October is an important month to me as it is the month chosen to educate and raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Everyone in one-way or another has been affected by this terrible disease; whether you have known someone affected, or been affected yourself – no one is a stranger to Breast Cancer.
Last month I shared some information about an incredible event that benefits and raises awareness for breast cancer. On October 22, my wonderful husband, Jonathon Fischer and I have the privilege of co-chairing the Susan G. Komen Culinary Showdown. This event is fast approaching and it is well worth mentioning again.
On Saturday October 22nd, an all-star lineup of celebrity chefs including Tyler Florence and Elizabeth Falkner, will join the Top 50 Fundraising foodies to compete in the inaugural Susan G. Komen Los Angeles Culinary Showdown. This amazing challenge gives culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to fundraise for a chance to cook alongside these celebrity chefs in the type of team cooking challenge you normally only see on TV! By participating, these team members will also be supporting the fight against breast cancer, a very important cause that affects 1 in 8 women in her lifetime.
Click here to learn more about the Culinary Showdown
Since food is a vital part of our existence, it is also important to ensure we are eating the right kinds of food. Good nutrition can improve health and wellbeing. Not only that, but proper nutrition can be an important part of preventative medicine; helping your body stay well. There are several foods that have been known to fight Breast Cancer, but here are two of my favorite from an article I have read recently (you can read the full article Here):
- Fiber has been known to reduce the risk of breast cancer by reducing the absorption of free estrogen in the gut. Studies suggest that women who consumed 30 grams of fiber per day (or more) had a significant risk reduction (32%) of breast cancer.
- Cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy and kale are rich in sulforaphane – one of the primary phytochemicals that studies have shown help prevent cancer. Recent studies suggest that sulforaphane can selectively target and kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells healthy and unaffected.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation has an amazing website with so much information, including what questions to ask your doctor, an early detection plan, educational resources, and even a guide about breast health. To learn more about Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and more, you can visit their website here.
Halloween is coming up at the end of the month, and it is not just for the kids! What a fun time to have a masquerade ball, throw a fun party, take your kids trick or treating, or even simply pass out treats to the neighborhood kids. Halloween doesn’t have to mean unhealthy, either. If you get invited to an event and are expected to being a treat, why not bring a healthier option instead? I have two recipes that are still delicious and sweet, but a healthier option that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients- 20 cups air popped popcorn ((about 2 packs of microwave able popcorn or 2/3 cups kernels))
- 1 1/4 cup organic butter (cut into small cubes)
- 1 1/4 cup organic honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons organic butter (cut into cubes (this will be used on hands for making globes)
About This Recipe
Nutrition facts per popcorn globe: 64 calories, 7 grams carbs, 4 grams fat
Directions
Step 1 – Preheat oven to 325°
Step 2 – Put popcorn in a large deep baking dish or roasting pan. Also, line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.
Step 3 – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together butter, the honey, and salt until butter is melted. Increase heat, boil honey mixture gently one minute. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 4 – Slowly pour honey almond mixture over popcorn in baking dish and stir gently to coat. Bake popcorn, stirring every 8 minutes, until deep golden all over, about 24 minutes.
Step 5 – Let popcorn stand 5 minutes, until it is cool enough to handle. With lightly buttered hands, press small handfuls of the mixture into 1 1/2-in. globes. If mixture cools too much to be malleable, return it to oven for about 45 seconds to soften.
Step 6 – Put popcorn balls on prepared baking sheet and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- 8oz dark chocolate
- 8 Medium apples
- various toppings as desired
- 8 bamboo skewers or wooden pop sticks
About This Recipe
Jackson Pollock made splatter-painting a contemporary art phenomenon. Now you can start an artistic Halloween phenomenon of your own with these healthier-than-caramel dark chocolate treats.
Makes 8 servings. Serving size: 1 apple.
Nutrition facts: 221 calories, 2g protein, 41 grams carbs, 9 grams fat
Directions
Step 1 – Wash and dry apples.
Step 2 – Arrange toppings in medium sized bowls
Step 3 – Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper coated with cooking spray.
Step 4 – Insert wooden stick into apple cores.
Step 5 – Fill a medium sauce pan half way with water.
Step 6 – Bring water to a boil and place a medium glass mixing bowl over boiling water and immediately remove from heat.
Step 7 – Melt chocolate in the glass bowl over the hot water.
Step 8 – Coat the apple with a thin layer of chocolate by gently spooning melted chocolate on to each apple starting about one fourth inch away from apple top working downward
Step 9 – If you are using additional toppings dip apples into topping bowls or sprinkle toppings over apples.
Step 10 – Place decorated apples onto parchment paper and refrigerate for fifteen minutes to harden.
There are many more ideas on how to keep your Halloween healthy; you can find an article on natural and healthier Halloween candy options (that are allergy free!) by clicking here.
Or even a great article of healthy (and adorable) Halloween treats for kids by clicking here.
Do you have any Halloween healthy treat ideas? I’d love to hear them! Let me know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Stay Safe and Healthy,
Christine