Ah, what is going on the world of Carmen Sandiego?
She is still stateside, enjoying her job and balancing work and family, like so many of us are...
I've taken the little one to the allergist for skin-testing recently. Great news! According to the skin test he is no longer allergic to peanuts or shellfish! I have tried a little peanut (two peanuts, to be exact) and he was fine. The Dr. says to introduce those items into his diet slowly, so that is what we are doing. VERY slowly.
And I am still my crunchy garbanzo bean self, as one of my sisters has so affectionately named me. I watched Food, Inc. the other day, and it put some pep in my step as far as my transition to healthier, organic foods goes. Unfortunately, it costs more to eat properly in this country, and so some of the change is slow going. But I'm getting there, and finding ways to make it affordable for my family. There are lots of ways! I will share with you what I've done in the future, maybe you will find some useful information.
Although having a child with food allergies is challenging, it forced me to think about what we eat. I started reading labels to find out what was "safe", and was surprised by what I found. I thought a can of beans would be, well, beans, salt, and water. Boy was I wrong. And not only about the beans, about almost everything. So I started going back to basics. I read the labels of everything I purchase, and I opt for the most natural, most basic option I can afford. I look for the shortest ingredient list and for that list to have recognizable ingredients. When I buy canned beans, the ingredients are actually water, beans and salt. My yogurt contains cultured milk, vanilla, sugar and pectin. It might not be organic (yet) but it's a start.
Showing posts with label Eat Drink and Be Merry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eat Drink and Be Merry. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Yay for Cherrybrook Kitchen!
After being informed by another food allergy mama that our local Target had some peanut, egg and dairy free cake mixes, I finally got to check it out. Initially, I went to the wrong Target and was frustrated by the blank stares and dumbfounded looks of the employees when I asked if they had them. Then I went to the bigger Target (I think the employee said it was a "Target Fresh") and found them. They had a few varieties, mostly from Cherrybrook Kitchen. I chose the chocolate chips cookies because I've successfully made amazing cakes and cupcakes that he can eat (a modified vegan recipe) but I haven't found a cookie recipe that I like yet. So, we came home and whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Most of us ate one, my son ate two, and I put away the rest for another day. So, what's the verdict?
Drum-roll please...
They were good! The taste and sweetness were just right, they were quick and easy to make, and everyone liked them. They were a little "cakey", but I took them out a little earlier than recommended because I wanted them to be soft and chewy, which they were. Overall, these were a hit and something I would buy again.
Drum-roll please...
They were good! The taste and sweetness were just right, they were quick and easy to make, and everyone liked them. They were a little "cakey", but I took them out a little earlier than recommended because I wanted them to be soft and chewy, which they were. Overall, these were a hit and something I would buy again.
Monday, January 04, 2010
9 days, 6 airports, 5 airplanes, 2 airlines and 1 toddler
It has been a busy holiday season for us, as you can can tell from the title of this entry. We have spent a lot of time in airports and on airplanes, and some time with family and friends all over the US. I've discovered a few things about traveling with a toddler that will make future journeys easier, and also some things about traveling (and eating on the go) with food allergies.
One of the things that has truly been wonderful for us are restaurant cards. You can make your own, or print them from various websites, personally I print mine from Food Allergy Buddy. When we go to a restaurant, I give the card to the server with an explanation of the ways in which I would like to modify the chosen entree. So far, I have not encountered any problems. Most of the time either a manager or the chef comes to the table and discusses my son's allergies with me and ensures that the chosen meal is safe. This is excellent, because they are aware of "hidden" allergens that might not be apparent from the menu description, and are able to advise me of alternative options, some of which might not be on the menu.
During the holiday season, my extended family decided to have a dinner out. They chose a Tex-Mex place, and I was understandably a little concerned, as my son is allergic to all dairy. A Tex-Mex restaurant sounded like a trial by fire, but I decided not to object to their choice, while coming up with a backup plan in my mind. Much to my delight, after explaining my son's food allergies to the server and giving her the card, the chef came out and informed me that he has TWO children with food allergies and would make sure that whatever I wanted my son to eat would be prepared in a safe manner. I was ecstatic! Sure enough, his food was dairy (and other allergen) free and everyone was able to enjoy their meal.
