Christine Allen is owner of Mo’Pweeze Bakery --an allergen free and vegan bakery in Denville, NJ-- and mom of a son with 30+ food allergies. I had a chance to review a few of these vegan goods that are from of the top ten main allergens. She carefully avoids cross-contamination, and if you're local, they host cookie decorating events and parties - perfect if your birthday kid or any of their potential guests have allergies. The bakery ships nationwide and is also available at certain retail locations such as Shop-Rits and Whole Foods.
“As a family of five, we have gone through many products and specialty items that while are allergy-free are often taste-free,” says Allen. “Mo’Pweeze began as a way to offer tasty treats to our own family who suffer from a range of allergies. Our eldest son Troy, had 8 food allergies but has luckily outgrown all but nuts. My husband Adrian is allergic to nuts and shellfish, I am allergic to soy and some fruits, but our immediate inspiration comes from our son Maddox who is allergic to 30 foods and counting. His twin sister Sanaa’ is remarkably allergy free.”
The blueberry muffins in a jar were delicious. My kids liked the chocolate cupcakes (which kind of surprised me because they can be finicky about changes in certain foods). There was sort of a licorice aftertaste, which was odd because there were no licorice flavors in it. Both of the treats we tried were moist, with a great texture - and I would definitely love to try them again!
I had a chance to interview Christine to learn more about tips for allergies.
How do you navigate special events and social situations while dealing with food allergies? Maddox is now 7 so he is now a pro at this, we always have his special snacks, juice and or water available to him. He is now better able to advocate for himself and let friends know that they are not able to touch him before they wash their hands as he has food allergies and eczema, his twin sister Sanaa' helps as well.
What tips can you share about teaching your kids how to manage food allergies in age-appropriate ways? Our rule in our family is, Do not share foods, if you are not sure if a food is safe ask Mommy or Daddy or the person in charge. Have a list of your child's/ children's allergies post it around the house and help them to become familiar with safe and unsafe foods. Knowledge, education and consistency is key in keeping our little ones safe.
What are some popular allergy-free meals to prepare? Now that it's summer we love to throw foods on the grill like roasted peppers, corn on the cob, sweet onions and broccoli,( My kids do love their veggies) watermelon/ fruit kabob, we enjoy making safe pancakes and or waffles, muffins and of course cupcakes
How can people support families with food allergies even if they don't have any themselves? By being aware and sensitive to that child and or families needs, by asking questions and not assuming, making that child/family feel involved and not excluded from social events etc.
What has been your biggest surprise with juggling family life and being an entrepreneur? How much I am capable of doing with so little sleep :) I fit a lot in one day
I just have to ask since it was in the press release - what's with the bear? I'm still asking myself that question, what was really going on with that bear :) Long story short, bear had a sweet tooth and broke into my car to enjoy delicious and tasty top 10 allergen free and vegan cupcakes :)
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