Hi! I’m Lisa and I’m so glad you’re here!
Hi! I’m Lisa and I am so glad you are here!
I love food. I love to cook. I love to bake. And the fifteen months of my kitchen renovation have been the hardest of my life. We’re still not done yet, but my kitchen is usable. Phew!
I’m the mom of three amazing kids. One still growing, one almost grown, and one who has flown the coop. Way back when my oldest (now 19) was almost 2 he had a life threatening anaphylactic reaction. In what was then the scariest moment of my life, I rushed my swollen-faced, hive-covered, wheezing toddler to the E.R. And my pulse quickened when they whisked him out of my arms to administer emergency epinephrine.
A few moments later we were all “calmly” coloring in the pediatric E.R. waiting room while waiting for a bed to be admitted. My son was doing fine, but I was in shock. Fourteen hours and one encounter with the custodian affectionately nicknamed “Gus” (after the Fisher Price Little People sanitation worker who came in my snore favorite garbage truck-gotta love two year olds), we were discharged and told to get allergy tested ASAP.
My Introduction to Food Allergies
After the three weeks scariest weeks of my life . . . for numerous reasons, and a way too complicated process we found out Kevin was allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. (I do sincerely hope it is easier now..
It was a scary diagnosis. But manageable. Provided we could get my extended family on board. They didn’t believe food allergies were real. Sigh.
So I did what I do best (other than cooking): research. I ordered every book I could find on managing food allergies and searched the Internet. But things weren’t like they are today. I relied on message boards for information.
(Want to read more about his first [and second] anaphylactic reactions? And the countless times we visited the emergency room in the early days? Those posts are in the works.
And manage it we did. For 17 years now!
A little about me
Back in 2015 I launched my first food blog–actually it was more a mommy blog (and is oh so embarrassing now)–called Miles, Muffins, and Memories. It was the story of my family’s affinity for muffins (which you will still featured here heavily), my (now-not-so) new running habit, and our family memories).
From there I transitioned the blog a few times and then settled on Pineapples & Pilates, which I kept going through the pandemic. But somewhere around the fall of 2020, when the numbers turned again, I lost my spark.
I was sick of cooking and out-of-words. My kids were getting older and I was tired (not because the kids were older but because of COVID–older kids are so very cool). My food philosophy was changing.
And so, I’ve been silent. Until now.
Well, not silentl exactly . . . I’ve turned writing into my full time career (after law and teaching). I’m working on a couple of books (#overachiever). And I’m a book coach who helps first time authors achieve their dreams of finishing a book.
By day, I work for a small education company. I love my job. And in spare time (ha, ha), I write about what it’s like to raise rapidly growing kids with grace.
Nut Free Pantry
But, I’ve been missing my blog. And my recipes. And the excuse to spend way too much money on ingredients to make amazing dishes. So, here I am.
Sharing amazing nut-free recipes. Because over the last 17 years (OMG! 17 years!) I’ve learned A LOT! And just recently, my son has gone out on his own. This was once a very scary prospect for me. But, it’s amazing. Kids grow up, get responsible, and it’s all okay. (Don’t worry, I’ll share lots of tips about that too–how to let go and let your kid manage their own health).
And I know what we’ve learned over the years will be valuable and helpful to so many others–whether you are just starting on this nut-free journey or are tired of the same-old. same-old, and looking for a little inspiration.
So now, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned. . . Recipes from soups and salads to main dishes and the most delectable pastries and desserts, and more. When you try these dishes (some easy, some not-so-much) you’ll never miss the nuts. I promise. My favorite go-to snacks. Our grocery store staples. How to make the most of
My Food Philosophy
My kids still joke about when breakfast was “Chex Mix” – rice Chex, marshmallows, yogurt-covered raisins, and chocolate chips. I’d tell them they had to eat the Chex if they wanted more marshmallows.
Those were still the early days of managing Kevin’s food allergy when the only criteria for a food was that it was “safe.” But it wasn’t long until the girl who grew up in the midst of diet culture took over.
When the kids got a little bit older, I pivoted and became focused on nutrition. A little too focused, to be honest. It was more like obsessed.
I cut out all processed foods, limited carbs, only served organic meats. It was fun for awhile, but not sustainable for a full time working mom. Or anyone.
Gradually, I relaxed a bit. I bought goldfish and even the occasional Pop-Tarts. Then the pandemic happened. Food became tougher to get. Grocery trips were limited. And there was all that cooking. Any shortcut that made it easier worked for me.
Now, I am happily in the middle of the road. Food is meant to nourish you, but also to bring you joy. I favor balance everywhere in my life–and cooking and eating are no exception. There are lots of veggie recipes (my daughter is a vegetarian) on here and lots of made-from-scratch sauces (because they just taste better). But you’ll also find my favorite nut-free bottled barbecue sauce and salad dressings. And LOTS of treats, because I LOVE dessert.
My family
BOOKs
FUN
