Empathizing Series: Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is when an individual has extremes in behavior. It can range from a high-flying mood to a depressed mood. Both are at extreme opposites on a spectrum. These mood swings can cause reckless behavior; their judgement is sometimes impaired. Irritability, excessive talk, inflated self-esteem, extra energy, impulsivity, hallucinations or delusions are sytems of this mood swing. It can be destructive if the individual chooses to drive fast, spend all his money and the like. The mood swing into depression can cause thoughts of suicide. This mood swing has symptoms of reduction of activity or interests, low energy level, apathy, loneliness, helplessness, slow speech, fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration or coordination. Often stress in ones life triggers the mood swing behaviors. There is often a genetic tendancy for this disease and doctors ask this first when diagnosing this disease. It is very hard to diagnose someone bipolar, but we are hearing about this disease more and more. Even to hear of the problems of others will trigger the bipolar person. Diagnosis to bipolar depends on the frequency of the occurance between the extremes, what kind of risk behavior was seen or thoughts thought. It is thought that in a bipolar a chemical imbalance has occured in the brain. If the level of norepinephrine is too high, mania occurs; if too low, depression occurs.

The doctors will give a urine test to see if the individual is on drugs, for drugs can trigger bipolar activity. Doctor will take the person off drugs, alcohol and even caffeine. He will encourage the bipolar subject to exercise, eat healthy diet, and to get rest and relaxation. He will inquire about the genetic family tendancy to these mood swings. He will talk with them on feelings, thoughts and behaviors. He will suggest ways to decrease stress in ones life and how establishing a routine for eating, sleeping and activity. Journaling may be suggested to learn of things that contribute to the onset of bipolar activity. He will encourage the development of making relationships. He will review the meds you take and give you some new ones to create a balance. The bipolar family looks for changes in sleep, energy levels, alcohol or drug use, sex drive, self-esteem or concentration.

Ways I can empathize with a bipolar:

• Knowing the friend is bipolar will allow you to look for things that would trigger the bipolar activity. Talking as friend to the person will help them through decisions during their mood swing. Realizing that the mood swing is apart of the disease and not to take the bipolar actions too personal. Prevent improper thinking that occurs from "too high" thinking or "deathly low" thinking.


• Encourage exercise and exercise with the bipolar.


• Beware of creating more stress for the individual. Create a restful environment. Increase the soothing music.


• Don't dump all your problems on the bipolar; the bipolar can't handle it.

Immunizations for Adults, Children

Quick Guide to Preventative Health by Age http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov

Infant and Children:

• screen newborns for metabolic diseases and sickle cell disease
• Newborn hearing
• Height, weight, head circumference
• Development/behavioral assessment and discuss injury/violence prevention/sleep postion/nutrition
• Iron deficiency at age 9-15 months
• Vision, hearing screen and urinalalysis ages 3-5
• Lead and tuberculosis screening in high risk populations
• Vitamin D supplementation in breast fed babies
• Fluoride supplementation ages 6 months-16 years with inadequate water supplies

Adolescents:

• developmental/behavioral assessment and discuss injury/violence prevention
• check blood pressure, screen for obesity, and check cholesterol in high risk patients
• depression, sexuality, drug, alcohol, tobacco use
• screen all sexually active teens for STD/HIV
• females age 11 and older should get adequate amount of calcium

Adults:

• Pap smears for cervical cancer screen in all sexually active women with a cervix at least every 1-3 years
• mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 40, earlier for strong family history
• STD/HIV screening in all sexually active women 24 and under and high risk groups
• Osteoporosis screening for women 65 and older unless strong family history then at age 60
• Prostate cancer screening is controversial but typically begins at age 50 or sooner if family history
• Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm is all men ages 65-75 who ever smoked
• Screening all adults 50 years and older for colon cancer (every 10 years), earlier if family history
• Blood pressure screening beginning at age 18
• Screen for diabetes in patients with elevated blood pressure (greater than 135/80)
• Screen for obesity, discuss nutrition, aspirin use, tobacco and alcohol use, screen for depression

IMMUNIZATIONS

Birth to 24 mo: Hepatis A & B, DTaP, Polio, Vericella, MMR, Hib, Pneumococcal, Influenza, Rotavirus

Influenza immunization begins at age 6 months and goes yearly through age 18

Tetnus booster every 10 years

Kindergarten shots: DTaP, Polio, Vericella, MMR

Adolescent shots: Meningococcal, Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), Tdap

HPV vaccine for girls only between 9-26 years old

Tdap is one time immunization against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetnus in place of tetnus booster

Adults shots: Influenza, Pneumococcal, Zoster

Yearly influenza immunization over age 50 and any age with high risk (diabetes, asthma, etc)

Pneumococcal after age 65, one time before 65 with high risk

Zoster after age 60

Empathizing: Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder. The bulimic individual binges on food then vomits (or called purging). They use forced vomiting, laxatives, use excessive exercise or fasting in attempts to loose weight that might be gained from eating food or binging. For example, a bulimic may binge eat twice a week over a three month period to become labeled "bulimic". They feel they have loss of control over their eating as well as guilt over their behavior. Bulimic is more "normal" in weight than an anorexic. Often the person learns the habit from other family members or friends. A lack of seratonin levels in the brain will lead to depression too. People who seek the acceptance of others by appearances are prone to this disorder. Complications from chronic condition is dehydration, low sugar, low potassium, or depression. Social stress triggers this eating disorder.

The disorder has a good chance of recovery to normalcy with a healthy eating plan, psychotherapy for good self-esteem and depression. IVs are given immediately to supply fluids to the body and make proper electrolyte level in body. A supplement of selenium might be beneficial.

Ways to show how to empathize with a bulimic:

1. Develop a healthier eating pattern in your family.
2. Make statements that boost the bulimic's self esteem.
3. Monitor your eating habits. Family member to observe any changes in behavior.
4. Reinforce the attendance to therapy sessions.
5. Push the fluids so they do not become dehydrated. Make jellos and broths for them.
6. Do not have a lot of one kind of food to binge on. Eat in smaller quantities over the day.
   

Empathizing: Panic & Anxiety Disorders

As individuals perceive intense fear or stress it increases a "panic attack" mentality and symptoms that must be treated. An increase in physical pain can increase depression. Feelings of prolonged anxiety can cause physical problems over time too. The repetition of these feelings could cause heart palpitation, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress. Individuals have fear of impending doom or loss of control. People with obsessive compulsive disorder have persistent upsetting thoughts and use rituals to control anxious thoughts. Some people have past experiences that cause "fear" or give perceived harm to individual. People can become overwhelmingly anxious or excessively self-conscious; they have intense, persistent and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others. It can interfere with work, school, or ordinary activity or speaking tasks. It could be that individuals have excessive worries about health, money, family or job performance.

