Fruit Kabobs

I saw the most delicious looking fruit kabobs in one of the (free) magazines that I get. I knew I wanted to post about it, and now I cannot find it anywhere. So frustrating :)

Fruit Kabobs would be a great addition to an Easter Brunch, or even as an appetizer or fun dessert for Easter Dinner.

The fruit kabob recipe that I wanted to share with you was made with strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. The colors looked "spring-like".

Why I like Fruit Kabobs?

• They are easy to make


• You can be creative with the kinds of fruits your family likes


• The kids could help put them together and even learn about making patterns


• There is something about putting fresh fruit on a skewer that makes you want to pick one up and eat it.


• It's a healthful snack/dessert

Directions

-cut up the assortment of fruit that you are going to use

-stick them on a wooden skewer or kabob stick

-arrange on a plate or even have them sticking out of a tall glass or vase

Pasta Salad

I love pasta salad because it is so versatile (and can be personalized to satisfy your family's taste). It is also a great way to get those veggie servings in. You can throw in pretty much whatever you have on hand. It is perfect during the summer when you have excess from your garden and are trying to figure out what to do with it. This dish can also be a meal if you throw in grilled chicken.

Pasta Salad


This recipe is free of milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish (the salad dressing contains soy)

Ingredients

Tri-colored pasta (Tinkyada Vegetable Spirals is a Gluten Free option)

Safe Italian Dressing (I have found that Kraft Italian only contains soy)

broccoli florets (raw or steamed)

onion, chopped (yellow or purple..purple adds color)

black olives (I cut mine in half for the kids)

*Other options

-cucumber, diced

-grape tomatoes or regular tomato seeded and diced

-sweet pepper (any color), diced

-squash, diced

-zucchini, diced

-fresh herbs-basil, dill, etc.

*optional
grilled chicken sliced, or diced


This is a great "all in one" meal to take to a picnic. Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Homemade Hummus

This

Plus this

add a few more ingredients


equals...yummy homemade hummus!!!!

Oh wow...I LOVE Hummus! I have been eating it with pita chips, putting it on sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. I bought some at Trader Joe's the other day (16 oz for $3....which isn't bad). But, I got brave and decided to make my own. The result? Less expensive, creamy, delicious hummus. Also, try some other variations such as roasted garlic, roasted red pepper or spinach artichoke...be creative.

Hummus

This recipe is free of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, fish and shellfish (contains tree nuts due to tahini (puree of sesame seeds),

*I double this recipe so we have leftovers

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. juice from 1-2 lemons (when doubling, I just use the juice from 2 lemons)
¼ cup water
6 tbsp. tahini, stirred well
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed through garlic press

a dash of sea salt
¼ tsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. minced fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Directions:
Combine lemon juice and water in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk together tahini and 2 tablespoons oil in second small bowl or measuring cup.

Process remaining chickpeas, garlic, salt, and cumin in food processor until almost fully ground, about 15 seconds. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula With machine running, add lemon juice-water mixture in steady stream through food tube. Scrape down bowl and continue to process for 1 minute. With machine running, add oil-tahini mixture in steady stream through food tube, continue to process until hummus is smooth and creamy, about 15 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed.

Transfer hummus to serving bowl, (sprinkle cilantro over surface if using), cover with plastic wrap and let stand until flavors meld, at least 30 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Serve with pita (Stacy's Pita Chips are my favorite...they do contain wheat), tortilla chips or veggies like (celery, cucumbers, carrots, red peppers, etc)

Recipe from Cooks Illustrated, May/June 2008

How to Decorate Eggs with an Egg Allergy

Holidays are difficult with food allergies because there are certain food items that are part of the "tradition." In this case, eggs. Here is a wonderful idea for kids that are older or if you are brave enough to do it with your little one...go for it! This could prove to be a fun tradition until your child outgrows his egg allergy.

