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Ricette cena di Halloween senza glutine e senza lattosio
Halloween recipes: a celebration that has now become part of Italian tradition
In this section, you’ll find many delicious recipes for a Halloween lunch or dinner, perfect for both adults and children. These aren’t just any recipes, at least not most of them; they embody the spirit of a holiday with unique characteristics and a specific cultural background made up of traditions, stories, images, and symbols. The theme is horror and witchcraft, though filtered through a lens of irony and fun, which is why you’ll also find some fun Halloween recipes for kids. Despite the dark tones and “gloomy” references, Halloween is a joyful celebration, and we celebrate it with food. The recipes for a perfect Halloween dinner found in this section can be divided into two categories. The first focuses on highlighting ingredients that are symbolic of Halloween, such as pumpkin.
The second type focuses on aesthetics, recreating the images and symbols of the most “horrific” of holidays. So, you’ll find spiders, mummies, severed fingers, bats, skulls, etc. Of course, creativity goes hand in hand with taste, and why not, even lightness. In most cases, these recipes are compatible with those who suffer from food intolerances or similar conditions. A Halloween menu with many gluten-free and lactose-free dishes. I’d like to remind you that intolerance-friendly recipes aren’t exclusive to a particular group but can and should be enjoyed by everyone. These types of recipes are good regardless, so go ahead and try out these Halloween recipes to make your themed parties and events special. Below, you’ll find more information about this holiday, both from a culinary perspective and beyond.
Halloween appetizers, some truly delicious recipes
If we were to think of some Halloween appetizers, which recipes should we include in the menu? Here on the site, I’ve proposed a few that could suit your needs. These recipes have all the typical qualities of Halloween appetizers: they are tasty, bite-sized, and colorful enough. Of course, since they are Halloween recipes, the appetizers reflect the themes of the holiday, which are all horror and magic-related, with pumpkin as the star. Here is my personal selection of truly tasty Halloween appetizers.
- Halloween brunch: This recipe is designed for brunch but can be “recycled” as an appetizer. It consists of an assortment of toast, mini pizzas, and pigs in blankets. Pumpkin appears frequently in these preparations, particularly in the form of puree (replacing tomato sauce). The mix also includes mummified meatballs, a recipe I’ve already discussed, which consists of meatballs wrapped in puff pastry strips like bandages.
- Rice flans with zucchini: When portioned correctly, these zucchini rice flans make for a perfect Halloween appetizer. It’s a somewhat complex recipe, especially in terms of presentation, but it makes a great impression. It features a base of rice and chickpea hummus topped with cooked vegetables, served warm to ensure stability for the appetizers.
- Charcoal pancakes: Among the Halloween appetizer recipes, the charcoal and pumpkin pancakes stand out. It has a delicate flavor as it’s made with rice flour and darkened with charcoal. Pumpkin is used both in the batter and as a topping, along with turmeric.
Our Halloween menu for kids
Despite its “dark” origins, Halloween is a fun celebration and a great opportunity to enjoy time with kids. You can create that fun at the table, so why not come up with some recipes specifically for the little ones? On the site, I’ve proposed some that could be perfect for you, ideal for themed events and parties. If I were to imagine a Halloween menu for kids, I would certainly include the pumpkin ghost pudding, a soft and colorful dessert shaped like a ghost.
A sweet treat that’s both mouth-watering and amusing, making it particularly fitting. The same goes for the mummified meatballs, which are just meatballs wrapped in puff pastry strips like bandages—a bit macabre but fun and delicious. Even cuter are the cocoa panna cotta spiders, perfect for a Halloween kids’ menu featuring a key theme of the holiday: haunted houses.
If we were to organize a Halloween dinner for both kids and adults, we could go with the classic pumpkin soup, as pumpkin is the vegetable symbol of the holiday. We could also prepare a sausage risotto, served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, transformed into a serving bowl for the occasion. Halloween first courses for kids should be presented in a special way, enriched with decorations that evoke the symbolic elements of the holiday. For example, you could make spiders with black olives, or the crazy eyes of a ghost with red fruits, adding a sweet and sour touch. Finally, you could use creme fraiche to draw the classic spiderweb patterns.
