7 Quick Takes: What a Food Allergy Mom is Thankful For

  School year 2014-2015 officially ended. As my children were relaxing this Friday, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with all the stuff they brought home this week --- used up books, leftover supplies, summer school packets and endless stash of paper. 

   While I try to figure out what to do with this new pile of craziness, these dusty plastic bags filled with unused medications caught me eyes. That's when it hit me. 180 school days passed and these were untouched. Thank God! 

    So instead of focusing on the new workload this summer brings, I decided to pause. Incidentally, there's a 7 Quick Takes link up so I got inspired to write and participate in it. 

     For today, I am thankful for:

      1. The packs of epinephrine, asthma inhaler and antihistamine the school nurses sent back home. This meant that both Child#2 and Child#3 didn't have any allergic reaction or asthma attack in school.

     2. The achievements each child brought home - Student of the Week, Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and impressive report cards. It certainly showed that they worked hard this past year.

    3. The practice sheets by Child#4. It was a struggle to teach this "leftie" how to form the letters properly. Now he enjoys writing sentences.

     4. A Flu-less winter. Yup, all 6 of us were clear even if we didn't have flu shots. In fact, we didn't have any emergency room trip this year. 

     5. Laid back mornings. My inner drill sergeant is currently on vacation too. Since the kids don't have to be out at certain times, I'm enjoying the calmer environment. 

     6. Being able to enjoy cooking and baking again. With not much distractions like kids' projects, homework and extra curricular activities, developing food allergy friendly recipes will be back.

     7. Just having all my 4 kids together in one place. Since they are all with me, there's no need to panic every time the phone rings. I know they are all safe. Not to mention, it's time for making memories together.

     How about you? What are you thankful for today? Tell us in the comments below so that we can all celebrate them. 

- Roz

What I Learned this Weekend as a Parent of Children with Food Allergies

   One of the activities that our family stayed away from after I learned about my children's food allergies was travelling. Even though the Child #2 and #3's reactions were mostly upon ingestion and not through skin contact with the allergens (Thank God), I have to admit that I live in constant fear. 

    What if one of my kids suddenly have a reaction when he or she touch something? What if it's already a sign of anaphylaxis and I thought it is an asthma attack? What if the rescue squad/ambulance doesn't come right away? What if... What if... What if...

    I'm not the paranoid-helicopter type of parent BUT I can't help it. After all, I've seen them grasp for air a few times. We also had occasions wherein Child#3 would cough non stop as though all his internal organs will just come out of his tiny body. Can you blame me if I choose to keep them within the comforts of our small town?

     It has been 5 years since our family had any random trip. After so much coercing from the kids, I finally gave in. We drove an hour away from our suburban town and crossed the bridge to NYC. 

    Here's my Jersey kids'  first Subway ride. You should see how their eyes lit when I mentioned that they will be in the subway. Priceless!  Good thing New Yorkers are used to crazy tourists. The boys in particular,  were quite loud during the short ride. Who knew the underground train can bring so much joy?

       Our next stop was Central Park. It was a bit crowded than what my kids were used to. In fact, they were even hesitant play because they don't know any of the children there. But you know what? After seeing that the other kids were having fun, they blended right in. 

     Walking the streets of Harlem isn't that bad. Right kiddos? Check out their faces after they learned and actually experienced how far 15 blocks is. Oh well, at least they slept really early that night. Who's up for a 5K? 

      For the past six years, my children watched or joined the Memorial Day parade in our town. This year, we did something different. We used that day to make some more memories at the Bronx Zoo. Yup that's day 2 of long distance walking. 

      The weekend getaway taught me so much. Yes, food allergies are dangerous. However, that shouldn't stop us from actually experiencing life.  As a parent, I feel that in order for my allergic children to be safe, I should put them in a bubble. That it is my job to put them in a safe place that is clear of all their allergens.

    Then I realized that the only way for them to thrive is expose them to the real world. No matter how much I try, they will grow up and eventually do things without me by their side. They'll need to go out of their comfort zone and take care of themselves. 

     Instead of making the environment suit them, I have to equip them with the skills that will enable them to cope with their surroundings. I have to empower them so that they'll learn not only to speak for themselves but to make the right choices as well. 

      Yup, they'll be on their own soon... someday. For now, all their medications are still inside this momma's backpack. 

      

- Roz

Top 8 Food Allergy Friendly Treats to Give Out this Halloween

      Are you ready for Halloween?  Whether you are a food allergy mom or not, I'm sure you will agree with me that the next few days will keep us busy.  From costumes to decorations and food, October 31st is exciting for the young and young at heart.

