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Please see the Autism Ontario blog post about upcoming events for 2011. I know you ladies have some great ideas on what you would like to see from your chapter. If you want to see more Cambridge activies, make it known!

We are contemplating moving the meeting site to central Kitchener or perhaps Doon. Chime in!

Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

I make these cookies for handy GF breakfasts to go or to add to lunchboxes. I use a bean flour blend, once the hemp is added these cookies are about 3g of protein each. I like to add maple extract and maple flakes or maple sugar to sweeten, then cut down on the sugar. The maple goes really well with the hemp and sweeten up the dairy free choc chips. My time saving tip is to first measure all dry ingredients into 2 different bowls, as in make the flour, salt etc twice (not the sugars). Then put one into a ziploc bag for later and you can whip the next batch up in no time. Also I often bake half the recipe and cover and bake the other half in a few days time- Valerie

Ingredients

1 cup PC lactose free margarine or earth balance shortening
1 cup(250 mL) (250 mL) granulated sugar, raw sugar works well
1/2 cup(125 mL) (125 mL) packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp(15 mL) (15 mL) vanilla or maple extract
2 cups(500 mL) GF (500 mL) all-purpose flour mix

(I add 1 ½ c all purpose mix and ½ cup sweet white rice flour)
1 1tsp tsp(5 mL) (5 mL) baking soda

1 tsp(5 mL) xanthan gum(5 mL) xanthnxz

1/2 tsp(2 mL) (2 mL) salt
1/2 to 1 cups(500 mL) (500 mL) pure chocolate chips
1  cup(250 mL) (250 mL) chopped walnut or pecans (optional , my kids dont like the 'chunks')

½ to 1 cup hemp hearts/ hemp seeds

Preparation:

1.      In bowl, beat margarine and/or shortening; gradually beat in granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, xanthan and salt, and stir into butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and seeds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls (15 mL), about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, onto parchment paper-lined or silicone paper lined baking sheets. With wet hand, flatten to 1/2 inch (1 cm) thickness. Bake in 350 F oven for 12- 15 minutes or until edges are golden and centres are still slightly underbaked. Pull the paper off and let cool on cooling racks for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies off the paper by loosening the cookies one by one then pulling the paper. Let cool on racks; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

This came from another mom

We had some ongoing discussion about gluten and/or casein free diets, and best products, recipes, etc.  We were treated to a batch of gluten free cookies that were delicious!!  Thanks go out to this mom for sharing with us!!  Below is the recipe:

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1cup vegan margarine
1cup white sugar
1cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 tbsp water
2 tbsp ground flax seed meal
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup tapioca flour (not starch)
1 cup brown rice flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups gluten free oats
1 cup chocolate chips (good life gf/cf)
2-4 tbsp brewer's yeast

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Mix the flaxmeal and water and let sit for 3-5mins
3. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well
4. Add eggs and mix well
5. Add flax seed mix and vanilla beat well
6. Sift together flours, brewer's yeast, baking soda, and salt
7. Add dry ingredients to butter mix
8. Stir in oats and chips
9. Scoop onto baking sheet
10. Bake for 12mins
11. Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray

Some of our moms have tried different rice pastas and it seems that some are better received than others.  One particular brand that was recommended by several moms is Tinkyada.  I have not tried it myself but I did check out their web site and I am passing this information along for anyone else who cares to check it out.  Here is a web site for the product, and it includes a link to some delicious looking recipes, including one with my favourite veggie, eggplant!

http://www.tinkyada.com/

I was also provided with three articles to share with members. I have not had a chance to read any of them myself yet, but here are the titles. If you would like a copy of one or more of these articles please let me know and I will make copies to share:

1.  Autism in Other Lands: Insightful Pearls From an Asperger's Point of View (Stephen Shore, EdD)
2. Diagnosis of Autism: 10 Quick Tips (Lauren W. Underwood, PhD)
3. Positively Impact Your Son or Daughter's Transition Direction: Three Essential Questions You Must Ask (Jackie M. Marquette, PhD)

Lastly, we had some really meaningful discussion about the idea of "paying it forward". In these difficult times we all need to reach out for a helping hand sometimes.  It is OK to ask for help.  It is OK to receive help.  Do not worry if you cannot re-pay the person who helped you.  Do what you can to make the world a better place.  Pay it forward.  This can be as simple as a kind word to someone who looks like they are having a bad day, letting someone in front of you in traffic, or any act of kindness that makes someone else's day a little brighter.

Hi :)

As we get no help from our family with our son Parry we are thankfull for his 2 wonderfull workers Tanya and Jill!When he is with them I know he is safe and happy!This means a great deal to a mother of a special needs son or daughter!