Our Story : The Good, The Bad, And The Food Allergies

I survived swine flu 2009

2009-11-09T15:40:00.003-05:00

I need a shirt or a bumper sticker. When I last left you, the Little Man had strep throat. By the end of the week, the rest of us got knocked down by H1N1. Today is my first day out of bed since Friday. My husband didn't go to work Thursday or Friday and anyone who knows him knows that this is so not like him. He'd drag his deathbed into the office if he could. He's very dedicated. But someone in his office recently had a baby and once he started not feeling well, he realized that it was going to be bad and he didn't want to give to the baby. Older Boy went down fighting also. But he lost the fight and is still home from school today. I took him to the pediatrician because he is still coughing and he also has a double ear infection and a sinus infection.
So I'm very behind in everything. Except that I started to get my Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes together. Food Allergies keep the holidays interesting, so since the flu confined me to bed for 3 days I had nothing better to do except watch trash TV (Those crazy Housewives and ANTM kept me company) and catch up on my magazine reading. Thanks to all my back issues, I've got lots of new recipes to try out this holiday season and most involve cheese (surprise, surprise).
Speaking of cheese (my usual fat catalyst), who gains 4 pounds with H1N1? Yea, that'd be me. How the heck did that happen?? I was and still am nauseous, but potato chips were my friend and my main food group. They lessened the nausea. Chips should be banned...from the world.
I really hope that this takes care of our flu/H1N1 for the 2009/2010 season. Once you get it, can you get it again? And the total irony is that I signed us up on line for the H1N1 vac. I signed us up Wednesday night, and we fell down with it on Thursday. Go figure.
But we are recovering and I took down the "caution tape" and the Hazmat tent that surrounded our house. The mailman can stop throwing our packages in the bushes and running like heck (oh yea, he does that anyway).

WEGO Health webinar tomorrow: Join us

2009-11-03T20:20:00.001-05:00

Join us on Wednesday, November 4th for an exclusive, Health Activist-only event: "When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist: 7 Key Factors".

Our speaker, Dr. Glenn Schatmman of Cornell University, is one of the country's leading reproductive endocrinologists.

Health Activist participants will gain:

Valuable insight to help women online to make informed decisions
In-depth medical updates - usually reserved for physicians - about the factors that all TTC women should consider
Exclusive direct access to Dr. Schattman during our live Q&A session

This event is free and made possible by one of WEGO Health's sponsors.

We'll be offering this one-hour webinar at four different times on Wednesday, November 4th: Noon, 4PM, 6PM and 9PM (please note: all times are Eastern Standard Time)

Earn $5 for RESOLVE:

WEGO Health is always looking to improve the quality of our Health Activist events. To help us incorporate your ideas and feedback into later programs, WEGO Health will invite all webinar attendees to participate in a brief follow-up survey.

For every attendee who completes this short survey, WEGO Health will make a $5 donation to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Your time helps us learn where we can improve and helps RESOLVE reach more families coping with infertility.

To receive your invite to this exclusive event, please complete this brief survey: Fertility Webinar Survey.

A member of the WEGO Health team will email you if you qualify for this event.

Please contact us at community@wegohealth.com if you have any questions about attending "When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist: 7 Key Factors".

A quick update

2009-11-02T16:29:00.003-05:00

I took the Little Man to the pediatrician today. He woke up screaming last night because his throat hurt and he had hives on his hand again:(
They did a strep test and he's positive. And as they put it, "He's not a little positive, it came back full blown".

I asked that ER doc on Saturday to do a strep test and he said "Nope, no need to. He's fine". This was after a 2 second peek in his throat. Now I wish I would have demanded one. He could have been on antibiotics for 24 hours already.

The pediatrician said her first thought on the hives is that they were caused by the strep. That was my first thought when it happened (viral hives)because he hadn't been feeling well but he did eat the candy and then they just appeared. Also, he was sneezing more and lots and lots of "stuff" was coming out of his nose that wasn't coming out before. Maybe a combo of both? I don't think we'll ever really know what caused the reaction. Lynda from Kids with Food Allergies was kind enough to send me information on where I can send the candy to have it tested for allergens. I think I'll be doing that.... just to see.

But he's better now. He's on antibiotics and Orapred (oh why oh why the steroids??? He's like the energizer bunny on speed...) and Zyrtec.

Now I'm just waiting for the older one to fall. You know it's coming...
I'm cleaning the whole house with hydrogen peroxide trying to stave off the inevitable.

Halloween in the ER

2009-11-01T08:45:00.003-05:00

Ah Halloween, Thank Goodness It's Over! What a nightmare.

Like I said in the previous post, the Little Man hasn't been feeling 100%. We let him Trick or Treat at just a few houses and really *most* of the candy he got was safe. I gave him all safe candy [or so I assumed] and so did one other neighbor who has a child with a peanut allergy.

