Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Making changes...and chaffles! Roxanne Rustand

When I developed a yearning to be a writer, it seemed like an impossible goal. I couldn't imagine actually "getting the call" from an editor. During those next five years, give or take, it seemed like an insurmountable barrier--like scaling Mount Everest barefoot. In the winter. But it also seemed as if once over that first peak, the process would be easier.  Surely then I would have learned the necessary skills! I was so naive. I didn't realize that the learning process would continue over the years--which has actually made it all so much more interesting, fun and challenging. Even after twenty years of writing for Love Inspired and other Harlequin lines, I never cease to be fascinated by all that I don't know, and the ways I want to become better.

In September I attended the Novelists Inc annual conference and also the the all-day pre-conference "Un-con" where authors discuss all aspects of being published; sharing what works (or doesn't work) for them. I couldn't take notes fast enough--and by the end of the week, I had filled a spiral notebook. It was wonderful!

I've been learning in other ways this fall.  That annual resolution for trying to lose weight usually lasts a day at best, because I'm an avid cook.  I love experimenting, love cooking for family and, well...love eating, too. LOL! There are two tall sets of bookshelves in the kitchen plus a smaller one, crammed with over three hundred cookbooks that I've collected over the years, and I subscribe to a number of cooking magazines as well.  I love trying out new ethnic restaurants, Do you have an engrossing hobby?  It might be better for me if mine didn't involve calories!  :)


At any rate, I finally heeded my doctor's advice and got more serious about health at the end of August.  Because so many friends have found success with a low carb diet, I've been trying that. And, despite the siren's call of my favorite cookbooks on the shelves and the glossy food magazines that arrive every month, I've found it fun to learn about a new way of thinking.

For instance, I had no idea that there were a number of Facebook groups devoted to low carb eating--and a number of groups are devoted to "chaffles." A new word in my lexicon, but instead of experimenting with a new souffle or unique versions of creme brulee, I've been experimenting with these sweet or savory mini-waffles that have almost no carbs (around 1-3 grams) and can used as, well, a waffle--or as a sub for bread. Or, with sweetener and flavorings, a treat!


Here are the pumpkin-shaped chaffles I made this morning, with this tiny waffle iron. The recipe is so simple, and one of these cuties is just 67 calories, 5 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbohydrate. Two could be a sandwich!

CHAFFLES
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 egg
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp almond flour
Seasonings of choice

This morning I added lemon zest, pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of sweetener, but the options for sweet or savory versions are endless.

What do you enjoy doing?  Have you developed new interests over the years?  Have you tried making positive health changes lately? I would love to hear about what you have been doing!

Leave a comment and you'll be entered in a drawing for my new Love Inspired novel, SNOWBOUND WITH THE COWBOY, which will be out in late December!

All the best,
Roxanne Rustand



8 comments:

  1. I've never heard of chaffles, Roxanne, but the recipe looks good! Thank you.

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  2. I never heard of chaffles either. In fact, spell check keeps correcting the word when I type.

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  3. Roxanne, thanks for sharing the recipe. Like the others I have never heard of chaffles. I've been trying to follow a Mediterranean diet. That means limited sweets and no chips for snacks, more fish. I haven't missed the chips, but I've definitely missed the sweets.

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  4. The “chaffles” look great. I’m very interested in trying them. Hopefully I can make them gluten free.

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  5. Roxanne, thank you for sharing your recipe and idea of doing things for better health. I have been very interested in starting some kind of things for better health. Of course I know lots of water. Most people don’t drink enough water. I plan to detox first and go from there.
    Blessings

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