Our family is trying the Feingold Diet. This diet is directed for ADHD and after seeing an excellent response in one of our cousins over the holidays we decided to give it a try.  It eliminate ALL artifical color, flavors and sweeteners plus several preservatives.  In the beginning you also eliminate many "good foods" such as tomatoes and apples that produce natural salicyates which you can try to add back in later.  It is too soon to tell the effects but I will keep you updated.  So the upcoming months of recipes will be reflective of this challenging program.  Here is one dinner I found the recipe in Clean Eating Magazine we all enjoyed.  I got the tortilla at Whole Foods (they have a list of approved foods you choose from in the beginning that have been researched for additives ect..).  Was a hit with everyone.  Shrimp and Artichoke Quesadillas

3 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 2 cloves garlic clove, minced 5 ounces frozen spinach, chopped thawed and squeezed excess liquid 4 ounces cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped 4 1/2 ounces frozen artichokes, thawed and chopped 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, grated (recipe called for mozzarella I used cheddar) 12 6-inch corn tortillas (about 6 inches)- I used whole wheat flour and white flour olive oil

1 In mixer blend cream cheese (softened) on high for about 1 minute until smooth. Add yogurt and blend one more minute. Reduce to medium and add garlic, lemon juice. With spatula fold in spinach, artichokes and cheese. 2 Place tortillas on work surface and brush with olive oil (I used spray oil). Spread 1/3 cup filling (for 6 inch tortilla) Top with second tortilla (coated in oil). Repeat. ( I used larger tortillas and than cut them into triangles when serving. 3 Place tortillas in large cast iron or hot skillet or on hot griddle in batches and cook 4-6 minutes until mixture melted and tortilla light brown. Can keep warm in oven while cooking rest. if cooking on large griddle not necessary.

Servings: 8 Yield: 3 pieces

Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1/8 of a recipe (2.9 ounces). Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. Amount Per Serving Calories 102.57 Calories From Fat (56%) 57.42 % Daily Value Total Fat 6.53g 10% Saturated Fat 4.03g 20% Cholesterol 47.67mg 16% Sodium 147.08mg 6% Potassium 240.32mg 7% Total Carbohydrates 4.18g 1% Fiber 1.27g 5% Sugar 1.23g Protein 7.44g 15%

i was hoping to have some leftovers to pack in the lunch boxes the next day but did not have ANY left. 

Black Eyed Peas on New Years Day!


I will add a picture after dinner tonight!

My family has always had Black Eyed Peas on New Years Day. My day insist the tradition is Italian although my understanding is that it is Southern. Eating something as humble as a pea as you enter the New Year brings good luck and prosperity.  Fortunately, this recipe is so good you can eat it anytime for a healthy  meal. Omit the ham and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.  I did not have ham today and will be using bacon.

Hoppin' John

* 1 large ham hock * 1 cup onion, chopped * 1/2 cup celery, chopped * 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped * 1 tablespoon chopped garlic * 1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed * 1 quart chicken stock * Bay leaf * 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves * Salt, black pepper, and cayenne or dried hot pepper * 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 3 cups ham pieces 1 can diced tomatoes * 3 cups steamed white rice

Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. Add tomatoes and ham allow to heat before serving. Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions. Serve over rice.

Cooking Times Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Tips Dont overcook peas!