Posts by Lisa
Fermented Veggies
Those who know me can trust that I always have some sort of bubbling food experiment brewing in the kitchen. My biologist roots make it impossible for me not to be curious about the natural reactions that cooking and food can produce. So as a result, we make our own kombucha, preserved lemons, jam, pickles, dried food, jerky, juice, cheese, butter, coconut milk, yogurt, beer, bread… A...
Read MorePasture Raised Apple Braised Pork
This last weekend I stopped by the Fogline Farm booth at my local Farmer’s Market and picked up a pasture-raised pork shoulder. I didn’t really have any plans for it, but when I looked at my other purchases from the day – onions, herbs and apples. I figured this guy was destined to be slow braised with apples and herbs. Pasture-raised? You may be asking why bother? Isn’t...
Read MoreEpiPen Assistance
EpiPens (for those who don’t know) are the emergency epinephrine auto-injectors that those with life-threatening allergies carry with them in case of a reaction. They can save lives– if they are available when needed and used properly. We carry an EpiPen with us and have two in place on my daughter’s school campus. Having them does provide us some comfort. It’s our...
Read MoreWalk for Food Allergies
Yesterday was the Bay Area’s FAAN Walk for Food Allergies. The whole family had a great time. Autumn was really proud to have raised money for a great cause and see so many other kids like her. After registering we picked up our T-shirts and strolled through the vendor area collecting a load of allergy friendly cookies, chocolate milk and jelly beans. There were jugglers, bouncy...
Read MoreCoconut Whipped Cream
This one may not be new to you, but I have to share it anyway because it’s one my favorite treats. This whipped cream will make everyone happy and no one will miss the dairy – I promise. It’s super silky, sweet and creamy – the perfect topping for berries, pumpkin pie or other holiday treats. I was looking for a vegan whipped cream recipe and found a few that called...
Read MoreFood Allergy Education
Do the kids in your child’s class understand their food allergies? Recently a new boy to our school thought Autumn was just faking her allergies and decided to chase her with a cheese sandwich. He was quickly set straight by mobs of friends in the know and the Principal, so all ended well. This boy clearly didn’t understand what Autumn goes through and probably hasn’t been...
Read MoreUkulele bags!
Wait a minute… this has nothing to do with food allergies! This was so awesome, I had to share it. Let’s file this one under favorite things, because it definitely is one of my favorite things these days. Over the summer my son and I decided to take up the ukulele. My daughter plays piano and it has been such a great experience that I wanted my son to have a musical adventure all...
Read MoreBack to School Lunchboxes
We’re into the 2nd week of school and wanted to share some recent lunchboxes. You’ll notice all the lunches contain avocado in one way or another — it must be avocado season because they are plentiful and cheap right now. Avos are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and potassium. They are a great addition to any meal and luckily my kids love them. I use it in...
Read MoreSunny Coconut Bars
Here is one of our favorite snack ideas for lunches or as a special treat. With just a few ingredients they are quick and easy to make (no baking!) and they really hit the spot when the kids are trolling for sugar. This my answer to a cookie most of the time and my kids know these as “power bars”. Sometimes we roll them into balls and call them “power balls”. Sometimes...
Read MoreFood Rewards Follow-up
Back in July I wrote a post titled No More Food Rewards. I wrote this because I was concerned about the candy rewards and junk food parties in Autumn’s school. I sent a copy of the post to the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent of our school district and the Principal of our school. I wasn’t sure what I would hear back in return, but I was pleasantly surprised when they...
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We are a family of photographers, artists, writers, naturalists, birders, tree huggers, tennis players, gardeners, cooks... one of us has food allergies. This blog is how we aren't letting those allergies get us down. We are living with food allergies. Contact us: autumnslunchbox@gmail.com