He's not allowed to eat anything until he gets home and we check it. My candy and the neighbors candy are in "gift bags" so it doesn't touch anything else. Because he wasn't feeling well, we told him he could eat ONE thing and he picked Starburst Gummibursts from my bag. He had these once before and I double checked the ingredients with the company.

But things started to go down hill. His nose got clogged even more than it was. And he became very itchy. I checked his skin and it looked really dry (not unusual for him) so I put on some Vanicream. Then I noticed that some of the dry skin started to look raised. In a matter of minutes he was covered in full body hives (neck to toes). I gave him 2 tsp. of Benadryl but after a minute or two it didn't seem to be working. Things weren't escalating, but they weren't getting any better either. So off to the ER we went.

I rode in the backseat of the car sandwiched between 2 booster seats with EPI Pen in hand just in case his breathing became affected, but his breathing was fine and we kept telling stories on the way there to keep him talking so we could gauge his voice and breathing.

The first thing they did was check oxygen levels and his oxygen levels were perfect so thankfully his breathing wasn't affected. The ER didn't give him a shot either. But they did give him Orapred (steroid) to help the Benadryl along. And he and his brother got cherry Popsicles as a treat for being in the ER on Halloween (and surprisingly it was quiet for Halloween and a Saturday night).

So we are home. And he's much better hive-wise. He still isn't feeling well. He's got a virus that is messing with his digestive system. I asked the ER doc if he thought the hives could have been viral hives, but he said no. We had him check his throat and it doesn't look like strep. And his ears did look red, but that could have been from the reaction and not an ear infection so we have a script for antibiotics "just in case" he starts complaining of ear pain.

He keeps asking for candy this morning, but the answer there is NO WAY!! I'm terrified to give him anything. The candy he ate should have been safe. I checked it out and the ingredients appear to be safe (the ER doc read it and thought so too). So what caused this? Mystery ingredient? Even though he washed his hands after Trick or Treating was there a residue that got on the candy and cross contaminated it when he ate it? Next year's Halloween will have to be handled differently for sure. I'm thinking that he's going to wear gloves (because he doesn't listen when we tell him not to touch anything), and the candy he gets goes right in the trash and I'll swap it out for money. Then he can go to the store and buy something. Maybe Older Boy will like that idea too and that will cut down on the candy we have in the house.

Before ER:

ER on Halloween:

(he's trying to wave but is exhausted)

Hope your Halloween was less eventful~

This past week has been a blur

2009-10-31T09:00:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's Saturday and the week is behind us. I have no idea what I actually got done this past week but I know it was a lot and I went through it all at about 70 MPH with no rear view mirror. I had projects at the school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. That really threw me off and left me with little time for anything else. Throw in work, kids activities, getting ready for Halloween, a smidgen of laundry (I'm so behind!), cooking and I guess that was my week. I logged into bloglines yesterday for the first time since last week and had 576 feeds. I may not have commented, but I did skim/read all of you (call it speed reading and cherry picking).

Yesterday around 11:30 am I was baking cookies so that the Little Man would have a treat at his school Halloween party, putting together the Boo BINGO game that I was in charge of for his class, getting the prizes in bags, and trying to get the candy ready for trick or treating in our neighborhood when I got the call that the Little Man vomited in school again and I had to go get him. I hadn't even showered yet (Nice! The song "I feel pretty, oh so pretty..." kept going through my head"). So I packed up the Halloween game and gifts to leave for the class, picked up the Little Man and came home to frantically dial for back up for the Halloween party. Luckily I found a mom that was able to fill in for me.
So I guess that means I really only worked at the school Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (I feel like I should be on the payroll - lol).

Tonight is Trick or Treating in our neighborhood. The Little Man is hoping he feels better enough to go. I hope so too but I'm trying to convince him that it's "totally cool" to stay home with mom and hand out candy. I'm not sure he's buying it, but he still looks like he might be swayed. It's great when they are little enough to still think that you know everything. He's 5 and he still thinks I know everything. His Older Brother is 7 and he looks at me like I have 3 heads and am the dumbest woman on the planet. Believe me... I don't have 3 heads.

Oh I also forgot to mention that I'm planning a corporate Christmas party for 35 at our house. Yes, AT.OUR.HOUSE. Can you say "Highly Stressed"? So I'll take any tips or suggestions you might have on party planning too. Anything. Throw me a bone, won't you?

So with all that updating, I'll leave you some photos. The photos from Thursday's field trip of the Halloween program at the Alzheimer's care facility are still in my camera but I'll bore you with these instead:

Corn maze at the pumpkin/apple farm

Children of the corn

The Halloween parade that the Little Man should have been in too (if not for the whole up-chucking thing). Sent from Hubs Blackberry. Mine is technically the 3rd child in the pic although it looks like the 2nd (looks like he's behind the lady bug but someone else is hidden behind her or she has 3 legs). He's the scary gray dude, AKA bloody zombie.

