Showing posts with label Oral Allergy Syndrome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oral Allergy Syndrome. Show all posts

Grandma's Cucumber Dill Pickles (Gluten Free Pickles!)



I'm re-posting this post from way back in 2013, since it's been one of my most popular recipes, and I thought some of you might enjoy re-visiting it!

 
My grandmother has always made amazing pickles. She would can them in enormous batches. I started helping my mother make them sometime around my 7th birthday, up until about 10 years ago when I moved out and my mother stopped making them and my grandmother got tired of cooking.

Well this year, after seeing buckets of little cucumbers at the farmers market, I decided to resurrect my grandmother's amazing dill pickle legacy. I called my mom back home in Canada and asked for the recipe.

And now I'm sharing it with you!


The Health Benefits of Cooked Vegetables + Raw Vegetable Allergies




Most people believe that raw foods are better for you than cooked ones. The basis of this is often bound up in myths of what people think constitutes our “natural diet”, particularly given the popularity in recent years of diets like the paleo diet and the raw food movement. The assumption is that, since fruit and vegetables are naturally in a raw state, and before the invention of fire our ancestors ate food raw, this is a more “natural” state, and therefore better, way to eat food.

That said, the average lifespan of someone in the Paleolithic period was about 33 yrs.[1]  You would have been lucky to make it to 40. Sure, some of them probably got eaten by saber toothed tigers and infant mortality was high and what-not, but diet was certainly not uniform around the world. What about the Inuit, who have survived mostly on whale blubber?

 

So is raw food really that much better for you? And, here’s what I really want to focus on:


What if you are allergic to raw fruit and vegetables? 


If you’re like me and have oral allergy syndrome and can’t eat certain fresh fruits and vegetables, you might be wondering if cooking, boiling or steaming destroys the nutrients in foods. You might be worried about eating a balanced diet if you’re allergic to most raw foods. 


The good news is that the nutrients in many vegetables actually improve with cooking, steaming, sauteing, and yes, even microwaving.

Now Available: Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies

 

Get it in print from:
or ask at your local bookstore if they can order it for you! 
 




If your lips, mouth or tongue have ever tingled after eating fresh fruits or vegetables, if wheat makes you wheeze, if soy makes you sick, or if nuts knock you out, there's a good chance you have oral allergy syndrome, a hay-fever related food allergy.

Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy syndrome, or food pollen allergy, occurs when people react to foods that are related to certain pollens. For example, if you're allergic to birch pollen, you may notice your lips tingle when you eat a fresh apple, peach, or almonds. If you're allergic to grass, ragweed or latex, you might find that kiwis, bananas, or tomatoes give you hives or belly aches.

If any of this applies to you, you'll want to read this book, the most comprehensive resource on oral allergy syndrome to date.

Scrap Stew Two: Apple Cinnamon Cabbage Stew

Free of corn, gluten, eggs, nuts, soy, dairy, Vegan friendly option


I hope everyone had a wonderful and allergy-free Halloween!! Hubby and I had stayed in on Thursday night and had a scary movie and martini marathon. I concocted a chocolate basil martini that was pretty awesome, and as a result have decided to brew basil infused vodka to experiment with more.

So in keeping with the borderline fall weather and my frugal inclinations, I'm featuring another scrap veggie stew this week. Last week I shared my Cannelini Bean & Swiss Chard Stem Stew, made from fridge scraps, and this Apple Cinnamon Stew / Soup is made along the same veins, but this time was based around two slightly wrinkled organic apples I found in the back of the fridge!

Apples in stew = crazy, right? But I'm allergic to raw apples, thanks to Oral Allergy Syndrome, and I couldn't let those expensive organic apples go to waste (hubby bought them to make himself smoothies but then forgot about them). It turned out great, and I will definitely make it again.  The apples lend a touch of unexpected sweetness and this one-pot dinner makes for a great way to clean out the fridge and make a healthy, frugal meal.


An Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook {update}







Get it now: Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Indigo * Or ask at your local bookstore!


If your lips, mouth or tongue have ever tingled after eating fresh fruits or vegetables, if wheat makes you wheeze, if soy makes you sick, or if nuts knock you out, there's a good chance you have oral allergy syndrome, a hay-fever related food allergy.

Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy syndrome, or food pollen allergy, occurs when people react to foods that are related to certain pollens. For example, if you're allergic to birch pollen, you may notice your lips tingle when you eat a fresh apple, peach, or almonds. If you're allergic to grass, ragweed or latex, you might find that kiwis, bananas, or tomatoes give you hives or belly aches.

If any of this applies to you, you'll want to read this book, the most comprehensive resource on oral allergy syndrome to date.


Gluten Free Watermelon Pudding + Melon Allergies & Oral Allergy Syndrome

Pudding is free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, eggs, corn and sugar




Watermelon has left the building! 

I realize I'm behind on posting this. Most people have moved on from watermelon and summer fruit to pureeing and preserving pumpkins. I searched the farmers market in vain this weekend for more watermelon. But just over a week ago I shared a super frugal recipe for Watermelon Rind Soup, and I promised I would share another cooked watermelon recipe.

So this week I'm posting this funky pink pudding - Sicilian style. If you look hard enough, you can probably still find some watermelon so you can enjoy this on a sunny fall day.


Gluten Free Cooked Watermelon Rind Soup: the health benefits of watermelon rind, OAS melon allergies & saving $$!

Free of gluten, eggs, dairy, nuts, soy, seafood, corn



Holy smokes is this ever cool! This soup is more than a quadruple threat -it's super frugal, it's easy, it's healthy, it's tasty, AND it's a safer way for people with oral allergy syndrome related melon allergies to eat watermelon! (i.e. me)

And if you hurry, you can probably still pick up some watermelon from your local farmers market to try this out!


More Random Photos for the Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook and a Big Thanks!!



Phew! It's gettin' there. The Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook is coming along and it's definitely close to being ready to go to publication.

Thank you so much to those of you who have emailed me, written messages/comments of enthusiasm and support or passed on the info for the book to friends! It means so very much to me to know that people are looking forward to this book. I hope it helps some of you find healthy, safe foods to eat and at the very least provide more knowledge about OAS than you can readily find anywhere else in one place right now!

Today I'm sharing a few more photos from some of the recent photoshoots to hopefully whet your appetites and let you see a little more of what you can expect from the book!


Random photos from this past week's photoshoots for the OAS Cookbook (a week of gluten free cooking)

Tenerumi Soup (Italian Squash Leaf Soup)

Photoshoots for my Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook  have been ongoing this past week. Luckily, unlike last week where photos were focused more on baked goods and breakfasts with things like Chocolate Crepes and Cantaloupe Coffee Cake, this week's shoots were focused more on salads and vegetable based main courses.


So from Squash Leaf Soup and Shroom-less Veggie Pot Pie to Thai Salad and Chocolate Applesauce Cake, I'm sharing some photos from the past week's cooking!

Update: The book, Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies is now available. Clicking the title will take you to the Amazon.com page where you can order your copy and find the recipes for the photos on this post!

Random photos from this past week's photoshoots for the OAS Cookbook


Gluten & Soy Free Asian Noodle Soup


One of the upsides of writing a cookbook is that you get cook and test recipes that you love!

Conversely, one of the downsides is that in the madness to take a bazillion photos there is tons of food in the house. Being as frugal as I am, I can't let food from these photoshoots go to waste...!

With all this food around, I'm seriously in danger of my hips gaining back all that I trimmed off before going to Greece last month!

Check out some of the photos below to see what I've been nibbling on this week, as well as a sneak preview of some of the recipes for my upcoming Oral Allergy Syndrome book.

Update: The book, Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies is now available. Clicking the title will take you to the Amazon.com page where you can order your copy and find the recipes for the photos on this post!

Chilled Pear Soup - Photoshoot for the Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook


Chilled Pear Soup #1

I'm so thrilled to share these photos for my upcoming Oral Allergy Syndrome cookbook, and not just because I FINALLY got to use my Grandmother's tea cups in a photoshoot (I love these cups!). This Chilled Pear Soup is so refreshing, and works well as an appetizer OR a dessert. But I need your opinion...


New Food and Pollen Allergy Charts, plus a Food Allergy Diary!



If you haven't been over to the Oral Allergy Syndrome page for awhile you might want to know that there have been a few minor changes, and some new charts! I've added 2 new versions of an Oral Allergy Syndrome Food Chart (1 with both pollens and foods, another with just a list of OAS related foods), and 1 brand new Food Allergy Diary to help determine food allergies.