The panic or anxiety disorder is treated by:

1. Identification of stresses in life and what could be altered to relieve the stress either by 1) exercise, 2) meditation, 3) relaxation exercise, 4) visualization , or 5) interpersonal skills. Cognitive behavior therapy to face their fears is recommended.
2. Habits in daily life are revisisted: diet, exercise, rest, stimulants (caffeine, drugs, medicines, smoking), dependency on medicines. Aerobic excersise increases the oxygen to the brain.
3. Stress Mangagement Techniques: Deep breathing is encouraged to increase oxygen to the brain. Increase massage. Develop a regular sleep schedule. Rethink the areas you are worried and have tension about.
4. Support of family should not increase the tension and symptoms of having an attack.
5. Careful regulation of medications given to control panic attacks under a physicians care. Antidepressant drugs are issued to keep it under control, but does not get rid of the disease. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Poxil) citalopram (Celexa), venlafaxine (Effexor)] are given to alter interaction of brain cells to cause communication with other brain cells. Ask doctor for procedures to stop the use of the drug. Doctors give tricyclics, MAOIs, anit anxiety drugs and beta blockers for certain scenarios.

Ways to empathize with a panic anxiety disorder individual:

1. Do not create a stressful environment.
2. Increase exercise. Ask to exericise with them.
3. Develop a responsible approach to the use of the drug and procedures to get off the drugs prescribed.
4. Remove stimulants that would keep the individual from deep sleep.
5. Eat a balance diet three meals a day.
   

Empathizing: Anorexia

Individuals with an eating disorder of anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They take steps in becoming dangerously thin. Signs of anorexia include less than normal weight, negative body image and obsession with food. They typically play around with their food and have specific procedures they must do when they eat. Mainly females and teenagers get anorexia. It is found among wealthy families. Anorexia individuals get their dieting way out of control; almost obsessive in that they strictly limit food intake constantly. They think about their weight and food all the time. They look in the mirror and see a fat image. Years of this lifestyle can lead to starvation, bone thinning, kidney damage or heart problems. Individuals who are perfectionists, who have jobs that stress thin weight for appearances or who have perceived pressures from family members trigger anorexia mentality. To force the food out of body and thus not gain weight, anorexics use laxatives or vomitting as strategies.

The treatment that is prescribed to an anorexia is:

1. emotional healthcare: the depression, anxiety or obsessive compulsive behaviors that the anorexic display may need mental renewal and rethinking. Various antidepressant medicines are prescribed.
2. diet counseling: the anorexic needs metabolism readjustment to turn from the starvation mode to regulate dehydration, starvation and the electrolyte imbalance on improper eating behaviors.
3. coping strategies for stress and the unique challenges they face

Ways to empathize with an anorexic:

1. Develop your social network with the individual. They must need this social approval and your trust to even help them with their playful eating habits.
2. Increase their self esteem by not falsifying compliments, but show genuine support in accurate help with their struggle. Remind them they do not need to please you. Reassure your friendship with them. Reassure them they do not need to be perfect for them to receive your love and concern. Reassure them they are accepted. Maturity is praised. Healthy eating habits is encouraged. A controlled disciplined eating plan is praised. A predictable routine and goals in their eating habits are encouraged.
3. Remove stress to the individual that causes them to think inaccurately about their body image. Do not highlight the "perfectionism" you desire, but steps toward mastery that are desired to be healthy. Reduce the references to the "top model" imagery; or "performance" competencies.
4. Play imagery tapes of the healthy way to think about your self.

Empathizing: Arthritis

Arthritis is when tissues of the individual become inflamed at joints or connective areas and the general overall feeling is pain. Sometimes the pain is severe, and other times it may be sporadic. The general area may show signs of swelling, inflamation, nerve pinching, achiness, or stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis. Rhuematoid arthritis begans at earlier onset and becomes more chronic. Bursitis is a form of arthritis. Osteoarthris occurs when wear and tear on joints occur; bones sit upon bone without cartlidge padding between joint areas. Jobs that have weight lifting, or athletes or overweight individuals have this type of arthritis. Psoriases leads to arthritis. Skin lesions turn into arthritis; a genetic nature. Gout is a form of arthritis; uric acid builds up in the body; a fat-free diet is recommended. MRI's can detect arthritis around bones. People who have had old injuries are prone to getting arthritis.

The following has been recommended by doctors in eliminating pain:

1. Drugs: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib are ofen prescribed over the counter. Doctors may prescribe DMARDS which are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that target immune system and slows the progression of arthritis. Corticosteroids are steroids to reduce inflamation; use sparinly as these tend to thin the bones; low dose is under 20 mg/day. Increasing amounts of calcium, vitamin D, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, ginger, tumeric, omega 3 (fish), or green tea is recommended. Do not take glucoseamine sulfate with chondroitin as they work against each other. New drugs for the arthritic is on the horizon.
   
2. Rest and Relaxation: Learn how to destress your life. Get regular rest. Vacation in the sun as it gets rid of skin lesions and provides extra Vit D from the sun. Elevating feet will keep the area more rested. Use RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Give pressure to painful area. Where a elastic banage to provide relief. Do not wrap too tight as it would cut off circulation of leg.


3. Exercise is a must. Begin at 5 min stage and work your way up to 45-60 min 4 x weekly. Weight bearing exercise is recommended: walk, jog, stair climb, or lift weight. Elipitical exercise is recommended for osteoarthritis. Water aerobics is a great way for an artritic sufferer to get excersise. Water exercise reduces the weight required for moving joints. The idea is to keep your body moving to increase overall flexibility. Generally, exercising the area around the painful area (joint) is key in padding up and developing the muscle tissue of the affected. Choose aerobic, strength training and stretch training and incorporate activity in areas you enjoy!


4. Alternating Hot and Cold Packs is wise strategy to reduce pain twice a day. Use frozen veggie bags on the pain for 20 minutes; off for 20 minutes. Heating pads, disposable heating wraps, hot showers, hot baths are all strategies to mask the pain.
   
5. Eating Plan for three meals that maintains a normal weight is recommended. Eat a variety of foods. Dairy, leafy dark green vegetables, calcium and Vit D fortified foods are recommended. Do not smoke or drink.


6. Coping Strategies include doing tasks during your more flexible hours; establishing a routine, simplifying life, chunking tasks together, prioritize most important to accomplish first thing, empty your handbag to bare minimum,


7. Build Support System

To become empathetic you begin to understand the state of a person. You are aware of the needs, feelings, thoughts, and experiences the person has. They have literally "walked in their shoes" for awhile in their actions and thinking.

What can I do to empathize with a arthritic:

1. Learn the pain tolerance level of the one you are with.


2. Exercise is not an option; it is necessary to heal and strengthened arthritic area. Ask to do exercise with the arthritic.


3. Monitor pain level and dosage of medicine to avoid over taking of drugs. Supplement with calcium and Vit D.


4. Go to the beach for rest and relaxation. The extra Vit D from the sun will help the arthritic. Take a cane with you if you find arthritic is in pain. Scooters in grocery store will help the arthritic do tasks more easily.


5. Plan an eating strategy to maintain normal weight.


6. Beware of constraints in tight quarters may make it more painful for an arthritic.


7. Don't forget to suggest RICE: Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation as options.

Hidden Treasure Found!

