Updating menus and life

 It's been awhile since I did any updating.  Life has been a bit hectic lately.  I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in March and have been going thru treatment and am doing alright so far.  Finding myself unable to work or even spend time in my garden, I thought it would be a good time to update my menus and add some new ones to the list.  I've gotten a few done and have just updated the links on 3 of them that have very good interactive allergen menus.  It's just easier to have you go thru what you want on there than to go thru and post every item on the menu.  

Managing your food allergies during a Pandemic

With your favorite eatery shut down do to the Coronavirus, you might think you are limited on eating options.  This is not true.  No, you can't do take out or delivery for most of your places, but I have seen some of the vegan restaurants (atleast here in Florida and my friends tell me the same in Washington) have moved to delivery.  I do caution you to use care when ordering from a delivery service though.  Most restaurants that are open will not be doing special requests such as 'no msg' or 'no bread'.   With people hoarding food that is shelf good for years, fresh fruit, veggies and some meats are in plentiful supply.  I have also seen a few companies start up a sort of farmers market delivery.  They will deliver to your neighborhood.  As for being stuck at home with nothing to do?  Get creative with your cooking!  Can't cook you say?  Bah!  Now is the time to learn!  Chop that squash up with some fresh onion, toss in a little oil/butter and seasonings and saute away!

But, in all seriousness, most of us with food allergies will be able to manage just fine since most of the processed foods that have our particular bad items are now gone from the store shelves.

If you are a parent with a special diet child and are running out of formula, call the company.  The number is on the back of the can and they will send you free formula during this crisis.


Stay safe, stay healthy. 


https:/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Turmeric

I know this has nothing to do with gluten/dairy, but I felt it needed to be passed along to as many people as possible.  I know many of you are using it as a healthy option for treating alot of things and this is very important!

They are up to 8 different labels so far!

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm515328.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#recall-photos

PCC MARKET

So, as you know, I have moved to the great north and am now spending my days wearing layers
and trying to adjust to the temperature changes from Florida to Washington.  BRR!  I haven't had
much time to do restaurant menu investigations here yet, but I have found one place I think you will fall in love with.  PCC Market.  They do a huge amount of gluten free and vegan foods.  They have a restaurant in the store that serves foods based on what they have available for the day.  You can get anything from fresh chicken to red curry tofu and so much inbetween you'll have trouble deciding what to eat!  You can sample anything that catches your fancy.  I won't be posting a menu for them because it changes daily.   You can eat inside or out on the sunny patio (yes, the sun DOES shine here!)  They offer fresh, local, organic fruits and vegetables. Their cheese wall is amazing (for those of you that can actually eat it!)  Their bakery does both gluten free and vegan bread items.  One item I will mention as they carry it all the time, is their Vegan Carrot cake Cupcakes.  They are to die for!  They have become my new downfall.  Now you CAN have your cake!

There is one more thing you should know...You can order from them thru Amazon Now and have
it delivered straight to your door provided you live within their delivery area.  I could seriously become a hermit here if I only had a job I could do from home LOL!  

Big Move

I just want to let you all know, I have moved from one side of the country to the other!  I made my move from Florida all the way to Seattle 2 months ago and am working on getting settled in and am house/apartment hunting.  I will start updating the site to reflect the new restaurants here that I will be exploring soon!  Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving leftovers

So, I was sitting at the table, staring at all the leftovers wondering what to do with it all, when this idea just popped into my head...Thanksgiving PotPie!  They turned out amazingly well and everyone I have shared this idea with has made them with the same results

Use your leftover stuffing, chilled, to line potpie pans like a crust.  Bake for 15-30 minutes at 350 (time depends on how crispy you want your crust)

Fill with left over turkey, greenbeans, gravy and top with mashed potatoes.  You can also top with more stuffing if you have any left.

I put mine straight into the freezer for dinners the rest of the month (not counting the one I left out to eat at midnight tonight!  You can pop them straight back into the oven from freezer and bake until rewarmed.

These were the simplest thing to make!

Honestly, it made my kitchen god husband a bit jealous that I came up with them!

Chicken Bonaire

I think I've mentioned my husband before....He is a GOD in the kitchen and this week he's
proved it again!

One of my favorite dishes, pre-allergy, was Chicken Bonaire from Madfish Grill.  This week,
he's come up with a dairy-free, gluten free recipe for it that is amazing!

This recipe makes enough dinner for 2, but you can easily adjust it for more

1/2 pkg of your favorite bacon chopped and cooked (keep the grease)
3 chicken breasts cubed (bite size or smaller)
2 tubs of Go Veggie Cream Cheese (or your favorite)
1 jar of Go Veggie Parmesan (or your favorite)
1 bundle of green onions thin sliced
minced garlic
1/2c butter ( I use blue Bonnet light tub, not the sticks)


Cook the bacon not too crispy and remove from grease.
Cook your chicken in the bacon grease until nicely done.  (I like mine just starting to brown
up).
Keep the pan on the burner just enough to keep the cheese and butter at melting point
 Add in the onion and garlic to taste (I use about 1 tsp myself).
Drain off the excess grease and add in the cooked bacon keeping aside a little bit to sprinkle
on the top when served.
Stir in the cream cheese until smooth then add the parmesan stirring until this smooths out
as well.
Add in the butter and stir until sauce is smooth.  You can add more butter in if it still seems
thick to you.

Serve over rice (my favorite) or your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Being non-dairy, this dish keeps very well in the fridge and is just as amazing as leftovers as

it is fresh off the stove.