Soy

Seeing as my Mikey has an allergy to whey, or milk, we drink nothing but soy milk in the house. Tastes pretty similar to me plus I don't want to ever make the mistake of reaching for whole milk while cooking his dinner. But, recently I ordered a pizza with soy cheese thinking it was o.k. Apparently not. We bought some soy cheese from Whole Foods and the ingredients listed that there is added milk fat or casein. Why would they do this? Apparently all soy cheeses have added milk by-products. I thought soy was supposed to be a good alternative to milk for those who are allergic. Beware! Just because it says "soy," doesn't mean its safe.

Health

Ever been in a super rut in your life? Even though allergies are a day to day struggle, I still can't seem to find anything to write about. No new recipe, no fabulous new restaurant to report. Jut some health issues, and a sticky "s" key on my laptop that's making it hard for me to write this.

So, what started this whole thing was a routine trip to the doctor for allergies that turned out to be far from routine. A blood test reported that I have a low white blood cell count, unusual since you develop high counts when you're sick to fight the sickness. Well, this led to recommendations of allergy and hematology specialists. This then led to me realizing my health insurance sucks and I couldn't afford further testing that I needed.

With a, now, pre-existing condition, I had to sign up for CA Major Risk insurance which costs almost half my paycheck every month. Finally, I see the doctor again on the 6th. Scared, but at least maybe now I'll get to the bottom of all this. Wish me luck...

Restaurant Guides

Months ago I was contacted by a site called Allergy Eats that does a great service to those with food allergies by providing a guide to restaurants who are sensitive to our needs. I try to stay active in the community and post responses to their blogs, one of which was about a need for restaurants to post allergy information on their menus. Such a great idea. Well, the other night I ordered take out from Mimi's Cafe. As I was leaving, I noticed a book by the host stand labeled "allergy guide." What a great breakthrough! Maybe its too costly for restaurants to print allergy info on each individual menu, but a simple guide book that is easily accessible really is possible. If Mimi's can do it, all restaurants can.We should suggest this to all our favorites.

Living Without

I recently found a magazine dedicated to food allergy sufferers. It's called Living Without Magazine. So far I have only seen it sold at Whole Foods market. But, they also have a website livingwithout.com. Its a great community with recipes, articles, and even doctor recommendations. The focus is on gluten-free and dairy free living, as most food allergy sites cater to. The only problem I have with any of these site is that my allergies are not common. I have very specific sensitivities to peas and tomatoes, and no one caters or even recognizes those allergens. But, as far as trying to create a community of support and knowledge for the majority of food allergen sufferers, Living Without is a great start.

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion

I've enjoyed a meal at countless gourmet restaurants, one of which was $150 5-course indulgence with a master chef. Roy's blows all these meals out of the water. They have a 3-course prefixed meal on the menu that was by far the best meal I have ever tasted. I started with a sashimi, next a beautifully cooked rack of lamb with a sauce I literally licked off the plate, and ended with a molten chocolate cake. I died and went to heaven! The services is excellent, and they are very conscious and accommodating when you express any food allergies. Even with a prefixed menu, they were more than willing to substitute a pineapple upside down cake for Mike because he couldn't eaten any of the dairy-based desserts. Try Roy's! It is Hawaiian cuisine turned gourmet. I guarantee they will not disappoint you!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:
5 lb young hen
2 carrots
2 celery sticks
basil
rosemary
salt and pepper
Bisquick
1/2 cup milk (soy milk, if desired)

Directions:
1. Chop celery and carrots
2. Place hen, celery, carrots, tblsp basil, tblsp rosemary, tblsp salt into pressure cooker and add water 3/4 full. Cook on high til pressure cooker steams and whistles. Turn stove down to low heat and let simmer for 45 min.
3. Take hen out of the broth and cut into small strips (be careful it'll be very hot)
4. Mix 1 cup of Bisquick and 1/2 cup milk til dough forms. Drop by spoonfuls into boiling broth.
5. Serve chicken, broth, and dumplings as desired. Salt and pepper to taste.

This is so yummy! It is a simple way to make soup for days. Add noodles one day or rice another. My boyfriend and I have gotten a good 4 or 5 days worth of meals from this 1 recipe. Bon Apetit!

Vacation

I recently took a little excursion east, visiting Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. I enjoyed it immensely. DC especially had amazing restaurants, and I could find no fault in any of the meals I had there. During vacation, it's so easy to throw caution to the wind and completely ignore allergens (for me anyway). Obviously I've been very reckless and haven't been taking my allergies into account lately. That coupled with the drastic change in weather in all three cities has my allergies soaring off the charts. I have very visible bruises on and around my nose from excessive blowing. I definitely pay the price for my own negligence.

But, now I'm home and back to regulating my allergies and am doing much better. The bruises are still there but not as visible. And incidentally, if you ever visit Washington DC, check out Meskerem in Adams Morgan, Bistrot du Coin in Dupont Circle, and Vermillion on King Street in Old Town Arlington; Ethiopian, French street food, and a romantic bistro that will not disappoint, I promise.