Russian Dressing – Refined Sugar Free, Soy Free

Today’s recipe comes courtesy of one of my readers.  She saw my Russian Cranberry Chicken post where I stated making my own Russian Dressing was on my to-do list.  Well, no more.  Thanks to her, she sent me a copy of her Russian Dressing recipe that is soy free and refined sugar free as well as free of all the other stuff I stay clear from.   There is ketchup in the recipe so in order to...

All Natural Anti-Bacterial Kitchen and Bath Cleaner

I have been making my own kitchen and bath cleaner for years now.  It is so simple, very cost effective and all natural.  And it is anti-bacterial to boot!   Start with 2 cups water.   Add 3 Tablespoons of regular (not anti-bacterial) liquid hand soap.   Add 20-30 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil.    Pour into a squirt bottle.  (This is not my squirt bottle I use for my all natural kitchen...

Spicy Skillet Meal -Gluten Free/Allergy Friendly

Remember Hamburger Helper?  You know, where you simply add beef and a packet of flavoring and you have a “meal?”  I cannot believe I used to make and eat those!  My food allergies had forced me into eating REAL FOOD and for that I am very grateful!  Now I would never turn back to boxed dinners even if I could. Now I agree that this isn’t the most interesting blog post entry.  It’s...

Baking 101! Tips For Baking Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Baked Goods

The following post first appeared at Living Without Magazine's blog entitled My Life With Food Allergies where I am a contributor. When someone first learns of a food allergy or intolerance, one is often faced with the daunting task of learning to cook, bake and eat a whole new way.  It is almost like learning a whole new language. Here is a list of 15 tips for baking gluten free and allergy...

Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

Do you ever start a meal only to find out you do not have an ingredient?  That’s what happened to me that had me scrambling to make my own taco seasoning.  It turns out it is pretty easy and honestly, it’s probably healthier without hidden wheat, additives or MSG lurking in there.   I adapted this recipe for taco seasoning from The Everything Food Allergy Cookbook.    I use one...

Allergic Living Magazine

Allergic Living is a magazine worth reading.  It covers the whole gamut; from seasonal allergies to pet allergies to food allergies.  In their upcoming issue you will find out how dogs can protect young ones from developing allergies as well as find allergy free cookies and bars, super smoothies, green salads, plus so much more.  You can subscribe to the magazine here. While I was not paid for...

Top 10 Most Viewed Posts of 2013

It's been crazy around here and I haven't had a chance until now to really check into my 2013 stats.  But the New Year is still young, so I thought I could still do a Top 10 post.  In order of least viewed to most viewed here are the most popular posts of 2013: #10 Minty Chocolate Dessert Bars.   No surprise here!  Everyone I know loves chocolate! #9  Awesome Allergy Free Fudge.  Again, who...

Life With Food Allergies – Part 2

Realizing that your food allergies is a blessing was discussed in part one.  However, even though we are feeling better, we still have to deal with something; something unpleasant, something that can actually be very trying for a person with food allergies and sensitivities.  And that is the uninformed people.  The annoying ones who think they have all the answers, think you are fanatical, or...

Fun Finds Friday – Hot Chocolate Surprise – Dairy Free and Sugar Free

Are you a Black Friday shopper?  I am not.  Large, crazy crowds and I are not friends.  I do love a good hot chocolate though!  Being dairy free means making your own hot chocolate, not ripping open a package and adding hot water.  I’ve learned to be okay with that.  I found an interesting twist on hot chocolate for today’s Fun Finds Friday.   It has a secret ingredient.  I did not...

Life With Food Allergies – Part 1

Living with food allergies can be a hassle.  It can be daunting and time consuming.  It can be scary.  Living with food allergies is expensive. HOWEVER, living with food allergies can also be a blessing. First, why is life with food allergies all that and more?  Well, life with food allergies can be a hassle because we always have to “think” about our food.  We cannot just jump in the...