COTTON CANDY NICE CREAM!

Oh my goodness...HELLO!

Here we are. 2018. It has been a hot. minute! Scratch that. It has been a hot TWO YEARS!

Can you believe it?! I've missed you!

So much has happened. SO. MUCH.

Just to recap the time we've been apart in 100 words or less:

I am still acting in New York City! But I am now splitting my time between NY and Cincinnati. Christmas of 2016 (so not last Christmas, but the year before) - my mom had a stroke. She's doing amazing now - she's my hero - but I ended up moving home to Ohio for that entire year to help her recover.

But I'm back in NYC now, and I go back to Ohio at least once a month just to check in and also for  some commercial work! (Gotta love the Proctor & Gamble commercial market!)

Other highlights -- I went to Iceland in summer of 2017 with my best friends.

It was an incredible adventure, and I highly suggest traveling there! And if you'd like me to do a specific blog post about it, let me know! (Teaser: We went snorkeling in 34 degree glacial water between 2 active tectonic plates!!)

And this past summer, my mom and I walked the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage for 80 miles along the coast of Spain and Portugal in gratitude and celebration of her healing! 

It was truly amazing. We made stops in Fatima and Madrid, too. It was the trip of a lifetime!

I was hoping to meet my future husband, casually along the trail, in a "meet cute" worthy of its own chick flick, but alas, no dice. 

So there you have my life in a nutshell! I'm still following the Specific Carb Diet - and my Ulcerative Colitis has STAYED IN REMISSION ever since I started this blog, 8 years ago! So praise God for that!

OK - onto tonight's recipe!

Do I have a treat for you!!

I have recently found a new favorite food. My fondness for it has reached a level of, well -- let's just say I eat this about 4x a week. It is THAT good!

I'm talking, y'all, about NICE CREAM.

But not just any nice cream ... I'm talking COTTON CANDY NICE CREAM.

First of all - what the heck is nice cream?

Well, it stand for Banana (aka Nana) Ice Cream!

In other words, it's non-dairy "ice cream" that is made out of frozen bananas!

And let me tell you - it is slap-yo'-mama good!

And this particular recipe uses cotton candy grapes. And OHMYGOODNESS, if you haven't tried these sweet little poppers yet, do yourself a favor and RUN - don't walk - RUN to the store and get you some!!

They legitimately taste like cotton candy! And I know, you're probably thinking: how the heck do they make a stinkin' grape taste like cotton candy...well they do!

Even my dad thought they were delicious.

So there ya go.

And they're the star of this recipe.

And oh yeah -- this healthy dessert is gluten free, vegan, paleo AND Specific Carb Diet friendly!

Here's What You Need: (Serves 1 gigantic portion)

4 frozen strawberries

1 1/2 frozen bananas

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup (not frozen) cotton candy grapes

2 Tbsp cashew butter

3 drops coconut stevia

Tools:

Food Processor

Ziptop freezer bags

Spatula

Directions:

Blend in food processor until smooth. Add more grapes if you need more liquid. You will need to scrape down the sides several times.

I do believe that when we get to Heaven, this frozen treat will be available by the bucket-full. I mean, it's mama from Heaven!

It is hard to describe the fabulous consistency of this blissful treat: it is like whipped ice cream. Truly. It is silky and slurpy and melty and exactly what you need when your sweet tooth is barking.

The flavor is out of this world with the cotton candy sweetness and the sweet pineapple and rich banana.

I honestly could eat this for the rest of my life. No joke.

JOY IN A BOWL, people. Joy in a bowl!

And the best part, is that you can pretty much customize this dessert to whatever fruit you have lying around. Just pop it in the freezer for a couple hours, and then blend away! Just make sure you have at least one banana in the mix to give it some body!

Friends, I hope you jump off the computer and make you some of this delightful dessert!

Have an awesome night!

OH YEAH! One more thing!! I'M NOW ON INSTAGRAM!!!!

In addition to my Facebook Page, I just started an Instagram profile! So hop on over there and let's be friends! My handle is @glutenfreehappytummy

Lastly...I have to fill you in on my new favorite thing in the whole world: FabFitFun Boxes! Beauty, wellness, fashion, and fitness products for only 39.99? YES. PLEASE. The Fall box is valued at over $300, and has products from Vince Camuto, Beauty Blender and Glam Glow! You can get $10 off when you use my code FALLINLOVE at check out too :)

Life Update!

Hey Happy Tummies!

It has been waaay too long!

Just wanted to give a quick little life update.

No, I have not fallen off the face of the planet, contrary to popular belief! :D

I've been super busy filming and working and enjoying the summer!

I feel a little silly posting acting updates, but you guys are like family and we've been on this journey back to health together, and you all have been so supportive as I'm out here going after it, so I wanted to share my latest work with you guys: I played the love interest in Derek Crider's new country hit, "Girl Walks a Country Mile." I know I'm biased, but I absolutely LOVE the song!

You can watch it below, and catch a glimpse of Yours Truly in action :)





The song follows a couple that is falling in love during the summer time.

Here's another behind the scenes shot!

