Blog - My DairyFree GlutenFree Life

Instant Pot Review with Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ (Vegan)

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 29 Comments

This Red Lentil Chili Recipe is made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal! Packed full of flavor, this will become a family favorite!

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Are you afraid of Pressure Cookers? I sure was, I knew there were wonderful easy meals that could be made using a pressure cooker but the thought of it blowing up scared me to death!

I have only seen the kind of pressure cooker that you put on a stove top and it had the little rattling pressure value that hisses and swirls around. I just couldn’t bring myself to use one because my mind imagined all kinds of events with the cooker blowing up and hitting me in the head and blowing food all over the place.

My friend Bobbi, had just recently purchased an electric Pressure Cooker called a Instant Pot highly recommended by Chef AJ. Bobbi has had a fear of pressure cookers, like I had, but swares this one is so easy to use! So we cooked up a Red Lentil Chili Recipe from Chef AJ. The recipe is in the booklet that comes with the Instant Pot but I have it for you below!

This electric Pressure Cooker looked very easy to use. It has all kinds of safety bells & whistles. When you close the lid, it sings to you so you know you did it right. Then when you turn it on and put in the time recommended for cooking, it slowly brings the cooker up to pressure then the time for cooking shows in the indicator.

It will cook for the amount of time you had selected and then it slowly releases the pressure automatically and when it is done switches to a warm mode!

NOT having to sit and watch that pressure gauge so it stays within range constantly is such a bonus!

There are 11 settings to choose from and you can choose a pre-programmed setting for specific things like:

rice
beans & chili
poultry
slow cook
steam
porridge
soup
meat & stew
saute
multi-grain
yogurt

If you have a pressure cooker try this recipe and if you don’t have one you can buy the Instant Pot HERE.

And all I have to say about this recipe is WOW, OMG my mouth is bursting with flavor! This is so delicious. It’s vegan, salt-free, gluten-free and absolutely yummy! I never expected such flavor. OMG you must make this recipe!

Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ

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3.67 from 33 votes

Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ (Vegan)

This Red Lentil Chili Recipe is made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal! Packed full of flavor, this will become a family favorite!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 152kcal

Author: My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life

Ingredients

1 lb red lentils
7 cups water
29 ounce salt free diced tomatoes fire roasted preferred
1 - 6 ounce can of salt-free tomato paste
10 ounces of chopped onion approximately one large onion
1 lb of red bell pepper diced approximately 2 large peppers
3 ounces pitted dates 12 Deglet Noor or 6 Medjool
8 cloves of garlic finely minced
4 TBs Apple Cider Vinegar
1.5 TBs Parsley Flakes
1.5 TBs Oregano
1.5 TBs Chili Powder salt-free
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Blend the dates, garlic, red bell pepper and tomatoes in a blender until smooth and place into the Instant Pot.
Place all remaining ingredients in Instant Pot and cook on high for 10 minutes.
Let pressure release naturally or quick release and enjoy immediately.
Serve over baked potato or have as is in bowls sprinkled with parmesan.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one cup

Nutrition

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Bone Builder’s Backpack #BacktoSchool Program

August 5, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

Here’s a shout out to the Bone Builder’s Backpack (Back to School) Program! I am visiting a friend, Bobbi, who works at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was telling me of this great program they are currently doing sponsored by Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Denali Center and Life Point Church, created to alleviate weekend hunger among students at Hunter Elementary in Fairbanks, AK. All hospital and Denali Center employees are encouraged to gather non-perishable, individual portion sized food items good for children to eat for snacks and meals and donate these foods for backpacks. These backpacks are then stuffed with food and sent home with enrolled children at Hunter Elementary, approximately 110 children in the program.

What a wonderful program to help with Child Hunger! It still is so hard for me to believe there are families who are not able to provide enough food for children that they go hungry on the weekends.

Questions? Email Leilani Sauer – [email protected]

Kitchenaid & Ice Cream Attachment Giveaway! #SummerofKitchenaid

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 17 Comments

Oh I’m excited to join with Host Budget Earth in giving away a Kitchenaid Mixer with an Ice Cream Attachment! Do you like to make delicious summer treats? Some of our best summer memories are sitting outside with family eating delicious fruit treats or even a yummy ice cream from the ice cream truck.

KitchenAid Mixer

We are celebrating Summer with the Summer of Kitchenaid! It isn’t too late to make some homemade ice cream, especially with seasonal fruits! And remember you can make wonderful Dairy-free ice cream too! Check out my Dairy-free Cookbook review and get a Dairy-free pumpkin ice cream recipe!