I always have two or three cards in my wallet, just in case. They have proven invaluable to me during those times when we eat away from the safe confines of home. I've had managers comment that they love the card, as having the list of allergens written down makes their job much easier. Especially when people have multiple food allergies, it can be difficult for the manager/chef/wait staff to remember and keep track of what an individual diner can not eat. Being able to double and triple check without having to come and ask saves times and lessen the likelihood of errors and decreases frustration and anxiety for everyone. Yippee for stress-free dining!
One of the things that has truly been wonderful for us are restaurant cards. You can make your own, or print them from various websites, personally I print mine from Food Allergy Buddy. When we go to a restaurant, I give the card to the server with an explanation of the ways in which I would like to modify the chosen entree. So far, I have not encountered any problems. Most of the time either a manager or the chef comes to the table and discusses my son's allergies with me and ensures that the chosen meal is safe. This is excellent, because they are aware of "hidden" allergens that might not be apparent from the menu description, and are able to advise me of alternative options, some of which might not be on the menu.
During the holiday season, my extended family decided to have a dinner out. They chose a Tex-Mex place, and I was understandably a little concerned, as my son is allergic to all dairy. A Tex-Mex restaurant sounded like a trial by fire, but I decided not to object to their choice, while coming up with a backup plan in my mind. Much to my delight, after explaining my son's food allergies to the server and giving her the card, the chef came out and informed me that he has TWO children with food allergies and would make sure that whatever I wanted my son to eat would be prepared in a safe manner. I was ecstatic! Sure enough, his food was dairy (and other allergen) free and everyone was able to enjoy their meal.
I always have two or three cards in my wallet, just in case. They have proven invaluable to me during those times when we eat away from the safe confines of home. I've had managers comment that they love the card, as having the list of allergens written down makes their job much easier. Especially when people have multiple food allergies, it can be difficult for the manager/chef/wait staff to remember and keep track of what an individual diner can not eat. Being able to double and triple check without having to come and ask saves times and lessen the likelihood of errors and decreases frustration and anxiety for everyone. Yippee for stress-free dining!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Bleeping Food Allergies
In case you were wondering, food allergies suck. I went to the store to find some easy meals for my son, some of those toddler microwaveable meals, to have in the house or the diaper bag (I carry food for him EVERYWHERE). After checking labels, I discovered that of the 20+ varieties on the shelf, my son can not eat a single one. NOT ONE. I was quite frustrated. Seemingly vegetarian meals made with chicken stock, almost everything with eggs and milk. Argh! I know that I can go to the local health food store and get him some organic, vegan/vegetarian meals that he can eat, but they are considerably more expensive and I am on a budget. My sister took one look at me in the store and said "You need a support group."
Then today after dinner, which my son refused to eat, I noticed he had hives on his torso. There were none in the area around his mouth, and he didn't have any of the other telltale signs, like trying to scratch his tongue, pulling and scratching his ears, coughing, gasping or clawing at his face, so I didn't think he had ingested any of his allergens. Turns out that some of my sister's gravy, which contained a little milk, got on his chest (his food was gravy-less, and I didn't know the gravy had milk). She tried to give him some of her food when he wouldn't eat his own, but he refused to eat it (smart boy!). No trip to the emergency room, thankfully. But if that is what happened after coming into contact with a trace amount of milk in a sauce, then I think even a non-ingested reaction could be pretty severe. If there was anything I could to do to guarantee that he would grow out of his allergies, I would do it. Then I would become a millionaire, because so would thousands of other people around the world.
