The Art of Cuisine

Valentine's Day Menu

Spark your flame with delightful Valentine's Day Menu with these recipes....

Valentine's Day Menu

I would serve each dish by its self

Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail

Honey Roasted Pear Salad with Thyme Vinaigrette Dressing

Steak au Poivre I would serve this with some steamed carrots to add color and healthy veggies

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini I would use Rice pasta or Whole Wheat pasta and if you want something different you can add some veggies like canned artichoke hearts

Molten Chocolate BabyCakes

Healthy Tip of the Day: Don’t Go Hungry Research shows that smart snacking can keep energy levels up and prevent youf rom over eating at meal time. Combine a fruit or some veggies with a small amount of protein, such as a cube of low-fat cheese or a small handful of nuts.

This is great information......

Cinnamon may eliminate the need for drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes

According to Dr. Wright, cinnamon/MHCP might not only help control blood sugar but also,when combined with appropriate diet, exercise, and other supplementation, makepatent medications and their myriad adverse effects (including significantlyincreased cardiovascular mortality and occasional deaths from other causes)totally unnecessary.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes who aren't using patent medications should also consider this addition to their diet, exercise, and supplement plan. If you have a mild case of diabetes, it's quite possible that your blood sugar level will normalize simply by using cinnamon or MHCP. At the very least, it should improve.

And in either circumstance, using cinnamon or MHC should postpone or even help preventprogression of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Of course, always workwith a physician who can monitor your progress and help you withdraw from anypatent diabetes medication you may be taking.

Since insulin and MHCP have been found to be synergistic, taking MHCP or wholecinnamon should make it possible to regulate blood sugar with less insulin.Some complications of type 1 diabetes may come from insulin use itself, sousing less insulin while maintaining blood sugar control could be beneficial.Always work with a physician whenever trying to taper down insulin usage.

But before you start sprinkling it on...

Dr.Anderson noted in his research that all species of cinnamon and numerousbottles of commercial cinnamon were tried and that they all worked to help regulate glucose metabolism in his research teams' experiments.

Coupled with the widespread availability of self-monitoring devices for blood sugar measurement, it isn't hard to tell if cinnamon or MHCP is helpful. However,keep in mind that whole cinnamon, like most plants and other living things, has both fat-soluble and water-soluble fractions. There is some evidence that highlevels of the fat-soluble fractions of cinnamon could be cause for concern.

Someresearchers have found that substances in the fat- (and oil) soluble fractionsof cinnamon may be both carcinogenic and genotoxic (damaging to genes, andleading to an increased risk of both cancer and birth defects). Fortunately,these risks are easily avoidable, and you can still get all the benefits ofcinnamon just by taking a few simple steps.

Dr. Anderson has observed that essentially all toxic materials in cinnamon are fatsoluble. He simply recommends that, to be safe, anyone using more than 1/4 to 1teaspoonful of whole cinnamon daily first boil it in water, then pour off theresulting watery solution for use, and discard the solid remainder, which would contain the fat- and oil-soluble fractions. Since MHCP is water soluble, it's still readily available in the watery solution poured off after boiling the cinnamon.

A helpfulhint for actually going about separating the oils and fats on the surface ofthe water: Try pouring the water through a cheesecloth (cheesecloths areavailable in many supermarkets and other cooking-supply stores).

If youprefer not to take these steps, but still want to try this natural approach tocontrolling diabetes, you can avoid the potential hazard of whole cinnamon byusing the cinnamon derivative, MHCP, in supplement form.

Seeing is believing

Q: Is there any way to tell if I might be predisposed to getting type II diabetes?

Dr.Wright: Absolutely! In fact, just a glance at your skin could tell you ifyou're "programmed" for diabetes. Here are some of the physicalsymptoms to look for on your body that might be trying to warn you thatdiabetes is on its way.

• Shin spots. Slow-spreading, brownish-red (occasionally yellowish) discolorations on the shins are often an early warning sign of impending adult onset (type 2) diabetes.
  