Instructions


Things You'll Need:
Wooden Easter Eggs
Acrylic paint
Mod Podge
Newspapers
Paper towel tube


Step 1
Hit Hobby Lobby (or Joanne's or whatever your favorite craft supply store might be...Don't forget to use a coupon) and grab enough wooden eggs to provide one to each person who will decorate Easter eggs with you. Head to the craft paint aisle and pick out small bottles of acrylic paint in various Easter colors. Grab a bottle of Mod Podge too. You are now armed with everything you need to let your loved one with an egg allergy safely decorate Easter eggs.


Step 2
Assemble the family at a table that is covered with newspapers, to protect the work surface as you safely decorate your egg allergy friendly Easter eggs.


Step 3
Trim half inch sections from a paper towel tube and use these loops to stabilize the wooden eggs. Just place the egg on the top of the loop and it will serve as a stand while you paint.


Step 4
Decorate your wooden, egg allergy friendly Easter eggs with the paint. Let dry. Use a permanent marker to write the artist's name at the bottom of the egg.


Step 5
Apply a layer of Mod Podge to each egg.


Step 6
Display your special egg allergy safe Easter eggs in a basket and add to the collection each year.


*This is for you Sara....hope this gets your creative juices flowing :)


This idea is from e-how

Need a HoneyBaked Ham Coupon?

Want to get a Honeybaked Ham for Easter? I have a coupon for you; Click HERE.

We have a ham two times a year; at Christmas and Easter. Have you ever put some of your Honyebaked Ham on the grill (just for a few minutes)? This is my favorite way to eat it! I am already looking forward to ham sandwiches with the leftovers. If you do buy a ham for Easter, remember to save your ham bone so you can make ham and bean soup one last time before the weather gets too hot :)

HoneyBaked Ham...Not the Same in all States?

Back in December, I contacted Honeybaked Ham through their 1-800 number and through email and received their ingredient list for their ham and was given a statement that their hams are free of the common allergens: dairy, soy, gluten and nuts. I confirmed this with the ingredient list, and I know a couple of other moms who emailed to get the list also (you know us allergy moms like to take a look at the label ourselves to make sure).

Yesterday, I received a comment from a reader that made me curious to find out some more information:

I received this email from them today. It appears that it does contain gluten, wheat starch?

Our Honeybaked Hams are cured with:Pork, Water, Salt, Sodium Lactate, Sugar, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite

Spices and Glaze contain:Processed from: Sugar, Gelatin, Honey Powder (honey, high fructose corn syrup, wheat starch, corn syrup, soy flour) Paprika, Dextrose, Spices, Natural Flavorings.

When I read this, I was confused. I thought, "surely they didn't change the ingredients, because they had come so far with making them safe for more people."

I got on the phone this morning with a really nice representative and she explained a lot and I wanted to share it with you. Because of the nature of this blog (food allergies), I try to make sure to thoroughly research what I post to make sure that it is safe. I would never want someone to just take my word and something happen to them or their child. I take this very seriously because I know first hand how serious (and possibly life-threatening) food allergies can be.

Ready for a story?

Here we go...When the owner of Honeybaked Ham died, the business was split between four grandchildren and for whatever reason they went their separate ways. Because of this, there are four Honeybaked Ham divisions (Georgia, Ohio, Massachusetts, and California).

Two years ago, the change was made in the ingredient list to make the hams allergy friendly. It was the representative's understanding that all of the divisions made this change, but she cannot fully guarantee it because the owners of the divisions operate separate from each other. She then told me that because of the severity of food allergies to make sure the person wanting the ham contacts their local store for the ingredient list. She did guarantee me however, that the ham in Tennessee is allergen free because the Georgia Division owns our stores.

If you go to http://www.honeybaked.com/ and click on Our Stores, you are then prompted to enter your State (now you know why...they are run by different owners). When I enter in Tennessee, I am directed to http://www.honeybakedonline.com/. At the top of the web page, you will see HELP, if you click on this it has frequently asked questions and one of the questions is Do your hams have gluten in them? ANSWER: We have reformulated our glaze to be considered free of allergens. This means our hams and turkey breasts DO NOT contain glutens. This is from the Georgia division.

