World Kindness Day Health Benefits of Kindness

Random Act of Kindness: A selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or, in some cases, an animal. There is no reason other than to make people smile or be happier. Random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities, either spontaneous or planned in advance.

Health Benefits of Kindness

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide a wide variety of materials on their website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher’s guide, project planning guide, publicity guide and workplace resources - all free of charge. 

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the United States delegate to the World Kindness Movement, an organization that includes various nations. People in these countries promote kindness within their countries’ borders and are creating a global network of kindness and compassion. As people from different cultures and from all walks of life are joining to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world.

Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand

Studies have shown acts of kindness can result in physical and mental health benefits.
• Kindness can bring a sense of richness and fulfillment to our lives, and promote good health and longevity.
• Helping others can decrease the effect of diseases.
• After performing an act of kindness, many experience a feeling of euphoria followed by a period of calm.
• Acts of kindness have been shown to reduce feelings of stress, depression, loneliness, overeating, etc.
• Helping others increases self-worth, happiness, and optimism.
• A person feels more energetic after performing an act of kindness
• A more optimistic and happier outlook on life

Kindness benefits us and has a positive effect on the community.

Try Some Kindness (The Letter K Song)

As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change in their lives and the lives around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

This is National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. How You Can Help... 

I've heard about Chicken Soup for the Soul but have not read any books. I browsed the site and was fascinated and inspired by the stories. I came across one specific story devoted to Hunger and how a group sold pizza for $1.00 to raise money for the hungry.

New York City's Biggest Pizza Party
Helps Feed The Hungry


National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week 

No one should worry about whether they will have food on their plates or a roof over their heads. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people. Many Americans live on the edge, forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor.

Needed items and services might include:

• Clothing. The lack of clean, well-fitting clothes and shoes causes great hardship beyond exposure to the elements—it hurts one's self-image and chance to get ahead. People experiencing homelessness must travel light, with few opportunities to safely store or adequately clean what they can't carry. In job interviews, a poorly dressed person has little chance for success. Give your clean clothes to those who could use them. Before you give your clothes or start a clothing drive, talk to your local shelter and find out what items they need. Most have limited storage space and can't use winter clothes in summer or vice versa. Some serve only a specific group of people. Please clean the clothes before you donate them.

• In-kind services and materials. Service providers may use copying, printing, food, transportation, marketing assistance, computer equipment and assistance, electrical work, building materials, plumbing, etc.

• Household goods or other items. Service providers may need kitchen utensils, furniture, books, toys, games, stuffed animals, dolls, diapers, etc.

• Books. People experiencing homelessness may have limited access to a library and find that there is little for them to do when spending a night at a shelter. Find out if your local shelter would appreciate donations of books. Consider organizing a book drive to create a small library at the shelter if there is not one already.

• Computers. Many non-profit organizations need help purchasing expensive but essential equipment such as computers. A local shelter or service provider might greatly appreciate the donation if you have a machine you no longer need. Shelter guests might also enjoy donating devices for their use, although you should check if a shelter would have space to set up public computers.

• Homeless "survival kits." Create and distribute kits that include cups, pots, pans, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and cosmetics. (Try coordinating this through a group that gives out meals from a van, for example.)  During cold weather, organize drives for blankets, coats, hats, scarves, mittens, socks, etc.

• Phone calls. Help people experiencing homelessness contact loved ones by offering the opportunity to make free long-distance calls on holidays. Donate to or organize a cell phone drive for the homeless.

• Job opportunities. Encourage your company, school, or place of worship to hire people experiencing homelessness (if they are not already working). Most unemployed, homeless adults desperately want to work but need an employer to give them a chance.

• Support for a homeless person or family. As people move out of a shelter or transitional housing program, consider raising money to contribute for a security deposit or assist by contributing household goods, babysitting, or moral support. See if your local shelter has a partnering program.

   

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

Chicken Soup for the Soul

National Indian Pudding Day

Indian Pudding

Modified from @AFamilyFeast

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 eggs
4 cups 2% milk
½ cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup molasses
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon dry ginger
¼ teaspoon allspice
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 cup golden raisins
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray
1/4 cup Vanilla ice cream per serving 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Beat eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
3. In a 6-quart pot, heat milk to hot, do not boil. Slowly add in cornmeal and whisk continually until all of the cornmeal is added. Cook for 10 minutes on a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Be careful that it does not stick and burn to the bottom of the pan.
4. Remove from heat and add all other ingredients except the beaten eggs. Mix to combine.
5. Temper the eggs by slowly adding some of the hot pudding a little at a time to the eggs, stirring as you go (about a cup total). Then add the egg mixture to the pot and stir.
6. Pour mixture into a 6-cup casserole dish and place the casserole dish in a water bath. Bake for about one hour and 30 minutes.
7. The pudding should be set up and somewhat firm. If the center is a bit loose, that is okay.
8. Let the pudding rest for 15 minutes, then serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cappuccino: A Taste of Art and History

Cappuccino: A Taste 

of Art & History

A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink traditionally prepared with a double espresso and steamed milk foam. Variations of the drink involve using cream instead of milk and flavoring with cinnamon or chocolate powder. Wikipedia.

