Maggiano's Little Italy {a success story}

 

Last month, we took the family on a mini vacation to our favorite beach in Florida. It was perfect. As always. It's a place we can go and just totally relax and enjoy ourselves. There's something about the ocean that makes you forget everything stressful in your life. It's just pure enjoyment. That's not what this post is about, though. It was on our way home that this story takes place.

We planned to leave early enough so that we would arrive in Jacksonville right at lunch time. We had heard about Maggiano's from family members that had been there and we were really wanting to try it out. As a family that operates on the food allergy mindset, we had never taken our family out to an italian restaurant before because of the egg ingredient present in nearly all pastas. It's never a risk we've been willing to take because there are only a couple different pastas available in stores that my daughter can eat and pretty much every italian restaurant we've looked up online has no egg-free version. But we researched ahead of time {as always} and saw on Maggiano's website that they try to accomodate food allergies, etc. So, we made the decision to go. {There were plenty of other places nearby to eat in case we got there and it proved not to be allergy friendly. We always have a backup plan.} Upon arriving, it was a little busy outside the restaurant, so Hubs let me out of the car to go get a table. When I was greeted by the hostess, I asked her about the food allergies, specifically my daughter's allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts and she said they happily accommodate food allergies and that the chef would come to our table to speak with us about it. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the chef came out {which my daughter thought was awesome} and asked us about the allergies and then gave us our food options. He told us she could eat any of the straight pastas like spaghetti, etc. and then which sauces were appropriate for her allergy needs. When they brought out Callie's big bowl of spaghetti {her very first time eating it at a restaurant!!}, she was thrilled! Spaghetti is her favorite meal at home, but it was even better in a restaurant.

I had to take her picture because this was a moment to remember! Excuse the crazy hair and tired face. We had been traveling all morning.

I, of course, had Benadryl in my purse just in case, but it was completely fine for her and caused no reaction whatsoever. It was a real treat for her to eat pasta that day. I was so happy for her and thankful that she got to have this first-time experience. Wish we had a Maggiano's close to us!

I'm adding this to my list of allergy-friendly restaurants at my page entitled {Allergy-friendly Restaurants}. Go check out the others listed. If you know of some I have not listed, please comment and let me know!

Thanks for stopping by!
Amy

Art You Can Eat - part one {allergy free recipe}

These yummy cupcakes were made for my daughter's 8th birthday!

 She's my little artist in residence and I gave her an art themed birthday celebration. She loved every minute of it!

You can get the recipe on my other blog, Life is {Sew} Daily. 3 ingredient cupcakes that are egg free, dairy free and peanut free. Moist and delicious.

If you make some, give me a shout and let me know how you like them!

Thanks for stopping by! {I made another allergy-free artsy treat for her - come back to check it out soon!}

Cheers!

Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

Just in time for Fall parties and celebrations! Last Saturday I had to come up with a dessert for a Harvest Party that would be fun for a group of college students. I wanted something that fit into the 'finger food' category that would also be allergy-friendly for my daughter. In group events where food is involved {when is food NOT involved?}, I like to make something allergy-friendly so my girl can eat what everyone else is enjoying. I was happy to have found this Fall favorite and make it allergy-friendly. So, if you're looking for a quick treat that doesn't require much effort, this is it!

Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

3/4 c light corn syrup
1/4 coconut oil
2 T cold water
2 5/8 c powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts popcorn, popped {I airpopped mine - delicious}

Heat the first 5 ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Once thoroughly combined, add in marshmallows, stir constantly until melted. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated. Lay wax paper down and form popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to set. I wore disposable gloves sprayed with cooking spray to form the popcorn balls and it worked like a charm. No sticking. These turned out great with very little effort!

Enjoy!

Dum Dum Cookie Pops {Dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

Saturday my oldest girl is turning NINE! I can hardly believe it. I've been thinking of something to send to school with her tomorrow to share with her class, and I wanted it to be simple and non-cupcake related. So, today I was out shopping for her birthday gift and came across a huge bag of Dum Dum Lollipops and I knew I could find something to make with those so I bought them. When I got home, I was checking out Pinterest and found exactly what I was looking for. The only exception is that mine are allergy-free! SO EASY and FUN! Hope you enjoy!

I used the Cherrybrook Kitchen Sugar Cookie Mix {thanks, Dayna!} and followed the instructions on the box using Smart Balance Light {dairy-free}and unsweetened Almond Milk {dairy-free}. Mix according to package directions and drop onto greased cookie sheet.

Then, simply unwrap and press a Dum Dum Lollipop into the center of each cookie dough. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Let cool on a cooling rack. Package up individually for a great classroom treat!

What's not to love?

Buy your ingredients here:
Dum Dum Pops, 200-Count

Marshmallow Fondant {Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free}

I saw this on Pinterest several months ago and finally decided to give it a try. When I saw the recipe, it wasn't listed as allergy-free, but immediately pinned it to my allergy-free foods board because it totally meets my requirements. I think you'll love this, too. It is VERY easy and quick. It's also very fun to make. My 4 yr old thought it was play-doh at first and when I gave her a cupcake on her birthday, she said, "You put play-doh on it?" This is a great way to decorate your cupcakes and cakes, especially if you aren't so great at doing frosting techniques. I'm a messy froster, so this was probably the neatest cupcake I have ever decorated and I'll definitely do it again!

I'm linking with these sites!

Chocolate Mousse {Dairy-Free, Vegan}

I recently came across a vegan blog I had never seen before and found a most delicious recipe! As soon as I saw it, I knew I was going to make it. Just a few ingredients? Healthy? Dairy-free & Egg-free?? Yes, yes I will. And I'm pretty sure you'll love this, too.

 *Use only the solid part of the chilled coconute milk for best results.

I'm linking with some of these parties!

2 Ingredient Cupcakes {Dairy-Free, Egg-Free}

These are the easiest cupcakes you'll ever bake allergy-free. {Depending on the cake mix you buy, this is allergy-free. I used Duncan Hines Devil's Food and it contains wheat.} All you need is two ingredients and you're good to go! I've made cupcakes with Sprite before, but these are easier and less sticky! So, if you're looking for egg-free cupcakes or cake, this is your best bet! My mom actually saw this on Dr. Oz, so she gets the credit for me finding this! Not only are these allergy-friendly, they are low-cal and still taste delicious!

Giant Cookie {Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free}

If you've ever walked through the food court at the mall, you've been tempted by those huge, scrumptious cookies with icing all over them. One time, (in college) I bought the sandwich kind with thick icing in the middle of two chocolate chip cookies the size of my hand. Mmm. That was good. As my hips can still attest to several years later. It was worth every bite. And I remember the time long ago that my mom found a recipe for making one at home with a cake mix, and yes, it was so good. It's been awhile since I've thought about making one, but as I was standing here in the kitchen wondering what in the world I was going to make so my daughter could have her alternative snack in her Truth Trackers Valentine's party tonight, I remembered them. And I just so happened to have a cake mix on hand. So, here's to hoping she likes it! {I'm making a large one and then using a heart shaped cookie cutter to make smaller ones from it.}

Giant Cookie {Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free}

1 cake mix {read the labels to find one your child can eat. I bought Duncan Hines Strawberry Supreme which contains wheat and soy and has been processed around tree nuts. This one is okay for her.}
3 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer + 4 Tablespoons warm water, mixed well {OR 2 Eggs if you are not allergic}
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Vegan Chocolate Chips, optional - I chose not to use them this time.

Mix all ingredients well. Roll out onto a cookie sheet in the shape you want. You can bake it and then cut shapes or cut shapes first. Frost as desired. Serve!

Wasn't that easy??