Menu problems

[mhsjax]

I love how everyone posts their menus and I have looked at websites for the once a month cooking and things like that, but I have a problem and I am sure that others do as well.

So many of these recipes have cheese in them. Does anyone have ideas about what to cook when you have a child that is allergic to dairy. I get really mad (yes I know it is crazy) but with so many people out there that are allergic to dairy or at least very lactose intolerant, why does everything have to include cheese. Sorry rant over, I am just tired after 10 years of trying to find different things to fix for my kiddo. The rest of us no problem but for him, it is difficult. Anyone have some suggestions.

 

[kacaju]

I love how everyone posts their menus and I have looked at websites for the once a month cooking and things like that, but I have a problem and I am sure that others do as well.

So many of these recipes have cheese in them. Does anyone have ideas about what to cook when you have a child that is allergic to dairy. I get really mad (yes I know it is crazy) but with so many people out there that are allergic to dairy or at least very lactose intolerant, why does everything have to include cheese. Sorry rant over, I am just tired after 10 years of trying to find different things to fix for my kiddo. The rest of us no problem but for him, it is difficult. Anyone have some suggestions.

DH is lactose intolerant. It can be trying to make a meal....believe me, after almost 20 years I feel your pain!!
Is your son intolerant or truly allergic?? What can he eat in place of dairy?

For example..DH can eat hard cheeses. Chedder for example. We do not eat american cheese in this house, in fact, my kids do not like grilled cheese with american cheese since I always make it with chedder.

There are many soy products out there now that are dairy free.
Tofutti makes a cream cheese. Any recipe that calls for cream cheese I can use that. They also make a cottage cheese, I have used that in place of ricotta cheese to make lasagna. Provalone instead of mozzarella and we can eat lasagna. I do make it with as little *cheese* as I can because even with these products it still gets him if I smother it.
Any cream of *whatever soups* I make a white sauce and then add whatever I need, again, fo him chedder cheese for a cheese soup, chicken broth for a cream of chicken, mushrooms. You get the idea.
Do you make him a separate meal or are you trying to make meals for the whole family?
I do my very best to make all of our meals lactose free.
If you can give me some meals you want to make I can try to help you figure out how to make them!!

 

[mhsjax]

DH is lactose intolerant. It can be trying to make a meal....believe me, after almost 20 years I feel your pain!!
Is your son intolerant or truly allergic?? What can he eat in place of dairy?

For example..DH can eat hard cheeses. Chedder for example. We do not eat american cheese in this house, in fact, my kids do not like grilled cheese with american cheese since I always make it with chedder.

There are many soy products out there now that are dairy free.
Tofutti makes a cream cheese. Any recipe that calls for cream cheese I can use that. They also make a cottage cheese, I have used that in place of ricotta cheese to make lasagna. Provalone instead of mozzarella and we can eat lasagna. I do make it with as little *cheese* as I can because even with these products it still gets him if I smother it.
Any cream of *whatever soups* I make a white sauce and then add whatever I need, again, fo him chedder cheese for a cheese soup, chicken broth for a cream of chicken, mushrooms. You get the idea.
Do you make him a separate meal or are you trying to make meals for the whole family?
I do my very best to make all of our meals lactose free.
If you can give me some meals you want to make I can try to help you figure out how to make them!!

First of all, thank you. Now the hard part. I say he is allergic, but really he isn't. But he is more than lactose intolerant but some people don't understand. He can't digest a certain milk protein and we really aren't sure what that is. Also we aren't sure at what temperature this protein can be destroyed. I have a friend with a true milk allergy and the allergist said that some proteins can be destroyed with heat, but they really can't give definitive answers.

He can and does eat the kraft parmesan cheese. He can handle cheese dorritos and things like that, which is a major improvement, at one time those would have induced several hours of vomiting. I can also make a roast using cream of mushroom soup and he is fine with that. I did make pancakes a few months ago, home made has milk in them. WRONG. Didn't go over well.

OUr Dr left it up to him as to weather or not he wants to try foods with dairy,cheese because he is the one that suffers. At this point I am at a loss. I will make different things for him for dinner, but I always try to make the main thing dairy free. Or if we have say lasagna ,I will just make him spaghetti. Side become difficult, no mac n cheese or home made mashed potatoes. Also trying to stay on budget, other DS eats everything, no allergies on his part. lol And he eats a TON.

I am open to any suggestions at all. not picky on my part. I will give the Tofutti a try.

 

[crl]

I fell your pain.
I'll be watching this thread closely since my son is also allergic and DH isn't so sure about using too many soy products due to hormone concerns.
As for mashed potatoes, just leave a little of the potato water in when you drain them after cooking. Then add some dairy free butter and mash.
We have found veggie shreds as an alternative to real cheese. Since my DS was born like this, he doesn't know the taste of real cheese and so he likes his veggie cheese.

