Gluten-free: What I’ve Learned

I've been gluten-free now for a little over a month, so I thought I'd take a couple minutes to post about my experience as I know others are considering the lifestyle.  For some, it is a choice ... for others, it's not.  Thankfully, I fall into the first category.  I am not allergic to wheat, but I do have digestive issues, which compelled me to at least try ... and I'm here to tell you I would not go back.

Below are a few things I've learned along the way ... there's so much more, but this post would be a mile long, so I'll try to be concise ...

#1 - It’s not for the faint of heart.
That’s right … it’s hard.  Not just giving up bread or certain foods –that’s the easy part, and a matter that resolves itself when your energy starts to skyrocket and you feel great ... you don't want to sacrifice feeling crappy to eat a buttery roll.  No thanks. :)  It’s the social aspect that really got me down the first couple weeks.  Friends are not always accepting of your new lifestyle.  Some will even make jokes …and it is hurtful.  This is a huge effort on your part and to have someone make fun of your hard work is disheartening. Don't be discouraged though ... most people aren't disciplined enough to take gluten-free on, so kudos to you!

Another social aspect: dinner invites.  I have to admit, it’s awkward when people invite you over for dinner – what do you say? Thankfully, my experiences have been positive so far.  I just simply let them know that we are wheat-free due to my IBS or health issues. Then I pray that they actually know what wheat-free means.  So far, so good.  I try not to use the words "gluten-free" in conversation … it scares people and immediately they think everything they make needs to have that label.  What they don’t realize is many normal, everyday recipes have no gluten, it just depends on how you make them – like chili or tacos, etc.

#2 - Your body will go through withdrawals.
This part is not pretty.  Mine didn't last too long - just a couple hours one evening.  I felt crazy ... I wanted a huge gooey cinnamon roll - BAD.  I could feel it to my core.  I laid in bed and wanted to scream and kick my feet as hard as I could.  (I actually did a little ... because Matt was laughing at me.  Then we laughed together.)  I didn't give in, but instead forced myself to turn the light off and go to bed.  I woke up the next day feeling fine and haven't experienced anything like it since.  Matt had a withdrawal time as well, but his was different ... a couple days of running to the bathroom, but it passed and hasn't been an issue since.  I think how your body reacts is individual - each withdrawal experience is unique.

#3 - It’s not a diet.
If you think a gluten-free diet will help you lose weight, you are greatly mistaken.  It can reduce bloating, so you might lose a couple pounds, but it’s water.  You still can’t overeat or overindulge.  If you want to lose weight while eating gluten-free, you can effectively shed pounds by eliminating gluten and limiting other grains, replacing them fruit and veggies.  Honestly, that’s true of any good nutritious diet, wheat or no wheat.

#4 - It gets easier ... I promise.
At first it’s a label game.  You have to read everything and constantly reference the gluten-free safe ingredient list as well as the forbidden list. It’s easy to focus on what you can’t have … but instead, if you can focus on what you CAN have, you don’t lose out on much at all. Like with any habit or lifestyle change, it does get easier with time.  The first couple weeks are the hardest, then it starts to come naturally.  You still look at labels, but you know what you’re looking for.  You know right away what to buy at the store and what meals to plan.  You know your substitutions by heart.  Your go-to foods are established and you get excited about experimenting with new recipes and products.

#5 - It will pay off ... but it takes time.
My energy has exploded!!  I didn’t realize I lived in such a fog until it lifted.  My mind is clear and I can remember things.  I used to lose my train of thought all the time.  Every day mid-afternoon I had to lay down on the couch for a snooze.  I was so tired and I couldn't shake it.  Crazy thing is, I’m 34 … that shouldn’t be happening.  Going gluten-free woke me up.  I’m alive and ready for whatever the day brings … there’s no way I could nap! My moodiness is gone.  I used to have crazy anxiety - it’s gone.  I’ve slept better.  My IBS?  It’s still IBS … but it’s better.  No more stomach pain.  No more waiting days for my body to eliminate.  I’ve only been gluten-free for about 6 weeks and I have a feeling things will only get better as time passes.

