🧁 Getting to know The Friendly Baker: Lucy

At Allergy Aid, we love sharing stories that support and empower the allergy community. We recently sat down with Lucy from Lucy’s Friendly Foods to talk about her journey, the inspiration behind her work and how she continues to make allergy-friendly food more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive for families everywhere.

Hi Lucy! Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and the inspiration behind Lucy’s Friendly Foods?

I’m a mum of two daughters with food allergies, who are now 19 and 22, so it’s been a long journey in the allergy world! My eldest is allergic to milk (she outgrew her egg allergy) and my youngest is allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts and sesame seeds. Despite always being told there was a milestone coming where they would outgrow their allergies, this has not happened. I started Lucy’s Friendly Foods when my youngest started school and i guess i was probably filling the empty nest gap! I trained at Le Cordon Bleu in both cuisine and patisserie and whilst i didn’t go into the food world, i have always had a big interest in food and cooking. This was totally turned on it’s head when Sasha, my eldest was diagnosed with allergies. I had to train myself to cook in a different way. When my daughters were little you couldn’t as easily buy the products you can now, so out of both necessity and to some extent, desire, i started trying to recreate what they couldn’t have. As the recipes became more successful, i decided to share them on a blog, so they could maybe help others too.

You’ve built such an inclusive and supportive following over the years, what has been your most exciting experience along the way?

I think publishing a cookbook was the most exciting experience, an absolute dream come true for any recipe creator! It’s also led to lots of demos and talks which are fun, although also a bit nerve wracking! But really the best experience has been the comments from people, saying my recipes have helped and made allergy life a little sweeter. That makes all the work worthwhile 🙂

What would you say has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a parent managing food allergies?

I think one of the biggest challenges is as your children grow up and have more independence. When they are tiny you can mange their lives and make sure they are safe, but as they get older you have to step back and trust that you’ve taught them to be careful and safe. It’s nerve wracking but also really rewarding. My youngest is currently backpacking in Australia, and whilst i’ve felt sick with nerve through the whole thing, she’s having a wonderful time and showing it is possible. It makes me very proud.

 Have your own experiences and training influenced your website, recipes, and cookbook?

Absolutely. Right at the beginning some of my determination came from unkind comments about what my daughters could or couldn’t eat and i wanted to prove people wrong. Friendly (as i call it) food can be just as delicious, if not more so. Also, it’s so upsetting seeing your child missing out on occasions such as birthday parties or special events, because they can’t eat the same. More recently, i love seeing something and trying to recreate in an allergy- friendly way. I hope there is no missing out with Lucy’s friendly Foods.

Do you have a personal favourite recipe from your collection?

I think my birthday cake has a special place because it meant my daughters could have a lovely cake too. I’m also super proud of my baked Alaska which was one of the first aquafaba recipes in the UK! But at the end of the day most of my favourites are in my cookbook, The Friendly Baker

What advice would you give to parents who are just starting out on their allergy journey?

I’d say take advantage of the really supportive allergy community. They understand and will be there for you and there are so many fantastic resources available, just like Allergy Aid which i really recommend downloading. Also, don’t be downhearted by the focus on OIT and outgrowing allergies. Many accounts focus on that, but if that isn’t your journey, it’s not so bad, you can thrive with allergies. Look at my youngest, travelling the world with multiple allergies; allergies don’t have to hold you back.

Do you have any tips for parents supporting older children with allergies as they start gaining more independence?

Try and get them into cooking – they’ll be able to safely look after themselves and it’s a a great way to make friends. Always carry your epipens and speak up – make sure your feigns know and you’ll be much safer.

Where can readers find your book – The Friendly Baker, recipes and other helpful resources?

My cookbook is available in lots of bookshops, or on Amazon, or come direct to me. On my website i have 100s of recipes and lots of tips about travel and eating out with allergies. I’m always up for a challenge, so do get in touch with any requests!

Are there any common misconceptions about food allergies or allergy-friendly cooking that you’d like to clear up?

Why not give it a go, allergy-friendly food isn’t worse if you follow good recipes. I have lots of people who cook my recipes just because they are easy and taste great, not just because they are allergy-friendly.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d had when your children were first diagnosed?

I wish i’d had access the the online community that now exists – i felt very alone and there weren’t even as many recipes or products as there are now. So i ‘d say, join the community and it will be an easier journey. Also, it does feel overwhelming but you can thrive with allergies – yes it’s harder but it can be done 🙂

And finally… is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

If you need anything, please reach out 🙂

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share Lucy’s story and hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us! You can find Lucy’s allergy-friendly recipes on her website, where you can also purchase her book and follow her journey over on Instagram.