The charts come with links to downloadable, printable versions that you can print out and use to highlight or fill in, as needed. I'm sharing them here on this announcement, but you can always find them at their more permanent home on the Oral Allergy Syndrome page.


OAS Cookbook Photoshoot - Fruit Popsicles for Fresh Fruit Allergies


"Rocket Pops" made from fruit purees

One of the necessary steps in putting together the Oral Allergy Syndrome cookbook due for publication later this summer is, of course, photos!!  And since it's definitely popsicle weather it's the perfect time for a popsicle photoshoot!!

This shoot included 2 types of fruit popsicles that I'm super excited about because they incorporate both cooked fruit purees and fruit that is OAS-friendly, so they're an easy, tasty way for people with fresh fruit allergies to get more fruit. Especially if you're trying to get kids with oral allergy syndrome to get more fruit.

My husband in particular was a fan of this shoot, since it meant that he got to eat lots of leftover popsicles on a hot afternoon :)


Herbed Tuna Pasta Salad (Cold Meals for Hot Summer Days)


Free of gluten, corn, dairy, eggs, nuts and soy


Happy Day after Canada Day! In case you missed it, this weekend I shared a post on Canadian Food that some of you might get a kick out of.

It was so hot the past 2 weeks that I was in Greece that I was *almost* looking forward to a typical rainy day in Vancouver, BC.

Of course, now that I'm back in British Columbia the heat is breaking records!

And who wants to cook over a hot stove in a fiery kitchen?! This tuna pasta salad concoction is one of our favorite hot weather meals. It's super healthy, fast, only requires turning on the stove for literally 5 minutes (yes, you can cook noodles by only turning on the stove for 5 minutes), and is delicious and refreshing.


Photoshoot for the Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook: Wheat / Gluten Free Asparagus & Asiago Flatbread


Tonight I'm in the process of packing and prepping to head to Greece on Wednesday for two weeks, so my dear hubby can do some research there (he's working on medieval landscape and environmental history).  

But I thought I'd leave you a little something before I go: some photos from a recent photo shoot for my upcoming book, Recipes for Oral Allergy Syndrome a cookbook for fresh fruit and vegetable allergies. This wheat & gluten free asparagus flat bread is crazy tasty, and every time I make it I end up eating half a pan's worth in one sitting!  

The Makings of an Oral Allergy Syndrome Cookbook: Recipes for Oral Allergy Syndrome


http://www.amazon.com/Living-Oral-Allergy-Syndrome-Meat-Free/dp/0992080207/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403047418&sr=1-1&keywords=living+with+oral+allergy+syndrome



UPDATE:  Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies is now available. 

Get it in print from: Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Barnes & Noble * Indigo * Black Bond Books * or ask at your local bookstore!


In the early stages of the book I had asked readers for input so that you all could get the most out of this book. That's what this post was originally about. It's been updated somewhat to reflect that the book is now available.

Below, you can check out some of the updates I made as the book was in the process of being researched and recipes were tested and photographed. You'll also find an outline of the first two chapters of the book, as well as links to photos of the recipes, as well as some other articles on OAS.


 I thank you all for your comments here and elsewhere on the blog, as well as your emails. It's helped to guide this book and I hope you'll find it useful!

*** 

Why am I writing a book on Oral Allergy Syndrome?

 

Two reasons:  I myself had to struggle for many years, first to discover the cause of my numerous physical ailments and then to learn to manage it. I've spent years researching every article and published study I can find on it. Most people don't have the resources, time or ability to do this and by putting my findings into plain English I hope that this book will help others avoid some of the frustration and suffering I had to undergo.

Secondly, oral allergy syndrome is THE leading cause of food allergies and people need to be aware of that. I hope this book raises awareness and prompts more research on OAS to help determine a solution of sorts, or at least a greater understanding and awareness. I would like to assure people: "no, you are not crazy for thinking you are allergic to lettuce or apples or that almonds make your tongue feel, well, fuzzy, and you aren't just making it up to get attention!" 


What will does the book contain?


The topics have been determined by my own curiosity about OAS, as well as the many, many questions and comments I've received on my Oral Allergy Syndrome page.  If you'd like to know more, or want to see something I haven't listed here, please let me know in the comments section below!

