Recipe Day! Curried Chicken w/ Apples & Bananas

Curried Chicken with Apples and Bananas

Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 tbsp Compliments canola oil
1.7 lb / 800 g Chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into pieces
1 medium Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Curry powder
2 tsp Turmeric, ground
½ tsp Cumin, ground
½ tsp Coriander, ground
2 medium Apples, diced, unpeeled
2 large Bananas, diced
1½ cups (375 mL) Compliments tomatoes, diced
1 cup (250 mL) Chicken broth, sodium reduced
1 cup (250 mL) Compliments Balance yogurt, plain

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan on high, heat oil and add chicken pieces and sauté until browning occurs. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces if necessary. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes then add curry, turmeric, cumin and coriander. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.

3. Add apples, bananas, tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

4. Add chicken pieces and simmer another 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in yogurt and serve.

Nutrition Information per Serving (¾ cup + 75 g chicken):
Calories: 231
Fat: 7 grams
Carbohydrate: 20 grams
Fibre: 2 grams
Protein: 21 grams
Sodium: 308 milligrams

Source: Sobeys Dietitians

"Do what is in your heart"...

...words of wisdom contributed by special guest, Neville MacKay:

They say there’s no such thing as a “stupid” question. Well, I was once asked a question that was pretty much as close to stupid as one could get. Well, more ignorant than stupid, I guess. I was asked why I would ever want to get involved with anything to do with breast cancer… now, those that know me know that I may not be what you’d call a shy petal and can usually come up with something to say pretty quickly.

I was totally floored by this question, so I asked the lady why she would think to ask it in the first place. To my surprise and horror, she decided that since I probably have no interest in ladies anyway, she couldn't understand why I would lend support to a cause as feminine as this...Can you believe it?!

I was SO peeved, and I didn’t take long for me to let her know it either!

I, in my most loving and thoughtful way possible, explained to this poor, unfortunate lady that although I do not find a lady’s breasts sexually appealing, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love women! I have a mother, sisters in laws, friends, colleagues, etc… Oh, and I have a pair of breasts myself! (Sadly, mine are bigger than many ladies’ lately…)

I mean really, who doesn’t know someone with breast cancer? I know of more women fighting breast cancer every day it seems and they are, for the most part, incredible women. And, let’s not forget the men that are impacted by this terrible disease. Men can, and do, get it also, not to mention they are right there, suffering alongside their partners, friends, mothers and daughters.

In the end, I think I convinced this woman that it was OK for me, of ALL people, to offer my support and help where I can.

The point is, no one will ever stop me from doing what I know is right. Ever! And I encourage the same from all of you. Do what is in your hearts and you’ll make an incredible difference…one person at a time.

Recipe Day! Chai Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Chai Chocolate Almond Biscotti

36 Servings

Ingredients:
1/2 c (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 c (175 mL) Granulated sugar
1/4 c (60 mL) Packaged dark brown sugar
2 Large eggs
1 tbsp Vanilla extract
2 c (500 mL) Compliments all-purpose flour
1/2 c (125 mL) Compliments cocoa
1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp each ground cardamom, cinnamon and salt
1 c (250 mL) Compliments slivered almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With an electric mixer, beat butter with sugars until pale and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and blend well.

2.Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, spices and salt. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture until blended. Stir in almonds. Shape cookie dough into 2 logs and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 3 inches (8 cm) between logs. Press lightly to flatten slightly. Bake 40 min. Remove from oven.

3.Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and line a second baking sheet with parchment paper. While still warm, slice 1/2-inch (1 cm) biscotti on the bias with a serrated knife. Place on baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 min. until lightly browned around the edges. Biscotti will firm up further as they cool.

 
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 100
Fat: 4 grams
Carbohydrates:13 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Source: http://www.compliments.ca/ and Sobeys Dieticians

Happy Holidays!

Last Friday, the staff at the IWK and QEII Foundations gathered to enjoy the laughter and friendship that help make this time of year so special. We're wishing that you, too make plenty of time for this over the next several days as you celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year.

A warm and sincere thanks for the support you have given us in 2009, not just to our joint venture Bust a Move but in all the ways you contribute to the spirit of philanthrophy in this wonderful province of ours.

From all of us at the IWK Foundation and the QEII Foundation

Gift Idea

Joan Helson has a suggestion for what to get the last person on your Christmas shopping list:

As Seen on Breakfast Television

Those of your who are early risers (or at least, early morning TV watchers) may have seen some members of the Bust a Move team having some laughs and breaking a sweat with Breakfast Television co-host Cyril Lunney today.

