[laurhob]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself to this board as I will probably be frequenting it now- my almost two year old son was recently diagnosed as having a peanut allergy. My name is Lauren and my son's name is Ursul. I look forward to getting to know you ladies and gleaning some advice from you. I've been a bit down in the dumps since the dreaded diagnosis was made. Right now I just want to know, does it get easier to relax with a potentially life threatening allergy looming over your child's head? I just feel like I want to avoid play dates and parties all together from here on out, but I don't want my son to be a bubble boy, KWIM? How do you find balance?

[Adriana's Mommy]

Hi there.. I'm Melissa and my 2 year old has allergies as well.. Honestly, it is hard.. You'll find yourself looking at labels and avoiding restaurants. But it does get easier once you have a routine down.

How I find balance? Lot fresh fruits/veggies and cook home made meals. I avoid prepared meals and can soup, easy seasoning packets, etc.. When we go out to restaurants, I bring snacks and food with me for him to eat. I just don't give him any kinds of sweet foods like cookies,etc.. I have lots of fruits to replace those. I'm a bit depressed about a birthday cake.. I'm at a loss on what to do.. My son has a long list of allergies and food sensitivities, trying to find a cake recipe free from Gluten, Egg, Cocoanut, Soy, Oats, Milk, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Almonds..

[laurhob]

Hi Melissa! Nice to "meet" you

I don't envy you having to find a cake recipe without all those things! I am gluten free myself and I have trouble with cakes and baked goods with just the gluten issue. I will say that recently I discovered a line of gluten free flours called Maninis- they are pretty great IMO. Have you tried baking with lard? It's nice because it adds a bit of lightness to baked goods, kind of counteracts the heaviness of gluten free flours. Also, and this might sound weird, have you ever seen a recipe for chocolate avocado frosting? I've tried it and it's awesome, waaaay better than it sounds! Just throwing out some ideas for ya, good luck!

[Adriana's Mommy]

Hi Lauren.

Thank you so much for the info.. I haven't done any baking just yet. Last time I tried to make Potato cakes with Garbanzo bean flour.. They were like bricks and tasted awful.. lol >.< I will have to keep the lard in mind when I get brave enough to bake again. I'd love to have the recipe for the Avacado frosting. I would love to try it out before my son's birthday.

I haven't seen the brand Maninis in my area, but lots of Namaste Foods. I noticed they have a chocolate cake recipe. I wonder if it will be okay to use egg replacement with the mix..

[i3ai3ydanny]

Melissa-Could you use a gluten free pancake mix, add cocoa powder and sugar to the mix and make a few pancakes then stack them like a small layer cake? That is what I did with Danny before he was taken off all foods and put on Elecare Jr. He LOVED them. You can use enjoy life chocolate chips and rice milk (or whatever milk sub you use) and heat the milk to just below boiling then add the chips. I think it is 1 part milk to 2 parts chips. It was super yummy and Danny's favorite cake.