Beyond the Label: #SeedtoSunButter

I was given the opportunity to travel to North Dakota to visit Red River Commodities and the sunflower fields that make  Top 8 Allergen & Gluten Free SunButter Sunflower Butter and to learn about their processes, as well as, commitment to allergen control.  Below is the sponsored post as it relates to the brand and my trip. All opinions are my own. Disclosure.
I've been fortunate over the past few years to get to know many food allergy and gluten free brands on a deeper level. Having been afforded the opportunity to attend meetings, talk to the owners, and even travel on their behalf.
Although they're doing great things by providing us with a product, there are few out there that truly care about our community with drive and passion. It's not just a profit, they realize they're a part of something much greater going on. They're changing lives... saving lives. For me, SunButter saved ours almost ten years ago. 

Halloween Made Easy: Cupcakes for Two #Recipe with @EnjoyLifeFoods Baking Chocolate Snack Packs + Giveaway! #SnackFreely

Gluten Free & Top 8 Allergen Free "Cupcakes for Two" Recipe + Baking Chocolate Snack Packs Giveaway! This post is sponsored by Enjoy Life Foods. All opinions are my own. Read full disclosure here.
Anyone who has tried Enjoy Life Foods #1 Selling Allergy-Friendly Baking Chocolate knows it's hard to resist not eating them straight from the bag.
That's why their new Baking Chocolate Snack Packs are perfect for those chocolate cravings. Throw them in your purse, pack them for lunch, or bake up something delicious. Like my "Cupcakes for Two" recipe that is gluten free & top 8 allergen free. Just grab one Snack Pack and follow my easy steps!
{Giveaway} Make sure you enter below for a chance to win some for yourself! 

SunButter & Jelly French Toast Sandwiches {Egg Free #Recipe}

SunButter & Jelly French Toast Sandwiches are a fun treat for kids for breakfast or lunches! This recipe is allergen-friendly & egg-free, depending on the brand of bread you use.
Making french toast for breakfast is always a fun change-up in our household. We are typically a pancake or eggs kind of family. 
However, I always challenge myself to make things as allergen-friendly (and gluten free) as possible when I'm working on new recipes or ideas to share here. 
Years ago, I was playing around with my own recipe for egg-free/ dairy-free apple cinnamon french toast. I decided to circle back around and find a way to amp that up + make a fun recipe that could be used for both breakfast or lunches!

Sandwich Thins Recipe {Gluten & Top 8 Allergen Free}

Over the years I have followed amazing gluten free and food allergy free-from blogs. Some of the authors have even become personal friends. 
I look at their recipes. I drool. I want to make them. But I don't. And it's meant to no offense to them. 
Sometimes they contain a nut based flour. Or sometimes a flour that can't be purchased locally. Or more often than not, it's a flour blend where I have to literally go out and buy six bags of different flours just to create a special blend they want for the recipe.
I understand that it's what makes it "just perfect". But, for me, it's just not happening. 
If I can't make it with an all-purpose flour, then I'm not going to bother. I just don't have the money or pantry space to invest in the others. It's also sometimes difficult to find top 8 free alternative flours that are needed for those special blends. Many contain CC warnings. 
Thus why I started testing this Sandwich Thin recipe to begin with. I wanted it to be easy. I wanted it to use a gluten free AP flour, I wanted it to be top 8 allergen free, and I wanted it to be something geared towards my readers - something you could use in the lunch box, of course! 

Enjoy #LunchFreely + a HUGE Sweepstakes! #BacktoSchool

This post and sweepstakes is sponsored by Enjoy Life Foods. All opinions are my own. Disclosure.
I've been keeping a secret from you all.
For some time now, I've been working with our friends at Enjoy Life Foods on a fun video and some lunch recipes that are free-from the top allergens and gluten!
Not only that, but today launches Enjoy Life Food's HUGE Sweepstakes and LunchFreely.com website! 
There will be ONE GRAND PRIZE and there will be FIVE Runner-Up Prizes each week!! New recipes and sweepstakes details are in the post below.

Lunchbox SunButter Spice Bars {Top 8 Allergen Free}

This post is sponsored by SunButter Sunflower Butter. All opinions are my own. Read our full disclosure here. 
It's that time of year again... back to school! Time to get those lunch boxes ready.
Little Miss started a school that follows a "balanced calendar" -  meaning, she is on an almost "all year school" calendar and school began back on July 18th. Crazy, but it's let her start developing friendships right away, which is great.
I'm always looking for simple lunchbox ideas and recipes that allow me to pack in protein and yummy allergy friendly ingredients she can enjoy at school. Just like these SunButter Spice Bars. They're gluten free and top 8 allergen free. 