And lastly, Commander Fox and bloody zombie from last weeks Halloween party

If you made it this far, thanks for still reading.

Happy Halloween!!!

Wheat Allergy Alert from FAAN

2009-10-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

WHEAT ALLERGY ALERT

October 29, 2009

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC is recalling “ARMOUR Chili with Beans, Original” due to undeclared wheat.

The product was distributed to retail stores in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The 15-oz. cans come in a case of six with a plastic over-wrap that incorrectly states the product is "Gluten Free," while the product actually contains wheat. The label bears an “EST. 2AD” number inside the USDA mark of inspection with dates ranging from August 26, 2009 to October 28, 2009.

Consumers with questions may call (800) 253-5882.

It's not easy being a mother

2009-10-26T19:09:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, as a mother, you say things. And then after they are out there in the universe you think to yourself "Did that just come out of my mouth"? There are some phrases that I never thought I would utter to my children, there are some things I just never thought I would say, then there are things that I say and then think "Who in their right mind says that"?

Things I said over the weekend that I never thought I would:

10. Where are your clothes? I know I didn't send you upstairs in your underwear.

9. Did you eat that? Please tell me you didn't eat that. It was on the bottom of your shoe.

8. We are going to church. There's no crying in church. And please don't lay on the floor either.

7. Yes, Father David that's a tattoo on his face. No he didn't specifically put it on for church. When did he put it on? Last night. Yes we did wash his face.... (looking for a rock to crawl under).

6. Please don't use your brother. Get a tissue.

5. Did you just fart on your brother? Tell him you're sorry.

4. If I have to tell you one more time to stop it, there will be no Halloween party for you. I will be happy to go to it and work it by myself (Huh?)

3. Please don't lick the dog.

2. Please get away from the Port-O-Potty. It's not a play thing.

1. (In a loud voice that most of the soccer field heard) PEOPLE POOP IN THERE. GET AWAY FROM THE PORT O POTTY (who uses port o potty twice in one day?)

And I wonder why I feel like I'm losing my sanity....

Cook Book: Make It Fast, Cook It Slow

2009-10-22T19:03:00.004-04:00

This is a product review (and yes, FTC I received the book for free, but the review will be honest).

A few weeks ago, I received this book in the mail (for free) to try and to review. And my honest assessment is that I.LOVE.THIS.BOOK. I do. Even if the FTC made me give it back, I'd go right out and buy it tomorrow.

If you've read this blog for any length of time (like a week) then you know I use my crock pot/slow cooker and often. I usually just take a slow cooker recipe and "allergenize" it to fit my sons allergies (wheat, rye, barley, oat, egg and tree nut).

But the Make It Fast, Cook It Slow cookbook by Stepahnie O'Dea is not only for the slow cooker, but it's gluten free too so that takes out one LARGE element of my allergenizing. With two boys who are in school and in numerous activities and with my work at home schedule, I'm always pressed for time (in fact I'm usually squashed by time) so my slow cooker sits on my counter never to be put away. I need it!! And this cook book has over 300 mouth watering recipes for me to pick from. We will never be bored!!

The recipes range from Beverages (Gingerbread Latte - yum), to Breakfast, to Soups and Stews, to Snacks, to Fun Stuff (air freshener, crayons, shrinky dinks etc.), to Everything in between.

So far I've made 3 recipes and 2 of them had a ton of left overs. I made "Fried Chicken", Presidents Chili (yes, as in Obama), and Pasta E Fagioli. Of the three the Presidents Chili was the biggest hit with the Pasta E Fagioli a close second. But I still have 297 other recipes to try. There are recipes like Ziti, Sun Dried Tomato and Caper Pasta Sauce, Jambalaya, Seasoned Potato Wedges, Cajun Pulled Pork and I'll stop there because I'm sure your mouth is watering (mine is and I just ate dinner).

So do I recommend this book? Heck yes I do!

And I also recommend you check out Stephanie's website A Year Of Slow Cooking. There are some recipes from the book there but you can find many, many wonderful slow cooking recipes there.

So thank you to the publisher for sending me this book! I now have a new favorite cook book.

Fall

2009-10-19T19:17:00.003-04:00

Got a wheat allergy? My son does, a severe one.

2009-10-16T12:22:00.004-04:00

This video from ICYou health is about a women named Jen who also has a wheat allergy. I love how it talks about how having a wheat allergy can be difficult but once you learn to live with it, you can live a normal life (although living "normal" can be expensive!)