       Even food allergies haven't stopped my kids from having fun.  Yes, we also go Trick or Treating.  With a little twist though.  You can see how we do it here.

       
        Though there are so many candies to choose from, it is quite a challenge to find something that is free of the Top 8 allergens (wheat/gluten, dairy, egg, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish). I think the last two are easier to avoid. Anyway, here's our family's top pick.
        

       

1. Yum Earth Organics

          This brand has individually wrapped lollipops, candy drops and even gummies. Aside from being free of the top 8 allergens, their products are also do not contain artificial flavors and colors. It's also organic.

2. Dum Dums
             A childhood favorite.  Who knew these are food allergy friendly as well?  If you have a soy allergy, please check out their disclosure. (see the Saf T Pops description below)

3. Enjoy Life Decadent Bars

         These bars are a real treat!  Not only for the kids but for the grown ups as well.  If you're the type who gives the regular size candy bars, these are way better.  

4. Surf Sweets

        Who doesn't like Jelly beans and sour gummies? These are also organic, without corn syrup and vegan.  

5. Saf-T-Pops

            Also from the company that makes Dum Dums, these lollipops have a unique handle that makes it friendly to younger children.  Though it is labelled Top 8 allergen free, the company website declares that  "the product may contain traces amount of soy oil, a processing aid in making candy. The soy oil has been refined, bleached and deodorized, a process that removes the protein that can cause an allergic reaction. But individual sensitivities vary, however, we have chosen to list soy oil."

     

6. Smarties

           Another all time favorite candy that's also food allergy friendly.  Their factory is also free of the top 8 common allergens. Since the company also sells their products to other re-baggers, their website says that "As consumers, we should check the UPC number on the packaging to be sure that the candy we are buying are not at risk for cross contamination.  Specifically, we should look packages with a UPC that starts with "0 11206" to make sure that it was packaged in their manufacturing facility.

7. Tasty Brand Organic Fruit Snacks

         I found a big box of these at Costco.  It's also vegan (doesn't use gelatin) and made without artificial colors and flavors as well. 

8. Home Free Cookies

             Made in a dedicated tree nut, wheat, dairy, egg, peanut and gluten free facility.  While some cookies such as mini vanilla, mini double chocolate, big oatmeal and the new gluten free large chocolate chip are soy free, their other varieties contain soy lecithin.  

         Do you have a favorite food allergy safe candy that did not make it on the list?  Please let me know so that we can check it out.  

Review & Giveaway: Ola! Foods Granola

      It has been a roller coaster week!  From trying to squeeze in some last minute summer activities, preparing for the kids' first day of school, managing the household and yes, stealing some time to "work", I can't blame myself for sleeping on the couch the last 2 nights.  What?  At least, I was able to get some snooze.  

      Anyway, today I finally had some undivided hours to finish the endless drafts I have sitting on my computer. This one for sure will get you really excited.  

      Have you heard about the company called Ola! Foods?  Before the GFAF Expo last year, I haven't either.  However, after meeting it's founder, Dina Houser in their booth, I couldn't help but not only enjoy their delicious products but support their very generous cause as well.  

      For starters, Ola! Foods is a Connecticut based business that makes 100% natural granola. Aside from being completely gluten free, their products only contain minimal ingredients that we, consumers can immediately understand.  It is lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup which makes it healthier than most commercially available brands.  By using only the best pure ingredients, they were able to create their granola really flavorful and yes guilt free addictive.  

      Ola! Granola comes in 4 yummy flavors namely Cranberry Orange Pecan, Vanilla Almond, No Nut Vanilla and our family's favorite Chocolate Banana Chip.  Since we are NUT Free at home, the company sent me the last two varieties to try.  

      At first, I was quite hesitant to give let the kids (except for for Child#1 who outgrew her nut allergies) to try it.  This is mostly because of the Allergen warning that says "Ola Foods follows good manufacturing practices to segregate ingredients to avoid cross contact with allergen.  Made in a facility that uses Tree Nuts.  However, after some testings, I found out that it was safe for the other kids to eat as well.  Yay! Happy dance!  

      Since that revelation, it became a staple in my pantry and even baked goods.  Shhh... it's the secret ingredient of the Chocolate Banana Bread that was a big seller at last year's Bake Sale Fundraiser.        

        Another important thing why I'm passionate about Ola! Foods is their commitment to not just provide healthy and yummy snack options but to help disadvantaged youth, their families and communities.  Did you know that all of their net profits (Yes you got that right 100%) are donated to BeFoundation?  This organization provides grants to support the education of disadvantage kids. They provide funding for education innovations, exposure to arts and music, nutrition for the body & mind and most importantly community development and involvement. 

