I'm Co-Hosting a Food Allergy Chat on The Motherhood!

Last year, I was privileged to join the amazing Lori Sandler of Divvies and several other terrific bloggers and various parenting experts in a wonderfully successful live chat series on The Motherhood web site, a parenting forum that I love. We explored many aspects of food allergies including summer camp, play dates, sleepovers and much more. Here is a link to that chat.

In their infinite wisdom, The Motherhood decided that more food allergy chats are a great idea! Hooray! I appreciate that this parenting forum is so open to addressing the problem of food allergies, and tackling it from many angles. So here are some more details on what will be a fun and informative live chat.  Can't attend? You can click the link below (the one right after "Where: The Motherhood, right here") and submit a question. They will also provide a transcript a few days after the talk.

You're invited to The Motherhood for a Live Chat!

What:  A live, all-text talk on The Motherhood, called Managing the Anxieties Around Food Allergies.  We're continuing the Navigating Food Allergies series with a solutions-oriented class on handling the anxiety and feelings of isolation that can come with managing food allergies. Dr. Jules Spotts will join Lori Sandler and a fantastic group of bloggers to talk about how it's going for you and to learn and share ways to make sure allergies don't define your kids or your family.

When: Tuesday, June 5, at 1 p.m. ET. We will chat for 30 minutes!

Where: On The Motherhood, right here - http://bit.ly/KIHxQo

Who: The all-text chat will be hosted by Lori Sandler, founder of Divvies Bakery and author of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook, and psychologist Dr. Jules Spotts. Co-hosting are these amazing people:

Barbara, Food Allergy Initiative, http://www.faiusa.org/Carmen, Mom to the Screaming Masses, http://momtothescreamingmasses.typepad.com/Christina, A Mommy Story, http://www.amommystory.com/Clarissa, The Posh Parent, http://theposhparent.com/Eleanor, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, http://www.foodallergy.org/
Emily, West of the Loop, http://www.westoftheloop.com/Jenny, The Nut-Free Mom, http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/Kelly, Food Allergy Mama, http://www.foodallergymama.com/Sarah, The Allergist Mom, http://theallergistmom.com/Sloane, Allergic Girl, http://allergicgirl.com/

Co-host Twitter IDs:@FoodAllergyInit
@mttsm
@mommystory
@theposhparent
@FoodAllergy
@westoftheloop
@nut_freemom
@foodallergymama
@TheAllergistMom
@allergicgirl

Host Twitter IDs:
@Divvies
@theMotherhood
@EmilyMcKhann
@CooperMunroe
@eolson426
 
I hope you can join us!

Store-Bought Ice Cream and Nut Allergies: Here's the Scoop

With summer around the corner and warm weather taking over, lots of us are thinking about ice cream. Those of us dealing with nut allergies are wondering what ice cream we can possibly buy because store-bought ice cream offers an allergy label minefield. In fact, ice cream labels with regard to nut allergies (and other food allergies) are some of the most diverse and inconsistent out there. It's crazy! So how do you know what is safe for your situation and what isn’t? In the last couple of weeks, I’ve taken another look at ice cream labels from several different brands.

Here’s the scoop (forgive the pun): some labels are changing to include allergy statements and some brands simply have no allergen information on them at all. In fact, this is true for most of the “big name” brands. When you call or e-mail (Häagen-Dazs, Ben and Jerry’s and Edy’s are three I’ve contacted) they may tell you that the ice cream is made on the same lines with allergens but that a wash-down is done between batches. For severely allergic people, the chance of an allergen remaining, even in trace amounts, can be problematic, so personally I avoid these altogether. However, you might feel OK with the wash-down; that's certainly up to you.

Some brands (Cia Bella gelato, for example) have clear allergy warnings as follows: Made on equipment with eggs, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts.

Blue Bunny brand will tell you detailed allergen information on their web site and packaging. Click here for a list.

A very few (like the coconut milk-based So Delicious brand) give an allergy statement on their packaging that explains a wash down system/allergen testing they do for each flavor, even though some of their flavors contain common allergens like peanuts. While I appreciate the information, I don’t want stuff made on shared lines, period. So I’ve skipped brands with those types of labels too, though I know some people don’t and haven’t had a problem. Like so many other foods or situations, this one is personal call based on your doctor's advice, child's past reactions and general comfort level with the product.

What about Popsicles and Italian ice frozen treats? I’ve had better luck with many of those over the years, simply for the fact that most aren’t sharing lines with ice cream that contains peanuts or tree nuts. Luigi’s Italian Ice and Popsicle brand are two I’ve used without problems for years. However, I recommend calling to check each year—because the labels are changing and production practices change often. So if you see something you like and there is no allergy info, it's a good idea to call or send an e-mail to the company.

What if the customer service lines are closed when you want to call? I stick to the when in doubt, do without rule. It's always better to at least know the facts when serving a food, so if you don't know if it's safe, skip it. I find that it helps to be armed with cookies, fruit treats or other goodies when attending parties or family member's homes so that you always have something to offer your child in case the "house ice cream" is off-limits.

