Best Oysters in Town - East Dennis Oyster Farm

East Dennis Oyster Farm Dennis, MA Cape Cod

I am embarrassed that it has taken me so long to write a blog post. Not only that but I wanted to make sure this one was perfect. The last two months have been crazy- my computer crashed, went on vacation, starting a new job, trying to find a place to live... the list goes on and on. I always say it but it's not an excuse. I wanted to make this a special post because not only has it been a long time since I've written, this post is about a two people who I can't talk more highly about.

A few weeks ago there was a bright spot in my otherwise crazy life. On vacation down in Cape Cod we were at our favorite spot The Summer Shanty- enjoying a nice beverage and watching the sunset. We love their menu and sea food options - especially because it's mostly gluten free and shell fish is one of our favorites.

To our surprise, the restaurant were doing things a bit different this year. They had a company called East Dennis Oyster Farm come in and supply fresh oysters from their farm- the freshest and tastiest I've have ever had.

I immediately struck up a conversation with the lady who I thought 'worked' for the farm and it turned out that she and her husband own, farms (year round might I add) sells, shucks and delivers everything. They are the real deal. Stephanie and John are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people I've met in a long time. Not only that, it was constant through everything- especially about their farm. They started farming oysters in 2003 and have been doing it ever since.

Stephanie was nice enough to invite us out to the farm the very next day. It's a tricky operation because you can only go out at low tide 2-3 times a week and farm the oysters. It was quite a hike out the farm. I felt like I was on a crazy adventure and I didn't know what to expect. John told me to bring a water bottle because it was a long walk from the car- but it was worth every step. Coming over the dunes you saw a sea (no pun intended) of cages with oysters in all of them with the Atlantic ocean as the back drop. Going to work in the Atlantic doesn't sound like a bad gig but keep in mind, they farm all year long.

I had SO many questions and have never seen anything like it. We learned that oysters don't come in to traps like lobsters, they come from all over the country as tiny babies- Stephanie and John get their 'babies' from New York and raise them from their infancy. They are tiny (smaller than a penny) and they raise them to perfection. It takes years to get to the oysters on our plate and not only that, they require constant changing of cages to help in the growth process. It was such a new experience. I had no idea what it took to farm and raise oysters. Here are a few things we learned from John and Stephanie while we were at their farm.

* Oysters are "filter feeders" filtering out food particles around them. An adult oyster can move 60-80 gallons of sea water in one day!

* Oysters change sexes many times over their life time.

* Oysters don't mature until they are a year old but like a good wine they can age for a few years longer- giving them their sweet and salty kick.

*You can cook oysters in many different ways- frying, baking, smoked and broiled but eating them raw is the most popular way. Especially because the oysters that come the East Dennis Oyster Farm are a step above. You have to trust me when I tell you there is such a difference. For starters, they are plump and come with little grit (natural sand) It's almost as if the Atlantic Ocean washes it away for the up most enjoyment. You have to make sure you don't spill the 'juice.' It's half of what makes the experience!

An oyster is a acquired taste and if you are unfamiliar with them, I suggest you try them from John and Stephanie. Take a few hours and experience their farm and the heart and soul that goes into it. The oyster is a salty, sweet explosion of the sea in your mouth and your going to want more and more- I promise.

Oysters are a delicacy and to think we have them in our very own back yard. East Dennis Oyster Company is growing every day and to our benefit. They are constantly getting involved in events, weddings, anniversary's - you name it they will most likely do it. If you get on their website you can have a fresh batch shipped to you directly- fresh and straight from the sea.

Take for example Megan and Mike's Wedding. I don't know this couple but they came to the farm and hand picked oysters for their raw bar at their reception. Jon and Stephanie also with Forklift Catering to help with their catering needs- they make a great team!

John and Stephanie are two of the nicest people I've ever met and their oysters are the best I've ever tasted. Please go and visit them on their farm- the freshness and their oysters are to good not to.... You'll be missing a great thing!

Like I said, this post was a special one. Have a great weekend and go enjoy some oysters - East Dennis Oysters that is. :)

xo,

Amanda

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Granola Bars --------->

Phew, does it feel good to write again! I wanted to share a recipe with you that I feel is a step above. There is nothing like the taste of chocolate, honey, peanut butter and deliciousness all in one bite. I also like challenges and I love nothing more than to adapt a "normal" recipe and make it Gluten free.

This particular one I got from Ms. Giada De Laurentiis who with her Italian accent and talks about pasta and pancetta does not cook gluten free- that doesn't mean I still don't love her. Here is an adapted version of her recipe. YUMMM

Ingredients
Vegetable cooking spray
1 egg white
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup (1-stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups Gluten Free Bob's Red Mills Whole Oats
1/2 cup mixed nuts , toasted, *see Cook's Note
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

Directions
* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
*Spray a 7 by 10 3/4-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray.

*Lay a 6 by 18-inch piece of parchment paper in the pan, allowing the excess paper to hang over the sides.

*Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
*In a medium bowl, using a hand beater, beat the egg white until frothy.

*Stir in the peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey.