The simple outline for the first two chapters (approx 40 pages of info!) is as such: 



Introduction: Oral Allergy Syndrome as the leading cause of food allergies 
Statistics and basics of OAS

Chapter 1: Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome (a.k.a. Pollen-Food Allergy)

* What is oral allergy syndrome? (a detailed explanation)
* What types of food are associated with OAS?
* How does the cross-reaction work?
* Diagnosis of OAS
* Is there treatment for OAS?
* What causes OAS and Allergies? 
* Potential factors and aggravations for allergies
* Potential preventative measures and treatments
* Guidelines and tips for managing OAS
* Tips for managing seasonal allergies
* Food-dependent, exercise induced anaphylaxis
* Managing cosmetic use
* Tips for eating out

      
Chapter 2: Cooking for OAS

* Treating Fruits and Veggies for Safer Consumption
* Various Types of Wheat Allergies vs Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance
* Charts with hidden sources of allergens
* Snacking Suggestions for OAS
* Basic Meal Suggestions for OAS

Plus 6 Chapters of recipes that include everything from Breakfasts and Baked Goods to Main Courses and Desserts!



As a sampler, you can check out some photo shoots for the book here:


Random Photos from Photo shoots for the OAS Cookbook
More Random Photos from Photo shoots for the OAS Cookbook

Chilled Pear Soup
Fruit Popsicles (Rocket Pops and Purple Popsicles)


If you'd like to see some of my research and writing on OAS, you can check out these posts:


Allergic to Lettuce?!
Oral Allergy Syndrome, Wheat Allergies & Your Cosmetics
Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergies, Oral Allergy Syndrome & Sprouted Grains
The Oral Allergy Syndrome Page



And don't forget

 

Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies  

 

is now available. 


Get your copy today from: Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Barnes & Noble * Indigo * Black Bond Books * or ask at your local bookstore!

 

 

This post was shared on the following great link parties: Waste Not Want Not, From the Farm Blog Hop, 

Easy, Versatile Gluten Free Soy Free Stir Fry Recipe

Free of gluten, soy, nuts and dairy

Gluten and Soy Free Asparagus and Shrimp Stir Fry
This soy and gluten free stir fry is my go-to dinner on nights when I don't feel like spending time in the kitchen, or when I'm in a rush. It takes 20 minutes from start to finish.

The bonus is that it's one of our favorite dinners, not only because it tastes great, but because it's fast and there are so few dishes to clean afterwards! Also, it's super versatile so I can use whatever veggies, shrimp or chicken that happen to be kicking around in the fridge


Farmers Market Spinach & Vegetable Omelette

Free of gluten, dairy, soy and nuts


I'm a crazy breakfast person! My husband knows that even when we're traveling I absolutely need my breakfast or else I will be cranky, headache-y and downright nasty. For me personally, I don't consider it a breakfast unless there's eggs in it! I realize not everyone holds this opinion, but that's just  the way I've always been.

So I figured a big veggie omellete was a great way to make use of some of the spinach I picked up at the farmers market a couple of weeks ago.


Brie Baked in Gluten Free Pie Dough with Apple Pear Compote

Free of gluten, eggs, soy, nuts and sugar


Awhile ago my friend and I went out for dinner and drooled over a particular menu item, baked brie with fresh fruit for dipping. Well since I have oral allergy syndrome and am allergic to most fresh fruit, we skipped it, but I vowed to make us baked brie another day.  

Lo and behold, as I searched around I found that many people actually bake brie in pie crust! I'm a fan of edible bowls and such (less dishes, yay!) so we went ahead and made it with GF pie dough and an apple-pear compote (I can have cooked fruit, just not fresh) and grapes for dipping.  

The result?  We ate the whole gorgeous, decadent, rich, gooey, flaky round of brie for dinner, using slices of pie dough to scoop it up! 

Gluten Free Blue, Organic Cornmeal Salsa Bread (and using coarsely ground cornmeal)

Winter Locavore #4: Using organic, local cornmeal

Free of gluten, soy, nuts, eggs, sugar and dairy



This is pretty cool.  Not only is blue cornmeal absolutely gorgeous and just neat all around, but this salsa bread was sweet and savory and I seriously can't stop eating it!!

You don't need to use blue cornmeal for this, but it does add a nifty purple hue to the inside of the bread that contrasts beautifully with the bright orange top. 

In the process of playing around with this cornmeal, I learned some things about using both blue and yellow coarsely ground corn meal that might be useful for others.