Speaker Spotlight: Colette Martin

We are so honored to have you speak at the Community Food Allergy Conference. I have seen you speak and provide cooking demonstration in many settings from private homes to large conferences. What is your inspiration to do this?

When my son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies at age ten, I had no idea what to feed him for dinner or send to school for lunch the next day. At the time there were few off-the-shelf options. As a problem solver, I took to my own kitchen to re-learn how to cook and bake with alternative ingredients. Along the way, I realized that there are many (too many!) families out there struggling with the same issues. I am thrilled to be able to share what I have learned with them.

When you are speaking or doing a cooking lesson, what message are you trying to share ?

So many facing food allergies have never cooked before — afraid to turn on their ovens and intimidated by alternative ingredients. First, I strive to help them understand that it is possible to cook and bake with alternative ingredients — whatever your restrictions — and it’s easier than you might expect. Second, I stress flexibility and substitutions. What works for one family may not work for you, but there are dozens of foods to choose from. And, most important — cooking and baking is lots of fun!

What is the greatest lesson you have learned through your experience as a speaker and author in the food allergy community?

The extended food allergy community is the most supportive group I have ever met and we each contribute in our own unique way. I am especially grateful (and in awe of) those driving legislation to make the world a better place for those with food allergies. The more we can all support each other, the more progress we can make towards awareness, acceptance, and accommodation.