New cause of allergies? - TEAM Resources

The Dairy Farmers of Canada recently reported on its website that several studies suggest there are more allergies, asthma and eczema because of excessive consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, found mainly in vegetable oils and the foods made with them. Omega-6s are believed to aggravate allergic and inflammatory reactions in the body.

A new study published in the journal Allergy found that children with allergies consumed more margarine, a source of omega-6s, and less butter, than did children without allergies.

Note that canola and olive oil are lower in omega-6s than other oils. For information about dairy products, visit www.dairyfarmers.org or call the toll-free number 800-361-4632.

Here are two recipes that are featured on the website:

Dairy delicious casserole

Serves four to six. Preparation time 45 minutes.

3 cups medium 750 mL

noodles

1 pound lean 500 g

ground beef

1/2 cup chopped 125 mL

green pepper

1 can (14oz. ) tomato 398 mL

sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried 2 mL

oregano

1 cup cottage 250 mL

cheese

1 cup shredded 250 mL

cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup sour cream 50 mL

2 tablespoons finely 30 mL

chopped green onions

1/2 teaspoon salt 2 mL

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).

In large saucepan, cook noodles according to package directions and drain.

In large frypan, sauté beef and green pepper until meat is browned and green pepper is tender, then drain. Stir in tomato sauce and oregano. Over medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.

In small bowl, combine cottage cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions and salt. Lay half of the noodles in an ungreased eight inch (20 cm) square baking dish. Cover with cheese mixture. Layer remaining noodles and top with meat sauce. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) of cheddar over the meat sauce.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand five minutes before serving.

Apple clafouti

(other fruit may be used)

4 cups apples, peeled, 1 L

cored and cut into

pieces (Cortland, Spartan or Granny Smith)

4 eggs

1/2 cup sugar 125 mL

2 cups milk 500 mL

1/2 cup all-purpose 125 mL

flour

2 teaspoons vanilla 10 mL

extract

pinch of salt

butter

Preheat oven at 350 F (180 C). Grease one square baking pan.

In a frying pan, sauté apples in butter until tender. Place apples in baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar and flour. Add milk, vanilla and salt and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture over apples and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

According to taste, serve warm or cold, with cream or ice cream.

Juice warning

Health Canada reminds Canadians of the dangers of unpasteurized fruit juice and cider, which may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. These can cause severe illness or death, especially in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

To address this concern, Health Canada implemented a policy of encouraging the food industry to use standard handling and processing and to label their products as unpasteurized. Health Canada has updated its pamphlet Unpasteurized Fruit Juice and Cider – Know What You are Drinking.

This pamphlet, along with other relevant materials, is available in both official languages on Health Canada’s website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food

aliment.

Do you have a dirty oven?

I recently subscribed to the Tip of the Month e-mail service from Linda Cobb, better known as “The Queen of Clean.” The dreaded smoking oven syndrome was what she tackled in November. You know, something runs over in the oven and starts smoking and spreading an offensive odour.

If this happens to you, grab the salt. Sprinkle a heavy layer of salt onto the spill and continue cooking. The smoke and odour will stop immediately. When you are finished cooking, close the oven and wait overnight. The next day you will be able to lift out the spill with a pancake turner.

Do you want to clean that dirty oven before your family comes over this holiday season? Try this:

Preheat oven to 200 F and leave on for 15 minutes. Shut off and leave the door closed. Fill a shallow glass dish with ammonia and place on the top rack.

On the lower rack, place a pan filled with at least two cups (500 mL) of boiling water. Close the oven door and leave the pans inside for two hours or overnight. Remove the ammonia and water.

Make a paste of ammonia, 1/2 cup (125 mL) of baking soda and one cup (250 mL) of white vinegar. Spread paste over surfaces and leave on for 15 minutes. Scrub with a sponge and steel wool pad if necessary, then rinse. This even works on heavily soiled ovens.

For more information, go to www.QueenofClean.com or check out her books at the local library or bookstore.

Cleaning CDs

And while you spiff up the house for the upcoming holiday season, why not put on a favourite Christmas CD? Or are they all scratched from last year’s party? Real Simple magazine offered a tip to rejuvenate CDs.

Hold the CD by the edge and wipe gently with water and mild soap to remove dust and fingerprints. Using a lint-free cloth like an eyeglass cloth, dry the surface in clean strokes from the centre to the outer edge. Do not use a circular motion.

Now hold the shiny side of the CD under a bright light and look for scratches.

Dampen the cloth, dab with plain white toothpaste – no gels or baking soda – and apply it to the scratch, once again working from the centre to the outer edge. Rinse with water, dry carefully and test the CD for scratches. You may have to repeat once or twice until all the skips are gone.