National Cashew Day

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By Chef Diane

A few weeks ago, as I was looking through the sale papers, I noticed there was a store that had nuts on sale.  I got a few bags of pistachio nuts for a friend, a few jars of roasted peanuts for my father, and a few cans of cashews for my trash mix that I make at Christmas.   Every year I make trash mix, or Chex mix.  I always put a can of mixed nuts, and 2 cans of cashews, because anyone who has ever made trash can tell you that people pick through and eat the cashews first.

Dear Santa...
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I also had an uncle who loved them, and he always got a huge can full at each gift giving occasion.   Cashews are very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese.  They make a great snack, and a healthy treat.

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Today is National Cashew Day; why not celebrate the day by eating some or using them in your favorite recipe.  Below is my recipe for Trash...it’s simple to make, and a delicious treat!

CHEX TRASH MIX

Ingredients

6 cups Corn Chex

6 cups Rice Chex

1/2 bag pretzels, the knot type

1 large can mixed nuts

1 large can cashew nuts

6 TBS butter

2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp season salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 250. 

In a large roaster combine all the ingredients and mix.

Melt butter and mix with Worcestershire sauce and season salt. 

Pour over cereal slowly, stirring as you pour. 

Place in oven and stir every 15 minutes. 

Careful not to crush the cereal. 

Remove in 1 hour and spread over paper towel. 

Let cool and then bag up.

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National Cholesterol Education Month

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By Nurse Diane

This past May, my cousin and her family took a weekend cruise.  This was a celebration anniversary trip for her husband’s family.  They were celebrating 20 years since his father suffered from a heart attack and nearly lost his life.  Since that time, he and the rest of the family have learned about cholesterol and things to do to control it and ways to prevent a recurrence in heart problems.

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When my cousin's husband reached the age that his father was when he suffered a heart attack he really started to take notice of his heath.  He started exercising, losing weight, eating better and taking care of his heart.  He didn't want to put his family through the horrifying experience that he went through watching his father's attack.

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More than 102 million American Adults (20 years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, which puts them at high risk for heart disease.

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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries.  After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

LDL “BAD” Cholesterol (mg/dl)

<100	Optimal
100-129	Near Optimal
130-159	Borderline High
160-189	High
> 190	Very High

Total Cholesterol (mg/dl)

<200	Desirable
200-239	Borderline
>240	High risk

HDL “GOOD” Cholesterol (mg/dl)

<40	Low (undesirable)
>60	High (desirable)

Triglycerides (mg/dl)

<150	Normal
150-199	Borderline High
200-499	High
>500	Very High

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A simple blood test can determine your cholesterol levels, and it is recommended that adults have one every 5 years. When too much low-density lipoprotein LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery - heart attack or stroke can result.

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About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.

Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in your blood.  When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides.  The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells.  Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.  If you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly “easy” calories like carbohydrates and fats, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).

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Your diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco smoke all affect your cholesterol level — and these factors may be controlled by:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet;
• Enjoying regular physical activity; and
• Avoiding tobacco smoke.

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Below is a list of things to eat, and things to avoid:

• Focus on low-saturated-fat, trans fat-free, low-cholesterol;
• foods such as these: A variety of deeply colored fruits and vegetables (4 to 5 servings of each per day);
• A variety of fiber-rich grain products like whole grain bread, cereal, pasta and brown rice. (6 to 8 servings per day with at least half of the serving’s whole grains);
• Fat-free, 1 percent and low-fat milk products (2 to 3 servings per day);
• Lean meats and poultry without skin (choose up to 5to 6 total ounces per day);
• Fatty fish (enjoy at least 2 servings baked or grilled each week); and
• Nuts, seeds, and legumes (dried beans or peas) in limited amounts (4 to 5 servings per week).

Avoid:

• Whole milk
• Butter, egg yolks, cheese
• Organ meats
• High fat processed meats
• Duck and goose
• Bakery goods high in fat

For more information about cholesterol, check this site:  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/Cholesterol_UCM_001089_SubHomePage.jsp

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National Waffle Day

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By Diane Forrest

A friend of mine, who is not much of a breakfast eater, has been home recuperating from surgery the past couple of weeks.  During this time he has been eating breakfast regularly to help with his healing.  His breakfast of choice is waffles, so I thought he would be a great candidate to interview for National Waffle Day.   He prefers fresh made waffles from Aunt Jemima pancake and waffle mix instead of the frozen kind.  He also likes the regular waffles and not the Belgium waffles, because they are too deep, and I guess they hold too much syrup.