KitchenAid 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment

To help one of our readers make some last minute summer memories, Budget Earth and and a group of my favorite bloggers are joining forces to bring you this fantastic giveaway! One very lucky reader will win a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and official Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Ice Cream attachment. To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and then enter through the Rafflecopter.
Summer of Kitchenaid Sweepstakes

One lucky reader will win a Kitchen Stand Mixer & Ice Cream Attachment.
Open Worldwide.
Outside United States, prize will be cash-equivalent only in US dollars.
Winners will be chosen at random through Random.org.
Sweepstakes ends August 21st at 11:59pm ET.
Winner will be notified via email.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
Budget Earth is responsible for prize fulfillment.
Must be 18 years or older to enter giveaway form.
Only one entrant per household.
Void where prohibited.
Entering this giveaway means you agree to terms above.
Good Luck!

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Disclosure: This blog did not receive monetary compensation or product for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. Prize fulfillment will be handled by Budget Earth.

Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure? Contact [email protected] to see how I can help YOUR company today!

Suffering from Sinus Problems?

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 7 Comments

Suffering from Sinus Problems? Nasal Allergies Get New Guidelines from Academy of Otolaryngology! Check it out.

New guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology are focusing on nasal allergies. It is estimated that one out of every six people in the United States suffers from sinus problems – allergies. However, the academy has information about treatment options that may help.

New Recommendations

Nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are a common problem for people across the country. The American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests that sublingual immunotherapy may be a better option than traditional immunotherapy injections as a treatment. Experts believe that immunotherapy will be developed more in the future. In addition, the academy recommends considering surgery in extreme cases. However, before surgery, patients should think about other treatments. They should also consider their environment and how they can reduce exposure to allergens.

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Nasal Allergies

The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends acupuncture as a treatment for people suffering from allergic rhinitis. It points out this is an option that does not involve surgery or drugs. Natural treatments are preferred by many allergy sufferers, so they may want to consider acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Beginners

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Questions Despite recommending acupuncture, the academy does not suggest trying Chinese herbal medicine. It mentions that these herbal treatments vary widely and are difficult to track. Although some patients report improvements, others have documented reactions to the herbs or no change in their condition. Safety concerns are also a problem because treatments are not tested.

Chinese Herbal Medicine 192 Key Herbs with Photos and Uses

Over-the-counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications are a common treatment used by nasal allergy sufferers. However, the American Academy of Otolaryngology reminds people that antihistamines cannot relieve their stuffy noses, but they may provide other benefits like reducing sneezing. If you are looking for help with a stuffy nose, decongestants may help. Nasal steroid sprays are another option to consider, but they usually require a prescription.

SOURCE:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_150722.html

Back to School Backpacks

August 4, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

This summer is flying by and with back to school approaching, are you in need of backpacks? Check out a gazillion cute new backpacks for the coming year.

When I think of back to school, I think of travel time! Summer crowds are gone and getting into national parks are so much easier. And with fall approaching, wildlife is easier to view. Almost any time is travel time for me! I have been looking at my luggage noticing how worn and out of date it is. I love the look of the hard sided luggage.

One thing my friends has a hand held scale devise to hook your suitcase to so you can easily see how much it weighs. I am thinking about getting one and Amazon has a scale on sale for $10.50! In fact, there are a lot of fun looking travel gadgets that I need to check out!

The best thing about shopping online is the ease of shopping at home and with PRIME at Amazon, getting free shipping, which is huge benefit for those of us in Alaska.

Click on the link below and check out what kind of back to school and travel deals you can get! What are your favorite back to school treasures?

Juvederm Ultra Smile, for a younger look

August 3, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

Juvederm Ultra Smile, helps our body for a younger look! Our body is a great machine. Everything inside of it is built so that it can function perfectly. But, over time, our biological system is no longer be able to produce substances that are important for its maintenance. Skin is one of the organs affected by this change.

As we get older, skin reduces production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. All of these substances are crucial for the skin because they absorb bad elements from our environment and restore lost cells. Without it, skin slowly starts withering away. At the same time, other environmental factors increasingly lead to destruction of tissue. When it comes to internal tissue rejuvenation, the body is not able to replenish lost tissue. However, that is not the case with the skin.

