A week of lists: 5 foodie delights for those with allergies or intolerances

Decorated cake from "Just Yummy"

I am joining in with Meet Me At Mike's lovely Week Of Lists.

This particular list is a bit less about craft and bit more about scrumptious eats ... and who doesn't love those? If you have a food allergy or intolerance - or know someone who does - then I hope you find something handy on my 5 foodie delights list.

1. Just Yummy
   A Melbourne-based bakery who know a thing or two about turning out delicious gluten and allergen-free breads, cakes and a host of baked treats. They didn't bat an eyelid when I recently ordered a fancy birthday cake that was to be nut, egg and fructose free ... and diabetes friendly. You can order online, visit their shop or find them at various craft markets.
   13 Meadowgate Drive
   Chirnside Park 3116
   justyummyglutenfree.com
   


2. Allergy Block
   An online and brick-and-mortar shop stocking huge range of allergen, preservative and colouring-free products. Allergy Block supply over 2000 lines and are fabulous for children's treats.
   220 Elgin Street
   Carlton 3194
   allergyblock.com.au
   


3. Cusine.com.au
   A mainstream recipe database with a difference. Fairfax media's recipe repository includes some special diet options in the search criteria. Choose from wheat/gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and egg-free. I love the beautiful photographs that accompany the recipes.
   cuisine.com.au
   


4. Orgran
   An Australian manufacturer of over 70 gluten and allergen free products, including a good variety of convenient treats. Orgran's products can be found on the shelves of health food stores and supermarkets alike and are also exported to countries round the world. I am a huge fan of the egg-replacer No Egg.
   orgran.com.au
   


5. Well And Good
   This manufacturer of allergen-free baking mixes, has created the most decadent chocolate mud cake you could imagine. As well as cake mixes, you will find cookies, muffins and bread. The products are available in health food shops, selected supermarkets, online and internationally.
   wellandgood.com.au

For more lists, head over to Meet Me At Mike's.

Food Allergy Awareness week

This week (17 - 23 May 2009) is Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Its a topic close to my heart.

I carry life-saving adrenalin for every family outing: just in case. I am on a constant look-out. Examining labels. Asking questions. Watching at parties; in parks and play-centres; and other people's homes. Trying to think ahead. Because one man's feast might be another small one's undoing. Even just a wee trace.

Most people are exceptionally kind and helpful, understanding the importance of keeping safe. Just occasionally someone rolls their eyes.

A food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. When the individual eats food containing that protein, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, triggering symptoms that can affect a person's breathing, gastrointestinal tract, skin and/or heart.

[Reference: Anaphylaxsis Australia]

Food allergies are on the increase. Around 2% of the Australian population and 1 in 20 children are affected. The main culprits are: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, sesame, soy, fish, crustacea and eggs. Food Allergy Awareness Week is a chance for the wider community to learn a little more about anaphylaxsis (an extreme reaction), as well as ways we can reduce the risks to people who live with food allergies.

Check out the Allergy Facts website if you like to learn more.