More from the Cleveland Clinic on Wheat Allergies:

Oh the irony of it all

2009-10-12T16:51:00.002-04:00

I was scheduled to work in the lunch room today. I went to the school. I was late, but so was everyone else so it was OK. 15 minutes into "working" the lunch room, 4 middle school aged girls came running up to me saying "Mrs. Z, the Little Man is in the nurse office and he's throwing up". Well, I guess it's a good thing I was there, wasn't it? Kind of ironic in a way. At least it wasn't an allergic reaction. When I got there, he was fine and telling the nurse that he was hungry. But he did throw up. In the hallway. Poor kid. So that ended my stint at lunchroom duty today. Off to the Pediatrician we went.

The Little Man has been throwing up off and on for a month now. The first time it happened it was after his dad took him to an Indians game and we just thought he ate too much junk. The second time it happened about a week later (and both times at night and in his bed - Oh the Joy!) we thought he had a tummy virus and I kept him home from school the next day. Then it happened about a week later again. And we thought "Hmmmm, this just isn't normal....". Then last Thursday he did it again, right after dinner on his bedroom carpet. Of course he was throwing the mother of all fits at the time, so was he having tummy issues or did he cry so hard he made himself throw up (and YES, he has been known to do that)? But Friday, as a treat after school I bought him his favorite all natural lemonade. And he threw that up too. So I called the Pediatrician. And they were gone for the weekend. So we decided to keep a close watch on him and feed him foods that were light on his system. He was fine all weekend. I sent him to school. And was going to call the Pediatrician after my lunch duty.

She thinks he may have a sinus infection that is causing some drainage that is possibly upsetting his tummy. And he may have acid reflux too. A couple of times he said "Mom, there is some hot stuff in the back of my throat". And maybe all of that working together is causing him to get sick. But it would be odd for him to develop reflux at his age. So we shall see. I just know that I'm tired of cleaning it all up and he's embarrassed by what happened at school today so I'm hoping we figure this out soon. And now for the big question... Do I send him tomorrow or keep him home?? He's not sick, but I'd really hate to get the call tomorrow.

Are you a blogger who reviews products?

2009-10-09T19:26:00.003-04:00

If you are, then you need to check out the new law from the
FTC regarding product endorsements (thank you WEGO Health for the hat tip on this one). If you review or endorse a product and you were paid or received the product for free you need to make sure that you fully disclose that information. Apparently there is an $11,000 fine that the FTC "may or may not be collecting" if you don't. You can get more confused about the fine here. So if you don't want a strongly worded letter, or an $11,000.00 fine, make sure your post includes full disclosure. Want to know how I feel? (or maybe you don't care) Go here and leave your opinion on the new law too. I'd like to know what you think. Do you think the new law has merit?

Got a soy allergy? This freaks me out a little...

2009-10-07T09:12:00.005-04:00

Soy is actually NOT one of the allergies that we have to deal with. But if it were, I'd have to pass on this. I was looking through some websites at furniture (some we can afford, and some we can not - but a girl can dream right?)and I came across this statement on an Arhaus Furniture page:

Brentwood Collection
Straight from the Paris runway, this ever-so-chic and sophisticated shade of silvery-gray delivers a fresh, fashion-forward neutral that mixes almost magically with every color in the crayon box. While thick layers of eco-friendly soy-based foam indulge you in irresistible softness and support, creating a timeless look that feels as lovely and luxurious as it looks.

The Brentwood collection is an exclusive Arhaus design.
Made in the United States of America.

Construction
Portfolio Plus Construction
Bench-made
Solid, kiln-dried hardwood frame
Corner blocked and double-dowelled
Sinuous spring support system
Fully padded frame

Comfort
Seat Cushions
Marshall unit-individually pocketed coil spring set
1.8 dense foam core surround
Double wrapped in polyester batting
Eco-friendly soy-based foam seating material
High quality down-feather cushion crown
Back Cushions
Fiber filled and encased in muslin

Options
Order online as shown below.
Brentwood can also be custom-ordered to your specifications:
48 pieces available
Available fitted
As a sleeper
As a sectional
With or without motorized motion
In over 450 designer fabrics
In over 75 top-grain, aniline-dyed leathers
To place your order or for more details:
call 1-866-427-4287 or email us at shop@arhaus.com.
An interior specialist will be happy to assist you.

Would that be a problem if you were severely allergic to soy? I know if it said "wheat based" or "nut based" I would turn and run the other way in a heart beat!! You aren't actually touching the foam. It's wrapped in leather or fabric. But if you had a soy allergy, would you take a chance on this? Do you think it would even matter? I have no idea, but for me, I'd have to pass (even though I heart this furniture).

Click here to see the pretty, yet not in my price range couch.

Soy furniture....Who knew?

Peanut allergy alert from FAAN

2009-10-06T18:36:00.001-04:00

Since it's fall and caramel apple season, I'm posting this alert:

**THE FOOD ALLERGY & ANAPHYLAXIS NETWORK SPECIAL FOOD ALLERGY ALERT
NOTICE**

PEANUT ALLERGY ALERT
October 6, 2009

Affy Tapple LLC is recalling "Limited Edition Classic Candy Flavors, two-
pack, Caramel Apples" due to undeclared peanut.