The origins of Halloween
Halloween is one of the few imported holidays that’s celebrated in Italy as well. It has spread to our country over the past few decades, thanks to the influence of Anglo-Saxon culture. Halloween has a long history and unclear origins. They are lost in time, like with all traditional holidays, because Halloween is closely linked to Anglo-Saxon traditions. Some historians trace the earliest “forms” of Halloween back to ancient times when Celtic tribes dominated Britain. In this regard, there is an interesting parallel with the Samhain festival, which took place between April and May. The association with the theme of death and spiritualism stems from the overlap (not in terms of time) between this festival and All Saints’ Day, established by Pope Gregory IV.
The celebrations, which had already morphed into a proto-Halloween, lost their religious connotation in modern times when Protestantism spread through the Anglo-Saxon world, removing All Saints’ Day from its liturgical calendar. From that point on, Halloween became purely a secular holiday, eventually evolving into what it is today, fueled by the imagery of horror films and novels. As for the origin of the name, Halloween is a unique term. According to historians, it is a contraction of the phrase “All Hallows’ Eve,” meaning “Night of the Sacred Spirits.” Hallow was the Gaelic-Scottish term for spirits.
The parallels between Halloween and Italian traditions
The tendency to celebrate spirits and dedicate festivals and offerings to them is not exclusive to Celtic culture. In fact, it can be found in many pagan contexts, including Mediterranean ones. Thus, parallels can be drawn with Southern European, Greco-Roman, and later Italian cultures. Specifically, we refer to the Roman festival of Parentalia, which was dedicated to the dead, though it didn’t have a sad connotation. However, it had a more private than public nature. Similar festivals, sometimes collective and communal, were celebrated throughout ancient Italy. Some of them survived, evolving over time and interacting with the cultural layers that accumulated. In some cases, the similarities to modern-day Halloween are quite evident.
Still on the subject, the “Coccalu di Muorto” festival from Cosenza is worth mentioning. During this celebration, children carve a skull from a pumpkin and go around showing off their creations. Also noteworthy is the “Fucacost” tradition, still practiced in the town of Orsara (Foggia). Between November 1st and 2nd, bonfires are lit in front of houses to light the way for the souls of the dead. Another interesting and ancient tradition can be found in Sardinia and Corsica, where it takes on different names depending on the region. In the Nuoro area, for example, it’s known as “Su mortu mortu”. This tradition involves children going from house to house asking for gifts in exchange for prayers for the dead. Here again, the parallels to modern Halloween are numerous.
A more “gastronomic” Italian tradition involves the consumption of “bones of the dead”. Despite the eerie name, these are actually almond-based sweets. According to ancient legends, eating these “bones of the dead” guarantees the protection of the deceased. A similar tradition to Halloween can be found in the All Saints’ Day celebrations still held in Serramonacesca, in the province of Pescara. On this occasion, pumpkins are carved, and children go door to door asking for candy and sweets. When asked, “Who is it?” the children respond, “The souls of the dead.”
Halloween recipes in the United States
Much of the Halloween imagery that has spread in Italy comes from the United States. Across the Atlantic, however, the holiday had a troubled history due to the Puritan environment, and it was even celebrated in secret until the early 1900s. Once it became more mainstream, it quickly merged with the horror movie and literary world, creating a fusion of old and new cultural layers, between ancient traditions and modern symbols.
Widely recognized is the tradition of trick-or-treating, which is now familiar to us as well. On Halloween night, children dress as ghosts (skeletons, witches, and wizards), knocking on doors and asking for treats under the threat of tricks. Adults, on the other hand, participate in private costume parties.
It would be wrong to think of American Halloween as a monolithic celebration, always the same everywhere. Some cities, for example, have their own unique traditions. In New York, for instance, the Halloween Parade takes place on Halloween night, with tens of thousands of costumed participants in a sort of “horror carnival.” In Salem, a city famous for the Salem witches, themed events and concerts are organized, changing each year while following a fairly traditional script.
Halloween abroad
Halloween is celebrated around the world, especially in Ireland, where it has very ancient traditions. Particularly notable is the one in the town of Derry, where an annual fireworks show is held, featuring unique displays. Also noteworthy is the Virginia Pumpkin Festival, held in the town of Virginia. It’s a pumpkin-growing competition where the prize goes to the largest and most beautiful pumpkin.
