Healthy Cornbread Stuffing

1 Box Krusteaz Natural Cornbread Muffin Mix
10 oz can cream corn
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup plain yogurt
2/3 cup 1% milk
3 TBL butter
1 med. onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tsp chopped garlic (generous)
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp rosemary
¼ tsp sage
¼ tsp cayenne
3 cups natural organic chicken broth

Preheat oven to 385. Use canola oil to grease bottom of 9x13 baking dish.

In medium bowl combine muffin mix, cream corn, eggs, yogurt, and milk; stir until just moistened. Pour into prepared pan.Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

In large saucepan, melt butter and sauté onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. When tender stir in all spices, salt & pepper to taste, and broth. Bring to a boil and simmer 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Crumble prepared cornbread into large dish and stir in broth mixture a little at a time. Mix well. Add more broth or more bread necessary to achieve desired consistency. You may warm in oven before serving. Makes a lot!

Benefits of AllSpice

I have to admit I did not know allspice was a berry. I thought it was a blend of different spices. It is actually a berry with hints of pepper and cloves. It may help aid in digestion, relieve toothaches, and alleviate muscle pain. Good to know as we head into Holiday Cooking. You can add allspice into marinades or even into the pan when you are cooking your turkey, chicken, or pot roast!

Myth's About Soy

I love light vanilla soy milk in my coffee and cereal. I often wonder why there is so much misleading information online about the benefits of soy. It’s time to bust those myths:

Myth: Soy contains estrogen
Soy contains isoflavones, aka “plant estrogens”, which function much different in the human body.

Myth: Soy is dangerous for children.
Truth: Soymilk contains many of the same nutrients found in dairy milk (like calcium and vitamin D) and can be a good addition child’s diet. However, also like dairy milk, soymilk should not be used as infant formula.

Myth: Soy increases the risk for heart disease
The FDA asserts that consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day, as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may actually help reduce the risk of heart disease.

**Some information from an article from White Waves Food Company**

Home Remedies for a Sore Throat

Fresh garlic has antimicrobial (agents that can help fight disease) properties that fight pain-causing bacteria. Next time you have a sore throat press or crush 6 cloves of garlic and mix into a glass of warm water. Gargle mixture twice daily for several days.

Healthy Kung Poa Chicken Recipe

This is a very delicious recipe. I prepare everything as directed but take out the kids portions before adding the hot chilies.

1 TBL each Dry Sherry & Cornstarch
1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1/4 tsp White Pepper
2 Large Chicken Breasts, cut into cubes
3 TBL Olive Oil
2 Chile Peppers (more or less to taste)
1 TBL Chopped Garlic
1 TBL Chopped Ginger Root
2 Green Onions, sliced
1/2 Cup Chopped Carrots
1/2 Cup Chopped Broccoli
1 Can Sliced Water Chestnuts, Drained
1/2 - 1 Cup Organic Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Salted Peanuts (optional)
Sprinkle Garlic Salt

Cooking Sauce:
3 TBL Soy Sauce
2 TBL White Wine Vinegar
1 TBL Cooking Sherry
3 TBL Organic Chicken Broth
2 tsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Cornstarch


Combine sherry, cornstarch, salt & white pepper in bowl. Add cubed chicken, toss to coat. Add 1 TBL Olive Oil & sprinkle of garlic salt. Stir and let sit for at least 15 minutes to marinate.

Prepare Cooking Sauce - Set Aside


Heat Skillet over medium heat add 1 TBL Olive oil. Add onions, garlic, and ginger root. Cook for several minutes. Add carrots, broccoli & water chestnuts. Add 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth. Simmer vegetables for about 15 minutes.

Cook Chicken in 1 TBL Olive Oil in a separate pan. Once chicken is no longer pink, add to the vegetable mixture. Add Cooking Sauce, peanuts, and Chile peppers. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender. Add more chicken broth if mixture begins to dry out.

Serve over brown rice. Serves 4

4 Foods for Good Bone Health

It is so important to promote good bone health. Unfortunately at a young age I found I have severe osteopenia - the beginning stages of osteoporosis. I found this article of helpful information from drweil.com and wanted to share:

Did you know that you can help promote healthy bones no matter what your age? It's not difficult - simply add the following foods to your diet:

Non-fat dairy products. They are a good source of calcium, an essential mineral which is important to bone health.

Non-dairy calcium-rich foods. Sardines, canned salmon (with bones), dark leafy greens, whole soy foods like tofu, and calcium-fortified products such as soy milk and orange juice are good calcium-rich options for those who don't eat dairy.

Whole vegetables and fruit. They provide potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and beta carotene, all of which have been linked to higher total bone mass.

Spinach, tofu, almonds, broccoli, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are good sources of magnesium - vital for healthy bones.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03448/4-Foods-for-Your-Bones.html

Foods Good For Your Digestive System

I have many friends that complain about digestive problems. I believe there are many foods that can aid in digestive health and cleanse your body naturally. First, know that approximately 40% of your diet should be fruits and vegetables. Here is a list to help:

broccoli

cauliflower

onions & garlic

artichokes

beets

red and green vegetables

brown rice

sweet potatoes

lemons

oranges

apples

tomatoes

green tea

**lemon water **(highly recommend starting your day with a large glass of water with lemon)