Delicious Tree Nut Free Smoothie

Before I begin...I will say that this snack is for my tree nut allergy son. If your child has an allergy to milk then it is not advisable to try this snack. However, you can incorporate the alternative liquid that will keep the idea simple and still yummy. Again, this is a newbie tree nut mom trying to find other ways of keeping the little guy happy.

I love snacks and recipes that are derived from fresh ingredients. But, I am not completely innocent to the sugar based products. I, by no means, am advocating that you go sugary and unhealthy. I have been dedicating myself to discover fresher alternative to eating sweet yummy snacks with smoothie fruits and vegetables rather than chocolate bars and Doritos. Uhm Uhm. I even tend to incorporate leafy green vegetables in my smoothie. The kids run the other way every time. This particular smoothie turned out to be an orange/yellow colored one. Isn't that fun?

When it comes to my children..they frown upon healthy smoothies. Yes, that only means they are prisoners of yummy snacks they see on tv and I was a guilty enabler. Hey, I am working on it. I am working to change their way of thinking and to try new things. Hey, its the Semi-natural way today. So, we tried making a smoothie that came from bags and cans. Ohhh, don't curse me. It's better than a twinkie. Oh my!! Hear we go.

So this is what we put in the blender:

1 cup of ice

1/2 cup of frozen peaches (from bag)

1 handful of carrots (from bag,  however much your handful can carry)

       So for my hands, I pulled out about 10 carrots. My son said, "Mom you gotta take some out." So, five came out. He still frowned. I said, "We will leave those five in!" Geesh, we need the beta carotene. He goes, "The beta what@!#"

1- 1/2 cup of milk ( I used 2%, but use whichever you want)
1 canned sliced mangoes ( I normally use fresh)

      I figured the nectar would give it it's added sweetness  rather than the kids dumping sugar into the blender. If you turn your head, that's just what          would happen. Yikes. So I took out 3 slices from the can. I poured just a little juice into the blender from the can. I'd say about 1 tablespoon.

1 fresh Banana

1 slice of fresh kiwi 

I put the lid on ice crush to break down the ice and add extra milk if the spin stops midway. If you don't keep enough liquid in the blender, you will burn out your engine and crack the base of the blender. Ahem. Enjoy the smooth orange sherbert-like tasting treat. Who would have thought that carrots go together with the other ingredients. I think we have the smoothie madness.

Today's Announcement!

I am now a member of BlogLovin....where I hope to connect with other interesting humans. 

Keeping up with Updated Cans and Cannots

     It can be extremely time consuming to follow up with manufacturers to see if your child can partake in their product. He probably have eating it many times before. So, why check...right? Well, that certainly is not the attitude to have. I had that very same attitude. However, in my research, I stumbled upon articles that mentioned that some children have had reactions to snacks they have eaten all their lives. Learning this fact has, definitely, created a cloud of anxiety over my head. I can imagine how you feel.

     To set me on my path, I  created a list of  snacks that my son loved to eat. I knew that some other moms have already researched manufacturers on similar products that you may use. Rather than just take the advice of a mom who had been on the same path before me, I decided that I have to also do my own leg work. That is the reason behind the disclaimer. Just because one mom found some useful information for her child doesn't mean it applies to all children.

     I jotted down the names of the manufacturers. I noticed that between my trying to be frugal and paying attention to my child's health was playing tug of war. I had to ask myself what was important. If I paid close attention to my child's health, it meant that most snacks had to come from the popular snack moguls; such as Kellogg's, Town House, Nabisco, etc.  Also, buying from the Dollar Tree, Aldi, and Sav-a-lot, I discovered some of our most staple snacks claimed to have been produced in a facility that may have contained traces of peanuts and tree nuts. I am not saying to not shop at these stores. I am not saying that these stores are not safe for people who do not have allergies. In fact, they have awesome deals on meats and other items. My main concern is for people who have to be extra careful with products that may cause a reaction in those who cannot be near or consume one or more of the top 8 allergens. Some of those products are sold there. I realized that I cannot shop there for the snack portion of my grocery list.

