JUMP INTO JANUARY CHALLENGE 2013

[DebbyL]

Good morning,
Sorry about the health worries for the grandchildren. hope things turn around for the better. and for peace for the grandma's!

Buffy, sorry for your sleepless night & the ice cream. That used to be my thing too, ice cream...

Well, DH is supposed to be driving back today. But I'm not sure how it will go. His friend didn't make it to my DD's last night. His crones started acting up & he had to stop "somewhere." He is on some expensive meds that last just so long & I guess they just ran out. Imagine that, going all the way to Mexico & back, with that possibility lurking... oh well, they're at least in BC where he should be able to get the treatment if he can't go on.

Have a good day Y'all!

[CarolynF]

Hi gals..

Oh, Sandy..how horrible for your granddaughter..Praying for her..Have they tested her for food allergies/gluten intolerance, etc? So many auto-immune diseases start with that, according to Dr. Davis..Hoping they can give her some answers...fast..

Debby: hmmm..hope Dh makes it home safe and sound without many incidents.

[CindyCRNA]

Originally Posted by Buffy45

Confession time. After I met my cousins for brunch yesterday, I stopped at our Braum's store and got a container of my favorite ice cream, they now pack them in smaller containers but I think they are 1 1/2 pints. By bedtime last night I had eaten the whole thing! I am here to say that I enjoyed my pity party to the max.

Now I have to get back on the wagon or soon I will be derailed but it is what it is, the debil made me do it

Falling off the wagon occasionally is good for you!! Staying off the wagon, not so much! You know, I take sleep meds every night. Have been since menopause. You may consider it if you have too many sleepless nights. Sleeping, for me is critical!

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by CarolynF

That bread sounds divine, Judy. I'm so glad that you experiment with LC baking. It saves me from trying everything. If you like it, I will like it!!

No higher praise, in my opinion!

So now I had to try her entire loaf of bread. Be aware this is pretty high calorie, but it really does have a yeasty smell and flavor - so many of these 'breads' are simply neutral. Which is usually fine, but this is a great treat, I think and could be served whether you are low carb or not - it's great toasted after thinly sliced.
Took this loaf to my mom's for lunch after church and we all loved it.

CHEESY LOAF OF BREAD (Ginny Larsen)

8 eggs
1/2 cup *marsala wine -- (dry)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup almond flour -- (honeyville is what I used)
3 tablespoons psyllium seed husk powder
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes, NOW brand
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 packets Truvia -- (or 1 tbsp other sweetener)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line bottom of 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In medium mixing bowl, add wet ingredients: eggs, wine, and oil. Beat together well. Add dry ingredients: Parmesan cheese, almond flour, psyllium powder, nutritional yeast, baking powder, and Truvia OR other sweetener.

Mix with electric beaters for 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour into loaf pan. Bake 30 minutes, then place an aluminum foil tent over the top and bake another 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn out of pan onto a wire rack to completely cool before cutting. An electric knife helps to cut nice even pieces. I got 16 good slices out of this.

*Helpful Hints: If you don't have wine, you can use cooking wine, or if you choose not to use wine, you can try buttermilk. The wine does seem to add to the flavor and texture and rise, and I haven't tested it yet with buttermilk, but that would be what I would try first, myself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

16 Slices/Per Serving: 122 Calories; 8g Fat (63.2% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 1 useable carb per slice

Originally Posted by sjl330

My DGD14 went to the ER last night with severe pain in her back. They gave her morphine twice and sent her home. She's supposed to see her autoimmune specialist again Monday for more testing. She's been on the auto-immune meds for about 5 weeks now and they don't seem to be helping at all. Please add her to your prayers. She's in constant pain, light hurts her eyes and she has a constant headache. So she doesn't do anything except lay in bed, walk to the bathroom and take hot showers. She's been tested for lupus and although it seems like they all come back positive for lupus, the Dr only calls it "an unclassified auto-immune disease". I don't really care what they call it, but I sure wish they'd find something to help her. This is the same DGD that has heart problems and has had heart problems since she was 9 months old. Well, that's when they discovered it, she was probably born with the problem. It's a very long story but her appendix burst when she was a baby and that's when they discovered the heart problem and since that time she's just had one problem after another. This is same DGD that had that major surgery this last summer and ever since that surgery she's had this auto-immune thing pop up. It's like she's caught up in a terrible nightmare that she can't wake up from. I feel so sorry for her. And nothing seems to be getting better at all.
Please pray for her.

