Thursday, July 8, 2021

The Multiple Food Allergy Life




This is an area that is very near and dear to me. My son and I both struggle with this. It is a detailed challenge that just seems to keep evolving with time. No matter how down pat you seem to get it, there is always the risk of a brand changing manufacturing processes or ingredients without any warning or label updates. Whenever you do see a new label on a familiar product you inwardly panic and scan the ingredients list for changes. At times, it comes down to trial and error and you have to take a chance to see if you will react allergically or not.

This is the reality of my everyday life. And the reality of millions of others who deal with multiple food allergies on a daily basis. 

Avoiding gluten used to be my biggest challenge, and then food allergies hit. It is like a curve ball being thrown at you while you are still trying to catch the last ball. It is like you are caught in between two pitchers, and they are both throwing towards you simultaneously. Never a moment to rest and lay down your defenses. Never a day that you can "cheat". Never an option to simply go out for dinner. 

That's multiple food allergy reality.

For caregivers as well as the one who is allergic, it can be a source of frustration, anxiety (rightfully so), and exhaustion.

But how do we handle this constant reality in a world full of exposure to allergens? Cleaning products, hand sanitizer, air fresheners, medicines, food packaging, foods, drinks, etc. There are SO MANY ways to get into allergens.

Going to the grocery store where everything has been "sanitized" requires avoiding touching carts which have residual corn from cleaners or wipes. A constant thought in the back of the mind about what is on the packages knowing that so many people fail to wash their hands after eating, or use hand sanitizer thinking it is "clean" when in reality it is loaded with chemical toxins and corn derivatives. Being careful not to stand to close to someone who may be wearing hand sanitizer so as to avoid getting asthma from it. And I could go on and on...

Later at home the challenge continues. Washing hands or even showering upon returning home helps prevent some exposures. Then there is avoiding eating any food without first rinsing off the package. For instance, cheese packages, canned goods, and so much more.

The reality follows you everywhere. It goes with you to the doctors office, to church, to family gatherings, to birthday parties, to the post office, the library, or any other place you may go, even the Emergency Room. Your life at times feels dictated by this reality. 

But the truth is, a multiple food allergy sufferer or caregiver is a special kind of strong person. Someone who is always carrying a load but refusing to bend. Constantly protecting, providing comfort, and experiencing close calls. This special kind of person is a great source of inspiration to many out there who face smaller battles on a daily basis.

You never know who is watching you push on, and wondering if they can do it, too. 

You may be one of those multiple food allergy warriors, and you are reading this right now thinking, "Yup, this is so true." Just remember you are stronger, you are braver, and you have what it takes to continue pushing on!

A fellow Multiple Food Allergy Warrior,
~Gluten Free Em


Since 2012, Em has been blogging about the Gluten Free diet, and multiple food allergies. Her recipes and words of encouragement have brought hope to many on this journey. You can get your copy of her cookbook, "Cooking Gluten and Corn Free with Gluten Free Em" on Amazon here:

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Razorback Duck Casserole

This is a great way to use up leftover duck. And it is delicious as a brunch dish as well as for late night snacking. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

About 2 cups leftover duck meat from the back of duck

1 large zucchini

1 large red onion


Batter:
About 2 cups or so flour. 
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
Olive oil.
More oil for brushing on top.

Line parchment paper on unglazed stone bar pan. Spread a thin layer of batter over pan. Thinly slice zucchini in circles and lay in even rows. Dice red onion and spread evenly throughout. Spread meat over the onions. Add layer of batter on top covering as much as possible. Especially cover meat to prevent drying out. Bake at 425° for 30-45 minutes, basting halfway through with olive oil. Bake until golden on the bottom.
Salt the top right after removing it from the oven. Serves 5.

~Em Kennedy 
Copyright 2021

Monday, April 19, 2021

Important Announcements for those who follow by email

Blogger has just announced that very soon follow by email feature of this blog will be going away. If you are signed up for automatic emails for each new post, please reach out to me at contactglutenfreeem@gmail.com as I am compiling an email list.

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Gluten and Corn Free Cookbook

 


Get your signed copy of Gluten Free Em's new cookbook! Featuring many recipes that are tailored to food allergy cooking. Including corn free, citrus free, gluten free, legume free, egg free, nut free, and even some dairy free options. For those allergic to traditional meats, this book also offers recipes made with exotic meats including antelope, venison, duck, pheasant, quail, and more! It contains 117 pages, and over 40 recipes including her popular gluten and corn free white bread recipe. This book stems from Gluten Free Em's own struggle with MCAS, and will be a help to anyone dealing with a mast cell disorder or other disorder that causes multiple food allergies.

To preorder please click here:

Friday, February 26, 2021

"Cooking Gluten and Corn Free" new cookbook announcement!

I am thrilled to announce that my new cookbook is available for pre-order!!!!


Get your signed copy of Gluten Free Em's new cookbook! Featuring many recipes that are tailored to food allergy cooking. Including corn free, citrus free, gluten free, legume free, egg free, nut free, and even some dairy free options. For those allergic to traditional meats, this book also offers recipes made with exotic meats including antelope, venison, duck, pheasant, quail, and more! It contains 117 pages, and over 40 recipes including her popular gluten and corn free white bread recipe. This book stems from Gluten Free Em's own struggle with MCAS, and will be a help to anyone dealing with a mast cell disorder or other disorder that causes multiple food allergies.

Check it out here!

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Special Announcement: New Cookbook Coming Soon!!!

 



"Cooking Gluten and Corn Free with Gluten Free Em" is coming soon! Keep your eye out for the announcement, and be ready to pre-order your own copy, as these will go fast!! This fantastic cookbook will feature the recipes that have been staple foods in our home for the last 9 years. Many of the recipes are free of the top 8 allergens as well as Gluten and Corn. From biscuits, to pizza, to entrees, and side dishes... your mouth will water as you prepare these foods for your family!


Thursday, January 14, 2021

Gluten and Corn Free Workshop!

I am excited to announce our very first Gluten and Corn Free Workshop being held on Zoom tomorrow, January 15th, at 8pm Eastern time. Come with a pen and paper ready to take notes and enjoy the recipe demonstration as well as a dedicated question and answer session!

To register please visit

https://forms.gle/qNDqDp6oML1ZhyMH9

There are only a few seats left so please register soon to be included!