Hot Out Of The Oven.... Cinnamon

Adapted From: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68

*Note:Please continue to read this blog article.

Living Better Cafe is bring you Fresh out of the oven news, that you're going to love. That no other blog source will ever take you close into the story. I say more good reasons to love L.B.C, not only are you revising original recipes. Your saving money while eating the way you want in a healthier way.

Welcome to Hot Out Of The Oven food news, I have yet another edition of food news coming straight from no other source but, Living Better Cafe of course. As you have read through many editions of (H.O.T.O), since I have started this food news addition. You have became more wiser about what you buy,and place into your mouth. While I am very happy to continue to keep "Hot of the oven" going as much as you keep enjoy reading it every Monday. In this second March edition I will be spilling out the facts of Cinnamon, and is it really good for your health.

When it comes to baking delicious desserts "Cinnamon" is, our most # 1 spice everyone grabs. But, did you? Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. It is the brown bark of a cinnamon tree, Which you can find it in stick form, or as a ground powder form. There are two varieties of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, they both have similar flavors, however cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter, much more refine and difficult to find in your local grocery store.

Health Benefits:

Cinnamon has unique healing properties, which come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark, of the cinnamon tree. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.


Anti- clotting

Cinnamaldehyde (also know as cinnamyl acetate) has been well- looked into for its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are constituents of blood that are designed to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much. Cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. Cinnamon has the abilities to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an "anti-inflammatory" food that can be helpful in diminishing inflammation.

Anti- Microbiol Activity

The essential oils found in cinnamon also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida (Remember watching Episode 8, the benefits of Cinnamon).

Controlling blood sugar

Adding cinnamon to high carb foods can help diminish the impact on your blood sugar. Did you know also? that Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after your done eating. Cinnamon is also significant to help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels.

Boosting Brain memory

Not only does digesting cinnamon improve the body's ability to utilize blood sugar, but just smelling cinnamon sweet spice boosts your brain activity.

Improving Colon Health and Heart Disease

Cinnamon is loaded with an excellent source of fiber and the trace mineral manganese while also a very good source of calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. When
both calcium, fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. In conclusion, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can help to lower high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation or diarrhea.

Coconut-Pineapple upside pancakes

Adapted From: http://www.krusteaz.com/baking-ideas-advice/blog/pineapple-upside-down-pancakes

When it comes to having breakfast, I am a "Huge" fan of Pancakes. So when I was thinking about pancakes, I was thinking about coconut pound cake , and pineapple upside down cake.

Serves: 14-16

2 c. Pancake Mix
2 c. shredded coconut
1 1/3 c. water
1/4 c. coconut sugar
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple slices, cut into fourths

Directions:

1. preheat a fry pan, or griddle pan to 375.

2. Blend together pancake mix and coconut, water with a wire whisk. Batter will still have slight lumps. Pour in about 1/4 c. pancake mixture onto the pan. Sprinkle about a Tbsp. coconut sugar on top of the mixture once its on the pan. placing about three pineapple slices over top of the coconut sugar.

3. Allow to cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until ready to flip. Cook the other side for the same amount of minutes.

Apple- Banana Slaw

Serves: 6

3 bananas,sliced
3 red delicious apples,cored and shredded
1 (16 oz.) pkg. Cole slaw mix
2 1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon
21/2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Combine the cole slaw mix and apples, bananas and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl.

2. once blended add in cinnamon and toss again, until completely incorporated and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Food News Flash

Living Better Cafe want to keep you in the know of, food  that just recently appeared into the news, as this  just came to my ear's today. So, I want to share it among you all. this is coming straight to you from " Spark people ", without any adaption added to this news. I am about helping you stay safe. So, please click on this link and continue to read, and don't forget to pass this on to your family/ friends as well. It's all about caring for the one's you love.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=splenda_linked_to_cancer_new_study_finds&utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=SparkPeople.com

Happy Journey to Living Better!

Katrina Smith, (Creator/ Administrator)

Coffee Talk......Episode 11

www.livingbettercafe.blogspot.com/coffeetelevision

On episode 11 of Coffee Talk, I will be discussing on "Why you should avoid pork"

If you enjoy watching Coffee Talk and think someone you know can benefit from this, consider "sharing" because it's not only helping you it can help others as well.

Coffee Talk has it's official Facebook page now, consider a visit to watch all episodes.
at: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeoneonone

To  hear the latest about "Living Better Cafe" and "Coffee Talk" check out twitter.
at: https://www.twitter.com/Onehealthycook

Imitation crab cakes

Adapted From: https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=223141

Love the taste of crab cakes. But, Crab is to expensive for you to make "Crab Cakes"? Why not go the inexpensive way. Go the Imitation way.

Serves:8

1 pkg. (16 oz) imitation crab meat
3 Tbsp. mayo
1 oz. lemon juice
4 Tbsp. Chopped Shallots
4 Tbsp. Freshly chopped garlic
4 Tbsp. Chopped bell pepper
1 Tbsp. - 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cut crab into small pieces
add mayo, eggs, shallots, old bay seasoning, lemon juice, garlic and bell pepper. Mix well.

2. Generously add in bread crumbs, and stir until mixture is blended well to form crab cake patties.

3. In a large sized fry pan spray with non- stick cooking spray.
Add in the patties, cooking them on a medium temperature. Turn frequently for 5 to 6 minutes until completely heated through.


Admin corner:

This is a great substitute for people who "Live With" a shell fish allergy like myself.

Garlic- Ginger glazed Salmon

Serves: 5

3 Tbsp. - 2 1/4 tsp. Manuka honey
3 Tbsp. - 2 1/4 tsp. soy sauce * (Tamari)
3 Tbsp. - 2 1/4 tsp. Balsamic vinegar
1 1/4 tsp. Freshly grated ginger
1 1/4 tsp. Freshly minced garlic
2 1/2 tsp. Olive oil
Himalayan Salt & Cayenne Pepper (to taste)
5 (5oz.) Salmon fillets

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized shallow glass bowl, blend together honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, ginger, garlic, and olive oil.

2. preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, or silicone baking mat and spray with non-stick cooking spray- (if using aluminum foil).

3. Arrange salmon on the baking sheet. Brush salmon fillets with the garlic- ginger glazes, sprinkle cayenne pepper.

4. Bake in the oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until flesh flakes easily with a fork. Brush fillets with remaining glaze, and season with salt. Use a spatula to transfer fillets to the serving plate, leaving the skin behind.


* Note:

Adding salt during the cooking process to meat tends to draw out moisture. You want the moisture to stay within the flesh, so adding it at the end of the cooking time is better.