Posted on: January 10, 2010
Against the Cancer Grain
A cancer-recovery recipe from Rebecca Katz, author of "The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen" (Celestial Arts, 2009)
By CTW Features
The tall, stalk-like plants that millet comes from are lush, and in the field, the variety sometimes called broom corn millet resembles acre after acre of swaying pussy willows. Whole millet looks a lot like quinoa, and also like quinoa it's both gluten free and a great protein source. It cooks up plump and creamy in this recipe, and with the compote and almonds, it makes for a delightful breakfast or anytime pick-me-up. Serves 4
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup water
1 cup millet, rinsed well
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon allspice
3/4 cup almond milk (or substitute soy or rice milk)
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Blueberry Compote, for serving
2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds, for serving
Bring the orange juice and water to a boil in a small saucepan, then stir in the millet, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and allspice. Once it returns to a gentle boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Pour in the almond milk and stir until incorporated, breaking up any clumps in the millet; the millet should be soft and have the consistency of oatmeal. Stir in the orange zest, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Serve topped with the blueberry compote and almonds.
Variation: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut to the cooked millet.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
Per Serving: Calories: 355; Total Fat: 8.4 g (3.5 g saturated, 2.1 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 64 g; Protein: 8 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sodium: 330 mg
Who Knew? Color Coordination When it comes to which fruits have the most antioxidants, integrative oncologist Donald Abrams says intensity of color is often a tip-off: "Among fruits, the heavily pigmented fruits, particularly berries, are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that are beneficial to all people, but especially to patients with cancer." As for concerns that eating antioxidants might interfere with treatments that depend upon creating oxidation to knock out cancer cells, Abrams says a little perspective is in order: "I say let's be realistic here. If it comes down to a blueberry versus that beam of radiation, I don't think there's a real chance that the blueberry is going to win." Meaning if you want a blueberry, nosh away.
Rebecca's Notes To reheat the millet after storing in the refrigerator, place the millet and a small amount of almond milk in a saucepan over low heat until warm and creamy, stirring occasionally and breaking up any clumps with the edge of a spoon.
Blueberry Compote
Blueberries contain lots of pectin, which helps soothe the stomach, and one of their active compounds can help prevent cancer cells from getting nourishment. makes 11/4 cups
11/2 cups frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture bubbles, pulls away from the sides of the pan, and becomes syrupy.
Variation: If you have fresh blueberries, all the better. Just add 2 tablespoons of water to the recipe.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
Per Serving: Calories: 30; Total Fat: 0.4 g (0 g saturated, 0 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 8 g; Protein: 0 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 0 mg
Rebecca's Notes To toast seeds or nuts, preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seeds or nuts in an even layer on the prepared pan and toast until aromatic and slightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Check frequently, as they can burn easily.