The Cosmetic industry provides us with advanced drugs such as Juvederm Ultra Smile that is able to restore lost tissue by introducing a purified form of hyaluronic acid. The Substance works by binding water molecules, creating a plump appearance. This drug belongs to a group called medical fillers.

In a world of cosmetic medicine, this is a newer treatment which has already shown excellent results. The Important thing about these drugs is that they do not cause severe side effects.

Unlike other procedures that are very invasive and can endanger a patient’s health, the use of medical fillers is based on natural substances. They are additionally purified so that the body can absorb them with ease. Given that hyaluronic acid is already present within the body, our bodies register it as a normal, natural substance.

Treatments that use medical or cosmetic fillers have temporary effect. A few years back, collagen was the main substance used for production of these drugs. However, companies have noticed that hyaluronic acid provides much better results so more and more manufacturers are trying to change their formulas and provide consumers with a better solution. This acid is dissolvable within a body. According to Doctor Medica, Juvederm Ultra Smile can last up to 12 months within a body. During that period of time, a patient can decide whether he likes the result. After that, he can opt to take additional shots. Otherwise, there is no commitment of any sort and the drug will run through the body as if it was never there. Additionally, a medical filler treatment prolongs the duration of hyaluronic acid within the body.
By using Juvederm Ultra Smile, a patient is able to treat facial wrinkles that appear bellow nose and around mouth. Although (as it’s name suggests) this drug is primarily used for lips. Treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes and it is painless. Doctors recommend use of ice packs to reduce potential swelling after the procedure. Side effects are minimal and consist of skin irritations. These side effects can appear a few days after medical filler treatment and last for up to a week.

HoMedics® Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion Giveaway $150 acv

August 3, 2015 By Colleen 16 Comments

Do you have problems with your back? Have I got a giveaway for you! I have joined with a group of bloggers giving away The HoMedics® Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion with heat! My car has heated seats, and just having that heat helps my back keep loose and not so sore. To have this cushion that also does Triple Shiatsu Massage plus heat is going to make one reader very happy!

This HoMedics® Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion delivers a revitalizing massage in the comfort of your favorite chair. With the
latest 3D full contour technology, the massaging nodes travel up and down your back for a deep kneading shiatsu massage. Its easy-to-use hand control allows you to control your intensity level, as well as add soothing heat for added relaxation. Sounds heavenly doesn’t it!

It features:

3D Full Contour Technology – Deep kneading shiatsu nodes move up and down, across, and inward and outward
Soothing Heat provides added relaxation
Forward or reverse massage functions
Convenient easy-to-use hand control
Adjustable intensity for maximum comfort

Connect with HoMedics:

Face Book, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Google +

HoMedics® Triple Shiatsu Massage Cushion Giveaway

Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 8/15.

To enter just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below:

Entry -Form

Disclaimer: This blog did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway and there is a limit of one entrant per household. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning are determined by the number of valid entries received. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner(s) will be chosen if original winner(s) has not responded within 48 hours of email notification. This blog is not responsible for shipment of prize(s). Sponsor(s) are responsible for all shipping costs related to prize(s). This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or other social media outlet. Disclaimer is posted in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions about this giveaway please contact New Age Mama.

Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil

August 3, 2015 By Colleen 14 Comments

I have a Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil Recipe for those of you who love fish. This is an easy recipe for Salmon Baked in Foil. The shallots, artichoke hearts and spices blend so well and baking in foil ensures the cooked Salmon is moist!

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Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil

We only eat wild caught salmon and only recommend purchasing wild salmon to eat, labeled “wild” in the stores. Atlantic salmon typically comes from fish farms. Look for “Alaskan salmon,” and “sockeye salmon,” as Alaskan sockeye is not allowed to be farmed and is therefore bound to be wild. The Copper River Sockeye Salmon above have the highest fat for sockeye or “red” salmon.

Copper River Wild Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon Fillets

The research, published in The Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that eating oily fish once or twice a week may increase your lifespan.

Research suggests that eating oily fish once or twice a week may increase your lifespan by more than two years, and reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 35 percent
Compared to those in the lowest percentiles, those with omega-3 blood levels in the highest 20 percent were 27 percent less likely to die of any cause; 40 percent less likely to die of coronary heart disease, and 48 percent less likely to die of an arrhythmia
If you want to maximize health benefits from fish, steer clear of farmed fish, particularly farmed salmon, and even more specifically genetically engineered farmed salmon, which may end up being approved soon—especially if you’re seeking to improve your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fat of wild salmon is far superior to farmed. Whereas farmed salmon has a 1-1 ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s (due to its “junk food” diet), the ratio for wild sockeye salmon is between 6 and 9 to 1, which is a more ideal ratio

Recipe for Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil

I have a Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil Recipe for those of you who love fish. This is an easy recipe for Salmon Baked in Foil. The shallots, artichoke hearts and spices blend so well and baking in foil ensures the cooked Salmon is moist!

