Common Food Allergies - Solved

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As a chef who aims to please the palates of NYC's finest, it's a scary thought that 160 foods can cause allergic reactions in people with food allergies. However, the US Food and Drug Administration was able to narrow 8 "major food allergens" that account for 90 percent of food allergic reactions. In my ongoing quest to serve world-class meals that clients with food allergies can enjoy, I've learned a few tricks. Without compromising on taste or flavor, here are some very delicious alternatives to foods that can trigger most food allergy sufferers …

ALLERGY: Dairy:

milk and milk products (Lactose Intolerance)
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Soy, almond and rice milk products are great alternatives.

ALLERGY: Eggs: Eggs and egg products
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Arrow root or potato starch are great substitutes for eggs in baking.

ALLERGY: Shellfish: Shrimp, lobster, clams, mussels, snails and other seafood with shells
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Squid is a substitute with a similar chew feel.

Food Allergies: What You Need to Know

ALLERGY: Fish: Bass, flounder, cod and other seafood not in a shell
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Wakame seaweed provides that fresh "ocean" flavor.

ALLERGY:

Gluten:Wheat and wheat products (Celiac Intolerance)
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Using spelt pasta or rice are great substitutes.

ALLERGY: Tree Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds are delicious alternatives with a crunchy punch.

ALLERGY:

Peanuts
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD:Roasted soy nuts is a great substitute, and can can be turned into soy nut butter for spreading.

ALLERGY: Soy: Soy beans and soy products
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Almond, coconut and rice milk products are superb and tasty alternatives.

ALLERGY:

**Fruit: Kiwi, strawberries and other fruits
WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD: Wild honey or agave nectar are nice alternatives when you want to add some sweetness to your food. ** Note: Fruit is not on the FDA's list of "8 major allergens" but I have had many clients with serious fruit allergies so I find it important to address.


Two of my favorite recipes I've used to tantalize my clients while addressing a specific food allergy include:

For those who are lactose intolerant (suffer dairy allergy) …

Apple Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup

½ Cup All Purpose Flour
½ Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Egg
1 Granny Smith Apple
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 Cup Almond, Soy or Rice Milk
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Sugar
½ Tsp Salt
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 Cup Maple Syrup

Directions:

  1. In a small sauce pan, place the syrup and cinnamon stick and bring to low simmer. Remove from heat and let stand to infuse the syrup with cinnamon flavor.

  2. In a mixing bowl, place all of the dry ingredients and stir.

  3. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the milk and vegetable oil.

  4. Peel, core and cut apple into quarters. Grate the apple in a box grater (large slot)

  5. Add the grated apple into the dry mixture and toss gently (this will keep the apple pieces from all falling to the bottom)

  6. Add the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.

  7. In a medium, non-stick skillet, prepare pancakes.

  8. Serve with warm cinnamon syrup.

For those who are celiac intolerant (suffer gluten, wheat allergy)

Linguini with Provencal Sauce

1 Lb. of spelt pasta
6 Plum Tomatoes (cored and medium diced)
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Cloves Fresh Garlic
¾ Cup Calamata Olives (pitted)
1 Small Yellow Onion (small diced)
1 Tbsp Capers (drained)
4 Basil leaves (rough chop)
Salt
Pepper
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

  1. Bring 3 quarts of water to boil in a large stock pot.

  2. Salt the water (about 4 Tbsp).

  3. Cook spelt pasta as per directions on box.

  4. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until tender.

  5. Add the garlic, olives, capers and diced tomatoes and heat through for about 1 or 2 minutes and remove from heat.

  6. Add the basil leaves and salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Drain the pasta and place back into stock pot.

  8. Add the Provencal sauce and toss together.

  9. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese.

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