~ CFF - Oranges and Lemons ~

Oranges and tangerines contain flavonoids that have been shown to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on breast Cancer cells. Dietary flavonoids are also believed to aid the body's antioxidant defenses against free radicals. Oranges also contain limonoids, which appear to possess substantial anti-Cancer activity.  There have also been studies conducted that show positive results that Lemons kill Cancer cells and "may" be more beneficial than chemotherapy.  As for recipes who needs those ... simply slice and enjoy!  Of course the lemon can be used on your favorite fish.  ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Nuts ~

Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nuts contain 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer.

A study conducted at the University of Arizona of 1,700 elderly Americans showed that those with low levels of selenium are more apt to have polyps in the gastrointestinal tract (33% compared to 9% in those with a high level of selenium).  The same study showed those taking 200 mcg of selenium over 4.5 years have 63% less prostate cancer, 58% fewer colorectal cancers and 46% fewer lung cancers. Overall, there were 30% fewer new cancers and 50% less overall death from cancer.  Another study of 3,000 older Dutch people showed a reduction of lung cancer risk by 50% for those on selenium.

So GO NUTS!

~ Brazil Nut Bars ~

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup ground brazil nuts, about 12 large nuts

1/3 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Filling)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup sliced or chopped brazil nuts

Directions: Butter a 9-inch square baking pan. Heat oven to 350°. In a food processor, grind flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and ground brazil nuts together until fine. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the pieces of cold butter; pulse until well combined. The mixture will appear dry and crumbly. Alternatively, you may work the mixture together with a pastry blender until well blended and crumbly. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared 9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or just until lightly browned around the edges. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until blended. Stir in semisweet chocolate and white chocolate chips and the sliced brazil nuts. Spread mixture over the baked crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes longer or until the topping is set and lightly browned. Cool in pan on a rack. Cut into bars when completely cooled. Enjoy! ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Mushrooms ~

Mushrooms appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system.  Some of the mushrooms that help are:  Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called Lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying.  They also contain Thioproline.  Extracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in Japan as an adjunct to chemotherapy.

  ~ Mushroom Soup ~

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, chopped small

1 pound white mushrooms, chopped small

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

2 quarts vegetable stock

2 cups heavy cream

salt and pepper, to taste

parsley, to garnish

Directions: In a large sauce pot melt the butter over high heat, about 1 minute. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until fragrant, soft, and browned, about 10 minutes. Next add the thyme and vegetable stock. Pour the mixture into a blender. Blend on high until very smooth and no chunks remain. Pour back into the pan and add the cream. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley. ~ Chef ~

~*~*~ Happy Memorial Day ~*~*~

Remember to give THANKS

to those who have served and

for those serving today!

~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Licorice Root ~

Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.  There are very few recipes using this herb but I did find this tea.  1 teaspoon of licorice root powder + 8 ounces of boiling water = a cup of healthiness.  Sip and enjoy!   

 ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Red Grapes ~

Red Grapes contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.  So buy a bunch, wash and eat!  ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Grapefruit ~

Grapefruits like oranges and other citrus fruits contain monoterpenes, which are believed to help prevent Cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contain Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene and Folic Acid.  As for a recipe Grapefruits are better eaten with a bowl and grapefruit spoon.  ~ Chef ~

~~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Garlic ~~

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic as well as onions, leeks and chives to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.  Report show that people who consume raw or cooked garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic supplements do NOT have the same effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.

~ Garlic Sauce ~

 

Ingredients:

4 cloves of garlic

1 cup of olive oil

1/2 cup of lemon juice

1 tsp of salt

Directions: Place all ingredients except olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until it becomes smooth. Pour olive oil and continue blending for 2 more minutes or until sauce is thick and white like salad dressing. Transfer into a glass container or a jar. Serve on the sandwich of your choice. Eat more Garlic!  ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Flax Seed ~

Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.

 Peanut Butter Banana Flax Seed Muffins

Ingredients:

Non-Stick Cooking Spray
1 cup All Purpose Flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup Jif® Omega-3 Creamy Peanut Butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons milled flax seed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup soy milk or milk
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 large)
1 large egg
2/3 cup chopped dates

Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 375°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with non-stick cooking spray. Combine the flour, sugar and peanut butter in large bowl with a fork until even crumbs form. Stir in the walnuts. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Add the flax seed, baking powder and salt to flour mixture. Stir in milk, bananas and egg until evenly moistened. Stir in the dates. Divide evenly in muffin cups using a heaping 1/4 cup batter each. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on the top. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. ~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Figs ~

