Hi! I’m Rachel Monroe — mom of two, spreadsheet lover, and full-time snack alchemist ever since our youngest, Lily, was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy at just eighteen months old.

We live in Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains are green, the air smells like pine, and my kitchen has slowly transformed into a nut-free experiment lab. Before allergies, I cooked the way most busy moms do — quick, familiar, and often with a handful of almonds thrown in for crunch. But everything changed after Lily’s diagnosis. Suddenly, “simple” meals came with side orders of fear and second-guessing.

I cried in grocery aisles. I googled at 2 a.m. I scrutinized every label like it was a mystery novel. And then, one day, I just…exhaled. I realized that food, even with its restrictions, could still be fun, nourishing, and joyful. That I didn’t have to give up the homemade muffins, the lunchbox surprises, or Saturday pancakes. I just had to get creative.

So I did. I swapped out ingredients, called every brand’s customer service line, and baked more test batches than I care to admit. I turned Lily’s allergies into an invitation — to try new things, to simplify, and to reclaim joy in the kitchen.

This blog is my heart on a plate. It’s where I share the recipes that work for us — nut-free, kid-approved, and filled with love (and sometimes chocolate chips). Whether you’re just starting your allergy journey or you’re a seasoned label-reader like me, I hope you find comfort, inspiration, and maybe a new favorite snack here.

Thanks for stopping by — my kitchen light is always on.tpat fringilla.