Food As Medicine @ St. Philip AME June 7

Be sure to check out our next Life Chef Class at Saint Philip AME on June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

We'll be returning to the theme Food as Medicine in honor of Men's Health Awareness Month and of course, Fathers Day.

The menu will include food items that science and medicine have confirmed or are researching to prevent or reverse some of the most common ailemnts afflicting Americans today: diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer.

The class is $10 per person, $5 for seniors (over 55). And as always the food promises to be delicious! See you then!

Cinnamon & Honey Glazed Bananas with Almonds

I created this yummy no-cook topping for a KIDS CAN COOK Mothers Day class where the young chefs learned to make several healthful meals for mom.

Cinnamon & Honey Glazed Bananas with Almonds

1-2 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp honey (or more if you prefer)
dash of cinnamon
1 tsp of sliced almonds (raw or toasted)

Combine ingredients and use as a quick breakfast or dessert topping. The banana combo can also be heated for a softer texture or as a filling.

Here are some notes compiled from sources like The World's Healthiest Foods website and other research:

Kashi brand Heart to Heart Honey Oat waffles claim to help reduce cholesterol by providing 1 gram of soluble fiber from oats. Made with six antioxidants from white tea, green tea and grape seed, these quick cooking toaster waffles also support a healthy cardiovascular system and have been given the seal of approval by the American Heart Association.

Bananas are an ideal finger food for young children, is easily digested, rarely cause allergies and contain natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) which are released quickly into the bloodstream, giving instant energy. The banana contains a high-grade protein, which includes three of the essential amino acids.

Almonds have been reported to help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Almonds have also shown to lessen post-meal surges in blood sugar, reducing the risk of diabetes AND clear out free radicals that have been linked to cancer. Packing protein, and manganese, copper and riboflavin to help with energy production, almonds are high on the list of superfoods.

These Waffles Pack a Punch

Don't have time to labor over breakfast. Try toaster waffles!

Kashi brand Heart to Heart Honey Oat waffles claim to help reduce cholesterol by providing 1 gram of soluble fiber from oats. Made with six antioxidants from white tea, green tea and grape seed, these quick cooking toaster waffles also support a healthy cardiovascular system and have been given the seal of approval by the American Heart Association.

For a delicious waffle topping, instead of syrup try this recipe for cinnamon and honey glazed bananas with almonds. Breakfast in a flash!

Kids Can Cook: Mother's Day Class Success!

Thanks to my young chefs: Cam, Malik, Shay and the two young ladies who joined us to cook for their moms during the Life Chef KIDS CAN COOK class. You guys did a fantastic job and I hope you make some wonderful meals for mom next week on Mothers Day, so that she can enjoy her day ... and don't forget to clean as you go!

The young chefs prepared a healthful breakfast, lunch and dinner and even made an old favorite snack healthier as an elegant dessert for mom.

Here's the menu:

Multigrain toaster waffles with honey-glazed bananas and almonds
Individual turkey bacon and spinach quiches with swiss cheese
Crunchy baked chicken tenders with broiled cheesy-tomatoes and oven-crisped sweet potato fries
Baked tilapia pakets with Asian vegetable medley and brown rice
Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding and Berry Parfait

I'll make sure the recipes all get uploaded with links in the next couple of days!

Be sure to check out our next Life Chef Class at Saint Philip AME on June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.
We'll be returning to the theme Food as Medicine in honor of Men's Health Awareness Month and of course, Fathers Day. The menu will include food items that science and medicine have confirmed or are researching to prevent or reverse some of the most common ailemnts afflicting Americans today: diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. The class is $10 per person, $5 for seniors (over 55). And as always the food promises to be delicious! See you then!