It has been so rewarding for me to be involved as a healthy chef/spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Feast Your Eyes Campaign. This is a campaign that promotes healthy eating for your eyes. Recent research has proven that by eating certain foods regularly as well as having regular eye exams can help to delay the onset of age related macular degeneration.
It is a cause that is near and dear to my heart since family members of mine have been affected by this disease.
I have been appearing on TV and radio all over the country and Canada speaking about healthy recipes that are delicious and great for your eyes and yesterday was a real treat. I did an appearance on CKNW Radio in Vancouver Canada on a show called Wise Quacks. Hosted by two MD’s, who happen to also be quick witted and veritable comedians. It was truly a lot of fun and you can hear the interview at the http://www.cknw.com website. Just go to programs for the Wise Quacks show on Saturday December 6th at 10:30 AM-PST.
In the meantime, here is one of the recipes I have come up with that is delicious but also healthy for your eyes as well. It is a great dessert for your Holiday Table also- no matter what Holiday you celebrate. Apples contain Vitamin C which is great for your eyes and the egg yolk contains lutein which is essential for eye health as well.
And if you know someone that has macular degeneration or a senior that can’t afford an eye exam you can direct them to go to www.feastyoureyes.org
Torta Rovesciata alle Mele
(Upside Down Apple Cake)
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1 ½ cups flour
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4 ounces butter-softened
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½ cup sugar
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1 egg yolk
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3 fresh apples (granny smith)
Place 2 ounces of softened butter in bowl with flour, 1 tbsp sugar and egg yolk. Blend. Add in ½ cup cold water. Mix together with hands. When dough is smooth consistency, place in aluminum foil. Leave in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Peel apples and thinly slice. In small sauce pan, caramelize remaining butter with remaining sugar over low heat. Remove from heat just before butter turns golden brown. Pour butter mixture into pie pan, arrange apples on top.
Roll out dough to make pie crust. Place crust on top of apples. Bake in oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven.
When cooled invert pie pan onto serving dish toll pie comes out. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or small scoop of vanilla gelato.
“Mangia Bene, Vivi Bene”
Maria
