2014-06-25

is KLM intercontinental somewhat accommodating?

I'd like to from anyone who has any real-world experience with KLM intercontinental to Europe.

We are flying KLM to/from Amsterdam this summer - their policy on nuts is basically: nuts everywhere.  
"On intercontinental flights, we serve a mixed nut snack in Business Class and almonds in Economy Class... We recommend asking your doctor or KLM Cares about whether you should be travelling.(from https://www.klm.com/travel/ca_en/prepare_for_travel/travel_planning/special_meals/index.htm#p1, emphasis added).  

Besides waving epipens, allergist letter and own foods through the airport, and wiping down all reachable surfaces around the kids, is there anything else we can/should do?  they suggest a medical clearance signed by doctor is necessary - can anyone attest whether it would do more help than harm?

Cybele Pascal’s Rice Milk Mayonnaise and Macaroni salad

Hanging onto these two for summer picnics, potlucks, etc.  Source: http://cybelepascal.com/

Cybele Pascal’s Rice Milk Mayonnaise

from http://allergicliving.com/2013/06/27/cybele-pascals-rice-milk-mayonnaise/
Makes about 1 cup
Free of: gluten and all top allergens
To emulsify the mayonnaise properly, you must incorporate the oil very slowly. Once thickened, feel free to add fresh herbs for a seasonal variation.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup (80 mL) plain rice milk, chilled
  • 1 1/2 tsp (7.5 mL) lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 small garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) xanthan gum
  • 6 tbsp (90 mL) canola oil
  • 6 tbsp (90 mL) olive oil (or use all-canola oil, 3/4 cup total, for a mild flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) fine sea salt

Method

  1. Combine rice milk, lemon juice, white pepper, garlic and xanthan gum in a blender, and mix on high speed until foamy.
  2. Set blender on high, and using a dropper or measuring cup with spout, add the canola oil drop by drop through the hole in the blender’s lid, until the mayonnaise begins to emulsify. Continue adding the oil in a steady drip, until the mayonnaise is thick and creamy. Scrape down sides of blender as necessary. Don’t rush; slowly incorporating the oil should take several minutes.
  3. Add salt, taste, and adjust salt and lemon juice, if desired.
  4. Serve at room temperature. Transfer leftover mayonnaise to a jar, and store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  5. Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

    Pasta salad may seem like a no-brainer for a summer picnic, but gluten-free pasta can get tough after a few hours, and allergy-friendly mayo isn’t always easy to locate. Luckily, I’ve got a few recipe tricks up my sleeve to tackle both issues.

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz (230 g) suitable elbow macaroni pasta 
    • 1 ⁄2 cup + 2 tbsp (150 mL)  Rice Milk Mayonnaise (above)
    • 1 large garlic clove, minced or crushed
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard [optional, if allergic to]
    • 2 tbsp gluten-free sweet relish
    • 2 tbsp plain rice milk
    • 1 ⁄2 cup (120 mL) minced celery
    • 1 ⁄2 cup (120 mL) minced red bell pepper
    • 2 tbsp minced yellow onion
    • salt and freshly ground pepper
    • curly parsley, for garnish

    Method

    1. Cook pasta in salted water until tender (do not stop at al dente). Drain but don’t rinse. Spread in a single layer on a baking tray to let cool and dry.
    2. Combine mayonnaise, garlic, sugar, vinegar, mustard (if using) and relish in a medium bowl. Whisk in the rice milk until smooth.
    3. Toss pasta in a large bowl with celery, bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle with salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Add dressing, and stir gently to coat.
    4. To let flavors meld, cover pasta tightly and chill in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
    5. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley. Salad will last up to 24 hours.
    Serves 4 to 6Free of: gluten and top allergens

2014-06-14

Mysterious reactions from DS2

Past week or so he's been complaining of itchy/burning mouth, throat.  especially with fresh bananas.  last night he also complained about fresh plums (also seemed to have a local reaction on his lip).
he's also been coughing up a lot to the point of heaving up lots of phlegm from his stomach and occasionally meal remnants; 1-2 times a day... his nose is also quite stuffy, so it might be just a cold...
wondering if this could be the start of OAS or something.

update 20140625: he likes bananas again, but scratchy throat after pumpkin seed ryvita crackers (which were preceded by a mixed frozen fruit smoothie).  keep on swimming.