What is it about…and my favorite appetizers {#Galactosemia #Newbornscreening #dairfree #recipes}

Lately I have been thinking quite a bit about my little blog, where it's headed, and well also its purpose. Let me back up a little - yeeeeeesss people please just let me do it ;) ~  this blog, albeit under its old name Galactosemia in PDX, has been in existence since 2008.  I started blogging - upon dissolution of Galactosemia Support Northwest -  to share our journey;  talk about what it is like to raise children with a rare metabolic disorder and dietary restrictions in a positive way; plus life in general.   At the time Alena was 4 years old and Mia Rose not quite 2 years old; you can say we have learned a lot along the way.

One of the biggest reasons why I want to share our story and life is to give hope to all those with babies newly diagnosed with Classic Galactosemia.  It will be okay - really, believe me.  At first one is not able to see the forest through all the trees but once one comes to grips with the disorder it will be okay.  Sure there are challenges along the road, but heck everyone faces those in one way or another.  Show me the parent that does not worry about their child.  Now why did I start all of this,  I need to take you back to the time when Alena was fighting for her life.  When we had no clue, no idea, had never heard of such a disorder as Classic Galactosemia.  I remember sitting at the computer the NICU at Emmanuel Hospital provided to the parents (remember this is 11 years ago) searching the internet, hoping to find pictures, and stories of parents raising children with Classic Galactosemia.  All I wanted to know is what is their life like and yes - selfishly - what do kids with this disorder look like, what do they do, what will life be like.  Really, we had no idea and the information we found only presented worst case scenario.  So I hope that my little blog can provide hope, give strength to those newly diagnosed, those affected by Classic Galactosemia, be positive, and happy.

In our journey I soon came to understand that our little family would not be what it is today without Newborn Screening and shared our story.  You can say that I am an advocate for newborn screening because - this is not just sappy talk - without it Alena would not have survived.  MiaRose is our second born, so we already knew that there is a 1:4 chance for her to also be affected.  So, yes my other purpose to raise awareness for newborn screening, share our story, those of others saved by newborn screening in hopes that you all will learn about this life saving test and share it. And yes, advocate that all countries - such as the UK - to include testing for Classic Galactosemia in their newborn screening; please read Jake & Owen's story

Now, rightfully so you may ask what on earth does any of this have to do with food?  I am here to read about fooooood….. Good question!  Those affected by Classic Galactosemia lack an enzyme to metabolize galactose (a long milk sugar) into glucose and as such is a toxin for the body.  The only treatment for this disorder is through diet = food.  In infancy babies canNOT be breastfed but need soy, or other galactosefree formula; thereafter it is through regular diet.  The diet has changed a lot over the years, but no worries I will not go into this here but since diet = food this is where the food piece comes in.  Yes,  I love to cook and it was a steep learning curve but here we are 11 years later and to me it is second nature.  So the other purpose is to share our recipes.  All are 100% (ga)lactose free, most are dairy free (not all since aged cheeses such as Emmenthal, Gruyere etc. are "safe"),  some vegetarian and some vegan.  So yes,  the majority of the blog is about food and I hope to share with you all delicious recipes in hopes that you like them as much as we do.

Okay - now I talked a lot so here are some of our favorite appetizers that you can still pull off for New Years Eve.  Thank you so much for reading.
Smoked Sockeye Salmon Salad
Pineapple Salsa
Pinenut stuffed dates
Fleischkuechle (Swabian Mini Meatballs}
Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco

Germerican Christmas as in Merry Christmas, Frohes Fest & Food Traditions...

This year we celebrated another Germerican Christmas;  German, our own, and some American traditions are combined and make our Germerican Christmas.  -  I am not a traditionalist,  but this time of year I turn into one.  Yes. it basically starts in with Laternenparade for St. Martin's Day,  the next thing is the advent's wreath,  on December 1st, both girls get a advent's calendar each and St. Nikolaus visits December 6th every year.  Then of course there are the movies we watch.  Elf, Grinch, Lampoon's Family Vacation, Peanut Christmas, Christmas Story, not to forget Love Actually must all be watched before Christmas, the Elf starts visiting, cookies are baked and the rest of the family insists on a tree.  It is not that I do not want a tree but putting it up in early December?  When I grew up my parents decorated the tree and it was not revealed until Christmas Eve when not only saw the tree for the very first time but also the presents.  It was magical…such anticipation; now we get a tree and decorate it together plus we each pick out a new ornament at Santaland each year…

Presents…well, yes there are presents and we hang stockings by our chimney for each person celebrating.  In Germany the Christkind visits and brings present on Christmas Eve; so yes, our girlies are quite spoiled as it just also happens to visit our house after dinner and leaves a few presents.  Santa of course visits at night and we do follow him along on the Norad tracker it's so much fun. Christmas Day is a lazy one, spent unwrapping, trying on, playing and/or reading presents plus it has to involve a long family walk up  Mt.Tabor

Food - yes, there is food; the first few years after Alena was born was quite a steep learning curve as to how to modify recipes, knowing "safe foods" etc.  In the meantime reading labels, knowing which foods are safe, how to modify is second nature and at home no big deal. So what do we eat on Christmas?  Keeping with  German tradition Christmas Eve dinner is simple and it's Fleischkäse (thank you for a great German butcher in Portland) and Potato Salad. For Christmas Day we used to make a goose, potato dumplings, red cabbage but since neither of the girls really like it we have switched it up.  This year was the second in a row that we had Rouladen with Spätzle {scroll all the way down for recipe} served with oven roasted carrots, and red cabbage.  I have to admit that this year I got a jar of Hengstenberg Apfel Rotkraut {red cabbage with apple} and just heated it up; I may just stick to that tradition.

