Produce of the week - Pineapple

Some days putting one foot in front of the other is like climbing a mountain. And if you are able to keep moving forward, even baby steps - it is enough. 
Some days getting up and doing one good thing for your body, is enough.  And, if you can do that every day (just add one thing good for body, mind, spirit) the benefits will add up. 
But for now - just focus on today. 

And focus on that gorgeous pineapple you were inspired to buy.
Because it's fresh and organic. 
And gluten free, and detoxing, and loaded with vitamin C, and manganese, and fiber, and antioxidants, and bromelain, and reduces inflammation. 
It's refreshing, juicy and smells (and tastes) incredible.

But first you face the task of cutting it. It takes time and effort, and is easier if you have a plan. And a big sharp knife!

I researched and created this for Simply Gluten Free Magazine, May/June 2013 and it was a tremendous thing to learn. So I am off to cut my pineapple, and I will take my time. 
Then I will eat some, add some to my lunch salad, and tonight will grill a few slices to add to our grilled chicken.

What will you add today to support you body, mind or spirit?


You can find more of my art in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Monday Motivation - The Beauty of Fall Produce

Buying seasonally gives you the opportunity to eat produce with greater flavor, and the best value.
 
 
What if the veggie art looked at tasty as the donuts or the pie? Would it inspire us to buy more - and eat more - vegetables!?

What if we kept looking at beautiful vibrant pictures of vegetables, would it shift what we crave? 

I believe it would!

It's all about the power of suggestion.

I was following an FB forum discussion this weekend on weekly food prep and there were so many who roast vegetables in bulk for the week. A brilliant and a mouth watering suggestion. Simple enough with olive oil, some fresh herbs, salt and pepper... I will certainly be roasting veggies today - and ignoring the rain.

You can find more of my art in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Leaves, Color and the inspiration of change

When I was in 2nd grade we had a family reunion picnic at Bear Mountain State Park. It was October and it must have been peak leaf weekend that year!  The entire park was filled with a carpet of the most magical eye popping color this 6 year old had ever experienced.

I spent most of the day joyously collecting leaves.  Each one was a surprise and delight. The memory is SO vivid I can see it, feel it and smell it. I was so absolutely captivated and lit up by the colors.

I am still that person picking up leaves every fall. Delighted with any and all I find. When my daughter was little I came up with dozens of projects for us to make with them - and it gave me an excuse to collect them with her.  I have decorated with them, photographed them, painted, sketched, and just sat in awe of them.

I bring them to classes I teach - the range of colors in a single fall leaf is astounding. Great practice for wet on wet watercolor painting, or blending colors without losing the purity and beauty of each hue.

No matter how many decades pass, every fall, there will always be a bit of that 6 yr old picking up leaves, gathering color, collecting magic.

You can find more of my art in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Saturday Sketch Prompt

Fall is here, school is open, and with it comes structure - structure that I desperately needed to keep myself on track. I am getting back to my regular sketching practice - and sharing it with anyone who also needs to be reminded to carve out more time to create! 

I even bought a 'messy' sketchbook when we were back to school supply shopping.  A book purely for messing around in. No pressure. No assignments. Just experimenting and playing. It feels like freedom - and an open door!

As summer is exiting and Fall is in the morning air in New Jersey I suggest picking up a leaf or a small branch outside for your sketch model. Everything is still pretty green at the moment but the colors will be changing quickly now.

Have fun and happy sketching!

You can find more of my art in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or come follow my illustrations and art on Instagram

What I learned from a Gluten Free Chicken Wing

I think I have always been intimidating by cutting meat. I felt like I didn't know enough about meat to cut it properly, so I avoided it. And bought everything as parts, and left any roast carving to someone else, anyone else!
Now I am not sure how you could really mess any of it up - but still I avoided because I thought I couldn't do it.