Welcome to Nashville! #EatFreelyUSA

#EatFreelyUSA is sponsored by Enjoy Life Foods
The first stop on our #EatFreelyUSA tour was Nashville. I had never been before but it was for sure a city on my bucket list - I couldn't wait for the music, the history, and the FOOD. 
What is #EatFreelyUSA? In case you missed the intro video, you can check that out by clicking here. 
Erica and I managed to eat our way through the city and even attend an award show while there. We found tons of delicious gluten free & allergen friendly eateries aaaaand may have also found a karaoke sound booth. Maybe... we'll see if that video ever surfaces. 

Cybele's Free-To-Eat Cookie Giveaway!

Years ago, when Little Miss was first diagnosed with food allergies, there were not all the resources we have today. Looking online, I'd find little information that was reliable and what this mother needed in order to feed her baby and feel secure.
One person I did come across during that research, was Cybele Pascal. Her books were some of my first comforts during a new scary time of our life.
Fast forward, now Cybele is sharing her experiences through baking and food allergy motherhood in her line of delicious Free-To-Eat Cookies. 
We've shared about these gems before, but I don't mind taking some time to do it again... and while we're at it GIVE SOME AWAY to FIVE lucky people!

Nut Free {No Bake} SunButter Energy Bites

There are a number of recipes I've made so frequently over the years that I no longer measure them. Just get out the bowl and start eyeballing the ingredients needed. 
Our Allergy Friendly {No Bake} SunButter Energy Ball Bites are one of those recipes.
Each time I share about them or pack them in a lunch I post on Facebook or Instagram, I get messages or comments asking for the recipe. And each time I tell myself, "Next time I'll measure!" ... but I never do. 
WELL, I FINALLY DID! While Snapchatting last night about dinner and knowing I needed to make more of these bites, I made sure to measure so I could *finally* share them here. 
They're gluten free and top 8 allergen free (that means they're nut free and great for school snacks)! 

#UdisGlutenFree Banana Berry Crunch Muffin Recipe

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi's Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.
I love baking muffins! They're great for grab & go breakfasts or throwing in the lunch box for a nice change up.
One of my favorite combinations is banana & blueberries. I admit that before I stopped eating gluten, I would regularly get my Starbucks on my drive to work + a blueberry muffin. So expensive and so unhealthy... but they were so delicious! 
So making muffin recipes of my own now, that are gluten free & allergy friendly, are something I love to create and do! And Little Miss loves to help.

Zucchini Oat & Flax Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies {Gluten & Top 8 Free}

Last week on our Facebook page, I asked everyone what their tips & tricks were for getting more fiber into their family's diet. 
It can be tricky when eating gluten free to ensure you're getting enough. Especially with kids -- Veggies aren't exactly the first thing they reach for in the fridge for a snack.
I'm thankful my Little Miss does a good job eating her vegetables, but that doesn't mean I don't still worry about getting her a good balance of insoluble & soluble fibers (beside the other nutritional values). 
I love making baked goods packed with Fiber and Omegas! Like these Zucchini Oat & Flax Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies. They're Gluten Free & Top 8 Allergen Free. Little Miss said they were the "best cookies you've ever made"! Seriously. 

Apple SunButter Baked Oat Bars {Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly}

There are some items I am admittedly addicted to... Crunchy Chips Pickles (Handfuls of) Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips Coffee ... and SunButter mixed with Apple Butter.
I eat SunButter & apple butter on gluten free toast almost regularly. I even make it into a quesadilla for lunches! When it's warmed, it's soooo ooey-gooey delicious. Seriously. 
Not a fan of apple butter? That's okay. You can make this recipe with any of your favorite jams or jellies. Heck, Little Miss thought it would be amazing with SunButter and chocolate chips even. She's right - but as you read above, I like to eat handfuls of them... every night... so we were out. Oops. ;) *add more to grocery list, again*

Fall Baking: Chunky Apple Pumpkin Muffins #Recipe {Gluten Free & Top 8 Allergen Free}

Once those temperatures drop and the leaves start to change, there's a new feeling in the air... a crisp, fresh start to each day.
I can't think of anything else other than baking. And not just any baking... it has to involve apples, pumpkin, and warm spices. 
Thankfully, my little sous chef agrees.  We usually set aside time on the weekends to head into the kitchen and start mixing and creating. This recipe was from one of those weekend adventures. 
Gluten free and free from the Top 8 most common allergens, these allergy friendly delights are sure to warm your belly and your home with their delicious smells and taste!

{Semi} Homemade Moon Pies #GlutenFree #AllergyFriendly

When's the last time you had a Moon Pie? 

The delicious treat typically consists of two graham crackers cookies, marshmallow filling, and dipped in chocolate.

It wasn't until planning my sister's baby shower, I realized Little Miss had never had one before - since the store bought variety has allergen warnings and they're definitely not gluten free.

