2013年7月24日星期三

Bagged lettuce recall over salmonella concerns

Salad Might
Contain Bacteria Another lettuce recall has been issued, this time amid fears of salmonella. Is that handy, pre-washed salad mix in your fridge full of bacteria? Keep reading for details.

bagged-lettuce-recall

Food safety alert! Taylor Farms Retail Inc. has issued a recall of bagged salad blends because the lettuce could potentially contain salmonella. The company recalled over 3,000 cases of its various salad blends after the Washington State Department of Agriculture found salmonella in a bag it tested.

There are no reports of illness thus far, so that's positive. However, this lettuce recalls closely follows the last, in which over 33,000 pounds of lettuce was recalled amid fears of listeria contamination. Understandably, consumers are a little jumpy!

The current lettuce recall encompasses various Taylor Farms bagged lettuce sold under the Fresh Selections, HEB, Marketside and Taylor Farms brands. You can refer to the FDA website for a full listing of the recalled items, including the specific type of bagged lettuce, UPC codes and "best by" dates.

The bagged lettuce was sold in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Puerto Rico and sold in various retail supermarkets.

Salmonella is a bacteria that is unpleasant at best in perfectly healthy people. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. For young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, salmonella can be very serious or even deadly.

More recent food recalls

4 Scariest food recalls in 2011
Listeria outbreak liked to cantaloupe
Lettuce recall: More listeria in your fruits and veggies

2013年7月22日星期一

Singing the praise of cancer

Cancer: From Stage IV
To Center Stage
Denise DeSimone battled and won against Stage IV throat and neck cancer -- and lived to sing about it!From Stage IV to Center StageDenise DeSimone is a survivor singing praises

How could an otherwise healthy woman be diagnosed with stage IV throat and neck cancer? It happened to Denise DeSimone. She was given three months to live, but managed to beat cancer and resume her passion for singing. On July 14th, 2007, just 22 months after her diagnosis, she sang the national anthem before 35,000 fans at a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Now, the minister, speaker and author of From Stage IV to Center Stage talks to SheKnows about how she faced her diagnosis, kept singing and what she has to say to other women battling cancer.

Remission is the missionSheKnows: What kind of cancer did you have? What kinds of treatments were used? How long did it take to be told you were in remission?

Denise DeSimone: I was diagnosed with stage IV throat and neck cancer. I was given one round of chemo then decided chemo was not for me. I endured 40 treatments of radiation to my head and neck, which left me with no salivary glands except for one in the front of my lower jaw.

A few months after radiation ended I had a neck dissection, a surgery that removed the entire left side of my neck. Five years is the time it takes for doctors to categorize a patient into remission. My five years was this past May of 2011.

Health nuts get cancer, tooSheKnows: What was your initial reaction when you found out you had cancer?

Denise DeSimone: My life as I knew it would never be the same. Never, ever, ever. Nothing in my life would ever be the same. I had no idea what that all meant. My mind raced with thoughts of everything I ever wanted to do and didn't do. Questions of how much time I had now. How would I share the devastating news with all those I love so dearly?

Above all, my mind circled round and round the thought, How did this happen? I was a health nut. I just rode 87 miles on my bike in one day. I swam three days a week. I walked an average of ten miles each week. I lifted weights and worked out at the gym as often as I could. Sure, maybe I ate a few too many strands of red licorice with red dye No. 3 in it, and dessert always, and maybe I didn't get enough sleep, but by all measures I was considered a health nut. Surely, this diagnosis was some kind of mistake but surely, not one I had made.

Envision recoverySheKnows: You were told you'd never sing again, but you did! How can women use their hobbies and talents as a motivator?

Denise DeSimone: Throughout my life I always had a song in my heart and head that would find its way to my lips at various times throughout the day. I got used to going without food, but it was always a challenge having my singing voice silenced for so long. I held the vision and the belief that my voice would return and I held that vision often. I would picture myself on stage in front of an audience singing beautiful songs.

