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Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette

Spruce up your summer salad with this sweet and tangy cherry mustard vinaigrette. It is ready in minutes and will turn any kid into a salad lover.Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am a tried and true lover of all things honey mustard. It is my go-to dressing for salads. We use it for chicken nuggets. I’d eat it on just about anything.

I have recipes for many different variations on honey mustard.

But with cherry season in full swing I decided to add a twist to my favorite.

I created cherry mustard vinaigrette. It has sweetness from honey and cherries, tang from mustard and a little zing from apple cider vinegar.Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Wishing your kids would eat salad?

Cherry mustard vinaigrette is very kid friendly. My oldest could not get enough of it. She loves using it on her salads (especially when she’s using lettuce from her own garden!).

If your kids won’t touch lettuce (like my four year old), try using this as a dip for fresh summer vegetables like snap peas and cucumbers. Either way it’s a win!

If you don’t like the vinegar flavor you can cut back on the apple cider vinegar and increase the honey. Or you could swap mayo for vinegar to make it a creamy dressing or dip.

Cherry mustard vinaigrette is also very allergen friendly.

No need to worry about dairy, coconut, eggs, nuts, grains, etc. Extra virgin olive oil works well for this dressing. Alternately you could use avocado oil.

Skip the store bought salad dressings with rancid vegetable oils (like canola), thickeners (like xanthan gum and guar gum) and artificial flavors and sweeteners. It only takes a few minutes to make a unique, healthy and delicious dressing at home.

I like to add all of my dressing ingredients to a small mason jar, put a lid on and shake. Though I wouldn’t mind some fun salad dressing bottles (note for future gift lists!).Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

This is a fun project for small children…

and keeps them busy while you do other food prep. They can shake and shake until they get sick of it.

If you don’t have cherry juice on hand use some of those fresh cherries and squeeze the juice out. Or you can use the whole cherry and blend a handful to use in place of the juice.

I know not everyone loves cherries as much as I do. So if they are just not your thing you can use another great mid-summer fruit – blueberries!  Cherry mustard vinaigrette turns into blueberry mustard vinaigrette with one simple swap.

In fact, you can use just about any of your favorite summer fruits to put a spin on this dressing. Peaches and plums would make great dressings as well.

Are you getting hungry for a big summer salad yet?

I know I am! Time for a great summer meal using fresh produce and nourishing homemade salad dressing. Cherry mustard vinaigrette is perfect for your summer salads.Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette
Serves 8
A light and fruity summer salad dressing.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup black cherry juice
  2. 2 1/2 Tbsp. honey
  3. 1 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
  4. 1 1/2 Tbsp. mustard
  5. 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  6. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or jar.
  2. Whisk or shake until combined.
  3. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
  1. This will stay good in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
  2. Replace the apple cider vinegar with homemade mayonnaise for a creamy dressing.
  3. This dressing can be used as a marinade on chicken.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/


In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Skip the white bread and add a fun twist to your next barbecue by using homemade sourdough hamburger buns for your burgers, chicken or pulled pork.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Grilling season is in full swing!  It doesn’t get much better than the classic grilled hamburger.

Most of the time when we have burgers the kids and I eat them plain (sans bun) dipped in ketchup. We love our burgers that way.

I buy some locally made buns for my husband.

But once in a while…

I want the full burger experience.

Bun and all.

So I came up with a sourdough hamburger bun. It complements a grilled burger perfectly.

The inside of the bun is super soft. They aren’t too thick, so a child can easily eat them. My kids really enjoyed having burgers with buns!

I love that they are made with properly prepared grains so they are easier on your tummy. We eat mostly gluten free, but also add some traditional sourdough and do fine.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

But don’t limit yourself to hamburgers. These homemade buns with a hint of sour are also great with barbecue chicken or pulled pork.

And if you’re in the mood for soup instead of grilling you can use these sourdough hamburger buns as rolls.  Spread a thick layer of butter or lard in the middle and add a drizzle of honey. Perfection.

Sourdough hamburger buns can be made in advance and stored in the freezer.  Make a big batch once and take them out as needed for your summer grilling.

Feed your starter, mix the dough and homemade buns are on the way.

Are you tired of eating your burger without a bun? Need a healthy alternative to store-bought breads or something other than a lettuce wrap?

Try homemade sourdough hamburger buns. Your summer grilling just got kicked up a notch, real food style.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sourdough Hamburger Buns
Yields 9
Traditional sourdough hamburger buns.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup sourdough starter
  2. 1 Tbsp. unrefined sea salt
  3. 1/4 cup water
  4. 2 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
  5. 1 3/4 cups splet, kamut or wheat flour
Instructions
  1. Grease a 9" square baking pan.
  2. Combine the starter, salt, sugar and water. Let sit 1 minute.
  3. Add the flour and knead for 10 minutes (the dough will be somewhat wet - this is best done in a mixer).
  4. Scoop mounds of dough a little bigger than a golf ball and place them in the pan (it should make 9 equal size balls, 3x3 in the pan).
  5. Let the buns rise in the oven with the light on for 6-12 hours.
  6. With the buns still in the oven, turn the oven on to 350*F and set the timer for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the buns from the oven, cool and cut apart.
  8. Slice when ready to serve.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 7-12-15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan is all about fresh produce, simplicity and meals that can be made ahead…I will most likely be taking care of my little one round the clock.Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I feel like life has been a bit of whirlwind lately. We went on vacation and dealt with major allergy stuff for my little one. Last week I was trying to play catch up on everything.

This week will be another big one. My husband starts his new job tomorrow! My oldest starts her first week of day camp tomorrow. Then on Tuesday my little one will be having her tongue and lip ties clipped again.

On top of the tongue tie my baby is cutting her one year molars right now and hasn’t been sleeping well. Thankfully she’s been doing well with nursing all week (aside from one day of bad reflux…my only guess is that it was caused by oats).  I think we have finally gotten most of the food stuff under control. Praise the Lord!

Now that it is mid-summer the fresh produce is really coming in. Yesterday we picked almost thirty pounds of cherries.  I’m in the process of freezing and cooking/baking with those. We are starting to get beans from our garden.  That means I’ll be freezing those soon. We are also starting to get zucchini. I still have a little bit of lettuce from our garden to use up as well. This time of year is so delicious.Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I have a lot of things I would like to get done this week. But I’m not really planning anything from Tuesday on. I’m praying that the procedure will go smoothly for my baby and that recovery will be much faster this time since we don’t have the allergy stuff on top of it. I’m keeping my schedule open just in case.

That means packing all of my to-dos into two days. Some potentials are:

Meals this week will be a bit tricky. I have to pick my daughter up from camp right at dinner time every night. So I’ll have to do a lot of advance preparation – either crockpot food or make ahead and just warm when we get home.

I’m also trying to incorporate our fresh produce. I’m already excited for our first taste of fresh beans!!

Did you miss last week’s posts? If so go check out my ice cream flavored yogurt gummies and my pear lime jello salad.  Be on the lookout for more delicious recipes this week.

Here is my allergen friendly meal plan for this week. What are you eating? What produce is popping up by you?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
B – cereal, fresh fruit
L – pumpkin pasta, garlic toast, broccoli
D – grilled hot dogs, grilled zucchini, chips, fruit salad
*veggie prep, make sd bread, freeze cherries, dry cherries, make cherry fruit leather?, make pickles?, make cherry cobbler?

Monday
B – yogurt, granola, fruit
D – sloppy joes, beans, french fries
*skim cream, make ice cream, soak oats

Tuesday
B – oatmeal
D (prep ahead) – roast chicken, roasted potatoes, roasted purple cabbage
*make broth

Wednesday
B – granola bars, fruit
D – TBD soup, lettuce salad, crackers w/ cheese
*

Thursday
B – yogurt, donuts
D – taco bowls, fruit
*

Friday
B – cereal
D – sd pancakes, bacon, peas, cherries
*feed sd

Saturday
B (kid’s choice) – TBD
D – rustic zucchini pie, beans, peaches
*

Pear Lime Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Pear Lime Jello Salad

This pear lime jello salad is a simple recreation of the classic seafoam without the food coloring and boxed mix.

Pear Lime Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The first time I visited my (now) in-laws was for Thanksgiving. We had a feast (prepared by my talented mother-in-law)! It included the usual turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, vegetables…and seafoam salad.

I had never heard of or tasted seafoam salad. But it was good!

  • Pears in juice.
  • Lime Jello.
  • Cream cheese.

It is an assortment of sweet and creamy goodness.

Fast forward about 15 years and I realize just how unhealthy it is.

  • Boxed jello mix.
  • Green food coloring.
  • Canned pears.
  • Cream cheese with thickeners.

It is an assortment of artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and thickeners.

Pear Lime Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Of course that means one thing. Time to get creative.

Homemade Jello Salad

My pear lime jello salad has the bright flavor and creamy texture without the food coloring and refined sweeteners.

Instead, I combine lime juice, fresh pears, grass-fed gelatin, homemade cream cheese and unrefined sweeteners to create a special treat. Homemade powdered sugar really helps thicken the salad.

My kids and my husband really love this pear lime jello salad.

There is one noticeable difference from the original salad – it is white!  Have you ever looked at the inside of a pear? It is white, not green.

If you really want some green in your salad you could add lime zest or maybe even a touch of spinach or peas.

Pear Lime Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

On top of the sweet flavor, pear lime jello salad is packed with nutrients.

The combination of homemade cream cheese and grass-fed gelatin provides healthy fat and complete protein. The pears add a bit of carbohydrates and fiber.

Pear Lime Jello Salad

Pear lime jello salad makes a great side dish for any week night meal. But it is also great for easy lunches, snacks, picnics and potlucks.

I usually make this salad in a bowl and scoop it with a spoon. But you could also make it in a 9×13 pan and cut it into squares.

Dye-Free Jello

Pear lime jello salad makes great finger food for kids!

But without a green mess.

Are you looking for a new side dish for your summer barbecues or family picnics? Pear lime jello salad is just what you need.

Pear Lime Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Pear Lime Jello Salad
Serves 6
A real food version of the classic seafoam salad.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 large or 4 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
  2. 2 Tbsp. cane sugar
  3. 1/4 cup lime juice
  4. 1 1/2 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin
  5. 1/4 cup cold water
  6. 3/4 cups whole milk plain yogurt OR 1/3 cup whole milk greek yogurt OR 1/3 cup plain cream cheese
  7. 1/4 cup sour cream
  8. 3 Tbsp. homemade powdered sugar OR 2 Tbsp. cane sugar + 1 Tbsp. tapioca flour
Instructions
  1. Strain the yogurt in cheesecloth about 1 hour. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible. Set aside.
  2. Combine the sour cream and powdered sugar. Place in the refrigerator.
  3. Place the pears, lime juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
  4. Puree the pear mixture (leave it in the pan and puree with an immersion blender or puree in a blender and return to pan).
  5. Dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the gelatin mixture to the pear mixture and stir to dissolve.
  7. Add the strained yogurt to the pear mixture. Stir to combine.
  8. Pour the pear mixture into a glass bowl or 8" pan. Chill in the refrigerator 15 minutes.
  9. Stir the sour cream mixture into the pear mixture. Return to the refrigerator to chill until fully set, about 4 hours.
  10. Serve cold.
Notes
  1. You can replace the lime juice with water or a different flavor of juice.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies: Super Healthy Kids Post

These fruit and yogurt gummies come in five ice cream flavors and make a perfect snack or cake decoration without any artificial ingredients.

Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

A birthday is a time for celebration, fun and a few treats. Cake and ice cream is a classic birthday dessert that encompasses all of these.

But making a fun, colorful cake often involves lots of food coloring.

Food dyes should not be a part of any child’s diet.

They can cause hyperactivity and symptoms of ADD. Not to mention they are chemicals the human body is not meant to consume and can impair the immune system. This also puts a big strain on the liver.

That does not sound like much of a birthday treat in my opinion.

So what is the solution for making a healthy cake that is still colorful and fun? Yogurt gummies!

Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

It only takes about ten minutes to get these yogurt gummies from the blender to the refrigerator. They are so quick and easy you can make all five flavors in one day.  Since the yogurt gummies last two weeks in the refrigerator you can prepare them in advance (one less thing to do at the last minute!).

Yogurt gummies also provide a lot of nutrition.

The whole milk yogurt has healthy fat and protein, while the grass-fed gelatin contains protein and helps aid digestion. The gummies are low in sugar too. What’s not to love?!

Dye free, colorful, flavorful, nutritious…are you anxious to make a batch of ice cream flavored yogurt gummies? Head over to Super Healthy Kids where I share how it’s done.

Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 7-5-15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan and updates include our return from vacation, getting back to normal routine and relaxing.Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend! We are excited to be coming home today from a week of vacation.  It was fun, but I always like being home best.

