Allergy Free Thousand Island Dressing (And Why It Is Named That)

I like to check out cookbooks from the library occasionally.  I found Cooking Free by Carol Fenster, PhD.  To me, it appears to be one of the “first” allergy friendly cookbooks having been published 8 years ago.  I’m actually surprised that I had not heard of or seen her cookbook before now.  While flipping through the book I came across a recipe for Thousand Island Dressing.  I was...

Jazzy Jello

Jello may make for an odd blog post.  After all, everyone knows how to make Jello!  But this is a jazzed up version.  It’s more than just Jello and water!   I include it here because I sometimes think that people overlook the simple ideas.  This Jello concoction makes for a great dessert or snack.  Perfect for after supper, before bed, after school, or mid-day, this can be a perfect snack...

Vegan Ranch Dressing

Two and a half years.  That is how long I have been milk free.  And that is how long I went without Ranch dressing.  I always intended to come up with a recipe for it.  But somehow I never got around to it.  Then a few weeks ago I got a real hankering for it.    Rather than do it myself, I thought I would look for a recipe on another blog.  Surely, someone had come up with a good Ranch...

Leafy Greens and Fruit Salad

Leafy greens plus fruit equals delicious salad!  Make your own dressing and there will be no worries about food allergies.  Plus, this salad would simply not do with a store bought dressing.  This dressing is a hit with everyone; even little ones. So, next time you are thinking of making a leafy salad, go for the fruit!  You will not be disappointed. I adapted this recipe from The Everything...

Candy Apple Waldorf Salad

In an effort to make salads a bit more exciting at my house I decided to take the Waldorf salad recipe of my youth and make it healthier and allergy friendly. When I was a kid I thought that the name “Waldorf salad” was such goofy name.  So I did a little looking around and found that it is thought to be named after the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC when a salad consisting of red apples,...

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...

Fruity Cranberry Chutney

I love cranberries.  I could eat them year around.  Growing up, the grade school I attended always had a turkey supper fundraiser.  Each table would be set with about 2 ounces of cranberry sauce for a table of six or eight.  Even as a child, I thought that was ridiculous.  I could eat more than 2 ounces myself!    Cranberries are good for your urinary tract system, can help prevent plaque...

Must Have Pasta Salad

When I think of pasta salad I think “hot summer lunch.” But it does not have to be hot or be summer to enjoy a pasta salad. And it does not have to be lunch. It could be a side dish or salad to a meal. It could even be a snack. Pasta salads are a great way to get in some raw vegetables. And you do not really have to follow a recipe. Use whatever vegetables you want or have on hand. And all...

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free Chicken Salad

Do you need a quick meal? How about a chicken salad sandwich?  It is fast, easy, and delicious when you use Earth Balance Mindful Mayo-Original (remember it is dairy, egg and soy free-see review.)  Use up leftover chicken, or you can quickly grill or even microwave chicken if you have to.  Or go ahead and use canned chicken. Add the Mindful Mayo to cut up chicken, some crunchy celery, a little...

Raspberry Spinach Salad

I know that for many people, when they hear “spinach” they think either “yuck” or “Popeye,” and “makes you strong.”  Well, if you are eating canned or frozen spinach I can see where the “yuck” might factor in.  But by buying fresh spinach you can toss that excuse out the window.  And let’s clear up the whole Popeye thing.    Yes, spinach is good for you which we’ll...