 

[Tink's Pixieduster]

Here's just a couple of ideas:

1. Stuffing as a side dish - it's not just for holidays; it can be made year round. When my sons were children I would sometimes fix stuffing as a side dish with meals, and although it contains bread, I also added celery, a little bit of onion, some grated carrots, etc., so there were some vegetables mixed in.

2. Soups as the main meal - my family enjoys soup as the main course of a meal, especially in winter. Navy bean with ham, chicken noodle, and vegetable are the favorites I make. They also love my chili which I make mild and sweet.

 

[mhsjax]

Here's just a couple of ideas:

1. Stuffing as a side dish - it's not just for holidays; it can be made year round. When my sons were children I would sometimes fix stuffing as a side dish with meals, and although it contains bread, I also added celery, a little bit of onion, some grated carrots, etc., so there were some vegetables mixed in.

2. Soups as the main meal - my family enjoys soup as the main course of a meal, especially in winter. Navy bean with ham, chicken noodle, and vegetable, are the favorites I make. They love my chili which I make mild and sweet.

Well color me stupid. My kiddo love stuffing. I don't know why I didn't think of that. I always put the veggies in mine and he doesn't mind a bit. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[kacaju]

make sure you read the labels too. I have found even after 20 years a product I *always buy* now contains dairy.
Also look for Kosher items, they do not contain dairy
Chicken broth in home made mashed potatoes instead of milk will work.
Side dishes: french fries, sweet potato fries, sweet potato with mini marshmellows.

 

[maggiew]

My DD doesn't like cheese. Here are things she likes for dinner:

1. Beef roast with potatoes/carrots cooked in pot (not mashed potatoes)
2. Roast chicken, roasted potatoes, corn
3. Tacos (make your own - no cheese for her)
4. Spaghetti
5. Ramen
6. pizza (just sprinkled with kraft parmesan type cheese)
7. hot dogs
8. pork chops, rice pilaf, peas
9. chinese food (esp. Trader Joes Orange chicken and their jasmine rice)
10. hot wings (the hotter the better for her )

That is all I can think of off the top of my head. But we rarely make any casserole type dishes that tend to use cheese.

Maggie

 

[mhsjax]

My DD doesn't like cheese. Here are things she likes for dinner:

1. Beef roast with potatoes/carrots cooked in pot (not mashed potatoes)
2. Roast chicken, roasted potatoes, corn
3. Tacos (make your own - no cheese for her)
4. Spaghetti
5. Ramen
6. pizza (just sprinkled with kraft parmesan type cheese)
7. hot dogs
8. pork chops, rice pilaf, peas
9. chinese food (esp. Trader Joes Orange chicken and their jasmine rice)
10. hot wings (the hotter the better or her )

That is all I can think of off the top of my head. But we rarely make any casserole type dishes that tend to use cheese.

Maggie

Wow, our kids may share a brain. My DS loves most of those things, especially the hot wings. I guess really when I look at it, there are lots of things that he can eat, so I really shouldn't complain.

 

[mistysue]

I don't really like cheese in my food. It annoys me. A lot of times I just don't add cheese where people think it "enhances" a meal. (eggs, salad, pasta, soups...why do these things need cheese???)

I like to stuff chicken with things (potatoes, stuffing, veggies) you can slice regular boneless breasts, stuff and bake them. Then you can use bread crumbs or corn flakes on the outside for more variety. I use fruit as side dishes when we are sick of veggies for a day- a can of cubed pineapple can be really refreshing with many meals.

We also do a lot of pasta with herbs, ramen noodles with veggies (with or without seasoning packet), most boxed rice will not have cheese. Do you ever do red beans and rice? Zatarain's makes a good one that goes well with sandwiches.

Have you tried making soup by just blending cooked carrots or squashes? I usually just add water, maybe olive oil and a seasoning or two.

I also use coconut oil instead of olive oil for variety when making veggies or anything in a pan. It's solid at room temp but a little will go a long way once it melts. Sometimes it's expensive but if you watch they always clearance it out because nobody buys it.

 

[ENSOCK]

another thing on the stuffing use rice instead of bread. Coming from Louisiana we make a rice dressing and a cornbread dressing. I have to make both because I have a niece that is allergic to milk. she can eat the rice but stays away from the cornbread.

My oldest DS was allergic to milk but thankfully he outgrew it. He still does not drink milk and I still limit the amount of dairy he intakes. Cheese does not bother him but I don't like to push it anyway.

Good Luck!

 

[mhsjax]

another thing on the stuffing use rice instead of bread. Coming from Louisiana we make a rice dressing and a cornbread dressing. I have to make both because I have a niece that is allergic to milk. she can eat the rice but stays away from the cornbread.

My oldest DS was allergic to milk but thankfully he outgrew it. He still does not drink milk and I still limit the amount of dairy he intakes. Cheese does not bother him but I don't like to push it anyway.

Good Luck!

Thanks. For me it is the grey area that frustrates me I guess. Like, cornbread, eats it no problem. Pancakes, nope. I don't know where the line is, and I just don't want him to suffer. He has terrible stomach pains for about 2 hours then the vomiting starts. It is like his poor little tummy is trying to digest the dairy and it just can't.

