Tags
Body Ecology Diet, cauliflower, gluten free, kale, millet, pesto, vegan
Thank you all so much for your encouraging comments yesterday. I really appreciate your love and support:) It means a lot!
On another note…
As many of you know, I’m on the Body Ecology Diet. This is to kill Candida yeast. You see, these evil little yeast eat sugar. So, in order to kill them, you have to cut off their food supply. Enter: the Body Ecology Diet. This anti-Candida diet strictly prohibits sugar, and everything that breaks down into sugar. That means NO: sugar, dairy (because of the milk sugar: lactose), fruit, grains, starchy vegetables (like potatoes), sweet veggies (like beets and yams), beans (including peanuts), soy, mushrooms, tomatoes, alcohol, caffeine, or vinegars (except Apple Cider Vinegar). It does allow 4 Gluten Free grains though — quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and amaranth.
So — what does a girl eat?
Well, for the last 2 months, I’ve chronicled my dinners…but what about snacks?
Nuts, people. I eat nuts.
A lot of nuts.
Six Pounds worth of nuts.
And not just any nuts. Since peanuts, and peanut oil are a “no-no” on the diet, I can’t have nuts roasted in peanut oil — which most, if not all, of the nuts at the grocery store are roasted in.
So, my sweet father scoured the internet and found a company that doesn’t roast in peanut oil! So, this was our latest shipment of nuts. Macadamia (my fav), cashews, almonds and hazelnuts. In bulk! Six whopping pounds! That should last….oh about 2 weeks. ;)
Anywho, dinner tonight was really delicious! I made Cauliflower Pancakes with Kale Pesto! They were wonnnnderful! Crispy outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor! And, they’re gluten free, and Body Ecology Diet friendly with a Vegan option!
Here’s what you need:
3/4 cup millet cooked in 1 1/2 cups veg stock
1/2 head of cauliflower – riced
1/4 cup almond flour
3 egg whites ((Vegan option: 3 Tbsp ground flax + 9 Tbsp water –> “flax egg”))
1/2 tsp salt
2 green onions, sliced
Kale Pesto:
1 cup packed fresh Basil
3 large stalks of kale, stems removed and steamed
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 garlic cloves
juice of 1/2 a lemon
1-2 tsp EVOO
salt to taste
Cook your millet until it absorbs all the liquid, about 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, steam your kale for about 3-4 minutes, until tender, and toast your pine nuts on the stove for about 3 minutes. Also, rice your cauliflower by breaking into florets, and then putting them in your food processor. Pulse until it becomes a “rice” consistency. Then, place your “rice” in a clean kitchen towel and wring out all the excess liquid. Then, place in a medium-sized bowl. Rinse out your food processor — you’ll use it again. :)
To make your pesto, simply combine all the ingredients in your food processor. Process, scraping down the sides several times, until you get a gorgeously thick and creamy pesto!
After you millet cooks, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool. Once cool, combine it in the bowl with your cauliflower, and add your egg whites, almond flour, salt, and green onions. Mix well. This is your batter.
Heat a big non-stick frying pan that has been sprayed with EVOO spray. Add 1-2 tsp EVOO to the pan. Once it’s hot, form 2-Tbsp-patties, and carefully place them in the pan. You should hear a sizzle. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful when flipping, as they are fragile — it was a “2-hand-job!” It will make about 9 patties.
To serve, dollop 1-2 Tbsp of pesto on each pancake, and enjoy! To get the “swirled” look, put your pesto into a ziplock sandwich bag and squeeze it down to one corner. Then, snip off the tip of that corner, and you’ve got a make-shift piping bag!
With the pancakes, I served Lobsta Bakes‘ wild, ocean-caught grouper! I broiled it in 1 tsp EVOO with salt, pepper, chili powder and paprika. It was so tender and delicious!
This meal was fantastic! The flavors were so bright and refreshing! And my parents had no idea there was kale in the pesto and cauliflower in the pancakes! — That’ll be our little secret ;)
The outside of the pancakes were crunchy and golden, while the insides were tender and moist. And the pesto was rich and creamy, which paired perfectly with the cakes! It was bright and fresh from the basil, with a subtle hint of garlic and lemon. So fantastic! We cleaned our plates!
What are your favorite snacks?
See ya tomorrow!!
This recipe is shared on A Piece of Cake & Allergy Free Wed & Full Plate Thurs & Thriving on Thurs & Simple Lives Thurs & Foodie Fri & Frugal Food Thurs & Wellness Weekend!
hollie said:
the list of things you can’t eat makes me sad! So no fruit, either? Is this forever, or just until you kill all of the yeast?! Kudos for adapting. I did a cleanse in January and I went vegan and gluten free, and it. was. hard.
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Hollie. Yeah, this isn’t permanent — just until the yeast are under control. I’ve been doing it for 2 months tomorrow. One more month for sure, then we’ll re-evaluate. Yeah no fruit — what i wouldn’t give for a honeycrisp apple! haha And there’s no cheating or “fudging” either on this diet — it’s like Chutes and Ladders — if you eat sugar even once, you undo everything you’ve done, and go back to the beginning and have to detox again! yikes. Thanks for stopping by!
hollie said:
also, how come you don’t just buy raw nuts & toast them in the oven?!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
I was doing that for a while, but it was a hassle haha…and now that it’s so hot, the Oven is a “four letter word!” :)
xvavaveganx said:
It must be so hard to live with so many limitations in your diet. I hope that you’ll be able to add more foods back in soon!
Looks like you have a great supply of nuts to snack on! They are one of my favorite snacks, I bet you’ll find great ways to dress them up too! Have you ever tried herb flavored nuts? So good. Maybe I’ll try out some recipes ;)
The cauliflower pancakes look amazing! I love cauliflower and was thinking today about how I wanted to make roasted cauliflower but it is too hot! THese are a great way to remedy that :) The pesto is so beautiful and vibrant!
I love how creative your meals are on a daily basis. I get stuck in ruts and eat the same things all the time. I need to start making new things more often :) You are definitely an inspiration!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Sarah! Yeah, it is tough, but I try and focus on the things I can eat — like nuts!! haha I definitely have a stellar supply:) But it really forces me to be creative! I’ve never tried herbed nuts but it sounds absolutely delicious! Like with rosemary or thyme — mmmm!! I know, I’m so torn in the summer between my love for roasted veggies, and turning on the oven and heating up the house! ah, such is life:) haha so glad you stopped by:)
amber said:
Hi Caralyn,
I can relate on so many levels!! I did this diet for 30 days nearly 9 years ago before my first CO! I also took a bunch of tinctures to kill the candida. It was crazy.
I have a question for you. I notice that a few of your potato recipes say BED? I remember not being able to eat potatoes, and you also mention the potatoes…so I’m just curious about this.
Thanks for clarifying dear.
Hugs,
–Amber
P.S. These cauliflower pancakes are just amazing. You need to write a cookbook!!! You’re so creative. :-)
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Amber! Yeah those little yeast are relentless!! haha
About the potatoes: The ONLY type of potato permitted on the BED are Red Skinned Potatoes. All the other potatoes, including sweet potatoes, are not allowed. I was really confused about this too…I was like, isn’t a potato a potato? However, on page 52, it says that “Red Skinned Potatoes have less sugar than the other varieties and do not feed yeast.” So there ya have it! I hope that helps:) So glad you stopped by! Hugs!
Amber said:
Thanks Caralyn,
This is great news. Fantastic. I can see how New Potatoes have less sugar, mostly starch. I appreciate you getting back to me.
Hope you’re feeling well.
Hugs,
–Amber
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thanks Amber! I know, I was so excited when I read that! Have a great week:) Hugs!
Barbara said:
Wow. Your diet is difficult right now. Looks like you are finding creative ways to eat! I do like millet and your cauliflower cakes look really tasty. Hang in there!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Barbara! Yeah I guess you could say it’s a bit limited…haha! The cakes were definitely a tasty dinner:) Thanks for stopping by!
barbarabakes said:
I’m so impressed with your creative in creating amazing dishes that work with your restricted diet. I hope you get your body back on track soon. Best wishes!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Barbara! The limitations force me to have be creative! It’s fun — I like a good challenge:) Thank you for your encouragement! Glad you stopped by!
Mary said:
What a colorful meal. You really have become creative with your meals. Hunger does that :-). You’ve responded so well to the diet that I am in awe of you. That could not have been easy to do. Have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Mary. It has definitely been difficult at times, but I kind of enjoy the challenge:) Thank you for your encouragement:) Glad you stopped by!
Kristy said:
I totally admire how you’ve managed to not only persevere, but to flourish within your limited diet. Look at the amazing things you come up with!
I also make cauli pancakes sometimes- cauli is easily one of my favorites! These look delish!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Kristy. The limitations have definitely forced me to “stretch” a bit in the kitchen. It’s kind of a fun challenge! Thanks for your kind words:)
Anna @ The Guiltless Life said:
That is a beautiful dinner! I’m sorry for the health issues you’ve been going through but love the abundance of nuts in your snacks! I am a nutaholic :)
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Anna! Me too–I think I may be part squirrel with my love of nuts! hahah Thank you for your kind words:) I’m glad you stopped by!
Heather said:
Mmmm the cauliflower cakes look utterly delish!
….We love nuts, pistachios and cashews are favorites- that and hummus with veggies and salsa with quinoa chips!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Heather! oooh hummus — yessss! packed with protein and delicious flavor! glad you stopped by:)
Janae Wise @ Bring-Joy said:
I probably missed this post, but how did you know you needed to go on this diet?