Sometimes it just seems easier to make your own frozen treats, especially if you are dealing with multiple food allergies. I love having an electric ice cream maker (from Cuisinart, about $50 but I use it a lot) because you can choose whatever ingredients and flavors you like. You can make sorbet, ice cream, frozen yogurt—all without worry and with a lot less of the bad stuff like chemicals and additives.

What if you want a quick treat and don't feel like waiting hours for your dessert to freeze? Have you seen the Zoku?  This fun little device makes ice pops and other frozen treats in minutes. These are so fun for kids and adults love them too—I’m thinking of picking one up this summer. They are sold at places like Williams-Sonoma and other home stores—if the kids are driving you crazy over summer break, this makes a fun project for them besides a healthy snack.

And then there’s the good old-fashioned way of creating a frozen treat. My kids still love helping to make homemade frozen Popsicles. If we have to avoid some of the store bought stuff, let’s use it to our advantage, parents, and keep the crappy stuff out of the house! Use real fruit, yogurt (if you can have it—if not, use extra fruit or juice or even a dairy-free substitute) and just a little sugar and you will give your kids a taste for healthy foods—without them even knowing it.

Here’s a favorite and easy recipe to try. Use ice pop molds or even sturdy cups, treat sticks that you pick up at the craft store and your kids’ favorite fruit for these.

Homemade Fruit Ice Pops

Ingredients:

About a cup of your kids favorite fresh fruit or a combination: strawberries, bananas, blueberries and mangos are all favorites around here.

About 1/3 cup white sugar or to taste; you can also use honey to taste.

2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or add fruit juice, more fruit or non-dairy yogurt substitute)

Method:

Blend fruit in food processor or blender with a couple tablespoons of sugar until smooth. If you want to remove fruit seeds, skins, etc., press the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl. Set aside. (If you are making all-fruit pops, add addtional juice and/or pureed fruit, then place half of the fruit mixture in the molds before putting in the freezer for an hour. Add popsicle sticks  into semi-frozen pops and rest of fruit mixture before going on to the final freezing step).

In a separate bowl, stir together yogurt (or yogurt substitute) and the remaining sugar until dissolved. Divide this mixture into 4 ice pop molds or cups and put in the freezer for one hour.

Add the fruit puree into the semi-frozen yogurt and swirl to create a pattern (but don’t blend thoroughly). Place your popsicle stick or the cover of your ice pop (the stick portion) and freeze for at least 2 more hours until solid.

To serve, take them out of the freezer for about 5 minutes, then remove from the molds or cups.

Note: I personally avoid ice cream shops due to cross-contact risks from scoops, other flavors, toppings and the tainted scoops going into all of the various flavors, increasing the risk of cross-contact. A lot of ice cream shops (like Baskin Robbins) now carry nut allergy warnings in the store; this post is intended to help tackle ice cream we buy at the supermarket. If you have any questions or concerns about any product, please contact companies/shops directly so that you can get all the details and be an informed consumer--that's the best defense against reactions! Thank you.

Summer and Food Allergy: My Best Tips (and Some Nut-Free Recipes) for a Safe Memorial Day

Looking forward to the holiday weekend? I know I am--it's the official kick-off to summer! But while parties are fun, they can also add food allergy stress. Here are some suggestions on how to have a happy, healthy and allergy-safe Memorial Day celebration. This link includes my BBQ sauce recipe, too!

Road trips are on the agenda for many of us this weekend--possibly with relatives' homes as the destination. Here's a link that talks about safe road trips and how to prepare the extended family for a happy, allergy-friendly trip.
If you have an ice cream maker (or even if you don't) here are two simple and summery frozen treats to share with your family and friends: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Lemon Ice. Cuisinart makes a basic but very nice electric ice cream machine that you can find usually under $50 at places like Target or other stores that sell kitchen gear.

Nut-Free, Egg-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

Break out the ice cream machine for this great basic vanilla ice cream recipe! Also known as "Philadelphia" ice cream, this traditional recipe does not contain eggs. Because of this, this ice cream tends to stay a little bit "soft serve" but it is delicious.

1 vanilla bean or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (McCormick brand is what I usually use--Nielsen Massey is also great.)
4 cups heavy cream or heavy creamy mixed with half-and-half for a lighter flavor
3/4 cup white sugar, preferably superfine
Pinch salt

If using a vanilla bean, split in half and scrape out the seeds. (Keep the pod to make vanilla sugar, basically a vanilla bean placed inside a closed container of sugar for about a week. Wonderful in everything from cakes and cookies to coffee drinks.)

Combine all ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions. Serve immediately or freeze about 2 hours for a firmer consistency. For optimum flavor, allow to soften slightly in the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. 

Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Lemon Italian Ice (Granita)
1 cup sugar (use superfine if possible)
2 cups water
4 large lemons

1. In 2-quart saucepan combine sugar and water; heat to boiling over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes. Set saucepan in bowl of ice water to cool.

