Outtakes from the cookbook!

Hello again,

Oh dear it's been a few weeks and I've been so absorbed with the cookbook that I've forgotten to keep you all updated!

In a few short weeks, you will be able to get this highly anticipated item but in the meantime, I thought I would share a few gorgeous photos that our very talented photographer took during the recipe creation. Although these shots are amazing, these are actually outtakes and won't be included in the book (I know, I know, they are definately cookbook perfect, aren't they?)

As we wind up the content for the book and get ready to send everything off to the graphic artist in a few short days, I can tell you that the layout is fantastically unique, the cover is a riot and we have all had so much fun putting this together.

Check out this great photo of Oatmeal Cookie Buckwheat Pancakes! If you're wondering what in the world these are, they are part of a fantastic new trio that takes heart-healthy oatmeal and creates amazing cookies, then uses some of the cookie dough to create these hearty pancakes and with the baked cookies, we've also created ice cream sandwiches - voila, a perfect trio for oatmeal!

Stay tuned for more teasers!

Best Health,
Julie

Recipes

Good morning and Happy Friday!

We are so busy constructing Cook Once Produce Twice recipes and I hope our viewers are going on line on a regular basis to look at the new content we are adding. Soon we will have a search engine with more recipe content when we launch our new website in November.

Have you tried Kale? Kale is full of vitamins, the dark leafy green we need in our diets...and our kid's diets. Kale is believed to help aid against cancer which puts it at the top of our list in the mmm test kitchen. Due to popular demand we added this recipe last night instead of waiting for the webisode so look for "Fueled Fit and Fabulous" and you will find an amazing new snack with kale....Gluten-free, all vegetarian and extremely healthy.

What could go wrong.......visit our site www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com and don't forget to enter our contest for the Pampered Chef salad spinner.....your Kale will thank you

Happy and safe weekend

Best Health

mm

mmm National Health Expo

Well I return to the blog.....yes this is Marlene and I am having a wonderful day finally able to stay in my office and enjoy a coffee and speak with all of you!

We have been busy with a new logo, new website and the launch of our new cookbook all in November. I was recently asked to speak at the National Health Show this weekend and am very excited to have this opportunity. If you go to our Facebook site then we have added a $2.00 off coupon as our guest for this weekend.(we are unable to upload any images due to maintenance on Blogger today so please just go to our website and click on our facebook page for the coupon @ www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com)

Health has continued to become a major topic, maybe in some way we are all realising the part that we play and that we are teachers for our children and the next generation. I read a sign yesterday outside of a church that said, "your home is a school.....what are you teaching"? I keep thinking about this as it relates to Dakota and the messages I send each day intentionally or not. I want to do better for her and as much as our kitchen table has done well it is time to work on friendships past and present and decide how I want to improve and make sure Dakota watches my mistakes, yes my mistakes.....but more importantly how I handle them!

So, sorry for anything or anyone in my past, but I am ready and geared for tomorrow......happily making mistakes along the way.

Come join me this weekend, your support is always appreciated and your health will thank you too!

Best Health

mm

Cookbook Layout

Hello Folks!

The creation of the cookbook is well underway and as we write, cook, test recipes, and write some more, we are finetuning our "look" and I can promise it is going to be a feast for the eyes and senses! It's definately a unique book and one I am certain one you will love.

We are creating a seasonal theme with recipes by the month. We are collecting some beautiful photos along the way and we'll start giving you some sneak peeks into what the cookbook will look like.

Each chapter will have an introductory section with three sections (you know how we love to do things in THREES!):
Lifestyle - with ideas and tips on staying healthy and active
Local Fare - information and tips about eating local all year long
Survivor Sanity - stories and thoughts from survivors
Stay tuned for some sneak peek photos of some of our fabulous new dishes, coming soon!

Best health,
Julie

The cookbook is coming!

If you're wondering why the posts have been a little "light" over the past few weeks, don't be dismayed! We have been meeting a lot and working even more on a cookbook to capture this seasonal approach to cooking with Marlene's "Cook Once, Produce Twice" concept!

Teaming up with another cancer survivor, Robin MacMillan, as our food photographer, the project is kicking into high gear and deadlines are being set.

We are looking at a pre-Christmas release of the cookbook so keep visiting the blog as we share our journey with you. As we get closer to a publisher date, we will let you know the title, release date and where you can buy one!

Stay tuned for lots of exciting developments over the coming months!

Best Health,
Julie

CIBC RUN for THE CURE OCTOBER 3rd

Run, walked, laughed and even cried just a little this year.....what a wonderful event. The mmm team soared across the finish line with over $8,000.00 in donations and great team spirit. Dakota happily finished the full 5km's by starting with running in mind then quickly deciding to finish by walking over the finish line.....great job D!!

Our good friend's Chyvonne and Al treated everyone to their famous chilli in a bread bowl and opening up their home with a roaring fire....what a way to warm-up with such a cold start to our day.

Devon from the mmm team did not let us down....with brisk temperatures and students all eager to help, she joined in at the Nipissing location and supported the run from her campus.....nothing like a little satellite run competition. We attached some of Devon's photos to share in the spirit.......looks like the colour pink crossed over to Nipissing....thanks Devon for a great job.

Thank you to all that sponsored our team and made for another successful year for such a great cause

Best Health

Marlene

Give for a future without cancer

While we tend to support events to raise money for hospital equipment or research on how to better fight cancer, what we all need to be thinking about more is how to prevent it ourselves by taking ownership of our own lives.

As a fellow survivor, I know that is what connected Marlene and I right away. Not our need to commiserate about chemo or the horrors of losing a breast... but how to educate people about developing a healthier lifestyle with less toxins, less preservatives and less cancer-causing elements in general. Eat clean, protect the environment and be active. As the moto goes: Good things happen in Threes!

Why do I run? Because I'm still here. Because I am better and because I can. Last year I was too sick to run so I gave generously to a friend doing the run but this year it's my turn to step up again.

This year I will run for myself, for Marlene, for all of the courageous women who have fought cancer but most of all, I will run for my daughter Sydney and her future. I run to set an example to my children about the importance of giving back. And I run with the hope that the next generation will be less than "1 in 9".

Please support our team this weekend and help aid the research to finding a cure.

Thank you and be well,
Julie

CIBC RUN for THE CURE OCTOBER 3rd

Run, walk or just cheer us on..... I am blessed to be surrounded by such great people this weekend as we do our part to help find a cure.

It's not too late to make a donation, just go to our website at www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com and click on our link under charities....thank you in advance.

