Artichoke Mushroom Casserole

I wanted to share one of the recipies that was featured in the issue of the ICA update. It is a simple dish that is sure to warm taste buds in the cold weather.

Artichoke Mushroom Casserole
Serves 4 to 6

16 ounces mushrooms, halved
1/2 cup sliced leek
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
3/4 cup chicken organic broth (no preservatives)
1/4 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package (10 ounces) artichoke hearts, cooked, drained
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs tossed with 2 teaspoons melted butter

Directions

• Cook mushrooms and leeks in the 1/4 cup butter until tender.
• Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Stir flour, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper into the butter left in the pan.
• When mixture is smooth and bubbly, stir in 3/4 cup chicken broth, milk, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until bubbly.
• Add cooked mushrooms, leeks, and artichokes.
• Spoon into a 1-quart casserole; sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top.
• Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

The IC Chef in ICA Update

I am so excited to share that the blog was featured in the fall 2009 issue of the ICA Update.

The ICA Update is a quarterly magazine that covers current trends, tips, recipes, and anything someone with IC might want to know.

This particular issue is all about loving food. It features great recipes suggested by chefs, IC experts, and ME!

To learn more about the ICA Update or to sign up to be a member of the Interstitial Cystitis Association you can visit: http://www.ichelp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=391

"Cafe ICA"

So, that recent post I did about the Interstitial Cystitis Network Newsletter generated some interest and I was recently informed that the Interstitial Cystitis Association also has a free e-newsletter called "Cafe ICA."

This newsletter offers IC medical highlights, self-help and coping strategies, ICA news, and a variety of resources that would be of interest to an IC patient.

You can check out their Web site and join the mailing list here: http://www.ichelp.org/Newsroom/CafeICA/tabid/92/Default.aspx

Honey-Glazed Pork Chops

Honey-Glazed Pork Chops

Serves 4

4 bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4- to 1-inch thick
Salt and ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. honey

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper.
• Heat skillet over medium heat.
• Add pork chops and cook until brown, turning once, then remove from the skillet.
• Place pork chops in 9x13 baking dish.
• Combine brown sugar and honey in small bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds; stir to combine.
• Spoon half of the honey mixture over tops of chops, spreading evenly.
• Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Turn pork chops; spoon remaining honey mixture over chops, spreading evenly. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.
• Serve!

Interstitial Cystitis Network Newsletter

I wanted to share this resource that I use for interstitial cystitis news and updates. It is the newsletter from the Interstitial Cystitis Network Newsletter. It comes directly to my Inbox once a month or every two months and includes updates like:

• Breaking News
• Tips
• Latest Research
• Videos
• Helpful Resources
• Products
• And so much more!

It is really a great thing to have to skim through and keep updated on the topic.

To subscribe to the newsletter visit: http://www.ic-network.com/newsletters/. You can also choose to subscribe to their quarterly magazine or follow the IC-Network on Twitter.

Just check it out! It is easy to unsubscribe if you don't like it.

Tuna-Pasta Casserole

It has been awhile since I have made a casserole and I thought this would be a great recipe to add to my blog. It is almost like a broccoli and cheese casserole, but with tuna and pasta as well. This would also be a great dish to take to a pot-luck party too! You can also take these ingredients and mix and match with other veggies, like substitute the broccoli for green beans, etc. You can really have fun with this one. Anyway, ENJOY!

Tuna-Pasta Casserole
6 servings

Casserole
1 1/4 cups uncooked medium pasta shells (3 to 4 oz)
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded American cheese
2 cups broccoli flowerets
2 cans (6 oz each) tuna in water, drained (if canned meats bother you, I would recommend using the equivalent serving of fresh tuna)

Crumb Topping
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp butter, melted

• Heat oven to 350 degrees
• Cook and drain pasta as directed on package
• Meanwhile, in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly; remove from hat.
• Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.
• Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in pasta, broccoli and tuna; mix well.
• Spoon into ungreased 2-quart casserole dish.
• Cover and bake about 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
• Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix topping ingredients.
• Sprinkle topping over casserole.
• Bake uncovered about 5 minutes longer or until topping is toasted.

  

Almond and Leek Mahi Mahi

Sorry I haven't posted anything in awhile! I just graduated in May and I got a job and moved to Austin. So I really haven't had time to cook anything, let alone anything good enough to put on my blog. But, I think you will like this one!

