I'm having a birthday party for my almost 4 year-old next month, and one of the kids who's coming has a peanut allergy. I was planning to get cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B's in the city (my favorite!) but I'm worried that the little girl might not be able to eat one and I don't want her to feel left out. I am not a great cook (and am busy!), so I really didn't want to make cupcakes myself, and I'm wondering if there are any peanut-free bakeries in the area. Also, any advice on sensitive ways to handle peanut-allergies at a party would be really appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks so much for all the great advice. I did email the mom about the situation, and she was VERY appreciative that her daughter could have what all the other kids were having (although she did say she didn't mind bringing something separate for her). I ended up getting cupcakes from Rose's Bakery in Evanston, and while peanut-free, I have to say they were probably the worst cupcakes I've ever had. Definitely didn't hold a candle to Sweet Mandy B's. I think only one kid even finished their whole cupcake. If I had to do it again, I'd still email the mom to let her know what I'd be serving in advance, but would have definitely taken her up on the offer to bring her own thing. When I handed out the goody bag at the end of the party, the little girl asked me if there were any "peanuts or peanut butter items" inside, so clearly she's used to it by now. Thanks again, mamas!
Hi N.,
I just wanted to second the recommendation of Rose's Gluten Free on Central Street in Evanston. They are peanut-free and it is a wonderful local business with lots of charm, run and staffed by people who clearly really care about what they do! We are a family that (knock on wood) so far is not faced with food restrictions, but we go there all the time simply because the food and pastries are so good.
As a mother of a child with allergies thank you for being concerned. For anyone who reads this please note: there are peanut allergies and there are tree nut allergies. They are not the same. My son tested negative for peanut allergy. I mistakenly assumed that this included all nuts. As we found out the hard whay he is extremely allergic to tree nuts. As a rule we do not serve any nuts of any kind at any kids parties.
For birthday parties I usually bring a special treat for him. He knows he is his not to take food at parties unless I give it to him. He will say "No thank you. I have allergies and I have to ask my mother." I would suggest that you call the child's mother. Though she will definitly appreciate your efforts she may still want to bring her own food just in case. Nuts, nut oil, nut extracts, cross contamination, etc. can be "lurking dangers" with all food items.
Again, thank you for being so concerned. We mothers with kids who suffer from potentially fatal allergies applaud you!
N.,
If you don't have any luck with a bakery, I know of a box mix that is peanut free and REALLY good. It's called Cherry Brook Kitchen, and I've found it in Evanston at Jewel on Howard (the Wild Harvest aisle), Whole Foods, and Ethical Planet on Davis. It's so easy to make too-I think you just add oil and water.
J.
I think Rose's Gluten Free on Central in Evanston is peanut-free. It is NOT tree nut free, and as I personally am allergic to tree nuts (and not peanuts), I am not able to eat there. They seem pretty up-to-date on their ingredient lists. I also recommend Blind Faith's bakery, though they're not peanut-free, because again they seem pretty aware of allergy and other dietary restrictions.
Don't know about the bakeries. I know that Bleeding Heart on Belmont and Damen does nut-free requests, but I don't know if the whole facility is nut-free.
My daughter doesn't do wheat, and that means we often have to bring our own rice cupcakes or whatever. Put enough butter and sugar in and anything's palatable. I'm getting her used to the idea of taking care of herself, rather than feeling "different".
Have you asked other parents what they have done at their birthday parties? Possibly ask the girl's mom what she suggests. I searched in google and came up with... http://www.rosesbakery.com/
(peanut free, gluten free bakery in evanston).
Hi N.,
Maybe check with the Bleeding Heart Bakery. They're located on the corner of Belmont and Damen pretty much. They're organic, so maybe they'll be more sensitive to your needs. You might also give a call to Sweet Mandy B's and see what goes into their cupcakes. Then to be on the safe side you can always call the mom of the allergic child and give her the run down on the ingredients and see if the child would be ok with them.
Also, and just as a side note thank you for being so considerate of this child's feelings. My son has food allergies as well and not everyone is understanding at times. So on behalf of that momma, thank you! Happy cupcaking... :)
blessings,
J.
I did the research about a year ago as a room parent, and there were no guaranteed peanut-free bakeries that make fresh baked goods that I could find. It's not that you can't get cakes that don't have peanuts, it's that they aren't from a peanut-free bakery so kids with the severest allergies have to avoid them in case of cross-contamination.
But wow, imagine the market, especially if they could make lower-sugar, trans-fat free bakery items for class parties!
We buy Enjoy Life brownies (in a box, at Whole Foods) for class parties now. Enjoy Life is also local (schiller park, I think), so I like to support their mission - their products are free of all of the most common allergens. They aren't cupcakes, but they taste pretty good. My non-allergic kids love them. You might also check with the mom - we know a gluten-sensitive child who is invited to daycare parties with my son and his mom always just brings a cupcake.
N.,
There is a small grocery store in Glencoe call The Grand - I had been getting my cakes there for that same reason - they say it is nut - free. Have fun at your party.
Maureen
I don't know about bakeries but if you need a birthday location that's peanut free, you can try Starland in Deerfield. They're peanut free and do parties and have classes.
I just got a birthday cake from Costco, and a mom at our party was very happy it was from there, because I THINK it was peanut free. You should definitely double-check.
Maybe if you check w/ Mandy B's to see if they also offer peanut-free baked goods...I've hear that it can be tricky...some things maybe peanut-free, but if they'r made on the same equipment, there still may be a risk? Good luck!
Hi N. - you're awesome for thinking about the girl!! I'd call the mom and discuss it with her. I usually just bring my own cake for my daughter. My daughter is very used to her own food and prefers it. She doesn't feel left out. For the party, I'm sure the mom would really appreciate if you didn't serve PB&J :) which you probably knew already. If she's really allergic (contact reactive too) you could have the kids wash hands as they come in and after they eat (face included if possible, as they're messy at that age). Or wipe them with Wet Ones or Kirkland Baby Wipes. The more lubricated wipes don't work as well. Purell doesn't work on food proteins.