I want to share this story if you feel you need a little push. I was fortunate this week when Rick and I went back to see the surgeon about a possible return of cancer on my right side and received the news that all was good and it was just a node that they are confident is benign. While I was waiting a young teenage girl was waiting as well with her Mom. I believed the young girl was there to support her Mom on her test results......when they called the women's name I went numb......they had called the teenage daughter's name.....how unfair and how determined I now am to protect Dakota and all young women and men from this disease. My prayer is her outcome was similar to my news and that they did not find the cancer.

Please help us and best health

mm

Another neat way to use Quinoa

Ever heard of Quinoa flakes? They are small, oat-like flakes that are quite light and fluffy and pack all the nutrition punch of quinoa.
You can purchase them at a healthfood store or some grocers may carry it.

I recently started using quinoa flakes in place of bread crumbs in my salmon cakes, turkey meatballs and so on as I've had to cut wheat from my diet (more on that another time). This is a great substitute if you are on a gluten-free or wheat-free diet.

I add it to canned salmon to help hold the patties for a calcium-rich meal:
Add 1/4 cup of quinoa flakes and one egg to a can of salmon. Use entire can, bones and all!
Shape into patties and fry in olive oil for about 3-5 minutes a side.
Serve with hot sauce for a tasty, nutritious meal!

I also add it when I cook oats, granola, in a crumble topping, you name it. It adds a nutritious punch to any recipe where you would normally use oats or bread crumbs.

Give it a try and let us know how it worked for you! Share your discoveries with us!

Best Health,
Julie

What to do with Kale

Hello Folks,

Kale, hmmm, what is it and what the heck do you do with it?
We all know we should eat more "greens" but how do you cook it and make the kids eat it too?

Kale belongs to the Brassica family of vegetables (also called Cruciferous)along with broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and bok choy. They are among the top cancer-fighting foods, thanks to glucosinolate, an anti-cancer molecule (See pg 65 in the Oct/10 issue of Canadian living for more info on "Fighting Cancer in the Kitchen").
Kale is full of calcium and eating foods from this family at least 3X a week will lower your risk of developing lung, bladder, breast, stomach and colon cancers.

I buy Kale weekly but don't always feel inspired to make a stir-fry so instead, I wash and chop the entire bunch and plop it into a freezer bag and stick the bag in the freezer. Any time I am making a soup or casserole, I grab a handful of frozen kale and crumble it into tiny pieces and add to my soup or casserole. It crumbles easily when frozen which saves time chopping it into tiny pieces and makes it more palatable for kids. My kids won't notice it as much in soup if it's tiny little pieces of "green bits" as opposed to big chunks.

Freezing it ensures that no nutrients are lost with it sitting in the fridge, potentially going bad before you get around to cooking it, and also keeps a great veggie on hand.

For a quick and easy kid's thermos lunch or dinner:
Heat a carton of low sodium chicken or veggie stock to boiling, add 1-2 chopped carrots, a handful of frozen peas and a handful of frozen Kale. Boil for 10-15 minutes until veggies are soft. Add some egg soup noodles which take only 3-4 minutes to cook and you have a healthy meal that still provides the protein your kids need (in the egg noodles).
This is a staple lunch in our house and my daughter (age 6) loves it!

Now there's no excuse not to get those greens!

Best Health,
Julie

Quinoa the new Superfood

Yes it's me, mm!

As Julie mentioned I haven't left but because of all your support our response to the web doubled since last month....so thanks for the support!

You also know that we produced 13 episodes with Rogers TV last month and our first episode, "Back to School" is on the Rogers York Region website under the York Region Living link , and all episodes will be on the mmm site in a week.

The episode airing this week is our new Superfood...Quinoa, and since airing we have been getting a ton of feedback.....why?

If there was only one food you could take to the moon or a desert island then this is it. Quinoa looks like a grain but is actually a seed from a plant, but it cooks and responds like any other grain or rice when cooked or used in foods....which makes it very versatile.

Quinoa is a whole protein, daily calcium replacement and it contains fatty essential acids, complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Quinoa was also the most searched food on the internet and a recent book on Quinoa has topped the New York best seller's list........So what are you waiting for???

Visit www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com and get the recipe from our recent episode and stay tuned for the video link or go to rogers and watch today.

Best Health

mm

Scary News about Corn Syrup

Since we’re starting a new school year, which to me is a lot like setting New Year’s resolutions, I vowed to create healthier meals and snacks for my kids and eliminate some refined sugars and preservatives. One of the scariest sweeteners in kids’ foods today is corn syrup (otherwise known as High-fructose corn syrup).
Studies are now linking consistent use of this sweetener to higher rates of diabetes and also cancer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-fructose_corn_syrup
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/corn_syrup.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/idAFN0210830520100802

So get shop-savy and start reading labels at the grocery store. You would be amazed to read that even some spaghetti sauces have corn syrup! Avoid products that use corn syrup or HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup) as a sweetener and instead choose products sweetened naturally with fruit juice or honey.
When baking, you can substitute Sucanat (evaporated cane juice) for brown sugar; or try a whole host of other natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, Agave nectar (a raw product, very much like honey), maple syrup, molasses, date sugar and so on.If you're looking for a calorie-free sweetener, Xylitol and Stevia are natural and safe.

You can find them at most grocery stores and health food stores.

Best Health,
Julie

Hello from Julie

Hello Everyone,
I thought before I posted another message, I should say hello and remind you that I've joined on with Marlene and will be carrying on the posts with a "Cooking through the Seasons" theme. Marlene hasn't gone away so don't worry! On the contrary, she is crazy busy with the show, speaking opportunities and all these wonderful magazine articles! Her business is growing and flourishing.

She will post about her upcoming adventures and I will continue on with the food articles and bring you great information and additional ideas on how to Cook Once and Produce Twice! I'll also keep you posted on how the cookbook is coming! It's an exciting venture for Marlene and I and no doubt will be filled with little adventures along the way.

And of course, keep visiting the website for Marlene's recipes!

To follow my monthly column about eating cleaner and the trials and tribulations of getting my family onto healthier food, please subscribe to the monthly newsletter on Marlene's website!

Stay tuned - there's much more to come!

Best Health,
Julie

Apple picking season is here!

Apple picking season!

One of my favourite outings on a September weekend is apple picking. I used to love it before I had kids but now, it gives me an excuse to get out and "play" at a farm without people looking at me like I'm a nut!

There are a whole host of orchards north of the GTA and it’s a great way to teach the kids about supporting the local farm community while having a lot of fun.

This year, with the hotter summer and better growing season, apples are ready earlier so if you’re planning to go, think about going earlier than usual.

For a list of farms in your area, go to http://ontario.farmvisit.com/ or http://www.pickyourown.org/canadaon.htm

For an easy and healthier apple sauce, peel 10 apples and chop into small pieces. Add approx. 3 cups of water, 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of honey (depending on sweetness of apples). Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until apples are tender. For a smooth sauce, pulse with a hand blender. Or just stir well with a wooden spoon for a chunkier apple sauce.

