Children can be allergic to all kinds of food, but just a few items are the most common culprits. According to KidsHealth.org, 90 percent of food allergies involve eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. To avoid accidental exposure to allergens, learn to analyze food labels. Websites such as KidsWithFoodAllergies.org can help. Also, prepare homemade snacks that feature simple, healthy ingredients. For a combination of edible pleasure and education, have your kids join in the snack-making, too.
Veggies and Dips
Wash a variety of vegetables and get out the sour cream. Older children can help cut some veggies, including celery and cucumbers, while you can slice the harder ones such as carrots. This is also a great time to introduce some crunchy new vegetables---think jicama and mild radishes. Put sour cream in individual dishes and let the kids make their own dips by adding herbs and spices. Veggies and dips make excellent snacks for children allergic to eggs, peanuts, nuts, fish, soy and wheat.
Quesadillas
Plain quesadillas can be a kid-pleaser, and you also might sneak in some vegetables such as tomatoes and bell peppers. For the plainest version, fold a tortilla in half and fill with cheese; lightly butter the outsides of the tortilla and cook in a sandwich grill or a frying pan. If you're using veggies, add them in the center with the cheese. When the quesadilla is golden brown, cut it up for easy eating, and serve sour cream or salsa for dipping. Quesadillas suit kids who can't eat eggs, nuts, soy and fish; if a child is allergic to wheat, you can substitute corn for flour tortillas.
Fruit Skewers
Give fruit extra flair by serving it on skewers. Cut big chunks of fruit in season, and let kids cut them into smaller chunks. Watermelon and strawberries work great in summer; apples and pears are a good match in cooler weather; and bananas fill in well all year round. Alternate the small chunks on skewers; older children can do this step themselves, but it might be a sticking point for toddlers. Unless someone has an allergy to a particular fruit, these skewers can serve as a healthy snack for nearly all kids.
Petite Pizzas
Provide the ingredients, and let kids go wild making personal pizzas. Give each child half of an English muffin, suggest putting on tomato sauce first and offer toppings such as grated cheese, chopped vegetables, pepperoni and sliced olives. Broil the pizzas until the cheese melts, and let the pizza party begin. These petite masterpieces are fine for kids who are allergic to eggs, nuts, soy and/or fish.
Bagels and Toppings
Slice a variety of bagels, from plain to onion to cinnamon-raisin. With bagel in hand, children can choose to add plain or flavored cream cheese, jam, honey, fruit, vegetables, olives or even meats and cheeses. This snack suits those allergic to nuts, soy and fish.
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