Recipe Swap and Tips for Cooking and Baking Delicious Allergen-Free Foods

Featured Clients,

May 10, 2011

On May 10, 2011, in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, moms gathered to trade allergen-free recipes and talk about cooking to accommodate food allergies.

“Eating and celebrating should always be an inclusive, shared experience…not exclusive only to those who do not have food allergies/dietary restrictions!” said host Lori Sander, founder of Divvies Bakery and author of The Divvies Bakery Cookbook.

And having allergies doesn’t mean restricting your exposure to new, allergen-safe foods, either. “I add a new food item a week to my diet,” said Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl. “Either recipe, new variety of fruit or vegetable or new treat (like safe cookies/cakes). I do this safely with the assistance of a knowledgeable RD (eatright.org) and/or board certified allergist (aaaai.org, acaai.org).”

Continue reading for a virtual cookbook of allergen-free recipes!

PLEASE NOTE: Recipes will vary in terms of which of the 8 most common allergens are eliminated.

Advice for cooking for food allergies

“When planning celebrations, planning ahead and choosing a recipe that will appeal and be safe for everyone is key!” said Lori Sandler, Divvies.

“I find that it is essential to also find out if the people have issues with cross-contamination,” added Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free. “My kitchen isn’t safe for, say, severe gluten issues, since I do use both gluten-free and wheat flours in it (dust can be an issue for some!), so I make sure any guests with severe allergy concerns have a hand in food preparation (from their own safe kitchen) if needed.”

“Talk with your board certified allergist about what you can’t eat but also what you can!” said Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl. “Post your allergy action plan in your kitchen for easy access. Also save it on to your or your child’s smart phone (as a PDF) for easy access on the go.”

Breakfast options

Coffee Cake: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/nut-free-cinnamon-streusel-sour-cream-coffee-cake (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg/nut free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491373 (from Jennifer)

Wheat free Banana Mini Muffins: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491430 (from Willing Cook)

Cranberry Orange Scones: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491395 (from Colette Martin)

Egg/dairy/nut free Banana Pancakes: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2010/09/challengeand-banana-pancakes.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Nut free Doughnuts: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2011/05/peanut-allergy-safe-doughnuts-youve-got.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg/nut free Donuts: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2011/03/paczi-for-all.html (from Meg-Speedbump)

Raisin Bread: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491456 (from GidgetKat)

Gluten free Vegan Baked Cake Donuts: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=1718

Appetizer options

Chickpea/sesame free Hummus: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491331 (from Debra Finkel)

Gluten/soy free Chinese Dumplings: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/04/gluten-free-recipe-for-chinese.html (from Jeanette)

Dairy/soy free Roasted Artichoke Garlic Spread (good substitute for mayonnaise): http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/04/warm-roasted-garlic-and-artichoke.html (from Jeanette)

Dairy free Creamy Soup recipes: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/03/collection-of-pureed-soups-curried.html (from Jeanette)

Minestrone Soup: http://on.fb.me/divviesminestrone (from Lori Sandler)

Dinner options

Turkey Tacos: http://bklynallergymom.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/allergy-free-turkey-tacos/ (from Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Divvies Really Delicious and Simple Chicken Dish: https://www.facebook.com/notes/divvies-bakery-divvies-bakery-cookbook/recipe-divvies-simple-delicious-chicken/195891023789294 (from Lori Sander)

Boar’s Head (Top-8 Free) EverRoast Chicken Breast & Golden Raisin Quinoa Pilaf: http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/boars-head-allergic-girl-recipe.html (from Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl)

Pizza: http://www.learningtoeatallergyfree.com/2011/03/new-twist-on-pizza-inspired-by-fellow.html (from Colette Martin)

Bolognese Sauce: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491352 (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Lamb Stew: http://bklynallergymom.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/allergy-free-lamb-stew-recipe/ (from Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Top-8 free Batter for Chicken, Fish or Vegetables: http://willingcook.com/here-fishy-fishy/ (from Willing Cook)

Wheat/dairy/nut/peanut free Moroccan Meatball Stew: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491386

Egg free Meatloaf: http://www.thismamacooks.com/2010/09/boulder-firefighters-meatloaf.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Pasta Sauce with Basil and Stuffed Peppers: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2010/07/nut-free-food-allergy-friendly-summer.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Basil and Marinated Artichoke Pesto: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2008/07/basil-marinated-artichoke-pesto.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Side dish options

Dairy/wheat/egg/peanut/nut free Mashed Potatoes: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491369 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop)

Top-8/gluten free Mac n’ Cheese: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=2723 (Cybele Pascal)

Irish Soda Bread: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2011/03/peanut-allergy-friendly-nut-free-irish.html (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Dairy/egg free bread: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2008/10/mission-bread-by-noon.html (Meg-Speedbump)

Cheese free Risotto: http://www.thismamacooks.com/tag/rice-cooker (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Desserts

Divvies Brownie Recipe: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491340 (from Lori Sandler)

Watch Lori make her brownies on the CBS Early Show!

