Allergen-Free Restaurants

I figured I'd start a post, with restaurants who have allergen-free menus.  The hardest part of having a food allergy/intolerance, has been eating out.  What can or can't I eat?  Will the restaurant even have an allergen free menu to view?  Well, I decided to create a list of restaurants that I have gone to and eaten at personally, who not only have a menu for me to choose from, but an accommodating staff that seems concerned about making your experience reaction free.  While most restaurants state it's tough to not fully prevent any cross contamination, there are some who seem to go above and beyond to help stop that.

Applebee's -  They had a great allergen-free menu when I asked for it.  They had a binder, and a bunch of pages broken down by specific allergy, egg, wheat, dairy, etc.  There was a lot to choose from, and I was able to enjoy my meal incidence free.  The only downfall is, the waiter I had never asked me once what my allergy was and even asked me why I wasn't eating the mozzarella sticks my friends were enjoying, even after I explained he didn't seem concerned.  I'm hoping this was just this particular waiter, since they seemed to take the time to produce menus for allergies.  I don't eat here often, so we shall see. 

Chilli's -  I had dinner here with some friends, it was my first time eating out after I found out I was lactose-intolerant.  I actually was able to print a dairy free menu right from their website!  The waitress saw the sheet, and asked me what my allergy was.  The manager later came over and asked which person had an allergy, then what dish I ordered.  He later brought the dish out to me personally.  They definitely were accommodating to people with allergies, and had a fair amount of dishes to choose from.  I'd definitely go back here.

Red Robin- Awesome! I asked for an allergy menu, and they had an entire binder, broken down by allergies. I was able to enjoy a hamburger with no lactose. :)  They also offer Vegan and Veggie burgers for those interested.   The manager brought my dish out to me personally here too, and double checked my allergy before even giving me my food.  Another great restaurant to try!

I'll update this post as often as I can, I cook more than I eat out, but here are a few to try for now!

Dairy Free Mocha Iced Coffee

I found this recipe on milkfreemom.com, so I can't take credit for this delicious drink!  The recipe calls for almond or coconut milk, but I used regular Lactaid milk and it tasted great, so use whatever type of milk you want! :)

Ingredients:

2 cups of ice

2 tablespoons cocoa or dairy free chocolate syrup

2 tablespoons sugar or agave syrup

1 1/2 cups of almond or coconut milk beverage

about two cups of HOT coffee

Put all ingredients in blender and pulse until smooth, or slightly icy if you desire. Makes one large iced mocha.  Try making coffee ice cubes for a super coffee taste!

Homemade Egg & Dairy Free Sloppy Joes

I found this recipe on all-recipes.com.  The one listed made my original Sloppy Joes watery and too thin.  I adjusted the ingredients and added a few suggestions to help make that think, sloppy sauce! I served it on a lactose-free bun. 

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground beef

1/8 onion, diced
5/8 clove of garlic, minced
1/3 cup water
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste




Directions
1. Combine the beef & onion in a cold skillet. Place skillet onto stove burner on medium heat. Cook & stir until beef is browned.

2. Stir in garlic and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add 1/3 cup water, stir. Then, mix in ketchup, sugar, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt & pepper, bring to a simmer.

4. Reduce heat to low and simmer until mix is thick, about 30-45 minutes.  If sauce is still too thin, trying adding some flour, 1/4 a cup at a time. 

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

I found this recipe on milkfreemom.com, she's excellent!

Ingredients:2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup non-dairy Earth Balance butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups dairy-free Enjoy Life semisweet chocolate chips


Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or spray with non-stick cooking spray. I used wax paper instead, it makes better cookies!

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

2. Using a mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.

3. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients a little at a time until just blended.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand, being gently not to break chips.

5. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.

6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Vegan Brownies

This recipe isn't mine, I found it online.  These brownies came out pretty good taste wise! Texture wise, after 30 minutes they were still a bit gooey and when cutting into them, they fall apart easily.  I love fudgy brownies, so I didn't mind, but for those who don't, definitely cook them longer.  Since I'm only lactose-intolerant, and not vegan, I may add an egg and adjust the other ingredients to see if I can get them more to my liking, texture wise.  If you know of any good adjustments, please feel free to comment below. 

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1.    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F  

2.   In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan.

3.   Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.