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

   

Friday Freebies: Managing Household Clutter Ebooks

     In a few hours, my children will be officially on summer vacation.  That means they will be bringing books, papers, goodies bags, souvenirs and what-else-you-can-think-of home. Yup, they ended quite late.  

     Over the years, I have learned that our schedule is way crazier during the summer break.  The warm weather and time spent outdoors equates to additional laundry.  Then there's this thing called bottomless pit.  I don't know about you but every time the kids are home, all the food in the fridge and pantry seems to miraculously disappear within 2 to 3 days. 

     Though spending more time with my gang is always exciting and fun, it always comes with a price.  The first to suffer is our house.  I can see it now -- piles of paper to be sorted out, towers of laundry and constant food preparations.  

    Before you we drive ourselves crazy, I would like to share with you the free ebooks I found today.  Though I haven't read all of them yet, I saw some excellent tips on how to stay on top of clutter and household cleaning short cuts.  

     I'm sure you will also find these books handy not only this summer but all year round.  

     Happy organizing!

   

- Roz


         

Fun Travel Tips for Family Fitness

        I just booked our yearly mini vacation at Wildwood today.  As I was scanning the different hotel websites, I can't help but notice how many are now offering free use of exercise rooms as part of their amenities.  Who on earth goes to the gym during vacations?  

       Then it hit me.  Many (including me) are making a big effort to be fit and healthy the whole year. After so much hard work, discipline and happy dances, isn't it so disappointing to gain back all the pounds lost (and add more) in just few days?  I know what you'll say, "but it's VACATION!"  

      Is there a way to find a balance between fitness and vacation?  Thanks to my new mom friend  Kendra Thornton, I was able to learn practical and budget friendly ways to stay fit and have fun at the same time.   Check out the tips she shared below.  I'm sure the number of excuses we (I) have will be equal to zero.  

        Happy Monday!

- Roz

             

Photo courtesy of ThreeLittleBirds333

       Family fitness is important to me. At home, the kids participate in sports, and we all exercise regularly. Vacation time presents challenges because our routine is different, but we can have plenty of fun together while still staying fit and active. Here are a few tips that you might like to incorporate on your next family vacation:

   

1. Use Hotel Amenities

More and more travelers are requiring fitness amenities, and many hotels have complied. I always try to book a hotel with a well-equipped gym and actually did so for our upcoming trip to Orlando. With so many hotels in Orlando, sites like Gogobot can be a huge resource. My kids like to spend time splashing in the hotel pool, so I check for a well-maintained pool as well. Amenities such as fitness classes or in-room fitness videos are an added bonus. To avoid high-calorie dangers, I also make a point of refusing the key to the minibar at my hotel.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is essential for overall health and fitness. My family never goes anywhere without water bottles. Each family member has their own. If our vacation activities involve spending time in the hot sun, I often chill the full bottles in the freezer before we head out on out adventure. Drinking enough water can actually help you avoid heat-related issues such as heat exhaustion.

3. Pick Your Restaurants

Do some research concerning local restaurants before you go on vacation. Try to choose places that serve food made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. Restaurants that include vegetarian options on the menu are usually good choices. At a restaurant, make healthy decisions by choosing fresh fruit or salads instead of greasy, fried options as sides. Cut calories by ordering entrées without sauces or cheese.

4. Get Active

Vacationers can always find active things to do together. Play games in a local park to get your blood pumping. Enjoy a round of horseshoes or shuffleboard together. On the beach, enjoy a game of volleyball or play catch with a football. Bring along some Nerf items to add to the active fun.

        There are dozens of ways to help your family enjoy a fun, fit vacation together. When you take the time to incorporate healthy habits into vacation time, you’ll enjoy yourself even more. Additionally, these healthy habits will make it easier to fall back into your normal routine once you return home.

     

 

      Kendra Thornton is a mother of three.  Before being promoted to the position as full time mom, she was the Director for Communications at Orbitz.  She and her family now lives in Chicago.  According to her, family is my number one priority in everyday life.  

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 Freebies : Stress Management Ebooks

        Yesterday, I spent a huge amount of time, thinking how upset Child #3 will be because I forgot to put his spoon in his lunch box.  As I've mentioned in the Facebook page, I am not being a crazy mom.  I just want to save his teacher and classmates from possible whole day meltdown and crankiness.  He's my OCD (super organized) kid after all. 

     When he arrived home, I asked him how his day was.  Then he said that everything was good. Surprised with his reaction, I mentioned about the spoon I forgot.  He smiled and told me that it was not a problem.  "You always put an extra one remember?" 

