Friday Freebies: How to Deal with Bullying Ebooks

         School is here and bullying is once again a big issue.  I have heard countless stories about children being bullied in school.  Food allergy kids in particular are said to be a high target too. 

 

          Though I haven't had any experience on the subject, (Thank God!)  I know first hand, how difficult it is to be a parent of a child being stressed.  Two years ago, one of my daughters had a hard time adjusting to her new school because her previous one was forced to close down.  While the teachers, students and staff of her new school were very helpful and accommodating, dealing with my daughter's emotions was quite a challenge.  Thankfully, with lots of help, she's way better now.

 

            I can't imagine how devastating it is to deal with bullies. Just like with any school issue, the solution is definitely a collective effort.  Whether you are currently dealing with the situation or trying to teach some awareness, check out these free yup FREE e-books I found.  Keep a copy for yourself and share the link to your friends who might need it too.

 

            Hoping everyone will have a great school year!

 

- Roz 

 

 

 

          

Almost Perfect Domino's Gluten Free Pizza Review

      As a mom of four kids between the ages of 4 and 10, I am very much familiar with the importance of pizza.  I don't know what's in this dough, sauce and cheese combo that makes children and even grown ups get excited.  Okay, I confess I love the thin crust, meat loaded one.  In fact, it was my biggest craving while pregnant with my eldest. 

 

       Anyway, when we got the news that we must remove food with gluten, egg, dairy, soy etc. in our home because of Child #3's very high risk for anaphylaxis, the one thing that got the kids really worried is the fact that they may not able to eat a slice of pizza ever again.  Though I was able to make a safe pizza for them, I still went on and looked around for pizza places that might offer something that will be appropriate for their food requirement.  A task quite challenging even though we live in a place surrounded with family owned pizzeria in every corner.

 

       Then low and behold, I accidentally found out online that the national chain Dominos started to offer a gluten free pizza crust.  After carefully examining the ingredients for the sauce and toppings, I was able to get an almost perfect food allergy friendly pizza treat.  I ordered a pie with a Gluten free pizza crust, Domino's original sauce, topped with Ham and Sausage. 

       Just a quick note.  Domino's has a disclaimer that their facilities/stores are not completely gluten free. Though they try to provide gluten free options, there is still a risk of cross contamination.  I like that they are completely honest about it.  That's why I relied on the consideration of the branch where I ordered my pie.  So far, the one that is closest to our place, was very accommodating and took extra care and caution.  
 

 

   

       When the pizza arrive, I'm a bit disappointed with the size.  I know it mentioned 10 inch pie but it didn't say it will be thin crust!  We have 6 testers remember?  Anyway, I was surprised that the pizza tasted like a normal pizza.  The crust in particular is quite good. It has a bread like texture and the sides are crunchy.  It is very similar to that of a regular thin crust. There is also no after taste that is common among gluten free products. 

       My children who can have dairy, really enjoyed the pizza and gave it a thumbs up.  Child #3 who has a milk allergy but can tolerate small amounts of cheese ate a slice too.  His smile while eating was priceless.  Though he didn't show any reactions after eating, I am not pushing my luck.  After all he is the high risk one. 

       If only Domino's can extend the effort and offer a dairy free cheese option.  Their Gluten Free Pizza, allergy friendly pizza could have been perfect. Oh well, there's no harm in hoping.  Who knows? Maybe in the next year or so.  In the mean time, 2 out of my 4 can have a safe take out pizza.  That makes me a happy mommy. 

- Roz       

        

    

Product Review: King Arthur's Gluten Free Bread Mix

         It is back to school season. That means preparing daily packed lunches and snacks. I sure you will agree that we always need some help and ideas on that department.  If you are dealing with food restrictions, the challenge doubles, right?

 

          Before food allergies were known in our household, we go thru loaves of bread like crazy.  As a mom of four, I consider a sandwich a lifesaver.  This lunch box staple is easy to prepare, a favorite among the kids and is very versatile.  Not to mention, bread is readily available and very affordable. 

 

         When we have to eliminate wheat, dairy, egg, soy, nut and peanuts from our diet, one of the foods that the kids missed terribly was bread.  I tried buying some gluten free bread but most of the gluten free brands contain either egg or soy which they can't have.  If ever I find a brand that met all their requirements, it was very pricey and tasted worse than a stale bread.  Of course, my children didn't eat it. A total waste of time and money!

 

            Not to feel defeated, I looked for gluten free bread mixes. I came across King Arthur Gluten Free Flour Bread Mix, 18 oz. For someone who hasn't made a yeast based bread before, the instructions found on the back of the box seemed quite easy to follow.  So I took the plunge and bought a box to try. 

 

         

            The original instructions mentioned that the bread needs 4 eggs and milk.  I decided to substitute flax milk for the regular milk.  In place of the eggs, I used a flax goo made with 4 Tbs. flaxmeal and 12 Tbs. lukewarm water. 

 

            After I combined all the ingredients, I smoothed out the top and let it proofed. Make sure to use a timer and keep an eye on the dough.  Depending on your home's temperature, the dough may rise early than the suggested time.   

 

             According to the box, baking time is approximately 55-60 minutes.  I have noticed that my bread was ready after a full hour.  Also, I suggest the use of an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature.  This makes sure that the inside of the bread is done.

 

 

          Once the internal temperature confirmed that the bread is done, remove it from the baking pan as soon as possible.  The steam from the bread will make the sides soggy if  the loaf stayed inside the pan. If the container was well greased, the loaf will slide right off.  Sometimes, it may need some help. Use a bread knife to loosen the sides before turning it upside down to release.

 

 

            No matter how tempting it is, let the bread cool completely before slicing.  You're on the last step. I'm sure you don't want to end up with a crumbled mess. Patience is a virtue. 

 

            Baking my own gluten free vegan bread may be a little more time consuming. The result is worth every penny and effort.

 

           After using King Arthur's brand a few more times, I found out that the end product is very reliable.  The taste and texture is close to its gluten filled counterpart.  The crust is hard and crunchy while the inside is soft and hearty. It stays fresh at room temperature for about 3 days.  A loaf never last longer than that in our home.   All  four children always gives it a thumbs up.

 

           Now, it's part of our pantry staples.  Do you make your own food allergy friendly bread too?  Love to hear from you.

 

- Roz