tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38611509506007333262024-03-05T04:00:57.937-08:00Celeste's Magical KitchenErika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-58010646879934983862013-01-22T18:47:00.000-08:002013-01-22T18:47:37.667-08:00Unity<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No one who cooks,
cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by
generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of
cookbook writers.</i> ~ Laurie Colwin<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Unity</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Humans learned the value of unity early on. It kept us safe from predators, helped us find and grow food, and learn from each other.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> Yet even today in the modern world, we still need unity. There have been studies done in which babies deprived of attention have not matured physically or mentally as fast as their counterparts with strong nurturing family units.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> Even as adults a strong support system or united front helps us cope with loss, celebrate benchmarks, or just get through the day. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Some of the most unifying dishes are those that our families have passed down through generations. We may not have known our great grandmothers, but we know what her food tasted like. Or more basically, food unifies a group of people. After traveling abroad and eating exotic food for an extended period of time, there's nothing like a juicy hamburger. And when I was sick as a child, my grandma's mashed potatoes ans gravy hit the spot. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">These days the unity meal at our house is made by my husband. His family came from Italy between the World Wars with his father being the only child born stateside. They were very proud Americans with all five boys fighting in WWII. But they kept their ties to each other and the homeland with special meatballs from their hometown in Italy. Though my husband has three siblings and they can't always get together for the holidays, no matter where they are the meatballs are part of Christmas Eve dinner. </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Foods
of Interest</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Among </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Pacific Islanders coconuts are believed to increase diversity and open people up to positive influences ie bringing groups together. Both green vegetable (especially green peas) and lychee are Chinese symbols of unity and family ties. While sticky rice--a special rice which can be rolled into balls and eaten with the hands is also a symbol of unity. Lemon verbena and sage are also known for their unity properties. For added effect add some white roses to a special meal to amplify unity.</span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Recipe</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx0LS3DsN_KvAPa34YR2PIqcKZtWw-rTI6XoX4QKpMMvfYnZ1KPhEIO7HlfGZgYgObph_e8C-slholrAN0RK9GSS-YFb63sUNRpPAz8BpbTz205BcaKowy9Ep_dXRR2pG-xMw32Q5xmV7/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx0LS3DsN_KvAPa34YR2PIqcKZtWw-rTI6XoX4QKpMMvfYnZ1KPhEIO7HlfGZgYgObph_e8C-slholrAN0RK9GSS-YFb63sUNRpPAz8BpbTz205BcaKowy9Ep_dXRR2pG-xMw32Q5xmV7/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike's Meatballs photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mike’s Meatballs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 lbs ground pork</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T minced garlic (about 4 cloves)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 T finely diced onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T Italian seasoning (preferably Graziano’s Brothers from
Des Moines, Iowa)<br />
1 T finely chopped sage<br />
1 T finely chopped rose petals (make sure they're free of pesticides organic is best)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 C fresh bread crumbs from day old Vienna bread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tube of Ritz crackers (to be more unifying try substituting rice crackers)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 eggs lightly beaten</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ C marinara sauce </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix all ingredients except meat together. When they are all
combined add meat last for more tender meatballs. Form into small meatballs
(size of quarters) for Pasta Achiena or large half dollar size for spaghetti
and meatballs. Fry meatballs in olive oil in batches until lightly browned. Turn
to cook evenly. Drain on paper towels or wire wrack.</div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-5483613072842724592013-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T20:04:09.427-08:00Intelligence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49jmmhaqKwr4V5lipI53emNAlUBe1y1m13DE7J3qNh0M2hpVYi4KlXQfJ2OTKLjMGevMCAX0axOQElXfBQ9PSEPXkRBBYW2Z1TKWKB8RythyphenhyphenZlCS8AR-es0aN-MOCy5HVgd38-bafuAoF/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When engaged in
eating, the brain should be the servant of the stomach.</i> ~ Agatha Christie<br />
<br />
<br />
I've traveled all over the world from Peru to Hong Kong and zillions of points in between. I've interviewed famous movie stars, politicians, a man on death row, a shaman, homeless people, teachers, artists, farmers and many others. If there's one thing I've learned it's that there are many kinds of intelligence. Some people now how to make millions, others how to heal, while still others can entertain, invent, or teach. There's book learning, street smarts, and emotional intelligence. No matter what kind of intelligence you're striving for the fact that you're aware of it, means you're on the right path. The following foods are known for boosting intelligence.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtvs5dgjo4Y4HDI0ovII09F3XaZCvZs1ihphvdC5BeVdvWwYR8LDqQ5KyaiY9-Tq9yd1KLpiyKxbPAEa0y1-sxbfJ3pMUBUkba-CGnxUBiD_mNMmwJklt24IzNtdklsT_aH3vXIgMBevz/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtvs5dgjo4Y4HDI0ovII09F3XaZCvZs1ihphvdC5BeVdvWwYR8LDqQ5KyaiY9-Tq9yd1KLpiyKxbPAEa0y1-sxbfJ3pMUBUkba-CGnxUBiD_mNMmwJklt24IzNtdklsT_aH3vXIgMBevz/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shellfish at the Main Market in Hong Kong. Photo E. Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Greek God, Apollo chewed banana leaves to gain insight.<b> </b>Eating blueberries not only removes free radicals from your body which can slow you down mentally and physically, they are said to embody the esoteric principal of peace so that you can think more clearly! Shellfish are known to boost brain activity. Romans burned cloves for clarity of mind. The Mayans and Aztecs believed cocoa was the key to mental acuity-something many people associate today with coffee and caffeine! Curry can also have similar properties. Fennel was sacred to the Greeks because it was thought to increase mental agility.<b> </b>Lentils are another intelligence food as are onions. And who could forget paprika? It's made from mild chili which is thought to ramp up creative energies.<b></b><br /><b></b><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">French Onion Soup</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZKNUI6MUwGjLRJoDWfSto8xjQQXzM4vAZyQiNw1JTRtpzpNMxUEQJbEuAOcOLIxlkKdhMhu8agBJRDLrqnlFXudP9Ro24Uu8qAuVSPS-SWsLWdJeuh0duQ1yMmS4qu-kUEgXzcpLhLI6/s1600/20121030_180352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZKNUI6MUwGjLRJoDWfSto8xjQQXzM4vAZyQiNw1JTRtpzpNMxUEQJbEuAOcOLIxlkKdhMhu8agBJRDLrqnlFXudP9Ro24Uu8qAuVSPS-SWsLWdJeuh0duQ1yMmS4qu-kUEgXzcpLhLI6/s1600/20121030_180352.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion Soup photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4 C chicken broth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 C beef broth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 C red wine (I prefer a cabernet or merlot)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 large yellow onions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ stick butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 bay leaf</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
salt and pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day old bread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 slices Swiss cheese</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 slices provolone</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Directions: Slice onions into thin rings and separate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slice butter into several pieces and
add to a heavy cooking pot on medium heat. Add onions. As the onions cook down
and caramelize, add half the wine. Avoid most cooking wines. Wine you cook with
should be good enough to drink, if it isn’t, it isn’t worth cooking with.
Please avoid it. Some simple inexpensive wines that work nicely would be
Barefoot or Yellow Tail. Cook down for about a half hour. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add the broths, rest of the wine, and bay leaf. Cover and
simmer for another half hour. This gives the flavors time to marry each other
and enhances the flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn oven on broil. Discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into six
over safe soup bowls. Top soup with cubed pieces of day old bread. Place a
slice of Swiss and a slice of provolone over the pieces of bread. Slide into
broiler. For at least 5 minutes. Remove when cheese is browned and bubbling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG3o-DXhSZ3PwTq8CKuOzwlIjO9y3QpbunbkAZleZvEwmnCDNZ4GJMm7phIXYjkFUNIAJSJqoUMBlmohVYdCbB7kDiU1udv84qQq_-an1K9dvN27vXu1Rt-bxBxzogP2jQvq9pF9jrQlF/s1600/20121107_175731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG3o-DXhSZ3PwTq8CKuOzwlIjO9y3QpbunbkAZleZvEwmnCDNZ4GJMm7phIXYjkFUNIAJSJqoUMBlmohVYdCbB7kDiU1udv84qQq_-an1K9dvN27vXu1Rt-bxBxzogP2jQvq9pF9jrQlF/s1600/20121107_175731.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentil soup photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lentil Soup</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lb lentils (or 12-16 oz bag)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 medium sweet onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lb salt pork</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t paprika</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t curry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 bay leaf</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 quart beef broth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 quart water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wash and sort lentils. I usually do mine in a Crockpot, but
you could do it on the stove on low as well. Pour cleaned lentils into the pot.
Add beef broth, water, onion, and bay leaf. Cook on high (in Crockpot) for 2
hours. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cut rind off salt pork. Cube the rest. Add all of it to the
soup. Also add the paprika and curry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cook for at least another hour. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are ready to eat remove the rind and bay leaf.