Almond and Leek Mahi Mahi
Serves 2

½ lb Mahi Mahi
¼ cup butter
¼ almonds
1 leek, cleaned and sliced
½ cup flour
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp paprika
1/8 tsp. pepper

• In 10-inch skillet, melt buter over medium heat
• Cook almonds and leek in butter, stirring occasionally, until leek is tender.
• Remove almonds and leeks from skillet and set aside; keep warm.
• In shallow dish, mix flour, salt, paprika and pepper.
• Coat fish in flour mixture.
• Cook fish in same skillet over media heat for 6 to 10 minutes, turning once, until fish is brown and flakes easily with a fork.
• Coat fish with almond and leek mixture and serve hot.
  

IC-Safe Shrimp Fried Rice

The other night my boyfriend made this delicious shrimp fried rice. It is normally very difficult for someone with interstitial cystitis to eat Asian foods and this recipe is IC-safe so I had to share it. Enjoy!

IC-Safe Shrimp Fried Rice

Serves 4-6

8 ounces small raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp. salt

Ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. cornstarch

2 Tbsp. cooking oil

3 eggs, beaten

1 stalk of leek, minced

4 cups rice, cooked

3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots, defrosted

1 Tbsp Bragg's liquid aminos (to substitute for soy sauce)

1 tsp. sesame oil

• In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the salt, pepper and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature. Heat a wok or a large saute pan on high heat. When the pan is hot enough for a bead of water to instantly sizzle and evaporate, add just 1 tablespoon of cooking out and swirl to coat pan.
• Add the shrimp, quickly spreading out around the cooking surface area so that they are not overlapping. Let fry, untouched for 30 seconds. Flip over and let the other side fry for 30 seconds, or until abut 80% cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan onto a plate, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.
• Turn the heat to medium, let the pan heat up again. Add the eggs, stirring in a quick motion to break up and scramble the eggs. When the eggs are almost cooked through (they should still be slightly runny in the middle), dish out of the pan into the same plate as the cooked shrimp.
• Use paper towels to wipe the same wok or saute pan clean and return to high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, swirling to coat. When the oil is very hot, add the green onions and fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add in the rice and stir well to mix in the green onions throughout. Spread the rice all around the wok surface area and let the rice heat up, untouched until you hear the bottoms of the grains sizzle, about 1-2 minutes. Use the spatula to toss the rice, again spreading the rice out over the surface of the wok.
• Drizzle the soy sauce all around the rice and toss. Add the peas and carrots, the cooked eggs, shrimp and sesame oil, tossing to mix the rice evenly with all the ingredients. Taste and add an additional 1 teaspoon of soy sauce if needed.

Shrimp, Mushroom & Asparagus Stir-fry

This deliciously fresh dish is a cinch to make! The variety of fresh ingredients compliment each other very well. You can make this stir-fry after a long day, because it only takes about 15 minutes to whip up!

Shrimp, Mushroom & Asparagus Stir-fry
Serves 4

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large Portobello mushrooms, sliced
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb asparagus, cut in 1 inch pieces
salt & pepper

• Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
• Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
• Add asparagus and season to taste with salt & pepper.
• Cook stirring for another 4 minutes
• Serve over rice or pasta (optional).

Chicken Broccoli Divan

This recipe tastes like one of those home cooked meals your grandma made when you were a kid. It makes the whole kitchen smell yummy when it's in the oven. Best of all, you can just throw this together, because most of these ingredients you should have in your pantry. It doesn't use very many ingredients and prep time is about 15 minutes!

Chicken Broccoli Divan
Serves 4-6

1 lb. fresh broccoli cut into spears, cooked and drained
1 1/2 cups of cubed chicken, cooked
1 can broccoli cheese soup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp butter, melted

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine chicken and broccoli in a 2-quart baking dish.
• Mix soup and milk together and pour over chicken and broccoli and sprinkle with cheese.
• Mix bread crumbs with butter and sprinkle on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until topping is lightly browned.

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.

Who knew an innocent breakfast could be fatal?

