Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Online Nut-Free (and more) Valentine’s Day Resources


Valentine’s Day is just about three weeks away so I've compiled a list of online resources while you still have some time to order. It’s great to have these online resources that deliver straight to your door. Please note that some companies may have deadlines for Valentine’s Day delivery; check company websites for details. Costs run the gamut from the budget-friendly to the higher-end and shipping is usually additional, so keep that in mind while shopping.

If you have any questions about ingredients, please contact the company directly (I’ve given you a head start by providing links for each company.) Most of these companies offer nationwide shipping. Again, check with them for shipping details/product availability.

I’ve included some treats that are more geared to adults than kids. Maybe you’ve got nut allergies yourself (like an increasing number of adults) or maybe your kids do and you don’t want “nutty” foods in the house. Either way, the adults need their sweets, too!

Nut-Free Candy, Bakery Items and Sweet Treats:

Dean’s Sweets is a nut-free chocolatier offering rich handcrafted chocolate truffles in a gourmet variety of adult-friendly flavors (cayenne pepper and champagne, to name two!) These are special chocolates, no question! Order online or stop in their shop located in Portland, Maine. Address: 82 Middle Street Portland, Maine 04101 Phone: 207-899-3664 Dean’s Sweets now serves nut-free hot chocolate in the store, so if you’re in the area, bring your date!

Vermont Nut Free Chocolate is another favorite, creating everything from a box of delicious nut-free chocolate truffles, to seasonal chocolate lollipops and much more. They’ve got a beautiful selection for Valentine’s Day. We love pretty much everything from Vermont Nut Free and are huge fans of their new chocolate caramel pretzel bark. Plus, they’ve got baking chocolate! Order online at www.vermontnutfree.com and visit their store at 10 Island Circle Grand Isle, VT 05458

Nutphree’s Cupcakes. Serving the greater Chicago area, only. We LOVE Nutphree’s Cupcakes, Chicago’s only completely nut-free cupcake bakery! Beautiful creations to fit each season with new flavors arriving all the time. Order online orders@nutphrees.com or by phone (847) 754-4320 or stop in their new storefront: 259 E. Rand Rd. Mount Prospect, IL, 60056 Delivery is available; call for details.

Cakes for Occasions This nut-free bakery in Danvers, MA has many creations available for online ordering or stop in their shop for some amazingly artistic baked goods. Special order through their online store or stop in: 57 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923 • Tel: (978) 774-4545

Skeeter Snacks cookies are baked in a dedicated nut-free facility--hooray! Made with "real" ingredients and very yummy--for kids and adults alike.  You can order online ; Skeeter Snacks are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets and select Costco stores. We especially love the chocolate chip!
Eleni's Cookies. This nut-free, kosher cookie bakery in NYC is famous for its whimsical approach--these are definitely "designer" cookies! Click the link for a complete selection of Valentine's Day cookie gifts: http://elenis.com/store/category/shop-seasonal-sale/valentine-s-day/valentine-s-gift-boxes/   And check out their new Valentine's Day cookie decorating kit: http://elenis.com/store/category/gift/color_me_design_your_own/gift_sets/ STORES: Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Avenue @ 15th Street Madison Avenue 1266 Madison Avenue @ 90th Street
 

Nut-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Valentine’s Day Treats and Sweets


Divvies bakery offers baked goods and seasonal candy including a new chocolate “crispy” heart for Valentine’s Day. Visit Divvies online to see their complete Valentine’s Day assortment. (Many candies are gluten-free, too). Visit www.divvies.com for more info.

Sweet Alexis Bakery has nut-free, dairy-free and egg-free baked goods for every season including some wonderfully decorated cookies and cupcakes. Order online and save 10% on your order until January 31st. Promo code: vday13 Expires 1/31/13 Or visit their store: 2085 10th Street, Los Osos, California 93402 (Just South of Morro Bay, CA)
Amanda’s Own Confections This nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free chocolate company has a big selection for Valentine’s Day. http://www.amandasown.com/valentines.html

Peanut Free Planet has a terrific peanut and tree nut-free selection for Valentine's Day including some of my faves like Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts and Seth Ellis Sun Cups (just like peanut butter cups--but nut-free AND so delicious). Plus, many items are free from other allergens and/or gluten, perfect if you are dealing with multiple food allergies.

 Non-edible Valentine’s Day treats and crafts and more, perfect for the classroom


Thank you notes that raise awareness!

Peanut Free Zone is a company that’s all about allergy awareness. Now they offer custom allergy-awareness thank-you cards for your the caregivers in your life. What a nice way to say "thank you" to a special teacher, friend or caregiver for Valentine's Day. Even better: These cards have a thank you message outside and on the back of each card is a concise list of food allergy safety tips. For more info see: http://www.peanutfreezone.com/products/thank-you-cards/

 Non-edible party favors and crafts
Oriental Trading Company has a wide variety of budget-friendly crafts and small toys. Much of their Valentine's Day selection is currently on sale. Click here to find out more: http://www.orientaltrading.com/api/search?Ntt=valentine%27s+day+toys

Valentine’s Day crafts:
Parents Magazine has a link filled with fun Valentine-inspired crafts. Share these for the class party if you want to cut down on food in the classroom.
http://www.parents.com/holiday/valentines-day/crafts/kid-friendly-valentines-day-crafts/

The gorgeous craft and recipe website, Whipperberry, has a beautiful Valentine's craft using old crayons. This is a good one to do at home with the kids if you are "craftily" -inclined.
http://whipperberry.com/2012/01/crayon-heart-valentines-with-lifestyle-crafts.html


Not an online shopper? Come back to the blog on Friday for some nut-free Valentine's Day supermarket finds.
What are your favorite online resources for nut-free sweets?

 Note: The consumer maintains responsibility for ensuring any product mentioned on this page is free from any or all allergens that pose a concern. If you have questions about foods you see mentioned here, please contact the companies directly for more info. If you are unsure if a food or ingredient is safe for your child, please ask your doctor.
 

1 comment:

Goody said...

Jenny, you've been such a great help with the information you share on this blog, I'd like to show my appreciation with a nut-free candy recipe. It can be made dairy free as well if you use a non-dairy margarine. Thanks again for all you do, and Happy valentine's day!

Salted Orange Brittle:

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1-2 teaspoons coarse salt for topping

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

Butter sides of a large, heavy pot. Combine sugar, corn syrup, peel, and juice. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook to 300 degrees F. Remove from heat, (carefully) stir in butter.

Pour onto parchment lined pan, and toss salt on top immediately. When cold, crack into pieces. This brittle keeps nicely in treat bags sealed with a twist-tie. Makes a bit over a pound.