         Ah! The stress I have caused myself.  Can you relate? 

       Anyway, I have found some interesting  free e-books today.  They contain tips on how to reduce stress.  I'm sure we'll all find these handy especially with the craziness brought about by the holidays.  

        Grab one or all of them now and have a relaxing weekend.        

- Roz

Eggs Substitutes in Baking

           When I first learned about my children's food allergies, I freaked out!  Literally.  How can I possibly bake something without wheat, egg, dairy, soy and even nuts? 

           As most gluten free people out there know, eggs are the best alternative for gluten in baked goods.  For vegans, soy and nut purees are the way to go.  What happens then, if all the essentials of baking must be avoided? 

           After more than a  year of research, trial and error and endless meltdowns, I'm finally sharing my favorite baking substitutes.  For this post, I'll be focusing on egg alternatives.  Just to be clear, those mentioned here are intended for to be used on recipes wherein eggs act as binder.  Examples are cakes, muffins, easy breads, donuts and even meat loaves.  If you are trying to make meringue or soufflé, I suggest not to use these unless you got a proven recipe. 
              

            Without further intro, here are my favorite egg substitutes:

 

1. Flax Meal Goo

           This is so far my most favorite egg substitute.  I can replace up to four eggs with this goo and produce excellent results.  The taste is neutral which makes it good for both savory and sweet dishes.  I even use this as a binder for meatballs and meat loaves. Flax is also an excellent source of fiber, plant based omega 3 essential fatty acids and lignans that have antioxidant properties.  A big plus for us trying to be healthy.

            As a rule of thumb, 1 Tbs. of flax meal + 3 Tbs. lukewarm water = 1 egg

 

 

 

2. Chia Goo

            Instead of using flax meal, chia seeds are combined with lukewarm water to make a Chia goo.   This egg substitute works quite well as a binder too.  The end product however, has some crunch from the seeds.  My kids are not a big fan because they feel that they have nuts in their baked goods.  If you don't mind the extra texture, go ahead use it and enjoy the extra benefits of chia in your diet.  It will be 1 Tbs. of chia seeds + 3 Tbs. lukewarm water = 1 egg.

            

3. Tapioca Gel
            This baking binder or thickener is made by combining 1 Tablespoon tapioca starch and 1 cup cold water.  The mixture is then cooked (heated) until it becomes translucent and slightly thick.  Once in room temperature, you can used about 2 teaspoons of gel to replace 1 egg. 

              I like using this egg substitute when I am baking a light colored cake or vanilla cupcakes.  Since there are no visible brown flecks or seeds, the end product is as pretty as its regular egg filled version.  It is also the most affordable.

 

 

 

4. Egg Replacer

            There are different brands available in supermarkets and online.  Most are made with tapioca and potato starches combined with leavening ingredients.  Though I have some successful products using this, I am not a big fan.  Aside from being a bit pricey, it doesn't provide extra health benefits. Also, it can be a little temperamental.  Some recipes tend to be gummy when this is used.


             You might notice, I didn't add fruit purees or applesauce as an egg substitute.  Though there are articles written about using it,  I never liked the outcome of directly using the purees in place of eggs.  Let's just say that it can't it can't actually replace the eggs in baked recipes.  Though it might add some moisture to the end product, it does little on texture and stability.  However, I like combining the above mentioned egg substitute with some purees for extra flavor and sweetness.

              How about you? What's your favorite egg substitute? Love to hear it.

- Roz

            

                

Friday Freebies: Be Healthier this Fall with Natural Remedies Ebooks

       This weekend is the official start of Fall.  As majority enjoy the gorgeous changes of the leaves and cooler temperature,  many, including our household are now suffering from seasonal allergies.   Ragweed, pollen, dust mites are some of best enemies.  What's yours?

 

        Though we have prescriptions on hand, I am always in a look out for natural ways to alleviate the symptoms of runny nose, headache, sneezing and so on.  As along as there are no bad side effects, (which most medicines have anyway), I am more willing to try anything. 

 

        For those who are interested in trying natural remedies, check out these freebies I found today.  From simple headaches, to sneezing and even asthma, there are so many recipes you can try.  Personally,  I think these are handy to have since we all have a long and challenging fall- winter seasons ahead.

 

       What are you waiting for? Click away! 

 

 

- Roz

Freebies: Tips on How to Clean your Home Faster Ebooks

         Yesterday was the first day of CCD for three of my children.  Boy! I just had a reality kick on what my whole year will be. For those who have after school activities during the middle of the week, you absolutely know what I mean right?

