A Young Man with Autism Bakes Gluten Free

In this world of autism, we are constantly reminded of what these individuals cannot do. But sometimes, there are instances where they do achieve. Blake Herskowitz is one such individual. He is a young man of 21 years with severe autism. When I use the word, severe, I mean that he cannot speak and needs 24 hour supervision. He is unable to care for himself. However, Blake has found something that he loves to do and that he excels in: Baking cookies and cupcakes. 

Since Blake was three years old, he has been gluten and dairy free. In later years, he also gave up corn, soy, artificial colors and preservatives. He is not totally sugar free, but he does often bake products for himself that contain alternative sweeteners like agave. Therefore, much of his baking is gluten free. 

Blake is an example of what a person can accomplish if there is a motivation and determination to succeed as well as someone who is willing to take the time to teach them the skills. Every person who exists on this planet can find personal success and a purpose. It may take some time and trial and error on the part of the people that support them to figure out exactly what that is. 

Check out Blake on his website at: www.misterblakescakes.com

Yummy and Healthy Chocolate Pudding-Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Corn and Egg-free

I had a tough day. My son, Blake, had to get his teeth cleaned. "So?" You say. Well, the difference is that he is a 21 year old man with severe autism. Getting his dental work isn't a matter of just going to the local dentist. What's involved is a two hour ride two counties south, a 3 hour wait, general anesthesia, a long recovery, throwing up, and then an even longer ride home with a half comatose person who doesn't understand what the heck is going on. Oh-and we had to do the whole thing with my son being on an empty stomach-really the hardest part for him. 

But as hard as it was for me, it was even harder for him. The dentist recommended a soft diet for the rest of the day. So I wanted to make a treat for him. So I decided to try and wrestle up some quickie chocolate pudding. Watching him gobble it up after a long and stressful day, really helped us both to recover. So here is an easy recipe for you. And you don't have to wait for a difficult day to make it.

Quickie Dairy, Gluten, Soy, Corn and Egg Free Chocolate Pudding:

3 Tablespoons tapioca starch mixed with 2 Tablespoons of water

1 1/2 cups Coconut Milk

1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/4 Cup Evaporated Cane Juice

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa

2 Tablespoons of Agave Nectar-optional

Mix everything together in a pot. Warm up over medium heat stirring constantly (watch that it doesn't burn on the bottom). It will thicken quickly.

Once it is thick, remove from the heat. Pour into a glass bowl. Wait a few minutes until it has cooled. Taste. If you want to add a little sweetness, add some agave until it's sweet to your desire.

Cool in refrigerator. Enjoy!

Delicious Gluten Free Cookies for the Holidays-Egg, Dairy and refined sugar free, too!

With all the holiday baking, we are always on the lookout for an easy and delicious cookies. My family has found a new favorite. Interestingly, I found it while I was trying to bake for a friend of ours who is presently undergoing cancer treatment and needed a treat that was low in carbs for Thanksgiving. So I made him these. Since then, my family has wanted them every day. And they are quick and easy enough to accommodate them:

Almond Chocolate Chip:

1 Cup of Almond Flour

2 Tablespoons of oil of your choice

2 Tablespoons of Agave Nectar

1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla

1/8 Teaspoon of salt

1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda

1/8 Cup of Dairy Free Chocolate Chips

Directions:

Throw all the ingredients except the chips into your food processor. Process until the ingredients are all blended through. Stir in the chips. Then drop by small teaspoons onto your cookie sheet. Bake on 350 for 10-12 minutes. Let them set up for 15 minutes or so before you remove them from your cookie sheet. This recipe should make 16 cookies.