Camden's 6 Month Photos

I can't believe my precious little baby boy is 6 months old!! People tell you that they grow up so quickly and it's TRUE! I will truly treasure these photos and am so happy that we got to capture this time! 

Thank you Graddy Photography! 

Smiles by Camden!

~T

Dairy & Gluten Free Crock Pot French Toast

Being that I'm very sensitive to dairy and gluten as well as my breastfed baby boy, I'm always looking for yummy recipes or altering recipes that we can still enjoy, without feeling like we're sacrificing flavor!

It's getting chilly and that means comfort food! Here's a yummy alternative to a dairy and gluten filled Crock Pot French Toast! 

Enjoy!! 

Ingredients: 

- 1 load of Udi's Gluten Free Bread cubed 

- 1 can of Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream (not light!)

- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

- 6 eggs

Topping: 

- 1/2 cup of brown sugar

- 1/4 cup of softened vegan butter 

- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)

- dash of nutmeg

Directions: 

In a small bowl beat the eggs and mix with coconut milk or coconut cream and cinnamon. In a large bowl, place cubed bread and poor egg and coconut milk mixture over top. Toss with spatula until well coated. Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours. 

In the morning, spray the crock pot with cooking spray. Poor bread cubes into the pot. Next, in a small bowl mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans and nutmeg. Sprinkle over bread. Place crock pot on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. 

Enjoy!!

~t

The Best Vegan & Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I LOVE anything chocolate and banana, but if you throw oatmeal in the mix, I'm in! 

The hard part about having gluten and dairy allergies, is that you miss out on some yummy treats! However, this is an amazingly delicious recipe that I found on Ambitious Kitchen. You won't even miss the gluten or the dairy!

What you need:

•  2 cups oatmeal {make sure you use gluten-free oats}
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup vegan chocolate chips*
• 3 tablespoons oatmeal

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Or for cupcakes, place liners in a muffin tin. (If making muffins, reduce baking time to 18 minutes)

2.Make oat flour: Place oatmeal into blender and blend for 1-2 minutes until oatmeal resembles flour. You may need to stop blender and stir oats a couple of times to ensure that all oats have been blended. 

3.Measure out just 2 cups of the oat flour and place in a medium bowl. Whisk in baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

 4. In a separate large bowl, beat mashed bananas, 1/3 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, and oil for 1-2 minutes until the consistency is smooth and creamy. Slowly add in oat flour mixture and mix until just combined. 

5. Gently fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle 3 tablespoons oatmeal and 1 tablespoon brown sugar on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool 10-15 minutes, then remove from pan and place on wire rack to finish cooling. Cut into thick slices.

Here's my favorite vegan buttery spread! It's soo yummy! Make sure you get the whipped kind! 

*Note: Gluten Free Oats, Vegan Chocolate Chips and Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread can all be found at Whole Foods.

Enjoy!

~T

Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe - Dairy Free!

I just love this time a year! The fall chill is in the air which means sweaters, boots, apple picking and of course comfort food! One of my absolute favorite comfort foods is rice pudding! However, it can be high in calories and not to mention, full of dairy! 

What you need: 

1/2 Cup of Arborio Rice

1 can of light coconut milk

1 1/2 cups of water

3/4 cup of raisins (I do 1 cup because I love raisins)

1/2 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

                                                            

 1. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, raisins and sugar in saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 3. Take off heat, add cinnamon and vanilla.

4. Enjoy warm or chilled! 

~T

Berry Mint Refresher

It's August and its HOT!!!!

I love having something healthy and refreshing to drink when the summer weather is scorching. My Berry Mint Refresher does just that! It's full of antioxidants and the mint helps fight fatigue!  

Cheers to staying inside and keeping hydrated!

Ingredients:

- 8 Blackberries

- 20 Blueberries

- 1 oz of Lime Juice

- 10 Mint Leaves

- 5-6 Teaspoons of Sugar (or to taste). You can use Stevia if you don't want the calories.

- 3/4 can of La Croix Lime Sparkling Water

-Ice

1. In a tall glass, muddle the berries, mint, sugar and lime juice. 2. Add 3/4 Can of La Croix Lime Sparkling water. 3. Top with some crushed ice and stir well. 4. Garnish with some berries and a mint sprig. 

ENJOY!!

~T