        In my house for instance, papers have already piled up.  Why do schools have to send in so much?  Then there's the clothes chaos.  Thanks to the unpredictable fall temperature, both summer and winter outfits are everywhere. 

        With all the daily commotion, for most of us, home cleaning and upkeep are often left at the bottom of the list.  If you or your kids have seasonal allergies though,  it is essential that we keep our house as allergen free as possible.  Sad to say but the only way to do that is to be on top of our least favorite chore.  

        Do you need more inspiration? Then check out what I found today. Three E-books filled with tips to help us clean the house faster.  Isn't that cool?  Best part, it's free to download now.  

                  

- Roz

 

 

Have a Food Allergy Safe July 4th Celebration

       Happy July 4th America!  As we celebrate the Independence day with BBQ's, parties and lots of  food, let's not forget some basic food allergy safety such as:

        1. Keep safe foods on separate platters to avoid cross contamination.
        2. Don't be shy to ask the ingredients of the dishes prepared by your friends.
        3. Epi-pens should be away from direct sunlight or heat.
        4. Fresh fruit salads can be your best option so load up on these colorful treats.
        5. If not sure what's on the dish, just say No!

 

         Whether you are here in the US or not I hope everyone is having a relaxing day!

 

- Roz

 



Best Places to Eat in Wildwood, New Jersey

     Hello Frugalista Friends!  It's great to be back after a long blogging vacation.  If you follow me in Instagram, I'm pretty sure you already know what I was up too.  If not, don't worry, I'm posting the experiences so that we can catch up.

 

      For starters, I welcomed the first weekend of June with our family's yearly trip to the Wildwoods --- North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.   Why that early?  Well, here's an insider tip, the room rates for the month of June are way lower than the regular summer rates.  The weather is often beautiful and the big crowds aren't there yet.  That means very few lines and lots of space on the boardwalk, shore, swimming pools and even parking.     

 

       This year, I am even more excited to go the shore because the small business owners, local restaurants in particular, did their best to open in spite of being greatly affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Since my trip will not be complete without having a bite of these yummy vacation treats, I decided to share with you my favorites.  Though most aren't that friendly to my children's restricted food requirements, I still posted them.  After all, I don't have any food allergies. In those rare times that I do indulge, I make sure it's worth every bite.  As for my kids, I did have a big stash of home cooked meals packed for the trip.  What a lifesaver especially when you will eating out.  

 

 

 

 

        We arrived around 6 pm so our first stop is the boardwalk.  Funnel cakes, pizza, burgers and more are readily available.  Since most aren't exactly gluten, dairy, egg, soy and dairy free, I stick to the Polish Ices which are friendlier to my children's food allergies.  What are those?  Well, it is basically identical to the Italian Ices or Slushies that we love so much.   Why they call it Polish instead of Italian? Well, I dare not ask. They are quite serious about the difference though as when my kids asked if they can have "Italian" Ice, the servers told them that they don't have those.  A big plus with this treat is that  one can ask for samples without any cost. Yup! Free tastings! 

 

 

 

          My trip to Wildwoods will not be complete without a snack at Maui's Mad Dog House.  This bright yellow hotdog place which has been featured in Dinner, Drive Ins and Dives show is not your typical stand of your ballpark favorite. These are gourmet hotdogs without the high price.  My favorite is the Soprano which is hotdog on a bun loaded with sautéed spinach and garlic in olive oil with white wine and parmesan cheese. Yum! Totally not for my food allergy kids.  The fries are to die for too. It's gluten free but is fried in peanut oil.  Dining here is an experience so if you don't have peanut allergy and is not strictly gluten free, this place is a must in your list.

 

       Another specialty restaurant to try is Smoke n Bones BBQ.  Only open for dinner Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, this small but friendly place by the water is a real crowd pleaser. If you are fortunate to be in the area on the weekends, I suggest you check their menu online and give them a call ahead of time.  We usually call in our order and just pick it up. The place gets really crowded too.  What makes their BBQ so special?  They do it the old fashioned way which means slow cooked for days.  Take note, this place isn't allergy friendly but the ribs and sides are super yummy and very affordable.  Oh, almost forgot, they are open for breakfast everyday.

 

       Last but not the least is Cool Scoops.  This retro ice cream place is the "cool" place to go for dessert.  Not only are the flavors delectable, the shop itself is one of a kind. It is filled with lots of memorabilia including a larger than life Elvis statue.  Even though it's loaded with museum like collections, the atmosphere remained very friendly.   The best part about Cool Scoops is that they offer dairy free, food allergy friendly ice cream which is made with either soy milk or rice milk.  They even have gluten free ice cream cones! Since the owner also has food allergies, (yes, she told me so.) they know first hand how to handle items to avoid possible contaminations.   A big relief to us with special food requirements. 