But, for example, when I entered California as my state, I was directed to a completely different website and no where did it state any gluten free information about the hams...crazy, huh?

So here is my suggestion if you do not live in Tennessee or Georgia, contact your local store and speak with the MANAGER and ask him to read you the ingredient list in the glaze (this is where the possible problem could be with the wheat/gluten).

The representative that I spoke with in Georgia mentioned that the person my reader emailed might have possibly sent the out-dated ingredient list because they either do not know, or do not really care (I know I have spoken with people who have NO CLUE about food allergies or the people who are annoyed and don't want to deal with you) OR possibly the stores in California have not changed their ingredient list for whatever reason (this makes no sense to me why they wouldn't keep Honeybaked Ham the same). She also said California was the most difficult division to get a hold of for whatever reason. Again, the best way to handle this is to contact the local store that you would want to pick your ham up at and speak directly to the manager.

So, you and I have had a history lesson today about HoneyBaked Ham. Pretty interesting, huh?

If you are from another state and have had a safe Honeybaked Ham....will you let us know what state in the comments? I have had a safe ham in Tennesee and in North Carolina.

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans

After I mentioned wanting to buy Surf Sweets Jelly Beans for Easter in a previous post, I couldn't find them anywhere. A friend of mine, even said they were sold out on Amazon (plus shipping was almost as much as the jelly beans themselves).

I made some calls, and The Turnip Truck in Nashville ordered them for us. They called me yesterday and said they are in! If you don't live close, I would call to make sure they still have them (if they are sold out, ask them to order you some more...they will...it only took 3 days to get them in). I am going to head up there and get some "healthier" version of jelly beans for the boys for Easter and do some shopping also. I have never been to The Turnip Truck, and I am excited to check it out!

The Jelly Beans come in a 2.75 oz bag (75 grams) and come out to about $2.17 a bag

The Turnip Truck Natural Market
970 Woodland Street
Nashville TN 37206
(615) 650-3600

STORE HOURS
8 AM - 8 PM Monday - Saturday
10 AM - 7 PM Sunday

What I found at Target for Easter....

I stopped in Target yesterday to see if I could grab another Hide 'Em & Find 'Em Egg for my boys (Thanks Sara for letting me know they were at Target). You can find them in the Easter Section near the plastic eggs. They are $3.99. They have lots of colors to choose from. I am excited, because this year I can be more creative with where I hide the eggs in the house :)



I browsed the candy aisle and came across these plastic eggs filled with candy (fruit string and nuggets). I was intrigued when I saw "Healthy Treats" and I was like..."alright, let's read the label." Not bad. I was excited. It says Kosher Parve right on the front of the packaging. My mom bought one for the boys for $1.99 to share and this is the information I found when I got home and looked it up on the Internet. Pretty cool you can find this at Target!

• Made from fruit puree and juices from concentrate
• All natural flavors
• Fortified vitamins and minerals
• No artificial colors
• No preservatives
• Fat free and no trans fat
• Nut free
• Gluten free
• No gelatin
• Kosher PARVE

I am still waiting for Whole Foods or Turnip Truck to order the Surf Sweets Jelly Beans...I will let you know when and if they do :) Have you seen them anywhere? If so, let us know!

Food Revolution

I am SO excited about Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution! Take a look at the Video clip below. *Unfortunately, in the clip he uses a curse word that I do not endorse...but the message is powerful. It is sad, yet inspiring that there is something we can do about it. We can take control of what we are eating!

In the Wellness Workshops that I teach, I discuss steps to take control of your family's health and do exactly what Jamie Oliver is talking about....have a food revolution.

I am teaching a Wellness Workshop next Thursday, March 25th from 7:30-8:45 (if you live local and would like more information, email me for more details). If you do not live local and would like to hear this information, I have a Webinar (you can listen and watch it on your computer) that my friend Julie (a certified fitness instructor) does on steps to eat healthier; it is informative and powerful. Let me know and I will e-mail you the link.

