Spotlight Interview: Sarah Hatfield (NoWheyMama)

Spotlight On: Sarah Hatfield (NoWheyMama)

Blogging Since: I've been blogging since January 2007 at No Whey Mama. I also write at godairyfree.org

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom

What made you start your blog and why the name No Whey Mama?

I started my blog because I wanted to share what I've learned as an allergy mom and to find a community of allergy parents. I wanted to do a play on "no way/no whey" and communicate that it's a parenting blog.

How is life different for your family post-diagnosis?

Katherine, our dairy-allergic daughter, is our eldest, and we discovered her allergy when she was at 7 months old. I barely remember life before she was diagnosed! We live mainly dairy free. We decided early on that it would be best if I could stay home with her (and her siblings). Now that she is in school, I'm available to supervise classroom parties, chaperone on field trips, etc.

What made you decide to become an advocate for people with food allergies?

We live in a small town without many allergy resources. I knew that there must be many other families in similar situations, and the Internet is a great way to reach out to them.

What is your favorite place on the web to find food allergy information?

While it isn't food allergy-specific, I love Go Dairy Free because it's the best resource for dairy-free information, which is what we need.

What is your number one tip for dealing with a dairy allergy?

Always, always read the label.

Do you have a favorite dairy free recipe that you can share with us?

This was one of our first dairy-free favorites, and I still make it frequently.

Picadillo, adapted from the May 2003 issue of Cooking Light
1 t. olive oil
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 lb. ground turkey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth or 1 c. water + 1 dairy-free bouillon cube
1/3 c. raisins
1/3 c. coarsely chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
3 T. capers
1 T. tomato paste or ketchup
1/4 t. black pepper
salt to taste
rice to serve it on

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in oil for five minutes. Add turkey and garlic and cook for five minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add broth and next five ingredients, stir well. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes. Salt to taste. Meanwhile, cook rice. Serve picadillo over rice.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of Katherine--her positive attitude, her understanding of her allergy, and her willingness to try new dairy-free foods.

For more information about Sarah or to leave her a comment visit her page on WEGO Health