PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA

Pizzeria Bianco's Marinara !

Well, I'm doing something right post-cancer. And I have needed help from many people. Hooray, my blood counts are the best that I have seen in more than a decade. They didn't find my cancer until 2009, even though I felt it for sure way before that. So two years after surgery I'm finally starting to see progress. Ain't these adhesions a bitch though?: The cancers's back, the cancer's back, blood tests good, maybe it's adhesions. Hang in there if you are trying to recover from major disease. It takes time to develop disease and time to recover.


I'm going to get away with calling pizza an antioxidant food. TOMATO SAUCE! I am a pizza nut. My wife, not so much. We are nearing 60 and the memory fades, but I said to myself "what's the best pies ever?":
Bill's Pizza in my home town of Mundelein, Il., opened in 1957. I ate there until about 1990. Bill had to give the place to his wife long ago, I think in a divorce. Hopefully the recipe remains. I think that it does as I see 4 and 5 star ratings. Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, Az. is the most recent entry here. I ate there this year & it's outstanding. Diorios Pizza in Grand Junction & Palisade, Co. is on my list. I'm going there next week & can't wait for the thin slice that is like Dali's melting watch in my hand. Then there was the hand-tossing little 4 foot tall Italian guy on Spring St. in Springfield, Ma. It was a violent dope infested area when I lived there in the early 1970s. I guess that it's worse now. The pizzeria was near Pearl Street. I was in a dopey fog, but it was there. I got it! Lido's, now they are a full service restaurant? Anyway, those are my top four ever pizzas (not in order).
The wife liked, off the top of her head, Tutta Bella in Seattle, Wa. I think that she is prejudiced because my son, the architect, had a hand in the building. But I agree, great stuff! She puts the brick oven pizza in NYC in her top four, but doesn't remember which great pizzeria in particular. On second thought, she thinks it's the oldest pizzeria in Manhattan; that would make it Lombardi's!? Then she agrees with me on Diorios and Pizzeria Bianco (it being fresh in memory).
So there is your best pizza in America, some of which are still in business.

RECIPE BLOG

WEBSITE

The Cancer Two-Step, Dance of Death

I. Let me tell you, if you are trying this hard-core boozing thing. Drinking liquor all of the time is just a chicken-shit way to commit suicide. I tried it. Life's too hard and you can't pull the trigger? Be an alcoholic. Wrong, I tried it. It takes too long. I tried for twenty years or so, then gave up. It's not just cowardly but it turns painful. Takes a long time and disintegrates your insides. So finally I got cancer (long after I gave up on trying to die and straightened up too late). Cumulative damage from the 20 years caught up to me. The "Big C" got more painful than life. There were ten years of gut aches until they found it in my case. I had thought I'd just binge, pass out, and die. Easy stuff, didn't work. And cancer surgery hurts more than your worst hangover. "Hair of the dog" won't help the pain if a surgeon takes a machete to you. Boozing to death, turns out it's not so smart.

II. Let me tell you, the thing about cancer is it's the same as any other entity. It just wants to live. So it's going to try to kill me. I'm going to try to kill the cancer, I've enumerated the ways previously. The thing about cancer is though, if it lives well it dies. No host, no life for cancer. Cancer's got it wrong, turns out it's not so smart.

NOTE: The author is not promoting any kind of self annihilation and is completely anti-suicide, and believes that life is a gift never to be thrown away. The author believes that we are born to suffer-accept it and deal with it positively. The author is relating his own experiences, and his attempt at liquor related suicide was subconscious and not undertaken overtly. Like any young "party-boy" he didn't realize the self-destruction he was doing.

P.S. I'm fond of saying I got what I deserved. My wife say's that's counterproductive. No one deserves cancer! Then why do so many of us get it? Anyway, I drank the poison didn't I?

P.P.S On a positive note, an exciting new concept is being kicked around by several entities. One, in Canada says it might lead to a breakthrough in cancer therapy (dare we think cure?). This outfit has the support of one of our gazillionaires. Sorry, it doesn't trade on the stock markets. "Magnetized target fusion" is the name of the thing. No more chemo or radiation therapy poison? That would be a big boo-hoo.

Hydrogenated Fats, High Fructose Corn Syrup-No No

I was listening to KNX 1070 in Los Angeles early this morning (I can get it until sun up). They were talking about a new cancer breakthrough. Of course the addendum was that it was unaffordable, even to the insured. That gives me the chance to reiterate: probably the only cancer therapy that you can afford is dietary changes. Read "Anticancer", by that French doctor. I am not a "survivor" yet officially, but have a good start.

