I started a gluten-free diet about six months ago for health reasons, and I do feel better. I believed that the hardest parting would be with my beloved pasta (macaroni as a-way-of-life growing up as a kid). But I’m really ok losing the pasta mainly because after all these years – it’s the sauce that really matters. I continue to eat and cook chicken, seafood and yes even brown rice with a wholesome tomato, basil and garlic sauce.
However after seeing a nicely browned grilled cheese sandwich with the cheese oozing out of the pocket on Pinterest, my craving for this basic sandwich came as such a surprise. Actually, I rarely ate it before I embarked on the gluten-free diet. Every once in awhile though, I would treat myself to this comfort food and guilty pleasure made with a hearty fontina or havarti cheese and slathered with some butter on the outside for pan or grill frying. Simply gooey cheese – no tomato – I am a purist in some traditions! I would happily endure the non heart-healthy guilt for such a simple meal with a pickle and glass of iced tea on the side. But in a serious and delayed effort to acknowledge and deal with high cholesterol and coronary artery disease, honestly called “Andrea finally and begrudgingly decides to grow up“ (a little), I gave myself over to a newer and more sustainable and sensible way of life and diet. Funny how the small stuff gets to you after all. The one other food that I would add to my “sorry to see it go list” is spicy noodles in peanut sauce, again a once-in-awhile fun food.
Aha, maybe that’s it – more than just the taste it’s the fun in these foods that I really miss! Maybe, just maybe it’s all really worth it as long as I can enjoy and indulge in my beloved dark and darker chocolate. I am so happy that dark chocolate (in small amounts) is now considered “good for you” and heart-healthy. Honestly though, it would not matter. Chocolate and me forever. You cannot say that about too many things, so choose carefully those life-rich indulgences and heartily enjoy!!!
pining for you
on my new diet
mac and cheese*
*ag/2012 ~ published in Modern Haiku ~ winter 2012