Vanilla Cut-Out {Ausstecherle} & Linzer Cookies {#dairyfree #recipe} plus Winter break fun

Are you ready for the big day? One more day to go and yes,  there is still time for another cookie recipe to be shared and another cookie to be baked.  This is one is super easy plus the dough makes not only super delicious, fun cut-outs, but also - if you want - more Linzer Cookies.  Plus they are easy, and oh so much fun to make with kids.

Yesterday was the first official day of winter break here in PDX; and I can honestly say that we spent it very leisurely.  I am in a holiday mode as in relaxing mode so not in the mood for doing anything along the lines of the zoo, or OMSI.  More like a leisurely walk up Mt. Tabor but - surprise surprise - neither of the girlies felt like walking up Mt. Tabor, not even the playground was enticing.  Dang, and I thought it was such a fantastic idea.  Instead of my stellar idea we drove downtown, met Ron for lunch at Potbelly (the girls order their sandwich without cheese and it is "safe) and afterwards I took the girls to the Pittock Mansion.  Not sure what I was thinking as I still had hopes of taking a nice long walk and  the walk around the mansion was just not enough; however we peeked through windows to see the beautifully dressed rooms, and enjoyed the view.  Okay truth I enjoyed the truth and MiaRose kept saying "this is boring"….HA here you have the plain truth…she thought it was boring.  Yup - and I could not entice either of them to hike down one of the fantastic trails.  Our next stop - the Rose Garden playground; still fun for both girls and then I saw it.  Yes the trail leading up to the Rose Garden and formed my "evil" plan…The girls played for a while and when they were ready to leave showed them the trail.  Oh yes, it worked like a charm - Alena loves walking but MiaRose is not always a fan…but it worked.  Yup,  we took the trail to the Rose Garden and had fun even MiaRose….

Back home it was time to make our cookies to finish up the first day of winter break.  This is my Mom's recipe the only change is that instead of butter we are using vegan butter to make it dairy free.

Vanilla Sugar Cookie Dough

• 1 stick Earth Balance (or other vegan margarine)
• 1 C sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 vanilla bean scraped out (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 3 C flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

1. Cream together margarine, with eggs, sugar and vanilla until well combined
2. In a separate bowl combine flour with baking powder
3. Slowly add flour to the margarine until everything comes together into a dough
4. Divide dough into two parts and wrap each into plastic wrap.  Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

To make the  cut-outs

• Vanilla Sugar Cookie Dough 
• 1 egg yolk plus 1 tsp of water mixed
• sprinkles
• your favorite cut-out shapes

*** prehet oven to 375 F - line baking sheet with parchment paper ***

1. Roll out the dough
2. Cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet
3. Brush egg yolk over each cookie; decorate them with sprinkles
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes

The Linzer Cookies almost as easy - the only added step is to fill them

Linzer  Vanilla Cookies

• Vanilla Sugar Cookie Dough
• 3 Tb your favorite jam - couple of drops of water
• 1 Tb powered sugar for garnish

*** Preheat oven to 375 F - Line baking sheet with parchment paper ***

1. Roll out half of the dough and using a Linzer cookie cutter - leaving out the insert - cut out the bottom rounds.  Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 - 10 minutes
2. While the bottoms are baking cut out the tops by placing the cut-outs inside of the Linzer cookie cutter. Bake tops for about 8 - 10 minutes
3. While the bottom and tops cool down, stir jam together with a drop or two of water.  
4. When cookies are cooled down spread a layer of jam on the bottom cookie then place the top on it. 
5. Once all cookies are assembled sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

Hazelnut Chocolate Lebkuchen Squares {#dairyfree #recipe #cookie #gingerbread}

How was your weekend?  Ours was quite lovely filled with lots of baking, cooking and we may have never left the house on Saturday.  Heck, I may just come right out and admit that we actually never made it out of PJs on Saturday…ahm yes, maybe this is not something that should be admitted but it is true.  The girls and I spent the entire Saturday in our PJs baking, cooking, cutting stars for the window plus we watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  On Sunday we actually made it out of the door; never moved the car  (and yes, I am proud of that) and took a nice Solstice walk to Por Que No?and New Seasons Market.

One of the treats my assistant (MiaRose) and I made yesterday were these delicious little Hazelnut Chocolate Lebkuchen Squares.  They are delicious, maybe not pretty but super delicious...

Hazelnut Chocolate Lebkuchen Squares

• 1-3/4 stick Earth Balance (7/8 C) - (or your favorite vegan "butter")
• 1-2/3 C powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tb rum
• 3 oz dark chocolate
• 3 oz. shelled hazelnuts
• 2 C flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch salt
• 1 Tb Lebkuchen spice mix
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For glaze

• 3/4 C powdered sugar
• 3 Tb OJ
• Sprinkles

*** Preheat oven to 350 F - prepare a 8"x11" baking dish***

1. Cream Earth Balance together with powdered sugar until well combined
2. Add eggs, and rum and beat until everything comes together
3. In the meantime grind the chocolate and the hazelnuts
4. Add chocolate/hazelnut meal to the eggs/margarine mixtures and mix in well
5. In a separate bowl combine flour with baking powder, salt, and spices. Slowly add - 1/2 C at a time - the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.  Do not over mix.
6. Pour dough into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.  Bake in preheated oven for about 35 - 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let it cool off.  Place Lebkuchen on a icing (cooling) rack
8. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar with OJ until it turns into a smooth paste.  Pour the glaze over the Lebkuchen and spread it with a baking brush.  Top with sprinkles.  Let glaze dry.
9. Once glaze is dry cut Lebkuchen into squares and place in cookie tin.

