Cooking for people who have allergies is always a challange...Here are some tips will help you cook safely and happy.

* Do prepare the allergy-free dishes early in the day, cover them, and keep them separate from the cooking area.
* Do stock up on key ingredients such as milk-free, soy-free margarine.
* When dining out, don’t forget that many people use butter, or margarine that contains milk, for cooking. Always ask first.
* When you are away from home, stay away from "high risk" foods, including desserts, sauces, pastry-covered dishes, and fried foods.
* Do ask about ingredients and cooking methods used whether you are in a restaurant, friend’s home, or about to serve a dish someone brought to your home.
* Please remember: egg substitutes may contain egg whites; egg replacers do not.
* You may use broth to flavor mashed potatoes.
* When invited by a friend or a relative, bring a "safe" dish with you; he or she will appreciate it, and you’ll rest easier, too.
* Do use parchment paper as a liner for your countertops when mixing or blending foods that may cause a reaction. Throw the paper away when you are finished.