I hope you are encouraged by what you read above.  Whether you want to try gluten-free, or just simply provide your family with healthy alternatives, it isn't easy ... but it's so worth the effort.

And if you need just a little more encouragement or want to know more about incorporating alternative ingredients and healthy meal ideas into your diet, look through my gluten-free and meatless recipes ... also visit my friends at Not Deprived and Clean 4 My King - two great ladies with awesome ideas and amazing resources to help you along your journey.

My Favourite Glass Cleaner

I'm a heavy Windex user.  I've always used Windex ... for everything (reference My Big Fat Greek Wedding).  But as the years pass, the price seems to be crawling up (especially here in Canada).  I was cleaning the other day and went to grab my Windex ... it was empty and I had a client arriving in a couple hours - no time to run to the store.  I started frantically browsing the web ... and found the most amazing glass cleaner recipe test.  Different products were tested together for effectiveness ... and I tried her recommendation, with a little bit of a tweak (little less water).

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups water

This ratio fits perfectly into a large spray bottle.  Add to the bottle and shake well before each use.

It was beautiful!  EVEN BETTER than Windex!  Check out my bedroom mirror - it was the test ... you almost can't tell it's glass! (Wish I would have taken a before picture)

Here's my upstairs bathroom mirror ... before and after.  You can still see Windex residue from the last time I cleaned it.  My bathroom has the worst, most unforgiving light because of the skylight.  You can see every streak.  And even with the daylight coming in ... check out the results!

I tried it on my kitchen counters, my doors, my tub, my tile floor ... I love it!!  It's anti-bacterial too, so perfect for quickly wiping down the toilet seat and surrounding areas.  It even removed stubborn Matrix hairspray residue without much effort (that stuff is impossible to get off). I was a little hesitant about the smell, but the alcohol seems to neutralize the vinegar scent ... I'm thinking you could add a few drops of essential oil if you're really concerned about it.

As for me, I will be saving my pennies - no more Windex.  Instead I'll buy the big bottles of rubbing alcohol and vinegar at Sam's Club to make my own.  Wish I would have done this years ago ... just another way to simplify!

Another Simple Challenge

A friend sent me a message after reading my blog several weeks ago ... one that really made me think.  He shared his experience with IBS and the relief that living a gluten-free life has brought him and his wife, who has PCOS (read more about their experience here).

While I'm certainly open to try anything that will help, I was a bit skeptical.  I'd tried going gluten-free in the past with no real results (only a two week try - and honestly, I don't think I did it right).  The same day I received the message from my friend, Matt came home from work and said "I think we should give gluten-free another try."  Where the heck did that come from??!!  He proceeded to tell me he had been researching.  Now ... if you know Matt, you know this is really not like him.  He's very laid back and goes with the flow, especially when it comes to what I cook.  So ... with him on my side, we embarked on the adventure ... another challenge to simplify.

My parents went gluten-free about four months ago, hoping to improve their energy and relieve my dad in some way as he deals with fibromyalgia.  They've seen amazing results!!  Same with another friend who has raynauds.  She gave up gluten in December and has only had one attack since!  So what about IBS?  Would it make a difference? (a little more about my IBS story here)

The answer: Yes.  It's been two weeks and I haven't had this much energy in a LONG time.  It's not a cure, but things are definitely not as bad - maybe because I'm getting a ton more fibre using alternative flours.  We also eat a ton of fruit and veggies ... and natural, simpler meals.  I've been researching and the more I learn about digestion, the more it makes sense.  It's certainly a lifestyle change to give up any food - it's not easy ... but it's certainly easier than being diagnosed with bowel cancer ... and that's what I keep reminding myself.

