We’ve been doing a “staycation” for much of spring break (made-up word alert) after returning from North Carolina where we escaped the pollen and got snow flurries instead. So we’ve been doing some yard work and a bit of cooking. As I mentioned a few months ago, our diet has been somewhat crazy after we discovered my daughter’s food allergies, but we have eased up a bit these days. Still trying to avoid wheat and now milk too. And really, don’t get me started. Food is such a source of frustration, but when I find someone who has all the answers I’ll let you know.
Anyway, as vegetarians we avoid gelatin. Okay, and if you don’t know why gelatin isn’t vegetarian, I won’t tell you about it. But my 8-year-old will be happy to tell you in graphic detail. And I apologize for that. So, we made some vegan marshmallow treats with puffed rice cereal from Whole Foods, Dandies vegan marshmallows and Earth Balance. I know. We managed to turn a 50 cent treat into a four dollar gourmet fancy thing. But they were good! Pretty much the old-fashioned recipe, just substituted with expensive hippie ingredients.
And we ate them with the girls’ new favorite smoothie — coconut and strawberry. I use a can of coconut milk (yes, the canned kind to get some extra fat in my kid’s diet — 72 grams per can!) and blend it with fresh and frozen strawberries and a bit of soy milk. Very tasty.
I love WHOLE foods store, but Geez, you’re right about the expensive part! Can’t shop there too often, just as a treat when I need something really special. Having food allergies is no fun for sure! My mom is allergic to chocolate and now I’ve found out I can’t have it either due to having Dysautonomia (nervous system issues).
Good luck on the vegan/gluten free diet….it’s tough but hang in there!
I’m vegetarian but love rice krispie treats. I use marshmallow fluff which is gelatin-free (though full of all sorts of other things that might not work for you) and quicker to boot!
How fabulous! My husband refers to me as a “recovering vegan” and gelatin still grosses me out. But I’m ever so tempted by marshmallows. I’ll have to check out that recipe.
almond milk, bananas and protein powder go into our favorite smoothie at the moment. a little agave goes long way if it needs a little sweetening.
Your gourmet treats look delicious. It’s frustrating that healthy foods are so expensive.
That sounds so good! Did it take the whole bag of Dandies? I have 1/2 a bag left after using them to top cupcakes. That smoothie sounds amazing, too!
those treats sounded like they were worth every penny! I recently bought frozen coconut milk and I have to say the flavour was the best and worth looking for!
No staycation is not made up it was a real buzz word over in the uk last year as money was so tight, the new one this year is daycation… yuck, basically day trips! Its a made world.
That smoothie sounds perfect for my soon to be 5 year old! She’s hypoglycemic (possibly going into type 1) and they’ve upped her calories since she’s underweight. Can you imagine getting 1500 Calories into a 4 1/2 year old?
It’s a mother’s nightmare when you have to find a way to meet your child’s medical needs and your desire for healthy nourishing foods somewhere in the middle.
Ugh, I can so relate to you with the food issues. My youngest is allergic to wheat and milk protein. Makes life a challenge, to say the least. Two vegetarians, two carnivores, one allergic to wheat and milk protein…meals are an adventure! It’s because of my girls that I offer gluten and dairy free cookies in my shop, so many people have to deal with food allergies and issues. We need to try these treats you have pictured, they look divine! And my youngest would be more than happy to share, in graphic detail, why gelatin is not a vegetarian product. 🙂
great to know that there are things like that out there for us Vegans. I’m good with no desserts but sometimes a good one makes a big difference! those looks yummy!
Oh, man, you have my pity – I was on a lactose/gluten free diet for a while when i was being tested for an auto-immune disease. It’s no picnic! Sounds like you’re doing fine, though. My go-to treats at the time were caramel Snack-A-Jacks and Sesame Snaps. Can you tell I like caramel? Oh, and chocolate soya dessert, which is of course the food of the gods.
I really feel for you. The supermarkets back home seem to have really improved in this area, having a special section for people with allergies, all clearly marked on the packaging. I’m hoping that that will catch on in the States.
Ok, now I’m just going to pretend that I didn’t read about someone being allergic to chocolate. I thought that developing an intolerence for alcohol was bad enough, but that would be the stuff of nightmares…
Oh! Coconut milk for adding fat! Great tip…
Sorry to hear about your dietary issues. We went through a period where we could eat no wheat, dairy, nuts, or soy. It was excruciating. I survived on chocolate coconut milk ice cream(so yummy) and avocadoes, among other things. There is a great cookbook called something like Gluten-Free Vegan which was helpful. I also made nut-free granola and lots of rice dishes and rice pasta dishes.
I’m vegetarian, too, and am always a little shocked that so few people know what’s up with gelatin. I never liked meat, so going totally veg was not a huge deal. I always mean to look for vegan marshmallows at Whole Foods but never remember. Guess I’ll have to put them on my list, because these treats look sooooooo good.
Excellent tip on the coconut milk!