That needed to be rectified... so we made some ourselves! Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly, of course. ;)

Pack a Healthier Lunch: Pear & Seed Chicken Salad #GlutenFree #Top8Free #USAPears #Giveaway

Day 3 of our Pack a Healthier Lunch week & Giveaway thanks to Pacific Foods, USA Pears, Franz Bakery, & ECOlunchboxes!
One thing we love packing for lunches are salads. I'm very blessed that my Little Miss loves a salad as much as I do (so long as I don't pack them every day for her, lol). This began by setting an example - I would eat mine and "ooo" and "ahh" over how good it was, all the vitamins I was getting, etc. 
She eventually became curious and wanted to try for herself. Guess what? She loved it. At that time, she actually preferred spinach salads over romaine but will now eat both. I usually mix her greens when I make them now. 
I, too, pack salads frequently for work. I don't want to eat the same one every.single.day so it's good to mix it up with new toppings and variety. That's where today's lunch idea comes in! A yummy Pear & Seed Chicken Salad packed in our ECOlunchbox cube. 

Pack a Healthier Lunch: Tomato Soup Carrot Spice Muffins #GlutenFree #AllergyFriendly #PacificFoods

Pacific Foods has partnered with a few bloggers, as well as, USA Pears, ECOlunchbox, & Justin's Nut Butter to launch a Back-to-School Campaign on Packing a Healthier Lunch!
I'll be sharing a new post each day this week (Monday through Friday) with a yummy lunchbox idea & recipes - so make sure to come back each day to see what's fresh!
You'll also get the chance to WIN a huge prize package from the above mentioned brands (except Justin's we opted out because of Little Miss' allergy) exactly like the one we received and you'll find pictured in the post below, including a yummy loaf of gluten free & allergy friendly bread from Franz Bakery! ENTER TO WIN!! 
First up, I'm sharing a recipe that's a play on an old classic - Tomato Soup Cake. Only ours are muffins, healthier, gluten free, allergy friendly, and perfect for lunches!

Baked & Glazed Chocolate Chocolate Chip Donuts {Gluten & Top 8 Allergy Free} #Recipe

Little Miss and I are always testing recipes.  Sometimes they're utter failures. Sometimes they're near miracles.
A week and a half ago, I shared a sneak peek on Facebook & Instagram of one we'd been working on. It was on its final "tweaks": A Baked Chocolate Chocolate Chip Donut that was Gluten & Top 8 Allergy Free. That's right... No eggs, no dairy, no nuts, no soy, no wheat, etc. 
Not only was it food allergy friendly but soft, plump, and delicious to boot! Let's be honest, that's rare when it comes to free-from recipes. I've tried my hand at many donut recipes before this - that's not to say the others aren't good, I wouldn't share them if they weren't...  but as you bake your skills and knowledge evolve, and I'm quite pleased with how this turned out! Obsessed, actually. They're darn delicious.
If Jesus was gluten free and had food allergies, he would serve these in heaven. Just sayin. 
In other words, make these for breakfast and watch your family melt at your amazing skills in the kitchen. *High Five!* To quote Little Miss: "This is the best donut EVA!" 

Lunch Made Easy: Work & School Gluten, Dairy, Egg, & Nut FREE Mommy + Me Lunches

Since packing lunches is an every day necessity in our household, due to my daughter's food allergy & food intolerances + my own dietary restrictions, I try to pack ours at the same time at night to keep things simple and more efficient.
That's why our Mommy + Me Work & School Lunches are so great - Always similar but different, since after all, we are different people with different likes. 
Here's our Gluten, Dairy, Egg, & Nut Free lunches we packed for today in our EasyLunchboxes containers:

{Enjoy Life Foods Friday} Crunchy Cookies Lunch Box Fun #GlutenFree #AllergyFriendly

Welcome to this month's edition of Enjoy Life Foods Friday! For May we're featuring the crispy, crunchy, and completely delicious Crunchy Cookies. 
The cookies are gluten free, top 8 allergen free, Non-GMO, and feature all-natural ingredients. They're available in four yummy varieties: Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Honey Graham, Sugar Crisp, and Double Chocolate.
Coming up with creative (and somewhat healthy...ish) ways to use them for lunches or snacks, welllllll, that could be a little tricky. Thankfully, Little Miss and I were able to put our thinking caps on and got to work! I'd say we did a pretty tasty job. ;)

How to Make PERFECT Silver Dollar {Mini} Pancakes + Fun Ways to Pack them for LUNCH! {Gluten, Dairy, Egg, & Nut Free}

The other night I shared a picture on my Instagram page: I had an idea to make making pancakes even easier (or as I joked, make them even lazier). ;) 
I usually make batches of pancakes or pancakes muffins (aka "puffins") over the weekends so Little Miss can have them ready for breakfast and lunches with a quick reheat.  
I had been toying with the idea in my head for quite sometime now to make them in my Babycakes Whoopie Pie Maker since the cavities are the perfect Silver Dollar Pancake size and thickness.
Well, I finally grabbed the machine and let it do it's thang! The results: PERFECTION. So simple! 
Here's how I did it and some fun ways you can use these cute mini pancakes for lunches and snacks, as well: