Tip of the Day
How to make a quick and easy dessert topping:
Use 1 1/2 cups dairy-free whipped topping, stir in 1/4 cup of fruit preserves (any fruit you desire) and 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon liqueur (perhaps a flavor that compliments your fruit preserves or use the same flavor as the fruit preserves). Place a few scoops on top of a piece of egg and dairy-free chocolate or white cake. Also great for dipping fresh fruit.
Libby Avery `
Monday, February 15, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tip of the Day: How to Prepare Your Child Who Has Severe Food Allergies
How do you prepare your child to handle people who challenge the validity of their food allergies?
Believe it or not parents, friends, and even Doctor's and nurses have been known to question and challenge the validity of Nicolle's severe food allergies.
My best advice is to talk to your child and make sure he or she understands as much about his or her allergies as possible; what are his or her allergies, what happens if he or she eats or comes in contact with the food he or she is allergic to, and what does he or she need to do in case of an allergic reaction? Your child should also know how to call an ambulance in case of an emergency. It is also a very good idea to order and purchase a medic alert bracelet for your son or daughter.
Having all of this knowledge and being prepared will help your child when responding to questions from others.
Enjoy another 'Tip of the Day' tomorrow.
Libby Avery
Believe it or not parents, friends, and even Doctor's and nurses have been known to question and challenge the validity of Nicolle's severe food allergies.
My best advice is to talk to your child and make sure he or she understands as much about his or her allergies as possible; what are his or her allergies, what happens if he or she eats or comes in contact with the food he or she is allergic to, and what does he or she need to do in case of an allergic reaction? Your child should also know how to call an ambulance in case of an emergency. It is also a very good idea to order and purchase a medic alert bracelet for your son or daughter.
Having all of this knowledge and being prepared will help your child when responding to questions from others.
Enjoy another 'Tip of the Day' tomorrow.
Libby Avery
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tip of the Day: Egg & Dairy-free Travel
How to travel with a child who is allergic to milk and eggs:
When we traveled I always packed food for Nicolle. We would not always find restaurants that would be safe for her so I packed a cooler with soy milk (now you can use powdered soy milk; it would be easier). I packed a bag with egg and dairy-free breakfast foods. I also packed lunch food; egg and dairy-free bread and crackers, almond butter or cashew butter (Nicolle also had peanut allergies). The cooler contained sliced turkey or ham, carrots, celery sticks, grapes or apples. Most of this could be dinner too if we weren't able to find something for her.
I also did this when we visited family or friends. Even knowing Nicolle's allergies, many family members and friends didn't really understand just how dangerous food could be to Nicolle, so we always played it safe by taking food with us.
Look for another 'Tip of the Day' tomorrow!
Libby Avery
When we traveled I always packed food for Nicolle. We would not always find restaurants that would be safe for her so I packed a cooler with soy milk (now you can use powdered soy milk; it would be easier). I packed a bag with egg and dairy-free breakfast foods. I also packed lunch food; egg and dairy-free bread and crackers, almond butter or cashew butter (Nicolle also had peanut allergies). The cooler contained sliced turkey or ham, carrots, celery sticks, grapes or apples. Most of this could be dinner too if we weren't able to find something for her.
I also did this when we visited family or friends. Even knowing Nicolle's allergies, many family members and friends didn't really understand just how dangerous food could be to Nicolle, so we always played it safe by taking food with us.
Look for another 'Tip of the Day' tomorrow!
Libby Avery
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tip of The Day
Quick & Easy Lunch
For a quick and easy lunch use an egg-free and milk-free mini pizza crust, spread with 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato puree (purchased) and sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of Italian herbs on top. Top with a few pieces of dairy-free pepperoni and some dairy-free shredded mozzarella cheese substitute. Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes. (It's easy to use a toaster oven, so you don't have to heat up the large oven.) You can also make several of these at a time. Wrap the ones you don't use in a plastic wrap, then in heavy duty foil and freeze.
Enjoy our 'Tip of the Day' each and every day!
For a quick and easy lunch use an egg-free and milk-free mini pizza crust, spread with 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato puree (purchased) and sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of Italian herbs on top. Top with a few pieces of dairy-free pepperoni and some dairy-free shredded mozzarella cheese substitute. Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes. (It's easy to use a toaster oven, so you don't have to heat up the large oven.) You can also make several of these at a time. Wrap the ones you don't use in a plastic wrap, then in heavy duty foil and freeze.
Enjoy our 'Tip of the Day' each and every day!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Egg & Dairy-free Thanksgiving & Holiday Dinners
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are two dinners that most people look forward to once the leaves begin to change and the cool air blows in to refresh all of us after a hot summer. I can't help myself, the first time I get to break out one of my cute sweaters or colorful scarves I get all giddy inside. Before the first pumpkin is carved I have already had several conversations with my mom about the Thanksgiving menu. I love the holidays.
For those of you who have food allergies or for those of you who are cooking for your little ones who were just diagnosed with severe food allergies you may be a little less excited about the thought of planning Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. You may even have a twinge of nervousness running through your body, thinking to yourself, what am I going to feed my little boy? How do I make my little girl feel like she's not getting left out this year? Should I just steam some vegetables, make a roast and scoop out a bit of non-dairy frozen dessert? Well, this is one way and still a very good way to enjoy the holidays, but there is so much more you can do. In fact, you can make a beautiful feast for the entire family and your friends that is all egg and dairy-free and no one will even know that you have left something out. I promise.
Every year my mom has created amazing holiday menus that were entirely egg and dairy-free. This year my mom and I are going to put together a complete Thanksgiving and Christmas menu for our fans and readers to use and enjoy. We are also going to create an egg and dairy-free cookie tray to share with you. We will post the recipes and the instructional videos in a few weeks. We are so excited about sharing these recipes with all of you.
If you have any questions, please write in to us. And if you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.
Enjoy! Have Fun! Eat well always!
Nicolle Avery
For those of you who have food allergies or for those of you who are cooking for your little ones who were just diagnosed with severe food allergies you may be a little less excited about the thought of planning Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. You may even have a twinge of nervousness running through your body, thinking to yourself, what am I going to feed my little boy? How do I make my little girl feel like she's not getting left out this year? Should I just steam some vegetables, make a roast and scoop out a bit of non-dairy frozen dessert? Well, this is one way and still a very good way to enjoy the holidays, but there is so much more you can do. In fact, you can make a beautiful feast for the entire family and your friends that is all egg and dairy-free and no one will even know that you have left something out. I promise.
Every year my mom has created amazing holiday menus that were entirely egg and dairy-free. This year my mom and I are going to put together a complete Thanksgiving and Christmas menu for our fans and readers to use and enjoy. We are also going to create an egg and dairy-free cookie tray to share with you. We will post the recipes and the instructional videos in a few weeks. We are so excited about sharing these recipes with all of you.
If you have any questions, please write in to us. And if you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.
Enjoy! Have Fun! Eat well always!
Nicolle Avery
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Planning a Dinner Party for Severe Food Allergies, Celiac Disease, Vegetarians & Vegans
Nowadays when setting out to plan a dinner party it seems that we need to be somewhat familiar with our guests and their medical history before we can put pen to paper to plan our menu and make our grocery list. There are so many issues to be aware of when creating the menu for the guest list. It is a good idea to be aware of any food sensitivities, allergies, Celiac disease or food lifestyles like vegetarianism and veganism before planning the big event.
It's a lot, but it can be done with just a bit of extra thought and planning. My friend Karen is vegan and she plans dinner parties all of the time and is able to accommodate many food and health issues with ease. Her guests always walk away full and happy; even meat lovers. She serves vegan and vegetarian entrees and appetizers that could fool any omnivore into thinking they just ate something with meat in it. She knows her guests and is able to serve all of them.
This year I am planning a holiday party for December. I want it to be a feast where no matter what your food preference or health issue might be, you will be able to eat and drink and be merry! I am already planning the menu, taking into account all the dietary needs of each guest.
There are many ways to approach menu planning for parties with multiple food issues and lifestyles. You could cater the dinner towards the food lifestyle you have chosen and introduce your friends and family to new foods. And If you know there are people coming who have severe food allergies prepare a hearty appetizer that accommodates their needs so that there is something for them to eat. Also, a fun way to get conversations started about food and health is to make pretty cards to be placed in or next to each dish that lists all ingredients used and where the recipe comes from. This will allow your guests to choose what is right for them based on their dietary needs and without having to ask the host a million questions.
Another great way to plan a large dinner party is to ask a few of the vegetarians, vegans, meat lovers, specific food allergy sufferers from the guest list to prepare an appetizer and main dish to share at the party and ask them to make a card listing the ingredients and recipe they used.
I love all of my friends and family and I want them to know that I can take care of them as much as they have taken care of me all of these years.
If you have any great dinner party ideas or questions that you think I might be able to answer, please send them to us.
Enjoy! Have fun! Eat well aways!
Nicolle Avery
It's a lot, but it can be done with just a bit of extra thought and planning. My friend Karen is vegan and she plans dinner parties all of the time and is able to accommodate many food and health issues with ease. Her guests always walk away full and happy; even meat lovers. She serves vegan and vegetarian entrees and appetizers that could fool any omnivore into thinking they just ate something with meat in it. She knows her guests and is able to serve all of them.
This year I am planning a holiday party for December. I want it to be a feast where no matter what your food preference or health issue might be, you will be able to eat and drink and be merry! I am already planning the menu, taking into account all the dietary needs of each guest.
