World Thalassemia Day

I need to write something better than just this, but I did want to pass on the word that May 8th is World Thalassemia Day.  Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder where the red blood cells are too small and cannot carry the oxygen needed by the body. 

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2014/5/8/60-World-thalassemia-Day-May-8-Situation-alarming-due-to-low-awareness-.html

http://thefrontierpost.com/article/170450/World-Thalassemia-Day-to-be-observed-today/

I have linked two news articles about World Thalassemia Day above.  Below is a YouTube video entitled
"Love and Needles"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_pq3dK1uw

It may seem that this is a blood disease that is far away in countries you will never visit, but it is prevalent in the Western World as well and is probably more dangerous here than in countries such as India and Pakistan.  Why would I say that?  It is because we do not seem to take the condition seriously here as we do not think it happens here.  In countries where it is more common, there are programs to educate and provide assistance to those with the condition and their families.  Here, children might be tested at birth by the hospital for various birth conditions, but Thalassemia in all its variations may not be required and the parents still might not be notified of the results.

There are many variations of this blood condition and different levels, all needing to be monitored.  This isn't a death sentence for everyone that is diagnosed, but with diet and monitoring, life quality can be greatly increased.

Love to you all and please contact me if you have any questions or comments.  This is just off the top of my head and quickly written to make it by May 8th.  I would like to write more about this and can answer some of your questions and would love to hear anyone's personal experiences or knowledge.

Lebanese Green Beans

All the wonderful fresh produce is starting to come in from all over.  I am submitting, for your pleasure, the dish that we beg my sister-in-law to fix when she comes to visit.

Green Beans in Olive Oil

Loubieh Bi Zayt

Serves 4

1 lb fresh green string beans (or frozen)  Clean the fresh ones and remove the stem and string

1/2 cup chopped onions

2 whole cloves of garlic - chopped

1/4 – 1/3 cup olive oil (or use mixture of olive oil & vegetable oil)

1 can chopped tomatoes with their juice (8 oz)

1/4 – 1/2 cup water

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp lemon zest

Garnish - chopped parsley or chopped chinese parsley

Recipe may be doubled.  These beans are served at room temperature or cold and could be prepare a day or two in advance.

Heal olive oil in large pan.  Sauté chopped onions and garlic. When yellow, add beans, salt and pepper, and toss to coat the beans, sauté gently for 10 minutes stirring often.  Add the chopped tomatoes and water, stirring thoroughly.  Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon, bring to boil, turn down heat to simmer (uncovered) for 45 minutes or longer until the beans are done.   To serve, garnish with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley or coriander (Chinese parsley).

I am going to add a picture when I make it next.  This is such a pretty dish, all red and green.  Serving it cold makes it a wonderful dish to take to a picnic or get-together.  I prefer it the next day as the flavors meld together and the spices calm down.