Girls only weekend

Ron loves to run and every year he goes to Eugene to run a 1/2 Marathon while we stay up here in Portland.  This year was Ron's turn to drive and since we are a one car family we enjoyed lot's of walks.  Good thing that a) it did not rain the entire weekend and b) it was not too hot yet.  The girls and I had lot's of fun.  So glad, we live urban and have so many great places to walk to.

So on Saturday we took a stroll down to Porque No for lunch - then stopped at the pet shop on the way to the playground.  On the way home from the playground we stopped at Stumptown Coffee on Division met this cute dog, while the girls enjoyed a vegan soy hot chocolate, and vegan soy vanilla steamer.  Chocolate for Alena - Vanilla for Mia Rosie....

On Sunday we took a walk down the hill to the food carts on Belmont.  Hot Dogs for the ladies, and an amazing dessert of Coconut Lemon Saffron Sorbet - creamy coconut milk ice "cream" for Alena, and Passionfruit Peppercorn Sorbet for Mia Rose.  That was the most amazing ice "cream" ever.  So good - http://fifty-licks.com/flavors/coconut-lemon-saffron-sorbet Wow - incredibly good!!!

Then on the way back up the hill  we stopped at the playground for some time on the playground before heading back home.  Yay for living in such a great city :)

Oven baked - chicken, potatoes, and asparagus

with mixed green salad. Today I tried out another recipe which I found on Pinterest -> http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=443 Lemon Chicken Breast. I used split bone and skin on breasts. It turned out good, but think that it will need a little more tweaking for my taste.

Know about Newbornscreening before your baby arrives

This could be one of the most important things to learn before your precious baby arrives.  Don't be like me;  I - lucky beyond belief - learned about newborn screening last minute in the hospital after Alena was born.  The question always rings in my head what if I had not read the brochure? Our story -> http://www.savebabies.org/family-stories_alena_and_mia_rose.html

Yes, newborn screening is protocol in all hospital's but let's face it we are dealing with humans and not robots.  Errors happen, tests get forgotten, so always ask to make sure.  For us, had I not asked more like than not Alena would not have survived. That is the plain truth. But you that it is also true, that I would have never asked had I not known about newborn screening.  As remote as it sounded at that day, and yes I certainly did not know that it would save our daughter's life.  Just that little piece of knowledge saved Alena's life.

And, there are other reasons why it is so important to know about newborn screening before your precious baby arrives.  Did you know that the disorders tested by each state in it's newborn screening test varies?  Some states for 39 different disorders, while others test for 50+ disorders.  Find out now which disorders your state tests http://www.savebabies.org/screening.html It is so important to find out before your baby is here, because it gives you time to determine whether you may want to get additional screening for your newborn.  We did this with Mia Rose - our second daughter - and her test result showing a positive GALT - Classic Galactosemia - was reported by the private lab within a weeks time.  Which was also faster than the state results were reported.  Here is the link to tell you more about additional screening -> http://www.savebabies.org/pregnant_links.html

So please, spread the word tell your pregnant friends, tell your friends who are about to adopt a newborn baby. It is easy to learn more about the newborn screen check out http://www.savebabies.org, and watch this amazing video http://vimeo.com/34898727

The Galactopdx Store...

yes, I added a store to my little Blog.  I added the store as a page->  http://astore.amazon.com/galinpdx-20
You may wonder, why I added it.  The first and to me the most important reason is, that there are many products that we use in our everyday life that are - for us - Galactosemia safe.  When Alena was first diagnosed, I was wondering what will our little baby girl be eating when she gets older?  Will I be able to buy anything read to eat in the store, are there treats we can get in a store?  I think that I am probably not the only mother wondering about these things, so that is why I put this little storefront together.  I also realize, that in Portland we are very lucky and find a lot of these items.  So this is another reason why I put this storefront together.  There are many other products we use, but those are some of the basic items.  Items that are not available through Amazon include Whole Soy Yoghurt, Tofutti cream cheese, and sour cream, ice "cream" treats from Tofutti, So Delicious, Tempt, etc.

And yes,  there is a small percentage that I get from a sale from this storefront. Thank you! I sincerely hope, that you find this storefront useful.  Please note however, that these are the products WE USE. I do not claim that these are appropriate foods for anyone else with Classic Galactosemia. Always check with your dietician, metabolic clinic, and use your own judgment.  When you receive the products always double check the label.