       By supporting Ola! Foods, we are not just getting healthier physically, we are also making a change to make the future generations a lot better.  Is that cool or what? 

        Now for the best part of this post.  

     

        Our friends from Ola! Foods would not only like you to try their products. They are helping you stock up this back to school season.  One lucky reader will get an Ola!Foods Gift Pack worth $45. This includes:

        (1) Ola Tote Bag
        (1) 9 oz bag of No Nut Vanilla  Granola
        (1) 9 oz bag of Banana Chocolate Chip Granola
        (1) 9 oz bag of Vanilla Almond Granola
        (1) 9 oz bag of Cranberry Orange Pecan Granola
        (2) Trays of the 1 oz Grab and Go Singles

          Isn't that a big treat?  Oh before I forget, this giveaway is open to all US Residents only.  What are you waiting for join now.  This giveaway will end on Sept. 16, 11:59 pm EST.   

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Food Allergies 101: 10 Things to Do Before Travelling to a Different Country

     It's the peak of summer season travelling.  For most us who are dealing with food allergies, this can be a stressful situation as well.  I heard of many families who opt not to go far from home or even out of the country because of their food allergy concerns.  

     In our case, if budget wasn't an issue, my family will be travelling like crazy this season. In fact, years ago, we all went as far as the Philippines and we all had a great time.  Don't let food allergies interfere with your vacation trips.  With a little planning, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

    Our friends from Money.com.uk are very kind to share this guide to help food allergy families plan their out of the country trip.  Even though the article was initially meant for those in the UK, I realized that it is also very applicable to us here in the United States. 

      I suggest to keep this list handy for your next vacation planning.  It will save you so much time and anxiety.  

      Have a great summer!

- Roz

P.S.  Special thanks to our friend Ella Moss who gave us the permission to repost this article.  Ella has written several guides in Money.com.uk.  She worked in finance and investment after college but took a step back to spend more time with her family and develop her love of writing.  She now spends most of her time looking at everyday financial topics for families and individuals. 

© 2014 Gerard van der Schaaf, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

10 Things To Do Before Travelling To A Different Country

      

1. Be prepared.

A little groundwork before you travel will hugely cut down on stress. If you have a food allergy, look into what dishes are popular in your destination - if they use your allergen frequently in cooking, find out what you'll need to avoid.

You should also find out how to contact the emergency services if anything goes wrong, as it's better to do that now than wait until it's urgent!

2. Check your insurance covers allergies

Make sure you get travel insurance that will cover an allergic reaction - not many do, and even fewer will cover anaphylactic shock. Check the terms and conditions carefully to make sure it does provide the cover you need - if you're not sure, just ask the insurer.

If you already have a policy in place, make sure that it will pay out for claims relating to an allergic reaction in case you need it too, otherwise you might need more specialist cover.

Most insurers will require you to declare an allergy if it's severe enough to require medical attention, so don't forget to do this. Failure to do so is likely to mean they won't pay out in the event of a claim and you'll have to cover the cost of any medical treatment you receive.

You'll also need to look into what your policy will pay out for - some might replace an EpiPen if you need to use it, and others might cover the cost if an ambulance is called out.

Find out whether the insurer will pay the hospital directly, or if you'd need to do this yourself and reclaim the money (if so make sure you have a credit card to hand). You'll also need to check how much excess you'd need pay towards any claims.

If you're travelling in the EU, you will need to get an EHIC card - find out more in our guide, What is the European Health Insurance Card? It's also worth finding out whether the country you're travelling to has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. If it does, any lifesaving treatment will be free, although you may still need to pay for in patient costs so travel insurance is still a must.

3. Local knowledge about your allergy is key

It's a good idea to look into local attitudes to allergies so that you can precisely explain your own; for example, if you say you have a nut allergy in France, most people will assume this only means walnuts and not all nuts.

Be sure to be as specific as possible when you give details of your allergy, like when you order food. If allergies aren't that common in your destination then you'll need to be even more careful.

You should also look into what oils and flours are used in traditional cooking, as well as what goes into local drinks and sauces to make sure you're clued-up.

4. Prepare for the language barrier

Unless you're fluent in your destination's language (or they speak English) it can be much tougher if something goes wrong, so a little preparation is key.

Look up some key words and phrases before you travel, such as the terms for your allergies and allergens - make sure you write them down too.