I've found such a wealth of resources and gluten-free products - I honestly don't feel deprived at all!  I hope to post what I learn as I go ... and share all my favourites!  One I've shared already - Meatless Baked Tacos ... they are a real crowd pleaser!  Another resource that has been amazingly helpful is this list of gluten-free ingredients.  This morning I made King Arthur Flour's Gluten Free Brownie Mix, and while I haven't tried any other brands just yet, these are amazingly gooey and good!  You can't tell they're gluten-free at all.  I would say you could even take them to a get-together ... just so you're sure there's a treat you can eat. :)

King Arthur Flour offers many gluten-free mix options, as well as Bob's Red Mill and Trader Joe's - even some of the popular brands are getting their foot in the door, like Bisquick and Betty Crocker, but READ the label ... sometimes they sneak in extra sugar.  Usually companies have posted on their website the gluten contents of their products - there hasn't been one I haven't been able to find.  Restaurants are also expanding their menus to suit this lifestyle.  Chipotle is completely gluten-free except their tortillas.  Boston Pizza offers both gluten-free pizza and pasta.  Exciting stuff!

And what's even more exciting?  I've found a small community of girls in my area that are interested in cutting back their meat and wheat consumption and generally include more nutrient-rich foods as they feed their families. We've decided to form a little group to share and encourage each other.  Our first meeting is in a couple weeks and I can't wait!! :)

I know my body will still go through changes until it fully detoxes from wheat.  I'm excited though ... gluten-free, meat-free seems to be helping!!  I'm so thankful to my friend for his encouragement and to Matt for his support.  It has definitely made a difference ...

Meatless Baked Tacos

Vegetarian :: wow, that's a scary word. There are so many preconceived social perceptions when it comes to a plant-based lifestyle. But what about health?
As I began this new year, I've been thinking a lot about simplicity (yes, it's my One Little Word for this year) ... and one of the biggest commitments I've made with my family for 2013 is simplicity in our kitchen. It takes a lot more planning, and a little more creativity, but I've already started to feel the changes.
I suffer with IBS ... and while Green Smoothies help tremendously, food still takes a terrible toll on me at times. So ... together we decided this challenge to simplify is worth a try. We chose not to give up eggs and dairy (lacto-ovo vegetarianism) and will very occasionally enjoy a chicken wing or slice of turkey around the holidays, I'm sure. But we still need variety ... and I know Matt won't live on tofu and lettuce, so that's where the inspiration for this recipe began.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
olive oil
1 can lentils, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 tsp dried minced onion
3 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (16oz) can refried beans
2 cups shredded cheddar
18-24 hard taco shells

Toppings (Optional)
taco sauce (Ortega is our favourite)
sliced avocados
chopped cilantro
sliced red onion
shredded lettuce
chopped tomatoes
squeeze of fresh lime
The options are endless, really ...

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl combine spices and seasoning (dried minced onion through cayenne pepper).

Using a large skillet, heat a little olive oil. Add lentils and kidney beans and tomato.

Stir so beans are coated and smash a little with the spoon (for texture).

Add in prepared seasoning and refried beans. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Spoon the bean mixture into the taco shells and place into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, standing up.

Sprinkle cheese over the top of the taco meat in each shell. Place into the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tacos are heated through.

Remove from the oven and garnish with toppings as desired. 
Serve with fresh fruit and you have a perfectly balanced meal your whole family will love!

Life is Good

The past couple weeks have been yet another adjustment for our family.  While it's something I've looked forward to for so long, especially with all the change this year has brought, it's been a great challenge to slow down.

I'm still learning and adjusting (it's funny how many things I was missing), but I know that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be in this moment, and I love it!  All the stress of job transitions, downsizing, moving, renovating and the unknown is starting to fade ... and as it clears, I'm beginning to see why God allowed it all to happen.

I still have my moments of guilt - "I should be out bringing in a top salary to help support my family ... " - the voice of society rings over and over in my mind.  It's sad how our culture today makes women that choose to stay home feel like less.  We're thrifty, savvy, creative divas who are committed to our home.  I'm ashamed to say that I do feel smaller without a title ... but I'll get over it.  I know in my heart that the title given to me at this moment is so much greater - it's simply: wife, mom, housekeeper, dog walker, cook, friend ... and, in my spare time ;) freelance designer.  So, for now, in those moments I am purposing to keep calm and carry on ... life is not perfect, or fancy, but it's good!  Thank you, Lord!