We were demonstrating to all BT viewers that the six hours of exercise planned for Bust a Move is really going to be a fun and energizing experience that anyone of any fitness level can be a part of.

In case you missed the show this morning, here's a peak at what we were up to:

There's still plenty of time to register as a participant and get started on your fundraising, too. The more the merrier!

Community Heals

Recently, the Bust a Move team spent some time talking with Joan Helson, a breast cancer survivor and Bust a Move participant. Joan is a strong and inspirational woman. She reminds us why the cause we're raising money for is so important and why the time all of our staff, participants, sponsors and volunteers are investing in making Bust a Move a success is absolutley, positively worth it.

Please take a few minutes to listen to what Joan has to say:

"Sweat till your underwear is wet"

In case you missed it, renowned fitness guru and Bust a Move celebrity instructor Richard Simmons was interviewed by Starr Dobson on CTV's Live a 5 recently.

We cannot wait to see Richard and his short shorts at the Halifax Metro Centre on January 30th and are thrilled that CTV shared this clip with us, because everyone should see this interview! Enjoy!!

Recipe Day! Five Spice Chicken

Five Spice Chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Lemon juice
1 tbsp Compliments canola oil
2 tsp Compliments honey
1 tsp Chinese five spice
½ tsp Pepper, black, freshly cracked
0.8 lb / 400 g Chicken breast, boneless, skinless

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients except chicken.

2. Leave chicken breast whole or cut into pieces and add to bowl, turning to coat well with marinate. Marinade in fridge for 5-10 minutes to develop flavor (can marinate longer if desired).

3. In a large non-stick skillet (oven proof if available) on high heat, add chicken and brown on each side. Do in batches if needed. Drain pan and return chicken to skillet or place on baking pan. Roast at 425° F for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is done.

Nutrition Information per Serving (75 grams chicken):
Calories: 154
Fat: 5 grams
Carbohydrate: 3 grams
Fibre: 0 grams
Protein: 23 grams
Sodium: 56 milligrams

Source: Sobeys Dietitians

Chantal Kreviazuk talks Bust a Move!

Between participants and volunteers, the BAM movement now includes more than 750 people! And those 750 people are talking about the event, the cause and their involvement to almost every person they encounter, from friends and colleagues, to neighbours and clients.

We know people are talking and we're so grateful for that. Yet, we were still completely surprised to find out that even Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk has something to say about Bust a Move. Let's listen:



Wow, thanks for your support Chantal!!

Participant Awards Revealed!

We're working on adding to your Bust a Move event day experience with sweet prizes, swag and goodies from our sponsors, that much we've mentioned before. But we're revealing here today that six awards will be given out, too!! So read on and take notes...you may want to start plotting for your eligibility now!

1. Top individual fundraiser
Awarded to the single participant who, as the award suggests, raises the most money. This will be based on the final tally once event day registration closes the morning of January 30th.

2. Top team fundraiser
Awarded to the team comprised of individuals who collectively achieve fundraising excellence! Specifically, this is defined as the highest average amount raised per person, which means the size of the team doesn't necessarily guarantee a win!

3. Best dressed individual
The individual who displays the best sense style will receive this noteworthy title. Here's the catch: there's no theme and no evaluation criteria. Interpretation of "best dressed" will be completely subjective and that's because we want to encourage your creativity and individuality!
All participants wanting to be eligible for this award will need to visit the designated photo booth sometime before noon, then all photos will be posted in the sponsor lounge and this special group of folks will vote for their favorite!

4. Best dressed team
Same rules as #3 apply here. The only difference is that unity among team members is strongly encouraged! How you go about that coordination, however, is entirely up to you.

5. Most creative fashion bra
Put your thinking cap on and design your own bra, which you'll proudly display over top of your shirt for all to see, of course! Pom poms, pipe cleaners, dried flowers, cotton balls, Cheerios, crayons, you name, you can use it. Glue it, sew it, cut it, design it...the options are endless!

The photo booth will be to capture candidates for this award too, except the members of the judging panel will not being revealed ahead of time.

6. Star performer award
Awarded to an individual (volunteer or participant) who has epitomized “360 degree involvement” and demonstrated leadership, tenacity and dedication to Bust a Move.

Candidates will be selected by the Bust a Move team and announced online on January 15th. Public voting for candidates will then be available until January 29th at 12 noon AST.