I’ve done something similar, in terms of being on a strict diet, & I can relate with you. You tend to cleave to those few foods that bring any comfort or satisfication when you’re diet is so strict.
Going without any sugar at all is not for the faint-of heart. Kudos to you. Do you feel better?
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Hi Janae! I knew I needed to go on this diet when I developed Candida. I was experiencing horrible symptoms, ((that were different and in addition to my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms)), and I brought them up to my doctor and he confirmed that it was a Candida overgrowth. He gave me some natural medicines to take in addition to the diet.
I do feel a bit better, but it’s a slow go. And the trick with this diet is that you feel worse before you feel better, because when the yeast die, they give off toxins and you go through a “die-off” period. But since then, I’ve been feeling much better. Thanks for stopping by!
grace said:
oh nuts is a terrific company, aren’t they! i adore your kale pesto, and it’s the perfect topper to those savory pancakes. :)
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Grace! I agree — Oh Nuts is great:) And thanks! It was a really yummy dinner! Glad you stopped by:)
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles said:
Yum! The pancakes sounds really good. Nuts are my favorite snack too- can’t get enough almonds!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Rebecca! Same here — almonds are so delicious! Thanks for stopping by!
Catherine said:
I love the combination of flavors. This is healthy and very creative. I love the idea of the kale pesto…it sounds delish! Blessings to you my dear, your friend, Catherine xo
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Catherine:) It was definitely a “sneakily healthy” dinner! Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
Miz Helen said:
Your presentation for the Cauliflower Pancakes with kale Pesto looks beautiful. We have the most beautiful kale in the garden and I can’t wait to try this pesto with these awesome pancakes. Hope you are having a great week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Miz Helen! It was a delicious dinner:) Lucky you! How wonderful to be able to walk out your door and pick some delicious kale!! Thanks for stopping by!
CamMi Pham (@cammipham) said:
That must be very hard for you. Sorry for the health problem you are dealing with. Everything will get better. Lovely meals
x
cammi
http://www.cammilicious.com/
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Cammi. I really appreciate your encouragement:) Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!
ElsaD said:
Wow, darling I just discover your blog via Cupcakes and Cashmere. I really admire your journey! :) Many blessings! xoxo
http://cafesocietyxxi.blogspot.com/
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Elsa! I love C&C too! So glad you stopped by! Have a terrific day!
Richa@HobbyandMore said:
those cauli pancakes topped with the pretty kale pesto look so delicious! i like to make burgers with cauli in the same way. these pancakes and pesto can go in mine this weekend.
that is a lot of nuts:) we snack on a whole bunch of nuts too, and some other things like whole grain breads and chickpea things. Your meals look super amazing! Have a good day!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Richa!! yeah quite a few nuts:) and ooh, cauli in burgers sounds like it would be wonderful! and a great way to get some extra veg too! yum! thanks for stopping by!
capeislandrunners said:
lots of people are posting recipes with cauliflower and it is getting me so excited to try them! my hubby is a great cook -my job is to email him recipes for us to try :) this one is getting messaged to him!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you! Awesome! How nice to have a husband who’s a wiz in the kitchen:) Thanks for stopping by!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate said:
These look amazing. I love the idea of savory pancakes!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Matt! They were really good with the pesto! Thanks for stopping by!
janet @ the taste space said:
I love your creative way of using cauliflower and millet. I don’t always love millet so I am very curious about this recipe. Looks great!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Janet! The pancakes had a mild and wonderful flavor — the pesto’s flavor really stole the show! :) Thanks for stopping by!
Shari Goodman said:
Gorgeous meal! I feel healthier for just seeing the picture. I can’t wait to make it. Thanks for sharing.
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Thank you Shari! Haha, healthy and delicious! My favorite type of meal! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
Somer said:
Your dad really is an angel! We snack on a lot of nuts around here too! I mostly buy raw, because then they aren’t roasted in anything and If I want to roast them, I can do it myself without added oil.
Yummy cauliflower pancakes too!
glutenfreehappytummy said:
I know, I am so lucky to have such a great dad! Yeah, I should really probably do that too, but its just so much more convenient to not have to turn on the oven every time I want a handful of nuts! haha…oh well:) I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend! thanks for stopping by!
Rainey @ The Project Table said:
I’m going to take a look at those nuts too! Thank your dad for doing the research! :o)
Please stop by my blog if you get a chance and enter my SUMMER TIME GIVE AWAY… Its a $50.00 Gift Certificate for Novica!
http://theprojecttable.blogspot.com/2012/06/its-summer-time-giveaway-from-project.html
glutenfreehappytummy said:
Yeah they’re great! I def will;)
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