Pine nuts?

Question

I hate pine nuts 'cos I'm terribly allergic to them. As I'm visiting your country for Xmas, do I have to pay attention to any recipe in particular which may contains pine nuts?
Thank you, you're saving my life!

or pine nuts oil!

Answer 1

I think common sense should dictate. If you are eating something that you haven't made yourself, from scratch, question the cook for the ingredients - at someones home or at a restaurant. Nobody - professional cooks to the home baker - will be offended by the question, especially if it is explained to be a life or death situation.

Make sure your hosts are completely aware of your food allergy. This will allow them to make adjustments to their recipes and pre-made food purchases while you are visiting.

Don't count on pine nuts being only in pesto, as I have recipes that call for pine nuts in everything from tourtiere and turkey stuffing to cookies and a dessert torte.

Pine nuts are relatively pricey, so you generally won't find them in fast food - but I wouldn't count anything out when your life depends upon it.

Nothing ruins a dinner party faster than a guest going into anaphalaxic shock and being rushed to the hospital!

Have a great holiday!

Answer 2

Just pesto, I'd think. Not a lot of other recipes with pine nuts in them. Hope you have a great trip!

I found a bunch of recipes online, they seem to be mostly Italian, so if you go to an Italian restaurant, tell the server that you're allergic, and the cook will be informed. Or any restaurant, just to be safe. I haven't seen Pine Nut oil, but if it's available, there might be someone using it.

Answer 3

Pesto is the big one. Basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, anything that says pesto. Also watch for any dish with feta, pine nuts and feta go very well together. I toss them in pasta salads and green salads too for the flavor and crunch, so ask if they're in there. I also have a great recipe for hummus which is topped with pine nuts, so ask if you want hummus, most places won't be making the hummus that I do though. For restaurants, I see pine nuts mostly at Italian and Greek places.

Good luck, be safe and ask!