Code Delicious with Dr. Mike breaks all the rules. Unabashedly confronting the questions, concerns and conundrums that continually confuse both public and experts alike; Dr. Mike takes us on a tasty trip of inquiry. Sometimes controversial, but always entertaining Dr. Mike covers the intersection of food and health as no one else can. As a professional chef, Dr. Mike takes us on a culinary tour de force. As a cardiologist and educator, Dr. Mike guides us through the changes to our food and food pathways over the last half century that have resulted in our modern epidemic of disability and disease. The result is a distillation of pure pleasure seasoned with life altering information.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Duck Confit.
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Ingredients:
Aromatics for Confit:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 220 degrees, In a large hotel pan place aromatics on the bottom.
Place the duck legs intertwining, over the aromatics.
Using all fat from the breakdown of the whole ducks, cover the duck legs completely.
Cover with parchment paper, then foil tightly. Cook for 4 hours, or until the meat easily breaks away from the bone.
When cooled, take duck legs out of the fat, and strain fat. Place in ½ hotel pans with fat poured over the legs.
Discard liquid, keep all fat for other uses.
Sponsor:
Get farm to table ingredients and recipes delivered right to your door every week with Sun Basket. Go to SunBasket.com/delicious to save $35 off of your first order.
Make cooking enjoyable.Meal preparation used to take about seven hours. Innovations led to prepared, packaged foods. These time savers were embraced widely. Who wouldn’t want to cut down cooking time to a mere three hours from seven?
It’s tricky to return to that age before convenience.
Get farm to table ingredients and recipes delivered right to your door every week with Sun Basket. Go to SunBasket.com/delicious to save $35 off of your first order. - sponsor
However, you can cook incredible meals from simple ingredients. Keep it simple and make as many of your meals as possible. Other cultures have interesting cooking techniques that you can use in your own kitchen.
When food is scarce, innovations are made to get the most out of what is available. Fermentation, curing and preservation came out of a need to have food after the growing season. Cheap, abundant food becomes ancillary. The connection to food decentralizes its place in your life.
Listen as Christopher Kimball joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how to love the simple foods you create at home.
Sponsor:
Get farm to table ingredients and recipes delivered right to your door every week with Sun Basket. Go to SunBasket.com/delicious to save $35 off of your first order.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Mediterranean Chicken Thighs.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Remove the chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to remove the chill.
Preheat the oven to 350°. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large ovenproof pan or Dutch oven large enough to hold all the thighs in a single layer, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the garlic cloves to the pan and flip the thighs over.
Cook until the garlic is fragrant and has gotten a little brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and set aside.
Add the onions, lemon slices and oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the onions have wilted and the brown bits on the bottom of the pan have loosened, 6 to 8 minutes.
Nestle the thighs skin-side up in the onion mixture and add the garlic and the olives.
Pour the lemon juice over the chicken and transfer the pan to the oven.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
Scatter fresh oregano leaves over the top and serve.
Industrial food contributes to chronic illness in children. Find out how.A lot of chronic disease begins in childhood. An unhealthy gut microbiome contributes to susceptibility for chronic disease.
What are we feeding our kids?
Genetically modified foods and pesticides can alter cells and disrupt the gut. A non-industrial, organic-based diet can heal the gut.
Regulatory agencies typically rely on manufacturers themselves to provide most of the data supporting safety of genetic modification. Not all foods are tested on people before they are taken to market.
Genetic modification isn’t absolutely bad. Innovations can come from genetic modification.
Listen as Dr. Vincanne Adams and Dr. Michelle Perro join Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss genetic modification and pesticide use impacting food in detail.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Mediterranean Style Red Snapper with Fennel.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine the lemon zest, garlic, thyme and cayenne; rub over fillets. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook fillets in 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm.
In the same pan, sauté the red pepper and onions & fennel in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Serve with snapper. Sprinkle with olives and chives. Yield: 4 servings.
Sponsor: Real Salt - Is Your Salt Real?
Cholesterol isn't bad for your heart, contrary to what you may have heard.Doctors have gotten it wrong about cholesterol in the past. The guidelines have changed, but we still get stuck on old information.
Why have you been told to avoid saturated fault? Because of cholesterol. You’ve been told cholesterol causes heart disease. Wrong.
You need cholesterol for vitamin D production, sex hormones and brain health.
This focus on cholesterol has lead to the over-prescription of statins. In many cases, you can improve heart health without these drugs. Statins are mildly anti-inflammatory but carry many side effects. Fish oil can reduce inflammation and has no negative side effects. Citrus bergamot lowers triglycerides and inflammation and raises HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind).
Cholesterol is far more complicated than the two categories established decades ago. Particle testing is more reliable for getting an accurate picture of your own cholesterol. Of course, your cholesterol numbers won’t determine your risk for heart disease.
It’s more important to reduce your inflammatory risk by improving your diet and helping your gut microbiome than to worry about cholesterol.
Listen as Dr. Jonny Bowden joins Dr. Mike Fenster to preach the gospel of cholesterol.
Sponsor: Real Salt - Is Your Salt Real?
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Porchetta. Recipe variation from Mario Batali.
Yields up to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Butterfly pork loin to become a sheet 1inch thick and about 8 inches by 14 inches. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
In a 12 to 14 inch saute pan, heat olive oil until smoking. Add onion and fennel and saute until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ground pork, fennel seeds, pepper, rosemary and garlic. Cook until the mixture assumes a light color, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Add chopped fennel leaves and eggs and mix well.
Spread mixture over pork loin and roll up like a jelly roll. Tie with butchers twine and place in roast pan on top of halved red onions. Place in oven and roast 75 minutes, or until interior temperature is 140 degrees F. Remove and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Sponsor: Real Salt
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Warm Brussels Sprout & Hazelnut Salad.
Ingredients
Cut the core off the bottom of each sprout to release the leaves. Put the leaves in a bowl. Chop up the core of each sprout. Add the core pieces to the bowl of leaves.
Chop hazelnuts or crush with a mortar and pestle. Place in a medium bowl. Add shallots, vinegar, honey and oil. Set bowl to the side.
Cook bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about four minutes. Put bacon to the side. Save the grease for the rest of the recipe.
Add 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to the bowl of shallots, hazelnuts, honey and liquids. Whisk to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.
Place skillet with remaining bacon fat over high heat until lightly smoking. Cook brussels sprouts without stirring for about one minute until they start popping. Stir, cook for one more minute. Remove from heat.
Add leaves to mixture. Toss. Top with bacon and serve.
Learn about improving your bone health.If you’re suffering from chronic disease, it’s time to look to your food as medicine. Your body rebuilds tissues with proper nutrition.
Nutrition can help with the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Learning about how bones are built and how your food is processed assists in making choices for maximum calcium absorption.
There are a few things you can do to improve bone health immediately. Look at your vitamin K2 consumption. Improve your cardio health. Implement herbed bone vinegar in your recipes.
Listen as Dr. Laura Kelly joins Dr. Mike Fenster to explore how nutrition affects bone health.
Prevent or treat your chronic disease with lifestyle medicine.Seventy to eighty percent of chronic disease is driven by lifestyle. This includes nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise, substance use and stress.
Lifestyle medicine employs behavioral changes to prevent and treat chronic disease when possible. This field is growing rapidly. Speak with your doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make to improve your chronic disease conditions.
Listen as Dr. Dexter Shurney joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss lifestyle medicine.
Changing your diet can improve your type-2 diabetes symptoms.Food works as medicine. Type-2 diabetes can be addressed with nutrition.
Clearing the packaged products out of your pantry can help you take control of your health. Drop the convenience foods from your diet and stick to natural foods simply prepared. Look at the quality of the foods you eat.
When it’s time to eat, use smaller plates. Eat until you’re 80 percent full. Make vegetables the feature of your plate and treat protein as a side dish.
You may need to reprioritize things in your life. Eat before heading to the grocery store. Sort out the best time of day for you to eat and exercise.
Listen as Denise Pancyrz joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how she took control of her diabetes diagnosis by changing her eating habits.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Eggplant Parmesan.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the Fontina cheese into four thick, narrow, long slices. Place cheese on each chop and wrap the prosciutto around the cheese.
Mix the salt and white pepper into the flour, and sprinkle this on the veal chops. (Don't dredge.)
Heat the olive oil very hot in a large skillet. Brown the chops, two at a time, to a medium-dark, crusty brown on both sides. Remove the chops and repeat with the second two.
Put all four chops onto a roasting pan and into the oven at 450 degrees. Roast the chops for 12-15 minutes, until top is brown and crusty and the cheese is oozing out the sides a little.
After cooking all chops, pour the excess oil from the skillet, leaving only a film. Return to medium heat and add the butter, onions, and garlic, and cook until the onions are clear.
Add the white wine and bring to a boil, whisking the bottom of the pan to dissolve the pan juices. Reduce the wine by about half, then add the mushrooms and cook until they're soft.
Whisk in the whipping cream and bring to a light boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for two or three more minutes to a light sauce consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nap the veal chops with the sauce and lots of the mushrooms.
Keene's Top Chef Competition - November 16, 2017
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest delicious recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Poached Pears.
Poached pears are great as an appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a small saucepan, off the heat, combine the wine, the juice from the lemon and orange, 1 of the squeezed orange quarters, the maple sugar, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Add the pears and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the pears occasionally, until they're easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 25 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to individual plates.
Remove and discard the orange quarter and spices. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook until syrupy and reduced by two-thirds, about 15 minutes, depending on size of pan. Spoon the sauce over the pears.
Keene's Top Chef Competition - November 16, 2017
You may be able to arrest health symptoms with the GAPS diet.Many health issues are a direct result of the foods you eat.
The modern Western diet plays with pleasure centers, preventing you from recognizing the symptoms in your body after eating non-optimum foods.
Becoming Predisposed to Health Issues
There are more caesarean sections than in prior generations. This means fewer babies are passing through the birth canal to get a dose of mothers’ vaginal bacteria. Vaccines, antibiotics, environmental toxins and processed foods disrupt a baby’s gut bacteria.
The bad bacteria start to outweigh the good. They attack the good bacteria, weakening the gut lining. The weakened gut lining leads to undesirable health conditions.
Once you are diagnosed with a health condition, it’s hard to undo the mechanics that landed you there.
Using quality ingredients and spending more time in the kitchen can improve your health.
The GAPS Diet
Started by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride, the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is an elimination diet that cuts out anything that could deliver bad bacteria, such as boiled meats, broth, non-fibrous vegetables and veggies without stalks. Each stage takes a few days. Foods are reintroduced slowly.
Bad bacteria will kick and scream to save themselves. It’s not unusual to feel ill while on the diet. If a reintroduced food makes you feel sick, return to the prior stage of the diet without that food for a few more days.
Listen as Hilary Boynton joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how you can use food to improve your health.
Grow your own food and join the farm-to-table movement.Growing your own food helps you eat fresh. You can eat seasonally and join the farm-to-table movement.
Start by growing staples that you use frequently in the kitchen: lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and herbs. Keep your meals simple, but make them tasty. Get innovative with traditional dishes and be sure you can taste the individual components
Listen as chef Vincent Scafiti joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how to live farm-to-table.
Find out how your gut protects you and how you can protect your gut.Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can positively alter health. They must be administered in the right dosage and make it through the digestive tract to be effective.
Your gut is designed to maintain health and wellness through healthy bacteria. You may selectively destroy aspects. Or, toxins may have entered your body and started killing off your bacteria friends.
The bacteria in your microbiome protect you from the endotoxins generated by digestion. A healthy microbiome neutralizes the endotoxins. An unhealthy gut leads to the endotoxins leaking into the body. That leaky gut can lead to degenerative diseases.
Listen as Kiran Krishnan joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share his latest findings about changing the inflammatory response to food and leaky gut syndrome.
Finally! An answer to the question, "Which diet is the best?"Here’s the short and simple: There is no best diet for everyone. There is no magic bullet that will make your waistline shrink and your health improve overnight.
