Reverend Sharleece's Home Fried Cod Picture

Taste of Home's Grilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Syrup recipe

   I ran across this recipe through my email and thought I would share it.

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Syrup Recipe

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Syrup Recipe photo by Taste of HomeGrilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Sy

• 

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Syrup Recipe

• Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
• Yield: 8 Servings

15 10 25

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed angel food cake
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
• 1 cup cubed cantaloupe
• 1 large banana, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 medium plums, pitted and quartered
• Butter-flavored cooking spray
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 teaspoons chocolate syrup

Directions

• On eight metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread cake cubes and fruits. Spritz each skewer with butter-flavored spray and roll in brown sugar.
• Place skewers on a piece of heavy-duty foil. Place foil on grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fruits are tender, turning once. Drizzle each skewer with 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 skewer equals 131 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 93 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.

Originally published as Grilled Fruit Skewers with Chocolate Syrup in Healthy Cooking June/July 2010, p32

Banana Basics

Look for plump bananas that are evenly yellow-colored. Green bananas are under-ripe, while a flecking of brown flecks indicates ripeness. If bananas are too green, place in a paper bag until ripe. Adding an apple to the bag will speed the process. Store ripe bananas at room temperature. To prevent bruises, a banana hook or hanger is a great inexpensive investment. For longer storage, you can place ripe bananas in a tightly sealed plastic bag and refrigerate. The peel will become brown but the flesh will remain unchanged. One pound of bananas equals about 3 medium or 1-1/3 cups mashed.

THE DO’S AND DON’T’S FOR PREVENTING HEAT STROKE by Sharleece E. Bellagosi

The summer boasts of temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees. Hot summers with high temperatures often result in heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency manifesting signs and symptoms: a high temperature, dry skin, red or flushed skin, nausea, dizziness, lack of sweat, vomiting, headache, difficulty breathing, and confusion, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Untreated heat stroke could lead to coma and/death. Therefore, knowing how to prevent heat stroke is essential.

·         Do take rest periods when you are outside.

Resting prevents your body from overheating through activity.

·         Do drink plenty of fluids like water

Drinking plenty of fluids prevents dehydration through fluid loss due to sweating. Sweating helps the body to cool down in the heat to maintain a normal body temperature around 98.6.

·         Do wear light and loose-fitting clothes.

Light and loose-fitting clothes allows for movement and breathing. Moreover, it prevents blockage of pores in the skin that release sweat to help your body cool down in the heat. Plus, dark clothing like black clothing retains heat; whereas, light clothing does not retain heat causing a faster cool down.

·         Do try to stay in the shade

Staying in the shade prevents direct heat and aids in the cool down process of maintaining normal body temperature around 98.6.

·         Do provide emergency care as soon as possible.

Most people are not medical professionals; therefore, the emergency medical service should be notified as soon as possible to further prevent complications associated with heat stroke like dehydration and death. Remember, heat stroke is a medical emergency.

     Conversely,

·         Do not sit in the car for long periods.

The temperature in the car is three times as hot as the temperature outside causing overheating and heat stroke to occur more quickly.

·         Do not drink caffeine drinks like coffee, soda, or tea

Caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and tea have a diuretic effect; in other words, they cause you to urinate more often resulting in the loss of essential nutrients like sodium and potassium. In addition, the diuretic effect of caffeinated can lead to dehydration, a component that makes heat stroke life threaten.

·         Do not perform vigorous exercise in the hot sun.

Vigorous exercise causes the body to overheat anywhere; but, the body overheats ten times as fast in the hot sun making it hard for the bodies cool down system to keep up. If the cool down system of the body cannot keep up, heat stroke can result.

     Following the above dos and don’ts with provide a happier and safer summer for those who like to have fun in the sun by preventing a medical emergency like heat stroke. Enjoy the summer.

THE 3 STAGES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES by Reverend Sharleece Bellagosi

          Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise. Type 2 Diabetes used to be known as adult onset diabetes; however, type 2 diabetes no longer affects just adults. With the growing obesity in children, children are now developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes will be explained in 3 stages:

1.      Stage 1- The causes of  type 2 diabetes;

2.      Stage 2- The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes; and,

3.      Stage 3- The treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

4.      Stage 4- The worst case scenario.

     Stage 1, the causes of type 2 diabetes involve the beta cells that produce insulin in the pancreas not producing the amount of insulin that the body requires to metabolize glucose. The reason the beta cells may not produce enough insulin often is due to obesity, improper diet, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep. In fact, according to neuroscientist Orfeu Buxton from Boston’s Brighams and Womens Hospital, “Studies have shown that people who get less than 5 hours of sleep a night have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

     Stage 2, the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes: excessive thirst, excessive urination, and excessive hunger. If a person is experiencing the above signs and symptoms he/she should make an appointment to have his/her blood sugar level checked.

     Stage 3, the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes are the same—diet and exercise. Since type 2 diabetes is not related to a malfunctioning pancreas, type 2 diabetes is reversible. The way to reverse type 2 diabetes is to lose weight, usually losing about 20 or 30 pounds will reverse type 2 diabetes. Then, maintaining the diet and exercise regimen will prevent the type 2 diabetes from returning.

     Stage 4, the worst case scenario involves the person who does not want to diet and exercise to reverse type 2 diabetes will receive medication intervention like insulin injection or oral insulin along with an order for diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes becomes a problem if people with type 2 diabetes are noncompliant with Doctor’s orders. Complications like neuropathy (lack of feeling in the legs and feet), loss of sight, renal failure, and loss of legs and feet due to noncompliance with Doctor’s orders; therefore, following Doctor’s orders is the best policy for a person with type 2 diabetes.

