Traveling to Family with Allergies

This is something that comes up all of the time and in all Allergy Aware families lives. Its time to go to some location with your allergic child where you don't know what temptations will be around.

In our case it was this past mothers day weekend. We went to my parents house, where they "can't live without their milk and butter", for a family gathering. My Brother, his Daughter, my Sister, her Husband, my Parents and of course my family were all there.

We thought ahead, and knowing no stores or restaurants were near by that we could count on for safe foods, packed food with us. Everything we needed for chances diet was packed. We took Palm Shortening, Lard (boy did I get an earful for that one), rice milk, broth (chicken and beef), cookies, you name it we took it.

Of course, we come through the door and my mother is all over the boys. As we are unpacking, I look up to find my mother giving my son a glass of MILK! Ok, time to explain this all over again to the family and take the drink from Chance.

"A little bit wont hurt him" was the explanation I received from my mother with backing from my sister that "Mom just doesn't know better". A few hours of vomiting and calling later everything settles down and I've impressed enough on the family that they should listen to what we say about our children.

This is my first problem with traveling to family events, family are the worst around kids. They think that we are mean parents by not giving our children Milk and cookies (or whatever). Only when they see the evils that come from "bad foods" do they finally decide that they should listen. Thankfully enough, it wasn't enough for a rush trip to the hospital (1 hr drive away).

Problem is, that the next time we go to an event this will probably happen again even though we tell them constantly NOT TO FEED THE BABY! What do I have to do put a sign around his neck?

Anyways, on with my point. Friday night goes past and Saturday starts up. I'm out the door at 4:17 (see my twitter feed) to work a fishing tournament with my father. Wife and I are signed up for dinner.

We made Salisbury Steak with brown gravy. Get the food out and put everything on Chances plate for him (meat, potatoes, gravy, veggies, you name it). My mother comes around the corner grabs the plate throws it in the trash and scalds me for giving my child Milk!?!!

Ok, next up, explaining that our diet doesn't just consist of fruits and veggies. We have learned to modify our cooking style to appear "normal" to the outside world. Also comes the explanation that I do care about my children and know what's best for them to eat!

Of course, my wife is in the corner calming a very freaked out Chance (mom made a bit of a scene and he didn't like it, doesn't help that one of his favorite meals was sitting in the trash).

Re-feed Chance and explain how we cook (yet again) to everyone as they compliment us on some of the best Salisbury Steak (as they put it) they ever had.

For Sunday breakfast we made Biscuits and Gravy. Saturday night's little fiasco meant that no one called us on the gravy this time. Mom was on pins and needles by this time though and ever five minutes was asking "can he have juice, can he have the biscuits, can he have fruit?"

Of course, this went on through the day.

My point? My point is this, your family is your worst enemy. You place your trust in them to believe and follow your directions. At times they will, and at times they wont (a little can't hurt always goes through their minds). They are your family so you don't want to hurt their feelings, and they don't really want to hurt your children but don't understand what can go wrong. They don't live with it day in and day out, so they arn't used to it.

Take everything you need with you, and prove that you eat "normally". If the family doesn't like the idea make sure you have a backup (let them cook their own damned meals) and be ready for a "mistake" to happen. Your family doesn't live with it day in and day out like you do, they don't know better and even if they do they will forget.

- Jeremy

Todays Recipe - Brown Gravy
1 carton beef broth (safe of course)
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbs shortening (Palm Shortening from Spectrum is what we use)
Seasoning to taste

Melt shortening in pan over medium heat. Whisk flour into melted shortening until and continue over medium heat until blonde in color (slightly more brown than yellow/white).

Turn heat up to Medium High and add in 1/2 the carton of broth. It should sizzle, whisk fast until it starts to come together. Once it has add broth until desired thickness. Season to taste and serve warm.

My extended family loves this over "normal" gravy now! Guess they can live without milk :)