The best diet for you is the one that gives you the best results. Every person has different genetic factors and health histories.
It’s better to look at the key ingredients that successful diets include.
If you’re having trouble with chronic health issues or weight loss, a great place to start is the Mediterranean diet. It focuses on fresh whole foods like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, red wine and olive oil. These components are helpful for most people.
Purity makes a difference. Eat foods that aren’t heavily processed. Stick to things that aren’t packed with preservatives, fat and sugars.
Portion size if also important. Americans are conditioned to have large, full plates of food. You don’t have to super-size the meals you cook and eat.
Mindful eating aids digestion. Dining while on the go doesn’t relax your body for digestion. Mindless eating can lead to overeating or unhealthy eating. Chill out and enjoy the nourishment of your food.
Meal planning is your friend. This keeps you from having to get fast food. Have things prepared and ready for meal prep. It takes a few minutes to sauté veggies or make a smoothie, especially if you’re prepared.
Consider eating seasonally. Enjoy what nature is providing right now. Eat hearty soups in the winter and lighter soups and salads in summer. You can also save money by purchasing what is newly harvested.
Start with a healthy breakfast. Have something rich in fiber, protein and healthy fat. It sets the stage for your day.
Listen as Renee Simon joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how to find the best diet for you.
Learn about the relationship between turmeric and curcumin.Turmeric is a spice prevalent in southeast Asia. Curcumin is contained within turmeric and provides health benefit.
You would need to ingest a lot of turmeric on a regular basis to enjoy the health benefits of curcumin.
When curcumin is ingested, much of it is broken down by the digestive system and doesn’t make it into the bloodstream. The compound doesn’t have great bioavailability on its own. Combining it with black pepper can enhance its absorption. It can also be combined with oils or fats.
But, taking a curcumin supplement blended with turmeric essential oil can help you overcome those challenges and really reap the benefits.
Curcumin is largely safe to use with many common prescription drugs, but black pepper may have negative interaction with some pharmaceuticals. Keep this in mind if you are trying to enhance curcumin absorption in your body.
Taking 300 mg to 500 mg of curcumin per day can be useful for prevention of health conditions. Taking two grams per day split over three meals can help with existing health conditions.
Listen as Dr. Ajay Goel joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss the wonders of curcumin.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Eggplant Parmesan.
Ingredients:
Use your favorite marinara recipe for the sauce; we will do a show on ours soon!!!!!
For the eggplant cutlets:
2 large, firm eggplant; peel & trim sides from top and bottom, then slice into long, thin planks 1/4-to 1/2-inch thick (You can replace the eggplant with chicken or veal.)
salt
all-purpose flour
pepper
6 large eggs
4 cups breadcrumbs
2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
small handful flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
safflower and/or olive oil for frying
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Directions:
Set up breading station with three dishes: in one, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper; in the second, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper; and in the last, mix the breadcrumbs with grated cheese, parsley, and garlic.
Place a very large skillet on the stove and pour in 1/4 inch of oil; preheat over medium to medium-high heat. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and place it next to the frying pan.
Bread 3 to 4 planks of eggplant at a time first in flour, shaking off excess, then the eggs, draining off any excess and lastly in the breadcrumbs, pressing the coating onto planks.
Fry eggplant in batches until deep golden and crisp; drain on wire rack.
Preheat broiler to high.
Build eggplant parm on a broiler-proof pan or baking sheet. Transfer to dinner platters or use a broiler-proof sizzler pan.
Shingle 2 to 3 planks of eggplant cutlets on the pan and top with marinara, sliced mozzarella and a sprinkle of parm. Broil to brown and bubble the cheese.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Eggplant Parmesan.
Ingredients:
Use your favorite marinara recipe for the sauce; we will do a show on ours soon!!!!!
For the eggplant cutlets:
Directions:
Set up breading station with three dishes: in one, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper; in the second, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper; and in the last, mix the breadcrumbs with grated cheese, parsley, and garlic.
Place a very large skillet on the stove and pour in 1/4 inch of oil; preheat over medium to medium-high heat. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and place it next to the frying pan.
Bread 3 to 4 planks of eggplant at a time first in flour, shaking off excess, then the eggs, draining off any excess and lastly in the breadcrumbs, pressing the coating onto planks.
Fry eggplant in batches until deep golden and crisp; drain on wire rack.
Preheat broiler to high.
Build eggplant parm on a broiler-proof pan or baking sheet. Transfer to dinner platters or use a broiler-proof sizzler pan.
Shingle 2 to 3 planks of eggplant cutlets on the pan and top with marinara, sliced mozzarella and a sprinkle of parm. Broil to brown and bubble the cheese.
Why eat processed foods when you can create a simple, flavorful meals with the right spices?Are you sacrificing health for convenience when you eat?
Sometimes, you have to experiment to create the food your body needs. Simple recipes with balanced spices may be the answer.
Processed foods contain chemicals and preservatives that may contribute to inflammatory conditions. They also don’t contain the richness of flavor that a home-cooked meal does.
You don’t have to rely on sugars and fats to have a flavorful meal. Spices have medicinal benefits and make the food taste good.
It’s best to buy whole, organic spices and grind them yourselves. You don’t need an overwhelming number of spices in your cupboard. Stock your supply with what you will actually use.
Listen as May Fridel joins Dr. Mike Fenster to chat about how to put spices to use for rich, flavorful meals.
Learn how to incorporate more seafood into your diet for better brain health.According to dietary guidelines and USDA, 80-90 percent of Americans are not eating the recommended amount of seafood each week.
You should get two to three servings (8-12 ounces) of seafood each week, but most of us only consume one serving of seafood weekly. Children and pregnant mothers consume even less, about 25 percent of what they should be eating.
The umbrella term of seafood includes fin fish and shellfish. It’s best to eat a variety, just like you would with fruits and vegetables. You’ll get the greatest health benefits by mixing it up.
Seafood is packed with Omega-3s, which are essential for optimal brain development and overall health. These omega-3s also reduce risk of depression.
You can start to increase your seafood consumption by first getting plenty of the fish you enjoy. Next, branch out and try some fatty fish and canned fish. Frozen seafood is nutritionally sound and more affordable than fresh. Watch for sales at the fresh fish counter, buy extra and freeze it. Strive for variety to get your omega-3s, protein, selenium and B vitamins.
Pregnant women should have two servings of seafood per week for the eye and brain development of their unborn babies. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young children should avoid predator fish: swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Mercury levels are higher in these fish.
Tilapia is a great gateway fish to the world of seafood, especially for those who enjoy chicken. It has come under a lot of scrutiny for sourcing methods. Get to know your fishmonger and be sure your fish is responsibly sourced. Make sure it doesn’t smell fishy; that’s a sign it’s been sitting too long.
If you don’t have a family of seafood enthusiasts, try incorporating seafood into favorite dishes. Fish tacos, pasta and burgers help introduce a seafood palate in a way that’s familiar. Check on Dish on Fish for shopping and preparation tips.
Listen as registered dietitian and fish expert Rima Kleiner joins Dr. Mike Fenster to dish on fish.
Find out how wine is made and how to pick the right wine for your tastes.Wine is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet.
The process of winemaking begins in the vineyard. The goal is to get the vine to produce grapes of uniform maturity, making it easier to produce a delicious wine.
Many Napa Valley wineries start the harvest day in the middle of the night. Cold grapes are fresher and produce a better tasting wine. It takes eight to ten weeks to harvest the fruit.
Yeast is added once the juice is extracted. The fermentation process takes about two weeks. It is then moved to barrels for aging.
Wine has been made in Napa Valley for over 150 years. Vintners in the area have learned by experience which grapes grow best in what soil and the optimal conditions to produce a consistent quality product.
Wine pairs wonderfully with food. Delicate wines go best with delicate foods. You can pair sauvignon blanc with goat cheese. Chardonnay goes best with something like a brie cheese. Match the intensity of wine with the intensity of the food. You may have something lighter with summer foods. Merlots are great for autumn.
Tips for Wine Tasting
Listen in as Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars shares some wine basics.
Learn some tips to keep food interesting, despite food restrictions and allergies.Dietary restrictions and allergies guide your eating choices. Discovering these restrictions challenges you to find foods you can eat that still provide the nourishment you need.
Here are a few tips:
Listen as Aine McAteer joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how you can turn your limits into freedoms.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Porcini Mushroom Dusted Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Porcini Mushroom & Sherry Cream Sauce.
Ingredients * 8 4 ounce beef tenderloin medallions * 4 Tbsp olive oil * ¾ tsp salt * ½ tsp black pepper * 2 oz dried porcini mushrooms (1 oz finely ground, 1oz to bloom in sherry wine) * ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter * ½ cup dry sherry * ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley * 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped * 2 tsp shallots, finely chopped * ¼ cup heavy cream
Directions
Take one ounce of the dried porcini mushrooms and add it to the sherry wine. Let it sit for up to a day in the sherry as it reconstitutes and flavors the sherry also. The other ounce should be put into a spice grinder and ground to a fine dust. (I use a small coffee grinder dedicated to all my dry spices). Coat the beef tenderloin medallions with the porcini dust mixed with some kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
Preheat a heavy bottom sauté pan or skillet on medium high heat. Add the oil and let heat up but not smoke heavily. Once the pan is ready, add the beef tenderloin medallions only four at a time searing on one side for about two minutes and then turning to sear the other side for another two minutes. Once turned add half of the butter and begin to spoon baste the tenderloins. After four to five minutes remove the tenderloins to rest on a napkin covered plate and cover with foil. Do the same for the next four medallions.
In that same pan with the oil and butter, add the shallots & garlic sauté until soft. Deglaze the pan with the mushroom sherry stock (be careful not to flambé). Reduce the alcohol by half and add the cream. Reduce the cream and add salt and pepper to taste.
Once the sauce is reduced, place the medallions on your plated with sides like roasted potatoes and cauliflower au gratin. Spoon the sauce over the medallions.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Sofrito Peppadew Sauce.
Ingredients * 4 6 oz portions Swai/Basa filets * 1 Tbsp vegetable oil * 1 Tbsp sofrito (ingredients below) * 4 minced garlic cloves * 3 cups finely diced Peppadew peppers * ¼ cup sherry wine * 3 Tbsp butter * 3 oz Old Bay seasoning * 3 oz flat leaf parsley - cleaned, leaves picked & coarsely chopped * salt & pepper to taste * flour for dredging
Sofrito Directions
You will need about 4 strips of bacon, two fresh peppers red or green, a dried ancho chile or even a can of chipotle paste, one onion diced and a little oil. You first render the bacon and add the rest of the ingredients until they are all soft and cooked through. Let the mix cool for a bit and place in a blender puree until smooth then transfer to an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen solid, they can be released from the tray and put in zippered freezer baggies and kept frozen for a couple of months. One cube of sofrito will be perfect for this recipe.
Directions
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over moderately high heat until hot, but not smoking. Dredge the basa in flour that has been seasoned with salt and pepper and old bay. Sear the swai/basa for one to two minutes on the each side depending on the thickness. Remove the fish and place in a warm oven about 200 degrees.
Sofrito Sauce Directions
Add the sofrito directly to the pan with the garlic and peppadew peppers and sauté until garlic is nutty but not burned. Remove pan from heat and add the sherry wine. Deglaze the pan with the wine. Once the wine is reduced by more than half the original amount, turn off the heat and wisk in the butter to create a silky smooth sauce. Finally toss in the chopped parsley and pour over the fish to serve. Tastes great with couscous or garlic mashed potatoes.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Moroccan Roasted Leg of Lamb.
Ingredients * 2 lbs leg of lamb, bone removed * 1 tsp ground cumin * 4 garlic cloves, crushed * 2 tsp paprika * 1/4 cup of mint leaves * 2 tsp of sea salt * 1/4 cup of olive oil * 1/8 cup of lemon juice * 1 cup of cous cous * 1/4 cup of dried currants * 1/4 cup of pinenuts, toasted * 1 cup of vegetable stock * 1 tsp of curry powder * 1 Tbsp of olive oil * Salt & pepper for seasoning
Cucumber Sauce Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the marinade by grounding the garlic, mint, cumin, salt and paprika with a mortar and pestle. Alternatively you can use a food processor. Ground ingredients into a paste and then add the olive oil and lemon juice. Mix well.
