I often joke that a year ago we could have been considered the “Mc Talty” family for all the times we would frequent McDonald’s. My then two year old was so familiar with the place that he felt compelled to point it out whenever we passed one in our travels. We’ve made a complete turn around since then, thanks in large part to our oldest son’s diagnosis of a chronic tic disorder and our subsequent discovery that he is allergic to wheat and corn and highly sensitive to gluten– three foods we since eliminated and made all the difference for him in his recovery.

This recipe is unique. What makes it special? It is not so much about the ingredients as it is about the preparation. You see, this Little Chef Salad is literally a salad made by my little chef, age 3, a former chicken nugget man turned foodie, a fella not diagnosed, but gluten free through association, and loving it. (more…)

If you haven’t seen Disney’s summer sleeper yet, do make the effort before the school year officially begins. Ratatouille (2007) is a cute movie about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great French chef, despite his family’s constant discouragement. Little Remy, played by Patton Oswalt, takes us on a wild journey from the rooftop of a French cottage in the country all the way to Paris where he struggles to fulfill his culinary dreams while making friends and defying everyone’s wildest expectations. He cooks up a wonderful life for himself and those around him after learning ten simple life lessons. Adults and children will find this story heartwarming and useful in both the kitchen and life in general. (more…)