I wonder if you might find a bakery that would bake one. That might be
acceptable.

I know that in many places the "store-bought rule" is a matter of health
concern (or policy derived from state health regulation) - that they want
to try to protect those who consume the cake or whatever by ensuring that
it was made in a licensed (and thereby presumed clean and sanitary)
facility. That may be the reason they want it store-bought, more so than
the ingredients list.

If they are amenable to that, then just call a couple bakeries and explain
that you need a cake that has no dairy in it and why. With any luck, you
won't have trouble finding one. If you have trouble, I suggest trying a
Jewish bakery, if you have one in your area - most particularly a kosher
facility, if there is one. (There is a list on the Internet somewhere that
let's you search for all officially kosher facilities by metro area or zip
code - sorry I don't recall the site address.)

Good luck!
Mary Ellen



-----Original Message-----
From:   Beth Kevles [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Tuesday, September 19, 2000 7:16 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        birthday treat policy at school

Hi -

My son has just entered Kindergarten (in Montgomery County, Maryland).
I need to bring in a birthday treat on Friday.  The school (and the
after-care, which is officially a daycare) have informed me that all
such treats must be "store-bought with the ingredients listed on the
box". (Or I can come in with ingredients and it can be a cooking
project.)

This is not a problem now, since my first child is merely lactose
intolerant.  My second, though, has more severe allergies, and I'm not
convinced I can buy him a cake he can eat.  (He's two years away from
that school, so this is not an immediate concern.)

Does anyone have any experience with/opinions on this kind of policy?
It strikes me that it's sensible with respect to parents who are
clueless, since the teachers can call the allergic child's parents and
read the ingredient list.  But for children who are severely allergic to
anything, or who are allergic to staples such as milk, egg or wheat,
this policy could be a serious drawback.

I asked if I could cook at home and bring in the complete ingredient
list, but was told no.

Any thoughts?
--Beth Kevles
  [log in to unmask]
  http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
  Disclaimer:  Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
  advice.  Please consult with your own medical practicioner.