Better still, note down a few sentences in the language that you can show when you order food or drink; this will ensure nothing is likely to get lost in translation! Some examples include:

• Is this food/drink safe for someone who has a severe shellfish allergy?
• I am having an allergic reaction - please call an ambulance
• Does this have wheat in it?
• I can't eat any nuts because I have a severe allergy and will go into anaphylactic shock. This includes hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and all other nuts including ground nuts and nut oils

Alternatively, translation cards are available from Allergy UK - these display information messages about your allergy in the language of your choice and can be worth looking at, although a search online should also give you the information you need to make your own.

If you've left it to the last minute ask if a host/ess on the airplane can help you note these down - it's really worth it.

5. Make others aware that you have an allergy

Make sure your travel companions know that you have an allergy and understand what they should do if you have an allergic reaction. If you have an EpiPen then make sure they know where you keep it and how to use it and what your travel insurance claims line is so that they can let them know you're having treatment.

If you have an allergy bracelet, don't forget to pack and wear this, as it might be vital if things go wrong. Alternatively, carrying vital information in your wallet might allow the emergency services to help you if you need it.

6. Talk to your hotel

Wherever you're staying, it's easiest if you let them know about your allergy, preferably before you get there. That way they can prepare, let you know what you need to do, and maybe even offer some advice too. If you've gone with a package holiday, speak to your rep in person when you arrive to make sure they know what they need to, and to see what help they can give.

7. Check your EpiPens and anti-histamines

If you use any medication like antihistamines or EpiPens, make sure they're in date and that you have enough of them, including spares.

You'll need to keep your allergy medication in your hand luggage so it's accessible. To avoid any issues in the airport, clearly label your medicine and get a doctor's note explaining what they are and why you need them.

Ask that it's inspected manually rather than x-rayed, as it's not known what effect x-rays have on some medicines.

8. Speak to the airline about your allergy in advance

If your allergy is food-related, make sure you contact the airline well in advance of your flight.

Let them know what you're allergic to, and make sure they can cater for you. If they can't, ask what your options are - you may be able to take your own food for them to heat up.

If you're allergic to peanuts, it's worth making sure your airline don't serve them as complimentary snacks to other customers, as peanut dust in a high pressure cabin can trigger a reaction.

If you are severely allergic then your airline may be willing to ask all passengers on your flight to refrain from eating or opening anything that contains your allergen while you're on board.

9. Plan for all circumstances

In a worst case scenario, if you ended up stuck abroad needing medical treatment and extended accommodation for your family, you'll need a way to pay for it without your costs escalating.

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is worth taking with you just in case you need to cover the cost of medical treatment and/or extra accommodation for you or your family.

Hopefully you'll never need it, but planning for the worst never hurts - our Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees comparison will help you look into the best deals.

Remember to check for ATM withdrawal costs abroad on the credit card you choose too in case you're travelling to a cash-reliant society.

10. Enjoy yourself!

While you're there, you want to spend as little time as possible worrying. A little preparation means you can get the fretting and organisation done in advance at home. Combine this with erring on the side of caution - avoid anything you're not sure about to limit the chances of anything going wrong. This will leave you free to relax properly when you're away.

Read more: http://www.money.co.uk/article/1010320-allergy-10-things-to-do-before-you-travel-outside-the-uk.htm#ixzz37f9i7unV

   

Wordless Wednesday: Food Allergies in Schools

      A picture is worth a thousand words.

       This photo was taken by a mom from a food allergy group I'm also in.  Since I am saving my almost a thousand (or more) words about this for tomorrow's post, I would like to ask a question to all of you.  

        "What can you say about this picture?" 

- Roz

Stepping Stones to Food Allergies Ebook Review and Giveaway

    Living with food allergies is a constant learning experience.  I can still remember how clueless and devastated I was when my children's Gastro and Allergist both confirmed their specific allergies.  Not only do I have to be more vigilant on possible reactions, our family needed to immediately have a lifestyle change.

     Wheat, dairy, egg, soy, nuts, peanuts to begin with, must be removed from their diet.  If feeding 4 young children isn't challenging enough for any parent, how about removing most of the time tested dishes and snacks they love or actually eat?  Oh, don't even get me started on the horror of grocery shopping --- 2 hours of label reading only to find out that only two items are okay. Ah!  The joys of being a mom.

      Over the years, food shopping has become a little bit easier.  Through trial and error, I was able to come up with a list of safe food and recipes the whole family can enjoy.  A list that was a product of countless tears, meltdowns and hundreds or should I say, countless of research hours.

    Then, late last year, I was able to get in touch with Tracy Bush aka Nutrimom of Allergyphoods.com. She was on the process of publishing a resource guide called Stepping Stones to Food Allergies.  As a food allergy consultant for years, Tracy told me that the book aims to assist parents with children or individuals who are newly diagnosed with food allergies. For someone who has gone through a tough transition, I know first hand how important it is to have guide in that crucial time.  So, I volunteered to review her book.
             