Our talents and our hobbies are from our soul, and nothing, not even cancer, can take those away from us. Our minds connected to our soul's desire can create miracles of manifestation and return to us what is ours to keep.

Adjust your perspective when faced with cancerSheKnows: Is beating cancer more of a fight or more about acceptance?

Denise DeSimone: All things worked for good, and everything in life is divinely guided. And when circumstances like cancer bubble up through the many layers of universal truth we are better served when we trust the process. There is a Buddhist teaching, "All suffering comes from resisting reality." Resisting reality will cause more suffering. I honored myself and kept my vibration high and did not want create more stress. I adjusted and accepted what had happened.

Cancer is an opportunity for self-discoverySheKnows: You mention that you gave your cancer permission to teach yourself lessons. What kind of self-discovery process did that entail — was it just being more aware, journaling, etc?

Denise DeSimone: In my heart of hearts, I knew that waging a war with something that was already raging within me would be ludicrous. I realized this cancer may be the most profound blessing of my life. I had already had insights about not wanting to "battle" my cancer. I began a dialogue with my cancer and talked to it as I would to a friend. I asked the cancer questions and I wrote down the answers -- every word that came through.

I would sit in my Adirondack chair, close my eyes and slide into a deep meditation. Twenty minutes later, I would reach for my pen and pad. I conversed with my cancer like I would a friend, a trusted friend. I was totally honest. Since we were going to be engaged in intimate dialogue, I thought the cancer and I ought to be on a first-name basis. I named it what it was, a pain in the neck -- PIN. I gave PIN a pen, and permission to tell me the truth.

The most important lesson PIN taught me was to love myself unconditionally because the more I loved myself the less reason there was for PIN to stick around.

Lessons learnedSheKnows: What do you say to other women battling cancer?

Denise DeSimone: First and foremost, be gentle with yourself and know you didn't do anything wrong. I would encourage them to dialogue with their cancer as I did and learn what lessons there are to learn. Choosing to step into a victim role will not serve you. Befriending my cancer as opposed to battling it was critical to my overall health. Clearly, there is an opportunity for a paradigm shift from the way our culture perceives the healing process.

Entering this new phase of my life, I was thankful for the spiritual foundation I had built. My understanding of universal truth that everything in life is by divine design offered me insight that my situation was part of that truth. My faith was strong and it was being tested. "Faith, not fear" became my new motto.

There is no mistaking how well-versed our culture is in "battling" cancer. We cannot pick up one piece of literature, or search any place on the Internet or speak with anyone regarding cancer without reading or hearing about the "battle." "So and so lost their battle." "This one was battling cancer." Yadda, yadda, yadda.

I did not want to battle it and they may choose not to as well. I befriended my cancer. Obviously, my choice flew in the face of society's approach to cancer.

Until my experience with cancer, I had never given much thought to the word disease. When we "dis" something we distort and disrespect it. Dis-allowing ourselves the truth of who we are is a difficult and rigid way to live.

Watch Denise sing the National Anthem More on surviving cancer

Surviving breast cancer: A young mother's battle
Combat cancer with exercise: 10 tips to fit exercise into your day
Young cancer survivor says humor is good medicine

2013年7月21日星期日

Tax season cocktail recipes

Woman having a cocktailLibations to help take the edge off

Although the aftermath of tax season is something to rejoice about (more money in our pockets), the actual exercise of filling out tax forms, trying to unearth receipts to deduct and figure out withholding is quite stressful!

Whether you are doing taxes yourself or have someone helping you out, there's no debate that the end of March and beginning of April is a bit hectic and results in massive hair pulling. To help ease you through this tumultuous time, here are some super strong, stress relieving cocktail recipes because nothing relieves stress faster than liquor.

Receipts

5 Tax deductions you didn't know about >>

Prepare these tasty libations when you start to feel the tax time stress and instantly feel your worries and aggravations melt away. Just think, in a few short days, you'll be tax and stress-free and your refund will be on its way to your pocketbook.

