Tuna Zucchini Cakes recipe

Yep, I went in for the TB check - the woman ran her hand over my arm and announced in a loud voice, "Good, you're clean!". I wasn't sure if she meant I was clear of TB or intravenous drugs. Honestly.

To celebrate, we ate Tuna Zucchini Cakes. They're easy AND tasty AND cheap.

Tuna Zucchini Cakes

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 can (6-1/2 ounces)light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup shredded zucchini
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil

In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Add the tuna, zucchini, eggs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Stir until well combined Shape into six 1/2-inch thick patties; coat with remaining bread crumbs.

In a large skillet, heat oil. Cook the patties for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Yield: 3 servings

TasteofHome special Issue dinner on a Dime 2010
Billie Blanton / Kingsport, Tennessee

Garbanzo Bean Burgers recipe

Try this veggie burger - it's one of the very best I've tasted. I think you'll like it, too.

Garbanzo Bean Burgers
These hearty burgers are a yummy alternative to meat and will help you cut back on saturated fat.

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and mashed
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped *
• 1 carrot, finely chopped *
• 1/4 cup small onion, peeled and finely chopped *
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1. Mix all ingredients (except the cooking oil) together in a large bowl.
2. Divide to form 6 burger-shaped patties.
3. Fry in a lightly-oiled skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on one side.
4. Turn and brown the other side.
5. Serve on whole wheat rolls with lettuce and tomato or your favorite condiments.

Yield: 6 burger patties

*You may choose to saute the veggies first. It adds a wonderful blend of flavors.
NOTE: Canned beans will also work well if you’re short on time. Just be sure to rinse well to remove excess salt.

With knowledge comes understanding

This morning I spoke with the public health nurse who is administering the TB medication to Mama. She suggested that Butterfly and I go to the Lanakila clinic to get TB tests - I told her I'd already had it done in Wahiawa. Now I need to get Butterfly tested.

I asked the nurse if the radiologist's decision to halt the radiation treatments was because of the possibility of infecting the staff and other patients. She said that was the most reasonable explanation. The patients undergoing radiation treatment were already immunity-depressed and would be very susceptible to contracting TB from my mother if she was contagious, even if Mama wore the required face mask. The doctors wouldn't want to expose the hospital staff to infection either. Nurse said that we'd know on Wednesday whether Mama was contagious or not. If she's not, then Nurse will contact the doctors so that the radiation treatment can begin immediately. I'm praying for a good report tomorrow.

The Nurse also explained what they were looking for on a positive TB test; a raised welt at the test site. Not red or pink color - a raised welt. Whew! I don't have a welt and the red has faded to a light pink. I think I'm in the clear.

Tonight I can sleep easy.

Doesn't make sense to a mere layman

I went to work again today. It was only for three hours and wasn't REALLY physically taxing but I came home tired again. I really hate being this tired all the time. I try to eat healthy (aside from the chocolate). I take vitamin supplements. I TRY to get enough sleep. I really shouldn't be this tired.

Before making it home I stopped to get a TB test. I was amazed at the verification that had to be done before they'd consent to give me the test. They wanted to be certain that the person I was exposed to was in the system. They called the Lanakila branch to get my mother's name and ID info. They wanted to know why I didn't get tested up there when I took my mother in (no testing is done on Thursday because the reading can't be done within the two day time frame due to Hawaii's budget-saving furlough Fridays AND I live over here, NOT over there.) Lots and lots of questions. I was beginning to feel like I was on display for shoplifting or some other ridiculous thing. FINALLY, everyone was all smiles and apologies for the crazy process and I got the syringe.

Here I am hours later and the spot doesn't look right. I hope I'm hallucinating and the spot isn't really red. It isn't supposed to be red or pink or anything other than regular skin tone. I'll check again in the morning - I really don't want to look at it anymore. I go back to the clinic on Wednesday.

I called Mama to see how her first day of radiation went. She was indignant. The van had picked her up at the appointed time and had taken her to the hospital. She waited for two hours before Dr. Yamashiro came down to tell her that he and Dr Druger had decided that since she was on TB meds for the next six to nine months that it wouldn't be good to give her radiation at this time. They thought it would be prudent to wait for at least six weeks.

