Poll Answer

The answer is D!  Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.  Wow!!

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Which One Wednesday: Crouton Answer

Did you choose the Essential Everyday Garlic & Butter croutons as the peanut-friendly food?  Well, unfortunately, you were incorrect.

The Texas Toast Garlic & Butter croutons are peanut-friendly, and delicious!

The Everyday Essentials Garlic & Butter croutons may contain tree nuts, so I definitely avoid these.  Because of the seriousness of my allergy, I can't take the chance of even a trace of peanut/tree nut in my food items.  

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Which One Wednesday: Crouton Edition

We all know that salad is just so much more delicious with a couple croutons.  The extra crunch provides the little bit we need to convince ourselves that we aren't really eating vegetables!

Which croutons can I eat - Essential Everyday Garlic and Butter or Texas Toast Garlic and Butter?

Comment below with your guess:
a. Essential Everyday Garlic and Butter
b. Texas Toast Garlic and Butter
c. Both
d. Neither

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NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Did you know…the majority of fatal allergic reactions from peanuts occur outside of the home?  Many of these happen at school. 

So…should peanuts be banned from school?

Peanuts are obviously found in the cafeteria.  Peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, granola bars, and candy bars are just a few of the lunch box favorites that could cause major issues for a peanut allergy sufferer.  There are also treats for class parties and craft projects that often involve peanut butter or peanuts.

Some schools choose to create an allergy-free table in their lunchrooms.  Others have tables for people who bring peanut butter so that the rest of the cafeteria is peanut-free.  Still other schools pair allergic students with a buddy who promises to bring nut-free lunches to school.

The schools that I have attended did none of the above.  Each family works with the cafeteria staff to understand what foods are safe to eat.  Kids at the lunch table know about my allergy and are very careful about what they pack.  Aside from the aroma of those crazy peanut-shaped cookies (you know who you are), I have had no issues at the lunch table.  The key is to tell everyone you know what your limitations are.  Education is the answer.

What do you think??

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Which One Wednesday: Donut Answer

For this week's Which One Wednesday, if you guessed Hostess Donettes, you are correct!

Since these donuts have a similar taste, I am once again grateful that Hostess stayed in business!  Little Debbie donuts are not peanut-free.  

Visit again next week for another edition of Which One Wednesday!

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Which One Wednesday: Donut Edition

There is nothing better couple chocolate donuts in the morning.  While they may not be too healthy or filling, the pure joy of a bit of sugar in the morning makes it all worth it.

I can only eat one of the following donuts.  Which is peanut-friendly: Little Debbie or Hostess?  

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Little Debbie Donuts
b. Hostess Donettes
c. Both 
d. Neither

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A Few of My Favorite Things: Smarties

Who makes America’s favorite roll of candy?  If you said Smarties, you are pretty smart!!

Smarties Candy Company has been family-owned by the Dee Family for three generations.  This year it will celebrate its 65^th anniversary!  Wow!!

Two factories make Smarties 24 hours a day to churn out BILLIONS of Smarties Candy Rolls each year.  Smarties come in three sizes – classic, giant, and mega – but they all have the sweet flavors we love – orange cream, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, grape, and orange! 

 

 

 

(Fun Fact: One of the factories is in Ontario, Canada.  Candies produced at this factory are called Rockets!!)

Smarties production facilities are free of most allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts. That’s one of the best reasons to include Smarties and Rockets on my list of favorite things.

Smarties’ allergen information can be found here.

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Poll Answer

The answers are A and D! Elvis Presley and Bill Clinton have at least one thing in common - peanut butter and banana sandwiches!

Keep out of the nut house and check out the next poll!

Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chips Answer

 The answer to yesterday's Which One Wednesday was Hershey's Milk Chocolate chips!

I have always loved Hershey's chocolate, so it is great that they are peanut-friendly!  Unfortunately, Nestle Milk Chocolate chips are not peanut-free.  

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Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chips Edition

Many sweet recipes call for chocolate chips, although they usually don't call for the nut-free brand of chocolate.  Thank goodness this is an easily substitutable ingredient, and the peanut-free brand can always be used.  Sometimes it is fitting to just eat them plain, especially during late night study sessions!

Do you know which brand is peanut-friendly- Hershey's chips or Nestle chips?

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Hershey's chips
b. Nestle chips
c. Both
d. Neither

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No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part II
Could a patch be the cure for peanut allergies?  Researchers at DBV Technologies believe their patch could provide the answer to this currently incurable disability.

The goal of this product is to desensitize the immune system of the peanut-allergic patient by introducing controlled levels of peanut protein on the VIASKIN® patch in a relatively symptom-free manner. Since there is no ingestion of peanut protein in this study, stomach issues reported with oral immunotherapy are not a concern.  Almost one year into the study, the only issue reported with this patch is minor sensitivity from the adhesive that has been successfully treated with topical cream.