In Germany, Halloween is celebrated in an American style, as it’s considered an imported holiday. This event only began to spread in the 1990s but is now widely celebrated by the local population. Not to be missed is Romania, where Halloween has taken on a unique evolution. In this area, Halloween traditions have merged with the Count Dracula mythos, creating analogies and similarities that evoke the world of horror.
Halloween is also celebrated in Asia, largely due to American cultural influence, as the holiday has little to do with local traditions. The same is true for Japan, where Halloween is celebrated in a distinctly American and pop style. In Osaka, for example, a large costume parade is held every year. Also interesting are the events in the Philippines, where Halloween celebrations are intertwined with the ancient Pangangaluluwâ tradition. During this event, groups of children roam the cities singing songs in honor of the dead in exchange for money or food.
The pumpkin, the undisputed queen of Halloween
The pumpkin is the symbol of Halloween, as it is used both as a decoration and as a food. Pumpkins are the star of many dishes, both traditional and non-traditional, prepared for the Halloween holiday. From a scenic perspective, the pumpkin is transformed into a devilish figure, complete with a demonic expression. To do this, the pumpkin is hollowed out, then the outside is carefully carved to create eyes and a mouth, and finally, the inside is lit to create an even more horrific effect.
When it comes to using pumpkin as an ingredient, Halloween brings an abundance of pumpkin-based dishes that blend perfectly with local traditions. It’s worth highlighting not only its versatility but also its nutritional power. Pumpkin is appreciated for its beta-carotene content, which helps with the absorption of vitamin A, known for its benefits to eye health. It’s also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, as well as potassium and other important minerals. Pumpkin is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables, containing just 18 kcal per 100 grams. Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the vascular system, and contain antioxidants that act as anticarcinogens.
The best Halloween recipes
There are many Halloween recipes, and they are suitable for those with gluten and lactose intolerances. With the help of creativity and local traditions, it’s not at all difficult to put together a truly delicious themed menu. As I mentioned earlier, the recipes in this section are both traditional and creative.
Among those in the first category, I recommend Halloween risotto with sausage. It’s basically a classic pumpkin and sausage risotto, served in a hollowed-out pumpkin that acts as a serving bowl. It’s a complete risotto, but at the same time light, which can be creamed with butter and Parmesan or even with some cream cheese. A very traditional but suitable dish for Halloween is pumpkin soup. The preparation is straightforward, as it involves cooking the vegetable in a base of onions and vegetable broth. Of course, the pumpkin is blended with an immersion blender. You can create a “horror version”, replicating Halloween symbols. For example, you can create a spiderweb using some cream cheese, applied with a piping bag to draw the spiderweb pattern.
An interesting variation of a Halloween recipe is pumpkin and speck cream soup. The process is similar, but the pumpkin is cooked in a leek base, which is less sweet and pungent than onions. After blending, the soup is enriched with strips of speck dehydrated in the oven. For a better visual impact and to fully honor the Halloween spirit, you can serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin. It’s also worth mentioning a drink for this holiday. For the occasion, I suggest a light, non-alcoholic, and tasty drink: pumpkin, apple, and orange juice. The visual impact plays on the orange color, which is highly symbolic of Halloween. Otherwise, it’s an excellent juice that excels in both flavor and nutritional properties. It’s packed with vitamins, thanks to ingredients like orange, apple, and carrot (rich in vitamin C).
The most creative Halloween recipes
In a proper Halloween menu, creative recipes are a must, especially if kids are participating. These recipes should stand out not just for their flavor but also for their ability to recreate the holiday’s imagery: skulls, spirits, ghosts, and so on.
Among the Halloween dishes, spider bonbons are particularly fun. In this case, the body is simply a cookie made from cake scraps or snack cakes. The legs and eyes are made from licorice rounds. You can make two variations of spider bonbons: a light one and a dark one. The first is made with amaretto liqueur and peach jam, while the second is made with rum, cocoa, and hazelnut cream.
Similarly, there are savory spider cupcakes. In the recipe I present here, these cupcakes are made with special flours like corn flour, rice flour, and tapioca flour, ideal for those with food intolerances. The decoration is made with Parmesan cheese and black olives, which are used to create the spiders’ eyes for the occasion.
Returning to sweets, it’s impossible not to mention a splendid gluten-free Halloween cake. The decoration is applied to recreate the expression of the Halloween pumpkin. Specifically, the nose, eyes, and mouth are drawn with custard or melted chocolate. The batter is gluten-free, sweetened with coconut sugar and pumpkin, which is pureed for better consistency.
