Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Makes 2 dozen

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 /2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup raisins

• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• In a large bowl, beat all ingredients except oats, flour and raisins, with electric mixer on medium speed.
• Stir in oats, flour and raisins.
• On a cookie sheet, place rounded spoonfuls of of dough about 2 inches apart.
• Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until light brown.

Diagnosed one year ago this month

One year ago this month I was officially diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

My whole life I hadn't experienced symptoms of the disease (and if I did, they weren't severe enough to notice) until January 2008. My diet had always consisted of lemonade and everything spicy. Then during the month of January 2008, I went to a local clinic five times for a recurring bladder infection/urinary tract infection. I knew something was wrong because I had never had a UTI in my life.

I spoke to my mom, who had actually been suffering from IC off and on for a few years and she said my symptoms were very similar to the disease. I didn't want to believe her, because I saw her go through the pain and how she had to change her diet. With her advice, I changed my diet to one similar to hers, but my symptoms still worsened. In April 2008, I went to her specialist and after the long grueling tests the doctor walked back in the examination room and said, "It's not that bad, you'll be fine," and I was devastated. He went on to tell me how he's lactose intolerant (this was during a time when I had an ice cream addiction, so his lecture did make feel a little better).

Since my diagnosis, I haven't taken any medications, such as Elmiron, because I was afraid of the terrible side effects. When I experienced flares, I took Pyridium to help with the pain. But after a year of being on an interstitial cystitis diet and learning more about what my body can handle, I can actually say I feel a lot better. Not only my bladder health, but my general health as well.

The hardest part of having interstitial cystitis is having to change your diet. But after having the disease for a year, I have found that it is a lot easier dealing with the strict diet rules. Once you get creative in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless. That's the reason I wanted to start this blog, I wanted to give create fun and IC-safe meal options for someone suffering from the disease.

For more information about interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome visit click here or check out the resources I have listed on this blog.

Lean Turkey Stroganoff

My boyfriend found this delicious stroganoff recipe online that called for lean ground turkey instead of the typical ground beef. It was delicious! The turkey brought in a whole new flavor and also made the dish feel a little lighter. If you like beef stroganoff, I definitely think you should try this recipe, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Lean Turkey Stroganoff

Serves 4

12 ounces egg noodles

1 lb lean ground turkey

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup chopped leeks
1 Tbsp. garlic powder

2 cups sliced white mushrooms

1 Tbsp. butter

24 ounces creamy mushroom soup

• Cook egg noodles as directed on package. Once done, drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown ground turkey, with garlic powder and leeks. Season with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, saute mushrooms in butter until tender.
• Once everything is done, and pasta is drained, combine pasta, ground turkey and mushrooms in a large pot and add creamy mushroom soup and stir well.
• Cook for a few minutes and once hit and mixed well, serve.

Feline Interstitial Cystitis

I get google alerts for interstitial cystitis and related news so I can make sure I am up to speed on current trends in medical treatments and news. Something I have noticed more recently is the abundance of blog posts about cat owners dealing with their pet's interstitial cystitis. I think this is really a weird subject, and its almost humorous (but poor kitty).

Anyway, I saw a recent post about Holistic Cat Care mentioning feline interstitial cystitis and while it doesn't directly pertain to us humans, I thought it was an interesting article. I did enjoy reading it and identifying the link between feline IC and human IC. Who knows, maybe researchers can use this link to learn more about the disease to find cures.

If you would like to see the post click here.

Glazed Carrots

Here is a delicious side that is sweet and can be paired with just about any dish. The sweet flavors created when combing the carrots and the brown sugar resemble a sweet potato, however, the texture offered here is a little tougher and not quite as mushy.

Glazed Carrots

Serves 3-4

1 1/2 lb sliced carrots (you can also use julienne strips)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

• In 2-quart saucepan, heat 2 cups water to boiling. Add carrots and reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 6-9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and reserve.
• In 12-inch skillet, cook remaining ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbly.
• Stir in carrots. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until carrots are glazed and hot.

Sesame Pork with Garlic and Butter Cream Sauce

I must say, this was my first time to broil something and it turned out quite nicely. The pork has a sort of crisp texture after being broiled with the sesame seeds. The cream sauce is unexpected, but very satisfying. This dish is very easy to make and takes only about 20 minutes total!

Sesame Pork with Garlic and Butter Cream Sauce.