Mint julep martini recipe

When you get that Office Space feeling where you want to take a baseball bat to your computer, printer or calculator, take a step back and prepare one of these minty and sweet Southern cocktails. Then, as you sip the refreshing mixture, close your eyes and envision yourself in a big floppy hat in Churchill Downs sipping down these fancy drinks next to celebrities. Not only will that take away tax stress, it'll give you an idea about what to spend your refund on! (Fancy hats and a trip to Kentucky!)

Mini Julep Martini

Serves 4 

Ingredients: 1 cup water1 cup white sugar1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves2 cups Kentucky bourbonDirections: 
    Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan over high heat; bring to a boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool for at least one hour.Pour into four martini glasses filled with ice and garnish with additional mint leaves and enjoy!

Gin and juice recipe

Although the sound of this cocktail may be a little gangster, late '90s rap scene to you, this traditional cocktail recipe has been around much longer than ol' Snoop D-O-double-G. Made with a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice and regular gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater), this has the perfect complement of flavors. However, if you are feeling a little nostalgic for the good ol' days of old school hip hop, enjoy this drink while you listen to Snoop's song "Gin & Juice." Might make taxes easier to bear!

Gin and juice

Serves 1

Ingredients: 1-1/2 ounces gin1 ounce fresh orange juice1 ounce fresh pineapple juiceSprigs of fresh mintIceDirections: 
    Mix gin, orange juice and pineapple juice together in a chilled martini mixer. Pour mixture over ice and garnish with fresh pineapple and a few sprigs of mint. Enjoy!

Creamsicle cocktail recipe

When you're starting to feel overwhelmed by the burden of taxes and adult responsibility, whip up one of these milky, fruity cocktails and take a trip down memory lane. Each sip will remind you of the less complicated times of creamsicle pops and after-school cartoons, where you had not a worry in the world. This cocktail recipe tastes just like the frozen dessert, only better since there's liquor in it.

Creamsicle

Serves 2

Ingredients: 4 ounces orange juice2 ounces cream (or ice cream)2 ounces vanilla vodka1 ounce triple secDirections: 
    Fill a chilled martini mixer with ice halfway; then mix in the orange juice, the cream, the vodka and finally add the triple sec. Shake vigorously. Pour mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh oranges and enjoy!

What better way to get through tax season than to get rip-roaring drunk?

More cocktail recipes

3 Boozy spring break drinks for adults
Low-carb summer drinks
Tips for making signature cocktails

2013年7月18日星期四

Celebrate oyster season Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter

Aw, Shucks!It might be the beginning of the end of summer, but it's also the beginning of oyster season! While there is still time to stand out by the grill, give this easy recipe for grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter a try.Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butterPhoto credit: Carolyn Stalnaker

Ring in the season

Before you put your tongs away for the season and as you savor the summer sun's final strong rays, gather your friends and family for one last hurrah! Now that it's September, don't forget the oysters.

Depending on who you ask, oyster season begins in September, and you'd only want to eat them in months that end in the letter "r." A few reasons for this thought? Oysters spawn at the end of April, and they're ready for consumption starting in September. Also, many thought oysters had a better chance to spoil during the warmer months.

Try this recipe for oyster po' boy sandwiches >>Come out of your shell

If you've never prepared oysters yourself, it can be intimidating. But it can also be easy and a great experience. People who are allergic to shellfish should refrain from eating oysters. Give oysters a try and be sure to remember the following:

Buy oysters from reliable vendors (whether grocer or fishmonger) and be sure to look for the shipper's tag. That way you'll know the oysters came from an area that is approved for growing and harvesting oysters.Check through your oysters when you get home. Always throw away any oysters that don't seem right, have broken shells, or that are partially or fully opened. You can try to tap the open oysters to see if they close up. If they do, they should be OK. If not, toss them.Prepare fresh, live oysters for eating. Consider serving them the day you buy them.Keep your oysters very cold before prepping them. Don't store them in a plastic bag in the fridge, but put them in a bowl covered with a wet towel.

