Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Avocados.  Nature’s creamy fruit.  Have you heard that?  I never had an avocado until I gave up milk.  And boy was I missing something!  Everyone should be enjoying this fruit.  I started out eating it as guacamole and loved it so much I made it nearly weekly at first. But I have since tapered off.  I guess there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. But here is a super cool way...

Chili Mac Bake-For Meatlovers or Vegans, Allergy Free Or Not

Can you say “YUM?”  Yep, this is super yummy.  You can make this Chili Mac Bake meat lovers way or vegan style.  I have made it both ways and both ways were super good.  In fact it can also be made allergy free or not.  This recipe fits anyone’s diet or preferences. Here is a picture of the vegan version of Chili Mac Bake.   Besides being delish and comfort food this is easy to put...

Sweet Potato Fries

Do you have some uncooked sweet potatoes left over from Christmas?  Not sure what to do with them?  Make them into fries!  This is so simple and easy, I am embarrassed to say I have never made this until a few years ago when a friend introduced this to me. You can cut them long.    Or you can cut them short. But, either way, you have a fast and easy side dish.  Most kids like sweet potatoes...

The Best Beef Stew

When you get tired of all the Christmas sweets and foods, you can make this down home, comfort food beef stew. This beef stew is the best one I ever ate.  Once I made this I have not gone back to any of my old stew recipes.   It has fast become a favorite.  And I think it will for you too. Make this stew on a day when you are home in the afternoon and on a chilly day.  It takes about three...

Red Pretzel Dip

Red pretzel/cracker dip is a good addition for your holiday gathering or party.  This is a bit different.  I like it okay, but it’s not one I would eat a lot of or often.  But it does go well with regular or gluten free pretzels and really dresses up boring gluten free rice crackers.  It seems like a good dish to bring someplace where there will be a lot of people and the food is on a...

Berry Cherry Slush

Here is a festive beverage for the holiday season.  Actually this would work for any occasion, any season.  But given its red color, it seems to be suited for Christmas.   This beverage is easy to put together and can be made in advance freeing up the days closer to your celebration for the other foods on your to make list.  An added bonus is that it uses no added sugar with the exception of...

How To Cut A Pineapple-Photo Tutorial

Pineapples have been on sale lately.  I never used to buy them whole because cutting one up seemed daunting.  But I have been buying fresh pineapples (only when on sale)  for about two years now.  Here are some pictures on how to cut a pineapple. It's that simple.  Buy fresh pineapple and you will never go back to canned!

Awesome Allergy Free Fudge

Have I got a treat for you! Dairy free fudge!  Yep, that is right, and without soy too!  Not to mention the other allergens.  (It does contain coconut which is not a tree nut, but if that is a problem for you, this may not be for you).   Enjoy Life, the company that sells allergy free chocolate chips and many other snacks and goodies, is having a recipe contest.  I made this fudge to enter...

Alternatives to Butter (and soy) in Baking–Spectrum Shortening and Earth Balance Coconut Spread

Today I bring you some information about alternatives to butter and regular shortening in baking.  Butter of course, makes things delicious and flaky, but it is made out of milk.  So it’s out for people with milk allergies or vegans.  But you can still bake wonderful treats without butter.  There is shortening, like Crisco, or your store’s generic brand.  This works very well in most...

Winter Fruit Salad

I usually like to keep my fruit in its natural state.  But sometimes it is fun to dress it up; especially around the holidays.  You could make this fruit salad for your Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve party or anytime in the winter when oranges and grapefruit are in season.  It is easy to put together and adds a special twist to your dinner. Apples, pears, oranges, some grapefruit, and...