Allergy-Friendly Hot Chocolate and Cookies

But mom…what about Santa?!

It’s that time of the year, when children want to make cookies and hot chocolate to leave out for Santa Claus. In case Santa, his elves, or Christmas party guests have food allergies, be prepared with these quick, simple and safe recipes from FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) at http://www.foodallergy.org/

Just click http://blog.foodallergy.org/ for allergy-friendly hot chocolate and nutmeg cut-out sugar cookie recipes:

• Milk-free hot cocoa: (only contains cocoa powder, rice beverage, molasses and dash of salt)

• Nutmeg cut-out sugar cookies (free of milk, egg, peanut, and nuts)

• Frosting for cookies (only contains sugar, milk-free margarine, water and vanilla extract)

The blog from FARE also contains 6 Tips for Celebrating the Holidays with Food Allergies! I won’t spoil the fun of reading these, but they are important and include:

• RSVP-ASAP: stay in contact with guests/party host and keep the communication open so food allergy education can occur without offending the “perfect host.”

• BYOSF (Bring your own safe food): this is self-explanatory, but oh so important. It’s acceptable to ask guests to bring non-food items as well.

• Ship ahead: go ahead and use the post office, UPS or FedEx and send that allergy safe food ahead of time if you will be flying over the holidays and staying for an extended period of time.

• Start the trend: place ingredient lists on foods you serve at a party (or take to a party).

• Tag team to keep an eye on young ones: coordinate with other adults to closely supervise the children with food allergy.

• The rules: before arriving at the party, go over the rules with the children with food allergies including the “ask before you eat” policy. That way it is fresh in their minds!

All of us at Family Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care, wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season!