I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place but I couldn't figure out which other forum to post in so here goes. I was just contacted by a customer who said:
"I am inquiring if it is possible to order extract free (especially without vanilla extract) cupcakes to be shipped. I am planning to ship tea and sweats to my sister-in-law, her two daughters and two granddaughters (7 and 9). I just found out that one of the young gals is sensitive to vanilla. Finding a treat that is extract free might be challenging. I wish I had the time to make her something for I too am sensitive to extracts. I believe it has to do with the high oil concentration that upsets our tummies. Any extract free sweats for tea party are greatly welcome!
What is the minimum number of these specialty items I would need to purchase? What would that cost plus shipping to Ventura CA 93004 a residence?"
Side note: I'm pretty sure she means delivered not shipped since we are located in Ventura. Moving on... I've never heard of a vanilla allergy and she says vanilla but then talks about extracts in general. I'm not sure about baking without using extracts. I know it wouldn't taste horrible but I'm sure it would taste like something is missing. Just wondering if anyone else has fun into this request before.
AI agree that the wording is a little odd. I would find out exactly what the allergies/sensitivities are...if vanilla is a problem, there are imitation vanilla extracts available, if alcohol is a problem, there are alcohol-free extracts. There are even alcohol-free imitation vanilla extracts out there.
I've heard that vanilla can 'irritate' certain health conditions, it may be something like that as well. I had a request once for no extracts, because of cross contamination worries for a little boy who was extremely allergic to nuts, I looked it up and found quite a bit of information on it.
Hey, I have a sister who is extremely allergic to cocoa butter, and I can't even come in contact with bananas or I break out in nasty zombie like hives, lol, some people have strange allergies.
The oil thing sounds weird, but people get funny ideas about different foods sometimes.
I would go with a cake that depends on something else for flavour, like a chocolate or fruit flavoured cake. Or try a white cupcake, and if it's a little off, maybe compensate by using a filling?
I was just thinking over my recipes in my head and I actually have a recipe that doesn't have any extract: Pumpkin Chai Spice. And I'm pretty sure the frosting doesn't have any extract either. But then again, would a 7 and 9 year old like it... hmmm.
The only other thing I can think of that might taste ok without extract is our decorated sugar cookies. I messaged her back so I'll see what she says.
AI'm really sensitive to imitation vanilla, it gives me reflux for days.
Vanilla bean paste doesn't have any oil in it. You could also just use the actual seeds from a pod.
Maybe you could ask her to clarify if she's looking for a flavor that doesn't need an extract, or if she just wants you to use something in place.
Well the lady responded and said that she would have to pass because she doesn't know the day of the tea party. Then she mentioned that it is an allergy to "the oils that make up all of the varieties of vanilla extracts." I'm still confused about the allergy but at least I don't have to do it.
AIt might be an undiagnosed sensitivity or allergy to corn, since some extracts contain corn syrup.
It may be moot at this point, but the organist at my church has a vanilla allergy, so that is definitely a thing. She breaks out in hives. Even vanilla scent in perfumes can make her break out.
If it ever comes up again, I have a spice cake recipe that doesn't use any extracts. Goes nicely with cream cheese frosting, which also is extract-free. ^.^
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