Learning to Cook (Again)
When food allergies strike, there goes the pantry!

[excerpt from http://www.familydoctormag.com/spring_2007/childrenHealth.htm]

by Paul R. Ehrmann, D.O.

Question: My 14-month-old grandson is diagnosed with allergies to wheat, eggs, dairy and nuts. His siblings love macaroni and cheese, yogurt, cereal and milk, and snacks like animal cookies (wheat, eggs). We’re always worried that he’ll pick up a crumb off the floor and eat something dangerous. On top of that, I’m stymied by the thought that I can’t offer this sweet little boy even a cookie or pretzel. What snacks can I bake, and where do I found out about substitutes for eggs and flower?
- Barbara, Florida

Answer: It's hard enough to decide what we should feed our children when they're completely healthy, but it's even harder when we learn that they have food allergies.

Take heart, though. There are recipes out there for foods he can eat, including ones for cookies and fudge. Cookbooks designed for people with food allergies also often provide information on substitutes for eggs and flour. . . .

Furthermore, I encourage you to fill your house with healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, and introduce all your grandchildren to as many different types of vegetables as you can. Oftentimes, just being creative in the way you prepare or present the fruits and vegetables can change the way a child feels about how they taste. . . .