Make little incisions in the lamb and then coat it well with the marinade. Make sure you coat the inside and outside of the lamb thoroughly.
Place lamb in a bowl and cover. Place it in the fridge for at least two hours or even overnight.
Remove the lamb from the fridge one hour prior to cooking. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
Place the lamb in a baking dish and roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes for pink meat. Roast the lamb for an extra 20 minutes for medium to well-done meat.
Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber sauce. Mix together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, mint and cilantro. Add the salt and mix well. Set aside.
Prepare the cous cous about 20 minutes before serving the lamb. Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in small pot. Remove the pot from the heat and add the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the couscous. Stir well with a fork. Add the curry powder and stir again. Next, add a pinch of salt.
Add the raisins and pinenuts to the couscous and stir with the fork.
Remove the lamb when ready and slice it. Spoon some of the liquid from the pan onto the lamb. Serve on a bed of cous cous and spoon the yogurt sauce on top.
Grow your own food and join the farm-to-table movement.Growing your own food helps you eat fresh. You can eat seasonally and join the farm-to-table movement.
Start by growing staples that you use frequently in the kitchen: lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and herbs. Keep your meals simple, but make them tasty. Get innovative with traditional dishes and be sure you can taste the individual components
Listen as chef Vincent Scafiti joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how to live farm-to-table.
Make changes in the kitchen to make improvements with your health.Health starts in the kitchen. You can improve your health condition with nutrition.
Planning is key for shopping on a budget. Decide what you’re making for the week before hitting the store. There are fresh markets everywhere. Don’t overindulge. Keep your meals simple.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, research the condition and complications so you know your disease. Learn about the side effects of medication before taking it. Stay active to keep your blood pressure down. See what supplements may help you.
Listen as chef Charles Mattocks joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss how he manages diabetes without medication and how he uses the methods on a reality show with diabetic participants.
Neuroendocrine tumors can cause digestive issues. Find out more about this manageable cancer.Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a cancer appearing anywhere in the body that affects the hormones. It is sometimes referred to as cancer of the body location where it is discovered. For example, "cancer of the liver."
NET is sometimes called carcinoid syndrome. Tumors are typically found in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs, but they can also be found in other organs of the endocrine system.
Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, flushing, shortness of breath, and symptoms of other chronic diseases like Crohn’s or IBS. It can take four to six years to accurately diagnose.
NET is a slow-growing cancer. If caught early enough, it can be managed like a chronic disease.
There are injectable hormone inhibitors to help manage carcinoid syndrome. They may slow the growth of the tumor.
Another treatment involves radioactive beads being injected into the liver to help manage the disease. New techniques are being developed to help people live with NET.
Since NET can cause digestive difficulty, diet is key to comfort. The Mediterranean diet is advised. Eating a plant-based diet can help. Organic food can reduce the distress that may be caused by pesticides. It’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to food and refine your diet based on the reactions.
Listen in as Cindy Lovelace, Executive Director of Healing NET Foundation, shares her personal experience with NET and discusses how to manage it.
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Find out what may be causing your digestive issues with grains and how to improve your nutrition.Digestive problems are rampant. This has spurned a multi-billion dollar gluten-free industry.
There are two reasons we have trouble digesting hard-to-digest foods:
If you can't digest well, you can't detoxify very well either. Grains and nuts require specific microbes to be broken down. These foods stimulate and irritate the intestinal tract to trigger an immune response. Eliminating hard-to-digest wheat and nuts can compromise the immune system.
Are we sterilizing our environment by removing these components that stimulate the gut?
Processed wheat has a higher glycemic index than whole wheat. It also contributes to abdominal fat, obesity, higher blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Whole wheat can help you lose weight, reduce risk of diabetes and improve cognitive function.
Gluten in bread was not intended to be digested exclusively in the stomach. A significant portion should be broken down in the large intestine. That is where it feeds microbes that stimulate fatty acids, boosting immunity and doing the heavy lifting for everything in the body.
If the body can't process gluten properly from a weakened digestive system, the molecules are too big to enter the bloodstream and feed the body. These large gluten molecules get taken into the body via the intestinal wall, congesting the lymphatic system.
One solution? Look for unbleached, organic, whole grain wheat that hasn't been fortified with anything.
Also, eat foods that are tougher on the system in the middle of the day... not right away in the morning or at night. Relax while you eat. Save your heavy bread consumption for winter. The gut bacteria has seasonal changes for digestion. Eat seasonally. Be kind to your digestive system.
Listen in as Dr. John Douillard shares how to aid your digestion.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Cider & Crème Fraiche.
Ingredients
Directions
Warm the butter, olive oil, onions, and curry powder, cinnamon in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into chunks.
Add the squash, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash are very soft. Process the soup through a food mill fitted with a large blade, or puree it coarsely in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
Pour the soup back into the pot. Add the apple cider and crème fraiche to make the soup the consistency you like; it should be slightly sweet and quite thick. Check the salt and pepper and serve hot.
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Learn the best foods for optimal brain health.Your brain is best fueled with good nutrition.
The MIND (Mediterranean Intervention Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is great for your brain. This diet can reduce your risk of Alzheimers by 50 percent.
The MIND diet eliminates meat, saturated fats, sugar, processed foods and alcohol. This eliminates the cheese that the Mediterranean diet contains. Whole grains, olive oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables are still part of the MIND diet.
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides. These break down into ketones which are an ideal brain food. The brains of those with Alzheimers are typically low in ketones.
If you can’t think properly when eating a plant-based diet, stick with grass-fed, organic meats.
Eat seasonal foods that are available at your local farmer’s market.
Here are the seven brain-boosting food groups:
How you cook your food also affects your health. Shy away from frying, microwaving, grilling and broiling as much as possible. Steam as much as you can.
Listen in as the Double Energy Twins, Judi and Shari Zucker, share the best foods for brain health.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Pork Paillard. Recipe by Jacques Pepin.
Ingredients
Directions
Prewarm an oven to 160 degrees.
Cut the pork fillets in half crosswise, butterfly each of the four pieces, and pound them between sheets of plastic wrap to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
Place the rosemary leaves, peppercorns, and salt in the bowl of a mini-chop or small grinder, and pulverize them. Sprinkle the pork with the seasoning mixture.
Pour the oil on a plate, and dip both sides of the paillards in the oil. Cook immediately, or stack the pieces of pork together on the plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours.
When you are ready to cook, heat a clean grill until very hot. Place the paillards on the grill, and cook them for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. The meat should be undercooked at this point. Arrange the pork on an ovenproof serving platter, and place it, uncovered in the warm oven for at least 10 minutes and as long as 30 minutes, to "relax" and finish cooking in its own residual heat. Serve with the natural juices that have collected on the platter.
Sponsor: Real Salt
NET cancer presents symptoms similar to IBS. Find out what to look for before it's too late.NET Cancer Awareness Day is November 10th.
A neuroendocrine tumor (NET) comes from the embryonic neural crest cells. These cells migrate to areas throughout the body as the fetus matures, typically in the GI tract, lungs and pancreas. These cells can turn into a neuroendocrine tumor later in life.
The tumors are unique, because they can create proteins (peptides) that can cause a variety of unique and unusual symptoms not seen in other cancers. These symptoms may not occur until later, making it tougher to diagnose the disease late in its onset.
The most common carcinoid tumors, NET of the small intestine, may produce no symptoms for years. They are very slow growing tumors. The first symptom to present may be intermittent abdominal pain. That tummy ache will commonly result in an immediate IBS diagnosis, not the discovery of a tumor.
An undiagnosed tumor can lead to wheezing, diarrhea and flushing. These three symptoms are the result of an overproduction of peptides by the tumor. Watery, profuse diarrhea that cause nighttime rushes to the bathroom is a distinct symptom. The flushes are hot, dry, deep red flushes to the face and neck. It can even lead to carcinoid heart disease.
Prolonged, unexplainable diarrhea should prompt a physician to investigate the condition further. A blood test and 24-hour collection of urine are diagnostics for neuroendocrine tumors. Avoid aged cheeses, alcohol, smoked or salted fish and meats, fermented foods, caffeine, cocoa, peanuts, brazil nuts, bananas, avocados, soybeans and fava beans before testing.
Patients diagnosed with NET require a two part approach.
Knowing the triggers for the undesirable symptoms can help those facing NET. Avoid large meals that may cause diarrhea. Lay off fatty meals, spicy foods and alcohol. Eat foods low in amines. Keep a food diary to find what works for you.
Listen in as Dr. Hal Gerstein discusses the symptoms of NET cancer.
Sponsor: Real Salt
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Pan-Seared Red Snapper.
Ingredients
Directions
Pat fillets dry with a paper towel. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a heavy 10-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the oil. Place the fillets in the pan, skin side down, laying them down away from your body. Press down gently with a spatula for about 20 seconds to prevent curling.
Lower heat to medium and let sizzle until fish is golden and caramelized around edges, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip fillets and add butter and thyme to pan. Tilt pan slightly to let the melted butter pool at one end. Use a spoon to baste the fish with the pooled butter. Continue basting until golden all over and cooked through, 45 to 90 seconds more, depending on the thickness of your fish. Serve immediately with chopped parsley.
Parsnip Spinach Purée
Ingredients
Preparation
Bring parsnips, garlic, cream, milk, and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until parsnips are very soft, 10–15 minutes. Uncover, add spinach and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes; season with salt. Purée in a blender until smooth.
Learn about the relationship between turmeric and curcumin.Turmeric is a spice prevalent in southeast Asia. Curcumin is contained within turmeric and provides health benefit.
You would need to ingest a lot of turmeric on a regular basis to enjoy the health benefits of curcumin.
When curcumin is ingested, much of it is broken down by the digestive system and doesn’t make it into the bloodstream. The compound doesn’t have great bioavailability on its own. Combining it with black pepper can enhance its absorption. It can also be combined with oils or fats.
But, taking a curcumin supplement blended with turmeric essential oil can help you overcome those challenges and really reap the benefits.
Curcumin is largely safe to use with many common prescription drugs, but black pepper may have negative interaction with some pharmaceuticals. Keep this in mind if you are trying to enhance curcumin absorption in your body.
Taking 300 mg to 500 mg of curcumin per day can be useful for prevention of health conditions. Taking two grams per day split over three meals can help with existing health conditions.
Listen as Dr. Ajay Goel joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss the wonders of curcumin.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Braised Short Ribs.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Pat beef dry with paper towels. Add salt and pepper.
Sear all beef till golden brown in rondeau.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and barely browned. Takes about 12-15 minutes. If onions darken too quickly, add 1-2 tbsp water to pan.
Add tomato paste and stir constantly until it browns on sides and bottom of pan, about 2 minutes.
Add garlic and cook unit fragrant, 30-60 seconds.
Turn heat up to medium-high. Add wine and simmer, scraping up fond from sides and bottom. Simmer until reduced by half, 8-10 minutes.
Add veal stock, carrots, cheesecloth of herbs. Add beef and any juices in the bowl. Cover and bring to a simmer.
Transfer to oven and cook 2 to 2½ hours, turning meat twice with tongs during cooking. When done, a fork will slip easily in and out of meat.
Allow to cool when cooked. Remove short ribs and portion into resealable bags into a fish tub. Take the braising liquid and discard the cheese cloth herbs.
Puree the half the braising vegetable to thicken the sauce.
Learn about the wonders of Indian spices.Spices are wonderful for improving health while flavoring your food. The spice trade drove Westerners to India many years ago.
Rome had to pay a ransom when sacked. Peppercorns were so valuable that they were demanded alongside gold and silver.
