For a lack of something to post I have decided to do a food allergy post. Hold the sighs and looks of boredom, I know a post on food allergies isn't exciting. However, when I first found out Ry had allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts it was a little overwhelming and I found it reassuring and helpful to talk to someone in a similar situation. So if you have found out your child has food allergies, or know someone in that situation I hope this post can be helpful.
I am by no means an expert on the subject, but we hardly notice the food allergies anymore due to a few helpful products and tips. Mind you, I only deal with milk, eggs, and peanuts (thank goodness) so I am of no help when it comes to the many other food allergens.
1. My favorite product: Blue Bonnet Light Margarine
This is the only margarine I have found that does not contain milk. The packaging states to not use it for baking or frying, but when your options are limited you use what you can. I do notice a little difference, but it definitely gets the job done.
2. Runner up product: Chicken or Beef Bouillon
Since you can't use any sort of creamy soups, most casseroles are out of the question. If I'm trying to achieve any sort of creamy sauce I make a rue (flour and margarine) and add the chicken or beef stock. The plus side to allergies, most alternatives are healthier.
3. Baked good without eggs...few and far between
Almost anything you bake (breads, cookies, cakes) calls for eggs. Our house always has unhealthy baked goods in it (right now...cinnamon rolls and cookies). Depending on what I'm making, I will either leave out the egg all together (breads and rolls), use an egg substitute (vinegar, water, and baking powder), or before I add the eggs I take a portion of the dough or batter I'm making, set it aside, and bake it without the egg for Ry. Then I just keep Ry's "special cookies or cake" separate from the real deal, she could care less, she's just excited to get dessert.
4. Going somewhere, bring your own food
Trying to feed Ry outside of our house can be such a headache, so we almost always pack her a little dinner. Sometimes we think, I'm sure there is something she can have...and I'm usually left wishing I would have heated up some nuggets and peas to avoid the stress of it. Case in point, Thanksgiving meal. Although there is a 20 ft. long table with about 20 dishes on it, Ry basically couldn't eat any of it.
If you are still reading this, that's impressive. If you are finding out about food allergies in your family then know it gets easier, and it's a lot more common. If anyone has been doing this for a while and has any tips for me...I would love to hear them.
