Retested For Food Allergies

Yesterday, I received the results of my Food Allergy tests. I was retesting after several years to see if any of my food allergies have changed. This is so important to make sure you are not developing new allergies and if you can add back food previously allergenic. Of course, my severe allergies have not improved. Those will be foods I will avoid for the rest of my life. They include wheat, gluten, and corn. I had several mild allergies improve, but that may be from not eating them for several years. I will add them back slowly to see how I feel. I have several new allergies that will now make me live a more Paleo lifestyle. I am now allergic to rice and oats, so now no grains at all. Unfortunately, I ate those as my carbs, and now, I will have to clean up my diet again to make sure I am not eating foods I am allergic to. Also, allergic to cocoa?!? Not fun! A piece of dark chocolate was a great and easy gluten free, corn free option for dessert when you need a sweet treat. I will have to regroup and find some alternatives.

I will be posting new recipes as I find them, but let me know if you have experience with the Paleo Diet. I would love to hear from you!

Suzie-uie Allergy Friendly Sweets

Found a new gluten free product while in Key West a couple of weeks ago! Suzie-uie Roundabout Brownie is free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, soy, msg, artificial ingredients, fish, shellfish, and sesame! I love how allergy free the product is, but how does it taste? Delicious! Most products taste like cardboard when all the "good stuff" is missing, but those of us with food allergies are limited. 

The brownie was super tasty and large in size. I recommend heating it up before eating! It was fudgy and had Dutch cocoa and a gluten free flour blend of rice, sorghum, tapioca, and potato. I found the brownie at Key West Key Lime Pie Co., but they can be found in other locations as well, mainly in New England, California, and Florida. I can't wait to try more of Suzie-uie's other items!

Susie-uie Allergy Friendly Sweets

EAT Update: Fresh First, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I blogged about Fresh First, a gluten free restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL this time last year. To read that blog post, go here. I returned there for lunch yesterday. Not sure if it was even still in business, we know how allergy free restaurants come and go, I was pleasantly surprised by my visit. Fresh First was bought two months ago by a sweet couple, Eliana and Tarso, both of whom have vast experience in the food industry. Neither are gluten free, but continue the mission of previous owners to provide great gluten free, corn free, peanut free, non-GMO food in a dedicated environment. Both are vegan and have added quite a few vegan options to the menu, like egg free mayo and tofu options. Many of the menu items are still the same, so your favorites are still available. Just a note, the north location of Fresh First has closed. 

I was greeted warmly by the staff as I entered, finding quite a few diners eating a late lunch at 2:30pm. A steady stream of patrons dined and grabbed takeout while I was there. I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich, usually a no-go option for me at most places due to my egg allergy. The egg free mayo is homemade and with the addition of celery, dill, and Granny Smith apples, the chicken salad was most delicious. The gluten free, corn free bread had a nice flavor with the addition of herbs mixed in. It has been over three years since I have had chicken salad that I or my mom have not made! The sandwich came with a side of red cabbage coleslaw, which had a nice little kick with the addition of cumin and of course, the vegan mayo. 

While chatting with Eliana, I could see her passion to provide safe meals for those with food allergies was strong. All menu items are made in-house, so inquiring about ingredients is not a problem. I was really excited to see that Eliana and her staff were much more personable and helpful than I had encountered in my previous visit under the old ownership, so I know the new ownership will do wonders for the business. I look forward to returning on my next trip to the area. Oh, and make sure to order the Quinoa Cupcake with Goat Cheese Frosting for dessert! Delish!

