Oct 3
2011

Mushrooms Fighting Breast Cancer (+ A Giveaway!)

in Events, Giveaway, Health & Nutrition

Shiitake mushrooms ready to grill

This month I want you to do yourself a favor and get your mushroom on.  As you may already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This month I am teaming up with the Mushroom Council in their support of City of Hope’s research surrounding cancer.  You already know about my love of mushrooms, so you can understand my excitement in using them to get out the word and “cook against cancer.”  City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes, and a list of other life-threatening diseases.

Since 2002, the Mushroom Council has invested more than $750,000 in grants to City of Hope for research on the relationship between mushrooms and cancer.  This fall, the Council will provide an additional $50,000 to continue funding this research.  As part of this, from September 15th through November 15th, select retailers nationwide will sell mushrooms in pink containers in recognition of breast cancer research and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mushrooms dressed in pink

Mushrooms are low in sodium and calories and are fat and cholesterol-free.  An added bonus is that because of the umami present in mushrooms, less salt can be used in a dish without losing out on flavor.  Mushrooms are bursting with all kinds of nutrients, like B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants.  They also contain vitamin D, making mushrooms the only item in the produce aisle that provides vitamin D. Growers also have the ability to increase vitamin D levels by exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light.  How cool is that?  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of cancer prevention, and mushrooms are a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.  But on top of that, research shows additional exciting possibilities for mushrooms in cancer treatment.  It’s no wonder the Mushroom Council is so excited!

Want to join the excitement and explore the world of mushrooms with me?  I’ve got 3 ways to get you started!

Portobello, Egg, Pancetta Breakfast Pizzas

1.  How about trying mushrooms in a new dish this month?  Here are some ideas to get you going:

2. If you are on Twitter, join me and the Mushroom Council, along with a few other awesome panelists as we discuss health, wellness, and breast cancer awareness.  The chat is tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 4th, from 9 to 11pm EST.  All of the details  on the Girl’s Night Out Twitter party can be found on  MOM IT FORWARD. (Mom It Forward is also doing a mushroom giveaway, so head over and enter for a chance to win!)

3. To help you continue cooking with mushrooms, the Mushroom Council is sponsoring a giveaway! One lucky winner will be receiving the following items  (ARV: $100) for healthy cooking in the kitchen:

-Mushroom slicer
-Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Saute Pan with Cover (5 Quart)
-Book: “MyPlate for Moms, How to Feed Yourself & Your Family Better”

Mushroom Council Giveaway

The Mushroom Council Giveaway:

Update: This contest is closed and the winning comment number picked! Congrats to Kristi—we hope you enjoy your goodies!!

The contest is open until Friday, October 7th, at midnight EST.  The contest is open to US addresses only.  One winner will be drawn using a random number generator.  The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize, or an alternate winner will be drawn.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment answering the question: How do you support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Additional entries:

2. Follow @MushroomChannel on Twitter. Leave a separate comment on this post telling me you follow them on Twitter.

3. Like the Mushroom Channel on Facebook: Mushroom Channel Facebook Page Leave a separate comment on this post telling me you like them on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is sponsored by the Mushroom Council. As always, all opinions are my own!

{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }

@HilaryFleming October 3, 2011 at 3:49 pm

I think I am going to try to do a run/walk 5k in my area. And, of course, RT articles like this! ;)

PS I”m doing a $50 lululemon giveaway on my new blog, in case you are interested.
http://www.hilaryfleming.com/2011/10/welcome-50-lululemon-giveaway.html

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Nelly Rodriguez October 3, 2011 at 4:00 pm

I try to purchase products with the pink ribbon and support/donate to friends walking for the cure!

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Nelly Rodriguez October 3, 2011 at 4:00 pm

I follow Mushroom Channel on Twitter

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Nelly Rodriguez October 3, 2011 at 4:01 pm

I like Mushroom Channel on FB

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sara October 3, 2011 at 4:39 pm

Great giveaway! I purchase products with the pink ribbon.

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Kathy Gori October 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm

I had breast cancer 21 years ago when I was in my 30’s..surgery, chemo the works. I got started on doing Indian cooking during chemo while trying to find things I was interested in eating. I love mushrooms and use them often. Just today I cooked a black eyed pea and mushroom Punjabi dish which is a huge favorite at our house. Mushrooms and Indian food are not something most people would think of as going together…but they do! So I’m going on over to the mushroom channel and follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook

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Geez Louise October 3, 2011 at 6:12 pm

I love the City of Hope, God used the doctors there to heal him from cancer… great place!

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Allison October 3, 2011 at 6:53 pm

I try to buy pink ribbon products whenever I can, and support my aunt (who just had surgery to battle breast cancer) however I can!

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Allison October 3, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Followed the Mushroom Channel on Twitter. :)

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Allison October 3, 2011 at 6:54 pm

And… liked the Mushroom Channel on Facebook. :)

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Laurie Jesch-Kulseth @ Relishing It October 3, 2011 at 7:33 pm

My Mom is a breast cancer survivor. I do the monthly exams and remind family/ friends to do theirs. I buy items with pink ribbons whenever I can.

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Meghan October 3, 2011 at 7:40 pm

I do the Susan G. Komen walk with my survivor auntie every year

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Meghan October 3, 2011 at 7:41 pm

I follow @immortalb4

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Meghan October 3, 2011 at 7:41 pm

I like on FBMeghanFinley

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Jayne October 3, 2011 at 7:42 pm

I love mushrooms so much! Whatever the variety. And with a family that has a history of breast cancer (and many other types of cancer), this is the boost I need to down more mushrooms. Yum!

