tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32910246908612576592024-03-21T08:40:06.120-07:00Cocoa, Colourings and Citric-acid Free EatingYou would not believe how difficult it can be to cook for someone with a citric acid intolerance. Let alone someone who also cannot have caffeine, cocoa (although cocoa butter is ok - long live white chocolate!) or artificial colourings.
So I'm spreading the knowledgeRainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-71587334661447468162014-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:002014-04-02T20:48:12.410-07:00Which fruit and vegetables can I actually eat? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good question. Very good question.<br />
<br />
Well, the answer depends on another question:<br />
<br />
<i>What is your reaction to a little bit of citric acid?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>No Citric Acid</b><br />
The following fruits are safe to eat no matter your reactions, as they contain mallic acid instead of citric. Unfortunately this list is rather limited...<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Apples</li>
<li>Pears</li>
<li>Blueberries</li>
</ul>
<div>
On the veg side of things it is more promising. <a href="http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~vclarke/citric_foods.html#natural" target="_blank">Vicky Clarke's page</a> gives a list of things that will be off the menu. However, several things that are ok to go for are...</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cauliflower</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Peas, pulses and beans of all kinds (although be careful they are not in tomato juice - tomatoes do contain citric acid. Another note is that tinned varieties often add citric acid. Always read the label)</li>
<li>Potatoes (which means chips, too, although with the frozen kind be aware of added citric acid. Label reading encouraged.)</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Cucumber and courgette (zucchini)</li>
<li>Sweet peppers</li>
<li>Leeks</li>
<li>Onions and spring onions</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="233" src="http://www.feediowa1st.org/vegetables.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whether you class them as a fruit or vegetable, tomatoes are a no-go zone for those avoiding citric acid. Which also means no ketchup. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>Foods That Should Under No Circumstances Be Eaten </b></div>
</div>
<div>
The main culprits here are (pretty logically) your citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, but also tomatoes; stone fruits such as cherries; and berries like raspberries and red currants are off limits if you don't want to ingest large amounts of my least favourite acid. Heed the voice of painful experience; raisins, sultanas, figs, dates...just don't go there. Other, more surprising, offenders include Jerusalem artichokes (can't say I miss those) and lettuce (cry, cry), although I am unsure about kale. I would steer clear, or at least let us know your results if anyone does try it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-42166686808586161662013-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:002013-04-07T13:27:24.941-07:00Dried blueberries - an alternative to raisins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For once the title says it all.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Tesco Wholefoods Blueberries 100G" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/101/0000010063101/IDShot_225x225.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Dried. Blueberries.<br />
<br />
They are basically like raisins, certainly smaller, maybe a bit sweeter. Definitely a great alternative.<br />
<br />
An important note, as always, is ALWAYS CHECK THE PACKET. The ones in Morrisons nearly caught me out - they add citric acid (Why????), but<a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=257398518" target="_blank"> the ones from Tesco</a>, they're good to go! Other stores are likely to carry the safe ones, too, but I can only vouch for places I've been.</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-80398886068037470062013-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:002013-04-07T13:17:20.268-07:00Healthy (Breakfast?) Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a disclaimer, I did not create this recipe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can find the original <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/01/11/oatmeal-raisin-breakfast-cookies/">here</a><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/01/11/oatmeal-raisin-breakfast-cookies/" target="_blank"> on Chocolate Covered Katie</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've tweaked her ratios and doubled the amount - her cookies must be tiny because I can never get as much out of mine as she does!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a good go-to recipe, as peanut butter never seems to contain citric acid. Obviously don't put raisins in, but some supermarkets sell dried blueberries that work just as well (ALWAYS check the packet on these). I've also found that chopped nuts work quite nicely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a side-note, bananas DO contain some citric acid, so if you're dealing with anaphylactic reactions then you'll have to use the apple version I'm listing here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another <span style="font-family: inherit;">point is that you'll probably have to make the applesauce yourself, as bought versions tend to contain citric acid. It is pretty easy to make, I just blitz an apple in the food processor with a bit of water and you're done! (Incidentally if your food processor is a wuss like mine, or you only own a smoothie maker, you can peel the apples and boil them until</span> soft before blending. You can also add sugar to this if you like, but I don't bother)<br />
