Mushrooms Canada go PINK!

I’m thrilled today to be contributing  the official recipe to Mushrooms Canada’s “Mushrooms Go Pink in support of breast cancer research” campaign.  Breast cancer, pink ribbons and mushrooms – what’s the connection I hear you ask? Well, mushroom growers across Canada have joined with the Breast Cancer Society of Canada to support research for the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2010 an estimated 23,200 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly 5,300 will die of it.

 “Breast cancer […] is in everyone’s family or circles of friends, and that’s why I’m so proud that Canadian mushroom farmers and the Breast Cancer Society of Canada are working together again to raise research dollars.”,” says Nick Pora, past President of Mushrooms Canada. “From September 19th to November 11th, you will find fresh Canadian mushrooms packed in pink trays with a pink ribbon on the label,” says Frank Moscone, President of Mushrooms Canada. “For every pound of mushrooms sold in the pink packages, Canadian mushroom farmers will make a contribution to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.”
In 2010 the Mushrooms Go PINK campaign raised 150% of its initial goal. “Mushroom Canada’s 2010 campaign far exceeded our expectations, raising $61,128.18 for breast cancer research, with pink trays in the grocery stores providing tremendous awareness to our cause,” says Dawn Hamilton, Fund Development Co-ordinator for BCSC. “The Breast Cancer Society of Canada is absolutely thrilled to once again be part of Mushrooms Go PINK. We look forward to a successful 2011.

Even though they look simple, mushrooms have a whole lot going for them in the nutrition department.  A great way to add some tasty nutrients to everyday meals is to include fresh mushrooms. One hundred grams (100 g) of fresh mushrooms counts as 1 serving of Fruits & Vegetables. Mushrooms are also low in calories, carbs and fat, they provide vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and are the only vegetable with Vitamin D.  Not to mention they have no cholesterol or sodium.

Now, about that recipe…. Don’t these look amazing?

Polpette di funghi – meatless egg balls with mushrooms, inspired by a dish from Massimo Bruno’s Italian Supper Club.

Want the recipe? Head on over to Mushrooms Canada’s Go PINK site, and while you’re there, you can enter for a chance to win a T-FAL dream kitchen (residents of Canada only, sorry!)

Hey US and Canadian readers – did you enter my wine giveaway yet? Contest closes today, Wednesday September 14th at 6pm EST. I will announce the winner on Thursday September 15th.  Bonne chance!