April 24, 2020 FODMAP Friday

This year, I'm making my gut-friendly and low FODMAP eating a lot easier by doing one small thing: planting a garden!

That's right-I'm going to be growing my own low FODMAP vegetable and herb favorites (and some strawberries, too) so I can have an easy-to-replenish supply of healthy foods in hand for whatever cooking inspiration strikes.

The garden process, for us, started by having that HUGE pallet of dirt you see above delivered. Then, the weekend after Valentine's Day, we hauled the dirt over to where we assembled our pretty matte silver raised garden beds, and filled them.

While I sowed seeds directly into most of the beds, I also have a few plants that I started indoors a few weeks ago. Most of the seeds I sprouted indoors are peppers and tomatoes, however, and they are destined to be grown in pots on the sunniest side of the house.

I haven't had a kitchen garden since I was a kid. But I still remember how inspiring it was to be able to go out into the garden, find a perfect, juicy strawberry or a perfectly ripe zucchini and snip it from the plant and bring it inside to eat. 

I love going to the farmers market (when we're not under shelter-in-place), mind you. But I hate how often I don't get around to using that beautiful produce before it goes bad. My hope is having my own garden will allow me to put veggies to better use in the moment-for salads and dinner sides-whenever they are ready to be picked. 

I know this new project won't be without its challenges, however. Our yard is home to at least a dozen birds and visited regularly by numerous squirrels by day and at least two raccoons by night. That means these beds aren't going to stay uncovered like this for long!

This Week's Low FODMAP Recipes 

• Liven up your next Sunday dinner table by making some Low FODMAP Passion Fruit Curd for dessert! (via A Little Bit Yummy)
• Craving Chinese takeout? Try this Low FODMAP Tofu with Baby Bok Choy from FODMAP Everyday instead!
• Need a quick and healthy weekday dinner? This Japanese Omelet with Miso Mayo from Stone Soup will get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes.
• If you're craving cheesecake, these coffee cheesecake shooters from Manu's Menu will definitely hit the spot.
• Some folks have a sweet tooth, but I have more of a salt tooth. I can't wait to try these Gluten free salt and pepper chips- just like what you'd order from a UK Chinese takeaway-from Becky Excell.

Time for a Spring Low FODMAP Pantry Refresh?

I reently went through my pantry cupboards and tossed out all the expired canned goods that made the move with us a year ago. So many things that I always *meant* to get around to using but that, instead, expired over the past few months. If your pantry needs a refresh too, visit my Amazon store to find the ingredients you need and support Erika's Gluten-free Kitchen at the same time!