Sob Sob!

Every year at this time I lament the passing of summer. The leaves have turned and some trees have become quite bare. Hallowe’en decorations abound in stores and Christmas gear is slowly emerging. Although Labour Day tells us to put the summer stuff away, the last day of summer is officially the end. I push it to Thanksgiving because the weather is often still warm and fresh and flowers and vegetables are still bountiful. I’ve been meaning to write this post since then, but I’ve been busy gearing up for a season of craft fairs, recuperating from a holiday in Las Vegas (a post will eventually follow), and trimming back the garden.

As sad as it is to see the diminishing sunlight – shorter days and an increase in rain, I have made a point to go out and enjoy summer whenever I could. It never seems like enough though. As my health has floundered a bit this year, I’ve come to realize that I missed out on some things in life and I wanted to enjoy what I could. Some surprises followed.

A fabulous wine was introduced to me by a friend and I could not get enough of it. I did have to draw the line, but I enjoyed it as much as I could. Sometimes I would steal away to our makeshift backyard and enjoy a glass or two with a magazine.

We took some day trips here and there enjoying the beautiful weather and great views.

We often had some company on our walks by the river. This little guy would come when called and trot beside us then dash back into the bushes when it pleased him. I nicknamed him Bel because we could hear his little red bell on his collar and knew when he was near.

When my mom was in town we took in the Chicken & Rib Festival. I’d always passed it up, but since I’d moved to the dark side I can enjoy the carnivorous delights. Believe it or not, many of the trucks had gluten-free sauces so food could be devoured worry-free.

 

A BBQ sauce my sister enjoys also happens to be gluten-free.

And slices of salmon were often cedar planked on the BBQ this summer.

Many of the outdoor markets had gluten-free vendors. We discovered Owma Bakes in Kanata and were pleased with their products. Whoopie pies are good, but like cupcakes, I just don’t get it.

One of the highlights was the first craft beer festival. Not normally thrilling for a celiac, but Nickelbrook was there with their sorghum beer. Yes, these two guys kept me happy throughout the evening (and my wallet feeling lighter). I didn’t even have to ask, these guys knew what I wanted (gushing about the beer and them and taking their picture helps too!).

Finding out about lavender lemonade made me feel posh and special. Really?! Who wouldn’t with a glass of this fine deliciousness.

I also devoured more than my share of ice cream. Normally a major ‘no-no’ thanks to my disgruntled tummy a friend introduced me to So Delicious, which makes a coconut milk ice cream (no soy!) and their cookie dough version was gluten-free. How awesome!! Thankfully, once it went back to regular price my waistline and wallet were pleased.

I wrapped up my summer with a trip to the Cupcake Lounge. I pop in once in a while when wandering around the market and on a recent visit they actually had a gluten-free cupcake. A lonely little guy sitting there in the display case calling me out (It was a shock really, as I’m always told I need to order a half dozen, which doesn’t make sense since I only want one. I only want one because if I wanted more, I’d make them myself, and if I had more, I’d eat them all – yesssss all of them. That’s why I only want one! I digress.). I can see why people love this little place; it was a good cupcake. Worth the $4, but I’d rather not lose half the icing to the paper wrapper because I look like a little piggy licking it off the paper. Plus, I could do without the Smartie, which I don’t believe is gluten-free.

Of course, summer always passes by too quickly. I bought a new bike, at a friend’s suggestion, which should allow me to ride with less arthritic pain in my wrists and I must say it was a joy to zip around the paths. I only wish I had done it earlier in the season. With the wind and rain appearing more and more recently, my biking days are numbered. There’s always next year.

Comfort Food

Everyone has their idea of comfort food. For some it’s soup that sticks to your ribs, for others its crispy salty potato chips, and possibly mom’s cooking. I have many depending on my mood and last week it was peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I didn’t eat these all the time as a child, but I did eat them often. They were one of my favourites. I have fond memories of the peanut butter sticking to the roof of my mouth or being the sticky contrast to the soft banana. They also got me through university and have become a quick no-fail sandwich in my ‘real world’ life. With my hectic (read erratic and quasi-crazy) schedule of late they are perfect for a filling lunch while packing a protein punch.

These tortillas make wrapping the pb & banana a sinch (found them at Metro in Barrhaven).

Friends have mentioned how much their tea consumption has gone up in the last month or so; mostly due to the cooler weather rolling in and the dreary skies. Tea, no matter the type, flavour, and caffeine level, has a way of making everything alright. It makes you feel warm inside and the cool weather outside seems to disappear.

Last week I put tea aside for my chocolate cravings. I needed hot chocolate. Luckily there was a box of chocolate almond milk in the cupboard. After a few minutes in the microwave (or on the stove if you must) you have a nice cup of hot chocolate.

The Honey and I have spent many evenings curled up on the couch with a cup of warm, thick, velvety chocolate drink. Even he doesn’t miss the milk.

Recipes from the Visit

Here are some of the recipes for some of wonderful things that were made during my mom’s visit. They were delish! The gf pancakes and lunar loaf will follow sometime soon in another post. It’s summer and there’s still rhubarb!


Blueberry Lemonade (from Real Simple July 2010)
Serves 4
In a blender combine 1 ½ cups blueberries, can frozen lemonade, ½ cup mint leaves, and ¼ cup icing sugar. Puree until smooth.
If it is too thick, add a can of water. Then add remaining water according to lemonade instructions.


Beet, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad (from Canadian Living Nov 2003)
Serves 4
30 minutes
½ cup toasted chopped walnuts
6 medium beets, cut into bite-size pieces and cooked
¼ cup orange juice
2 tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 cups lettuce leaves, bite-size pieces
½ cup mild blue cheese
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle on beets and stir to coat. Arrange lettuce on a plate and spoon beets over top. Sprinkle with cheese and walnuts.


Fusilli with Zucchini & Herbs
Serves 4
20 minutes
3 tbs olive oil
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 small zucchini, halved & sliced
¼ tsp salt
pinch pepper
½ cup vegetable stock
4 cups fusilli
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tsp chopped fresh mint
¼ cup grated parmesan
In skillet heat oil & vinegar. Cook onion & garlic until very soft. Ad zucchini, salt & pepper. Stir often until zucchini is softened (approx. 10 minutes). Pour in stock & bring to a boil. Cook pasta. In a serving bowl toss pasta with sauce, basil, mint & parmesan.


Easy Summer Paella (adapted from Style at Home Sept 2010)
Serves 3-4
1 tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup chopped peppers
1 cup zucchini, halved and sliced
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and pepper
Handful of fresh basil
1 tsp grated lemon rind
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the garlic and pepper. When pepper begins to soften, add the tomatoes and zucchini and cook until zucchini softens. Add the cooked rice, salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and lemon rind to serve.
* Any summer veggies will do

Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Tear up some lettuce. Slice up some cucumbers and tomatoes. Drizzle with a vinaigrette (olive oil, red vinegar, chopped garlic and herbs of your liking). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.