Be sure to save some for my "Mighty Muffins" recipe featured in the October newsletter!

Happy picking!

Julie

Back to School!

While we’ll all miss those carefree, unscheduled days of summer, September always brings with it a sense of a new year for the kids and an opportunity for us grown-ups to get organized once again.

As we all strive to eat better and “Cook once” so we can “Produce twice”, the same applies for kids’ lunches and healthy snacks. In the October newsletter, we tackle the challenge of getting kids onto healthier snacks and ditching the granola bars (yes, I know, groans from the audience but it can be done!)

When making kids’ meals, think about producing more than one meal option...

Cook up a batch of whole grain pasta to add to a homemade soup for an easy lunch (make a batch of soup ahead and freeze in single serving size containers), or heat and sprinkle with parmesean cheese for a quick version of “cheese noodles” they can take to school in a thermos; or have the noodles cooked and ready for a quick spaghetti dinner on one of your busier evenings (use the turkey meatball recipe from our "Triple Threat Turkey" trio for a delicious, protein-packed sauce!

Happy 6th Birthday Dakota!

This is a special Birthday message for my daughter Dakota who turned 6 today! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy xoxo

This month's newsletter sent out

Hi Everyone

I hope you enjoyed reading this month's edition of the mmm monthly. It was filled with kitchen tips, inspirational writing from the mmm team, as well as a kid-friendly page with great ideas for Birthday parties.

If you are not a subscriber of the newsletter and would like to be please visit www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com to subscribe. Happy reading and as always I would love to hear any feedback you may have on the newsletter. Best Health!

Rogers Starts September 7th!

Hi Folks,

Hope you had a great weekend and all is well! September 7th is the beginning the mmm segments on Rogers cable 10. Tune in to cook up a storm with me and test out some terrific recipes.

As always I would love to hear your feedback and how the recipes turned out for you. So tune in for some great laughs and great food.

Just for Kids no parent's allowed!

Hi Everyone!

I had tea with Princess Aurora today and it was so much fun. She was so beautiful!


Love Dakota

Test Kitchen Tips!

Hi Folks,

On this rainy day I thought I would share some test kitchen tips with you as you are probably inside making use of the bad weather and cooking up a storm.

Tips:
1. Season your meat and even marinate before freezing.
2. Meat should freeze quickly, but de-thaw slowly. Always move meat from freezer to fridge preferably a day or two before needed.
3. When ready to cook meat, bring to room temperature first then after meat is cooked, always rest 5 minutes before slicing.


Hope all is well with everyone and keep "cooking once and producing twice!"

Run for the Cure Contest!

Hi Everyone

Hope all is well. I thought I would share with you a contest that I am running for the first 5 people that join the Marlene's Meal Makeover's CIBC Run for the Cure team. If you are one of these five people you will automatically be entered to win a portable sound system for outside on the patio...music to my ears! So visit the link below to join the team and donate to a great cause. Hope your week is going well!

http://www.runforthecure.com/goto/marlenemacpherson

Carrot Fest was an Overwhelming Success!

I had a great time this weekend being a part of Carrot Fest. It was so nice to show people how to prepare food with ingredients that have surrounded them for years. I learned a ton about local farmers and want to spread the word about how important it is to support them.

With the carrots from the Holland Marsh we created carrot juice, carrot cream cheese, and cold carrot soup. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the events visitors and it was wonderful seeing everyone dive into healthy food.

We were fortunate enough to have enough leftover food to donate to the local food bank. I would like to thank all the local farmers and carrot fest event planners for organizing such a great event.

Who are you running for?

I got a message from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation this morning explaining some of the great strides they have made from donations. I think it is important to show you as it demonstrates the importance of giving back and how our donations truly make a difference.

- Since their inception, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation has invested $230 million towards research. This donation is making a substantial impact on the understanding of breast Cancer and how we may treat and prevent the disease. With the support of donors they are making great strides.

- With the generous support of Canadians the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's strategic investments are making a significant impact to affect change and gain a better understanding of Breast Cancer. The foundation's funding focuses on areas such as primary prevention, treatment, and improving the care and quality of life for those affected by the disease.

- Each year, through open calls for proposals, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation invests in research projects, fellowships, and community based grants in support of their vision of creating a future without breast Cancer. In the 2010 fiscal year, the Foundation funded over $14 million in research grants to support this vision.

- For over 20 years, the Foundation has invested in innovative breast Cancer research pioneers. Together with these true leaders as well as future frontrunners in the breast Cancer research field, the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation has funded work that has uncovered more about this disease leading to more effective treatment and prevention strategies.

- The Canadian Breast Cancer foundation's work surrounding youth awareness is education a new generation of young Canadians about prevention and understanding the disease. From coast-to-coast the Foundation is reaching out to communities to spread education and awareness. Recently, the Foundation's Tour for the Cure bus reached over 10,000 Atlantic Canadians to educate community members about breast health and screening. The foundation's community grants, which totalled over $2.5 million in fiscal 2010, include funded programs that are connecting with communities across ethno-cultural backgrounds and regions, to educate and advocate for breast Cancer awareness.

- The Canadian Breast Cancer foundation's investments are making a difference. Since 1986, the breast Cancer death rate has fallen by more than 30% and is currently the lowest it has been since 1950; since 1999, the incidence of Breast Cancer in Canada has stabilized. The significant improvement in survival rates for women with breast Cancer since the mid-1980's is likely a result of improvements in screening and advances in treatment. Yet breast Cancer remains a complex disease and there remains much work to be done.

This will be the third year I have had a team in the Run for the Cure and it is a very significant event for myself and the many individuals affected by breast Cancer. To learn more about the Marlene's Meal Makeovers team and donate please visit http://www.runforthecure.com/goto/marlenemacpherson. Thank you so much for your support, you truly are making a difference!

I can't believe carrot fest is this weekend!

Carrot Fest is this weekend and I can't wait to be a part of it. I will be doing three cooking demonstrations that showcase the great things you can do with carrots (fitting eh?). So come and check it out it is sure to be a lot of fun. Together we can learn how to "cook once and produce twice!"

www.carrotfest.ca

Amping up for the Run for the Cure

It told me on my fundraising page today that there was only 46 days until the CIBC Run for the Cure! So it is time to start fundraising folks. It is very important to me that we have a future without Breast Cancer.

The day of the run is very important to me for 3 symbolic reasons I have listed them below:
1. It was the first run I trained for after treatment.
2. It is among the only time of year when all my friends and family gather together in order to support a great cause.
3. This will be the 3rd time that my team has participated in the run (the first year being while I was still in treatment).

