Author Archives: Melinda

Easy Vegetable Curry

Here’s a simple and colorful curry dish that is a great way to get your family members to eat their vegetables. Peas, carrots, and cauliflower are readily available even in the wintertime, making putting this dish together a snap. 1 tablespoon canola oil 4 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 cauliflower head, cut into small florets…

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GFCF Banana Bread

I love bananas! Everyone in the house usually eats one per day, which means we typically have an abundance of this gem of a fruit in our home. Occasionally we have bananas sitting around in the kitchen that my kids will not eat because the kids think they’re too ripe. What do you do when…

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Not Just for Grown-Ups Anymore

When I say “massage,” what image comes to your mind? Let me guess: you’re thinking a spa, soft music, and a soothing, relaxing treat that most of us don’t get to enjoy often enough (or ever). I used to think that way, too. As a migraine sufferer, I began massage as a course of treatment;…

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What Does Autism Look Like?

The other day I was talking with a classmate—someone with whom I’ve recently become acquainted—and we got on the subject of autism. The conversation turned to my daughter, and I showed my friend a YouTube video of my daughter singing. The response I got was, “Wow, I would never guess she had autism.” I get…

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Quinoa Porridge

Here’s a recipe for a delicious, hot breakfast: a much-needed thing on a cold winter morning. Over the years, I have had a love-hate relationship with quinoa. It took a while, but I finally got the hang of cooking quinoa, and have begun to really enjoy it. What’s even better is that quinoa is a…

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Again with the Changes, Part II

After I posted last week about Zoe’s transition to middle school, I received some excellent feedback here on 5 Minutes for Special Needs. Thanks to Lisa and Donetta for their comments. I also received an email from Abigail, an elementary school special education teacher, and I thought I would share some of her suggestions. Here’s…

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Sesame Candy

Here is a simple candy recipe that is pretty easy to make; if you’re new to candy making, this would be a good one to try. I found the orginal recipe on Epicurious.com. It stores very well, so you can make a batch and store them in an airtight container. It will keep for about…

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Again With the Changes

Just when I thought 2008 was full of changes, I find that 2009 is all about transitions too. Last year, Zoe was placed into a general education setting, and it was on a full-time basis. Now we find ourselves preparing for an even more dramatic change: going from elementary school to middle school. This fact…

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Tembleque (Puerto-Rican Style Coconut Custard)

It took a lot of coaxing for me to get my mother-in-law to teach me how to make her coconut custard. I love it because not only does is use one of my favorite ingredients—coconut—but it is also gluten and casein free. I didn’t even have to modify the recipe. Well, except for the fact…

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Project Puzzles

When relatives started calling to ask me what Zoe and Ayden wanted for Christmas, the first words out of my mouth were “something challenging for them to do with their hands.” Specifically, I was hoping for some type of construction set (like Lego’s) or some puzzles. Once the dust settled on Christmas Day, I looked…

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