The product was distributed to stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

The two-pack bears a 'best by" date on or before 10/15/2009 and UPC 34986-
13000.

Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a full
refund. Consumers with questions may call (847) 929-6534.

More on McDonald's Angus Burger (and the wheat!)

2009-10-05T19:47:00.002-04:00

Ok, the Angus burger is still off limits but the other burgers (minus the buns) might still be OK for the wheat allergic. This was posted today on BBC Food allergy board:

"I took my non-FA son to McD's the other day and happened to ask the employee about the Angus burgers. She seemed to think they added the seasoning after the burgers were cooked so there was no chance for cross-contamination.

According to her, you could even request to get the burgers unseasoned.

Not willing to trust one employee, I called corporate today. I was put on hold for a while, then he came back on with the claim that the seasoning (containing the wheat and milk) is added into the patties ahead of time but that the patties are cooked on a separate or segregated grill and separate utensils are used to prepare the burgers.

According to him, the folks at McD's are very concerned and concientious about allergies and took this into consideration when adding the Angus burger to the menu. He said that if you look at their website, the noted allergens in the ingredients include those that may be in the items as a result of cross-contamination.

Either way, it sounds like we might not need to write McDonald's off quite yet. I'm still wary that they even have burgers containing dairy but would still be willing to give the regular hamburgers a chance with proper questioning ahead of time as to their preparation methods.

As a side note, when exploring their website, I also noticed that the McD's apple pies and plain english muffins appear to be safe for our allergen set. I asked the rep about the apple pies and he said they are deep fried in a dedicated fryer so they should be safe.

Has anyone ever tried them?

That's my report ladies. Let me know if you find out anything different!"

My suggestion: Do the investigation yourself and if you are comfortable then go for it. Me personally, not so much. But that's just me and I'm not the final word. You are. So you make the decision for yourself:)

The End

2009-10-05T19:15:00.005-04:00

AS OF TODAY: THE BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION IS FINISHED!!!!!!!! It's been going on since mid-July and has pushed me over the edge more than once:

Oh sing praise, give joy, amen(she says as she pops the cork on a bottle of wine)! No more noise. No more construction dust. No more men that don't speak English asking me "What you want to do"?, no more men (many, many men) using my restroom that I have clean on a daily/weekly basis (yuck!!). We are done!! Well, except for the glass on the shower and bar cabinet doors but I can live with that.

Now I have to buy furniture. It's a love/hate thing with me. I have NO DECORATING SENSE. NONE. I'm the worst. And I hate spending money. But I love to shop so I'll live.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

2009-10-01T07:13:00.003-04:00

It's cold here! It's 38 degrees this morning and I finally broke down and turned the heat on. I was so cold yesterday that I wore my coat inside. I needed soup. A warm, tasty soup to take the chill out. This one did it. And I tweeted last night that I made French Onion soup and a couple of people asked for the recipe. It was the first time I made it and it turned out really well. It was super easy and very yummy. The boys liked the broth, the onions not so much. But getting them to eat the broth was a milestone so I'll take it.

French Onion Soup - from Weight Watchers

Ingredients
1. 1 Tbs. Olive Oil
2. 6 large onions about 3 lbs. sliced
3. 1/2 tsp salt
4. Tbs. all purpose flour - I used Bob's Redmill all purpose gf baking mix
5. 8 cups reduced sodium beef broth
6. 1/2 tsp. black pepper
7. 1/2 cup light cream cheese
8. 6 slices French or Italian bread, toasted (GF if you have allergies)
9. 1 tsp. fresh thyme

Directions
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and very soft, about 35 min. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned, about 2 min. longer.
2. Combine the onions, broth, and 1/4 tsp of the pepper in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook until the flavors are blended, 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low (I also added a couple of shakes of Worcestershire sauces here because I thought it might need extra flavor).
3. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the slices of toast. Sprinkle evenly with the thyme and the remaining 1/4 tsp pepper.
4. Ladle the soup evenly into 6 bowls and float the slice of toast in each bowl of soup.

I had no gluten free bread so I totally skipped that part and just loaded the soup down with fresh grated Romano cheese. Still very yummy.

Enjoy!!

Bailey's Leaf Lovin' on the Crock-pot Fest!

2009-09-28T12:07:00.005-04:00

The weather she is a turnin'. It's cold here today (cold being 57 degrees F but that is sweater weather for me) and that means that my slow cooker is sitting on my counter (actually it's been on my counter since the basement has been under construction and will remain there until it is finished and can go back to it's new home...hopefully soon). Bailey's Leaf is having a recipe exchange for the crock-pot, crock pot, slow cooker (whatever you call it). So here are my contributions. Head on over and check it out!!