     I had to leave the bargain stores selection of goodies. I  had to go back to the large grocery chain stores, like Stop and Shop or Shaw's to get the  name brand products. And nooooo, it doesn't mean that you always need name brand products. It just means that in our research so far, the products that my son is highlighting happens to be products from name brand and are sold at stores that are nearby. Not much of a problem so far. However, I am still on the path finding gourmet products. In going to stores like Stop and Shop, I find that the prices did go up, substantially. I guess I just have to start watching coupon shows to get on top of my game. You can find a bargain here and there. That's altogether a whole other blog advice in which I have no expertise. Lol. I will get back to you on that if and when I save a ton on snacks using them.

     What I totally recommend is signing up with Snacksafely.com  to get your updated approved snack list for tree nut allergy folks. It helps with creating a snack list you and your child can use to determine which snacks your child can prepare for school. What I normal do is print out the list and hand it to him. He would then highlight the snacks he would love to have. I create a list in my smart phone. So, the next time I'm in the market I can pull it up on my phone rather then carry the rather large list with me. Go check it out....the most recent update to the snack list is ready as of Aug 21, 2015.

Until later, Catherine Ratliff (Tree Nutty Mom)

Finding Our ID Bracelet

     Thank goodness for good friends. A friend was nice enough to research ID bracelets for Jayden on Amazon. There are many amazing bracelets listed on Amazon in abundance of styles and colors. Our friend chose this particular color but it's good to know that you don't have to just keep the same colors. Mix it up.

     Personalizing your ID bracelet can become fun and interesting even though it means something not so fun; having the exact tree nut allergy itself. Hop aboard and let's find the funnest, prettiest (if you are a girl), most outspoken ID bracelets. We can help everyone pay attention to our allergy in the coolest way. 

Can I have KFC Mommy?

Okay, the past weekend we decided to go out to eat. I dread this activity. Just like other allergy mom, I don't know to a full science what is safe. Yes, chicken is considered to be protein. But, how is that chicken prepared? We live in a world where there are innovators even in the food industry. They continuously come up with ways to prepare food that is stimulative to the pallette.

Chicken is no longer prepared with Crisco like mom used to make. Some people may cook their chicken in peanut oil or other tree nut oils. Therefore, the trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken had to be a safe one. Now, I took it upon myself to ask them even though I had already gone online and obtained an allergen list from their website. This allergen list is good as of January 26, 2015. Please always refer to their website prior to going to that restaurant.

We had always eaten from there in the past but we couldn't take a chance. It's better to ask the question rather than to be sorry. Perhaps, there could have been a change at that particular location that is just not indicated on the website. So, I asked. I was surprised to discover that the manager and his staff were not aware of their allergens policy. So, it seemed I was the first parent to ever ask if they are using any tree nut products at their locations. I was advised to just not buy anything because they simply did not know. Knowledge is power and if you can help someone then do so. I told them that their website gives a breakdown of their products that they serve. Hopefully, they will review it and be prepared for when the next mom comes asking. It's quite obvious that some of the fast food chain restaurants are not making it their top priorities. So, be very aware and proactive when taking your allergy child out to eat.

It turned out that most of the foods that interested him is still on the 'okay to eat' list, with the exception of the Reese's peanut butter pie slice, the Cafe Valley Bakery chocolate chip cake, and the Cafe Valley Bakery lemon cake.

I asked him what type of oil they were using to cook the chicken. I was told Canola Oil. Bingo!! It was a go. I told them to give us the chicken! Ooh wee! He also ordered the potato wedges and his all time favorite biscuit. No symptoms. I guess the main thing I was concerned about wass whether someone came to work and had a tree nut sandwich and salad and placed it on the counters and didn't wipe it down. Yessss, I am losing it but with good reason. But, why would they ever do that when they can just devour all that yummy chicken? Hey, just keep the pies and cakes in the separate fridge section and all will be fine. Let's hope that team gets on the bandwagon with the allergy education.

Little Note; We know that it is also very important to watch out for Cholesterol and try to get fruits and vegetables into the diet. So, the trip to KFC is not an often one. It's good to know that it makes the list in so many choices.