With knowledge, we can make healthier food choices for ourselves and for our children. I know I have mentioned this before, but Brody's food allergies have made us so much more aware of what is in our food and this has positively impacted our family.

Easter Basket Ideas

Divvies has a Dairy Free, Nut Free 4 oz. solid chocolate bunny (it contains soy). Enter the code "March" at checkout and you will get 20% off your order. If you have a friend who has a child with food allergies, you can order together and split the shipping cost. Shipping is $7.50 for 1-4 bunnies, so it would be cheaper to do it this way. The shipping is almost as much as the bunny :) I am really excited that Brody will actually be able to get a bunny and not just an Enjoy Life Chocolate Bar (not that these aren't good...but you gotta have a bunny for Easter).

I LOVE that Surf Sweets Jelly Beans (I called Whole Foods and Turnip Truck and both are trying to order them...I will keep you updated) are made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners, 100% vitamin C per serving, 97% organic, no corn syrup or GMOs, gluten free and casein Free, made in a nut-free facility and vegetarian. My boys are getting these instead of dye filled ones this year :) YAY! for "healthier" candy options :)

I found one of these Hide 'Em and Find 'Em Eggs last year at Rite Aid and drove really far (won't tell you how far because you will laugh) to pick one up that was being held for me (it was the last one in a boy color). Of course I figured out that I REALLY wanted one too close to Easter. Brock (my older son) had a blast finding his laughing, talking egg last year. I know they both will enjoy it this year. I think Learning Express in Franklin has them if you are local. Give them a call and see before you go. These little eggs are ADORABLE! *I might be trying to locate one more this year so each boy has one...the search begins again....hopefully not as crazy as last year :)

Other things that will be in Brody's basket:

• A kite: I got a kite every Easter growing up and I will continue this tradition with the boys....as long as the weather is nice (that means not too cold here), it is a fun treat
• Bubbles...you can't go wrong with bubbles :)

If I think of anything else (sometimes I am a last-minute kind of person) I will add to the list, but these are the definite items in the basket. Can you believe that Easter is almost here?

Garden of Eatin Organic Tortilla Chips $1

Here is a great coupon/sale match up for you. If you live near a Kroger, they have Garden of Eatin Tortilla Chips (9 oz) bag on sale for $2. Click here to print a $1 off coupon and you only pay $1 for a bag organic tortilla chips. I served the Blue Chips with my black bean salsa and they are great; love em'...love em' more for a buck! Kroger deals end Saturday 3/21.

Taco Shells

I didn't know how much I loved taco shells (and corn tortillas) until I had to eat Gluten Free while I was nursing Brody and realized that they were safe!

I recently found Trader Joe's Taco Shells and I love them because they have no artificial colors, flavors and no preservatives. They are also certified organic, gluten free, vegan, low sodium and you get 12 shells for $1.99! I just wish Trader Joe's was closer to my house, but I am willing to drive...it is worth it.

Yum...I think I am going to make some Tacos tonight :)

On the back of Trader Joe's products it says

Our vendors follow good manufacturing practice to segregate ingredients to avoid cross contact with allergens.

Trader Joe's Organic Pops

I am excited about Trader Joe's Organic Pops (a friend of mine told me about them...thanks Katrina). They are similar to Yummy Earth in the fact that they do not have artificial colors/dyes, are flavored with natural flavors and they are allergen free.

There are 25 lollipops in the container (5 of each flavor), which costs $2.99 (these are less expensive than Yummy Earth) and the flavors that you get are watermelon, pomegranate, orange, lemon and raspberry.