Fresh First

1637 SE 17th Street (Yacht District, near the Cruiseport)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.763.3344

http://www.freshfirst.com

Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm

Eat: Recipe: Gluten Free Corn Free Chicken Parmesan with Okra

Chicken Parmesan with Okra

Chicken Thighs

Chicken Breasts

Gluten Free Pasta Sauce (Marinara is best) (Watch for Vodka Sauce)

4C Gluten Free Bread Crumbs

Pillsbury Best Gluten Free Flour Blend

Onion (red or white)

Okra

Mozzarella

Parmesan Cheese

Olive Oil

Canola Oil (lots)

1.        Pound chicken into flat pieces as desired. 

2.       Mix bread crumbs and Pillsbury flour about 1/1 ratio

3.       Dry chicken with paper towels

4.       Rub chicken with breading mix to rejection (until it can’t hold anymore)

5.       Heat large skillet or pot with canola oil very hot

6.       Drop chicken into canola oil once hot (be careful)

7.       Cook 10 minutes or so (I recommend trying a small piece for optimal cooking)

8.       Remove chicken, empty oil, clean skillet. 

9.       Heat skillet over high heat, add splash olive oil.

10.   Put chicken into heated skillet, add mozzeralla on top of each piece.  Cook 3 min covered.

11.   Add pasta sauce on all – cook 5 min covered on low/med.

12.   Remove and serve hot! 

Okra:

1.        Cut okra and onions into slices and small pieces removing ends from both

2.       Skillet needs olive oil, garlic salt (optional), and med heat.

3.       Cook while cooking the above chicken, stirring regularly. 

4.       Add parmesan cheese 4 minutes before serving to ensure melt. 

 Serve two together. 

EAT: Recipe: Gluten Free, Corn Free Chicken Stew

Tonight's Gluten Free, Corn Free Dinner

2 Chicken Breasts
4 Chicken Thighs
1 Yellow Pepper, Diced
1 Green Pepper, Diced
1 Onion, Diced
1 Clove of Garlic, Diced
5 Strips of Cooked Bacon

1 Package of Queso Fresco
2 Tomatoes, Diced
1 Avocado, Diced

Simmer chicken, peppers, onion, garlic, and cooked bacon on Medium for 20 minutes. Add Queso Fresco to melt for 10 minutes. Serve with tomatoes and avocado.

Serves 4.

Need Corn Free Cough Drops?

It is flu season, you are sick, and coughing up a storm. The problem: you are corn free and basically every type of cough drops has some form of corn (corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, etc.). I found some pretty tasty corn free (and gluten free) cough drops at a Whole Foods in Florida called Olbas Lozenges.

Olbas Lozenges contain menthol and eucalyptus oil for a soothing effect. Suitable for those on a gluten free diet, low sugar diet, and vegetarian diet. They are also dye free. The Black Currant flavor mixes nicely with the menthol. They definitely calmed my sore throat and coughing spells during my last cold!

Being Sick Is So Corny!

It is that time of year again...flu season! Everyone hates getting sick, but what do you do if you are allergic to the medicine that is suppose to make you better?

For those of you who are allergic to corn, just about every over the counter medication contains corn, corn starch, or corn syrup. Cough syrup and cough drops have corn in them as well. Where do you turn for relief?

I found a delicious (is that really possible?!) cough syrup that is corn free at my local Whole Foods called Chestal Honey. It is corn free and wow, pretty tasty compared to those corny thick fake fruit flavored syrups we are all used to. It is also dye free, for those allergic to Yellow 5, Red 40, and others.

Look for an upcoming post about gluten free and corn free cough drops!

http://www.chestal.com/about/chestalhoney/

Eat: Fresh First, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Is is possible to stay in a hotel right next door to a cafe that is completely gluten free, corn free, peanut free and organic?!  Well, I did in Fort Lauderdale, FL when I found Fresh First in the Yacht District on SE 17th Street. Tucked away and hard to find, Fresh First offers dine in and takeout for breakfast and lunch. It also has another location on the north side of Fort Lauderdale on North Federal Hwy. 

Breakfast items included eggs, oatmeal, and waffles. Lunch consisted of sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and rice bowls. Fresh First even makes smoothies, and carries fresh juices, wine, and ciders.  