TAG: Halloween foods, typical Halloween sweets, typical Halloween dishes, traditional Halloween foods

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Never self-diagnose
Symptoms and triggers
What was previously discussed also explains the variety of symptoms that allergies and intolerances create. Allergic symptoms are often systemic and violent and can include severe malaise, rashes, and respiratory problems. If the interaction with the substance occurs on the skin, eczema may be noted in the contact area. This is the case with the nickel allergy. There is no shortage, especially when taken, of gastrointestinal problems, such as pain, cramps, diarrhoea, and nausea. More specific and primarily gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with intolerances. This usually happens as a result of the body trying to digest the material but failing, which causes it to create gas. The symptoms we have discussed are brought on by this abnormally high gas content. This is exactly the case with lactose intolerance; in reality, lactose typically stays intact instead of converting to glucose and galactose, which would otherwise cause gas to build up. A difference between allergies and intolerances, which is often mistaken for a common point, is the class of substances that trigger one or the other. In the case of allergies, the offending substance is a food as a whole. In the case of intolerances, it is often a molecule, a sugar, or a protein. The most common food allergies involve milk, millet, wheat, eggs, and shellfish. The most common food intolerances, however, concern lactose, gluten, and so on. This has varied consequences for living standards. In essence, those with allergies are much more compromised. Having to avoid a substance is one thing; having to avoid a food is another matter entirely. Just to give an example, those who are lactose intolerant can still drink milk and consume dairy products, as long as they are lactose-free. Those who are allergic to milk do not have this option.How to diagnose allergies and intolerances?
Food allergies are mostly diagnosed clinically, which means that they come from the observation of discernible and experimentally quantifiable reactions. This has given rise to the myth that even one person can diagnose himself without the assistance of a specialist.In reality, it is a huge mistake. Self-diagnosis is fallacious because, to correctly identify the disease, a wealth of knowledge is needed, which is useful for the interpretation of the phenomenon. Furthermore, it is also dangerous, as it risks triggering the symptoms of the disease. It is true that the diagnosis passes through trials and errors, but these must follow one another from a risk reduction perspective typical of the medical profession. Therefore, yes to eliminating this or that element from the diet to understand if it is precisely this that triggers the allergic symptoms. Yes, as well as adding further doses of the suspected allergen to check the body's reaction, but according to very precise stages and indications provided by the specialist. Intolerance is also diagnosed or more frequently "discovered" with the addition or subtraction of specific elements from the diet. However, the first aim is to exclude allergy, which is quite simple given the diversity of symptoms. In some cases, there are available tests that guarantee diagnosis. This is the case of the breath test for lactose intolerance, in which the patient is invited to consume milk gradually. Subsequently, they blow into a machine that analyses the composition of the air introduced. If there is an excessive quantity of carbon dioxide, then there is an intolerance; in fact, the abundance of CO2 is caused precisely by poor digestion and malabsorption. If there is a suspected case of celiac disease, however, blood tests can be carried out to trace specific antibodies, as this pathology still "stimulates" the immune system.Specific Instrumental exams
It is worthwhile investigating instrumental exams in more detail. Many people actually get a sense of awe when they consider the diagnostic process, imagining the intricate or agonising procedure. All in all, it's really easy and not too complicated. This is particularly true for the breathalyser test. As I have previously said, there is still work to be done on the "preparation" issue, which is one that merits special attention. In truth, there are strict guidelines that must be followed; you cannot simply turn up for the breathalyser test as if nothing had happened. The most crucial one relates to fasting, which must continue for the eight hours before the exam. Arriving with an "empty" stomach and intestines will allow for an unbiased analysis of the effects of lactose on the digestive system, similarly with smoking. In actuality, smoking can progressively change respiratory function, which could cause mistakes by the tester. Eating light during the final supper (at least eight hours prior to the exam) is also a smart option. In this sense, we advise consuming foods that cause less intestinal gas, such as rice, meat, or fish. From a medical perspective, the tests used to diagnose celiac disease are more complicated. For the patient, they are a "piece of cake," since they only require a basic blood test. Next, an analysis is conducted to confirm if certain antibodies against gluten are present. Antibodies can be identified as anti-gliadin (AGA), anti-endomysium, or anti-transglutaminase (tTG). Although it is evident that the results are tough to read, professionals and specialists are available to help. It is feasible to do some genetic testing if the results are unclear or if celiac disease is detected at an early stage. These are meant to confirm whether genetic components linked to celiac disease are present. Genetic tests are somewhat uncommon, partly due to their high cost.Behaviours and therapies
