Allergies on the Rise!

I was listening to the news the other night and heard something about food allergies.  This got my interest (food allergies and education -- that is what I turn the volume up for!).  Turns out food allergies are on the rise.  Newest data: 1 in 12 kids have some sort of food allergy.

Today Show Report

I also found this article: from CNN.  It was about a dad who lost his son to a food allergy.  It also mentioned that having a food allergy isn't "cool."  My favorite quote from the article:

"There's a sense of embarrassment associated with food allergies for teens in particular, especially when they have to decline a kiss from a date who has just eaten peanuts or other offending foods."

This could not be more true.  Those of you that know me, know that I found out about my allergies the hard way.  In college, I kissed a boy after he had eaten peanut butter.  And away I went to the hospital.... 


me and Steve (aka: peanut-butter boy) about a month after the hospital trip

[Don't worry, we are still good friends.  He is forever known as "peanut-butter boy" at my parents' house.  My mom always asks: "How is peanut-butter boy?"]

I found out later in life that I was allergic to peanuts.  And then tree nuts... and then soy.  Finally, adding wheat and dairy.  It was a HARD adjustment.  Especially when it came to my social life.  I hated, HATED, going out to eat.  Hated it.  I could never eat anything -- and the waiters always give you this horrible look and say "Oh, I am so sorry....."  It sucks. 

And yes, I had to ask boys what they had eaten before I kissed them.  Luckily, my amazing friends asked for me!  But it was embarrassing.  And annoying.  But necessary.  Going to the hospital telling the doctors that you kissed a boy and wound up in the hospital is not the best situation.  Hilarious, yes.  Fun, not so much. 

You would be surprised at how little people know about food allergies.  Yes, you can die from a food allergy.  It has happened.  More than I want to admit.  But food allergies are out there.  And becoming more prevalent.  1 in 12 kids.  You will know someone with food allergies.

Please, please learn more about food allergies -- make those with food allergies feel welcome and less embarrassed.*







*I must say that my friends and family are the best.  They often make things for me to eat or find places where I can eat.  I mean, my mom made an ENTIRE allergen-free Thanksgiving dinner last year.  Now that is just plain awesome!  And the Future Husband is constantly perfecting a gluten-free pasta recipe -- and making allergen-free ravioli -- YUM! 

Calling All Recipes!

As I was looking up the Betty Crocker Gluten Free products, I came across this challenge.  So, those of you who read this -- what in the world should I bake?!  It doesn't have to be something that I have already baked. 

What do you want to see made safe for you to eat?!

I have about three weeks so send me your suggestions!

And of course, I will keep you posted on the trial and errors of my baking :)

Product Placement

I had to run to the store to grab a tomato for our dinner tonight.  And I also picked up some Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix.  You didn't know those two items were in the same aisle?  I had had a rough day at work and the store didn't have chocolate sorbet....

So I figured I would buy the mix and then blog about it -- and eat some chocolate to make my day better!  It is tough trying to bake with allergies.  You can't just go to the store and buy a mix with a can of frosting and away you go.  It doesn't work that way.  You have to plan things out.  And go to the speciality stores to buy the ingredients you need.  Until Betty Crocker.  Who rocks, by the way!

You can now go to the store and get gluten free mixes.*  Chocolate Cake.  Brownies.  Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Vanilla Cake.  And my personal favorite: Bisquick!!!!  I have not tried any of them, until tonight!  (I am extremely excited to try the Bisquick!).

The recipe was really easy to follow.  Add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter (of course I used Futter) to the mix -- how easy is that?!  I used an 8x8 pan and glad I did.  The mix was really thick and I had to use a spatula to spread it out in the pan.  It also didn't rise very much (the reason I was happy I used the 8x8 pan). 

But.... after it cooled and I took a bite..... it was YUMMY!!!  And it was so easy to make.  I am HIGHLY recommending this product :)




*Make sure the mixes are also free of your allergens.  The brownie mix was safe -- and I actually think the others are safe as well.  Just use safe add-ins (like rice milk, egg replacer, futter, etc.) and enjoy!