Mama came unglued (you should see her in this state - it's really quite an amazing sight as long as you aren't the target.) She asked the doctor how he could wait that long while the cancer was rapidly spreading - did he think the cancer would wait while the TB medication did its job? She wanted the radiation right now to stop the spread as much as possible. (Yea, Mama!) He finally rescheduled the procedure for two weeks away.

I'm proud of my mother. She has always been a take charge, no nonsense woman. She is determined to fight these cancers and TB to the best of her ability and with all her heart. She has never been an "obedient" wife, employee, tenant, or now, patient. She's not an easy woman to be a daughter, friend, or (as I have heard) husband to, but she is someone to be admired.

Stubbornness is what might pull her through this uphill climb and stubbornness is what she has more than any other person I know.

Medicinal Mushrooms

I've been researching the healing properties of mushrooms for several weeks in order to come up with something that I could give Mama to help her body heal the cancers (and now TB).

As a young teenager I watched science movies that included info about cordyceps mushrooms. Maybe you've seen them, too? You know, the movies that show ants and catepillars that are infected with a fungus, but the insects keep moving until mushrooms pop out of their heads? I think those science movies inspired Aliens. Years later I read about the medicinal properties of those mushrooms and used cordyseps capsules to help with my own health problems.

Many species of mushrooms have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. The ability of some mushrooms to inhibit tumor growth and enhance aspects of the immune system has been a subject of research for approximately 50 years. Currently, researchers are focusing on mushrooms that appear to offer anti-cancer and immune system enhancing activity, but research is being conducted in many areas including: mushroom polysaccharides and the immune system, antioxidant activity, effects on blood sugar, effects on cholesterol, anti-hormone activity, vitamin D2, anti-viral/anti-microbial properties, and of course, cancer studies.

The following list is a relatively short synopsis of the properties of medicinal mushrooms:

Reishi/Ling Chi - Several species of Reishi have been used in traditional Asian medicines for thousands of years. Researchers have noted Reishi appears to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Animal studies have noted Reishi may protect the liver and protect against radiation. A randomized clinical study noted Reishi improved urinary tract symptoms in men.

Yun Zhi/Turkey Tail is probably the best documented medicinal mushroom. It is a mushroom which has provided the world with a leading cancer drug. The drug is known as Polysaccharide-K (Kresin, PSK, PSP) and its use is intended to counter-act the immune system depressing actions of common chemotherapeutic drugs. In Japan, the Health and Welfare Ministry (equivalent to the United States' Food and Drug Administration) approved Polysaccharide-K in the 1980s. All health care plans in Japan cover the use of Polysaccharide-K.

Used in conjunction with chemotherapy, PSK has increased the survival time of cancer patients in randomized, control studies. Large clinical trials have indicated it is useful in the treatment of stomach cancer (meta-analysis of 8,009 patients from eight randomized controlled trials),[118] colorectal cancer (randomized, controlled study of 448 patients),[119] small cell carcinoma of the lungs, and non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Maitake/Hen of the Woods is an edible mushroom commonly found on oak trees. Maitake has been researched for possible anti-cancer activity in Breast cancer, Liver cancer and Lung cancer.

In 2009, a phase I/II human trial, conducted by Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, showed Maitake could stimulate the immune systems of breast cancer patients. In vitro research has also shown Maitake can stimulate immune system cells.

Himematsutake is a species of mushroom that research has shown may stimulate the immune system and exhibit anti-cancer activity. In Japan, Himematsutake is a highly popular alternative medicine, which is used by close to 500,000 people. In Japan, Himematsutake is also the most popular complementary and alternative medicine used by cancer patients. According to the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, the number 2 ranked cancer hospital in the US according to U.S. News, "there is some proof showing Himematsutake extract may benefit patients with certain cancers. But more studies are needed to confirm these observations."

Most published research concerning Himematsutake is focused on its potential as an anti-cancer agent of Colorectal cancer, Fibrosarcoma, Sarcoma, Gynecological cancer, Ovarian cancer, Lung cancer, Leukemia, Myeloma, Hepatocarcinoma, Stomach cancer, Prostate cancer, and Skin cancer.