One Little Word 2012

As I wake up this morning to another year with my morning cuppa*, I can't help but feel slightly refreshed and newly inspired. Each day holds such possibility, which is encouraged by my attitude and determination to rise above life's challenges and be a better me.   I don't want to waste one moment on being too tired, or worrying about things I can't change. I want to REALLY live again!  What is really living, you ask?  To me, really living is:

1. Eating well - for taste, for health
2. Moving my Body - cardio, yoga
3. Being Content - loving, appreciating and enjoying what I have
4. Being Present - for Matt, for Morgan ... they deserve it
5. Dreaming - it paves the way for creativity and inspiration
6. Learning - when you stop learning, your mind dies
7. Living Organized - feathering my little nest, keeping only things I love and making others feel welcome anytime, all the time ... finding creative solutions for living big in a small space
8. Staying Connected - remembering birthdays, making calls, sending cards to those people who live far in distance, but are ever so close to my heart

I guess you might call that a resolution list, but it's really more than that.

When we moved to Canada a lot of things changed. Of course our surroundings and our jobs changed, but it ran deeper. I really did love my job, but I'll be the first to tell you the last couple years have been one challenge after another, which in totality, equaled a large roller coaster of emotions. I got lost in it all ... really - the real Wendy was so buried, I wondered if I would ever find her again. I needed to make an effort just to exist, which is why I chose that word for 2011.

August 3, 2011 everything changed yet again ... my worst nightmare really - they were closing the Ontario office. Part of me was so relieved ... the other part terrified. We depend on my income - my job is why we moved to Canada. I knew we would have to get our house on the market as soon as possible. Everything felt, and still feels, unsettled and anxious as we wait for God's perfect timing. But even with mild house chaos, every other need has been met by God's hand and I sit here in awe as I reminisce.

So I'm opening this new year filled with hope. Soon I will go back to my passion of being the full time home manager of a snuggly little bungalow (a big house is way overrated and hard to keep clean - I promise), mom to Morgan, Dot and Zoe, wife to Matt and freelance designer to all of my fabulous clients. My business has been busy, so i look forward to building that more this year ... But one thing is sure - I will NEVER lose myself again. Nothing is worth that - it's no life.

That being said, my one little word for 2012 is live ...

*cuppa: (kuhp-uh) noun - British for a cup of tea or other hot beverage ... I learned this little bit of slang from my delightful Brit of a neighbour, Angie, whom with I often share a cuppa.  She's pretty great. :)

Roast Turkey and the BEST Shortbread EVER - Celebrating the last day of 2011

The last day of 2011 is certainly cause for celebration this year - celebration of God's provision and each other, of change and the unknown.  So today we had a celebration feast - on the menu:  Appetizer: Extra old White Cheddar with Scottish Oat Cakes and Sesame Rice Crackers served with Spicy Hummus and clementines; Main: Roast Turkey with Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes; Dessert: Creme Caramel coffee with Homemade Shortbread.

We laughed and feasted then gathered around the tv to watch the family-friendly classic comedies: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut and The Shakiest Gun in the West.

I think a new tradition was born today in our little family.  From now on we will take this day as a family to celebrate and reflect on the many blessings we've received throughout the past year (and the challenges) as we welcome in a new year of excitement and possibility.

Roasted Turkey

• 5-6 kg Butterball turkey (10-12 lbs)
• Olive Oil
• Clementines, halved
• Fresh Rosemary
• Fresh Ground Sea Salt and Pepper
• Onion, cut into 8 wedge
• 1-2 Tbsps Cornstarch

Thaw turkey overnight in the sink.  Remove giblets.
Preheat oven to 500F. And rub the entire bird down generously with olive oil.  Season well with salt and pepper.

Stuff cavity loosely with onions wedges, clementines and fresh rosemary.  Sprinkle a few rosemary leave on top of the bird as well.

Cover tightly with foil.  Place in the oven (I had to remove my top rack) and turn down the temperature to 350F.  Roast, basting every 20-30 minutes.  After around 3 hours, remove foil so the skin will turn brown and crispy.  Continue roasting and basting until the internal temp of the fattest part of the breast/thigh reaches 170-175F (it took our 5.5 kg turkey 3.5 hours).

Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes uncovered.  Continue to baste every ten minutes or so.

Strain drippings through a gravy separator and pour into a saucepan.  In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with several spoonfuls of drippings to dissolve.  Add to saucepan to slightly thicken the gravy.
Serve turkey and gravy with your favorite potatoes and/or veggies.

We always remove every bit of usable meat from our bird and make stock.  If you think that sounds complicated, see for yourself ...

All you do is place the turkey carcass in a big pot with a lid.  Cover with water.  I throw in everything extra - all the bones, skin, wings.  Throw in some rough chopped celery (the best part is the leafy heart), carrots and onion.  Season with a little fresh ground pepper.  Taste and make sure the salt is good ... you might need to add a little more.  Simmer on low for at least 6 hours.  It can really go all day.  When it's finished, strain with a colander ... and you are left with the most beautiful stock.  Store in the fridge or freeze for future use - make sure to skim off the layer of fat that forms on top.  I usually make a turkey noodle soup the next day to use up the leftovers ...

Shortbread (adapted from Jamie Oliver)

• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp powdered sugar (icing sugar)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup semolina

Preheat oven to 300F.  Cream together butter and sugar.

Slowly fold in (on the lowest mixer speed) flour and semolina.  Just in case you've never used semolina before, it can usually be found in the rice section of the grocery store (here in Canada).  It really gives these cookies a great texture.

The dough will resemble coarse crumbs.  Knead by hand a few times and press into a buttered 9x9.

Prick with a fork.

 

Bake 50 minutes.  Cool for a few minutes, then cut and dust with powdered sugar. They're yummy warm, but the payoff is when they're completely cooled.

So ... happy last day of 2011!!  We only get it once ... so make an effort to celebrate it well! :)

Take It ... and Grow

Change is in the air for our little family ...  BIG CHANGE.

It’s my time to embrace the gift of freelancing from home.  Exciting, scary, hard, overwhelming … I know many others are in the same boat: job loss – one of my biggest fears.

With this opportunity comes selling, moving, down-sizing, purging, simplifying and a whole myriad of change.  At times I don’t know what to think or feel … am I dreaming?

All this could be quite discouraging, but I purpose to choose a different path.  It’s taking me more than effort to rise above my superficial bend and welcome this kind of new beginning.

To my surprise, my faith hasn’t weakened (though I have had my moments), but strengthened … I’m realizing I can’t control life.  There is no plan or preparation great enough.  God is teaching me to let go and trust (Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts").

He's also teaching me that maybe, just maybe, this entire series of events is not about me at all.  Maybe He's answering someone else's prayer through my trial?  Maybe He's answering a prayer that I've had deep in my heart for a while, but never would have embraced on my own?

My confidence in Him is strong … and through that, somehow, so is the confidence I have in myself.  This adventure brings a new freedom and a hope of endless possibilities.  It can be better than it’s ever been.  (Jeremiah 29:11 - "... I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. ")

“If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.” – Sheehy

It’s time, Wendy, to take it and grow …

Nicole's "Grilled" Burritos

Thanks to Nicole for this amazing recipe!  Today is Morgan's birthday ... and she asked for these.  Really, Nicole, AMAZING.


Nicole's "GRILLED" BURRITOS
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded colby-jack cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup salsa (if it's a more watery salsa, drain)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 large lime
10 pack flour tortillas
cooking spray

CILANTRO RICE
2 cups minute rice
2 cups boiling water
Juice of 1 1/2 limes, divided
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon non-hydrogenated margarine
1 cup shredded colby-jack cheese
salt to taste

Spray skillet with cooking spray and preheat to low.  Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Add the juice of one lime and two cups of minute rice.  Cover and remove from heat. 

Mix the first six ingredients together.  Warm tortillas for 30 seconds in the microwave.  Spray each side with cooking spray and fill with a large spoonful of the filling mixture.

Place seam side down in preheated skillet.  Press each burrito lightly with your spatula.

Once the burritos start to turn golden, flip and "grill" the other side.

Add the juice of the remaining 1/2 of a lime and 1/2 cup cilantro to the rice.  Stir in the cheese and add salt to taste.