A student at Huntington Beach High School in California had pancakes last week and it almost became fatal. His Mom, who is a registered nurse, made him pancakes for breakfast. She dropped him off at school, then headed to play tennis. She got a phone call from her son while on the court to hear he was having trouble breathing. She told him to go to the school nurse immediately and proceeded to call the school to alert them about her son. The nurse called the paramedics and an ambulance arrived in three minutes. The boy came very close to to loosing his life.

This is actually very common. Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. The mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, Bisquick, brownie mixes, etc. you have in your home. Check this website to read another instance similar to this that happened in 2006.

Pecan-Maple Chicken

This pecan-maple chicken makes a pleasant change to the traditional chicken breast dinner. As the chicken cooks, the maple syrup seeps into the meat making every bite tender and juicy sweet. It's rich flavor of the maple and pecan sauce pares great with green vegetables. This is a great dinner option when you want to make something delicious, but you only have 20 minutes to spare.

Pecan-Maple Chicken
Serves 2

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup pecan halves

• In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt butter with salt over medium heat.
• Cook chicken in butter for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until brown.
• Stir in maple syrup and pecans.
• Cook 8 to 10 minutes.

Broadcast news clip of woman with interstitial cystitis

CBS in Atlanta recently did a news report on a woman who suffers from interstitial cystitis. Kim Waitz has an extreme case of IC, and the disease has completely changed her life. The news clip has a lot of good information about interstitial cystitis and can answer a lot of basic questions.



For more information on interstitial cystitis from this news source, check out their Web site here.

Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti

This pasta dish is light, healthy and full of flavor. The assortment of vegetables leaves this scrumptious meal packed full of nutrients. You can customize this plate by using your own favorite greens; the only limit is your creativity.

Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti
Serves 4-6


1 package of spaghetti
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced leeks
2 medium carrots (1 cup)
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 medium squash, sliced
1 cup sugar snap peas
1 tsp. chopped basil leaves
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese

• Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package
• Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute garlic and leeks, then add carrots, leeks, zucchini, squash and sugar snap peas, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese; cook until hot. Serve vegetable mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese.

Sesame Buttered Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the healthiest veggies you can eat. This green is packed full of vitamin C and one ounce of broccoli has more calcium than a glass of milk. See this article posted on CNN.com for all the terrific health benefits of eating broccoli. This delicious broccoli dish I prepared is light and nutritious and pares great with a fillet of fish.

Sesame Buttered Broccoli

Serves 4

1 lb of frozen broccoli flowerettes

2 Tbsp. butter

2 tsp. Bragg's liquid aminos

1 tsp. sesame seeds

1/2 tsp. seasame oil

• In a 2-quart saucepan, heat 1 inch of water to boiling. Add broccoli and boil uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Dain well and return to saucepan.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stire remaining ingredients until well mixed. Pour butter mixture over hot broccoli and toss to coat.

Health Magazine Names America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

So is there really such a thing as healthy fast food? Health Magazine's March issue of 2009 features the healthiest fast food chain restaurants in the United States, just in time for swim suit season. The list includes a few surprises.

See who made the list:

Panera Bread - Whole-grain bread and fresh fruit are centerpieces here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Health says that most of the chicken is antibiotic- and hormone-free, a rarity in large chains.

Jason's Deli - The chain is very dedicated to organic food - one-fifth of all its ingredients are organic, "from blue-corn tortilla chips and whole-wheat wraps to field greens and spinach."

Au Bon Pain - Considered a "pioneer in healthy fast food." Au Bon Pain's chicken is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, also.

Noodles & Company - Pasta is a filling enough meal that it's easy to omit the meat, but if you want protein, your choices include hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and organic tofu.

Corner Bakery - Not a lot here on the cafe chain's green cred, but a quick look at the menu reveals that beef, which has the largest carbon footprint, is found sparingly here.

Chipotle - "Chipotle won high marks for its commitment to organics, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, and produce sourced from local suppliers, which is revolutionary in a chain this big," said Health.

Atlanta Bread Company - This sandwich chain was praised for the freshness of its veggies and other ingredients.

McDonald's - Believe it or not, it's in the top 10 for healthy choices - but with the burger recently named the Hummer of our diet, the company isn't scoring many environmental points with its menu.

Einstein Bros. Bagels - Bagels and cream cheese and fresh veggies combine for plenty of meal options with a small footprint.

