Are You Ready for Me to Rock Your Peanut Allergic World?

So when your child is diagnosed with a peanut allergy, like most folks, you clear your house of peanut products. Why take a chance on having it around if your child could die as a result of accidental exposure?

But maybe you've been used to having peanut butter on toast in the morning, all melty and delicious. Or maybe a secret spoonful at night as a treat?

Ah, I remember it well.

And I thought those days were gone.

But guess what? I've reclaimed that glory and I want to share it with you.

I'd like to introduce you to my new crush: Barney Butter.

I know, kind of a funny name (until you learn it's the name of the founder) - Barney reminds me of that big purple dinosaur and I used to shudder a little when I heard it.

But no more.

I've tried all the spreads that claim to be a great substitute for peanut butter: Sunbutter, soy butter, pea butter, other almond butters. But they never came close. Until now.

Barney Butter is peanut free, all natural almond butter. It is so eerily close to peanut butter that you might REALLY fool someone (and let's face it - anyone who says they've fooled someone with Sunbutter is suffering from a case of wishful thinking - it's good, but it's not THAT good). I think my husband may have actually had tears in his eyes when he tasted this - he was never expecting to have anything as good as this in our cupboards to slather on apple slices or soft white processed bread (yeah, I buy it, so what?!?).

Now if you have a tree nut allergy then this has just been a big tease (and for that I apologize). But if you've been given the go ahead from your allergist to incorporate safe tree nut butters then I highly encourage you to try this. The color is spot on, the consistency is identical (no stirring needed!) and, the taste, oh lordy!

This is so good that I've turned other folks on to this who's kids have a peanut allergy (but were told no tree nuts unless they were free from cross contamination) who stash this in their cupboards just for those times when you just need a little taste of the sweet stuff.

I sound like a pusher, huh?

I just want as many folks to try it as possible so it never goes away. Honestly, it's not the cheapest - it's almost $8 at my local high-end grocery, but it's SO worth it. I can't wait to cook with it - I'm sure the results will be phenomenal.

And what about little miss B - what does she think? She wont touch it - too close to the real thing. I don't think they intended to be a safe alternative for peanut allergy sufferers, but they have found a HUGE fan with me. Thanks Barney Butter!!!

OK, enough gushing on my part.

Have any of you tried it??

p.s. The folks at Barney Butter didn't ask me to write this post, haven't sent me this to review - heck, they don't know me from Adam. This post is truly from the heart.

Adapting Recipes that Include Peanuts for Peanut Allergy Folks

For folks whose children have multiple food allergies, adapting recipes can be a challenge.

Thankfully there are lots of books out there that can help and offer recipes tailored to multiple allergies like this one and this new cookie one from Enjoy Life.

But for those of us avoiding peanuts (and nuts), it isn't TOO hard to make substitutions.

But are there any recipes that you've had trouble adapting because of peanut butter or marzipan for example? I figured out a substitute for ground almonds in cakes a few years back, but beyond that I've just substituted sunbutter for peanut butter (with mixed results) and sunflower seeds for ground peanuts.

I'd love to hear about recipes we can make over together. And while we're at it, what's your favorite allergy cookbook? Comment away!

It's a Jungle out there...

A quick Monday morning post....

For those of you who love Mother's Circus Animal Cookies but don't give them to your child because of the may contain warning, have I got some good news for you.

Nabisco makes iced animal cookies too! Same look, just as tasty. And no warnings! (note: I tend to trust Nabisco since they have other products that do carry the may contain or manufactured on equipment warnings). These are perfect for the holidays too - kids love them.

So there, Mother's. There's a new sweetie in town.