Let him eat cake.....or pancakes at least.

Although I've found some recipes to use for pancakes that Matthew can eat, I've finally found a pancake mix to use that resulted in yummy, fluffy pancakes that the entire family could enjoy.

ORGRAN Apple and Cinnamon pancake mix
http://www.orgran.com/product-information/packet-mixes.html

You use the entire box and instead of using eggs, we just used water (it has instructions on how to do this right on the box). There are even dehydrated apples in it that add to the taste.

Thumbs up from mom and Matthew!!

Peanuts on airplanes----Breaking news!

Department of Transportation Docket Number DOT-OST-2010-0140 ---which basically is saying they are reconsidering peanuts on flights. However, BREAKING NEWS according to the site below indicates this is now off the docket. I'm so disapointed!! Do people REALLY need those insanely small packages of peanuts when it is potentially risking people's lives??

My thought is that those in charge have never been exposed or been witness to someone who has gone in to anaphylactic shock due to peanuts. It is one of the scariest things to see! And obviously even scarier to experience personally.

The DOT is soliciting public comment until 08/09/10 on three options to providing greater access to air travel for persons with peanut allergies:

1. Banning the serving of peanuts and all peanut products by both U.S. and foreign carriers on flights covered by DOT's disability rule;
2. Banning the serving of peanuts and all peanut products on all such flights where a passenger with a peanut allergy is on board and has requested a peanut-free flight in advance;
3. Requiring a peanut-free buffer zone in the immediate area of a passenger with a medically-documented severe allergy to peanuts if a passenger has requested a peanut-free flight in advance.

Here is the BREAKING NEWS that it's come off the docket----BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
http://www.ajc.com/business/dot-backs-off-on-555154.html


You can post comments here to the regulatory committe:

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#searchResults?Ne=11+8+8053+8098+8074+8066+8084+1&Ntt=DOT-OST-2010-0140&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=8099+8061+8056+8057+8058

LIKE RIBS???

• Then here is a great rib rub recipe that is gluten free
  1/3 cup dark brown sugar
  1 tablespoon paprika
  1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (see below for gluten free chili powder recipe
  1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  3/4 teaspoon ground oregano
  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  1/4 teaspoon sugar
  
  Mix all and then rub on the meat. Can be used for about 4 pounds of ribs.
  
  For BBQ sauce we use Organicville original organic BBQ sauce
  
  Chili powder recipe
  1 tsp oregano
  1 tsp cayenne pepper
  2 tsps ground cumin
  1 tsp paprika
  2 tsps garlic powder
  
  I make a bunch of this and keep in a jar for use at any time--we use it in tacos and chilis as well as rubs.

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin recipe--YUM!

I was looking for an activity that I knew Matthew would enjoy--and since he loves to help mom in the kitchen AND wear his special apron, I figured baking was the key!

Here is a recipe for muffins that are very tasty and moist. They made about 16 cupcakes (although they were a good size). You can also pour in a bread pan. Keep in mind you can have some now and freeze some for later.

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
1 cup white sugar
1/4 brown sugar (I used dark)
1 tbsp baking powder
2 2/3 c oat flour (we use Arrowhead Mills brand)
1 1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp xantham gum
4 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
15 oz can of pumpkin puree
1/2 c rice milk
1 cup of dried cranberries (stir those in at the end)

Mix all of the dry then use a hand mixer to mix in the wet ingredients. Spoon into lined muffin tins and bake on 350 for about 20 minutes or in a bread pan for about 50. You'll know it's done when you stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean (not wet).


Storage: Store them in an airtight container for about a week or so. If you want to freeze, wrap in wax paper and foil and then place in a freezer bag. They will last a few months in the freezer.

C-Section and Celiac link

So apparently studies are now beginning to show the link between babies born under c-section that have celiac disease opposed to those born vaginally. I've often times heard that babies born under extreme circumstances were at higher risk for allergies, but never understood why.

I will be very interested to hear more about this. I know that Matthew was born via c-section after he went in to distress prior to induction and often wondered if that was partly to blame for his numerous allergies.

Link:
http://www.celiac.com/articles/22132/1/The-Cesarean-Section-and-Celiac-Disease-Connection/Page1.html

I love Heinz!!!

Ketchup really does make everything better....but did you realize that Heinz also makes many other products, including Ore-Ida fries??

One morning I was curious as to whether Heinz Ketchup was gluten free so called the 800 number on the package. I never do that and was pleasantly surprised to not only speak to a human on the other end, but she also asked if I wanted a list of all gluten free products they provide. SURE!!!

Now the list updates all the time, so I'd recommend going to their site directly---but I noticed yesterday that the bag of Ore-Ida fries I bought also now states gluten free right on there. Keep in mind, you need to check for any other allergins, but if gluten is the issue---we found a solution!

Matthew sure does love his french fries--and now he gets to dip them in Heinz Ketchup. He dips hamburger in there as well. Heck, pretty much anything goes in to ketchup these days.

A couple new snack finds!

He's a major snacker--which is so like his mom (LOL)....so I found a few snacks that he's really liking right now:

• Glutino brand Gluten Free Breakfast bars (blueberry)---they really aren't bad! He gobbles them up for a quick breakfast along with a banana and applesauce.
• Orgran Gluten Free Itsy Bitsy Bears. These things are like those teddy grahams but are free of all allergens! SCORE. He really likes these. Hard to find though.
• Fruit snacks---you know, those little things made my many of the major kid food companies you can get anywhere in those tiny little "on the go" packages. I'm finding that he's done very well with those. Just stay away from any fruit flavors they might be allergic to as a safety.