Build Strong Bones and Break Free from Osteoporosis with Bone Healthy Recipes

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Approximately 57 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis and low bone mass, according to new prevalence data recently released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).  Diet and exercise play critical roles in building and maintaining good bone health for people at every life stage – from infancy through adulthood. In honor of National Osteoporosis Month this May, NOF partnered with some of America's best chefs to create recipes that are good for your bones.

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Participating chefs include: Colleen Grapes, pastry chef, The Red Cat and The Harrison in New York, NY; Todd Gray, executive chef and co-owner, Equinox Restaurant, Washington, D.C.; Hamid Idrissi, chef/owner Tangine Dining Gallery, New York, NY; Billy Oliva, executive chef, Delmonico's Restaurant Group, New York, NY; and Nick Stellino, cookbook author and host of the "Cooking with Nick Stellino" television series broadcast nationally on PBS.

"When we think about building strong bones, we must think food first," said Chef Nick Stellino. "Calcium, vitamin D, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are the building blocks for creating strong bones for people of all ages. These are ingredients that I'm passionate about using and I'm thrilled my recipe will help people enjoy good food that is good for them!"

Criteria for the bone healthy recipes was developed by a registered dietician using the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) guidelines for calcium-rich foods and other ingredients essential for bone health. NOF then asked chefs to create a recipe, or adapt an existing recipe, to meet the bone healthy criteria.

To help curb the rising toll of osteoporosis, NOF is launching a new national awareness campaign, Break Free from Osteoporosis, encouraging everyone to learn their risk factors for osteoporosis and make lifestyle changes to build strong bones for life.

"Osteoporosis is avoidable for many of those at risk. By maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, doing regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises and following medical treatments as prescribed, the millions at risk for osteoporosis can protect their bones," said Amy Porter, executive director and CEO, National Osteoporosis Foundation. "We are so grateful to all the chefs who contributed delicious, bone healthy recipes for our cause."

All of the recipes contributed by the chefs can be found at: http://nof.org/bonehealthyrecipes including:

• Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Raspberries, Flax Seed, Peppermint & Cocoa Powder, contributed by Chef Colleen Grapes;
• Harri's Sardine Sandwich with Mustard & Yogurt Butter, contributed by Chef Todd Gray;
• Lamb Tangine with Prunes, Almonds, Sesame Seeds & Yogurt Sauce, contributed by Chef Hamid Idrissi;
• Smoked Gouda Alaskan King Crab Mac 'n Cheese, contributed by Chef Billy Oliva; and
• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni , contributed by Chef Nick Stellino.

See below for Chef Todd Gray's complete recipe for Harri's Sardine Sandwich with Mustard & Yogurt Butter. And for more information about the Break Free from Osteoporosis campaign and how to build and maintain strong bones for life, please visit www.nof.org.

Harri's Sardine Sandwich with Mustard & Yogurt Butter
Contributed by: Chef Todd Gray, Equinox, Washington, D.C.
http://equinoxrestaurant.com

Make sure to use the sardines with the bones in and packed in oil. The bones are so small you don't even notice them, but they add calcium and the oil is packed with powerful Omega-3's.

Total Time:  15 minutes
Prep Time:  10 minutes
Cook Time:  5 minutes
Level:  Easy
Yield:  4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons whole grain mustard

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup non-fat Greek style yogurt

8 slices rye bread

Two 3.75-ounce cans sardines (oil-packed), bones in

1/2 cup very thinly sliced red onions

8 soft, sweet lettuce leaves (such as butter or Boston)

Directions:

Make the mustard butter:
With a fork, cream the butter in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Mix in the mayonnaise, mustards and yogurt. Taste, and add salt and pepper if you wish—the amount will depend on your preference and the seasoning of the mustards you start with.

Assemble the sandwiches.
Toast the bread. Arrange all 8 slices on a work surface; spread some of the mustard and yogurt butter on each. Top each of 4 slices with a lettuce leaf and add the sardines and then the onions, dividing both equally. Top with another lettuce leaf and slice of bread. Cut each sandwich in half and serve.

To make it Parve, substitute margarine for the butter.

About the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.

Contact: Valerie Patmintra
(202) 320-6388
[email protected] 

SOURCE National Osteoporosis Foundation