The only genuine treatment for a food allergy is removing the food entirely from your diet. This isn't always feasible, though, as it can seriously lower the quality of life in certain situations. An unusual event that only applies to circumstances where multiple allergens are present at once. In these cases, we proceed with immunotherapies, which involve the gradual and increasing exposure to the allergen in an attempt to restore a correct immune response. In the worst-case scenario, i.e., when the sensitivity is extreme, chelating drugs can be taken, which effectively detoxify the body from the offending substance. The same goes for celiac disease, except that in this case we stop at eliminating gluten. It is in fact a less burdensome effort than you might think, since there are many foods that can best replace full-gluten foods. It is a different story, however, for lactose intolerance. In this case, it is possible to avoid milk, dairy products, and fresh cheeses or focus on lactose-free variants. Removing lactose is a trivial operation that only alters the taste a little. The process consists of introducing the lactase enzyme into the milk. This enzyme, which is missing in intolerant people, actually "breaks down" lactose, which then transforms into glucose and galactose, substances that are digestible by all.The lifestyle of those suffering from food intolerances
Does the quality of life significantly decline for people with food allergies or intolerances? Yes, as common sense would have it. If giving up the foods causing the symptoms is the sole treatment option, with the exception of specific circumstances (such as immunotherapy), it may be easily concluded that these conditions rob people of one of life's greatest pleasures: eating anything they want. It is logical, but it only holds true if those who have been diagnosed "let themselves go" and do not behave shrewdly when confronted with a real situation. The truth is simple: you can live with intolerances and allergies without compromising your relationship with food. In short, we can avoid exchanging physical suffering (symptoms of intolerances and allergies) with psychological suffering. The secret lies in changing your approach to nutrition and undertaking a journey of knowledge about foods. There are many meals found in nature that can take the place of ones that are off-limits because of an allergy or intolerance. In the vast majority of cases, they are good, nutritious, and lead to good cuisine. There are certain "ingredients" required in order to start and finish this voyage. Prior to anything else, the diagnosis must be psychologically processed. Everyone eventually comes to terms with it, although it's not an instant process. Secondly, a shift in mindset that goes beyond the "classic Mediterranean" perspective and is more receptive to novel flavours is required. Coincidentally, a large portion of the "usable" items and the recipes that call for them originate from other sources. Finally, cultivating a genuine culture of sharing is beneficial. Engaging others in one's personal development, or even just sharing "anti-intolerance" meals, helps to reestablish a sense of normalcy and modifies the way that "healthy" individuals view allergies and intolerant people.Some details on lactose intolerance and celiac disease
What does it mean, precisely, to have one of these disorders? In response, I narrowed the focus of the inquiry to the two most common: celiac disease and lactose intolerance. However, I have personal experience with it as I deal with both. I can now claim that, having gone on a voyage of evolution and understanding regarding my relationship with food, I am satisfied. I don't see these disorders as a problem since I carefully consider the compromises I must make in order to live with them, both psychologically and as a lifestyle. To address lactose sensitivity, for instance, I use plant-based milk substitutes like soy, almond, and coconut milk in place of milk and its derivatives. I can safely consume lactose-free items as they are just as wonderful as "normal" ones, but they are a little more expensive. I have always loved experimenting, but having celiac disease caused a drastic shift in my cooking style, resulting in the discovery of many new foods and a newfound level of creativity. Like everyone else, they substitute rice and corn flour for wheat flour, but I also use and create delectable recipes using a variety of unusual flours. Any examples? flour made from amaranth, quinoa, fonio, etc. It is a pleasure rather than an effort. They also, for the most part, give the food a fantastical touch without taking into account their nutritional qualities, which are frequently more prominent than those of regular flours. They are also frequently high in vitamins, mineral salts, and a lot of proteins. There aren't many variations in terms of calorie consumption because, well, flour is flour!