Enjoy!

Linzer Lebkuchen Cookies #dairyfree #recipe

I just realized that Christmas Eve is just four days away..yes,  hello earth to Bea where have I been all this time.  Only four short days away and there are still many more cookies that I want to make.  Thinking about Haselnussmakronen (hazelnut macaroons) Zimtsterne, plain Ausstecherle (cut outs) with the girls, coconut macaroons plus more Lebkuchen inspired cookies…Oh so little time but so many plans; let's see how many of these will make it out of the kitchen in time.  Good news is that today is a super dreary, rainy day here in Portland which makes it the perfect day for spending it in the kitchen baking with my girlies.

Today let me tell you about the Linzer Lebkuchen Cookies I made yesterday.  Remember the Lebkuchen cookie dough from earlier in the week?  You know, one dough makes at least two types of cookies…let me present you with part two  Linzer Lebkuchen Cookies - their name should be more like Linzer inspired Lebkuchen cookies since I filled them with cherry jam and not raspberry jam since cherry was in the house…Take a look - it seems like this girl (me) finally achieved a cookie that is pleasing to the eye. HA - finally a pretty looking cookie that is also absolutely delicious….

Linzer Lebkuchen Cookies

• 1/2 portion Lebkuchen cookie dough (or the entire recipe)
• 3 Tb your favorite jam - couple of drops of water
• 1 Tb powered sugar for garnish

*** Preheat oven to 375 F - Line baking sheet with parchment paper ***

1. Roll out half of the dough and using a Linzer cookie cutter - leaving out the insert - cut out the bottom rounds.  Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes
2. While the bottoms are baking cut out the tops by placing the cut-outs inside of the Linzer cookie cutter. Bake tops for about 10 minutes
3. While the bottom and tops cool down, stir jam together with a drop or two of water.  
4. When cookies are cooled down spread a layer of jam on the bottom cookie then place the top on it. 
5. Once all cookies are assembled sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Lebkuchen-Marzipan Bites | one dough for two types of #dairyfree #cookies

My our house smells of Lebkuchen from treats made with my Lebkuchen spice mix - to me it is the scent of Christmas.  It seems that there is just not enough time between making everything and sharing it; so yes, once again I am behind.  I promise however no less than three different delicious Lebkuchen treats.

First let me share this super easy Lebkuchen spiced dough - this dough leads itself to endless versions of cookies from simple cut-outs to more elaborate versions.  One portion of the dough will yield either a lot of one type of cookie, or if you are like me two different versions.  Yes,  I am "talking" too much - the girlies always tell me that too - just get to the point Mom  Bea.  Okay, okay, okay I absolutely get the message.

Lebkuchen Spiced Cookie Dough

• 1 stick Earth Balance (or other vegan margarine)
• 2 eggs
• 1 C sugar
• 3 C flour
• 2 tsp Lebkuchen spice mix
• 2 tsp baking powder

1. Cream together margarine, with eggs, and sugar until well combined
2. In a separate bowl combine flour with Lebkuchen spice and baking powder
3. Slowly add flour to the margarine until it all comes together into a dough
4. Divide dough into two parts and wrap each into plastic wrap.  Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Lebkuchen-Marzipan Bites

• 1/2 portion of Lebkuchen Spiced Cookie Dough
• app. 5oz Marzipan paste

*** Preheat oven to 375 - Line cookie sheet with parchment paper***

1. Roll out dough into three different long, flat pieces 
2. Cut three about 1" pieces of marzipan off and roll each into the same length as the dough.
3. Working one rolled out dough piece at a time, place marzipan roll into the dough then tightly roll the dough up around the Marzipan
4. Cut little angular about 1/2" big bites off and place pieces on the prepared cookie sheet
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes

Enjoy!

German Holiday Baking = Lebkuchen {Gingerbread} spice mix {#homemade}

The cookie baking frenzy has finally arrived at our little house in Portland and this year I wanted to make something different.  Yes,  there are old favorite - some are yet to be made - but I was really, really craving homemade Lebkuchen treats.  True, a sleeve of imported German Lebkuchen - dairy free even - can always be picked-up at Trader Joe's but there is nothing like homemade treats.  Right?!  I am sure you agree…

Now it's confession time so - I have never made Lebkuchen myself before plus the spice mix is not readily available at our local grocery stores.  Yes,  there is always the German store but it takes another trip and thus time out of my day.  So I searched and found the perfect recipe for a Lebkuchen spice mix…

Perfection friends - it smells like Christmas and takes me right back home, and oh, the treats you will be able to make with this delicious mix….

Lebkuchen Spice Mix

• 3 Tbs ground cinnamon
• 1 Tb ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground coriander
• 1/8 tsp generous - ground cardamon
• 1/8 tsp generous - ground ginger
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

1. Combine all spices on a plate and mix up

2. Store Lebkuchen spice mix in a Mason jar

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl & Orange Almond Cookies #fbcookieswap {#dairyfree #vegan}

Are you ready for cookies?  I know everyone has been talking about cookies lately.  All types of cookies…and my family is quite happy that cookies are also in our house.  This is the time for all type of cookies and both girls reminded me that the cookie tins need to be refilled in a - not so - subtle reminder ;)  Yes,  they we have eaten our way through almost all the cookies  even so this year we had a extra treats because I participated in my first ever {yes absolutely true not just virtual but first ever} cookie swap.  As some of you may be able to appreciate a cookie swap is generally not something we can easily participate in because of our dietary restrictions….yes,  butter = milk ;);  this year is different as I am participating in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap . Bloggers from around the world participate and funds are raised for Cookies for Kids'Cancer plus one can matched up with other bloggers meeting specific dietary restriction i.e. dairy-free, vegan, etc.  Its is really wonderful….