So if you all could kindly give me a hand in order to make this years run as symbolic as the last two it would really mean a lot to me. My team's fundraising page is http://www.runforthecure.com/goto/marlenemacpherson please give generously.

Hope to see you all out there with your running shoes on!

The Courage Blend

Had a very exciting meeting today with the Girls from the Faces of Courage calendar and Tony LaCivita from Canterbury Coffee. The meeting was about a new coffee blend that they are going to be introducing called the "Courage Blend". What is so great about the Blend is that $2 from every purchase is going to be in support of the Southlake Regional Hospital's Radiation equipment. This equipment is so important as it will allow residents to attain Cancer treatment closer to home. Keep your eyes posted on www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com to hear updates about the blend and how you will be able to purchase it. If we all work together and I sure we will be able to fight this disease! Let's make Breast Cancer History!

P.O.P. (Power of Persistence)

We just wrapped up filming the new portion of Marlene's Meal Makeovers, P.O.P. or better known as Power of Persistence. P.O.P. is a speaking tour which will focus on the importance of never giving up when times are tough and taking control of our lives.

It was a great weekend filming the tour video with the crew that you see in the picture there is Len Henry (a producer and creative genius), Roxanne (the makeup artist...I don't know what I would do without her), my little Princess Dakota (I think she was born to be on camera), my husband Rick, Devon, Greg (who was in charge of the camera), and Adam (the photographer jumping in the background). Paula Moore (my trainer was also the part of the video however was not present to be in the picture). We had lots of laughs and I will never forget it as I think it is going to be one of the defining grassroot moments of the mmm company.

So I ask you this question....how do you put the power in persistence in your life? I hope you had a terrific weekend and keep checking the website for this new video!

The "J" Team

Filming again today with Rogers channel 10. The test kitchen is whirling with delicious flavours and it's all I can do to get the 'J' team from Rogers and Devon (my niece) to stay out of the food. What is the 'J' team you ask? Well the Rogers team is filled with names that start with the letter 'J' as I currently have a Julia, Jerimiah, and Jeff in the test kitchen. I know you can't help but think of the song "Jerimiah was a bullfrog, he was a good friend of mine" when the name Jerimiah comes up. He says he laughs when people ask whether he has heard that song before. Anyhow I better get back to the shoot..best wishes and have a great weekend!

Lights, Camera, Action!

What I love about my new job the most are the filming days. Although jam packed and a lot of work they are so much fun! The people I work with are so great. It is not unusual to see us cracking a joke or dancing around the kitchen. They are truly terrific and help me get everything in it's proper place.

So you may be asking, Marlene what are you filming for? Well in September we will be on a weekly segment with Rogers channel 10. I have worked really hard to create recipes that I think you all will love (and you guessed it, are so easy). I know that everyone has different tastes, but I can assure you that there is something here for everyone to enjoy. I can not wait for you all to see the final product and to try out the recipes.

Are you establishing "cook once and produce twice" in your home? I'd love to hear your comments. Best wishes everyone!

Creative Ways to Feed your Kids!

I have learned with having a 5 year old that a big part of food preparation is presentation. So I thought I would share with you folks some creative ideas on how to present food to your kids.

1) Replace a bowl with a tiny pumpkin- put your child's favorite apple sauce into a pumpkin for a sweet treat!
2) Invest in a mini muffin tray and muffin liners with your child's favorite characters on them- they will love the little snacks!
3) Create mini burgers and decorate with fancy toothpicks of your child's choice.
4) Whole wheat chip scoops are the perfect bowl for your child's favorite toppings- Cut up meat and vegetables into tiny pieces for a great snack!
5) Celery sticks are the perfect boat for filling with your child's favorite toppings.

If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear your comments. Have a great weekend!

Times are busy in the mmm test kitchen!

I can not believe it is almost August! Times are so busy in the mmm test kitchen as we prepare for the upcoming Carrot Fest on Saturday, August 21, 2010. It should be a great event and I am starting to prepare for the cooking demostrations. I have come up with some great carrot recipes that I think you all will love, so I hope I will see you there. If you want more information about Carrot Fest please visit www.carrotfest.ca. Hope all is well in your own personal test kitchens!

For the Kids...Jello Boats!

Me and Dakota make these Jello Boats regularly. She loves being apart of the preparation and loves even more to devour them!

Ingredients:
- 4 oranges, halved
- 2 x 4 1/2 oz. packets of fruit flavoured Jello
- 4 sheets of rice paper
- 16 cocktail sticks



Method:
1. With a sharp knife, remove the inside of the orange (be careful not to make a hole in the skin!)
2. Make Jello according to instructions on the side of the box.
3. Fill the oranges with Jello right to the top.
4. Refrigerate until set and then trim the orange until it is level with the Jello.
5. Cut the oranges in half again.
6. Cut triangles out of rice paper and secure with cocktail sticks to make sails.

From the Desk of Devon

Marlene's Favorite Niece Talks about working at mmm and everything behind the scenes!

Hey Everyone

My aunt let me take over her blog today to tell you about who I met last night. Let me give you a hint mud on the tires? Married to Kimberly Williams from According to Jim? One of the best country singers of all time? If you said Brad Paisley you are absolutely right!

So your probably asking, "Devon how did you get to meet Brad Paisley?" well Brad asked that people bring a non perishable food item to the concert last night in order to help the food bank. If you brought an item you were entered into a draw for 2 meet and greet tickets for Brad Paisley. As luck would have it I won the tickets! Got a picture with him as well as received an autograph, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

I think it is so nice when celebrities devote themselves to giving back. The Brad Paisley H20 tour helped to raise money for both the food bank and clean water in developing countries (as you will see on his shirt in picture). It was so inspirational to meet a celebrity devoted to helping others and so down to earth. So with this I end with a question, what are you doing to make a difference? At mmm we are devoted to breast Cancer and other charitable initiatives. Leave a comment as I would love to hear about it! Keep checking back for odd updates from the Desk of Devon.

Keep Giving Back,
Devon MacPherson

reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

Boxing my way to the next production!!! Well things have been crazy in the mmm test kitchen and my insane push to get in shape for the next productions since surgery, has certainly added another layer.

With the DIEP Flap surgery your stomach takes awhile to comeback. I have been almost 3 months and still struggle at the gym when required to use my ab muscles.....which is every exercise. My stomach is almost numb in some areas and my belly button (bee boop as Dakota calls it) has not gone back down or back inside. I have been given the okay by my Surgeon and was advised to continue using the belt(which your given during surgery to hold it all in place....kinda like Spanx).

So boxing is my new cardo till the fall when we train for my full marathon. My trainer Paula has got some radical "circuit training" program. Boxing seemed so symbolic of fighting a disease or fighting your way back....I can't say anymore or I will ruin our next production this fall

Stay tuned for more updates on this journey back to solid health and more activity, and keep enjoying this beautiful summer

Best Health
Marlene

Carrots are Determined as the Winner!

