Home » Kid-friendly Recipes » lunch » Page 5

Category: lunch

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.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
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.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
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.

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.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
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.

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.

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.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
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.
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.

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad

When you see strawberries at the farmer’s market you know summer is here! Use that fresh fruit to kick off the season with this fun strawberry lemon jello salad the whole family will love.

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

I recall eating a lot of jello growing up.  Of course we had it plain. But we also ate a lot of jello salads.

Church potlucks are notorious for a variety of jello dishes. Some have chunks of fruit. Some are layered. Some are meant to be eaten with your hands. I know I got my fill as a kid!

Jello salads are fruity and fun. Of course kids love them. Who wouldn’t with the bright colors and sweet flavor?

Is Jello Harmful?

It’s been a couple years now since we adopted a strict no food coloring policy in our house.

My children just react way too strongly to artificial colors and flavors.

Plus after researching I realize just how bad all of that artificial stuff is for everyone’s health (think ADHD, hyperactivity, etc.).  I still cringe every time I see a child eating a brightly colored cupcake, cookie or candy. Especially knowing that it is most likely a daily occurrence for them.

So jello out of a box is not something my children ever eat. But I do like to make real jello with nourishing grass-fed gelatin (use code TAKE10 for 10% off).  It is especially fun in the summer.

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Real Food Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad

Recently I decided I wanted to recreate some of my childhood favorite jello recipes.

I started with this strawberry lemon jello salad. It is actually a combination of two jello salads my mom made.

But this one is made with real fruit, grass-fed gelatin, natural sweeteners, pastured eggs and raw milk!

The first layer is a simple strawberry jello made with fresh berries. The top layer is a bright, lemon pudding.

Together they make an irresistible combination. And check out that color!!! No need for anything artificial when you’ve got quality ingredients with vibrant hues.

The final test is the flavor. My whole family gave it two thumbs up! The strawberry and lemon pair well. The jello is not overly sweet. It is a great combination.

Strawberry lemon jello salad would make a great addition to any summer picnic or potluck!

Are you a jello fan? Treat  yourself and your family to this amazing real food version of a classic. Strawberry lemon jello salad is sure to be a hit.

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Strawberry Lemon Jello Salad
Serves 12
Real strawberry jello topped with homemade lemon pudding.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Strawberry Layer
  1. 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  2. 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  3. 2 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin
  4. 1 cup water
Lemon Layer
  1. 2 egg yolks
  2. 1/3 cup lemon juice
  3. 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
  4. 3 Tbsp. arrowroot, tapioca flour or corn starch
  5. 1 cup cream or whole milk
Strawberry Layer
  1. Puree the strawberries, sugar and water in a blender. Pour into a sauce pan.
  2. Stir the gelatin into the mixture. Let set 1 minute.
  3. Heat the strawberry mixture over low-medium heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved, about 4 minutes.
  4. Pour into an 8" glass pan.
  5. Put in the refrigerator until set, about 1 hour.
Lemon Layer
  1. In a medium saucepan combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, sugar, arrowroot and milk. Whisk to combine.
  2. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the pudding begins to thicken (will take around 5-10 minutes).
  3. Continue whisking for 30 seconds. Turn off heat. Whisk until fully thickened.
  4. Pour the pudding into a bowl to cool for 20 minutes.
  5. Pour the pudding over the strawberry layer.
  6. Chill until fully set, about 2 hours.
  7. Serve cold.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Rhubarb + Apple Sauce

This rhubarb + apple sauce combines the flavors of spring with a staple fruit available all year long to make a delicious side for any spring or summer meal.Rhubarb + Apple Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

School is out! Summer has officially begun. Before you move on to strawberries, blueberries and cherries sneak in one last rhubarb dish.

I know strawberries are the classic pairing with rhubarb. It makes sense since they are available at the same time of year. But I’m learning rhubarb goes with so many other fruits!  Cherry and rhubarb blend well in this jello.

Now you can mix rhubarb with a fall staple – apples. Since apples are readily available year round this side dish is easy to make in the spring or summer.

My kids loved this rhubarb applesauce. There is sweetness from the apples, spice from the cinnamon and hint of tart from the rhubarb.

Rhubarb applesauce is great any time of day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a snack – you really can’t go wrong.

The preparation for this side is minimal. Since the apples cook down you don’t have to chop them much ahead of time, especially if you are going to puree the sauce. The rhubarb should be peeled first (I just do this with my hands) to remove the stringy outside. Then a rough chop and you’re all set.

Kids can help make rhubarb applesauce. Peeling rhubarb is a great task for them! Then using a safe knife to roughly chop apples (after you peel/core them) and put them in the pan. My kids love helping make this.

Are you getting bored with plain applesauce? Try a spruced up spring version with rhubarb added.  You’ll add vitamins and boost the flavor. It is also a great way to introduce your kids to rhubarb.

Rhubarb + apple sauce is perfect for early summer picnics, family barbeques and easy lunches while the kids are home.Rhubarb + Apple Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Rhubarb + Apple Sauce
Serves 6
A tart and sweet applesauce with the flavor of early summer.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  2. 1 cup rhubarb, peeled and diced (about 1 large stalk)
  3. 1/3 cup cane sugar or honey
  4. 1 tsp. cinnamon
  5. 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
  6. 1/2 cup water
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 25 minutes (will depend on the firmness of the apples), stirring periodically.
  3. Mash or puree the sauce.
  4. Serve warm or cold.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
Dairy Free Grilled Cheese

Dairy Free Grilled “Cheese”

Dairy free grilled “cheese” is a simple sandwich made without fake cheese alternatives. It is perfect for a quick lunch or a side with nourishing soup.Dairy Free Grilled CheeseI L.O.V.E grilled cheese.  Really love it. When I’m pregnant it’s one of the only foods that sounds good in the first trimester. When I’m getting over sickness it always appeals to me. I could eat grilled cheese just about any time.

