Corn and Crab Quesadillas

This isn't your typical quesadilla, but I think you might like it. Corn and Crab Quesadillas

Makes 4

1/2 a block of cream cheese

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup leeks, diced

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 lb. cooked crab meat

8 flour tortillas

1 Tbsp. melted butter

• In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, corn, cilantro, leeks, pepper and crab meat, mix well.
• Spread 1/4 a mixture on on 4 tortillas and sandwich between the remaining 4 tortillas.
• Brush the outsides of quesadillas with butter
• In a large skillet, cook each quesadillas one at a time over medium-high heat about 5 minutes, turning once, until light brown

Recurring Chick-Fil-A Flares

I haven't had Chick-Fil-A since I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and twice this week I had it for lunch. I got the chicken nuggets and some of those trademark waffle potato fries. It was delicious. But, each time I had Chick-Fil-A a horrible flare hit me out of no where about 5-6 hours later. The first time I didn't think much of it since this seems to happen to me occasionally and a few weeks ago I ate something that left me feeling the wrath of IC for two weeks straight, so I thought I may just not be completely over that.

My boyfriend, who has a very sensitive stomach, said he has actually had Chick-Fil-A a couple times recently and had terrible stomach pains after a few hours. He didn't associate the two together until I got my flares.

Now, I've eaten breaded white-meat chicken at other restaurants without many problems. However, my boyfriend mentioned Chick-Fil-A fries their chicken and fries in peanut oil and prepares their food a little differently, so this might be the culprit.

Whatever it is I would seriously recommend staying far away from Chick-Fil-A.

Favorite Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Okay these DEFINITELY go down in history for my favorite cookies of all time! They combine the best of both worlds -- peanut butter cookies AND oatmeal cookies. Plus these are low-cal (well at least for a sweet) with only 86 calories per cookie!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
makes about 36 cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 egg white
4 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/3 cup plain instant oatmeal

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Stir melted butter and peanut butter together and set aside.
• Combine sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Add peanut butter mixture and stir until it is an even consistency.
• Stir in egg and egg white, then vanilla and milk. Mix thoroughly.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and oatmeal.
• Stir dry ingredients into batter and mix well.
• Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Interstitial cystitis petition of support!

Fill out the online pettition to support those with interstitial cystis. This is a campaign to raise awareness of the condition since many are often misdiagnosed and go on to live their live with while symptoms worsen. You will also be entered to win an iPod!

https://www.allaboutic.com/allaboutic/123ic/index.html

Send to all your friends!

Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe is a twist from your traditional greasy Enchiladas and will delightfully surprise your taste buds. Try lighter options with cheese and tortillas for a great low-cal dish!Spinach and chicken enchiladas

makes 6

1 large chicken breast, cooked and diced
1 10 oz box of frozen spinach
1 15 oz container of part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzerella cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup of American cheese, shredded
6 flour tortillas

• Preaheat oven to 400 degress and spray a 9 X 13 pyrex pan.
• Thaw spinach then place in a paper towel and wring out moisture.
• Combine spinach, ricotta, mozzerella and spices in a large bowl and mix well.
• Add chopped chicken to mixture.
• Spoon mixture evenly onto 6 tortillas and roll. Place side by side in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle with American cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes covered then 10 more minutes uncovered.

Shrimp and Sugar Snap Peas Mediterranean Casserole

Shrimp and Sugar Snap Peas Mediterranean Casserole
Serves 6

3 cups of uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup butter
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp. cooking sherry
1 can chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
2 cups sugar snap pea pods
1/4 cup sliced almonds

• Heat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13X9 Pyrex pan
• Cook and drain pasta as directed
• in a medium sauce pan melt butter on low heat.
• Saute mushrooms and garlic in butter.
• When mushrooms are tender stir in flour, salt and pepper.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring often until mixture is smooth.
• Gradually stir in milk, sherry and broth until smooth.
• Heat to boiling then stir in 3/4 a cup of cheese until melted.
• Stir pasta, shrimp and pea pods into mushroom mixture. Pour into Pyrex pan and sprinkle with remainder of mozzarella cheese and almonds.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes then serve.