Friday Night Dinner -> Out

and we went to Dick's Kitchen on Belmont in SE Pdx for the first time. Wow - how could it have taken us this long to try out this restaurant? Fantastic burgers, sliders for the kiddos but you know what is the most fantastic thing about this restaurant? All - yes all - buns, and also sides vegan. Whoo-hoo!!! That makes this mother's heart sing; Galactosemia safe bread = burgers with a bun for the girlies :))) And yes, the burgers and buns are amazing...There are two locations in Portland - here is the link http://www.dkportland.com/

Do you know what is next door to Dick's Kitchen? No? I will tell you, St. Cupcake and so you know what that means? Yes, dessert for the girlies...a Big Cookie 'n Cream Vegan Cupcake for Alena, and a small Vanilla with Chocolate Frosting Vegan Cupcake for Mia Rose. Happy girlies and Happy Mama :)))

Pork Coconut Curry Soup

Why pork? Well, we had some frozen pork left from our faboulous frozen Family meat pack so ist was the protein of choice tonight :). Yes, and curry as I was just not - hear hear - in a Schnitzel mood. So I remembered the fantastic Thai Curry Soup we had a few weeks back - originally found on Pinterest - and used that recipe as a base -> http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetHome/recipes/12231/thai_coconut_curry_soup/

It turned out great - Alena said "Mama, I love this dinner..." Yay :)

You need
- 1 can of coconut milk
- Thai curry paste
- 3/4 - 1 lb of your preferred source of protein i.e. Tofu, pork, chicken, etc. sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass. Sliced lengthwise, and cut into 1" or longer pieces
- 1 lime juiced, and zested
- 2 carrots grated
- 1/2" of grated fresh Ginger - or more
- 3-4 C chicken broth
- 1 box - 8 oz - Rice noodles. I used vermicelli
- greens of a bunch of scallions diced
- 1 lime cut into wedges

1. Meld the cream from the coconut in a and mix in app. 2-1/2 T of curry paste. When bubbly
add
2. Protein and sautee for about 5 minutes, then add
3. Coconut water - remainder from can - and the rest of the ingredients except for: Rice noodles,
Scallions, and lime wedges
4. Simmer for about 25 minutes, adjust spices, remove lemongrass. Remove from heat and add
Rice noodles, carefully pushing them underneath the broth.
5. When Rice noodles are soft - about 8 minutes - laddle in soup bowls, sprinkle with scallions
and serve with a lime wedge.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy!

Undeclared Milk in Café-Tasse 45 gr. Noir (Dark) Chocolate Bar.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Café-Tasse Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Café-Tasse 45 gr. Noir (Dark) Chocolate Bar.

Linsen & Spätzle = comfort food

Alena's favorite meal - lentils and homemade Spätzle with a side of mixed green in homemade viniaigrette. This time with mini sausage links - from New Season's - as I did not have time to go to Edelweiss to get German style Wieners. According to my family it was delicious :)

BTW - here is the link to my Spätzle recipe http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2012/03/linsen-spaetzle.html

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts KRISPAK INC. ISSUES RECALL DUE TO MIS-PACK, RESULTING in POTENTIAL ALLERGY ALERT on UNDECLARED MILK, WHEAT, and EGG in GFS BRAND HOSTESS CANDY MIX

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts KRISPAK INC. ISSUES RECALL DUE TO MIS-PACK, RESULTING in POTENTIAL ALLERGY ALERT on UNDECLARED MILK, WHEAT, and EGG in GFS BRAND HOSTESS CANDY MIX

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Allergy Alert on Milk Products in Mrs. Weaver’s Pimento Spread

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Allergy Alert on Milk Products in Mrs. Weaver’s Pimento Spread

Fresh Radiatori Pasta Bolognese with a side salad

was our dinner on this Tuesday. I started the Bolognese sauce right after we got home from school - the girlies - and the office. It was on the stove for at least a couple of hours and turned out great. Here is the link to the recipe -> http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2012/01/friday-night-rigatoni-with-bolognese.html. And you know what made dinner even better? Fresh Pasta! It makes such a huge difference - it really does. So, on my way home before picking up the girlies from school I stopped at Pastaworks - http://pastaworks.com/ - on Hawthorne and picked up a package of fresh Radiatori....