Serves 2-4

1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 cup sesame seed

1 Tbsp butter

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 pkg cream cheese, cubed and softened

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp chives

• Set oven control to broil.
• Brush oil on both sides of pork and place on rock in broiler pan.
• Sprinkle with half of the sesame seed.
• Broil pork 4 to 6 inches from heat for 6 minutes. Then sprinkle with remaining sesame seed and boil for 5 minutes longer until pork is no longer pink in center.
• Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook garlic in butter about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat and add cream cheese and milk. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly or sauce will scorch, until smooth and hot. Stir in chives.
• Serve sauce over pork.

Blueberry Pie

If you are looking for excuses to eat sweets, a delicious blueberry pie is the perfect dessert for you. Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant levels. Antioxidants help the body fight against the damaging effects of free radicals and chronic diseases associated with the aging process.

One of the things I find most interesting is that researchers have identified compounds in blueberries called proanthocyanidins that promote urinary tract health and reduce the risk of infection by preventing bacteria from adhering to the cells that line the walls of the urinary tract. So not only are blueberries included in the interstitial cystitis diet, but they can actually promote good bladder health. How's that for an excuse to eat a dessert? Click here to read more about the health benefits of having blueberries a part of your diet.

Blueberry Pie
Serves 8

3/4 cup white sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 tablespoon butter

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon and sprinkle over blueberries.
• Line pie dish with one pie crust.
• Pour berry mixture into the crust, and dot with butter.
• Place remaining pastry over the pie. Crimp and flute edges. (You can also cut lattice the pastry).
• Cut four slits at the top of the pastry.
• Bake pie on lower shelf of oven for about 50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

IC in the news

A reader from the St. Augustine Record wrote to Dr. Donohue in the paper's Health Wathch section asking for more information on interstitial cystits. The question and answer was published last friday. Dr. Donohue gave a pretty good description of interstitial cystitis and I thought I would share his comments with my readers. Also you can follow the link below to see the origional posting.

Bladder issue usually overlooked

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am writing to ask if you would give me information on interstitial cystitis. I was told I had this after I had a polyp removed from my bladder. I know it has to do with the lining of the bladder wall. What causes it? What's the treatment? Does it get worse? -- J.M.

ANSWER: Interstitial cystitis is also known as painful bladder syndrome. It's a fairly common condition that is commonly misdiagnosed. It affects more women than men. It occurs at any age, but typically, the onset is around age 40.

Frequently, a woman has symptoms for years and years and is told she has repeated bladder infections. Antibiotics, however, provide no relief. Trips to the bathroom are numerous, and nighttime urination disrupts sleep. Bladder pain can be severe. Urination often relieves the pain temporarily. Intercourse also can be painful.

One explanation says the protective covering of the bladder lining has thinned or has disappeared, and urine irritants come in contact with the sensitive bladder lining to produce pain. How this comes about is something that isn't known with certainty.

Symptoms can get worse, but treatments exist. One is the oral medicine Elmiron. Amitriptyline and gabapentin are also used for pain control.

If you find that a particular food causes increased pain, stay away from it. Spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and alcohol are some things on the list of irritants for many with this problem.

If you feel lost about the diagnosis and its treatment, contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association at (800) 435-7422 or www.ichelp.org for information on treatment and support for this mystifying ailment that can completely throw life into turmoil.

Chicken Chow Mein

My boyfriend and I recently invested in a slow cooker crock pot. I must say we absolutely love it. It has really opened up brand new cooking opportunities. If you don't have one, they don't cost too much and I would suggest that you consider adding a crock pot to your kitchen appliance inventory. I was really excited and opened my Betty Crocker Cook book and found the following recipe. It is delicious and is basically chopping and throwing things together. Best thing, it's safe for someone with interstitial cystitis. Enjoy!

Chicken Chow Mein
Serves 4-6

8 Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium carrots, sliced diagonally
2 medium stalks of celery, coarsely chopped
2 cups leeks, chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 can water chestnuts
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp Bragg's liquid aminos
1/2 tsp ginger root
2 Tbsp cornstarch
3 Tbsp cold water
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup snow pea pods
Chow mein noodles

• Remove fat from chicken and cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
• In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes, turning once, until brown.
• In 3 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker, place carrots, celery, onion, garlic and water chestnuts then add chicken.
• In small bowl, mix broth, soy sauce and ginger root; pour over chicken.
• In small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into chicken mixture.
• Stir in mushrooms an pea pods.
• Increase heat setting to High.
• Cover and cook 15 minutes and then serve over noodles.