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http://prezi.com/vijzkbnuh6lz/early-childhood-parent-comittee-food-allergy-presentation/ 

Dear all,

I felt terrible when I heard a seven year old child lost her life due to a preventable food allergy reaction. After the shock a parent from my son's class and I decided to talk about this in our preschool. We did a presentation on January 18.

We talked about how important it is to raise awareness and to create supportive communities. Policies and action plans are must haves but individuals are the ones who implement them...We talked to a group of about twenty parents. We only asked for ten minutes of their time, they all gave us their utmost attention, empathy and sincere concern. We received great suggestions. Questions, recommendations from other parents and the underlying tone was so very well received. Revisions and allergy awareness starting at open houses were underway before I left the room:)

More than 12 million people have food allergies and the numbers are rising. Raising awareness, creating supportive communities are key to prevent a severe allergic reaction from happening. I would like to share the link so that every one can view and share the presentation. I relied on FAAN's web site to put the presentation together and the facts and numbers were an eye opener and helped to get the attention of every parent in the room.

Be a pal, click the link, learn the facts, share the link:

http://prezi.com/vijzkbnuh6lz/early-childhood-parent-comittee-food-allergy-presentation/

Thank you,


Ayse

To eat, or not to eat

This quote by Steven Brust sums it up: "...once you allow yourself to recognize necessity, you find two things: One you find your options so restricted that the only course of action is obvious, and, two, that a great sense of freedom comes with the decision."

I did not get what the fuss was about cakes...For me a warm slice of rustic apple pie served with vanilla ice cream, a chunk of good quality chocolate or a piece of walnut baklava would be a tasteful ending for a nice gathering. I honestly did not like frosting and all the fancy decorations do not make the cake taste any better so cakes were never an important part of the menu for me...Not until my son started attending birthday parties.


Sarp knew what things he can or cannot eat from an early age. He did not protest his minimal options at parties which were pretzels and carrots. Cake was a no no for him due to eggs, nuts, tree nuts and dairy... All the things he is highly allergic to.


Birthday parties should be about fun and friendship not about being left out! So this year we celebrated Sarp's birthday with heavily frosted chocolate cupcakes. Yes, I had my share too and honestly after that big portion I devoured now I need to go on a defrosting diet.

Kids really enjoyed decorating their own cupcakes and were very proud of their individual designs. They also loved the Safari themed birthday cake. Check out the photos and you might be able to tell apart the soccer playing bears, bears wishing on the wishing star, worm farm and even bears hugging on a snowy day:)

Million thanks for those who are working for allergy awareness and also to those who help spread the great recipes!


I used to think we had so little options but now things are getting better...

Searching Vegan Birthday Cake Recipe

My dairy, egg white, tree nut and nut allergic son is turning four in a day. I have been searching for a basic birthday cake recipe. No need to search further. I have found what I am looking for. We will be baking this  today and share the outcome later:) Thanks to the Food Allergy Mama Kelly Rudnicki for her sensible, easy to prepare recipes!

Enjoy

So what do you do when things go unexpected? It is my nature to expect things go my way and if not what?

My five year old daughter got sick and as a result we spent the whole winter break indoors with fever, coughing, restless and as a family sleep deprived. Acceptance is a big word and a gift at times...

Now that she is recovering from her cold she enjoyed some snacks...Baby carrots bundled up in celery sticks with humus and cherry tomatoes.

Let's all enjoy what is ahead of us...

Happy New Year,

Ayse

“Too much is as bad as too little.”

I watched the film "The Nun's Story" on TV last weekend. The film is about the real life of a Belgian Nun- Sister Luke ( Audrey Hepburn) who serves as a nurse in the Belgian Congo and then has a crisis of faith when World War II breaks out.

Cooking gives me a chance to take a break, take a breath and think about the highlights of the day. This film was the highlight of the week for me! I do not consider myself religious but I must admit I found the conflicts in the film very thought provoking especially the ones about humility, pride, inner struggle, obedience...Audrey Hepburn was striking in her role as Sister Luke.

Sister Luke subjects herself to the rules of religion, including interior silent and excessive humbleness and humiliation. I doubt my abilities on those qualities but I would love to share some of the quotes from the film and a humble recipe follows...

“Too much is as bad as too little.”

“Only as your prides slowly crumble will you get the first glimpse of humility.”

“Somehow, we’re all protected from full realization.”

“You must learn to accept with love whatever comes to you.”

“Tension is a sign of an exhausting inner struggle.”

“Do good and disappear.”

Melemen- a humble veggie omelet

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup diced onions 

1 cup diced peppers

1 cup diced tomatoes

4 eggs

pepper, salt

Add olive oil on a nonstick pan, on medium high heat saute onions till translucent, add peppers, saute for five minutes, add the tomatoes and saute for another five minutes. Crack your eggs on the sauteed veggies, cover and cook for five minutes or until the eggs are not runny. Salt and pepper to taste, cumin optional. Enjoy! 

Baking with Martha Stewart ;)

Baking with Martha Stewart ;)

I am very happy that food allergies are getting mainstream attention! Way to go Kelly Rudnicki!

Click here for Rudnicki's Molasses cookie recipe and video at Martha Stewart show.

Ginger Vegetable Soup

I call this "Asian inspired everything goes with it soup". You name it the way you prefer! Take this as a a budget friendly travel to India and may be far east? through your kitchen.

Our family favorite lately, this soup is ready in minutes, warm and healthy!

Boil some water in a sauce pan or in a kettle. Get your soup pot on the stove on medium heat.  Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to your pot, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cumin or curry powder and give them a stir for about 15 seconds.  Mince 2-3 cloves of  garlic and 1 teaspoon of  fresh ginger, add them to the pot. Add 1 cup of diced carrots,  1 cup of mushrooms ( I had shitake and portabella).  Cover the ingredients with boiling water. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to boiling. Add 1/3 lbs pasta to your liking. Follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package. Turn the heat off, last but not least add some baby spinach leaves to your soup.

Get your biggest soup bowl:) and serve immediately. Beware delicious.