You will NEVER believe where I found this snack! Nope, not there.  Not there either.  I got these from Dollar Tree!  I could not believe it!  Berries & Cherries Crunch is a fiber enriched gluten free, gmo free and vegan snack.  There are about 2 serving per bag and each serving is 150 calories.   I love these!  Not only are these nutty little berry filled clusters tasty, but they are also a healthy and quick snack. I really like that each serving size does not break my calorie bank. I checked to see how much these are online and they are about $2.39, so I lucked out by only paying a dollar. Unfortunately, this is not a product for those who must avoid nuts, but if you can tolerate nuts, these are such a scrumptious treat, especially if you are on the go. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

        Five years ago when my husband and I got married, I decided to make pralines as our wedding favors. Since pralines are a traditional Louisiana confection, I thought they would be perfect, because we were moving to Louisiana immediately after our wedding. Although I can not have pralines because of the dairy, I make them every year for my husband on our anniversary.  This year, however, for our 5th anniversary I was determined to make some that I could enjoy as well.

I tried this recipe from Allyson over at Manifest Vegan, and I was beyond pleasantly surprised with the results! My husband and I both thought they were superb! The texture and taste were spot on. My husband even said that he like these pralines better than their dairy laden counterparts!  It is also important to note that the process of making these is also easier than making the traditional versions. If you are a praline lover, or just want to experiment with a new confection, I suggest you try these on for size. Just make sure the pecans you use are gluten free! This recipe is definitely a keeper!

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       I know that the 4th of July has passed, but I wanted to share a few things. My family has always had loads of fun on the 4th of July. Delicious food, terrific company and fireworks are the highlights of our family  festivities.  I love living in Louisiana were firecrackers are legal, because when it comes to fireworks, I believe the bigger they are, the better.  

      Apart from the tummy troubles that I have been dealing with (I'll write a post about it later), I managed to have a totally stellar holiday. What made this July 4th so spectacular was having my parents in town. Unless I am at home or at my parents' house, I never feel very relaxed when it comes to preparing food.  Even though people say they understand my food issues, and try to be supportive, it is difficult for anyone to fully know the odds and ends of cross contamination and the gluten or dairy that is hiding in products under a different name.  Luckily, when I am at my parents' house, there is a system in place that keeps me safe. A system that I am thankful for.

        "The Gluten Free Bible," is an awesome addition to any gluten and dairy free person's collection. My mother - in - law gave me this truly fantastic book, and I can truthfully say that I have enjoyed every recipe that I have tried so far.  The book offers useful information about gluten free living and provides "dairy-free variations" for many of the recipes.  One of the first things that I did when I went gluten free is check out the ENTIRE gluten free cookbook collection at the library (at least,what they had on hand) and I read them all.  I tried quite a few recipes, and I was happy with some, and disappointed with others. This is the first book that included a variety of recipes that were full of flavor, easy to understand and simple to make throughout the week.  The ingredients are also things that are not difficult to find and many of the recipes are budget friendly.

       In regards to the flour blend, I have only used the specific blend with the recipes outline in the book. In addition, I have even tried recipes without using the specific blend and had terrific results.

        I have only tried one cookie recipe, but when I try other dessert and treat recipes, I will be sure to let you know how they turn out.
So far, I have tried the:

•  Veggie Tostadas, 
•  Eggplant with Millet and Pepper Stuffing ( I used brown rice instead of the millet)
  
• Corn bread (Best gf cornbread recipe I have yet to try)
• Chili Corn bread
• Cajun Chicken and Rice
• Mexican Tortilla Stack - Ups
• Raisin - Coconut Cookies (which happen to be one of my favorite gluten free cookie recipes)

I hope you give this book a try and enjoy it as much as I do. As always, have a fantastic gluten and/or dairy free day!