Oysters are delicious and can be prepped a number of ways. When you get the hang of making them at home, you might even look forward to the end of summer!

Learn more from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about how to safely select and serve seafood.

Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter

Yields 24

Ingredients:24 unopened, fresh, live oysters1 cup butter, softened1 tablespoon shallots, minced2 garlic cloves, minced2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground black pepperHot sauce (optional)Directions:
    Scrub the oysters with a wire brush or pad under running water. If any are opened, discard them.Prepare your grill to high heat.In a small bowl, combine the butter, shallots, garlic, salt and pepper. Set asideCarefully place your oysters on the grill and cook for about five to seven minutes or until they begin to open.Carefully remove the oysters from the grill and place them on a baking sheet.Use an oven mitt to hold the oysters as you pry each open with an oyster knife or a knife that is short and thick. Slightly loosen the oyster on the bottom. Throw away the top shell.Fill each shell with the herbed garlic butter and carefully put the oysters back on the grill for another one or two minutes.Place the oysters on a platter and serve while hot.Optional: Garnish each with a dash of hot sauce.
More grilling recipes to try

Grilled Caesar salad with dressing
Grilled pizza recipes
Stuffed and grilled Hungarian peppers

2013年7月17日星期三

8 Tropical cocktail recipes for warm weather

8 Tropical cocktail recipes for warm weather

The taste of the tropics

Impress summer guests with these sweet and tropical summer sips.

1Sandy bikini

Sandy Bikini

Ingredients: 1-1/2 ounces Alizé COCO 1 ounce aged rum 1-1/2 ounces pineapple juice 1-1/2 ounces orange juice Directions:

Shake, strain into snifter glass, top with crushed ice, garnish with nutmeg.

2Jamaican sunset

Jamaican Sunset

Ingredients:1 ounce Alizé COCO3/4 ounce Jamaican rum1/2 ounce Tia Maria Coffee liqueur3/4 ounce half-and-halfDirections:

Shake, strain into double rocks glass on a rock, garnish with a grated coffee bean.


3Third wave

Third Wave

Ingredients:1 ounce Alizé COCO1 ounce Vikingfjord Vodka1 ounce pineapple juice1/2 ounce lemon juice1/2 ounce Blue CuracaoDirections:

Shake, strain into double rocks glass on a rock, garnish with pineapple wedge and pineapple leaves.

4Jungle dream

Jungle Dream

Ingredients:1 ounce Alizé COCO3/4 ounce White Cacao3/4 ounce cream3/4 ounce orange juiceDirections:

Shake, strain into coupe glass, garnish with coconut flakes, orange wedge and grated nutmeg.


5Amazon falls

Amazon Falls

Ingredients:2 ounces Alizé COCO Pineapple1 ounce Tia Maria Coffee liqueurDirections:

Build on a rock in a single rocks glass, garnish with a long orange twist.

6Sweet ride

Sweet Ride

Ingredients:1-1/2 ounces Alizé COCO Pineapple3/4 ounce apricot liqueur3/4 ounce cream1 ounce pineapple juiceDirections:

Shake, strain into coupe glass, garnish with pineapple wedge and candied apricot.


7Indian summer

Indian Summer

Ingredients:1 ounce Alizé COCO Pineapple3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur3/4 ounce lemon juiceSparkling wineDirections:

Shake, strain into flute glass, top with sparking wine, garnish with long lemon twist.

8Southern smash

Southern Smash

Ingredients:1 ounce Alizé COCO Peach1 ounce bourbon1 ounce lemon juiceHandful of mintDirections:

Muddle mint and lemon juice, add other ingredients, shake, strain into glass over crushed ice, garnish with mint sprig and lemon wedge.

More summer drink recipes

Mason jar drinks perfect for a BBQ
3 Boozy milkshake recipes
DIY watermelon cocktail keg

2013年7月16日星期二

My child survived cancer

Cancer survivor Nicole and her parentsOne family's story

Childhood cancer is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a family. In honor of National Cancer Survivors day, SheKnows talks with an extraordinary family whose child has beaten the odds and has a smile to show for it.