We have received delicious vegan Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Oat cookies from Jacks & Nick from over at Happy to be a Table of Two;  super rich and putting one in chocolate heaven Cookie Biscotti Sticks from Shannon of Killer Bunnies, Inc.; and last but not least perfectly spiced Chocolate Chai cookies from Emilie of Loose Leaf Vegan.  Thank you all!  Pictures…ahmmmm sorry friends,  the cookies are all gone and yes, I have not taken pictures.

This blogger could not decide on which cookie to make, so I sent two.  Vanilla Chocolate Swirl - Alena's all time favorite; and Orange Almond Cookies.  Both cookies are not only dairy free but also vegan plus super quick and easy.  Yay, right?!  Now are you ready for them…oh and before I forget the pictures of Alena's favorite cookie after they are baked are pretty much non-existend right now but will soon make another appearance on Instagram

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl aka Alena's all time favorite cookie

• 3/4 C Margarine {I use Earth Balance}, softened
• 1/3 C sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch salt
• 1 Tb plain almond milk {or other milk}
• 2-1/4 C flour
• 3 Tb chocolate powder

1. Combine margarine, sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt, and milk until well combined.
2. Slowly add flour and combine until everything comes together into a dough
3. Divide dough in half; roll one part up into kitchen wrap and place in fridge
4. Add chocolate powder to the second part and well combined also roll it up into kitchen wrap.  
5. Let dough rest for about an hour in the fridge.
6. Preheat oven to 200 F - prepare baking sheet with parchment paper
7. On a kitchen board - combine pieces of the vanilla dough with the chocolate dough and roll up together.  Cut slices off the roll and place on prepared baking sheet.  
8. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes 

Orange Almond Cookies

• 3/4 C Margarine, softened
• 1-1/8 C powdered sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• grated peel of an untreated, organic orange
• 2-3 Tb orange juice
• 3 Tb Almond paste
• 3-1/8 C flour

1. Stir margarine until it has completely softened
2. Add powdered sugar as well as pinch of salt; stir until well combined.
3. Add orange peel, juice, together with Almond paste and stir until well combined
4. Stir in flour and combine into a dough
5. Combine dough into two parts, form into rolls, and wrap each roll into kitchen wrap.
6. Let dough rest in fridge for about an hour
7. Preheat oven to 325 F - prepare baking sheet with parchment paper
8. On a kitchen board cut slices off each roll and place on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 12 minutes {depending on your oven} 

This that life musings - fall adventures - Chocolate-Raspberry Ice "Cream" Birthday cake {#dairyfree}

This fall has been a whirlwind more so than I remember;  well, at least it feels that way.  I truly have felt overwhelmed with too many things on my plate.  Yes,  it is true the perpetual rat race just never seemed to stop leaving me feeling beyond exhausted. You know, when there is not enough time to listen to your family and always being preoccupied with some aspect of work be it volunteer, in my business, or on my blog.  So it was time to reassess things a little bit and take a small step back from blogging.  No,  don't you worry my friends I am not leaving the blogosphere but have decided - at least for the time being - on taking time off on the weekend.  Now that I got this out let me fill you in what has been going on these past several months.  Yes,  it really has been months - true recipes have been posted but adventures took a complete back seat.

Both girls are doing great and it is hard to believe that Alena just turned 11; yes, it seems just like yesterday that she was toddling around and we were learning to adjust our diet.  Let me just tell you that  these parental units have come a long, long way and the journey is incredible…

Alena is in 5th and MiaRose is in 3rd grade and this year both of them joined the Junior Cross Country team.  They ran in three different city wide meets and I think both of them enjoyed it; well, truth be said Alena more so than MiaRose but both and did a great job.

We took a trip to the pumpkin patch in Hood River again this year, and in October Ron treated us to a fun little get away to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood.  We stayed in a bunk bed room - yes,  two bunks total of four beds - the girls swam like fish in the pool, we read by the fire, and just had a wonderful relaxing time.

Halloween came and went with lots of fund as well as plenty of dairy free treats for both girls actually way more than they could eat.

And yes,  Alena turned 11 years old;  she wanted to celebrate at home and we had a little sleep over party for her including the favorite games of Topfschlagen and Musical Chairs.  Oh, and cake of course there was cake - she asked for a chocolate raspberry vanilla ice cream cake.  She asked and I delivered…not to toot my own horn but it really was super yummy and hence zero leftovers…Do you want to hear about the cake?  Yes? Maybe?  Well, let me just tell you.  It's super easy but it does take time.  I usually start about a day before we need it :)

Chocolate Raspberry Ice "Cream" Cake

•  1 box of dairy free Brownie Truffle Baking Mix {I used Trader Joe's}    
•  2 Eggs (according to package)
•  1 stick Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or Olive Oil
•  1  pint Raspberry Sorbet
•  1 - Quart Vanilla Soy ice "cream" 
•  1 - pack frozen raspberries (for decoration)
•       Dairy free Chocolate sauce (for decoration)

1.  Bake brownie crust according to instructions 
2.  Once the crust has cooled down place a catering, or aluminum foil between the crust and the side of the pan.     
3.  Place raspberry sorbet into the fridge - or out on counter to soften.
4. Once the crust has completely cooled down, spread the softened sorbet over the crust.  Cover with aluminum foil and place into the freezer for at least 2 hours; or until firm. 
5. Soften vanilla ice "cream" and spread it on top of the frozen sorbet.  Cover and return to freezer for at least 2 hours; or until firm. 
6. Decorate the top of the cake with raspberries and chocolate sauce
7. Cover and return to freezer for at least one hour or until firm. 
8. Remove about 30 minutes before serving

Broccoli, Love & Dark Chocolate by Liz Pearson {#Review #CookBook}

Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book for review all opinions are my own; this post contains affiliate links

Broccoli, Love & Dark Chocolate Because food, love, and life should be delicious! by Liz Pearson is beautiful book explaining the nutrition value of food, demystifying foods as well as common misconceptions,  and also contains many beautiful healthy recipes along with a life lesson for each recipe.