<br />
<b><u>So, what do I need?</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cup oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cup applesauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">6 tbsp dried blueberries (CHECK THE PACKET) or white chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Between 1 tbsp and 1/2 cup sugar, depending how sweet you want them</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>So, what do I do?</u></b><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 160. </li>
<li>Mix the applesauce and peanut butter, then add all other ingredients and stir, stir, stir.</li>
<li>Spoon out into cookie shapes on a greaseproof papered baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending how big your cookies are.</li>
</ol>
<div>
According to Katie's estimates you should get about 24 cookies from this, but on my sizes it is more like 14!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-27134921766009593102013-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:002013-02-20T09:58:38.767-08:00Breakfast and Cereal Bars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I<i> love</i> granola bars.<br />
<br />
Have you ever noticed, though, how many of them have raisins in?<br />
<br />
....and those that don't have chocolate chips in instead!<br />
<br />
Seriously, have a look next time you're in the supermarket.<br />
<br />
So, in my travels I have come across some safe (and delicious) options. I'm not saying that this is an exhaustive list, just what I have discovered so far:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/065/5000127770065/IDShot_225x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/065/5000127770065/IDShot_225x225.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are pretty much like the cereal. You like frosties, you'll probably like these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/069/5000127660069/IDShot_225x225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, like the cereal, like the bar. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="286" src="http://images.mysupermarket.co.uk/Products_1000/23/063123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are more crunchy than chewy. <br />
There are several safe varieties of this brand of granola bars. With the obvious exception of the 'oats and berries' bar(because of the berries!) most of these are safe. I liked the maple syrup ones (pictured) best.<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC643BMntvrb6du3B3An4fa8Mhc7CT2mgyWMNt07KrDr-Gxnm0_LuNu-u8hi1V8K7nwEuz6iVWHgo-5HBUkAkTKidjQ7503e5EZ8i39CWC67ZIfnK02Ar-9d6lSFuFyIn_ituLw3Bz-tU-/s320/P1050532.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the name suggests, these bars are rather on the chewy side...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/137/5000127730137/IDShot_225x225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure it counts as a breakfast, and it certainly isn't the most nutritious snack, but as far as citric acid goes you're in the clear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-86634045854612616452013-02-17T03:21:00.003-08:002013-02-17T03:21:56.559-08:00Breakfast 101 - Cereal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are millions of different cereals in the world. Most of them overpriced.<br />
<br />
This means I don't tend to buy cereal an awful lot.<br />
<br />
Lets start with the basics.<br />
<br />
Branflakes, porridge oats, rice krispies, weetabix are all fine. As is PLAIN Special K. Beware the one with yogurt! Obviously don't put citrus fruits or berries on any of the above, but plain with milk you're good to go.<br />
<br />
Honey puffs are also an option. A sugary, sugary option!<br />
<br />
Or (my current favourites) we have these little guys:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://www.britishsweets.com.au/products/G00159.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="276" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon flavoured, square shaped. What more could a girl ask for? Just don't be tempted to look at the strawberry ones they invariably have on the shelf next to them...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To sum up, most cereals seem to be ok to grab. If you don't have the problem of cocoa you'll have an even wider selection.</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-36025421862808022282013-02-16T11:53:00.001-08:002013-02-16T11:54:36.143-08:00Pie, Pasta and Associated ProblemsNow, there is nothing wrong with pasta or pie. In fact, I happen to be quite a fan of both. In theory, at least.<br />
<br />
As usual, the actuality is a little more complicated.<br />
<br />
<b>Dry pasta</b> you get in a bag has never been a problem. It is dry, they don't need to add preserving acids to it. What you put ON it is a different matter. Think about it, pretty much all pasta sauces are made of either cheese or tomato. So far, apart from doing a white garlic sauce the only recipe I have found is<a href="http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~vclarke/cit_free_recipes.html#mains"> this pizza sauce by Vicky Clarke</a>, which also works well on pasta.<br />