Indian cuisine differs by region. Northern India uses aromatics and reflects Middle Eastern cultures. Here you will find use of saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves for warming flavors. Southern India uses assertive flavors like coconuts, chilies, peppers and tropical tastes. Eastern and Western India blend the tastes of the north and south into their own combinations.
The important thing about spices is finding balance in the dish.
Getting 8 Flavors From One Whole Spice
1. Raw
2. Ground raw
3. Toasted
4. Ground after toasting
5. Sauteed in a fat
6. Ground after sauteeing
7. Soaking in liquid
8. Ground after soaking
Listen as Raghavan Iyer joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share the wonders of Indian spices.
Chicken is a mealtime staple. Find out how to get more out of your chicken.Chicken is the most consumed animal protein in the world. It’s the thing that we make for dinner.
Chicken readily takes on flavors from spices and herbs. If you cook it properly it is tender, tasty and delicious.
The chicken we eat today descended from domesticated birds from southeast Asia about 10,000 years ago. Chickens traveled with explorers to other continents.
Look to local and regional farmers for your poultry. The process is typically more humane and is always more nutritious.
What Do the Labels Mean?
“Free range” appears on labels but only requires chickens have an opening to access the outdoors. The opening may not be large enough for the chicken to exit the coop. It may not be as pastoral as you think.
“Farm raised” is misleading. All chickens are raised on farms.
“Air chilled” is a process that cools the meat quickly, sending it through cool chambers on conveyers. The meats are typically chilled in cold vats of water. The water-chilling process allows for easy transmittal of salmonella. Air chilling has significantly decreased incidence of salmonella.
Sunday Dinner Roast Chicken Recipe
Brine the chicken in a salt water solution to tenderize the bird. You can also brine in buttermilk with salt. Rinse and pat it dry.
Slip your fingers between the meat and breast skin. Trap a little bit of butter under the skin. It will help tenderize the breast meat and crisp the skin from beneath.
Start roasting the chicken on its side in a roasting pan. You may need to prop it up with foil. Cook it for 15 minutes. Rotate to the other side and cook for another 15 minutes.
Lazy Chicken Stock
Save your chicken bones from your cooked chickens. Chicken necks make a great stock. You can also get some chicken wings. You can also use giblets but the stock won’t be as clear.
Get a large pot of water. Add some onion, carrots, celery, fresh thyme, whole parsley, garlic cloves and peppercorns.
Bring the water to a boil and turn it down to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Strain out solids.
You can save in one- to two-cup containers in your freezer. It lasts about three days in the refrigerator. Use stock anywhere you want a little more flavor.
A darker chicken stock has a more intense flavor. Roasting the bones and vegetables before boiling the stock creates a darker broth.
Listen in as Cynthia Graubart shares how you can get the most out of your chicken.
Strengthening your brain can help you find diet success.You have to be a warrior for your health.
You’re presented with daily battles in keeping to your diet. Ads for cheeseburgers, enticing dessert menus, and limited edition holiday candies are ready to knock you off your nutritional track.
It's essential to mentally prepare in order to overcome these temptations.
Learn to resist temptation. Food can trigger inflammation and the release of stress hormones. It can also affect neurotransmitters and digestion.
You must MASTER your mind and body.
M - mindset over your brain and body
A - assessment of what you need to change
S - sustenance to eat like a warrior
T - training to make new daily habits that help you
E - essence of turning your pain into purpose
R - responsibility to do it for the rest of your life
Here are some tips to start improving your mind now:
Listen as brain warrior Tana Amen joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss how to find dieting success.
Learn about improving your bone health.If you’re suffering from chronic disease, it’s time to look to your food as medicine. Your body rebuilds tissues with proper nutrition.
Nutrition can help with the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Learning about how bones are built and how your food is processed assists in making choices for maximum calcium absorption.
There are a few things you can do to improve bone health immediately. Look at your vitamin K2 consumption. Improve your cardio health. Implement herbed bone vinegar in your recipes.
Listen as Dr. Laura Kelly joins Dr. Mike Fenster to explore how nutrition affects bone health.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Chickpea Soup.
Ingredients
Directions
In large sauce pan, sauté chicken with Tajine our blend of cumin coriander and chili powder seasoning.
When chicken is cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
In same sauce pan sauté onions, sweet potatoes and fennel until translucent.
Add chickpeas and chicken stock and simmer for around 15 minutes.
Add cooked chicken and cilantro. Simmer until desired thickness is achieved.
Salt and pepper to taste.
You may be able to arrest health symptoms with the GAPS diet.Many health issues are a direct result of the foods you eat.
The modern Western diet plays with pleasure centers, preventing you from recognizing the symptoms in your body after eating non-optimum foods.
Becoming Predisposed to Health Issues
There are more caesarean sections than in prior generations. This means fewer babies are passing through the birth canal to get a dose of mothers’ vaginal bacteria. Vaccines, antibiotics, environmental toxins and processed foods disrupt a baby’s gut bacteria.
The bad bacteria start to outweigh the good. They attack the good bacteria, weakening the gut lining. The weakened gut lining leads to undesirable health conditions.
Once you are diagnosed with a health condition, it’s hard to undo the mechanics that landed you there.
Using quality ingredients and spending more time in the kitchen can improve your health.
The GAPS Diet
Started by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride, the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is an elimination diet that cuts out anything that could deliver bad bacteria, such as boiled meats, broth, non-fibrous vegetables and veggies without stalks. Each stage takes a few days. Foods are reintroduced slowly.
Bad bacteria will kick and scream to save themselves. It’s not unusual to feel ill while on the diet. If a reintroduced food makes you feel sick, return to the prior stage of the diet without that food for a few more days.
Listen as Hilary Boynton joins Dr. Mike Fenster to share how you can use food to improve your health.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Maple Glazed Duck Breast.
Ingredients
Directions
Using a sharp knife, trim off any extra skin around the duck breasts. The skin should just cover the meat, not overhang at all. Also, slice a few slits into the skin with your knife, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper and place them, skin side down, in a dry, cold, large skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes.
Starting the breasts in a cold pan will help the fat render out of the skin. Put your glaze together and reserve.
After five minutes, the skin should be starting to brown and the fat should be rendering out nicely. If it isn't browning, turn up the heat a bit. If the skin is browned, flip the breasts so they sear on the bottom side.
Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip back over to the skin side. Add breasts to a 400°F oven and bake for 4 minutes, skin side down. If your pan is oven safe, you can move it right to the oven, otherwise transfer your duck breasts to an oven-safe dish. Remove breasts from oven, flip them (skin side up now), and baste them with maple glaze. Let breasts rest for 5 minutes. Slice duck thickly (1 breast should be 4-5 slices) and serve immediately.
It's time to start feeding your body's best friends: the organisms in your gut.Your microbiome is composed of all of the organisms that live in and on your body. The gut has the greatest concentration of organisms.
We are ten times more bacteria than human.
It’s time to start eating for those microbes instead of for yourself. The most toxic thing you do every day is to consume food. High-calorie and high-fat foods are unkind to your microbiome.
Spore-based probiotics appear to be the most helpful to your gut.
Listen as Kiran Krishnan joins Dr. Mike Fenster to talk about breakthroughs in understanding the gut microbiome.
Wheat has been part of the human diet for millions of years. Why are people now having problems with it?Scientifically, we’re built to process wheat.
Gluten was found in the teeth of human skeletons from 3 million years ago. A handful of wheat berries could fill up a person for a day. Humans only started eating meat 500,000 years ago.
So, why are so many people having trouble eating wheat now?
If you can’t digest wheat today but you didn’t have problems with it in the past, your body is actually having a hard time detoxifying itself. All of our food sources are polluted.
Is wheat really the problem?
Other grains like khorasan wheat have greater gluten content than modern wheat. But, studies have shown that this wheat variety results in a greater reduction in inflammation, as well as other positive health benefits.
The average Roman soldier received rations of several pounds of bread per day. The average person in 1900 consumed 86 more pounds of wheat per year than in 2008. The gluten levels in bread have been relatively stable during this time.
Yet, consuming wheat makes some folks feel yucky. Doctors suggest they stop eating wheat. These patients feel good for a spell but return feeling bad again. More foods might be eliminated from one's diet. The digestive system feels better for a bit but the issue returns. This approach only addresses the symptoms, not the cause.
The fiber found in whole grains helps the health of your gut microbiome. The trick is to navigate around the processed foods of the modern diet, which have weakened our digestive system. Eliminate processed foods from your diet. Unprocessed wheat and dairy in your body can congest the lymph nodes in your brain. You get a brain fog, feel tired and have difficulty moving energy through your body.
Listen in as Dr. John Douillard shares how wheat itself is not the culprit in many cases.
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What foods are best for sexy times?Medications that assist with sexual function have become available over the past few decades.
Before you reach for that sex pill, be sure you’ve discussed the side effects in depth with your doctor. You wouldn’t want any undesirable effects to negatively impact your libido.
Also, consider some natural ways to boost your drive.
The pomegranate is viewed as a fertility symbol. It increases circulation and improves blood pressure. It can also increase testosterone in men and women.
Garlic improves blood flow as well. The pungent scent of garlic may not turn your lover on, so just be sure to freshen your breath. You can also add parsley to the recipe to cut down on the odor.
Chocolate can improve your get-up-and-go, because it contains a chemical that gives you a feeling of being in love, decreasing your blood pressure. Stick to dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa.
Spinach is great for hormone health. Follow Popeye’s example.
Listen as Jonathan Block of MedShadow joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss natural ways to kick up your libido.
Sponsor: Real Salt - Is Your Salt Real?
Do you reach for sugar for pleasure? Or, is that "sweet tooth" an addiction?You shouldn’t have to cut out everything that gives you pleasure. Who doesn’t want to have their cake and eat it too?
The trick is navigating sweets in a healthy way.
First, you have to learn how to translate the sugar content on food labels. Divide grams of sugar by four. That tells you how many spoons of sugar are in one serving of the food. Make the decision to put it back if it isn’t worth it for you. Consuming whole fruits instead of juices is a great way to enjoy something sweet but with a lower sugar price tag.
Second, understand that 140 pounds of sugar per person are being added to processed foods in America every year. Processed foods contribute to many chronic health conditions. Mind your health. If you feel well, you should be able to consume sugar in moderation.
Sugar Addiction
If you have to ask yourself if you’re addicted to sugar, you probably are. Are you compelled to eat sugar, or do you just have some from time to time for pleasure? Take two weeks off from sugar and see how you feel.
You should be able to have two bites of dessert to satisfy your taste buds. Share the rest of the dessert or walk away from it. Being mindful while eating sugar allows you to taste and enjoy. Be present with your food.
Listen as Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss sugar consumption and addiction.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Bucatini Pasta Con Funghi e Crema.
Ingredients
Directions
In a deep heavy casserole, heat oil until shimmering.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.
In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add sherry wine to deglaze and let evaporate for a minute. Add the cream, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Add the parmesan and adjust the seasoning, to taste. Add the pasta, stir to coat with the sauce, and cook until the pasta is heated through, 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and divide among 4 serving bowls or plates.
Sprinkle each serving with chives & more cheese if needed and serve immediately.
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Cholesterol isn't bad for your heart, contrary to what you may have heard.Doctors have gotten it wrong about cholesterol in the past. The guidelines have changed, but we still get stuck on old information.
Why have you been told to avoid saturated fault? Because of cholesterol. You’ve been told cholesterol causes heart disease. Wrong.
You need cholesterol for vitamin D production, sex hormones and brain health.
This focus on cholesterol has lead to the over-prescription of statins. In many cases, you can improve heart health without these drugs. Statins are mildly anti-inflammatory but carry many side effects. Fish oil can reduce inflammation and has no negative side effects. Citrus bergamot lowers triglycerides and inflammation and raises HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind).
Cholesterol is far more complicated than the two categories established decades ago. Particle testing is more reliable for getting an accurate picture of your own cholesterol. Of course, your cholesterol numbers won’t determine your risk for heart disease.