Please make sure to taste the soup before adding any salt as the pork and beef
broth are quite enough. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed. This gets
better the longer it cooks. Makes 6-8 servings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-78821549239715650382013-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T19:35:05.262-08:00Growth<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">One of my favorite
things about dining outdoors in a warmer season is that it frees hands and
bares skin. ... When we don't need to wear or carry heavy clothing, our bodies
feel lighter and our hands are freed for other things. Like carrying bottles of
rosé; bags of stone fruit, fish, and clams; and a simple kettle and a tiny
grill for a quiet, all-day beach excursion. Then we can eat well.</i> ~ Kirstin
Jackson<br />
<br />
Reinhold Niebuhr has a prayer that many readers may be familiar with called the Serenity Prayer (God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...). But I see it as a testament to growth. In order to survive and thrive we must all grow. Sometimes those experiences are out of this world. We learn to ride a bike, win an award, or accomplish something we never knew we were capable of. Other times they're pretty lousy like not passing a test, not getting a job we want, or losing a long term relationship. It may sound cliche, but remember even those growing pains can lead to great things because they teach what to or not to do in the future or put us on a path to a better life that we may never have considered if we weren't pushed out by something else. For example, I would have never left Mississippi and I job I really didn't like if I hadn't been laid off. Now I do exactly what I love, found a wonderful husband, and have a great home.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong that period of growth hurt like hell, but it got me to a much better place. Though I don't wish what I went through on anyone, take heart that growth is essential and will take you to new heights as long as you're open to seeing the positives in even the darkest situations.<br />
<br />
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNOeQ-jA_gA5qXQYrmZ9gO1DXdXWJ48uipUtUt_ASGUYaS1XruhFGSB0PXjeMeoHrrKBMZcZzi2LE1sGFdG8UNS2cXewkru3T-vBE0AfUumQco3Vp1iW5RLeL8mubXAqCkfsB0K9C-5md/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNOeQ-jA_gA5qXQYrmZ9gO1DXdXWJ48uipUtUt_ASGUYaS1XruhFGSB0PXjeMeoHrrKBMZcZzi2LE1sGFdG8UNS2cXewkru3T-vBE0AfUumQco3Vp1iW5RLeL8mubXAqCkfsB0K9C-5md/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn husking at Plimoth Plantation. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Artichokes are known for encouraging personal growth. They also protect eaters against negative energies. Hina, the Polynesian Moon Goddess favors bamboo shoots as a growth food specifically where fertility issues are concerned. Corn is also symbolizes growth and eternal life. Specifically Hopi use blue corn to symbolize fertility and red corn to help with birth. What bigger kinds of growth could there be? Melons, especially cantaloupe were thought to encourage spiritual growth in the Middle Ages. So much so that they were originally developed by special monasteries for the Pope. Garlic is often used in homeopathic remedies not only for its antibacterial properties but also because it stimulates growth of the immune and circulatory systems.<b> </b><br /><b></b><br />
<b> </b><br /><b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB4pTBqugfpy_lbNPP2QIDEUb-Q8dHxQrWMNqaloAtaf7w-HNWFk4QMH7wHZESk9GF2lPEPv2y7wVfH_pQZzwUnwGRVtMn0qw0iuAiXCWLjspaYjPq_gY8we29SPDfwxXsN5GSQ0VFiIT/s1600/20121026_183815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB4pTBqugfpy_lbNPP2QIDEUb-Q8dHxQrWMNqaloAtaf7w-HNWFk4QMH7wHZESk9GF2lPEPv2y7wVfH_pQZzwUnwGRVtMn0qw0iuAiXCWLjspaYjPq_gY8we29SPDfwxXsN5GSQ0VFiIT/s1600/20121026_183815.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artichoke Bamboo Dip photo by Erika Celeste </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Artichoke Bamboo Dip</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts (they’re usually
about 6-8 oz)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ C bamboo shoots (some Asian Markets carry this fresh, but
most grocery stores will commonly carry 8 oz cans)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 C mayonnaise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ C sour cream</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 C Parmesan Reggiano</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
pinch of lemon balm or lemon verbena</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T garlic powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
cooking spray</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, lemon
balm/verbena in a bowl. Drain artichokes and bamboo shoots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separate artichoke heart layers. Chop
bamboo shoots into small cubes. Toss vegetables with the mayonnaise mixture and
stir well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spread the mixture in a small baking dish (no more than
9X9). Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden
brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is typically served with crackers or toasted bread
rounds, however for an extra growth spurt why not try it with tortilla chips? </div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-29549449379779341492012-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T19:06:13.581-08:00Luck<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Now, don't use the words 'good luck' -- this is blessed food. This is a
heavenly dish. This is the real deal.</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> ~ Judy Jones</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We could all use a little luck from time to time, to land a new job, get a date, or win the lottery. It's no coincidence that one of the luckiest dishes I know also helped me land my husband!<br />
<br />
My family was first introduced to sukiyaki in the 1970s when my parents befriend a
Japanese couple doing graduate work at Indiana University. Fumiko was known for
making great feasts for our family in return for my mother working with her on
her English. It remained one of my favorites so much so that when I met a man
who liked to cook, I offered to make it for an upcoming gathering at his house.
That turned out to be our first “date” and we are now married!<br />
<br />
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
Try these foods to help amplify your luck. The Chinese eat abalone for good fortune which I think is another form of luck. But if you really want Chinese luck eat cabbage. It's said to bring 100 types of prosperity. Chicken is also considered very lucky in many Asian cultures. Add dumplings, bean curd (ie tofu) or glass noodles and you can't lose! For never-ending luck eat figs or grow a fig plant.<b> </b>Egyptian priests bit into a ripe fig at the end of important ceremonies to help bring luck to whatever they were sanctifying.<br />
<br />
<b>Recipe </b><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGRvEGg9Lokw95TJDxKaLn12yP0veNJLClgISxxDrAwv2FXFnrp4Wn2W94kAJEECZ7YQdxZ7qfM8rggqcjBviWyWQDWtlMGl9unu5DrD-HX-UW8zYOIPuBXEniWeprtGrFDmTDRoZZzLi/s1600/20121031_184832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGRvEGg9Lokw95TJDxKaLn12yP0veNJLClgISxxDrAwv2FXFnrp4Wn2W94kAJEECZ7YQdxZ7qfM8rggqcjBviWyWQDWtlMGl9unu5DrD-HX-UW8zYOIPuBXEniWeprtGrFDmTDRoZZzLi/s1600/20121031_184832.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sukiyaki photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sukiyaki</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinly sliced chicken ½ lb per person</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Green onion </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fresh sliced mushrooms</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Broccoli (florets)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cabbage shredded</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
White onion </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tofu (cubed)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glass noodles (bean threads)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 T Vegetable oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2/3 C Soy sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1/3 C Sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ water <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This works best in an electric frying pan so that you can do
it on the table in front of your guests. However, a wok or even large frying
pan on the stove will work too. Make sure to cut all the vegetables to bite
size pieces before you start. Once it gets going it is a quick process and
should be served immediately following while everything is still hot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix soy sauce, water, and sugar until the sugar is
completely dissolved. It should have a sweet and salty taste. It will be quite
thin and liquidy as it is somewhat of a steam-type dish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heat the electric frying pan to high. Add the 3 tablespoons
of cooking oil. Brown the meat first. When it is browned pour a spoonful or two
of the sauce over the meat. Make sure it is coated well and push the meat off
to the side. Turn the heat down to medium. Add the vegetables two or three at a
time. However, make sure to keep them in their own small piles. Pour sauce over
them and let them steam, keeping them as separate as possible until all
ingredients are cooked and in their own little corners. If there is any more
sauce left over when everything is added, pour the rest into the electric
skillet. The idea is a little bit like dim sum in that you’re taking little
bits of different foods and sampling all the different flavors with the
sukiyaki. Nothing should take very long to cook. Like Italian pasta you want
the vegetables more dente.</div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-26810111468945717092012-12-17T06:00:00.001-08:002013-01-22T09:17:33.882-08:00Wisdom<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You can tell a lot
about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans.</i> ~ Ronald Reagan<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
By now you may have noticed that certain foods have been repeated more than once in my blog. That's because quite often herbs and various fruits, vegetables, and other sundries have more than one meaning. That's because over time food has migrated across the globe accruing various meanings and myths according to the belief systems of various cultures. We all see things in our own way. However, it's interesting to note how often times cultures separated by time and distance have assigned similar meanings to things.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwrTBY6X1TThWhfQkctSpGbM0sg0sMm8agQTuo9mSXffybI6ZjLoul9362Rzh4RkFDLGaUL8wfaCBsmWc6DzH7XYOFblzXk06DpQPhHt6WGDHpFSa9QOOBZ2lrPanzvW4GO7JTWAzFyY/s1600/basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwrTBY6X1TThWhfQkctSpGbM0sg0sMm8agQTuo9mSXffybI6ZjLoul9362Rzh4RkFDLGaUL8wfaCBsmWc6DzH7XYOFblzXk06DpQPhHt6WGDHpFSa9QOOBZ2lrPanzvW4GO7JTWAzFyY/s1600/basil.jpg" height="200" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Basil photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Basil</b> as you may recall was so sacred to the Greeks that women weren't allowed to touch it. What a shame as it is one of my all time favorite herbs. It is prized for stimulating both the heart and sacral chakras. In other words love and creativity--both needed to gain wisdom. <b>Cayenne Pepper</b> is often noted for its zing which can certainly "wake" its users up. Metaphysically it is said to aid in separation and soothing the heart. As the old saying goes sometime it takes wisdom to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. <b>Hazelnuts</b> are believed to stimulate the second chakra known as the third eye. This is the area through which some believe humans gain wisdom and insight. Beside promoting wisdom the nuts are also used to increase fertility. <b>Ginko Biloba</b> is also said to be an excellent channel for wisdom. Though we've already covered it before, it is interesting to note that it comes from a tree with no close relatives. You could say it's one of a kind. It's regarded as a living fossil because it dates back 270 million years--thus its shear age would seem to impart wisdom. <b>Licorice</b> has many medicinal qualities including elevating low blood pressure and helping smokers to kick the habit--healthy and wise alternatives to synthetic medications. <b>Rosemary </b>is thought to increase mental clarity and facilitate feelings of affection which often can lead to wise insight. It is also known for eliminating negativity. <b>Sage </b>was scared to both Zeus and Jupiter--some of the wisest of the gods. It has also been associated with the Virgin Mary. In the Middle Ages people believed that the best sage was picked during the first light of summer solstice. It was further believed that the most powerful sage should never be picked by the user but instead bought from a stranger. Like rosemary it has an array of uses including anti-bacterial and preservation properties, digestive aid, and is a natural blood sugar reducer. It is also thought to stimulate artists creative juices giving them creative wisdom. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Herb Rubbed Roast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7RALncvdoRcJUp-usXSu4eA2VY4IgSpI55Tbk-qVyz7FRP5jKYtglYwh4HFkzd12g4wd07b2TjXiMhdYLb7MmsE67arX1gTST1jHKknNe0nGmrz2DFXdRmT4fxyQ0y2mQg3heLmLJ6hU/s1600/20121024_185809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7RALncvdoRcJUp-usXSu4eA2VY4IgSpI55Tbk-qVyz7FRP5jKYtglYwh4HFkzd12g4wd07b2TjXiMhdYLb7MmsE67arX1gTST1jHKknNe0nGmrz2DFXdRmT4fxyQ0y2mQg3heLmLJ6hU/s1600/20121024_185809.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herb Rubbed Roast photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Approx 3 lb beef roast (shoulders, and sirloins do well)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 cloves garlic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 small onion (chopped)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup beef broth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T basil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ T marjoram</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T rosemary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T sage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ T thyme</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T Sea salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T Olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This works best with a pestle and mortar. Put salt in mortar
add all herbs, pour oil over the top, mash with pestle. When the mixture has
made a thick green paste, pour it into a bowl. Add flour and onion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slice each garlic clove into quarters. Make half-inch slits
in the roast. Insert garlic pieces into the meat slits. Place roast in a baking
dish. Cover the roast in the flour and herb paste. Pour beef broth in the
baking dish around the roast. (You may add chopped vegetables such as potatoes,
parsnips, turnips, or carrots if you wish. Be aware if you do so, it will
slightly change the flavor.) Cover the roast with foil. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bake at 350 degrees for at least 1 hour. Let roast rest for
15 minutes before eating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-26560640047443152782012-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T09:02:09.186-08:00Stability<i>I always knew when I got to the Brussel sprouts, I was on thin ice.</i> ~ Aaron Brown <br />