Antioxidant Diet for Your Week

all ENTRIES FOR 1 PERSON unless specified

DAY 1 66 grams protein, 27 grams fiber
Breakfast: Organic oatmeal 1 cup (dry) simmered in 1 1/2 cups water for 15 minutes. Add cinnamon and agave nectar to taste.=2 SERVINGS.
1 cup soy milk (USDA certified organic if possible).
1 orange.
Lunch: 1/3 pizza. This is my weakness splurge. I just buy a store-brand cheese pizza that's not too saturated fatty and add garlic for sure, onion, fresh picked Chanterelles (I'm in the Pacific Northwest). Any antioxidant foods added raw and not overcooked will do. Maybe add the toppings when the pizza is 1/2 done. Heather Van Vorous has great homemade crust & pizza ideas in her IBS cookbook.
1/4 cup organic raisins.
Supper: 1/4 pound farmed tilapia (fresh not frozen), baked at 350F degrees in extra virgin olive oil for 25 minutes, garnished with basil & lemon juice.
1 sweet potato baked at 350F degrees for 1 1/4 hours.
5 oz.steamed Brussel sprouts.


DAY 2 57 grams protein, 30 grams fiber
Breakfast: 1 banana.
Oatmeal, ditto.
1 cup soy milk (I like vanilla, some plain brands).
Lunch: 1/3 pizza, ditto. No I'm not going to eat pizza all of the time, too much FAAAAT. My wife ate 1/3 of it on day 1.
Supper: NAVY BEANS & ROTINI PASTA IN HERBED TOMATO SAUCE-RECIPE (2 stars):
1/2 lb. uncooked multi-grain rotini, 1 T canola oil, 2 cloves garlic chopped, 1 tomato chopped, 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 T water, 2 sprigs parsley chopped, 1 t oregano, 1 t basil, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup cooked Navy beans, 2 T black olives chopped, turmeric/black pepper, scant salt to taste.
Cook rotini & drain.
In a large pot heat oil & cook garlic for a few minutes. Stir in tomato, sauce, water, parsley, oregano, basil. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat, mashing the tomato. When sauce thickens (about 8 minutes) add broccoli. Simmer covered until broccoli is tender yet crunchy (about 5 minutes). Stir in beans and olives. Heat throughout. Add rotini, turmeric, pepper, salt=2 SERVINGS.


DAY 3 54 grams protein, 30.5 grams fiber
Breakfast: Bob's Red Mill pancakes. Added notes to his recipe on his 10 GRAIN PANCAKE AND WAFFLE MIX package are as follows. Use canola oil, use organic (NOT "Cage Free") egg, water instead of milk. Top with agave nectar for syrup, small pat of butter.
CAROB SMOOTHIE-RECIPE:
1 banana, 1 6 oz. vanilla yogurt, 1 cup soy milk, 2 T carob powder, 1 organic egg white, cinnamon & agave nectar to taste.
Blend & serve=2 SERVINGS.
Lunch: Tuna salad (no albacore), vacuum packed preferable (at least not in a plastic lined can-then water packed) on multi-grain "Thin Bun" or "Sandwich Thin" with homemade MAYO-RECIPE:
1 organic egg, 3 T (organic would be nice) cider vinegar, 1/2 t salt, 1/2 t dry mustard, 2 T canola oil.
Blend, keep running blender & drizzle in 1 cup + 2 T more canola oil. You will see when you get mayo easily enough=1 PINT. This worked well, electricity went off & didn't need any. (The mayo was in the 'fridge' already).
1/2 organic apple.
Supper: INDIAN STEW ON INDIAN DUMPLINGS-RECIPE (4 stars):
Dumplings-1/4 cup cooked green peas, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/8 cup cashews chopped, 1/8 cup cilantro chopped, 1/2 T grated ginger root, 1/4 t salt, 1/2 cup instant farina, 6 T boiling water, pinch baking soda, 1 T canola oil, (optional) 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
Combine peas, yogurt, coconut, cashews, cilantro, ginger, salt in bowl. Combine farina and water, add to previous mixture. Stir in baking soda then divide mixture into balls. Shallow pan fry in canola or extra virgin olive oil to golden brown (approx. 5 minutes per side).