Biopharmaceutical company recieves $12 million for interstitial cystitis research

Trillium Therapeutics Inc., a private research and development company, received $12 million from investors to advance in clinical development. Trillium's lead program is constructing an artificial DNA growth factor to be used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. Looks like there is hope for the future!

Check out the full article at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/18/c5645.html

Pain Reliever lotion?

I found this article online and I thought I would share it. I have not tried this lotion, but I have seen a few mentionings of it online in reference to interstitial cystitis. If any one does try it, or has tried it please let me know! Here is the link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/09/prweb1327864.htm

(PRWEB) September 16, 2008 -- Long term pain sufferer announces the development of a non prescription pain remedy and healing lotion.
This deep penetrating lotion helps stop pain, reduces inflammation, and actually speeds the healing process -- it helps injuries heal at the cellular level.
It is important to note that this lotion is not a drug, but a combination of two natural, amazing products, blended in a special way.
This lotion will help those who are suffering from pain now, or who have in the past, and those who wish to have less pain in the future.
It has broad application: it works amazingly well for arthritis and other chronic painful conditions, and it is also extremely effective in treating the normal aches and pains we all encounter in our daily lives -- sports injuries, stubbed toe, bruised shins, minor burns, tennis elbow, twisted ankle, sore back, arthritis pain, herpes, some headaches, etc.
The two products are DMSO and Honey, two of nature's miracle products. The inventor, Mr. Raymond, has used DMSO for many years. Being an inventor, with several U.S. Patents, he had experimented with different ingredients to help lessen, or eliminate, DMSO's minor side effects, and to improve its effectiveness.
It was finally discovered, after sampling many ingredients, over an extended period of time, that the combination of the DMSO and honey created a unique product, combining the benefits of both, as well as lessening the minor side effects of the DMSO.
The combined product, which is called "The DMSO.BZ Solution", is so unique, and effective, that it has been granted provisional "patent pending" status by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is believed that almost every person can benefit, and improve the quality of their lives, by properly using this lotion. Research indicates that this formulation is unique in the world.
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide), was originally discovered as a natural by-product of the wood pulp paper industry, and has been in use commercially since 1953. It is claimed that DMSO is one of the most studied but least understood pharmaceutical agents of our time, at least in the United States, where it has pretty much been keep secret from the public.
According to Stanley Jacob, MD, a former head of the organ transplant program at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland: DMSO has been used for over fifty years worldwide, and some 11,000 articles have been written on its medical and clinical implications; in 125 countries throughout the world, including Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan, doctors prescribe it for a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, scleroderma, interstitial cystitis, arthritis, and even elevated inter-cranial pressure (pressure on the brain).
DMSO, while it works its wonders, can be a little irritating to the skin. Honey actually helps protect the skin and helps to moisturize it, while also being anti bacterial in its own right. DMSO also has a characteristic odor, taste and smell, more obvious to some than to others. Some liken it to garlic. The proper blend of the honey lessens these side effects. The honey provides a silky softness to the skin, while not being sticky.
The DMSO.BZ solution of DMSO is generally applied topically, to the skin. There is usually a rapid reduction of swelling, inflammation, and pain. At the same time the process of the healing of tissue at the cellular level is actually enhanced and promoted. Numerous clinical studies support these facts. The solution is so safe that many people take it internally, and some actually inject it in problem areas.
Some notables say this about DMSO:Dr. Julian Whitaker, in his "Health and Healing" newsletter states: "DMSO: A Truly Unique Compound". He then goes on to tell about how it has helped him personally and some of its many uses. He also talks about MSM, a derivative of DMSO, and how beneficial it is also.
Dr. David Williams, in his newsletter "Alternatives" states: "DMSO. Today you'd be hard-pressed to find a sports team that doesn't use this wonderful pain-relieving liniment." DMSO is also used extensively to treat injury to animals. Kevin Trudeau, in his best seller, "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About", states that DMSO is a "miracle" product, and he further discusses why DMSO has been kept from the public. It has been alleged, because the major patents have long since expired, that the drug and medical lobbies have attempted to prevent wide spread knowledge of this product from going mainstream, as they cannot profit from it.
Mr. Raymond has arranged for this product to be distributed by a long established internet firm, Painease Products. For complete information go to their web site: http://www.dmso-use.com/.
There you will find copies of articles, as well as copies of U.S. Government issued patents proclaiming the many medical benefits of this unique product. You will also find documentation of actual usage of this product over an extensive time period.
For additional information you may email them at: relief@painease.com, or call Roger at: (310) 398-8939.