I stopped in on a Saturday morning around 9am to look for a snack to take with me on my cruise. The place was completely empty except for employees! There were five cruise ships leaving that day from the dock five minutes away from the restaurant, plus locals in the area. Perhaps Fort Lauderdale has early diners, but I found out that the restaurant opens daily at 8am. Asking if they just opened, I was told that they had been at the location for several years. The decor was nice and inviting, but I was surprised that there was not a display for muffins, cupcakes, cookies, take home items, etc. With no display (and no point of purchase opportunity so people can see something yummy and add it to their order), it is hard to decide what to order. Also, I found the staff to be unfriendly. One staff member just sitting down to her own breakfast, was curt and acted like I was an inconvenience.  

I ordered a Banana Nut Muffin and a Strawberry Quinoa Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting. Both were delicious! I love to be able to order a gluten free bakery item and not have to worry about corn (a common replacement of wheat flour). Only after I told the staff I was a blogger, did they oblige and take the above photo of the delicious pastry items of the day located on a rack in the kitchen.

I will be back in the Fort Lauderdale area in a couple of weeks and hope to stop back in to Fresh First. The items I tried were delicious, but I can't help but wonder if the lack of customers on a Saturday morning was due to a less than personable attitude of the staff.

Fresh First

1637 SE 17th Street (Yacht District across street from Cruiseport)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

954.763.3344

Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm

4520 North Federal Hwy

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.900.3705

Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

www.freshfirst.com

EAT: Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant, Orlando, FL

If you are in Orlando, FL, but want a break from Disney or are staying near the Orange County Convention Center for business, there are a ton of restaurant choices on International Drive. I checked several restaurants near my hotel, only to find either no gluten free menu or a gluten free menu with five items. I stopped in Don Pablo's, a Mexican food chain in 15 states, and found an extensive gluten free menu! 

I am always a little apprehensive with Mexican restaurants due to my corn allergy, but Amanda, the manager, came to the table, chatted with me about my allergies, and checked ingredients of the items I had questions about. She told me that the corn tortilla chips that are brought to the table when you arrive are not fried in a dedicated fryer and therefore could be contaminated. 

I decided on the Steak Fajitas with no tortillas. Amanda personally and promptly brought out the meal. The marinade on the chicken is not gluten free (soy sauce). The fritos (beans) and rice are gluten free, but the rice seasoning has cornstarch and therefore, is not corn free. The cheese that comes with the fajitas has cornstarch and is not corn free. The sour cream is Daisy brand and is gluten and corn free. The fajitas were tasty and the pico de gallo that comes with them had a nice flavor. I had a glass of wine with dinner and it was a generous pour for the price. 

I really appreciated Amanda's help to ensure I had as safe a meal as possible. With the fun, Mexican themed atmosphere and the offer of a free group photo to take home as a memory of the meal, Don Pablo's is a great family friendly option. The extensive gluten free menu allows options for those with food allergies. Be sure to check with the manager to ensure a safe meal. 

Don Pablo's

8717 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

407.354.1345

www.donpablos.com

Sierra Mist is Corny?!

I don't drink a lot of soft drinks, but in a pinch or when I needed something sweet, the only mainstream soda I felt safe drinking with my corn allergy was PepsiCo's Sierra Mist. Most other mainstream sodas and sports drinks contain high fructose corn syrup or corn derived maltodextrin. Sierra Mist was the only mainstream soft drink to be made with real sugar... until now. PepsiCo recently added Stevia to Sierra Mist. At first, I was disappointed, as Stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar and caused the new Sierra Mist to taste too sweet. Then, after having unexplained corn intolerance symptoms, I started thinking about Stevia and doing some research. Not even mentioning the nasty chemicals required to process this "natural" sweetener, it contains dextrose or maltodextrin, both corn derivatives. Seriously?? So much for the natural stevia plant that is good for you and better than sugar?!? The actual plant is ok, but be ready to grow your own or check store bought stevia ingredients carefully. 

What gluten free and corn free beverages are you drinking? I need some ideas!