-Fat free

-No gluten ingredients used

-Parve

-Kosher

-Certified Organic

Ingredients: organic evaporated cane juice (sugar), organic tapioca syrup, citric acid, natural flavors (watermelon, pomegranate, orange oil, lemon oil, raspberry), vegetable color (red cabbage, purple carrots, turmeric, annatto)

*Yummy Earth even says on their website that they are big fans of Trader Joe's Pops and Drops and that if you live near a Trader Joe's you should try some.

Options for Chocolate Chips...

I was so excited when we started this allergy journey that there were safe chocolate chips. I thought that chocolate would always be out because of milk, but I have found that that is not so (THANK GOODNESS!) Here are a couple of options that vary in price.

Kroger Value Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (these are regular size chocolate chips) and they only contain soy. There is nothing on the bag that says, "made in a facility that contains..." but my friend Ginger has given them to her food allergic son and I have given them to Brody and they have had no reactions. They are usually $2 or less for a 12 oz. bag.

Ingredients:

sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, salt, vanillin. Contains: SOY

Enjoy Life is free of the 8 common allergens and has dairy, nut and soy free semi-chocolate chips (the chips are very small). They are made in a dedicated nut and gluten free facility. You can buy these at Whole Foods and they are usually about $4.39 for a 10 oz bag. Always check Enjoy Life's website, because they usually have a coupon that you can use to help bring down the cost. When I bought them the other day, I used a .55 off coupon from the website. I will splurge and buy these chocolate chips to make mini chocolate chip banana muffins because I love the small chips in the mini muffins (perfect size!)

Ingredients:

evaporated cane juice, chocolate liquor, non-dairy cocoa butter

Divvies has no nuts, no eggs, and no dairy chocolate chips (these look like regular size chocolate chips). They have a 1 pound bag for $6.50 (plus shipping) or you can buy a 5 pound bag for $30 (plus shipping...shipping depends on the weight of what you are buying). Right now, if you order from Divvies, you can enter the code "MARCH" at checkout and receive 20% off your order. *They have really cute 4 oz. solid chocolate bunny for Easter, it is $8.50 (it contains soy)

Ingredients: Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Non-Dairy Cocoa Butter, Soya Lecithin (Added as an Emulsifier), Vanilla Extract, Salt. Contains: SOY

Black Bean Salsa

The other night, I taught a Wellness Workshop and I made this salsa that is healthful and easy, because you can make it in advance and let the flavors come together. This can be used as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken breasts, etc.

Black Bean Salsa

This recipe is free of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish

Ingredients

2 cans of black beans drained and rinsed

*I like to use organic black beans or whole foods 365 black beans (they are only .89) and they do not have preservatives or added salt.

1 small bag of frozen corn (not in sauce), drained

* I can practically get frozen veggies free when I combine sale/coupons

1 lime OR lemon (for juice)

1 Haas avocado cut into pieces and soaked in fresh lime or lemon juice to preserve its color

*You might want to do this right before you serve this dip so the avocado is at its freshest

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 mango, diced OR pineapple, diced (I used pineapple because when I cut open my mango, it was yuck...no flavor)

4 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp white wine vinegar

fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover. Let refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Stir before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips

Dinner Idea

*We had some extra black bean salsa left over, so I marinaded some chicken breasts in Annie's Naturals Mango Cilantro Marinade (does contain soy ingredients), threw them on the grill and served this salsa on top....SO FRESH AND SO DELICIOUS!

The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book

I have been following Food Allergy Mama's Blog so I wanted to get her new baking book. I made her chocolate chip banana muffins (recipe from her blog) the other day and KNEW that I had to get this book (a friend of mine tasted them and said they were the best "Brody Safe" treats that she has had)

Borders carries the book and you can go to Borders.com to request it (just to make sure they have it) and they will hold it for you for one day (they will send you an email saying they have it and it is being held for you...isn't that cool?) Then, I signed up with Borders Rewards a while ago and I get sent coupons all of the time for various amounts (25%, 30%, even 40% some times...I use these coupons matched with sale items on kid books, etc. to buy inexpensive, nice birthday presents for parties that we go to). So, I used my 30% off coupon for The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book (which is $19.95) and I got it for $15.25 (with tax and all). I just flipped through it yesterday and looks like there are a lot of good baking recipes. I also love that it has lots of pictures, I am such a visual person.