Oyster mushroom naturally contains the statin drug Lovastatin. Research has also shown the oyster mushroom has anti-cancer properties. In vitro research has shown oyster mushrooms can reduce the growth of human breast and colon cancer cells. An in vivo experiment showed a beta-glucan isolated from the mushroom reduced colon cancer growths in rats. An in vivo experiment, demonstrated the mushroom's anti-cancer activity in rats with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced cancer.

The White Button, Crimini, and Portobello is the world's most popular edible mushroom, and is known by many names. Researchers at the City of Hope National Medical Center are studying whether this mushroom may inhibit breast cancer development. White button mushrooms may reduce the risk of breast cancer, because they have been shown in vitro to inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which is used by the body to create estrogen. The FDA and the National Cancer Institute have proposed to study U.S. food consumption data to explore whether mushrooms and their vitamin D-2 content may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

In vivo research conducted on mice suggests the white button mushroom may enhance aspects of the immune system. In vitro testing has shown a compound present in the white button mushroom has anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of various cancer cell lines.

Shiitake is a popular culinary mushroom used in dishes around the world. Modern research has indicated that Shiitake mushroom may stimulate the immune system, possess anti-bacterial properties, reduce platelet aggregation, and possess anti-viral properties.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a compound isolated from Shiitake. In Japan, AHCC is the second most popular complementary and alternative medicine used by cancer patients.

In addition, research has shown that AHCC may increase the body's resistance to pathogens as shown in experiments with the influenza virus, west nile encephalitis virus, and bacterial infection. Research has shown AHCC may enhance immune function, may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and benefit patients with prostate cancer.

Another compound isolated from Shiitake, Lentinan, is used as an intravenous anti-cancer agent in some countries. Studies have demonstrated lentinan possesses anti-tumor properties, and human clinical studies have associated lentinan with a higher survival rate, higher quality of life, and lower re-occurrence of cancer. Clinical research with lentinan includes studies with 78 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 32 gastric cancer patients, a multi-institutional study of lentinan and gastric cancer, a meta-analysis of lentinan and gastric cancer, 80 colorectal cancer patients, 20 gastric cancer patients, 36 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and 29 pancreatic cancer patients. The City of Hope National Medical Center is currently conducting clinical trials to determine if a select portion of the Shiitake mushroom, which includes Lentinan, can inhibit lung cancer.

Yamabusitake/Lion's Mane has been researched for possible anti-dementia activity. In vitro experiments with Yamabusitake have demonstrated its ability to stimulate rat nerve cells, stimulate nerve growth factor in human astrocytoma cells, and stimulate myelination. Additionally, a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial showed that supplementation with Yamabusitake improved cognitive ability.

Enokitake are long, thin white mushrooms commonly used in Asian cuisines. Enokitake mushrooms contain compounds with anti-tumor activity and epidemiological studies in Japan have associated the mushroom with lower cancer rates. In vivo research showed that Proflamin, a compound isolated from Enokitake provided an 85% longer survival time in mice with cancer. Another in vivo study showed that Enokitake demonstrated anti-cancer activity in Swiss albino mice with Sarcoma 180.

Chaga mushroom has the highest ORAC rating (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of any known natural food. ORAC numbers measure the antioxidant power of foods. Though ORAC ratings will vary as much as 10 to 15 percent depending on the type of testing or the region of the food tested, chaga mushrooms are twice as high or more as the previously highest ORAC rated foods such as Acai berries or Chinese Wolfberries. And those two berries have much higher ORAC ratings then all the other antioxidant foods.

In Russia, Poland, Korea, China, Japan, and Australia, chaga teas and extracts have proven to boost the immune system, reduce hypertension, stop tumor growth and inhibit cancer, especially breast, liver, uterine and gastric cancers. When used along with conventional cancer treatments, it alleviated most of the side effects from those treatments and enhanced the immune system. One has a better chance of surviving chemo with chaga! Chaga even looks promising for treating AIDS.

Chaga mushrooms are high in betulinic acid, which inhibits tumors and cancer cells. Triterpenes that detoxify the liver and also inhibit cancer cell growth and polysaccharides that enhance the immune system and fight viral infections as well as cancer are also abundant in chaga mushrooms.

