Eggless Rice Krispy Treats

Eggless Rice Krispy Treats

Three great options to have these sticky treats without getting into a sticky allergy situation.

1- Use eggless marshmallows and follow any traditional rice krispy treat recipe
(some of the kosher brands are actually eggfree, read label carefully)
2- Fluff substitute Ricemellow Creme (Suzanne's brand).
consistency is very close to the real thing!
3- Packaged rice krispy treats "Glenny's Brown Rice Bars"
 contributed by Miriam in Savannah, GA 

Transferring Ownership

 
As our food allergic kids get older we give them more and more responsibilities.This includes starting to make safe decisions about the food they eat when they're out of the house.Our food allergic twins are now doing the bar mitzvah circuit. Their own bar mitzvah is just around the corner.This means lots of fun parties with friends and also plenty of potential allergic accidents.  Read the articles below  for tips on empowering our children to manage their food allergies themselves.
Empowering Kids to Manage Their Food Allergies
How to Teach Older Children about their Food Allergies

Candy Corn

This time of year, candy corn is a popular treat.
If  you're egg allergic beware these candies often contain eggs!
As always, play it safe and check the ingredients
*For our readers who participate in Halloween celebrations
please check out this kidswithfoodallergies.org page .
KFA has great suggestions for navigating this season with
food allergies.

Budget Friendly Meals

 

Is the dinner/ homework hour driving you bonkers?
No need to become a crackpot, meet your friend the crockpot!

Put up your meals hours before "rush hour" and have a warm satisfying meal on hand when you need it most.
You can make hearty beef dishes or choose more economical vegetarian fare.
One thrifty kosherfoodallergies fan uses a brand of soup mixes called "Hambeens". Believe it or not, they're kosher certified as well. Now that's a "souper" meal! Some mixes contain wheat and soy ingredients so, as always. check labels.

For more budget friendly ideas check out kosheronabudget.com

Allergy-Friendly Chips

My teenage daughter,  looked at the bag of Plentils on our counter incredulously
"lentils? are you kidding?"
Try it it's healthy doesn't work very well with kids.
It tastes good (and happens to be good for you) does!

So you already know that chips made out of lentils are healthier for you than traditional chips. They're made in Enjoy Life's Dedicated nut- Free, gluten free facility (also free of the 8 most common allergens).
Plant-based protein, less calories, more nutrition. but let's face it nutrition doesn't go very far if the chip tastes like cardboard.Plentils are Crunchy, flavorful ,Crispy, kosher  (and healthy too). Cardboard they're not.
Try them and you'll be convinced too. Garlic and Parmesan, Dill and Sour Cream. Light Sea Salt, and
Margherita Pizza. My favorite is Garlic and Parmesan. What's yours?
Enter the Plentils Giveaway and try a bag of each flavor

Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Just because you have allergies doesn't mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen.I have a delicious shortcut to great butternut squash soup. Really, no one knows it is not from scratch (Oh, I guess they do now).

2 (32oz) containers of Imagine Butternut Squash Soup
1 (12oz)pkg frozen cooked butternut squash puree (like Bird's Eye- Southland)
a generous dash of curry
heat and serve.
*If you can't find frozen butternut squash puree, you can substitute a small can of pumpkin puree (unsweetened).

Fall Allergies

Fall is here and so are Autmnal allergens! According to some, this fall allergy season may be rougher than usual do to warmer temperatures (higher temps translate into more pollen). Ragweed season could be extended longer than usual.  Asthma and Allergy flare ups can have a variety of triggers, speak to your allergist regarding treatment and minimizing adverse effects.

Common Fall Allergy Triggers: 

Weed Pollens (such as Ragweed)

Outdoor Mold (piles of dead leaves etc...) 

Food Allergy Walk

Since 2004, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN^™) has raised more than $14 million for food allergy awareness, advocacy, education, and research programs through its Walk for Food Allergy fundraising events.The Walk for Food Allergy continues once again this year with plans for Walks in 45 cities around the nation. This year, FAAN’s goal is raise at least $2.4 million to help increase public awareness and educate individuals, schools, restaurants, and food manufacturers about the severity of food allergy, as well as to support advocacy efforts, such as the movement to ensure all schools have access to epinephrine for any student who needs it, and food allergy-focused research. (source: FAAN, foodallergy.org)
To find a food allergy walk in your area click here

