About Us

About Us

Evan and Theresa Kingma, 2004

Food allergies are on the rise in America, affecting approximately six percent of children. My son Evan was one of these children, diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to dairy and a severe allergy to eggs. I originally left the allergist’s office with the realization that I would have to completely revamp my cooking and baking menus. Luckily, I really enjoy baking and cooking and researching. I used my research skills to find, adapt, and create dairy-free, egg-free, kid pleasing recipes. I scoured many sources for main dish and treat ideas that would appeal to my whole family. I did not find one book that entirely fulfilled my specific needs. Vegan cookbooks, while full of interesting recipes, just did not appeal to my small children. As my compilation of kid pleasing recipes and knowledge increased, I realized I had something I could offer to other parents facing similar circumstances. This book could be a blessing for a parent of a child with dairy and egg allergies.

After countless nights staying up late, typing in recipes and then spending hours and hours on editing, formatting, and putting it together in one master file, I turned my attention to publication. I did not find success in that department. I received rejections for over a year, mostly stating that there was not a big enough target population for them to consider publishing it. I queried several agents next, hoping to gain access to the big publishing houses, without any success and a few rude comments. The most interesting comment I received was from an agent stating, " Frankly, you don't have the credentials to carry this book off." This comment completely floored me. I do not think that a doctor, specializing in food allergies but going home to a pantry full of dairy and egg products, can possibly have more knowledge about cooking and baking for a toddler (and family) without dairy and eggs. I do not make any medical knowledge claims. My tips focus on the day to day wisdom of living and moving in a society that is obsessive about dairy and prepackaged snacks, full of dairy and egg products.

I could have given this project up and my compilation of main dish, muffins and breads, desserts, snacks, soups, side dishes, and 42 Super Quick Meals for Tired Mothers could be collecting dust inside its binder on my cookbook shelf. But I am determined to offer this collection of Kid Pleasing recipes and Tips to the parents who really need it. I would like to think that my experience can be a valuable resource for parents who head home after a pat on the back and a "Good luck!" from the allergist with no other guidance.

I hope you find Dairy-free, Egg-free, Kid Pleasing Recipes & Tips a valuable resource. I am offering it to you with the knowledge and sincerity of a mother who has been in your shoes. My sons have thrived on these recipes and I have gained a measure of confidence that I can navigate them safely through this life.

I graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and from Western Washington University with a Master of Education degree. I did extensive research writing in the course of my studies. Before my career in education, I worked with adolescents in the Social Services. I taught Creative Writing, English, and Social Studies at the middle school level before taking time off to have my two boys, Leighton and Evan. I feel that I am an authority on cooking dairy- and egg- free through my research, experience, and consultations with the two local doctors who specialize in allergies. My life has been consumed with Evan’s life threatening allergies for the last few years. I wanted to create something meaningful out of our ordeal. This cookbook can be a lasting resource that can help other parents facing similar circumstances.

I am hoping that this e-book is easy, affordable, and acceptable to my target population: you--at home with your vulnerable child. Be sure to check out the TIPS section of my book that I have included in this website. I wish you the best of luck and success with your child's food allergy.

Contact me with any questions or feedback concerning my book or general dairy and egg allergy questions at: mailto:tkingma@pair.com

"Thank you for putting together such a great cookbook for "real

moms" My toddler is allergic to Peanuts, Dairy and Eggs. Finding kid pleasing

recipes that taste good have been a challenge. I am so happy to have

found your cookbook and look forward to adding new meals to the menu.

Thanks Again!"

Terry

Leighton and Theresa Kingma, 2000