<br />
<b>Ready-made pasta</b>s are generally a no-go because of the sauces. You may rarely find a tuna one where the mayo used is citric acid free, but I've found these to be too few and far between to bother checking any more.<br />
<br />
<b>Making you own pie </b>is probably the easier option if that is what you fancy. As long as you make sure the butter you use is safe in the crust, the gravy granules do not have citric acid or E330 listed in ingredients and the veg is all on the sage list then you are good to go!<br />
<br />
<b>Buying pie from the supermarket</b> you have to check the label EVERY time. Chicken and mushroom is usually your likeliest bet to be edible. Steak pies might be ok if you are lucky. As I said, you have to check the label.<br />
<br />
<br />Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-91810806292891031722013-02-16T11:38:00.003-08:002013-02-16T11:40:27.139-08:00Drinks - There is a New Juice in Town!I realize that most people would not be as excited as I was to go to Waitrose. I'm strange, I know. Anyway, while I was there I found <b>the greatest thing...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>...</b><br />
<br />
Drum roll please...<br />
<br />
..<br />
<br />
.<br />
<br />
A non-apple dilutable drink that is actually citric acid free!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Waitrose 50% apple & mango juice squash image" height="320" src="http://duetogsaij514.cloudfront.net/images/products/10/LN_872244_BP_10.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Ok, it has apple in it, but it is most certainly a different flavour to all the others, Which, when you are drinking <a href="http://citricacidfree.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/drinks-juice-and-dilutable.html">only apple</a> on a daily basis is a wonderful thing.<br />
<br />
Here is the previous post on the other <a href="http://citricacidfree.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/drinks-juice-and-dilutable.html">dilutable drinks</a> I have found so far<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-21199126115557104482012-12-23T07:56:00.001-08:002012-12-24T02:48:12.264-08:00Dessert - Making Trifle SafeAs you can imagine, the amount of jelly (and sometimes fruit) in a regular trifle renders it poisonous to those with a citric acid intolerance.<br />
<br />
But, fear not! With a little work, and a few recipe tweaks, you can still enjoy a trifle this holiday.<br />
<br />
Ok, so your whipped cream and custard are fine to stay, it is the jelly, the fruit and possibly the cake that need addressing here.<br />
<br />
The jelly: you cannot (to my knowledge) buy any ready-made jelly without it has citric acid in. So, we have to make our own. You will need:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>squash (see the <a href="http://citricacidfree.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/drinks-juice-and-dilutable.html">post on drinks</a>)</li>
<li>gelatin sachet (you can get these in the home baking isle of most supermarkets)</li>
<li>hot and cold water</li>
</ul>
<div>
then you just make it up as per the instructions on the gelatin packet sachet. Do not forget to dilute the squash, though! Alternatively, you might be able to use apple juice, but I haven't tried with this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fruit: You can either leave it out, or a straight swap for apple/pear/blueberry chunks works well</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The cake: You can either go around the shops checking packets until you find a plain victoria sponge that is safe, or you can make your own and ensure you use a butter that is safe. I always opt for make your own the day before you make the trifle, but that is just because I like the be 100% sure everything is edible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Combine ingredients as per the usual order et voila!</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-33248252619343954632012-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:002012-12-23T07:56:55.853-08:00I Want to Eat CrispsCrisps.<br />
<br />
Like iced buns, I never really understood why crisps were so good. They are basically potatoes in fat and salt.<br />
<br />
<i>Think I may have cracked it there...</i><br />
<br />
Anyways, crisps are now another minefield. Fear not, though, because there are several options left open. A couple are even the 'healthy' ones!<br />
<br />
If plain, ready salted crisps of almost any variety are your thing you're good to go and can stop reading here, because the reason crisps are off the menu at all (apart from the sodium content) is that they put citric acid in when they add a lot of the flavourings. I'm not sure why, someone told me it might help the flavours bind or something? Not that it matters, to be honest.<br />
<br />
So, as I've just said,<b> 'ready salted' (plain) are good</b>.<br />
<br />
Further than that you are very, very limited.<br />
<br />
Although they are still the relatively plain variety, you CAN have:<br />
<br />
pombears<br />
<img height="320" src="http://www.americansweets.co.uk/ekmps/shops/statesidecandy/images/pombear-original-flavour-potato-snacks-case-of-36-bags-6105-p.jpg" width="320" /><br />