Environmental Component to Food Allergies

We know that food allergies are on the rise, but why? What are the factors involved in this trend? It seems like the environment plays a role in this surge. Case of food allergies in Asia and Africa are very infrequent when compared to incidences in the West. A recent study( Clinical Pediatrics- Ruchi Gupta et al ) found that food allergies appeared with greater frequency in urban areas than rural ones. City children were twice as likely to have peanut  and shellfish allergies compared to their rural counterparts. The states with the highest prevalence of food allergic children are: Nevada, Florida, Georgia, Alaska, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Similar trends were shown with asthma as well.  While we can't change our genes, we can change our environment. Researchers struggle to make sense of the complex mechanisms at play in order to help develop guidelines for food allergy prevention. Hopefully a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in food allergy prevalence will help us reverse the trend.

Sukkah Soups

 Chag Sameach from Kosherfoodallergies!!!

Nothing like a hot soup on a chilly night in the sukkah.
I have a no-fail Butternut squash soup recipe that's super easy and always gets rave reviews:(2 imagine butternut squash soups, 1 package frozen birdseye southland cooked squash, dash of curry).
It doesn't get easier than that!

Here's a collection of other festive allergy friendly soup recipes
Carrot Parsnip Soup- hipkosher.com
Cauliflower Soup- joyofkosher.com (*kosher law requires cauliflower be checked for insects)
Curried Lentil Soup- gourmetkoshercooking.com
Zucchini Soup- gourmetkoshercooking.com

Food Allergies and Asthma

Our last physician interview on kosherfoodallergies focused on atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Interestingly there is a connection between food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.

Kosher with Food Allergies Interview Series

Interview #5- Food Allergies and Asthma , Dr. Jon Stahlman

How many people have food allergies?  How many people have asthma?  How many people have both?

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal Pediatrics food allergy ranges from 6-9% of individuals in the U.S. in the first 18 years of life.  The World Allergy Organization reports that globally the incidence of food allergy anywhere from 220-520 million people.  The most common allergy appears to be peanut followed by milk then shellfish.  The Centers for Disease Control reports 1 in 10 children in the U.S. has asthma and 1 in 12 adults.  This represents over 25 million people in the United States.  The World Heath Organization (WHO) estimates over 235 million people world wide suffer from some form of asthma.

The picture of how many people truly have both food allergy and asthma depends somewhat on the severity of the food allergy and asthma.  The CDC has reported up to a third of patients with food allergies have asthma.  However those high numbers may represent the more severe patients.  That is the more severe both your food allergy and or your asthma the more likely you could have both conditions.

If you have food allergies does that mean you will develop asthma?

Researchers have worked very hard to try and predict which individuals will develop asthma after they are born.  Past studies have shown one of the greatest risk factors for asthma has been the presence of atopic dermatitis (eczema).  Asthma Predictive Indexes are now used to study which patients are more likely to develop chronic asthma.  In addition to eczema having a parent with asthma or being sensitized to environmental allergens put patients at risk.  Having an allergy to milk, egg or peanuts is a predictor for asthma too, but not quite as strong.  It seems other markers such as blood allergy cell levels (eosinophils) or wheezing without viruses may help us predict who will develop asthma.  Food allergy is just one piece of the puzzle.

Should people with asthma avoid certain foods?

The important point for patients with asthma is to eat a healthy well rounded diet.  Avoiding common food allergens is only important if a person is known to be allergic to that food.  This may be difficult in young patients who have severe eczema just broadening their diet to include certain foods or who already may be allergic to one or two foods.  In these cases a visit with their pediatrician or a board certified allergist may be helpful.  For a small group of patients sulfites (preservatives found in dried fruit, vinegar, alcohol and sometimes on salad bars) may trigger asthma and should be avoided.  Researchers are also looking at the importance of including enough vitamin D (along with a healthy amount of sunlight) in patients not only asthma but other allergic diseases because it may help prevent or lessen some symptoms.

What is the role of allergy immunotherapy (shots or drops) in food allergies and asthma?

Allergy immunotherapy (using shots) has been shown to improve both nasal allergies and asthma.  Patients can improve not only their asthma control but their quality of life a good deal.  This is a reasonable alternative for patients with allergic asthma who do not respond to standard therapy with medications.  Unfortunately allergy shots have not proven safe or effective for food allergies.  An alternative to shots are allergy drops (also known as sublingual immunontherapy).  Allergy drops are still being studied in the U.S. for nasal allergies but have been used in Europe for over 20 years.  Currently sublingual immunotherapy is being studied closely by several groups in the U.S. for allergies to peanuts, milk and egg and has shown some potential to help patients.  As there are still associated risks such as severe allergic reactions this treatment is only being performed at research centers where patients are monitored very carefully.r drops) in food allergies and asthma?

Dr. Jon E. Stahlman received his B.S. and M.D. degrees at Emory University. He subsequently completed his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital in Boston and his fellowship in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Harvard University's Children's Hospital/Brigham and Woman's Hospital. After his training, Dr. Stahlman completed two years of clinical research at Boston Children's Hospital. His research interests included steroid dependent asthma as well as the use of computerized monitoring of lung function. 
Dr. Stahlman is Board Certified and recertified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. He also became a Certified Clinical Research Investigator in 2003.  He is currently the president of The Georgia Allergy Society and Section Chief of the Division of Allergy & Immunology at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Campus.  He is the Senior Partner at The Allergy & Asthma Center of Atlanta, Lawrenceville and Conyers Georgia.

Post Yom Kippur Meal

You've just gone through the exhilarating davening of Yom Kippur. You felt angelic but now you need to eat. Give some thought into this meal to carry to keep that angelic feeling.
*See previous post for Pre-Yom Kippur suggestions

During a fast, your body breaks down muscle and converts it into energy. The space
within your intestines shrinks since there is no food passing through. The foods you break
a fast with are critical to replenishing your body. It’s important that these foods be easily
digestible and not tax your body. Break  your fast slowly with foods that are easily digestible to avoid gastrointestinal problems. Foods that are are heavy and hard to digest, such as meat, bread, fried foods and whole-fat dairy products are poor choices. Instead, opt for foods that are light and easily digestible.

Your post fast meal should be nutrient dense and easily digestible. Raw fruits and
vegetables are great choices. Fruits high in water content like, watermelon, grapes, and
honeydew, are ideal. Citrus fruits, on the other hand, maybe too acidic right after a fast.
High water content vegetables such as lettuce and cucumbers are smart post fast
vegetables. Low–Gas producing, nutritiously dense vegetables like kale, avocado, sprouts,
cauliflower, spinach, and greens are also great choices.

An easily digestible source of protein is eggs. Serving a dairy free quiche (loaded with
non-gassy vegetables) is a great choice. If a quiche is more prep than you’re up for on a
fast day, how about a simple cheeseless omelet, scrambled eggs, or even hard boiled
eggs. Try not to sprinkle salt on those eggs. Avoiding salt after a fast, while you’re trying
to rehydrate, is important.

Don't forget it's not just what you eat, but how you eat. Some people overeat at this post
fast meal to compensate for the day's restrictions. Don't fall into this trap. Be kind to your
body and eat slowly. Savor each bite and give those digestive enzymes a chance to do
their job! Remember to replenish the fluids lost through fasting by drinking (preferably
non-carbonated drinks).

Pre- Yom Kippur

Pre-Yom Kippur Eating (Yom Kippur begins sundown on Tues.)
Did you know that eating before Yom Kippur is actually a mitzvah? What you eat and drink before the fast can really impact how well you fast. Make this meal festive and effective. Chicken is a better choice than red meat. Chicken soup with noodles (and not too much salt) is perfect. Sides should be carb heavy.Focus on carbs not protein and lots of water. Hydration and long term energy storage are the name of the game. Eat wisely, but don't overeat. We want to tip the heavenly scales (not the earthly ones)!
Pre-Fast tips:
1- check local time the fast begins (don't let this be a surprise, rushed "quicky" meal)
2- avoid caffeine and salt (or at least reduce)
3- avoid the temptation to overeat at this meal (indigestion will not make the fast easier)
4- hydrate- drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages
5- make the meal carb heavy *gluten free carbs - sweet potato, brown rice,alternative pastas,alternative breads
6- include fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with water (ex cucumbers, watermelons)
Pre-Fast Meal Ideas:
rolls (whole wheat, or gluten free versions- see below)
chicken
pasta salad (sesame noodles, couscous salad, tabouleh, quinoa salads)
baked potatoes (sweet potatoes even better)
brown Rice
cut vegetables(lots of cucumbers) with dips (not too salty)
grapes
plenty of cold drinks (water, juices)
carb heavy dessert (nothing fried though)
Wishing you and yours a meaningful (and manageable) Yom Kippur!!!