Then today after dinner, which my son refused to eat, I noticed he had hives on his torso. There were none in the area around his mouth, and he didn't have any of the other telltale signs, like trying to scratch his tongue, pulling and scratching his ears, coughing, gasping or clawing at his face, so I didn't think he had ingested any of his allergens. Turns out that some of my sister's gravy, which contained a little milk, got on his chest (his food was gravy-less, and I didn't know the gravy had milk). She tried to give him some of her food when he wouldn't eat his own, but he refused to eat it (smart boy!). No trip to the emergency room, thankfully. But if that is what happened after coming into contact with a trace amount of milk in a sauce, then I think even a non-ingested reaction could be pretty severe. If there was anything I could to do to guarantee that he would grow out of his allergies, I would do it. Then I would become a millionaire, because so would thousands of other people around the world.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Pictures
Four dozen vegan cupcakes.
I made plain chocolate, chocolate chip, Oreo®, double chocolate chip, strawberry swirl and double chocolate chip Oreo®. I'm moving on to cookies next...
My newphew's "rastaman" cap. My SIL wants to learn how to crochet so she can make more of these for her son. So I made this one as the test run, so that I can teach her how to do it. Not bad considering how long it has been since I last crocheted. I used to be pretty good, good enough to make money from it...I made this while watching CSI, so maybe I can pick it up again.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Takeover
Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
I took some over to my neighbor, and she loved them. "Mm," she said "these taste like cupcakes." Of course! "You'd never guess. They are so moist." Yipee! Her one year old daughter enjoyed hers too (she got a mini heart cupcake). My three year old niece liked hers so much she nearly ate the paper in her attempt to get every last drop of cupcake. My mother wants me to make some to take to her job. Vegan cupcakes are taking over my world!
I used the recipe for Basic Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes from chow.com (which they got from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World). I threw in some chocolate chips (allergy friendly, from enjoylife) and made one or two minor tweaks. If you are a recipe person, the recipe will yield great results, I just don't like to follow directions and always have to add my own little flair. These do have wheat and soy, but could be made with rice milk and a different flour and then they would be free of the big eight. As they are, they are free of 6 of the big eight, totally safe for vegans, and absolutely tasty. Seriously, there are only 4 left and I'm already eyeing them...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Back in the Kitchen
I like to read (and see) what other people are whipping up in their kitchens, so I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about what I'm fixing. Today I made fragrant jasmine rice (with cilantro, coconut milk and a little onion), orange glazed carrots, string beans, baked tilapia, and sweet potato biscuits (made with soy milk and vegan margarine). It was delicious. A good mix of sweet and savory IMO. And completely dairy free! I was going to use bread crumbs on the fish, but bread crumbs contain milk and eggs, so that was out. I have never baked fish fillets with nothing but the seasoning before, if we are going to do that then we use the whole fish and braise it. So, I was a little nervous, but it turned out fine. So, for your viewing pleasure, here's a plate of food: 
I'm going to make some more vegan cupcakes. When I do I'll try to remember to post a picture or two of those also. Bon appetit!
I'm going to make some more vegan cupcakes. When I do I'll try to remember to post a picture or two of those also. Bon appetit!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Vegan Cupcakes
In light of the little ones food allergies, I've had to adjust my diet. I spent three days rather hungry, as I realized that my pantry was FULL of hidden allergens. It is actually a blessing in disguise, because it made me realize that I've slipped off of the fresh food diet of my youth. So, we went grocery shopping and purchased a lot of "ground food". I'll be going back to the cooking of my youth, which my husband will enjoy immensely as it is also the type of food to which he is accustomed. A friend of mine has also offered to purchase me an allergy free cookbook, which I think will be a valuable resource. I've scoured the Internet, and spoken to some friends, and found "top-8 free" and vegan cooking resources. But one area was still coming up short. Dessert. I love my fresh fruit and all, but sometime this woman wants a chocolate lava cake. A friend of mine suggested that I get Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World. So, I found a few of the recipes online, and decided to try one out before I purchased the book.
I took the plain vanilla cupcake recipe, added some vegan chocolate chips, and voila, a vegan cupcake. The thing that I liked about the recipe was that it wasn't a "regular" cupcake veganized. It didn't call for egg substitutes, and things of that nature. I seems that the authors created the recipe from the ground up, without the dairy and animal byproducts. And, it was easy. No strange ingredients that I can't find, or afford. In fact, I had all of the ingredients in my house already. Easy. So, was it tasty?
