Under A Writing Spell

#UnderAWritingSpell

  • Dinner in the Heat of Summer

    This summer has been hot. I mean really hot. Not just “it’s summer in the South” hot, but the air feels heavy the moment you step outside. The humidity has been relentless, and the air conditioner at home has struggled… Continue reading

    Dinner in the Heat of Summer

  • Learning The Story Behind a Dish

    All it took was one bite of a Jamaican meat pie for my husband and me. We were out one afternoon running errands when we got hungry. We don’t eat fast food, so we usually stop at a grocery store… Continue reading

    Learning The Story Behind a Dish

  • I Tried A Chocolate Sourdough Starter

    I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw something I had never considered before: a chocolate sourdough starter. Not chocolate bread… a chocolate starter.  The video showed a jar of deep brown starter bubbling and rising, and it looked incredible.… Continue reading

    I Tried A Chocolate Sourdough Starter

  • While He Cooked

    Tonight, I sat on a stool and watched my husband make dinner. Flank steak. Rice. Steamed broccoli. Nothing complicated. He marinated the meat and let it rest on the counter. Rice went into a pot of boiling water.. The broccoli… Continue reading

    While He Cooked

  • Managing Social Situations Without Stress

    Going dairy-free at home is one thing, but navigating the outside world is another. That’s where things get tricky. Holidays, potlucks, school parties, family gatherings, church events, neighborhood cookouts… they all tend to revolve around food. And not just any… Continue reading

  • Nutrition & Living Dairy-Free

    Living dairy-free isn’t just about swapping ingredients; it’s also about understanding how to nourish your body well without relying on foods many people take for granted. The good news? Meeting your nutrient needs without dairy is absolutely possible, and for… Continue reading

  • Grocery Store Strategies

    Grocery shopping for a dairy-free lifestyle can be manageable and affordable with a strategic approach. Familiarize yourself with store strengths, track sales cycles, and opt for budget-friendly swaps. Buying pantry staples in bulk and focusing on bulk prep simplifies cooking.… Continue reading

  • Building a Weekly Meal Plan (That Actually Works Dairy-Free)

    Meal planning simplifies everyday life, especially for those on a dairy-free diet. It reduces stress, saves money, and prevents food waste by utilizing current kitchen inventory. The focus should be on creating a adaptable framework tailored to family schedules, utilizing… Continue reading

  • Dining Out Dairy-Free: Tips & Survival Guide

    Dining out can feel like a minefield when you’re dairy-free. You want to enjoy a night out without turning it into a research project, but the truth is, restaurants can be tricky territory. Butter hides in “steamed” vegetables, cream sneaks… Continue reading

  • Altering Recipes Without Losing Flavor

    Dairy-free cooking encourages creativity rather than restriction, allowing for flavorful recipe adaptations. Key alternative ingredients like plant-based butters and milks can enhance dishes. An understanding of these substitutes leads to successful, delicious dairy-free meals that retain comfort and richness. Continue reading

    Altering Recipes Without Losing Flavor