<br />
I must apologize. Since I was busy with an upcoming book, I worked ahead on the blog. There's this cool little feature that should have time released my postings like an alka seltzer. It worked great for a week or two but for whatever reason stopped. That will teach me to leave the magical kitchen on autopilot. I should count myself lucky that I didn't have an incident like the one with the Sourcer's Apprentice in Fantasia (think Mickey Mouse and the brooms). The good news is I have several releases all at once. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Stability<br />
The one thing that can be said about stability is that we all need it. Whether we admit it or not, we all need a place to bring us back to center. Sometimes that's a frame of mind, other times it's a routine, or person. It can apply to our finances, relationships, or health.<br />
<br />
Beside food, stability often comes from doing something specific. For me it's being out in nature and gardening. Though I do meditate, those early mornings in the garden when the sun has just come up, the dew hasn't burned off the grass, and the world is still quiet, are every bit as important if not more so. In fact, I often think of it as active meditation, in which I can just be. The added advantage of having my four gardens by the lake allows me to see everything from blue heron to mink to rolling carp--freaky if you don't know what's happening. But that's another story.<br />
<br />
We planted our stability food last summer and are still enjoying them through the winter. If you're interested in planting Brussel sprouts keep in mind that they take up a lot of space by the end. It was easier to cut the leaves off first so that the stalks looked like weird spinal cords and then use garden clippers rather than break them off.<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Foods of Interest </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqVGIYl2GL2nAwnEfNSo4Q1Cp01kB14e0S1rKHIB9gcOp7kALn7JOHj2IOwXhwcI6ag_3hF30wpcbN98FKqJoy-mIJ-6NR4pfLtpQKKdaU8qkzqdgMmwYnuodV9P47hdL6o7Fn0oLro8W/s1600/20120916_140044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqVGIYl2GL2nAwnEfNSo4Q1Cp01kB14e0S1rKHIB9gcOp7kALn7JOHj2IOwXhwcI6ag_3hF30wpcbN98FKqJoy-mIJ-6NR4pfLtpQKKdaU8qkzqdgMmwYnuodV9P47hdL6o7Fn0oLro8W/s1600/20120916_140044.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brussels sprouts from our garden. Photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's just one food known for stability, Brussel Sprouts!<b></b><br />
<br /><b></b>
So it may not be the first thing to come to mind but there you have it. The tiny ball-like vegetable has been cultivated since the 1200s and is said to encourage endurance and stability. It's one of those love 'em or hate 'em foods. I happen to love 'em. They come in over a hundred varieties including one that tastes like horseradish. So if you like a little extra kick in your meals this is the way to go. <br />
<br />
They do have a reputation for being stinky and having a strong taste, but that only happens when they're over cooked. No one knows exactly where the sprouts first came from, though it can be assumed that Belgium played a key role! Back then it was common to identify new foods by their region. Kind of like Buffalo wings, Philly Cheese steaks, or Kentucky Bourbon. <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></b><br /></span>
<div class="style20">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPEB0YrZInrtG-Jo5Gpu5rcy6d3cAbo4YOEzZwE9pBRaXEJJmZCPAJ8iRdxooeXhxKtTmDjuQP2s4ubzAHuwZiad1jse6uIKf6DrkGfOzwGQ2xDKA_lId2ujz4_Azdbt2C_Q8TTlXvj0L/s1600/20120916_140308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Brussels
Sprouts Panzanella</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7lW5hF_fncmZ5-DIMHi42Eb5gSKaNjLX4i_FryLne2BbtcUsJWo2FjN31q1e5WpOhQLFDY6YT4o_OFYhD9TFGJj_Wh6enZ803IoOlyOHcWRcg8LdhhVPjctjSiO4WBP_QCdJtzUTeNY3/s1600/20121024_171007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7lW5hF_fncmZ5-DIMHi42Eb5gSKaNjLX4i_FryLne2BbtcUsJWo2FjN31q1e5WpOhQLFDY6YT4o_OFYhD9TFGJj_Wh6enZ803IoOlyOHcWRcg8LdhhVPjctjSiO4WBP_QCdJtzUTeNY3/s1600/20121024_171007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brussels Sprouts Panzanella. Photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">6 slices of bacon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 C blanched brussels sprouts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ loaf Italian bread</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 C pecorino romano (freshly shredded)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ C red wine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ C olive oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 finely chopped shallot</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t garlic powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 meyer lemon (these are sweet if you can’t find one
use an orange)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 large tomato</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">fresh basil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t fresh sage</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t pink Himalayan salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I was lucky enough to have a large brussels sprouts
harvest from my garden this year. So I simply blanched them and bagged the cool
vegetables in double handfuls in ziplocks. Then labeled and froze them for
quick and easy access. If you don’t have your own or they’re not in season,
please use frozen sprouts as opposed to canned. They will taste worlds better.
In most cases these will already be blanched, but if for some strange reason
they’re not, go ahead and blanch them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cut the loaf of day old bread into squares and toast
in the oven at 200 degrees until hard (about 10 minutes). While the bread is
toasting, fry bacon until crispy. Drain, crumble, and set aside. Chop tomato.
Shred cheese.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mix all ingredients mentioned thus far in a large
bowl. Mix wine, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and shallot in a small
bowl, then drizzle over the other ingredients in the large bowl. Mix everything
with your hands. Add pink salt to taste.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This is best if it sits at room temperature for at
least 15 minutes before it’s served. It does not keep well over night!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rAn3HKFkkaI%2FUIsB60SSVKI%2FAAAAAAAAAIs%2FgwOvNr2qBFA%2Fs1600%2F20120916_140044.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqVGIYl2GL2nAwnEfNSo4Q1Cp01kB14e0S1rKHIB9gcOp7kALn7JOHj2IOwXhwcI6ag_3hF30wpcbN98FKqJoy-mIJ-6NR4pfLtpQKKdaU8qkzqdgMmwYnuodV9P47hdL6o7Fn0oLro8W/s1600/20120916_140044.jpg" -->Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-44182358131835437412012-12-04T13:43:00.002-08:002012-12-04T13:43:29.349-08:00Clarity<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As I ate the oysters
with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold
white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture,
and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the
crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to
make plans.</i><span style="color: white;"> ~<span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> Ernest Hemingway (A Moveable Feast)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><b>Clarity</b></span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Dictionary.com defines clarity as <i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">clearness</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">lucidity</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">perception</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">understanding. </span></i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">However, in this case, I'm not just defining clarity as having an understanding of something, this type of clarity goes much deeper. This type of clarity pertains to knowing yourself or the things you want at a gut level. I'm talking about a knowing beyond knowing, a certainty like no other. Some people go their entire lives without experiencing such a thing. </span></span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOt5_2CHvM9qD4bPb409sihRTkrfOIhZJ5XvDjiEKYY5cQmF13IoX04oK1An6Iuo2rJYadbN6R3Eow5yxab53-76uTFnzuU15bSUMmGb9MqfdJkU6RX2ZraM0o2Vvvq8mJdsHk1gtkSPs/s1600/dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOt5_2CHvM9qD4bPb409sihRTkrfOIhZJ5XvDjiEKYY5cQmF13IoX04oK1An6Iuo2rJYadbN6R3Eow5yxab53-76uTFnzuU15bSUMmGb9MqfdJkU6RX2ZraM0o2Vvvq8mJdsHk1gtkSPs/s1600/dreams.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="color: white;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">So how might one find this deep soulful knowing? Just like great basketball players or charismatic orators some people are just born with it. But most of us have to work at it. I have a friend who wanted to play football when he was in high school. The school allowed anyone who wanted to join the team, but most guys sat in the bench. My friend was one of the slowest guys when they ran drills. But then his coach shared something which has served him well throughout his life. He told his team that most people give up too easily. Whenever his guys got tired, he encouraged them to use it a cue to push on through and not give up. My friend took those words to heart. He got up early every morning and hit the track before school. He ran at lunch and after school too. Pretty soon he moved to the middle of the pack when running drills and then to the front, until he eventually made quarterback. My friend didn't stop there. He applied the simple philosophy to his schoolwork and went from a C student to an honor roll student. But the most incredible application of this came after he was hit by a drunk driver. My friend slipped into the deepest coma and wasn't expected to live. When he came out he'd not only suffered a traumatic brain injury, but broken both his legs and various other bones in multiple places. He was in extreme agonizing pain for months. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Today he not only walks, he runs marathons! </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">The thing that gave him the clarity to know what must be done and vision to drive push on through was his simple philosophy to never get up just because he was tired. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Meditation is also a great way to gain clarity. You don't have to sit in the lotus position with fingers ringed, invoking the perfect sound of Om. Sometimes sitting quietly is just effective. I like to lie down and count backwards from 10 to 1 taking a deep breath in and out with each number. Each time I relax a little more until I'm so mellow it wouldn't take much to fall asleep. (Be careful this can happen if you let it.) I focus my energy and somehow the world opens up and answers are found. But like my friend who never gave up, it does take a little practice! </span></span><br />
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1455.Ernest_Hemingway"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
<b>Avocado</b> is high in healthy fats which are said to promote clear, unclouded thoughts. The oil of avocado is also very healthy for the same reason and was used by ancient cultures to create clarity another sort through smooth clear skin. Buddha is often represented sitting under a <b>banana</b> tree to demonstrate the futility of life. That's because bananas don't fertilize through flowers like many plants. Instead they are sterile and simply send off another ground shoot which lives on after the original tree dies. For this reason the Chinese often leave bananas on their alters to ask for education or enlightenment at work. <b>Blackberries</b> are often used in Wiccan rituals to invoke the clarity of the Goddess. They are also thought to be good for healing, protection, and prosperity--all things one might need in order to have a clear mind. <b>Sunflowers</b> were sacred to several Greek gods including Apollo, Demeter, and Helios. Therefore their seeds were thought to carry great powers of their own bridging the distance between heaven and earth. One who ate them would certainly uncover great wisdom and clarity of mind. They were also thought to impart integrity and virtue to those who ate them. <b>Peanut butter</b> is often associated with masculine energy because of the phallic shape of peanut shells. Certainly they provide another super protein that aids in mental agility and clarity. Finally <b>red wine</b>, the favorite drink of Dionysus is also thought to bring clarity to those who drink it. The Greeks thought it embodied the spiritual presence of their god. There's no denying wine had its place. After all it was much safer than water for a long time. And certainly those who drank too much had some unusual "moments of clarity" in which they did or tried things they never had before. Indeed such wonderful inventions as Buffalo Wings, Farrington B (those squared off numbers on your credit cards), quidditch (Harry Potter's favorite sport), <i>Shark Week</i>, The Marines (yes as in the armed forces), pet rocks, and Southwest Airlines were all created in bars more than a little under the influence. Isn't the world better off for them? That's true clarity!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Recipes</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOxLmPhNiABldUwLhT-5dHM9jY31Dgt25gAsBOirseRqknSFkBuVIZWuCFpfkJtdikBpkJ5NwJ2MuwRoUCh0bweD1UpsyAkw9PXerRzqm65HjzBfOeIRs8afHgF4cnoaGzlqF9GNmI8bk/s1600/20121022_133206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOxLmPhNiABldUwLhT-5dHM9jY31Dgt25gAsBOirseRqknSFkBuVIZWuCFpfkJtdikBpkJ5NwJ2MuwRoUCh0bweD1UpsyAkw9PXerRzqm65HjzBfOeIRs8afHgF4cnoaGzlqF9GNmI8bk/s1600/20121022_133206.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shitake Sesame is the best. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hands down my favorite oil-based salad dressing is Annie’s
Shitake Sesame. I could drink this stuff...well maybe not. But I just love the
flavor. I’m the kind of person who is often still hungry after just a salad,
but with this dressing I’m totally satisfied and don’t feel hungry. I’m sure
it’s psychological but hey it works! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you not familiar with the Annie’s brand, it is
all natural and organic. It can be found in most health food stores, Whole
Foods, and the health food sections of many regular groceries. When I couldn’t
find it at my local health food store, I talked to the manager and she special
ordered three bottles for me. Pretty soon my friend went in and asked for it
too. Than another friend requested it as well. It took about a year of special
ordering it whenever I was out. But recently the manager told me so many people
request it these days that it’s easier to stock it! However, if there’s no
Annie’s Shitake Sesame available or you want to make your own dressing the
following works well too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dressing:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ C Olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ C Red wine</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t Basil </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t Rosemary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t Thyme</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ t Powdered garlic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix olive oil and wine. Add herbs and garlic. Shake well.