My son is allergic to wheat, rye, barley, oat, egg and tree nut and these recipes are geared towards those allergies but if it says "gluten free pasta or gluten free soy sauce", and you don't have allergies, just use your normal pasta and soy sauce. It works the same.

The recipe is from Weight Watchers Momentum Cook Book

Firecracker Turkey Chili (slow cooker)

Ingredients
1. 1 Tbs. olive oil
2. 1 pound hot Italian Turkey sausage, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
3. 2 onions, coarsely chopped
4. 2 Tbs. chili powder
5. 1 Tbs. ground coriander
6. 3 cans diced tomatoes with chili's
7. 2 15 1/2 oz. cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I used 1 kidney and one black bean)
8. 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring, until browned, about 5 min. Transfer the sausage to a 5- or 6- quart slow cooker.

2. Add the onions to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 min. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chili powder and coriander.

3. Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker and stir in the tomatoes and beans. Cover and cook 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.

4. Ladle the chili evenly into 6 bowls and sprinkle with cilantro.

Per serving (2 scant cups): 198 cal; 9 g fat; 2 g sat fat; 844 mg sodium; 17g Carbs; 4g fiber

Points value: 4 per serving.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

Directions:

1. 5-6 pound beef brisket - trim off excess fat
2. 2 cups safe BBQ sauce (we use either Cattlemen's or Country Bob's)
3. 2 Tbs. brown sugar
4. 2 tsp. gluten free soy sauce
5. 1 tsp. garlic salt
6. 1/2 tsp. onion powder
7. 1/8 tsp. paprika
8. 1/8 tsp. chili powder
9. 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
10. black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients 2-10 in the slow cooker. Add the brisket and turn to coat with sauce.
2. Cook on low for 9-11 hours until done.

Super easy, super yummy!

Mediterranean Brisket (slow cooker)
*adapted from All*You magazine
Ingredients
1. 1 can diced no salt added tomatoes
2. 1/2 cup vegan red wine
3. 5 garlic cloves chopped
4. 1/3 cup kalamata olives chopped
5. 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
6. 1 (2.5 lb.) piece flat-cut brisket, fat trimmed off
7. salt and pepper
8. 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Place tomato, wine, garlic, olives and rosemary in slow cooker and stir to combine.
Sprinkle meat with 1 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper to taste.
2. Place it on top of tomato mixture; spoon half of tomato mixture over meat to cover. Cover and cook on high until fork tender, 5 to 6 hours.
3. Transfer brisket to a cutting board, tent with foil and let stand for 10 minutes. Skim fat from sauce; season with salt and pepper. Slice brisket across grain and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon some sauce over meat and sprinkle with parsley. Serve brisket wit remaining sauce on side.

Per serving: 424 cal.
15g fat
180 mg chol.
1g fiber
60g protein
5 g carb.

Slow cooker garlic brown sugar chicken
Ingredients

1. 1 to 1-1/2 pounds chicken pieces
2. 1 cup packed brown sugar
3. 2/3 cup vinegar
4. 1/4 cup lemon-line soda
5. 2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten free)
7. 1 teaspoon pepper (regular black or cayenne)

Directions:

1.Place chicken in slow cooker.
2.Mix all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.
3.Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice or gluten free pasta

Let's play a little game: Where's the wheat hiding?

2009-09-23T12:08:00.003-04:00

I know you hate these games. I do too. But apparently manufacturers and restaurants love them. That's why we keep playing them. This one was brought to my attention today on Twitter by gfliving.

It seems that the fancy new Angus Burger from McDonald's has wheat in the "Angus Burger Seasoning". Yea, because that's totally necessary. This type of thing makes me angry. I can't stand when a company takes a totally fine product like "beef" that can stand on it's own and adds allergens to it. We don't eat at McDonald's but I know people that do and they get their wheat allergic children "bunless hamburgers". Well, now I'm thinking that the wheat in the seasoning has just cross contaminated the grill so that's out for them too. McDonald's just LOVES adding wheat in things. A while back I did a big 'ol ranting post about wheat in McDonald's fries (actually there were three semi ranty posts about McDonald's)and now they've contaminated the burgers (Are they premade with the seasoning, Is it added on to the burgers as they are cooked - going all over the grill? I have no answers to these questions. I just know it's in there).

And as if the wheat wasn't bad enough, check out ALL the ingredients in the burger (and this is just the burger):

Angus Beef Patty:
100% Angus beef. Prepared with Grill Seasoning (salt, black pepper) and Angus Burger Seasoning: Salt, sugar, dextrose, onion powder, maltodextrin, natural butter flavor (dairy source), autolyzed yeast extract, spices, garlic powder, vegetable protein (hydrolyzed corn, soy and wheat), natural (animal, plant and botanical source) and artificial flavors, dried beef broth, sunflower oil, caramel color, partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oil, gum arabic, soy sauce solids (wheat, soybean, salt, maltodextrin, caramel color), palm oil, worcestershire sauce powder [distilled vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, salt, caramel color, garlic powder, sugar, spices, tamarind, natural flavor (fruit source)], beef fat, annatto and turmeric (color), calcium silicate and soybean oil (prevent caking).
CONTAINS: MILK, SOY AND WHEAT.