2. Meanwhile, from lemons grate 2 teaspoons peel and squeeze 3/4 cup juice.

2. Stir lemon peel and juice into sugar syrup; pour into 9-inch square metal baking pan. Cover, freeze for 2 hours and then scrape to break up the ice crystals. Freeze again at least 3 hours or overnight. To serve, let soften slightly and use a metal spoon to scoop up the ice shards. Transfer scoops of "ice" to dessert dishes and enjoy!

Lauren's Hope Food Allergy Bracelet Giveaway Winner Announced! Plus, A Cake Gallery

Lindsey Karr, you are the winner of our Lauren' Hope Medical ID giveaway! The random drawing was held using Random.org. Congratulations! Lindsey, please e-mail me your address info and if you want a bracelet for a boy or girl, and I will forward it to Lauren's Hope! My e-mail is: nut-freemom@sbcglobal.net

 And a huge thank you to everyone who submitted cake photos for our first ever Nut-Free Mom blog Cake Gallery! Talk about love on a plate. What beautiful creations, what lucky kids, what great parents, friends and family who helped create wonderful birthday memories. I got a little teary-eyed looking at these masterpieces and especially the happy kids celebrating with these amazing cakes. I can't think of a better or more joyful way to honor Food Allergy Awareness Week.

This is a long post, due to all of the photos, so take your time, enjoy these photos and get inspired for your next baking task! If I missed someone's photo in this post, I apologize--I got so many responses one may have slipped by. You will be featured in the next Cake Gallery and thanks again!

Anne was the first to join the gallery with this Rice Krispie cake creation
for her daughter with multiple food allergies.

Noah blowing out the candles on his giant cupcake mom Cathering baked
using Cherrybrook Kitchens allergy-friendly mix.

Lissa's lawnmower cake for her two-year-old son who loves lawn mowers!

LeeAnne also made this Superman-themed cake for her son.

Jane Anne's Hot Wheels racetrack cake for her son, David, is a work of art.

Jamie's daughter enjoyed a pink cake for her birthday party!

A cookie cake from Jamie, for her younger son's 3rd birthday.

Homa made this chocolate strawberry cake for her daughter's birthday using two Cybele Pascal recipes.

Jamie made this Star Wars cake for her son's 6th birthday...all of her kids have tree nut allergies.

LeeAnne created this awesome rocket cake for her 4-year-old son.

Cecilia created this adorable b-day cake for her daughter who loves Elmo.

Ali's son got this sea-worthy creation for his birthday.

Laine made this cool rocket ship cake for her young son with multiple food allergies.

Mom Ali had her daughter's Grammy made this bunny cake for her birthday.

Crystal made this for her adult daughter (also Crystal) for her baby shower. She said
it was her first time using fondant icing--great looking cake!

LeeAnn had a talented friend make this My Little Pony cake for her daughter Rylie's birthday.

Because I had such a huge response, a Cake Gallery will be a regular feature of the blog. And don't worry if you're not a cake baker and decorator. Next week I will have updated list of allergy-friendly bakeries that will do the work for you.

Have Food Allergies Made you a Cake Boss? Plus, Bracelet Giveaway Update

Hi everyone! Food Allergy Awareness Week is fully underway and it's been heartening to see so much interest and positive advocacy for those with food allergies.

Just a reminder that my Lauren's Hope Medical ID bracelet giveaway ends at 10 pm tonight. Please follow this link to enter the contest if you haven't already. (Please enter your comment to win on that post only in order to be part of the random computerized drawing.)

I encourage you to follow Lauren's Hope on social media because they frequently offer great deals and promotions, along with innovative and attractive new products. Here's how you can connect:

 

1. For new product alerts, sales and promo codes subscribe to Lauren’s Hope email alerts http://blog.laurenshope.com/sign-up-for-exclusive-offers-today/

2. Become a fan of Lauren’s Hope on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LaurensHopeID

3. Follow Lauren’s Hope on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/laurenshopeid

4. Follow Lauren’s Hope Food Allergy board on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/laurenshope/food-allergies/ and/or follow all of our boards on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/laurenshope/

You can win one bracelet -- either for a boy or a girl, thanks to our friends at Lauren's Hope I will announce the winner this Friday. Good luck!

Now, who likes "Cake Boss?" My kids love that show and we are amazed at what Buddy and his crew can create. Around here, we do our best but we're no "Buddy." Still, when I ask my kids what the secret ingredient is they always say "love." Corny, I know--but it's true!

I had that idea in mind when FAAN asked me to contribute to their blog, "FAAN Notes," for Food Allergy Awareness Week--their theme this year is "Because I Love Someone with Food Allergies." Click the link for my story of cake baking and decorating--one I'm sure many of you will relate to.

Which brings me to my next request. Anyone who has made a cake or other treat for a birthday, holiday or special event--if you have a photo of it and you'd like to share it, please send a jpeg to nut-freemom@sbcglobal.net and I'll post some of them on Friday along with our bracelet winner's identity. Let's celebrate our baking efforts! Include your child's first name if you like and the reason for the baked treat (i.e. birthday, whatever special occasion it was).