Sandy this is heartbreaking and I am so sorry. I would be sad if she had lupus, and I am sad that she has some unidentified auto-immune disorder. I think they try their best, but the doctors just don't know everything. I am certainly keeping this dear child, and her family, in my prayers.

Originally Posted by Buffy45

I finally took something for anxiety in the night and got back to sleep around 5.

That and a cup of hot chocolate made with almond milk helped.

I wish I liked almond milk better than I do. Maybe I need to try the almond milk that is also not vanilla - the plain almond breeze.
How do we make hot chocolate with almond milk Buffy?

Originally Posted by sjl330

You're probably right Buffy. There are so many germaphobes now that I don't think kids every have to fight off the germs like we did in our childhood. I did not know that diabetes was in the auto-immune spectrum. That's very interesting. Yes, I pray they find a cure for all of the diseases that plague our kiddos and all of us.

Pity party over!!!! And I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now do NOT derail yourself. Get back on track and get right down into the 170s. Grab your joy back, don't let things you can't control rob you of that.

I love you Sandy!

Originally Posted by DebbyL

His crones started acting up & he had to stop "somewhere." He is on some expensive meds that last just so long & I guess they just ran out. Imagine that, going all the way to Mexico & back, with that possibility lurking... oh well, they're at least in BC where he should be able to get the treatment if he can't go on.

I can't imagine having Crohn's and taking a trip like that - my nephew has Crohn's (another auto-immune disease!) and it can be different stages of severe - and so debilitating! At least he's in country and can get help now if he needs it.

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by CindyCRNA

Falling off the wagon occasionally is good for you!! Staying off the wagon, not so much!

Originally Posted by CindyCRNA

You know, I take sleep meds every night. Have been since menopause. You may consider it if you have too many sleepless nights. Sleeping, for me is critical!

I agree - sleep is soothing, restorative, a real blessing.
However you get it - get it.

[TuscanGirl]

Sandy - Oh dear. I'm so sorry!!
Lots of prayers for your DGD and you!!!


Buffy - Like everyone said - you're allowed a small digression. Now back on the wagon!
I had no clue about diabetes either.
Interesting!

How is DGS today?

Debby - will DH wait for his friend or just come on home?

Judy - should I send you my address?

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by TuscanGirl

Sandy - Oh dear. I'm so sorry!!
Lots of prayers for your DGD and you!!!


Buffy - Like everyone said - you're allowed a small digression. Now back on the wagon!
I had no clue about diabetes either.
Interesting!

How is DGS today?

Debby - will DH wait for his friend or just come on home?

Judy - should I send you my address?

Anytime! I wonder how that bread would hold up....

[DebbyL]

Hi there!

Hope you had a good Sunday! I did. Took the kiddo's to church & then had a good visit with their mommy.

DH is almost home, couple of hours away. I got a text from his friend in church. So we could both rest easy (his wife & I). He must of pulled through what ailed him yesterday.

I kind of feel like taking the day off tomorrow to be with dh, but I'm the only one that works on Monday, so that wouldn't be good. Oh well, give him a chance to get stuff done.

Hope this coming week has good news all around!

[Shalbrihil]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to ones battling stress and disorders. Wishing you a better week.

Good news Debby bet hubby is home now safe and sound.

[TuscanGirl]

Morning!

This is going to be a good week!


I'm still doing hospice watch on Copper.
He has a good day, average day, good day, great day, etc. so far no bad days. So maybe he'll recover!

[TuscanGirl]

Originally Posted by JMCM1

Anytime! I wonder how that bread would hold up....