September 11, 2008, will forever hold a different meaning for Jim and Shelly Burton.

It was the day their only child, Nicole, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Once diagnosed, Nicole endured round after round of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and frequent hospital visits for fevers. It wasn't long before she was named the diva of her wing of the hospital because she got a new princess dress after every chemo treatment.

On March 23, 2011, Nicole finally finished treatment, only to relapse less than two months later. Mom Shelly says, "I remember the call like it was yesterday; my husband was in New York working, and I had been admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my heart and lung. Three doctors stood over top of me telling me that I probably would not make it. So there I sat, helpless, cared, thinking that I needed to make arrangements for someone to care for Nicole while Jim was out of town. With a teary voice, the doctor said, 'I’m sorry, your baby has relapsed.' I got out of the hospital several days later, went home, repacked and Nicole and I were off to start treatment again."

Looking for another way to help? Think about donating your hair to cancer patients >>

This time, things were different. The Burtons were told that a bone marrow transplant was Nicole's only chance. "We wanted our child to be healthy again, so we agreed to start the bone marrow process," remembers Shelly.

Cancer survivor Nicole

With the help of a skilled medical team and a successful bone marrow transplant, Nicole has now marked more than 150 days cancer-free. "We are out of the hospital, not out of the woods," says Shelly. "We still have to be followed very closely." She credits an amazing medical team and their family's faith for Nicole's current health.

"I would like to take the time to thank the staff at the hospital… their hugs and hope are what has carried my family, as well as my daughter, through this long journey. Our memories are great, our trust is strong, our hearts are thankful."

The Burtons found immense comfort in other parents who also had children receiving treatment at the same hospital as Nicole. They shared tears, hope and hugs with people who understood what they were going through all too well, and continue to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Looking back on their journey, Shelly shares one important request: "Please get registered to be a bone marrow donor. You could be the one who saves a child’s life, like someone did for Nicole."

Register

Register to be a bone marrow donor with the National Marrow Donor Program today.

More on cancer survivors

Surviving cancer: Renal cell carcinoma
Surviving breast cancer: Lessons learned
Surviving small cell viral cancer

2013年7月15日星期一

Chicken souvlaki with tzatziki recipe

Chicken souvlaki recipe

Make your dining room feel like an authentic Greek taverna with this healthy recipe for marinated chicken souvlaki and cucumber-rich tzatziki yogurt sauce.

Restaurant quality
at home

Humble chicken breast gets loads of flavor from a quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and spices and is baked for a fuss free preparation. Served with a thick, cucumber-studded yogurt sauce, this is a healthy, satisfying meal the whole family will be able to get behind. Best of all, it's quick enough for a weeknight supper and elegant enough for stress-free entertaining. And did I mention that it's gluten free?

Chicken souvlaki recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:1/2 cup olive oil1/3 cup lemon juice1 tablespoon red wine vinegar2 tablespoons Greek salad seasoning (or 2 teaspoons each dried oregano, thyme and mint)2 pounds chicken breast (I like to slice it into tenders but they can be kept whole as well)Directions:
    Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and herbs in a large bowl.Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate, at least 30 minutes or overnight.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Put the chicken on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven (discard extra marinade).Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through (time will be shorter for tenders than for whole chicken breast).Remove from the oven and serve with tzatziki.
Tzatziki recipe

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:2 cups plain yogurt1 cucumber, grated on medium side of box grater and strained of extra liquid2 teaspoons finely chopped dill1 teaspoon tzatziki seasoning or garlic powder (optional)Salt and pepperDirections:
    Strain the yogurt through two coffee filters or cheesecloth for at least one hour or until desired thickness is reached.Transfer to a bowl and mix with the cucumber, dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper.Serve immediately or transfer to a closed glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
More Greek recipes

Heart-healthy Greek recipes and Greek diet tips
Spicy Greek stuffed olives
Greek meze recipes

相关的主题文章:

2013年7月14日星期日

Anti-aging foods and why they work

Woman eating baby tomato

Most people loved the way they looked when they were in their late teens or early 20s. You know — the days before kids, a slower metabolism and an interest in anti-aging products.

