Today we are joining together to help raise awareness for Heart Disease. Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic lost her Mom to heart disease when her mother was 47, and Kim was 15. Each year on the day her Mom passed she shares stories and photos of her Mom. This year she joined forces with Jen of Juanita’s Cocina, whose life was also touched by heart disease when her Stepfather had a heart attack. Jen’s Stepfather is alive and well more than a decade later, and for that, Jen is thankful every day. The ladies got in touch with other bloggers to ask them to share their own stories about how heart disease has touched their lives. So today we share stories and recipes from our hearts to yours, in memory and honour of Momzie, Kim’s Mom. We hope you will share your stories with us today as well.
In 2006, at the age of 52 my dad had triple by-pass surgery. High cholesterol runs in our family, and he had been on medication for years to help control it. He was having some problems, and my mom forced him to go to the doctor. Turned out he had major blockage, and his cholesterol medicine was the only reason he had not had a heart attack. The cholesterol medicine had actually formed new vessels going to his heart. They thought he was going to have a stint put in, but after he went into surgery they ended up doing a triple by-pass.
My dad is alive, well, active, and much healthier these days. He has completely changed his lifestyle. My dad now works-out most days, and watches what he eats (well, my mom does that part). In 2009, my husband and I hiked with my dad to the top of a mountain. That is something he never would have done before. I have a 7 year old son, and I am so happy that he will have many years to come with my dad.
Today we are sharing healthy recipes to go along with bringing awareness. I made a pesto with heart healthy olive oil, walnuts and a combination of arugula and spinach. I also used some chickens stock to thin it out instead of lots of oil. Arugula walnut pesto is great over whole grain pasta, or mixed in with Greek yogurt as a sandwich spread, or even on top of chicken with fresh tomatoes and a little cheese!
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 1/2 cup arugula/spinach mix
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 3 tbls walnuts
- 3 tbls olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Combine basil, arugula, parsley, walnuts, olive oil, and garlic in the food process. Process until a smooth paste forms. Add cheese, stock, salt and pepper. Pulse until combined. Add additional stock to thin out if necessary.
Adapted from Cooking Light
Don’t miss what everyone else is making to help raise awareness for heart disease!
Spicy Oven Fries by Cravings of a Lunatic
Healthy Snacking with Radish Dip by Juanita’s Cocina
Arugula, Walnut Pesto by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Farro, Apple & Pecan Salad by It’s Yummilicious
Chicken-Quinoa Burgers with an Avocado Yogurt Sauce by The Spiffy Cookie
Pasta House Wilted Salad by Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
Gooey Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Bars by The Cooking Actress
Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts by All Day I Dream About Food
Mini Pear Walnut Crisps with Blood Orange Caramel Sauce by ChocolateMoosey
Kung Pao Chicken Tacos by The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon by Curry and Comfort
Apple Walnut Spinach Salad by Magnolia Days
Broiled Salmon Gyros with Cucumber Feta Yogurt Dip by Damn Delicious
Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Make-Ahead Chocolate Oatmeal by Crumb
Hoisin Flounder by Taking on Magazines
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Veggie Nachos by Dine & Dish
Cheesy Quinoa and Asparagus Bake by Hungry Couple
Ahi Tuna Salad by Noshing with the Nolands
Canapes of Apricot, Goat Cheese, Almonds and Rosemary by Cook the Story
Thai Chicken Soup by From Cupcakes to Caviar
Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf by Rachel Cooks
Black Bean Quesadillas by Pastry Chef Online
Sautéed Rataouille with Quinoa by Whipped
Polenta Rounds with Apples and Cheddar by Diethood
Erin S
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Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I’m so happy to hear that your father has changed his ways. 🙂
I think it’s great that you all are sharing your stories to bring awareness to the issue.
And the pesto looks great!
JanetFCTC says
Kind of scary reading your post, Erin since your dad is maybe 10 years my senior. I’m so so glad for all of you that he is ok!!
Now to go buy some arugula!