Good luck!

Lululemon Offers Team Discounts!!

Among the many local businesses supporting Bust a Move is luluemon athletica; a retail business with an admirable commitment to health and wellness. They're passionate about people, athleticism, quality and possibility. And this winter, the Halifax store is investing their passion in Bust a Move, in more ways than one!

They have a team five participants. They are giving out postcards and wallet cards to interested customers. They are planning in-store fundraising events for January, including a silent auction and a six-hour yoga marathon. And this past Saturday, they welcomed two BAM volunteers to become part of their "pant wall" as live mannequins, drawing the attention of many curious shoppers in the store that afternoon! The staff were so excited about having a Bust a Move presence in the store, they busted into a dance on the folding table and were yelling out one-liners about their anticipation of the January event!

But we've saved the best news for last. Lululemon is sharing their BAM love with all teams of participants! That's right, all registered participants who are part of a team are eligible for the following in-store savings:

Team of 2-10 members - Save 10%
Teams of 11-24 members - Save 20%
Teams of 25+ members - Save 30%

Discounts apply to one tank and one pair of pants per person purchased at the Halifax store. In order to receive their discount, participants must first email their team name and the list of their team members to Liz Johnson.

On behalf of all participants, a huge THANK YOU to lululemon for creating this special offer! Happy shopping everyone!

"Six hours of movement, inspiring movement"

It's only two weeks 'till Christmas, can you believe it?! Since all of our minds are inevitably starting to wander to the presents, treats, nog and loved ones that are in our near future, we thought we'd cap off the week with somethin special.

While lights are sparkling and carolers are singing, our participant success stories are multiplying, the strength of our community is building, and the heart and soul behind Bust a Move is becoming more powerful with each passing day. One of the best things about all of that - besides saving lives, of course - is that it gives us a really awesome story to tell.

So, with the fun of storytelling and the distraction of the holidays in mind, we've put together this video for a Friday treat. We hope it reminds you that we're part of something bigger than ourselves...and, that Saturday, January 30th is going to be SO MUCH FUN!

Recipe Day! Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 tbsp Compliments extra virgin olive oil
½ cup (125 mL) Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, fresh, diced
2 tbsp Cumin, ground
1 large Red pepper, diced
2 cups (500 mL) Sweet potato, peeled, cubed
1 can (796 mL) Pastene Italian tomatoes, whole
2 small Jalapeno peppers, seeded, diced
1 cup (250 mL) Water
1 sprig Thyme, fresh
1 can (541 mL) Black beans, drained, rinsed
2 medium Mangoes, diced
2 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
¼ tsp Black pepper
6 tbsp Sour cream, fat-free

Directions:
1. On medium heat, add oil to a large saucepan and sauté onion, garlic cumin until onions are tender. Stir in pepper and sweet potatoes.

2. Mix in tomatoes, jalapeno and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add thyme once simmer for a few minutes.

3. Stir in black beans and simmer until beans are heated. Add mango, cilantro and pepper, stir well. Garnish with a tbsp of sour cream per serving.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cup):
Calories: 220
Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrate: 41 grams
Fibre: 8 grams
Protein: 8 grams
Sodium: 352 milligrams

Source: Chef Thomas Burchell and Sobeys Dietitians, 2007

Wear It With Pride

If you're a Bust a Move participant and you network online, why not save this Bust a Move badge to your computer. Then upload it to one (or all!) of your profiles to proudly tell the world: YOU are bustin' it for breast health!

Thanks to the HalifaxChicks team who created and were the first ones to use this lovely badge!

Growing Support

Starting today, keep an eye out for this Bust a Move promotional clip airing on A Channel.



A huge THANK YOU to Maria and all the folks at A Channel and CTV for their amazing, ongoing support of the inaugural Bust a Move for Breast Health!

News Flash #2

Live outside the downtown core? Worried about the possibility of white stuff getting in the way of your drive to the Metro Centre on January 30th? Want to expand this amazing experience into a weekend getaway? Want to get your team members together for a pre-event sleepover?

If you answered "Yes!" to any or all of these questions, you'll want to make note of this new and exciting Bust a Move detail:

The Prince George Hotel and Cambridge Suites Halifax are pleased to offer special rates to all participants of Bust a Move for the nights of January 29th and 30th:

The Prince George Hotel - $119 per night

Cambridge Suites Halifax - $109 per night

Be sure to identify yourself as a Bust a Move participant when making your reservation and these rates are yours!

