Navitas Immunity Caramel Bars Recipe
We’ve partnered up with Navitas to bring you a few new recipes featuring their new Superfood Boosts, which are amazing. What’s even better is these boosts are organic, gluten free, and vegan, meaning they’re safe for many to enjoy. Today’s recipe features the Immunity Boost which is full of healthy fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and enzymes.
Now, if you’ve been a long time reader of the blog, you know that I look at things totally different from those around me. Show me a product (and tell me what it should be used for) and I’ll imagine many other ways to use it. In fact, when I first met the Navitas rep and he showed me the Boosts, I said, “This would make a great cookie.” He was totally caught off guard as he had never thought to use it that way.
I share that to say this: don’t let food allergies and special diets stop you from creating awesome food. In fact, use your “weakness” as a strength. In the case of these Boosts, I wanted to make them the strength of a dessert 🙂
Allergy Status: Wheat/Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Peanut Free, Yeast Free, Cane/Refined Sugar Free, Sesame Free, Legume Free, Low Histamine, Diabetic Friendly, Paleo, Vegan, Nut Free Compatible, AIP Compatible, Corn Free Compatible
For Nut Free: Omit the coconut sugar and replace with additional maple sugar.
For AIP: Omit the flax seeds. You will need to add 1 extra Tablespoon of cassava to your filling. Also know that the removal of the flax creates a more crumbly bar (that still tastes delicious).
For Corn Free: You will need to assess if the Navitas powder is safe for you. All of the other ingredients are available from safe sources. Read More
No-Bake Cinnamon Cookie Recipe (and a Tasty Lunch Too)
I had a wonderful time at Expo West last month, which included spending time with the Don’t Go Nuts team. If you haven’t heard of this company, be sure to look them up. Their story is a lot like ours, and it’s one that a lot of food allergy and special diet families share. The products that they have on the market came from a personal need, and because of their dedication, everyone wins.
But wait, there’s more! They loaded me up with products to try (in a nifty bag) and I was able to share what the needs of our household are. Well, the lady I was speaking with made sure that we had the bar that was right for our allergy kid. Then she did the most amazing thing- she sent me a followup email to correct something she told me in person.
Guys, I was blown away by her determination to keep people safe, including our allergy kid. It had to do with facilities and equipment, but the fact that she met thousands of people and remembered our conversation, and then took the time to email me made her a total hero in my book. It’s not everyday that a company shows that much care for their customers.
So, let’s jump into the real reason you’re here: a tasty recipe. For those of you that know me well, you know that I think lunches should be fun, especially on a Friday. Not only is this a fun lunch for kids, but I created this cookie with all of you busy moms in mind. We get so caught up sometimes and don’t have the bandwidth to do much more. To help with that, these cookies only have a handful of ingredients, and come together in about 10 minutes. No joke.
(Cookie) Allergy Status: Wheat/Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Yeast Free, Sesame Free, Nightshade Free, Vegan Read More
Meat Lover’s Brussels & Rice Recipe
Today I want to share with you something that the kids absolutely loved: Meat Lover’s Brussels & Rice. It was a quick lunch that I put together, but they went back for thirds. My favorite thing about this recipe: it incorporates Brussels Sprouts. I was surprised when they were much younger how much they liked meals that included sprouts, and have continued to add them when I can.
As some of you may know, we are a homeschooling family, so on rice days I’ll often start the rice cooker with veggies on top in the steaming insert before running an errand or taking the kids somewhere. When we get back, half of the meal is ready to go. This meal is no different.
Allergy Status: Gluten/Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Yeast Free, Onion & Garlic Free, Allium Free, Sesame Free, Legume Free, Cane/Refined Sugar Free, Corn Free Compatible
For Corn Free: Source safe ingredients. This one is a bit of a stretch, but not impossible. Read More
Headed to Expo West!
I’m excited to share with you all that I’m headed to Expo West next week. Not only is it my first time, but I’ll be part of the official blogging team as well. It’s such an honor to be on a team with so many other amazing bloggers including Celiac and The Beast, Krysten’s Kitchen, Sweets 4 Epi Girl, FODMAP Life, and Mamavation. You can see the whole team at the New Hope Website.
So what will I be on the hunt for? Everything. As usual, I’m sure I’ll try to see it all (but I’ve been warned that it’s an impossible task) so that I can bring back lots of information for all of you. I’m especially keen to find items made in either dedicated facilities, or on dedicated equipment. I’ll also be searching extra hard for top 8 free foods, truly corn free foods, AIP foods, and allergy friendly vegan products. If you represent a company that will be at Expo West, be sure to reach out.
Be sure to mark your calendars because on Monday, March 12, we will do a special Monday Night Live sharing the information with you. It will start at 5:30pm pst on both Facebook (@freeandfriendly) and Instagram (@theallergychef). Be sure to take notes and lots of screenshots.
If you have something that you need help finding, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are a lot of companies that have asked me to stop by their booth, but I’m also creating a to-do list based on your needs. It’s one of my core missions to make sure that I help everyone find safe and delicious food to eat.
Next week be sure to check out Instagram stories (@theallergychef) as I’ll be oversharing all of the good finds.
Valentine’s Day, Food Allergies, and Special Diets
Valentine’s Day, along with every other holiday can be hard enough without food allergies or a special diet, so here are some tips to get you through.
Treat Suggestions
Shortbread Cookies: Download our free Kit Card and make shortbread cookies. Rather than use Christmas decorations (like the card) make a pink glaze instead. Use heart cookie cutters and now you have an awesome V-Day treat.
Torrie & Howard Candies: Order some of these to use as a small way to show someone you care. Be sure to get cherry or pomegranate flavors which have red wrappers.
