I have been really longing for pancakes, waffles and even crepes. I didn't even long for crepes when I could eat them. But lately, I WANT them!

I finally caved in, I bought some wheat-free, gluten-free, waffle/pancake mix by Arrowhead Mills and I am so glad that I did. I just made light and fluffy pancakes, I added to the batter, cinnamon and poppy seeds and I am so wishing it was breakfst already! I did have a BITE of the pancakes, just as the first one was done....YUMMY!! But I want to save them for breakfast, it gives me a really great reason to get up and ENJOY breakfast tomorrow.

I have been on the wheat-free, gluten-free boat for about a year now and ever since I started I decided that I "probably" wouldn't try the wheat-free "fake" versions of pancakes, bread, etc. Because let's face it, it's not really the same... I have tried a few things but am not satisfied with the taste that much. I didn't want to start missing the real stuff; the fresh baked breads and well,  I'll stop there, since I just drooled on my key board.... I miss making sandwiches though. I was a queen of vegetarian sandwich art for awhile. Now I jump to the chance at making sandwiches for others, just to do it! I just have been around people lately in my household that are pancake and waffle eaters every weekend and I was YEARNING for that taste, that feeling, well I got it tonight! Thanks to Arrowhead Mills and my other favorite thing to put on pancakes.... peanut Butter AND bananas. Never have been a HUGE fan of maple syrup. I enjoy it in smoothies, recipes and on stuff when I have been able to have "bread" this past year, but my heart is IN Peanut Butter and Nannas on pancakes, always and forever! I think it has a lot to do with the fact that when I was growing up my parent's bought that fake, crappy syrup and I never really liked it, it was too sweet, so I think of that every time I see, even Real Maple syrup. I am scarred for life!

Not only am I thankful for and recomend this batter, there is also a banana bread recipe on the box, I am doing that one next, except I am going to do it Vegan as well. I have really enjoyed trying to create recipes over the years from non vegan to a vegan format. Just to see if I can make it taste great and it's neat to see the reaction of people who think Vegan recipes have no taste!

I was a Vegan some years back and it lasted for about a year, until I realized my body wasn't healthy. I know I am NOT supposed to be Vegan but for everyone else that can, rock on! I do eat Vegan a lot though. Especially here in Portland, there are so many amazing restuarants that offer Vegan, and Vegetarian fare. Not only do they offer it, it's really good and a lot of times Organic! I love living in a "Foodie" City!!

I am more and more intrigued to get started back on my cooking adventures. I used to cook everyday, sometimes 4 different dishes in one day! I would make Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner AND Appetizer's as well. I would take pictures of my creations and tell everyone I knew about what I made. I would invite people over to eat often and would dream of Hostessing giant "Foodie" events and party's all centering around a certain food or ingredient as the theme for the shindig.

Food to me is Medicine. Medicine for the heart, soul and spirit. I think having a big meal with all your loved ones sitting around a table experiencing flavors and tastes that you created is an amzing thing! If I could do a dinner weekly or I would even settle for monthly, I know I could come up with some amazing menus.  I cook with my whole body, I put love into it and I envision smiles by all who eat whatever it is I make. This makes a meal more than just a 'meal', it becomes an event, an affair and an awakening of the taste buds!

Cooking Vegan, Vegetarin, Wheat-free and Gluten-free can and is just as amazing. it's just not as popular all over yet. Especially in the South. I often would get in weird conversations with people about why and how I eat the way I do, and NO I can't get that "down here". What do you mean "is that cooked in bacon grease or chicken broth or in fat"?, "OF COURSE it is, GIRL.... what ARE you thinkin'?" That's the kind of conversations I had with people in the South, notably in New Orleans! They thought I was completely crazy for not eating crawfish, Po boy's or even PIE! I would have loved to try this woman's pie, believe me, but my stomach would not have allowed that, NO wheat in my body anymore is what I NEED for me to be healthy and not "sick" anymore. So I would much rather stay this way than not have one good piece of pie and regret it for the next week.

Oh well, myabe my next creation will be Vegetarian, wheat and gluten-free Po Boy's... I can see it now....

Happy Eating~

Melissa Magic