Gluten Free Chicken and Dressing

I wanted to go back over to Harbaugh Farm today and get some more green beans to go in my freezer, but in order to have room for any more vegetables in the freezer I had to get rid of some stuff that was in there.

I had been keeping half a loaf of corn bread in the freezer for a couple of months, thinking that I would make some dressing with it. So, today was the day. For dinner I made roasted chicken, cornbread dressing, green beans, baked butternut squash, and some giblet gravy.

This is the first time since I started eating gluten free that I have attempted to make gravy, and I know that I will definitely be making it different next time, but it was not that bad.

Gluten Free Cornbread Dressing
Make your favorite gluten free cornbread. I make this using the cornbread made in a small iron skillet, about 8 inches in diameter. Let it cool, put half of it in the freezer. Crumble up the other half in a large mixing bowl. Next, crumble up two or three slices of your favorite gluten free sandwich bread into the bowl. Add a cup of chopped celery, a chopped large onion, and 4 tablespoons of poultry seasoning. Add four eggs, and three cups of chicken broth. Mix well, pour into a greased baking dish or pan. Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes in a 425 degree oven. Take it out of the oven, stir well, making sure you mix the cooked parts on the sides with the uncooked parts in the center. Place back in the oven and cook another 20 minutes.

Giblet Gravy

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
cooked chicken giblets (liver, neck, gizzard) diced up

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add cornstarch and mix well. Add the chicken broth and stir until thickened. Add the salt and pepper and the giblets. You can also chop up a boiled egg in this.

Baked Butternut Saquash

I have never cooked or eaten a butternut squash before, ever, so this was just how I cooked it today.

Cut the squash in half and scrape out the seed and "stuff" that is inside. Spray with olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. I put them in the same baking dish as the chicken I was roasting, and cooked them until the chicken was done. When it was about half way, I sprayed the squash with olive oil again, and put a little pat of butter in each half.

No, this was not a low calorie dinner, and probably not a low cholesterol one either, but it was yummy.

Fall In Pennsylvania

By now you all probably think that all Jim and I do is drive around on our day off. Well, you could be right! Last week we were out for our drive, as usual, looking for a farm stand to buy some veggies for dinner. But, Karen, it is mid-October, you may be thinking. Yes, but the harvest goes on until the first frost, which has not happened yet, so I knew there would still be some goodies out there for the finding.

We drove down Jack's Mountain Road, out of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and when we got to Pennsylvania 16, we turned right towards Waynesboro. A couple miles down 16 we saw this sign:
So, we decided to follow the arrow, and boy are we glad we did. We turned onto Sunshine Trail, and it took us to the next sign, pointing to Harbaugh's Farm on Harbaugh Road, in Harbaugh Valley. Charlie Harbaugh was working at the produce stand on his farm when we arrived. He told us the farm has been in his family for "generations".

The veggtables for sale were a little bit old, because they had been picked on Saturday morning and we were there on Wednesday afternoon. We bought a peck of sweet red Italian peppers. There were about 20 or so peppers in the basket for only $4.00.

We got a head of broccoli, a huge bag of green beans, a butternut squash, a small pumpkin, some apples, a large onion for making some onion rings, and some turnips. I asked Charlie if he had any turnip greens, and he said they usually cut them off and throw them out because nobody around there eats them. But, he said, if you want some you are welcome to go out to the field and pull some yourself! I was overjoyed, because being a girl from the south, I grew up eating turnip greens and can not imagine anyone just throwing them out! He even gave us a bag to put them in.

Off we went down to the field, and guess what else we found there? We wound up picking another big bag of green beans, a fresh head of broccoli, and one of cauliflower, in addition to the huge bag of turnip greens to go with my turnips.

(Here I am with my treasure of turnip greens)

I felt like I had hit the vegetable jackpot. When all was said and done, I got all that stuff for $13.00. I put four pints of green beans and a gallon of chopped Italian peppers in the freezer. I cooked the turnip greens and put half of them in the freezer, too. We still have some green beans to be cooked in the refrigerator. I am thinking about going over there again this week to get some more green beans and broccoli because my little freezer is not full yet.

Here is one more picture for you from this trip, a barn right at the edge of the road.

Oh Say Can You See...

(click on the pictures to see them larger)

When we got up this morning we had two items on our plan for the day. We had to go to Hagerstown for Jim’s lab appointment at the VA Clinic, to test his TSH level; and I had to go to the bank. You would think that going to the bank would be a simple thing, but Bank of America, my bank of choice, does not have any branches in Pennsylvania. There is also not a branch in Hagerstown, Maryland, a town with a total urban population of more than 120,000 people. Hell, they have a VA Clinic but no Bank of America.

