Green Leaf's & Bananas

 

The folks at Green Leaf's & Bananas are giving away a Vitamix, just like them on their Facebook page to enter!   

Fresh tossed salads made-to-order, delicious wraps, grilled panini sandwiches and hearty homemade soups make Green Leaf's the perfect choice for a fresh, healthy, great-tasting meal.

The refreshing fruit smoothies, cool fresh fruit frosties and delicious frozen yogurt at Bananas make for the perfect assortment of fun treats. Bananas will delight the entire family with products that offer traditional goodies and health conscious options as well.

Founded in 1976, Green Leaf's continues to offer guests a healthy meal made from the freshest, top-quality ingredients. It's the perfect healthy alternative to fast foods. Green Leaf's 'Pick & Mix' salad bar offers dozens of fresh ingredients and countless possibilities to make sure our customers get exactly what they want. A garden fresh salad made to their taste and tossed especially for them. 

 

Get in the mix and win a Vitamix!
Just head on over to the Green Leaf's & Bananas Facebook page to enter for the Vitamix Giveaway!


This sponsorship is brought to you by Green Leaf's & Bananas who we have partnered with for this promotion.

Kleenex Hand Towels Brand Fan Program

#1 Kleenex Hand Towels!!!

 

 

 

With the flu season approaching it's important that we keep our families and friends healthy by keeping the germs to a minimum. A good way that could help make this happen would be to give Kleenex Hand Towels a try in your home, work place or child's school. Check out some of the benefits of Kleenex Hand Towels:

 

- In the U.S. alone, people dry their hands on cloth bathroom towels approximately 200 billion times per year. Just because a towel looks clean doesn't mean it is. Even after they're washed, hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them.

 

- Skip the damp, overused cloth towel because with a fresh, dry hand towel for every use, you can cut down on the spread of germs in your home when you have those extra guests.

 

- Kleenex Hand Towels' Dry-Touch fibers are absorbent enough to dry hands but also have enough left over for quick clean-ups around the bathroom sink. They'll save you time and cut down on overall post-party mess.

 

Everyone want his or her loved ones to stay healthy and germ-free, especially when opening up his or her home to guests. For more information about Kleenex Hand Towels and how to join the Clean Hands Campaign visit www.kleenex.com/HandTowels!

Marx Foods Cocktails & Mocktails Mixology Contest: Silly-Dilly Salty Dogtini and Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

Marx Foods Cocktail & Mocktail Mixology Contest!!!

 

 ~ Silly-Dilly Salty Dogtini ~

 

~ Pineapple Mojito Mocktail ~

 

I always have so much fun participating in Marx Foods recipe contests, they have the most unique gourmet ingredients (which they send you for FREE!) you can get super creative with. Here's what I came up with...

 

Silly-Dilly Salty Dogtini

 

 

3 oz. quality vodka

1 large grapefruit, juiced
ice, as needed
1 t. salt
1/2 t. Marx Foods dill pollen

Combine vodka, grapefruit juice and ice in a mixer and shake well. In a small shallow dish combine salt and dill pollen and mix well. Use the grapefruit to wet the rim of a martini glass and dip into the salt and dill pollen mixture to lightly coat. Pour cocktail into glass and serve.


Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

2 T. fresh mint leaves
1 t. Marx Foods demerara sugar
1 Marx Foods dried pineapple ring, half minced and half reserved for garnish
1 c. pineapple juice
1/4 c. sparkling water

Combine mint, sugar and minced dried pineapple in a glass and using a muddler smash well to release aromas and blend flaovrs. Add pineapple juice and sparkling water and mix. Garnish with reserved dried pineapple half and a sprig of mint.

To vote for my recipes visit http://marxfood.com/cocktails-and-mocktails-recipe-challenge/, thanks!!!

Introducing Guest Blogger Jillian McKee: Special Diets in Cancer Treatment Plans

Jillian McKee

Complementary Medicine Advocate

Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm#ixzz25cCLWvTl

Special Diets in Cancer Treatment Plans

Cancer takes a lot out of someone and patients need special diet plans to help them cope with their disease. Not all cancers are the same and likewise, nutritional needs vary by patient. Women preparing for breast cancer surgery need foods that provide strength. Those facing treatment for mesothelioma need foods that fight treatment side effects.