Stir-Fry Cabbage

This is a quick and easy recipe that is a twist from your normal side dishes.

Stir Fried Cabbage
Serves 2-4

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 a head of cabbage, chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
salt & pepper
garlic powder
dill

• Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium heat.
• Add cabbage and cover for about 10 minutes.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Cabbage should be still a little crunchy. Add salt, pepper and spices to taste.

Taco Salad

The thing I love so much about this salad is that it has so much flavor and doesn't use salad dressing. The following recipe is the particular way I make the salad, however, feel free to add whatever you like.

Taco Salad
Serves 2-4

1 lb of lean ground beef
1-2 cups canola oil

3 corn tortillas, cut in quarters

Salt & pepper

Garlic salt

Romaine lettuce, chopped

American cheese, shredded

• Brown beef in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.
• While beef is cooking, pour oil in skillet on medium high heat.
• When oil is bubbling slide tortilla quarters in oil flipping occasionally. When golden brown (about a minute) place on paper towel-lined plate to soak up oil.
• Season beef to taste.
• Place in paper towel-lined bowl to cool.
• While food is cooling, in a large bowl combine lettuce and the desired amount of cheese. Then add beef to salad mixture. Mix well.
• Divide among plates and garnish with homemade tortilla chips.

Almond Crusted Shrimp

I found this great recipe in the Betty Crocker cookbook my mom bought me when I moved into my first apartment. These shrimp work great for a dinner party. Just be careful when preparing the dish, it can get super messy!

Almond-Crusted Shrimp
Serves 4

1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 Tbsp. water
1 cup Panko or plain dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp with tails
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp. honey

• Heat oven to 375 degrees and grease a large Pyrex pan
• In a shallow dish, mix flour and salt. In another shallow dish, beat egg and water with a fork until well mixed. In a third shallow dish, mix bread crumbs and almonds.
• Coat shrimp in flour mixture. Dip shrimp into egg, coating well; finally, cover with bread crumb mixture, spooning mixture over shrimp and pressing to coat. Place coated shrimp in pat. Drizzle with butter and honey.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until shrimp are pink and firm.

Shape magazine writes article on IC

A few days ago I purchased the October issue of Shape magazine with Brooke Shields on the front cover. And while doing my initial routine flipping-of-the-pages I came across a pull quote that read "1 million women suffer from interstitial cystitis." This grabbed my attention and I immediately read the article. I feel like I can speak for most sufferers of the condition when I say I constantly feel alone and misunderstood when I eat out at restaurants (especially those that have a more limited menu selection) and even more so when I experience the ever so dreaded flare. Learning that IC is actually more common (as horrible as this sounds) is comforting. I thought I would share the article with my readers.

You have: A frequent need to urinate; pelvic pain

Ask your doctor about: interstitial cystitis (IC)

You have the telltale signs of a urinary tract infection, yet no amount of antibiotics seems to do any good. Sound familiar? You may be one of the million Americans suffering from IC (also called painful bladder syndrome). "This condition may be caused by a small hole in the protective lining of the bladder that allows toxic substances in urine to seep out and irritate the outside of the bladder," says Kristene Whitmore, M.D., chief of urology at the Drexel College of Medicine. A urologist can perform a cytoscopy, a procedure that uses a tiny camera to examine the inside of your bladder for IC-related hemorrhages.

What can help: Unfortunately, there's no simple cure for IC; most sufferers try a combination of treatments. Antidepressants, such as Prozac or Zoloft, can soothe the inflamed bladder wall, while Elmiron--the only oral pill approved for IC--can help it heal. And the latest research shows that the antiwrinkle treatment Botox is also effective: Two studies found that an injection of the muscle-relaxing filler in the bladder reduced pain and urinary frequency for up to six months.

Physical therapy and biofeedback, in which a computer monitors your vaginal contractions, can help you learn how to relax your vaginal muscles during spasms.