Saturday, December 29, 2012

Kale chips alfredo

Misha and Nika explore in the minimalist snow
Watching a wildlife television program on polar huskies made me realize why my snow pups, Misha and Nika, need constant exercise. The polar huskies were being trained for an Arctic expedition in which they would need to run eight hours a day and consume 6,000 calories with a 60 percent fat content.

My pooches are wearing me out giving them two hours of exercise a day. Of course, they are still ready to go again while I'm ready for a break. At least, it keeps the holiday calories at bay.

Kale chips alfredo
Even with all that exercise, I still have to watch how much I eat. Yes, it is possible to overconsume, even during Phase 1 of the anti-candida diet. That's why I'll be nibbling on kale chips alfredo for my New Year's Eve snacking. They are suitable for ACD-Phase 1.

Here's what you need:

For the Hemp Alfredo Sauce: (makes extra to use as sauce for veggies)
1 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup hemp milk (unsweetened)
2 T. lemon juice
dash of stevia
1-2 tsp. miso paste
salt/pepper to taste
dash of nutmeg

For the Kale Chips
Leaves from one bunch of kale
3-4 T. hemp alfredo sauce



Here's what to do:

Make a batch of the hemp alfredo sauce by blending the ingredients until smooth and creamy in a food processor. Next, remove the leaves from the kale stems. Place the leaves in a bowl and drizzle with alfredo sauce. Toss with your hands. Spread the kale on a large baking sheet. Place on the top shelf of your oven. Bake at 350 degrees but keep your eye on them. Remove when crispy, about 15-20 minutes.



It's not easy, but still possible, to tire a sled dog out.

Here are some other kale chip ideas to keep you snacking healthily during 2013.

For the chocolate lover (suitable for Phase 3; substitute carob for Phase 1-2)
http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/01/chocolate-lovers-kale.html

For the everything veggie lover (suitable for Phase 1)
http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/12/kale-chips-with-works.html

For the chocolate and raspberry lover (suitable for ACD-maintenance)
http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/01/chocolate-raspberry-kale.html

Enjoy other recipes from:
http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/12/27/wellness-weekend-december-27-31/

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Dessert for your ACD Christmas

Merry Christmas from Bailey, the cat in the kitchen
You don't have to skip dessert at your Christmas celebration just because you are following an anti-candida diet (ACD). Try making a single-serve squash pie that's suitable for ACD-phase 1 and vegan. And don't forget the vanilla ice cream! You can have this for breakfast too!

Single-Serve Squash pie


Here's what you need for one large serving (or two smaller servings):

For the squash pie
1/2 cup squash puree (I used delicata but you also can use pumpkin)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (Or almond or hemp milk)
1 T. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 T. sunbutter or tahini (or other seed or nut butter)
1 T. ground flax seeds
1 T. chia seeds
1 T. SunWarrior protein powder (or other rice protein powder of choice)
1 T. coconut flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon
stevia to taste

For the vanilla soft-serve ice cream:
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
2 scoops SunWarrior vanilla protein powder
stevia to taste
Optional: 1 T. vegetable glycerine
1/8-1/4 cup additional coconut milk

Here's what to do:

Do the prep for the "ice cream." Blend the ingredients in your food processor. Pour the milk mixture into ice cube trays or silicon mini-cupcake pans. Place in the freezer to harden into milk cubes.

For the squash pie, preheat oven to 350 degrees, and spray a five-inch ramekin with pan spray or two smaller ramekins. Mix all the ingredients in your food processor. Pour the dough into the ramekin(s). Place the ramekin(s) on a baking sheet in the oven. Bake 30-35 minutes until the pie gets golden on top and pulls away slightly from the sides of the ramekin(s). Allow to cool before serving. Pie may be removed from the ramekin(s) if you are careful.

Vanilla soft-serve ice cream (ACD-Phase 1 friendly)

Finish up the ice cream while the pie cools. Put all the milk cubes in your clean food processor. Add stevia to taste, optional glycerine and just enough coconut milk to blend your ice cream. Mixture will be like soft-serve ice cream. If you want it more scoopable, put the ice cream in the freezer to harden slightly before serving.

This soft-serve ice cream makes a great topping for your Christmas-day pancakes too!

Get the recipe for the pancakes here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/12/acd-breakfast-coconut-pancakes-and.html

Get more ACD-phase 1 Christmas recipes here:
http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/p/acd-holiday-recipes.html

Here's wishing you a great holiday and hoping you will find something as special as Nika under your tree!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Coconut pumpkin biscuits for ACD Christmas dinner

Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas from Misha, the husky
How about an ACD-phase 1, vegan biscuit to complement your Christmas dinner or even enjoy for breakfast?

