Thinking of loved ones near and far

Watching deer out the front while dinner preparations commence. Thinking of those who can't be with us today and thankful for those who can. Merry Christmas!

Planning the Island Menu

Christmas time is here and that means traveling to Hat Island.

On a map it is called Gedney Island.

Local's call this Hat Island and it's private with only a passenger ferry.

The challenge with the menu is that some don't eat meat and I'm attempting a gluten free stab at eating.  I know, I know...so ON trend.  Well, I'm not doing it to be trendy or anything like that.  I'm trying to eliminate what I think might be a sensitivity to wheat that causes inflammation.  In short, I have a major back problem and it's only gotten better since I cut out the wheat...coincidence?  I have no idea but well worth the effort.

Here are some Menu ideas...please comment with more if you have any.  These are preliminary and I will be using pamela's baking mix in place of the normal wheat flour.  Ideally, I will be eating as many whole foods and salads as possible.

apple carrot ginger juice (i have this every morning 365)

green lemonaide (I try to make this most days but Kale goes bad very quickly)

taco/burrito
fish and rice
steak n potatoes (vegetarians eat salad or fish n potatoes)
waffles kims recipe with http://pamelasproducts.com/waffles/ for kari
hobo hash
salad
homemade pizza http://pamelasproducts.com/pan-pizza-crust/
is it crab season?  http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/15/
scones (leave out currants for kids) http://pamelasproducts.com/currant-scones/
broccoli pie (pamela's baking mix in place of the flour recipe posted on index)

View from my sister's island house

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000331132/Its-Murder-On-Hat-Island.aspx

For the cheesiest read ever check out this book written by a Hat Island local.  Must be read with Chardonnay but don't be fooled.  If you've lived in where there are feirce storms like the midwest...this books over dramatizes Pacific Northwest storms which tend to get windy at times but mild by comparison. 

crock pot hot chocolate

I had work friends over for a Christmas party and this hot chocolate was perfect.  I turned it on high to warm it up faster and then put on low for the rest of the party.  (in case you don't think ahead)  I had left overs which I put in jars and kept in the fridge to warm in the microwave for the kids.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whipping cream
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:
Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Garnish with whipping cream and a candy cane.

Taking time

During this busy season it's important to take time to breath.  Dogs know how to live in the moment and enjoy a good walk.  I sometimes find it hard to pull myself away but I'm always glad when I do.  I feel so blessed that we've had weather that permits walks. 

Kick off the Season with Gingerbread Pancakes

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 6 teaspoons baking powder 1  teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons sugar 3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves 6 tablespoons ground hazelnuts 3 cups milk 6 egg whites 6 tablespoons dark molasses 6 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1.	In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cocoa, ginger, cinnamon and cloves; stir in hazelnuts. Set aside.
2.	In a medium bowl whisk together milk, egg whites and molasses.
3.	Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour wet ingredients into it. Stir just enough to mix.
4.	Heat griddle to 375 or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.