Thursday was Katherine's school Easter Party. (And yes, around here it's still known as an Easter Party, not a Spring Party.) The mother in charge of the party called me weeks in advance to figure out what a safe snack would be for both K. and N., her peanut-allergic friend. N's mother and I gave the same suggestion of a common cookie dough found in both of our local stores. I hope K. and N. are in class together for many years to come!

At 9:30 pm the night before the party, the mother in charge called me. She had just heard from the mother who was supposed to bring the sweet treat. Apparently, this mother couldn't find the brand of cookie dough we recommended and was going to make homemade cookies instead. M., the mom in charge, called to apologize and to let me know in case I wanted to send something for K. other than her usual freezer cookie/cupcake. Very, very nice of the mother in charge, but a perfect illustration of how things can change at the last minute, no matter how far ahead you plan.

This was the same week I received three boxes of HomeFree cookies for our family to try: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Soft Oatmeal, and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are peanut free, egg free, tree nut free, and dairy free, and are labeled as such in very clear, very plain English right at the top of the box. (There is no wheat in the cookies, either, although the oatmeal package notes that oats can sometimes contain traces of wheat. There is soy lecithin in the chocolate chip cookies.)

Most importantly, they are GOOD. The Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip cookies taste like Chips Ahoy, only better. (This is my review, of course. K. has never had a Chips Ahoy.) She just thinks they're great, especially the Chocolate Chocolate Chip. And the mini cookies are so much fun! That is something that's hard to reproduce in my own kitchen. There is just something about a wee little cookie that is perfect for tea parties and lunch boxes... or for a special treat at an Easter Party.

I wish HomeFree treats were in our local stores and in our schools. They're good, they're clearly labeled, and they're kid friendly. They are organic and are made in a dedicated bakery. The company was founded by Jill Robbins, who is a mother and a clinical psychologist. The company's slogan is "delicious treats that kids with food allergies can enjoy along with everyone else." That about sums it up.

The cookies are $5.49/box and can be ordered through HomeFree Treats' store. Food service-sized boxes of individually-wrapped cookies are also available. Images are courtesy of homefreetreats.com.

Katherine chose to have one of her freezer treats at the party, and N.'s mom provided fruit kabobs for the healthy snack. During the party, one of the mothers offered K. one of the unsafe cookies, but she refused. But what if the mother hadn't called? I would have sent K. off to school telling her that the cookie was safe.

I realize that mothers want to provide beautiful homemade treats for their children, but in doing so at school, other children are being left out and are being put in a potentially dangerous situation. I wish more people would think about that and would consider providing a safe, store-bought treat like these great cookies.

This is a third party review by Sarah Hatfield of No Whey Mama. HomeFree Cookies are available in stores and via the HomeFree Treats Website..

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