• 3/4 cup cherry yogurt
• 2/3 cup (about 18) maraschino cherries, drained
• 1/8 cup of cherry juice
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1-1/2 cups chocolate frozen yogurt or chocolate ice cream, softened
• Maraschino cherries, whipped topping and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Put cherry yogurt, cherries and milk in an electric blender; blend well. Add frozen yogurt; blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with whipped topping, chocolate shavings and cherries.

Makes 2 (8-ounce) servings.

The kidneys filter uric acid out of the body. But with gout, the body makes excess uric acid or the kidneys fail to function properly, failing to rid the body of the uric acid and it begins to build up in the joints in the form of uric acid crystals. This condition is very painful. The accumulation of these crystals causes severe pain and swelling in the joint. A common site for gout is the big toe joint. But gout can occur in an ankle, knee, elbow, wrist or finger. Typically the onset occurs at night with excruciating pain, swelling and inflammation. Rich food and alcohol may contribute to the rise in uric acid and the increase in the severity of the symptoms.

Luckily, there are several superfoods that are probably already a part of your everyday diet that help alleviate the symptoms of gout. 

The pectin and vitamin C in apples can help alleviate gout.  The vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and the pectin helps the joints remain flexible.

Onions protect the circulatory system and are a powerful antibiotic. They’re good for urinary infections, and their diuretic activity helps with arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

1 cup chopped peeled pineapple

1 cup chopped peeled mango

1 cup chopped yellow or red bell pepper.

2/3 cup chopped peeled kiwi fruit

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion.

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/8 cup of finely chopped frozen cherries or pitted fresh tart cherries

1/8 ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice.

1/2 teaspoon minced Serrano chili (with seeds)

Ground white pepper.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Season with white pepper and salt.Can be made 3 hours ahead. Makes about 4 cups.

• 1 (16-ounce) jar maraschino cherries
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows (1/2 of a 10-1/2-ounce bag)
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 ounce cherry juice
• Lettuce leaves
• Fresh mint

Drain cherries, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Set aside. Put cream cheese and pineapple with juice in a medium mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until combined.

Stir in mandarin oranges and cherries with 1/4 cup cherry juice. Add the cherry juice to the mix gently and fully mix the cherry juice into the recipe. Gently fold in marshmallows and whipped topping. Spread evenly in a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Freeze 4-6 hours, or overnight. Serve on a lettuce leaf; garnish with fresh mint.

Makes 12 to 15 servings.

The best remedy is to curtail eating until all the symptoms have subsided and the toxins have had the chance to exit your system. Drink plenty of fluids – vitamin C and blackberry and peppermint teas can be taken then to strengthen the stomach, along with yogurt that contains acidophilus to recolonize the lost flora in the bowel. Diluted sweetened drinks can also be consumed to replace the body’s lost fluid and electrolytes, and the BRAT diet (bananas, apples, rice and toast) can also be helpful in getting the toxins cleared from the body. Drinking a glass of cherry juice to help you get some sleep to begin recovery.

As a precaution against food poisoning, great care should be taken when preparing foods.   Avoid over-handling foods, and when in doubt, throw it out – don’t take a risk with leftovers if you’re just not sure how long they’ve been in your refrigerator.

Mint, lemon, raspberry, chamomile or teas might also be helpful in easing the stomach pain associated with food poisoning or stomach cramping.  Ginger tea is also good for settling an unsettled stomach, and promotes good digestion. Try to get plenty of rest as food poisoning can be an exhausting and nutrient-depleting chore for your body.  Once you’re feeling better, be sure to eat a well-balanced healthy diet that includes foods rich in iron, zinc, vitamin C to help your body get back to its old self again.

• 2 (10-ounce) jars maraschino tart cherries
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons milk

Drain maraschino cherries, reserving 1 teaspoon juice. Put butter and sugar in medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until well blended. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until well mixed.

Put chocolate chips and milk in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly, over low heat until chocolate melts. Stir in reserved maraschino cherry juice. Let cool slightly.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on an ungreased baking pan. Push in center with your thumb; spoon 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture into each thumbprint and top with a cherry.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are firm. Remove to wire racks. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Makes about 3 dozen.