Friday, April 1, 2011

Dairy Free Friday

First off - today is an especially happy Friday because I am flying to DC this afternoon!!! I will finally get to see Becky & Charbelle in person! I won't say "meet" because after reading their blogs, emailing, chatting on the phone, and texting, I've already met these girls! But seeing them in person? It's going to be fabulous! And I've never been to DC so it will be fun to check out another city. And then there's that 10 mile race... which I feel a bit unprepared for, but oh well! I'll schlep through those 10 miles.

I've officially been dairy free for a month now. I can really tell the difference in my complexion and have had a good amount of people comment on it as well. I should have taken before and after pictures, but I didn't think to do that. These 2 pictures give you an idea though. The first was in mid-January. It's not super close up, but it gives you an idea of how bad my skin was, especially down my my jaw line (oh, and I am holding my beautiful faux-niece Elle).

And here is a horrible self-photo.


Is my skin perfect? No, but it's significantly better. I still have some redness from previous breakouts, but that's starting to heal as well. I have a follow up with my dermatologist in 2 weeks and I think I'll be able to go off one of the 3 medications I am currently on! Fingers crossed!

And this whole dairy free thing? It actually has not been that hard. There are so many great recipes out there! I never felt like I was depriving myself. What I miss the most is sour cream (I love baked potatoes with sour cream) and real cheese on my salads.

What I don't like is that being gluten free and dairy free makes me, well, a bit of a high maintenance dinner guest... But I think I will allow myself to have dairy occasionally so if someone invites me to dinner, that will just be my day for dairy, I guess!

So, now for this week's dairy free recipe! I made Mushroom risotto on Saturday night. I had previously made risotto for the Barrister back in December *shakes head in an attempt to erase memory* but that version was cheesy (and delicious) so I was worried this wouldn't compare.

Well, there was nothing to be worried about. This is probably the best recipe I've made all year - dairy or no dairy! So if you like mushrooms - I HIGHLY recommend it! It's a time intensive little recipe, but so worth every stir of your spoon!

Click over to Angela's lovely blog for the recipe! Here it is in photos!

All chopped up & ready to go! Look at all those mushrooms!

Saute the onions, then add the mushrooms! It looks like A LOT of mushrooms, but don't worry...

It totally cooks down!


Add a sprig of rosemary, salt & pepper, balsamic vinegar. Slowly add arborio rice and vegetable broth.

Cover and continue to stir every couple of minutes. Add more vegetable broth if need be. I used about 3 cups, I think? When it's done, stir in 1 T. of earth balance (or butter for the dairy eaters)


Serve up (preferably in a pretty bowl) and enjoy!

So there you have it! I think the crucial ingredient was balsamic vinegar! Or maybe the fresh rosemary? Mmm, it was so good! It's one of those recipes that makes me wish I had a dinner guest because it would have been nice to comment about it with someone. Instead I bbm'd about it with Amber - which was a good substitute!

Alright this blog is epically long! Time to wrap it up!! Question for you: Should I continue the dairy free posts? You won't hurt my feelings if you tell me to move on and talk about something more interesting/relevant/etc!

Happy weekend, everyone!

19 comments:

Unprofessional said...

Oooooh it looks delicious!

Your skin does look great!

Have a blast in DC-I love visiting that city, there's so much to see and do! I'm crossing my fingers for gorgeous weather-hope the cherry blossoms are in FULL BLOOM!

J said...

That is pretty awesome for just one month of dairy free! I am so glad you found something that worked and don't have to go on accutane! Have fun in DC!!

Marlys said...

I'm so happy for your complexion conquest! I truly know how it has bothered you so this is celebratory!
The recipe looks so good - especially for we mushroom lovers! MmmmMmmm!

Unknown said...

Yum!

I am glad for you that going dairy free has worked.

Have a wonderful trip!!!!

Cool runnings!!!

Abby said...

I like the dairy-free posts actually! It's something different and new.

You look soooo good Lisa! This makes me so very happy for you, as I know how much this bothered you.

Yay!!!!!!!!!

Have an amazing time in DC! You deserve a fun trip. Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. I want to see DC in the spring. I went during the fall, which was gorgeous - but not this beautiful! Have fun with the 10 miler :)

Amber said...

KEEP UP THE DAIRY FREE POSTS. :)

As I've said before, I'm so so so so happy a natural remedy like this is working for you. I'm a huge believer in diet/natural remedies for a lot of things and it's great to see it actually working!

I'm so glad you loved the risotto - seriously such a delicious meal!!! Can't wait to make it TOGETHER in August :D

Jess said...

Good luck on your run this weekend!!!

Raquelita said...

That risotto looks divine! It's too bad my spouse is not a fan of mushrooms....

Enjoy DC and your race!

crystal said...

Yum, that risotto looks delicious! I like the dairy free posts, mainly because I love new interesting recipes with your yummy pictures :)

Leigh said...

Hope you have a great weekend in DC and your race goes well!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Yayyy I'm so excited this worked- so amazing. I completely understand your feeling of being a difficult dinner guest- I feel that way often, I sometimes bring my own food haha.

Continue with the dairy free posts- I can't do much dairy either so I enjoy it!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

That recipe sounds delish! I wish risotto looked prettier, ya know? I say keep the dairy free posts. I think they're pretty interesting.

AND GOOD LUCK ON THE 10 MILER!!! You're going to have a blast running and hanging out with the bloggies.

Anonymous said...

No, I actually do like the dairy free posts-- I've noticed I feel alot better when I avoid dairy and especially after having my gallbladder removed, so maybe having good ideas will make this transition a lot easier to swallow.

*Bad Joke, sorry*

Lisa-Marie said...

This look delicious! I have vegetarian people staying over, and I think this might be what they are given for dinner!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

I try to limit my dairy, so I like reading dairy free posts. I love Angela's recipes ... they all turn out perfectly!

Becky said...

Mmm, I want to make this risotto! And I like the dairy-free Fridays!

(P.S. I'm commenting on this while sitting on the couch next to you!)

Jeanie said...

That looks fabulous -- and I'm glad the dairy cutback is working for you and that it isn't too hard. It's nice that you can allow yourself a night or two of dairy if need be without allergic reaction, too. Cuz you never know...

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

That looks delicious! I am saving this recipe! Except the last time I made risotto when I lifted out the spoon the entire potful came out in a clump. Any tips?

I say just keep your dairy intake low -- be like the pescatarian of vegetarians.

I hope you had fun in DC!

Cherry Blossoms said...

I must try this recipe it look delicious!

Glad your complexion is getting better. I know we can be our own worse critics at times so I think its okay if you go back and have dairy here and there. No sense on missing out on yummy baked potatoes w/ sour cream :) Great, now I want a baked potato for lunch!