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Allergy Friendly Halloween

The holiday season is about to begin, and that means many events and gatherings revolving around food.  For folks with food allergies, it can be extremely stressful to navigate through this all.  Halloween kicks it all off with the excess of candy, much of which is not allergy friendly.  Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, egg, and soy are common components of many candies and 6 of the top 8 allergens.  Kids really enjoy dressing up and trick or treating with friends, but some kids with allergies are not even able to participate if their allergies are severe.  For those that do, they often can’t keep much of what they come home with.  School parties are another place that the non-allergy friendly treats come out.  While many of us parents have figured out how to handle these situations well, it seems like there could be a better way.

In an effort to promote a safe Halloween for all, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) developed the Teal Pumpkin Project.  It is a way to draw awareness to food allergies and include all trick or treaters. Those who choose to participate put a teal pumpkin or teal pumpkin sign outside their door for Halloween.  This indicates that this house has non-food, allergy friendly treats.  Participants can even add their address to the map so that trick or treaters can plan out their routes.  This movement is getting bigger and bigger, and it is so encouraging!  Check out www.tealpumpkinproject.org for more information.

Here are some of my ideas for non-food Halloween treats:

Allergy Friendly Halloween

 

 

I know not every family has food allergies.  From those of us who do, I want to tell you how much we appreciate when you include our kids and learn about their allergies.  It gives these kids a feeling of community and belonging.  It gives us parents a feeling of safety and relief.  

So thank you, it means the world to us.

Rachael

 

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Strawberry Watermelon Salsa

A little while back, I posted a picture on Instagram of this salsa, but I am finally getting around to adding the recipe.  I had to taste test it before I shared!   It is delicious and actually keeps well for several days in the fridge.  I thought it might get soggy but I was wrong.  This is a super healthy addition to any meal.  Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and fiber.  Watermelon also contains Vitamins A and C as well as lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant.

Here is a super-easy and quick recipe to push you into summer. Short post today but don’t worry I am working on a couple new ones for you all, stay tuned!

Strawberry Watermelon Salsa

1 cup diced strawberries

½ cup diced watermelon

½ jalapeno finely diced

¼c red onion finely diced

1-2T finely chopped cilantro

Juice of one lime

Salt to taste

 

Combine all ingredients.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Great on chicken or fish or served with chips.

 

Enjoy and Happy Summer!

Rachael

 

 

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Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

Delicious and easy!  

I have found it is safer to make my own granola bars as so many store bought varieties are processed in facilities with peanuts.  I also like the fact that these have much fewer ingredients, and all ingredients I can pronounce!  The less processed the food is , the better.  I used soy nut butter, but you can use any nut butter or nut butter substitute.  The nutritional information will vary but should be fairly similar.  Also if you are not avoiding nuts, you can add some in too.  I recommend chopping them up a bit though.  The nice thing about these bars is that you can add in whatever you like- dried fruit, nuts, seeds, flax, etc!  These take no time to make and do not involve the oven. I recommend storing in the fridge.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Granola Bars: 

2.5 cups rolled oats

.5 cup coconut oil, melted

.5 cup honey

.5 cup soy nut butter (or other nut butter)

3T mini chocolate chips

1.63 oz package Enjoylife Not Nuts seed and fruit (or other seed and fruit mix-ins) 

 

Combine melted oil and honey in large bowl.  Add rolled oats and nut butter.  Mix until well combined.  Stir in chocolate chips and seeds.  Press mixture into a glass 9×13 pan. (No need to oil pan) Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours.  Cut into 24 bars and store in airtight container in fridge for 5 days.

Nutritional Info:  Per 1 bar (about 1/24th)

Kcal: 168, Fat: 10g, CHO 18g, Protein: 3g, Fiber: 2g