Hi Folks!

Carrots won by a long shot when asking you all on Facebook whether you would rather have a carrot or fennel recipe. I have now started to compile a "cook once, produce twice" recipe using carrots so continue to check the website regularly as I will be posting it soon. All I can tell you now is that the recipe begins with a juicer!

As luck would have it when I was counting the votes from Facebook I also got asked to speak and do cooking demonstrations at the Simcoe County Carrot Fest. Now if you don't think that is a coincidence I don't know what is! On August 21st and 22nd I will be at Carrot Fest preparing some of my favorite things to do with carrots. Please stop by, I can guarantee this is an event you don't want to miss! The website for the event is www.carrotfest.ca, check it out! As always I love to hear your comments.

What a Whirlwind!

The last few days have been quite a whirlwind...sorry it has taken so long for me to catch up with you folks! Last week ended with a bang as we were preparing for a Canadian Living photo shoot which will be featured in the October issue of the magazine. What a great time! First I visited my friends Alana Murray (colourist), Dylan Sit (hairdresser), and Ryan Murchison (makeup artist) at Civello Salon in Toronto. They were extremely accommodating and made me look my best for the shoot. I would like to thank them so much for all of their hard work and making me feel at home! I got the seal of approval from my daughter Dakota when I got home as she was so happy to see my new haircut.

The shoot was a lot of fun. Although been placed in positions that felt un-natural the photographer assured me that they looked completely normal. I had my niece Devon and my Sister in Law Lorna on the sidelines reminding me to continue to smile. It was crazy having to wear fall clothes in the middle of summer... unfortunately I think the next season is going to hit us before we know it. We had a great laugh and I would like to thank the team (in the photos above) for taking the time to take such great photos!

Well that's all for now folks...hope everything is well. Look forward to hearing your opinions about the pictures when they come out in October!

Cancer statistics

Did we mention that our mission at mmm is to stop families from outsourcing their food?

Outsourcing means that we have chosen for someone else to prepare, deliver or serve us the food instead of owning and managing the "food process" ourselves.

Okay not trying to be complicated here, but really, if we at all believe that disease prevention can in some way be controlled by food and that the outcome of our children and their habits with food could be improved....would you continue to outsource this?

We had a meeting yesterday at the Canadian Cancer Society and one of the statistics that we heard was that there is a belief that 50% of the cancers could be prevented from the food we eat.....should you consider to continue to outsource this?

I truly believe we own the food process, it doesn't mean we never go out for dinner or enjoy the odd treat. Shopping for seasonal produce and choosing the foods we already know are necessary for our health is the best step to take. Then to me all that is left in the process is to stay tuned with mmm for more healthy recipes and the tools to make it simple "cook once and produce twice"

A reason to no longer outsource!!

Best Health
Marlene

Cucumber Salad

Good Monday!
I had unexpected company join us on Sunday and it was one of the best evenings I have had in awhile.

Are the unexpected guests more enjoyable than the one's we over plan and over stress about entertaining?

I believe that we should all start dropping in on each other......I do believe our kitchens would be full of great food, prepared together with great friends and family.

My good friend dropped in with her new boyfriend and he brought all the food. Two english cucumbers, one spanish onion, a bottle of whipped salad dressing and steaks. The cucumbers were washed but not peeled then thinly sliced, half the onion was thinly sliced and both were added to a bowl with salt and pepper. Just before serving he hit the dish with a few tablespoons of the whipped salad dressing(which I really don't even like) and it was great.....we ate the entire bowl along with our great steaks and a lovely bottle of red wine.

Dropping in on our friends and bringing the food....try it sometime I think you will wish it happened every weekend.

Best Health
mm

mmm Cookbook

Yes another HOT day, but I promise not to just talk about the weather....so Canadian eh!

I wanted to share with you a very enjoyable meeting I had yesterday with another dynamic women and of course my favorite Niece Devon.

This lady, Julie, has just finished her treatments for Breast Cancer and our lives have crossed for like reasons.....to find a different career and lifestyle path for ourselves and our children and families. We met to discuss our partnership with a cookbook which we will be polling our Facebook fans for shortly on ideas and a vote for the cover you think would be best for our first edition.

Cookbooks for me are more than just about the recipe, I actually enjoy reading them.....I know that may be news to some. To me it is about getting to know the character, their journey and the people that surround them each day and make their lives what they have become......and of course what they love to cook along the way. This is my vision for our first book and I am certain that many of you that have already asked if there was a Marlene's Meal Makeovers book will be pleased to know that the "project" has taken flight.

Stay tuned for more updates on our endeavour and always love to hear your comments and ideas

Best Health
mm

Would you do it again

Good morning, can't believe we have been writing and cooking with pumpkin in the test kitchen this week....must get ready now for the fall release!

So I have had several questions now that I am 2 months post surgery with the DIEP Flap, the main question is "would you do it again, knowing what I know now"? My answer, absolutely yes! See for me being able to browse through my closet for a tank tops, a strapless bra or even choose a regular push-up(although I don't need to worry about pushing up the new one...LOL) is a comforting feeling. I believe for me ultimately it is about closure. Putting the past of the mastectomy, prosthesis, reminders of chemo and needles and tubes all in the past.

My mind is good, my body feels better each day and I love what I am doing.....how bad is that

Stay well, enjoy the summer
and Best Health
mm

First mmm monthly launched!

Today the first issue of the highly anticipated mmm monthly hit subscribers inbox. It features test kitchen tips, what I am up to over the next couple months, and others questions and feedback.

I obviously couldn't forget about my daughter Dakota, so she worked with me to create the kid's section of the newsletter (she was extremely excited to share her favorite snacks with other kids!).

If you have not yet heard or would like to subscribe to the newsletter please visit www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com to sign-up. Since this is only my first issue I would love to hear your comments as well as what you would like to see next month. Happy reading and happy cooking!

reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

Followed up with my surgeon on Wednesday at Toronto General and discussed next steps! As you know my decision was just to remove my "effected" breast and the choice to reconstruct that breast with the DIEP Flap surgery. Now that my surgery has been successfully completed, I am admittedly very satisfied with the results.

It is sort of like being pregnant.....I know seems like a ridiculous analogy but it is. When your belly grows it eventually drops just before birth; well with the reconstructive new breast....it needs to drop and then loose some of it's swelling from surgery to see just how it compares to the other side. Well, now 8 weeks post surgery I can say that it looks great but it still is not symmetrical. The next surgery, scheduled for November(6 months post), will be to reduce the breast on the other side and lift to match. During this surgery they can also use tissue to add a nipple on the "new" breast( one night in the hospital).