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One year my son asked for a waffle iron for Christmas.  I never made waffles while he was growing up, because I didn't have a waffle iron, so that Christmas he got 3 of them, and never made another waffle.  My husband loved waffles, but there was no place in town to get them, and I still didn't have a waffle iron, so when we went out of town, we would go to a waffle house where he would order waffles with either fruits and whipped cream, or syrup and pecans.  They looked more like dessert instead of breakfast.  When he was in the hospital, I had a hotel room at a nearby hotel because he was in ICU and I couldn't stay there with him.  The hotel offered free breakfast, and included was a make it yourself waffle iron, so I would get up and make him a fresh waffle once he was able to eat again.

Today is National Waffle Day.  This day was picked because it marks the anniversary of the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron, which Cornelius Swarthout received on August 24, 1869. The waffle dates back to the 1300s in Greece. Greeks cooked flat cakes between two metal pans. At the time, they topped it with cheeses and herbs.  Traditionally, waffles are served at breakfast. However, there are so many ways to enjoy them that you could eat waffles at any time of day. Chicken and waffles and corn waffles are just two examples of the numerous savory varieties that exist.

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So today, on National Waffle Day, celebrate the waffle by having some for breakfast or supper, or just a snack.  If you don't have a waffle iron, you can head to your nearest waffle house, or even pick up some frozen waffles and heat them in your toaster. There is no excuse not to have a delicious waffle today.

National Spumoni Day

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By Diane Forrest

I have an Italian friend who often shares with me some of the wonderful foods he eats.  While I love Italian food, there is one delicacy from Italy that I have never tried.  I'm talking about Spumoni.  Typically it is of three flavors, with a fruit/nut layer between them. The ice cream layers are often mixed with whipped cream. Cherry, pistachio, and either chocolate or vanilla are the typical flavors of the ice cream layers, and the fruit/nut layer often contains cherry bits—causing the traditional red/pink, green, and brown color combination.  Spumoni differs from ice cream in that it should always be sliced, never scooped.  I don’t know the purpose of this, however, if I have to slice it in order to try some of this delicious ice cream, I don't' mind.

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Today is National Spumoni Day.  You should be able to find it at your grocery's freezer, or any Italian grocery.  So don't miss out on this wonderful treat, and have a slice of Spumoni today.

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Chocolate Covered Cashew Day

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By Diane Forrest

My dad loves nuts, he eats almonds and peanuts by the handful, but one of his favorites is cashews.  In fact, at Christmas, when I make my annual "trash" or chex mix, I put 2 cans of cashews in because people always pick them out first. Cashew nuts grow on trees that are related to mango and pistachio trees. They grow naturally in India and Brazil, as these trees thrive in hot and tropical climates. The cashew nut actually grows on the end of a fruit known as a cashew apple.

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Today is an extra special day.  Not only does it involve my favorite nut, but also chocolate…my favorite Everything!  Today is Chocolate covered Cashew Day.  I have been doing extensive research on this day, but didn't come up with much.  I did learn that Chocolate Covered Cashews are celebrated every April 21st, and I’m sure many other days too.  There are many different brands you can try; there are dark and milk chocolate varieties too.  If you can't find any locally, you can also make your own.  I found a few videos online giving instructions on how to make them, but you can simply melt some chocolate and pour it over your cashews, or either stir them in, even dunk them one at a time.  Lay them on wax paper and let them cool.

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Take your time to celebrate Chocolate Covered Cashew Day by enjoying a few handfuls of these yummy treat.

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National Cashew Day

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By Diane Forrest,

Every year at Christmas I make a huge batch of my famous "trash".  I’m sure many of you know it by Chex Mix, the snack with the cereal, pretzels and nuts.  The recipe calls for a can of mixed nuts, however in my family; people search through and pick out the cashews.  I have to confess that I am guilty of that myself.  I love the cashews.  I have altered my recipe to include 1 can of mixed nuts, and 1 can of cashews, and it works out alot better, people don’t have to search as hard to find one.

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The cashew is grown in tropical climates, and I think it is fascinating that one nut is formed on a cashew apple as seen in the above picture.  The cashew nut is eaten raw, is used in cooking, as in Chinese cashew chicken, and in some countries it is used to produce a strong liqueur.

