The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook

200 Gourmet and Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family

allergy cookbook

Friday, November 11, 2005

Okay, it's been awhile since I've posted. Life got crazy, the book was delayed... yes, delayed. It was printed on recycled paper, and ground-shipped from Canada during one of those endless fall rainstorms, you know, one of the 9 day ones, and I think the moisture warped the pages. So it wouldn't lie flat. Anyway, long story short, the book is being reprinted, and will be ready any day now -- just in time for Christmas! So for anyone wanting to give it as a present, no worries.

I'm writing today to talk about Halloween candy. My son came home from his school halloween party (he's in Pre-K) with a bag full of peanut M&M's and Snickers Bars, and mini Hershey's Bars with Almonds. Now, I know his teachers know Lennon can't eat peanuts. It's posted right there on the wall of the classroom -- the "NO" list. Between Lennon and a couple of other food allergic kids, his Pre-K has become Peanut-free, Tree Nut-free, Fish-free, Shellfish-free, Rice-free, and Apple-free. That's right, there's a little girl who is allergic to Apples. But one of the other parents threw a party in school, and I guess nobody told her. Nor did the teachers check the bags. Luckily, I got to the goodie bag before Lennon did and quietly extracted the offending candy before he noticed. But I want to stress just how important it is to double, triple, quadruple check ALL THE TIME. You'd think it would have been fine, but you can never assume. It takes constant hyper-vigilance. And my advice to all of us parents and caregivers of little ones with allergies (and big ones too) is never be ashamed to seem overly cautious. Because 9 times out of 10, you're justified. People still "just don't get it". So lead you're own personal crusade to keep your loved ones allergen-free.

Coming soon, articles about the book in Westchester Parent and Westchester Magazine.

Check back soon for new recipes. I'm getting inspired to whip up some amazing allergen-free holiday treats for Thanksgiving!


And if anyone wants to share any allergen-free cooking techniques here, or with me feel free to post comments, or email me at allergycookbook@gmail.com

talk soon!

Cybele