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Baked Sockeye Salmon in Foil

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Seafood

Servings: servings

Calories: 304kcal

Author: My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life

Ingredients

4 5oz each salmon fillets
2 tsp olive oil plus 2 Tbsp
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tomatoes chopped or 1 (14oz) can chopped tomatoes, drained
2 chopped shallots
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Sprinkle the salmon with 2 tsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Stir the tomatoes, shallots, artichoke hearts, 2 Tbsp of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper in a medium bowl to blend.
Place a salmon fillet, oiled side down, atop a sheet of foil.
Wrap the ends of the foil to form a spiral shape.
Spoon the tomato mixture over the salmon.
Fold the sides of the foil over the fish and tomato mixture covering completely; seal the packets closed.
Place the foil packet on a heavy large baking sheet.
Repeat with all the salmon fillets.
Bake until the salmon is just cooked through, about 25 minutes

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one serving

Nutrition

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Sweet Constant Life

August 2, 2015 By Colleen 2 Comments

It’s nice that a Sweet Constant has been my life this summer. I feel best eating plant based despite not losing or gaining any weight.

PHYSICAL THERAPY:

My life has been stable since doing physical therapy twice a week for almost a year! Family Stressors with me being Power of Attorney for my sweet Aunt were wearing on me. I had gone to Portland, Oregon to check on my Aunt in September. But, it just so happened she was declining so quickly and had an acute abdominal bleed while I was there. She needed to be set her up in hospice care urgently.

STRESS:

After My Aunt got settled in Hospice, I flew from Oregon to Alaska, then on to Maryland for my sons wedding. Unfortunately, my aunt died the day before his wedding. And because of that stress, my back gave out, I could not walk on my own! So, after my son’s wedding in Maryland, back to Portland I flew for my Aunt’s funeral. My stress level was the MAX.

With the help of PT, and the supplements for Adrenal and Cortisol support, I have come a long way and have increased energy! Physical Therapy thinks I will be ready for discharge from their services in a month! I went hiking and fishing with my son and his family yesterday on the Anchor River in Anchor Point, Alaska without any problems.

SUPPLEMENTS:

I have been consistently taking Cortisol Management, Adrenal Support and B-Complex. I caught some “bug” from my grandkids and was sick a week, but other than that I am doing well. I didn’t take the supplements while I was sick. My husband could tell I had stopped and said to “start taking those supplements again, that they make such a difference in your energy level”.

All I can say is the supplements seem to help me feel calm with all the stress right now. And they give me energy and take the desire for daytime naps away. I am on the smallest dosage. The plan this fall, after having my blood levels for Vitamin D and other things checked, to see if I need to change the dosage.

MY CURRENT GOALS:

I haven’t been able to lose weight by just eating until satiated as most professionals say you should be able to. I’m happy I haven’t gained but I really – really would like to shed a few pounds!

So back to what I use to do years ago…and I do mean years ago…it worked for me then – counting calories. UGH! I’ll share with you how that goes. Menopause, stress and age have done a thing on my metabolic system! But, I am not ready to give up. I’ll be paying more attention to meal planning so stay tuned for more on that.

And I’d love to hear from those of you who have had issues like me, where weight just doesn’t want to come off. Has anything worked better for you? I want to know 🙂

$25 Amazon GC Back to School Giveaway Hop

July 31, 2015 By Colleen 17 Comments

I’ve joined with hosts Planet Weidknecht and LeahSay’s Views for this Back to School Giveaway Hop. Each blog participating has a minimum prize package of $25! This Giveaway Hop ends August 22, 2015.

With school starting and this being a Back to School Giveaway, we are giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Code. I figure Amazon has just about anything you could want or need for back to school. So maybe you can start gathering some Amazon Gift Cards to use. After entering my giveaway, make sure you use the linky below to hop over to each blogger participating and enter to win for their prize offered!

Enter My $25 Amazon GC Giveaway below:

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Back to School Giveaway Hop Linky:

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