getting back to the right place

i have to say, i'm really loving the gluten-free decision! i can already feel my body regrouping and renewing itself. also, as i mentioned before, it has not only made me more excited about what i eat, it's changed my point of reference to food. after my 'aha' moment in the produce section last week (see previous post), i am just really enjoying getting back to the natural goodness of nature in my food.

now, that's not to say that i haven't splurged a little (even though in a gluten-free, vegetarian way)...for example, the load of spinach-artichoke dip that i scarfed down with some gf crackers at wild wings last saturday! CLEARLY not the healthiest or most natural thing in the world to eat en général, but the point is that what i am ingesting everyday has become so much more fundamental and simple. added to the awesome knowledge of exactly what is in my food is the fun of getting into the kitchen and cooking again.

purely as a matter of coincidence, i noticed a flyer for the farmers' market at clems*n on monday, just in time! it only happens from 11-2, but i was able to take 20 minutes and walk on over there. there were so many cool things for sale--fresh goat cheese, vegetables, etc. there was also a gluten-free bakery booth with AMAZING cupcakes as well as a booth with some potted herbs. i bought some gluten-free treats (although ended up giving them all away) and a potted savory plant. i had never heard of that herb, but apparently it goes well with beans and related recipes, so it will be great for my new endeavors. i plan on going back next week to get some of the cheese and another herb. hopefully soon i'll have a nice little herb garden!

last night i made up a batch of steamed brown rice and veggies...so simple, so cheap, so easy, and makes so much! i made enough for 3 days worth of food just from that! while steaming the rice, i just chopped up some garlic and tossed it into a pan with some of my new savory (yay!), then zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and broccoli. i have to say, the smooth feel of cutting the vegetables and handling every ingredient was awesome. i tossed the veggies in with the garlic and savory, added some herbes de provence and natural french gray sea salt, then just monitored and stirred so that they didn't get over-cooked. by the time they were ready to go, the rice was done, and i just tossed them together.

there was clearly a taste test...which was so good!

so, not only was it a stress-reliever to get in the kitchen with the veggies and herbs, it was an amazing, affirming experience.

this weekend, i hope to make some zucchini-tomato gratin. i'll try to remember to take pictures; perhaps there can be some good comparisons between my final product and the website picture!



still working on perfecting the quinoa...tastes great, but doesn't look like the pictures yet! :)