Pilates to Pumpkins: Nova Scotia in the Guinness World Records® Book

Make room, pumpkins, there’s a new attempt afoot to set some Guinness World Records and once again add Nova Scotia to the coveted list. Bust a Move for Breast Health, a fundraising fitness extravaganza set for January 30, 2010, at the Halifax Metro Centre, is going to attempt a pair of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® records: the largest Pilates class and the most people hugging.

“Nova Scotia is already in the Guinness World Records book with the longest running pumpkin boat race,” said Bust a Move Event Chair, Marie Mullally, “We’re going to add two more, have a lot of fun doing it and at the same time raise the money needed to purchase digital mammography equipment that will help diagnose breast cancer earlier. It’s a win-win-win!”

In order to achieve these new records and raise additional funds for digital mammography in the fight against breast cancer, organizers are urging Nova Scotians to register as a participant and become part of history.

Danny Girton Jr., an adjudicator with Guinness World Records, is planning to be at the event in January as an official representative of Guinness World Records to verify the world records as they are set. “It’s certainly a feather-in-the-cap for Nova Scotia,” said Girton. “Setting a world record helps put your province on the world stage and the records you hope to set in January have the added allure of going towards a truly wonderful and noble cause – the battle against breast cancer.”

While the province’s annual Pumpkin Regatta and Parade is held each year in Windsor, N.S. on Lake Pesaquid, participants at Bust a Move will attempt to set new world records indoors at the Halifax Metro Centre. They’ll have the added experience of music, jumbo video screens and Hollywood fitness celebrity Richard Simmons present. Despite the focus on fitness, organizers are promising would-be record setters that the event is designed for participants of all degrees of experience and fitness levels.

“It’s going to be an uplifting, exciting and tremendously fun day,” says Mullally, “We’re creating the perfect atmosphere to set world records and take a huge step forward in the fight against breast cancer.”

She encourages every Nova Scotian to visit the event website at www.bustamove.ca to find out more.

I'll Huff, And I'll Puff!

As contributed by guest writer, Neville MacKay:

Wow, am I ever excited about Bust A Move! Now, you all know by looking at me that I MUST spend all of my spare time at the gym! I indeed, DO, spend all of my “spare time” there…you see, I have no spare time at all. So, when all this marathon exercising, Pilates, yoga, and dear knows what else came into my life, I was faced with yet again a very important question…WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?!?

I mean really, if you can’t hide it, flaunt it! So, I’ll find the short shorts (with tights underneath!) and get going along with the rest of you! I’ve heard some lazy old so and so’s moan that they aren’t fit enough to do this…well, LOOK AT ME!! I’m going to do what I do best for this fundraiser and that is to try! That’s all I can do, and the power of trying will always work! I’d rather try and have a blast laughing, sweating and cheering with a fun crowd than sitting at home doing nothing but eating cheesies and watching TV.

This will be a fun day! I intend to get people motivated, inspired and hopefully laughing along with me as we sail and sweat to success!! I look forward to seeing you all there…THANK YOU ALL in advance for sharing this day with me! I can’t wait!

We know Neville isn't the only one thinking about what to wear on January 30th! If you're handy with a sewing machine, or know someone who is, you might even consider making a visit to Walmart or Fabricville, buying a $5 pattern and going for a Do-It-Yourself 80s style....

Dancing in the Street!

We're so beyond excited to bust a move that we can't help but shout it from the rooftops, run up to strangers on the street, and burst into random bouts of fitness throughout Halifax!

No seriously. That's exactly what we've been doing.

Except for the rooftops part. That would be dangerous.

Armed with our sought after Bust a Move Stretch Guide, bright pink t-shirts, free weights, jump ropes, and one strange tension arm exerciser thing that no one really knew what to do with, our Street Team volunteers surprised shoppers and commuters alike with an unexpected dose of energy and inspiration.

From Halifax Shopping Centre to the Ferry Terminal, from Pete's to the Farmer's Market. With fitness routines and cheers, our street teams engaged hundreds of people and got the energy pumping around town for what's going to be an unforgettable day for all Nova Scotians.

Huge thanks to all of our volunteers and everyone who stopped to say 'Hi!'. We appreciate the support more than you know and we can't wait to see you all again in January.

Maybe It's Time...

....For YOU to Bust a Move!

Wondering if the Bust a Move fitness program is going to give you the results you're looking for? We've pulled together a little something to demonstrate that, Yes, indeed!, this is going to be a workout unlike any other!