Summer Break

What are school kids’ two favourite words? “Summer” and Break”. Put them together and you have some very happy freewheeling kids with little structure built into the days. The transition for busy moms who have kids with allergies and Celiac is made even more complicated because meals must be planned ahead and the right safe foods readily available when “I’m hungry!” strikes.

I count myself SUPER lucky because my kids will go to a sleep away camp that has extra kitchen staff members to take care of their needs. In fact, they have separate food, pots and pans, toaster ovens, have a salad bar without gluten for the whole camp so that they can go back for seconds, canteen/tuck items that they can also partake and staff that understand the issue of cross contamination. What more can I ask for? This camp is not a special camp for Celiacs, but has a board member with a child who has Celiac. They have made it their business to ensure safety and because of this I can breathe easy while they’re away.

This year, because I am involved in the gluten-free business, I became more involved in this process. I have gone to visit the camp, speak to the kitchen staff and see where it all happens. I have provided baked goods, suggested distributors to buy other food, and have a good rapport with the directors and the board member.

If food safety isn’t an issue – as it isn’t for most families – then sending your kid to camp bear the usual concerns; will they get along with the other campers, will they like their counselors, will they be safe? Sending your kid to an overnight camp may be simple to many people, but knowing the camp is peanut-free with gluten-free options… priceless!

I do hope you have all found solutions for your kids by now and have found places you feel your kids will be safe. For those of you who have kids in day camps, it means providing lunches and speaking with counsellors to ensure their safety. Just when you thought lunch duty was over (school), you realize it NEVER is! A little extra work in the kitchen is required and lots of good lunch ideas.

I have recently written an article in the Huffington Post on making breadless sandwiches and will post it once it comes out. I will also be doing a breadless sandwich demo on Breakfast Television on July 3rd and will post the video clip on my Facebook page as usual.

This brings me to my last point……I want to share with you all some good news. I have recently leased an industrial space to make my bread! My new spongy, yummy and tasty recipe has really taken off and I have decided to have a production facility here in Montreal. I start construction this coming week and will hopefully be up and running in the fall. This means FRESH GF bread to Montreal, Ottawa and even Toronto to start! I look forward to being able to distribute bread to help make sandwiches and lunches a breeze!

In the meantime, enjoy a great summer and keep you and your kids safe!