Explore the Versatility of Cucinarea: Your Culinary Stage
Cucinarea is much more than just a space. It is a unique environment where passion for food and design come together, creating a unique atmosphere for every type of event. With elegant spaces and state-of-the-art equipment, Cucinarea is the ideal place to make every occasion memorable. Whether it's cooking classes, business meetings, or large-scale events, discover how we can enhance every initiative you have.
Cooking Classes: Learn from the Best
At Cucinarea, we host cooking classes each month that focus on elegant and sophisticated menus. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from renowned and specialized chefs, who will guide you in preparing dishes that will amaze your guests. Our courses strike a perfect balance between entertainment and learning, taking place in a welcoming and refined environment, ideal for anyone looking to improve their culinary skills. The courses are divided into two phases: a practical demonstration by the chef and a tasting phase, where you can taste and share the freshly prepared dishes, turning learning into a real pleasure.
Meeting and Conference Room: Combining Elegance and Functionality
Our meeting room is designed to host a wide range of corporate events and conferences. Spacious and well-furnished, this room provides an ideal environment for business meetings, presentations, and special initiatives. It is the perfect setting to promote networking, professional updates, and team spirit strengthening. Our rooms can be configured for executive meetings, business negotiations, or both formal and informal events. With high-level culinary offerings, every meeting becomes a memorable occasion.
Home Chef Service: Transform Your Home into a High-Class Restaurant
Our home chef service brings high-quality cuisine from the best restaurants directly to your home. This service mode is gaining popularity, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of having a personal chef without leaving the comfort of your home. Home chefs are expert professionals who adapt their menus to create memorable events, whether they are formal dinners or more casual gatherings. The preparation of the dishes takes place right before your eyes, making every occasion a special and personalized moment. Each event managed by our chef becomes a unique occasion, carefully designed to meet the specific needs of each client.
Team Building: Growth and Fun
Team building is a series of activities designed to strengthen team spirit and improve cohesion among team members. Through cooperative and fun challenges, participants work together to achieve common goals, improving communication and interaction. Our team building activities are designed to be not only effective but also engaging, creating a positive and stimulating environment. These experiences are crucial for forming cohesive and motivated teams, which translate into better performance at work.
Event Rooms: Perfect Locations for Unforgettable Moments
Our event rooms offer the ideal space for any type of party or celebration. Every detail is designed to create an environment that is not just a place, but a starting point for building precious memories. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a large celebration, our rooms are adaptable to realize the event our clients have always dreamed of. From the arrangement of spaces to lighting, every element is adjustable to meet the most specific needs.
Locations for Photo Shoots
Cucinarea also offers ideal spaces for photo shoots and video productions. Our spaces are designed with great attention to style and decor, creating unique settings that enrich every type of photographic service or video production. From the sober and elegant style of the conference room, ideal for institutional videos, to the lively environment of the kitchen, perfect for culinary videos, every corner of Cucinarea is designed to be photogenic and functional.
Don’t worry be happy
Don’t worry and be happy. This is my motto.
I still remember when, many years ago, I was diagnosed with not one but three intolerances: lactose, nickel and gluten. One after the other, without even having time to digest the news. I felt lost, I was sick at the thought of having to give up my favorite dishes. If it is true that food is also a source of happiness, I felt I had lost it forever.
I soon discovered that cooking is the key to getting out of it and not losing anything in life. I have always been passionate about cooking and good food. I have always shown interest in traditional Italian and foreign recipes. I also never held back when it came to experimenting. It was precisely the open-mindedness to the new that saved me. I soon realized that there was a lot of food out there still within my reach, and infinite recipes with which to enhance them.
Nonnapaperina.it was created precisely for this purpose, that is to share with you not only recipes for intolerants, but also a different approach to managing the disease. An approach that does not aim to limit the damage, but to find happiness in a cuisine that is only apparently different. In all of this, I was driven by the sense of sharing, which I have never lacked, but also by the awareness of being able to do good, contributing to the serenity of others.
Nonnapaperina.it in its small way is the demonstration of how food intolerances can be defeated precisely on the terrain in which they seem to have an easy life: nutrition. In reality, life’s difficulties are an opportunity to get involved. A funny paradox, but one that is confirmed in real life: difficulties push you to get involved, and getting involved means overcoming difficulties.
