Thanksgiving Dinner: Herbed Waffle Stuffing – Gluten and Nut-free Version

We get a lot of emails about holiday go-to sides for special dietary needs… This year the big question is: What do I give those gluten-free family members with turkey? We have you covered. If you do not need a gluten-free version it is equally good with a nice multi-grain waffle as well.

Stuffing, especially those dried boxed ones – can have a lot of sodium,chemical additives, and calories that you can invest in a nice piece of organic pumpkin pie.

This recipe can be done last minute – just ensure the waffles are on hand in the freezer!

Ingredients to serve 4-6+ people

• 2 boxes (12 waffles) Van’s GF frozen waffles, toasted and cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 2 medium white onions finely chopped
• 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced crosswise
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
• ¼ teaspoon organic dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon organic dried sweet basil
• 1/3 cup organic dried cranberries (optional)
• ½ teaspoon organic maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted organic butter
• 1-1/2 cups organic low-sodium chicken stock
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Tools: Large mixing bowl, toaster, cutting board and sharp knife, medium to large baking dish.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toast the frozen waffles on a medium to high toaster setting until very crispy but not burnt (do a test to get the perfect temperature).
• Let them cool and cut into 1/2 “ cubes and put into a clean bowl.
• Saute onions, celery and herbs in butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you are using cranberries add them now to soften and release their natural flavours along with the maple syrup – your kitchen will smell amazing!
• Toss together bread cubes, vegetables, cranberries, maple syrup, and stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through.

A Journey From Darkness – Week 5


A lot of my girlfriends in the city and in other major areas around the USA have made a decision. They would rather drink their calories than eat them. I shared this “in” diet methodology with Cat. She said to me, “Do you really think it makes sense?”

I said, “A calorie is a calorie…”

To which she replied, “Yes, but what happens when you ingest certain calories?”

Here in lies the fundamental difference between holistic and regular medicine. No one ever asked me or explained things to me. No medical professional asked me to make a choice – they simply told me this is a solution, do that, don’t do this. Eat x amount a day, take these pills, etc…. You know the drill.

My food diary changed gears this week. I began adding in a few of the things taken off for the past month – in a modest amount and saw/experienced how it impaired and/or affected my digestion, my sleep, my skin. Yep – the jury is in. Sugar = bad.

Sadly, the other truth constantly smacking me in the face is that everything we eat, think, and do will affect our health. Actions and decisions have consequences, even the ones we made 10 years ago. We kind of all know this, though, don’t we? We just need a professional to remind us.Continue reading→