Weekend Update* and Food Four Ways

*Really more like a “beginning of February update,” but since the HH and I watched Saturday Night Live yesterday (love that Mike Myers!), I’ve got that phrase on the brain. 

[Gillian (of Confessions of a Young Woman) and me at Fresh on Bloor.]

I. Shared Food (with a Fellow Blogger)

One of the things I love about blogging is getting to know so many people, either through your comments here on the blog, your emails, or–when the stars align just right–in person.  Yesterday, one of those alignments occurred when I met up with Gillian Young at one of my favorite restos, Fresh on Bloor. From our many conversations on twitter, I already knew that Gillian and I had similar ideas about eating healthfully.  With her interest in the ACD, Gillian had asked if she could pick my brain about the diet, and of course that kind of conversation is so much more fun in person!

Gillian is just as energetic, enthusiastic and full of positivity in person as she is on her blog.  Even at her age, she’s already managed to live in a variety of places around the world (I am so envious of her stay in Paris!), work at a variety of interesting jobs, and write a series of travel guides.

[My “California Salad”: greens with avocado, grape tomatoes, pecans, and pesto-coated white beans.]

After greeting each other with a warm hug and ordering our lunches (hers: wheatgrass shot and Big Salad; mine: Detox juice and California Salad), we gabbed nonstop for over two hours. We did talk about the anti-candida diet, of course, but our conversation also wandered toward blogging, working in television, living with a meat-lover, yoga and meditation, being too busy, writing, and much more. Gillian brought me a gift of organic chia seeds (my faves!) from a company called Running Food that I can’t wait to try.  Thanks so much, Gillian, for your company and warmth (and thanks for sending over these pics–darn that point-and-shoot of mine!). 😀

II. SuperBowl Food (ie, Mandatory SuperBowl Mention)

Today is the SuperBowl, right?  Okay, I’ve mentioned it.

III. Ebook Tester Foods (Mine and Lindsay’s) and Last Call for Blogs

I’m now about midway through the testing for my upcoming ebook, Top of the Morning: Breakfasts without Sugar, Gluten, Eggs or Dairy. Many thanks to all the dedicated testers who’ve been working so hard to try out the recipes!  I’m really excited to be bringing you sugar free, gluten free, vegan recipes that are all ACD-friendly for pancakes, waffles, grain-free granola, scones, and much more! There will be many savory options, too.  The ebook should be available by the beginning of March.

Here’s a peek at the most recent recipe that was tested, Wholegrain Waffles (this one is topped with some Coconut Ice Cream):

These were a big hit with testers!

I also had the opportunity to do a little testing for Lindsay (of the Cook.Vegan.Lover blog) for her upcoming ebook. Here are just a couple of the dishes I tested:

Vegan Sloppy Joes (with an unusual twist):

No fake meats in these babies!  The sandwich you see above was the HH’s (since it’s just a regular kaiser roll), but I enjoyed the mix over zucchini “pasta” and it was delectable!

Baked Artichoke and Spinach Dip:

This dip was spectacular–creamy without tofu, and almost fat-free as well! We both loved it, and when I served it to guests at a dinner party, it was gobbled up in no time flat.

If you’re interested in learning more about the recipes or Lindsay’s other ebook, check out her blog!

As you may recall, a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I’d be updating my Recipe Index and Blogroll, and asked for suggestions.  Thanks to everyone who submitted your blog URLS for consideration. If the blog is updated regularly and fits the category, I’ll include it.  I am finally getting the page updated and will be adding new URLs every few days until I’ve incorporated them all. (You can still sneak in under the wire by leaving your info here).

IV. DDD Food In Your Kitchen:

I love when readers make my recipes and tell me about it.  And wow–you folks have been busy! Here’s a list of the culinary creations you’ve made in the past few weeks based on DDD recipes.

If you’ve tried a recipe and I miss it here, please let me know about it in the comments and I’d be happy to add it next time.  (And now that I’ve got my Recipe Index up to date, I’ve finally started updating my Blogroll, too.  There’s still time to add yours to the list before I’m done!)

• Bellwookie has been testing for my upcoming breakfast ebook and shared a Giant Baked Upside Down Apple Pancake with her family;
• Andrea tried out the recently posted Tempeh “Bourguignon“–and used the wine from the original recipe! I loved her comment on that post. 🙂
• Reader Jen made GF Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies and commented, “The result was a chewy, not-to-sweet cookie that my mom and I both LOVED.”
• Readers Mia and Amber Shea tried out the Tofu Mole (I loved Amber Shea’s idea to serve it over brown rice mixed with cauliflower!);
• Reader Liz made Hazelnut Melting Moments (and asked a great question about how recipe instructions should be read);
• Reader Lily improvised with pancake mix instead of some of the flour in Orange-Oatmeal Muffins (and reports having great success–good to know!);
• A few of you tried out the Almond-Crusted Parsnip Fries: Ashley, MyThy, and Katie (who still isn’t crazy about parsnips, unfortunately);
• Reader Aurelia made Carob Coconut Sweeties (and just started a new  blog—pop over and say “hi” and welcome her to the blog world!)  🙂
• Alisa was on a sugar-free cleanse and tried out the Carob Coconut Sweeties as well to ease those cravings;
• Reader Emma made Speedy Fruit Sorbet (and apparently had to fight the family to get the bowl back!);
• Readers Laila and Rachel tried out my new favorite dessert or snack, Cinnamon Spiced Coconut Bark;
• Katrin loved the Raw Cookie Dough Truffles ;
• Heather reported making the Quinoa Salad with Buckwheat and Cranberries, using walnut oil instead of olive oil (sounds like a great sub!);
• and Julie tried out Nutroast Extraordinaire, which she called “the best nut roast I’ve ever tried!” (Wow.  Must be the wine in the recipe.) 😉

And some other mentions–thanks to each one of you:

• TasteTo featured my Tofu Mole in their “What’s Cooking: Wednesday” feature
• DDD was awarded the “Stylish blog award” from Beaglebea’s Blog ;
• Sweet Freedom was included in a list of Top 25 Allergy Cookbooks;
• Nava Atlas posted a review of Sweet Freedom and the recipe for Ultra Fudgy brownies from the cookbook in her monthly newsletter.

Thanks so much, everyone!  I love hearing about what you’re cooking. 😀

V. And Finally. . . Food for Review (and a Giveaway!)

[Banana Coconut Cream Pie from Grain-Free Baked Goods and Desserts]

Finally, I had the pleasure of trying out some goodies from Kelly (of The Spunky Coconut)’s new cookbook, Grain-Free Baked Goods and Desserts.  See that pie just above?  That’s from the book.  And I’ve been enjoying it this past week almost every day for breakfast–it’s that full of healthy ingredients! 

Stay tuned for a review of the book and fabulous giveaway tomorrow!

“Mum, did you say something about a “super” bowl?  Is that like an extra large dinner bowl?  In that case, we’re all for it!”

Last Year at this Time: Apple Pumpkin Crumble Bars

Two Years Ago: Flash in the Pan: Grown-Up Fig & Walnut Baked Apples

Three Years Ago: Dog Day: If Vodka is an Elsie, then Beer is a Chaser (how Chaser got her name)

© Diet, Dessert and Dogs

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