If you’re not allergic to peanuts, almonds, or other nuts, you’ve probably never looked closely at the allergy information on the wrapper on a chocolate bar. If you do have such allergies, or (like me) happen to live with someone who has such allergies, you know two things: first, an allergic reaction to foods, even tiny amounts, can kill you; second, every chocolate bar you’re likely to find in any store will say something like “MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF PEANUTS” or “PROCESSED ON EQUIPMENT THAT ALSO PROCESSES NUT INGREDIENTS”. In other words, a plain chocolate bar probably doesn’t have any nut in it, but the stakes are high enough that “probably” isn’t good enough. They might as well say “EATING THIS IS TANTAMOUNT TO PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE.” Tracie is allergic to nuts and peanuts (which aren’t nuts, incidentally) and hence hasn’t had a chocolate bar for longer than she can remember.
Until a few days ago, that is. Some confluence of events and cravings finally led her to do some Googling, which in turn led her to a wondrous site: Huey’s Nut-Free Chocolate. Huey’s sells chocolates and other candy that are completely free of peanuts and nuts. The products are not produced on shared equipment, hence there’s no possibility of contamination. Rather touchingly, Huey’s was started by a mother whose young son was diagnosed with peanut allergies. She (and he) became frustrated that Huey couldn’t enjoy the same treats enjoyed by his friends, found that there were many other children and parents in the same boat, and started a company to provide chocolate to the world of people with peanut and nut allergies.
Tracie received her first shipment a few days ago and is almost beside herself with delight. It is indeed excellent chocolate by any measure, and all the more enjoyable because it doesn’t carry with it the threat of a sudden trip to the emergency room. (Yes, such things take all of the fun out of candy.)
Bon appetit, Tracie!