I have have more than a few assignments for Simply Gluten Free Magazine that involved cutting, carving, chopping, etc and my confidence has grown over time as I try more things.  I have found I can carve a turkey, open a rock hard raw spaghetti squash, butterfly a pork chop, create lovely pineapples cubes from a whole pineapple - and make my own drums and wingettes from whole chicken wings!

It was challenging for the first few but I got the hang of it as I went along. Also I figured if they weren't perfect nobody would care - the family was just eagerly anticipating the wings that were soon to be on the grill. So, no judgements, no mistakes, no problem.

I saved money buying the whole wings as opposed to the pre-cut packs, and put on a pot of stock with the end tips while the the wings were marinating.

 from May/June 2017 Simply Gluten Free Magazine

My chicken wing chopping experience was like most things in life - best not to fear, face it head on, give it a shot, keep trying, and practice makes perfect!

And now matter how badly you butcher them - in the end they all tasted delicious.

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Monday Motivation - Eating from the rainbow

 

Every Monday is an opportunity for a fresh start!  What extra vegetable can you add into your day? 

Try buying something different, something new, or something you haven't had in a long time.

What color will you pick from the rainbow?

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."  Zig Zaglar 

 

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

 

Gluten Free Apricot Chicken review

I am constantly in search of gluten-free dinner recipes - simple and flavorful are my biggest qualifiers. And on day that I am on the run - a crockpot meal will seal the deal!

The other day I felt I covered half the state of NJ and ended the marathon with a nighttime drive back from my daughter's basketball game in a combination of heavy rain, flooding, snow, sleet and fog! 

The light at the end of the stressful tunnel was Apricot Chicken waiting for us - hot, tender, flavorful and ready upon arrival!  


I found Stephanie O'Dea's Apricot Chicken recipe from A Year of Slow Cooking.  The apricot sauce was easy to make and started with a jar of Apricot Preserves... I used Polaner All-Fruit (clearly labeled gluten-free).

The only change I made to the recipe was the addition of 5 cloves of garlic, minced.  (We are a garlic loving family).
The aroma that met us when we dragged in wet, tired, cold was truly delightful.

The chicken with it's sweet and savory sauce were poured on piles of steamy rice - a huge success! It will be part of the regular dinner rotation going forward.

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Seeing it in Print!

 

I woke up before dawn on Thanksgiving day and had a little time to play with my paints and reflect on all that I am Thankful for... my family, friends, art group, teaching, my students, clients, fans, being able to create my art, my health, opportunities - I know how lucky I am as the list really is endless.

But my cup truly runneth over seeing my husband's book in print! Being able to create the art, and layout the cover, for him was my favorite art assignment of 2016!  I even took the author photo for him.

So, Santa busy as he is in his workshop, made an early trip to our house and dropped off a few copies.

You can find Matters of Convenience on Amazon, or put it on your Christmas list - it's a great read!

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Gluten-Free Cauliflower Toast

No cookies, no breads, no pizza, no cake. Yep, that's where I am right now.

I have given up all baked goods, even the safest, cleanest Gluten-free flours and baked goods. It seems my body isn't happy even with the binding agents, and I feel just so much better when I say, "No, thanks" and do without.  It was the dang ice cream with the added 'gums' that tipped me off.

The most evident sign that avoiding gums is working, is the sudden re-growth of my fingernails - my fingernails are always the key. 
Most days it really doesn't bother me (yesterday I baked brownies and really had no desire to indulge). To me how I feel is everything, and far outweighs giving up baked goods and the like. If I feel great and energized - I have no need for those foods. 
I did say most, though. Occasionally I crave something that resembles bread, or a crust, or a cracker.

Lucky for me there are amazing recipe developers out there (truly they are magicians!) coming up with muffins, pizza crusts, pizza crust, cookies, etc., that don't require flours or gum binding agents. They are my heros!
This weekend I tried the Cauliflower toast from The Delish website... oooh wee! 