I address all those who have recently received a diagnosis of food intolerance, food allergy or celiac disease. Feel entitled to feel sorry for as long as necessary, take as much time as you need to process the news. Afterwards, however, get back up and react. Also because you can do it. The solution is within reach and also fun, that is, rethinking cooking, nutrition and your relationship with food.
I also advise you to abandon as soon as possible the negative thoughts that are certainly crowding your mind. I know because I’ve been there too. An example? The belief that the condition of food intolerant marks a gap with respect to others and other people is very consistent. On the other hand, you can’t eat some of the things others eat every day!
It is a negative and false thought. First of all, the concept of food intolerance has firmly entered the collective imagination, so no one is surprised by a person who suffers from this disorder. Today more than ever the stigma of the disease is superfluous and out of place. Secondly, the foods available to intolerant people and the recipes based on them are good for everyone, even for those who do not suffer from such problems. In short, “ghettoisation” has no point in existing, much less one in which the presumed sick person relegates himself.
Indeed, many joyfully welcome the chance to experiment with new dishes in the kitchen. A dessert made with an alternative flour can arouse more interest than a classic dessert. And it doesn’t matter if the strings of belonging are touched. It is certainly not a food that makes a dish the symbol of tradition!
The same goes for the fear of causing annoyance to others on social occasions, when we all go out to eat together. Food intolerances are not a taboo at all, therefore all or almost all catering businesses offer alternatives to those suffering from lactose or nickel intolerance, or to those suffering from celiac disease and allergies. For this reason I advise you to do as I did, even if the diagnosis shocked you and caught you off guard. Don’t worry, be happy. There is a solution and it is very concrete.
I opened this excursus on food intolerances and food allergies with a reference to my diagnoses. In reality my story from this point of view is a little longer and more complex. It is worth telling, as it can offer some ideas for overcoming certain passages that are perhaps a little more difficult. The most important turning point occurred a few months after the first diagnoses, when I had already come to terms with my new condition.
Well, I was no longer intolerant to nickel, but I was actually allergic. The news didn’t shock me too much as it was still about avoiding or managing nickel. However, I have discovered on my skin that the allergy leads to an even more pronounced sensitivity. Removing nickel to zero is impossible, so I initially underwent a hyposensitizing therapy, which aims to introduce initially minimal quantities of nickel into my body, and then gradually higher quantities, in order to get the body used to it.
The therapy failed, as my extreme sensitivity to the substance left no room for maneuver. I tried chelation therapy almost immediately, which instead consists of natural detoxification from some metals, primarily nickel. This remedy worked, as in a short time I stopped experiencing the symptoms and was able to stop taking the corticosteroids (which kept the symptoms at bay).
What does my story demonstrate? Simply, even when obstacles seem insurmountable, there is always a solution. In the field of nutrition, my case is quite particular, yet here I am, satisfied with my diet and my relationship with food.
What Nonnapaperina.it can do for you
I have already introduced the reason why I undertook the Nonnapaperina.it project, i.e. sharing my experience and the possibility for everyone to benefit from solutions at hand for a safe diet. food intolerance. We might as well, therefore, talk a little about the site and give some advice on how to “live” it to the fullest. For example, for everyday life, refer to the “recipes for intolerants” section. You will find plenty of them, all categorized by course (first courses, second courses, etc.), time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner), function (bases, doughs, creams, sauces) and much more.
However, don’t neglect the section on holidays. If the key principle of the project is sharing, then the ball quickly passes to you, so freely share the recipes with your loved ones and friends. And what better occasion than a holiday, be it Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day? Recipes often have something artistic about them. The dishes present an “elevated” concept of cuisine, which involves not only the sense of taste, but lays the foundations for an all-round experience. All for the use and consumption of food intolerants, or lovers of good food in general.
The advice, however, is to space out. The site is based on the hypertext principle, that is, each recipe recalls others, and many more. Let yourself be carried away and you will really feel like you are embarking on a journey into anti-food intolerance cuisine, in its most “friendly” and fun version! Happy tasting everyone!
Food intolerances and allergies can be defeated at the table
Food intolerances and allergies risk becoming a social problem if it is not managed carefully. First of all due to the dimensions of the phenomenon. It is estimated, in fact, that around 10% of the population suffers from some disorder linked to the absorption of food substances and, at the same time, capable of generating more or less important symptoms. In the dock are lactose intolerance and celiac disease, which are by far the most widespread pathologies, but allergy and sensitivity to nickel must also be taken into consideration.