I'm sure you could wrap it up, put it in a box . . . .

[JMCM1]

Hoping for a good week for all - at least staying in touch is good!

Hugs to Copper and his watchful caretaker.
Debby I hope your DH got home yesterday.

Looking forward to hearing from others as you can...

I'm going to try some recipes today! Or at least that's my plan.
Unless I spend all day perusing the internet for who knows what.

[DebbyL]

Hi!
Hope you all have a great day!
DH made it home just before 9 pm last night. So much catching up to do. Too bad I have to go to work!
See you later!

[sjl330]

Sorry I've been MIA all day. Busy running errands and taking care of last minute stuff before I leave. Youngest DGS's b-day dinner is tonight. We're all going to Chili's except his sister and mom. His sister just doesn't feel like going anywhere or doing anything. And is in a lot of pain when she moves. It's an ordeal just to go to a Drs appt. I asked my son last night if they'd ever tested her for Lyme disease. I read that they can mimic each other a lot and a lot of people have been misdiagnosed and lived with the misdiagnosis for years. He said he didn't think she'd been tested so maybe they'll bring that up at next dr. appt.

What recipes are you making Judy? You could become our mail order baker!!! I love that wine/cheese bread but have only made it once. Maybe after vacation I can get more focused on new foods to try.

Debby, glad your DH made it home safe and sound. I'm sure you'll both have a lot to talk about to get caught up.

MK, how's your DH's finger? I'm glad Copper is getting better, or at least not worse. My pooch is going to turn 9 in February!! She and I will be the same age this year, lol.

Buffy, how are you doing and how is your DGS doing?

Hi Sharon, out there in sunny CA!!

Hi Carolyn!!

[CarolynF]

Hi ladies..

Busy morning..eye doctor appointment..no new contacts needed..Hurrah..

Glad Mr. Copper is doing better..hopefully everything will heal up quickly and he will
be his normal self..

Glad Debby's dh made it home safely from his big adventure..

Yes, Lyme's disease is a good idea..Hopefully, it is something they can fix..

Made some ribs in the crockpot, so dh will be happy..

Yes, Judy..share any successful recipes..

Alex is 16..He is hanging in there and seems his normal self even though he has lost
weight..He looks like a normal cat now..LOL..

Take care everyone...

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by sjl330

You could become our mail order baker!!! I love that wine/cheese bread but have only made it once.

Sandy you must think I am Buffy!

- - -
I have been failing at making "noodles" from the Konjac powder. Several months ago I bought a noodler, then they began saying you could use a condiment bottle so of course I ran out and bought that.

The process should be simple and for some reason it has seemed very intimidating. Now I see why. I either have the wrong product (supposed to have pickling lime and I picked up calcium chloride) or I'm not waiting long enough for the Konjac to gel or.... I don't know.

Originally Posted by CarolynF

Yes, Judy..share any successful recipes..

As a consolation prize for not being able to make the noodles with the Konjac powder, I made sugar-free pudding with your recipe of 1c. 1/2 & 1/2 & 1c. water. I split it into 5 servings so I wouldn't feel too carby. I don't know if I can stay out of it! It's very good and I've already had 1 of the 5 servings!!

[sjl330]

See, you could package up the other 4 servings and send them to us!!! Lol.

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by sjl330

See, you could package up the other 4 servings and send them to us!!! Lol.

[CarolynF]

No kidding, Sandy..I didn't get any desert tonight..

Judy...I have tried to make those noodles, too..I don't really like the Miracle Noodles, although I do like the Miracle Rice..

Weigh in for my doctor is Wednesday....

[TuscanGirl]

Originally Posted by sjl330

See, you could package up the other 4 servings and send them to us!!! Lol.

Originally Posted by JMCM1

Originally Posted by CarolynF

Judy...I have tried to make those noodles, too..I don't really like the Miracle Noodles, although I do like the Miracle Rice..

I didn't like the noodles either! I still like the Shirataki Noodles.


