tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444353906688146042024-02-20T11:43:54.248-08:00Peanut PatrolCrazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-55557405073981518762010-11-25T06:01:00.000-08:002010-11-25T06:13:45.545-08:00Granola Bar RecallQuaker Canada had issued a recall on certain Quaker brand Chewy Granola Bar value packs. Read more about it <a href="http://http//www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/quaker-recalls-chewy-granola-bars-value-packs-on-peanut-fears/article1812887/">here. </a>Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-48075382726751046522010-11-18T10:16:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:24:19.682-08:00Montana's ReduxWe did end up checking out Montana's for dinner a couple of weeks ago, and felt like the experience was a positive one for us. As soon as we met with the hostess, I explained <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> allergy and asked to see the allergen-chart for the menu items. I had already checked it out closely (at work!) and knew exactly what I was going to order for myself and had picked two nut-safe options for DJ. both of which I knew he would enjoy. I find that looking at the allergen chart before hitting a restaurant is the best way to reduce stress. I can take my time looking at the chart solo, without tending to interruptions from my sweet preschooler. That way, I'm sure not to miss anything. Still, I checked the chart again, and made sure to discuss the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">situation</span> with the waitress, who assured me she would pass on the information to those working in the kitchen.<br /><br />Years ago, the food snob in me would have shunned eating at Montana's. But now, we're happy to have options like this available to us. The best part was that the restaurant even offers a peanut-free dessert - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">individually</span> wrapped, peanut-free bear claw cookies. That DJ would be able to eat dessert in a restaurant (even though we didn't that night) is something rare indeed. Most of the time now, I don't even bother looking at the desserts on the assumption they won't be safe.<br /><br />By the way, a reader was kind enough to send in the allergen chart of Kelsey's that I wasn't able to find online. Clearly, I didn't look hard enough. Still, after taking an initial look at it, we'll still be taking a pass. There are simply to many menu items that contain actual peanuts and nuts. Given the possibility of cross-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">contamination</span>, the risks at Kelsey's simply seem to high.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-3721062174917930352010-11-05T07:57:00.000-07:002010-11-05T08:02:10.742-07:00Montana'sWe're both starting to itch to get out of the house more, now that the weather has turned and eating on the deck every night is 'off the table.' That's got me checking out allergen info at chain restaurants again, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">brushing</span> up on potential possibilities. <a href="http://www.montanas.ca/pdf/nutrition.pdf">Montana's</a> has a comprehensive allergen chart, and very few items with either peanuts or nuts. Everything on the kids dinner menu looks safe, and there are even a few desserts DJ could try. We may try it out tonight. Will blog more later.<br /><br />To note - I couldn't find any allergen info for Canyon Creek or Red Lobster. I called the Red Lobster guest enquiry line and was greeted by a voice-mail telling me there was a department meeting and to leave my name and number. Right...like they're actually going to get back to me. As for Kelsey's I found their allergen warning non-informative and on the verge of insulting, like they simply can't be bothered. Then screw em!Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-10483127060741947442010-11-03T11:50:00.001-07:002010-11-03T11:53:55.760-07:00PeabutterI spotted <a href="http://www.peabutter.ca/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">NoNuts</span> Golden <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peabutter</span></a> at a local Metro <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yesterday</span>, excited at the thought of yet another potential peanut butter substitute. Both my hub and I tried it on our favourite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">pb</span> conduit...toasted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">English</span> muffins. Even with a healthy dollop of blueberry jam to 'juicy' it up, we both found it a bit try and agreed we both like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Soya</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sunbutter</span> better. Still, it's great to be able to find an alternative without having to make the trek to Wholefoods. I really wish the big chains would start carrying it.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-64769853281815164932010-11-01T12:02:00.001-07:002010-11-01T12:04:38.513-07:00Peanuts and PregnancyI ate tons of peanut butter when I was pregnant. I craved it constantly, and ate it several times a week. I've often guiltily wondered if my consumption played any role in DJ's peanut allergy. According to this article in the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/11/01/women-who-eat-peanuts-durning-pregnancy-may-increse-risk-for-child-allergy/">Post</a>, maybe. Great. Nothing like a little maternal guilt to start the week.