What's a great allergy-safe food to bring to a party?
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As long as there's no corn allergy involved, you can make/bring egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free puffed rice treats (a la Rice Krispies treats). I use this recipe: http://thefoodallergychronicles.wordpress.com/tag/dairy-free-rice-krispie-treats/
I use these substitutions, however:
Earth Balance Soy-Free Natural Buttery Spread:
http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/#/products/soy-free/
Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal (Gluten Free, Organic):
http://www.attunefoods.com/products/Erewhon/erewhon-crispy-brown-rice-gluten-free-cereals
You can cut them into fun shapes and coat them in allergy-safe frosting to jazz them up!
I like making a fruit salad with bright colours and bite sized pieces.
Blueberries
Cut strawberries (as long as there are no strawberry allergies... can use raspberries if they're better)
Cut green grapes
Watermelon cut into stars with a small cookie cutter
Healthy: Fruit Salad! It's so pretty, especially when it's in a glass bowl. :) Cubed watermelon, honeydew, canteloupe, pineapple, strawberries and blueberries.
Not so healthy: I also love to make chocolates. Take a cookie sheet and line it with wax paper. Melt Enjoy Life chocolate until creamy and pour it into the cookie sheet. Take raisins, craisins, sunflower seeds, marshmallows and any allergy free snackies and drop them on top of the chocolate mixture. Allow it to set in the fridge then break it up into pieces. YUM!
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Chaya - commented on Aug 5, 2012
There are recipes for these that have spinach in them. It won't make them healthy, but far healthier
I usually have a habit of bringing something snacky and some type of dessert. If I am going to someone's home, I also try to bring foods that can be easily picked up by every one. My favorite easy pick food is homemade guacamole with cut up veggies, Glutano gluten free pretzel sticks and some type of rice chip or crackers. The recipe I use for the guacamole is:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1 small onion (diced) or 2 tbls. minced, dehydrated onion
1 garlic clove (minced) or 2 tbls. garlic powder
1 ripe tomato
2 tbls. olive oil
1 lime
Sea salt & pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Chill in the fridge until ready to use. The dip will turn brown so it's best to prepare it the day it will be served.
For a dessert, I have had great success with Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free Brownie Mix or Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. If I make either, I add 1 (4 oz) cinnamon applesauce and only half of the oil. Both of these mixes are easy to make and have a really good consistency. My favorite easy, chocolate pick food is "Rockyless Rocky Road Candy" from Enjoy Life Foods. It is allergy-friendly and it's addictive! Their recipe is:
1 (6 oz) box Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Cups Enjoy Life Crispy Rice or Flax Cereal
1 (10 oz) bag Enjoy Life chocolate chips
1 Tbls. oil
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment or wax paper. Cut each chocolate chip cookie into 9 pieces Melt the chocolate chips.
In a large bowl, combine cookies and cereal. Add the melted chocolate and combine gently with a spatula. When the mixture is completely coated, place into the pan. Pat mixture evenly and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Remove from the pan and cut into squares.
Fruit skewers are a fun one (as long as the kids are not too young)!
Brownies if I have time to make them. I use this recipe: http://maidinak.com/2011/02/10/melt-in-your-mouth-valentines-day-brownies/.
If I don't have time to make anything, we will usually swing by the store and grab a bag of Pamela's Simplebites Mini Cookies - the Ginger Mini Snapz are the only flavor that works with our allergies. :)
Everyone loves cookies at a party. It will be no surprise that we always bring HomeFree cookies! I started HomeFree because of watching my son with food allergies watching everyone else eating treats, especially at parties. Now everyone including him enjoy the same healthy, delicious cookies together!
Fried chicken--gluten free of course! Whenever I bring fried chicken to a party it is always the most popular item on the buffet! The great thing about my fried chicken is you can prepare it early in the day --leave it at room temperature and bring it to the party for dinner. Also--fried chicken is a versatile dish which works for almost every occasion. --think of 4th of July--fried chicken, homemade potato salad and corn on the cob. Or Superbowl Sunday--fried chicken, chili and guacamole. Fried chicken even works for a Halloween party buffet, pot luck dinner, long air plane ride, picnic lunch or a birthday party!
