A New Favorite

Doodle was so excited this week when we found a new GF food at the grocery store - French Toast Sticks. I just love that our local grocery store is always trying new GF foods for area families to try - and the store has much more to choose from than many of the big chain stores in "The Cities" (mpls/st paul). Doodle loves the waffles, pancakes, and now the French Toast Sticks made by Van's.  Check them out and try some today if you have the opportunity!

http://www.vansfoods.com/

A Frustrating Day

Doodle had her annual doctor's visit today and Kindergarten vaccinations. This entire event was an exercise in frustration for me. So little is known, locally, about the impacts of diet on Autism and the complete resistance to the theory is frustrating to me. In order for Doodle to receive an allergy friendly lunch at school next year, I need a note from my doctor. I explained this to my doctor and she responded, "Well, I don't have a medical reason to give you that note. I can't tell you that the diet has made any difference in her developmental delays." Moments later, she comments "She really is a 'normal' kid, isn't she? I don't see any signs of a delay." I ask you - what do you think made this big of a difference?!!!

Why is it so easy to accept that diet plays a role in heart disease, diabetes, even cancer? Why can the medical establishment at least entertain the idea that diet plays a role in learning disabilities? Especially when presented with evidence like Doodle. She could see with her very eyes that Doodle was no longer the child with repetitive behavior, limited eye contact, and poor social skills. She could see with her very own eyes how she has transformed over the past year. Why is it so hard to believe that diet makes a difference?

I find myself becoming very angry at the whole establishment and wonder what I can do to better educate people. I've been on a mission to help people in the area understand the connection for some autistic kids and diet. Admittedly, it won't work for all kids, but as my friend says, it certainly won't hurt and most kids will see some form of improvement. Isn't it worth it, then, to try it? To give your child the best chance they have at recovery? Wouldn't you want that for your child? I know I do and I don't ever regret changing Doodle's diet. It's been life transforming for Doodle and that is what she deserves!

Dairy Free Jo-Jo's

Once upon a time we used to love to indulge in fried chicken and Jo-Jo potatoes at KFC (or as Doodle calls it, Kipsy). Unfortunately, most establishments use some form of wheat or dairy on their Jo Jo potatoes for seasoning. So, we have invented our own, much healthier version, at home. Here's the recipe: 

Jo Jo Potatoes

3-4 Medium sized potatoes - sliced into thin wedges

Olive Oil

Paprika

Kosher Salt

Pepper

Rosemary - if desired

1. Place potato wedges on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and mix up with your hands so that all potatoes are coated.

2. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary.

3. Set oven to broil and place potatoes in oven. Cook for 10 minutes and stir potatoes.

4. Cook another 10 minutes or until the potatoes reach desired crispiness. Serve with your favorite dip.

On another note, Doodle signed up for soccer tonight and is excited to start playing. She has the cutest pink and black Adidas cleats! I'm excited for her to continue master kicking a ball. This is one of the items the physical therapist has suggested as summer work. Hopefully we'll get a good coach who is patient and kind. Can't wait to see her running around the soccer field with the rest of her peers!

Doodle-Snickers

Aka - Snicker-doodle's are the cookie of the week. The dough is upstairs cooling in the fridge before I throw them in the oven. Incredibly easy to make, I'm looking forward to trying this favorite childhood treat in a gluten free version. Here's the recipe:

Doodle-Snickers

1 Cup Shortening
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cub Agave Nectar (or to taste)
2 Eggs
2 T Vanilla
1 T 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
2 tsp Baking Soda
3 Cups GF Flour (I used 2 cups Sweet Rice Flour and 1 Cup All Purpose GF Flour)
2 tsp Xanthan Gum
Cinnamon and Sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix shortening, sugar, brown sugar, agave nectar and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in eggs.
3. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, xanthan gum in a bowl.
4. Add flour mixture to shortening mixture. Beat until combined.
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
6. Roll dough into small balls and roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place on cookie pan and bake 8-10 minutes.
7. Cool on pan slightly and remove to cooling racks.

On another note, I continue to be amazed at Doodle's progress. Reading books last night, Doodle is starting to be able to read a few words herself! She is also able to do simple math problems - and she has yet to start kindergarten! I'm hopeful kindergarten will be a smooth transition for her.