"That was the best hot cocoa ever!"

So said my daughter last night.

I've had some success (and help) in the kitchen lately. It's so great when the kids rave about something that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free; I could just do a jig (if I wasn't so tired!) But when my husband tells me that my gf, df, and sf Scalloped Potatoes and Ham tastes just like his mom's--well, I want to shout "Hallelujah!"

Besides the potato hotdish, I've recently made Swiss Steak, Filet Mignon with Tarragon (the wonderful part about purchasing a half of beef,) Tuna Sandwiches, and Hot Cocoa, all new recipes except the tuna, but we hadn't had that for a long time and so it seemed new. If any of you are looking for gf, df, and sf recipes for these, let me know and I'll post them.

Yesterday, a friend helped me sort my special recipes that I've gathered since we've been sick. (This seemingly small task daunted me. Thank you, friend!) My recipes had gotten very disorganized and were in two different folders and I couldn't find anything when I needed to. Now they are ready to go into an accordian folder. Since many of them are new, I'll try them out first before putting them somewhere more permanent.

More food related thanks: Thanks to those who pop over with a plate of leftovers every now and then. Brent can eat these -which leaves leftovers of the allergy-free food I make- which means less work for me the next day. I want to thank a neighbor friend who shares her daughter with us to help in the kitchen during extra stressful times; and the daughter who cheerfully allows herself to be volunteered. I want to thank my mom for calling me for my "I wish I had the energy to make these treats for Christmas" list, shopping for the special ingredients, making the treats, and sending them cross-country with her love. And last but not least, to my husband who use to prefer to do any other part of my job besides cooking. I think he's starting to like it now. Our future empty nest stage might just contain fun evenings of cooking in the kitchen together ;-) .

*Edit: Add gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free Chicken Nuggets and Sloppy Joes to new recipe successes.