The first 126 pages are dedicated to the "Bottom-Line Advice On What To Eat For A Long And Healthy Life" and is broken down into five subsections.  In the first subsection it the author addresses the power of super foods such as berries, apples, dark green coniferous vegetables, spices, and more.  The second subsection is dedicated to dietary hazards such as lack of exercise, sugar, tips to reduce sodium just to name a few.   Commonly asked questions in regards to alcohol, vitamin D, multivitamins etc. are addressed in the third subsection, while the fourth subsection is dedicated to demystify food myths and misunderstandings including snacking, coffee and more.  The fifth subsection addresses how to loose weight, keep it off, and stay active.  Each subsection is easy to read, understand, and the "lesson learned" section for each subchapter is very well done capturing the information in a nutshell.

The remaining 162 pages of the book are dedicated to healthy recipes and life lessons meant to inspire the reader.  The recipes are divided by  baked goods, soups, salads, veggie sides, whole grains, beans, fish, chicken - pork - eggs, snacks, drinks and also delectable treats.

All recipes are easy to follow and include a complete nutrition analysis; while there are not too many pictures of the dish each recipe also includes on the adjoining page a Life Lesson including inspirational quotes and a brief summary as Lesson Learned.   Recipes include scrumptious items such as  Apple Pie Muffins on page 133, Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup with Beans and Baby Spinach on page 153 (creamy without dairy), Honey-Roasted Spiced Lentils on page 223,  Orange Ginger Glazed Salmon on page 233, Decadent Chocolate Cake with Caramellized Coconut Icing on page 289 and more.   The bulk of the recipes are easily adaptable to a dairy free diet by using vegan margarine such as Earth Balance and substituting your favorite "milk" (ours is Almond) for cow.

Here is my nitty gritty review

Broccoli, Love & Dark Chocolate
Beacause food, love, and life should be delicious!
Author Liz Pearson

Paperback: 304 pages

Difficulty of Recipes:       Easy
Cuisine:                            Health conscious American cuisine
Galacosemia friendly:      Yes,  the bulk of the recipes can be easily adapted to suite a dairy free
(dairyfree)                        diet
Pro:                                  Contains lots of easy to follow advice healthy foods, diet, etc.
Good to know:                Less than 75 recipes combined in all sections

Suggested Retail Price: 29.95                                

Rice, Beans, Avocado & Sauteed Rainbow Kale with Creamy Tahini Sauce {#vegan #recipe #dairyfree}

Disclaimer:  I have received free produce however no further compensation; all opinions are my own

Rice & Beans one of my all time favorites when I need to grab a quick lunch - it is so good.  The Whole Bowl here in Portland serves up the perfect bowl; brown rice, secret sauce, black rice topped with avocado, cilantro plus sour cream as well as cheese shreds for "standard" version. It is just so so good and I finally attempted my own version of it by adding sautéed Rainbow Kale.

The hardest part to come up with a sauce…I am happy to report that it worked out.  Tahini, lemon juice, olive oil,  siracha, some water placed in the blender - added more water until the perfect consistency and flavor was reached.  Tangy lemon, creamy and nutty deliciousness. 

The recipe for the entire bowl is really quite simple. A couple of notes before you dive into the recipe.  I like to use dried beans and used enough to make another meal {recipe coming soon}; use canned beans if that is what you prefer.  Black or Orca beans work best - season them however you like.    Be sure to use brown rice please do not substitute with white rice.  I admit {yes, it is true} that white rice is usually our choice but here you need brown rice for the texture and taste of nuts in the grain.  

Creamy Tahini Sauce

• 1/2 C Tahini
• 4 TB freshly squeezed lemon juice {about 1 large lemon}
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 C cold water {start with less and add more if needed}
• 1/2 tsp Siracha
• 2 TB Olive Oil

1. Combine all of the ingredients in your food processor and blend for about 2 minutes or until smooth.  Add more water if consistency is too thick

This sauce is also great as a dressing for any salad.

Rice, Beans, Avocado & Sauteed Rainbow Kale

• 2 C dried black or orca beans soaked over night {use less if you do not want leftover beans}
• 1 TB Olive Oil
• 2 C chopped onions
• 1 large garlic clove  minced
• 1 C diced celeriac
• 4 - 5 C of water
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 C brown rice
• 1 avocado
• 2 TB Olive Oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 8 oz Organic Rainbow Kale 
• 1-2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 avocado sliced
• Creamy Tahini Sauce
• 2 scallion cut into rings

1. Saute chopped onions together with minced garlic and celeriac in the hot olive oil.  When fragrant
2. Add the drained beans mix them under the onion mixture and quickly add the water.  
3. Bring to a slow simmer and transfer everything to a slow cooker.  
4. Cook in your slow cooker on high for 4 hours
5. About an hour before serving prepare rice -> I use Alton Brown's method its perfect
6. Start heating the olive oil in a deep pan just about when the rice is ready
7. Add garlic to the oil sauté for a minute or so before adding the Rainbow Kale.  Mix it up with the oil and garlic; stir frequently until it turns bright green in color.  Add lemon juice to the kale as well as some salt
8. Assemble the bowls 
9. Add a scoop of rice, top the rice with generous amount of Tahini sauce, add a scoop of beans, place the sautéed rainbow kale around the beans, top with avocado and scallions.

