"Oatmeal" Cookies

"Oatmeal" Cookies

I haven't done much baking lately (or much blogging either, tee-hee). Due to my food allergies, I'm eating gluten, dairy, egg and walnut free now. It's been frustrating at times, finding things to eat and to make. I was discouraged for a good long while. However, I have luckily stumbled across some great allergy free cookbooks and recipe blogs, plus a great selection of gluten and vegan products in stores. It's because of these findings that I am able to finally (truthfully!) say, I don't really mind eating with food allergies. Sure, there are things that I miss, like eating at restaurants and enjoying holiday foods. I miss cheese, oh God do I miss it! HOWEVER, eating gluten/vegan/dairy/walnut free is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. Plus, I've found that I can still eat burrito bowls at Chipotle (all is not lost people!!)

So, here are some of those above referenced items/books/blogs that have helped make my allergy free lifestyle manageable (listed in no particular order):

1. Living Intentions ~ Sprouted Flour
(I used this flour for the "Oatmeal" Cookies above. The recipe was on the bag. Nora, Claire and I made them for the first time and they are AMAZING.)

2. Tasty Yummies, A Recipe Blog
I have Pinned tons of recipes from this blog. I can't wait to try them all!

3. The Dairy Free Gluten Free Kitchen 
Some recipes use eggs but many do not.

4. Allergy Free Desserts
I can basically bake and eat anything in this book. I love that!!

5. Bold Organics Deluxe Pizza
SO INCREDIBLY GOOD! I don't know what I would do w/o pizza!

However, there are upsides to living with food allergies. It has broadened my horizons. I know more about food now than I ever did before. Also, I've discovered that there are many NEW foods to love that I never would have tried otherwise. So in some small way, my food allergies have enhanced my life. I can't think of a reason to complain about that! Just keep that cheese platter AWAY, okay? Lol!!