About 4 years ago I was researching food allergies for a condition that Two had. Through the course of studying up for him I realized that I had a dairy allergy. I quit eating it cold turkey the next week. It took nearly 6 months to get it out of my system. After that the pain in my joints went away, the headaches went away and I went for a whole winter with out getting sick once. Previously it seemed like I had a perpetual cold all winter. This year I did try goat cheese but as it was in my mouth I could feel my body changing in a negative way. So once again I have sworn off cheese of all types.

Loving all things cheese this has been really difficult on me but literally every time I eat dairy products I wonder why I put myself through that again.

My mother has been very supportive and has noticed health benefits of limiting cheese (My father had been diagnosed as allergic to dairy products years ago). She shared the following recipe with me about a year ago and it has been one of my favorites. Last night I was craving it and whipped up a batch to eat on the Matzos someone had recommended to me for morning sickness. Proeun is also trying to eat better. When he got home he willing tried it, but only to support me. On the first bit he was hooked. Though most of the ingredients are not local to us we buy from a bulk company that buys from farmers. 

Ranch Dip or Dressing

3/4 cup raw cashews
3/4 cup raw macadamias (can  use all cashews or macademias)
1/2 cup water (more for dressing)
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic
1-2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp dried dill (or 1 very small sprig fresh dill)
1/2 tsp dried basil (or 2 leaves fresh)
1 stalk celery

Mix all ingredients in blender of Vita-Mix of blender until smooth and creamy. Makes 2 cups. This is a nice spread for bread instead of butter. If making dressing, use an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of water. Keep for two weeks in the refrigerator.