Double Chocolate Brownie Bites: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2011/01/double-chocolate-brownie-bites.html (from Libby, The Allergic Kid)

Classic Crumb Cake: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=2768 (from Cybele Pascal)

Nut-free “Nutella”: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491317 (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

“And for those allergic to Sunbutter (sunflower), you can substitute Soy Butter, Pea Butter or something that works for your needs” in the Nutella recipe, suggested Aly AllerDine.

Nut-free alternative to Easy Bake Oven mixes: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/nut-free-easy-bake-oven-mix (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

“That’s genius! What a thoughtful way to make that toy available to all little kids,” said Libby, The Allergic Kid.

Dairy/egg/sugar free raspberry mousse: http://www.thismamacooks.com/2011/03/no-dairy-no-eggs-and-no-sugar-raspberry-mousse.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Divvies Chocolate Covered Strawberries: http://on.fb.me/divviesstrawberries (from Lori Sandler)

Oh! Fudge: http://www.divvies.com/images/cookbook/OhFudgetRecipe.png (from Lori Sandler)

Gluten/dairy/egg free Coconut Pineapple Scone: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/05/glutendairyegg-free-coconut-pineapple.html (from Jeanette)

Pies

Divvies Quick and Easy Apple Pie: https://www.facebook.com/notes/divvies-bakery-divvies-bakery-cookbook/recipe-divvies-quick-easy-apple-pie-from-the-divvies-bakery-cookbook/195895503788846 (from Lori Sandler)

Allergy-Free Boston Cream Pie: http://www.foodallergy.org/page/allergy-free-boston-cream-pie (from Cybele Pascal)

Cakes

Wacky Cake, “free of dairy and eggs due to the rationing of butter and eggs in the Depression era”: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/featured_recipe5.php (from Felicia Carter, Go Graham Go)

Dairy/soy free Cheesecake: http://www.cookingwithoutingredients.com/cheesecake.htm

Chocolate Cake with Mega Chunks and Buttercream Frosting: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491325 (from From Heidi Bayer, Brooklyn Allergy Mom)

Divvies Chocolate Cupcakes: http://www.marthastewart.com/255869/divvies-chocolate-cupcakes (from Lori Sandler)

Divvies Vanilla Frosting: http://www.marthastewart.com/254510/divvies-vanilla-frosting (from Lori Sandler)

If you go to my site www.cornerofmyworld.com/cupcake you will see some really cool ideas on how to decorate our Divvie’s cakes and cupcakes. (Lisa Staffieri)

Top-8 and gluten free Red Velvet Cake: http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=1988 (from Cybele Pascal)

Ice Cream

Egg/dairy/nut free Bubblegum Ice Cream: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2010/04/double-dessert.html

Superman Ice Cream: http://www.speedbumpkitchen.com/2010/07/superman-ice-cream.html

Dairy free Soft Serve/Smoothie, also good with SunButter for those with nut allergies: http://www.onefrugalfoodie.com/2010/06/15/peanut-butter-smoothie/ (from Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free)

Cookies

Gluten/dairy/egg/soy free Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/05/glutendairyeggsoy-free-vegan-quinoa.html (from Jeanette)

Egg free Pumpkin Cookies (can be gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour mix): http://www.thismamacooks.com/2010/11/an-egg-free-chocolate-chip-pumpkin-cookie.html (from Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot)

Chocolate Explosion Oatmeal Cookies: http://www.alisacooks.com/2010/07/23/chocolate-oatmeal-cookies/ (from Alisa Fleming)

Egg/peanut free Sugar Cookies: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491410 (from Gabrielle)

Dairy/egg free Divvies Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=195882950456768&id=111702808852602#!/note.php?note_id=188653434513053 (from Lori Sandler)

Holiday desserts

Nut/peanut/egg free Swedish gingersnap: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491316 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop)

Wheat/dairy/nut/peanut free Chocolate Mint Meringues Kisses: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491330 (from Emily Paster, West of the Loop

Nut free Snowball Cookie: http://www.chicagoparent.com/recipes/snowballs (from Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom)

Chocolate Crinkles: http://tmotherhood.wpengine.com/talk/show/id/62182/view/single/post/491393 (from Kristen)

Snack options

Gluten/oat/casein/soy free “Clif” Granola Bars: http://www.jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/03/glutenoatcaseinsoy-free-clif-granola.html (from Jeanette)

Favorite Products for Cooking at Home

In addition to sharing recipes, the group discussed their favorite allergen-free products for cooking or baking at home.

