Pasta Primavera

This is a real throw-together dish, so amounts are not at all exact. I'll put approximately what we use.

2-3 cloves fresh garlic
1-2 TBS butter or olive oil
2 c. chopped veggies of all kinds (julienned carrots, thin sliced celery, chopped broccoli, chopped peppers - red, yellow, orange or green, snow peas, etc.)
1-1/2 lbs pasta like rotini or whatever kind you want.
1/2 to 1 c. heavy cream
1/2 to 1 c. shredded parmesan
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta. Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves and fry up in butter. When soft, toss in the veggies and stir fry till crisp tender. Pour in cream and stir it up to warm it. Add to noodles and stir. Add parmesan cheese last - you can either add it to the whole pot or individual bowls.

Eczema helps

There really isn't a medical consensus as to why people get eczema. It could be because of weather changes, too much exposure to allergens or chemicals, reactions to foods or who knows what. I've even heard it's a genetic disease, which I suppose makes sense that there are those who are more likely to get eczema than others. Certainly is the case in my family. My middle son just broke out in a rampant case of it, and I wish we'd been home instead of camping so I could've treated it better!

Here is what we do:

*Omega 3 supplements. Our favorite is probably Children's DHA from Nordic Naturals, but you can also get it from ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil (easy to add to a fruit smoothie.) My daughter is prone to eczema in the winter time, but if I make sure she gets her omega 3, she doesn't get it. Since it's summer time I've been forgetting this important supplement, but I'll be sure to get back on it now!

To soothe the rash:

*Witch Hazel - can feel soothing and help with the itching. You can buy plain witch hazel at the drug store or health food store. Often found in hemmorrhoidal preparations too, but along with other stuff.

*Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - keep the affected area moist to help with the itchiness. Applying coconut oil helps heal, keep it moist, and reduce inflammation. I sometimes mix the coconut oil with a base like 100% cocoa or shea butter to make it spread more easily. Cover with a soft flannel cloth or gauze so it doesn't get everywhere. Apply several times a day.

*Diaper Rash Ointment - can help sooth the rash in a pinch. Use a natural type like Burt's Bees if possible.

*Wear Cotton Clothing - other types of clothing can irriate the rash.

Italian Meatballs

Homemade meatballs do take a while to roll by hand, but they sure are tasty. And you know what's in them!

2 eggs
2 slices fresh bread (use GF bread to make GF meatballs)
1 TBS italian seasoning
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 c parmesan cheese
1/2 onion, pureed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 lbs to 2 lbs ground beef

Put eggs in a bowl and whisk them. Blend up fresh bread in blender to make bread crumbs. Add to eggs and let it soak for a minute. Add seasonings, cheese, garlic and onion and stir. Add in the ground beef and mix it with your hands. Roll into 1" balls and put on a cookie sheet. Broil for 10 minutes on each side, or until meatballs are done. Can add to spaghetti sauce and let it simmer. Serve with spaghetti (use Tinkyada brand for GF.)