It’s more important to reduce your inflammatory risk by improving your diet and helping your gut microbiome than to worry about cholesterol.
Listen as Dr. Jonny Bowden joins Dr. Mike Fenster to preach the gospel of cholesterol.
Sponsor: Real Salt - Is Your Salt Real?
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Apple Cider Braised Pork Shanks
Ingredients
Directions
In a deep heavy casserole, heat oil until shimmering.
Season pork shanks liberally with salt and pepper. Cook shanks over medium-high heat until browned all over, for about 10 minutes. Remove from pot.
Add slab bacon to pot and sear till golden brown. Add cinnamon stick, onion, bay leaves, thyme and garlic, one at a time, waiting 30 seconds before adding each in the order listed. Add apple cider and broth; bring to a gentle boil.
Return shanks to casserole. Tuck the meat into the liquid so that they’re mostly submerged. Cover shanks with the vegetables. Simmer for 2 hours with lid on or until the meat is very tender.
Uncover casserole. Remove shanks.
Simmer until liquid is reduced to 2 cups of sauce. Strain sauce to discard cinnamon stick, bay leaves and thyme stems.
Serve shanks with sauce and roasted vegetables.
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Learn how to incorporate more seafood into your diet for better brain health.According to dietary guidelines and USDA, 80-90 percent of Americans are not eating the recommended amount of seafood each week.
You should get two to three servings (8-12 ounces) of seafood each week, but most of us only consume one serving of seafood weekly. Children and pregnant mothers consume even less, about 25 percent of what they should be eating.
The umbrella term of seafood includes fin fish and shellfish. It’s best to eat a variety, just like you would with fruits and vegetables. You’ll get the greatest health benefits by mixing it up.
Seafood is packed with Omega-3s, which are essential for optimal brain development and overall health. These omega-3s also reduce risk of depression.
You can start to increase your seafood consumption by first getting plenty of the fish you enjoy. Next, branch out and try some fatty fish and canned fish. Frozen seafood is nutritionally sound and more affordable than fresh. Watch for sales at the fresh fish counter, buy extra and freeze it. Strive for variety to get your omega-3s, protein, selenium and B vitamins.
Pregnant women should have two servings of seafood per week for the eye and brain development of their unborn babies. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young children should avoid predator fish: swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Mercury levels are higher in these fish.
Tilapia is a great gateway fish to the world of seafood, especially for those who enjoy chicken. It has come under a lot of scrutiny for sourcing methods. Get to know your fishmonger and be sure your fish is responsibly sourced. Make sure it doesn’t smell fishy; that’s a sign it’s been sitting too long.
If you don’t have a family of seafood enthusiasts, try incorporating seafood into favorite dishes. Fish tacos, pasta and burgers help introduce a seafood palate in a way that’s familiar. Check on Dish on Fish for shopping and preparation tips.
Listen as registered dietitian and fish expert Rima Kleiner joins Dr. Mike Fenster to dish on fish.
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Learn more about the versatility of tubers.Potatoes have been in the human diet since 15,000 BC. The Incans found it was a culturally sound vegetable. Potatoes traveled from South America to Europe before coming back to North America.
The potato was embraced with such gusto because it was available year-round. It's also very versatile. Potatoes are the fourth largest crop in the world.
There are two categories for potatoes: floury and waxy. Floury potatoes have a high-starch and low-water content. They're fluffy and are great for mashing, baking or frying. Waxy potatoes have a low-starch and high-water content. They maintain their shape when cooked. They work well in potato salad.
Be sure to eat the peel to get the greatest health benefit for your gut microbiome.
The Ultimate Mashed Potato
Peel (optional) and cube russet potatoes. Boil until just tender so that it just starts to fall apart when pierced with a fork. Drain water and dry cubes.
Heat heavy cream, cream cheese and butter in another pan. Add quality black sea salt and crushed peppercorns.
Push the potato cubes through a ricer. Pour cream mixture over riced potatoes and fold in.
Mojito Potato Salad
Muddle fresh limes and mint. Add salt, pepper and sugar for balance. Pour white rum into the potato salad.
Kung Pao Potatoes
Smother french fry cut potatoes in cornstarch and fry. Make a simple dressing of soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and dried red chilis. Toss potatoes in dressing and serve.
How to Pick Your Potatoes
Avoid green potatoes and spuds with sprouts growing out of them. They should be firm to the touch and not shriveled. Store in a dark, cool spot. Refrigeration turns starch to sugar and potatoes can go bad.
Listen in as chef Raghavan Iyer and Dr. Mike Fenster share the joy of potatoes.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Mediterranean Style Red Snapper with Fennel.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine the lemon zest, garlic, thyme and cayenne; rub over fillets. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook fillets in 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm.
In the same pan, sauté the red pepper and onions & fennel in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Serve with snapper. Sprinkle with olives and chives. Yield: 4 servings.
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Find out what may be causing your digestive issues with grains and how to improve your nutrition.Digestive problems are rampant. This has spurned a multi-billion dollar gluten-free industry.
There are two reasons we have trouble digesting hard-to-digest foods:
If you can't digest well, you can't detoxify very well either. Grains and nuts require specific microbes to be broken down. These foods stimulate and irritate the intestinal tract to trigger an immune response. Eliminating hard-to-digest wheat and nuts can compromise the immune system.
Are we sterilizing our environment by removing these components that stimulate the gut?
Processed wheat has a higher glycemic index than whole wheat. It also contributes to abdominal fat, obesity, higher blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Whole wheat can help you lose weight, reduce risk of diabetes and improve cognitive function.
Gluten in bread was not intended to be digested exclusively in the stomach. A significant portion should be broken down in the large intestine. That is where it feeds microbes that stimulate fatty acids, boosting immunity and doing the heavy lifting for everything in the body.
If the body can't process gluten properly from a weakened digestive system, the molecules are too big to enter the bloodstream and feed the body. These large gluten molecules get taken into the body via the intestinal wall, congesting the lymphatic system.
One solution? Look for unbleached, organic, whole grain wheat that hasn't been fortified with anything.
Also, eat foods that are tougher on the system in the middle of the day... not right away in the morning or at night. Relax while you eat. Save your heavy bread consumption for winter. The gut bacteria has seasonal changes for digestion. Eat seasonally. Be kind to your digestive system.
Listen in as Dr. John Douillard shares how to aid your digestion.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Cider & Crème Fraiche.
Ingredients
Directions
Warm the butter, olive oil, onions, and curry powder, cinnamon in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into chunks.
Add the squash, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash are very soft. Process the soup through a food mill fitted with a large blade, or puree it coarsely in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
Pour the soup back into the pot. Add the apple cider and crème fraiche to make the soup the consistency you like; it should be slightly sweet and quite thick. Check the salt and pepper and serve hot.
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Your chronic rash may actually be atopic dermatitis.Atopic dermatitis is chronic eczema, and it doesn’t respond well to steroid cream treatment like a regular rash.
People with atopic dermatitis are susceptible to systemic issues, like asthma. It affects the body with chronic and continuous low-level inflammation. Exercise can help regulate that inflammation.
Triggers vary from person to person, so you may have to discover your own. Keep stress levels low. Track your eating habits over a week and see if your dermatitis flares. Try eating seasonal, local produce so you’re taking in nutrients from your local environment.
As for treatment, you may be able to calm a flare-up with yogurt and leafy greens. Topical application of Neem oil may also help. Sea buckthorn is a natural dietary supplement that has aided skin inflammation.
Finally, talk to your dermatologist if you have chronic rashes. There is help for suffering.
Listen in as Chef Elizabeth Falkner shares her story of life with atopic dermatitis.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Porchetta. Recipe variation from Mario Batali.
Yields up to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Butterfly pork loin to become a sheet 1inch thick and about 8 inches by 14 inches. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
In a 12 to 14 inch saute pan, heat olive oil until smoking. Add onion and fennel and saute until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ground pork, fennel seeds, pepper, rosemary and garlic. Cook until the mixture assumes a light color, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Add chopped fennel leaves and eggs and mix well.
Spread mixture over pork loin and roll up like a jelly roll. Tie with butchers twine and place in roast pan on top of halved red onions. Place in oven and roast 75 minutes, or until interior temperature is 140 degrees F. Remove and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
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Chicken is a mealtime staple. Find out how to get more out of your chicken.Chicken is the most consumed animal protein in the world. It’s the thing that we make for dinner.
Chicken readily takes on flavors from spices and herbs. If you cook it properly it is tender, tasty and delicious.
The chicken we eat today descended from domesticated birds from southeast Asia about 10,000 years ago. Chickens traveled with explorers to other continents.
Look to local and regional farmers for your poultry. The process is typically more humane and is always more nutritious.
What Do the Labels Mean?
“Free range” appears on labels but only requires chickens have an opening to access the outdoors. The opening may not be large enough for the chicken to exit the coop. It may not be as pastoral as you think.
“Farm raised” is misleading. All chickens are raised on farms.
“Air chilled” is a process that cools the meat quickly, sending it through cool chambers on conveyers. The meats are typically chilled in cold vats of water. The water-chilling process allows for easy transmittal of salmonella. Air chilling has significantly decreased incidence of salmonella.
Sunday Dinner Roast Chicken Recipe
Brine the chicken in a salt water solution to tenderize the bird. You can also brine in buttermilk with salt. Rinse and pat it dry.
Slip your fingers between the meat and breast skin. Trap a little bit of butter under the skin. It will help tenderize the breast meat and crisp the skin from beneath.
Start roasting the chicken on its side in a roasting pan. You may need to prop it up with foil. Cook it for 15 minutes. Rotate to the other side and cook for another 15 minutes.
Lazy Chicken Stock
Save your chicken bones from your cooked chickens. Chicken necks make a great stock. You can also get some chicken wings. You can also use giblets but the stock won’t be as clear.
Get a large pot of water. Add some onion, carrots, celery, fresh thyme, whole parsley, garlic cloves and peppercorns.
Bring the water to a boil and turn it down to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Strain out solids.
You can save in one- to two-cup containers in your freezer. It lasts about three days in the refrigerator. Use stock anywhere you want a little more flavor.
A darker chicken stock has a more intense flavor. Roasting the bones and vegetables before boiling the stock creates a darker broth.
Listen in as Cynthia Graubart shares how you can get the most out of your chicken.
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Wheat has been part of the human diet for millions of years. Why are people now having problems with it?Scientifically, we’re built to process wheat.
Gluten was found in the teeth of human skeletons from 3 million years ago. A handful of wheat berries could fill up a person for a day. Humans only started eating meat 500,000 years ago.
So, why are so many people having trouble eating wheat now?
If you can’t digest wheat today but you didn’t have problems with it in the past, your body is actually having a hard time detoxifying itself. All of our food sources are polluted.
Is wheat really the problem?
Other grains like khorasan wheat have greater gluten content than modern wheat. But, studies have shown that this wheat variety results in a greater reduction in inflammation, as well as other positive health benefits.
The average Roman soldier received rations of several pounds of bread per day. The average person in 1900 consumed 86 more pounds of wheat per year than in 2008. The gluten levels in bread have been relatively stable during this time.
Yet, consuming wheat makes some folks feel yucky. Doctors suggest they stop eating wheat. These patients feel good for a spell but return feeling bad again. More foods might be eliminated from one's diet. The digestive system feels better for a bit but the issue returns. This approach only addresses the symptoms, not the cause.
The fiber found in whole grains helps the health of your gut microbiome. The trick is to navigate around the processed foods of the modern diet, which have weakened our digestive system. Eliminate processed foods from your diet. Unprocessed wheat and dairy in your body can congest the lymph nodes in your brain. You get a brain fog, feel tired and have difficulty moving energy through your body.
Listen in as Dr. John Douillard shares how wheat itself is not the culprit in many cases.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Warm Brussels Sprout & Hazelnut Salad.
Ingredients
Cut the core off the bottom of each sprout to release the leaves. Put the leaves in a bowl. Chop up the core of each sprout. Add the core pieces to the bowl of leaves.