With all of the preparation, packing, travel and stress (mostly due to my little one’s health) my body is not doing well. I’ve had two weeks straight of anxiety and being tense.

My little one has had multiple run-ins with allergens and has not been eating well again.

We are both ready for rest and relaxation this week!!!

I hope she nurses round the clock all week to get back on track.

I did learn that tapioca is a root…and she can’t handle roots. I use it in all of my gluten free baking. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.

Thankfully we don’t have too much going on this week – orthodontist, grocery shopping, farmer’s market and library. Now that cherries are in season we need to go picking. We’ll see if that happens this week or next week.

I’m sure excited to be back in my own kitchen!!  I have quite a few things I’d like to make…as long as I’m getting enough rest. My to-dos include:

  • cherry breakfast bars (new recipe)
  • cinnamon sourdough bread (new recipe)
  • salsa (we’re out!!!)
  • rice milk (trying a new method)
  • cocoa puffs (my son’s request for cereal)
  • cookies (for my husband to bring to work…it’s his last week at his current job!)

Last week I posted recipes for pizza crackers and black forest popsicles.  You don’t want to miss either of those!!

My first contributor post for Kitchen Stewardship also went live.  You HAVE to try this custard. I eat the salted caramel version for breakfast once a week.

My allergen friendly meal plan includes lots of broth and a variety of meats and vegetables.  We all need some nourishment after vacation. What is on your menu this week? What fun, fresh foods are you cooking in July?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Sunday
B – banana bread, yogurt
L – pork sandwiches, chips, olives, pears
D – scrambled eggs, toast, peas
*

Monday
B – yogurt, granola
D – roast chicken legs, mashed potatoes, broccoli
*unpack/clean

Tuesday
B – cereal, fruit
D – beef stroganoff over noodles, beans, cherries
*make cocoa puffs

Wednesday
B – smoothies, granola bars
D – chicken noodle soup, cinnamon sourdough bread
*feed sd starter/make bread, soak oats

Thursday
B -cherry maple oatmeal
D – pork chops and apples over rice, roasted cauliflower
*soak flour for breakfast bars, roast squash, bake cookies

Friday
B – yogurt, fruit, granola
D – cherry breakfast bars, sausage, squash, fruit salad
*bake bars, soak flour for granola

Saturday
B – breakfast bars, cheese
D -pan fried cod, scalloped potatoes, peas
* make cherry granola

Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Black Forest Popsicles

The sweet flavor of fresh cherries is combined with a hint of chocolate in these black forest popsicles for a unique summer treat.Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The ice cream truck has driven by for the tenth time. The kids are begging for a treat. It’s been hot for days.

Enter super mom with black forest popsicles!

This is the perfect way to use some of your fresh cherries for a unique summer treat. Black forest popsicles are creamy, fruity and chocolaty!

What’s really great is that they only take a few minutes to prepare. The hard part is waiting for the popsicles to freeze!

Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Most of the popsicle is simply pureed cherries. A touch of honey can be added to boost the sweetness.

The real secret is the hint of chocolate.  Chocolate chips, carob chips or cacao nibs are blended right in for a burst of flavor. Leave little chunks of chocolate to get the full effect.

Sweet cherries, tart cherries or both work well in black forest popsicles. Simply adjust the amount of honey added depending on which variety you choose.

I like to use these silicon popsicles molds. They are easy to fill and easy for kids to use.

Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

But what about that ice cream truck?

If your kids are like mine, they love to pretend. Mom can be the ice cream truck driver while the kids order their black forest popsicles and “pay” for their treat.

Everyone has fun. Everyone stays healthy.

Black forest popsicles do contain dairy. You can swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt, coconut milk or any other milk you tolerate. So they are a very allergen friendly snack.

Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

We are blessed here in Michigan to be able to go cherry picking every summer. We pit and freeze a ton of cherries to use all year in smoothies and yogurt.

I also like to use fresh or frozen cherries for:

This year I’m saving some of our cherries for black forest popsicles. My kids go crazy for them. Yours will too!

Don’t forget mom and dad deserve a treat here and there too. Black forest popsicles are for everyone.

This summer be the hero of the day with black forest popsicles.

