Thank you Kraft from a Finicky Baby

So... in my new apparent lactose intolerance, I am constantly on the hunt for lactose free cheese. Apparently, Cobalt brand cheese is all lactose free (they have a yummy sharp cheddar and pepper jack I've tried). Yesterday, I found a Kraft shredded low fat mozzarella, which my 14 month old is very seriously gobbling up (as seen below)!

New Trader Joe's Kid's Fav

Cinnamon Apple Snack Sticks. At 4 grams of sugar ( not terribly high) and no dairy or soy, my one year old can eat them for a special treat ( or survival grocery store mode which is how we discovered them). Here she is signing for more and double fisting and happy !

Could have fooled me Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

I can't believe my youngest is almost one!  That means we are approaching the ever glorious weaning time- once we figure out what the heck we will give her.  With her 1st Birthday coming up and then vacation I have decided to wait until things settle a bit before doing the whole cow's milk test, which I am preparing myself for the decent possibility of her having an allergy to given her sensitivity to date!  

Having been dairy free for 11 months, I now seem to have an intolerance to lactose (go me!) So it seems this lifestyle may stick and it is a good thing I find accomplishment in adapting the food I love.  My most recent sweet tooth "satisfier"- the classic Rice Krispie Treats (which I hardly ever make just the traditional way).  Here is how I adapted the recipe for Chocolate RK Treats and it is truly yummy:

Follow the normal recipe online or on the box of Rice Krispies but substitute Earth's Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks for the butter and non-dairy chocolate chips (I use about a cup or so) such as the Chocolate Dream brand shown below (which may be my new favorite non dairy chip to date)! Another yummy addition would be some fake peanut butter like the Wow Butter brand (for those with nut issues), which is surprisingly good!

If you want to get fancy you could drizzle some of those melted chocolate chips on top but I was rushing to allow my 4 year old to help and get it done while the baby napped!

Off to a girls overnight

Finger food is prepped, milk pumped, bottles prepped and, unfortunately, my pump is packed- but I am super excited to sit by the pool with some other moms, drink some wine and sleep without lullaby music streaming through the baby monitor!

Honey Goat Cheese Toasts

Hi, my name is Danielle and I am addicted to honey goat cheese. There- I said it.   Especially since I can eat it!  My baby is still dairy sensitive and apparently sheep's milk is no good either.  It all started when I tasted honey, apricot goat cheese at a Farmer's Market in Ojai (which I can't talk about any further because it was so good I will cry) !  Trader Joe's makes a honey goat cheese that is a delicious second.  I made these these cute toasts this week on the fly when a friend came to visit.  It is super easy, pretty and DELICIOUS!  Here is how:

Honey Goat Cheese Toasts

Ingredients:

1 log honey goat cheese

1 package of cinnamon raisin bread

a few sprigs of rosemary

a knife (okay your finger would even work-seriously it cannot get any easier!)

Directions:

Lightly toast the bread, cut into squares, spread a little honey goat cheese, top with a sprig or two of rosemary.  I served them with roasted almonds on the side for a little salty to go with it.  

Summer is Here!

As far as I am concerned, summer is officially here after Memorial Day .  We are nearing the end of a complete backyard renovation and are gearing up for out of town guests for our youngest girl's baptism, so I have been a little lagging in the creative cooking department (well at least being able to blog about it!)  I am currently messing around with a few dairy free ice cream recipes that I am super excited to taste test and, hopefully, share in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned!!!  Meanwhile happy beginning of summer!

Just Like Chocolate Fondue

One of my current favorite desserts is simple and delicious. Just melt Good Life Chocolate Chunks (non-dairy, non-caffeine chocolate) with a teaspoon of vegetable oil (keeps it smooth) in the microwave.  Make sure to not overheat it.   Start with 10-20 second increments (depending on how much chocolate you are melting)  and stir after each time increment.  If it gets a little dry you've overheated it - try adding a little vegetable oil and stir to moisten it again.

Once the "chocolate" is melted, dip coconut macaroons (almost always dairy free) and strawberries....sooo yummy.