Levi Loves Pad Thai

Gotta give big props to Thai Cafe in Broadripple! I had a major hankering for some of their soup last week, and so we got take out. I was curious about what we could get for Levi, and am always nervous about having to explain the whole GFCF thing to someone, ESPECIALLY over the phone. So stressful, and I am always scared that they'll not get it, or won't omit everything. To my relief, the owner didn't even flinch when I told her that I needed a Chicken Pad Thai, spice level 0, gluten and casein free. She even thought to let me know that he shouldn't have any of the spring rolls (which I knew, but was thrilled the did too). Thank you, Thai Cafe! I'm going to tell all of the GFCF families I know! (Picture does this meal NO JUSTICE!!!) Oh, and yes, that's mustard next to the chicken. He likes to dip everything in something these days! Stay tuned for the recipe on that chicken tender. My mom made them for Levi and they're out of this world!

K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple, stupid! Sometimes I need to follow my own advice. Meals are not always (or even often) going to be some grand attempt at a new recipe or new tricks to keep Levi engaged in his food. Todays lunch is a good example. Gluten free pretzles, some lean ham, grapes and a hardboiled egg were the perfect simple meal today for me to put together quickly before Levi got home from school. I finished peeling the egg just as the bus pulled up. To drink, some delicious OJ in a glass that was a wedding gift from Jim & Jess. We're working on him not spilling. Keep your fingers crossed!

Levi Loves Pizza!

This kid LOVES himself a nice slice of pizza. It was one of the things I dreaded having to remove from his diet, which is why I was SO happy to find a GFCF pizza that he loves just as much (if not more) than a traditional pie. Amy's Rice Crust Spinach Pizza is a light tender rice crust topped with organic spinach and dairy-free, soy-based mozzarella and ricotta cheezes, and of course Amy's authentic Italian pizza sauce made with organic sun-ripened tomatoes and our special blend of herbs.

We just really wish they came in individual sizes because they're over $8 each. So we try to stretch at least two meals. What a great find!

Levi Loves Soup

How lucky are we to have a child with a relatively diverse palate. He never fails to surprise me with the new things he's willing to try (Pork Chili Verde) and the things he won't even touch (the awesome GFCF cookies his Aunt Katy baked him!), which is why I am trying more and more to make sure that the things we make for ourselves at home are also GFCF, in the hopes he'll want to try it! Today I heated up a bowl of Green Chili with roasted pork that I made for the Fox 59 segment yesterday. Low and behold, he came over and, just like the little bird he is, opened his mouth for a taste. I hate having to tell him "no" when it comes to food, so I was thrilled that I had left the goat cheese out of the batch I left at home and he could have all he wanted. Well, as you can see, he loved it, and actually took, and finished my bowl! It's been almost 2 months since we started this GFCF journey, and we're seeing great results! He's blossoming in so many ways!