Derek was such a cool guy. If you live in Philly, you should try to catch one of his live shows!

Next, I just finished shooting the pilot episode of Heroes of the Street, where's I'll be playing Autry Colbert!

We shot in Philly and it was so incredibly fun! It was a jam packed week with filming at several locations, and dodging a major thunderstorm that produced a tornado! It was crazy!

I loved all my co-stars, and by the end of the week we were a little H.O.T.S. family:)

I'll keep you all updated on it as the project moves forward, but for now, here's a link to our FaceBook page.


And finally, the summer would not be complete without our annual trip to the lake home in Wisconsin over the Fourth of July! Good laughs were had, beers were consumed (vodka for me), family time on the water was enjoyed -- just what I needed.

And the very last thing is that I just booked another film! It's a short horror film, but it films at the end of July. Looks like this is officially the #BestSummerEver. 

I hope you all have been enjoying the summer so far! I can't begin to express how much I've missed blogging, and how much I've missed interacting with all of YOU! I have every intent on getting better at posting. I have a delicious recipe that I'm going to post this week -- probably Wednesday night. So check back for that:)

Love and hugs to all my Happy Tummies!

Caralyn

"Mangocado" Ribbon Salad! GF, V, SCD & Paleo!

Hey Happy Tummies!!

I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, I promise!

Things have just been suuuuuper busy around here! I’m actually writing a book!! :D

I won’t get into too much detail, but I’ve just been devoting all my spare time to working on that…soooo that’s why I’ve been a bit absent.

So let’s just dive right back in, shall we!?

I’ve been to Sundance, Florida, and Cincinnati since I’ve last seen you lovelies. Sooo, I think I’ll just do a quick recap.

So Sundance. I go every year with my family to do some skiing, spa-ing, and of course, taking in some great films!

I had a fantastic time. It was especially fun this year because my little niece was with us! She brings so much joy and life to our family. What. A. Cutie.

I thought I’d share some highlights.

Let’s start with the Spa:)

We went to the Spa at the Stein Eriksen Lodge. It was just phenomenal. If you’ve never treated yourself to a trip to the spa, consider this your personal invitation!

It was so beautiful. The “relaxation room” had a roaring stone and wood fireplace with sweeping views of the mountain. Rustically fabulous. And there were all different kinds of hot teas and little nibbles to enjoy while you wait for your massage.

What. A. Treat.

Afterwards, my sister-in-laws and my mom and I went to the Stein’s restaurant and had cocktails and fondue. :D

Next: the Skiing.

What can I say, Deer Valley really is the best place to ski. They’re one of the only ski resorts that don’t allow snow boarders! It’s a very relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. We skied for 5 days. Incredible.

Now for the best part: the DINING!

My goodness, where to begin? Probably my favorite place we ate was at the Seafood Buffet. 

First, let me preface this by saying that my family consists of “big eaters:” I’ve got 2 older brothers and a dad, who are all over 6 feet, athletic, and fit as a whistle. Park City’s restaurants, although fabulous and 5 star, leave them still hungry. And there’s nothing more frustrating to the menfolk than paying out the nose for an itty bitty amount of food, and then leaving hungry. Plus, my diet is rather particular, so I end up getting basically a boring salad with oil and vinegar. No thanks. SOOO, my family has discovered the Seafood Buffet. 

It is amazing. Now, you’re probably thinking about a Golden Corral….nope! This is a gourmet buffet. It’s at midmountain, and every evening the ski resort transforms the lodge into a 5 star restaurant brimming with fresh seafood, sushi, salads, and desserts. Yes, your eyes are not tricking you, that is a buffet of fresh king crab legs! WOW!

I mean, that is a VAT of CLARIFIED BUTTER, people. 

But what my family loves best about this place is that it is nearly ALL gluten free! There were only one or two sauces that weren’t gluten free. So we were in Heaven.

My favorite dishes were the gorgeous salad with pecans and cranberries, the seared-to-order ahi tuna, and of course, the king crab legs. It was the dinner that dreams are made of :) hehe

We also saw some great films and did some shopping...for crazy sunglasses :)

Alright, that’s enough about Sundance. Onto today's recipe!

Guys, hang onto your hats, because this is a winner!

Allow me to present my latest obsession. Literally, you guys, I eat this all. the. time.

Introducing my “Mangocado” Ribbon Salad!

(See what I did there??) Mango + Avocado = Mangocado  Hey hey hey!

OK, I’m a nerd, moving on.

But seriously this was so delicious and healthy. Ribbons of carrots and crunchy veggies, smothered in a sweet and creamy dressing. A perfect ten.

Here’s what you need: (Serves 2)

Salad:

3 carrots, spiralized. (I used multicolored carrots – orange, yellow, and purple)
1 zucchini, spiralized
1 red pepper, sliced thin
1 cucumber, spiralized

Garnish:

3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, minced

pistachios

Creamy Dressing:
1 Avocado
1 Mango
Juice of ½ a lime

2 tsp fresh grated ginger

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Cut your veggies into ribbons, using either a spiralizer, mandolin, potato peeler, or sharp knife. I used a spiralizer. Put them in a large bowl.