I'm glad to see that 100% Angus Beef IS an actual ingredient and that it's first but why all the other stuff? Kind of makes me feel sick. Caramel color? Artificial Flavors? Autolyzed yeast extract? Why? Isn't beef tasty enough on it's own? I say leave the seasoning off if it's going to add all that other gunk to it.

So wheat is in the burger not just the bun. And wheat may be on the grill. If you are a bunless burger orderer you may want to double check that depending on how sensitive you are.

And thank you McDonald's for playing along in our "find the allergen" game. We really wish you wouldn't.

Overcoming food allergies

2009-09-22T12:14:00.004-04:00

Overcoming food allergies

The other day on the Old BabyCenter Food Allergy Board we had a discussion on why there are so many food challenges lately compared to when most of us joined the board (2004/2005) where they were almost unheard of. I think the video above illustrates the reason perfectly. Now this is just my opinion, but I think that in previous years, the skin and blood tests were considered fact. If it said positive then it was. But I think recently we've found out that it may not be the case. I think false positives are higher than once thought. At least with my Allergist, the foods that we've challenged have had low RAST numbers, they just haven't been "0". I think the deciding factor has been that we hadn't seen a reaction in quite a while (years for milk) or we never saw a reaction, just avoided to due test results (peanuts). Every doctor and every child is different so I don't think you can't paint this issue with broad sweeping strokes, but my Allergist says "The only true indicator if someone is allergic/still allergic is a food challenge". We did an at home challenge with my son when he was 20 months old for egg. His test result via RAST was a "2" but we'd never seen a reaction so the doctor thought it could be a false positive. It wasn't. We used the EPI and went to the ER. So not all challenges go well. And I'll say two things: 1. My comfort zone due to our experience is to not do challenges on children who are not old enough to speak. I need the child to be able to tell me how he feels. and 2. No more "at home" challenges. I'm just not that brave anymore.
But overall I'm glad that doctors seem more willing to do challenges. My sons quality of life as increased dramatically since we've added milk and peanuts back into his diet (more the milk than the peanuts - with peanuts we lost more fear than gained more food). Imagine what gaining wheat could do!! I keep praying for that every day...

Let's play a game: Where are the peanuts hiding?

2009-09-18T18:52:00.002-04:00

It's a game of hide and seek but it can have deadly consequences if you don't know the lingo.

So like me, you have a child with multiple food allergies. And let's say that some of them include wheat and peanuts. You love wheat free/gluten free products because - for the most part - they are safe for wheat allergies. Your grocery store is doing a major overhaul (to your surprise when you go there and can't find anything) and in their identity crisis they've decided to try to become more like Whole Foods and increase their gluten free products. You travel down the new gluten free isle (kind of fancy, I might add) and you see this. WOW! ITALIAN BREAD STICKS. MY SON HAS NEVER HAD ITALIAN BREAD STICKS (even though you tried to make them once and they turned out badly.... very very badly). But he's allergic to wheat, rye, barley, oat, egg, and tree nut (he did pass the peanut challenge, but I'm leery... really leery although he's been eating it "OK" for now), so you flip the package over to read the other ingredients and this is what you see:

Ingredients
Potato Starch, Rice Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Olive Oil, Yeast, Vegetable Protein (Lupine), Corn Syrup, Sugar Salt, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Diacetyltataric Acid Esters of Mono and Diglycerides of Edible Fats, Natural Flavor

Vegetable Protein - Lupine... What is Lupine?

According to Wikipedia, "Lupins or lupines (North America) are the members of the genus Lupinus in the legume family (Fabaceae)". Legume family??? What major allergen is a legume? Oh yea, the PEANUT of course. And according to this article by sciencedaily.com "lupine plants are closely relate to peanut plants and those with peanut allergies may react to both. In fact the "EU has recently introduced compulsory labelling of all products containing lupin".

And if you don't like sciencedaily.com, then read the Food Allergy Initiative who says "Lupine or lupin is a legume that may cause an allergic reaction in those with peanut allergy. Lupine is used in this country in many gluten-free and high-protein products. In many European countries, particularly Italy and France, lupine flour and/or peanut flour may be mixed with wheat flour in baked goods". Or maybe you trust About.Allergies.com who says "Lupine is another legume commonly ground into flour and used for various baking purposes. Unlike other legumes, people with peanut allergy can frequently experience allergic reactions to lupine, and therefore this food should be avoided". Or don't forget my previous post about Lupine in baby wipes (shudder).