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-47887015928255316682010-11-01T07:06:00.001-07:002010-11-01T07:15:43.838-07:00A Happy HalloweenLuckily, another Happy Halloween with no nut-related allergy problems. DJ was pumped to hit our street and canvas for candy. With both <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">epi</span>-pens and a cell handy, we headed out. After last year, we both felt pretty confident there wouldn't be any real issues as long we were careful. After coming home with a full bag of loot, we emptied the entire contents onto the kitchen table - away from DJ and sort it into two buckets - safe and not safe. The not safe bucket went on top of the fridge until DJ was tucked safely into bed for the evening. Then, we mowed down on a load of peanut butter cups, crispy crunch, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">wunderbar</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">o'henry's</span> while watching a scary flick. I was particularly paranoid about dropping a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">reese's</span> piece on the couch, but didn't. And once we were done, it was great to see all of the wrappers into the garbage and out the door, knowing there's now no chance any of the contraband will fall into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> hands.<br /><br />One thing we did that that surprised me: a pack full of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">unshelled</span> peanuts. I know not everyone goes out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> way to buy peanut free, but peanuts? Really?<br /><br />Also sort of disappointing was to see neighbors that just last year, went out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> way to ensure they had nut free treats for DJ drop peanut butter cups into his bag. I've said before I don't expect my kids peanut allergy to be on top of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every one's</span> mind, so it wasn't like I was surprised. At the same time, it just reinforces that not everyone remembers and that reminding people about it is in your best safety interests.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-57924055267454340462010-10-29T12:05:00.000-07:002010-10-29T12:09:45.530-07:00Handling Halloween SafelyAlot of my co-workers, knowing about DJ's allergy, have asked if he'll be allowed to trick or treat this year. I'm telling them what I keep telling myself; that as long we don't allow him to eat anything before we get home, check and separate the safe from the not safe treats, I don't see any reason why not. Halloween has got to be one of the funnest holidays for kids, and there is no way I want DJ to miss it. I do think, in years to come, we may have to develop strategies to ensure he doesn't feel burnt when we have to take away some of his candy. But at this stage, I'm sure he'll be happy enough to simply go door to door in his super-cute fireman costume, collecting candy.<br /><br />One thing we will do to try to minimze any potential dangers is to watch what goes into this bag in the first place so we can pull dangerous items out right away; one of us will be carrying a 'not safe' bag for that.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-20013508832366057322010-10-26T10:46:00.000-07:002010-10-26T10:48:49.831-07:00Raisinet Recall<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205804.php">Nestle</a> is recalling its Raisinet's in the U.S., citing undeclared peanuts. Given the peanut counterpart, I had always assumed Raisinets were off the table, so to speak and have never even looked at the packaging. Still, this serves as a reminder that even the biggest food companies can get it wrong.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-26436896067700348972010-10-20T07:20:00.000-07:002010-10-20T07:30:24.917-07:00Feild Trip Fumble - Or Overprotective mom?There's an article in the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/mothers-outrage-makes-school-trips-latest-front-in-the-nut-free-fight/article1764499/">Globe and Mail </a>today about a mom outraged by teachers eating almonds in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> cabin at night during a school trip she attended to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chaperon</span> her 13-year old peanut-allergic son.<br /><br />Admittedly, I often side with the parent of the allergic child when I read articles like this. But in this case, I think the mom is off base. The teachers were in thier own cabin, after the kids were in bed. That means the risk of cross contamination with her son should have been extremely limited. Presumably, all of those teachers would wake up in the morning, brush thier teeth and shower, eliminating any unlikley traces of nut. Furthermore, it's not like teachers have close physical contact with thier students, so again, the risk of cross-contamination is low. To call them out on thier actions seems pretty harsh to me. Furthermore, it sets up the situation where everyone thinks that parents of allergic children are over-protective of thier kids and want everyone to bend to thier way of thinking. I'm sure the comments section of the Globe will be filled with the usual rants.