I’m sure that those of you who regularly cater for family or friends with a dairy allergy have become really ingenious about your recipes, but for those of you struggling to think what to make, especially in the cake line, here are four tasty cakes made using mayonnaise. Try them…I’m sure everyone will enjoy them and not just those who can’t eat dairy products!

Apricot Orange Cake combines the tartness of oranges with the sweet richness of apricots.

Spiced Apple and Pecan Cake uses mixed spice and cinnamon to add a piquant touch to ordinary apples.

Quick Raspberry Chocolate Cake combines two perennial favourites…who can resist chocolate? The recipe uses dark, dairy free chocolate to which the raspberries add their own fresh flavour.

Carrot, Pineapple And Raisin Cake is a variation on an old favourite that’s bound to please.

One of the important things if you cannot tolerate dairy products, is to ensure that you get sufficient calcium, either in your diet or through supplements (and you should consult your doctor about which supplement programme is best for you.). Many foods render significant amounts of calcium and, of course, others are calcium-boosted.

Increasingly, specialty ingredients are becoming readily available in supermarkets and good food shops. However, do make sure when you buy any processed foods that you check for “hidden” dairy ingredients, like casein or sodium caseinate. It’s a bit like checking for hidden nut content when you are allergic to nuts.