Teen from California Dies from Food Allergy Reaction

It is truly tragic and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Natalie Giorgi who died from a fatal allergic reaction to peanuts at Camp Sacramento in California. Natalie was at camp with her family when she took a bite of a Rice Krispies treat that was coated with peanut butter and topped off with chocolate. Even though Natalie was always diligent about her allergies, they believe that because it was dark, she did not notice the peanut butter until she had already taken a bite. She immediately spit it out but she had an anaphylactic reaction anyways and eventually died. Her parents had given her Benadryl and multiple doses of her Epi-pen.

I am always saddened to hear about this tragic accident and a bit frightened because I think that could have been my daughter. I am hesitant to post this because I know that my daughter will read this and because she is the same age as this girl, this news will affect her even more. Natalie's family released a statement, “As our hearts are breaking over this tragedy, we hope others can learn from this that food allergies are life-threatening.” They went on to say, “Caution and care for those (afflicted) should always be supported and taken.”

My mother and sister, who also have severe nut allergies, have skipped many a dessert line because they knew that there was no way to know what the exact ingredients were in them. We have taught our daughter to do the same, she either brings her own dessert or she waits and has something when she gets home. This is why it is so important to make sure you or your child, no matter what the age, is very careful when they are eating something that does not have the ingredients listed. We all know homemade treats are the most tasty but it is not worth the risk!

Again, this is a tragic accident and our deepest sympathy are with the Giorgi family at this time of great sorrow.

It's Blueberry Time!

We have been waiting for blueberry season to open in Michigan and it has finally arrived! We usually let the blueberries rippen a bit before we go out but for some reason I just couldn't wait. So on the second day of picking season, off we went to our local blueberry farm,  Let the pickin' begin!

Lots of green berries but also lots of yummy, ripe blueberries on the bottom. I think it made it more trying to find the good ones. We always have a contest to see who could find the biggest blueberry. Not sure who won because those never made it on our bucket. Straight in to the mouth! Apparently we weren't the only over anxious ones because there were close to 10 other people in this small rows of bushes.

Here's one of my favorite recipes for using blueberries. The melted margarine makes this coffeecake a favorite in our house.

Grand Haven 

Blueberry Coffeecake

  

Coffee Cake

2 C Flour

3 tsp. Baking Powder

½ tsp. Salt

½ C Sugar

1 ½ tsp Egg Replacer + 2 T Warm Water

1 C Rice or Soy Milk

¼ C Melted Non-Dairy Margarine

1 C Blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  To make the coffeecake grease an 8 X 8 glass baking dish then place blueberries in a small bowl and cover with flour. Toss to coat. Next, mix Egg Replacer and warm water in small bowl and set aside. Melt margarine and set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the dry ingredients and slowly add in the Egg Replacer and non-dairy milk. Once the margarine has cooled, slowly add it to the flour ingredients and mix well. Pour into the greased pan.

Blueberry Topping

½ C Brown Sugar

1/3 C Flour

1 tsp. Cinnamon

¼ C Non-dairy Margarine

To make the blueberry topping, mix the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon together. Cut in small pieces of the margarine and mix until the topping resembles a crumble. Sprinkle the topping on the coffee cake and place in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes.

School Prep

Arghh! I just saw my first ad today for school supplies. Seriously, who wants to think about school supplies right after the 4th of July. On the other hand, it did remind me to make my appointment with the allergist so I can have the school medical forms and her 504 plan all finished before school starts. In several states, children with severe food allergies now fall under the 504 plan of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Check with your state to see if your child qualifies for a 504 plan.

I'm thinking of retesting Katie's allergies this year. Maybe, just maybe this will be the year that one of her many allergies has miraculously disappeared. Keep your fingers crossed!

Don't forget to make your appointments today!

A Magical Evening

Nuptials read among a sea of orange Trumpet Vine, a stroll through the Zoo after hours, cocktails with the dolphins and dancing until the wee hours of the night. Not to mention the delicious salted double chocolate cupcake to top off the evening. A very special wedding and a magical night at the Indianapolis Zoo.