GF Pumpkin Biscuits

Not bad for a first try. I might try a little less sweet rice flour or no xanthan gum next time but otherwise these were pretty good.  I adapted the Spiced Pumpkin Biscuits recipe from Cooking Light.

GF/CF Pumpkin Biscuits

1/3 c rice flour

1/3 c white teff flour

1/3 c tapioca starch flour 

1/3 c sweet rice flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 c shortening

1/3 c coconut milk, full fat

3/4 c canned pumpkin

3 T honey (I actually did about 1 T honey and 2 T agave syrup since I ran out of honey)

1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Combine flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a large bowl; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. Chill 10 minutes.

3. Combine coconut milk and honey, stirring with a whisk until well blended; add canned pumpkin. Add coconut milk mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moist and all of the flour has been incorporated.

4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface (tapioca starch flour); knead lightly 4 times or until you can pat it out to about 3/4" thick. Cut into biscuits.  Place biscuits, 1 inch apart, on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 400° for 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan; cool 2 minutes on wire racks. Serve warm.

Submitted to Slightly Indulgent Mondays at Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.

Butte Creek Falls - Santiam State Forest

I call bs on those who say Salem has nothing to offer!  Andrew and I are finding Salem has lots to offer.  We didn't hike much this summer...it was more kayaking and camping.  But, now that the weather is crappy...we're hiking.  I know.  But at least we're still getting out some!

Anyways, if you haven't made use of the Santiam State Forest you are really missing out.  Check out their website and see the recreational opportunities that await.  Butte Creek Falls is just one such opportunity.  They categorize it as difficult...probably because it's steep in parts and can have a lot of slippery leaves.  However, it's only 1.5 miles and has wonderful views.
Bailey thought it was great as well!

Our Own Worst Critic

I’ve done it.  I’m sure you’ve done it.  What is it?  Well how about talking to yourself in a way you would never consider talking to your best friend.  It seems like all of us that struggle with weight loss have done it at some point.  Told ourselves a story about how we aren’t good enough, or how we don’t look a certain way or how everything will be perfect when…Get real.  Stop telling yourself these kinds of stories.  Tell yourself good stories, positive stories.  Stories about loving yourself how you are.  Stories about how you are a wonderful person, how you are making positive changes in your life. Stories that make you feel good not bad.  Even subtle stories have the ability to make or break us.  Stop the negative subtle…shoot for positive subtle and work your way up from there!

Are You the Driver of Your Change...Or is It Driving You?

All of us are subject to change.  It's one of the laws of nature.  Some change we drive...some change drives us.  I find it difficult to deal with change I didn't initiate.  But, much of the time that unsought change benefits me as much or more than change I bring into my life.

How a person deals with change can say a lot about them.  Most days I'm afraid my dealings with change probably don't have very nice things to say about me.  Change is just one of those stressors in life we have little control over.  I'm not telling you to "embrace change"...not being of a hugger and all. But, learn to be patient with yourself and realize this just might not be the time to fight.

We've all heard how to deal with stress.  I need to hear it as much as anyone, so I'm going to tell you again.

• Breathe
• Exercise - Especially when you don't feel like it.
• Eat right - Whatever that might mean for you.  For me, it means no wheat, very little sugar and carbs, and plenty of protein and good fats.
• Get an appropriate amount of sleep - Too much is just as bad as too little.
• Find things or people or places that bring joy and happiness into your life.
• And, finally, learn to love yourself, accept yourself, and strive for reasonable expectations in your self-growth.

So, it this post about change or stress? For me this year, they've pretty much been one and the same.  I'm thinking a few of you might be able to relate.  

I'm grateful for where I am, but look forward to moving on...even if that means more change and in the process more stress!

Food For Thought

From Mark's Daily Apple: Coca-Cola Cares About Your Health

And, from USA Today Op-Ed blog: Food Labels Provide More Confusion Than Clarity

Why is it that we seem unwilling to take responsibility for ourselves and the food we put in our mouths in this country?

Opal Creek

I'm afraid I may have turned into one of those people...yes that kind...the kind that dresses their dog up.  In my defense, it isn't about fashion, it's about her being 10lbs and not having a lot of hair.  She gets cold.  And, she loves her jackets!  Okay, now that that's out in the open...we had a great day yesterday.  

If you're like me, you've been having a little difficulty with the change of seasons.  I love the leaves, but the cold and damp is an adjustment.  In order to deal with this, it's best to get out and enjoy our state.  So, Andrew and I took Bailey to Opal Creek.  It's on both of our Top 5 Places in Oregon lists and we love it up there.  Bailey thought it was pretty great too! The quality of the photos below are not so great...it was drizzling and I didn't want to use my good camera so we used our cell phones. 

As we go into the wet season, I hope you too can get out and enjoy our state.  Just get some warm clothes and rain gear.  You'll be fine!