Serve with your favorite chips and salsa (the rice is yummy on chips too).

Here she is!  The birthday girl ...
We all loved these little meatless burritos and will definitely be adding them to our regular menu!  We didn't even miss the meat!!

Strawberry Salad

 

We are nearing the end of strawberry season here.  If you've never gone to an orchard to pick your own berries, plan to!  I don't think I've ever tasted such true, fresh flavor - it's completely different than the fruit you buy in the grocery store.

Tonight we headed to a BBQ.  BBQ = MEAT ... but, to stay on track with meatless week, I wanted to bring something that could stand on it's own as a meal (protein), yet, double as a delicious side salad.  I love adding fruit/berries into my salads ... but for this one, strawberries are magic.

STRAWBERRY SALAD

1 head of green leaf lettuce or 1 bag of baby spinach

1/2 red onion, finely sliced

1 small can of mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 - 1 cup crumbled light feta

1 cup pecans (you can also use walnuts or candied nuts)

1 lb strawberries, trimmed and sliced

Perfect Poppy Seed Dressing (recipe below)

PERFECT POPPY SEED DRESSING

1/2 cup real mayo - light

1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Add ingredients to a medium-sized jar or shaker.  Shake until combined.  I try and make it the night before serving so the flavors have time to develop.

Wash and spin the salad dry.  It's difficult to eat a slippery wet salad - gag.  I spin the oranges too because I don't like the added moisture.

Chop strawberries and onion.  I like to make a little assembly line so I can artfully plate each portion.

If you're taking the salad to a get-together, you can do an beautiful arrangement of ingredients in your serving bowl before you head out the door.  Toss with dressing just before serving (you might not need all the dressing).

The BBQ tonight was full of stories, laughter, and good food ... and at the end of day I received the greatest compliment a girl-who-loves-to-cook could ever get - I came home with an empty bowl.  Ahhh ... sweet and delicious success!

Veggie Kabobs and Fried Rice

I love the freshness summer brings!  The farmers market is bursting here in Southern Ontario, which was my inspiration for these yummy veggie kabobs.

VEGGIE KABOBS
Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey
1-2 teaspoons tabasco
3 slices fresh ginger root
2 cloves garlic, crushed

Veggies of your choice - Any color of pepper, red onion, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.

PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

FRIED RICE

4 tablespoons canola oil
3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
1 bunch green onion, white and green parts chopped and separated
5 cups cooked minute rice (add in a 10 oz can of organic vegetable broth as part of cooking water for flavor)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Chop veggies into large bite-sized pieces.  Feed onto skewers.  (TIP:  If you don't have reusable flat teflon skewers, use two bamboo skewers for each kabob - it keeps the veggies from twisting and makes them much easier to turn when they're on the BBQ.)

Mix together ingredients for the marinade.  Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds - 1 minute, just until it starts to boil.

Pour over kabobs and let them sit for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, make the minute rice using the water/broth combo.  Set aside.  

Prep the ingredients for the rice, then preheat the BBQ to medium.  

Mix together ingredients for the dipping sauce.  Set aside until ready to serve.

Place kabobs onto the grill and baste with the leftover marinade.  Continue to baste as you turn them as well.  They will cook pretty fast ...

Heat a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat. (I did this on the BBQ side burner, since I was BBQing the kabobs anyway.)  Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil starts to bubble, add the eggs, which puff up really quickly. Allow to set about 5 seconds, then flip to finish cooking.  Be very careful not to overcook or the eggs will be dry.  When it's set, slide onto a dish and with the edge of the spatula, chop the eggs into small pieces. Set aside.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil to the wok and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil starts to bubble, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the white parts of the green onion and the rice.  Toss thoroughly until heated through. Add the soy sauce, pepper, and reserved eggs and toss.

Ahhhh!!  Dinner at sunset with Matt after a long day.

I really could get used to this way of eating.  I feel so much better and surprisingly, have more energy.  Even though I don't think I could be a permanent vegetarian, I've proved to myself I don't need as much meat as I thought - I'm definitely inspired.  Maybe my one meat-free week will turn into two?