I know that these bread sticks were made in Italy and that Lupine is labeled there and maybe the EU knows what "lupine" means. But do we here? Do newly diagnosed people or food allergy parents know that those with a peanut allergy may react to lupine? Probably not.

This product scares me. It is labeled properly. There is nothing wrong with that. But to me it's misleading and I'd still like to see BETTER labeling.

Gluten Free Cooking Spree - Philadelphia, P.A.

2009-09-17T16:49:00.003-04:00

This release came over my desk today and it looks like a wonderful event. I wish I lived closer so that I could go.

Gluten-Free Cooking Spree Brings Top Chefs, Medical Professionals, and Media Into the Kitchen to Compete for the Best Gluten-Free Dish

WHAT: The Gluten-Free Cooking Spree brings together medical and lifestyle aspects of celiac disease to educate attendees about this autoimmune disorder that affects 1 in 133 people. Watch as ten teams that consist of top chefs and doctors compete to create the best gluten-free dish.

WHY: An estimated three million Americans have celiac disease, but only 1 in every 4700 with the disease receives an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease and some cancers. This event helps educate and raise awareness for the screening amongst medical professionals, children and adults.

WHEN: September 30, 2009
6:30–9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA.

HOW: To attend the Gluten-Free Cooking Spree, online RSVP is available at www.celiaccentral.org . Admission fees are $100, or $35 for students. The VIP reception is $250. Fees will be waived for media.

WHO: Alice Bast, founder of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, is available for interviews prior to the event, and she will join staff members at the Gluten-Free Cooking Spree to answer questions and provide materials and resources.

BACKGROUND: The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for celiac disease that will advance research, education and screening amongst medical professionals, children and adults. Visit www.celiaccentral.org for more information.

So what's it all about?

On September 30th, 2009, The Wachovia Center in Philadelphia will be hosting an Appetite for Awareness Gluten Free Cooking Spree that will have top chefs and doctors competing in an Iron Chef-style cooking competition to see who can create the best gluten-free dish.

In addition to tasting the latest gluten free foods, attendees will learn more about Celiac disease from prominent speakers including Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning host of the series Christina Cooks! and five-time cookbook author.

Other special guests include Chef Bill Orton of Disney and representatives from notable area restaurants Bindi, Distrito and Lolita. Also, Thai Kitchen, a leader in producing naturally gluten-free products, has partnered with the Gluten Free cooking spree to provide some delicious easy-to-follow recipes.

Check out http://www.appetite4awareness.org for more information or to register.

Children's Hospital Boston and the Milk Trial

2009-09-15T21:27:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I linked to a video about a boy named Brett who is participating in a milk desensitization trial at Children's Hospital in Boston. The latest video and information can be found here. I love these videos because they not only take through the study but also show you who the people behind the study are. This latest video takes you food shopping with Brett's mom. We all know how hard and costly it is to shop for food allergies. This video shows you that you are not alone.

Remembering...

2009-09-11T16:46:00.001-04:00

I think we are finally getting into a routine

2009-09-09T12:51:00.003-04:00

It's week 3 of school and although they still haven't had a full week of school yet, I think we are finally starting to get into a routine and stay there. Who knew that throwing one more kid into the school mix was going to be so hard? Two lunches need to be made. Three snacks need to be packed every day (Kindergartner's get two). Two outfits need to laid out the night before. Two back packs need to be packed and ready to go by the front door. The Older Boy usually puts his homework in his back pack, but I still have to add lunch and a snack (and double check that the homework made it in there). It's a lot for one mom to remember!!

Today we met with the room moms from Older Boys class to sign up for our volunteer duties this year. I still have to meet with the Little Man's class. I feel like I sign my life away at these things. I love helping out and seeing the kids but at the beginning of the year just signing sheets doesn't seem that time consuming. But when it comes time to actually work all these activities I have no idea what I was thinking when I signed up for so many things!

Both boys are playing soccer so that means two practices and two games each week. There's swimming lessons one day and Cub Scouts a few times a month too (Dad usually handles soccer practice and Cub Scouts).

Add in cleaning, cooking, errands, bill buying and this pain in the butt basement remodel and most of the time I don't know whether I'm coming our going (I just almost wiped out on someones caulk gun down there and the air gun is giving me a head ache).

So if I'm not consistent with my blogging, it's because I'm trying to get organized (insert laughter here). Oh and then there's work. Can't forget about that (or I'll get canned!). I wrote a short post today on School fundraisers and food allergies. Hop on over and check it out too if you get the chance.

I'm off to figure out dinner now. I cooked up Italian chicken sausage this morning while on a conference call so I could make chili for dinner but then realized I'm out of crushed tomatoes. Must Find Recipe That Uses Sausage.

Hope everyone is having a great week!