AIP Dairy Free RANCH

I love flavor and complexity- I don't necessarily need sauce but lately... well, lately I have been needing some sauce- 

On a lot of days where I am overwhelmed by homeschooling, editing photos for weddings or just exhausted from getting my half acre garden prepped- I tend to just roast some sweet potatoes or carrots and dive into a salad.  While I never tire from roasted veggies with salt- I do eventually frown at quick salads with little inspiration.

I recently came across a recipe for dairy free ranch.  Being on AIP style eating I was interested until I saw the first ingredient was mayo.  I skimmed through the ingredients and tossed together my own version with what I had on hand.

1 can coconut milk

1 whole avocado

3 large garlic cloves diced tiny then smeared with the flat side of my blade

1 T dried dill

1 t  dried parsley

3 green onions diced thinly then chopped

1 t salt 

about 1/4 c apple cider vinegar- enough to thin to desired consistency 

As much as a good 1 t of fresh black pepper would be in this- strict AIP doesn't allow it- So... I just add a few extra cloves of garlic and a bit more onion to spice it up a bit.

If you can't tolerate raw garlic and onion- I would suggest dry roasting them until tender at a high temperature to bring out the depth then pureeing them into the liquid once cool.

Once all ingredients are in my quart mason jar- I use an emulsion blender to finish it off.  You must give the flavors time to merry.  At least an hour- or better- overnight.

It is not quite the ranch I recall, but it is also not far off in comparison if done right- it is not only a decent copycat but it is divinely creamy, deep and a great alternative to all the fresh bright vinaigrette dressings I've been making since January. 

Every night we go on our forage walk to collect half of our salad.  Tonight we were thrilled to see Lamb's Quarters sprouting everywhere.  Of course we harvested a ton of wild Violets and Dandelion leaves.  As you can see below- E eats more than he brings back:)

Before they all vanish- I will harvest several cups of these wild Violets and make jelly out of them.

Baby sprouted Lamb's Quarters that most people pull out of their garden or lawn convinced they are obnoxious weeds-  Tender, mild and a great addition to any salad.

While the blossoms, leaves and Lamb's Quarters were intended for the salad....they never quite made it in tonight. 

Like I said- I never fail to love roasted veggies with salt, but this is a staple duo-dip-dressing on many quick meals during the week. 

Long time.....

Hello old friend.....

  For the past several months I have been planning, taking and loading photos so that I would be prepared to kick this blog entry thing back up.   Unfortunately, I have been traveling and working out of state off and on...mainly on... since December 2014.

  I love to randomly input things in here, but have been beyond hard pressed to find the time.  Today I finished uploading the last of a wedding I shot over two months ago.  I know- 2 whole months and I "should" have been done editing.  Well, I take my time and it shows in the end.  With all that happened I am shocked it went as well as it did!   I had 2 serious injuries that occurred during the past 3 months and it has taken a very long time to heal- one of which just happened- who knows how long this will take to mend.

  Either way- I am prepared with half written entries and copious amounts of photos to start throwing back on here.

  In January of this year I underwent surgery to see why I have been unable to conceive after 32 months of trying.  I have seen the top specialists in 3 states with no progress or indication there is anything suspicious with my husband or myself.  All I received was a bigger and bigger list of pills and suggestions.  Lets be clear- I HATE pills. Finally I got the Dr who delivered my daughter to take me under the knife.  I was told I had a terrible case of Endometriosis and he successfully eliminated ALL of it.  "However", he said, "it will come back and you will want to have a hysterectomy because of the pain and discomfort".  He also said I would have the best chance of conceiving over the next 6 months....in fact he said he would be "shocked"if I was not pregnant in 3 months.  I am to understand this 6 month 'til doom window is there because it is predicted the endometriosis will be back in place that soon.  No pressure.

After I left the hospital I got back in contact with my friend Jodi.  She is always a few steps ahead of me with books she has read and once again reminded me to read The Autoimmune Approach by Sarah Ballantyne. So I did.  This book changed a great deal with how I approach things now that I know my issues that "will come back" might actually be reversed, alleviated or stunted.  Anything to extend my 6 month window of doom.
  Because of her book- In January I recently strictly began the AIP way of life to help heal the 2 autoimmune diseases I discovered I have.    Thankfully I already lived close to this kind of way of life so the transition was not drastic like it is for most people.  But...like I have always been- its all or nothing.  So I am fully invested to resolving my health concerns.

This brings me back to Jodi.
My dear friend, whom I value beyond words, just told me she has found she has another autoimmune disease and will be going back to non dairy life.  Her health means a great deal to me and even though she knows what she needs to do- I would like to help her get back to feeling well.  She helps keep me motivated, so it is the least I can do;)