top pizza with egg and enjoy!