Chop hazelnuts or crush with a mortar and pestle. Place in a medium bowl. Add shallots, vinegar, honey and oil. Set bowl to the side.
Cook bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about four minutes. Put bacon to the side. Save the grease for the rest of the recipe.
Add 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to the bowl of shallots, hazelnuts, honey and liquids. Whisk to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.
Place skillet with remaining bacon fat over high heat until lightly smoking. Cook brussels sprouts without stirring for about one minute until they start popping. Stir, cook for one more minute. Remove from heat.
Add leaves to mixture. Toss. Top with bacon and serve.
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Do you love spicy foods but they don't love you back? Check out these tips for getting the flavor without the digestive havoc.Spicy foods are delicious. But, your body may not share your enthusiasm for hot stuff.
If you're sensitive to spicy foods, you may consider having smaller portions or using less spice.
Another tip is to have some avocado before embarking on a spicy culinary journey. Avocado can coat the stomach and make it easier to handle the hot foods. The healthy fats in avocados help the digestive process.
Use fruit and/or complex carbs as an appetizer in order to get your stomach ready for a spicy adventure. Mix up a fruit-based salsa to calm down the spiciness. Lime juice is great for digesting spicy peppers.
Incorporate fresh herbs into your dishes for a peppery flavor without irritating your digestive system with actual peppers. Consider using cumin, cilantro, thyme and paprika.
Finally, make your own sofrito, a spice base using a blender. Take equal parts of cilantro, onion, red pepper, green pepper and tomatillo. Add a small portion of parsley (to cut the heat of the peppers), oregano and thyme. Add avocado oil and puree. Add lime and puree for an additional 20 seconds. Store in jars and use throughout the week. Sofrito can serve as a meat rub, salsa, salad dressing or fresh fruit glaze. Freeze it in ice cube trays and put the cubes in a freezer bag as a starter for sauces and soups.
Adding flavor to your food can help satiate that need for spice. You might enjoy using a simple herbal rub on your meats and vegetables.
Ingredients:
Mix these up in a container. See how these flavors contribute to your meals. This is a great blend for autumn.
Ingredients
Mix these up in a container. The longer it sits, the more potent the flavors become.
Listen in as Chef Ronaldo Linares shares how you can enjoy spicy tastes without upsetting your tummy.
Sponsor: Real Salt
NET cancer presents symptoms similar to IBS. Find out what to look for before it's too late.NET Cancer Awareness Day is November 10th.
A neuroendocrine tumor (NET) comes from the embryonic neural crest cells. These cells migrate to areas throughout the body as the fetus matures, typically in the GI tract, lungs and pancreas. These cells can turn into a neuroendocrine tumor later in life.
The tumors are unique, because they can create proteins (peptides) that can cause a variety of unique and unusual symptoms not seen in other cancers. These symptoms may not occur until later, making it tougher to diagnose the disease late in its onset.
The most common carcinoid tumors, NET of the small intestine, may produce no symptoms for years. They are very slow growing tumors. The first symptom to present may be intermittent abdominal pain. That tummy ache will commonly result in an immediate IBS diagnosis, not the discovery of a tumor.
An undiagnosed tumor can lead to wheezing, diarrhea and flushing. These three symptoms are the result of an overproduction of peptides by the tumor. Watery, profuse diarrhea that cause nighttime rushes to the bathroom is a distinct symptom. The flushes are hot, dry, deep red flushes to the face and neck. It can even lead to carcinoid heart disease.
Prolonged, unexplainable diarrhea should prompt a physician to investigate the condition further. A blood test and 24-hour collection of urine are diagnostics for neuroendocrine tumors. Avoid aged cheeses, alcohol, smoked or salted fish and meats, fermented foods, caffeine, cocoa, peanuts, brazil nuts, bananas, avocados, soybeans and fava beans before testing.
Patients diagnosed with NET require a two part approach.
Knowing the triggers for the undesirable symptoms can help those facing NET. Avoid large meals that may cause diarrhea. Lay off fatty meals, spicy foods and alcohol. Eat foods low in amines. Keep a food diary to find what works for you.
Listen in as Dr. Hal Gerstein discusses the symptoms of NET cancer.
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Learn the best foods for optimal brain health.Your brain is best fueled with good nutrition.
The MIND (Mediterranean Intervention Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is great for your brain. This diet can reduce your risk of Alzheimers by 50 percent.
The MIND diet eliminates meat, saturated fats, sugar, processed foods and alcohol. This eliminates the cheese that the Mediterranean diet contains. Whole grains, olive oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables are still part of the MIND diet.
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides. These break down into ketones which are an ideal brain food. The brains of those with Alzheimers are typically low in ketones.
If you can’t think properly when eating a plant-based diet, stick with grass-fed, organic meats.
Eat seasonal foods that are available at your local farmer’s market.
Here are the seven brain-boosting food groups:
How you cook your food also affects your health. Shy away from frying, microwaving, grilling and broiling as much as possible. Steam as much as you can.
Listen in as the Double Energy Twins, Judi and Shari Zucker, share the best foods for brain health.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Pork Paillard. Recipe by Jacques Pepin.
Ingredients
Directions
Prewarm an oven to 160 degrees.
Cut the pork fillets in half crosswise, butterfly each of the four pieces, and pound them between sheets of plastic wrap to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
Place the rosemary leaves, peppercorns, and salt in the bowl of a mini-chop or small grinder, and pulverize them. Sprinkle the pork with the seasoning mixture.
Pour the oil on a plate, and dip both sides of the paillards in the oil. Cook immediately, or stack the pieces of pork together on the plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours.
When you are ready to cook, heat a clean grill until very hot. Place the paillards on the grill, and cook them for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. The meat should be undercooked at this point. Arrange the pork on an ovenproof serving platter, and place it, uncovered in the warm oven for at least 10 minutes and as long as 30 minutes, to "relax" and finish cooking in its own residual heat. Serve with the natural juices that have collected on the platter.
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Find out how wine is made and how to pick the right wine for your tastes.Wine is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet.
The process of winemaking begins in the vineyard. The goal is to get the vine to produce grapes of uniform maturity, making it easier to produce a delicious wine.
Many Napa Valley wineries start the harvest day in the middle of the night. Cold grapes are fresher and produce a better tasting wine. It takes eight to ten weeks to harvest the fruit.
Yeast is added once the juice is extracted. The fermentation process takes about two weeks. It is then moved to barrels for aging.
Wine has been made in Napa Valley for over 150 years. Vintners in the area have learned by experience which grapes grow best in what soil and the optimal conditions to produce a consistent quality product.
Wine pairs wonderfully with food. Delicate wines go best with delicate foods. You can pair sauvignon blanc with goat cheese. Chardonnay goes best with something like a brie cheese. Match the intensity of wine with the intensity of the food. You may have something lighter with summer foods. Merlots are great for autumn.
Tips for Wine Tasting
Listen in as Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars shares some wine basics.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Slow Roasted French Salmon.
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
Brush with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on prepared baking sheet.
Mix remaining oil, thyme, and lemon zest & dijionin a small bowl. Spread thyme mixture over salmon fillets, dividing equally. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Bake salmon until just opaque in center, 15-18 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
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Neuroendocrine tumors can cause digestive issues. Find out more about this manageable cancer.Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a cancer appearing anywhere in the body that affects the hormones. It is sometimes referred to as cancer of the body location where it is discovered. For example, "cancer of the liver."
NET is sometimes called carcinoid syndrome. Tumors are typically found in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs, but they can also be found in other organs of the endocrine system.
Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, flushing, shortness of breath, and symptoms of other chronic diseases like Crohn’s or IBS. It can take four to six years to accurately diagnose.
NET is a slow-growing cancer. If caught early enough, it can be managed like a chronic disease.
There are injectable hormone inhibitors to help manage carcinoid syndrome. They may slow the growth of the tumor.
Another treatment involves radioactive beads being injected into the liver to help manage the disease. New techniques are being developed to help people live with NET.
Since NET can cause digestive difficulty, diet is key to comfort. The Mediterranean diet is advised. Eating a plant-based diet can help. Organic food can reduce the distress that may be caused by pesticides. It’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to food and refine your diet based on the reactions.
Listen in as Cindy Lovelace, Executive Director of Healing NET Foundation, shares her personal experience with NET and discusses how to manage it.
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Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Grilled Swordfish.
Four servings
Ingredients:
Instructions
Preheat your grill (use a grill pan especially for the onions) to medium high.
Combine the pineapple and onion in a mixing bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Spread the onion and pineapple mixture out in a grill pan (you need something to keep the pieces from slipping through into the grill). Place on the grill. Grill the onions and pineapple for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the pineapple is starting to brown and the onion is getting soft, remove from heat.
Scoop the grilled pineapple and onion back into the mixing bowl. Cut into stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the jalapeno pepper, mint, basil and zest . Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
You can start grilling the swordfish after getting the pineapple grilling. Coat the swordfish with a bit of cooking spray, then place on the grill seasoned with salt & pepper. Grill the swordfish with the grill covered on for 6 minutes. Flip the fish to the other side, grill another 3 minutes, and check for doneness. You want the fish to be just cooked through (all white) but still moist. This typically takes 12 to 15 minutes of total grilling time depending on the thickness of the fish.
When the swordfish is cooked through, move to a platter. Portion up the fish, and serve topped with the pineapple salsa. Enjoy!
Do you really know what's in your grocery cart?You trust food companies to tell you the truth about the food they sell you.
But, you may be purchasing something other than what you intended.
Wild salmon are a point of contention. Most wild caught salmon we get in the United States comes from Alaska. There is no aquaculture allowed in Alaska, so your fish won’t come from farms. Wild caught and farmed salmon look different. Look at them side by side in the market. Wild salmon is more irregular. Almost all smoked salmon is farmed. Atlantic salmon is farmed.
Olive oil is also not always what it seems. The majority of olive oil sold in the United States as “extra virgin” does not meet the requirements for that definition.
The fresher and better quality it is, the better the taste.
The Greeks go through a bottle per person every two weeks. They’re very heart healthy so they must me onto something.
“Extra virgin” olive oil may be cut with refined olive oil, peanut oil or other oils. A lot of olive oil sold in the States is stale. The best quality olive oil has a shelf life of one year. Look for bottles that have a pressing or harvesting date. This is different from the bottling date. It’s best to buy it in the first few months of the calendar year. You’re pretty safe buying olive oil from Chile, Australia and California.
Honey is often adulterated. Adding high fructose corn syrup or beet sugar doesn’t change the color or the taste. Honey is made everywhere. It’s easy to buy local honey from a farmer’s market and get 100% honey.
Honey-flavored products don’t always contain pure honey. Read the ingredients on the label.
Lastly, beware the claims of Kobe beef. Less than 10 restaurants in the United States import actual Kobe beef from Japan. You can’t get Kobe beef from your butcher, and you definitely can’t get it in your hot dogs.
Buy your food in the wholest form possible so you won’t be fooled.
Listen in as Larry Olmsted, author of Real Food Fake Food, joins Dr. Mike to cut through the labeling nonsense in your grocery cart.
How do you know you're actually getting the fish you want?Fake foods are foods that contain something other than what you think you’re buying; a bait-and-switch of ingredients.
The less recognizable a food is to the eye, the easier it is to be fraudulent.
Can you tell the difference between filets of whitefish? You may be buying farmed tilapia when you believe you’re buying red snapper.
The quality of our food has become adulterated by the current food pathways. There is now opportunity for people to falsely market foods.
Look for the seal from the Marine Stewardship Council (a fish in the shape of a checkmark) for wild caught seafood to be sure you’re buying what’s promised.
Listen in as Larry Olmsted dishes on how to know you're getting the fish you think you're buying.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Lamb Meatball Sliders on Naan Bread with Warm Chickpea Salad.
Ingredients:
Serves 2 to 4
For the kefta:
For the yogurt sauce:
For the chickpeas:
To serve:
Store-bought naan breads.