Incidentally, the distinction between intolerance and allergy is fundamental for medical purposes. The symptoms are in fact different in type or intensity (or both). What makes the weather good is bad weatherin particular allergies, which involves the immune system and therefore determines symptoms often systemic. Food intolerances, on the other hand, mainly produce gastrointestinal symptoms. A separate discussion for celiac disease, which technically is not an allergy, but still involves the immune system.
The distinction between intolerance and allergy, however, takes a secondary positionas far as therapeutic approaches are concerned, or rather “management”. Net of some exceptions, which concern cases of “poor tolerability”, intolerances and allergiesshould be treated in the same way, that is, avoiding the substances that create the problems. In almost all cases, in fact, there is no definitive therapy and therefore recovery is a hypothesis to be excluded.
Whoever receives a diagnosis of intolerance or allergy is aware of this. The emotional impact of the diagnosis is very strong precisely because of the impossibility of achieving complete recovery. Let’s be clear, the initial disorientation is physiological and justified. However, it must last a short time, that is, the time necessary to take note of the good news regarding intolerant and allergic people: living with these disorders is possible! It is therefore possible to live with eating disorders without giving up your favorite dishes and without saying goodbye to your eating style.
Not substitutes but conscious food choices
Food intolerances and allergies are fought not only with the weapons of medicine, but also through a change of mentality, which in turn involves the way of understanding cooking. The trick is simple, just don’t look at hypoallergenic and anti-intolerance foods as substitutes for “normal foods”. Foods for intolerants are in fact foods with their own specificity and capable of offering a lot on an organoleptic and visual level.
Those suffering from food intolerances and allergies should not replicate the consumption of milk, bread or other foods, but should enhance the foods they can safely draw on. Adopting this approach means first of all freeing yourself from the role of the “sick person”, actually focusing on other foods.
Helping us in this sense is nature with its many varieties. The foods that are suitable for celiacs, or those intolerant to lactose, are numerous and often good and beautiful to look at; furthermore they are very versatile as they can start many truly delicious recipes. They are not only for those who suffer from these pathologies, but also for everyone else. The implications from a social point of view are evident.
With my cooking website I carry forward exactly this philosophy. It is not just a space to learn about recipes, but also a real manifesto for those who want to tackle food intolerances with less tedious weapons than exclusively healthcare ones. From this perspective, rice flour is not a substitute for traditional flour, but a separate element with which to create delicious recipes, which can be combined with a great variety of ingredients. And the same, obviously, can be said of amaranth, fonio, quinoa etc. flours. A similar discussion can also be made for lactose intolerance. Apart from the possibility of delactosing the milk, the vegetable variants enjoy their own gastronomic dignity and open up an interesting creative approach in the kitchen.
Among other things, this forced change creates the conditions for a journey through alternative cuisines and more exotic foods. Here the perspective is reversed: intolerances and allergies are not only a manageable condition, but also an opportunity for enrichment.
Food intolerances and sociality, a false problem
Another reason why the diagnosis of intolerance or allergy is very scary, throwing those who suffer from it into despair, concerns the implications for social life. Those who have recently received a diagnosis are convinced in most cases that their pathology will negatively impact social opportunities, both from a psychological – emotional and practical point of view. The fear is that of feeling different and somehow distant from the norms of normality, this can also lead to discomfort among relatives and friends.
These are actually unfounded fears. First of all, a pathological condition does not correspond to a condition of “abnormality” (net of the semantic inconsistency of the term). Secondly, a minimum of organization and awareness is enough to also manage social opportunities. Indeed, when these take place outside the home, i.e. in premises used for catering, the issue is even simpler. In fact, managers are in most cases prepared to welcome customers with intolerances and allergies. In any case just inform yourself first and choose accordingly.
But the problem doesn’t even arise if you eat at other people’s homes, or if you invite people to your home. Firstly because diagnoses of this type do not cause a sensation as they are now very widespread. Secondly because the dishes for those suffering from food intolerances are actually good for everyone, even for those who do not suffer from any ailment. Despite all this, if you pay attention to the issue of food contamination, cooking for food intolerants (or allergies) is simpler than you might imagine.