Figs have a derivative of benzaldehyde. The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo says benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors.  In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

Fig Bundt Cake

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
4 ounces butter, melted
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup fig preserves
Directions:  Pre-heat the oven to 325°. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and spices in a large mixing bowl.  Add the butter and oil then beat well. Now add the eggs and beat until well blended. Beat in the buttermilk and vanilla. Stir in the fig preserves.  Pour into the prepared baking pan.  Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the cake comes out clean. Once the cake has cooled turn it over onto a plate. Slice and enjoy! ~ Chef ~

~CFF-Chili Peppers, Jalapenos & more~

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

Jalapeno BBQ Burgers

Ingredients:

3 or 4 jalapeno peppers, coarsely chopped

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder 
1 egg
½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup your favorite barbeque sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until the seasonings are uniformly distributed through the meat. Create 4 large ½ pound burger patties. Refrigerate one hour until firm. Heat grill to 350 degrees or medium flame. Place burger patties on the greased grill and cover. Cook approximately 5 minutes on each side. Toast buns, if desired.  Condiments if desired.  

Crispy Kale Topped Sausage Pizza 

Makes one large (12- to 14-inch) pizza

Ingredients:
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning

5 large curly kale leaves 

1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 pound sweet Italian sausage

1 store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature

1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pour the Italian tomatoes into a mesh strainer and let them sit, squishing and stirring with a spoon a few times, until they are dry.  Strip the kale leaves from their stems and rip into 1-inch pieces. Wash and spin dry in a salad spinner or pat very thoroughly with a kitchen towel. In a large bowl, toss them with enough olive oil to lightly coat the leaves. Spread onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until crispy. Raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees. While the oven is preheating, cook and crumble the sausage in a pan until no longer pink. Set aside. Prepare you dough.  I'm sure all of you have done this a million times.  Once your dough is ready top with the tomatoes, then the sausage and then the mozzarella slices over it. Bake for 12 minutes or until the crust is brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and pile on the crispy kale.  Slice and Enjoy!  ~ Chef ~ 

~~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Carrots ~~

Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities - 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer. In fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, according to researchers at Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS). Isolated cancer cells grow more slowly when exposed to falcarinol.  It is important not to cook the carrots.

Mayonnaiseless Coleslaw 

Ingredients:
1 head of cabbage, shredded
3 carrots, shredded
1 clove garlic
1/3 onion
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp ground pepper
1 tsp celery seed
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:  Place the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Purée the garlic and onion together; set aside. Heat the cider, white and brown sugars, salt, pepper and celery seed in a small saucepan until the sugars dissolve. Let cool. Toss the dressing and purée with the cabbage and carrots.  Serve.  ~ Chef ~

~ CFF - Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower ~

Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast Cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals.  It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has.  So eat up! 

Broccoli and Cauliflower Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

1/4 cup sherry or dry wine

2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets

2 cups bite-sized cauliflower

1 cup diced red bell peppers

2 teaspoons grated fresh or jarred ginger

15-ounce can baby corn, drained

Pinch of salt

Directions:  Heat the oils and sherry together in a stir-fry pan, then add the broccoli, cauliflower, red bell peppers and ginger. Stir fry until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.  Add the baby corn and salt. Stir-fry until the baby corn is heated through, then remove the ginger slices and serve. 

~ Chef ~

~ Cancer Fighting Foods - Avocados ~

Hello readers.  Lately, I've been struggling to find recipes to discuss.  That's why I took the extended break.  I even contemplated closing the blog.  Then God placed in my lap a subject to discuss. 

~ CANCER ~ 

They say there is not a family in America that has not been stricken by this monster.  Last Thursday a member of my immediate family was diagnosed.  So starting today I am going to focus on Cancer Fighting Foods and Spices.  I will try my best to include a recipe using the "Food of the Day".  Today we are going to discuss ... Avocados.

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

Avocado-Cilantro Spread

Ingredients:

1 ripe Avocado

1 oz. goat cheese

¹/₄ tsp. onion powder

1 ¹/₂ Tbsp. chopped cilantro

¹/₈ tsp. black pepper

dash of cayenne pepper

¹/₈ tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice

Instructions:  Combine avocado with goat cheese and mix until well blended. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Adjust salt to taste. Let stand for at least 1 hour at room temperature to let flavors blend.  This spread can be used on sandwiches, crackers, bagels, baked potatoes ... use your imagination.  ~ Chef ~

~ Hoping You Have A ... ~

~ Chef ~

~ Notice ~

Taking some time off to create new dishes. 

So get your taste buds ready. 

~ Chef ~