Coconut Pumpkin Biscuits with Cilantro or Green Onions
(makes six or seven)
suitable for ACD-Phase 1

Here's what you need:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
1-2 T. chopped fresh cilantro or chopped green onions
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 T. apple cider vinegar
2/3 cup hemp milk
3 T. tahini or other seed or nut butter
2 T. flax
2 T. chia seed
2 T. melted coconut oil
dash of salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
optional: 1/2 tsp. cumin
Coconut pumpkin biscuits with cilantro or green onions

Here's what you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with pan spray.
Put all the ingredients into your food processor and pulse to blend into a sticky dough. Scoop out 1/3 cup of dough per biscuit. Flatten and shape the biscuits as you place them on the baking sheet about two-three inches apart. Bake for 30-40 minutes until browned. Note: These can be made ahead and stored in the freezer.

Check out what else is planned for Christmas dinner (ACD-style) here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/12/anti-candida-christmas-dinner-plan.html

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Anti-candida Christmas dinner plan

Merry Christmas from Nika, the malamute


There are only six more days until Christmas. Yikes! I'd better get busy planning my anti-candida holiday recipes to keep me on the straight and narrow when Christmas rolls around.

Candida is my Ghost of Christmas past. It keeps revisiting me every time I stray from the anti-candida diet. My enduring candida infection may be tied to my chronic muscle pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. You guessed it. With that history, I already have recipes ready to go.

Here's my menu plan (subject to change, of course, if the mood strikes me), and all are suitable for ACD Phase 1:

  • Cauliflower-pumpkin mash with cranberry-pumpkin seed pesto (Note: this can be a main entree or side dish if serving a meat protein)
  • Asparagus bundles wrapped with grilled red pepper strips
  • Pumpkin coconut biscuits
  • Squash pie with vanilla soft-serve ice cream
  • Grilled veggies, such as cauliflower, asparagus, red peppers, broccoli
  • Tossed salad with baby greens and veggies
Cauliflower-Pumpkin Mash with Cranberry-Pumpkin Pesto and Asparagus Bundles

Cauliflower-Pumpkin Mash with Cranberry-Pumpkin Seed Pesto and Asparagus Bundles (wrapped with grilled red pepper strips)

Here's what you need for one serving with some for leftovers:

For the mash:
Steamed cauliflower florets from one third of a medium head of cauliflower
1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
1 T. tahini (or other nut or seed butter)
1/4 cup+ hemp milk (or other dairy-free beverage)
salt and pepper

For the cranberry-pumpkin seed pesto:
1 cup of frozen whole cranberries
1/2 cup water
stevia to taste
leaves from two stalks of kale
2 T. toasted pumpkin seeds
drizzle of olive oil
salt and pepper
Optional: extra pumpkin seeds for sprinkling on top

For the asparagus bundles:
6 asparagus stalks, trimmed
grilled red pepper strips

Here's what you do:

For the mash:
Steam the cauliflower florets for about 4-5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before putting them in your food processor. Add the other ingredients and pulse until thick and creamy. Remove the mash from the food processor and set it aside.

For the cranberry-pumpkin seed pesto:
Prepare the cranberries. Place them in a medium saucepan with the water and stevia. Heat to boiling and allow the cranberries to pop. Continue simmering until a cranberry sauce is formed. Set aside to cool.

Once the cranberries are cool, toss them in your food processor, along with the kale leaves and pumpkin seeds. Add a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, and pulse to form your pesto. Remove and set aside.

For the asparagus bundles:
Grill red pepper strips in a grill pan or oven. Wrap red pepper strips around bundles of two asparagus stalks. Make three or more bundles.  Return to grill to cook the asparagus until crisp and tender.


Plate up your delicious Christmas dinner entree as shown above.

Coconut pumpkin biscuits

Next post: coconut pumpkin biscuits.
http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2012/12/coconut-pumpkin-biscuits-for-acd.html
Get more Christmas recipes here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/p/acd-holiday-recipes.html
or here http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/12/20/wellness-weekend-december-20-24/

Friday, December 14, 2012

ACD Breakfast: Coconut Pancakes and Green Smoothie

ACD Coconut Pancakes and Green Smoothie
The first three weeks of the anti-candida diet (ACD) are so low carb that it can be difficult at times to not have a grumbling tummy and cranky attitude. I find the best way to combat this problem is to have a "hearty" breakfast.

I guess I am a slow learner because this is my third time around on the ACD diet. One thing I have learned is how to cook an ACD-legal pancake that holds together. The trick is slow cooking, over medium heat, in a heavy skillet and not trying to flip the pancakes too soon (even though you're dying for a taste).

Here's what you need to make ACD Coconut Pancakes for one. These are so good even my hubby enjoyed them, and they are tasty enough to serve for Christmas breakfast.

