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Post by Jennifer in Oregon on Oct 27, 2006 2:06:55 GMT -5
I've decided to host two separate exchanges this year--I know, CRAZY! I'm hosting one for friends and family and another for my mom's group. I've had a few women who were offended because of my new rules--butter must be used, not margerine or shortning and flour must be the main ingredient. I have been accused of not being sensitive to food allergies!  My take is that participation is optional. I can't accommodate everyone and their weird allergies. I can guarantee that no one would show up for a cookie exchange with egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, cocoa-free goods! What do you all think? Am I being insensitive about this private event that is going to take place in MY home?  ? |
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Post by bonnieb on Oct 28, 2006 11:59:39 GMT -5
Jennifer this is your cookie exchange and you are right - they can participate or NOT participate. My first year I sent out the invitations stating certain requirments as well and no one had a problem with it. The next year one gal did bring some wheat germ type cookie (something healthier) - yeah that went over big. Was she kidding with this cookie at the holdiays! The next year I made a point of saying to everyone that this is the time of year when diets go out the window, etc. let's have fun, blah, blah, blah. Yep one gal showed up with some "healthy" cookie. Again it did not go over well. Everyone is nice and takes the cookies but usually tells me later that they (like me) just tossed them. So Jennifer - send out your invitations and hope for the best (which would be all the participants respecting your wishes as the hostess). If they don't like it let them host their own party. As a hostess I know how much time and effort (not to mention favors) are put into the day. Just enjoy!  |
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Post by Jennifer in Oregon on Oct 28, 2006 14:02:43 GMT -5
I had three people refuse to come last year because one of the guest's nephews, was diagnosed as diabetic. She didn't think she could possibly bake cookies that he couldn't have! The others were the child's mother and grandmother. I agree with you that the holidays are not a time of year to start or maintain a strict diet! One day is not going to kill any dieter. We give most of our cookies away as gifts so it's not like they are sitting around the house screaming my name!
The second year brought more complaints. I invited two new people and they were completely offended that we insisted each guest brings 6 dozen cookies and that sugar cookies or fill-in-the-blank chip cookies were not wanted! One insisted on bringing her chocolate chip cookies and went on and on about how her's were the best ever, and she was certain she would win the grand prize. She didn't get one vote! I don't make chip cookies for the holidays for the most part. I do make them all the time during the year so it would be nothing thrilling for the holidays!
Thanks again!!!
Jennifer
People are weird! If they don't want to participate, they don't have to but they don't have to get all bent out of shape over it.
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Post by Robin on Oct 28, 2006 15:41:08 GMT -5
Hi Jennifer,
Regarding food allergies... I think it is up to the eater not the baker... As in, I am allergic to walnuts (the acid in that nut makes my tongue all red and raw, yes, I know a lovely thought.) I can however eat pecans which I substitute for all walnut recipes.
I don't tell anyone not to bring cookies with walnuts. I simply ask if the cookie is walnuts or pecans (hard to tell by sight.) If it's pecans, I eat it, if it's walnuts, I don't, it's my problem and I don't expect everyone to cater to my peculiarities.
It's up to the individual who knows what their allergy is to eat or not eat what is brought to the party.
You can't please everyone all the time. Make your own rules, as is your right, in your house and then let others deal with that.
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Post by Jennifer in Oregon on Oct 30, 2006 1:12:21 GMT -5
As always, you are the voice of reason!
I live in a very hippie-dippie area of my town, and I know many vegans or people who claim that they are allergic to pretty much everything, including fruit and vegetables! I don't buy into it much as I think a lot of people misinterpret a sensitivity or reaction in the body (something they can't feel) as an allergy. My 6 year old tested positive for many, MANY food reactions but the only one that actually bothers her is dairy, not uncommon in my family. Thank God my vegan friends cheat a few times per year!
Vegan really isn't all that healthy. People need a balanced diet and brown rice crap (yuk, I've tried it all) sucks! All the gluten-free and wheat-free mixes are awful and really expensive. I would die if someone brought crap like that to my exchange. No one would even try something vegan--I'm shivering just thinking about it, and I don't really mind some vegan foods, but I like my treats sugary, chocolaty and buttery!
You only live once, might as well live it up!
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