Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Allergies

I found out a few weeks ago that I have allergies to several foods (wheat, soy, and peanuts). While I am relieved to have an explanation for why my skin has been acting up, I am quite saddened that I won't be able to enjoy so many of my favorite foods for a while. One thing I was particularly sad about is my allergy to soy, which apparently is in many prepared food items, including many chocolates!

On the other hand, there are plenty of delicious foods that don't have wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, and peanuts; so I will focus on all the foods I still can eat.


pad thai without peanuts
alcohol
mango, pomelo and strawberries with chili-salt
pho
tamarind soup
fruit with lime, salt, and chili
Cesar's paella
In-N-Out hamburger, protein style, mustard only
Com Tam -- broken rice
banh xeo at Thanh's Restaurant in Fremont
potato chips
tortilla chips
cornbread
bun bo hue at My Khe in San Jose
tamales
tacos at El Titanic

I've also made my share of mistakes. Among them include using the wrong fish sauces.
Many fish sauce brands have allergens including:
Tiparos Ingredients: anchovy fish, water, salt.
Three Crabs Ingredients: anchovy extract, water, salt, fructose & hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Squid Ingredients: water, anchovy extract, salt, sugar.
Golden Boy Ingredients: anchovy extract, salt, sugar.

It looks like Tra Chang and Red Boat may be allergen free:
      Tra Chang Ingredients: Ingredients: anchovy fish, salt, sugar.
       Red  Boat Ingredients: Anchovy fish, salt.

I am on the lookout for other brands that are allergen free.

Nocino July 2010



I'm making nocino again this year with the green walnuts that are now in season. I picked these a couple of days ago and have just mixed them with vodka. Here is the recipe I used this year:

20 green walnuts cut in half
1 L Sobieski Vodka
1 orange peel
3 cinnamon sticks

I put them all in a jar and will be checking on them periodically.

Update August 2011. My second batch of nocino is fantastic. It has really mellowed out now, and now I'm going through an allergy phase, I'm so glad I am still able to enjoy this