Kids love snacks. While these unhealthy commercial products are a problem for any child, they pose a special danger when kids have food allergies, since nearly all supermarket treats contain dairy, eggs, wheat (gluten), soy, peanuts, or tree nuts—the six key foods that cause over 80 percent of all food allergies. To help parents gain some control, Judi and Shari Zucker have written The Ultimate Allergy-Free Snack Cookbook, a collection of over one hundred nutritious and delicious allergen-free treats.

The book begins by looking at food allergy basics. This is followed by a complete recipe section of both sweet and savory treats, including Party Snacks, Travel Treats, Lunch Box Snacks, and Sport Snacks. Throughout, you will find useful tips and suggestions to help make it easier to prepare healthful snacks and introduce them to your kids.

No parent wants to say “no” when their child asks for an mid-morning or afternoon snack. With over one hundred natural, healthful, tasty treats to choose from, not only will you say “yes” to your child, but you’ll feel good about it.

Judi and Shari Zucker both graduated from the University of California in Santa Barbara, each majoring in Ergonomics—the study of human physiology, physical education, and nutrition. Fondly dubbed the “Double Energy Twins,” they have made it their mission to teach children and adults the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to being interviewed on numerous radio and TV shows, Judi and Shari have lectured on the topic of health and nutrition throughout the United States. They are the authors of four titles, including their bestseller, The Double Energy Diet. Currently, both authors live in the Santa Barbara area with their families.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

 1. Food Allergies--A Growing Concern

 2. Stocking the Kitchen

 3. Salsas Dips and Chips

 4. Cookies and Dessert Bars

 5. Muffins and Sweet Treats

 6. Cooked Delights    

 7. Smoothies Spritzers and Juice Drinks

Metric Conversion T

Resources

Index

"First-time bakers and cooks will appreciate the fact that esoteric and arcance ingredients are kept to a minumum, and those new to dealing with a family member's diagnosis will find the Zuckers' insight into dealing with allergies to be a welcome resource." 

"Their guide is useful for parents who want to protect their kids from allergic reactions--and avoid junk food, too. You'll learn a lot: how potentially dangerous peanut protein can be in enchilada sauce, or that soy can be in herbal teas or sprayed on produce to make it shiny." 

"[This book] will prove welcome by the more than twelve million people diagnosed with food allergy problems . . . contains more than a hundred kid-friendly recipes that will satisfy their love of snacks and provide a healthy alternative."

Introduction

There is no question that the number of children developing food allergies is growing, and strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent a reaction. This increase in food allergies has given rise to a growing number of commercial products that are becoming readily available on store shelves. Initially, this may appear to be a good thing. The problem is that while these products may be allergen-free, they are often short on nutrition. Commercially made crackers, chips, trail mixes, energy bars, cookies, and other baked goods tend to be highly processed and loaded with sugar, salt, trans fats, preservatives, food colorings, and other undesirable ingredients. So what’s the solution? How can you provide your child with snacks that are not only appealing, but also nutritionally sound?

The Ultimate Allergy-Free Snack Cookbook is designed to help. It provides over 100 vegetarian recipes that are free of eggs, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish—the most common allergenic foods according to the current assessment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recipes are also free of gluten and refined white sugar. As an added bonus, the snacks are wholesome, natural, and nutritious—high in whole grains, rich in fiber, and low in calories. Best of all, they are simple to make. In fact, you’ll be delighted to see just how easy it is to prepare tantalizing snacks that fill kids up in a healthy way.

Of course, even the most nutritious foods won’t benefit your kids unless they eat them. That’s why the following chapters are jam packed with kid-favorite snack choices—cookies, muffins, brownies, chips, dips, pizza, puddings, mini burgers, sorbets, smoothies, and more. But this book is not just about recipes. It also offers helpful information and support for anyone living with an allergic family. There are guidelines for setting up an allergen-free kitchen, instructions on how to read food labels, and tips for avoiding cross-contamination of allergenic ingredients. A comprehensive table provides ingredient options for a number of common food allergens. With it, you can easily adjust most recipes to suit the particular needs of your child. Peppered throughout the book you’ll find a number of “Just for Fun” entries. These entries cover a variety of “snack-time” subjects, such as creative ways to serve snacks, ideas for party snacks, and kid-involved “snacktivities” that any child is sure to enjoy. This really is the ultimate snack cookbook!

It doesn’t matter if the snackin’ good choices in this book are enjoyed as lunchbox goodies, after-school treats, or party fare, your child is going to look forward to all of them. And it doesn’t matter which of the top allergenic foods affect your child, nor does it matter if the allergy is mild or severe—he or she can enjoy all of the snacks in this book without fear of a reaction. Low in fat and calories, yet high in flavor, these snacks are not just for kids with allergies. They can be enjoyed by everyone!