Black Bean and Squash Chili

Autumn is in the air today where I live.  A clear sky, cool temps, and a light breeze require a sweatshirt.  But after the horribly hot summer this weather is very much welcome.  And did you know that today also marks the first day of autumn on the calendar?  And what comes to mind when thinking about food at this time of year?  Soups and stews.  Be ready.  I love cooking stews and...

Apple “Teeth” Snack

Cute or creepy?  Whatever you think of this apple “teeth” snack, they will be a hit with your children.  And maybe even the kid at heart of yourself or someone else. Simple to prepare, this snack will go over well.  And it is always a good idea to have a healthy snack midafternoon or as an after school snack. Not only does the apple provide you with great fiber and vitamins, the sunflower...

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...

Gluten Free Pasta

Pasta, pasta, pasta.  It seems like everyone loves pasta.  And being gluten free doesn’t mean you have to give up pasta.  I do not have to be gluten free, but I like to limit my wheat intake.   And I like to vary my diet.  I personally think too many people consume too much of the same foods over and over.  Switching out your regular pasta for gluten free pasta would be an easy way...

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...

Gluten Free Yeast Free Dinner Rolls

Some meals just need dinner rolls.  You know the kind.  They don’t feel like a complete meal without a roll.  Well, for a person on an allergy friendly diet who should not have gluten, or the person on the anti-candida diet or allergic to yeast or just doesn’t like yeast, it is pretty hopeless.  Until now.  I wish I could claim this as my own recipe…that is how good it is.  But alas,...

Dairy Free and Soy Free Tartar Sauce

Today I’m bringing you a dairy and soy free version of tartar sauce.   It tastes, in my opinion, better with Earth Balance Mindful Mayo Original than it ever did with mayo.  This tartar sauce will go well with tuna patties or fish fillets, even the kind that come from a box if you can eat those.  I adapted it from Betty Crocker’s Cookbook.  This batch usually is enough for one meal of...

Earth Balance Mindful Mayo Original – Product Review

Earth Balance products are a must for those of us on a dairy free, egg free, or soy free diet.  But they would be a healthier alternative for anybody really as it is free of cholesterol and trans fats.  Today I am talking about Earth Balance Mindful Mayo-Original.  This dressing and sandwich spread is really creamy.  It is difficult to describe the taste.  It is not exactly like mayo, nor is...

Banana Nectarine Smoothie

I never made or drank smoothies in my dairy indulging days.  Now they are a staple in my diet.  A good friend of mine introduced me to smoothies without milk products and I remember thinking that was unusual.  I had just assumed that smoothies had to have yogurt or milk.  But lo and behold…they do not need milk and yogurt and they can still be thick and creamy and maybe even dreamy.  I...

Nana’s Cookie Bars Gluten Free Berry Vanilla – Product Review

I have a confession to make.  Sometimes I fall for marketing schemes. Please tell me I’m not the only one. And yep, that is what happened to me with this product.  I fell for the cute Curious George monkey on the box.  Maybe the fact that I found it at a TJ Maxx instead of a grocery store should have set off alarm bells, I don’t know.  But I do know, that you should just say no.  I...