Dinner was a success and each girl finished her plate. Yes, sauce and all....

Beef & Haricot Vert Bean Stew

was our dinner on this beautiful, warm, sunny Monday. Served with crusty bread - New Season's - and mixed green topped with cherry tomatoes. Quick, easy, and delicious.

You need
- Splash of olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- big pinch of salt
- 1 T of Herbs de Provence
- 1 lb beef stew
- 3/4 - 1 C white wine
- 1-1/2 - 2 C of water
- 2-3 red potatoes diced
- 1 bag of frozen Haricot Vert Beans (I use Trader Joe's)
- salt, pepper, and fresh tarragon to taste

1. heat olive oil and add onion as well as pinch of salt. Sauté until soft, add garlic and herbs.
2. Add beef, pepper and carefully brown from all sides. Add wine and water. Bring to a simmer,
then reduce to a low simmer and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add potatoes and simmer until they are soft.
4. Add beans and heat the stew carefully through. Be careful not to bring to a boil.
5. When heated through adjust salt, pepper, and add fresh chopped tarragon.

Serve with crusty bread and a salad!

Pizza pizza pizza

on a Saturday night - again! It was Trader Joe's frozen pizza for dinner last night before we headed upstairs for family movie night...

I am behind on my posts this weekend but let me tel you. The weather has been magnificent this entire weekend. Just gorgeous sunny and warm! I do not know about where you live, but it seems like everyone here in Portland heads outdoors on sunny days like that. We did go to the Sophie Scholl Schule in the morning however spent the rest of the day outside in our yard.

More about our fun Sunday and delicious dinner in the morning :)

A dinner guest

visiting from Germany and what did I make? Exactly, our standard for those that do not get to enjoy delicious Pacific Salmon. Sockeye - my favorite - to be exact, baked in the oven. Oven baked potatoes and mixed green salad as a side. Easy, delicious and absolutely northwest cuisine, Ok, at least by this German girl living in the great Pacific Northwest....

12 Bean Soup with Barley, Meat Balls and Sautéed Kale

With a side of homemade no-knead - standard version - bread was for dinner. I sometimes also call it the Eat Your Veggies Soup :).

Last night I used an onion, a couple of carrots and sautee them in olive oil with a pinch of salt (first the onions, and when they are soft I added the carrots and sautéed until they turned bright orange in color). Then I added the beans & barley - both soaked overnight - a small can of diced tomatoes, and a quart of vegetable broth. I fried up the meatballs separately and added them to the soup. Finally I sautéed and topped the soup with it.

Visit to the Ophthalmologist...

was today.  We now go every two years - our appointments used to be a lot more frequently but the eyes of the girlies have been clear, so everyone feels that a two year schedule is appropriate.  So, today was the day. I have to admit that it makes me nervous, and I get that nagging feeling.  What if the eyes are not clear?  It could happen...I try very hard to not portray any of it on the girlies.  Alena - never-the-less - was worried.  We have been going to the appointment in the morning, but Alena was quite clear that she did not want to go back to school after the appointment.  She told me that the last time - she was in Kindergarten - the kids made fun of her sun glasses and strange looking pupils.  In any case,  after lunch works out better as the main part of the school day happens in the morning - so less school missed

When I picked them up shortly before one Alena told me that she had been very nervous all morning.  Mia Rose on the other hand was just looking forward to the appointment. I am just so glad, that Ron was able to come along. The mothership, was very nervous...

here is a picture of the girlies with their sunglasses waiting for the eye drops to dilate their eyes...

So how did it go?  It went great!  We are so relived.  It just as a big rock has been lifted of my chest.  The eyes are completely clear, and no cloudiness anywhere!!!  Yay!!! We are so happy - and to celebrate I took the girls to Ben & Jerry's on Hawthorne for some well deserved Sorbet....

Lauchkuchen aka Leaktart was for dinner...

with a side of Mâché in homemade vinaigrette. The perfect spring meal even on a rainy day :)
It is so delicious...here is the link to my recipe http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2010/04/leek-quiche-lauchkuchen.html

Baked chicken, rice, and Ackersalad - aka Mâché or Lamb's lettuce...