So, after Jim was done at the VA, we took a leisurely drive over to Thurmont, MD, where they do have a Bank of America, even though the population is less than 6,000. We took Maryland 64 north to 77, which goes east over Catoctin Mountain. The bank, in downtown Thurmont, was in one of those old bank buildings that you often see in downtowns around the country that have been converted to beauty shops or thrift stores, but this one was still serving as a bank. And it was beautiful. I don’t know why I didn’t take a picture of it.

Then, after I got my banking business accomplished, we looked at our map of Maryland to find a route home that we have not taken before, just to see what we could see. And right there on the map, right off of Maryland 77, were the words, “Keysville, The birthplace of Francis Scott Key.” Off we went to find the home of that famous American.

On our way, we passed through a tiny town called Detour, Maryland. It was just a blink, but who could resist taking a detour through Detour?

(looking back to see Detour)

And so, we drove on. We found the little place called Keysville, but there was no sign, no placard, no monument, no nothing. I felt a little let down that even though the great state of Maryland was proud enough of Mr. Key to put a little blurb about Keysville being his place of birth on their map, that they were not proud enough to put at least a little marker to show us where he took his first breath, in preparation of singing that great national anthem. You know, the one that starts out “Oh say can you see?” Apparently not his birthplace…

However, if you ever get to this area, it is worth the drive because it is so scenic. The pictures I have here don’t really show how beautiful it is.

A Drive Today

Today we got up very early (for us). I started a pot of bean soup with ham in the crock pot, the we drove down to Washington, D.C. to the VA Medical Center so Jim could get the stitches taken out of his face. It was very crowded in the parking lot, so I had to let him out and circle around about three times waiting for someone to pull out of a space so I could park. I got very lucky because two cars pulled out in side by side spaces. If you have never had to park a pick-up truck with an crew cab, you really won't appreciate that, but anyway, I got parked finally and went upstairs to the third floor.

They had already taken Jim in to an exam room, so by the time I found him, they were just starting to pluck those babies out. And since I was not there when she introduced herself, I don't know what her name was, but it was the same doctor we saw the first time when they did the biopsy. As she was taking the stitches out she was explaining to Jim that although this cancer was not CAUSED by smoking, smoking aggravates it and can make it worse. She advised him quite strongly to quit, and I agree with her. She told him he has to go every 2 months for a year to be examined by a dermatologist, so we made an appointment with the one in Atlanta for December.

We had already decided to stop for lunch in Frederick, Maryland on the way home because we have been wanting to go to a place we have passed on several occasions called "That Cuban Place". Man, I wish we had stopped in there before now! After eating lunch there today we made a mental note to go there at least one more time before we leave Pennsylvania next month.

Jim ordered a Cuban sandwich, which looked very delicious, and it must have been because he ate every bite, and looked like he wanted to lick the plate. He had eaten a cuban sandwich at a place in Florida several years ago, but he said that must have been a cheap imitation because he doesn't remember it being as tasty as the one he had today.

I had the Tilapia. It was sauteed in olive oil with peppers and tomatoes, and served up with rice, beans, and fried plaintains. Oh, oh, oh, those plaintains were scrumptious, or Muy Bien'! The owner offered us a free expresso at the end of our meal, which Jim accepted, but not me because I don't like it.

After lunch we went over to Borders Books because I had a couple of gift cards to spend. I got a new cookbook called The No-Gluten Cookbook and an Arizona Highways magazine. I haven't looked at either one yet. So, that was our Tuesday, how was yours?

Oh, I almost forgot, I made another batch of soap yesterday. This one has Clary Sage essential oil and some cinnamon powder for scent. I haven't cut it yet, but I smelled it this morning and it was devine!

So, now for dinner we'll be having that bean soup with some cornbread. It is smelling really good right now.

Happy Birthday Michael

My grandson, Michael, turns 11 years old today. He is the first grandson, the one who made me the FabGrandma. He has lived far away from me for most of his life, first in Texas, then in Guam, then in England. Now he lives in Maryland, only 95 miles away. We were down at his house on Monday, so while he was at school, his Dad and I made a little party for him. It was a surprise because he was not expecting a birthday cake until today.

We hung black, yellow, and blue streamers. Seth made a yellow cake with white icing and a pepperoni pizza. We also had some Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Sherbert. Yeah, I had a totally gluten FULL dinner. I did it because in 11 years, I have never spent a birthday with my grandson. And NO, I will never do that to myself again. But, I have to tell ya, it was totally worth it.