From my 100 day series on instagram

LOVED it - and so did my daughter. Not quite sure I would call it toast, resembled more of a potato pancake. But, I would be quite happy to stack a burger on one, or the lovely combo of guacamole and a fried egg.  I had mine with a tomato and basil salad drizzled with olive oil.  It was divine!

illustration from Simply Gluten-Free Illustrated Workbook

So if you are in the mood for something different, and can embrace your inner messy (grating cauliflower goes everywhere!) I highly recommend giving it a try. Enjoy the gluten-free goodness!

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

 

The Power and Versatility of Bananas, Naturally Gluten-Free

I love bananas and they have always been my fruit of choice, my snack on the go, nature's multi-vitamin, and my favorite yogurt add-in. I love that they are naturally protected from cross-contamination.  To me the perfect banana is ripe but right before the brown spots start appearing on the skin.  If they are too soft they start to lose their appeal, but become perfect for use in recipes.

Banana Pancakes. These babies have opened up my breakfast world again. I can't get enough of them, and I make sure I always have bananas in the house in various stages of riping. Who knew you could make pancakes from JUST bananas and eggs. Genius!  There are lots of recipes out there, but basically it is 1 egg to 1 ripe mashed banana. Just keep the pancakes small, and flip carefully - they are very delicate.

Banana ice cream. One ingredient. Bananas. Yes, that's all you need to make this guilt free creamy frozen treat.  You will need to cut up ripe bananas and freeze in advance. Definitely worth trying. This recipe is from The Kitchn

Banana Bread
I haven't tried this recipe from Civilized Caveman Cooking yet.. but it is on my list to bake some up soon!

Banana Muffins
Handy for on the go snacking!
   
You can read up on the
benefits of eating bananas while enjoying one of these delicious treats!

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Dragonflies, Daily Sketch

Dragonflies can be found worldwide and symbolize a variety of ideas... prosperity, light, good luck, strength, adaptability, peace, harmony and wisdom. 

Most of all, they represent Change. 
Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation. It always gives me a charge to see one zipping by, and even more of a thrill when I can see the beauty of a dragonfly at rest.

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edgardegas393298.html

“It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.” ~Edgar Degas

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

Butter Coffee

There is butter.
There is coffee.
Both lovely in their own way. And in their own right.
I would have never thought to put them together. But after stumbling upon this odd and intriguing combination I had to try it. 
Basically replacing the milk with butter. Grass fed organic butter to be exact.  I decided to give it a try.

I love coffee with coconut oil. And I have been known to give my morning java a hit of chili powder to warm things up on a bitter cold January morning.
But butter... I am really not sure I like it.

It does soften the coffee so it is not quite like drinking it black.  It still has a bitter edge that I am not sure I would get used to. 
Or care to get used to - though it did inspire a fun sketch and colorful illustration - and anything that inspires my daily sketch is a win!

What I did learn from this experiment are the benefits of grass fed organic butter, which we will use from now on, whether it is in coffee - or on GF toast.



You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Hurricane Spaghetti

Hermine came and went earlier this week, with little effect on Northern NJ.  I consider it very lucky that she turned out to sea - and hope we can get through the rest of the season with that kind of luck! 
But, that doesn't mean I wasn't ready. After living through Irene and Super Storm Sandy - I do not take hurricane threats lightly.  Best to be prepared with essentials, because we know what bad can be.

So I stocked up on bottled water, batteries, did a little baking, brewed just-in-case coffee, filled the gas tank, had cash on hand, and kept all electronics fully charged.  
And food. 
Gluten-free food that could be eaten as is, or cooked on the stove. We have a gas stove, which has been a lifesaver when we have been without power. (I will always choose a house - and stove - with gas!)

One of the warmest memories I have of Super Storm Sandy is cooking 'Hurricane Spaghetti' by candlelight, while my husband was getting a fire going in the livingroom. We ate dinner that night at the coffee table warmed by the roaring fire, and it is one of the loveliest memories I have. So while I was gathering essentials for Hermine's arrival, spaghetti was at the top of my list.