Oh, how I love having a well stocked freezer courtesy of the Bew Season's Family pack of meat. Yesterday I took out the package of the hi ken legs in anticipation for today's super easy - feels like cheater's - dinner.

Breakfast smoothie...

on a Monday morning.
1/2 C Vanilla Whole Soy Yoghurt
1/2 C frozen Mango
1 small can of coconut milk
1. Blend the first two ingredients until chopped and mixed
2. Add entire - small - can of coconut and blend until smooth and creamy
It was a huge success in our house to give this Monday morning a smooth start...

Sunday hike and dinner out

It has been sunny in the great Pacfic Northwest and yes, the entire weekend long.  Nothing can keep us inside all day and we had to get out.  A perfect time for a family hike.  Today we went across the river to Camas, Washington for a hike I found in our "Northwest Oregon" hiking guide.  What an amazing hike - complete with a couple of waterfalls, lily meadow - just about to bloom -, and a fantastic playground.  http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Lacamas_Park_Lily_Field_Hike We took the trail to "Pothole Falls", then to the Lower Falls, to the Lilly Field, and then returned back across the dam. Both of our girls are good walkers - and yes, Mia Rosie did fuzz a little, but the prospect of the playground made it all better.  We looked for fairy hideouts, smelled blooming skunk cabbage - no one enjoyed the scent ;) -  and listened to the birds sing in the forest.

Our hike leader

In the meadow

Mother-daughters hug

For dinner we drove back to Southeast Portland and ate the Country Cat http://thecountrycat.net/ which is a great restaurant but admittedly does not have a lot of Galactosemia safe choices for our girls.  The

Sunday Brunch - French Toast, scrambled eggs with garden herbs, and berry smoothie

was our brunch today. Lately we have not been in the mood to go out for breakfast as all of our favorite places tend to have long lines by the time we finally get out of the house. Plus I really have been enjoying the calm without having to rush anyone....
Taking inentory of our fridge and pantry I found bread - New Season's whole wheat - eggs, frozen berries, bananas, original Hemp milk, and a small can of coconut milk. Just the right ingredients for French Toast, scrambled eggs, and a super creamy rich smoothie. For the French Toast I used a new recipe -> http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fluffy-french-toast/. Besides the usual ingredients this recipe uses also flour. I made two changes by using Maple Syrup instead of white sugar, and exchanging Hemp milk for the "cow" milk. It turned out fantastic. Flour,egg, "milk", cinamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, a little salt, and bread.
Oh, and the smoothie? 2 bananas, one full bag of frozen berries plus a 1/4 bag of frozen raspberries, Hemp milk - maybe two C -, and one small can of coconut milk. Super creamy and delicious.

Fun on a no school day...

every so often we do not have school due to a teacher planning day and yesterday - Friday - was the day. We left early as we had a meeting at PSU.  The meeting actually did not involve me, just the girls as a couple of Graduate Students from the Speech Department at PSU are working to put together a teaching video regarding speech therapy and bilingual children.  Alena's speech therapist at school asked whether we would be interested, as we are bi-lingual (German/English).  The girls gave it a thumbs up.  Alena's session was already taped last week, and it was Mia Rosie's turn yesterday.  In any case, so we started our day downtown Portland spending time at the PSU Campus.

Our next stop was at the house at one of our friends for lunch, and playdate time.  Yay - my friend made us lunch - all Galactosemia safe - and even got vegan cupcakes for the girlies.  How can that not be a success, right?  All of us need fresh air, and exercise to the next stop was the playground...

Mia Rose found a treasure in the sandbox 

Alena taking a break from the monkey bars in the sand...

and yes, there is more because there still is dinner, right?!  For dinner the three of us went back to downtown Portland and met Ron for dinner at the Deschutes Brewery Pub.  Dairy free pizza for the ladies....

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Mission Foods recalls Taco Dinner Kits - Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Mission Foods Voluntarily Recalls Taco Dinner Kits Due to Possible Undeclared Milk Allergen

A different evening...

