Tag: chocolate

Root Down Denver Restaurant Review

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My recent trip to Denver concluded with the best meal we had while visiting.

A friend who is local and a foodie (and aware of our food allergy needs) had recommended a few restaurants and we were able to get into Root Down.

I was so impressed with the knowledge of the staff. When my daughter listed her allergies (Dairy (ANA), Soy Protein, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, and Celiac) the waitress said that’s not too bad! My daughter was relieved as the waitress pointed out the entrees on the menu my daughter could enjoy.  Then when I listed my allergies (Dairy, Celiac, and Nightshades) I asked about a certain dish and she said “that usually has Goji Berries on it but we are using something else right now instead.  I was amazed she knew that Goji Berries were a nightshade.

Beet Salad
Risotto

I ordered the beet salad minus the cheese and the risotto.  Both were wonderful! My daughter order the crab taco’s and although she wasn’t too sure if she liked them, she was able to try something new.

Crab Taco's

The best part of Root Down was that we were able to order dessert! We ordered both the tiramisu rice pudding and the truffles.  Dessert!  We never get to order dessert! Now I need to learn how to make truffles because that’s all my daughter can talk about.  The desserts tasted heavenly.

Tiramisu Rice Pudding
Chocolate Truffles

I definitely would put Root Down on your itinerary when traveling to Denver with food allergies.  They made us feel both special and normal!  Thank you for making our trip safe and delicious.

 

 

Snacks for flights (Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Soy (Protein)-Free and some Nightshade-Free)

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Traveling with Celiac and food allergies always take more planning a preparation.

For the I bought chips, chocolate, and other sweets for the flights.  I bought enough safe snacks for the flight to Denver and the return flight.  I put half in my checked bag for the return flight.

 

For this trip I bought my favorite BoBo’s Bars.  I like the original and the Apple Pie flavors. I like to carry three in my carry-on for flights.  I bought my nightshade eating child Kettle Chips, and for me Heart Keenwah “Herbs de Provence”  .  For treats I had Sunflower Butter Cups Free 2 B, and one mint cup, some Junior Mints, CoComels, and Pumpkin Seed barkTHINS.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find two of our staples at the Denver airport on the way back.

One thing I learned is that some granola type bars (like my beloved BoBo’s) can cause your bag to be searched.  During one of my last trips the TSA agent (who knew what BoBo bars were!) had told me to put all my food in a separate bag inside my carry-on and have it go through the x-ray machine separately.  When they asked if I had any snack bars I was able to remove the separate bag and send it through on it’s own.

What do you take with you on your flights for snacks?  Do you buy anything in the airport?  Happy allergy travels!

 

Morning Hygge – Dairy-free Coffee

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I’m starting my morning with a hygge moment. I added some Penzys Hot Chocolate to my coffee this morning.

One of my goals for 2018 was to start drinking coffee black. I accomplished this pretty early in the year and it wasn’t too hard for me. I still get a nondairy latte sometimes when I go out for coffee, but at home I always have black coffee.

Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Tree Nut-Free, Peanut-Free & Nightshade-Free)

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Today is National Brownie Day!  And I may be making Brownies later, but I am finishing up these yummy soft cookies I made the other night.

I usually top them with Candy Cane bits, but they have been hard to find this season.  I could try to break up some candy Canes, but the last time I did that it was not pretty.

I use chocolate chunks in these cookies, but they would be just as good with chips.  The teaspoon of peppermint oil gives it a nice holiday taste.  I have made these at other times of the year and left the peppermint out and they are just as good.

One of my goals for this winter is to add more Hygge to my life.  To slow down and enjoy the holiday season.  To be thankful for my snuggly cats and the warm blankets.  To listen to Christmas music and turn the lights on on my tree whenever I am home.  Some coffee and the soft cookies were a great Hygge addition to today.

Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Cookies

  • Servings: 24 large cookies+
  • Difficulty: easy-moderate
  • Print

Ingredients

IMG_4024
Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Cookies
  • 1 cup Earth Balance Soy-Free sticks
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 cups Namaste Flour
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • dash of salt
  • 1-2 cups chocolate chunks or chips
  • optional Candy Cane bits

 

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In the bowl of a mixer cream together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract
  3. In a separate bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt
  4. Add dry ingredients slowly to running mixer until combined.  The batter will be extremely thick.
  5. Mix in chocolate chunks
  6. Using a medium scoop or a large soup spoon make 2 inch diameter cookie balls and place on silpat lined cookie sheet.  I only had room for about 8 cookies per sheet
  7. IF adding candy cane bits sprinkle them over the top.  You may need to add some pressure to get them to stick.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes
  9. Cool before moving to a rack to cool all the way.  Although we enjoy them hot and melty and often reheat them in the microwave!
  10. Enjoy!

 

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