 

       So friends, that's it for my Friday Finds this week.  I hope I was able to give you a glance at the Wildwoods.  If you're getting hungry so am I.  So, what's for dinner? 

 

- Roz

  

How to Cook the Perfect Gluten Free Pasta

     When I first found out the news that our family needs to switch to gluten free pasta because of my sons' wheat allergy, my entire world was shaken.  Pre food allergy, being a Frugalista Mom , I never paid more than $1.00 for a 16 oz. box of pasta. Since I have no other choice, I took the plunge, waited for a sale and started buying. 

      After trying numerous brands and types (corn, quinoa, rice etc.), I realized that the gluten free versions aren't really bad at all.  Sometimes one can't really tell the difference in a dish.  In fact, my kids liked the texture and taste of GF better than the whole wheat version.  Yes, all my children have eaten the later pre diagnosis.   The most critical thing I learned about Gluten Free pasta is the preparation. Unlike its wheat counterpart, GF pasta tends to become really soft and soggy within a few minutes of cooking.  Spaghetti varieties in fact, can easily break apart and turn into a huge mess.  It can turn into a sort of couscous in a matter of seconds. 

       Having cooked GF pasta every week for more than 8 months now, I have gone through times of frustration and even crying over the messy goop and the idea of throwing precious expensive food that nobody wants to eat.  Can you relate?  Anyway, after much trial and error, whatever brand I used, (I now stock up if I find GF pasta on sale.), I was able to find a way to properly cook my Gluten Free Pasta.  The best part is that I am more than happy to share it with you. 

       Without further introduction, here's my foul proof way to cook gluten free pasta at home. Take note, keep the original packaging of the pasta you are using.  The number of cooking minutes the manufacturer suggests is very important. 

1. Bring a large stock of water to a rolling boil.

2. Once the water is boiling, remove the lid and add 2 Tbs. salt.

3. Add your gluten free pasta.  Mix well to make sure the noodles don't stick.  I usually use a wooden spoon to do this because I find it less harsh to the delicate pasta.

4. Cook the pasta in hot water for 2 minutes. (The water is no longer boiling after you add the pasta.) Turn off heat.

5. Mix to make sure the noodles are not sticking to each other.

6. Cover the pot with the lid. 

7. Let the pasta  noodles soak in the hot cooking water. The soaking time depends on the package's suggested cooking time and some math.  Subtract 4 minutes from the minimum suggested cooking time to get the soaking time.  For example, the package says 8 - 10 minutes cooking time. (8-4 = 4). Soaking time is 4 minutes. 

8. After the soaking time, drain the pasta and rinse in cold running water until the pasta are room temperature.  Mix a few times to make sure the pasta evenly cools.

9. Drain again and transfer to a serving bowl. 

10. Pour your preferred heated sauce over the pasta and mix.   

Here are some notes. 

*  If you are going to make a casserole and will put the cooked pasta in the oven, instead of soaking, remove the pasta from the boiling water after 3 minutes and immediately use it for your baked recipe. 

* Hot boiling sauce and too much sauce can make your pasta softer.  Serve immediately once the sauce is added. You can also put the sauce on the side and just pour it on top of the pasta when ready to serve.

         I hope this post helps you the next time you cook your GF pasta.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please I would love to hear from you.

- Roz



Sugar Plum Fruit?

      I confess I am not a big fruit and vegetable eater.  As far as I can remember, I always gave my parents a hard time when it came to this food group.  So when two of my children turned out to be picky plant eaters, I wasn't surprise at all. 

 

      Though I can't literally force my non herbivore kids, I love to bring them to the Farmer's Market.  This gives them the opportunity to see various fruits and vegetables. Hopefully, the colors will get them curious enough to try to taste something new. 

 

       Yesterday was a special discovery day.  Did you know that there is an actual fruit that's called Sugar Plum?  All the while, we thought sugar plums just exist on children's story books.  Does Sugar Plum Princess or Fairy ring a bell? 

 

        Anyway, this fruit that looks like a big red grape which has a big pit in the middle is a must try.  It's juicy and tastes like a very sweet nectarine. My 2 fruit eaters love it.  I even got hooked.  Child #2 and #4 even tried it without hesitation.  Will they eat it again?  I'm not sure but it's definitely worth a shot.

       

        Have you tried these Sugar Plums?  Did you like it?  Love to hear from you.

 

- 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