Recipes

[IamMrsG]

I need quick advice, and cannot get it from Durkee.  Legal department, I suspect.  

I am baking a cake for this weekend.  One guest has an allergy to all tree nuts.  Knowing this, would you feel safe using IMITATION Almond flavoring?  The whole ingredient list reads:  "Water, alcohol, artificial flavors."  There is no mention of almond oil.

Thank you, one and all, for your actual experience with this.  I certainly don't want to endanger anyone.  

[butterfly123]

@IamMrsG

I wouldn’t use imitation almond extract.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-almond-extract-safe-for-a-tree-nut-allergy-1324375

[IamMrsG]

@butterfly123  Thank you for your response.  I also read that article you referenced, and it implies the flavoring would be safe--that since the ingredient list specifies "artificial flavors" it is likely a laboratory chemical that never 'saw' a tree.

That is what is causing my dilemma.  The recipe would certainly benefit from the flavor, but I don't yet feel completely safe in using it.  

Edited to correct typo

[loriqvc]

@IamMrsG - One other thing to keep in mind: If your guest smells or tastes the almond, he or she might not be comfortable eating the cake even if there were assurances that it would be safe to do so. Good luck with your baking!

[IamMrsG]

@loriqvc  You nailed my other thought!  

In spite of my strong suspicion it would be all right, I think I will not use the flavoring and avoid any drama. 

[loriqvc]

@IamMrsG - I think that's probably for the best—I hope your cake turns out great!

[x Hedge]

@IamMrsG

I'd play it safe and ask the guest with the allergy if that product is on their "safe" list.

I have a dear friend with a lot of allergies. Some are life threatening. She rarely eats anything when out on social occasions. Don't be offended if your guest doesn't eat.

[KathyM23]

I would err on the safe side and bake something totally unrelated to nuts.  My granddaughter is allergic to tree nuts and when she somes to my house I remove any and all nuts.   I have a peanut allergy and am leary of what I eat.  Many restaurants use peanut oil and I always thought they were taking a chance as many are allergic to peanuts (especially children).

I say it is better to be safe than sorry and to make your guest comfortable, I would remove any question of nuts.  Many delicious items to bake other than the one using artificial almond.

Knowing how I feel wondering about the presence of peanuts, I am sure your friend would not be comfortable.

[BirkiLady]

My grandson is also allergic to tree nuts. He doesn't eat anything that is prepared in a kitchen that has nuts or nut products of any kind in it. Period. His life depends upon it.

It would surprise me if your guest took a piece of your cake. Don't be offended. They cannot afford to eat anything they haven't inspected themselves.  

[loriqvc]

@KathyM23 - Interestingly, virtually all commercially available peanut oil has been so refined and purified by the time it reaches a bottle that it has no traces of peanuts in it. The only exception is cold-pressed peanut oil, which is occasionally used for flavoring or a final touch on a dish but almost never for cooking/frying.