1 T. sunflower seeds
1 T. pumpkin seeds
1 T. ground flax
1 T. chia seed
2 T. coconut flour
1 T. vegan rice protein (I used vanilla SunWarrior)
1 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
Optional: 1 T. unsweetened coconut flakes
1 T. tahini
1/4 cup light coconut milk (or other non-dairy beverage)
For topping: nut or seed butter, coconut flakes

Here's what you do:

Get your coffee grinder out. Put in everything but the tahini and coconut milk. Grind those ingredients until they form a flour. In a medium bowl, mix the tahini and coconut milk. Add in the "flour" from your coffee grinder and stir to mix. Your batter will be thick. Resist the temptation to thin it out with more coconut milk.

Heat up your skillet on low medium to medium setting. Spray with pan spray and add a bit of olive oil. Divide the batter into two medium pancakes. Flatten slightly with a spoon or spatula. Cook 5-6 minutes per side. Resist the temptation to flip too soon. Test by lifting each pancake to see if it holds together before turning.

Serve with nut or seed butter and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Yum!

Did you say breakfast was ready?

For some quick nutrition while the pancakes are cooking drink your Green Smoothie.

Here's what you need:

4-5 slices of cucumber
2 celery stalks
Handful of spinach
1/2 cup coconut water
1 scoop vanilla SunWarrior protein powder
1 T. chia seed
Stevia to taste
Dash of salt
Lots of ice

Blend in your food processor or blender. Serve cook and frothy!


Recipe contributed to: http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/12/13/wellness-weekend-december-13-17-2012/

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Let's scream for ACD phase 1 ice cream

Hey, Nika, let's play!

The snow dogs finally got their wish. It snowed! It was just a skiff but it transformed everything. Twenty-three degrees, with a wind chill, is a little hard on we humans but oh, do Misha and Nika love to play in the cold, snowy weather.

Carob coconut ice cream with carob fudge bites

Okay, guys, you got the snow. Now, for some reason I'm craving ice cream. Yes, it is possible to make ACD-phase 1 ice cream that's delicious. Just ask the snow dogs. They beg for some every batch I make. I guess they know it's legal because there is no chocolate, only carob.

Carob Coconut Ice Cream
Here's what you need for a large serving or 2 smaller ones.

1 cup coconut milk (full-fat or regular)
1 T. toasted carob powder
2 T. sunbutter or other seed or nut butter
Vanilla liquid stevia (2-3  droppersful)
Additional stevia to taste
Optional: 1 scoop SunWarrior vegan vanilla protein powder

Here's what you do:

Blend all the ingredients in your food processor. Transfer to an ice cream maker and process according to instructions. Garnish with carob fudge bites for an extra level of deliciousness.

For the carob fudge bites recipe go to this link:
http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2011/05/27/sugar-free-gluten-free-anti-candida-vegan-carob-carob-fudge-recipe/

Note: I made the fudge bites petite by molding them in a silicon mini-cupcake pan.



Roasted beet ice cream with coconut seed bar


Beet Coconut Ice Cream
What you need for one large serving or 2 smaller ones.

1 oven-roasted small beet
1 cup coconut milk (either full fat or regular)
Vanilla liguid stevia (2-3 droppersful)
Addional stevia to taste
Optional: 1 scoop SunWarrior vegan vanilla protein powder

Here's what you do:

Roast a small beet, wrapped in aluminum foil, until fork tender. Do this ahead of time and allow the beet to chill in the fridge. When ready, put everything in the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to your ice cream maker and follow the instructions to make your ice cream.

Serve with a coconut seed bar. Get the recipe here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/backpacking-with-candida-and-food.html
Note: for ACD-phase 1, sub 1/2 cup spaghetti squash puree for the unsweetened applesauce.


Misha knows how important good sleep is for you.

For the past few weeks, I have been following the strict ACD diet once again in hopes of clearing up recurring sinus, stomach and chronic muscle pain problems, all part of fibromyalgia. One of the best things I have done for myself is finally getting some deep sleep. For years, I have struggled getting stage 3 and 4 deep sleep for 7-8 hours. Disrupted sleep causes pain.

It's amazing what sleep (with the help of an herbal sleep remedy) can do for repairing muscles. I started this process with pain all over my body. Now, my pain is less intense and in fewer spots.

I am following the SHINE protocol, developed by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., and described in his book, From Fatigued to Fantastic. S is for sleep: H for hormones; I infection; N nutrition; and E exercise. In many cases, the infection is candida which I am addressing with the ACD diet and antifungals.