Chocolate Cappuccino, modified
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup chocolate liqueur

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 cup hot brewed espresso

3/4 cup scalded milk, 1%

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

1.         Combine liqueur and syrup in a microwave-safe dish.

2.         Heat on HIGH for 30 seconds.

3.         Divide the liqueur mixture among 4 mugs

4.         Add 1/4 cup espresso to each.

5.         Froth milk; pour about 1/4 cup milk into each mug.

6.         Top with ground cinnamon; garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. 

November 1 to 7, National Fig Week Figs, Civilizations Oldest Fruit

   The Fig

      How to Plant a Fig Tree

        Nutrition Information

        Edible Recipe Art

        Fig Art
        Side Effects 

        Resources

Selection. Look for figs that are soft and smell sweet. Handle carefully because their skins bruise easily. 
Storage. Fully ripened figs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Plant a Fig Tree

Nutrition Information

Figs are rich in fiber, potassium, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, such as carotene, lutein, tannins, and chlorogenic. 

Recipe: Peach & Fig Yogurt Flower

Dried figs can be used to substitute fat in baked goods. When using dried figs in baking to replace shortening or oil, do not over-mix or over-bake. In a recipe, use half the normal amount of shortening, margarine, butter, or oil when using dried puree. 

Fig Art

Side Effects from WebMD
Avoid prolonged sun exposure when taking fig leaf because it can cause the skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. 

Skin contact with fig fruit or leaves can cause a rash in sensitive people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fresh or dried fig fruit is safe in amounts found in food, but there’s not enough information to know if it’s safe in the larger amounts used as medicine.

Surgery: Fig might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using fig as medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Resources
1. California Figs
2. Figs, Fresh, Fruits and Veggies More Matters 

3. Figs, Wikipedia® 

Celebrate National Nachos day with Two-Cheese Veggie Nachos

Two-Cheese Veggie Nachos Recipe |

Recipe by Michelle Klug We love the double-cheese contrast here: Shredded cheese melts into a bubbly blanket over the tortillas, while crumbly queso fresco covers the veggies with a salty kick. It's an impressive dish for coffee table dining--it's fun to

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup fresh corn kernels
2 tablespoons thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (14.5-ounce) can of organic black beans, rinsed and drained
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into wedges
Cooking spray
2 ounces shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup diced peeled avocado (about 1 small)
2 ounces crumbled queso fresco (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium tomato, diced
4 lime wedges

Instructions

• Preheat broiler to high.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add zucchini and next 5 ingredients (through salt); cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add beans; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
• Arrange tortilla wedges in a single layer on a large jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat tortilla wedges with cooking spray. Broil 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and crisp. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese evenly over tortillas. Broil 1 minute or until cheese melts.
• Top chips evenly with bean mixture, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and tomato. Serve with lime wedges.

Sandwich Day - Use Your Creativity

 November 3rd is National Sandwich Day. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. In the 1700s, John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.

Resource: Build a Better Sandwich, @Healthyfamprj

 

Greatest Movie Sandwiches

National Deviled Egg Day - Recipes

The traditional deviled eggs are hard-boiled, shelled, cut in half, and the egg yolk removed. The yolk is mixed with other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and mustard, and placed in the hard-boiled egg white. Deviled eggs are customarily served cold as a side dish, appetizer, or main course. 

Recipes
The following recipes are modified for low cholesterol and variety.

Egg Whites with Tomatoes,
Parsley and Bulgur

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Eggs, hard-boiled, yolks removed
4 Tablespoons Diced Tomatoes, Parsley, and Bulgur, prepared
Directions

Fill egg whites with diced tomatoes, parsley, and bulgur. Serve

Nutrition Information

Egg Whites filled with Diced Tomatoes,
Zucchini and Feta Cheese

Ingredients
1 Egg White, cut in half
1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
1/3 cup Diced Zucchini
1/3 ounce Feta Cheese
Directions
Fill egg whites with ingredients. Serve

Resources and References
1. Wikipedia: Deviled Egg  This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
2. Consumer Reports, Deviled Eggs are a Healthier Snack

Nutrient Analysis Services
Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 35 years of experience. A valuable service for Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and the Recipe Blogger. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com or call 954-294-6300

National Cook for your Pets Day - Cooking Tips and Foods to Avoid

Cooking Tips
No need to add anything, pets don’t need seasoning
Introduce new foods gradually
Make sure to avoid these foods

  Alcohol

  Avocado

  Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

  Citrus

  Coconut and Coconut Oil

  Grapes and Raisins

  Macadamia Nuts

  Milk and Dairy

  Nuts

  Onions, Garlic, Chives

  Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

  Salt and Salty Snack Foods

  Xylitol

  Yeast Dough

Always check with your vet before changing your pet's diet
Make sure to enjoy cooking and add plenty of love!


Resources and References
1. ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Teal Pumpkin Project and Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

About the Teal Pumpkin Project®

Every child should be able to experience the joy and tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. But kids with food allergies are often left out of the fun since most candy is off-limits. Beware of small items a child can choke on.

Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project helps make sure all children will come home on Halloween night with something they can enjoy. It just takes one simple act: offering non-food treats, such as glow sticks or small toys, as an alternative to candy.

Get Involved

1. Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters.

2. Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate to passersby that you have non-food treats available.

3. Free Teal Pumpkin Project Resources. Make the most of this year's Teal Pumpkin Project by downloading these free resources

Resources
Website: Teal Pumpkin Project
Facebook: FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project
Twitter: FARE

Haunted Refrigerator Night - Food Safety

Resource and Reference
1. Partnership for Food Safety Education, BAC. 
2. FoodSafety.gov

New Food Trends for Halloween and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

"For generations, kids have toted UNICEF's collection boxes door to door on Halloween, calling out "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!" They have raised over $170 million since 1950 to help children worldwide - funds enabling UNICEF to save and improve children's lives by providing health care, improved nutrition, clean water, education, and more."

Resource
1. UNICEF, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

National Bologna Day

Aside from pork, bologna can alternatively be made out of chicken, turkey, beef, venison, a combination, or soy protein. Typical seasoning for bologna includes black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, celery seed, coriander, and like mortadella, myrtle berries give it its distinctive flavor, U.S. Government regulations require American bologna to be finely ground and without visible pieces of fat.

Resources

Bologna sausage, Wikipedia   

Sausages and Food Safety, USDA  

Tricky Treats, Halloween Story from the CDC

Tricky Treats is part of the Centers for Disease Control,

animated Eagle Book Series.

The Eagle Books consists of four books that are brought to life by wise animal characters, Mr. Eagle and Miss Rabbit, and a clever trickster, Coyote, who engage Rain that Dances and his young friends in the joy of physical activity, eating healthy foods, and learning from their elders about traditional ways of being healthy. Animated versions of the four books bring the characters to life. Narrated by author Georgia Perez and voiced by children and adults from the Standing Rock Sioux tribal nation, the animated versions provide an interactive tool to engage children in activities and discussions about healthy eating, and the joy of being active while looking to traditional ways to stay healthy and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Shrimp Bisque, Lighterside

Shrimp Bisque

Yields: Make 3 cups
Servings: 6 (3/4 cup)
Makes 3 cups

Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup light whipping cream
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons sodium-free chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined,
   washed and drained
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
Fresh cilantro, optional


Directions

1. In a small saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. 
2. Stir in flour until blended. Stir in the water, cream, chili powder, bouillon, cumin, and coriander; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Cut shrimp into bite-size pieces; add to soup. 
4. Simmer for 5 minutes longer or until shrimp turns pink.
5. Gradually stir 1/2 cup hot soup into sour cream; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. 
6. Heat through (do not boil). Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

 

National School Lunch Week

"In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children, or more prosperous than its farmers." - President Harry Truman, on signing the 1946 National School Lunch Act. Through the Years The National School Lunch Program was created in 1946 when President Truman signed the National School Lunch Act into law. The National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition assistance program. Through the years, the program has expanded to include the School Breakfast Program, Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Feeding Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. In 1962, Congress designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as "National School Lunch Week." The video below looks at the school lunch program from the late 1930s to the present day and includes President Obama signing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. One can see from the photographs some of the changes in the foods provided. There is an increase in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. (Part of the video has clips from a film produced by the USDA in the mid-60s.) School Lunch Resources  Organizations, Associations, and Programs School Nutrition Association “Celebrate NSLW. School Lunch invites creative and fun new menu items while appealing to students in all grade levels. The School Nutrition Association is a national, nonprofit professional organization.  Mission. To advance good nutrition for all children. National Farm to School Month Farm to School is broadly defined as any program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health, nutrition education, and supporting local and regional farmers. Farm to School programs exist in all 50 states, but since Farm to School is a grassroots movement, programs are as diverse as the communities they serve. About the Farm to Preschool program at UEPI, Occidental College The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. Kids Eat Right Kids Eat Right is your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker, you need reliable resources, and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals. Team Nutrition. Campaign launched by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day.  Choose MyPlate. The website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets. Elmo Doesn't Fear School Lunch Elmo joins White House, Chef Sam Kass in the White House kitchen to talk about the importance of healthy and delicious school meals.  We Can. The We Can! GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods fact sheet (pdf) can be posted on the refrigerator or used when grocery shopping. The We Can! Parent Tips - Snack (pdf) 100 Calories or Less tip sheet can help consumers choose vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk for healthier snacks. Healthy Children The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Healthy Children - Nutrition; Food Allergies in Children Action for Healthy Kids: we believe there are ways to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and undernourishment. Learn how Action for Healthy Kids is working with schools, families, and communities to help our kids learn to be healthier and be ready to learn. National Dairy Council® (NDC), Child Nutrition Fuel Up sponsored by National Dairy Council and the NFL, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up is an in-school program that encourages the availability and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, along with daily physical activity. Fruits and Veggies   Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, stated: “National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they do not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals."