Gluten Free Cooking

In September of 2010, after years of dealing with intestinal issues, I went "gluten free."

Well, let me correct that. After years of dealing with a husband who was dealing with intestinal issues, my wife researched her little hind-end off and suggested to me that a gluten-free diet might solve my problems. And she was right.

After one week of living gluten free, the difference was noticeable, and things have consistently become better.


Kitchen Window: Baking Without Flour Brings Sweet Results : NPR

I really like the above article, mainly because of the creativity the author shares. I have found ways around gluten ... choosing corn-based products or using gluten-free flour. But I really like the idea of using nuts, egg whites, or simply using no flour at all. My favorite part was when she mentioned using "cornmeal, lots of eggs, chocolate, an assortment of nuts and a food processor" instead of a prepared gluten-free flour. That's creative. That sounds good and fun.

Here's to some good and creative gluten-free fun in the kitchen.

Favorite New App

This past week, I attended TCEA in Austin.  One workshop that I went to showcased several apps available for the iPhone and iPad.  Some had benefits for me as a teacher, and some were just fun!

My favorite new App is "TuneIn Radio."  It's FREE and it allows you listen live to various radio stations around the country.  You can choose stations that the App recommends, go straight to Local Radio, or choose from genres like Music, News, Talk, or Sports. 

For me, this means that I can listen to ESPN Radio no matter where I am!  No more searching for stations as I travel.  Or, if I'm in the mood for a certain style of music or simply listening to some Talk radio, all I have to do is TuneIn! 

I'm very happy with this App.

Getting it Right: Part Two

So many times in my life, I've been given an opportunity for a 'Second Chance.'  Like I said last week, there are many times I NEED a second chance so that I can actually get something right.

Today, I want to focus on the person who gives the second chance.  The person who gives someone else a second chance (and maybe even a third) is a great person.  We need more people like this!  I want to be a person like this!

What's inside this person?  What makes them tick?  And how do I become the person who gives others a second chance?

I think that kind of person knows how to forgive.  To forgive someone doesn't mean that you don't feel any hurt any longer.  To forgive someone means that you will not hurt them back even though they hurt you. 

I think the person who gives second chances knows something about grace.  To extend someone grace is to give them something that they don't deserve ... something that they haven't earned.  It's a gift, pure and simple.

That's what a second chance is - it's a gift.  Something you don't earn.  Something you don't deserve.  Given to you by someone who has made a commitment not to hurt you, but to help you.

Yeah, that's the kind of person I want to be.  I want to be the kind of person who gives second chances ... the kind of person who forgives and extends grace.