Immediately drizzle over salad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Salad:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baby spinach</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Avocado</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Strawberries</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunflower seeds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wash and tear spinach to bite sizes. Slice avocado in half.
Peel. Cut avocado in lengthwise slices. Place on spinach. Cut strawberries in
quarters. Add to salad. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds. Drizzle with dressing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Peanut Butter Stuffed
French Toast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPEB0YrZInrtG-Jo5Gpu5rcy6d3cAbo4YOEzZwE9pBRaXEJJmZCPAJ8iRdxooeXhxKtTmDjuQP2s4ubzAHuwZiad1jse6uIKf6DrkGfOzwGQ2xDKA_lId2ujz4_Azdbt2C_Q8TTlXvj0L/s1600/20120916_140308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFlr-Fv7vj8hrbb1c2JgjgjKaLea5FDRl1KyCnzLbx2gCrffAlFaaURiopQT1A_MAh6q-adX9la0z0ja-qrM17QHRfZITxG5Ee7YPaQVFyrny_K41jFSOOfvYZztLj_n6NM2WRHG2UmqP/s1600/20121026_114426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFlr-Fv7vj8hrbb1c2JgjgjKaLea5FDRl1KyCnzLbx2gCrffAlFaaURiopQT1A_MAh6q-adX9la0z0ja-qrM17QHRfZITxG5Ee7YPaQVFyrny_K41jFSOOfvYZztLj_n6NM2WRHG2UmqP/s1600/20121026_114426.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed French Toast. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peanut butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Banana</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Berries</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Eggs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t Vanilla</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ C Milk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spread thick layer of peanut butter on bread slices. Close
the sandwich with a top layer of bread. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a bowl mix egg, milk, and vanilla to make eggy batter.
Melt butter in a large skillet. Dunk sandwiches in the egg mixture until coated
on both sides. Put sandwich in the skillet and fry until golden brown on both
sides.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slice fruit into bite-sized pieces. If necessary, sprinkle a
little sugar over the top. When the french toast is finished, top with the
fruit. </div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-15473518038051702922012-12-04T13:43:00.001-08:002012-12-04T13:43:24.393-08:00Beauty<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
h3
{mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:3;
font-size:13.5pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
h4
{mso-style-link:"Heading 4 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:4;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
mso-ansi-font-size:13.5pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
span.Heading4Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 4 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 4";
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Society is seduced by
beauty but food must have a soul, too.</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> ~ Carme Ruscalleda</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beauty</span></h1>
<h1>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beautiful</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by Christina Aguilera, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beautiful
Dirty Rich</i> by Lady Gaga, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everything
is Beautiful</i> by Ray Stevens, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauty
and the Beast</i> by Celine Dion, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What’s
Beautiful</i> by Everlife the list of songs about beauty goes on and on. But
what’s interesting about beauty songs—at least by the count on songfacts.com is
that while we like our external beauty songs, there are even more songs about
inner beauty! I don’t know about you, but in a society where we are constantly bombarded
media images of uber beautiful supermodels selling everything from laundry detergents
and feminine products to beer and baby clothes, it’s nice to know we at least
value inner beauty more when it comes to what really moves us. </span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With the holidays right around the corner, looking our best is even
more on many people’s minds. Just try to remember as you run around cleaning
the house in your worn out college sweats, sort laundry with less than
professional-looking hair, and let the kids wrap gifts in mismatched paper with
too much tape, that there is imperfect beauty in it all. Being together and
being loved is the greatest gift of all—no matter how it comes to us.</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Foods
of Interest</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Avocados
</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">have
long been used as a beauty treatment. Externally their oil and pulp are great moisturizers
while internally they’re rich in omega 3—a brain food and after all smart is beautiful.
Both the Babylonians and Egyptians brewed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">beer</b>
in ancient times. Even the Puritans drank beer. In those days it was dangerous
to drink plain water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On an esoteric
level beer is the marriage of land and liquid (the elements of earth and water).
Therefore it is seen as perfect beauty and balance. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beets</b> represent love of beauty. They were a favorite food of
Aphrodite and were often used in ancient cosmetics. They’re also known to
stimulate the heart chakra. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Catnip,</b> the
herb sacred to the cat goddess Bast has a way of soothing tired souls. Catnip
tea encourages the drinker to relax and enjoy life. And who doesn’t look better
after being well rested? It should be noted that catnip is a natural blood thinner
and should be taken by pregnant woman or those with blood clotting disorders. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Honey</b> one of the oldest foods known to
humans has great moisturizing properties. Therefore, it hydrates dull skin
giving it a healthy, beautiful glow. My uncle, Gerry recently got in to beekeeping
as a hobby and is having a great time, stings and all. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Milk </b>is not only the essence of feminine energy<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>but also of nutrition for offspring everywhere. Have you ever seen
a baby that wasn’t beautiful? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Roses </b>have
long been associated with the beautiful goddess Aphrodite who ruled over love. In
the alchemical world, roses are associated with perfection. In Pythagorean
numerology seven is the number of perfection and therefore roses are often
depicted with seven petals. In many scientific studies of beauty, participants
overwhelmingly choose the faces that were the closet to perfect symmetry as the
most beautiful.*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Turkish Delight</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">What could be more beautiful and delicate than Turkish Delight? If you’re
not familiar with this Middle Eastern Treat, you may at least have a passing
memory of the White Witch tempting Edwin with it in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</i>. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Rosewater can be made by boiling rose petals in water. Reduce the
tincture to a concentrate. Be sure to use pesticide-free rose leaves if you
make your own. Alternatively, rosewater can be found in many health food
stores as well as Middle Eastern markets. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">You may also substitute other flavors such as honey in place of rose
water for equally beautiful candy. It is also extremely helpful to have a candy
thermometer for this adventure. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Ingredients:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 C granulated sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 ½ C water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 T light corn syrup</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 C cornstarch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t cream of tartar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t vanilla</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 t lemon juice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 T rose water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">red food coloring or you might try a couple drops beet juice
for added beauty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1½ confectioner’s sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">cooking spray</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 3;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Dissolve lemon juice, sugar, and 1 C water in a pot over
medium heat. Then bring the mixture to a boil. Don’t stir, but do make sure the
mixture is off the sides so it won’t crust over, and allow it to continue to
boil until it reaches 240. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">While the first mixture is boiling, pour the rest of the
water, cornstarch, and cream of tartar into a larger pot, mix and bring to
boil, stirring constantly. It will eventually somewhat resemble toothpaste in
consistency. Allow it too to reach 240. Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the
cornstarch mixture. Mix the two completely. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Reduce heat and let simmer for an hour. Stir it every few
minutes to avoid crystallization. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">While waiting line a small square pan (approx 9X9) with
tinfoil. Be sure to leave enough on the sides to use as handles later. Spray it
with cooking spray. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Remove the candy from heat. It will be very sticky, but more
like a thick liquid. Add the rose water and vanilla then pour it into the pan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Let the mixture sit over night. The next day dust a 12X12 workspace
area with confectioner’s sugar. Pull the candy out by its tinfoil handles and
flip it onto the sugar. Remove the foil and dust the candy with confectioner’s
sugar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Spray a sharp knife with cooking spray and cut the candy
into cubes. Toss the candy in more confectioners’ sugar. Store in a tightly
sealed container.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hot
Turkish Delight</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Imagine my surprise when I found this absolutely lovely
holiday drink that marries nearly all the beauty foods in one concoction!
It’s simply called Hot Turkish Delight and can be found at grouprecipes.com.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 4;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 cups milk </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 oz Turkish Delight plus extra for garnish cut into small
cubes </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ cup cream </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t honey </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 tsp rosewater </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">pinch cinnamon </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">finely chopped pistachios</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In a saucepan combine milk and turkish delight, bring to a
boil, stir smooth and remove from heat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In another bowl beat cream, rosewater, honey and cinnamon
until stiff</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Divide milk mixture between 2 drink glasses or cups.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Top with the whipped cream and garnish with small cubes of
Turkish Delight and chopped pistachios.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Maria,
Cara Santa. "Beauty Studies Show Ratios Explain Human Attractiveness
(VIDEO)." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Huffington Post</i>.