There are some hollow areas in my new breast that can be injected with any fat that I may have available on the sides of my abdominal area during this next procedure. My understanding is that I would need an additional 3 weeks for recovery again....mainly no major lifting.

So I am off to start running again getting ready for my next marathon this fall as I have been given the clearance to get moving!!!

No more excuses folks and working in the kitchen the amount I do, means I need to workout even that much more

Best Health
mm

Happy Canada Day

Proud to be a Canadian, do you have a flag?

Dakota and I will support our town's parade....with Hot Chocolate this morning however!!! I don't have any flags or decorations around our house and I was just thinking how so many others show their support and patriotism better.

What do you do, are your kids involved, do you have a Canada Day party? Or is being Canadian all about the "ease" of the day, relaxed at the cottage on the dock, sitting poolside with your favorite cocktail or snacks?

I just don't think we need to be grand to be Canadian

Note to self.....get a real flag next year

Happy Canada Day
mm

Strawberry Jam..and as always 3 things to do with it!

Try this jam recipe.... it is so easy! The quantity of sugar and raw honey you add is completely up to you (because everyone likes flexibility right?).

3 pints of fresh strawberries

3 cups of sugar (you can also substitute for raw honey here)

2 tablespoons of orange liqueur

1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced small

1. Place the berries in a deep pot and mix in sugar and orange liqueur.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Add apple and continue to stir until the mixture reaches 220 degrees on thermometer (around 25-35 mins.)

3. Skim any foam from top and discard.

4. Cool to room temperature and store in fridge or freezer jars if keeping longer.

Three things to do with your jam:

1. fill mini whole wheat pita's cut in half with jam and/or cream cheese. This is a great appetizer and Dakota's favorite for her lunch box.

2. Pour jam over a 8 oz block of light cream cheese and surround by your favorite cracker.

3. Warm up jam in the microwave and spoon over ice cream for a great looking dessert, add mint leaf and your a chef!

Reconstructive surgery, how long

We always want more time and never seem to find it. Then there are the few times that we are given time and we just don't know what to do with it or can't wait till the next "event".

Reconstructive surgery, my DIEP Flap, it was recommended that I not lift or do anything strenuous for 6weeks. In the early weeks I just didn't want to do anything anyways...I was happy to sit back in my Mom's lazy boy and just watch a television show or take an extra nap.

It was at week 2 that I just had to "do something" and not just read and drink herbal teas all day. When I am reading this now how silly this is; I have been looking for the time to start writing notes for my new book, or journal in Dakota's book that I am saving for her and yet when given the time I just felt like I needed to be accomplishing something.

With DIEP Flap surgery you need to plan to relax, not lift small children and know that you have the support system, like I do, around you to assist. Plan to have many books, I actually knit cotton dish cloths and read the newspaper from front to back each day! Starting to take small walks in the first week and then some light activities, I truly had my grove in 3 weeks and did not lift, even my pots, for 6 weeks.

Please do me one favour if you are considering this time to recoup.....actually find a way to enjoy it and take the time to do what we should do after all that we have been through...just relax

Best Health

mm

3 Things to do with Watermelon!

Hey Folks!

I thought I would share with you three things to do with watermelon so that you had some tricks up your sleeve for those hot summer days.

Cook Once- Speedy Watermelon Popsicles

1. Cut 3/4 inch (2cm) peeled slices of seedless watermelon into 3-inch (8-cm) long triangles.

2. Push a popsicle stick into the wide end of each triangle.

3. Coat top two-thirds of watermelon triangles in unsweetened coconut.

Produce One- Watermelon Punch

1. Process 6 cups (1.5L) cubed, peeled seedless watermelon in a food processor until smooth.

2. In a large pitcher, stir together watermelon puree and 3 cups (750mL) each of cranberry cocktail and club soda.

3. Pour into glasses and garnish with cubes of watermelon.

Produce Two- Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint

1. Arrange two 1/2 inch-(1 cm) slices peeled seedless watermelon on salad plates.

2. Scatter each portion with 1/4 cup (50mL) crumbled feta.

3. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of olive oil, 2 tsp (10 mL) torn mint leaves, and a pinch of black pepper.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe and I would love to hear what you think about it! Best Health to you all!

reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

Kid's need to know!

Dakota was 3 years old when I was originally diagnosed and although it broke my heart that I got sick, as I felt like I had let her down, it was what drove me to stay strong and positive through all that has happened.

Surgery is tough, no disguising this! Kid's I feel need to know what is happening, although age appropriate is always best. When I decided on reconstructive surgery we started to prepare Dakota that I would be back in the hospital, I was in for 5 days, and when I came home I would have 3 drain tubes. Dakota new about the tubes because I had them after my mastectomy( this was because my cancer had spread and I had to have surgery in my left arm for my lymphatic system). We explained to Dakota that this surgery was because they were putting Mommy "back together" and we were moving on !!! Dakota was so happy that she went to her kindergarten class and told them ALL that her Mom was getting a "new boob"!!!!!

Well if you can't laugh at a child's honesty then I am not sure what all this journey if for.

Kid's need to know; letting them take the journey with you allows them to respect others, show caring at time of suffering and be prepared better for what is ahead.....even if it is just a "new boob".

Best Health,

mm

Reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

Humpty Dumpty back together again, this is how I am feeling now all put back together!

I have been discussing my journey through DIEP Flap surgery that I completed 6 weeks ago and trying to answer all the questions and queries with my personal decision and journey.

Many have asked about the look and feel since surgery, well it is not the same as my original breasts, but I love not having the prothesis. Still not ready to wear t-shirts or anything tight as I still need to lift my right breast for "balancing". I am feeling more comfortable each day with the new body....I believe this comes down to your expectations post surgery?

The surgery was over 10 hours and for me the recovery in the beginning was slow but I realized once I hit the 3 week mark that all started feeling better and my energy was improved, therefore allowing me to start physically moving and healing.

Tomorrow I will start the discussions on what happened post surgery, the tubes the stitches etc. and what my daughter was like when I came home

Keep me posted with any questions and again this is just from my perspective and how my journey continues .....but glad to share and be honest!!

Best Health

mm

Reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

TIMING.......Isn't everything in life about timing?

My surgery had to be(or preferred) a year post radiation. My treatment consisted of 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 26 rounds of radiation, so once this was completed, then it was preferred that I wait 12 months before moving ahead with any surgery.

My DIEP Flap surgery was therefore 14 months from my last radiation treatment. Some say that they are not ready this early to make a decision and others cannot wait to have the surgery. My feelings are, that this stage of the process is so personal, and when I decided to move forward, then I couldn't wait to get the appointment and begin the journey.