• Skin tags. As the name aptly describes, they're "tags" of skin most frequently found on the neck, under the arms, and in the groin area, and they're a common occurrence on adults.
  
• Dupuytren's contracture. This condition occurs when the connective tissue under the skin of the hand begins to thicken and shorten. As the tissue tightens, it may pull the fingers down towards the palm of the hand.
  
• Excess weight. Obesity is probably the most widely known physical symptom for type 2 diabetes, and it's usually the easiest to spot. If this is a problem for you, make sure to carefully examine your body for the other symptoms as well.
  

In addition to the symptoms you can actually see on your body, you should also beaware of some internal risk factors for type 2 diabetes--namely, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and, of course, familyhistory of the disease.

While these factors may not put you at risk on their own, combined with the otherphysical signs they can be additional clues as to whether type 2 diabetes maybe in your future.

Do you know a potentially deadly cancer has been wiped out in nearly 50% cases by an extract from vegetables you eat for dinner?

Now you tell me if what you are eating is important or not?

I am a true believer and living proof that what you eat can help cure female cancer. This subject is very dear to my heart with not only myself (which I have overcome it as well) but love ones in my family that have die, and loved one in my family that are right now fighting cervical cancers. I just read an article in a book that a friend gave me called Shocking Medical Cover-ups, written by Matthew Simons.  It states 'Mustard Effect' makes female cancers vanish. Mustard,used since ancient times as a medicine, is one of the foods currently being examined by researchers for possible anticarcinogenic properties.

You knew vegetables could stave off cancer, but cure it. Well, he is claiming so,and I have to believe him because I know several cases that back up these claims. You know the old saying "You are what you eat.” In his book, he states,"Suddenly, a door just opened new world where miracles are possible even for cancer patients. This stuff is so harmless, you could (and probably should) take some every day just to be on the safe side. Yet it's so powerful, even I was blown away when Dr. Wright delivered the breathtaking news..." 

Once I saw that, I had to look up Dr. Wright and see what he is saying. Here is what was published from his website (Link below) DR. WRIGHT: "As I have reported in a subsequent issue (see "Preventing and Curing Cancer of the Cervix" in the May issue), a recent breakthrough study by Maria Bell, M.D., and associates have gotten everyone thinking. The findings are to be published in Gynecologic Oncology within the next few months. In their study, Dr. Bell and associates treated a particular condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)- also known as cancer in the epithelium of the cervix - in the intermediatestages of its development (stages 2 and 3) with a substance extracted from the so-called Brassica (mustard-family) vegetables, which include cabbage,broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, mustard,rutabaga, and turnip. When this substance, which occurs naturally in these so-called cruciferous vegetables, was administered during the course of only 12 weeks, between 40 and 50% of these stage-2 and stage-3 CIN cancers literally disappeared. http://www.tahoma-clinic.com/estrogen2.shtml " 

Thebook also states, "Dr. Wright advised his patients to devour these veggieswith gusto. They contain lots of good stuff, but their best secret is THEMIRACLE MOLECULE I3C. Moreover, ending cervical cancer is just the start of what I3C can do for us. It may also prove to be a long-sought key to combating

Breast Cancer Uterine Cancer Ovarian Cancer Maybe other kinds of cancer that feeds on female sex hormones. Instead of attacking cancer cells, I3C reverses their ability to convert your estrogen mix from"bad" to "good.” It is the reason why some women are more proneto some cancers because of the type of estrogen in their body.

Even before there was talk of  mustard family like mustard greens(leaves of the mustardplant) and other dark green leafy vegetables drew high marks from cancer authorities because of the high content of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A.

TheAmerican Institute for Cancer Research advised in 1988:

“Researchevidence has indicated that the consumption of foods rich in beta-carotene mayhelp to significantly reduce cancer risk. “Otherstudies have shown that vitamin A deficiencies appear to increasesusceptibility to cancer.”