TheHuffingtonPost.com, 29 Jan. 2012. Web. 07 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/29/science-of-beauty_n_1239858.html>.</span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
h3
{mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:3;
font-size:13.5pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
h4
{mso-style-link:"Heading 4 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:4;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
mso-ansi-font-size:13.5pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
span.Heading4Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 4 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 4";
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;}
h3
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:10.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:3;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#4F81BD;
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;}
h4
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 4 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:10.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:4;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#4F81BD;
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;
font-style:italic;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#4F81BD;
font-weight:bold;}
span.Heading4Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 4 Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 4";
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#4F81BD;
font-weight:bold;
font-style:italic;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-14329674614389385742012-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:002012-12-04T13:43:18.901-08:00Energy<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color: light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
color:light green;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wait. Why am I thinking of Krispy Kremes? We’re supposed to be
exercising.</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
~ Meg Cabot, Big Boned</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Energy</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Western researches
usually don’t recognize human energy as a scientific quantifier. In other words,
because there is no accurate way to measure human energy or describe it (as
there is with machines) there are few studies on it. And yet, it’s difficult to
deny the transfer of energy between newborns and their mothers, or the
energizing power of a well-timed hug or a kind word. Acupuncture, kinesiology,
and even chiropractics all deal with human energies. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The average
adult has much energy stored in the fat of their body as a one-ton battery!* A
good thing to know as we gear up for the holidays. Because of it scientists around
the world are looking for ways to harness that energy. Some ideas along those
lines include a gym in Portland, Oregon which would harness the energy of its
clients a they work out to power the facility and a dance club in the
Netherlands that has built a special floor to take advantage of clubbers’ dance
energy to power its facility. There’s also a new invention stateside that takes
advantage of the electromagnetic energy in eyes to flip a switch and will soon
be applied to a variety of different electronics!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whether you’re
using your energy to power your home or just your body the following foods will
be of great help.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Foods of Interest</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amaranth</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is an ancient herb and grain with a nut-like flavor. Long ago the
Hopi people used the rich red flowers to dye ceremonial robes. Many cultures
still associate red with energy and speed. Think red sports cars! Tea from the
grain relieves gas and will ease queasy stomachs. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Red peppers </b>or ground chilies create a chemical reaction in the
body when eaten that produce endorphins filling the body with extra energy.
Spice peppers relieve allergies, congestion, and increase metabolism. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Caraway seeds</b> are attached to a long
line of home remedies—which helps explain why they’re associated with energy.
Healthy people have more of it! They not only aid in digestion and relieve gas,
they also sooth colic and cure earaches. European traditions often speak of
filling a small cloth full of caraway seeds and placing it under a baby’s
cradle to protect him or her from harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some magical circles believe that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cinnamon</b>
gives those that eat it the power to change anything. The spice comes from the
bark of a tree in the laurel family. In ancient Egypt it was one of the key oils
used in mummification. (Can you say yummy mummy?) Cinnamon is known to raise the
energy of the crown chakra and is also sacred in Hebrew and Greek rituals. It
is also said to raise spiritual energy and increase the powers of any herb
mixed with it. Because cinnamon is a stimulant it works wonders as a pick-me-up
tea. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Garlic </b>is one of the oldest
herbs on record. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, it’s been used as far
back as 3000 BC! It’s a member of the lily family and cousin of the onion but
few plants pack as much punch into one little bulb. It was used to treat
leprosy for centuries and thought to prevent anthrax in cows as well. As a
first aid option it can be used to treat bruising, swelling, and wounds. Garlic
is also gives strength to those who consume it. As a proven antibiotic it
reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ginger</b>
is like cinnamon in that it is believed to increase the powers of other herbs
it is coupled with. Chewing ginger is said to release energy amplifiers into
the body to increase power. It is known for curing hangovers, headaches, motion
sickness as well as general nausea. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nutmeg
</b>is the dried fruit, which can be ground into a spice. Like cinnamon it was
often used in mummification. It is also known for improving joint health. But
most importantly it is used for attracting joy and happiness, which often spur
higher levels of energy!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Recipe</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My husband and I share
cooking responsibilities. One of his favorite recipes when I cook is my curry.
This is another one that I make by taste. It’s just one of those things I’ve never
written down until now. It could be that non-conformist streak in me, or maybe it’s
my attempt to conserve my energy for other endeavors:) In any case, I was
pleased to realize it’s a natural energy booster incorporating nearly all the
energy herbs I’ve mentioned. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Curry</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 lbs pork roast cubed</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 can coconut milk (12 oz)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ C chicken broth</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 C fresh cilantro (chopped)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 green onion</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 T fresh ginger, grated</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5 garlic minced</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 stalk lemon grass, finely
chopped</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 shallot, minced</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">olive oil</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 ½ curry</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 t mace</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t turmeric</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 t paprika</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ t cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ t nutmeg</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼ t black pepper</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t cayenne </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t cumin</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cube pork. Brown with olive
oil on the stove. When the meat is cooked set aside. In the same pan add a
little more olive oil (enough to brown new ingredients) and add garlic,
shallot, ginger, and lemon grass. Cook until tender and slightly translucent.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Add coconut milk and mix all
ingredients well. When everything is mixed add the chicken broth. Add all
spices and mix well. Add cilantro and cook down for five minutes. Add pork
cubes and mix well. Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve over rice.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">*</span>"Harvesting
Energy From Humans." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Popular Science</i>.
N.p., 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-01/harvesting-energy-humans?page=2>.<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-1308290498222057342012-11-12T07:50:00.000-08:002012-11-12T07:50:56.181-08:00Comfort<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My favorite comfort food
would have be braised beef. You know, beef, slow-cooked in a Dutch oven or in a
slow cooker until it falls apart with simple mushrooms, some onions and lots of
fresh thyme and garlic.</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> ~ Tyler Florence</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Comfort</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A warm bed, hot bubble bath, or soothing cup or tea<b>--</b>we all have different definitions of comfort. But no matter what our specific comforts are, one thing is certain we all need to feel comfortable and take time out once in awhile indulge in creature comforts to be at our best. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My husband and I have just gone through the licensing process to become resource parents. The older term for this was foster parents. One of the most important things we've learned is that above all else comfort is essential to the well being of the little people who've had their lives incredibly disrupted. As adults we take for granted being able to buy ourselves a great cup or coffee or chocolate bar. We just assume that we will go home to our beds. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But consider for a moment, the little ones who are removed from meth houses by children's services. Did you know that they literally can't take anything with them when they leave? No blanket or teddy, no favorite doll or matchbox car. Not even the clothes on their backs, because they might be contaminated. In other cases in which the children are allowed to take a few items, 9 times out of 10 their parents throw their belongings into trash bags. It's quick and easy, but consider the message it sends. What do we put in trash bags? Garbage. The kids often come away with the message that not only don't mom and dad want me, they think I'm garbage. Why else would they throw all my things away?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To combat such negativity, resource parents are instructed to bring suitcases with us when we go to pick children up, so that they can at least feel normal in a very small way. Talk about a small comfort! I don't know about you, but it rather humbles me. Somehow not getting my comfort coffee exactly the way I want it when I go through the drive-thru seems like small potatoes!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Foods of Interest</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ro217hLIDhY7JTPR2VTI_APPNtldDkDuSBHxLroUUCoG1li62diUVPhg0vyffbSsjC90I2NZYqK6sqCovjTMa2jmhDES2UdUzdCXzBnBrbOaEGG-cvULK5BYzi-umpRt-hldeJcsetu8/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ro217hLIDhY7JTPR2VTI_APPNtldDkDuSBHxLroUUCoG1li62diUVPhg0vyffbSsjC90I2NZYqK6sqCovjTMa2jmhDES2UdUzdCXzBnBrbOaEGG-cvULK5BYzi-umpRt-hldeJcsetu8/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Market in Hong Kong. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Almonds
</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">have had a sacred place in many ancient religions Hermes,
Mercy, and Thoth all ate them to gain wisdom and prosperity--two of the
cornerstones of comfort. Many Americans cite meat and potatoes as their comfort
food. But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">beef </b>found its place as
comfort food long before the Americas were a twinkle in humanity’s eye.
Egyptian Goddesses Hathor and Isis loved the stuff. It was believed to cause
those who ate it to go into a state of bliss. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blueberries</b> are also thought to have a calming effect and thus
induce feelings of comfort. Legend has it that witches ate blueberry pies to
ward off psychic attacks. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Broccoli,</b>
which was sacred to Jupiter, was believed to have ramped up one’s strength—sort
of Popeye style. We now know that it helps fight off cancer, which is
comforting to know in itself.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Calendula</b>
or marigolds (the petals are edible, just make sure they’re not full of
pesticides) are also believed to increase happiness and protection. Who
wouldn’t feel comfortable if they were happy and protected? In many areas of
tehe world where<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
fish</b> is a staple of the daily diet, it is also seen as a comfort food. As
we discussed last week, it was considered sacred by almost every primitive
culture. Why not? If ancient people could fish, they would never go hungry. In
uncertain times that was most certainly a comfort. Above is a picture of a fish market from my time in Hong Kong. The fish was so fresh there that despite being splayed open the hearts were still beating! Finally, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">whole grains</b> are considered to induce
comfort. The ancients believed that grain contained the nurturing qualities of
Earth. Sheaves of wheat have long been the symbol of prosperity—which is very
comforting to those who possess them. Not only does grain keep you regular (it
certainly would be uncomfortable if they didn’t) but they taste great. My two
vegetarian sisters often turn to grains as their comfort food. A nice big bowl
of macaroni and cheese or heaping help of pasta has very soothing effects on
most of us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G_fvSh7FqyenonqQEZhfZ8YhP2xnd5ZTmsxyLTZF8b3Ak2NnLQzWCLB1B69hufIlUys6tPX1bf1pcAdEBBVemU5QCmAJmA8XZLo2VSgAyX4ZyeDjyukMaMdy_5tfsAledbhWkq0zstc8/s1600/20121024_185809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G_fvSh7FqyenonqQEZhfZ8YhP2xnd5ZTmsxyLTZF8b3Ak2NnLQzWCLB1B69hufIlUys6tPX1bf1pcAdEBBVemU5QCmAJmA8XZLo2VSgAyX4ZyeDjyukMaMdy_5tfsAledbhWkq0zstc8/s1600/20121024_185809.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirt Steak. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Marinated Skirt Steak </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Skirt steak</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ C Olive oil</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ C Red wine</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Garlic powder</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ t Rosemary</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ t chamomile</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Marjoram</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ t Powdered coriander</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Basil</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">2 green onions chopped</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Salt (or to taste)</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ t cracked pepper</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">large ziplock bag</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Directions:</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Combine all ingredients
except steak in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Place skirt steak in the ziplock and
pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag. Work the marinade over the meat. Let
marinade for up to two hours. (This is a very thin cut of meat. It will be
overpowered if you wait much longer.) Place the meat on a searing hot grill.
Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and let sit at least 5
minutes. This is best if sliced very thinly as shown in the picture. A little
goes a long way and you will feel more content with less if you eat it this
way. </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Trout Almondine</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">6 Trout Filets</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ C Flour</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">2 T garlic powder</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ C Milk</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">¾ C Panko</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Marjoram</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Chamomile</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 t Lemon balm or verbena </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">½ C toasted, slivered
almonds </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 Lemon</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">3 cloves garlic minced</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Salt to taste</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Cooking spray</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Directions:</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">You will need three bowls.
The in the first mix flour and garlic powder. Pour the milk in the
second. In the third combine Panko, marjoram, chamomile, and the lemon balm or
verbena, and the minced garlic. Dip the fillets first in bowl one, making sure
to thoroughly coat them, then into bowl two, and finally roll them in bowl
three covering both sides with bread crumbs. For baked fish you may add almonds
to the breading mixture. For fried wait as they will come off in the oil.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">You may either fry or bake
these. To fry drop the fillets into a very hot pan filled no less than ½ deep
with canola oil. It isn’t necessary to completely cover the fish in oil. When
they are golden brown on one side flip. Remove from oil when ready and drain on
paper towels. Place sliced almonds on top before serving. For oven baking,
spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and lay the fillets on the sheet. Place
in oven preheated to 450 degrees. Cook for 8-12 minutes. You will know they are
ready when the fish flakes.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Squeeze lemon over the
fillets and add salt to taste. For an added ounce of comfort you may want to
serve the fillets with garlic steamed broccoli. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-41790545193529992662012-11-05T09:38:00.000-08:002012-11-05T09:38:06.552-08:00Concentration<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAc26j7zZ9qA0njIiOwJjI3rfU6BsZR0OT2edHeIO0y9TDdpRhYjhU7jV3UxJmnxNfYwfoLFLzAP9mrZi23QWIMj5-2PrcBfsuIX0hQQqhBf6IaoX4ZswwtOTI9NKmiP85CA2dgm6J69a/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbvxFUN0wpYnUNNT_QsRnpDIoephu824QVZAGzxxspLy5DlE9sCbxIq1-ZM3-XsFz0077EyR50IwLvuCsIhyL2-2lKvHokSwtYzUC9gta_heo7cJvawNPUqZXhbzU-TxkWicFTSdOMWqr/s1600/IMG_8975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunger in adults
produces nervousness, irritability, and difficulty in concentration</i>. <i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From a</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2005 survey by Food Life Line</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Concentration</b><br />
Who can concentrate these days with all the nasty campaign ads from both sides of aisle? Luckily, we only have one day of the nonsense left. Then it will be on to using our minds of steal to concentrate on other worries such as taking finals and holiday planning.<br />
<br />
The website Study Guides and Strategies has some excellent tips for improving concentration. Though it suggests them specifically for studying they would work well for any number of scenarios in which heavy concentration would be needed.<strong>*</strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get a dedicated space, chair, table, lighting and
environment<br />Avoid your cellphone or telephone<br />Put up a sign to avoid being
disturbed or interrupted</li>
<li>Stick to a routine, efficient study schedule<br /><a href="http://www.studygs.net/schedule" target="_blank"><em></em> </a>
</li>
<li>Before you begin studying, take a few minutes to summarize a
few objectives, gather what you will need, and think of a general strategy of
accomplishment </li>
<li>Create an incentive if necessary for successfully
completing a task,<br />such as calling a friend, a food treat, a walk, etc.<br />
</li>
<li>Changing the subject you study every one to two
hours for variety </li>
<li>Alternate reading with more active
learning exercises. Ask yourself how you could increase
your activity level while studying? Perhaps a group will be best? Creating study
questions? The more
active your learning, the better. </li>
<li>Take regular, scheduled breaks </li>
</ul>
To help along those lines there are a number of great foods to aid in concentration whether it's through a caffeine or sugar high or actual nutrition to help our brains focus. When I was writing a book in Hong Kong, my favorite concentration treat was to run down to the very formal expats McDonalds, which had a full coffee house, and grab a cappuccino. It always gave me the lift I needed to forge ahead!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Foods of Interest</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8Z9BRuzz1q9u9gS1GWPoM5AEXo2hP-nb6_9GL9Tzz2NgVMEatiejWDx0YZCf-7nWzedGE0sULLTWsNlI42IDLm_tQgYlhXqtaRgSKdD_ISV_s3ocbAvzBuBhYRyuizklmnRP6e9U0m02/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8Z9BRuzz1q9u9gS1GWPoM5AEXo2hP-nb6_9GL9Tzz2NgVMEatiejWDx0YZCf-7nWzedGE0sULLTWsNlI42IDLm_tQgYlhXqtaRgSKdD_ISV_s3ocbAvzBuBhYRyuizklmnRP6e9U0m02/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cappuccino in Hong Kong. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mayans and Aztecs thought<b> chocolate </b>had magical powers, which I believe many women still attest to today! Back then the cocoa beans were so valuable they were used as currency. Besides the tenuous gathering, drying, and roasting process which made them valuable is the fact that the chemicals in chocolate are known to heighten positive emotions and increase alertness. Because of this it is also associated with the fourth chakra or heart chakra from which love flows.<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Coffee</b> also has its prized place in history with records of it being consumed in Arabia since 800 AD. College students pulling all nighters, OTR drivers, and those trying to sober up all drink the brew to increase their mental awareness and stay alert.<b> Fish</b> is not only sacred in nearly every primitive culture, the proteins in many fish are known to "feed" the brain keeping it healthy and warding off many aging diseases and strokes.<b> </b>Another food that helps slow the aging process and thus helps keep the brain mentally up to par is <b>ginkgo biloba</b>. As we age our digestive system slows down and doesn't process foods as sufficiently as it once did. Because our circulatory systems slow down too our brains don't get as much oxygen as they once did. Ginkgo biloba contains bioflavinoids that reduce free radicals and help our bodies and especially our brains gain back some of that lost activity. <b>Ginseng</b> works quiet similarly to ginkgo biloba. It is also associated with the first chakra stamnia and energy.<b> Nuts </b>are high in vitamin E which is also an antioxidant. Eating a handful a day can greatly improve concentration without fat or sugar.<br />
<br />
This chocolate-coffee cupcake recipe is one of my favorites. In fact, since we had an outdoor picnic/beach style wedding reception on our lake front, I wanted our guest to be able to pick up and carry all their food. So instead of a wedding cake, we had a huge cupcake display. To fit with my theme of summer and new beginnings I used wrappers that looked like flowers from Wilton and ordered edible butterflies from Esty to decorate the tops instead of the usual almonds or nuts.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">Chocolate-Coffee Cupcakes</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg5xUKmzWfgFtkdjcEwWIQ__wEhs9N_74OPR6hIWve3D9rae7Lw5HTfbYAGCSL4Qvw37S6DULNfYsgMJAKFwc16aF0RVG_1kQ1881mJbCGJwo0ox3JCxeSAiDSw4oze_jznTzxwZyV15L/s1600/IMG_8975.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding cupcakes. Photo by Brian Glick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cupcakes</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">:<br />
1 C butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C soda water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
2/3 C cocoa powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2
C all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
1 C light brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
C white sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2
T instant coffee crystals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
½ t salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½
t grated ginseng</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½
t ginkgo biloba<br />
1 ¼ t baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
3 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
½ cup sour cream</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½
applesauce</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Preheat
oven to 350 degrees. Whisk butter, soda water, cocoa, and brown sugar in a
sauce pan. Remove from heat once the sugar has melted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
a large bowl blend salt, flour, sugar, baking soda, ginseng, coffee crystals,
and ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo can be found at both health food stores and Asian
markets. You may use the contents of powdered capsules in a crunch. (It’s
similar to the cooking powder.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pour
the cooled liquid mixture into the dry mixture. Mix together. Add the eggs,
applesauce, and sour cream. Cream everything together until smooth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Scoop
batter into cupcake wrapper cups. Bake in oven for 25-28 minutes. They will be
done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Frosting:</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
1 C butter<br />
4 C confectioners sugar</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
T meringue powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2
T cocoa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
4 ½ T coffee (brewed or instant)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">milk<br />
chopped almonds<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cream
butter and meringue together. Add confectioners sugar one cup at a time. Add
cocoa and coffee. Mix. Gradually add milk until the frosting consistency
desired is achieved. Spread on cooled cupcakes. Top with chopped almonds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<strong>* </strong>"Study Guides and Strategies." <i>Concentrating While Studying</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.studygs.net/concent.htm>.<br />
<br /></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-24028065499115686672012-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-05T09:40:19.698-08:00Longevity<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGzVUTMuY7Fy1P6g5dwxvd62T8xDIAxSq8KLvDZx6uL22cItzfbFBkZ9N_U1Gi4PZI6jEcqw_bBvWQKMY4DXQlmpPyG1ObDye3nJ6OtnyNXlbOPJtSHWnPgS9Cj8rA-t8aitW8DVaOga2/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The foods that promote longevity, virtue, strength, health, happiness,
and joy; are juicy, smooth, substantial, and agreeable to the stomach.</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> ~</span>Bhagavad
Gita<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></div>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></h1>