Black Forest Popsicles | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Black Forrest Popsicles
Yields 6
The sweet flavor of fresh cherries is combined with a hint of chocolate in these black forest popsicles for a unique, low sugar summer treat.
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups sweet or tart cherries, fresh or frozen
  2. 4 Tbsp. chocolate chips, carob chips or cacao nibs
  3. 2 Tbsp. honey (increase if using tart cherries, omit if you don't want them as sweet)
  4. 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt or milk or coconut yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk or rice milk
Instructions
  1. Blend the cherries, yogurt/milk and honey until smooth.
  2. Add the chocolate chips.
  3. Blend well, leaving small bits of chocolate.
  4. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm.
Notes
  1. You can use 4 tsp. cocoa powder or carob powder + 2 Tbsp. cane sugar in place of the chocolate chips. You will get the chocolate flavor but will not have the chocolate bits.
  2. You can replace the cherries with raspberries.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Gluten Free Pizza Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Gluten Free Pizza Crackers: Super Healthy Kids Post

These gluten free pizza crackers make the perfect on-the-go snack or lunch addition that your kids will love without filling them up on empty calories. They are also very allergen friendly so you can share them with all of your friends.

Gluten Free Pizza Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Summer is in full swing! That means lots of time outside and outings to the park, the zoo, etc. Kids are bound to get hungry while you are out having fun.

Healthy, portable snacks are a must.

Gluten free pizza crackers are just what you need.

With lots of herbs and just a pinch of sugar these gluten free pizza crackers have the flavor of pizza without the mess.  You don’t even need cheese!

What you do need are a few simple ingredients, including vegetables. Pizza crackers have the “cheese” and sauce baked right in.

My kids raved about these gluten free pizza crackers. They are fun to serve alongside soup, with slices of raw cheese or dipped in hummus or pummus – perfect for a simple lunch or snack.

These crackers even smell like pizza!

Want to learn how to make a batch? Head over to Super Healthy Kids where I share my recipe for gluten free pizza crackers.Gluten Free Pizza Crackers | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 6-28-15

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan is all about family favorites and enjoying fresh summer produce. Plus we’re focusing on much needed rest and splurging with one meal out!

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Happy 4th of July week!  It’s crazy that we’re heading into July already. Father’s Day was just a week ago and now we’re thinking about the holiday. It seems like summer break just started.

Last week was chaotically busy and stressful with allergy issues, doctor’s appointments, errands and a to-do list a mile long of things that really had to be done.

So this week I’m giving myself a break.

It is inevitable that I will come up with plenty of stuff to do throughout the week. But I’m not scheduling anything to start off. Maybe I can even squeeze in a few naps.

I’ve known for a very long time how important sleep is.  I even explain to my kids that they need lots of sleep so their bodies can heal/repair while they rest. And it’s the area I struggle with the most.  But lately I’ve been reading more and more and more about the importance of sleep. Maybe I should really take it to heart. So I’m hoping to play catch up this week.

Since my mineral analysis I’ve been getting some supplements to try to replenish my body.

But my healing protocol has not been going well.

I started a new multi-vitamin (made specifically for slow oxidizers like me). After a few days of taking it…and a very fussy baby…I realized the vitamin A in it is from PALMitate.  No good with a palm allergy.

I had to cancel my order for a vitamin A supplement because that too is from palmitate.

Then I started a new probiotic and a different brand of HCL. I was left with a screaming baby that wouldn’t nurse.  I have yet to figure out which one caused the problem. But I’m giving it a week or so to try either of them again.

Then I bought a box of cereal for my oldest as a special treat. We only eat boxed cereal about once a year. It only has four ingredients and is made with rice. So I figured she and I could both eat. After munching on it during the day I re-read the label…and realized it too contains vitamin A from palmitate.  And we’re back to fussy baby that is in pain, has a swollen tongue, can’t eat and doesn’t sleep well. Three times in one week! My poor baby girl. I had to take a lot of activated charcoal this week to help ease things.

So I’m pretty much back where I started…taking nothing.

In a week or two I’ll try the probiotic again at a very very low dose and see what happens. And I’m going to try adding more liver to my diet to get vitamin A. Then after a bit I’ll try the HCL again.Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

As you can see we all need some rest, stress reduction and healing foods in our allergen friendly meal plan for this week.

I’m planning on lots of broth and vegetables.

