gluten free Archives • Page 4 of 6 • Ant & Anise

Chicken madras with minted yogurt

I was craving Indian flavors this week. Something simple and fast to put together and, especially, a meal that wouldn’t leave me clutching my overstuffed belly.

Is that even possible?

I adore Indian food — the bold spices (especially cardamom and cumin), the rich creamy sauces, super spicy pickles, sweet tamarind and mango chutneys and the chewy naan bread. But we always seem to order too much when we go to Indian restaurants. Invariably, I reach that point where I’ve had quite enough to eat but somehow can’t stop myself from having another bite or two. Or five. Another piece of naan? Oh, um, well….sure, go on….

Sweet Potato Latkes

It was good timing for me to see a film called Happy this week. November has always been one of my least favorite months, mainly because of the soggy grey days in Vancouver. Between that and the darkness that descends on the late afternoon, every day a little earlier, November makes me mostly want to crawl back under the covers and sleep until spring.

So it was encouraging to learn from Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor featured in the film, that only 10% of our happiness is dependent on our life circumstances (like where we live or how much money we make). Turns out a full 40% can be changed by intentional activities….

Kale Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks. Long days at the computer to meet a series of deadlines. And then, to take advantage of the unusually dry weather lately, getting outside on the weekends and going on hikes.

One hike in particular, the Stawamus Chief, has a certain appeal to Bob. It’s a challenging hike, a steady 600 meter elevation climb, and the views are spectacular at the top on a clear day….

Five-Spice Sweet Potato Purée

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here, and I’m thinking of turkey. More specifically, since Bob is in charge of roasting the turkey, I’m thinking about all the dishes that round out the dinner.

Like what to have as a before-dinner snack that won’t be too filling? Shall I stick with my tried-and-true Brussels sprouts with garlic and lemon or try something different? And oh yes, I need to get on with the cranberry relish today so tomorrow will be a little less hectic. Oh the things I daydream about.

Also, the gorgeous weather outside is making me want to go out and do something other than putter around in the kitchen. We won’t have many dry, sunny days left in the year, I know. It’s a great afternoon for a slow walk down South Granville street, with a stop for a cappuccino.

Okay, let’s cut to the chase then….

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Loaf

This week, when it came to baking, it was all about pumpkin. Maybe it’s because Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Or maybe it was because of all the Starbucks ads I’d seen lately for their Pumpkin Spice Latte. Online, delivered to my inbox, plastered on every Starbucks window I passed. (And there are Starbucks locations every few blocks here in Vancouver, or so it seems.)

I’ve definitely had pumpkin spice on the brain lately. But rather than spend $5 for a coffee, I thought a better way to work sweet spiciness into my life was through baking. (Surprise, surprise!)…

Old fashioned oatmeal, a new breakfast habit?

What does it take to change a long-held breakfast habit?

I’m not exactly sure. What I do know is that my peanut butter on whole wheat toast, my go-to breakfast for — dare I say it — years, is out the window. Maybe for good.

A crack in my breakfast habit first started last summer, when I experimented with eating grain-free in my Paleo Diet Challenge. It was an admittedly lax version of a Paleo diet (yes to nightshade vegetables and dark chocolate, and absolutely yes to wine) but I succeeded in not eating any bread or grains for a whole month….