<h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Longevity</span></span></h2>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to live a long, healthy life. After all self-preservation is a kind of built in mechanism for most humans. But a 2011 study from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis (shout out to my birthplace!) found that women who take multivitamins don't live longer than those who get their nutrition from food alone. The study even suggests that women who use vitamins appear to have a slightly higher early death rate. (1) </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have a terrific imagination which often wanders off on "what if tangents" and so I sometimes think about people who are over zealous in their need to eat right. You know the type. Never shall sugar or fat or anything remotely delicious pass their lips. I imagine them dying early and getting to heaven (or whatever afterlife scenario you prefer). Then I imagine a the pearly gates conversation going something like this:</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"St. Peter, I think there's been a mistake. You see I've been a very good girl. I've eaten a completely raw (or insert any kind of health craze) diet of only twigs, nuts, and berries for the last 40 years. I've sacrificed and been a slave to clean living. So you see I'm much too young to die, if you could just send me back..."</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">St. Peter would then furrow his brow and say, "Well that's too bad. You were put on the earth to learn and experience all kinds of things. That was part of the point of being there and you blew it!"</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don't get me wrong. I do believe in eating healthy. But I also believe in moderation. Anything taken to the extreme can have reverse effects. What good is a healthy long life if it's not happy and well-rounded? Food is not only a way to experience pleasure but also learn about other places and cultures.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When we eat foods that please us our bodies release the endorphin, </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">dopamine that makes us feel good. Likewise when we share food in a social setting our bodies also produce more of the happiness chemicals. A study in the 2011 journal <i>Applied Psychology </i>reviewed more than 160 studies of animal and human subjects and found that "happy people tend to live longer and experience better health than their unhappy peers." (2) So consider the fact that once in awhile it is all right to indulge. It just may help you live longer!</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGzVUTMuY7Fy1P6g5dwxvd62T8xDIAxSq8KLvDZx6uL22cItzfbFBkZ9N_U1Gi4PZI6jEcqw_bBvWQKMY4DXQlmpPyG1ObDye3nJ6OtnyNXlbOPJtSHWnPgS9Cj8rA-t8aitW8DVaOga2/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"></span></div>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Foods of Interest:</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The following are all foods which are in some way linked to longevity. Many of them as you will see are high in antioxidants. These little lifesavers or rather life-prolongers help block free radicals which can damage our cells. </span></span></span></h1>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jsggUm5FNp0ZRaZmn2iLkDq_01lQhZKE7C2dGg2mrwyKd_-T8Ni0767IWxGAEtKqcLUDFr2lnHVSmBS5R1eLcL_vI5qn_XbdlExRWSkn4opawvfj8oXGPgQLhjU564GC55fjza7DHnIK/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jsggUm5FNp0ZRaZmn2iLkDq_01lQhZKE7C2dGg2mrwyKd_-T8Ni0767IWxGAEtKqcLUDFr2lnHVSmBS5R1eLcL_vI5qn_XbdlExRWSkn4opawvfj8oXGPgQLhjU564GC55fjza7DHnIK/s1600/blueberries.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Blueberry bush in Maine. Photo by Erika Celeste.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Blueberries</b> are extremely rich in antioxidants. I did a story on them a couple of years ago for Voice of America. As with many of my stories, this quickly went viral with dozens of other media outlets picking it up. Here's one of the versions that ended up on Media for Freedom <a href="http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/readarticle.php?AID=15039">http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/readarticle.php?AID=15039</a></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Carrots</b> are said to carry masculine energy the Chinese say they are good luck due to the slightly red color.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Fennel </b>was sacred to the Greek God Dionysus. The Greeks believed those who ate it were purified and healed.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Kale</b> is another super food rich in antioxidants. </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Lemons</b> didn't become widely used until the Middle Ages. But when they became popular it was thought that they increased longevity. </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Maple syrup </b>is alchemically associated with long life because the syrup is said to carry the spirit and strength of the trees from which it comes.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Mushrooms</b> are known to have anti-viral properties and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, they earned their magical attributes way back in Biblical times as a longevity food. Later, in Victorian times, they were believed to indicate the presence of magical little people like fairies and elves. </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Pineapples </b>get their name from pinecones. That's because when Europeans first saw them in the 16th century they reminded them of pinecones. Pineapples are often used as symbols of welcome and luck--which might explain how they came to be associated with longevity. After all, those who live long lives are thought to be lucky. </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Rosemary </b>has antibacterial properties that not only work great for cleaning dirty surfaces, but also help preserve other foods they're mixed with--thereby extending longevity. It was also believed in the Middle Ages that rosemary created happy feelings. Science has since proven that optimists and those who have happy dispositions live longer lives. </span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Longevity <b>s</b>pinach<b> </b></span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">is actually an herb</span></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> which goes by many different names including Daun Dewa, Akar Sebiak, Kelemai Merah, Mollucan Spinach, Googoolipid, Bai Bing Ca, Nan Fei Ye and Scrambling Gynura. It is easy to grow, looks a great deal like</span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> baby spinach leaves</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, and is said to have many healing properties from lowering blood pressure to helping treat cancer.</span></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></span></b></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sweet potatoes a</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">re a healthy fiber</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> that help with digestion. As one of the staples of the</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Okinawan diet</span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b> </b></span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">they have been classified by the University of The Air Okinawa Study Center as a longevity food.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></span></b></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
</h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
</h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Recipe</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I've adapted this week's recipe especially for longevity. (Heck, you'll see that I adapting most recipes to increase the powers of the attribute we're focusing on.) I came up with the fennel recipe about a year ago for another special dinner my husband and I hosted for charity. However to amp up the longevity I've added rosemary and carrots to the dish.</span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></span></h1>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JVKhMJ4Sm3JqmwKRfCNDLmVnhgb-41f_gF8OrRY9WNwajIZHosSK5C1DOLK8TaqgZq2RZ9OMnzA8v1cE3eYoszKzb6uTtUalrbiGBbwUAJeqPD9N1M2FEvUKDj3FIlqbPFbY_3-9iLu/s1600/20121026_183815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JVKhMJ4Sm3JqmwKRfCNDLmVnhgb-41f_gF8OrRY9WNwajIZHosSK5C1DOLK8TaqgZq2RZ9OMnzA8v1cE3eYoszKzb6uTtUalrbiGBbwUAJeqPD9N1M2FEvUKDj3FIlqbPFbY_3-9iLu/s1600/20121026_183815.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fennel au Gratin. Photo by Erika Celeste.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fennel Au Gratin</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2
large fennel bulbs</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 carrot (regular) </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
medium sweet onion</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
cup sour cream</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2/3
cup half and half</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1T
granulated chicken broth </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½
rosemary</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4
T butter (pulgra)</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2
T flour or corn starch</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼
Swiss (grated)</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¼
parmesan reggiano (grated)</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">salt
and pepper to taste</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
</span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cut
the stalks off the fennel. Wash the bulbs and slice in half then slice the two
halves into eighths. That should give you several little cup-like pieces. Pull
the layers apart. Slice the onion in the same manner. Slice the carrot in long thin strips--more ribbon like in texture. (You may want to use a vegetable peeler.) If you cut them too thick, they won't cook down as quickly as the rest of these tender roots and will be too crunchy. Add the carrots to a
pan with the butter and sauté until tender, then add the fennel and onions. </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
a bowl combine sour cream, half and half, granulated chicken broth, rosemary, flour,
and the cheeses. Add the vegetables, salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything
thoroughly. </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lightly
spray a 2 quart square/rectangle baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish.
Add french fried onions on top. Cover. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
sometimes switch and pour the au gratin into individual baking dishes for special
occasions. These bake more quickly and must be watched until they brown.
Usually about 10-15 minutes.</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Place
in a preheated 375-degree oven for about a half hour, until golden and bubbly.
(You may have to take the lid off for the last few minutes in order to brown.)
Serves 6 as a main dish and 8-10 as a side dish.</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1-</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Joelving, Frederik. "Multivitamins Don't Help US Women Live Longer." <i>Http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/idUSL3E7LB07P20111011</i>. Reuters Health, 10 Oct. 2011. Web.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2- </span>Yates, Dinana. "News Bureau | University of Illinois." <i>Study: Happiness Improves Health and Lengthens Life</i>. N.p., 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. <http://news.illinois.edu/news/11/0301happy_EdDiener.html>.</span></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-82527601765881755212012-10-22T12:24:00.002-07:002012-10-27T16:47:24.372-07:00Joy<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pull up a chair. Take
a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious. ~ </i>Ruth Reichl<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Greetings
and welcome </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">to </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Celeste's Magical Kitchen</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. The basic
idea behind this blog is that food is power. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">You may have heard
about people taking gingko biloba to improve memory--that's a kind of power.
What about chicken soup for a cold? And how many of you have ever left
something in the back of the fridge just a little too long? Do you dare open
the container? That certainly could have powerful implications if you make the
wrong choice!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The mind/mouth
connection is extremely strong. It often doesn't matter if foods do what labels
say they do, as much as what we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">believe </b>they
do. Each week I'll take a look at personal attributes or powers and some of the
foods connected to them. I'll share a list of foods, some science, history, or
folklore about them and some great recipes using some of them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Joy</span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
</span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXwiBfnAuh1Bj99r4WuYE7P3NjxgllBqCepcQXYIQ0DFilImJs-yALpfHZiTTgumTHZeF6f0_Aw9fatvvAgXAOPkoNBD3pa5VYwIb6ILc0JLhZUDOUSEk_8nEBr1jFSCrlODkd9s8INg8/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXwiBfnAuh1Bj99r4WuYE7P3NjxgllBqCepcQXYIQ0DFilImJs-yALpfHZiTTgumTHZeF6f0_Aw9fatvvAgXAOPkoNBD3pa5VYwIb6ILc0JLhZUDOUSEk_8nEBr1jFSCrlODkd9s8INg8/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure joy. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When NPR asked me to cover donut
burgers—yes all beef patties stuffed inside glazed donuts, I had to laugh. I
was excited to drive down to the Indiana State Fair as a freelance reporter and talk with all the crazy
fast food vendors. But I can’t say joy was my first emotion when the vendor
asked me if I’d like to sample a donut burger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for me, a customer stepped up just in time and
diverted the vendor’s attention. I asked to tag along as the man tried his
donut burger. To which he replied, “Sure, but this is for my daughter.” We
headed over to some picnic tables where his wife was waiting with a cute,
blonde ringletted, two-year-old. When that little girl saw the donut burger her
eyes lit up like Fourth of July fireworks. She literally shook with excitement
when the donut burger was placed in front of her and started singing. After the
first bite, she ceased all use of her hands and dove in face first! She was
completely in the moment (and quite probably in a sugar coma shortly thereafter).
