But I don't cook!

[leewd]

So, DD2 is allergic to milk, corn, wheat (mildly), pecans, and shelfish.

I've found recipes, but I really don't cook anymore.

Can I just buy wheat and corn-free bread?

I bought some "cheese" at Whole Foods, but it was really expensive and the Rice Cheeze is made with casein (: WTH?). Not to mention, DD2 wasn't to excited about it.

Are there any other non-cookers who have found a way to deal with food allergies?

Thanks!
--LEE

[WildIris]

This isn't what you want to hear (sorry), but I don't think it's possible to deal with all those allergies without learning how to cook. Just the corn allergy alone eliminates almost all processed foods, breads, canned goods, frozen goods, etc. I have a corn allergy and I make as much "from scratch" as possible.

[Benji'sMom]

A lot of those "dairy free" cheeses are really just lactose free, made for lactose intolerance, not useful for milk allergies. They still put caisen in them because it helps it melt nicely. But there are real milk-free cheeses, but they can be harder to find. Do you have a health food store around that sells food and not just vitamins? I'd look there, that's the only place i could find it. I don't recommend Galaxy brand because I think it tastes like sweaty socks. This might be better: http://www.followyourheart.com/Merch...tegory_Code=GC

I agree with WildIris, when you are dealing with multiple allergies it's harder to find allergy free food and it's really going to limit what he can eat if you never cook anything. Because practically everything prepackaged is made with corn syrup or corn oil, and many things have milk in them that don't really need to have milk in them, they just have it anyway. Plus they run different foods on the same equipment, so even if it doesn't have pecans in the product, there is still a chance of contamination with pecans, and that's an easy way for it to be contaminated with milk too. And just talk to the other moms here dealing with wheat free food, even though wheat-free products are becoming more available, it is outrageously expensive.

I think you would be able to find some prepackaged stuff, and you won't have to cook absolutely every meal, but you probably will have to end up cooking. Maybe this will help? http://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Safe-Co...6019053&sr=1-5

[Chinese Pistache]

I agree with the pps. It stinks, but it's true. Corn is the tough one when it comes to convenience. This blog lists corn free foods, but you still need to check them for you other allergens: http://corn-freefoods.blogspot.com/

[kjbrown92]

I had to learn to cook because of DS's allergies, and I'm actually thankful that I did. My kids think I'm such a good cook that they want me to open an allergy restaurant (not happening)! It's a far cry from the fishsticks I used to cook every night when I was first married. I have recipes that aren't very hard on my blog, that eliminate a lot of your foods. It's in my signature.
Kathy

[Ruthla]

If not for the corn allergy, you'd be able to use a lot of packaged gluten-free foods. Unfortunately, most of those contain corn in some form- usually as cornstarch, corn syrup, and/or cornmeal. It's easy enough to substitute potato starch in a recipe calling for cornstarch, but it's a huge problem with buying things ready made.

You can buy rice cakes and some rice crackers- just read the labels carefully for contamination or hidden ingredients. Since you need to avoid wheat, not all gluten, you can use wasa rye crisps and stuff like that. Dried fruits should be safe.

I can come up with a lot of snack-type foods you could buy ready made, but not main meals. Even a chicken roasted at the store may contain a corn derivative in the spices on it. I think you're going to have to learn how to cook.

[leewd]

That's what I thought.

I actually know how to cook. I just don't cook.

Once we started having kids (4 years ago . . . ), I started cooking less and less. I make a few things, but we rely pretty heavily on pre-packaged food.

Okay, the allergic one needs me. I have to cut this short. . .

I have been trying to use my bread machine more. Any wheat-free bread machine recipes out there?

Thanks!
--LEE

[Shelsi]

Corn is the worst. Is she really sensitive to corn or does she just need to avoid obvious corn? Do you have the big long list of ingredients that mean corn?

I have yet to find a safe corn free take out food and nothing prepackaged at all except spaghetti.

I was just avoiding corn for awhile but then discovered dd is allergic to a host of other things as well (wheat, eggs, oats, dairy, and avocado).

I learned to make everything at home. My bread machine finally got lots of use (be careful some yeast brands have corn contamination as does certain sugars), I learned to make my own marshmallows, mayonnaise, etc.

You might find some stuff through www.allergygrocer.com

[Shelsi]

Also I'd be careful of those cheeses one of the pp's linked. They all have "natural flavor" in them. Usually any sort of flavoring indicates corn.

[leewd]

She is most sensitive to: milk, pecans and shelfish.
The secondary sensitivities are: corn and wheat

The DR only said to really try to avoid milk and corn (since pecans and shelfish are not normal parts of our diet).

I'm not really sure how corn effects her. I had only identified dairy as a problem.

Right now, I'm still letting her have most anything we normally eat. I just won't buy anymore after it's gone. No more corn dogs, popcorn, etc. I'm also stearing her towards honey instead of syrup, and I have an easy ketchup recipe that I will try on Tuesday.

The latest bread I made was 1/4 Amaranth flour, so at least it's a "reduced wheat" recipe. Of course, she wouldn't eat it . . . She prefers squishy store-bought bread :

I'm thinking "quick breads" might be a better way to go. I don't know! I just really don't want to have to start cooking again.

But I am really wondering how she will change if I managed to get all of these things out of her system? Will she sleep better? Will she potty train? Will she magically learn her letters? (Okay, I'm just dreaming now )

And, no, I do not have a big long list of all the names for corn. Can you point me to one?

Thanks!
--LEE

[Chinese Pistache]

Originally Posted by leewd

She is most sensitive to: milk, pecans and shelfish.
The secondary sensitivities are: corn and wheat

The DR only said to really try to avoid milk and corn (since pecans and shelfish are not normal parts of our diet).

I'm not really sure how corn effects her. I had only identified dairy as a problem.

Right now, I'm still letting her have most anything we normally eat. I just won't buy anymore after it's gone. No more corn dogs, popcorn, etc. I'm also stearing her towards honey instead of syrup, and I have an easy ketchup recipe that I will try on Tuesday.

The latest bread I made was 1/4 Amaranth flour, so at least it's a "reduced wheat" recipe. Of course, she wouldn't eat it . . . She prefers squishy store-bought bread :

I'm thinking "quick breads" might be a better way to go. I don't know! I just really don't want to have to start cooking again.

But I am really wondering how she will change if I managed to get all of these things out of her system? Will she sleep better? Will she potty train? Will she magically learn her letters? (Okay, I'm just dreaming now )

And, no, I do not have a big long list of all the names for corn. Can you point me to one?

Thanks!
--LEE

This is the list: http://www.cornallergens.com/list/co...ergen-list.php

I'm sorry to say that "reduced" amounts of one's allergen won't work. Even lesser amounts trigger an immune response and keep the child from ever outgrowing the problem, if indeed they can outgrow it. Besides that, continuous exposure to food allergens can damage the child's gut leading to more health problems, and can escalate allergic reactions. With corn, you have to become a careful label reader and often, you need to call/email companies to clarify ingredients.

[matey]

I know cooking is not fun, I hate it. I would much rather go out to eat all the time...oh and I would also like to eat lots of ice cream. But if your little one is having problems I would think that is more important than your lack of desire to cook. I love pizza, but if a dairy allergy is confirmed, then that ooey-gooey cheese is out without a doubt.

I am just concerned that your perspective seems a little self-involved. Obviously you care and want to help, that is why you are asking questions. I think you will find that most of the mamas on here had to make some serious life style changes when allergies came into the picture.