What's for dinner...or not....

I am so happy to have my mommies group - a group of women who understand exactly what I am going through, understand what I complain about and all around just "get it" because we all have one HUGE thing in common: our children. We are all at the same place in the most major, life-changing, whirlwind, exciting, strenuous, stressful, fearful time of our lives. A time when, at least for me, I need more support than ever. And, I don't mean someone to watch my kids, I mean someone who cares how my morning was, what books I am reading, how I am choosing to discipline my children...without passing judgement, and someone who just is there to make me smile. All of the girls in my group do just that, and I hope I do that for them, too.

I am also learning about food...one of my very favorite things. Susan and Heather gave me pointers on some great peanut butter pasta and bean dip. Easy, good for you food that I won't feel guilty feeding my child. Beth, who was pondering culinary school (I am pretty sure I remember that correctly), made this incredible banana cake that I need to get the recipe for. Also, she had some of us over last year for a Mary Kay party and made some sort of delicious french toast casserole. We were all going back for seconds because it was awesome and low-fat to boot. I ask for recipes or how-tos all the time, but who better to ask than women like myself who have similar taste in food and need to feed a family.

I recently bought a vegan cookbook and am looking forward to trying a few dishes from it. The best part is that I won't have to look for substitutions for dairy because vegans don't eat dairy. yeah! The book has some great information written up front that explains why vegan, what vegan and things that seem vegan and are not. After reading it, I certainly could never be vegan because I enjoy some of the foods not included in a vegan diet. They don't eat such things as honey or even wine! What? It kind of grossed me out to read that wine could be fined using blood, bone, chitin, egg, albumin, fish oil, gelatine, isinglass, marrow or milk. Now, if you are like me you are wondering what the heck chitin and isinglass are. Be ready with your own version of an airplane barf bag....

Chitin: rigid part of insects and crustacea (I think I have read that on a label before, not sure, but it sure sounds revolting)

Isinglass: pure form of gelatin, obtained from the air bladder of freshwater fish.

Oh, and here is one for fun:

Rennet: extract of CALF stomach, yes, baby cow...wtf? I guess, though, this substance may be non-animal derived, just check with the manufacturer.

Groddy to the max!! Fer sure.

Now, even though I do eat meat and meat by-products, I do not agree with inhumane treatment of animals. And, if it wasn't so gosh darn expensive I would only by free-range meat. Just like it is suppose to be. Not pinned up animals that can't move or walk because they have no room to live. Their poor little existance is to feed the machines...and think of all the meat we waste, too. I recently just threw out turkey we didn't finish up! That was some little bird's breast. Okay, I won't go there...

Anyhow, I am super excited to try to make new, healthy things. I really want my little babes to grow up making smart food choices and having an understanding of all the great foods and recipes out there. Yeah, sure, chicken nuggets and fries are also on my list at times. :)