Stew-1/2 cup lentils, 1 plus 3/4 cup water, 1/2 t turmeric, 1 T plus 1 t canola oil, 2 t mustard seed, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 jalapeno chile sliced, 10 oz. Brussel sprouts (we use frozen), 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 t salt, 1 T fresh lemon juice, 1 T cilantro chopped.
Combine lentils, turmeric, 1 cup water in pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are soft (about 30 min). Puree mixture. Heat oil in skillet, add mustard seed. Heat 1-2 minutes until popping stops. Add garlic, chile and cook 1 minute. Add Brussel sprouts, tomato, salt, 3/4 cup water and cook until Brussel sprouts are tender. Stir in pureed lentils and heat throughout. Remove from heat and add cilantro, lemon juice. Serve stew over dumplings.=2 to 3 SERVINGS.


DAY 4 56 grams protein, 34 grams fiber
Breakfast: Oatmeal, ditto.
1 cup soy milk.
1 orange.
Lunch: Stir fry vegetables, see http://mavensrecipes.blogspot.com (July 10, 2009). Added notes to this recipe are as follows. Use extra virgin olive oil, organic carrots, organic bell peppers, organic celery, organic Jasmine rice. Replace salt with turmeric/black pepper mix. No plastic lined cans remember.
6 oz. healthy brand of yogurt.
Supper: PORTOBELLOS PARMESAN-RECIPE (4 stars):
2 large portobello mushroom caps, 1 t extra virgin olive oil, 3/4 cup marinara sauce (divided), 1/4 cup soy or organic mozzarella cheese, 1 T shredded Parmesan cheese. Discard mushroom stems. Place mushrooms cap side up on oiled baking sheet & brush tops with oil. Broil 4-5 minutes or until tender. Spread 1/2 of sauce into non-stick baking dish. Place mushrooms on sauce cap side down. Add mozzarella to mushrooms. Add remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan & bake uncovered at 350F degrees for 8-10 minutes. Serve with multi-grain pasta=2 SERVINGS.
DEVILED EGGS-RECIPE:
2 hard-boiled eggs shelled and cut in half lengthwise, 1 T mayonnaise, squirt mustard, salt & turmeric/black pepper to taste, paprika garnish.
Put yolks in bowl and combine with all except paprika. Fill egg whites with mixture and sprinkle on paprika.


DAY 5 61 grams protein, 27 grams fiber
Breakfast: Oatmeal, ditto.
1 cup soy milk.
1 banana.
Lunch: Went to find a healthy restaurant meal. It was challenging but we did swell. I had 2 mesquite grilled cod tacos (corn tortillas) garnished with cilantro, raw cabbage, onion with a side order of black beans & jack cheese. Pretty good on the antioxidants there. 1 1/2 Dungeness crab cakes as an appetizer. We estimated this meal at 39 g. protein and 12 g. fiber. The wife had vegi tacos, so less protein.
Supper: VEGETABLE PENNE SOUP-RECIPE (3 stars):
2 t extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup mushrooms chopped, 2 organic carrots diced, 1 onion chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 4 cups organic vegetable broth, 2 cups chopped bok choy, 3/4 cup penne pasta, 1/4 cup parsley chopped, 1/2 t turmeric/black pepper.
Heat oil in medium pan. Add mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic. Stir until vegetables are golden. Stir in broth, bok choy, pasta, spices. Cook until pasta is tender. Stir in parsley=4 SERVINGS.


DAY 6 55 grams protein, 35 grams fiber
Breakfast: 3/4 cup Kashi breakfast cereal.
1 cup soy milk.
1 banana.
Lunch: Leftover INDIAN STEW ON INDIAN DUMPLINGS (add water)-Since the wife's working; had 1 serving left.
1/4 cup organic raisins.
Supper: PINTO BEAN QUESADILLAS-RECIPE (4 stars):
1 cup cooked pinto beans, 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced, 1 T cider vinegar, 4 large corn tortillas, 1/4 cup soy or organic cheddar cheese, 1 tomato sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 t turmeric/black pepper.
Puree beans, pepper, vinegar. Spread bean mixture over tortillas and sprinkle with cheese. Add sliced tomatoes, garlic, spices. Fold tortillas in half and press flat. Heat the tortillas in extra virgin olive oil (or use non-stick pan without oil) pressing with spatula until golden (about 2 minutes per side). Cut to serving triangles=4 SERVINGS.

