Cancer Fighting Foods

Having battled colon cancer recently I am now more aware and conscious of the foods I eat.  Not everyday I admit, but certainly in general.  My friend Jean Sampson is a wealth of information here. Not only does she advise on cancer fighting foods, but a whole host of other areas too. Check out Jeans Website, The Right Lifestyle (here).

Jean recently wrote a small, but very interesting and informative, article for a local magazine called Ladies Primera (see below)

Article published by kind permission of Jean Sampson of The Right Lifestyle

Cancer ...a cruel word and an even crueller disease.

Can we reduce the side effects of medication through a healthy diet? YES WE CAN

''Sadly, this is a fact of life.  I watched my husband slowly die of cancer, and having more than three years of chemotherapy and an operation, the devestating effects of both took their toll as well as the cancer symptoms.

I only wish I had as much knowledge then as I do now as to how important diet is for helping reduce the symptoms of the medication.  Yes, I understood the basics, but with the training and research I have since carried out, I now know so much more''

There are many super foods that will actually hep reduce the symptoms of the chemotherapy and radiation, which not only kill the cancer cells but the good cells.

For example, Green Tea contains polyphenols, that include photochemicals, which have antibacterial, antiviral and health-enhancing properties.  It protects against cancer.  Echinacea tea is another which is a good immune system booster.

Gluthathione is a protein that is produced in the liver from the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glyceine.  It is powerful against free radicals and helps to defend the body from exposure to radiation and chemotherapy.  It also plays a role in preventing cancer and is especially effective against liver cancer.  It has been stated that it may actually target carcinogens.

Vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium (also work in synergy with Glutathione) all act as antioxidants, which can protect your cell membranes and DNA from damage.  Together they form a strong bond against cancer and help to reduce symptoms of medication.  Most brightly coloured vegetables and fruits are high in these compounds.

Garlic is one of the most powerful foods on earth; it is a potent immune system stimulant and a natural antibiotic, together with onion and ginger.  Collectively known as the trinity roots, they are very powerful against the side effects of the medication.

Pure water is excellent in flushing out the toxins built up in the body from chemotherapy and ancillary medication which is used to counteract the effects of the chemotherapy.

Pectin slows the absorption of food after meals; it also removes unwanted metals and toxins, reduces the side effects of radiation therapy.

Cranberry has anti-cancer properties.  It is excellent for reducing ulcers in the mouth, another side effect from chemotherapy.

Fennel is good after chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment for cancer.  You can purchase a tea form or as a salad ingredient.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  There are many more uper foods than can help reduce symptoms.  They may not stop the cancer but at leat will help bring some relief!!

Of course, there are many other sites too with details of foods to ease side effects of treatments and also foods to help avoid and fight cancer.  Here are a links to a couple more....

Top 27 Cancer Fighting Foods

12 Dietary Changes That Will Lower Your Cencer Risk

Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices

Colorectal Cancer Overview

Diet Plan for Colon Cancer

There are endless sites in addition to the above, just google and see for yourself.

I would like to think the above is of some help to you and remember 'prevention is better than cure'!!

Should you have any questions with respect to this subject, please do not hesitate to contact me, or leave a comment below and I will answer you as quickly as possible.

Thanks for your time in reading this post and do come visit us again soon.

Jean sent me an email last week, a sad email in my opinion too. She has been provided with the oppotunity of expanding her business and will be moving from Competa to the coast, around Marbella way. Great opportunity and we wish her all the best in her new ventures but our loss as she'll be sadly missed around here. Good Luck and best wishes Jean, xx

Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream

I have always been a fan of Rhubarb, especially fresh Rhubarb.  However, one of the pitfalls of moving to Spain means it is unavailable here.  It just won't grow in our environment!  Tinned is the only way for us to get our Rhubarb fix unfortunately.  Tinned is especially good for crumbles as it's hidden anway so I had the idea to make a Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream and why not?  No reason it should be a failure so here goes.