<br /><br />Not to mention, this kid was 13, and his mom was chaperoning him. I sincerely hope that by that age, DJ will understand his allergy and be responsible enough to know what he can and can't eat, and that he will be able to attend events like this, like any other normal kid - without his mom.<br /><br />Personally, I would be more annoyed that the teachers were drinking on the job.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-81009012955608763932010-10-19T06:18:00.000-07:002010-10-19T06:21:04.857-07:00Bread Spread BattleAfter trying Safe4School <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wowbutter</span>, my husband and I debated which is better: it, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sunbutter</span>. While I love the both the crunch and roasted flavour of the sunflower seeds in S<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">unbutter</span>, I'm not crazy about how dry it is. On the other hand, I feel like the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wowbutter</span> has a bit of an aftertaste.<br /><br />Still, I came down on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wowbutter's</span> side. So did my hub. Where do you stand? Take the poll and let me know!Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-52545510388362690402010-10-18T08:45:00.000-07:002010-10-18T08:51:38.493-07:00Safe4School WowbutterI often check the bread spreads section in hopes they[ll start stocking safe butters like soy or sunflower seed. Much to my delight, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ValuMart</span> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lakeshore</span> has started carrying <a href="http://www.soybutter.com/">Safe4school <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wowbutter</span></a>!<br /><br />Given its similarity in to peanut butter though, I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">wo</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ndering</span> how kids would be able to take it to school without prompting allergy concerns. Check out the safe school <a href="http://www.soybutter.com/safe4school-letter.html">procedure section </a>of the website for details on how to send your kid to school with this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tasty</span> soy butter; it includes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">down loadable</span> sheets to send to school with your child and even a label template you can affix to lunches to ensure school staff know you're eating safe.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-78086571204753434682010-09-30T13:40:00.001-07:002010-09-30T13:42:08.751-07:00Girl Guide CookiesGirl Guide Cookies are <a href="http://www.girlguides.ca/cookie_faq#8">nut free! </a>A friend recently came around with her two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">daughters</span>, selling them. We were happy to be able to pick up - and subsequently devour - two packs of the chocolate mint ones.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-56190539521446873602010-09-29T12:26:00.000-07:002010-09-29T12:30:06.730-07:00Allergies and BullyingI just read this disheartening <a href="http://http//www.parentcentral.ca/parent/familyhealth/children">article </a>on The Toronto Star's website about how kids with allergies are often the subject of bullying.<br /><br />With just one year to go until DJ enters the school system, I'm definitely worried about issues like this. Part of me is concerned that DJ will be marginalized socially because of his allergy. Kids can be cruel and anything that makes you stand out can be reason enough to taunt. While kids will be kids, we're going to be sure to help DJ understand how to deal with this type of thing. Just not sure how yet...Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-12155150360070858132010-08-27T07:58:00.000-07:002010-08-27T08:07:30.817-07:00Take-out TalkWith summer in full swing, I've been to busy to blog, but a conversation with DJ last night is still sitting heavy on my mind. Normally we all eat dinner together, but last night, I fed DJ separately, thinking my hub and I would order in some forbidden Chinese food after he was in bed.<br /><br />Well, DJ woke up when the doorbell rang and started in. I went up to comfort him when he asked if we had ordered pizza in. I said no - Chinese. Can I try some? No, I'm sorry you can't. It has peanuts. He looked sort of bewildered and asked if that meant we would get sick if he tried it. Of course, I had to say yes. Then he started whimpering that he too was hungry and wanted something to eat.<br /><br />I grabbed him a drinking yogurt, and came back upstairs, where I tried to explain that the Chinese food was a treat for Daddy and I. He seemed okay with it - especially after I promised we would order pizza tonight and that he could have his own dipping sauce (man that kid loves sauce!).<br /><br />Still, the whole experience left me feeling sort of crappy.