      One of the first things I noticed when I got my free copy of the ebook, is the type of language it was written.  Unlike most food allergy books which are highly scientific in nature, Stepping Stones to FA is very easy to anyone to understand.  It is very direct to the point and does not contain jargons that adds stress.  Each chapter tackles specific tips from restocking the pantry, meal ideas, recipes and even ingredient substitutions.

     Then, there's a compilation of "safe" brands.  This is my favorite part of the book.  Aside from the company websites and contact information, it also provides a list of the ingredients for each product. A real time saver even to someone who's accustomed to label reading already.

     For those whose heads are spinning for healthy and food allergy friendly recipes, Tracy also got you covered.  It was even divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.  There's also a bonus chapter for snacks and sides.  With all the ideas on the book, I'm sure you'll have enough food for a month or more.

      Over all, I find this book really helpful to anyone dealing with food allergies.  Whether you are a newbie or an old timer, this resource ebook is a must have. You can get a copy of The Stepping Stones to Food Allergies for $14.95 now.      

       If your budget is a bit tight, don't worry Nutrimom generously donated a copy for 2 lucky readers.  Simple join the giveaway below.

        Good luck!

- Roz 

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Note: 
 I received a Free copy of the ebook in exchange for this review.  Also, I'm a participant of Amazon's affiliate program.   

Friday Freebies - Gluten Free Cooking Ebooks

     Are you looking for gluten free recipes?  Today's your lucky day! I just found some free ebooks with tons of easy to make dishes for breakfast, lunch, snacks and even desserts.

       I have downloaded all of them and it looks like my whole weekend will be spent in the kitchen.  Am I preparing for another snow day here in New Jersey? (Yup, my fingers are crossed for Monday.) Whether the kids will have a long weekend or not, one thing is certain, they will be my "guinea pigs" for these new recipes.

       Will you be cooking too?  Let's all have fun.

- Roz  

       

Are you a Costco Member?

       Hi everyone!  It's great to be back to writing. Miss me?

      If you are wondering what I have been up to, I'd say I've spent the first 6 weeks of this year developing recipes and trying to cope with the growing food demand of the kids.  Goodness! I can't believe how much food these little people can actually eat without gaining a single pound.  Frankly, I am getting quite jealous.

     Speaking of big amounts of food, I finally took the plunge and got my Costco Membership two weeks ago.  Yay! For those who are asking why only now.  Here's the deal.  One, I have been a member of Sam's Club for almost a decade. About 5 years ago, I stopped going because I find the branch nearest our new home too crowded and inconveniently far.  Just for the record, when I say inconveniently far, it means the location is beyond my 5 mile shopping radius.  Hey,  before some of you roll your eyes, let me remind you that I'm in New Jersey people.  Does the Shopping Mall State sounds a bell?  

       Then there's the issue of space. No matter how tempting it can be, I simple don't have any room in our small house to stockpile several items. With a limited monthly budget to feed my family, food variety is a must. Oh, did I mention that the kids have multiple food allergies too?  This means that most of our packaged grocery items are brand specific. Will a warehouse membership still be helpful?  I'm no longer sure.  Anyway, when a new Costco warehouse opened within 3 miles from where I live, I still got curious.  
       

        During my first visit,  I'm not really interested in becoming a member.  All I want is to look around for items and check whether the membership will actually give me some savings.  The complimentary one-day non-member pass enabled me to do that.

       Here's a quick tip.  Do your scouting child free as much as possible and bring a phone or tablet loaded with apps of your favorite stores. This is handy for price comparisons especially when buying in bulk.

      So, after an hour of label reading and price checks, I was able to load my cart with some basic pantry staples without spending a fortune.  Though most of the brands we use aren't available, I was surprised that Costco's organic selection is quite decent and of course, has better prices than the smaller packages I buy at health food stores.  Even if manufacturer coupons are not accepted, some items still come out cheaper and the savings can really justify the $55+ tax Gold membership fee.  The biggest bonus for me as a member is the price of gasoline. It is 20 - 30 cents cheaper than the stations in my area.

        As of the moment, I am quite pleased with my experience and decision to join Costco. How about you?  Are you already a member of Costco?  Does it help you save? Love to hear your thoughts.


- Roz         

       
         

5 Worst Last Minute Gifts to Someone with Food Allergies

       I can't believe we are in the final stretch of holiday shopping?  If you are a last minute shopper like me, I'm sure you are now also scrambling to find that perfect gift for family and friends. To add more insult to the injury, last minute invites are all coming at the same time. Sounds familiar?

