How To Make A “Can” Of Condensed Cream Of Mushroom Soup – Photo Tutorial

First published in 2013, this remains a favorite recipe. Reposting today so everyone has it handy for Thanksgiving! It took me two and half years to make Ranch dressing and it has also been that long since I ate a casserole that was made with a can of cream of mushroom soup.  I guess I did not miss it that much, as my cooking has changed and evolved into a healthier diet since those days....

What Are Cacao Nibs?

***This post is part of the Food Ingredients You Need to Know Series.  In case you didn't know, this blog, Living Free Health and Life, is the new and improved Allergy Free Test Kitchen. Cacao nibs!  You got to have these in your pantry! What are they?  They are crushed pieces of the cacao bean…aka cocoa bean. Cocao beans are harvested, dried, fermented, and then cracked into these little...

Grain Free Sandwich Bread

Hello!  It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything.  I’ve been making a lot of the same things over and over and well, life gets in the way sometimes. But I wanted to share with you this bread recipe I’ve been making very often since last March.  It’s very easy and extremely tasty! This bread requires the use of a lot of eggs.  Thankfully, I’m at a point that I can tolerate...

Nutty Chocolate Pudding

Who wants a chocolate dessert that is creamy, satisfying and allergy friendly? This quick-to-make dessert is sure to please even the finickiest of eaters and is gluten free, egg free, milk free, soy free, and corn free. Please do not be scared off by the avocado in it.  You really can’t taste it, but it adds such creaminess and richness!  Avocados are also a good source of good-for-you...

Smoky Black Bean Dip

I love raw veggies and hummus and vegetable dips!  There is always something in the fridge to dip into. Now it’s time for a new twist! Introducing Smoky Black Bean Dip.  It’s just like hummus, only hummus is technically only made with chickpeas. This is really good with raw veggies and even tortilla chips.  Sometimes it comes out looking brown and sometimes it almost looks purple…which...

Mostly Vegetable Smoothie

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything.  I’ve just been making the same ole things over and over. But with the advent of spring, warmer temps, budding trees, I’ve felt the desire to start making new things in the kitchen again. So, with that, I give you this mostly vegetable smoothie. It’s a perfect way to “detox” from all the heavy winter foods. This is one of those recipes...

Creamy Tomato Soup – Gluten, Dairy, Egg and Soy Free

Oh those days of long ago!  Days when I would open a can of condensed tomato soup and crumble in an entire tube of Ritz crackers. Those long ago days are rarely missed anymore, but the memories linger as many memories are formed around food. Today’s recipe for tomato soup is not really reminiscent of those red and white cans of tomato soup. This is definitely a grown up version of tomato soup!...

Unusual Salad Dressing

I’m at a loss for words when it comes to naming this salad dressing. Maybe you all can suggest a good name for it? For now I’m settling on “unusual salad dressing.” Why? Because it is actually unusual tasting; in my book anyway. And oddly, it is kiddo’s VERY FAVORITE salad dressing of all time! Seriously, put on this homemade ranch dressing, or this Russian dressing, or bottled Italian...

Grain Free Gluten Free Coconut Flour Biscuits

I’m intrigued by Paleo baking. For those who don’t know…that is baking without any grains…even gluten free ones. A lot of Paleo recipes I see call for the use of eggs. Especially if one is using coconut flour. That usually requires the use of a lot of eggs. While I normally avoid eggs, I am at a point where I can eat them in a baked good on occasion. One thing I’ve been making with...

Chocolate Date Balls

Chocolate! Give me chocolate! Who doesn’t love a chocolate treat now and then? These raw chocolate date balls are the perfect way to enjoy chocolate. No added sugar! All sweetness comes from dates. Medjool dates work best because they are so, so naturally sweet and creamy! Regular dates work also! No matter what kind of date you purchase, they can be either hard to find or expensive. So I...