sunbites<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="https://www.milkandmore.co.uk/OA_MEDIA/mm_images/XXDC_020739_CTLGLRG_IMG.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
if you are so inclinedRainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-47514896827226968082012-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:002012-11-01T10:10:26.655-07:00"Help, we're eating out!" - Chinese foodThis is a tricky one, although not impossible.<br />
<br />
As usual, I can only tell you my own findings. <b>This list only applies to takeout or restaurant food.</b> If you are using this to buy Chinese food from a store then remember to always check to packet!<br />
<br />
So, the definitely safe list:<br />
<br />
Starters<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Prawn toast</li>
<li>Vegetable spring rolls (probably the meant ones too) but NOT the dip!!</li>
<li>Prawn crackers</li>
<li>Duck and pancakes, although not the veg or the sauce that usually comes with them.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Sides</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>All varieties of rice (fried and boiled), unless you know it is going to have a veg with citric acid in it. In general they don't.</li>
<li>Noodles (depending in the sauce!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Mains</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sweet chilli beef</li>
<li>*insert favourite meat* and cashew nut</li>
<li>*insert favourite meat* in black bean sauce</li>
<li>Chicken satay </li>
</ul>
<div>
There are probably several others that are edible - stay away from anything red coloured or lemon-y! Sweet and sour is a definite no-go, here.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Incidentally, you can also drink Chinese tea (I don't like it myself, but other people rave about it, so...)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-74773466262056536292012-10-27T00:14:00.001-07:002012-10-27T00:15:41.858-07:00Making a Sandwich 101Making a sandwich is such a simple thing, right?<br />
<br />
<i>Yeah, right.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
That is to say, it is easy once you have the right ingredients. Initially finding them, however...<br />
<br />
Let's start from the top. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you:<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Bread</u></b><br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3642434229_f297747dc1.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<br />
You would think bread would be a pretty safe thing to eat. In general you would be right, and both white and brown loaves are edible.<br />
<br />
Exceptions are: anything with lemon or tomato (obvious, but it is good to state the obvious sometimes, especially where allergies are concerned!), sourdough or rye (citric acid is produced or used in the making process somewhere) and some of the very, very cheapest supermarket loaves, which contain citric acid in the ingredients list.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Spread</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
As I think I have said elsewhere, many margarine varieties contain citric acid. If you have the choice, stick with butter, as these are usually safe.<br />
<br />
If in doubt, just leave it out! I generally eat my sandwiches without the spread anyway.<br />
<br />
<img height="212" src="http://www.meltybread.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bread_and_butter.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<b><u>The Filling</u></b><br />
<br />
This is a HUGE topic, so I'm going to gloss.<br />
<br />
If you are putting your fillings together yourself from scratch then just use your common and you'll be away. If, however, you want to buy sandwich fillers from the supermarket or elsewhere you're in for a tougher time. Don't assume that anything is edible until you have thoroughly checked the label. A lot of things add lemon juice (which you cant taste, and most people wouldn't even notice. I know I never used to.). There are SOME ones you can eat, but as I said; check, check, check!<br />
<br />
Oh, and<b> beware ye the mayonnaise </b>- citric acid is often a preservative. If you are a mayonnaise fan I know Heinz mayo is safe enough.<br />
<img height="320" src="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2008/01/heinz.mayo.jpg" width="306" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-9337758019621937022012-10-24T12:29:00.000-07:002012-10-25T14:18:14.384-07:00Drinks - Milk and MilkshakesPlain milk we have no problem with. Wonderful stuff, and we all know what happens to little girls that don't get their calcium, don't we?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, sometimes your milk needs jazzing up a bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Roll-on milkshake powder.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately I have yet to find a milkshake POWDER that isn't freeze-dried death (at least to the citric-intolerant)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And don't you be fooled by that sneaky toffee flavour that Crusha brought out. Guess what other ingredient they added? No, I'm not bitter. YOU'RE sulking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Moving swiftly on...</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, so common sense tells you that chocolate and strawberry milkshakes are out here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Banana milkshake is usually ok</b>. Unlucky for me that I dont LIKE banana milkshake.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which means there are three options:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Just drink your milk plain</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Create your own milkshake experiments. If what goes in is good, what comes out is usually better! Toffee and apple (yes, apple again...), or white chocolate and blueberry have always proven popular.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Buy the more obscure milkshakes!! </b></li>