OK  - so I could not think of a better title.  It was a different kind of evening today,  as we met Ron at Burgerville for dinner.  Yes, not all that unusual - take a look at the girlies enjoying their Kids Hamburger meal along with a - rare - Sprite...

after dinner Ron and Mia Rose took the bus back home - she loves taking the bus :); while Alena and I headed to the Oregon Food Bank to volunteer www.oregonfoodbank.org.  Alena's teacher had organized the volunteer event and many of the kids along with parents were there to volunteer.  It was such a great experience...

Alena is ready to volunteer

We worked in the repackaging area where we packed carrots from bulk bags into individual bags.  The carrots we packed will be distributed throughout the State of Oregon...

repackaging carrots

working hard...

When we were done with our job we were given a tour of the facilities.  It was a great experience for all...

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Full Circle Concierge Snack Nut Blend Product Due to Undeclared Soy and Milk Ingredients

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Full Circle Concierge Snack Nut Blend Product Due to Undeclared Soy and Milk Ingredients

Easter ham leftover dinner #3 - Split Pea Soup

with homemade crusty white bread - quick NYT no-knead - and mixed green salad. I ended the diced ham pieces for the last 1/2 hour. There are so many recipes for split pea soup so I know the world does not need another one. But - this is what I was looking for - I used 2 C split peas to app. 6 C of vegetable broth/water. I did however have to add more water at the end. For the veggies I used an onion, two garlic cloves, 2 carrots, and 1/2 a celery root as I had that left in my fridge. For the last hour I also added a little more than a 1/4 C of dried rice, as we like our soups thick...This was a great meal on this rainy April day in Portland.
The girls review was mixed. Alena loved the soup but fished out the ham pieces, Mia Rose ate her obligatory three spoonful's but ate two plates of salad plus a bunch of bread. Alena declared after dinner that she was not in the mood or carrot cake tonight, but preferred ice "cream". Good thing we had a box of So Delicious coconut ice cream bars left http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-ice-creams/coconut-almond-bar-minis - The girlies enjoyed a bar each tonight for dessert. Tomorrow it will be the end of the carrot cake!

Easter ham leftover dinner #2 - Penne Boscaiola

I probably should have titled it - "My version of Penne Boscaiola", with a side of mixed green salad. This is a Galactosemia safe - Note: we allow our girls to eat Parmesiano Reggiano - but not milk free recipe. I am sure, that you could leave out the Parmesiano out and it still be great.

This is what you will need

- Splash of olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minces
- app 1-1/2 C of diced ham - or prosciutto
- 2 C of thinly sliced white button mushrooms
- 3 T of Tofutti sour cream
- 1/2 C chicken stock
- 1/2 C Hemp milk - or soy, rice - I just like hemp right now
- 1/4 C shredded Parmesiano Reggiano *Optional*
- 1 C frozen peas thawed
- juice of 1/2 lemon - more or less to taste
- salt and pepper

1. Heat olive oil and when hot add the onions with a pinch of salt. Sautee until soft.
2. Add garlic sauté for another minute or so, then add the ham. Sauté for another couple
of minutes and then add mushrooms.
3. Sauté for about five minutes, add salt and stir in Tofutti.
4. Add chicken stock and Hemp milk. Heat gently.
5. Add Parmesiano if using and keep at a very low simmer for another five mainutes or so.
6. Add peas and stir in.
7. When peas are warmed up, add lemon juice to taste. Adjust salt and pepper.

Mix the sauce with the cooked Penne and serve with additional Parmesiano Reggiano if using.

Carrot Cake was our Easter dessert

This was a first for me. I saw the recipe posted by The Family Foodie on Pinterest a couple of weeks and knew that I had to give it a try. For some reason or another, I was always hesitant to make carrot cake myself; but both of our girls love carrot cake so I just had to finally take on the challenge.

I followed the recipe by The Family Foodie - http://familyfoodie.com/the-perfect-sundaysupper-ends-with-this-carrot-cake-recipe/ . The only changes were made to the frosting as the cake in itself is Galactosemia - milkfree - safe. For the frosting I substituted

Earth Balance - vegan butter - for "regular" butter
Tempt Hemp Milk - other non-dairy milk - for "regular" milk
Tofutti Cream Cheese - for "regular" cream cheese

It turned out delicious and we will be enjoying it for dessert this week as well. By the way, I do not have a deep round glass dish so I baked it in my regular Kaiser brand springform. I think that was the reason why my cake took almost 50 minutes to be done.