People go crazy for this easy and divine classic--make it gluten free!
www.glutenfreeguy.com
I like to bring an unusual salad -- something with a unique dressing and some funky toppings. I think most people tend to eat the same type of salad frequently at home, so it's a nice treat to try a new recipe at a party. I served a fun kale salad with a tahini lemon dressing recently to some visiting relatives, and they never knew that they'd been eating allergy-free :)
Hummus!!! It's a great dip and kids LOVE to dip things. You can pair it with your favorite safe veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or pita bread. It opens up a lot of possibilities. You can even flavor it with almost anything you like. You can't go wrong.
Potato salad made with earthbalance butter or spectrum eggless mayo
You can go wrong with fruits dip in Enjoylife chocolate chunks.
Organic Hot dogs / mini hamburgers/mini meat balls with some salad.
Bake apples, Sunbutter cookies, Sunbutter cups....So many yummy options.
Kale Chips - super healthy and kids love them.
There are many more food allergies than nuts, strawberries and gluten. I for one have an allergy to all citrus fruits, beans, peas, nuts, berries and chocolate. Any ideas for an allergy safe food to bring to a party that I will be attending?
Ask your friends what they or their children are allergic to. My daughter and I are allergic to artificial sweetners, we can avoid the diet sodas. We have several people in my church who are gluten free, so I make a point of bring foods that are by definition, gluten free. I bake the chicken myself, using a recipe that doesn't call for flour, or use other than wheat flour, If I bring something with peanut butter, I label it as such, but I ask first
There really is no allergy-safe food. Somewhere, there is someone allergic to almost any food you can imagine. If you know the group attending the party and know the food allergies, that makes it SO much easier! If you don't know the group, my best advice is to ask the host or hostess. They may know what food allergies are issues at the party. It never hurts to ask. It's always best NOT to try to make homemade food or bake, because cross-contamination can present problems too.
At our elementary school, it seems fruit works for most people. We have so many food allergic kids at school, but grapes, watermelon, and a few other fruits seem to work well. Yes, there certainly are fruit allergies too, but based on my experience, they comprise a smaller percentage of the population than other food allergies. Another go-to snack which has worked well at our school is Pirate's Booty and Smartfood, though this obviously is a no-go for corn allergies.
Please don't feel bad if your party food won't work for everyone. Just trying to include everyone is so kind. If the food is safe for everyone, wonderful! If not, please remember those of us managing food allergies really do appreciate your consideration and thoughtfulness. We don't expect people to conform to our dietary restrictions, but the thought is such a nice gesture.
Roasted Corn, Avocado and Black Bean Salsa Dip
http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/06/roasted-corn-avocado-and-black-bean-salsa.html
My Roasted Veggie Salad is always a huge hit at parties and potlucks! It's simple to make, delish to eat, and the colors are eye-catching! There aren't leftovers when this salad goes with me to a party... and the best part is it's super-healthy and versatile!
http://www.glutenfreegigi.com/1/post/2011/11/a-gluten-free-gigi-how-to-the-perfect-gluten-free-dish-for-every-holiday-party-or-potluck.html
I would bring a fruit tray or a vege tray with dips. They come all ready made up or you could buy the stuff & make you'r own... :) ♥ xo
I agree with everyone about the fruit,but also maybe raw veggies and dip. Maybe things for make your own items like mini pizzas for example.
Peanuts and popcorn are a must.
I try to bring things my food allergic-son would enjoy eating to ensure there's at least ONE thing he can eat at the party. I often opt to bring an item from the category that is least likely to otherwise be safe for him: typically, that's dessert! Finger foods are always a hit at parties, so I like bringing Caramel Apple Oatmeal cookies (recipe at http://shmallergy.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/caramel-apple-oatmeal-cookies/) or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies (http://shmallergy.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-who-needs-eggs/). Something familiar with a twist is always popular!
The best allergy-safe foods to bring to a party is anything that isn't a food. That's the God's honest truth. Last year for my daughter's birthday and for some "just because" parties we threw, I held it either after lunch or after dinner because it was difficult managing everyone's specific allergies who were invited. Therefore, we omitted the food element and concentrated on the fun!
For the birthday, we had cake but I contacted all the parents of kids who had food allergies that were attending and went through their list of allergens and provided the allergy-friendly bakery's info I was using. I wanted the parents to feel comfortable with the baker or I would be happy to accommodate them in other ways. The owner of the bakery has a child with a severe peanut allergy and uses dedicated equipment. We included everyone.