</ul>
In this category we have...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6527599295_6378a052e6_s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">'White chocolate flavoured milk' from Morrisons. This is good, this is very good! It is exactly what it says on the bottle. Sorry about the dreadful picture quality, I'm just trying to let you get an idea of the packaging in case you go hunting for it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/320/5052109964320/IDShot_225x225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">'Sticky toffee pudding flavour' milk from Tesco.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">If you like toffee (and milkshake!) this is worth a go. Very,</span><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"> very</i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> sweet - you have been warned!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And the more well-known brand:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are relatively expensive, but worth it for a treat. Since they're limited edition I'm not sure how long they will be on the shelves, bu I'm hoping a long time:</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://www.frijjtheincredible-demo.com/assets/images/page-specific/products/popup-vanilla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="133" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">some people have complained this is too plain, especially those who do not like to drink milk on its own. I like it, but agree there is not a</span><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"> lot</i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> of additional flavour from the vanilla.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://www.ocado.com/catalog/images-hires/67511011_H.jpg?identifier=2c9d527f6ea5c0d14748fcde2dc730c5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Yeah, I said I didn't like banana milkshake, and if you really hate banana flavour then give this one a miss, but teamed with the toffee it is definitely worth a try. It really does taste like banoffee pie, but without the crust (obviously!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/163%5C5000295144163%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This is simply delicious, if very sweet. Milkshakes are meant to be sweet, though, aren't they?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-42528644677734429862012-10-23T09:40:00.001-07:002012-10-27T00:16:01.711-07:00Drinks - Juice and DilutableThe apple is your friend here.<br />
<br />
In fact, apart from apples, I'm not certain there is anything else IN this category that is safe to drink.<br />
<br />
<b>And by no means are all apple juices/squashes safe either</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I'm just saying that apart from apple (and pear - please tell me if you find safe pear or blueberry juice!) it isn't really even worth looking at the ingredients list because the fruit itself has citric acid in it, before you get to the added stuff.<br />
<br />
Blueberry juice may appear ok on the scan, BUT 100% of the cartons I've checked have added citric acid to help shelf life. Sucks, I know.<br />
<br />
So, for pure fruit juices you are stuck with apple, and <b>always check the carton</b>. If the actual phrase 'citric acid' or 'E330' aren't present then you're good to take a swig (although not before you've paid for it....)<br />
<br />
Dilutables-wise, apple again. Are you sensing a theme here?<br />
<br />
As usual, always check the label, but I can vouch for both this 'High Juice' from Tesco, and the equivalent drink sold at the co-op<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/342%5C5018374782342%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<i>(Although they are both packed full of sugar, and you might be best off just drinking your water plain. Still, it is nice to have options)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
N.B. Homemade fruit juices (of apple, pear, blueberry) will be drinkable UNLESS the maker has added orange/lemon (as they often do). If you press fruit yourself the fruit juice will be perfectly fine (and delicious!)Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-35328313240450984882012-10-20T00:27:00.003-07:002013-01-23T10:15:11.242-08:00"Help, we're eating out!" - Coffee House 101Ok, picture the scene: you're out with friends, you're getting tired. Time for a sit down and a drink. You enter the coffee house.<br />
<br />
<i>What CAN I drink?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
You're tired, you're starting to get hungry...<br />
<br />
<i> Is there anything I can eat? </i><br />
<br />
<b>Let's start with the basics:</b><br />
<br />