          While you are driving yourself crazy for not shopping early, take note of  my worst gifts to give to someone with food allergies.  With the growing rate of people with allergies, chances are you have at least one in your list.  Keep this handy and I know your friend will be thankful for paying more attention.  

                                           Photo courtesy of Fiammasgourmettreats at Etsy

1. Food Baskets

     Though these beautiful arrangements are readily available, comes in different price ranges and themes, I find them a food allergy person's nightmare.  Most of the time, the specialty products included in these baskets which I confess are quite delectable, aren't meant to the people with food restrictions.
   
       Since the focus of this type of gift is more on the looks,  the last thing the basket arranger have in his or her mind is the ingredient list of each item.  Please, save your friend from some label reading trouble and even heartache when only one or two items from the huge basket comply with his or her food requirements. 

Photo by Lynn Manangan

2. Fresh Fruits or Flowers
       

          Another convenient and sweet gift especially for a party host.   Though this maybe a really nice gesture, I think it is still not a great gift idea.  Why? If the recipient has food allergies, chances are, he or she also has seasonal allergies including pollen and spores.  Asthma suffers will thank you too if you don't contaminate their air. Oh! before I forget, there are some people who are actually allergic to certain fruits and fruit family. Yup! I'm not joking.   

Photo by LivingTree Soaps 

3. Candles and Soaps

          Here's another common gift.  Unless you are totally familiar with the recipient's favorite brands, I suggest skip it.  Yes, even if you plan to buy the pricier organic ones. The cheaper brands usually contain chemicals that in general, are not really healthy for everyone.  As for the organic ones which use natural food grade ingredients may contain nut oils, soy and even milk which are among the top 8 common allergens.  

     

4. Homemade Treats

         I know, you spent a lot of time planning and creating these made with love treats.  Maybe you even went ahead and researched on gluten free, nut free versions.  Yours truly is in fact, a big food gift giver.  If I'm aware beforehand, that the receiver has food allergies, I choose to give something something else.  

            

            

           

5. Restaurant Gift Cards

         Unless you really know what your friend's favorite restaurant is, ditch this one.  Eating out is one of the most challenging activity someone with food allergies has to deal with.  Though there are some restaurants which are trying to accommodate this growing market, most are not trained to handle specific or multiple allergies.  

    

         Can you imagine how frustrating it is to expect free dinner and when you get to the restaurant, you'll realize that the menu has nothing for you?  Until this day, I still struggle to find decent places to eat that will give my children something more than streamed veggies and grilled chicken without seasonings.  Pathetic right? 

          There you go, my list of the worst gifts for someone with food allergies.  By avoiding the above mentioned, you are not just being considerate.  In fact, you are doing your friend a favor.  Who knows you might even have saved his or her life.

          Happy Shopping!

- Roz
 

Friday Finds: Free Smoothie Recipe Ebooks 5/24/2013

     It's Memorial Day weekend and summer is officially here!  That means warmer weather, backyard parties and outdoor activities. Cold drinks will be a high demand again right?  Instead of grabbing tons of not so good for you soda and sugary drinks, how about serving some healthier versions of juices and smoothies? Farmer's Markets will be popping soon so we'll have an abundant supply of fresh fruits and veggies. 

 

     Check out these free ebooks I found today.  With more than 200 recipes combined, I'm sure will find great tasting healthy drink ideas for your next party or just to have on hand in the fridge.  The best part, these smoothies can be frozen to make healthier ice pops and slushies.  There are also some weight lost tips and natural remedies. 

 

     What are you waiting for? Download them now before the prices go up. 

 

     Have a fun long weekend!

 

- Roz

 

  

 

Best Vegan Banana Snack Cake - Without Gluten and Soy Too

      When I first learned about my children's food allergies, I didn't worry much about regular meals.  Since our family are big rice and stew eaters, I know the changes will not be as drastic. My head started spinning however, on how will I replace their favorite baked goods. 

       I am not from the South but I always have some baked goods on hand.  Snack cakes in particular are a mainstay in our kitchen.  Sounds unhealthy?  Not really! In fact, I bake those little treats to make my kids especially Child #2 and Child #4 eat more veggies and fruits.  

       Before their food allergy diagnosis, I make snack bars loaded with zucchini, carrots, apples, or whatever vegetable or fruit purees I can get my hands on.  We even came up with weird names such as Z bar and Monkey bar just to hide what's inside that treat from my pickiest vegetable/fruit eater.  Call me crazy but I did that just to give the kids their recommended amount of the healthy stuff without much fight.