Taco Del Mar - Baja-style Mexican cuisine is a growing trend, says Health, and the menu shies away from beef and chicken in favor of fresh ingredients and fish.

Click here to view the full article.

Nomato Sauce

This sauce will quench any longings for tomato sauce, and tastes as much like the original as you can get.

Nomato Sauce

Serves 6

Basic sauce ingredients:

6 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 beet, peeled and chopped

1 leek, cleaned and chopped

1 celery stick, sliced

1 bay leaf, whole

1 1/2 cups of watter

The flavor ingredients:

3 cloves of garlic, sliced

1 leek, cleaned and minced

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp. olive oil

1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

2 Tbsp. Bragg's liquid aminos

2 heaping Tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

1 cup mushrooms, sauteed (optional)

• Place all ingredients of the basic sauce in a pot and boil, covered for 30 minutes, then puree in a blender. Add water, if needed, until mixture has tomato sauce texture.
• Saute garlic, onion, and herbs for 5 minutes in olive oil.
• Add parsley, mushrooms (optional), and saute for 10 minutes more.
• Add basic sauce and bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Season with Bragg's liquid aminos.
• Place cornstarch in a small bowl and add water slowly while stirring. Stir until thoroughly dissolved in the water. Add to sauce while it cooks, stirring until sauce thickens.
• This sauce would go great over a pile of spaghetti or on a homemade pizza.

Teacher retires because of interstitial cystitis

I found an article on KenlyNews.com about a teacher who recently had to retire because of interstitial cystitis. She had to have her bladder removed and after a few months, the doctors were able to build her a new bladder. Unfortunately, the new bladder didn't help and her problems got worse forcing her to retire from teaching. Read the article below.

Glendale-Kenly elementary school teacher retires

After almost 33 years of teaching, decisions about her health have Glendale-Kenly Elementary School First grade teacher Cherri Stone entering her second retirement this past December.

Stone was diagnosed five years ago with a rare bladder disease, interstitial cystitis and two years ago the doctors had to remove her bladder. She retired but still wanted to return to teaching, and she did four and a half months later after doctor’s built her a new bladder. Recently she found her problems getting worse and made the hard decision to stop teaching...

Read full article here.

Blue Cheese Burger

For those of you who can handle aged cheese with no problem, I have a burger that you won't find at your traditional restaurant. These burgers are fun to make and the blue cheese adds a surprising compliment to the ground beef. This version of the blue cheese burger uses half blue cheese and half cream cheese. This lessens the amount of blue cheese, but doesn't lessen the bold flavor. Just be careful, these burgers can get pretty messy.


Blue Cheese Burgers
Serves 2

2 oz. cream cheese
2 oz. crumbled blue cheese
1/8 t. garlic powder
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
4 burger patties
2 burger buns (try whole wheat)
Coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

• In a small bowl, mash together cream cheese and blue cheese then stir in the onion powder and parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• To fill burgers, place a tablespoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each of two patties. Spread the filling out evenly to within half an inch of the edge of each patty. Place the remaining patties on top to form two filled burgers. Gently press the edges of each burger together.
• Sprinkle burgers liberally with coarsely ground black pepper.
• Cook the patties on a George Forman grill or on a cast iron skillet until meat is cooked all the way through.
• Once patties are cooked, place onto buns and serve.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This is a simple casserole recipe that you can make on one of those nights when you just don't have the will power to go to the grocery store using just the ingredients that are commonly hidden away in your kitchen. Even the beginners will find this recipe a cinch. The hardest part of preparing this dish is waiting for it to get to come out of the oven!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serves 4-6

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 1/3 cups water

3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• Heat the oven to 375°F.
• Stir the soup, water, rice, garlic powder, black pepper and vegetables in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
• Top with the chicken. Season the chicken as desired.
• Cover the baking dish.
• Bake for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Top with the cheese.
• Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes.
• Stir the rice before serving.

IC Diet Cheat Sheet

This is the interstitial cystitis diet list that I go by. I got this list from my doctor when I was diagnosed in April of 2008. After I got over my worst flares I started to experiment with a few things on the avoid list. The breads and dairy don't seem to bother me. Neither does tea. However, for the most part I strictly go by this list. Especially when I eat out; you never know what restaurants use to cook with. I hope this helps!

