<p>I know going to the Parent’s Forum usually brings about productive results, unlike my normal haven of HSL. </p>
<p>My best friend’s 16th birthday is rapidly approaching. For my birthday she did some amazing things for me. (IE My favorite book signed by the author, 16th birthday stuff, a personal cake.) But this year is extrememly difficult for her. She has a disease that makes it so she cannot have diary or grain products. I’d love to make her a cake, but I don’t know what to do. I’m almost down to just buying her soy ice cream, but it doesn’t seem right for her to not have a cake at 16. I don’t even know of a pie recipe that would work.</p>
<p>Do any of you parents know of any cake/pie recipes that don’t require grain products or dairy? I’d love for this to be an amazing birthday for her.</p>
<p>Do you live near a Whole Foods or similar store? Sometimes they will have personnel who are trained in special diets such as gluten-free or dairy-free, and who could find you a cake mix or other dessert that would meet her needs.</p>
<p>As a parent, I am touched by how kind you obviously are. That will take you farther than all the SAT scores in the world :-)</p>
<p>I’ve eaten gluten free cake. I didn’t think it tasted very good, but you may have better luck! Health food stores usually carried non-wheat flours and often carry gluten free treats. Our local big supermarket carries quite a bit now too. You might make an ice dream cake with gluten free cookie crumbs and soy ice-cream. Or if you are a decent baker try recipes like this one: [Gluten-Free</a> Yellow Cake - All Recipes](<a href=“http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gluten-Free-Yellow-Cake/Detail.aspx]Gluten-Free”>http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gluten-Free-Yellow-Cake/Detail.aspx)</p>
<p>Gluten-free pantry has great GF cakes; we have the yellow mix; it’s excellent…Whole Foods now has their own 365 GF mixes as well…no idea where you are geographically, but if you PM me I even know of many private bakeries that will make you a GF-dairy free cake in the New York/New Jersey area, but you can really do it yourself!!</p>
<p>mathmom: not sure when you last tasted GF stuff, but the last 3 years has been life-changing in the field…I am not gluten intolerant, but my daughter has Celiac disease…and the cakes/cupcakes I have eaten over the last year around the country have been amazing…Babycakes (down on the lower east side of NYC) has the best stuff around!!!</p>
<p>It was a while ago, definitely more than three years, and the particular one I had was based on Spelt flour. I’m sure you could do better. Lots of German cakes are mostly ground nuts with just a little bit of flour - I imagine recipes like that (using a different flour) would be very good.</p>
<p>I called her house today to talk to her after school and got her mom. Come to find out, by some miracle, she is able to eat cheese cake…who knew? Maybe it’s a combination of ingredients. I’m really bad with understanding what’s up with her. It’s an odd thing. </p>
<p>I love the ideas though. I think I’ll mess around with them. I randomly will bake things and bring them to lunch. Now I can do it without having to worry if she’ll be able to.</p>
<p>How about chocolate covered strawberries? They are super-easy to make, and they do not have to be refrigerated. That’s kind of different, don’t you think?</p>
<p>Coco mochi!!! The recipe is on the box of Mochiko RICE flour, but if you don’t like mochi (which may be a bit sticky or gummy for some folks), you might not like it.</p>
<p>Or steamed sweet rice cake (from dim sum place–takes too long to make yourself).</p>
<p>Mango pudding.</p>
<p>Coconut pudding (with cornstarch or agar agar).</p>
<p>Rote Grutze with vanilla sauce. (Basically a jell of sweet red berry juice and red currants).</p>
<p>And you could compile a cookbook of dessert ideas as a gift for your friend too. :)</p>
<p>Ah, this is going to be great. I need to get in touch with her mom again and see about a surprise party on top of the one her sister and mom are planning, or maybe work with them, I’m not sure yet. I have until late July. :)</p>
<p>Are there any organic markets near you? If you didn’t want to bake you could also buy a wheat-free/non-dairy cake. You could decorate a plain cake with some beautiful berries and soy-based whipped cream, or give a sampling of goodies for her to enjoy over the next few days. One place here used to have soy cheesecake that tasted just like the real thing…</p>