<br /><br />Along those same lines, DJ attended his first birthday party last week. It was a success, with no reaction and he had a great time, but the lead up was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awkward</span> for both of us; me, trying to feel out the mom on the menu and DJ for anxiety that he wouldn't be able to eat the birthday cake.<br /><br />While he may be a bit young for me to throw the idea out there that he may not be able to eat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everything</span> at the party, I wanted to prepare him ahead of time to avoid any toddler meltdowns.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-77816480194449819972010-08-09T09:43:00.001-07:002010-08-09T09:52:19.556-07:00Lake LessonsBack from another fun trip to the lake and happy to report no incidences with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> peanut allergy. There were definitely a couple of (potential) close calls, which just reminded me that we've got to stay vigilant.<br /><br />The first was when Paul, the quasi-director of the lake we're on stopped by with his truck. DJ loves that truck, and was asking all week if Paul was going to bring it. He was hoping to sit in it, which he's done many, many times since we've been going to the lake for three years now. This time, however, before I popped him in, I saw a grocery bag on the front seat. I didn't want to snoop, but asked Paul's daughter if there was anything potentially dangerous to DJ (knowing full well he would likely rummage through it if left to his own devices). Indeed, there was a bag of open cashews, half eaten. I explained to DJ why he couldn't sit in the truck, and he seemed fine with it.<br /><br />Which reminds me...it looks like the lessons we've been teaching DJ are paying off. Several times in the last couple of weeks he's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">questioned</span> both Rick and I when we give him food, asking "is it peanut-free/" I know he still doesn't know what that means exactly, but at least he's aware and learning.<br /><br />As for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Storyland</span>, we didn't make it there. I never heard back from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">company</span> asking for clarification about their distribution line, which was disappointing, although that's not why we didn't go. Simply didn't have enough time, so hopefully next month.<br /><br />I'd <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">encourage</span> everyone to read the somewhat nasty comment, posted of course, by someone anonymous, ripping me for complaining about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Storyland</span>. Maybe an over-reaction on my part, yet, but at the same time, the company never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">answered</span> my original question. I sincerely hope that anonymous email didn't originate from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">company</span> itself, but my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">spidey</span> senses are tingling.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-36112549245821753192010-07-22T10:21:00.000-07:002010-07-22T10:24:31.526-07:00Dangerous PrankIt's pranks like <a href="http://www.wmur.com/news/24352233/detail.html">this</a> that scare the hell out of me. What could someone be thinking? While it may have seemed like a funny idea, it's dangerous and could potentially put someone into a life-threatening situation. It's also a reason to carry the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">epi</span>-pen, no matter where you're going or what you plan on doing, even if you're not planning on eating.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-87444777730948744542010-07-15T08:38:00.001-07:002010-07-15T08:44:49.194-07:00Storyland AMusement Park ResponseWell...here it is: the response from Storyland Amusement Park. This is the type of reply that I really sort of hate.<br /><br />_________________<br /><br /><br />Hi<br /><br />Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee peanut free foods at the park. While most of our packaging may read that it does not contain peanuts, we like to tell customers that we can't promise a peanut free zone based on our distribution line.<br /><br />However, we welcome picnic lunches! Your hand stamp allows you to keep your coolers and bags in your vehicle, and you can retrive them at any time.<br /><br />I hope this helps and we hope to see you this summer.<br /><br />___________________<br /><br />No...actually that doesn't help. What does 'distribution line' mean? And I didn't ask that they guarantee a peanut-free zone but if one specific restaurant within the park would be considered safe. I get that restaurants like to cover thier ass, but once in a while it would be really nice if they would just answer questions concisely. In my opinion, that's a disappointing answer.<br /><br />If the Middle of the Hill Grill offers five items, and none of them come in packaging that suggests any peanut or nut contamination, then there shouldn't be a problem. If one of them does (like say for instance, a burger) then say so. As in "one of the items we serve at this location has nuts or may contain them, so we can't guarantee...etc" Calling out a 'distribution line' means absolutely nothing to me.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-21287884254105979922010-07-13T10:39:00.001-07:002010-07-13T10:42:14.583-07:00Storyland Amusement ParkDJ is really ripe for a visit to the <a href="http://www.storyland.ca/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Storyland</span> Amusement Park</a>. Since it's just a hop, skip and quick drive from our lake, we're hoping to spend a day there. I've contacted the company to ask about the potential for eating at the Middle of the Hill Grill.<br /><br />I know it's unlikely we'll be able to take part in any of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">desserty</span> items offered in other areas of the park, but with most cooked meats and packaged buns usually safe for consumption, I'm hoping this will be a go.<br /><br />I'll let you know what I hear back.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-49296492821663245022010-07-11T18:39:00.000-07:002010-07-12T06:12:35.319-07:00Weekend Round-UpWith my husband up at the lake - hoping to get up a bathroom before summer vacation rolls around - I was left to my own devices this weekend. <div><br /></div><div>DJ is loving the company of other little kids, so I made sure to hook up lots of fun activities. Now that he's older, and is getting more social, I can see that the rules of keeping him safe are changing quickly and that we are going to have to be diligent when we're in new situations so that there aren't any problems. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, we headed up to friend's in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Unionville</span> for a swim. After, with both tots hungry and impatient for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">BBQ'd</span> chicken burgers to be ready, my friend offered DJ a fruit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">popsicle</span>. Even though it seems unlikely something ice-based with fruit juice would have nuts, I was immediately concerned because I consider all frozen desserts to most likely be unsafe; I've only found a couple that are okay (like some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chapmans</span> ice-cream). I asked my friend to see the box; sure enough, they came with the 'may contain warning.' I had to tell DJ he couldn't have the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">popsicle</span>. Admittedly, he was upset, and started crying, but got over it quickly when he was offered a juice box. BTW...I also asked a few questions about the grill, like if they ever <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span> anything with a nutty marinade, like satay sauce. In the end, I considered it safe, and let DJ eat food from their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span>. He loved the chicken burger!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have mentioned to my husband that I think we should get our own small portable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span> for similar situations. Particularly after another recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span> outing, where chicken satay was served up (yeah...nice). In that situation, I clearly didn't remind my friend blatantly enough about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> allergies. I sort of thought they would remember (my mistake). They didn't, and it made for a fun but tense evening on our part, since clearly we were concerned. In the end, I didn't allow him to eat anything that had been on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span>, and asked that his corn be boiled instead of grilled. It really did drive home that cooking surfaces can be contaminated to start. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways I'm rambling...more to come. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-16787419352022630292010-07-09T20:37:00.000-07:002010-07-09T20:41:32.998-07:00SunButter PollI love sun butter; love its roasted yummy goodness. I hate that it's so hard to find. Whole Foods is the only place I've tracked it down. And it's pricey too! At $7.00 for a small jar, I never end stocking up as much as I think I'm going to. Considering how fattening it is, maybe that's a good thing. <div><br /></div><div>Anyways, had some tonight on a crisply toasted whole wheat english muffin; one half with honey, the other with strawberry jam. I think I liked the jam better. Plain is too hard core for me. I've got to cut it with some sort of spread! </div><div><br /></div><div>What is your favourite way to eat SunButter? Take my poll!</div>Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-86398858938120872482010-07-09T11:16:00.001-07:002010-07-09T11:22:31.853-07:00An Epi-Pen ExperimentWith the weather in Toronto sizzling over the last week, I've been concerned about the health of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">epi</span>-pens. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Their</span> temperature range is somewhat limited; that is, they can't get too hot, or too cold.<br /><br />Normally, they sit on our kitchen counter. I like to keep them both handy and visible, so it's easier to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">remember</span> them when leaving the house. But with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">humidex</span> making it feel like it's hotter than hell (really, hotter than 40), I've been worried that the pens will spoil. Apparently, an 'off' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">epi</span>-pen will look discolored. I've checked <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> and they look normal to me, but I'm sort of wondering just how discolored they get.<br /><br />I'm going to try a little experiment. We have two expired <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">epi</span>-pens that we've been waiting to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">administer</span> to an orange. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">allergist</span> suggested we do so to get a feel for really administering the pen, instead of just using the practice one. Before I do that, I'm going to let them simmer in our car for a couple of days to see if they really do turn colour to indicate spoilage.<br /><br />I'll post pictures of a car-baked pen beside one that's been sitting on our kitchen counter once the experiment is over. And then, we'll get that orange out.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-13514707648509674372010-07-08T06:12:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:26:18.597-07:00Bad Wolf BBQHere's the response from Bad Wolf BBQ:<br /><br />Thank you for your interest in Bad Wolf BBQ; we hope to see you at the Toronto <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ribfest</span>!<br /><br />There are no peanuts of other nut products used in our ribs, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bbq</span> sauce, chicken coleslaw or beans. Our cornbread, however, while not containing nuts itself was nevertheless made in a facility which uses nuts in other products.<br /><br />I hope this is sufficient information for your requirements.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.badwolfbbq.com/">http://www.badwolfbbq.com/</a><br /><br />Based on that response, I would feel fairly comfortable letting DJ try food - except for the cornbread - from the Bad Wolf BBQ stand.<br /><br />And again - a shout out to any company that actually gets back to me.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-55887690358059336022010-07-06T11:46:00.000-07:002010-07-06T11:55:45.710-07:00DBV Gets FDA Go-Ahead<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DBV</span> Technologies has got the go ahead from the U.S. FDA to start clinical trials on its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">VIASKIN</span> Peanut product for the desensitization to peanut allergy. Here's the <a href="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/clinical-trial-peanut-allergy,1371546.html">release. </a><br /><br />Basically, the company is working to develop a non-invasive method to treat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">IgE</span> mediated food allergies, like peanut allergy. The product looks like a smokers patch; the principal of its use is to maintain an allergen on the skin of an allergic subject for repeated and prolonged periods in order to achieve clinical desensitization.<br /><br />There's more information on the trial <a href="http://www.dbv-technologies.com/viaskin-peanut.asp">here</a> with contact info for those looking to delve further.<br /><br />While the clinical trial process can take time and there are no guarantee of positive results, it's studies like these that give me hope that a cure for this allergy will be found. Wouldn't that be awesome!Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-22322958188215206792010-07-06T05:58:00.000-07:002010-07-06T13:47:58.669-07:00Ribfest Feedback - Horn DawgsI forgot Horn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dawgs</span> on my list of ribbers that I contacted for the Toronto <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ribfest</span>. Here's their response:<br /><br />Thank you very much for your e-mail. Our sauce does not contain peanut or tree nut nor do we use any nut oil in our cooking however, we do have a manufacturer that prepares our sauce for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">us thus</span> we cannot guarantee that in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">e processing</span> it has not come into contact <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">with</span> nut products.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing you at the Toronto <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ribfest</span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.horndawgsbbq.com/">http://www.horndawgsbbq.com/</a><br /><br />Based on our general house rules for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">DJ's</span> nut allergy, we wouldn't have tried these. At the same time, I really appreciate the company getting back to me. Some didn't.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944435390668814604.post-5558264780044382412010-07-05T19:32:00.000-07:002010-07-05T19:33:37.015-07:00Found it!I found the missing hummous! It was at the back of the fridge and ate it for lunch.Crazy Nut Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326223502760025116noreply@blogger.com0