Wholesome Sweeteners (Previously Surf Sweets) Heart Candy: These are gluten free, top 8 free, vegan, and organic. You can get these at many specialty stores, and amazon.
No Whey Chocolates: They have seasonal treats available now, and if you call, you may be able to get free shipping.
Enjoy Life Foods: Everything from enjoy life is Top 8 Free and more. You can take their soft baked cookies and use a small heart cookie cuter to turn cookie rounds into V-Day hearts.
Zego Snacks: Pick up the strawberry or raspberry Zego bars and like the tip above, use a small heart shaped cookie cutter to show some love to someone special. Vanilla heart yogurt for breakfast is sure to make someone smile.
Make These Quick Snacks:
Pictured are Made Good Crispy Rice Bars topped with Surf Sweets Heart Gummies. I made a quick Vanilla Glaze to use as glue. For the glaze, I used a few Tablespoons of Organic Powdered Sugar and added a small amount of water until it was a glue-like consistency. The kids dipped the gummies in the glue, and stuck them on to the crispy treats.
The biggest reason I shared this treat with you: we made them in FIVE minutes. I know how busy life gets, so I wanted to make something that someone short on time can enjoy.
Do Things Your Way
Maybe food isn’t the best option for you. There are so many other ways to show love on V-Day that don’t involve food. LEGO bricks can be formed into the shape of a heart. Paper crafts and origami are also a great option. If you live near a beach, draw hearts in the sand, take pictures, and make your own custom cards. With a little creativity, the options are limitless on how to show some care and love.
Don’t Forget the Health Factor
It’s easy to get caught up in the sweets on Valentine’s Day, but don’t forget, there are other food groups to choose from. Smoothies and juices can include beets, goji berries, raspberries, and strawberries for a pink tint. Pink lady apples also make a great pink toned applesauce. If you want a fun dinner, consider homemade pizza, and form the dough into the shape of a heart. To make this easier, Wilton sells a heart shaped cake pan you can purchase to make your shaping much easier.
No matter how you chose to spend Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s stress free and full of love.
Other bloggers who have shared great guides:
Hilary’s Breakfast Cookup
Can I just start by saying how much I LOVE Hilary’s Eat Well? If you have food allergies, are vegan, corn free, top 8 free, diabetic, or low-histamine, this is a company you need to know all about. They have a wide range of products (and the ranch dressing is bomb dot com) for people to choose from. During the Food Allergy Awareness Expedition, we had the pleasure of visiting the Hilary’s factory and they gifted us so many products, including the Millet Medleys, which was new at the time. Read More
Carrot Cake Ice Cream
There are so many days where I think I’m nothing short of a mad scientist. I love to ask myself, “I wonder if xyz would work…” and this time, it was carrot cake in ice cream form. Turns out, it does. Now, for those of you who may have a single allergy, such as eggs, feel free to start with a more traditional ice cream recipe, then add the items towards the bottom of the ingredient list that helps this ice cream stand apart. Read More
No-Bake Cheesecakes ~ All The Details
No-Bake Cheesecakes are simply AWESOME. Please refer to this post before making cheesecakes. I’ve put together all the best information in one place for you.
First, Let’s Talk About Cream Cheese Options
When you’re dairy free, there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to cream cheese. If you’re big on homesteading, you can make it yourself. That would be the cleanest option. If you’re new to dairy free and have no idea where to being, you’re most likely looking to make a purchase. Below are the three leading brands of cream cheese available in most stores that cater to people with food allergies. However, be warned, they each come with strings attached. Read More
Allergy Friendly Cookies ‘N Creme No-Bake Cheesecake & Peppermint Creme No-Bake Cheesecake
If you asked the kids, they would tell you that I have saved the best for last. That may be true. Cookies ‘N Creme is one of their all time favorite flavors, so it’s no surprise that they took to this cheesecake so quickly.
If you have a soy allergy along with a wheat allergy, I’m sorry but you won’t be able to make this recipe easily. The only allergy friendly creme cookie is made by Kinnikinnick, and it contains soy (and potato). You would need to make your own cookie at home first and then use it along with either Kite Hill or Daiya cream cheese. While it can be done, it’s not quick and easy, which is what this No-Bake Cheesecake Series is all about.
Before you jump in, if this is your first rodeo, be sure to read through our No-Bake Cheesecake Basics post. In that post, I go over all you need to know about the different brands of cream cheese, as well as ratios, tips, tricks, and more. You can also see all 13 flavors of our No-Bake Cheesecake Series here.
Allergy Status: Gluten/Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Yeast Free, Sesame Free, Vegan Read More
Allergy Friendly Coffee No-Bake Cheesecake
Can I share something with you: no one in our house likes, or drinks, coffee. However, through the magic of our bakery, everyone LOVES coffee desserts now. Our Low/No Sugar Kid says that the Grain Free Coffee Cookies (and Rose) are his favorites, and The Papa really likes the Coffee Bean Cupcake. Cracks me up every time. If you really enjoy an intense coffee flavor, experiment with the amount of coffee that you use in this recipe.
Before you jump in, if this is your first rodeo, be sure to read through our No-Bake Cheesecake Basics post. In that post, I go over all you need to know about the different brands of cream cheese, as well as ratios, tips, tricks, and more. You can also see all 13 flavors of our No-Bake Cheesecake Series here.
Allergy Status: Gluten/Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Yeast Free, Nightshade Free, Sesame Free, Vegan, Soy Free Compatible, Legume Free Compatible
Soy & Legume Free: Use a different cream cheese option (see the basic post for details) Read More