Last week I posted recipes for strawberry lemon jello salad (if you haven’t made it yet you should!!) and strawberry apple salad.  Plus I shared my latest ecocentric mom box review. Check it out!

If you are looking for 4th of July recipes look under my holiday recipes. I’ve got some fun ones like red, white and blue swirl ice cream and red, white and blue parfaits.  Plus cherry season is starting. Check out the cherry recipes like cherry pie, cherry cobbler and double cherry ice cream.

Finally on to the menu. Here is the allergen friendly meal plan for this week. Lots of family favorites (very kid friendly!) and in-season produce are on the menu.  What are you eating this week? Is it a busy week or do you have time to catch up on sleep? Happy 4th of July!
Homemade Dutch Apple Pie Menu Sunday
B – ham and cheese egg bake, toast w/ strawberry jam
L – pumpkin, hot dog and white bean soup, blueberry muffins
D – grilled cheese, french fries, applesauce, cauliflower

Monday
B – smoothies, muffins
L – chicken sandwiches, carrot sticks, grapes
D – stuffed peppers and stuffed zucchini, seasoned rice, broccoli, squash

Tuesday
B – cherry yogurt, granola
L – salmon salad, crackers, avocado, pears
D – pork meatballs, baked potatoes, peas

Wednesday
B – cereal, fruit
L – homemade Lunchables®, strawberry cherry jello, olives
D – out to eat

Thursday
B – breakfast cake, cheese, fruit
D – grilled burgers, cheesy potatoes, broccoli

Friday
B – pancakes
D – chicken nuggets with honey mustard, squash, lettuce salad

Saturday
B – apple pie breakfast parfait
D – pork roast, rice, beans

Strawberry Apple Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Strawberry Apple Salad

Strawberry apple salad is a simple way to add a burst of strawberry flavor to your summer meal.Strawberry Apple Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I am a planner.  I always make meal plans for the week (I’ve been posting them for several years if you need inspiration!). It’s usually not too difficult to come up with main dishes.

But side dishes…

I struggle there. It usually ends up being the same boring sides week after week. Broccoli, beans, applesauce…

If you’re tired of boring sides you’re in luck.  Today I’ve got a bright, fun, easy side dish that is perfect for any week night meal. It can also be doubled or tripled and served at your next picnic or potluck.

There is no cooking or baking required. Just some chopping and mixing.

Strawberry apple salad features one of summer’s gems – fresh strawberries.  It is naturally very allergen friendly and low in sugar. It puts a fun summer spin on the year round staple of apples.

If you’re like me and don’t need much sweetness to feel like you’re having a treat, strawberry apple salad could even be used as dessert. Top it with a sprinkle of granola or crispy walnuts. Dessert is ready!Strawberry Apple Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

One of the things I love about this salad is that you can prepare it in advance.  The longer you let it sit the better! The apples will just absorb more and more of the strawberry flavor.

I like to let my kids help make this strawberry apple salad.  Even the young ones can get involved. I peel and core the apples. Then they use a dull knife to cut the apples into chunks. After I blend the strawberry dressing they can pour it on the apples and mix.

Of course if your child helps make the salad you have to let them be a taste tester.  That is the most important job! My kids sure loved sampling strawberry apple salad.

Strawberry apple salad is the perfect park snack.

Fill half pint mason jars with the salad and put a lid on. Grab a spoon and you’re all set. No need to worry about messy hands since you eat it with a spoon.

Whether it is strawberry season or not you can make strawberry apple salad. Frozen strawberries work too!  No apples on hand? No problem. Swap pears, peaches or plums. It’ll still taste great.

Put strawberry apple salad on your menu this week. I bet your kids will love it as much as mine do!Strawberry Apple Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Strawberry Apple Salad
Serves 4
A simple summer salad that turns ordinary apples into a fun strawberry treat.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 plain whole milk yogurt
  2. 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  3. 2 Tbsp. honey
  4. 5-6 medium apples, peeled, cored and cut into bite size pieces
  5. optional - 1 tsp. poppy seeds
Instructions
  1. Puree the yogurt, strawberries and honey in a blender.
  2. Pour the mixture into a medium size bowl. Add poppy seeds if desired.
  3. Add the apples to the bowl and toss to coat.
  4. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
  1. This can be made a day ahead.
  2. Top the salad with granola or crispy nuts if desired.
  3. Fill half pint mason jars with the salad to take it on the go.
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