For the kefta, toss the onions, minced herbs, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater blade (or a large mixing bowl) and mix until combined. Add the ground lamb and beat until all of the ingredients are incorporated, about 1 minute. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to an hour while you finish getting everything else ready for dinner.
Grab a handful of meat, form into an oblong, sausage-like shape. Repeat with remaining meat. (You can also form them into any shape you like, such as flat patties, meatballs, or torpedoes, and cook them skewered or un-skewered.)
Heat a large griddle or grill pan over medium-high and generously coat with cooking oil. Once the oil is sizzling, add the skewers and cook until deep golden brown on one side, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until meat is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes more.
For the yogurt sauce, combine the yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
For the chickpeas, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, 1 to 2 minutes, followed by the garlic for another 20 seconds or so. Add the chickpeas, harissa, cumin, pimentón and a generous pinch of salt. Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to high; simmer until the mixture is almost dry.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.
Learn more about how sheep's cheese is made.Happy sheep make tasty cheese.
What you feed your animals contributes to the flavor of the food they produce. The ability to roam in green pastures and having minimal antibiotic treatments help provide sheep with a quality life.
Sheep’s milk is sweeter than cow’s milk. Different milks create unique flavors.
The five basic steps to cheese making are:
Milk volume is high at the beginning of the year, but it has a lower fat content. Late in the year milk has more fat. This affects how the cheeses will taste.
Artisan cheeses contain high levels of anti-inflammatories and beneficial fats.
Listen in as Allison Dembek joins Dr. Mike to share how artisan cheeses are made.
Dr. Mike dishes on how food modification robs produce of environmental flavors.It’s the perfect time of year to fill your basket with produce. The colors are enticing.
But, are you getting the freshness you think?
That perfect tomato you find on the shelf may have been mechanically harvested. Was it bathed in sunshine or sunned with a grow light? Does it have a functional tomato taste, or does it hold the flavor of the soil where it was grown?
Engage in properly sourcing your foods like a chef by asking a few questions.
What is it? Is it what you think it is? Is the label telling the truth?
How was it raised? Take note of the genetic stock and how it was produced.
How was it harvested or processed? Not all living, fermented foods have active cultures inside.
How was it transported? Was it picked unripe and shipped thousands of miles? Is it from a town two hours away? The less distance the food has to travel, the tastier and fresher it will be.
Your food should be wholesome and authentic.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on how to find the best food for your health and enjoyment.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss their latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss their latest adaptation for Culinary CPR: Cantaloupe Peanut Thai-Style Pork Tenderloin.
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Sauce
For the Cilantro Oil
For the Pork Tenderloin:
In a large bowl or container, add the 1⁄2 cantaloupe. Using a potato masher, crush the fruit into a puree. Add the garlic cloves, wine, lime juice, zest, salt, pepper, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, sambal oelek, coconut milk, honey, and vinegar. Allow the tenderloins to rest in the mixture overnight.
Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. Remove the tenderloins and pat dry. Heat some neutral oil in a medium skillet until smoking. Quickly sear the tenderloins on all sides; 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the tenderloins to the oven to finish cooking; approximately 15-20 minutes depending on thickness until an internal temperature of 145 degrees F is reached.
While the tenderloins finish, in the same pan or another medium pan heat some neutral oil over medium heat. Add the scapes, Swiss chard stems (cut into 1⁄2 inch bits), carrots, water chestnuts and baby corn. Cook until tender, but not soggy; approximately 7 minutes. Add the leaves (torn into bite sized bits) and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In boiling, salted water prepare the soba according to directions. Remove, drain and coat with sesame oil. Mix in 1 Tbsp of sauce for each serving of soba.
For the Peanut Sauce:
Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili & garlic sauce, Sriracha, brown sugar, and lime juice and hot water in a blender. Puree until it is smooth. Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and garnish with the chopped cilantro or drizzle cilantro oil.
For the Cilantro Oil:
Prepare a small pot of water boiling on the stove. “Blanch” the cilantro by adding it to the boiling water for about 10 seconds, making sure the leaves are in the water the whole time.
“Shock” the cilantro by removing it from the boiling water and adding it to an ice and water bath. Drain the cilantro and pat dry. In a blender add your cilantro, salt, white pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until it is smooth on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. Store this mixture overnight in your refrigerator so the herb pieces that weren’t fully pureed can settle and still add flavor overnight.
The next day filter the oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator until needed.
NOTE: When using extra virgin olive oil, you will find that it thickens when refrigerated. Allow the cilantro oil to come to room temperature and it will regain its regular viscosity. This and other herb oils will keep up to two weeks without losing too much of its color and flavor. You can use this same method for numerous herb oils
To Serve:
Place a layer of soba topped with vegetables. Place the sliced tenderloin on top. Slice the remaining cantaloupe into 1-inch long matchsticks and garnish. Drizzle the sauce over and serve.
Learn the origins of tiki bars and get the recipe for a delicious mai tai.Tiki cocktails are hand-crafted beverages that can be found in kitschy bars across the United States.
The vets who were coming back from the Pacific Theater after World War II would stop in Hawaii on their way to the mainland. Don the Beachcomber decided to open a bar that would appeal to these vets. He used lots of rum, because it was the cheapest alcohol available after Prohibition.
Rum is the most versatile spirit in the world, because there are no rules for creating it. It’s distilled sugar. It can be made from sugar cane or molasses.
There are different kinds of rums to consider when crafting your own tiki cocktail. A light rum is unaged, right out of the still and watered down. (All liquor is watered down to reach the proof listed on the bottle.) Aged rum or dark rum gets color and flavor from the barrels it’s aged in, similar to wine and whiskey. Spiced rum came about by adding flavor to dull rum. Now, distillers are creating spiced rum on purpose.
Any craft cocktail requires the jigger. You need to measure all the ingredients like a chef. Tiki drinks are layered drinks.
The mai tai was invented in 1941 by Vic Bergeron of Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California. “Mai tai” is Tahitian for "the very best.” It’s not an overly sweet drink, much like a mojito.
RECIPE:
Mix in shaker. Pour over crushed ice. Smack a mint sprig and use as garnish.
If you’re visiting a tiki bar for the first time, start with the mai tai. That tells you what rums they’re using and how they make their drinks. If the mai tai is too sweet, the rest of the drinks may follow suit.
Listen in as mixologist Dr. Shocker joins Dr. Mike to talk tiki cocktails.
Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of dietary fats.Contrary to popular belief, consuming fats does not make you fat.
Fat is nature’s most energy-dense nutrient. The Mediterranean diet gets 40 percent of its energy from fats.
Evaluate the value of your food for quality first and quantity second. Reach for fresh foods that haven’t been processed. Be smart with your portions.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of dietary fats.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest adaptation for Culinary CPR: Romaine Wrapped Salmon.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Take as many big, intact leaves of lettuce as you have pieces of fish. With large outer leaves, cut out center veins 2 to 3 inches up from bottom of leaves, to the point where the leaf is more pliable; with inner leaves this may not be necessary. One or 2 at a time, blanch leaves in boiling water until they are tender and flexible, 30 seconds to a minute. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Put a piece of fish on each leaf and sprinkle with salt and pepper; fold or roll fish in leaf so edges overlap. It is not important to make a tight seal, but it is nice if the leaf package covers all the fish. When done, you can cover and refrigerate packages until ready to serve, or continue.
In a large, broad skillet or casserole with a cover, bring wine to a boil with butter.
Reduce heat to a simmer and add fish packages. Cover and simmer until a thin-bladed knife easily penetrates fish, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove fish to a warm platter.
Over high heat, quickly reduce liquid in skillet; it is likely there will be more than there was when you started. When it is thickened a bit, pour over fish and serve.
Learning about the origin of the meat you consume can enrich your food experience.Chefs source their meat for the best flavor and richest dining experience.
An ideal cut of meat has no antibiotics or GMOs. Try to find meat from an animal that wasn’t fed corn or soy. Pasture-raised meat is advised. A happier, healthier animal becomes tastier meat.
Find out where your food comes from; and that doesn’t mean to just take a trip to the grocery store. Visit a local food-raising farm or butcher to learn more about your meat.
An animal gave its life to nourish your body. Making the connection to that animal’s life cycle pays respect to the animal.
Heritage breeds don’t have the fat bred out. They have better flavor. Their flavor reflects their environment. A pig that eats apples in the fall will have a different flavor profile from the pig that eats grass in the spring.
European style butchers bring the butchering experience to the people. Look for a butcher at your local farmers’ market.
Grocery store butchers are stuck selling cuts that come in a box. Smaller butchers have to make the most out of the animal and can get creative with their cuts of meat. They don’t want to waste anything so their sausage may contain better cuts of meat.
Cathrine Walters and Abraham Jindrich of The Cloven Hoof join Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss how to enrich your food experience by getting to know your meat.
Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of eating seafood.When you taste and smell food, you don’t immediately think about the nutritional benefit your body will receive. You think about how delicious its consumption will be.
Regular consumption of seafood decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease by 10 percent. Seafood reduces platelet aggregation and reduces overall chronic inflammation.
The nutrients your body needs are best absorbed and utilized when derived from foods.
More importantly, you have a richer experience when you get your nutrition from food with friends than from a supplement.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of eating seafood.
You can improve your food experience by adopting some restaurant practices in your own kitchen.Some of the best restaurants provide an incredible and personalized food experience.
You can adopt some successful restaurant practices in your own kitchen to enrich your food experience at home.
Great restaurants use locally sourced foods. The food may be a bit more expensive, but it supports local agriculture and has local flavor. Farm-to-table food is better for your health.
Preparing food at the right moment of ripeness will enhance the flavor in your meal. Fresh tomatoes are great on salads. Overripe tomatoes create better flavor in a bisque. Professional kitchens try to waste nothing. Find recipes that work for your produce at various stages of ripeness.
Freshly prepared food nurtures health more than food made for convenience that's later reheated for serving.
Listen in as long-time restaurant professional Robinson Shaw shares her experience in the food industry.
Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of butter.Butter has been a dietary staple for thousands of years. When did the fat-shaming of butter begin?
It was perceived as increasing the waistline, causing cardiovascular disease and upping diabetes risk. This concept has flooded supermarkets with low-fat and fat-free products. Butter substitutes dominate the refrigerator case.
Instead of consuming natural fats, we are eating over-processed products that don't provide the health benefits of natural butter.
Here are the delicious facts. Butter intake is not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Butter consumption is associated with lower incidence for type-2 diabetes. Milk fat is full of vitamins and minerals. Butter has the greatest benefit when sourced from animals who eat a nutrient-rich diet.
So, pass the butter!
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes about how butter is actually good for you.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss Dr. Mike's latest adaptation for Culinary CPR: Viking Style Lamb Breast with Pickled Cabbage and Arame, Turnip Purée and Seasonal Vegetables
(Adapted from “Pickled Kale Lamb” by Daniel Serra and Hanna Tunberg; An Early Meal: A Viking Age Cookbook and Odyssey; reprinted with permission)
Ingredients:
For the Lamb:
For the Turnip Purée:
Seasonal Greens:
Directions:
For the Lamb:
Lay the breast cap side down, after removing any excess fat. The meat fibers should be running left to right across the width of the breast. Season with the cumin and coriander. Spread the mustard over the flesh and then spread the sauerkraut on top of that. Reserve any liquid from the sauerkraut. Season with salt and pepper.
Roll the lamb toward you, tightly tucking in each layer. Tie off with butcher twine. Heat some oil over medium high heat until smoking. Add the lamb breast and cook each side until browned; approximately 2 minutes per side.
In a Dutch oven or other oven proof deep baking vessel, add any remaining liquid from the sauerkraut. Add mead and chicken stock (1:2) so that the liquid comes up ¾ of the way to the top of the lamb breast. Add the bouquet garni and allow to rest several hours to overnight.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. Add the turnips and bake for several hours (4-6), turning as needed.The meat should be fork tender.
To Serve:
Remove the lamb breast and allow to rest. Remove the bouquet garni and discard. Remove the turnips and reserve. Run the cooking liquid through a strainer to remove any debris.