My only reservation is the fact that tinned Rhubarb is not so attractive, i.e green and a colour which would not produce a delicious and appealing looking ice cream, so I decided to add a few drops of red food colouring!  Of course this is optional, but if you want your ice cream to look pretty it's necessary.  Failing that you lucky people able to obtain fresh Rhubarb, when in season, go for it.  I'm sure fresh would of course be better tasting anyway, but please do let me know if you make it.  Remember though, tinned is also good for your fix when it's not in season!  Best of both worlds then eh?

For the Ice Cream:-
4 egg yolks
125g caster sugar
300ml milk
300ml double cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence (or seeds from one pod)
2 x tins of Hartleys Rhubarb (drained)
2 drops of red food colouring (optional)

For the Crumble:-
75g plain flour
50g unsalted butter
50g muscavado sugar

Preheat oven to 200.

In the meantime, make the crumble by placing the flour and butter into a mixing bowl.  Rub with fingertips to incorporate the flour and butter to produce breadcrumb consistency.  Add the muscavado sugar and mix well.

Spread the crumble out onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.  Remove and set aside for later.

Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl until light in colour.

Heat milk in a heavy pan until just below boiling. Add a little of the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture and stir to blend, pour in remaining milk and mix well.

Pour back into pan and heat gently, stirring constantly until froth disappears and mixture coats the back of the spoon. DO NOT BOIL.

Leave custard to cool then stir in cream and vanilla essence, mix well.  Then add the drained rhubard and red food colouring, mix again. 

Pour mixture into a suitable container, cover and freeze for 2 hours.  Remove lid and fork over to break down ice crystals.  Now add the crumble (break up if some pieces too large) fold in, cover and free again until completely set.

Note: This was a complete success and will be a regular on our ice cream menu in future.  Try it yourself and please do let me know what you think.

I'm also submitting this recipe to my friend Kavey's Blog for her Bloggers Challenge, Bloggers Scream For Ice Cream a new monthly challenge which starts this month. Pop over to Kavey's blog to read all about it and/or enter yourself.

Thanks Kavey, hope you try this one too, x

Review of El Pilon Cocktail Bar, Competa, Malaga, Spain

El Pilon is a popular restaurant in the pretty village of Competa, Malaga, Spain in the Costa del Sol.  Originally called Meson Duende some 20 or so years ago when run by a British expat couple, it later changed hands and was re-named El Pilon.  Since that time, it has changed hands on a couple of occasions and is now run by Tom and Ray and chef Christian who have made several changes.

One such change is the opening of a cocktail bar/lounge on the original roof terrace.  During the summer months, the roof terrace is a popular place to dine and is fully booked lunchtime and evenings.  Naturally, this area becomes non profitable during the winter months.

With a few simple and minor changes it has been transformed into a temporary warm enclosed area for the colder season and now offers cocktails and bar snacks.

Once the warmer weather is upon us again, the newly fitted glazing panels can be pushed open to one side and the area is transformed back into the roof top dining area.  The portable bar can be stored away, together with the various sofas, low tables and other seating facilities and the dining tables/chairs can be re-installed for the summer.  There is a permanent roof covering over the terrace which acts as much needed shade during the summer and a ready made roof for the winter.  Perfect and fab use of space for all seasons.

A couple of evenings per week the coctail bar offers a happy hour between 7-8pm.  Sunday is the only evening it is closed.  Our first visit with some friends left me pleasantly surprised.  Despite the now colder evenings (log burner time) it is still wonderfully sunny during the daytime.  This meant the metal roof and glazing areas all round captured the sun like a conservatory and the area was comfortably warm for the evening.

We had heard about the Long Island Ice Tea and all 4 of us decided to order.  Also remembering we had been warned it is served in a pint glass!  However, that night we were served our cocktail in a half pint!  Not that it worried me too much, a pint did sound a little large.  A lovely combination for a cocktail with a fruity flavour that is just too easy to drink.  Perhaps a pint would be better!



Cocktail Menu



Having ordered some bar snacks consisting of chicken and prawn satay (with the option of either satay or sweet chilli sauce), we decided to order another round of coctails before the 8pm deadline.