Cauliflower mushroom and King oyster mushroom contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Kanbatake/Birch bracket mushroom may possess anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-bacterial properties, and anti-viral properties.

Yanagimatsutake/Chestnut mushroom contains compounds that work against the same enzyme which is the target of Advil, Tylenol, and other NSAIDS. An in vitro experiment, revealed the mushroom may offer anti-cancer and immune-stimulating properties.

Tinder conk mushroom contains compounds with anti-cancer activity.

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus which grow out of insects it has infected. The fungus remains essentially dormant until the caterpillar dies; the fungus then replaces the caterpillar's body with its own material and grows its stalk upward and above-ground. Research has indicated Cordyceps may promote cellular health, have anti-depressant activity, as well as possible anti-cancer activity.

Mesima/Meshimakobu/Song-gen/Sang-hwang have been used for centuries in traditional Korean medicine. A paper published by Harvard Medical School, reported that Mesima is a promising anti-cancer agent.

Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti has a marvelous cross-indexed chart of medicinal mushrooms and their therapeutic uses. Here is a small sampling of the info:
Anti-tumor: Himematsutake, Cordyseps, Artist Conk, Reishi/Ling Chi, Oregon Polypore, Maitake/Hen of the Woods, Yamabusitake/Lion's Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Zhu Ling, Suehirotaka/Split Gill, Yun Zhi/Turkey Tail
Blood Pressure: Cordyseps, Reishi/Ling Chi, Maitake/Hen of the Woods, Shiitake, Hiratake/Pearl Oyster
Immune System: Himematsutake, Cordyseps, Reishi/Ling Chi, Oregon Polypore, Maitake/Hen of the Woods, Chaga, Shiitake, Birch Polypore, Hiratake/Pearl Oyster, Zhu Ling, Yun Zhi/Turkey Tail

Fungi Perfecti sells mixed blends of medicinal mushrooms in capsule form and a few medicinal mushroom teas, too.

Cocoa Brownies recipe

We went back to the beach today. It was a beautiful, warm day - perfect for lying in the sand reading a book at Haleiwa. Butterfly spent most of her time doing handstands in the water as she gathered more "rocks" - actually worn pieces of coral and shells. She must have been a fish in a former life - she's more comfortable in the water than she is on land.

We ate homemade pizza, spam musubi, cocoa brownies, plums, bananas, tangerines and Hawaiian kettle-style chips. I consoled myself with the idea that the veggies on the pizza and the fruit were healthy.

I called Mama to check on her - she was her back-to-normal grouchy self although she DID say she was fine. I'll call tomorrow to check on her again. She starts radiation treatment on Monday. I can guess all sorts of reasons for her bad mood, but the truth of the matter is that she's normally in a bad mood when interacting with me. It's just one of those facts of life. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

I eat a lot of chocolate lately. I have several cocoa brownie recipes. This is a good one when I want something a little bit "cake-ier" than normal. I hope you like it, too.

Cocoa Brownies

2 sticks butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. plain flour
6 tbsp. cocoa (heaping tbsp. make richer brownies)
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chopped nuts, optional

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, then remaining ingredients. Bake in a 9 x 13 inch greased pan for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees. If you want more cake-like brownies, bake longer and use only level tablespoons of cocoa.

Makes 20 brownies.

Miso and Asian Greens Soup recipe

It's been a long day, folks, so there's no blogging tonight, just another soup recipe. I love this one - it's very healthy and tastes wonderful. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Miso and Asian Greens Soup

1 T peanut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 lg carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
6 c water, vegetable stock, or dashi
2 (8-in) strips kombu, soaked in warm water for 1 hour
4 to 6 scallions chopped
1 (2-in) section daikon, peeled & sliced thin
2 c coarsely chopped bok choy, pat soi, or red shen choy
2 c shredded Chinese cabbage
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 to 3 T miso paste

In a large saucepan heat the oil. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the water, kombu, half of the scallions, and the daikon, and bring to a simmer. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the greens and ground pepper, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes more over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, dissolve the miso paste in 2 to 3 T warm water. At the last minute, remove the kombu and stir the miso paste into the soup. Do not boil the soup once the miso paste has been added.

Ladle the soup into large soup bowls and top with the remaining scallions.

Yield: 6 servings.