AVOID:

• Beverages: Alcoholic beverages, decaf and regular coffee, decaf and regular tea, soda, carbonated drinks such as mineral water, Kool-aid, Gatorade, and fruit punch, juice made from off-limit fruit AND all juices containing citric acid
• Fruit: Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, cranberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, plums, strawberries, pomegranates, watermelon, cherries, and nothing that contains these items such as jello, pastries, etc.
• Vegetables: Onions (including dried onion), green, red, yellow, jalapeno and Serrano peppers, tomatoes and all items containing tomatoes such as: tomato sauce, tomato soup, tomato paste, ketchup, barbecue sauce.
• Seasonings: all seasonings containing citric acid (lemon pepper, season all, Mrs. Dash), salad dressing, vinegar, condiments, all foods containing MSG and preservatives, soy sauce, miso, artificial sweetener (Equal, Splenda), cayenne pepper and spicy foods (Mexican, Indian, and Chinese).
• Meats: canned, aged, cured and processed meats (spam, bologna, salami, SAUSAGE), meats containing nitrates or nitrites, smoked meats/fish (including anything barbecued), corned beef, anchovies, caviar, chicken livers
• Nuts and Grains: rye and sour dough bread, fava beans, lima beans, soy beans and tofuMilk
• Dairy: aged cheeses, sour cream, egg yolks, yogurt, chocolate

OKAY ITEMS:

• Beverages: Bottled water, tap water, caffeine free herbal teas: mint, spearmint, chamomile, and peppermint (hot or cold with sugar or honey), milk (without hormones)
• Fruit: honeydew melon, pears, prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, coconut, papaya, mango, blueberry muffins, jelly containing only these fruits with no citric acid.
• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, carrots, spinach, asparagus, potatoes, cabbage, leeks, corn, celery, lettuce, mushrooms, cucumber, eggplant, artichokes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and most beans (steamed, fried, baked, however be careful how you season them)
• Seasonings: salt/pepper, garlic salt or powder, fresh garlic, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, sage, cilantro, nutmeg, fresh herbs, can use olive oil as a salad dressing substitute
• Meats: chicken, fish, ground beef, steak meat, pork, turkey, beef or pork ribs, shellfish (be careful how it is seasoned)
• Nuts and Grains: pasta, white or brown rice, Mexican rice prepared with chicken broth, white or wheat bread, oatmeal, cereal, plain potato chips, white or corn tortillas, tortilla chips, plain crackers, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, bagels, bagel chips, peanut butter, pretzels
• Dairy: cottage cheese, butter/margarine, vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, white chocolate, cream cheese, feta, ricotta, string cheeses, mozzarella, cheddar and American cheese, caramel, *eggs are okay if they are cooked in something (such as a cake)
• Miscellaneous okay items: beef/chicken broth, pudding, white or yellow cake, pancakes, maple syrup

Stir-Fried Asian Beef and Noodles

I looked through my recipes on my blog and realized I seem to only cook casseroles or Italian foods. Probably because I can find recipes with milder ingredients. Well I'm going to spice things up a bit with this delicious Asian stir-fry recipe. Enjoy!

Stir-Fried Asian beef and Noodles

Serves 6

1 lb beef boneless sirloin steak, cut into 2 X 1/4-inch strips

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 tsp. corn starch

1/2 tsp. Bragg's liquid aminos

1 package (6 oz.) rice stick noodles

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 Tbsp. ginger

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 bag frozen broccoli, carrots and sugar snap peas (or vegetables of your choice), thawed

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

3/4 cup beef broth

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup honey

3 Tbsp. Bragg's liquid aminos

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 cup leaks, sliced

sesame seeds

• In a large bowl, toss beef, 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, cornstarch and 1/2 tsp. Bragg's liquid aminos. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• In another large bowl, soak the noodles for 5 minutes in enough cold water to cover, drain
• Heat 12-inch skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Coat skillet with 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil.
• Add ginger and garlic; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add vegetables; stir-fry until crispy and tender. Remove from skillet.
• Add 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil to re-coat the skillet. Add beef; stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until brown. Remove from skillet.
• Add broth, vinegar, honey, 3 Tbsp. Bragg's liquid aminos and sesame oil to skillet. Stir in noodles and heat to boiling. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until noodles are tender. Stir in beef, vegetables, onions and sesame seeds. Cook and stir for about 1 minute.