Hearts, Flowers, and Almond Bread

Epilepsy News From: Sunday, February 03, 2008

The tradition of Valentine’s Day is filled with lyrics and lore. But the gifts of hearts and flowers are said to have started in France and England. Young people would gather in the village square to draw the name of their Valentine from a box. The name of the person drawn would become the “sweetheart” for the year. The young gentleman would wear the name on his maiden on his sleeve and bring her gifts and sweets throughout the year.

Today Valentine’s Day is still one of special dinners and gifts. For families with a child on the ketogenic diet, who wish to have a special celebration, here are two recipes. These are not measured precisely for the person with epilepsy. These meal suggestions from Beth Zupec-Kania, RD, CD will be compatible with a meal that is precisely weighed and measured for someone who is on the ketogenic diet.

Main Course: Crab & Tomato Napolean

Using the very best and freshest crabmeat you can find, mix this with sour cream, mayonnaise and fresh chives.

  • Slice large tomatoes into circles.
  • Layer the crabmeat onto each slice building it into four layers.
  • Sprinkle with olive oil.

 

Main Course: Seared Steak

Ingredients:

  • Steak
  • Red peppers
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Mushrooms

Preparation:

  • Slice the peppers and mushrooms
  • Slice the steak into strips

In a thick fry pan, sear the strips of steak

  • Add the vegetables, first the peppers, then artichoke hearts, then mushrooms
  • Cook until they are just slightly braised

Place in the center of a dish surrounded by cauliflower mashed “potatoes”

Dessert: Almond bread with whipped cream

We include the full recipe here.

Low Carbohydrate Almond Bread

Ingredients:

  1. 224gm Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese (not light)
  2. 113gm Butter – softened
  3. 200gm raw mixed Egg
  4. 3gm Splenda (granules)
  5. 8gm Baking powder
  6. 2gm Salt
  7. 360gm Almond Meal/Flour

 

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Prepare a 1 1/2 qt loaf pan with spray oil.

  • Combine ingredients 1-3 in a blender until smooth.

  • Mix dry ingredients (4-7) together and then fold in wet ingredients. Pour evenly into baking pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then invert on a serving plate. Weigh out serving size.

  • Nutritional Information: 29gm of baked bread has 147 Calories; 13gm Fat; 4gm Protein; 3.2gm Carbohydrate.

  • Almond Meal/Flour is simply raw blanched whole almonds that have been ground into a fine powder.

Provided by: The Charlie Foundation to Cure Pediatric Epilepsy

Beth Zupec tells us that this bread has been tested in several kitchens by Charlie Foundation parents. It is appropriate for those on the traditional ketogrenic diet.

Wishing you hearts, flowers, and happiness.

For more information:
Beth Zupec-Kania, RD, CD
Ketogenic Diet Seminars
The Charlie Foundation - Director of Programs

Authored by

Eric Kossoff MD

Reviewed by

Steven C. Schachter, MD

Reviewed Date

Sunday, February 03, 2008

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