 Illustration from Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Sept/Oct 2016

 

Summer treats - Naturally gluten free

Summer is here and all the juicy, fun - and some of my favorite foods that go with it. SO happy that there are plenty of fresh naturally gluten-free options at the local farmer's markets in the area.

my all-time favorite fruit

I have been happily creating a watercolor illustration a day for my 100 Days Project, and just passed the mid-point this week. An excellent excuse to draw and paint food!

 

New Jersey sweet corn

 You can find me on instagram to catch the day to day posting of my 100 days

You can also see more of my art in my online store Erin Go Paint

Fall Squash Harvest

I absolutely love the colors of Fall. The colors, the smells, the produce, the chill in the air, hot cider, pumpkin anything... and, more recently... experimenting with squash.

I adore spaghetti squash and it's similarity to noodles.  And zucchini for it's versatility - it's amazing what can be done with zucchini... makes very tender juicy meatballs when used in place of breadcrumbs, to muffins, breads, grilled pizza bites, the list doesn't end.

As seen in Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Sept Oct 2015

After doing my research for this Simply Gluten Free magazine piece I found a variety of squashes to explore, cook and bake with.
Let the GF Fall cooking, roasting, baking begin!


If you enjoy my work and want to see more visit Erin Go Paint

Measuring Up - Kitchen Confessions

I don't like to measure when I cook. Even when I bake, which requires a balance of ingredients to make the magic happen, I still tend to approximate wherever I can.  Not really sure why, but I definitely avoid it.

Maybe it feels to confining.  Too much like rules.

Somehow it feels like it stifles my flow and creativity. Guess I like to imagine I am conjuring up and magically creating something new every time.

The fact that I am a reluctant (for lack of a better word) cook may explain it.  I cook for necessity not for the passion of it.   I know people who touch heaven when they are in the kitchen. 

Seriously.  

And based on the exquisite foods they create I am pretty sure heaven comes down and touches them in the process.

Again, Seriously.

I touch heaven when I draw, paint and run. Those activities fill me up - even when they are difficult.  That is passion.

So in my daily cooking time I try to spice it up. (pun intended)  Looking to make the process more exciting, adventurous...  more of a game. So I wing it. A lot.  

I approximate. 

And guesstimate.  Makes the doing more interesting.

And makes the results more of... an adventure.  Nothing ever tastes exactly the same as it did last time. I know, there are pros and cons in that.

But the meals are there, hot, healthy and ready when everyone is hungry. And the cook is happy because she enjoyed the process.

If you enjoy my work you can see more in my shop Erin Go Paint and my online portfolio.

Easy GF Strawberry Ice Cream

As part of our Mommy-Summer-Camp plan, I promised my daughter lots of cooking, food prep and experimenting in the kitchen.  She's 9 and is a serious foodie, so we want to encourage that.

Also, given that eating gluten free is keeping her migraines in check... I want her to see how much great food can be made and enjoyed fresh and without gluten.
So we broke out the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and the ice cream bowl that has been quietly and patiently waiting in the freezer for it's chance to make some magic!
I like things to be simple - the simpler the better - so 5 ingredients and straight forward preparation makes me happy.

5 Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream

In a large bowl we combined the milk, cream, sugar, salt, and strawberries.

Stirred the sugar into the heavy cream about 30 minutes before so the the sugar can dissolve. And, we ran the strawberries through our Magic Bullet to prevent chunks in the ice cream(my daughter likes smooth ice cream).

Then she poured the mixture into the freezer bowl of the Kitchenaid. And licked all the bowls and spatula.

The machine mixed for 20-25 minutes while we went out to play in the yard.

When it was finished we scooped it out into a dish to freeze and again licked the spoons, etc.  It's amazing that we got as much ice cream into the freezer as we did!

Froze it for about 5 hours and had it for dessert - perfect and creamy with just the right amount of sweet!
There is still some left for tomorrow (unless my husband goes back in late tonight!)