Note:  I like to top mine with Siracha but since the other members of this family do not enjoy spice 

          as much as I do nobody else does.  Otherwise I would probably add more siracha to the tahini

          sauce…

Ginger Chicken patties on Udon Noodles {#dairyfree #recipe}

The other day I got chicken thighs in anticipation to make some kind of vegetable - curry - chicken kind of stew but it just did not happen.  Do you have those days when you envision this great dish, but then lack complete inspiration to make it?  Well, that is what happened to me.  I thought of my vegetable - curry - chicken stew and was completely uninspired.  Yes,  uninspired an you just know that is not a good premise to start cooking any dinner as it will not turn out. That is at least how it turns out in this house. just not good…

Finally a light went on {at least in my head - I'd say that in German} - ding ding ding - yes, my new fantastic Ninja can do so much more than make smoothies.  Worth a try to chop {grind} the chicken with all the ingredients right in it.  Let me tell you - this was the easiest ever.  The ground chicken sausage - yes, that is what I turned it into - was ready in no time to be formed into individual little patties.  I baked these little beauties, cooked up a pack of Udon Noodles and a successful dish was on our table. Successful = the entire family loved it, and that makes this mothership happy. 

The Udon Noodles with chicken patties bursting with flavor with only one negative side to it.  There were no leftovers since everyone had seconds….


Ginger Chicken Patties

• 1 lb dark chicken cut into chunks
• 1 scallion cut 
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 TB fresh ground ginger
• 2 tsp plum sauce
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 pack Udon Noodles
• 1 TB plum sauce (for glaze)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (for glaze)
• 3 scallion cut into rings
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp siracha
• 3 scallion cut into rings for garnish

*** Preheat oven to 350F ***

1. Place chicken chunks, scallion pieces, garlic cloves, ginger, plum sauce, and soy sauce in kitchen machine {I use the food processor bowl of my NInja with Auto iQ Pulse}. Process until all ingredients are minced together.
2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Form little chicken patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for about 25 minutes or until cooked all the way through
4. Cook Udon Noodles according to package directions
5. Prepare glaze by combining 1 TB plum sauce with 1 tsp soy sauce in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
6. Remove chicken patties from the oven, place them in the glaze, until all of them are evenly covered.  Add scallion and combine.
7. In a separate bowl combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, with siracha and mix until well blended.  Pour over the cooked Udon noodles and combine in a serving dish.
8. Top noodles with the Ginger Chicken patties.

Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Ginger #Soup for #12WeeksOfWinterSquash {#Vegan #dairyfree #recipe}

Happy Monday!  Guess what time it is?! It's winter squash time and my friend Heather and Joanne are hosting another round celebrating 12 weeks of winter squash.  Now this is already the second week and I sadly missed the kick-off week but here it is.  Delicious, succulent, sweet, with a hint of heat and bright orange color -> meet the Butternut Ginger Soup.

This is the easiest soup you will ever make - really take my word for it; my kitchen assistant Mia Rose and I prepared it in a snap.   Plus it is so tasty…I honestly was a wee bit worried because Ron is not - unlike me - the biggest winter squash lover but you know what?!  He actually said "this soup is amazing" yes true,  I could not make it up because he would totally call me out on it. Perfection on a dark, grey, cold night…

Butternut Ginger Soup

• 1 Tb Olive Oil + 1 tsp of seeds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tb minced ginger
• 1 tsp red curry paste
• 1 medium squash, peeled, cubed and seeds reserved
• 3 - 4 C of water (depending on how thick you like it - we like it very thick and use only 3 C)
• 3  scallion cut into rings for garnish
• 1 Tb Tofutti "sour cream" or other sour cream for garnish
• Salt, Pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to taste

*** Preheat oven to 375 F ***

1. Place squash seeds in a small baking dish and toss with 1 tsp of olive oil. Once oven is preheated place it in the oven.
2. Remove seeds from oven afar about 15-20 minutes or until fragrant, toss them with a pinch of salt. 
3. Heat 1 Tb olive oil in pot add garlic as well as ginger.  Sautee for a couple of minutes until fragrant then add the curry paste. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add squash and mix it under the spice mixture; after a minute or so add the water, cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer - covered - until squash is soft about 20 minutes
5. Blend the soup by using an immersion blender.  Be very careful not to burn your self as the hot liquid splatters and can burn you.
6. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
7. Laddle into soup bowls.  Put a dollop of "sour cream" onto each bowl and sprinkle with toasted seeds and scallions.

Enjoy!

Spicy Asian Salad {#vegan #recipe} #ad

Disclaimer: I have received produce from San Miguel Produce ~ all opinions are my own

Salad is one of our every day favorite sides.  Most meals in my mind are not complete without a salad and I am one of the lucky mothers who does not need to sneak veggies into a meal because my entire family loves greens.  I am not trying to pat myself on the back because that is not me but their love for vegetables and greens has to be directly related to the fact that we have salad at basically every meal.  And yes,  I am also the mean mother who makes their kids taste everything - you know, the "no thank you" bite.