FYI: Did you know that if there is a book that you want from Borders and they don't have it in the store that you can order it online, get it shipped to the store for free and use the promo code from your coupon.

If you already have The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book and have a favorite recipe, let me know in the comments. I will have to try those first :)

*Also, if you are wheat free/gluten free, I bet you could substitute all purpose GF flour in her recipes.

FiddleCakes: Bakery.Cafe.Coffee

FiddleCakes sponsored our FACTS meeting the other night and brought delicious Vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (they were divine!), gluten free brownies, regular chocolate chip cookies and other treats for us to sample. Everything was yummy and moist!

FiddleCakes offers a variety of Vegan and Gluten Free baked good daily (they can even make cakes upon request...this is wonderful for us allergy moms), and Vegan and Gluten Free sandwiches, soups and salads are available upon request. They said they can accommodate any request that you may have (this is SO great!) Check out the menu on their website.

Besides being Allergy Friendly, they use local and organic ingredients (love this!)

FiddleCakes is located in the historic 8th Avenue district, an area largely known for its antique malls and thrift stores. If you haven't discovered this neighborhood yet, you are missing out! Come in for a treat and take a look around.

Fiddle Cakes Offers

• Vegan and Gluten-Free Offerings



• One-Stop shop for coffee, food and baked goods



• local and organic ingredients



• specialty dog treats



• gifts and party supplies



• free Wi-Fi

FiddleCakes

2206 8th Ave. South Nashville, TN

615-457-2127 (if you need additional information regarding allergy concerns, give them a call)

http://www.fiddlecakes.com/

Monday-Friday 7-pm/Saturday 8-2pm/Closed Sunday

Chicken Stir Fry

I have been having a cooking slump lately. You know when you just can't think of what to cook and everything you think of, you feel like that is all you have been cooking? To break out of my routine, I decided to try a new recipe; it has good flavor and simple ingredients. I also like that I controlled what went in it, which makes it healthier than eating out (you would be surprised at some of the ingredients and amounts of sodium, etc...having to read labels because of food allergies has made me much more aware of what is in our food).

*This meal can also be made vegetarian

Chicken Stir Fry

This recipe is free of milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

1/2 cup of soy sauce (used Organic Tamari, Wheat Free Soy Sauce), and little extra for drizzling

3 tbsp. sugar

1/2 cup safe chicken broth

3 tbsp oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, pressed

2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

1 red bell pepper, cut into slices

1 12 oz bag of Eat Smart Vegetable Stir Fry (broccoli, snow peas, carrots, red cabbage)..Publix had this one sale for $1 a week ago...great deal!

1 tsp rice vinegar

1/3 cup chopped cilantro (if your not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil would taste amazing)

*use can use any combination of vegetables you would like: mushrooms, water chestnuts, zucchini, etc...be creative and make it colorful...the more color...the more variety of nutrients from all of those yummy vegetables.

Directions

Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl. Drizzle lightly with soy sauce. Set aside. Have all of the vegetables cut up and ready to be added as you cook. In a small prep bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce with 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir well and set aside. Measure 1/2 cup of chicken broth and have it ready.

Heat a skillet or wok over high heat. When it is heated, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and fry quickly, stirring around for 3-4 minutes. When brown and just cooked through, remove to a separate bowl with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add onions and cook for 1 minute. Add red pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Add garlic and ginger, and stir well. Add bag of vegetables (or other vegetables that you are using) and cook for another minute or two.

Pour the 1/2 cup chicken broth into the soy sauce mixture ,add 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, stir and add to skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir, then turn off heat. Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro. Serve over cooked rice.

This recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

*I didn't have arrowroot at the house and didn't feel like going out to buy some, but next time I make this recipe I am going to try this step. It will just make the sauce a little thicker.