DAY 7 68 grams protein, 29 grams fiber (with chicken dinner)
Breakfast: 3/4 cup healthy (9 g. protein, 8 g. fiber is nice) antioxidant breakfast cereal.
1 cup soy milk.
6 oz. yogurt.
1 banana.
Lunch: Clif "Builder's" protein bar. I'm stuck at work with no time for lunch!
Supper: BLEW IT, ATE AT WORK. Following is what I should have had.
2 stalks steamed broccoli.
CHAR-GRILLED VIETNAMESE CHICKEN WITH RICE-RECIPE (5 stars):
4 organic chicken breasts, 3 T brown sugar, 2 T soy sauce, 1 t garlic powder (chopped garlic would be better), 1 lb. organic Jasmine rice, 2 organic carrots shredded, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions, 1/4 cup agave nectar.
Cut chicken into 1" pieces. In shallow bowl whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Add chicken, turn to coat. Marinate 30 minutes.
Fill a large kettle with water & boil rice until tender. Drain & rinse cold. Transfer rice to serving dish and toss with carrot/mint/scallions.
Remove chicken from marinade and brush with agave nectar. Grill/broil chicken. Turn frequently until cooked through (about 10 minutes). Place chicken on rice mixture & drizzle with dipping sauce=6 SERVINGS.

Sauce-1/3 cup fish sauce, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup boiling water.
In a small bowl whisk together ingredients.

EVEN WHILE MISSING LUNCH, THIS DAY ILLUSTRATES THAT NUTRITION CAN BE SERVED.



ADDENDUM: While I did blow it a few times (during this particular week) I remained true to the spirit of good food nutrition. If these 3 meal ideas are divided into 4-6 tiny meals, much the better. In the end I decided to cross out the days (in order). It doesn't matter what day, just mix it up and eat antioxidants. One can't have a five-star meal every night, even on steak and pollutants.
Don't worry about serving size too much for supper. My wife figures me for 1 1/2 servings.
Yeah, you'll learn to like oatmeal, a perfect food. I thought bananas were a perfect food also, until they said I had proctitis. So I limit bananas a little.
I was a meat eater (like you), roast beef every Sunday, "Cheez-its" really did hit the spot. I like my new diet better, after acclimating easily.
Coffee in the morning gets stevia powder (1/8 t is enough) and USDA certified organic Half & Half or soy milk.
Look for the ORGANIC over USDA label.
A square (10 grams) of Lindt's 70% dark chocolate is allowed every day. It goes good with organic raisins and nuts of course.
Green tea is a "must" idea. (As much as is tolerable).
Add 50-50 turmeric-black pepper to everything to spice. Spare the salt. Oregano is the #3 antioxidant spice, nice on pizza, with basil.
Butter is less toxic than oleo. Just use sparingly, it's a fat.
Kashi crackers and cereals make good snacks, as do organic cashews. I bake the raw organic cashews at 300F degrees (sprinkled liberally with cinnamon, the #2 antioxidant spice) for 1/2 hour. Nice! Almonds are the healthiest nuts to eat. I'm sure you know that cashews aren't really nuts.
"Duanwood Reishi" from Dragon Herbs is my favorite Chinese herb. Their Gynostemma tea is sweet and helps with longevity in humans.
Beans, we just buy them organic, dry and cook our own. Navy and Black are the healthiest.
If I must have cookies, I eat Newman's, but they get stale fast due to lack of preservatives.
Microbrewed beer is a slight weakness.
FINALLY, we don't find our new diet to be more expensive than the traditional American nightmare.
Carbs average less than 300 grams daily on antioxidant diet.
Oh yeah-drink plenty of clean water daily
drink water
drink water
drink water
drink water

WEBSITE

Will You Won't You Want Me to Make You

I heard on the radio something in regard to the Republican House trying to repeal the health care bill (or Obama Care). A fellow was testifying that the bill is so wonderful for him because insurance companies can no longer cap his lifetime benefit payments. His meds are 18K a week. You read that right. Doesn't anyone think that the price of his meds might be the primary problem? Just me? Do they cost the drug manufacturer 25 cents a week? Where is the disclosure to the American people? Well maybe when the patent expires he can get the stuff for half the price. The pursuit of life and liberty are a little rough for him at half price. Congrats my man, but illegals could numb the pain much cheaper.

Website