Linking intranasal group A Streptococcus infection to CNS complications

New Study!!  Making some headway!!!

The findings may lead to a more definitive diagnostic test for PANDAS, which is currently diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and the presence of Strep A infection or autoantibodies against brain proteins. "We are also interested in exploring ways to treat the disorder by repairing the blood-brain barrier itself to prevent the entry of autoantibodies into the brain," said Dr. Agalliu.

how_recurrent_strep_a_infections_affect_the_brain-171874

Chunky Monkey Banana Ice Cream

I think everyone has been there.  You walk the frozen food section and see the pints of Ben and Jerry's ice creams.  You grab one thinking that you will only have a little and instead the whole thing is gone within an hour.  How the hell did that happen!!???
My weakness was always Chunky Monkey. Banana ice cream with walnuts and dark chocolate chunks.  It was addicting and I would eat the whole thing in one sitting.  

  Well, once we went paleo, I would try to skip that section of the store but the damn frozen fruit is right next to the ice cream. DAMN IT!! Chunky Monkey was taunting me constantly.  It would scream my name as I grabbed bags of frozen fruit and it took a lot of will power not to grab that little pint and devour it without anyone knowing.  I finally realized I needed to make my own version and get my fix before I caved and bought the pint. 

  I don't own an ice cream machine and I wasn't about to go buy one. I thought about getting the attachment for the kitchen aid but that would require another trip to the store, which I just didn't have time.  I knew there had to be another way.  So, I added a bunch of bananas (I looked for some that were really turning brown), some dark chocolate chips and some walnuts to my cart and left the store. 

  I had a couple of bananas already in the freezer.  They had turned brown at some point and I had read that you could freeze them and save for later. Well, lesson learned...you must peel the bananas prior to freezing!  Small detail I must have missed when I read this banana saving article.  It literally becomes impossible to peel a frozen banana so always be sure to peel before putting in the freezer.  I had to start over but I was lucky I got some really ripe bananas. So I peeled, broke up into smaller pieces, placed in a freezer safe bag and put in the freezer. Now I just had to wait. 

  Let me tell you, the first time I tried this paleo version of Chunky Monkey I swear, it tasted like heaven. The kids loved it and it has become a go to treat.  It literally tastes like Chunky Monkey but I may be a little biased.  Honestly though this is a great way to get your fix but still be healthy!  The kids think they are getting ice cream and so do I! 
Ice cream taunting is officially over. Well. At least for now.  Enjoy!
Happy Cooking and Eating!

Chunky Monkey Paleo Ice Cream

Serves:4-6 people

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes

Total Time:5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen bananas
• 3-6 TBSP coconut milk (full fat, canned)
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks (Enjoy Life brand)
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 1 tsp vanilla extract *optional
• dash of salt *optional

Instructions:

1. Place bananas, some coconut milk, salt and vanilla extract in blender or food processor.  Puree slowly until all blended.  You may need to add more coconut milk as you go depending on the size of bananas and how creamy you like it. 
2. Once blended, transfer to a bowl and mix in walnuts and chocolate chunks. Serve or place in freezer for later.