*Add the melted butter, oats and mixed nuts.

*Stir to combine, then add the chocolate chips.
*Using a rubber spatula, spread mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing lightly to form an even layer. Bake until the edge of the mixture begins to brown, about 15 minutes.

*Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares and serve.
*Cook's Note: To toast mixed nuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

This was such a fun and easy thing to make. I had friends over that night for a little dinner party and they definitely enjoyed them. The best part was that no one knew they were gluten free! The other tip is that they are SO versatile. They make a great dessert, kids can easily grab them for a snack or crumbled up, they are fantastic on top of plain yogurt for quick gluten free snack!!

Like I said, I love a challenge and when my girlfriends "manhandled" the GF granola you know you did a good job. I look forward to hearing about your GF experience. Enjoy these fun little decedent desserts!

xo,

Amanda

Gluten Free Brunch

When you are gluten free.. sometimes Breakfast/brunch can be difficult. You hear the same old thing.... eggs, eggs, eggs. Well here is a neat spin on eggs and hash brows! It's called hash brown baskets with eggs! (This is my variation of Sunny Anderson's recipe)




Here is what you will need:


Cupcake pan


8 eggs


1 1/2 lbs of shredded hash browns


butter

1 onion


1 pepper


Spinach


bacon

Pam

salt and pepper to taste!

* It's that simple!!

Next Steps:

Preheat oven to 350*

Start by placing the hashy's in a kitchen towel and squeezing out the excess water. This way it will stick easier- place in bowl and salt and pepper.

Saute the onion and red pepper in extra virgin olive oil and a dab of butter

Add mix to the has browns already set aside in a bowl- salt and pepper

Spray cupcake pan with PAM. Add mixture to each cup in the cupcake pan and add enough to cover sides. Make sure to create a basket and enough room to fit an egg!

Drizzle 'baskets' with extra virgin olive oil. Put in oven and let brown for 5-8 minuets.

When browned add an egg in each basket and put back in oven. Let egg cook just enough so it's over easy. (8-10 minuets or to desired taste)

In a saucepan on the stove top, saute garlic and spinach until wilted and cooked.


On your plate place the spinach mixture in the middle of your plate. You egg basket should come out easily and it goes right on top of your spinach. Crumble crispy bacon on top (optional of course) and your yummy gluten free breakfast/brunch is all set to eat!!

Enjoy!!

I DID IT!!

March 14th 2010 Race day!!!

It's been a while since I have blogged. UGH!!!

To my defense, I have been training for a 5k. Lord knows I am tired! But not nearly as tired as I was in the past- not tired form gluten poising, tired from working out and training!

So this post is about my race. I DID IT. Can you believe it? I never had to wear shoes as gymnastics was my sport of choice and gymnasts didn't wear shoes. :) So I strapped on a pair of new Nike's an started to train. I trained really slow (thanks to George Cuddy) who told me not to push and to take it slow. "Nothing happens over night" he tells me. "Don't cross your arms over your body, keep them by your sides and take it nice and slow."

The constant reminder was great because my personality is a fiery one. (Those who know me can vouch) I wanted to push, run fast, sweat, feel my lungs burn but that was not the way to do it.

First week of training: (10 weeks total) Walk 10 minuets, run 3

Week 2: Walk 8 Run 5

Week 3: Walk 7 Run 7

An so on and so on.... Not only was I doing my running, I had to make sure I was up on my strength training. I did that on my off days- Tuesday and Thursdays. I took ZUMBA (which I love because it satisfies my dance cravings) on Saturdays. It's a constant reminder of how much I love to move- and it also keeps the heart rate up.

So back to the race... I was nervous. Half way through the training my back started to act up again and I wasn't ready for it. Brain Barkwell, the on-site and amazing physical therapist at Revolution Fitness told me to take it easy. Perhaps running wasn't for me as I am still healing from a back injury from my gymnast days. But I didn't listen. (Sorry Brian) I pushed on.. taking down the level slightly because I didn't want to hurt myself for good..

The day of the race I was nervous. Had I trained enough? Was I going to throw up? Cross the finish line? People in my life had been asking me.. "Why are you running all of a sudden?" It was a personal goal. A mind game that I had to prove to myself that I needed to do this- perhaps it was a way I could tell myself I had finally beat GLUTEN and I was no longer a prisoner in my own body.

Sunday March 14th- Race day. I wake up to a monsoon.. all weekend it was wet and raining. One of the worst rain storms I had ever seen in my 24 years- It rained for 3 straight days and there was over 6 inches of the stuff!!! Not to mention it was cold... bone chilling!

There was NO hesitation. I was running my 5K. After all it was only 3.1 miles. I ran at my own pace and took my time like George told me to do- also I kept my arms at my side and didn't cross them. :) I was the most amazing experience ever. I felt STRONG, even with the pelting rain on my face and the wind trying to stop me.

The last 1/4 mile was on a slushy, muddy bike trail and I sprinted to the finish line. I ran with my arms up ecstatic that I finished. I was so proud of myself. 36 minuets it took me to run 3.1 miles. Completion of the 5K was a milestone for me.