All the coffees are out (caffeine) as are the hot chocolates (cocoa powder). However, if you are lucky enough to not be allergic to caffeine or cocoa, I can tell you that neither contain citric acid. Even decaff coffee still has<i> some</i> caffeine in it.<br />
<br />
You may be able to drink the apple juice most of these places sell in bottles. Check the label, but the careful - <b>citric acid is tricksy and has been know to hide under the name E330.</b><br />
<br />
If they serve white hot chocolate that is an option.<br />
<br />
Banana, toffee or white chocolate milkshakes are USUALLY ok, depending on the ice-cream they are using. Ask to see the packet, especially in countries other then England, because I can't vouch for what other places use as standard. Be careful of apple milkshakes (they may use apple sauce, and the preservative in that is...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do not assume you can eat the blueberry muffins. Some places add lemon juice.<br />
<b>As far as food goes</b>, it is sandwiches (check no salad, which butter, no cheese, mayonnaise brand) or things in a packet listing the ingredients, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
I can now vouch for the Starbucks blueberry muffin.That is the regular one, not the skinny.Who knows, skinny one might be alright as well - but I cannot vouch for it.<br />
<br />
I'll report back if I find other things in my wanderings, because I <i>love</i> coffee shops.Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-678632330581858422012-10-19T10:28:00.000-07:002012-10-19T10:28:13.495-07:00Hot Drink Ideas for the Caffeine and Cocoa Intolerant<b>'No Caf'</b> is a beautiful thing.<br />
<br />
An alternative hot drink, by the time you get milk and sugar in with it it is a very acceptable coffee alternative. If all you need is a hot drink that isn't going to kill you, you just found it.<br />
<br />
They sell it at Holland and Barrett, and I am definitely not doing it justice!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Whole Earth Organic - No Caf Coffee" height="320" src="http://www.winnaturally.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/o/nocaf-500x500.png" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Another option is <b>white hot chocolate</b>. Be warned, this stuff is <i>very</i> sweet. 'Options' do a low calorie one, although I find you have to add about four times the amount they say to get it to taste of much. By which point you could have gone to Whittard and got some of this...<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="http://www.whittard.co.uk/assets/+size:320:320:1/+v:d53ac7/product/White%20HC.jpg" width="320" />Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-28274271152801935882012-10-18T13:29:00.000-07:002012-10-18T13:29:04.926-07:00"Help, we're eating out!" - The Chip ShopSeeing as takeout and restaurant food generally doesn't come with ingredient lists, you have to be pretty careful when you order.<br />
<br />
So...in the chippy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>You can order fish and chips</b> without worrying. Oh, but in and eat-in situation you may need to specify that you don't want lemon on/with it.<b> Salt and vinegar are both safe</b> (vinegar has...ascorbic acid? Mallic? Either way it isn't citric, and that makes all the difference here)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Beef burgers are ok</b>, (including the battered ones) as long as you don't get salad on it (yes, lettuce contains citric acid!). I am not sure about gherkins, so I'd play it safe. No ketchup (tomatoes!), so I'm afraid if you are getting this option you'll probably be eating it plain.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Beware the sausages</b>!! They might be ok, they might not. Best to steer clear.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Pies and puddings:</b> There are so, so many different issues factors here, What butter was used in the pastry? Are the pies fresh? If not, did they have citric acid added to make them keep? What kind of gravy was used inside them? To me it isn't worth the hassle.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Sides.... </b>well, curry sauce is almost certain to contain citric acid. Mushy peas are probably ok. Gravy is a chance; which brand do they use? If you ask they might have a package with an ingredients list you can study.</li>
</ul>
</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-14330532097981574412012-10-18T02:48:00.004-07:002012-10-27T00:15:27.527-07:00Protein Sources 101: Meat, Eggs and Tofu<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Eggs</u></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Not a lot to say about eggs. Totally safe. Convenient for the allergy restricted vegetarian.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
If you are a fan of butter in your scrambled egg, remember to check the packet.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Tofu</span></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Again, tofu itself is ok. Watch out for what it is packaged in. I know that the 'cauldron' brand is ok (you can get it in Tesco, Morrisons, and probably other supermarkets).</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Soy sauce is good on this. I recommend <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/04/18/introducing-protein-french-fries/">this recipe</a> from Chocolate Covered Katie as absolutely delicious!</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And, last but not least...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Meat</span></u></b></div>
