This post is sponsored by Pfizer Canada. All views and opinions are my own.
With summer just around the corner – as long as Mother Nature cooperates, fingers crossed! – I’m so looking forward to everything the season promises. Long days followed by lazy nights, ice cold drinks and hot dogs off the grill, and of course, the steady stream of traffic from neighbourhood children popping in to play.
Hands up if you run a restaurant from your kitchen – primary demographic, discerning 6-12 year olds? Yeah, me too.
The truth is, I’m a happy host. Our door is always open and our fridge is always full, so why not share the goodness? However, having an “everyone’s welcome” policy means that I have to take special care to ensure that my kitchen is allergy-friendly. Did you know that an estimated 2.6 million Canadians are impacted by food allergy, with almost 500,000 of them being children? Quite a few of our neighbourhood pals are affected (peanuts, tree nuts and shrimp are the most common) so I have to be extra careful when both preparing and serving snacks.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Allergy-Friendly Kitchen event held in partnership with Food Allergy Canada and Pfizer Canada.
There, I watched expert home cook and allergy awareness advocate Thea Vanherwaarden, and NASCAR driver Alex Tagliani, unveil three allergy-friendly recipes through an interactive cooking demonstration. As they both have food allergies, they also led a valuable discussion on tips and key information for allergy management and preparedness. Today, I’m happy to share my three major takeaways with you!
1. Read Food Labels. Remember, manufacturers can change their production process and alter their products at any time, so it’s important to read food labels each and every time you purchase a product. Do the triple check: once at the store before buying it, once when you get home and put it away and most importantly, before you serve or eat the product.
2. Check Your Prep. It’s not too complicated to dole out allergen-free prepared snacks, but you need to bring your A-game if you’re cooking meals for an allergic individual. Prepare foods that are free of the person’s allergens first, using separate cookware and serving utensils. Keep the food covered in a space where it will not be splashed or come into contact with other foods. Wash hands often, especially between preparing meals that contain an allergen, and use a separate sponge to wipe down surfaces.
It’s also a good idea to have two dishwashing cloths: one for cleaning pots and pans that contain the allergen, one for cleaning pots and pans that are used for allergy-safe meals. The same goes for cutting boards, of course.
3. Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector. Even with all my kitchen precautions, life doesn’t always go as planned. I’m not too shy to insist that guests with food allergy come prepared by carrying an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times, and have found that it’s a necessary conversation between parents – especially during the summer season when kids can turn up at any time.
Disclosure: Epinephrine auto-injectors are indicated for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. This product may not be right for you. Always read and follow the label.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get on to more delicious things – like the recipe for a refreshing acai bowl!
1/2 cup (125 mL) Frozen blueberries
1/2 cup (125 mL) Frozen strawberries
1 Banana (½ for bowl, ½ sliced thinly for topping)
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Sunflower seed butter
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Pumpkin seeds, divided
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Chia seeds, divided
1/4 cup (60 mL) Gluten-free oat flakes
3/4 cup (175 mL) Fortified rice beverage
3 – 4 Fresh blackberries (cut in half)
2 Fresh strawberries (sliced thinly)
1/4 cup (60 mL) Fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Cocoa nibs
In a blender, add frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, 1/2 banana, sunflower seed butter, 1/2 of the pumpkin and chia seeds, oat flakes and rice beverage. Blend until smooth and thick. Pour in desired bowls and top with fresh blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cocoa nibs, remaining banana (sliced) and seeds.
Mmm… allergy-free and the perfect way to start the day, or a powerful afternoon snack for energetic kids! For recipes (including sushi and chicken tacos pictured above), visit Food Allergy Canada/SummerofTAG.
Fortunately we don’t have severe food allergies in our family, but I’m glad that Food Allergy Canada is around because they sound like such an awesome and helpful resource!
No allergies in my home, and I am also glad that my girls are done with school too, so many food allergies anymore, I was surprised to hear that strawberries are not even allowed in the school in our town. Just seems like the kids of today have way more allergies compared to when I was younger
Thankfully we do not have anyone in our family who suffers from allergies BUT i do know quite a few people who do and it could get pretty bad.
We don’t have any allergies that we have encountered so far. I find these tips helpful for when we have guests or family members over with allergies! :)
No food allergies in our home so far and thanks for the great info.
We have no allergies in the home but I do have nieces with severe allergies to dairy,these are great tips !
Thanks for the information! Good to know.. I don’t have allergies myself, but I know people who do.. And those recipe pics look sooo good!
The acai bowl looks amazing. I’d love to try to make this!
Great tips! We don’t have any food allergies in the household thankfully, but at least I’ll be prepared if needed!
One of my little guys has peanut and nut allergies so we are always very careful about food prep, restaurant visits, eating at friends or family…My son has a Medic Alert bracelet and a waist pouch with his Epipen. We also have an emergency kit that we bring with us on the go. It can be scary but my son is very good at staying away from anything that he is unsure about.
I wonder why food allergies are so prevalent now. It’s an interesting subject.
That’s a great tip about the dishwashing cloths
Mmm, would love that acai bowl for breakfast tomorrow! ;-)
I’m going to try making the acai bowl for brunch on the weekend!
We did try the acai bowl on the weekend and I only wish I had made more,everyone who got to try it really enjoyed it
oh my goodness that looks lovely I need to try that, we have family coming over from England and I know we will not be moved into our new home but they can see and I will host so maybe I can try this :D
Great tips, some I didn’t think of before.
I have an egg intolerance so need to watch that. The smoothie bowl looks so yummy.
Good to be on alert for prevention. My household has few allergies,
Food allergies can just be so dangerous. We take for granted that we are able to eat all foods. I’m thankful no one in our family suffers with food allergies. For families that do, they need to use these tips daily & be diligent in their food prep.
We have food intolerance in our house but no actual allergies although my daughter randomly breaks out in hives, we are still waiting to have allergy testing to try to pinpoint and allergens.
This is such a great post! there are people for whom I make treats etc., and I’m always concerned about cross-contamination etc. A great start for a safer kitchen. Thanks
Wonderful tips for anyone that has food allergies
Good tips! I deal with allergies in the family; I am quite good with it in my own kitchen, but eating out is a nightmare!
Good insight into the challenges of safely feeding a family with food allergies.
Good tips, thanks.