Salty + gooey = love.

No Dairy, No Problem

Being dairy free for seven months now I haven’t eaten grilled cheese in a while. I actually rarely miss cheese. If I could indulge in dairy it would probably just be a big glass of raw milk.

That being said I do miss grilled cheese.

The other day I was making tomato soup…and of course that means grilled cheese. Instead of just making myself something else like usual I decided to make a dairy free grilled “cheese” that I could eat.Dairy Free Grilled Cheese | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

To my great surprise this turned out so well! I think I could have eaten two or three of these.  My four year old (that can’t have cheese either) thought it was great too! I made it with sourdough bread (I love that sour and salty combination). Any bread you tolerate will work. Soaked gluten free bread would be great too.

Make It Gooey

The “cheese” is made from a combination of pumpkin or squash with gelatin (I love both this brand and this one!), cane sugar and salt.  Then coconut oil + a sprinkle of sea salt gives you a buttery flavor for grilling.

So you get vegetables and healthy protein in your grilled cheese. Please note that gelatin is not a complete protein, so you should pair it with another protein in your meal.  Adding bacon to this grilled cheese would be perfect! (note to self…make bacon grilled cheese ASAP!)  Leftover chicken or canned tuna or salmon would be great too. Or simply pairing it with a soup with meat works well.

Easy Lunch

I love that this is a quick lunch component. Being dairy, egg, nut and bean free there is not much I can make that is quick and still has protein. So if I don’t have leftover meat I’m left with nothing. This sandwich works well for days when there is nothing on hand and I need an easy meal. I even put it in my kids’ lunch box. It’s great cold!

I have made this a few times now. One thing I noticed…if you let the grilled cheese sit for a bit the gelatin has more time to gel and the filling has even more of a cheese texture!  I actually think it tastes a bit like American cheese. It reminded me of my childhood.

I like to make grilled cheese when we have soup for dinner. But I rarely make it these days since only half of the family can eat it. But I’ll be adding it back to the menu now! The whole family can enjoy grilled cheese again.

Do you miss grilled cheese after removing dairy from your diet? You’re in luck. Now you can have it!Dairy Free Grilled Cheese | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Dairy Free Grilled "Cheese"
Serves 1
A simple dairy free version of grilled cheese without fake cheese alternatives.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. Two slices of bread of choice.
  2. 3 Tbsp. pureed squash or pumpkin
  3. 2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  4. 1/2 tsp. cane sugar
  5. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  6. coconut oil + sea salt for cooking
Instructions
  1. Mix the squash, gelatin, sugar and salt. Let sit two minutes.
  2. Heat a medium pan over low-medium heat.
  3. Spread the squash mixture on one slice of bread. Top with the other slice.
  4. Add coconut oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to the warm pan.
  5. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until golden, 3-5 minutes.
  6. Flip sandwich, add extra coconut oil and salt to the pan. Cook another 3-5 minutes, until golden.
Notes
  1. This grilled cheese should be cooked slowly so the gelatin has time to warm and dissolve.
  2. This makes enough filling for two small or one large grilled cheese, it depends on the size of your bread.
  3. The longer the sandwich sits/cools after cooking the more the gelatin will firm up and feel like cheese.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/


*If you order by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup

Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup | Homemade Dutch Apple PieYes, I know it’s spring. So hot soup may not be the first meal that comes to mind. But soup is really great all year long.

It is packed with nutrition, of course. But what’s great about soup in the spring and summer is how easy it is to make so you have lots of time to play outside! Soup gets even easier when you make it in the crockpot.  Toss the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, go about your day and dinner is ready when you need it.Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

This soup was inspired by the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.  Beef, peppers and onions are simmered all day in a delicious broth. Then you can serve it topped with shredded cheese.

For my dairy free friends you can add a dollop of pureed squash to get the cheesy feel. Or just make the soup creamier with an extra splash of your favorite milk substitute.

Pair the soup with your favorite bread (I like to make garlic bread with this soup) or crackers. Add a fresh salad and dinner is served.Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

The whole family enjoyed this soup. I love how easy it is to make. The leftovers are great for lunches. Or you can make a big batch and freeze a whole meal’s worth so you have an even easier meal on hand.

This is also a very budget friendly meal. Ground beef, onions and peppers are very affordable!

Do you like Philly cheese steak sandwiches? You’ll love this soup version.Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Soup
Serves 6
A simple soup version of a Philly Cheese steak.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb. ground beef
  2. 1 small onion, chopped
  3. 1 - 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
  4. 2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1 tsp. garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp. season salt (I use Redmond)
  7. 1 cup milk or milk substitute
  8. 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  9. 2 cups shredded cheese of choice or 1/2 cup pureed squash (optional - for topping)
Instructions
  1. Turn the crockpot to high.
  2. Add the beef, onion, peppers, salt, garlic powder and season salt. Spread out the beef.
  3. Cover and let cook for 1 hour to start browning the meat.
  4. Break up/stir the meat.
  5. Add the broth and milk.
  6. Cover and cook on high 3-6 hours or low 5 - 10 hours.
  7. Top with cheese or squash if desired when serving.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/