“I could not live without Fleischmann’s unsalted dairy-free margarine, plain soy milk and allergy-free chocolate chips from Divvies or Enjoy Life,” said Emily Paster, West of the Loop.

Jeanette added, “I use So Delicious Coconut Milk (dairy/soy/nut free) and coconut oil (dairy/soy free). I love Enjoy Life chocolate chips (dairy/soy free)!”

“Vermont Nut-Free Chocolate has a great nut-free baking line,” noted Jenny Kales, Nut Free Mom. “Of course Divvies is delish for egg, dairy and nut allergies. I also use Nielsen-Massey Vanilla extract. Safe for nut allergies – facility is nut-free.”

“Non-dairy yogurt is one of my favorite ingredients,” said Libby, The Allergic Kid. “It has a nice tang & bulk for replacing eggs & dairy products. Ground flax, especially mixed with hemp milk if I want to make a ‘nutty’ flavor, is another one.”

“I love having lots of solid fat options available for experiments,” added Meg, Speedbump Kitchen. She suggested “Fleischmann’s unsalted margarine, a big tub of coconut oil (from Amazon), Crisco shortening sticks, butter flavored Crisco shortening sticks (yes, dairy-free), Spectrum non-hydrogenated shortening (pricey, but nice to work with).”

And looking on the bright side, “the nice thing about having an egg allergy is that eating the batter won’t give you salmonella!” said Aly Allerdine. “I like to substitute eggs in normal recipes by using various ingredients: apple sauce, banana, corn starch or Ener-G Egg replacer.”

“I also like to make egg replacer with flax seed meal,” added Colette Martin. “Grind down flax seeds or use the meal. Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp warm water for each egg. Mix and let sit for about five minutes until it gels.”

Dining out

When it comes to food allergies, dining out can be a tricky and often dangerous proposition.

“I think the restaurant industry really needs more awareness and training. I know how to read labels in stores to keep my daughter safe, but dining out remains our biggest challenge,” said Emily Paster, West of the Loop.

Agreed Suzanne, “I’ve found that with my tomato allergy – um, just plucking them off a pre-prepared salad doesn’t cut if folks! And that happens MOST of the time, even when I explain to the waiter. My experiences make me fear for my son with his more severe allergy.”

AllerDine is one excellent resource for finding restaurants that cater to people with food allergies: http://www.AllerDine.com

AllerDine restaurant toolkit: http://allerdine.com/toolkit.php

AllerDine on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AllerDinecom/190364131380

Allergic Girl’s tips for dining out are in the new U.S. issue of Allergic Living: http://www.allergicliving.com

Other Resources

MSNBC report on food allergies, featuring Nicole Smith, Allergic Child: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42949676#42937966

Recipe index from Libby, The Allergic Kid: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html (All of the recipes are peanut, tree nut, egg, dairy, shellfish and red meat free. I’ve also notated on the index which ones are gluten free, vegan or gf or vegan adaptable)

Cybele Pascal, Allergen-Free Cuisine (posts a new allergy-free recipe every week): http://www.cybelepascal.com

Free monthly newsletter from Nicole Smith, Allergic Child: http://www.allergicchild.com/newsletter.htm

Cookbooks

The Divvies Bakery Cookbook by Lori Sandler: http://www.divvies.com/cookbook.php

Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook by Cybele Pascal: http://amzn.to/jsH2XX

Food Allergies For Dummies by Robert A. Wood MD, Joe Kraynak: http://amzn.to/jcq6iq

Ten recipe e-book – in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, you can download Colette Martin’s Allergen-Free Holiday Cookbook, which contains ten recipes free of the top eight allergens and gluten, free on Smashwords. Use coupon code VP36S: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27640

Allergic Girl by Sloane Miller: http://amzn.to/AllergicGirl

Food Allergy Mama’s Baking Book by Kelly Rudnicki: http://www.foodallergymama.com/baking-book-cookbook/

Thank you to our fabulous host, Lori Sandler, and to all of our amazing co-hosts!!!

Nicole Smith, Allergic Child

Kelly Whalen, Centsible Life

Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free

Libby, The Allergic Kid

Anne-Marie Nichols, The Write Spot

Emily Paster, West of the Loop

Jodi Grundig, Mom’s Favorite Stuff

Eleanor Garrow, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network

Sloane Miller, Allergic Girl