At 9:30 pm the night before the party, the mother in charge called me. She had just heard from the mother who was supposed to bring the sweet treat. Apparently, this mother couldn't find the brand of cookie dough we recommended and was going to make homemade cookies instead. M., the mom in charge, called to apologize and to let me know in case I wanted to send something for K. other than her usual freezer cookie/cupcake. Very, very nice of the mother in charge, but a perfect illustration of how things can change at the last minute, no matter how far ahead you plan.
This was the same week I received three boxes of HomeFree cookies for our family to try: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Soft Oatmeal, and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are peanut free, egg free, tree nut free, and dairy free, and are labeled as such in very clear, very plain English right at the top of the box. (There is no wheat in the cookies, either, although the oatmeal package notes that oats can sometimes contain traces of wheat. There is soy lecithin in the chocolate chip cookies.) Most importantly, they are GOOD. The Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip cookies taste like Chips Ahoy, only better. (This is my review, of course. K. has never had a Chips Ahoy.) She just thinks they're great, especially the Chocolate Chocolate Chip. And the mini cookies are so much fun! That is something that's hard to reproduce in my own kitchen. There is just something about a wee little cookie that is perfect for tea parties and lunch boxes... or for a special treat at an Easter Party.
I wish HomeFree treats were in our local stores and in our schools. They're good, they're clearly labeled, and they're kid friendly. They are organic and are made in a dedicated bakery. The company was founded by Jill Robbins, who is a mother and a clinical psychologist. The company's slogan is "delicious treats that kids with food allergies can enjoy along with everyone else." That about sums it up.
The cookies are $5.49/box and can be ordered through HomeFree Treats' store. Food service-sized boxes of individually-wrapped cookies are also available. Images are courtesy of homefreetreats.com.
Katherine chose to have one of her freezer treats at the party, and N.'s mom provided fruit kabobs for the healthy snack. During the party, one of the mothers offered K. one of the unsafe cookies, but she refused. But what if the mother hadn't called? I would have sent K. off to school telling her that the cookie was safe.
I realize that mothers want to provide beautiful homemade treats for their children, but in doing so at school, other children are being left out and are being put in a potentially dangerous situation. I wish more people would think about that and would consider providing a safe, store-bought treat like these great cookies.
This review was written for Go Dairy Free.
You have really opened my eyes about food allergies. I'm used to special needs kids but man, food allergies are another world. Anyways, here is one mama that will always make sure that each kid in my kids classes have a treat that they can safely enjoy. It might not be homebaked, but they'll be able to eat it.
ReplyDeleteI love those tiny cookies, they're so cute!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad a friend sent me a link to your blog. I'm breastfeeding and my son seems to have a cow protien allergy. So, we both have to watch what we eat. I'll have to read your blog more, but I really need to find some dairy free equivalent to little cracker goldfish. My sone loves them, but shouldn't eat them. Anyway, thanks for your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really don't look forward to school because of this very issue. Kudos to K for refusing, but it shouldn't fall on her shoulders- other parents (if they are being classroom helpers or cooking/baking) should be aware. Working in the ER I am reminded too often that food allergies are a serious medical condition and need to be treated as such. I will try the cookies though. You had me at tastes like Chips Ahoy, only better.
ReplyDeleteYikes. How widespread is this type of allergy? I've just gotten used to the no nuts policy at my daughter's school.
ReplyDeleteI want to do the right thing, and I'm wondering now if maybe some of my daughter's tummy troubles are due to this sort of deal. I'll be reading more on your blog to find some resources to use. Thanks.
Oh yeah, those cookies are delicious! Whole Foods by me does carry some varieties of them. I'm glad you found out ahead of time and was able to send something safe in.
ReplyDeleteI think these cookies are great too! I reviewed them on my blog in January (http://foodallergyassistant.blogspot.com/2009/01/monday-review-home-free-products.html).
ReplyDeleteThey really do taste like Chips Ahoy.
This makes me scared to ever send Gabe to school. The child has too many allergies for other parents to keep straight. I am really not ready for that worry!
ReplyDeleteThose cookies look delicious!
do they have soy?
ReplyDeleteThese cookies are great--I agree. I am glad we are able to find them at the local supermarket. In fact, they are the only REAL peanut-free tree nut-free cookie at the store...
ReplyDeleteThey are my usual special snack I bring when it is my turn to visit the preschool! :)
That's great that you were able to try those cookies!!
ReplyDeleteThey sound really good!
I am, as you know, the mother of a child with serious food issues and I also like to send homemade treats into my kids' classes. But I'm aware of what food issues exist in their classrooms, and try and be sensitive about them, too. Last night, for example, my daughter really wanted me to send in a tray of homemade brownies - which I did - and we also made sure that there were treats included that the two kids in her class who couldn't eat the brownies could have as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to get these cookies for my little boy who has egg and nut allergies. Can you provide the name of the cookie dough that's available at your grocery store? Maybe I can find it here as well. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had the cookies and K liked them. We bought a couple boxes a few months ago, but I've found it much easier and cheaper to make the cookies and cupcakes for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteThough, we wouldn't have the same problem as you do in your school since baked goods are not allowed in the school. Whenever there is a celebration that requires food, we can only bring in packaged goods that clearly have the ingredients in it, and it needs to approved by the nurse and parents first. That way everyone is happy. And no one complains about it.