Reflections from a Food Allergy Kid

My 11 year old son wanted to share his food allergy story with other kids.
He has outgrown his eczema (and some of his food allergies).
     When I was little I didn't eat Matzah on Pesach or eat cookies or cake from a bakery, ever. Even after I became less allergic I still had bad eczema from wheat. If you don't know what eczema is, you don't really want to know. It is very, very itchy. The more you scratch, the worse it gets. I remember lots of creams (some of them stinky) and always aquaphor after my bath.

     My next memory is when my kid-jealousy started to kick in. I was in 1st grade when I saw all my friends having pizza, cookies, snacks with wheat, and I wasn't! That was hard.Luckily, I have a very smart mother and she found and made tons of wheat free products. For instance, on Shabbos instead of challah I would have rice bread, instead of wheat desserts I would have non-wheat yummy non-dairy home-made ice-creams, so basically my mother found tons of replacements for what the other kids were eating.  

     I'm 11 now and finally I've outgrown my allergies to wheat, eggs, and peanuts. I don't have eczema either, phew. I'm still very allergic to tree nuts and kiwi.  My advice to other kids with food allergies is:  always make sure what you're eating is safe and if your mother gives you weird looking safe food, try it.  

kosherfoodallergies is accepting submissions from your food allergy kid

would they like to see their story in print?  Share your child's story in the comments section below.

Food Allergies and Eczema

Today's interview highlights a topic that's near and dear to my heart, atopic dermatitis.
My own experience with our food allergic children has shown a direct correlation between food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Read more about this condition that can be associated with food allergies.

Kosher with Food Allergies Interview Series

Interview #4- Food Allergies and Eczema , Dr. Jonathan Spergel

1- What is the connection between food allergies and eczema?

Many parents believe that food allergies can cause eczema or atopic dermatitis.

There are two types of reaction to foods in atopic dermatitis: foods causing
hives or foods worsening the atopic dermatitis. About 40% of the children with
moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have foods inducing their eczema. For the
children with mild disease, only 5% of the children have the atopic dermatitis
induced by foods. It is also important to remember that 10-30% of the children
with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis will have hives or anaphylaxis to the
food. However, over 70% of the children will have positive skin test or blood test
to foods. But, these results may not be clinical significant. For example, you may
be positive to wheat on a blood or skin test, but you could tolerate wheat without
any symptoms. The reason is that you have seasonal allergies and wheat skin test
is cross-reacting to grass pollen.

2- Is there a distinction between infant/childhood and adult eczema with regard

to food allergies?

It is very unusual for foods to induce adult eczema. Foods can induce infant
eczema, particular when it is severe. But, it is still less than 40% of the children
with severe eczema.

3- How does someone figure out if their eczema is caused by food allergies?

To determine if a food induces atopic dermatitis, there are two typical steps.

The first step is allergy testing by either blood or skin testing. If the testing
is negative, there is less than 5% chance that the foods are inducing atopic
dermatitis. If the test is positive, then a physician supervised food challenge
should be preformed. These challenges are usually done by an allergist. In a
food challenge, foods are given in a step-wise manner starting with a low dose
and gradually increasing. The physician monitors for symptoms and possibly
worsening of the atopic dermatitis.

4- What are effective treatments for eczema?

The basic therapy for eczema or atopic dermatitis is good skin care. It is
important to use moisturizers on a daily basis. For area of inflammation or
redness, the standard therapy is topical corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory
medications. Individual therapies can vary depending on the triggers, severity of
the eczema and other factors.

Dr. Jonathan Spergel, MD- PhD
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Chief, Allergy Section
Co-director, Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Education: MD - Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY

                         PhD in Biomedical Sciences - Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY

Internship- Pediatrics- Yale, New Haven Hospital- CT

Residency- Pediatrics - Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT

Fellowship- Allergy and Immunology - Children's Hospital, Boston, MA

Board Certification- Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology

Special Interests- All areas of allergy, especially asthma, food allergy, eosinophilic esophogitis and atopic dermatitis

Rosh Hashana Wishes

Wanted to share a short, inspiring Rosh Hashana video that begs the question, "Are we maximizing our potential?" May we all be able to answer the question in the affirmative and be inscribed and sealed into the book of life!