All cancer patients have a high risk for nutrient deficiencies. The cancer itself causes some of these deficiencies. More often, deficiencies result from physical changes caused by rigorous treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, cancer directly affects a patient’s nutritional status. Cancers change the way the body metabolizes fats, carbohydrates and proteins. As a result of metabolism changes, food no longer tastes the same and patients often lose their appetite. Cancer-related anorexia, a very common treatment symptom, is likely caused by physical changes and mental responses.

Although the body uses more energy during cancer treatment, a lost appetite usually leads to weight loss and muscle wasting. To prevent these problems, most cancer patients require high-calorie meals. Many doctors prescribe a high-protein diet that is low in fat content.

Scientists and researchers have conducted numerous studies on the link between nutrition and cancer. The same foods that can assist cancer prevention also help during cancer treatment. Fruits, vegetables, grains and beans are the mainstays in a cancer-fighting diet. These natural foods contain healthy fiber, antioxidants and other important nutrients.

The medical treatments that destroy aggressive cancer cells produce unwanted and unpleasant side effects for many patients. The symptoms vary by the cancer type, treatment method and affected area of the body. Cancer nutrition plans are tailor-made diets that address some of the side effects of cancer treatment. These special diets cannot cure cancer or replace the drugs prescribed for treatment, but they offer welcome relief for some symptoms.

Thick liquids and semi-solid foods are good choices for patients with chewing or swallowing problems. Thickeners make liquids easier to swallow and prevent aspiration. High-calorie, high-protein shakes and foods may prevent the weight loss and muscle wasting associated with cancer treatments. Frequent snacks and small meals provide nutrition throughout the day.

Eating nutritious foods right before or after treatment may ease nausea, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms. However, it may also lessen the pain associated with chemotherapy and other treatments.  

To combat loss of appetite, patients can adjust their diets to include appealing foods. If necessary, doctors can prescribe drugs to stimulate the appetite. Because each cancer experience is unique, healthy nutrition means different things to different patients. Doctors and dietitians should work with patients to develop diets that meet specific nutritional needs. Good cancer diets allow patients to receive the most treatment benefits possible.

Marx Foods Fire and Ice Chile Recipe Contest: Spicy Citrus Herb Gravy Aspic

I'm at it again creating a recipe using chiles from Marx Foods! This time around is their Fire and Ice Chile Recipe Challenge where we were asked to create a recipe using their chiles and either chilling or freezing the dish. I took inspiration from Next Food Network Star, Justin, Werner, when he made a caesar dressing aspic that melted over grilled romaine and made a unique aspic of my own...

Spicy Citrus Herb Gravy Aspic

 ~ Marx Foods De Arbol Chilies~

 ~ Mixture before chilled~

 ~ Mixture poured into dish to mold~

~ Final product!~

Makes: 3 cups

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 t. olive oil

1/4 c. onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pinch salt, to taste

1 pinch pepper, to taste

3 c. beef broth, 1 cup reserved and cold

2 Marx Foods De Arbol Chilies, stemmed, seeded and minced

1 T. fresh thyme

1 t. lemon zest

1 T. lemon juice

1 t. Worcestershire

2 packets gelatin

In a medium pot heat oil over medium and add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook until almost tender about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 2 cups beef broth, Marx Foods De Arbol Chilies, thyme, lemon zest and juice, Worcestershire. Mix well and bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer and let flavors meld for about 10 to 15 minutes.

While whisking add gelatin and continue stirring until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining cup of cold beef broth then pour mixture into a dish of your choice that's lined with plastic wrap to mold.

Place into refrigerator to chill for 4 hours or until set. Once set turn out aspic onto a plate and peel off plastic wrap.

Now what can you do with this savory jello you ask? There are a number of ways to use this special condiment such as...