Even though the only people at the party were Michael, his Dad Seth, his step-mother Sarah, his new baby brother Owen, Grandpa and me, the FabGrandma, he received lots of gifts. He got a couple of videos, a new music CD, a Scrabble game, and a model car to put together with his Dad. Grandpa and I gave him a card with a ten dollar bill inside. I also got him a little spiral notebook to write his stories in. He is a very good writer, with good spelling and vocabulary for an 11 year old boy, and a very creative imagination. (Hmmmm, now where on earth could he get that?) He entertained us on Sunday night by reading a story he wrote. We were all very impressed!When the party was over, he helped with the cleanup, and thanked us all for his gifts. He is quite an amazing little FabGrandson.

Good News All Around

Thursday, October 11, 2007
(I don't know why the date is wrong on this post,hmmm...)

Jim with Owen

In 2001 when Jim was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, we were both devastated, overwhelmed, terrified of what the future would bring. We sat for days in a daze, just looking at each other and crying, because we did not know what to expect. I spent a lot of hours on the internet, searching for information, anything that would tell us that his diagnosis was not a death sentence. 

That experience brought us closer together, and helped us decide what we really wanted out of our life together. That is, we found out that we really like being together, and enjoy each other’s company, and that no matter where we go or what we do as long as we can be together, we will be happy.

Along with all the other things we have done in the six years since his victory over SCC, we have continued to educate ourselves about the survival and recurrence rates of that cancer, and to celebrate each day we have on earth together. So, when Jim noticed a little spot on his cheek a few months ago, it was not quite as earth shattering as it was in 2001. Yes, we were concerned, but not afraid.

We signed him up for Veterans Administration medical benefits, so that he could be examined by a dermatologist. I had been asking him (well, ok, badgering him) to fill out the paperwork for VA for a about 5 years, but it took a little spat with him for him to understand just how important it was to me that he do it. So, in July he had his initial exam at the VA Medical Clinic in Hagerstown, Maryland.

 

They looked into every opening (and prodded into one in particular,(hahaha) and pronounced him healthy except for slightly elevated cholesterol, a low TSH level, and that pesky little spot in his cheek. They told him he needed to eat a diet low in cholesterol, but did not prescribe any medication for that. They changed his thyroid meds to a lower dose. And they made an appointment for him to see a dermatologist at the Veterans Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

 

Two weeks ago, we went for a biopsy of “the bump”, as Jim was affectionately calling it. Tuesday, we went back for the results of that biopsy. Dr. Cohen, the very nice doctor who is head of dermatology at that hospital, came in and told us it was Basal Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. He said there are three kinds of skin cancer: Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma. He said if you have to have skin cancer, then Basal Cell is the one you want to have. He said it was probably caused by exposure to the sun and by exposure to the radiation treatments Jim had in 2001 to treat the first cancer, the Squamous Cell one. 

So, while we were there on Tuesday, they did surgery right there in the doctor’s office to cut out the tumor. When they did the biopsy the week before, I stayed in the room and watched, but this time I chose to go to the waiting room out in the lobby. The incision turned out to be quite large, but they got all of the tumor out, and sewed him up. They put four stitches inside, and nine stitches outside. A band-aid to cover it up, and an antibiotic ointment to apply three times a day, and that was it. We go back next week to get the stitches out.

I am amazed at how well Jim is taking this. He said it doesn’t hurt at all, even three days later. He is very glad that all he has to do this time is just the surgery. He is smiling every day, knowing that his little bump is gone.

Dr. Cohen told him that he will have to go every six months for the rest of his life for a dermatology check-up, but now that he has the VA medical, that is not a problem. He should also wear a hat or sun block when he is working outside.

So, now that I have written all this, let me just say to Jim’s Mom and Dad, yes I lied to you and told you he was fine, when he had this little bump we were a little bit worried about. But, since we did not know what it was or what the treatment would be, we just didn’t have anything to tell people. And, Jim did not want to say anything to anyone about it until he knew what was going to happen.

So, now that the bump is history, Jim will continue to go to the VA every six months for a check-up. Besides the one more trip to Washington to get the stitches out, he has to go for blood work to test his TSH for his thyroid again the last week of October, and then he will be done until April.

So, the next time he goes to the VA it will be in Arizona. We have been talking to a campground in Williams, Arizona, about a job there starting in March. The pay is pretty good, and they offer good perks and benefits, one of which is eligibility for AFLAC health insurance after 60 days. The campground is 50 minutes from the Grand Canyon, and a short drive from Sedona. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we get that job.

Also, our daughter in law, Sarah, got her PICC line taken out on Wednesday. I know she is very happy about that, and she can now just concentrate on being Mommy to Owen. He is getting cuter than ever and growing like a little weed. He is already stretching the little toes out of his one piece sleepers in size 0-3 months. He is taking 4 ounces of formula every three to four hours now, and staying awake for longer periods of time. When I talked to Sarah today, she said he was a little fussy yesterday and acted like he just didn't know what he wanted. She offered him his bottle and he didn't want it, and was not wet. I think he just wanted his FabGrandma!