       When the doctor told me to remove Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Peanut, Nut and Soy in our diet,  I was like "Are you kidding me?  How can I possibly bake something without those ingredients?" After a few months of trial and error, I'm slowly learning to bake again. 

      So far, this recipe for a Banana Snack Cake is hands down the best we've had since our diet change.  Texture wise, it's soft and moist, you wouldn't even think it's free of eggs and gluten.  Just frost it and decorate, you'll have a yummy allergy friendly birthday cake in no time.  You can even make regular cupcakes using the same batter by adjusting the baking time to 16 - 18 minutes.

       Please take note that I specifically use a certain flour mix for this recipe.  Though there are so many ready made gluten free  flour mixes available out there, some great, not so great and some meltdown worthy, especially if you can't use eggs, I decided to take the guess work out for you.

       Food allergies or not, I hope you'll give this one a try.  If you do, just don't forget to let me know. 

      Have a great weekend!

- Roz
          

 

Ingredients:
3 Tbs flax meal
9 Tbs lukewarm water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 3/4 cups mashed very ripe bananas
1 Tbs mayonnaise (I used Vegenaise Soy free)
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups Gluten free flour mix (See below)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup flax milk
1/4 tsp rice vinegar
extra oil to grease the pans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 9-inch pans with aluminum foil and lightly grease with oil.
2. Combine flax meal and water in a small bowl to make flax goo. Set aside.
3. In a separate container, mix vinegar and milk. Set aside.
4. Sift the gluten free flour mix, baking powder, salt and baking soda in another bowl.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream the oil and sugar for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the flax goo, mashed bananas, mayonnaise and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
7. With the mixer running on low, alternately add the flour mix and milk mix.  Start with 1/3 of the flour and 1/2 of the milk.  Make sure to end with the flour mix. 
8. Divide the batter to fill the two pans.
9. Bake in the oven for 25 - 28 minutes.  Use the toothpick test to check if it is done.  (Poke the middle of the cake with a toothpick.  When the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.)
10. Transfer to a rack and let it stand for 5 minutes before lifting it from the pans.
11. Let it cool completely before frosting or cutting into bars.

Gluten free Flour Mix c/o Connie Sarros
2 1/2 cups rice flour
1 cup potato starch
1 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup mung bean flour
2 Tbs. xanthan gum

Sift together, transfer in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.  Above measurements will give you 5 cups of GF Flour mix.

* Except for the xanthan gum, all these flours are individually available at your local Asian store.  They are very affordable ($1 -$3 a bag and watch out for sale too) and you'll have more than enough to use for other recipes. 

Our First Trick or Treating with Food Allergies

      It's that time of the year.  Both children and adults' minds are occupied with just two things --- costumes and candies!  (Hurricane Sandy is slowly getting some attention here in the tri-state though). Anyway, as a mom with kids who have food allergies, I know that it can be a stressful, VERY stressful time.

      Since this is our first trick or treating with food restrictions, I decided to make a deal with my children.  We will still go out in our costumes and gather some sweets.  Just like the previous years, they still have to give me all the candies to check out before they can eat any. Once sorted, they will get to keep those that do not contain ingredients they are allergic to. As for the rest, we will all donate it to my son's past pre-school which in turn will send it as part of the care packages for our troops abroad. 

        Did they like the idea? Oh yes!  They are even more excited because they are doing something for a good cause.  Since I am pretty sure that might they will only get to keep about 10% of their hard earned goods, I also started to prepare. 

         After a lot of label reading, I was so surprise to find these treats at the local Home Goods store.  Organic candies and lollipops from Yummy Earth. These candies are all gluten, egg, dairy, nut and soy free. They even use natural food coloring from carrots, beets etc.  A real treat and yes, they do taste great.  Other health food stores carry them too but I suggest get these at Home Goods.  Why? Well they cost a lot cheaper.  As in 30 to 40 percent off the retail price.    

      So, are you trick or treating this year too?


-Roz

FREE Jules Gluten Free Thanksgiving E-book

     Looking for Gluten-free recipe ideas for Thanksgiving?  Just for today (Oct.3, 2012), you can download this E-book by Jules at no cost.  It's filled with more than 20 recipes (with substitutes if you're GEDS free like us), holiday tips, 6 week planning timeline and more.

 

      I just got mine and I can't wait to try the recipes.  Hurry! You have a few hours left.

 

 

-Roz

Return of the Pancakes

      It has been a week since my first attempt to cook GEDS (gluten, egg, dairy, soy) free.  Looking back, I can't help but smile and laugh about my early Saturday morning Pancake meltdown. Thank God my Facebook friends were blessed with so much patience. Last time, I've checked, no one has removed me from their friend list yet. So without further intro, here's the story.