If my daughter was going to a party, she will usually bring safe foods (snacks, lunch etc) and cake. I usually discuss this ahead of time with the parents throwing the party. We also discuss non-food allergens like cats etc. My daughter has a wonderful friend who's family threw a birthday party for and ONLY included foods my daughter could eat. The mom went as far as contacting the allergen-friendly baker I used for her own daughter's cake. Her daughter does not have any allergies. She insisted even after I said it's not necessary. She responded, "Your child is our guest, and as the host, we accommodate our guests". I wish more people could have the same outlook as this wonderful mom!
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Sandra - commented on Mar 7, 2012
I don't always have only allergen-free foods, if being around the allergen isn't a trigger, but that's only because the special foods are more expensive. However, I always make sure that the child with the allergy is eating as close as possible to the other kids so they don't feel left out. I'll start with the special menu and work backwards. For example, my oldest friend has celiac and her son has dairy issues, so the food needs to be dairy & gluten free. Then if the menu has pieces that are too expensive to make for everybody, such as brownies, which can be purchased individually or in tiny pans, but are a fortune either way, I'll buy enough for his family to have a few generous servings, then make regular brownies that are as close as possible to his brownies for everybody else. Honestly, none of the kids ever cares when I serve gf food to them, but my budget just can't always pull it off. And yes. I agree with your friend. That's basic hospitality. Saying "Come to my party but you need to bring your own food" is rude unless it's a potluck.
Our favorite treats to bring are mini cupcakes, Fudgy Buttons (bite size Sunbutter chocolate fudge), No Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies or any cookie Jazzy wants to bring. If we are short on time, Oreos, Lorna Doone Shortbread and Vienna Fingers are egg, dairy and nut free.
Oreos are a great standby. They are free of many major allergens. Although there is a picture of milk on the box, there is no milk in the original version of the cookie. They are free of nuts, egg, and milk.
My go-to is either allergy-free cupcakes or cookies. If it's hot, then cookies, since frosting melts, but if it's cool, then absolutely, cupcakes! Anything that doesn't require a plate is good. The following recipe for Allergy-Free Cupcakes is great for any season, just frost with the appropriate colors.
http://www.cybelepascal.com/?p=2612
pinterest has so many ideas for fun ways to "decorate" your food - even turning a basic veggie tray into a work of art, to make it more festive & visually appealing.
Sometimes the simplest foods are indeed the best. A great party snack is a simple hummus with corn chips. One of my favorite corn chips are the olive chips by Foods Should Taste Good.
Be sure to check the labels of the hummus and the chips you use to ensure there are no food allergens!
For a sweet, gluten free hemp seed cookies are always a hit: http://ohmahdeehness.wordpress.com/2011/08/07/gluten-free-hually juemp-seed-wedding-cookie-recipe-photos/
I like this three bean salad because it makes a large portion:
http://ohmahdeehness.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/three-bean-salad-recipe/
We usually just bring food for ourselves if we attend parties but serve allergy friendly foods exclusively at parties we host.
Homemade fudge is always a hit - whether you have allergies or not. It is very easy to make on short notice, combines 4 simple ingredients (coconut oil, honey, gluten-free vanilla extract and cocoa powder) and avoids all major allergens. I share my favorite recipe here:
http://shanonhilton.blogspot.com/2011/08/recipe-saskatoon-berry-fudge.html
I bring gluten-free brownies or cookies, or a black bean corn salsa with tortilla chips (which is gluten, dairy, egg, soy free)
I often bring cupcakes of some sort. Our favorite for the fall season is a rendition of Moist Halloween Muffins from the The Food Allergy News Cookbook. I add 20 ounces of crushed pineapple rather than 8 ounces and they are awesome! The pumpkin and pineapple combination are delightful.
I also add crumb topping! My kids and their friends ask for them over and over again.