For more information on heathly cancer fighting tips and the discover the "Secret Weapon" to Optimal Health !

 http://www.chef-linda.com/ 

So, I will look for some yummy recipe that contain these healthy veggies. I use them in soups. I mash rutabaga, and turnips like mashed potatoes and serve them as a side dish. So, sign up for my newsletter to get the healthy cancer fighting recipes.

Healthy Happy Cooking,

Chef Linda "Your Healthy Chef"

Are you getting ready for the Super Bowl?

Here are someParty Dips recipes…  Let me know if you need help in changing some of these out to be healthier…

Party Dip Recipes

Enjoy

Chef Linda

I am hungry and this looks really good! Check out this video on how to make Huevos Rancheros. Huevos rancheros should be a satisfying, south-of-the-bordermeal of tortillas, eggs, and salsa—not a heaping plate of nachos. We wanted to use supermarket staples to produce the most authentic versionpossible. We began by roasting vegetables for the salsa. We then brushed ourtortillas with oil and crisped them in the oven to avoid the excess grease thatcomes from deep-frying. For the best possible flavor, we poached the eggsdirectly in the hot salsa. Am I making you hungry yet? I plan on trying this recipe this weekend. Let me know if you tried this recipe and post your comments here...

Have a great day,

Chef Lidna

Here is a link to some very good low fat recipes 100 Low Fat Recipes.

I have tried several recipes from this site and most of the are very good. Recipes that I tried are the following:

Three Bean Chili - This was good but my chili is better.Recipe posted on this website.

Oven Fried Chicken - This recipe was good but a little bland. I normally do not use sesame seeds in my recipe which added a nice touch. I normally use 1/2 tsp Paprika and fresh ground black pepper in my recipe.

Italian Lemonade - Very good, I wouldn't change a think but maybe add some vodka.

Check back and I will post more info on recipes that I try. I want to try the Salmon with Lemon, Capers, and Rosemary. If you try any please post your comments on my website.Thank you for your support and taking the time to write a comment on my website.

Happy Cooking

Chef Linda

I found this very interesting. Are we ready to boost our memories?

From Healthy Living Lifestyle, Wellness, and Fitness Articles from Health.com and Health Magazine

15 Ways to Boost Your Memory in Your 30s, 40s, 50s, and Beyond August 24, 2009

By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

From Health magazineCan’t find your keys … again? Whether your momentary memory loss is linked to doing too many things at once or just a bad case of menopausal brain fog,you don’t have to put up with it. In fact, experts say you caninstantly boost your chances of remembering where you put your keys—andeverything else you keep forgetting—if you start treating your brainright (no matter your age). Our simple lifestyle changes will help youstay sharp as the years go by.

The 30s

Floss every day

What do loving licorice and hating the idea of flossing have in common? Both can contribute to plaque on your teeth,which is surprisingly bad for your brain. “The plaque between teeth cancause an immune reaction that attacks arteries, which then can’tdeliver vital nutrients to brain cells,” says Michael Roizen, MD,co-author of YOU—The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. Solution? Floss every day. Can’t remember? Keep the floss where you store your morning makeup.

Multitask at the gym

Just as working out can keep your body in good shape as you age,stretching your brain can keep it in top form, too. And doing themtogether is double the fun: Do a crossword puzzle while riding astationary bike or listen to language lessons on your iPod whilerunning. Scientists say that working the body and mind at the same timerevitalizes brain cells. Don’t like multitasking? Hit the crosswordright after the gym, when your brain is energized.

Go fish

Look to the sea for healthy ways to feed your brain. DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon, trout, and some fortified foods such as yogurt, is a super saver for your memory. “DHA decreases arterial inflammationand improves repair of the protective sheath around nerves,” Dr. Roizensays. “The result is less age-related memory loss, less Alzheimer’sdisease, less depression, and a quicker mind.”