Change your diet,
look younger

All of us have wished on at least one occasion that we could look younger and stop the aging process. Unfortunately, this isn’t something researchers have discovered yet. So for now, we use anti-wrinkle creams, try to get our eight hours of shut-eye, do yoga to relax and de-stress, and finally, we eat foods rich in vitamins C and E. Simply eating the right foods can significantly slow down the aging process and make you look and feel younger.

kaleFruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that can keep our skin looking younger. Vitamin C, along with zinc and beta carotene, prevents unstable molecules from attacking healthy cells. Though we can’t feel this happening, we can see it via the signs of aging. Dark, leafy greens are the best, including spinach, kale and mustard greens. Colorful fruits and veggies such as blueberries, carrots and tomatoes are not only linked to more youthful skin, but also help prevent blindness as we age. Aim for six to nine servings of fruit and veggies per day.

salmonProtein

Protein keeps our metabolisms running. As we hit our 40s, muscle mass starts declining at a rate of one percent per year, causing us to gain weight more easily. Staying firm helps keep our skin from sagging and our metabolism from slowing. Protein found in nuts, such as almonds, reduces the risk of both high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly. Other great sources of protein include lean chicken and turkey, beans, fish and eggs. Aim for eight to 11 ounces of protein daily.

whole wheat breadWhole grains

Fiber-rich foods, such as oats, whole wheat bread and brown rice, help us stay slim and keep the metabolism running. This is partly due to the lasting feeling of fullness that comes with eating fiber, but also due to the fact that whole grains are chockfull of vitamins and minerals. Three servings of whole grains per day are recommended.

See how to choose the healthiest whole grains >>coffeCoffee and wine

Ah, two of our favorite beverages are actually good for our skin. Experts say drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee per day lowers the risk of developing skin cancer. Who knew our morning run to Starbucks was actually doing us good? And even better — the more coffee we drink, the lower our risk! Red wine is also known to help slow down aging with its powerful anti-aging compound known as resveratrol. It’s an antioxidant that protects our arteries and helps with inflammation. Capping off our day with a five-ounce glass of red does us good. Cheers to that!

More on anti-aging

Anti-aging foods to add to your diet
The anti-aging workout
Celebrity anti-aging secrets revealed

相关的主题文章:

2013年7月10日星期三

5 Easy ways to use chia seeds

Super Ways To Eat
This SuperfoodWhile chia seeds are growing in popularity many people still don't to know how beneficial they truly are. Considered a superfood, chia seeds are loaded with protein, essential amino acids, antioxidants and aid in weight loss. Here are five fun and easy ways to help incorporate them into your life.

Chia seeds

You have probably either heard of or seen chia seeds during your shopping runs. But how much do you really know about this tiny superfood with massive health benefits? They are gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and are a perfect ingredient for any type of diet. Chia seeds are trending in popularity and have started to show up everywhere. Tiny in size,  they pack huge health benefits such as: 

They are high in protein, making them great for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume meat.They are high in calcium and in fiber and contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which aid in heart health, help with depression and lower cholesterol.When mixed with water or other liquids, chia seeds expand forming a gel that can aid in weight loss by keeping you feeling full longer.Since chia seeds really do not have a flavor on their own, you can mix them into virtually anything without altering the flavor of other recipes.

Below are five ways you can add chia seeds to your diet followed by a popular recipe for chia seed pudding. Don't be turned off by the gel consistency of the pudding once you make it because it resembles a flavor very close to tapioca pudding.