Bar Snacks Menu



We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I decided that during our next visit I would remember my camera and write a review.

A couple of weeks later and we visited again with different friends.  Upon arrival I realised  my camera batteries had gone flat <doh>.  Our conversation was being overhead by Tom (a partner) who kindly offered to pop out before the supermarket closed and purchase new batteries for me.  I was rather taken aback and very grateful for the offer which embarassingly meant I had to admit exactly why I needed my camera to be fully functional.  Tom was more than happy for me to carry out a review and suggested I published it to Trip Advisor in addition to my BLOG.  Batteries fitted (thanks Tom) and excited to get photographing, but nothing.  We came to the conclusion the batteries had been on the supermarket shelf for too long and totally useless.  Oh well, third time lucky eh?

My cousin called to say she would like to visit for a few days and we discussed our visit to the cocktail bar.  Surprisingly she said she would like to go as she is partial to a coctail.  Throughout my whole life I have never seen Elaine drink any alcohol, let alone a coctail!!!!!!  Who am I to argue?

Third time lucky and Barry and I arrive with Elaine for night out enjoying coctails and bar snacks.  Several weeks have passed since our first visit and I first noticed the lounge was now a lot cooler.  Not uncomfortable, but I would certainly have enjoyed a gas heater close by for extra comfort.  A quiet evening was in store we assumed as we were the only patrons, but we did arrive dead on 7pm.  Barry and I ordered the Long Island Ice Tea (this time served in a pint glass!) and Elaine kicked off with Sex on the Beach.  Ellie was the only staff in the lounge that night and we noticed it was incredibly quiet when Ellie said she'll now put the music on.  Much better atmosphere now, then another party of 6 arrive and sit at the other end of the lounge.  All local business people so I suspect they had things to discuss and preferred not to sit close to us.

Whilst enjoying our first sips of our cocktails we perused the bar snacks menu.  Not a vast offering, but then it is just snacks so really quite adequate for that purpose.  We initally ordered a plate of nachos to share.

Our Nachos arrived for sharing and I was slightly dissapointed to see there was no 'traditional' tomato salsa, the cheese which I am sure is not cheddar had not melted completely and tasted suspiciously like Manchego which would explain the not quite melted look, but I am not sure! There was plently of sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole, but not enough for each tortilla to have a good topping.  Overall good, but not the best I've had.  However, bear in mind I'm a real foodie and perhaps a little fussy LOL.

Nachos

Not wanting to miss the 8pm deadline, we ordered more coctails to ensure they were half price. This time, Elaine opted for the Cosmopolitan and I ordered the Chocolate Martini.

Time for more bar snacks too.  I ordered the chicken skewers with satay sauce, barry ordered chicken and prawn skewers with satay and Elaine, the beef burger with additional toppings.

During our second visit to the coctail bar I ordered the chicken with satay sauce only to be informed that Christian had not made satay sauce, but the chilli sauce was available instead.  After expressing my disappointment (satay sauce is not only easy to make, but takes just minutes too) I was assured it would be available in the future.  Unfortunately, this was not the case and chilli sauce was ordered again!

The point that springs to mind first here is the conversation we had with Tom and Ray on that second visit about 'lack of consistency' in local restaurants!  Here we are again with no satay sauce.  Sorry guys, if it's on the menu it should be available.  If Christian has not made some ask him to teach one of the other staff to do it!  It's not rocket science LOL.  Alternatively, I'm happy to make and supply LOL!!

Prawn & Chicken Skewers

Chicken Skewers

Beef Burger

 

The chicken and prawns were cooked perfectly, served with a small salad too.  However, I did notice this time, the skewers were larger than previously.  This dish makes for a large and delicious snack.  Elaine's burger was enormous, especially with the additional toppings ordered.  It was very juicy and delicious Elaine said; so a really good burger was her verdictl.  All in all, the bar snacks are well worth the price and a visit to eat even you don't enjoy cocktails.  But I'd definitely recommend trying the coctails too.  Certainly makes for a nice change for a night out.

