Dads get gypped when it comes to how much is spent on them for Father’s Day. In fact, some may be lucky to get a card, according to the National Retail Federation.

The retail trade group predicted that the average person would spend $113.80 this Father’s Day, down slightly from $119.84 last year. For Mother’s Day, they predicted that the average American would spend $162.94, also down slightly from 2013.

How do dads fare compared to women when it comes to allergies, environmental or food? In that area, the score may get evened up because women are more likely to have allergies. While rhinitis (the name for symptoms that affect the nose, such as stuffy and runny nose), asthma and food allergies are more common among prepubescent males, after puberty, women are more likely than men to experience these conditions.

Your dad may be one of those who is the exception to the study and may have food allergies. The top eight food allergens include wheat, dairy, egg, shellfish, fish, nuts, soy and peanuts.

You can make dad feel special without spending a lot of money by making him an allergen-free snack he’ll enjoy. Don’t forget to include a card. Note: Modify the following recipe as needed to accommodate your dad’s food sensitivities.

Sweetened Seed (or Nut) Mix

(Makes 12- two ounce servings)

1 ½ pounds of mixed seeds or nuts if not allergic (for seeds, use 12 ounces each of pumpkin and sunflower; for nuts, six ounces each of pecans, walnuts, cashews, almonds; or add peanuts if dad is not allergic)

1 egg white, beaten until frothy (if allergic, omit)
1 ½ T. of coconut oil
1-2 T. honey or other sweetener of choice
¾ tsp. sea salt
2 tsps. ground cinnamon


Directions:

Beat egg white in large bowl. Blend in salt, sweetener, melted coconut oil and cinnamon. If omitting egg white, just blend in the later. Add seeds or nuts and mix to coat. Spread the mixture on a large coconut oiled baking pan and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow mix to cool and store in an airtight container.