Place your dressing ingredients into the food processor. Process until smooth. It will be thick.

Toss your ribbons with the dressing. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and pistachios.

Devour.

My goodness, you guys. This. Dish. Rocks. You see, I’m kinda a stickler for salad dressings. I guess you could say, I’m a snob. Because, I don’t like when they add artificial this and presevative-laden that to it. I just like real ingredients – things I’m able to pronounce. Well, let me tell you, this dressing couldn’t get any more wholesome if you tried!

It is so incredible. Rich. Thick. Creamy. Buttery. Sweet. Gingery. I could go on and on. I seriously could probably drink it, to be honest! But this dressing, smothered over the cold, crunchy veggies was just aweeesomeee! And then the salty crunch of the pistachios and the bright, fresh kick of cilantro at the end really put it over the top.

And the colors! My, oh my. It was like spring had sprung on my plate. The orange and purple and green and yellow. It was just so pretty. I knew, just from looking at it, that my taste buds were in for a treat.

Make this dish. You will become a believer of the dream team: Mango and Avocado. Or as I like to refer to them: Combo Dombo – Combination Domination.

See ya tomorrow!

FettuZINI Non-Fredo! GF, Vegan, SCD & Paleo!

Pssst......

Ok guys. I have a serious secret to share with you....I mean, serious.

That is the extraordinary awesomeness that is SOAKED CASHEWS.

OK, pause. Before you scratch your head in confusion, let me explain.

I love cashews. I really do. But I always just buy them raw, grind them up in my food processor and fuggeduhboutit. I mean, I had always seen the recipes that call for "soaked cashews," but I never had the time or patience to plan ahead, and figured...how much of a difference could it really make? I mean, come on?

The answer? A LOT.

Yesterday, I knew I was going to have some time on my hands today. I have a shoot on Friday and am going to Sundance this weekend, so I knew I was going to create a little somethin'somethin' for my fave Happy Tummies today. :) So I thought, lemme just give it a try.

You. Guys. What happened to these raw cashews was nothing short of amazing. I took a picture to show you.

I soaked them in water for 24 hours. The right cashew is what they started out as. And here they are on the left, TRIPLED IN SIZE!

I couldn't believe it. They absorbed the water and became creamy and soft - seriously like the consistency of cream cheese or butter.

I've seen the light. I'm converted. :P

Anywho, given this revelation of the soaked cashew glory, I decided that it was time to tackle one of my former all-time favorite foods: Fettuccine Alfredo. Only this version would be SCD Friendly and VEGAN.

To all you who are shakin your head, or "SMH" as the youths today so eloquently put it, just hear me out. This dish was incredible.

You saw in my last post the power of Cauliflower in its ability to become irresistible sandwich bread. Well, friends, cauliflower is at it again! This time, it's transforming into a creamy and rich ALFREDO SAUCE!!

Yep! This alfredo sauce is Gluten and Grain Free, Vegan, Specific Carb Diet friendly, Body Ecology Diet friendly, and Paleo!

So then...it must taste like sawdust or cardboard, right?! ----- WRONG!!! It was superb!!!

Don't believe me? -- I dare you to give it a try :D

Here's what you need: (Serves 2)

1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked in water overnight or for 24 hours
1 cup cauliflower roasted
1 cup cauliflower steamed
1/2 vidalia onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper

optional:unsweetened regular almond milk - room temperature
optional: 1 grate/pinch of fresh nutmeg

1 zucchini, made into noodles
basil, chopped -garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a tin foil-lined, olive oil-sprayed baking sheet, bake half (1 cup) of your cauliflower florets for 25 minutes, stirring once half-way through.

Meanwhile, steam the other cup of the cauliflower in a steamer basket, or in the microwave until very tender.

Also, saute your onions and garlic in 1-2 Tbsp EVOO, salt and pepper over medium heat until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize. This will take about 8-10 minutes.

Put your soaked and drained cashews in the food processor and process them until they form a smooth paste. Add your roasted and steamed cauliflower, onions and garlic to the food processor, and process until smooth. It will be thick and creamy. You may need to scrape the sides. I find it best to do this when it is still hot, as the steam helps the sauce "come together." You may add 1-3 Tbsp almond milk if it is too thick. I did not. You may also add a grate of fresh nutmeg if desired.

Finally, with either a spiralizer, mandolin, or sharp knife, make your zucchini into noodles. You may also use any noodle of choice.

To plate, either top your noodles with the sauce and garnish with chopped fresh basil, or toss your noodles with the sauce, and plate.

My goodness, you guys. What a TREAT! Back in my gluten-consuming days, Fettuccine Alfredo was my favorite "special occasion" dinner. And this brought me right back to that "happy place!"

The sauce was so creamy and rich from the cashews. And the combination of the nuttiness from the roasted cauliflower with the onions and garlic made for just a remarkable flavor.

It's hard to believe that this dish is healthy because it tasted so darn decadent!

So, it may not be the belle of the ball as far as appearances go, but what it lacks in color, it definitely makes up for in flavor.

I will DEFINITELY be making this again!

What's your "happy place" food?