No ingestion of peanuts, no side effects, and the potential to desensitize the body’s immune system to the peanut protein?  This sounds like a winner to me!

Did I mention that I am one of 300 people around the world who is wearing the VIASKIN® patch for the trial study?  I am so excited about the potential of what this incredible patch could mean to so many people. 

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Poll Answer

The answer is C!  The average American will consume about six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter each year.

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Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chip Cookies Answer

The answer to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Edition of Which One Wednesday was Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip cookies!

While Chips Deluxe isn't an option, Chips Ahoy! is a great one!  

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Which One Wednesday: Chocolate Chip Cookies Edition

With school, sports, extracurricular activities, and jobs, you might not find enough time in the day to bake your own batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Believe me, I usually can't either.  However, I am always willing to turn to the next best option.  

Even though they sound similar, these two types of packaged cookies are completely different in my world.  Which kind of cookie do you think I can eat?  Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip or Chips Deluxe Chocolate Lovers?

Comment with your answer of which is peanut-friendly:
a. Chips Ahoy! Chocolate Chip
b. Chips Deluxe Chocolate Lovers
c. Both
d. Neither

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No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part I

So, you have a peanut allergy and you avoid all contact with peanuts (and probably all other types of nuts).  At a visit to your allergist, you are told about a new clinical study that could cure your allergy.  The catch…you have to eat peanuts!!  What??

Believe it or not, allergists believe that the body’s immune system has the ability to build up tolerance to the peanut protein!  Over an eight to ten month period, clinical trial subjects were given microscopic amounts of peanuts each day in attempt to modify their immune system.  Most subjects of this oral immunotherapy showed signs of desensitization to the peanut allergen.

Unfortunately, long-term immunization effects have not been determined.  The negative side effects of this study include stomach issues and the potential for an allergic reaction since the study subject is ingesting the allergen.  Additionally, if this treatment is deemed effective, the patient will likely need to continue eating peanuts every day – whether they feel like eating peanuts or not – to maintain the immunity.

WARNING…this treatment should NEVER be tried on your own.  If you have a peanut allergy, NEVER knowingly ingest peanuts.  It is not safe!!  Contact your allergist or physician to determine if this type of therapy could work for you.

ALWAYS be safe!!  Don’t take risks with your life!!

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Poll Answer

The answer is A! The largest peanut butter factory produces 250,000 jars of peanut butter EVERY day!

Stop back tomorrow for another poll, and keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Ice Cream Bars Answer

For this edition of Which One Wednesday the correct peanut-friendly option is... Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream bars!

While it would be a problem if you were allergic to milk or soy, the Cadbury Ice Cream bars are clear of peanuts.  While I can eat some Dove chocolate, these ice cream bars are not an option.

Tune in again next week for another edition of Which One Wednesday!

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Which One Wednesday: Ice Cream Bars Edition

I know I love a sweet snack at my house during late study hours and I normally turn to ice cream bars.  Since you already know Graeter's isn't an option for me, I like to find delicious rich chocolate from other brands.

Do you think I turn to Dove Vanilla with Dark Chocolate or Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream bars for a peanut-friendly option?

Comment below with your best guess:
a. Dove Vanilla with Dark Chocolate ice cream
b. Cadbury Vanilla Chocolate ice cream
c. Both
d. Neither

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No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Cross Contamination – Part II

Be on the lookout!!  Cross contamination can happen outside of the factory, too!!

Everyone knows that people responsible for food preparation in restaurants are conscious of washing their hands before they begin work.  Many will also wear gloves to be extra cautious.  But what if they are working with peanut products?  Do they wash their hands with soap and water after cutting a slice of banana nut bread? Do they change their gloves after plating chicken that had been fried in peanut oil?  If not, they can contaminate food that is considered peanut-friendly.

Utensil contamination is also a concern.  A restaurant kitchen is frantic at times, so establishments that offer wide assortments of choices are especially worrisome to a peanut allergy sufferer.  While the server may confirm that a particular food choice is safe, the person with a peanut allergy has to be concerned with other items on the menu that contain nuts.  The biggest concern is cross contamination of the utensils.  Is the knife that cuts the peanut butter and jelly sandwich cleaned properly before it slices into a turkey wrap?

Always tell your server if you have any type of food allergy.  Explain what you are allergic to and what you need to avoid.  If you are reluctant about the safety of a restaurant, go somewhere else.  There are plenty of peanut-friendly choices. 

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Poll Answer

The correct answer is A!!  Who knew that people could be afraid of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth??

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