Five ways to add chia seeds to your diet
    Add a tablespoon to a smoothie. This will add protein, fiber, magnesium, zinc and, since the chia seed will expand (you won't taste it), it will keep you feeling fuller much longer.Sprinkle chia seeds over a salad or your favorite yogurt. They will add just a tiny bit of crunch making any salad just that much better.Mix them into baked goods. Mix them into pancakes, muffins, cakes or even breads for extra health benefits.Add chia seeds to soups, broths, sauces or salad dressings. They make a healthy "thickening" agent.If you're a vegan or vegetarian use them as an "egg replacer" in baked goods. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds (you can add them to a blender and blend until they are finely ground) and 3 tablespoons of water. Mix well. This is equivalent to one whole egg.
Easy chia seed pudding recipe

Easy chia seed pudding recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:1-1/2 cups vanilla coconut or almond milk1/4 cup pure maple syrup3 tablespoons chia seeds1 tablespoon vanilla extract Directions:
    In a large jar add all of the ingredients. Shake vigorously to ensure everything is mixed well. Place in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to thicken overnight.Divide the pudding between two bowls and top with fresh fruit and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately. Can be made ahead and kept in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More superfoods to include in your diet

20 superfoods
10 best everyday superfoods
5 superfoods to super charge your health

2013年7月5日星期五

Gluten-free Friday Tasty pizza options to try from Glutino and, maybe, Domino's

Glutino gluten free pizza

If you love pizza but usually need to make the dough yourself to maintain your gluten-free lifestyle, you have some options that offer you a reprieve. More and more companies are offering gluten-free pizzas.

Toss this around!

Check out Glutino's options, along with a great recipe for pizza roll-ups you can easily make at home.

Glutino: convenient, gluten-free pizza options at home

Whether you want a premade frozen pizza to simply pop in the oven, a plain, frozen crust to top and bake yourself, or you're looking for a mix that allows you to personalize your pie with your favorite toppings, Glutino products might be right for you.

Try this recipe for banana, honey and cream cheese Monte Cristo sandwiches >>

Glutino's frozen, premade pies offer several choices: a two-cheese pizza (also available in a multipack option), classic pepperoni, a vegetarian option in spinach and feta, and saucy barbecue chicken pizza. The frozen varieties are made using brown rice and are approximately six inches, or a "personal" size. Toss in two if you're super-hungry or need to feed a crowd.

Perfect for picnic season, try this Parmesan-topped cornbread recipe >>

The frozen, premium pizza crusts from Glutino give you the flexibility to get a quick meal going with toppings you have on hand. The frozen crusts come in packages of four individual servings and only take about 10 minutes to bake.

The company's Gluten Free Pantry line lets you mix things up with its French Bread and Pizza Mix. Whether you're making pizza with your own cheeses and toppings for the family, or you opt to make a crunchy loaf of French bread, the mix comes with the yeast needed for either recipe. The mix makes either a 14-inch deep-dish pizza or a 9 x 5-inch loaf of bread.

Pizza roll-ups

Recipe courtesy of Glutino

Yields 16

Ingredients:1 bag Gluten-Free Pantry French Bread and Pizza Mix3/4 cup gluten-free ricotta cheese1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 cup shredded zucchini1 cup sliced mushrooms1 cup ground, crumbled, cooked sausage or beef1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheeseGarlic powder, oregano, basil (to taste)Olive oilDirections:
    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.Spread prepared dough between two pieces of oiled plastic wrap.Press into a rectangle, about 10 x 16 inches.Remove top sheet of plastic and spread ricotta evenly over the top, leaving 1-inch border around all sides.Sprinkle remaining ingredients evenly over ricotta.Roll dough gently (along the 16-inch side), using the bottom layer of plastic wrap to roll it tightly. Roll will be about 3 to 4-inches thick and 16-inches long.Place roll onto a greased cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake 15 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.Allow to stand five minutes after baking.Cut into slices. Serve with pizza sauce.