    So, eat healthy and exercise to prevent type 2 diabetes.

    

My 10 Best Mother's Day Gifts by Reverend Sharleece E. Bellagosi

On Sunday May 13, 2012, another Mother's Day will arrive giving me time to reflect upon the 10 best Mother's Day Gifts. Starting with number 10 and working my way to number 1:

10. A box of chocolates. A minute on my lips, but forever on my hips-tasty chocolates.

9. Flowers. Roses are the most given on Mother's Day. In fact, I recall a gentleman in downtown Seattle who passed out roses to every woman who passed by on Mother's Day; because, he "loved women and loved mothers."

8. A free dinner. It is always a pleasure to not cook and to have a free meal.

7. Relaxation. A day to take the load off after running after the kids, working 9am to 5pm, and cleaning house is a blessing. Thank you God for creating Mother's Day.

6. Clothing. A new article of clothing is always nice. If you do not like it, you can always return it.

5. Peace and quiet. I always relish the me time without the kids to enjoy the things that I like to do without the complaining.

4. Jewelry. Diamonds really are a girls second best friend. A house fully paid for might really be my best friend.

3. Car. Seriously, I once received a brand new car for Mother's Day it was Awesome.

2. Thoughtfulness. Although an awkward word, the kids and other family helping by doing things around the house without being asked is very thoughtful.

1. Kids. God bless them. It would not be a Mother's Day if they did not exist.

I would like to see your 10 best Mother's Day gifts. Share them here at www.sharleece.blogspot.com.
Happy Mother's Day.

La Berry Frozen Yogurt: A tasty treat with southern origins by Reverend Sharleece E. Bellagosi

La Berry Frozen Yogurt: A tasty treat with southern origins

By

Reverend Sharleece E. Bellagosi

     La Berry Frozen Yogurt that looks like ice cream without the calories was founded in Savannah, GA in 2010.  La Berry rotates flavors each with key flavors like fudsicle, heath bar, taro, blaze, and caramel. The toppings offer at La Berry are numerous: white chocolate, mini turtles, various fruits, captain crunch, cheese cake, cookie dough, brownies, and granola to name a few; however, La Berry has about 25 topping choices. La Berry Frozen Yogurt is beloved by all who have tried its goodness. For instance, Kelli Robertson writes, “La' Berry should really consider renaming themselves Crack Berry! My coworkers and I have fallen in love with this place, and look forward to taking a much-needed mid-day LB break multiple times during the week!! We all agree that Taro is the best flavor because it's the most versatile; you can really take advantage of all of the great toppings that are offered (I personally love the hemp seed granola). However, this doesn't stop us from enjoying samples of the other ever-changing flavors! The staff at La' Berry is always upbeat and friendly, and we truly feel that when they say, "It's great to see you guys!” they really mean it. LB is always bustling no matter what time of day you stop by, and it's a great mixture of couples, families, students and tourists. It's a happy place to visit and the highlight of my day whenever I stop by for a cup. Keep up the great work, guys!!” While, Dustin Chancellor stated, “I absolutely love this place. I have known Jack and Lori for a few months now and they are such spectacular people. They sell a wonderful product that is so delicious. And now they're thinking about expanding to Macon and Warner Robins?! Now I can eat their yogurt when I'm in Savannah and when I go home to visit family.” Furthermore, Zach Selby, “I love this place! There are many flavors and especially toppings to choose from. It is a great place to hang out. The yogurt is just amazing. I defiantly recommend going here!” Even though taste is what draws people to La berry for frozen yogurt, other positive benefits exist for eating la berry frozen yogurt.

     The Pros of eating la berry frozen yogurt:

1.      La berry frozen yogurt is a low calorie treat possess 0 calories before adding toppings.

2.      La berry frozen yogurt is a tasty, guilt-free alternative to ice cream due to the low calories.

3.      La berry offers 10% of to college students, military, teachers, veterans, and other college staff.

4.      La berry offers a frequent eater card, where six purchases give the customer a free frozen yogurt.

5.      La berry is affordable given that the café is a specialty café.

6.      La berry offers free Wi-Fi.

7.      La berry offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere.

8.      La berry offers a variety of toppings

The Cons of eating la berry frozen yogurt:

1.      The types of topping that la berry offers are sometimes high calorie, so the customer has to use his/her discretion when choosing toppings.

2.      La berry frozen yogurt is soooo tasty that it is easy to find yourself running to la berry several times a week.

     Lastly, if you are sitting at home wanting to take your family on a fun outing that everyone would enjoy, la berry is a good choice. Everyone likes ice cream and frozen yogurt looks like ice cream; plus, everyone can choose his/her own toppings. La berry receives a blazeview V for Victory; because, this place is a winner. La berry is located at 1650 D Baytree Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Reverend Sharleece's Famous Shrimp Salad

Reverend Sharleece's Famous Shrimp Salad is guaranteed to be like nothing you have ever tasted before. I pondered over whether to share this recipe with the public or not. Sharing won, so here it is.

Ingredients:
1 can of shrimp or 1 small bag of fresh shrimp
  3 small strawberries
1 green onion
1 tablespoon of barbaque chipotle sauce

Directions:
Clean and drain the shrimp from the can. If using fresh shrimp, clean and cook the shrimp according to package directions. Can shrimp is already cooked. Next, clean and cut the strawberries and green onions. Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl. Mix the ingredients. Serve on bread, lettuce, or eat it straight out of a bowl with crackers. You will not be disappointed.