Sharabelle bakes

Fruit and Nut ' War' Cake BANANAS ABOUT BANANAS I'm especially Thankful it is Friday this week.  I forgot to re-order my prescription for my medication, which I take for my IBS.  The one that stops me waking up at night as I feel my digestive system working.   I pick it up today so  I'll actually get a decent sleep tonight.  Tired and cranky may be cute in children, not especially in Adults.  Hence my friends and family will also be especially thankful this Friday as well.   The focus of my Banana project this week has been - Fruitcake.   It seemed appropriate considering my sleep deprivation.   For this recipe I took inspiration from a  Fruit and Nut war cake Recipe , that I found when searching the Internet.  So many dairy & egg free cakes were created due to rationing, Necessity being the mother of invention.   I halved the recipe quantities for testing and left out the alcohol, since it is one of...

10 dairy free ways to cook  with Nuts & Seeds It's at this time of year that us Scots get a little bit more nutty. Perhaps it's a Cultural phenomenon but we do seem to eat a lot more nuts.    Bags of shelled peanuts appears beside  Sweets, Candy and toffee apples for Halloween. Then at Christmas the bags of mixed nuts come out to nibble along side the seasonal drinks. Boxes of chocolate's are bought as gifts for friends and family, which always contains  a few nutty ones.   While  nuts and seeds are Delicious Au natural, there is a lot more that you can do with them.   They are full of protein, minerals and vitamins making them a great ingredient to add to a dairy free diet.   1. Condiments - Mustard Seeds I have recently just discovered mustard seeds, there now one of my favourite cooking ingredients. Creole Mustard Apple & Raisin Chutney Basil Pine nut pesto ...

More sources than just Dairy.... When I had to give up all dairy products due my IBS & lactose intolerance, my Dr recommended I start taking a Calcium  & Vitamin D supplement.  She also advised me to eat foods high in Calcium.   Why Vitamin D  - It helps the body absorb the calcium.  The body can synthesise vitamin D from exposure to Sunlight.   If you are lactose intolerant like me, always check the ingredient label before your buy  or take any medications or vitamin supplements.    Some pharmaceutical company's use lactose to bulk out pills.     Illogically I have even discovered it in calcium tablets.   Dairy products are not the only way of getting your recommended daily amount of calcium.  Nearly all fruit and vegetables have some calcium in them, however there are some that have really high amounts.  Making them ideal substitutes if you follow a dairy free diet. Calcium in milk ...

All the sugar grown in the UK, is made from Sugar Beet .  So technically it's a vegetable, which is why I think it fits with my 10 ways to cook - dairy free project.   I know its a bit of a stretch, my only excuse is that Iv been craving sweet foods lately.   When you have food intolerances, you can't exactly go to your local shop for a chocolate bar or candy.  Most larger supermarkets do have some in their Free From Range or Aisle.  However it's a lot more fun to make your own. With Halloween and Christmas just round the corner, why not made some as a gift for friends and family.   Homemade gifts always show you care, because they take time and effort to make.   1. Fruit and Nuts Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best Nut Brittle Nut brittle recipes are unintentionally dairy free. Candied Fruit A great article showing you how to candy your own fruit. It takes time and patience but then the best things always do....

My diet might be limited due to my IBS, however would you be surprised that the only supplement I take is for Calcium and Vitamin D.  I eat a varied mostly plant based diet, which provides all the nutrients I need.  It's also a myth that meat, poultry and dairy are the only sources of protein available.  Beans, lentils and  pulses Includes all non dairy milk products made from soy beans eg soy milk, soy spread, soy yogurt & tofu Nuts and seeds Includes non dairy products made from nuts eg almond milk, nut butter, tahini, Vegetables especially green veg ones eg Cauliflower, broccoli, green peas, spinach, sweet corn Grains and cereals eg Bread, oats, breakfast cereals, pasta Fresh/Dried Fruit and berries Fresh :  Avocado, peaches and figs Dried : Figs, apricots Keeping too a varied diet, keeps me healthy.  It also keeps me from getting bored...