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Barbara | Creative Culinary October 3, 2011 at 7:52 pm

I support someone who is participating in a 5K race. In previous years I have had a cocktail party at my home and guests each paid admission for ‘the cause.’ It was fun and raised $1000 as everyone who participated provided a dish and we got a local liquor store to give us wine at cost.

I love mushrooms too. Now that we have in common!

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Kaname October 3, 2011 at 8:09 pm

I have donated through a friend that has done several Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cures.

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Kaname October 3, 2011 at 8:09 pm

Following @MushroomChannel on Twitter

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Kaname October 3, 2011 at 8:11 pm

Liked the Mushroom Channel on Facebook

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Cathy B October 3, 2011 at 8:16 pm

like Mushroom Channel on FB!
Cathy B pbprojecthope at yahoo dot com

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Cathy B October 3, 2011 at 8:20 pm

Blogger can be so frustrating! I have this problem often… does anyone else have it? Many times my first entry doesnt show up in the comments!… like now…so here goes again!
I try to spread awareness about Breast Cancer Month via social media retweets and shares… and also through the purchasing as able, of products being branded for this month in efforts of supporting the cause. I also try to help some that are running the marathons and helping with fundraising.,
Cathy B pbprojecthope at yahoo dot com
http://operationblessingbrigade.blogspot.com

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Schmidty October 3, 2011 at 8:41 pm

I am involved with organizing with local walk for the cure and I support merchants who are involved with this cause.

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Schmidty October 3, 2011 at 8:42 pm

I follow the mushroom channel on twitter @rusthawk.

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Schmidty October 3, 2011 at 8:42 pm

I am following the mushroom channel’s facebook page. (Rust Hawk).

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Mb October 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm

by buying products that support the cause!

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Lee610 October 4, 2011 at 12:44 am

actively support my spouse’s volunteer activities on cancer education.

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Mushrooms Canada October 4, 2011 at 5:53 am

Hooray for Mushrooms Go PINK! Aren’t mushrooms a great superfood? Packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.
– Brittany

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Desi October 4, 2011 at 6:48 am

If I see products with the pink ribbon then I try to buy them. I also usually participate in the Breast Cancer awareness walk but didn’t get to this year :(

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Vaishali October 4, 2011 at 6:54 am

I buy products that support the cause!

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Kristi October 4, 2011 at 9:00 am

This is pretty cool. I’m doing the EcoChallenge where I had to learn five new recipes using 90%organic or locally grown ingredients and have a meatless day. For dinner, I made Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tortellini. I also used cremini mushrooms, which I had never heard of before (delicious btw).

The recipe includes 1 small butternut squash (mine was too big and now I’m worried that I can’t use it the next day or the day after…does anyone know?), 1/2lb of cremini mushrooms, 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and black pepper, 1lb of fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, and 2 oz of fontina or Gruyere grated cheese. Heat oven to 450F. Toss the squash and mushrooms with sage, oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Roast, tossing once, until tender for 20-25 minutes (mine was about 21 minutes). Cook the tortellini according to the package. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, drain the tortellini, and return to pot (I used a bowl, but I see now that this was a wasted bowl). Add the vegetables, cheese, and 1/4 cup of cooking water (use more if the pasta seems dry), 1/4 tsp of pepper, and 1/2 tsp of salt and then toss gently. Sprinkle with additional cheese.

For breast cancer awareness month, I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K in Houston, TX, on October 1, 2011. At the run, I bought knee high socks, a thermal shirt, a teddy bear for my niece, and a shirt for my other niece. I am also participating in the Jump for the Rose, which is women’s texas state skydiving formation record (last year, was 38 women in the sky together) to raise money for this great breast cancer organization called The Rose (http://www.therose.org/). This was organized by my friend who survived breast cancer with no insurance through the Rose. I also buy anything that has to do with breast cancer research.

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Nancy@acommunaltable October 4, 2011 at 11:17 am

Support Race for the Cure every year and run it the race some years! Favorite trick with mushrooms? Adding them to turkey meatloaf, makes the meatloaf very juicy!

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Urban Wife October 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm

We usually participate a local 5K run/walk. Just the other day, I had a mushroom burger (my first!) and it was awesome.

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Bianca @ South Bay Rants n Raves October 4, 2011 at 6:13 pm

I do monthly BSE (hey someone had to say it, right?) This disease hits home for me because I lost my aunt to breast cancer 22 years ago. Early detection would’ve saved here. Oh & yes I’m happy to report that 4 months into October I’ve already made 3 dishes with mushrooms! In addition to mushrooms, I make sure I get a lot of fruits & veggies. Organic if possible.

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Emily October 5, 2011 at 9:58 am

I try to buy products with pink ribbons–I’ll be on the lookout for mushrooms! I also support my friends who participate in local cancer walks/runs and try to participate whenever I can.

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Cookin' Canuck October 5, 2011 at 10:13 am

My goodness you have a lot of fantastic mushroom recipes on your site! I MUST try those Mushroom Gyoza.

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Lexi October 6, 2011 at 6:37 am

We support Breast Cancer by donating to friends on the Susan G. Komen walk.

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Kimiko October 6, 2011 at 10:46 am

I always try to buy products with the pink ribbon, and I also support those who are fundraising or participating in the Race For The Cure every year.

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Nicole October 6, 2011 at 11:47 am

Doing a breast cancer walk on Oct 29th.

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Terri Sue October 7, 2011 at 7:59 am

my mother and maternal aunt died from breast cancer. my step-mother is a survivor. i buy pink ribbon products whenever i can.

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