The 40s

Steal your kids’ toys

There’s a new version of that Rubik’s Cube that you loved as kid. It’sthe 3-D-like Rubik’s 360, and it’s probably good for brains of any age,because it sharpens flexible problem-solving skills, saysneuropsychologist Karen Spangenberg Postal, PhD, president of theMassachusetts Psychological Association. The key: As you play, you’reworking on your memory, strategy, and spatial skills—all required forimproving brain health—at the same time. What if you always found theCube endlessly frustrating? No worries: Any game that stretches your thinking is helpful.

Just do it

Elevating your heart rate three times a week for 20 minutes—even just by walking—bathesyour brain in oxygen and helps it grow new cells. “Aerobic exercise istwo to three times as effective as any known brain-training activity,”says Sam Wang, PhD, associate professor of neuroscience at PrincetonUniversity and co-author of Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life.If you have no time for the gym during the week, that’s OK: Recentresearch shows moderate to vigorous exercise even just once a week(say, a weekend jog) makes you 30 percent more likely to maintain yourcognitive function as you age.

Start a bridge club

If book clubs bore you and dinner parties leave you exhausted, thenmaybe a brisk game of bridge is just what the doctor ordered. Thecombination of strategy and memory in bridge challenges the brain tolearn new information and exercises cells so they don’t die, Dr. Postalsays. Plus, socializing while playing cards adds a level ofunpredictability that gives your brain a charge—something solo gamesdon’t offer. Bridgeis definitely on the comeback, so you can learn to play through acommunity college or continuing education program, or hire a privateinstructor for lessons.

The 50s Plus

Use chopsticks

“Studies show that engaging the concentrated areas of nerve cells inyour fingertips directly stimulates your brain,” says Maoshing Ni, PhD,author of Second Spring: Dr. Mao’s Hundreds of Natural Secrets for Women to Revitalize and Regenerate at Any Age.Truth is, any fingertip activity—using chopsticks, knitting, or evenrolling a pen or pencil between your fingers—also helps your brain byboosting your circulation. And good circulation helps eliminate wasteproducts that can prevent nutrients from reaching your brain.

Play electronic games

No, you’re not too old for a Wii or one of the new handheldbrain-exercise games. And it may even be good for you, since simplytrying something new gets your brain juiced, says neuropsychologistReon Baird, PhD, of the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. “When thatsomething new is a video game, you’ll stimulate different parts of thebrain that you don’t normally use on a day-to-day basis,” she says. TryBrain Challenge for the Wii or Brain Age for the Nintendo DS. If that’stoo techy for you, play along with Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy! on TV,Dr. Baird says. Challenge your know-it-all spouse to make it more fun.

Be careful with meds

If you ache every time you work out and never sleep well due to nightsweats, there’s a pill for that. But be careful: Research in ClinicalInterventions in Aging reveals that nonprescription sleep aids maycause some “cognitive impairment”—like confusion— in older adults. Howmuch is unknown, but you’re probably familiar with the next-daygrogginess. And the medicine known as diphenhydramine(found in many allergy medications and nighttime pain pills) has an“anticholinergic” effect; it blocks communication between nerve cells.Talk with your doctor about other remedies like relaxation or cognitive therapy for sleep problems.

Best brain foods for everyone!

Studies suggest that natural chemicals in these foods, spices, and drinks combat cognitive decline.

• Asparagus
• Blueberries
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Egg yolks
• Indian curry
• Red wine
• Rosemary
• Salmon
• Tomato sauce
• Walnuts

for more information......

1,000-Calorie Meals... Are YOU Ordering Them?

I had to post this link. Can you beleive how many calories and fat people are eating! Wow! I don't see anything wrong with once in a while eating like this, but I know people that eat like this all the time. That might be why they hire me to be their Chef to teach them how to eat healthier and still enjoy food and how it taste. You don't need all the fat for the food to taste good. Actually my clients say they like my food better and feel better after eating it. What do you think? Are you ordering any ot these?

1,000-Calorie Meals...

20-Minute Stir Fry! Meals are in and out of your wok in a flash