Fourth of July snacks and treats!

Who needs a sugar-laden 4th of July flag cake when you can put together a beautiful platter like this?!
Credit:  Party City website

We are looking forward to some much needed R&R during the 4th of July week!  As you can imagine, there is a LOT of planning that happens when we head to a cabin in the north woods with a child with food allergies.  Epi-pens, benedryl and supplements aside, we also want to provide him with nourishing foods and a few treats!  I hope you find some of these recipes and links to be helpful as you plan your long weekends or week-long trips!

Planning is critical to a realxing vacation - make grocery lists far in advance, especially if you will need to stop at more than one store to get what you need.  Pack plenty of snacks for the road, as well! 


Some treats that we will be making....

Rice Krispie Treats (nut free, gluten free, egg free, soy free, wheat free)

Golden Honey Graham Crackers  (nut free, gluten free, egg free, soy free, wheat free, dairy free)
**we made these last night and froze them for the trip, only sub in was whole cane sugar, you can cut the sugar in half if you would like to.  They turned out wonderful!  They will be great for s'mores!  Try these out with a homemade marshmallow recipe and some chocolate sweetened with stevia!)


Some snack ideas that you can make ahead (travel well in a cooler!):

Allergy friendly granola bars - make this, and double the recipe (it will still fit on one pan when you bake it)!  SO easy and travels really well.  Great snack when boating and picnic-ing!  Add coconut and flaxseed meal to bump up the nutrition!

Cowboy Caviar - this makes a huge batch and it always a hit!  Great for dipping organic blue corn tortilla chips (we like Trader Joe's or Garden of Eaten' chips)

Allergen-free hummus - I like to sub in olive oil for the water for more flavor (you may need a little more than 2 tbsp. of olive oil for desired consistency).  I recommend adding fresh herbs.  And double the recipe, it is great as a dip or sandwich spread!

If your family enjoys Chex mix, here is a dairy-free, nut free version.  I will skip this, but this is a great sub in for the bag from the grocery store that is fully of crappy ingredients you don't need to be eating.  use real butter if you are not dairy free!

How about some strawberry lemonade sweetened with stevia to wash it all down?!  YUM. 


Last but not least, a great lazy morning breakfast idea...

Allergy-free Maple Waffles - a family favorite of ours!  Add some berry sauce on top for a special treat!