You bet it was! This is not a healthy cupcake. It is full of sugar and fat and vanilla and lovely deliciousness. If you want a healthy cupcake, this is not for you. If you want a GOOD cupcake (or cake or brownie) this this might be the book for you. I liked the cupcakes so much I ate four! I've never eaten four cupcakes in a row in my life. I only stopped myself because I knew it was a bad idea to eat any more. Everyone else in the house liked them too, a few people liked the vegan cupcake better than its non-vegan counterpart. The flavor is different, lighter, but it tastes like a cupcake. Most people would not believe that this cupcake was vegan.
I'm excited! I can make desserts for parties and celebrations. I can have parties and cookouts and get-togethers, and most people will be able to eat the foods I make. I won't have to cook two different meals for my family. My sister and mother, who love to bake, can still bless us with their culinary skills. We can all eat, drink and be merry, and no one suffers. My son and others with food allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy everything. My husband, and others that eat everything, will love the well cooked, tasty food, and won't feel like they are suffering or eating tree bark.
I'm having a party...
I took the plain vanilla cupcake recipe, added some vegan chocolate chips, and voila, a vegan cupcake. The thing that I liked about the recipe was that it wasn't a "regular" cupcake veganized. It didn't call for egg substitutes, and things of that nature. I seems that the authors created the recipe from the ground up, without the dairy and animal byproducts. And, it was easy. No strange ingredients that I can't find, or afford. In fact, I had all of the ingredients in my house already. Easy. So, was it tasty?
You bet it was! This is not a healthy cupcake. It is full of sugar and fat and vanilla and lovely deliciousness. If you want a healthy cupcake, this is not for you. If you want a GOOD cupcake (or cake or brownie) this this might be the book for you. I liked the cupcakes so much I ate four! I've never eaten four cupcakes in a row in my life. I only stopped myself because I knew it was a bad idea to eat any more. Everyone else in the house liked them too, a few people liked the vegan cupcake better than its non-vegan counterpart. The flavor is different, lighter, but it tastes like a cupcake. Most people would not believe that this cupcake was vegan.
I'm excited! I can make desserts for parties and celebrations. I can have parties and cookouts and get-togethers, and most people will be able to eat the foods I make. I won't have to cook two different meals for my family. My sister and mother, who love to bake, can still bless us with their culinary skills. We can all eat, drink and be merry, and no one suffers. My son and others with food allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy everything. My husband, and others that eat everything, will love the well cooked, tasty food, and won't feel like they are suffering or eating tree bark.
I'm having a party...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
CAC Cook-Up
On Sunday night, I went to a Caribbean Association (of China) meeting and potluck dinner. Shanghai is a big city, and this time the dinner was near my house. So, I went to the supermarket and picked up a dessert (I know, I know, being lazy) and took a taxi to my friend J's house. J' is a Jamaican-British, married mother of one (with one on the way). I arrived as food was still being cooked and warmed, and generally mingled. After the meeting, I stayed and chatted for a while, and all in all had quite a lovely evening.
The food was good, the company was good, and the meeting was productive. There are a lot of good things going on, and some activities I might attend. The biggest news of the night however, was this:
The food was good, the company was good, and the meeting was productive. There are a lot of good things going on, and some activities I might attend. The biggest news of the night however, was this:
The first ever Jamaican restaurant is opening in Shanghai!
Of course, as CAC members we are invited to the pre-opening testing. That is when you go to the restaurant and sample dishes in order to give the chef your feedback. Free food that should taste good. Sign me up. My husband and I will be there!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Birthday Cake
I can't find chocolate lava cake with raspberry sauce, so I got myself chocolate mousse and raspberry mouse, single serving, and ate them at work while my students took a TOEFL practice test. Close enough, I guess, although I would have LOVED a chocolate lava cake with raspberry sauce...I'll have to get one this summer.
The cake my friends brought me. The little chocolate thing says "生日快乐"。I didn't eat any (I am not a big fan of cake). But, everyone else enjoyed the cake, so I think it was okay. Even though I don't eat cake anymore (must be old age), it is the the thought that counts, and I REALLY appreciated it.
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