One thing for sure, I really do feel for those that have true life threatening allergies and for those that are allergic to more than one food. I have no problems compared to things like this.

 

[mhsjax]

I don't really like cheese in my food. It annoys me. A lot of times I just don't add cheese where people think it "enhances" a meal. (eggs, salad, pasta, soups...why do these things need cheese???)

I like to stuff chicken with things (potatoes, stuffing, veggies) you can slice regular boneless breasts, stuff and bake them. Then you can use bread crumbs or corn flakes on the outside for more variety. I use fruit as side dishes when we are sick of veggies for a day- a can of cubed pineapple can be really refreshing with many meals.

We also do a lot of pasta with herbs, ramen noodles with veggies (with or without seasoning packet), most boxed rice will not have cheese. Do you ever do red beans and rice? Zatarain's makes a good one that goes well with sandwiches.

Have you tried making soup by just blending cooked carrots or squashes? I usually just add water, maybe olive oil and a seasoning or two.

I also use coconut oil instead of olive oil for variety when making veggies or anything in a pan. It's solid at room temp but a little will go a long way once it melts. Sometimes it's expensive but if you watch they always clearance it out because nobody buys it.

I am with you on the cheese part. Not a real favorite of mine.

He loves pasta salad and rice pretty much of any kind. Beans not so much. But my other kids do. Go figure. lol

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I am feeling better. I think this am I had just read several recipes that sounded really good but all had something that he couldn't eat and was having a pity party. And it is hard because he isn't a picky eater and expresses over and over again how he wishes he could have certain things. It just bothers me sometimes.

 

[MSSANDRA]

The fact that Cream of Chicken soup is ok makes it easier. I use this all the time.

Thinking back over this week, I made nothing with cheese and only one meal with milk (we had pancake and sausage on night)

we had:
Chicken & rice-
2 can cream of whatever soup
1 can chicken broth
1/2 stick margine
(heat till margine melts)
add 1 cup raw rice.
Place in large dish
Place boneless chicken breast tenders on top.
Cover in foil, bake about 1 1/2 hour.
YUMMY and EASY

Had veggie and fruit with it!

Chicken/dumplings-
Used the frozen dumplings from grocery store
had fruit with it!!

Spaghetti
Salad
Bread
(cheese on side)

We also make a dressing/chicken dish that is great.
Use a pack of dressing
cooked chicken (any kind is fine)
Chicken broth
Cream of whatever soup
An egg or two
Mix and bake. Yummy and easy!!!!

 

[mhsjax]

The fact that Cream of Chicken soup is ok makes it easier. I use this all the time.

Thinking back over this week, I made nothing with cheese and only one meal with milk (we had pancake and sausage on night)

we had:
Chicken & rice-
2 can cream of whatever soup
1 can chicken broth
1/2 stick margine
(heat till margine melts)
add 1 cup raw rice.
Place in large dish
Place boneless chicken breast tenders on top.
Cover in foil, bake about 1 1/2 hour.
YUMMY and EASY

Had veggie and fruit with it!

Chicken/dumplings-
Used the frozen dumplings from grocery store
had fruit with it!!

Spaghetti
Salad
Bread
(cheese on side)

We also make a dressing/chicken dish that is great.
Use a pack of dressing
cooked chicken (any kind is fine)
Chicken broth
Cream of whatever soup
An egg or two
Mix and bake. Yummy and easy!!!!

Sounds good. I am assuming that because I use cream of mushroom soup that he can handle all of the other. I will give some of these a try.

 

[LilyWDW]

Sounds good. I am assuming that because I use cream of mushroom soup that he can handle all of the other. I will give some of these a try.

If he had no issues with cream of mushroom, then just use the cream of mushroom. My mother is allergic to mushrooms, so we sub cream of celery for just about everything. I have noticed little to no taste difference.

My boyfriend is lactose intolerant. I know what a stress it can be to make sure that you are serving something that won't make them sick. He also seems to have become MORE intolerant over the years and foods that never used to bother him now do. Luckily he can take lactaid to help with some of the problems, but there are some things he just has to stay away from. I always catch myself going "oh, this sounds so good" and then realize I don't think he could eat it. It's really hard because he LOVES cheese and his favorite foods include pizza.

If there is a specific recipe you want to use, post it and maybe someone can help you change it. Same with the actual thread. If you saw something on the Eat at Home thread, post a question about it and maybe someone will know of an idea.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

The do have cheese substitutes. I know it's no consolation, but as a fellow extremely sensitive to milk/lactose, I use it sometimes.

I'm drawing a blank on some of the stuff I fix... let me sit on it and see what I can come up with!

A friend of mine did get me the Taste of Home: the busy family cookbook. Lot of stuff in there is listed without cheese.

 

[CdnBuzzFan]

As a PP mentioned, chicken broth is an excellent substitute for the milk in mashed potatoes! This way, you could even try making a recipe for shepherds pie.

I can't recall if rice was mentioned yet or not, but that could always be an option.