~ slather it onto fried chicken or country fried steak

~ dollop it on top of some mashed, baked or roasted potatoes

~ drizzle it over stuffing

~ finish off anything you would normally put gravy on

~ Fried Chicken, Mashed Spuds with Spicy Citrus Herb Gravy Aspic & Roasted Brussel Sprouts~

For more information about Marx Foods and their gourmet food products visit www.marxfoods.com!

July's Kitchen Play: Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets

Kitchen Play is devoted to connecting food bloggers and PR professionals through sponsored events such as the Progressive Party, the SideCar Series, the Pampered Pantry and more. Participating bloggers are compensated for their work creating original recipes or reviewing products. Join the fun today!!!
This month Kitchen Play is playing with Aunt Nellie's Whole Pickled Beets...

Pickled Baby Beet, Mandarin Orange, Sunflower Seeds and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad

(Recipe prepared by friends Srutih Jessica and photo taken by myself)

Serves: 4-6

Prep: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

6 c. mixed greens

2 c. Aunt Nellie's Baby Whole Pickled Beets, sliced or quartered

1 c. mandarin orange slices

1/2 c. sunflowder seeds

1/4 c. goat cheese crumbles

2 T. olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine mixed greens, beets, madarin oranges, sunflower seeds and goat cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle salad with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat evenly. Enjoy!

Avocados from Mexico: Recipes from Avocado Lovers' Promotion

Recipes from Avocado Lovers' Promotion

The folks at Avocados From Mexico have just launched a new recipes section on their site "Recipes From Avocado Lovers" to give foodies who love avocados, the opportunity to upload their favorite avocado recipes, download ringtones, wallpapers and other fun items to show their avocado love and discover other fan favorite avocado recipes.

Do you love avocados? Then you will love the new Avocados From Mexico recipe website "Recipes From Avocado Lovers", where you can submit your favorite avocado recipes and share you avodao love with with other foodies like you.

So, join the AVO-LICIOUS fun by sharing your avocado recipes and trying out others recipes using Avocados from Mexico, the world's finest!!! Here is one of my favorite recipes using the amazing avocado...

Caribbean Braised Beef Short Rib Tacos

Serves: 4-8

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless beef short ribs, at room temperature
2 T. unsalted butter
½ red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. canned tomato, pureed
1 ½ T. apple cider vinegar
1 T. Worcestershire
2 T. brown sugar
1 key lime, zest and juice
1/8 t. cinnamon
1 pinch ground clove
1 pinch nutmeg
1 t. red pepper flake
12 flour tortillas
3 c. purple cabbage, shredded
4 Avocados from Mexico, pitted and sliced
1 c. cilantro, minced
½ c. sour cream, garnish (optional)

Directions:
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat and add short ribs. Cook until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

To same pot add onion and garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn garlic. Pour in remaining ingredients scraping bits from bottom.

Return short rib to sauce and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer until meat falls apart about 40 minutes. Assemble tacos by layering meat, slaw, avocado and cilantro.

Another Mexican-inspired recipe using the awesome avocado...

Southwest Soyrizo Double Potato Soup

Serves: 4

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
1 T. olive oil
12 oz. soyrizo, or chorizo
1 medium onion, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
6 c. chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 dried guajillo pepper, reconstituted and minced
1 t. dried Mexican oregano
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 T. cilantro, minced, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
1/4 c. sour cream
1 Avocado from Mexico, pitted and diced or sliced
1 Clementine orange, cut in 1/4

Directions:
Heat oil over medium high in a large sauce pot and add soyrizo. Cook until lightly browned about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon scoop soyrizo into a bowl and set aside.

To same pot add onion and cook 3 to 5 minutes stirring often. Add carrots and cook another 5 minutes. Deglaze pot with broth scraping bottom of pan clean. Stir in garlic, dried oregano, Marx Foods guajillo pepper, potatoes and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer about 20 to 25 minutes for potatoes to cook and flavors to meld.

Before serving stir in minced cilantro and browned soyrizo. Garnish each portion with 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1/4 of an avocado, a squeeze of 1/4 of a Clementine across soup and top with a sprig of cilantro.

“This sponsorship is brought to you by Avocados From Mexico who we have partnered with for this promotion.”