dairy free

The Perfect Dairy Free Ice Cream Base

August 26, 2013 By Julie 2 Comments

I simply couldn’t let summer come to a close without taking one honest to goodness stab at dairy free ice cream. And I’m not talking about a stab that kind of sort of tastes like ice cream but still makes me long for the real thing. I’m talking about the “holy mother of Mary that’s the best dang ice cream I’ve had in a long time and I demand proof to the contrary that it’s dairy free” kind. That’s what I aimed for. No less would suffice. And honestly? I’m still pinching myself to make sure I’m not crazy, but dag gone it, I think I’ve done it. This one’s a winner. You know you’ve done something right when your child who can still eat dairy actually requests that you brew up another batch of the milk free version.
…

Blueberry Coconut Crisp (Gluten and Dairy Free)

July 23, 2013 By Julie 5 Comments

First up, you all are awesome. Thank you so much for the kind words, the valuable information sharing and the general feeling of support. If nothing else, it makes the journey a bit easier and a whole lot more interesting knowing you’re not the only one on board the train. We’ve hit week six of the change and it feels like the hill is starting to turn back down again. I’ve figured out the perfect pancake, tracked down a couple gluten free granola bars we all like in addition to making our own and, of course, baked up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Almond milk is my new friend and the boys are once again relishing in their daily morning time smoothie sans yogurt.

…

Avocado Grapefruit Ice Cream (Dairy Free)

April 19, 2013 By Julie 16 Comments

Let me start by saying that, when I first heard of avocado ice cream, I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea. After all, in this house avocados are for guacamole and pretty much solely guacamole. Sure, the occasional slice may make it on a sandwich or get dropped into a salad, but the majority of the time it’s “green sauce”, as my seven year old Alex affectionately calls it, for this family.

…

The Art of Making Strawberry Jam

May 4, 2012 By Julie 10 Comments

When I’m cooking in the kitchen, whether it be a simple dinner or an elaborate dessert, I tend to imagine myself a culinary artist. As I spin the spatula around the hot pan, questions dance through my mind as to the best way to paint an edible picture. What color would go best on this canvas? Green you say? Ok then, let’s toss in some spinach. You’re feeling the need for texture to add a little more interest? Would cooked brown rice suffice? I completely understand. the subject’s not spicy enough for you; a pinch of crushed red pepper it is. With a little give and take, the perfect work of taste-tempting art is almost always achieved.

…

Chinese Five Spice Chicken Endive Salad

February 20, 2012 By Julie 12 Comments

Have you ever come home from an afternoon out and about to find a surprise package resting on your front doorstep? You know you didn’t order anything, it’s not Christmas, and your birthday isn’t for another couple weeks. As you carry it inside, the curiosity is beginning to build. Maybe your husband bought something you didn’t know about. Perhaps it’s the favorite toy your five year old left behind by accident at grandma’s house during the last visit.

…

Pork and Tomatillo Stew

February 16, 2012 By Julie 14 Comments

In case you missed it, Puxatawny Phil saw his shadow this year and as a result, we’re officially entitled to six more weeks of winter.

Six more weeks.

At this stage in the game, that can feel like a lifetime. I find myself dreaming of swimsuits and summer time. I pine for beach days and mountain camp outs with my boys. Heck, even spring break would be a welcome change from the biting, mostly grey days of winter.

…