<br />
As you may have gathered from other places, most fresh meat is edible to someone even with the list of intolerances in my header!<br />
<br />
As a rule, tinned meat is also ok. I can vouch for tinned tuna, spam, and that potted ham stuff.<br />
<br />
One thing you do have to be careful of, though, is if you were ever a fan of those tinned/jarred hot-dogs that are basically plastic. Some brands are fine, while others contain (you guessed it!) citric acid.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what else there is to say on that one. If it is fresh you know you're safe.<br />
<br />
If you are buying fish, though, be careful they have not already added garlic butter to it (some brands of margarine and butter contain citric acid) and that they have not added lemon!<br />
<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Extra note: be careful of your gravy! </i>The red and yellow bisto are safe, but you really need to check the packets as many are not.<br />
<br />
<i><b>And if you're serving up a joint</b></i>, the cranberry sauce is out I'm afraid, as is anything lemon (obviously). I'm unsure about bread sauce, as I never liked the stuff. Apple sauce is ok <u>if you made it yourself </u> but many supermarket brands add citric acid to help it keep longer. As I said, check the label.Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-57482906463322771842012-10-17T02:53:00.000-07:002012-10-17T02:53:25.033-07:00Coca-Cola and Pepsi - which are safe?Technically (caffeine being off the menu) these should not be consumed, but... well, sometimes you NEED a caffeine hit. Even when you're not meant to (If you're me, especially when you're not meant to!)<br />
<br />
If you have ever glanced at the ingredients in a bottle of cola, you'll probably be horrified by the amount of ingredients. Including citric acid.<br />
<br />
<b>But all is not lost!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For some strange reason, even though pretty much <i>every other</i> type of cola has the dreaded citric acid in it,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Coca-Cola zero</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img height="320" src="http://www.grimeforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/coke-zero.jpg" width="273" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Pepsi</b></div>
<img height="320" src="http://www.contagiousmagazine.com/magazine/upload/pepsican.jpeg" width="208" /><br />
<br />
have been left unscathed. That only includes the original sugar-packed Pepsi, but considering all the shouting being done about artificial sweeteners, you might be better off with the sugar.<br />
<br />Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-62559731768891166902012-10-17T02:39:00.000-07:002012-10-17T02:39:32.991-07:00Are there ANY safe fizzy drinks?Ok, so you're now faced with the dilemma of trying to find something fizzy to drink. You could take the high road and say,<br />
<br />
<b>"Well, fizzy drinks were bad for me anyway. I'm better off without."</b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I have never been a campaigner for that approach. I like to keep the options open!<br />
<br />
As far as fizzy goes, you're pretty limited, I'm afraid. Thankfully (because there is always a bright side!) what there is seems to be sold pretty widely, so you won't have to go to outer Mongolia for your carbonated fix.<br />
<br />
So, I present to you...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Tango apple</u></b></div>
<br />
<img height="320" src="http://www.atb-bargains.co.uk/ekmps/shops/atbbargains/images/tango-apple-1799-p.jpg" width="320" /><br />
Both the bottles and cans of this are safe to drink. Convenient, as I always thought it was the best one, anyway!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Sparkling Rubicon Mango</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>(N.B. Check you are getting the sparkling Rubicon Mango NOT the still one. The still one contains citric acid. Don't ask me why.)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://www.waeplus.co.uk/img.php/639827/thumb" width="320" /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9ucJzecC2Qf8ExE-_cxjt3dzwIf8MvYZc2AUXPFnDROnOB4UGpgdNYZ1gd5hGPLhGFvy2w9O8I00FfuvNbbbdkO71Q_vBMVKmT7q3ogBu3FbP2XH4h8rCWYirERR3fSaPeMwjpJqFFU/s320/s_Drinks_Rubicon_330ml_Mango.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, both the can and bottle are safe to drink.</div>
Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291024690861257659.post-81579356928385346152012-10-17T02:11:00.002-07:002012-10-17T02:15:09.776-07:00"If only Ferrero Roche came in white..."Apparently they do!<br />
<br />
Although these are not the classic hazelnut flavour, they remain amazing.<br />
<br />
<b>"Well, what are they like?"</b><br />
<br />
Shredded coconut covering over a crisp shell. This is filled with a praline cream and a crunchy central almond.<br />
<br />
<img alt="ferrero-raffaello1" src="http://www.thechocolatereview.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ferrero-raffaello1.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I've seen them available in Morrisons for sure, but other places may carry them. Plus, not you know about them, you can poach the white ones when anyone else gets the mixed ferrero box!Rainbowgirlxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371889156926539165noreply@blogger.com0