What's For Dinner?

I'm not going to lie. I miss restaurants and convenience foods. I miss pizza, cheese toasties, mac 'n cheese, and donuts. I don't miss soda anymore. So, there is a win.

Allergies and intolerances can suck! Attempting to figure out how to navigate after eliminating a particular food can be daunting. First, you panic, "What the crap am I going to eat?" Then you research before moving to the trial and error phase. Finally, it clicks. I think I have done pretty well at adapting. It has not been an easy road and it can be frustrating at times, but it beats feeling miserable.

I am allergic to peppers and soy. I am intolerant to yeast (including vinegar), sesame, and tomatoes. The doctor's office has me off of beets (including beet sugar), Boston lettuce, sulfites, wheat, gluten, dairy, and citrus. When it comes to food, I am a hot mess. Hahaha! I try to look at the bright side, at least I am eating healthier.

Pinterest has become a good friend of mine. I search for paleo, whole30, and vegan recipes when looking for homemade recipes. I modify the recipes as needed for my restrictions. I also have an amazing chef friend that creates recipes for me when I hit a brick wall. She gave me a scrumptious pumpkin soup recipe. Baked sweet potatoes with sauteed onion, garlic, and spinach rocks. Salmon with asparagus and dill, just wow! Did I mention that she is amazing!?!

Here are a couple awesome "safe" recipes that I like:

• Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions (I leave out the mustard and substitute water for the broth)
• Yeast-free Cashew Parmesan (I leave out the red pepper flakes)
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup (I make homemade chicken stock, most broths/stocks have soy or yeast)
• Simple Roasted Carrots

Here are a couple recipes that I hope to try soon:

• Sauteed Cinnamon Apples
• Easy Vegan Cinnamon Pecan Cookies
• Roasted Cauliflower Soup (minus bouillon, pepper flakes, and lemon juice)

Trying new foods, tastes, and flavors can be fun. I definitely miss the quickness of fast food and the convenience of prepared foods. Sometimes it makes me sad to watch my family eat fast food, while I find some leftovers in the fridge. What I would give for a juicy cheeseburger on a yummy bun with crunchy french fries. But we have to trudge along with what we have and within our limitations.

So, what are you having for dinner? Something homemade, something out of a package, or are you dropping by a restaurant? My favorite dinner this past week was oven-baked herbed chicken and lima beans.