August seems to be the month for birthday parties around here... the Peanut was invited to a birthday party on Saturday. This one was special; it was a Princess tea party! I had no idea what to expect, save that the Peanut had to dress up in a special princess dress, and there were going to be tea sandwiches. The Peanut wore a vintage dress made by my grandmother in 1993 for my younger sister to wear as a flower girl in my aunt's wedding. She looked perfectly lovely in it, just like a pretty princess. I spoke with the birthday girl's mom and we decided I should bring my own bread for the Peanut to have for the tea sandwiches. And what luck - I had my Pamela's bread mix to make! So I prepared it a couple of days before the party.

Pamela's bread mix is easy to make, the directions are simple- no need to let the dough rise, punch it down, mix this, set it aside. None of that. Dump everything in a bowl, mix it up, let it sit for an hour and then bake it up. So I did just that. It worked for the most part- the dough was a bit on the sticky side and I'm sure that I didn't leave it resting long enough before I baked it... but the end result was a rich, chewy and moist bread that allowed me to remember what it was like to come home from work and eat a jelly sandwich... without getting a stomachache.

The texture of the baked bread was a more hearty whole grain one- which I love. It had substance, and my only complaint was that it crumbled a little too quickly. Other than that, it was just like any other homemade bread. I really, really believe in making your own bread - regardless of your food allergy status, there is just nothing like it in the kitchen. No store can replicate it- ok they try - but to beat the smell of baking bread in the oven? It is heavenly. Almost as good as chocolate!

The Pamela's bread had that smell that took me back to days of making homemade bread with my mother. It fills the house and definitely warms up the heart and the spirit.

I took two slices of this bread to the tea party, eager to try it out on the Peanut to see how it would hold up against the other tea sandwiches there... how does it do under pressure?

I sliced the two pieces I had in half and spread “cream cheese” on one, and peanut butter and jelly on the other. Then taking the two halves, I cut them into a heart shape using the party provided cookie cutter.

Take a look at how adorable this came out. The Peanut loved it! The worst feeling as a mom is to take a child to a birthday party only to be picking apart the food- wondering- is this going to cause an issue later?? So it was better that I brought my own. Better safe upfront, rather than miserable later.

The Pamela's bread held up well in sandwich form, in the toaster, with peanut butter and jelly, and smothered in margarine for a midnight snack. (Yes I had a carb craving late at night!) The flavor, texture, and overall quality rivaled that of my mother's homemade bread. I was thrilled to be trying it- and can't wait for Taste Tester to try it!

Tonight I had the bread for dinner... in French Toast form. I outdid myself I think, this was the best French Toast I've ever had!

Here is my secret French Toast recipe- not vegan, but gluten and casein free.

• 2 slices of gluten free bread (the thicker the slice the better..)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 full egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons vanilla rice milk

Mix together ingredients while griddle pan is heating up (use a touch of margarine on the pan to prevent sticking..)

Dip bread in the batter and place on the griddle pan, cook on a medium heat for a couple of minutes each side. Once each side is slightly brown- its done! Smother in margarine and syrup and enjoy!

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