So it was an exciting moment yesterday when  box of delectable greens from Cut'N Clean Greens arrived at my house yesterday bearing all kids of green goodies.  Yes one big box of greens take look…

The first salad to make it to our dinner table Asian Salad aka EnerCHI Salad.  The salad is conveniently packaged pre washed and can make it straight from the box into the salad bowl.  Some of the pieces were still a bit larger than bite sized but I cut them as they were tossed into the salad bowl.  I always make my dressings in the bottom of the salad bowl, then put the salad on top of it and toss right before serving.  Please meet the Spicy Asian Salad

Spicy Asian Salad
Dressing

>
• 1/2 tsp Siracha
• 2    tsp Soy Sauce
• 1    tsp fresh minced ginger
• 3    tsp toasted sesame ooil
• 3    tsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp plum sauce
•  1   garlic clove pressed or finely minced

• 1 box EnerChi Salad
• 1/2 C of diced unpeeled tart apple

1. Mix all of the ingredient for the dressing in the bottom of the salad bowl until it is well combined
2. Add salad together with apple pieces and toss until the dressing is evenly distributed
3. Serve and enjoy!

Smoothies for breakfast - a #review of the Ninja Auto iQ Blender System - {#productreview #ad}

Disclaimer:  I have received a Ninja Auto iQ Blender System from Ninja ~ All opinions are my own

How is everyone?!  It seems like I have gotten lazy with my blog but believe me,  it has been - just like everyone else - super busy around here.  The girls ran Junior Cross Country which meant practice twice a week in addition to all of our other regular stuff.  I will tell everyone more about that soon because surely everyone cannot wait to hear about my kiddos ;) - Work has been busy and yes,  I am SO behind on my blog. How did this happen again?  Well, yes I know why because the thing to transpose my thoughts to a post has still not yet been developed….okay so now what does this all have to with the Ninha Blender System? Hang on…okay so do you remember my first ever food blogger conference that I attended this fall?  Yes,  the International Food Blogger Conference in Seattle where I had just the greatest time.  Ninja was one of the conference sponsors and I am quite excited to review the complete Ninja Auto iQ Blender System.

Yes, super exciting but truth be said as I was not quite sure what to expect and after all a blender - albeit an older model - was already in this house.  Newsflash…OH - MY - WORLD {really people I am not making this up} what on earth were we missing.  The old blender? Glad you ask it is now retired on a basement shelf collecting dust.  What is it about the Ninja Auto iQ Blender System - let me tell you; the girls have always asked for smoothies at breakfast time but I did not deliver because you know my old blender a) did not blend that well, and b) a pain to clean up. Now let me tell you over the weekend I made my first blueberry smoothie using a recipe from the handy dandy recipe guide and have not stopped making breakfast smoothies since.  - Wow!!! So could, perfectly blended plus a snap to clean up.  It could not be easier.  Place the fruit, vegetable, "milk" in the Nutri Cup place it on top of the blender and one minutes later the smoothie is ready.  One of the reasons I am so excited is because MiaRose now finally finishes her morning smoothie without a complaint - no longer is it a fight to get her to drink her fortified OJ or Almond Milk. Take a look at our smoothies….

Saturday was also the one day of the year for me to make Zwiebelkuchen {Swabian Onion Tart} - it happens only once a year since chopping 2 pounds of onions is not my favorite thing to do but you know what?  Yes,  you guessed it - I peeled the onions and processed them in a couple of batches in the Ninja Food Processor Bowl.  Let me just say that Zwiebelkuchen may be happening at least a second time this fall in our house

…and then there was also the Vegan Banana Chocolate Mousse happened, Alena was in chocolate heaven.

The details

Pro's
Blends - Chops - perfectly
Smoothies come out perfectly blended
Easy to use
Works fast
Cleans easy
Endless options

Con
A little bit bulky

The blender system specs
1 1500W Motor Base  With Auto-iQ™
1 72 oz. Blender Pitcher
1 Small 18 oz. Nutri Ninja® Cup
1 Regular 24 oz. Nutri Ninja® Cup
1 Jumbo 32 oz. Nutri Ninja® Cup
1 Pro Extractor Blades™
3 Sip and Seal™ Lid(s)
1 Food Processing Bowl & Blade Accessories
1 Inspiration Guide
1 Rachel Beller 3-Day Jump-Start Plan
1 Rachel Beller's Best Selling Book Eat to Lose, Eat to Win

Retail price for the entire system: $249.99

Pumpkin Loaf for #PumpkinWeek {#Dairyfree #Recipe}

Happy Saturday - are you ready for the weekend?  Do you have any big plans?  Well, I am happy to say that we - at least at the moment - have zero plans except for carving our Jack-O-Lanterns.  Yes,  Halloween is just around the corner and it is the season for pumpkins.  Right?! Not just Jack-O-Lanterns but it's the time to savor the flavor of pumpkin on our plates and I am so glad to have joined Terri from Love and Confections the gracious host of #PumpkinWeek.  Yes, an entire week of pumpkin recipes was featured from savory dishes like Savory Pumpkin Tart, Pumpkin Orange Soup to hummus to desserts and more. Oh yes, just in time for National Pumpkin Day which is coming up tomorrow; be sure to check out the special Pinterest Board featuring pumpkin recipes.

