This would have been the day....

If we hadn't already made the decision to start making this dietary change, this would be the day that would've done it. Our youngest daughter's most recently diagnosed autoimmune disease (she has another one too) has taken to attacking another part of her body. An early morning doctor's appointment confirmed how much is going on. It was not good news but we are dealing with it the best we can. We are resting in our faith. There aren't many tools to fight this disease right now but knowing this dietary change might help at some point is one step in the right direction.

It seems a little boring to write about what we eat at every meal. When recipes or meals really stand out to my family as a clear hit or miss, I will post them here. I'll also be posting reviews of sorts, like last night. This evening's dinner was a clear hit. I had been contemplating something we could have as a hearty meal. Kindof like roast and potatoes without the roast. I am also trying very hard to get some extra calcium into our diet, especially because Prednisone is known to cause Osteoporosis, and Hay has been taking that for going on a year. Dinner tonight was Spinach with white beans, roasted smashed red potatoes and corn. Really simple and unbelievably delicious. My husband said he'd eat it anytime. Good thing, because he'll be seeing it on his plate again. It was super easy too. Here goes.

Spinach with White Beans

10 oz. baby spinach (washed well and dry)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 c. white beans (I used navy) if canned, rinse and drain

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Freshly ground pepper, salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste

In a large frying pan with sides, coat pan with oil and let the garlic sit in it for a little while before you turn on the pan. Garlic can burn fast and it tastes dreadfully bitter when that happens, so be careful. Get all your ingredients ready to go before you turn on your pan because this goes really fast. Heat the pan with the oil and garlic to med/high. Add the spinach as soon as you hear the garlic sizzle a little. Stir the spinach in the pan (I use a metal spatula) and toss it around in the pan a little. As soon as it starts to wilt, add the beans. Keep stirring until the beans are heated through. Stir in basil, then season to taste. That's it. This recipe is on the stove top for less than 5 minutes from start to finish. Think really fast, you don't want your spinach to get soggy. Trust me, this recipe is worth trying. Soon.


Roasted Smashed Red Potatoes

This is one of those recipes that you will have to adjust your quantities yourself. Here are the basics:

red potatoes, scrubbed

olive oil

kosher or sea salt and cracked black pepper

I nuke my potatoes until they are baked, and let the oven preheat to 425 degrees while they are in the microwave. You could boil them too, but that's just another pot to wash, it's up to you.
Prepare a jelly roll type baking sheet by drizzling it with olive oil. Here's the complicated part: Put the baked red potatoes on the pan in the olive oil and smash them a little. With a potato masher or fork, just flatten them a little. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if you like, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until they are crispy on the bottom and around the edges, about 25 minutes. Be prepared, these babies disappear in a quickness, so make a few more than you think you need. Especially if there are boys in your house.

Here's a picture of my plate. Might not be the prettiest picture, but you should try it anyway.