 

      Saturday is always about having pancakes for breakfast.  Just like any mom who would like to keep the transition as smooth as possible, I stayed up all night looking for a pancake recipe that is GEDS free.  When I finally found "the one" that looked very basic and easy to follow, I bookmarked it and got ready for an early trip to the store.  At 7:30 am, my kitchen was husling. 

 

      After carefully following the instructions, I was so surprised that my first 2 batches of supposedly pancakes turned out to something else. It was so gummy, sticky and inedible. Most would just throw the whole thing right away. The Frugalista in me however kicked in. Come on, that's a big batch of expensive ingredients --- all purpose gluten free flour, almond milk, xantham gum!  I may not be a professional chef but I totally know my way around the kitchen.

 

      Trying not to give up, I turned on my laptop and started browsing maybe 3or 4 blogs including the one where I found the recipe, looking for remedies.  After making the batter somewhat edible, I started working on the texture without any success. At 10:00 am, my family is no longer happy so I decided to prepare my homemade sausage and rice instead.

 

      While the new dish was cooking, I once again read the post trying to figure out what went wrong.  Finally, I raised my hands in defeat! After scrolling through the list of comments, the writer said that "a particular type of  FLOUR was used in the recipe and when tried other types of flour, the result is a gummy mess".  My goodness!  That was the first rule when going Gluten Free. There is no exact substitute for wheat flour. The success relies on the combination of the different types of flour and its reaction to the other ingredients in the recipe.

 

      Finally, after some trial and error, I was able to have an affordable and  decent GEDS free pancake. Okay, it's not from scratch but this pancake and waffle mix from Cherrybrook Kitchen is a real lifesaver.  All my four children love it.  

 

      At $4.49 for an 18 oz box, (I got mine from the local Wegman's) I say, this is worth every penny.  It is so easy to prepare and is error-proof.  I just added almond milk and canola oil (even tried it with olive oil) in the specified amount printed on the box and the batter is good to go.  Though the uncooked batter may feel a little grainy, it will not be noticeable once cooked.  The manufacturers even specified that there will be no bubbles to indicate when the pancake is ready to be flipped.  Once the sides of the pancakes look firm and set, it's time to flip.         

      

      

 

 

 

 

        Aside from having the right texture and good taste, I found out that I can make these pancakes ahead of time and will stay fresh quite well.   It can be refrigerated and later microwaved without problems.  My children brought it to school yesterday and it stayed moist and fluffy until lunch time. 

 

        Isn't it great to find something that will make our lives easier?  This brand is now part of our pantry staples.  How about you? Do you have a Go-To Pancake helper?  Love to hear from you.

 

 

 - Roz

 

 

 

     

 

     

Our First Week without Gluten, Egg, Soy, Dairy, Nuts and Peanuts Menu

       It's Friday and we made it!  First week of school and yes seven days of living allergy friendly.  Guess what?  It was not as bad as I thought it would be. The kids ate without any complains on what's on the table.  They even enjoyed their food as if nothing has changed.

       I know most of you are curious. Our household is now wheat, soy, dairy and egg free. So, what then did we eat? Actually, we did quite well. Here is a peek of our menu this week:

Breakfast
* Sauteed Corned Beef with Oven Baked Breakfast Potatoes
* Pork Vigan Style Longanisa (Sausage) with Rice
* Bacon and Rice
* Pancakes

Dinner
* Pork, String Beans and Peppers in Coconut Stew
* Mung Beans with Spinach Stew
* Rice Noodles with Beef Ragu
* Chicken and Tomatoes Stew
* Chicken Wrapped in Pandan Leaves and Bagoong Rice

Lunch Box /Snacks
* Marinated Chicken Nuggets
* Popcorn
* Rice Cereal Treats
* Corn Tortilla Chips with Salsa
* Snickerdoodle Cookies
* Tuna and Rice
* Fruit  Cups

      Just like any child with food allergies, my school age kids brought their own snacks and lunch.  They either picked something from the breakfast or dinner menu and 1 or 2 from the snacks.  Plus something from the fresh fruit basket --- apples, bananas, kiwi, peach, watermelon. Seems like a lot of food? Well, I am not joking when I said that my family are good eaters.  Don't worry, I will be posting the recipes as we go. 

     It has been a crazy week.  I have never thought and studied food as much as I did during my catering days in Jersey City.  At the end of the day, all the effort was worth it.  For now, I will have my break from cooking --- leftovers for dinner. 

     

                                          Chicken Wrapped in Pandan with Bagoong Rice

                                                 (inspired by a recipe of FitChefTrina)

      

- Roz