Time to come out of the closet...

l started this blog to encourage other people struggling with bowel diseases (or those cooking for family members living this struggle), by adding some recipes to the grain free or SCD recipe pot. 

My intention was not to philosophize, vent, or brood about life (although I can occasionally heave a deep sigh over not having a flaky pastry in quite awhile).  I realize I can't change the world with a blog or be a voice that many will hear.  My intention has just been to offer recipes and share my love of food... while being myself.  (A little whacky but still a babe with great hair - JUST KIDDING.)

My readership has grown (thanks for reading, Mom) and I feel it's time to get a little personal.  Maybe my musing is due to a SHOCKING birthday which passed back in January (at which time we were also blessed with our third child).  I'm sleeping a little better now and my thoughts have caught up with me.

The sad truth is:  I'm old and am trying not to don't care what everyone thinks anymore.  Does anyone else out there get terrible back, leg and hip pain from all of the standing in the kitchen?  I mean, seriously, it's plagued me for years.  I've tried all kinds of different shoes, hoping more support would help, but it all ended with going to bed in throbbing pain and four ibuprofen...

About a year ago, I finally found a solution I could live with, though I wanted to keep it as hush-hush as possible.  Why?  Because I'm vain.  That's just the truth.  I don't want to admit I'm old, having aches and pains, AND I don't want to admit the solution.

That said, I'm coming out of the closet people.  Please don't judge me.

I.  WEAR.  BIRKENSTOCK. SANDALS.  Not the cute clogs that famous chefs wear, mind you. The sandals. Wow, getting that off my chest...hasn't helped me a bit. I'm still embarrassed.  

In fact, I refer to them as "my ugly shoes".  On occasion, I bellow from the kitchen, "Kids!  Will you please run and get my ugly shoes?".  They know just the contraptions I'm talking about, too.  

At first, I thought, "I'll wear them in secret. No one has to know about it."  But, then come friends popping by (I forget I have the shoes on) OR trips to the store where I've actually forgotten to change shoes, only to realize it after it's too late.  My husband got quite a chuckle watching a greeter at Wal-Mart do a double-take at my shoes as I walked by.  AT WAL-MART!?! - Where people shop in pajamas and slippers!?!

I will say this though:  back, hip and leg pain gone.  I'm not a spokesperson for Birkenstocks and get no kickback whatsoever for posting this.  But the shoes have helped me tremendously.  Can't someone get with the Birkenstock peeps and offer design suggestions like an espadrille heel with a little grosgrain ribbon or something?  After all of the "What Not to Wear" shows that have gone around, you'd think we'd have the technology to do that.

I'll end with saying I'm so thankful not to be in excruciating pain anymore.  But I still won't wear them in public if I can help it...

So I have fat Italian feet, what of it?

Zoodles with a Roasted Tomato Pesto Sauce

 

This may not look like much in the picture, but it's bursting with yumminess!  In fact, we have an 8-year-old guest staying with us who flipped over this dish and announced, "That's the first time I've ever had seconds!"  I think I've finally made it, people.  If only my kids were as impressed with my cooking...

I served this as a side dish, but it would also be great tossed with grilled chicken and eaten as a main meal.

Zoodles with a Roasted Tomato Pesto Sauce 

Ingredients:
5 large zucchini, made into zoodles
1/2 cup roasted tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
pepper
1/4 cup good quality basil pesto
basil, chopped (to taste)
pepper
Pecorino Romano, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare zucchini:  to make zoodles - trim and wash zucchini.  Holding the zucchini firmly in one hand, use a julienne tool to slice noodles down the length of the zucchini.  Stop when you get to the seedy part.   

Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Meanwhile, have a large bowl of iced water ready in the sink.  When water on stove is boiling, drop in zoodles and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Drain and submerge into iced water to stop the cooking.

Drain zoodles and set aside.

Heat a large saute pan to medium high.  Add olive oil and minced garlic.  Stir for a few seconds.  Add tomatoes, zoodles and pesto.  Toss to combine.  Add pepper and taste to adjust seasonings.  

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Pecorino.  

Mangia!