No matter how short or long the race it's setting the goal and completing it that matters. Just set your mind to something.. especially if you have been feeling down and out in the past. Finishing something feels amazing.. I challenge you to try it- it's liberating!

I plan on setting more goals and completing fun things in the future because I am no longer confined to the couch. Thank god. Much more to come....

xo,

Amanda

EXERCISE @ Revolution Fitness!!

Hello...



On top of eating right, one forgets that exercise if right behind. Yes- I work at an incredible fitness facility (Revolution Fitness), but working out is not always easy. Thank god I have good people to push me but dragging myself onto the treadmill or the AMT is not easy....



Remember, there are many things that help in maintaining a physique that you want. Remember you can't do one without the other. Here is a quick list of exercises that I think are beneficial to your health. I don't think of it as one day arms one day legs. I go by the book of total body workout and I love it.



Monday: Kettle bell swings
Med Ball Slams
Push Ups
Cardio: 20 minuets on Arc Trainer
Interval training on the Woodway Dynamic Mode

Tuesday: Helix and Core Strength Class

Wednesday: Front and Reverse Lunges with weight bar above head
Free Weights triceps and biceps
Kettle Bell push ups

Cardio: Run/walk on treadmill

Thursday: Rev It Up Total body workout @Revolution Fitness w/ Derek and or Brendan (Mondays 6:15am and Thursdays 12pm)

Friday: Rest

Saturday: ZUMBA!!!! (Saturday 10:30am)

Sunday: Yoga

I mean, this is a BASIC list of things that I have learned in the past few weeks. I highly encourage anyone to get a FITNESS ASSESSMENT with on of our fantastic trainers at Rev Fit. It's very beneficial and BodyEvolver was created by Mike D our Fitness Manager.

Keep a few things in mind: eat before (consume at least 200-300 calories if you are working out first thing in the morning. I like peanut butter on a rice cake) Eat plenty of protein and drink a lot of water.

I hope this peaks your interest. Happy GF eating and exercising!!!!

xo,
Amanda

The Secret of the day is..... WHOLE GRAINS!

Hi!!

I promise I will get better at this.. I just have to set time out of my busy day to write!

So, I have to tell you.. I haven't been feeling my best lately. I am not full, I am feeling tired again and most of all, I don't feel like I am getting any nutrients. Ugh..

The other day, Craig Wright, someone who I met at the Healthy Villi Conference came into Revolution Fitness to chat with me, catch up and check out the gym. (Thanks Craig for coming! I am so happy I met you and Kim!)

We got talking.. and I slowly realized I am eating all wrong. Yes, I am conscious of my eating and wanting to eat healthy, but it's not enough. I am not getting any grains because of the drastic change in my diet. Then it hit me- (and Craig made it clear) I need to consume more WHOLE GRAINS. They will make you feel full longer... and remember when you have a diet restriction, remember the things you can not eat and try to find alternatives.

Here is a list of the things I went out and bought after our conversation:

1. Nature's Path: Mesa Sunrise Cereal
2. Buckwheat
3. Good for life Multi Seed rice bread
4. Hodgson Mill Milled Flax Seed
5. Blue Diamond Almond Milk

This is just the beginning of changing the way you eat I the eay I eat. And don't let anyone tell you things are expensive. YES- we all know gluten free products are expensive, but there is NOTHING we can do about it. Keep writing to your local state reps and keep putting the pressure on. Also, look into claiming all of your gluten free products on your taxes this year.

Enjoy whole grain shopping. Your body will love you even more. Have a great night!

xo,
Amanda

TGIF: A few drink ideas for you this weekend..

YAY!!



So the weekend is upon us and I wasn't going to Blog today, but someone inspired me to after the nice things he wrote on my FB page. (This one is for you Gene!)



I love beer. I think what I miss most now that I am gluten free is I can not have pizza and beer. The quintessential items for a late night or a fun Sunday watching football. But that has all changed. No more excuses because there are some VERY tasty beers out there that people have a preconceived thought about because it doesn't contain any barley or whatever it is they put in beer. People should explore more- there is more to just grabbing a 12 pack of Bud or Miller light. I mean, don't get me wrong I liked those, but common go and explore.



If you were in a microbrewery with a blindfold on and they told you to taste the beers, you would NEVER know they were gluten free. So here is a list of the top beers I love to drink. (In moderation of course!)



1. New Grist Delicious and crisp

2. Greens Refreshing and a great Ale

3. Bards I love the malted sorghum yummmy!



So there you have it. My top three. Now if you want something I call "Summer in your mouth" please see the recipe below!



The Amanda Drink (Summer in your mouth)

Start with a large 8oz cup

fill 1/2 way with ice

Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine (whatever tickles your fancy I like Pinto Grigio)

Add a drizzle of Grenadine (naturally Gluten Free)

Fill the remainder of the cup with Sprite

Add some cherries if you want, sit back, relax and enjoy!!

Yummm.. a Gluten Free wine spritzer. Is summer here yet?



Have a wonderful weekend and remember: Drink responsibly!



xo,

Amanda