Spring

Spring is in the air!
Spring is a time of renewal and with that in mind I am working on an all new blog format. I will be working over the next couple of weeks to launch my new blog. I will send out a notice when it is up and I can not wait to share it with all of you!
Until then,
Patsy

Canine Assistance!

Did you see the People magazine article last week about a peanut sniffing dog? They have trained dogs for many years to sniff out drugs for law enforcement but now they can train dogs to sniff out specific food allergens. What an amazing thing! The girl in the article not only has an added security measure but a new best friend as well. Scientist and doctors are currently working on vaccines, medicines but this has to be the most heart warming current developement.

On another note; I have been working on a new focus for my blog and thank you to those who have provided me with what would help them most. Please feel free to email any other ideas or issues that would be of interest to you.
Till then,
Patsy

What would you like?

I am in the process of gathering together information, recipes and facts about food allergies and I want to reach out to everyone in the food allergy world. What would you like to see in this blog? What would be most helpful? I am interested in what you want and hopefully what I can provide. I am open to all suggestions as I rework my blog. Recipes, behind the scenes info, contests, alerts, everyday scenarios and/or anything else you can think of.
Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Patsy

Goodie Bags!

One of the my favorite parts of a birthday part was and still is the goodie bags! I have adopted this into my everyday life. I have ziploc baggies tucked away inside my cupboard that have candies and other goodies that are shelf stable and safe for my allergies that I can pluck out at a moments notice.

I love to take one to the movies, holiday parties and yes even birthday parties!
I always keep a mini goodie bag in my purse because you never know when the urge will strike! I always like to be prepared for every situation especially those that call for sweets.

Now for a child, I would pick a fun pattern for a small bag and tie it with ribbons. I may even put in a fun toy or stickers. Also, try and rotate the fun items and sweets to keep it fun and novel.
Have Fun!
Patsy

Food Allergy Cards

I create my own food allergy cards that I take with me to restaurants and when I travel. They state what I am allergic to and that I will need medical attention if I ingest any of the allergens listed on the card. I like to make my own using fun colors for borders but not everyone wants to deal with creating and printing their own cards. Take heart because there are options to make it easier to obtain a custom card.

One website allows you to order allergy cards in many different languages and they are perfect when you are traveling to foreign countries. Anything that can make travel easier and safer makes my list of things to carry. You can check out their website at: www.selectwisely.com . Another site is www.foodallergybuddy.com where you can create your own card for free. Also, www.achooallergy.com has food allergy cards for one specific food per card that are water resistant.

Here's to safe traveling!
Patsy

Looks do Matter !

When I was first diagnosed with food allergies, I found that almost all of the products that were safe for me did not taste good but were also in bland sad packaging. I was determined to make Cherrybrook Kitchen's packaging colorful and fun. I wanted to create a happy experience for those with special diets from the moment they saw our product on the shelf until they licked the last crumbs off their lips.

I believe that when kids/adults bring their own food to an event that presentation does matter. I try to collect fun tupperware containers, silverware and a cute bag to carry it all in. I put in colorful napkins and try and make the food as appealing to the eye as possible. This lifts my spirits and makes my meal or snack a complete experience.

In a more formal dinner or family event I usually plate my food on the plates everyone will be served on well before hand. Then I wrap the plate in saran wrap and place it in a safe place until it needs to be heated.

We all are so worried about the ingredients in our food but remember to have fun with how your food is packaged. You deserve it!
Patsy

Some Top Picks In My Kitchen

Here is a list of a few of my favorite items I have in my kitchen. Please check with the manufacturers to make sure the items are safe for your allergy needs and also cross contamination sensitivities.

Here are a few items that are dairy, egg, tree nut and peanut free in my kitchen right now:


Earths Balance natural buttery spread
Silk Chocolate Soy Milk (especially the individual sizes)
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce
Pringles mini individual sizes
Emilee's Italian Ice
Popsicle (orange cherry grape flavors)
Barnums Animal Crackers
Soy Vay Veri Veri Teryaki (great marinade)
Annie Chuns Rice Express Sticky Rice Bowl
and of course:
CHERRYBROOK KITCHEN (www.cherrybrookkitchen.com) !!!!

Note: I loooove Chocolate Emporium Chocolates. They are dairy free and have some egg free selections. However, they do make peanut products (I do not have a peanut allergy). I order every couple of months from them online www.choclat.com. Check them out to see if they will work for your family.

I would love to hear what are some of your favorite food products that you keep in your kitchen!
Patsy :-)