My Chaotic Kitchen

Each time I visit the grocery store, I buy a box of Fig Newtons® Minis.  Each box contains six snack packs, perfect for tossing into lunch boxes or for an on-the-go snack. 

Now, if you have a dairy allergy it is very important to note that the regular ‘cookie-sized’ version of Fig Newtons® do contain lactate.  The Raspberry Newtons® and Strawberry Newtons® contain whey.  The Minis are the only product in this line without any dairy.   I called Kraft Foods customer service to ask about the differing ingredients.  They explained that certain ingredients need to be added to the larger-sized product in order to bind the other ingredients together.  These ”binders” are sometimes not necessary in the smaller version of the product, simply because there is less product to “bind”.   So, there you have it. 

As I type this, I feel compelled to sing the “figgy pudding” verse of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. 

“Bring us some figgy Newtons, Oh bring us some figgy Newtons….” 

Alright.  I will just leave you with that.  Have a figtastic day!

-Michelle

So much for my New Year’s resolution to blog more frequently.  I started working this week… Full-time… 2nd shift.   Still, I am determined to become a Superblogger!   Please, bear with me.   Today’s post may be brief, but hopefully you will  find it helpful.  We’re talking about PUDDING! 

I pack my son’s lunch each day, and he loves to find a container of soy pudding tucked in with his sandwich and drink.  ZenSoy® soy pudding is delicious!  I’m telling you, if you like pudding (or even if you don’t) you really need to try this product.  We prefer the Chocolate Vanilla Swirl.  It also comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Banana flavors.  It is lactose free, gluten free, organic and does not use genetically modified soy beans.  ZenSoy®  also has an entire line of soy milks.  Check them out online: http://www.zensoy.com/products.html

-Michelle

When our family dog, Sadie, passed away last year, my kids had lots of interest and confusion about the ins and outs of death.  My son, who was six years old at the time, understood the situation pretty well.  However, my 3-year-old twin daughters didn’t quite grasp the concept.

I blame myself for their confusion, as I find it difficult to explain such topics shortly and sweetly.   I explained to them that Sadie grew to be very old.  She had lived a very long, full and exciting life and there was nothing more the animal doctor could do for her.  So, Sadie passed away.

“Why did she die?”  Good question.  I told them her body became very old and simply didn’t work the way it should anymore.  My daughter, Shelby, said, “We should get new batteries for her.”  (When you are three and things stop working, it’s almost always due to bad batteries.)  My son, visibly irritated, jumped into the conversation at this point, as if to save me from further confusing my daughters.  He told them, “you can’t put batteries in animals and people.”  He told them that Sadie was just like Great Grandma Corky and Great Grammie… “They just got really old and they died.”

The next question was inevitable, “Where did Great Grandma go?”

I decided to attempt the short and sweet at this point.   So, I told them, “She is in heaven.”  There.  That outta do it.

But, Taylor’s immediate response was, “Is she an angel?”

“Well, not exactly”, I said.  “But I know she is still with us and watches over us.”

Both of my daughters, wide-eyed,  looked all around the room.   ”Where is she?”

I said, confidently, “When people die, we can’t see them with our eyes anymore, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t with us.  They stay in our hearts forever.”  Good answer, Michelle!  I gave myself an invisible pat on the back for that one.

Taylor scowled and Shelby looked down her shirt, apparently searching for Grandma.  I began to develop a headache at this point.   My son, again quite irritated, said curtly, “Shelby, she isn’t really INSIDE you!  She is in heaven.  You can’t see her.  Heaven is far away.  It’s way, way, way, way, WAY, WAY up there!”  He pointed upward dramatically.

It was at this time that my husband walked in and asked what was going on.  “Oh sure”, I thought.  “NOW he shows up.”  I told him we were discussing what happens when people die.  Taylor said confidently, “Yes, Daddy.  You can’t put batteries in people, so Grandma Corky died and she is WAY, WAY up in the ceiling.”

Shelby nodded her head and added, “With Sadie.”

I am so glad I cleared things up for them.

-Michelle

I have several New Year’s resolutions this year.   They range from the cliche’, “start working out again and lose 10 lbs.”,  to the only slightly less self-absorbed, ”reduce stress in my daily life”. 

As it pertains to My Chaotic Kitchen, my resolution is to be a more avid blogger.  I want to make this blog a useful tool for people with allergies to eggs and dairy products.  In order to make this happen, I am currently researching for a post about additives in processed meats, and also coming soon, a post dedicated to the topic of soy cheese and cheese alternatives.   Oh yes, my friends!  Can you feel the excitement?  Of course, there will be more recipes shared, and I also hope to periodically post pictures. 

I am preparing myself  for an exciting new year and new adventures in blogging!  I hope you will check in with me throughout the year to see how things are progressing here in My Chaotic Kitchen. 

May 2010 be a year of greatness for us all.  Happy New Year!

-Michelle

You can never have enough garlic.  With enough garlic, you can eat the New York Times.” – Morley Safer

This meal is the reason my kids LOVE broccoli!

Each Spring, my aunt, uncle and cousin come out for a visit.  Last year, my aunt offered to make us dinner the night before they left.   She made my cousin’s favorite meal; garlic broccoli with pasta.  We all loved it so much that it has become a staple at our house.  I make this almost once each week.  It’s simple, delicious,  eggless, dairy-free and I feel good about serving it to my kids.  If you like broccoli, you will certainly love this dish.  If you avoid gluten, use gluten-free pasta.  Be sure to buy a good-sized bulb of garlic and some fresh broccoli at your grocer.  I also add onion to this dish, although Aunt Pam didn’t use onion, I think it adds a touch of sweetness.  With or without the onion, it is super yummy!  I hope you enjoy Aunt Pam’s Garlic Broccoli!

- Michelle

Garlic Broccoli with Pasta

Get yourself a large pot of water and bring to a boil.  Meanwhile, finely chop your garlic and onion; set aside.   Then, chop thick stems off broccoli and cut into small to medium-sized florets.   You will have a whole lot of chopped broccoli! 

Heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add garlic and onion.  Stir frequently until garlic is just lightly browned.  Add your broccoli and stir to coat with oil and garlic.  Add another 1/4 cup olive oil OR butter/butter substitute and stir. 

Once the water is boiling, go ahead and pour a splash of olive oil into the pot.  Then, throw in your pasta and give a quick stir.  The oil will keep the pasta from sticking together.  Cook pasta until al dente.  Strain pasta and then add to the broccoli. 

Add salt, pepper and Earth Balance® butter spread to taste.  Serve and enjoy!