Carob coconut ice cream with carob fudge bites


Recipes contributed to: http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/12/06/wellness-weekend-december-6-10-2012-2/



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Cauliflower crust pizza with hemp alfredo sauce

Gimme, gimme more!
I feel like licking my dish too, just like Nika, when eating my Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Hemp Alfredo Sauce. Yes, it is possible to have a delicious meal, full of flavor, when following the strict anti-candida diet (phase 1).

Cauliflower crust pizza with hemp alfredo sauce
I have been visited again by some unwelcome guests, called candida. Actually, the little beasties never leave you but it's your job to keep them under control by eating a low-glycemic diet and taking probiotics to put healthy bacteria back in your gut.

I strayed too far (for me) from the low-glycemic rule. It had been two years since my last bout with candida. No wonder, I thought I was cleared for eating more carbohydrates. In fact, after two years, I had to review the ACD-phase 1 rules for eating as I started this new round with candida.

The strictest version of the diet (Phase 1) would eliminate:

• Anything containing sugar;

• Simple carbohydrates, such as flour, cakes, cookies, breads, etc.;

• Foods that contain mold or fungus, such as yeast, mushrooms, peanuts, cashews, cheese;

• The most common food allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts;

• Foods that are fermented (alcohol, all condiments including ketchup, mustard, soy sauce);

• Anything artificial, processed, containing chemicals or additives, imitation or artificial seasonings flavorings and colorings;

• Soda pop, fruit juice, pre-sweetened drinks, coffee, tea (except herbal teas).

What's left to eat, you are probably wondering?

• All vegetables except starchy ones (winter squash, and heaven forbid, no corn. It's not really a vegetable anyhow);

• Some nuts and most seeds;

• Water;

• Natural, cold-pressed oils, such as olive oil;

• Lemon and lime juice;

• Stevia (a natural herbal sweetener that does not affect blood sugar levels as long as it's alcohol-free);

• Unsweetened alternative dairy beverages, such as soy milk

There are some exceptions to these rules depending on what program you are following. Some allow a bit of chocolate or carob; one serving of low-glycemic fruit: small amounts of sweet potatoes, carrots, beets; organic apple cider vinegar; legumes and whole grains (amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, flaxseed) in restricted portions.


I discovered the return of the candida beasties at the same time my chronic pain was flaring. Candida is a common thread among people with fibromyalgia, as I discovered I had had all through my many bouts with yeast overgrowth. In my initial week taking antifungal meds, I have found my pain actually increasing. It's a common occurrence to have your symptoms increase as the candida beasties die off.

I also am working on improving the quality of my sleep which is a critical component of healing from fibromyalgia or anything for that matter. Without deep sleep, your body cannot repair itself. I am taking magnesium and a herbal sleeping potion to help me stay asleep rather than waking because of pain. So far, I am noting an improvement in my sleep.



It's time to get on to the good stuff: Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Hemp Alfredo Sauce.

You will need to serve 1:

Crust:
1/3 head of cauliflower, riced
2-3 chia eggs (mix 2-3 T. of chia with 3-4 T. of warm water and allow to gel)
1/4 cup raw or toasted sunflower seeds ground into flour using a coffee grinder
1/4 tsp. salt

Hemp Alfredo Sauce: (makes extra to use to make kale chips)
1 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup hemp milk (unsweetened)
2 T. lemon juice
dash of stevia
salt/pepper to taste
dash of nutmeg

Toppings:
6 steamed asparugus stalks, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
6 artichoke hearts, halved
alfredo sauce kale chips

Hemp Alfredo Sauce Kale Chips
Leaves from one bunch of kale
3-4 T. hemp alfredo sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put the raw cauliflower florets into a food processor and pulse until it resembles rice. Add the chia eggs, salt and sunflower seed flour and pulse until blended.
Put the dough onto a pan-sprayed baking sheet. Cover the dough with a large piece of wax paper and smoosh it with your hands until it's about 9-12 inches in diameter. Place the dough in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until dry but pliable.

You'll need to make the hemp alfredo sauce before you can make the kale chips. It's almost too easy. Simply put everything in your food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Next, make the hemp alfredo sauce kale chips. Remove the leaves from the stems. Place in a bowl and drizzle with alfredo sauce. Toss with your hands. Spread the kale on a large baking sheet. Place on the top shelf of your oven. Normally, kale chips are baked at 350 degrees but if you keep your eye on them, you can bake them along with the cauliflower crust. Remove when crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare your toppings. Once everything is ready, spread alfredo sauce on the prepared crust. Add your veggies and kale chips. Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes to heat through. Remove your pizza from the oven and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation, almost too good to be ACD-phase 1.



 I am wanting more, more, more of this pizza!

"I'll have some more food, please."

Contributed to: http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/2012/11/29/wellness-weekend-november-26-december-3-2012/