Now I have to return back for surgery two more times. I will need to have surgery for a lift on my right side; this will better match the new breast. This surgery needs to be done after 3 months of recovery from the major surgery. After this you can choose to return for the last surgery, which would be for nipple reconstruction(again for some this is an option).

So timing, from being diagnosed to post surgery is almost 2 years; from this point till last surgery will be 2 1/2 - 3 years..... then "I am off the bus" with just regular check-ups!

So next time you meet someone that is going through cancer or someone who is supporting a loved one through cancer remember..... when you ask if it is over........ it is a long process and the support is not just during treatment!

Thank you to all that have supported my family and I, and continue to cheer us on.... we do love all of you! On Monday I will take a deeper dive into the surgery itself.... again from my personal perspective so please come back and have a coffee with me!

Best Health

mm

Reconstructive surgery post mastectomy...my journey

Why have reconstructive surgery? Well I am in my early 40's and with many more years ahead it only made me realize that how I feel everyday about my body does play an impact on my mind. Many of my friends and even my Mother were shocked to see my prosthesis and feel the weight of what I was carrying around each day. I only have one breast removed, so it was very necessary for me to wear the prosthesis in order to resume to some "normal" clothing attire. My prosthesis weighed close to 5lbs..... and yes I ran my first half marathon wearing it that day....insane....just a little!!!

So my decision was made and my other decision that took me awhile to conceive, was should I remove my "healthy" breast? I was confident after several discussions with my doctor's and doing my own research that the percentage of risk for cancer spreading to the other breast was minimal compared to my other risks. Therefore I decided to leave it, and this way I still have a part of me..... something natural that has feeling, not numb or somewhat "lifeless" as the new tissue(breast).

The process of making these decisions took me through a year's journey, but for those that do know me well, you know that once I have made a decision it is final and we move on!!!

Please remember that my decision to write this journey on my blog was that I am asked so often about this surgery and the stages. So please join me as I write through these next steps each day......and never hesitate to share your thoughts and comments

Best Health

mm

Reconstructive Surgery after Masectomy

Yes we are going to talk about the breast again!!!! I agreed to journal my experience through reconstructive surgery since my mastectomy..... but only to give my true experience for anyone that may have any questions or concerns from a breast cancer patients point of view.

My surgery was exactly 4 weeks ago today and I have been told by the surgeon that I should be able to resume some "normal" activities by week 6 and a full recovery by week 12......so I attempted some light gardening this weekend and as much as I love my garden, my body just was not ready.

So what kind of reconstructive surgery did I have? I had the Diep Flap surgery, performed at Toronto General Hospital and they are currently performing 1 of these surgeries a week. My surgery was a total of 11hours and performed by multiple surgeons. So what is Diep Flap?

A DIEP flap is a type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels called deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP), and the skin and fat connected to them are removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy without the sacrifice of any abdominal muscles.

The DIEP flap is similar to the muscle- sparing free TRAM flap but only requires the removal of skin and fat. Unlike with the TRAM procedure no muscle is sacrificed. The blood vessels, or perforators, required to keep the tissue alive lay just beneath or within the abdominal muscle. Therefore, a small incision is made in the abdominal muscle in order to access the vessels.

After the skin, tissues and perforators (collectively known as the "flap") have been dissected, the flap is transplanted and connected to the patients microsurgery. The plastic surgeon then shapes the flap to create a new breast. As no abdominal is removed or transferred to the breast patients experience less pain post-operatively and a faster recovery compared to the TRAM flap patients. Abdominal strength is also maintained long-term following the DIEP flap procedure.

Many women who undergo this form of reconstruction enjoy the added benefit of a flatter abdomen, with the results that mimic a "tummy tuck" procedure. The risk of abdominal complications such as a bulging and hernia is also very small, much smaller than with the TRAM flap method of reconstruction. As with all other types of breast reconstruction however, 2 or 3 stages performed a few months apart are often required to complete the reconstruction process and to obtain the best cosmetic result.

Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the surgery few breast cancer centers offer DIEP flap breast reconstruction despite the many advantages the procedure offers the TRAM flap.

Stay tuned for more stories about my journey through this surgery.

Pampered Chef Help Whip Cancer Tomato Knife

Good Monday morning, great weekend I hope for all! Even though it is not tomato season we have been using our "pink" tomato knife regularly in the mmm test kitchen and love it!!!!

We promised 3 things to do with tomatoes and our final recipe is.......Tomato stuffed with Tzatziki

Ingredients:

10 sweet cocktail tomatoes, halved and tomatoes removed

Tzatziki dip:

2 cups plain yogurt

1 cucumber, unpeeled and seeded

1 tbsp kosher salt

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tbsp. sherry vinegar

1 lemon freshly squeezed

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 clove minced garlic

1 tbsp. minced fresh dill

salt and black pepper

To make Tzatziki, place the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined sieve or you can also use a strong quality paper towel and set it over a bowl to drain....usually 2- 3 hours but I prefer to do this the night before I need it! Grate the cucumber on a box grater and toss with 1 tbsp of kosher salt, place it over another cheesecloth-lined sieve and leave for 2- 3 hours or overnight.

Transfer yogurt thickened yogurt to a mixing bowl and then drain cucumbers again by hand and add to the yogurt. Mix in the sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill and salt and pepper to taste.

Stuff each tomato and with the tzatziki, topped with a little more dill and enjoy a great appetizer using your Pampered Chef tomato knife available for sale at http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc. Best part about the knife is that a dollar of every purchase supports the research of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I hope everyone has a good week. Keep cooking once, producing twice!

Whip Cancer Tomato Knife- Produce Two

Hello Everyone.....here is Produce #2 of the Pampered Chef Help Whip Cancer tomato knife collection.










PRODUCE TWO: TOMATO CAPRESE SALAD
1. slice 8 tomatoes 1/2" thick with the Pampered Chef tomato knife.
2. Slice mozzarella 1/2" thick.
3. Collect Basil leaves which are to be left whole.
4. Take your favorite cheese board or serving tray and alternate between tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella slices.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

To support the fight against Breast Cancer you can purchase the Pampered Chef Help Whip Cancer knife at http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc. Enjoy!

Help Whip Cancer Tomato Knife Recipe

Hey folks......here is the recipe I promised!