Sandy - GREAT idea about Lyme disease!!! Unless you live in the Northeast, docs don't even think about it!

Debby - glad DH is home!!

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by TuscanGirl

I didn't like the noodles either! I still like the Shirataki Noodles.

YOU are making me laugh!!!!
(and I appreciate it! )

If the Shirataki noodles don't smell fishy I would like them with some coconut aminos (not soy sauce) and sesame oil. I KNOW I would! (I hope I would )

I think I have the wrong pickling lime. I got something different and I think the noodles won't cook properly because of that.

Or I am just incompetent!

Next post to detail my further efforts in the kitchen!

I do not care for the fact that we have not yet heard from our Buffy. Particularly after she has had some hard news...

Buff-FY! Buff-FY! Buff-FY! Buff-FY! Buff-FY!

Hope you can find some time to check in and let us know how you are doing.

I forgot! On one of the original NK threads, a really cute girl named Clairie is a type 1 diabetic. She's young and cute. Don't know if you saw, Buffy, but she answered you on a different thread (RedDarin's thread) saying she would be happy to answer any questions related to your DGS's diagnosis. I would too! I sure hope you are OK. It's a lot to contemplate.

[DebbyL]

Hi!
Hope you're all having a good day. I had a good one.

DH went with me on my ski today. Nice to do that together. He noticed the difference in my skiing since last time we did that together I had a harder time keeping up (beginning of the season).

Recorded Biggest loser. DH home... will have to watch it while exercising tomorrow.

Hope all grandchildren are getting better & all you ladies are getting back on track.

[JMCM1]

Completely separate and apart from our real feelings, I have tested a couple of recipes I think you all may enjoy.

1. On the glucomannan thread, someone threw this together. When you all are making a green bean casserole and you open up that can of cream of mushroom soup, do you EVER want to taste it? I NEVER want to taste it. It's the necessary evil that makes it possible for me to have green bean casserole.

Well, whoever this is has done a good job. I'll give you her recipe then I'll tell you what I did to tweak it.

A person called RAVENPEARL posted this recipe:
Cream of Mushroom Soup 50 cals 7.4 carbs

8oz mushrooms I chopped most of it in the Ninja (I kept 4 out to slice)
1 tsp glucomannan
1 can chicken stock
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped onions

Simmer 15 minutes;
Add heavy cream, maybe some cream cheese also - (calories not included)

- - - -
I did not add heavy cream. I added 2 oz. cream cheese for thickness. I do not think the glucomannan is really necessary, but it does thicken the soup.
I added 1/4 cup Hood Calorie Countdown milk.

- - - - -

This is really delicious. I had to put it in the refrigerator to stop DH and me from continuing the tasting process. I'm going to use it to make green bean casserole.

- - - - - - - -
"Healthified" Cheez Its! (Maria Emmerich)
1 1/4 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt
1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheese (I used aged Gouda!)
1 egg white

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grate 1/2 cup cheese.

In a food processor (or medium bowl) whip the egg white until the egg has loosened and become frothy. Add in the almond flour, salt, and cheese until a stiff dough forms. Cut two pieces of parchment paper the size of baking sheet. Put dough on top of one piece of parchment. Place the second piece of parchment on top of the dough and roll out with rolling pin until dough covers the parchment sheet (see photo). Roll the dough so it is the same thickness or it will bake unevenly.

Remove top parchment. Using a pizza cutter, score the dough into squares or other shapes. Place the parchment with the cut dough onto baking sheet and bake 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Makes 8 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Keebler Cheez It = 160 calories, 8 g fat, 18 carbs, 1 fiber (17 effective carbs), 4 g protein
"Healthified" Cheez It = 120 calories, 9.5 g fat, 2.4 carbs, 1.1 g fiber (1.3 effective carbs), 6.1 g protein

- - - - - -

I did not have dinner knowing I would be testing these.

I used sharp cheddar and these were VERY good. Next time I will cook them a little longer, but I saw one reviewer say she let them go too long and they were bitter.

These are very few ingredients and worth making - a good companion to chili! I'll try her recipe soon for that.

[JMCM1]

My DD32 is about 20 minutes pregnant (OK - maybe 2 or 3 weeks!).
I would be more excited but we lost our DS31's baby, so I'm going to reserve my excitement.

ANYWAY, she said she would be willing for me to prepare meals for her for a couple of weeks so she could learn to eat low carb, modified protein.

PERFECT TIMING.

I happen to have some time off so I'm preparing menus. Any suggestions are appreciated, but NOT mandatory.
Just letting you all know.

[Shalbrihil]

Ugh! I had no internet most of the day and felt like one of my limbs was missing. What a busy day on here. Love those recipes Judy. Going to try that mushroom soup. I used the campbell's type for making a great gravy when I did pork chops. Going to have to try this now.

Well we got our new wall heater today. Boy is it nice. So glad that is something I can now check off my list.

Glad to see your hubby is back Debby.

Mk good to see Copper is doing as well as can be expected. Hope Dh's finger isn't bothering him too bad.

Is anyone a Downton Abby watcher? I'm so addicted. Won't say anything as I wouldn't want to give anything away.

Well It's getting late and I need to get some shut eye. Sleep well all and be back tomorrow. Night.

[CarolynF]

Good morning..

Sharon...we are all DA watchers, I think..So sad on Sunday..That was a big surprise..I was thinking that she must have had another gig, so that is why that happened.

Thanks for the recipes, Judy..I'm going to try those cheez-its..I have always had bad
luck with crackers most of the time..Congrats for your dd..Yes, it is always best to wait several months to truly celebrate..

Sharon: Enjoy your new wall heater..

Here it is almost HOT..No kidding..Got to head out for exercise..Today I will be perfect on my plan as tomorrow is weigh-in..It's kind of like WWers..Accountability..lOL

Hi to everyone..

Now, new name for February?????

[JMCM1]

Sharon I know - no internet feels like you're on a desert island! But glad you got your wall heater.

Netflix people - if I joined Netflix could I got seasons 1 & 2 of Downton Abbey? Since I'm not working right now, maybe I could refrain from opening my workout DVDs and manage to sit more while watching a fabulous show!.
Now that I said that, I know someone from whom I can borrow season 1...

It is very warm, but I don't think it's going to last.

Carolyn I like the flavor of those crackers, but roll them thin. I didn't roll mine thin enough. Next time I'll fuss with it a little longer. It was late and I was anxious...
Now that I think about it - it's not much different from the little pizza crusts I made last week. Those were fantastic. I just used different cheese.

That mushroom soup is a winner winner. I'm going to figure the numbers and I'll come back to post what I did. I don't think I'm going to worry about numbers for the spices or the 1 tsp. chopped onion.

[TuscanGirl]

morning!
Life is almost back to normal - also it's Tuesday and we haven't had to go to the hospital. Score!

Judy - Yes to DA on Netflix!! You'll love it!
Thanks for making all these recipes! Someday i need to try them - or just go sit by the mailbox . . . . ??!!

Hugs to you and DD!!

The noodles are supposed to be rinsed really well - several times - then they don't smell fishy.
But they do at the beginning unless you rinse.

Sharon - doesn't everyone watch DA??!! Everyone!
Both Copper and DH are doing well! Thanks for asking!

Debby - So glad you can get back to normal with DH!!

[DebbyL]

Good morning!
Thanks girls,
It sure is great to have dh back. He actually went to work this morning, so back on a regular type schedule today (I love schedule).

We're getting lots of fresh snow. Very pretty. And that means not so cold. It has to "warm-up" to snow here.

Judy congrats on future baby! Your DD is very smart to ask you to do that meal thing. Sure wouldn't want to do my meals!

Have a great day everyone!

[JMCM1]

Originally Posted by DebbyL

Good morning!
Judy congrats on future baby! Your DD is very smart to ask you to do that meal thing. Sure wouldn't want to do my meals!

Are you kidding? I'm forcing it on her!