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Today is National Cashew Day.  Why not celebrate by grabbing a bag or can, or even making a batch of "Trash”?  Below is the recipe that is printed on the cereal box, but I’m also gonna share my alterations too.  You can put anything you like in there, it makes alot, so great for passing out to family or friends for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
• 3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1 cup bite-size pretzels
• 1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2   teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Directions:

1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
2. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

Oven Directions:

1. Heat oven to 250°F.
2. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven.
3. Stir in seasonings.
4. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated.
5. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper

Diane's Trash

Ingredients:

• 1 Box Rice Chex
• 1 Box Corn Chex
• 1/2 bag Bow Pretzels
• 1 large can mixed nuts
• 1 large can cashews
• 12 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 teaspoons season salt

1. I get a large roasting pan and pour all the dry ingredients in, then melt butter, in microwave, stir in season salt and Worcestershire sauce until well mixed. 
2. Sprinkle over entire pan, and stir.
3. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated.
4. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Spread on paper.

National Nuts Day

By Akindman,

Nuts are one of the healthiest, most nutritious, and most delicious snacks. Medical studies have shown that eating nuts reduces hypertension and the risks associated with heart disease. Nuts are also full of protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat.

Almonds

Amongst the different types of nuts, almonds are a great choice for keeping your bones healthy - one ounce/30 gram provide 9% of the recommended amount for calcium and 27% for magnesium.

They are also a good source of zinc and very rich in vitamin E. Choose plain over roasted for maximum delivery of vitamin E.

In addition to their beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol and heart disease, almonds may help fight many cancers.

Brazil nuts 

Although just two Brazil nuts provide about 90 calories, the caloric equivalent of an egg, this nut is also a heavyweight when it comes to nutritional value.

In addition to being loaded with healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, of all the different types of nuts, Brazil nuts are the richest and most reliable food source of selenium.

They are also a great source of magnesium, which is vital for healthy nerves and muscles and may help relieve PMS.

Cashew nuts 

Cashews contain more iron per gram than lean rump steak. And if you want to increase the absorption rate of iron, eat them with a glass of orange juice, as the vitamin C in the juice significantly improves its absorption. They also provide lots of zinc and potassium.

Cashew nuts have a lower fat content and a higher protein and carbohydrate content than other types of nuts.

Chestnuts 

Chestnuts are the only low-fat nuts, with a fraction of the calories of other types of nuts. They contain just 1 gram of fat and a little less than 70 calories per 30 grams of dried or roasted nuts.

Coconuts 

Like most types of nuts, coconuts contain significant amounts of fat, but unlike other nuts, which contain mostly long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, coconuts provide fat that is almost all in the form of health-promoting short and medium-chain saturated fats, which are different from the saturated fats in animal products.

Hazelnuts 

Hazelnuts are another rich source of vitamin E and monounsaturates. Also a very good source of the B vitamin biotin, which promotes healthy skin and hair.

Macadamia nuts 

Of all the different types of nuts, macadamias are the fattiest (that's why they taste so wonderful!), although a large proportion of this is the healthy monounsaturated variety. Just go easy if you're watching your weight.

These nuts are also rich in manganese, which plays a role in sex-hormones formation and protecting cells from free-radical damage.

Like other nuts, they're very good at lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides.

Peanuts 

Peanut is not really a nut but a legume or bean, but it's been consumed as a nut and that's why it's in this list.

Peanuts are high in protein, monounsaturated fat and the antioxidant resveratrol, which makes them excellent at protecting the heart and blood vessels.

Pecan nuts 

The pecan is a delicious nut that, like other types of nuts, owes much of its flavour to its high fat content, most of it in the form of heart-healthy monounsaturated oleic acid.

Pine nuts 

Pine nuts are higher in fat and calories than other types of nuts, but are a good source of blood pressure-regulating potassium, iron, copper and zinc and contain more protein than any other nut or seed.

They also contain magnesium and potassium, two minerals whose combined effects produce a strong, healthy heartbeat, lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

Pistachio nuts

Like other types of nuts, pistachios provide valuable amounts of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.

They are the richest source of potassium of all nuts - just 1 ounce/28 grams deliver as much potassium as an orange and 2 ounces/56 grams provide more potassium than a medium-size banana. Both magnesium and potassium are protective against heart disease.

Walnuts

Of all the different types of nuts, walnuts are unusual as they contain polyunsaturated fatty acids of both the omega-3 and omega-6 families, as well as monounsaturated fats, but no cholesterol.

Omega-3 are generally lacking in our diets and can help reduce risk of heart disease by improving blood flow around the arteries. Walnuts are the main "non-fish" source of alpha-linolenic acid, which gets transformed into omega-3 fatty acids in our bodies.

(A special thanks to http://www.foods-healing-power.com/different-types-of-nuts.html)