As Jim's brother, Brian,was cleaning out the basement of the old homestead, he found a recipe for pickles that his father made regularly in his own handwriting. It was a recipe Jim liked because it was pickles with a hot kick to it. This recipe is for 14 quarts of pickles. Grandpa didn't mess around when he made pickles.

10 1/2 cups of white vinegar

12 cups of cold water

1 cup of canning salt

Bring to a boil and add 1/2 c of sugar to mix.

After small pickles are washed pack into quart jars (cleaned) with dill weed (a few sprigs).

Add to each jar of pickles:

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder (dry)

1/2 tsp chopped onion flakes

3/4 tsp pickling spice

1/2 tsp mustard powder or regular mustard

Add the pickle brine to 1 inch from top of jar. Put lids and rings on tight. Add enough water to cover jars in canner. Put in big canner and bring to boil for 10 minutes. Start timing after starting to boil. Set off and cool.

The only pickles on the market that compare to this recipe are the pickles with Texas Pete at Schnucks in town.

Empathizing: Diabetes

Diabetes disease is of two types. Type 1 is found early in life and Type 2 is found with adult onset. The body of a diabetic person cannot make insulin to take care of the food intake of the affected. To avoid problems the diabetic person is aked to do four things: 1) eat right (50-50-50 carb plan), 2) exercise regularly, 3) take prescribed medicine [gluclaphage (metaformin), glyburide, januvia, byetta, etc] or insulin in more severe cases and 4) take blood readings. A diabetic is asked to take yearly eye exams to keep monitor over any progressive eye deterioration. A diabetic works with a diabetic counselor to develp an eating plan and to monitor progress. The doctor desires a new three month profile of bloodwork on a diabetic. They are looking for an overall score less than 7. It is not good for diabetic to consume too many carbs (for it converts to sugar) or sugar as their internal system cannot assimulate. It is better for a diabetic to eat small amounts all through the day rather than sitting down to a "Thanksgiving" meal prototype. If the individual has blood readings over 125, they move the affected from borderline status to a diabetic state. The diabetic chooses foods with a low glycemic index score. A suggested plate should consist of 1/2 fruits and vegetables, 1/4 starch and 1/4 lean meats. Therefore, pastas, rice, pizza, yeast breads are not a good food choice for diabetes. Meats have better scores if they are leaner, but in general are low in carbs. It has to do with fat content. Fat content should not be greater than 3 g on the food label. Diabetics with advance problems can suffer from neurological problems. It takes the diabetic body longer to heal if punctured. Good protective shoes is suggested. Feet and hands are the most often affected. Kidney problems often develop causing dialysis machine in advanced stages. Artificial sweetners are good substitutes for a diabetic, but be aware that too much sugarfree items cause diaharrea. In the food conversion, one carb is 15 g. The plan is to each 50 g for breakfast (including morning snack), 50 g for lunch (including afternoon snack) and 5o g for dinner (including evening snack). Exercise make more receptors to receive the insulin your pancreas does make. Loosing weight as much as 10% can dramatically affect the overall scores in blood reading. Several foods that definitely help the diabetic lower blood readings are avacados and oatmeal. Type one diabetics have more severe reactions due to lack of insulin. Seizures, blindness, diabetic comma, kidney dialysis are some of the complications. Sometimes the medications make the diabetic hyperglycemic in that the blood sugar level goes below 80 and finds himself shakey or in need of sugar. To remedy this eating sugary foods or drinking sugar pop gets sugar back to the bloodstream quickly. It is a regulation and proportion maladjustment to have diabetes. A diabetic must renew their thinking about eating...eating a whole box of cookies or crackers is suicidal. Overweight contributes to this state...blood cannot make sugar consumed good for well being. Diabetics can increase the rate of gum disease in mouth so a diabetic needs to keep up with that also.

To become empathetic you begin to understand the state of a person. You are aware of the needs, feelings, thoughts, and experiences the person has. They have literally "walked in their shoes" for awhile in their actions and thinking.

What can I do to empathize with a diabetic:

1. Don't push the sugar consumption (keep a balanced option).


2. Exercise 3 x per week (include things you can do at home, work and group). Ask to exercise with them.


3. Pray for appropriate eating plan to develop with accurate carb portions. Make a dish for them that is in their eating plan (low carbs).


4. Become sensitive to changes the diabetic feels (shakiness, correct food choices at the restaurant, etc)


5. Become tolerant for the increase in doctor/diabetic counselor or lab visits necessary to control the disease and do not treat diabetes as a bad thing.


6. Supplement support for loosing weight by making sugar free items and emphasizing fruits and vegetable options.


7. Suggest restaurants that serve low carbs when going out to eat with them.

Emphasizing Series: Lack of Expertice Care in Hospitals

Last night on the way home from work I listened to a commentator state that many of the hospitals were dismissing RN's and hiring aides to assist at bedsides. The primary reason is the cost. Hospitals were dismissing patients much earlier than the customary stay. He encouraged people to know the diseases and know what is appropriate treatment to the problem, because the aides may not know what is customary or appropriate.

Therefore, during November I am going to concentrate my blogs in addressing different diseases so to know how to empathize or treat different diseases.

I have found a useful website to be WebMD found at http://www.webmd.com/ and http://www.healthcentral.com/

So I will research a bit and consolidate my thoughts on various physical problems.

Savings on Eyewear!

Since I have been in the mode of telling you ways to save on your dollar. I do not want to overlook my optical choice. I get my yearly checkup with my regular optomistrist, but I transfer my prescription for lens to Sears Optical Department for the actual lenses. I wait for the 2 for $99 special or one for $99 special to order my favorite choice of lenses allowed in their special. I have saved quite a bit of money and have double the glasses. It is better for me to have many lenses since I go off and on with my lenses regularly. It saves me at least $300 at previous orders at a local lens company found at your mall! I do not loose my lenses either with this strategy.

Angel Food Ministries

Need to stretch your buck for food this month. Consider Angel Food Ministries as an option. Angel Food Ministries gathers food for a $30 box charge. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States. To find a distribution site in your locality look it up on the site finder on their home page at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. A sample of what is included in the different boxes are found at this website.

I work a our distribution site in Normal, IL (Grace Church) and it is a good value for the price point with a variety of groceries that are often used in an average family. Check it out for yourself, participate at the monthly distribution site, or consider it as a ministry in your church.

I remember BANKET!

I remember this recipe from a friend of my mother's and sister's friend. The recipe was called Banket. I believe this was the recipe. Annetta took the time to show us how to make this pastry. Since then, almond paste has been a favorite of mine. In this recipe almond paste is rolled up in pastry dough and baked off. Watch out, there is alot of butter. It does not stop Paula Deen.

Ingredients:

4 c flour

2/3 c ice water

1 pound butter

1 pound almond paste

2 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 tsp lemon extract

Cut butter into flour until mixture is coarse and granular. Add ice water and mix. Refrigerate overnight. For filling, crumble almond paste; blend in sugar and add effs and lemon extract. Refrigerate overnight. Divide crust and filling into eight sections. Roll dough into oblong pieces about 14 x 5 inches. Roll each section of filling into a rope and place on rolled out pastry. Bring ends of pastry up to cover filling; then the sides. Brush edges with water to seal and place on greased cookie sheet, seam side down. Brush with egg white and prick at intervals. Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

This is g-o-o-d stuff!

Rx Discount: Walgreens Savings Club

Are you taking any of these drugs listed on this page?https://webapp.walgreens.com/MYWCARDWeb/pdf/Value-PricedGenericsList.pdf

https://webapp.walgreens.com/MYWCARDWeb/servlet/walgreens.wcard.proxy.WCardInternetProxy/RxSavingsRH?

If so, Walgreens has a 90 day savings club. With a $20 purchase for individual or a $35 purchase for family plan you can get the three month supply of certain drugs for $12. Ask you pharmacist if your drugs apply to this savings plan. You also get 10% off over counter drugs and vitamins with this plan. One of my drugs was $10 per month and with this plan I would pay $12 for 3 month supply. That is good savings.

Also, if you live in rural area or cannot pick up your perscriptions, Walgreens will mail you your pills! Saves gas, time and keeps you on schedule! If you have found a better deal on RX meds, send me a comment. Thanks.

A Southern Tea Fit for the King!

My niece, Jodi, brought this wonderful "concoction" to our last family get-together! It was totally delightful! She has been living south of Nashville near Franklin, TN and was given this recipe from a southern cook. It is simply the BEST tea I have ever had! And southerners KNOW their tea!

The secret is revealed: 2 tea bags are steeped in water (sorta like sun tea) and is combined with 2 cups gingerale, 1 cup sugar (or little less), 1-2 tsp of almond extract with one tiny can of limeade. Add water to fill up your pitcher and cool before serving. I suppose you could serve it hot, but not sampled it that way. Give a comment to me if you have tried a HOT version of this recipe.

YUM-YUM. Thanks Jodi for sharing!

Chocolate That's Not So Bad!

According to the Real Age skin expert, Dr Amy Wechsler, the darker the chocolate the better for your skin! This recipe for "dark" hot chocolate during the late fall and winter season will make your face gleaming. Chocolate with 70% or more cacao is full of antioxidants called flavonols. You will see the difference in 12 weeks! Buy some squares for Christmas gifts and enjoy your hot chocolate!

• 1 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder with 70% or more cacao (Ghirardelli unsweetened cacao or Scharffen Berger natural cocoa powder)
• 2 tsp sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup skim/low-fat or soy milk

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat gently (do not let boil), stirring frequently, until cocoa is just beginning to steam. Pour into a mug and enjoy! With use over time you can look younger!

Found Something that Strengthens My Nails!

After taking this vitamin by Andrew Lessman, Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails, I have definitely seen an improvement in my nails! Usually by this time of year when days get colder my nails break off one by one. So far it has not done that and nails are growing longer again and the nail feels thicker! Other testimonials from this product are found at http://reviews.hsn.com/andrew-lessman-healthy-hair-skin-nails-250-capsules_p-3724149_xr.aspx . I bought the product in July from HSN (www.hsn.com) and started taking 1 capsule regularly with my other pills in August. I see results. It has a biotin dose in it that they said they might remove in future configurations.

To buy this vitamin or discover the details to this product in a video, go to http://health-fitness.hsn.com/andrew-lessman-healthy-hair-skin-nails_m-10029831_xp.aspx?web_id=3724149&sf=hf&dept=hf0035&cat=hf0092&attr=129&ocm=hfhf0035hf0092129&prev=hp!sf!129&ccm=hfhf0035hf0092129

Thank you Andrew Lessman.

Ice Box Cookies

A type of cookie in which the dough is prepared, rolled into a log shape, and refrigerated until the dough is firm is considered an ice box cookie.

Because you can make these cookies 1-2 months prior to baking off the cookie, you can make several batches a day and by Christmas you have quite the assortment of cookies for that cookie platter! Many of these recipes are the slice and bake variety that keeps each batch as though you just made them fresh. Make them into logs for freezing if greater than one week's wait or store them in the refrigerator until use. Be sure you do not over mix the dough once the flour has been added for that makes a stiffer cookie. When the ingredients begin to hold together; it is ready to create the log. It is good however to mix the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
After mixing, shape the dough into a log on a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll the wrap around the dough, forming a long log. Wrap completely then freeze for one hour, then slice and bake. For longer freezer storage, wrap a piece of heavy duty foil around the wrapped log and freeze for up to two months. Slice them while still frozen for even, thin slices and turn the log every few slices to avoid flattening the dough. Bake them according to recipe directions, adding a minute or so if still fully frozen.

I may make these for our small group and make a gift pack of three together for them this holiday season.

Sand Cookies

1. 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
2. 1/2 cup butter, softened
3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. 2 tablespoons lemon zest, grated
5. 2 cups cake flour
6. 1/4 cup milk
7. 1/2 cup coarse sugar

Makes 42 cookies

• 
  Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest on medium speed until smooth and light, about three to five minutes.
  Add the flour all at once and mix on low speed until combined.
  Divide the dough in half and roll into six-inch long cylinders, about 1 1/4-inch in diameter. At this point, the cookies may be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen or refrigerated for later use, or they may be prepared for baking.
  To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the cylinders of cookie dough with milk and roll them in coarse sugar.
  Cut the logs into one-quarter-inch thick slices, sprinkle the tops with additional coarse sugar, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  Bake for 12 minutes or until light golden brown.



• 
  Nutrition analysis per cookie: 50 calories, 0g protein, 8g carbohydrate, 2.5g fat, 0mg sodium, 5mg cholesterol, 0g fiber.



• 
  Cherry Icebox Cookies
  ·
  · 1 c. butter, softened
  · 1 c. sugar
  · 1 large egg
  · 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  · 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
  · 1 tsp. baking powder
  · 1/2 tsp. salt
  · 1 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely
  · chopped
  · 1 c. finely chopped pecans
  · 1/4 c. red decorator sugar (optional)
  ·
  · Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until
  · creamy.
  · Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg and
  · vanilla, beat well.
  · Combine flour, baking powder and salt, add to butter
  · mixture, beating well. Pat cherries between paper
  · towels to remove excess moisture. Stir cherries and
  · pecans into the dough. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
  · Shape dough into two 1 1/2-inch diameter, 8-inch long
  · rolls. Roll in colored sugar, if desired. Wrap rolls
  · in waxed paper and freeze until firm. Unwrap frozen
  · dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices, using a
  · sharp knife. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
  · Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until
  · golden. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheets. Transfer
  · to wire racks to cool completely.
  ·
  · Makes 4 dozen cookies

Lemon Icebox Cookies

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Lemon Icing

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 to 4 teaspoons water

1/3 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

Make Cookies: Combine flour, cornmeal and cardamom in medium bowl.Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, lemon peel and the 1 tablespoon lemon juice until well blended. With mixer at low speed, beat in dry ingredients just until combined.Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 10-inch log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Unwrap and cut each log into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until firm and golden at edges. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.Make Lemon Icing: Whisk confectioners' sugar, the 5 tablespoons lemon juice and 3 teaspoons of the water until smooth and spreadable, adding remaining 1 teaspoon water to thin icing if necessary.Spread top of each cookie with Lemon Icing, sprinkle with pistachios. Let cookies stand until icing is set, 15 minutes. Makes 6 dozen cookies.

Cream Cheese Refrigerator Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 well beaten egg
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons buttermilk or yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sifted flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (double acting)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend until creamy the butter, sugar and egg. Beat cream cheese into this mixture, mixing in the buttermilk and vanilla also. Beat in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. After being chilled (a couple of hours or so) this dough may be rolled to paper thinness, cut into shapes and baked. Sprinkle before baking with sugar and cinnamon. Preheat oven to 350ºF and bake from 12 to 15 minutes.

Macadamia Coconut Icebox Cookies

1 1/2 C. butter, softened

1 1/4 C. sugar

1 T. vanilla extract

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 C. oatmeal

2 C. chopped macadamias

1 C. sweetened flaked coconut

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt, and add to butter mixture. Beat until smooth. Add oatmeal, macadamias and coconut, and beat until well blended. Divide dough into 3 portions. Place each portion on a piece of plastic wrap, and form into a log about 10 inches long. Wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours, and up to 2 months. Preheat oven to 325° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove frozen dough and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Slice each log crosswise into 24 rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 72 cookies.

Date-Nut Icebox Cookies
1 C. brown sugar

1 C. white sugar

1 C. Crisco

Mix well and add:3 eggs

Mix 2 level teaspoons of baking soda with 1 T. boiling water.

Add to above mixture and blend in.Add:4 C. flour

1/2 t. salt

Mix well.

Cut up 1 12 ounce package of dates.

Add with 3/4 C. nuts and 1 t. vanilla.

Place dough on wax paper and roll into a log.

Chill at least 3 hours.Bake at 350°F. about 10 minutes.Cool.

Orange Coconut Refrigerator Cookies

1/2 c Unsalted butter
1/2 c Packed brown sugar
3/4 c Granulated sugar
1 Egg
2 ts Orange peel -- grated
1 t Vanilla extract
1 3/4 c Flour
2 ts Baking powder
1/4 t Salt
1/3 c Coconut

In large bowl, cream butter. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until blended. Beat in egg, orange peel and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Blend in coconut. On a lightly floured surface form into rolls 1 - 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in wax paper. Chill several hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Cut rolls into 1/8 inch slices and place on buttered cookie sheets. Bake 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield 11 dozen.

Almond Refrigerator Cookies
2 C. Butter
2 C. Sugar
1/3 C. Sour cream
4 C. Flour
1/2 t. Salt
1/2 t. Baking soda
1/2 t. Ground cloves
1/2 t. Nutmeg
1 C. Sliced almonds

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Dissolve soda in sour cream. Sift flour, salt, cloves and nutmeg together.
Add dry ingredients gradually to sour cream, mixing after each addition. Add almonds.
Form rolls of dough about 2" in diameter. Wrap rolls in waxed paper and chill overnight.
When ready to bake, cut into 1/4" slices and bake in preheated oven at 400ºF for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
This dough may be kept refrigerated about 2 weeks or frozen for later use.

Brown Sugar Refrigerator Cookies

1/2 C. Soft butter or margarine
1 C. Brown Sugar
1 Egg unbeaten
1 t. Vanilla
2 t. Grated orange rind
1 3/4 C. Sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 t. Salt
1 t. Baking powder

Beat together butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and orange rind. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder; sift into first mixture and mix well. Chill dough, then shape into roll about 2-1/2" in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper or foil. Store in refrigerator or freezer. To bake, unwrap and cut in 1/8" slices; lay on greased cookie sheet, then use floured cookie cutters to cut slices into fancy shapes. (Gather up scraps of dough, press together and chill again.) Bake cookies at 400 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. Makes 4 to 5 dozen crisp, "butterscotchy" cookies.

Overnight Cookies

3 cups brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups Crisco
4 eggs
6 cups flour
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Heat milk and add baking soda, adding to first mixture alternately with dry ingredients. Mix well and chill.
Drop onto cookie sheet and bake at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes

Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies
1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon grated lemon rind

1 1/2 tablespoons molasses

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Combine margarine and sugars in mixing bowl. Add egg, lemon rind, molasses and vanilla. Mix well. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add oats. Combine the two mixtures. Dough will be sticky. Lay out sheet of wax paper and dust with flour. With floured hands, shape dough into a roll about 5 inches by 2 1/2 inches on wax paper. Enclose dough in wax paper, then wrap with plastic wrap and chill or freeze well. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice into thin pieces. The thinner you cut them the better, they should be no thicker than about 1/4 inch. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets, 1 to 2 inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on cookie sheets 30 seconds to 1 minute before removing.
Makes about 20 to 24 cookies.

CHERRY ICE BOX COOKIES

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup butter flavored shortening

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 2 (10 oz) jars maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Red Food Coloring

In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and shortening. Add the sugar and cream well. Mix in the egg, vanilla and almond extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Pat the cherries between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Stir cherries and red food coloring (Enough to make light pink) into the dough. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Shape cold dough into 2 logs. Wrap in wax paper and chill again until firm (about 1 hour in refrigerator, or 20-30 minutes in freezer). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Unwrap dough and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Place on the prepared cookie sheets, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.Yield: 4 Dozen

Old-Fashioned Ice-Box CookiesDiabetic Recipe
Ingredients:

1/2 cup margarine

1/3 cup granulated sugar replacement

1/4 cup granulated fructose

2 tablespoons skim milk

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Dash salt

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Using an electric mixer, thoroughly cream together margarine, sugar replacement, and fructose. Beat in skim milk, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt. Stir to completely blend. Divide dough in half.
Shape each half into a 6-inch roll. Roll dough in the chopped pecans. Wrap each roll in wax paper. Chill dough in refrigerator overnight.
Cut each roll into 18 slices. Place slices on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet, and cool on rack.

Chocolate Ice Box Cookie

Pair two of these thin rounds with your favorite frosting (or a thin layer of raspberry jam) to make some very classy sandwich cookies.
SERVINGSMakes about 10 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter or margarine (1 1/2 sticks), softened

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar2 squares (2 ounces) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

PREPARATION

1. On sheet of waxed paper, stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in chocolate and vanilla until well combined. Beat in egg. Reduce speed to low and beat in flour mixture until well combined.
3. Divide dough in half. On separate sheets of waxed paper, shape each half into 12" by 1 1/2 " log. Wrap each log in the waxed paper and slide onto small cookie sheet for easier handling. Refrigerate dough at least 2 hours, or overnight until firm enough to slice. (If using margarine, freeze overnight.)
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Keeping remaining log refrigerated, cut log into scant 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place slices, 1 inch apart, on 2 ungreased large cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 11 minutes, rotating sheets between upper and lower racks halfway through baking. Cool on cookie sheets on wire racks 1 minute. With wide spatula, transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION(based on individual servings)Calories: 25Total Fat: 1 gCholesterol: 5 mgSodium: 25 mgCarbohydrates: 4 gFiber: 0 gProtein: 0 g

Swedish Ice Box Cookie

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons caraway seed
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.
In another medium bowl, combine the caraway seeds, flour and nuts. Add to the butter mixture and blend well.
Form dough into a long roll and wrap with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheet.
Thinly slice the chilled dough and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.


Pistachio Cranberry Ice Box Cookie
Servings: Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (2 1/4 oz; not dyed red)1/3 cup dried cranberries (1 1/4 oz)1 large egg, lightly beaten1/4 cup decorative sugar (preferably coarse)Special equipment: parchment paper
Preparation
Make dough: Stir together flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Beat together butter, granulated sugar, and zest in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in 3 batches, mixing until dough just comes together in clumps, then mix in pistachios and cranberries. Gather and press dough together, then divide into 2 equal pieces. Using a sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper as an aid, form each piece of dough into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Square off long sides of each log to form a bar, then chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until very firm, at least 2 hours.Slice and bake cookies: Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.Brush egg over all 4 long sides of bars (but not ends). Sprinkle decorative sugar on a separate sheet of parchment or wax paper and press bars into sugar, coating well. Cut each bar crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, rotating bar after cutting each slice to help keep square shape. (If dough gets too soft to slice, freeze bars briefly until firm.) Arrange cookies about 1/2 inch apart on lined baking sheets.Bake cookies, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until edges are pale golden, 15 to 18 minutes total. Transfer cookies from parchment to racks using a slotted spatula and cool completely.Cooks' notes: • Dough bars can be chilled up to 3 days or frozen, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, 1 month (thaw frozen dough in refrigerator just until dough can be sliced).• Cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature 5 days.


Pecan Refrigerator Cookies
· 1 cup shortening
· 2 cups sugar
· 2 eggs
· 2 tablespoons vanilla (yes, this is correct)
· 3 cups flour
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 cup chopped pecans
Cookie Stuff:
Use an electric mixer to cream the shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each. Add the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Use a spoon to stir the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Add the pecans, mixing well. Shape into three rolls about 2 inches in diameter and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate at least two hours or up to three days.
When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices and arrange 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Yields about 6 dozen cookies.


MEYER LEMON AND PEPPER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely grated Meyer lemon zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk together flour, lemon zest, baking powder, pepper, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to aerate and break up any lumps. Set aside.
Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add milk and vanilla, and mix well. Scrape down the bowl, add egg, and mix well. Reduce mixer to low, add flour mixture, and mix until just incorporated.
Turn dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a log (approximately 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter), and wrap tight. Place in the refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour but preferably 8 hours.
When ready to bake the cookies, heat the oven to 350°F and arrange the rack in the middle. Remove dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake until golden brown on the bottom, about 12 minutes.

Butter Crunch Slices

Filling:

1 cup (6-ounce package) butterscotch pieces, melted

1 cup finely chopped salted peanuts

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon softened butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dough:

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup softened butter

1 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

Combine all filling ingredients. Chill while preparing dough.In large mixing bowl, combine ingredients for dough. Blend well with mixer . Divide dough in half. Pat out each half on wax paper to a 12 x 6-inch rectangle. Spoon filling down center of each rectangle. Fold one side of dough around filling and then the other. Gently shape into a log. Wrap; chill at least 2 hours.Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheets.Makes about 6 dozen.

Cranberry Icebox Cookies

1 1/4 cups butter, softened (no substitute)

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped, or 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add flavorings. Add dry ingredients, walnuts and carefully fold in cranberries. Shape into 3 rolls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.Slice into thin slices and bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.Yields about 5 1/2 dozen.

Chocolate Chip Ice Box Cookie

Ingredients:
· 1 cup butter (8 ounces)
· 1/2 cup granulated sugar
· 1/2 cup light brown sugar
· 2 eggs
· 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 3 cups all-purpose flour
· 3/4 cup ground or very finely chopped semisweet
· chocolate morsels
Preparation:
In large mixing bowl cream butter and sugars together; add eggs, vanilla and salt and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour; stir in ground chocolate chips (use a food processor or chopper to chop or grind). Divide dough into 2 portions; form each portion into a log and wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate dough for at least 4 hours, until very firm. Cut in 1/4-inch slices and place on a greased baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes.

Lime Slice Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Grated rind of 1 lime

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugar for sprinkling on cookiesBeat together butter, granulated sugar , and 2 tablespoons lime sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, lime juice and grated rind.Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together then add to egg mixture.Form dough into a 10-inch log and wrap in wax paper. Chill dough until firm, at least 4 hours.Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Foil- or parchment-line cookie sheets.

Resources:
http://www.thatsmyhome.com/hannahs/cookies/Refrigerator_Cookies.htm
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/cookicebox/cookicebox.html
http://southernfood.about.com/od/chocchipcookies/r/bl21218d.htm
http://www.chow.com/recipes/10792
http://dishnthat.blogspot.com/2007/10/keep-stash-of-ice-box-cookies.html
http://www.texascooking.com/features/july2003refrigeratorcookies.htm
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/PISTACHIO-CRANBERRY-ICEBOX-COOKIES-236664
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Swedish-Ice-Box-Cookies/Detail.aspx
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/6281
http://www.mail-archive.com/cookie-recipe@yahoogroups.com/msg01411.html
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/diabetic/diabcookies.html

Make Ahead: Peach Cobbler Mix

I took this recipe on the last family trip and it worked out great as a fix ahead dessert with fresh baked results. Make a basket of these ingredients for gifts to make and label with instructions. This would be great to have on hand for last minute guests or just to take to a church potluck.

Here is what I did: 1) I made a premixed baggie packet of dry ingredients (1 c flour, 1 c sugar, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt), 2) I brought a 28 oz can of sliced peaches, 3) I handled the 1/2 c melted butter, 2/3 c milk and 1 egg to mix w dry pack onceI got to the meal I was to eat this recipe, and 4) I made a premixed topping baggie packet consisting of 1 c sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.

To assemble:

• Mix dry pack with butter, milk and egg until thoroughly mixed.


• Pour into 9 x 13 pan that has been coated with cooking spray.


• Arrange the drained peaches on top of the batter. DO NOT MIX THESE INTO BATTER.


• Add the topping packet.


• Bake 35-45 min at 350 degrees until golden brown.


• Serve while still warm. Good with ice cream.

Enjoy!

Podcasts: Sermons for Listening Time

This site will be my ongoing site for finding sermons/speakers on religious topics. Fill your iTunes with tapes you need to listen to in your free time!

http://www.gracepres.org/resources/audio.asp Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL

http://www.gracenormal.org/podcasts/ Grace Church, Normal, IL

http://www.kenboa.org/audio_and_video/mp3teaching Ken Boa Ministries

http://trbc.org/new/resources.php?speaker=Jonathan Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA

http://www.coralridge.org/default.aspx Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church- Ft Lauderdale, FL

Allerton Park (Monticello, IL)

Did you know that at Monticello, IL just off Bridge Street exit of I72 (first right traveling south of exit ramp) is the entrance to Allerton Park? The park has many trailed area. Pick up a map at their visitor center. Hike through their formal gardens and over 10 trails that feature statues. Allerton House has a restaurant with chef but is found closed when weddings occur. The grounds is maintained by the University of Illinois. The 4H camp is located within the properties on the Sangamon River.

Jim and I went there this weekend, but we need some colder weather to force the leaves to change. Good weekend getaway location. Pack a lunch to eat in their picnic area.

Acrostic: F A L L

The word fall reminds me of...

F- freezing temperatures are around the corner

A-Activities without coats

L- leaves, leaves and more leaves to rake

L-logs ready for winter fires

Low Carb Recipes: Internet Findings

Red Pepper Soup
Ingredients:
· 4 medium roasted red peppers - either from a jar or roasted yourself
· ¼ cup minced onion
· 2 cloves garlic - chopped or pressed
· ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (or see alternatives below)
· ¼ cup water
· ¼ cup wine
· ½ cup heavy cream
· 1 Tablespoon butter
· Salt to taste
Preparation:
1) If using jarred peppers, drain. If there is sugar in the brine, consider rinsing them. Tear peppers into large pieces.
2) Melt butter, and add onion. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and spices, and sauté for another 30 seconds.
3) Add peppers and water. Blend with stick blender, or put in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth (if you need more liquid, add some of the cream).
4) Add wine and cream. Heat to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5) Adjust seasonings. If it tastes harsh, try adding a bit of sweetener (just a touch can really bring out the flavor of the peppers). This is a dish where balancing the flavors really comes into play.
If desired, garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil.
Makes about 5 servings

Nutritional Information: Each serving has 6 grams effective carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber, and 141 calories.

BROILED FISH W/CHEESE
12 oz flounder2 T melted butter
1/2 c cheddar
shredded
1 T mustard
1 T ketchup or chili sauce
Brush fish with melted butter and broil 8-10 min til flaky. Combine remaining ingr and spoon onto fish. Broil 2-4 min til cheese bubbly and lightly browned.
Serves 2 @ 1 carb, trace fiber, 379 Calories, 23 fat, 40 protein

CRAB STUFFED SOLE
1 1/2 lb sole
6 oz can crab
2 oz cream cheese
2 T mayo
1 t tabasco
1 T chives
1 egg
Mix all ingredients. Lay fillets flat and top with generous amount of filling. Roll up fish and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Serves 4 @ 1 carb, trace fiber, 309 Calories, 14 fat, 42 protein

I had extra filling that wouldn't fit on the fish, so I just spooned it into the baking dish, and cooked along with the fish. It was great, and could be used as a main dish by itself!

ZUCCHINI-BEEF BAKE
3/4 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chpd onion
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar (or other)
1 med. Zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 T oil
1/2 t ea: oregano, basil, salt
Saute zucchini, onion and mushrooms in oil til tender. Brown ground beef in pan and add tomato sauce with seasonings. Mix beef with vegetables and put in baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 min.
Serves 3 @ 10 carbs, 3 fiber (7 NET carbs), 592 cal, 47 fat, 31 protein.
This is fairly high in carbs, but includes your vegetable.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH CREATIVITY
3 cups spaghetti squash
1 beaten egg
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta1 beaten egg
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
2 cups tomato sauce
garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
Preheat oven to 350. Mix squash, 1 egg and parmesan. Press evenly into 9" pie plate. Mix ricotta and other egg and spread over squash mixture. In skillet, brown ground beef with onion and green pepper. Drain excess fat. Add tomato sauce and spices and simmer for few minutes. Spoon over ricotta mixture in pie plate. Bake approx. 15 min. Sprinkle with mozzarella and make 10 min. more to brown cheese. Remove from oven and let sit 5-10 min before cutting.
Serves 6 @ 11 carb, 1 fiber, 322 cal, 23 fat, 18 protein.

SAVORY SWISS STEAK
3 T oil
2 lbs round steak, 1" thick
1/4 cup Atkin's bake mix
1 env. Dry Lipton's Onion Soup
Mix1/2 t garlic powder
8 oz can Hunt's tomato sauce
water
Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in heavy fry pan. Pound steak on both sides with heavy meat mallet, and cut into serving size pieces. Combine bake mix and garlic and pound into meat pieces. Fry in hot oil til browned on all sides. Layer in 13x9x2 baking dish and sprinkle soup mix over meat. Mix tomato sauce and 1/4 cup water and pour over all. Cover tightly with foil. Bake 2-3 hours til tender. Check each hour, will need to add water.
Serves 4 @ 12 carbs, 1 fiber (11 NET carbs), 600 Calories, 40 fat, 48 protein
You could probably cut the carbs by using powdered beef broth, minced onions and spices instead of the Lipton's Onion Soup Mix. One envelope has 34 carbs.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN BURGERS (www.lhj.com)
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded
2 T green chiles, chopped
1/2 t ea. cumin & salt, pepper
1/2 cup salsa
2 T green onions, chopped
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped
1 T plain nonfat yogurt
Combine chicken, zucchini, chiles, & spices. Shape into 4-5 patties and fry til no longer pink in center. Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl and serve over patties.
Makes 4 @ 4 carbs, 1 fiber, 187 cal, 10 fat, 21 protein

SAUSAGE, MUSHROOM CREAM CHEESE CASSEROLE
3-4 chicken breasts, pounded even but not too thin
salt, pepper, garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 lb. sausage
4 oz cream cheese, soft
1 cup shredded cheddar, divided
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
Season chicken, brown 3 minutes each side in oil. Set aside. Crumble and cook sausage til brown. Drain well. Preheat oven to 350. Spray casserole dish and place mushrooms in bottom. Place chicken on top. Mix sausage, cream cheese, 1/2 cheddar and spoon (and smooth) over chicken. Cover and bake 30 min. Remove cover, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 15 min until chicken completely cooked.
Serves 3 @ 5 carb, 1 fiber, 972 Calories, 69g Fat, 77g Protein

BUTTERSCOTCH FLUFF
8 oz soft cream cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup cold water
dash vanilla
2 t pumpkin pie spice
sm. pkg SF/FF Butterscotch pudding mix-powder
Beat soft cream cheese with electric mixer til smooth. Add cream and beat. Add cold water and beat til thickens a little. Add pudding powder, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice and beat til blended well. Pour into individual cups and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Total: 42 carb, 1 fiber (41 NET carbs), 1745 Calories, 161 fat, 21 protein. Serves 6 LARGE @ 7 carb, 291 cal, 27 fat, 4 protein, or 8 small @ 5 carb, 218 cal, 20 fat, 3 protein.


PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
1 pkg plain gelatin
1/4 c water
8 oz soft cream cheese
1 c heavy cream
1 t vanilla
1/2 c pumpkin puree
1 t cinnamon
dash nutmeg, cloves
12 pkts of sweetener
Whip 3/4 c cream til very stiff; set aside. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Heat 1/4 cup cream in a medium bowl in the microwave til very hot. Cut cream cheese in small pieces and add to cream. Add gelatin, vanilla, spices, pumpkin, and sweetener. Beat well with electric mixer. Fold in whipped cream. Line regular size muffin cups with paper and divide mixture evenly among the 12 cups. Refrigerate about 2 hours til firm.
Total: 28 carb, 2 fiber (26 NET carbs) 1713 Calories, 161 fat, 28 protein. Makes 12 @ 2.1 carbs, 143 Calories, 13 fat, 2 protein.

ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES
5 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp water
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cooking oil
1 pkt splenda
1 splash SF french vanilla syrup
Mix all ingredients. Spray skillet with non-stick spray and heat. Spoon pancakes into pan (about 3) Cook on just under medium heat til one side bubbles. Turn, cook for few minutes til done.
Serves 1 @ 7 carbs, 3 fiber (4 effective carbs), 299 cal, 26 fat, 34 protein.

A Gift for You Awaits your Reading!

United Marriage Encounter is an organization devoted to enrichment of marriages, to sign up for the next marriage encounter weekend, go to http://www.unitedmarriage.org/register. There is a charge of very little cost to this weekend. It is a free gift offered to you and your spouse for a weekend together.

Jim and I were encountered in 1998, and attended core biweekly sessions from then until last year. We recommend this weekend for you and your spouse. Check it out the next weekend in your area at their website.

The primary mission of United Marriage Encounter is to build and strengthen marriages. Any married couple, regardless of age, length of marriage, or faith can enjoy and find great benefit from a United Marriage Encounter Weekend. United Marriage Encounter is non-denominational and part of the Weekend will discuss Christ-centered marriages. The ideas and methods you will learn have the power to enrich even the best marriage and make it more satisfying on many levels.

The cost of attending a Weekend (room, meals and other expenses) has already been paid for you through the donations of other couples. Others have paid this cost (nearly $500 per couple) as a gift to you. There is a one-time $80 registration fee to cover other costs. The future of United Marriage Encounter has always been dependent on donations. Near the end of the Weekend, you will be invited to contribute to future Weekends for other couples. You are free to decide how much you want to give so others can have the same opportunity. Your donation is tax-deductible in the United States. (United Marriage Encounter is a non-profit organization and is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability which reflects the highest standards of Christian stewardship.)

Editor's Choice: Eating Out- Low Carb Counts on Menus

Overall recommendation for eating out with low carb counts: any Steakhouses, Red Lobster (by far outstanding carb counts)/ Outback/ Lone Star

Taco Bell
Crunchy regular taco 13
Taco Supreme 15
Spicy Chicken soft taco 20
Beef soft taco 21
Pintos n cheese 4.5 oz 20

Applebees
Onion au Gratin Soup 12
Shrimp & spinach salad 14

Arbys
Croissant sausage & egg 23

Atlanta Bread
Soups: Chicken Tortilla 20, chunky baked potato 30, chicken noodle 21, cream broccoli 19, tomato 10, French onion 16, chicken gumbo 16, Wisconsin cheese 21

Blimpie
Seafood Salad 16
Tuna Salad 8
Chef Salad 9
Cream of broc & Cheese 15
Garden Veg 14
Chicken Noodle 18
Vegetable Beef 13

Bob Evans
Pot Roast Hashbrowns 35
Scrambled Egg Beaters 3
Meatloaf 9
Slow Roast Turkey 1
Cobb Salad 14
Spinach Salad 12

Burger King
5 Chicken Tenders, no sauce 13
6 ½ oz garden salad 7
3 ½ oz garden salad 3
Tender grilled chicken garden salad 8
Regular roast beef sandwich 29
Charbroiled Chicken Club 33
Lo Carb Breakfast bowl 6
Lo Carb 1/3 lb Thickburger 5

Chili
Citrus fire Chicken & shrimp Fajita 34
Skillet Queso w tortilla chips 30
Sirloin, no sides 1
Chicken Caesar pita, no fries 31

Chipotle
Meat and cheese burrito 24

Chuck E Cheese
12 buffalo wings 3

Cosi
Salads: Bombay 13, Cobb 8, Greek 9, Mixed Greens 9, Vinaigrette 2

Culvers
Lo Carb Burger 1
Beef Pot Roast 33
Turkey Sourdough BLT 39
Chicken Caesar Salad 15
Chicken Cashew 17

DQ
Double Cheeseburger 34
Chili n Cheese Dog, regular 24
½ c soft serve vanilla or chocolate 22
Fudge bar No sugar added 13

Dennys
All American Slam, no toast 21
Ultimate omelet 26
Chicken Noodle 15
Vegetable Beef Soup 18
Nine Buffalo Wings 11
Steakhouse Strip Dinner w/o sides 0
T Bone Steak Dinner w/o sides 0
5 oz mashed potatoes 23

Dunkin Donut
French Cruller 17

Fazoli
Grilled Panini: Chicken 53; Smoked Turkey 54

Golden Corral
Whitefish Cajun 0
Bourbon St Chicken 5

Great Steak & Potato
Phillyburger 23

IHOP
Old Fashioned Pot Roast 30 with mashed potatoes 65

KFC
1 breast chicken 15

Krispy Crème
Whole Wheat Glaced donut 19

Lone Star
Many meat entrée are 0 carbs
Chili 8
Black bean soup 31

McDonalds/OCharley
Salad options

Outback
Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie 32
Steaks, no sides 0
Fresh Veggies 14

Panera
Soups: all between 12-19

Popeye Chicken
1 chicken breast 8
Cajun rice 22
Coleslaw 14
Mashed potatoes w gravy 18

Red Lobster
Many 0-2 carb options

Shoneys
Grilled Cod/Samon Lite 0

Sonic
Jr Cheeseburger 30
Ham Egg & Cheese burrito 35
Grilled Chicken Sandwich 32
Grilled Chicken Salad 19

Steak n Shake
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich 34
Double Steakburger with cheese 29
Chicken Chef Salad, no dressing 10

Subway
Mini Sub is 30 carbs: Tuna, Ham, Beef, Turkey
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad 26
Salads: Ham 14, Oven Roasted Chicken 11, Roast beef 12, Club 12, Turkey 13 Turkey & Ham 14, Veggie 11 (Ranch dressing 3)

Target Food Court
5 Chicken Fingers 14
Bowl of Chili 32

Wendys
Jr Bacon Cheeseburger 34
¼ lb double stack 34
Chicken BLT Salad with dressing 30
Chili 24
Mandarian Orange cup 19


White Castle
One burger 13; 4 burgers 52
½ fry pack 20

Its Leaf Time

A method to use for mulching all those leaves is a lawn mower. Simply spread the leaves out about one foot deep, hold the mow over at an angle, and then run over them a few times.
In all cases, keep your leaves dry. Ooolah, mulch layer for your lasagna garden!