I would definitely recommend a visit here, there is a good selection of coctails and bar snacks too.  Of course coctails are a personal thing like all beverages, but If you're partial to something different occasionaly, this is the place for you.  The bar snacks are definitely worth ordering and are good value for money.

The service is extremely friendly and efficient too.

Getting to the restaurant is challenging for the not so young or not to fit as there are many steps to it's approach.  Although from the top of the village it is an easier approach, going downhill!

More steps await to reach the coctail bar once inside.  However, you won't be wanting to visit the ladies/gents too often as it's back downstairs, down more stairs, across the dining room and down 3 more very steep steps to a balcony where the services are situated.  Clean and private, but a hike to get to.  Then of course it's back up again!

Please make sure Satay Sauce is available in future boys and I'll be back.

Update 23.2.12 email received from Tom of El Pilon:-

          Hi Deb,

Thank you for the review.  I think everything you wrote was fair.  New time, though, it's your cold, we do have a gas heater up there if you need, we'll be happy to turn that on.  Consistency is key, and ironically, the time you weren't served the Long Island Ice Tea in a pint glass was when Ray was working up there!  I have also asked Christian to make sure one of the other kitchen members knows how to make the satay sauce.  Thanks again and hope to see you for drinks again soon!

Kind Regards,

Tom

x

Thanks for the reply Tom, much appreciated and I'll certainly ask for a gas heater next time if necessary, x

Chicken Fajitas

When I first began blogging I had it in my head that every recipe had to be completely homemade versions, why?

Throughout the week we eat a variety of cuisines, all of which I make homemade and from scratch.

However, we also have some "cheats" meals too, one such favourite being Fajitas. We probably opt for this maybe once a month, mainly because it's tasty and quick.

I have spent the past couple of years trying to perfect a spice mix in order to produce a completely homemade recipe. No matter what ingredients I have used I just can't replicate that wonderful smoky flavour of the old el paso spice mix so I've given up trying and relented to the fact that I actually enjoy the store bought spice mix, why bother making it?

The realization of this also highlighted that actually "not every recipe on my blog has to be completely homemade in order to share it with you", right?

So, here it is, my version for the most delicious Chicken Fajitas and remember, you could ring the changes by using beef too, or even both for a small crowd.

1 package old el paso fajita spice mix
1 green, yellow or red pepper (or a mix)
1 large chicken breast (cut into long thin strips)
Flour tortillas
Sour cream
Tomato salsa

Pan fry the peppers and chicken strips in a little olive oil for 2 minutes, add the spice mix and stir fry until chicken is cooked through.

Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds per tortilla (warm together and calculate the time for the amount you are warming)

Serve with sour cream and tomato salsa.

Enjoy

Carrot & Lentil Soup

I wouldn't say carrot soup is particularly one of my favourites, but add some lentils and it takes on a whole new flavour.  Not too sweet and a savoury note too.  Perfect.

This is great recipe for those who refuse to eat enough vegetables.  I know many people not so keen on eating their veg, but they all love this soup.  Give it a try and your carrot soup takes on a whole new level.

Carrot & Lentil Soup - Serves 4-6

650g carrots, peeled & grated
150g red lentils, washed
1 onion, finely chopped
1ltr vegetable stock
125ml cream
1 tbsp ground cumin
sprinkling of dried chilli flakes
good glug groundnut oil
salt & pepper to taste
coriander leaves, to garnish

In a large pot, heat oil and cook onion until softened.

Add salt & pepper, chilli flakes, cumin, carrots & lentil and mix well.

Add stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook approx 15 minutes until lentils and carrots are softened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 

Remove from heat, add cream & blend until smooth, reheat.

Divide between bowls, garnish with more chilli flakes, cream & coriander leaves.

Voila, a healthy, tasty and quick soup for anytime of day, enjoy.

Update March 2012 - New monthly blogger event The Soup Kitchen your participation would be most welcome, see you there.