With Halloween safely behind us, it's time to prepare for the next holiday of the season: Thanksgiving. Even with multiple food allergies, you can have a relaxing and delicious meal that is safe for all. Here are the tips!

1) If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, even if you've already called, send out a written or an email invitation with a few words about the precautions you take to protect your food allergic child. A poem like this, is often enough to open a dialogue.

Please come to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner,
Just a few things to tell you so this meal's a winner!

If you'd like to bring something, please give us a call.
We need to be sure the food is safe for all.

For each meal and snack, we read every label.
We want everyone to feel welcome in their seat at the table

So please check with us first, if you'd like to share.
We appreciate your help and we know that you care.

2) Plan your menu. Make a list of all of the food that you will serve including drinks, appetizers, and desserts. Select a safe turkey and order it this week.

3) Decide if your meal will be completely safe for your child or if you'll serve some dishes that are not. I have served a milk, wheat, egg, peanut, and tree nut-free Thanksgiving that was delicious and worry-free. Here is an allergy-friendly menu to get you started.

4) At a minimum, make appetizers that are safe for your allergic child. That way, you'll have no worries while you are preparing the meal. Veggies and safe dip or fruit kabobs (cut up fruit, dip in diluted orange or lemon juice and spear) are healthy and can be made with safe fruits and veggies. This fruit gobbler could be made with all safe foods for your family.

5) Ask for help. Most people want to bring something. How about juice or juice boxes for the kids, soda, water bottles, wine? Do you have trusted friends or relatives who could bring a safe dish? Do you have a relative who insists on bringing something? How about Gak’s Snacks Organic Cranberry or Apple Coffee Cake for dessert or for breakfast the next day? If not...

6) Start cooking now. Did you know you can freeze a whole unbaked apple pie?(simply baked for an additional 10 to 15 minutes) Also, I make a delicious apple crisp with CherryBrook Kitchen Sugar Cookie Mix prepared and sprinkled on top of sliced apples with cinnamon. (Bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are tender.) You can make that too and freeze the whole thing unbaked. Cybele Pascal's Triple Chocolate Cupcakes and my allergy friendly Candy Corn Cookies also freeze well.

7) Inventory your plates, glasses and silverware now. Borrow or purchase what you will need. Little ones can work on a center piece and place cards or drink charms.

8) Decide ahead of time about the seating. If there will be a "kiddie table" make sure that allergic children can eat safely there. Some parents feed the children first so that they can be supervised. This allows the adults to relax and enjoy the meal.

9) To avoid cross-contamination, serve those with food allergies first and set aside second helpings. There is confusion in the kitchen at the last minute, so make sure all of the "helpers" know to avoid cross contamination. If your child is eating a different meal or a different version of the meal, ask family members not to make a "fuss" over her special foods.

10) As an alternative, make all safe foods. Even with all of the prep work, you will have a soft heart and a relaxing meal knowing that your child is safe and included.

11) Set your table the night before. It will save time for you and you can make sure that your child is seated around adults or older children who can keep an eye on her while you are serving the meal.

12) Start a tradition of making Thanksgivings about more than just food. Have everyone bring a baby picture and let the kids guess who is in each picture! Go around the table and have each person say at least one thing that they are grateful for. Play charades or charades for kids if you have little ones. Clear the table and play cards or build a puzzle together. Decorate a gingerbread house together with leftover safe Halloween Candy. Take a walk together after the meal. Above all, have a safe and relaxing holiday!

AllergyMoms.com

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The contents of the AllergyMoms site and newsletters are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please contact your physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

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