LAUNCHING...

After months of deliberation, research, and planning, Jason and I are organizing a support group for families with children of special dietary needs. The support group will meet once a month. Day care will be provided for children. Most importantly, NO FOOD will be at any of these meetings. Each meeting will provide parents of children with special dietary needs the opportunity to socialize with other parents of children with similar needs. Meanwhile children will be able to play with one another in a safe environment without worrying about safety. There will be an education component to each meeting lasting approximately 30 minutes. Many subject areas will be addressed ranging from coping with the challenge of children with special dietary needs to dietary education. Speakers with the appropriate education and background will be presenting the education components.

The name of our new unofficial organization will be Fun Without Food. This blog will be changed and updated to reflect this name. More details will follow. If our trial run is successful we will go through the proper channels to make our organization official. Besides providing support for parents of children with these special needs, we are also striving to provide one Fun Without Food activity for families each month. All are welcome to attend!

Our first Fun Without Food support group will take place Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 6-7:30 PM. The leaders at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have given us permission to use their building located at 63 Kearney Ave, Auburn, NY 13021. Child care will be provided. An EMT will be on site in case of any unplanned emergency. No food is permitted. The theme of the meeting will be "My Child is Different. Now What?" Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Jason Eddy will discuss topics including the grieving process parents go through when a child is diagnosed with a special dietary need, how it differs from other grieving processes and how to cope with the loss and/or lack of support from extended family and friends. Please e-mail us at funwithoutfood@yahoo.com or leave a comment on this blog if you are interested in attending.

Our first Fun Without Food family activity will be a Halloween Trunk or Treat. It will take place Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6-8 PM. Once again the LDS church has allowed us to use their facilities. Families will decorate their vehicles and hand out non food items to children with special dietary needs and all others who choose to attend. Children, accompanied by an adult will be able to go to each decorated vehicle and trick or treat, receiving safe items to enjoy this Halloween season.

All vehicles must be registered by Sat., Oct. 23, 2010. Please make sure vehicles are clear of all food and wrappers. No masks, face paint, and/or hair dyes permitted. Treats can not include food, adhesive/latex items and/or foam crafts. For ideas, questions and/or concerns contact Renae Eddy at funwithoutfood@yahoo.com or you may leave a comment on this blog. An EMT will be on site to ensure children’s safety in case of an unexpected emergency.

Further detailed information about this event will be posted on the blog, including non food item ideas and places to purchase them. Please share this information with anyone and everyone you know who has a child with special dietary needs. We really want this event to be a success. We have spoken with the Auburn City School District Health Office and Superintendent, several doctor's offices, and The Citizen, Auburn's newspaper, and several other organizations in the community who are excited, supportive, and willing to advertise our events!

Can't wait to see you there!!!

Yummy! Yummy!

Once again, I've been a huge slacker on this blog. So, to make up for it here are a few of our favorite allergy friendly recipes!

Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe has been revised from a Real Simple Recipe.

4 tbsp. canola oil or just plain water
2 small zucchini, diced
1 ear of corn or 1/2 cup corn
2 cups shredded chicken
Salt & Pepper
12 6-inch corn tortillas

Salsa of choice

Optional: shredded Monterey Jack Cheese and Sour Cream

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 1 tbsp. of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and corn and cook, stirring, until zucchini begins to soften (about 3-5 minutes). Transfer to large bowl.

Add the chicken, 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Mix to combine.

Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining oil on medium heat. One at a time, cook the tortillas in the skillet until softened, 10-15 seconds per side. Transfer paper towel-lined plate.

Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas, fold them up, and place seam-side down in a large baking dish. Bake until heated through, 8-10 minutes.

Serve enchiladas with cheese, salsa, and sour cream if using.

Chicken and Corn Chili

Recipe revised. Originally from Family Circle.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
3/4 tsp. salt
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal

Combine chicken, broth, green pepper, an spices in slow cooker bowl. Cover and cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW.

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool slightly. Shred the chicken and return to the slow cooker with tomatoes, corn and beans.

Stir in the cornmeal and let sit for 5 minutes to soften cornmeal.