Non dairy sources of Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, the majority of which is found in teeth and the skeleton. It is also essential to nervous and muscle tissue activity. 

The major source of calcium in the diet is milk and milk products (cheese, yogurt etc) and closely followed by cereals. 


What happens then, when you have a child who can't have dairy due to an intolerance or allergy? 

Courgette, Apple and Turkey burgers

We took the dog for a long walk by the river today, and when we came back, T had these delicious turkey burgers with his lunch. 

Delicious Courgette, apple and turkey "burgers"

This recipe works for both you and baby. They take about 30mins to make, and can be frozen once cooled. 

The Dog out for a walk this morning 

Dairy Free Grown ups: Dairy Free Iced Mocha

With the hot weather that we're having at the moment, I found myself really wanting to have an iced coffee. I also wanted to make this myself so that I would know exactly what was in it. 

Why not give it a go yourself?

Delicious and cold on a hot day

Under 15 Minutes: Tomato Pasta Stars with Tuna

In a rush, and haven't been to the shops lately? Here is another EasyDairyFree Fifteen minutes or less meal: 



Note - this recipes assumes that you have made the "Creamy" tomato sauce, find the recipe here. 

Ingredients

3 cubes of frozen pasta sauce
50g pasta stars
1/2 tin tuna in spring water (Not brine as this will be too salty)

Just defrost some frozen pasta sauce cubes and cook some pasta - quick and easy! 

Method

1. Cook the pasta as per instructions in a pan of unsalted boiling water. 
2. Defrost the pasta sauce cubes in the microwave or another saucepan until piping hot. 
3. Drain the pasta, stir in the sauce and add 1/2 tin tuna. 
4. Check the temperature before serving. 

Top Tips
If you want to make this more of a finger food, then cook a small handful of fusilli pasta instead. Baby can get stuck in on their own! 

Why not try adding a small handful of frozen veg (cooked obviously!) to add a bit more colour and taste to the dish?

Find the recipes for other Under 15 Minute Meals by clicking on the pictures below:

Allergy and Free From Show

Have fun if you are going to this today. 

The Allergy and Free From Show in London 3-5th July 2015

We won't be there unfortunately, but it would be very interesting to hear about some of the new products out there. 


Twitter: #freefromers

Food Labelling Laws

In December 2014, food allergen labelling changed in the UK in order to become clearer to consumers. It's great news for those who need to be able to skim the backs of packets quickly in a supermarket!

Under 15 Minutes: Ideas with an Avocado

In a rush, and haven't been to the shops lately? Here is another EasyDairyFree Fifteen minutes or less meal: 

Ingredients 

1/2 ripe avocado, mashed. 

Serving Ideas:

Avocado and Banana

Mash with 1/2 banana and a small amount of milk substitute. Blend to your desired consistency. 

Avocado and Butter Beans

Add the avocado with 1/2 400g tin of butter beans into a food processor. Add 30mls milk substitute. Blend. 

Avocado Dippers

For the older baby - avocado is a great medium for dipping things into. Try pitta bread, rice cakes, cooked sticks of carrot or broccoli florets, cucumber sticks, toast, strips of cooked chicken breast. 

Avocado Roll ups
Take the mashed avocado and spread onto one side of a tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla up and cut horizontally. Great idea for picnics with older children. 

Top tip - brush the un-used half of the avocado with lemon juice before putting back in the fridge to keep it from browning. 

PS - Have a look at my other recipes here.