It's a great way for my kids to show off that their 'muffins' are just as good if not BETTER than some of their friends.
http://smartallergy.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-pineapple-muffins-for-holidays.html
For super easy, we bring Tofutti's Mini Ice Cream sandwiches or a So Delicious Sorbet! These are always a hit and it's ususally something different for many other kids.
one of my favorite things to bring along to parties is trader joe's dried, lightly salted green beans. who knew they taste EXACTLY like kettle corn popcorn?! without the unhealthy oil and GMO corn, though. completely allergy-friendly, even my top 8 plus corn, most beans and sesame allergic pre-schooler can eat these to his heart's content!
my 2nd favorite item is root vegetable chips by la terra, available at whole foods and most health food stores. bright and festive in unusual colors and shapes, these lightly sea-salted bits of beets, yucca and other root veggies are completely delicious and addictive - bring a couple bags as they always go quick! the best part is the peace of mind in knowing there are no allergens or GMO's in this healthy snack either, right down to the sea salt used on them.
Some favorites that we have brought along with us that always get gobbled up....
Watermelon cake. Slice a watermelon in half. Slice again so the largest round part of the watermelon can form the bottom of the "cake". Make two more layers and scewer them together so you have a three layer cake. Then we chop the rest of the watermelon into chuncks and skewer them with other cut fruit and grapes and stick them in the layers. Here is one example http://www.wellfedhomestead.com/celebrate-birthdays-the-gaps-way-part-2 but be creative!!
We also like to bring popcorn. I make it using coconut iol on toop of the stove. When it is done, I sprinkle it with sea salt and nutritional yeast. Yum!!
Cashew mayo and veggies is also a big hit. I get requests for this dish all the time for family gathering. Friends at homeschool coops we are involved with all seem to cozy up a little closer to me around me when I bring this for our lunch. I always bring plenty to share! You can get that recipe at http://crunchybits.net/2010/02/02/mayo-madness/ . Pair this with favorite veggies and my favorite, apples!!
For dessert, try some easy to make fudgy fun shapes. Here http://goneraw.com/recipe/fudgey-friendly-bat is a great halloween one. It is so easy with just dates and cacoa mixed together. You can use various cookie cutters to fit the gathering you are bringing them to. Kids love them and honestly, you will find the adults sneeking 'just one more' a few times as well.
Have fun and happy party going!!
Sioux and Sabrrina
www.crunchybits.net
I usually bring a dessert...the favorite, number one, simple, best loved dessert is....the humble chocolate chip cookie!
Fruit and vegetables are usually the top picks that would be allergy safe for everyone. But my kids also love popcorn. A hot air popcorn machine and a bag of organic popcorn are a great thing to bring to a party! Kids love watching the popcorn pop so it's food and entertainment.
We've become addicted to frozen banana pops! We keep them in the freezer and have them for afterschool snacks. Chop good-sized bananas into three pieces, stick skewers in the ends (use wire cutters to cut bamboo skewers to more manageable lengths) place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and freeze.
Once frozen, you can dip in or drizzle with Enjoy Life Chocolate (dairy and soy free) chips and sprinkle with coconut or decorative sprinkles (snow flakes would be cute!).
Keep frozen until ready to serve. Stick skewers in a tall-ish, narrow bowl of rice (makes a great stand).
Anything that is easy to pick up and eat! I like to make allergy-friendly mini-muffins, power bars, 'raw 'truffles', cookies, and quick breads to bring along. It is very easy to make these extremely healthy with lots of added nutrition, and kids always gobble them up! Now it is very easy to find all sorts of recipes for these things through all the mom food-allergy bloggers out there (1000's of us!). Just type in allergy-safe or gluten free, etc, before whichever recipe you hunt for!
My go to sweet treat is gluten free, dairy free rice crispy treats. We have started using them for our birthday cakes now too.
I always think fruit is good, especially for kids because they usually love it and it is usually a safe and healthy treat for everyone. I know at school parties the kids love edible arrangements (although they can get quite pricy) and popsicles are always a good healthy treat.
We also love guacamole (dinosaur dip) with allergy friendly chips.
My family likes to bring tortilla wraps (corn and flour) as a party snack. We mix cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies, ground pepper, and lime juice. Then place mixture in a tortilla, roll the tortilla, cut in half, and chill for at least two hours.
I always set aside some of our allergy-friendly food to keep with me to serve my family rather than serving them from the plate I brought that is often placed next to allergen-filled dishes. It's just a little extra insurance to keep your family safe from cross contamination. :)
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