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...

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...

Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Apples

If you are not a fan of sweet potatoes, I think this recipe will change your mind.  And if not, maybe some scientific facts will.  After all, I sometimes find it easier to eat healthy when I know how good the food is for me.  Sweet potatoes are probably under eaten here in America.  I found a statistic that states in 1943 sweet potatoes were consumed 21.7 pounds per capita and in 2007 it...

Mexican Bean Salsa

I try to make at least one meatless meal a week, if not twice.  It started as a way to keep the grocery bill down.  Buying beans is more affordable than meat.  However, I have really grown to enjoy my meatless meals and do so now out of desire rather than affordability.  Beans, such as black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans etc. are so good for you as they are chuck full of...

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...

Dairy, Soy, and Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese

Every kid likes mac and cheese, right?  And let’s admit it folks…adults do too! And I admit I used to buy the boxed kind.  Only, I was too cheap back then to even spring for the Kraft!  I still try and watch the grocery bill.  Who doesn’t these days?  But cooking allergy free also means an increased grocery bill whether you like it or not.  I’m getting used to the higher prices of...

Daiya Cheddar and Mozzarella Style Shreds-Product Review

So when I first went milk free I was a cheese addict.  It's no wonder considering I spent my growing up years in the land of cheese (aka Wisconsin).  I made a trip to Whole Foods to check out the cheese alternatives.  I bought some prepackaged sliced stuff.  That would make a great grilled cheese sandwich, right?  Wrong!  Or at least wrong for me.  Maybe you like it, or maybe you will like...