Recipe One: Caesar Salad Stuffed Tomatoes

COOK ONE
1, Take 10 red vine tomatoes (bite size, but larger than the cherry potatoes).
2. Cut all the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds and insides of each tomato. Divide the quantity in half and save half for "Produce Two" (recipe two).
3. Get 5 romaine leaves, wash, and chop them small (make sure you wash the whole head and store in plastic bag with paper towel...it is now ready for the next time you need it).
4. Get 2 slices of bacon cooked or thinly sliced and chopped prosciutto.
5. Have Parmesan cheese ready for grating.
6. Also have one head of garlic roasted (cut top off leaving skin, then add a little olive oil, wrap in foil and put on barbecue or 400 degree oven for 40 minutes, squeeze garlic from skins that mash).
7. create dressing, ingredients below
1 tsp. of Dijon mustard
1 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. of vinegar
1 roasted head of garlic mashed
1 1/2 juiced lemons
salt and pepper
1/4 cup of olive oil
* whisk all of the above, then add to lettuce mixture.
8. Mix all of the above ingredients and stuff inside each tomato half. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top and you have a wonderful appetizer.
All of the above can be made easier using the Pampered Chef Whip for Cancer cooking knife avaliable for sale at http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc. Best of all a $1.00 of each sale goes towards the fight against Breast Cancer. Keep cooking once, producing twice!

Help Whip Cancer Tomato Knife

This is truly the best knife for tomatoes I have ever used in the mmm test kitchen. Not only is it a great knife but also a $1.00 of each product sold in the Help Whip Cancer line is donated to the Canadian Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research. To view the Whip Cancer line please visit http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc. Thanks to Pampered Chef for allowing me to use their products to "Cook Once, Produce Twice".

Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Restaurant

Hello everyone....it's Devon here, Marlene's niece from the office of mmm. Since my aunt is still healing from her reconstructive surgery, she asked if I could post a blog about a picture I took of Jamie Oliver's restaurant called Fifteen in England while I was on vacation. I stumbled across this restaurant in Brighton and took a picture for my aunt (as she is a big fan) not realizing 'till now that this is no ordinary restaurant. Fifteen is a restaurant run through the Jamie Oliver foundation which gives young individuals who are often unemployed, homeless, or overcoming drug and alcohol addictions the opportunity to create themselves a career in the restaurant industry. It was named after the first fifteen interns that the Jamie Oliver foundation supported and it's profits go back to foundation to ensure that they can provide this opportunity to as many young people as possible. Interns get to work with leading experts in the field to get the necessary experience it takes to survive in the restaurant industry. For all we know maybe they cook once and produce twice! Before I go for those of you who are wondering how my aunt is healing she is doing great and starting to get back on her feet. I am sure she will be back in the sanctuary of her kitchen cooking up a storm soon!

Raspberries......#3

Thank you to everyone for the kind messages, flowers, magazines and goodies while I was in the hospital.....now ready to hopefully get back to my kitchen by end of month. Watch my blogs all this week for my journey through reconstructive surgery and what really happens!
Now back to the good stuff, Raspberries.....have I kept you waiting for my 3rd recipe and how I turned the pink and white dot martini glasses from Pampered Chef into a vessel for these amazing recipes?
Recipe 3, I took 1 pint of each different raspberry(yes there is more then just red ones), I used yellow(which Dakota picked), red and black. I used small bamboo skewers and alternated between these berries but starting with a pinepple chunk on each end for better support.
Fill each martini glass with your favourite yogurt and top with 3 small skewers. My daughter loved them....it was so fancy she said.

Enjoy and remember all of these pink products, like the pink and white dot martini glasses are available at Pampered Chef where a $1.oo of each sale goes to the Canadian Cancer Society to help support Breast Cancer Research......what a great way to help.

Enjoy the sunshine and please return for my regular blogs and recipe updates,
Best Health
mm

3 things to do with Raspberries.....#2

Good morning everyone, I am bouncing out of bed these days and I assume because of our early summer. Early summer brings the raspberry season and in our test kitchen we have been working on 3 things to do with raspberries and the white and pink dot martini glasses from the Pampered Chef. These glasses are in support of the Help Whip Cancer campaign which donates $1.00 from the sale of this product to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of Breast Research.....so it's all good!!!
Recipe 2, Raspberry kabobs
3 pints of raspberries(I used three kinds of raspberries, black, golden and red)
half of a pineapple
mint leaves
1 squeezed lemon
Take your mini kabob skewers and alternate one of each of the above; each kind of raspberry, pineapple and mint leave.
Rim the martini glasses with our Sweet Honey Vanilla Sugar from Pampered Chef and some lemon juice.
Fill with kabobs and squeeze some of the lemon over top
So elegant and so pretty....MOM will approve on Sunday

Please join me in supporting the Help Whip Cancer campaign and you can order any of these products at http//www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc

3 things you can do with Raspberries....sweet!

It is a rainy day but it brings great thoughts of how wonderful the "berry" season will be next month. Dakota and I love raspberries so with the new pink items supplied by Pampered Chef for the Help Whip Cancer campaign... I am off in our test kitchen creating some very sweet treats.
My first recipe is a juice, with raspberries of course!
In my juicer I have the following:
1 beet
1 pint of raspberries
1 apple
1 carrot
1 banana
Juice the above and enjoy an amazing PINK looking drink. I poured the juice in the Pink and White dot martini glasses and used lemon juice to rim the glasses in the Sweet Honey Vanilla Sprinkles, both provided by Pampered Chef. I served them in our kitchen and they flew out the door....so good.

The Pampered Chef will contribute $1.00 from the sale of this product to the Canadian Cancer Society for breast cancer programs......please help support and contact your local representative today @ http//www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc

Help Whip Cancer

In order for us to "Whip Cancer" we not only need to support great campaigns like the Pampered Chef's, "Help Whip Cancer", we also need to be diligent on the food we choose to eat and serve our families. As the Cook Once, Produce Twice Queen I have once again found a way to enjoy the "Pink" Products supplied by Pampered Chef(with a portion of the proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society)and use them to turn raspberries into three great dishes.
Stay tuned tomorrow for my first recipe and the new pictures from our test kitchen with the Pampered Chef pink items. With Mother's day around the corner don't wait these products make a wonderful Mother's Day gift; follow these links to contact your local representative and stay tuned for our continued story

http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/shopOnline.tpc

Whip for Cancer

Well I am very excited to be sharing a wonderful charity from our good friends at Pampered Chef....Whip for Cancer! There are several products that your Pampered Chef Consultant has in their tool kit this month. When you purchase these "pink" items the proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society.....and just in time for Mother's day. Check back daily for my review on each of the products and the recipes I created around them!!

Best Health
Marlene

Pickering College 100th Anniversary Gala event

Met Jamie Kennedy, renowned Canadian Chef with Tanya Bradley by my side at the Annual Pickering College Gala. What a wonderful evening with the money being raised for this iconic school in Newmarket, Ontario. The meal was also accompanied by Sommelier-Owner, James Treadwell and we enjoyed each course with a description of the food from Jamie and James with an understanding of the wine they chose to pair each with....it was a wonderful evening!!!
My hair and make-up were kindly sponsored again by Salon Luxe....my good gals Julia and Lesley
Best Health
mm