Oh, and yes both girlies love it....

Easter ham leftover dinner #1 - Potato Soup

made from our fantastic leftover smashed potatoes, roasted ham bits, and freshly toasted croutons made from the bread we baked on Easter Sunday. I posted the recipe before here is the link http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2012/03/potato-soup-made-from-leftover-smashed.html?spref=tw&m=1 And yes, it always turns out a little bit different...

Our fun, relaxing Easter Sunday

in pictures.  -  We had a slow Easter morning once the girls found their Easter baskets. We made breakfast, baked carrot cake and bread, and dyed Easter eggs.  After lunch we set out for a walk fun walk with our friends and neighbors.  So enough talk - here are the pictures...

Mia Rose found her Easter basket

best friends

look at our big girl...



on our walk back

and who took a self portrait?!

The importance of Newborn Screening

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how lucky we are to have two healthy girls.  The odds would have been against us in a country without expanded newborn screening, in a state not testing for Classic Galactosemia, or simply refusing the test.  We could have refused the test out of ignorance just because the perceived notion of pain to the infant.  That obviously was never our intent, especially since the first I read about the test was in the hospital after delivering Alena, and because the hospital staff had erroneously not performed the test had I not reminded them.  But here we are - lucky and yet there are too many people still unaware about this amazing test.  Yes, truth is that most likely Alena would not have survived.  Saving her was only Newborn Screen test, not me, not us - there was nothing we could have done.  We knew something was not right - but what?  What saved her was the physician tracking us down, and the physician immediately putting her on antibiotics as soon as the diagnosis came in.  That is what saved her!

Luckily, we never had to experience anything like that with Mia Rose.  The reason for that is also simple - the Newborn Screen test.  For our second child we had also arranged to purchase an additional, supplemental test as Oregon does not screen for all disorders on the panel.  Unlike Alena, she had not had anything but Soy formula so changes for her getting ill were much more remote.

What would have happened if, the test had not been performed on either of my children? -  One thing many people do not know is that the Newborn Screen tests for disorders which are treatable if detected early.  Even so the children may appear health at birth babies with these disorders may decline in health, have irreversible damage, or die. Here is one family story which posted at the Web-site of the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation http://www.savebabies.org/family-stories_nora.html The Newborn Screen prevents just that for these treatable disorders. Please pass this information along.  It could save a babies life! And yes, many people have never heard of any of these disorders, or have any family history.

Here is a fantastic video by the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation it explains what happens and what to expect from the test http://vimeo.com/34898727.  Please watch it and also visit this amazing, resourceful web-site www.savebabies.org

Our happy and healthy girls - health and alive because of Newborn Screening

Biscomerica Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in it's Knott's Berry Farm 12/8/2 Boysenberry Cookies #59680, Blueberry Cookies #59675, Raspberry Cookies #59670 Strawberry Cookies #59695.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Biscomerica Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in it's Knott's Berry Farm 12/8/2 Boysenberry Cookies #59680, Bluberry Cookies #59675, Raspberry Cookies #59670 Strawberry Cookies #59695.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Food Lion Manufacturer Recalls Store Brand Hard/Soft Taco Dinner Kit Recalled Products Were Produced Under the Food Lion Store Brand Label and Sold at Food Lion, Harveys and Reid’s Stores

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Food Lion Manufacturer Recalls Store Brand Hard/Soft Taco Dinner Kit Recalled Products Were Produced Under the Food Lion Store Brand Label and Sold at Food Lion, Harveys and Reid’s Stores

May contain undeclared Milk

Ham, roasted asparagus with fresh tarragon, (s)mashed potatoes = Easter Dinner

and yes, there was also a big bowl of mixed green salad, and I made a loaf - not no-knead - of bread. The potatoes are amazing.I am using this recipe by the Family Foodie http://familyfoodie.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-smashed-potatoes-sundaysupper/ and it is amazing. I swapped Earth Balance - or other vegan butter - for the"cow" butter, and today I used Hemp milk instead of the "cow" milk. Truly, these are the creamiest potatoes ever!!!
Everything else is pretty standard, and the fresh tarragon - in the salad and in the oven baked asparagus - gave it just a little more festive, and spring like flavor. I originally wanted to make a raisin sauce to serve with the ham, but we ran out of time. It was such a beautiful day, so we took a nice long walk. Pictures about our day, and dessert to follow tomorrow...

Tortilla Soup for Friday Dinner

is like sunshine and summer in your soup bowl. Garnish ist with lime, avocado, and Tofutti sour cream for a vegan dish. It is also quick and easy. This recipe has been adapted from one I clipped from the Oregonian a few years back. It is quick, easy, and delicious.

You need
- 1 onion diced
- pinch of salt
- 2 garlic cloves diced
- 1 teaspoon - or more - of cumin
- 1 teaspoon - or less - of chili powder
- 1 T of tomato Paste
- 1 Quart Vegetable or Chicken Broth - I like Pacific Foods brand
- 4 T of cilantro chopped
- 1 can of black beans drained
- 1 cup of frozen corn
- 1 large - or small - can of diced tomatoes. I like fire roasted
- 2 avocados - diced
- 1 lime - if serving 4
- good tortilla chips

1. Heat a good splash of olive oil in a stock pot. When hot add onion, and a pinch of salt. Saute
until soft.
2. Add garlic, and after a minute or so add spices as well as tomato paste
3. When fragrant add stock, and two tablespoons of cilantro - bring to a simmer
4. After about 15 minutes add tomatoes, beans, and corn. Bring to a low simmer until ist is hot
5. Adjust salt - serve in soup bowl, garnish soup with tortilla chips, and cilantro

Serve with wedge of lime, diced avocado, and Tofutti sour cream. Oh, and I added cayenne pepper to my bowl...

TWI Foods Inc. Undeclared Milk & Almond in Crispy Brand cookes & rusk bread

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts FDA Press Release

This recall effects the US ad Canada!

Los Olivos LTD Issues Allergy Alert Undeclared Milk Allergens In "Los Olivos LTD Pan de Torta"

Los Olivos LTD Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk Allergens In "Los Olivos LTD Pan de Torta"

Pizza Night at

A Pizza Scholl's - house salad to start followed by a sausage-onion pizza of which one half we ordered without cheese. This must be the best Pizza in town, the entire family loved it.

We had a great dinner out. Ron had the great idea to walk to the restaurant. On the way there the girls feasted on chives, and on the way home we stopped at the Albina Press for coffee and hot chocolate. Ok - Mia Rose had a vanilla soy steamer, Alena had the soy hot chocolate (we always double check to make sure that the chocolate used is vegan). I have to say that walking to the restaurant made this dinner even better. Yes, rain and all...

Thai Coconut Curry Soup

This is a completely new recipe for me.  It is actually my very first try at a Thai inspired dish - so here is the result

It is another recipe I found on Pinterest.  The dish I made actually looks nothing like the one in the recipe http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetHome/recipes/12231/thai_coconut_curry_soup/ One problem - I think - was that I started the soup too early for dinner.  I probably should have just turned off the stove and not kept it on simmer. So, more liquid evaporated than it should have which led to the problem that the rice noodles soaked up most of the liquid.  Ooops, more noodles than soup.  The flavor however was fantastic plus everyone loved it for dinner.  Oh and yes,  I used red curry paste, omitted the fish sauce...I will definitively make it again. Let's just hope that it will be soup then :)

Springbreak at the Oregon Coast

was a lot of fun despite the rain.  There were actually a couple of hours that were dry, and a little blue sky peaked out....We had fun, and only left the house for some adventures along the central Oregon coast. We ended up going out once for lunch at Rogue Brewery on the the Newport Bay http://www.rogue.com/locations/locations.php  Both girlies enjoyed a hot dog, with potato chips, a side of jello served on a frisbee.  Oh, yes they both loved the entire meal and the frisbees are still being enjoyed   Yes, it rained but we actually enjoyed at least a couple of hours without rain so that we could go to the beach and play.  Besides that we ate in.  I am feeling pretty proud that we managed to bring along all of our food, and drinks. I think that was a first - the only thing we had to get before heading to the beach cottage was coffee.  Big oops for me - good thing I remembered in time!!!

beautiful Oregon cost even in the rain...

Below are some pictures from our mini getaway...

Girlies are digging

Digging break

Mia Rose enjoying the sunshine

Alena smiling in the sunshine

Ron and the girlies in the Oregon Aquarium

Running in the rain