Changes

I know I'm not the only one that does this, but right now I FEEL like I'm the only one that does. So once I've posted this I will do the smart thing and go to bed!! 


I have really no clue what I want to do long term with my life. 


I do. 


But I don't. 


Yes, I want to care for my husband and raise my children, but since that's not what God has for me right now, I have to figure out something else! 


I'm moving to Washington DC.

In 3 weeks.


I'll be working, maybe going to grad school (once I figure a few things out first!!), and spending time with my family there. 


Nutrition counseling is a consideration for grad school. Who knows. God does. I'm waiting on Him for that. 


What about the sewing stuff?!?!?! 
I love sewing, but I DON'T want to run a business! The little of that I have had to do over the past year has been horrible. Painful even. 
Therefore, instead of continuing to operate as a "business", and watching a hobby that I love become a job that I don't like, I am not continuing my previous course. 


Stay tuned… that way you can tell me what's going on in my life!

~ Claire ~

Perfect French Fries

Again I apologize for not taking pictures of my food. Having a fun camera is still a bit new to me and the kitchen is my favorite playground which makes pulling me away from the action a little difficult sometimes.

I like french fries. I think it's safe to state that most North Americans do as well considering that if we all ate the same amount it would even out to 28 pounds per person per year.

Since they're rarely fried in animal fat anymore they don't taste as good as they used to though.

My solution to this dilemma was purely an accident, but one that nearly sent both my father and I to the hospital last summer…  please, don't EVER  cover a pot of vegetable oil while heating it on the stove!!

This works great with both white and sweet potato fries.

~~~

Step 1: was, cut and rinse your potatoes (to remove excess starch). I leave the skins on cuz I think their crunch is like a merengue dance for my taste buds!

Step 2: SOAK the cut fries in salt water for at least an hour. I sprinkled about 3 Tbsp of salt over 5-6 med/lg potatoes then added water to cover the potatoes by about an inch or two.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 425˚f

Step 4: Drain the fries and spread them out on a cookie sheet. I use a stoneware sheet or pizza stone because I like it.

Step 5: drizzle with a very small amount of olive oil (only 2-3 TEASPOONS) and mix them around to coat evenly, sprinkle with any desired seasoning. e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, parsley, etc.

Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

Step 7: LINE a bowl or whatever you're going to serve them from with either newsprint or paper towels.

Step 8: Eat them and enjoy their deliciousness!!!!!!!!!!

Step 9: Kiss the cook ;)

- Claire -

Banana bread doesn't have to be bad for you.

How do I know? I broke the rule, that's how. 

I did it. I made Banana Bread that was super healthy, and so delicious that food junkies (you know, the opposite of a Foodie who will eat any junk food and call it "good") told me it was some of the best they'd ever had :)

That literally made my day.

Of course, I didn't take pictures, what would be the point of that?! 

My dear friend Monica gave me her Banana Bread recipe and it was delicious. I am however ridding my diet of refined sugars and starches, so I made a few modifications.

To duplicate these delicious gems (I made muffins):
Preheat your oven to 325˚f
Butter and flour (or use parchment paper) either a.) A large loaf pan, b.) 4 small loaf pans, or c.) 1 dozen large muffin tins. I guess you could use cupcake papers, but I didn't have any so I buttered and floured my pans and they turned out splendidly.


Cream together 
1/2 C. Butter
1/2 C. Date Sugar
1/2 C. Sucanat (get it at a health food store or through a food co-op)


Add 2 large eggs, one at a time


3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 tsp. Cinnamon
a small pinch of salt


Mix it all up with a mixer then add 
3 Banana's that you've smashed with a fork 
and 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour 


Mix just until combined after the banana and flour are in, you don't want to ruin the soda action, that wouldn't be pretty!


Pour the batter into your pan(s) and bake for 
45-50 minutes for a large loaf
35-42 minutes for small loaves or muffins.


cool slightly on a wire rack before you turn it out of the pan (s).


It's exceptional with chopped pecans or walnuts, but my dad can't eat them so I didn't put any in.

Enjoy! 

Claire