Now are you ready for my pumpkin loaf - this one is - as always - dairy-free and packed with spices, walnuts plus raisins.  Let me also say that MiaRose and I had so much fun in the kitchen making it.  Oh, and let's not forget to talk about taste - it was gone in less than 24 hours.  Yes,  that is right even Ron who is not the biggest fan of pumpkin loved this Pumpkin Loaf; warm and slathered with Earth Balance {or your favorite type of "butter}.  So good - so easy - so quick and  a keeper - yes the pictures show another un-photogenic recipe - but don't let that deter you…

Pumpkin Loaf

• 1 C sugar
• 3/4 C olive oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 2-1/3 C flour
• 2-1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 tsp allspice
  
• 1/4 tsp cardamon
• 1 C toasted walnuts, coarsely ground
• 1/2 C golden raisins

*** Preheat oven to 375 F ***

1. In kitchen machine combine sugar with olive oil and mix well.
2. When sugar and olive oil is well combined at one egg at a time until well combined; repeat with all eggs
3. Add pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl combine flour with baking powder and spices.
5. Add flour mixture to the wet ingredients 1/2 C at a time until well combined
6. Quickly mix walnuts and raisins into the dough
7. Pour dough into a prepared loaf pan
8. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Check out all the #PumpkinWeek Bloggers and their recipes:
Pumpkin Pie Dip by Love and Confections
Pumpkin Pye - that's Pie with a Rye Crust by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Caramel Pumpkin Torte by Lady Behind The Curtain
Pumpkin Loaf by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Pumpkin Pie Martini by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins by Making Miracles

Savory Pumpkin Tart for #PumpkinWeek {#dairyfree #recipe}

It's Thursday - yes, the weekend is almost here.  It is so close that I can almost smell it and today I am participating with a second post in the #PumpkinWeek event hosted by Terri from Love and Confections. PumpkinWeek celebrates the season with an entire week of pumpkin recipes - from desserts to main dishes it's all there. Yup, there are more than 65 recipes and you can find them all on this pinterest board.

So today it is another pumpkin dish from me.  Do you know what some of my families favorite foods are - as in genre?  Soup, hence it was Pumpkin Orange Soup on Monday, and savory baked goodies.  Call them Tart, Kuchen, Quiche, Pizza…they all call our name as long as they do not contain any (ga)lactose we are in.  Eating out most of those baked goodies - besides pizza - are off limits for our two girlies so it is a good thing that it is so easy to make at home.  Therefore today let me present you with a Savory Pumpkin Tart.  Before I start let me be perfectly honest this involves a wee bit of work as you have to peel and grate the pumpkin but it's a step well worth the work.  Let me just say that Alena had two large slices for dinner, and Mia Rose ate 1-1/2 slices; yes, there are no leftovers….Oh and one more thing the pictures is not the greatest so please forgive me...

Savory Pumpkin Tart
Dough

• 1 C  + 2 Tbs flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 C Earth Balance or other "butter" of choice
• 5 Tb water

1. Combine flour with salt and "butter" until it crumbly
2. Stir in water and bring it to ether quickly to a dough.  Be sure not to knead the dough.
3. Place in kitchen wrap and let rest in fridge for at least 1 hour {I often make the dough the day before}

Filling

• 5 C fresh shredded pumpkin {1 small pie pumpkin - seeds reserved}
• 1/8 C shredded onion {about 1/2 onion}
• 1/2 C raisins
• 1-1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 C water or your favorite "milk"
• 1 C Tofutti Sour Cream or your favorite "sour cream"
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp of olive oil {for the pumpkin seeds}

*** Preheat oven to 425F***


1. Combine shredded pumpkin with onions, raisins, and salt
2. In a separate bowl combine water, "sour cream", curry powder and eggs.  Mix well.
3. Pour "sour cream" mixture over the shredded pumpkin and combine well
4. Prepare a spring form baking pan
5. Remove dough from the fridge.  Place flour on your work surface and roll out dough for the spring form pan {you want it to cover the bottom and the sides}
6. Place rolled out dough carefully into the spring form.
7. Pour pumpkin mixture onto the dough.  Fold down the edges as needed
8. Place pumpkin seeds in a separate baking dish and drizzle with olive oil
9. Place tart as well as pumpkin seeds in pre-heated oven and bake for about 40 - 50 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with roasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top of each slice.
Enjoy!






Are you ready for more pumpkin recipes...

Check out all the #PumpkinWeek Bloggers and their recipes:
Pumpkin Tres Leches by Love and Confections
Spiced Pumpkin Butter by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Pumpkin Palmiers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal by The Spiffy Cookie
Mini Healthy Pumpkin Pies by Happy Food Healthy Life
Easy Pumpkin Caramel Sauce by Lady Behind The Curtain
Savory Pumpkin Tart by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Pumpkin Custard Pie by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies by Making Miracles

Apples and Quick Homemade Chunky Applesauce {#recipe #dairyfree}

The apple extravaganza continues and this Friday after school the girls together with one of Alena's friends went to taste the apples at Applefest.  Yes, we went on Friday right after school and pretty much had the entire tasting section all to ourselves.  Forget the huge lines that form on Saturday and Sunday, Friday 3:30 p.m. is the time to visit.

We tasted every single apple kind there was and I discovered a few new favorites (now if I only kept that sheet - what was I thinking?!) however kept myself in check by not buying a few more pounds…again, what was I thinking when winter comes around and the apple stack in our basement is gone I will cry…because there is nothing like fresh homemade applesauce.  Okay - it won't be that bad because we have at least another 10 jars sitting in the freezer but still…fresh warm applesauce.  It is super quick and comes together with just three ingredients.  Fresh apples,  water, cinnamon - yup that's it.  It does not get any easier than that…

Quick Chunky Applesauce

• - 4 C diced apples {I do not peel my apples}
• - 1/2 C water
• - 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. In a pan combine apples with water, cinnamon and cover. 
2. Bring heat to medium - high and keep pan covered.
3. Cook covered until apples fall apart and become mushy.  This takes about 15 - 20 minutes.  
4. When all apples have cooked through take the pan off the heat
5. Stir the apples sauce and let it cool down before serving 

Serve along side Potato Pancakes for Himmel & Erde {translates to Heaven & Earth}, for dessert, lunch…

Enjoy!