There are many ways to approach menu planning for parties with multiple food issues and lifestyles. You could cater the dinner towards the food lifestyle you have chosen and introduce your friends and family to new foods. And If you know there are people coming who have severe food allergies prepare a hearty appetizer that accommodates their needs so that there is something for them to eat. Also, a fun way to get conversations started about food and health is to make pretty cards to be placed in or next to each dish that lists all ingredients used and where the recipe comes from. This will allow your guests to choose what is right for them based on their dietary needs and without having to ask the host a million questions.
Another great way to plan a large dinner party is to ask a few of the vegetarians, vegans, meat lovers, specific food allergy sufferers from the guest list to prepare an appetizer and main dish to share at the party and ask them to make a card listing the ingredients and recipe they used.
I love all of my friends and family and I want them to know that I can take care of them as much as they have taken care of me all of these years.
If you have any great dinner party ideas or questions that you think I might be able to answer, please send them to us.
Enjoy! Have fun! Eat well aways!
Nicolle Avery
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Kissing with Severe Egg & Dairy Food Allergies
Those of us who are severely allergic to certain foods, where contact with these foods can result in anaphylaxis, know that kissing can be a serious thing. If we aren't careful, kissing can even be fatal.
When I was sixteen I was completely crazy about boys. I dated several boys in high school and I loved to kiss them all. The only problem is that I hated talking about my food allergies and I did not want to tell these really cute boys that if they wanted to kiss me at the end of the date, they couldn't eat a whole list of things for the entire day. How romantic is that? Not romantic at all in my opinion.
I figured I would take my chances and casually ask the boy what he had for dinner and if it did get to that crucial moment when the boy leans in for a kiss, then I would know I could kiss him instead of having to say goodnight before that awkward moment when I would have to tell him I couldn't kiss him because I might die if I do. Dating at that age was already hard and having food allergies made it ten times harder.
But it took a near death experience to realize I shouldn't play this kind of Russian roulette with myself anymore. I was on a dinner and a movie date with a boy I really liked and I was so excited because if the kissing moment occurred I knew I could do it because all he ate was a Caesar salad! After the movie he took my hand and moved in for a kiss which I completely embraced. No more than two minutes later my lips were bubbling, my chest was tight, I couldn't catch my breath and my throat started to close up. It was horrible, but thank God I did not die.
I had no idea that Caesar dressing can contain egg and this one certainly did. From that day on I never had a problem telling a date right upfront that if we decide we want to kiss he can't eat anything with egg or dairy. I made it very clear by always ending the conversation with "I could die if you do." Even today my fiance will tell me he had a tuna melt for lunch and so we will go in for a big squeeze instead of a kiss.
People have died from kissing someone who has eaten something they are severely allergic to and that is a tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to those families who have lost someone because of an allergic reaction. I learned from my experience that I needed to know more about foods and what is in them, learn the early signs of a serious allergic reaction, know how to handle a reaction and keep all of my friends and family informed about my food allergies. I am blessed to still be here and I believe it is because I take kissing and my food allergies seriously.
Nicolle Avery
When I was sixteen I was completely crazy about boys. I dated several boys in high school and I loved to kiss them all. The only problem is that I hated talking about my food allergies and I did not want to tell these really cute boys that if they wanted to kiss me at the end of the date, they couldn't eat a whole list of things for the entire day. How romantic is that? Not romantic at all in my opinion.
I figured I would take my chances and casually ask the boy what he had for dinner and if it did get to that crucial moment when the boy leans in for a kiss, then I would know I could kiss him instead of having to say goodnight before that awkward moment when I would have to tell him I couldn't kiss him because I might die if I do. Dating at that age was already hard and having food allergies made it ten times harder.
But it took a near death experience to realize I shouldn't play this kind of Russian roulette with myself anymore. I was on a dinner and a movie date with a boy I really liked and I was so excited because if the kissing moment occurred I knew I could do it because all he ate was a Caesar salad! After the movie he took my hand and moved in for a kiss which I completely embraced. No more than two minutes later my lips were bubbling, my chest was tight, I couldn't catch my breath and my throat started to close up. It was horrible, but thank God I did not die.
I had no idea that Caesar dressing can contain egg and this one certainly did. From that day on I never had a problem telling a date right upfront that if we decide we want to kiss he can't eat anything with egg or dairy. I made it very clear by always ending the conversation with "I could die if you do." Even today my fiance will tell me he had a tuna melt for lunch and so we will go in for a big squeeze instead of a kiss.
People have died from kissing someone who has eaten something they are severely allergic to and that is a tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to those families who have lost someone because of an allergic reaction. I learned from my experience that I needed to know more about foods and what is in them, learn the early signs of a serious allergic reaction, know how to handle a reaction and keep all of my friends and family informed about my food allergies. I am blessed to still be here and I believe it is because I take kissing and my food allergies seriously.
Nicolle Avery
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