The Twelve Days of a Low Pro Christmas...
It is our first morning of Christmas vacation and we arrived in Chicago yesterday. I am enjoying a hot coconut milk latte, a Lophlex, and some gluten free mustard and onion pretzels (a good low phee travel snack...trying to hold myself over until brunch in a few hours. Nick is on a conference call and I'm listening to a bunch of junk about currency derivatives and emerging market debt (what even is it?!). I can tell my levels are low and thus, life is good.
I was able to get the house decorated before we left. With that, I also planned out the food for the trip. As you all know, management of the PKU diet is all about planning ahead. This got me thinking about the foods I look forward to at Christmas time. It is imperative to make special dishes for yourself or the PKU person in your life. If you don't, Christmas is just another meal.
So, here are a few of my favorite things...
#12: CoYo Yogurt
Forget figgy pudding... this stuff is the bomb. There are two types available; traditional coconut milk yogurt and a coconut cream yogurt. The coconut cream yogurt is genius. It has a rich, creamy, and thick texture similar to a traditional greek yogurt. It is an awesome sour cream substitute. My favorite recipe I use it in is onion dip. Mix one half of a packet of Lipton French Onion Dip and one 5.3 ounce Coyo natural. You can add more or less depending on your taste or salt tolerance. However, tread lightly as the phe is not low (146 mg phe for one container). It is lower than sour cream and therefore good in moderation.
#11: Cambrooke Bigger Bagels
These are a dream to travel with. I much prefer the taste of homemade bread but these are pretty solid, especially when you do not have access to a refrigerator. Throw four in a carry on and they will last all weekend. When I bring other bread in a suitcase it gets mashed up and loses its form. These stay in the right shape. Can't beat the 34 mg of phe, either. It will keep you filled up until lunch. (photo cred to Cambrooke.com)
#10: Chao Cheese
Less than 1 mg of phe per slice and various flavors including tomato cayenne and coconut herb. Believe it or not, these actually melt. Substitute the smoked gouda in the mac and cheese recipe from my low pro lobster bake for the tomato cayenne. It is perfection.
#9: Trader Joe's Fruit Bars "ends & pieces"
Trader Joe's comes out with this bag of deliciousness about twice a year. It is the end pieces of their fruit leather so it has a variety of flavors in one bag. Very low in phe and a sweet snack. Because of that, they are a great item to travel with.
#8: Coco Whip
Thank you, So Delicious for another magnificent coconut product. The CocoWhip is similar to Cool Whip but slightly healthier as it has a coconut milk base. Also available in a "light" version.
#7: Pumpkin scones
These are not the typical pumpkin treat you think of during the holiday season. They do not have nutmeg, cloves, or cinnamon and the pumpkin flavor is subtle. However, they are to die for. The flavor and texture is unique from any other low phe option I have tried and cutting in salted butter does that. I use this as a pastry option and if you add a dollop of homemade jam in the center it is even better. A good Christmas morning option.
#6: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
My mom makes cranberry sauce that is out of this world. Serve over your low pro stuffing (see Thanksgiving post) and green bean casserole. I never fully understood cranberry sauce until I put it over my low pro stuffing. It adds sweet to the savory and that is a good combo. To top it off, it is very low in phe. (recipe at bottom)
#5: Green Bean Casserole
Truly a classic. The beauty of this dish is how well-loved it is by all. Family and friends go crazy when it is on the Christmas buffet. No need to get fancy. One can of cream of mushroom soup, one bag of [french-cut] frozen green beans, 1/2 to 1 can of French's onion toppers and you have a hearty Christmas entree.
#4: Flax Milk
Peppermint latte with flax milk. Flax milk is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. These are so beneficial for the heart and inflammation. Unfortunately, the PKU diet restricts the amount of naturally occurring omega fatty acids and this is the best source of these with ZERO phe. Add the peppermint syrup that you can purchase from Starbuck's to a flax milk latte.
#3: Hot Mulled Cider
Need I say more? Throw some fresh cider from your local farm in a pot with mulling spices. Add a splash of rum (or caramel vodka) if you need a little more flavor. I prefer this drink to the coconut milk eggnog and it is also lower in phe.
#2: Riced Cauliflower
Side dish at Christmas dinner. Cauliflower stuffing with shredded brussels. Trader Joe's actually sells a cauliflower stuffing that is good. You can saute it or bake until crispy to bring out the flavor.
#1: Exercise
When it is all said and done and you consumed a few too many chips (it happens) hit the treadmill. Exercise is the key ingredient for managing levels and the effects of high levels. It tends to clear the fog if my levels are elevated. Added bonus, it is good for you :-)
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Empty a 12-ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries into a saucepan and transfer 1/2 cup to a small bowl. Add 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons water to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst, about 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the reserved cranberries. Add sugar, salt and pepper to taste and cool to room temperature before serving.
Pumpkin Scones
Ingredients ½ cup margarine ¼ cup caster sugar ½ cup cooked pumpkin, mashed 1 tsp egg replacer mixed with 2 tbls water 2½ cups Loprofin All Purpose Baking Mix 3 tsp baking powder mixed together and sifted 3 times ½ tsp salt 3 tbls flamilk Method 1. Preheat oven to 410. 2. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Stir in pumpkin and egg replacer mixture, mixing well. 4. Add the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly. 5. Mix to a soft dough with the milk. 6. Turn out onto a floured board and knead lightly. 7. Roll out 2cm thick and cut into round shapes using a 5cm scone cutter. 8. Brush with a little extra milk and bake at 400° for 15 minutes.
Makes 14 Variation Date Scones: 1. Replace pumpkin with 75g pitted dates, finely chopped. 2. Use 120 ml flax milk (instead of 3 tbls) to mix to a soft dough at step 5.