Domino's gluten-free pizza: Decide for yourself

You may have heard a lot of news recently about Domino's Pizza offering a 10-inch gluten-free pizza to its customers. While this is great news and acknowledgment that companies are recognizing a wider customer base, there is a ways for the company to go before being able to accommodate people with celiac disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, or about 1 in 133 people.

Take a look at these gluten-free guides for restaurants, grocery store products >>Understand the risk

Even though the ingredients used in Domino's pizzas are gluten-free, there is still the danger of cross contamination of the product within Domino's kitchens. A recent press release from Domino's notes, "While Domino's new Gluten-Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity, Domino's and the NFCA do not recommend it for those with celiac disease."

"While Domino’s new Gluten-Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity, Domino's and the NFCA do not recommend it for those with celiac disease."New app helps you find gluten-free restaurants >>

The news was a bit of a bummer, especially since a recent taste test (conducted by people without celiac disease) revealed a preference for the gluten-free option over the original Domino's option. Domino's gluten-free thin-style crust offered a crispy outer edge, and a chewier inner crust. Only you can decide whether to order Domino's gluten-free pizza. If you're not sure if the new pizza is for you, learn about Domino's offering and what risks it may pose to you.

Pizza is a perfect meal for many, especially when you have options to suit your needs!

More gluten-free recipes to try

Gluten-free barbecue sauce
Gluten-free pancakes with berry compote
How to bake gluten-free

2013年7月3日星期三

Cinco de Mayo recipes and menu ideas

SombreroCinco de MayoFIESTA food

Cinco de Mayo is a festive day celebrating the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. To commemorate this historical event, Cinco de Mayo parties are held in parts of Mexico and the United States.

Festivities include music, dancing and, most importantly, food. Use some of our best Mexican recipes to throw your own Cinco de Mayo party, featuring a mouthwatering menu worth celebrating.

Serve a family-style meal

Regardless of your heritage, sitting down to a filling, family-style Mexican meal is a flavorful way to celebrate the food and holiday of a proud culture. You can serve family-style Mexican recipes such as chorizo soft tacos, black bean and sweet potato enchiladas, steak fajitas or vegetable quesadillas. If you're a fan of fusion food, you'll love this Thai green curry chicken burrito with coconut milk, ginger and cilantro.

Throw a piñata cookie-themed party >>Healthy Mexican recipes

Every cuisine has dishes that are considered indulgent, and Mexican food has its share of dishes that are high in carbs, fat and calories. However, there are also healthy Mexican dishes and healthy ways to prepare traditional Mexican fare. If serving a small crowd, consider recipes such as tofu burritos, chicken tortilla soup and tostada bowl salad. If you're celebrating solo, take a bite of these squash and goat cheese tostadas or throw together a cilantro lime rice burrito bowl with corn and avocado.

Create your own Cinco de Mayo menu

Mexican entreesEntrees Here are some creative, mouthwatering Mexican entrees to consider for your Cinco de Mayo celebration:Roasted tomatillo pastaNacho grilled cheese sandwichesPulled pork tostadasTaco stuffed shellsHomemade beef taco wrapsCheesy Mexican rice and beansVeggie taquitos with avocado dipping sauce AppetizersAppetizers If you're throwing a party, try some of these Mexican appetizer recipes, sure to please a crowd:Grapefruit guacamoleMini 7 layer dip recipeSpicy hot corn dip3 Inventive homemade salsa recipesBoozy pico de gallo Mexican drinksDrinks Stir up the fun with a few of these Cinco de Mayo drink ideas:Watermelon & jalapeño margaritas3 Sangria recipes for Cinco de Mayo3 Fruity margarita recipesPinata-shaped jello shotsBlackberry & strawberry margaritas Mexican inspired dessertsDesserts Lastly, don't forget the dessert:Candy-filled maraca cookiesHomemade churros with chocolate sauceFruit tacos with chocolate tortillasHomemade choco tacosApple pie "salsa" with cinnamon tortilla chipsMexican wedding cookies More Mexican recipes

Homemade flour tortillas
Mini taco cookies out of Oreos
The difference between American and Mexican food