Using a fat separator, remove as much fat as possible. Alternatively, you can cool the liquid and remove the solidified fat if not serving immediately.
In a food processor, add the turnips, 1 Tbsp of butter and drizzle the cooking liquid in until the mixture is a smooth, gravy like consistency. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the remaining butter. To that add the scapes and cook until browned, or if using minced garlic cook until softened. Add the greens and cook quickly until just wilted; 1 to 2 minutes.
To serve, assemble the greens on the base and slice the lamb breast crosswise. Top with a drizzle of the purée and garnish.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Pollo Con Arroz (Spanish-Style Chicken with Saffron Rice).
Ingredients:
Directions:
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet (at least 2 inches deep) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chicken on all sides, about 12 minutes total. Transfer chicken with tongs to a plate.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and add onion, bell pepper, and salt to taste. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 7 minutes.
Add garlic, paprika, and rice, then cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and boil, uncovered, 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, saffron, and bay leaf. Nestle chicken in rice, adding any juices from plate.
Cook, covered, over low heat until chicken is cooked through, rice is tender, and most of liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peas, olives, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover skillet and let stand 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
Dabble in Cuban fusion cooking in your own kitchen.The kitchen isn't a scary place. You can create a fusion with your food by using locally sourced foods and a few spices.
Cilantro is being used like parsley in the United States but it's used a lot in Cuban cooking. Cubans work with foods native to the area. You'll find lots of barley, quinoa and rice in Cuban food because it's locally abundant.
To develop your own Cuban flavor, make a sofrito sauce. The sofrito is the beginning of your dish. It can be the base of a stew or a marinade for meats and vegetables. Thicker meats can sit in the sofrito longer, and sliced steaks don't need as long. Saute red peppers, green peppers, onions, cilantro, oregano, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper. Try combinations of meats, vegetables and whole grains to create your own dish.
Be a chef and experiment in your own kitchen. Check your local farmers' market to see what flavors you'd like to add to your sofrito.
Listen in as Chef Ronaldo Linares joins Dr. Mike to share how you can create Cuban fusion food in your own home.
Dr. Mike dishes on the benefits of consuming the right kind of carbs.Remember when we were told carbs were bad and should be eliminated from our diets so we'd stop getting fat?
Lies.
Well, lies of sorts. Carbohydrates from refined flour are void of the nutrients your body needs to get maximum benefit. Want healthy carbs? Stick to whole grains.
Whole grain foods must contain all the parts of the original grain before being crushed into flour. This is different from "multi-grain" and "whole wheat." Whole grain foods are made from unrefined flour and contain all of the natural fiber in the original grain.
Refining removes bran and germ, leaving only the carbohydrate-rich endosperm. This also decreases the protein in the flour. Refined flours will add nutrients that have been removed during the refining process.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes about whole grains and healthy carbs.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Chicken Capricciosa.
Ingredients:
For the Garnish:
For the Chicken:
Directions:
For the Garnish:
Combine the arugula, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl. Add the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
For the Chicken:
Pour the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and lemon rind into a shallow-sided dish and season with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into another shallow-sided dish and season them with salt and pepper as well.
Dip the chicken breasts into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess and reserve on a plate.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and sauté until cooked through and golden brown (2–3 minutes per side). Add the butter to the sauté pan, and stir with a wooden spoon to loosen any caramelized bits of chicken that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat, and stir in the chopped parsley.
Arrange the chicken breasts on a platter, spoon the pan sauce over all, then drizzle with the lemon juice. Garnish each serving with the arugula, tomato, red onion mixture.
Personalize your health care by learning about functional nutrition.Functional medicine is a whole body approach to medicine. Everything works together.
Functional nutrition examines how food functions in the body. Every single person is unique, so the way foods are processed by individuals varies.
Genomics is the study of how food influences the behavior of genes. Eating certain things may turn genes in your body on or off. You may be subject to more inflammation than your mother, so your diet might need different foods or supplementation. This information can guide your doctor and nutritionist to best support your health.
Raw cruciferous vegetables reduce inflammation for most people. They produce powerful antioxidants that are only created inside the body. These antioxidants are like a fire hose directed at inflammation. Cooking cruciferous vegetables eliminates that capability. Fermented foods denatures the enzymes, but they do support beneficial gut bacteria.
Listen in as Amanda Archibald shares how genomics can help you improve your quality of life.
Dr. Mike dishes on the implications and complications of taxing soft drinks.A sin tax is enacted to raise money and to decrease utilization of a certain product or activity.
The Philadelphia soda and sugary beverage tax is a sin tax. This levies a one penny per ounce excise tax on sodas and like beverages. Included are sweetened teas, sugar-added juices and energy drinks. The goal is to raise money and discourage use of these products.
While passed with the best intentions, it raises many questions about taxing sweetened drinks. How much added sugar is too much? What constitutes added sugar? Who makes the rules? Should natural sweeteners be taxed? How about sugar added by an individual to a cup of coffee?
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on the implications of taxing sugar.
Take charge of your health by walking a spiritual path.Shamanism is walking a spiritual path.
If you want to become a shaman, be prepared to walk a long road. There are spiritual pilgrimages to make. Each individual must discover his or her unique gifts and develop those. Find out what nature is telling you.
Shamans drink plenty of water, bless their food, and select the best ingredients. Your diet will change if you choose a spiritual pathway. What you eat nourishes your body. Eating foods closer to what is found in nature will better nourish your body.
You can increase the quality of your life. You are in charge of your health.
Listen in as Celtic shamanic practitioner, Andrew Steed, shares how to walk the spiritual path for better health.
Get in touch with your spiritual side to improve your life.All things are connected. This is becoming evident through new information about the gut microbiome and overall health.
Your body contains energy and the stories of your experiences. Shamans help people reclaim the stories their bodies contain. Embarrassment, shame and angst need to be reclaimed so the energy is useful again.
Being mindful and grateful for your food and nature will improve your food experience and life. As an example, you start every day with water. Whether it's brushing your teeth, making some tea or hopping in the shower, every day begins with water. Your body is mostly water. You can give thanks and bless the water you use. Starting with spirituality and gratefulness will start your day positively.
You can raise your consciousness, appreciate the moments in your life and help create a new, beautiful world.
Celtic shaman practitioner Andrew Steed joins Dr. Mike to share how to make your live a little more spiritual.
Shamans have played an important role in civilizations.A shaman is a vessel between the spirit world and the human world. Every tribe in history has looked to a shamanic individual who could link the spiritual to the human.
Communing with nature is a large part of shamanism. Our modern society doesn't teach folks to listen to nature.
Listen in as Celtic shamanic practitioner, Andrew Steed, discusses shamanism.
Dr. Jennifer Berman of the Emmy-winning show, The Doctors, explains the intimate connection between food and sex.Eating is a sensual experience. There's an intimacy to dining. Enjoying a meal with someone brings you together.
Food is also emotional. Sometimes, you may make bad eating choices because of emotional connections to food. This is how you wind up eating comfort foods you shouldn't, much like going back to an ex-lover for more of that old, unhealthy relationship.
The brain is the biggest sex organ in the body. It governs what we do. Eating promotes intimacy and connection and can make you feel better.
For the smoothest sexual experience, keep in mind what foods are best for your heart. Your heart keeps the blood pumping to your sex organs. Arousal, lubrication and libido are enhanced by a healthy heart.
Inviting a date out for a shared meal represents more connection and intimacy than a coffee date. This is better for courtship, because both parties are more open to sharing, the conversations are longer, and the food can reinforce positive emotional feelings.
Listen in as sexual health expert Dr. Jennifer Berman joins Dr. Mike to discuss the connections between food and sex.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Paprika Dusted Grilled Shrimp and Roasted Tomato "Butter" with Chili & Cilantro Oils.
Shrimp
Tomato Butter
Cilantro Oil
Chili oil
Grilling the Shrimp:
Mix the smoked paprika and the salt & pepper and season the shrimp. Prepare your grill (outdoors) or grill pan (indoors). Brush the grill grate with oil. Grill the shrimp until cooked through, 2-3 minutes per side.
Making the Tomato “Butter”:
In a heavy bottom sauce pan cut up the plum tomatoes in quarters, add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper. Cook on medium low heat for about twenty five minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down and lose their shape. When completed take the stewed tomatoes to a blender or immersion blender and blend till smooth and buttery leaving no residual pieces.
Making the Cilantro oil:
Prepare a small pot of water boiling on the stove. “Blanch” the cilantro by adding it to the boiling water for about 10 seconds, making sure the leaves are in the water the whole time. “Shock” the cilantro by removing it from the boiling water and adding it to an ice and water bath. Drain the cilantro and pat dry. In a blender add your cilantro, salt, white pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until it is smooth on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Store this mixture overnight in your refrigerator so the herb pieces that weren’t fully pureed can settle and still add flavor over night. The next day filter the oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator until needed. NOTE: When using extra virgin olive oil you will find that it thickens when refrigerated. Allow the cilantro oil to come to room temperature and it will regain its regular viscosity (you can substitute canola or vegetable oil instead if you like). This and another herb oils will keep up to two weeks without losing too much of its color and flavor. You can use this same method for numerous herb oils!
Making the Chili oil:
Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month. Keep squeeze bottles of flavored oils available at all times. If you don’t want the oil getting too spicy remove the pepper flakes through a strainer after 24 hours.
Dr. Mike dishes on how good food is like good sex.You need food to survive.
But, chances are good that you would rather enjoy something flavorful and pleasurable than just eating what is simply needed for body fuel.
Sex is only necessary when trying to procreate, yet it occupies so much of one's attention. Sex can be pleasurable and enjoyable, just like eating. When you love what you eat, you treasure the experience and go back for more.
In some cultures, the bride's cooking ability was prized above her maidenhead. A great food experience is more memorable than the nutritional nuts and bolts. The environment sticks in memory.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on the relationship between food and sex.
Dr. Mike dishes on the health benefits of dietary sodium.In the literal sense, a red herring is a smoked kipper that's been heavily treated with salt which turned the fish red. In a metaphorical sense, a red herring refers to something misleading.
The beliefs about sodium are a bit of a red herring.
The truth is that your body needs salt. The link between cardiovascular health and sodium intake is not linear.
Listen in as Dr. Mike dishes on how sodium recommendations have been a bit of a red herring.
Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss Dr. Mike's latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss Dr. Mike's latest creation for Culinary CPR: Gazpacho.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly drizzle the carrots, garlic, onion and tomatoes with olive oil and roast until the carrots are tender and tomatoes start to split; about twenty minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
Place the peppers under the broiler and char. Remove and place in a sealed plastic bag for several minutes. Remove the charred skin and remove the seeds; roughly chop the peppers. Combine all the ingredients including reserved tomato juice, in a food processor, working in batches if necessary. Chill the soup for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. To serve, ladle into a bowl, drizzle a little good quality olive oil, top with a dab of crème fraiche and garnish. Finish with a wedge of lime.
Grind your own flour for maximum health benefits.Rampant food allergies are a great reason to grind your own flour.
Grains are able to be stored for a very long time. When the grains are ground, they become perishable. We now have ground white flour that is designed to have a longer shelf life. It's had the bran and germ sifted out, reducing the health benefits of flour.
Diseases, allergies and intolerance have been on the rise since processed white flour hit the market.
Baked goods are fantastic treats. Grinding your own flour allows you to enjoy these treats with the health benefits of the whole grains. You can grind the grains on an as-needed basis so you don't have to worry about spoilage.
Listen in as Sue Becker joins Dr. Mike to talk about grinding your own flour at home.
Dr. Mike dishes about the health benefits of wine.Great news! Wine is part of the Mediterranean diet, which has long been proven to be one of the healthiest diets out there.
Moderate alcohol consumption is linked with a decreased fasting insulin concentration, lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes. It also helps prevent chronic kidney disease. Red wine can help increase good cholesterol.
Listen in as Dr. Mike shares the gospel of wine for health.