From the kosherfoodallergies family to you
"A Shana Tova U'Metuka"

Rosh Hashana Tip #4- Simanim

The countdown to Rosh Hashana has begun. Preparations can seem overwhelming but strategic planning can make this time period more productive and less anxiety-ridden. This week I'll be featuring time saving tips to get you out of the kitchen and on to your life.
On Rosh Hashana Night there's a tradition to eat symbolic foods (simanim) that capture our aspirations for the New Year. While you're preparing for Rosh Hashana don't forget to have plenty of "simanim" available. The simplest way  is to serve all of the foods in their raw state on a large platter. The vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables make a striking presentation. I like to serve a platter with some of these foods as well as make foods for the meal that incorporate the simanim (like squash stir fry or carrot salad). While you're in the produce section picking up dates, pomegranates, apples, carrots, beets, cabbage, and leeks don't forget a new "shehecheyanu" fruit as well. Go for it, try those exotic looking fruits that you can't even name! Stop by your kosher fish vendor as well (both fish and fish heads are simanim). You can even make up your own simanim like (lettuce, 1/2 a raisin, celery "let us have a raise in salary"). It can't hurt!
*For more great (allergy-friendly)ways to incorporate the simanim into your Rosh Hashana  order "A Taste of Sweetness" downloadable cookbook today (delivered to your inbox instantly). 
To learn more about simanim and other Rosh Hashana customs read ABC's of Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashana Tip #3- Knock off the easy items first

The countdown to Rosh Hashana has begun. Preparations can seem overwhelming but strategic planning can make this time period more productive and less anxiety-ridden. This week I'll be featuring time saving tips to get you out of the kitchen and on to your life. 
So this tip is totally subjective (I guess the others are as well). Hopefully they're helpful to some of you.
I happen to like to get the easy stuff done first and deal with the tougher stuff (that requires more time) later.
When I'm up to the more complicated tasks I've gotten a lot of other boxes checked already.
This is different than procrastinating (when you leave everything for later).

Leave the more complicated recipes for last (you won't find any in my cookbook).
If you have time for them, great. If not, make a simpler version (in most cases people will never know the difference).
Need short-cut  and allergy friendly Rosh Hashana Recipes?
Order "A Taste of Sweetness" downloadable cookbook today
(no wait, delivered to your inbox instantly)

Rosh Hashana Tip #2- Cook and Freeze Ahead

The countdown to Rosh Hashana has begun. Preparations can seem overwhelming but strategic planning can make this time period more productive and less anxiety-ridden. This week I'll be featuring time saving tips to get you out of the kitchen and on to your life.
Rosh Hashana is next week but it's not too early to cook. You've made your menus, now roll up your sleeves and start cooking. Let your kids help. There's plenty (even little ones) can do. They can peel vegetables, take ingredients out,mix ingredients etc...Afraid to freeze ahead, DON'T BE!
Most food can bee cooked and frozen (with the exceptions of fresh fruits and salads).
The secret to food not getting freezer burned is wrapping the food tightly (with multiple layers of foil if possible)and not storing it for more than 2 months. Don't forget to label everything with a sharpie before freezing (writing on on frozen aluminum foil is a lot trickier).

Need allergy friendly Rosh Hashana Recipes?
Order "A Taste of Sweetness" downloadable cookbook today
(no wait, delivered to your inbox instantly)

Rosh Hashana Tips- #1-Plan Menu, Generate lists

The countdown to Rosh Hashana has begun. Preparations can seem overwhelming but strategic planning can make this time period more productive and less anxiety-ridden. This week I'll be featuring time saving tips to get you out of the kitchen and on to your life.

Tip #1- Plan your Menus, Generate Shopping Lists, Start Shopping
- Plan all of your Rosh Hashana meals (keeping simanim- symbolic foods in mind)
- Try to plan further out as well (Pre Yom Kippur and Sukkos Meals) having your menus planned out enables you to shop more efficiently (take advantage of sales and bulk        
orders in advance) and cook in advance
-Generate shopping lists from your menus
-Shop around for the best prices and go through that list
(meat order, paper goods, grape/juice wine etc....)
try to order by the case if you anticipate using a lot of something

Rosh Hashana Menu Inspiration

check the archives of this site

order "A Taste of Sweetness"
Aish.com Rosh Hashana Recipes
Chabad.org Rosh Hashana Recipes
Gourmetkoshercooking.com Rosh Hashana Recipes

*many recipes can be adapted to allergy friendly versions.
Check out the egg and wheat  pages of this blog for substitution ideas.