I will be doing a series of FAQ articles as I am asked various different questions. But let’s start with two that worry many of us. What about chocolate? Is it low or high FODMAP? Unfortunately, the FODMAP research centre at Monash University, the foremost research centre of FODMAPs in the world, has just tested cocoa and it is bad news. It is high FODMAP. After scraping myself off the ground and could think rationally, I realised that I have always known this. I used to never buy chocolate for myself but if someone bought me a box, I would eat it all in one sitting or until I felt sick. And then I would feel like a dog for hours. I have since learned that we often crave the foods that we are intolerant or allergic to and I certainly could never stop eating chocolates once they were put in front of me, even though I knew they would make me feel sick. That was a kind of addiction, I guess. All or nothing. I remember one year our boss bought us a basket each of Easter eggs, of all … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Stress? Contributors to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Taste of Auckland Food Festival and a Candlelight Dinner
Last night the electricity went off for a couple hours because a big bird managed to hit two power lines at once and got fried, frying our power in the process. That meant a candlelight dinner, and I assure you it wasn't romantic. It was just a pain, trying to see what I was doing even with heaps of candles set up around. You can see the set up for cooking on the gas stove in the first photo. I managed to cook a pot of spaghetti and drench it in a vegetable tomato sauce which Adriano had made the day before and it was good but we couldn't see what we were eating very well. It really does make you think about how people lived in the past and also how we would have to live at least for a while if a disaster happened. Except then we would probably have no water or gas either. Then what? Here in this house, we have all the necessary items for survival in those circumstances because we have followed the advice and accumulated what we need but it is hard to imagine actually having to live … [Read more...] about Taste of Auckland Food Festival and a Candlelight Dinner
Strawberry Sour Cream Tart – gluten-free and low FODMAP
Last night I had another dinner party for good friends. There were eight of us around the table and it was delightful to be with like-minded people where conversation is no effort. I completely forgot to take photos of us all together but, fortunately, I did photograph the dessert before they arrived or that too would have been lost. This is the same recipe as my Blueberry Sour Cream Tart but with strawberries since they are in season here. This is not a very sweet tart because I keep the sugar low but you could increase the amount. This time the tart cooked quicker than last time and only took about half an hour so do keep an eye on it. The filling sets quite quickly so, as long as you have pre-cooked the pastry, it might take even less than half an hour. In other news, my neck specialist has given me some strong medicine for the headaches I get which are caused by stress and my neck problems. I have never really taken medicine apart from the occasional aspirin up until a month or … [Read more...] about Strawberry Sour Cream Tart – gluten-free and low FODMAP
Salmon and Spinach Quiche – gluten-free & low FODMAP
I still haven't found the time to finish my next article but I have started it. Meanwhile I have a quiche to share with you which I made at the weekend. I have a continuing love affair with pies, tarts and quiches even though I can't use wheat flour. I think I have got my pastries as good as they will ever be and my whole family have accepted them as the norm now. However, sometimes, Dario says that I should cover half the tin with my pastry and the other half with ready-made wheat pastry. I think that is totally weird and I also think the photos would look strange with a seam down the middle and with both halves looking different. Last Sunday, I went to the Taste of Auckland festival with my niece in one of our big city parks and we had a great time, eating and drinking to our heart's content. I will share some photos in my next post because it is getting a bit late and I need my beauty sleep. Salmon and Spinach Quiche Ingredients For the pastry Use the pastry recipe … [Read more...] about Salmon and Spinach Quiche – gluten-free & low FODMAP
Cheese and Parsley Muffins – gluten-free and low FODMAP
I am sorry I haven't found time to write my usual weekly article this week but a lot has been happening. The blogging network I belonged to has basically imploded due to some power plays and a couple of new groups have formed from the fallout. These new groups are everything I had been looking for from the network but didn't find. I have had such fun 'chatting' with them and I have been a little distracted from my blogging. But I will put aside some time tomorrow because I want to write about what else could be the issue if the low FODMAP diet doesn't completely eliminate all your IBS issues. Tomorrow I am going to the Taste of Auckland which is a great food show in one of our big parks here. The main chefs from the most important restaurants in our city will be there creating small bites of food for us to taste. And the weather is going to be good. Thank goodness. Last year, it rained the whole time we were there as we ran from tent to tent - not so much fun. I will take photos and … [Read more...] about Cheese and Parsley Muffins – gluten-free and low FODMAP
Chicken Bread Bites – gluten-free and low FODMAP
I am still trying to eat more savoury food and less sweet and my body is working on the adjustment. But I must admit that I have got a little sidetracked by having my uncle and aunt here from Zambia with several group meals here and at my sister's home. Within all that celebratory eating, I have tried to stick to what I know to be kind to my body but haven't completely succeeded. I definitely suffer when I go off the rails but sometimes it is worth it. Well, almost. But it is my choice and I certainly understand the consequences now. These chicken bread bites are completely low FODMAP friendly and perfect with a glass of wine. I got the inspiration for this recipe from here. My uncle and aunt enjoyed their stay here so much (after 23 years away) that they have decided to sell up in Zambia and come here to live. I am helping them sell their fishing lodge and game farm on the Zambezi River and would love to hear if any of you know of someone who might be interested in buying it. If so, … [Read more...] about Chicken Bread Bites – gluten-free and low FODMAP