But if that wasn’t an experience of pure joy, I don’t know what is. Btw you can hear the NPR piece at the following link called Iowa Indiana State Fairs. There are actually two stories connected with mine running second. <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129328366">http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129328366</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Foods
of Interest</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Apples have symbolic meanings in many
cultures, from the calling card of Athena to the forbidden fruit in the Bible
to the symbol of Avalon in Arthurian Legend. In addition to love and wisdom,
they often symbolize joy. Basil is said to dispel feelings of anger by
replacing them with feelings of love and joy. It also strengthens the immune
system. Bergamot is popular in southern Italy as well as Morocco, northern
Africa and parts of Asia. It has a light uplifting scent that is often
associated with joyful emotions. In the olden days, it was often used to treat
depression. Honey is one of the only foods that never spoils. Egyptians
considered it the nectar of the Gods and the food of happiness. Likewise, jelly
is also considered a joyful food, which carries the essence of the fruit it’s
made from. When oranges first arrived in Europe they were thought to bring
those who ate them happiness. And why shouldn’t they? They were rare and could
only be afforded by those of means. If nothing else the amount of vitamin C
raises energy levels by increasing a chemical in the body called
norepinephrine. And in China shrimp are eaten to promote fortune and happiness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recipes</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always had
this rule of thumb when it comes to mixing meats and sweets. I just don’t care
for that sweet/savory combination. Ham and pineapple, apples and sausage, peach
chutney on chops...I’m not a big fan. In fact, I’ve made it a rule whenever my
husband cooks not to mix fruits and meat. However, this is one exception to
that rule. As I started looking at all the joy foods I realized there was great
potential to combine many of them into one recipe for a super happy food! This
has just the right amount of sweet, salt, and heat to pass my test. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Orange basil shrimp
skewers</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 large oranges</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 T chopped basil (fresh is best)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 cloves minced garlic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t paprika</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 t fish sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1T limejuice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ C honey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 T olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lb shrimp</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 small sweet onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
several fresh basil leaves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
skewers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Place wooden skewers in water to soak. Squeeze the juice of
one large orange into a bowl. Mix it with the limejuice, honey, fish sauce,
olive oil. Add the chopped basil, minced garlic, and paprika.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the marinade into a sealable
plastic bag and add the shrimp. Let the mixture marinade between 15 and 45
minutes. Don’t let it go any longer as the acid with start to break down the
shrimp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cut the remaining orange and the sweet onion into small
slices. Wash the fresh basil leaves. Thread orange slices, shrimp, onion, and
basil leaves onto the skewers. Place them on the grill and brush with the
marinade. Flip them as needed and apply more marinade. It won’t take long to
cook—five minutes or less. The shrimp will be finished when they are pink and
have a slight bend in them. Many beginners make the mistake of overcooking
shrimp by leaving them on the heat until they have completely curled into
little rings. If you do this they will be over done and rubbery. Trust me. As
soon as they turn from translucent to pink they are finished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apple jelly</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArAB0wgpGXxRA2BEVfZnlZqLwNOqAnzOlh7J5OHTu0o2KMIjELJ0pO5QJQ0MvEa4BZnmRjRbRbUXI-fMa3qMQvCO1UOCj_54j6118fLTJsuHXeGkgqY10JIYM-Wi0t0fltHIP3PWAip51/s1600/20121020_182039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArAB0wgpGXxRA2BEVfZnlZqLwNOqAnzOlh7J5OHTu0o2KMIjELJ0pO5QJQ0MvEa4BZnmRjRbRbUXI-fMa3qMQvCO1UOCj_54j6118fLTJsuHXeGkgqY10JIYM-Wi0t0fltHIP3PWAip51/s1600/20121020_182039.jpg" width="240" /></a>I combined most of the joy foods into one dish with
wonderful results only to realize there were a few more that went well together
in another little treat. When I was a kid I used to visit my grandparents in
Wisconsin. They were grade A dairy farmers and always had the best spread at
lunch, plenty of fresh milk and homemade cheeses, meats from the local butcher,
and grandma’s fresh baked bread. One of the things I liked best was her red
apple jelly. It was so pretty it made anything taste good. So I had plenty of
leftover apples from a recent trip to the orchard, I made myself some. Granted
the red dye isn’t necessary. But I’ve had yellow apple jelly and I swear it
never tastes as good or brings as much joy and fun as it’s pretty cousin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trick to this is to use slightly more sugar than juice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 C apple juice (I got mine from cooking my apples down when
I made apple sauce)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 ½ C sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 package pectin 1 ¾ ounzes (use a little more for firmer
jelly)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
red food coloring (I like Wilton cake coloring)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over a medium flame bring juice and pectin to a rolling
boil. Turn down and slowly add sugar. Return to a rolling boil. After a few
minutes (3 or 4) stirring constantly, remove from heat. Skim off any foam. Pour
into 6 jelly jars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave a quarter
inch at the top. Seal with canning lids. Put the jars in a pot and cover with
water an inch over the lids. Bring the water to boil for 10 minutes. Remove the
jars from the water. Turn them over (lids down) and leave them to cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--addyourblogbanner_do_not_alter-->
<br />
<div style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/" style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Blog Directory</a> <a href="http://topblogs.addyourblog.com/" style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Top Blog Sites</a><a href="http://www.illuminations.com/" title="online candle shop"></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/blog-promotion.php" title="Free Blog Promotion"><img alt="Blog Promotion, Promote Your Blog" src="http://www.addyourblog.com/blog_star/addblog.png" style="border: 0;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/suggest-listing.php" title="Blog Directory Search Engine"><img alt="Submit Blog, Blog Directory Submission" src="http://www.addyourblog.com/blog_star/dirblog.png" style="border: 0;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.soycandle.biz/" title="candles"></a><a href="http://www.soycandles.biz/" title="soy candles"></a>
<a href="http://blogs.addyourblog.com/" style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Blogs</a> <a href="http://tools.addyourblog.com/" style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Blog Tools</a> <a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/blog-promotion.php" style="color: #cccccc; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; text-decoration: none;">Promote Blog</a> <a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/sport.html"></a><a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/Personal-Blogs.html"></a><a href="http://www.addyourblog.com/arts-crafts.html"></a></div>
<!--addyourblogbanner_do_not_alterEND-->
List your business in the premium <a href="http://www.hotvsnot.com/">web directory</a> for free This website is listed under <a href="http://www.hotvsnot.com/Home/Cooking/">Cooking Directory </a>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jk7ODNURtlY%2FUIMlLeOAz5I%2FAAAAAAAAAIE%2F3Et_jGynHqM%2Fs1600%2F20121020_182039.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArAB0wgpGXxRA2BEVfZnlZqLwNOqAnzOlh7J5OHTu0o2KMIjELJ0pO5QJQ0MvEa4BZnmRjRbRbUXI-fMa3qMQvCO1UOCj_54j6118fLTJsuHXeGkgqY10JIYM-Wi0t0fltHIP3PWAip51/s1600/20121020_182039.jpg" -->Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-82900578469870033972012-10-19T15:45:00.001-07:002012-10-20T11:57:19.878-07:00Strength<h3>
<i>Am I tough? Am I strong? Am I hard-core? Absolutely.
Did I whimper with pathetic delight when I sank my teeth into my hot fried-chicken sandwich? You betcha.</i> ~ James Patterson </h3>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Greetings</b></span> and welcome to <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Celeste's Magical Kitchen</b></span>. The basic idea behind this blog is that food is power.
You may have heard about people taking gingko biloba to improve memory--that's a kind of power. What about chicken soup for a cold? And how many of you have ever left something in the back of the fridge just a little too long? Do you dare open the container? That certainly could have powerful implications if you make the wrong choice!
The mind/mouth connection is extremely strong. It often doesn't matter if foods do what labels say they do, as much as what we believe they do. Each week I'll take a look at personal attributes or powers and some of the foods connected to them. I'll share a list of foods, some science, history, or folklore about them and some great recipes using some of them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Strength </h3>
“I am going to pump you up!” Fans of Saturday Night Live in the 80s might remember Dan Carvey’s interpretation of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his “girly man” insults. But it might interest you to know that the strength of Arnold—or perhaps more accurately Popeye, are easier to obtain than you might think. According to a 2008 study from Rutgers University eating two pounds of spinach a day can raise the amount of protein in your body 120 percent providing major amounts of extra strength. I’m not sure who really wants eat two pounds of spinach a day, but even consuming small amounts can raise your antioxidant levels and help prevent cancer.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Foods of Interest </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6TRczKBNvUnGSiGvnxtlGBb0rpGjzrEDw9UfxaplSER6NzHdkugu5LoHNa_iNDippj23LJKGJhzk7ilKJvPXNc3x-ON5ICxRCcx3PKgofmDfZYZS1SgR8MqAvXQdlXDvGC839ZDyANmq/s1600/harvesttime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6TRczKBNvUnGSiGvnxtlGBb0rpGjzrEDw9UfxaplSER6NzHdkugu5LoHNa_iNDippj23LJKGJhzk7ilKJvPXNc3x-ON5ICxRCcx3PKgofmDfZYZS1SgR8MqAvXQdlXDvGC839ZDyANmq/s1600/harvesttime.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry bog in Massachusetts. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Romans believed broccoli gave the god Jupiter his strength, President Bush refused to eat his, and several studies have found a link between broccoli and cancer prevention. Cranberries are also known to be a good food to strengthen the body by fighting off infections. I wrote a story for Voice of America on cranberries a few years back, which contains a lot of great information about their health benefits <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2008-12-01-voa39-66623312/556645.html">http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2008-12-01-voa39-66623312/556645.html</a>. Chicken soup has long been associated with healing the body, while many ancient cultures believed their eggs were impossible to poison. Therefore kings and queens often ate them. Not only did the nutrition strengthen their bodies but perhaps their peace of mind as well. While pork, salmon, and swordfish all contain healthy proteins to strengthen muscles. </span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Recipes <span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMcCywZBncF9r_Z5fWIeXJnZUuNNkFfhV7iAoufZzNRMnhorudmwC7imA6yuxDPsz9t_XUNATZYWIpVZmqEG6XQumB0jabyEPH_rIy91iCWV0Vywgo5X35qaRS9eAVCdHJoeEu0oMcfCu/s1600/20121020_111205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMcCywZBncF9r_Z5fWIeXJnZUuNNkFfhV7iAoufZzNRMnhorudmwC7imA6yuxDPsz9t_XUNATZYWIpVZmqEG6XQumB0jabyEPH_rIy91iCWV0Vywgo5X35qaRS9eAVCdHJoeEu0oMcfCu/s1600/20121020_111205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini cakes make a great sandwich. Photo by Erika Celeste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve created my own strength-inducing recipe to not only build strong minds and muscles but also tempt the tummy. Use it as a stand or as a power-building meal. With one of my favorite desserts that I’ve also included.
Salmon/Swordfish Cakes
As you might have guessed these are a lot like crab cakes only with fish instead. The key to keeping them light and delicious is to use crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
I also like to use Plugra—a European style butter made in the US by Keller’s Creamery. It comes in either salted (gold wrapper) or unsalted (silver wrapper) and can be found in many grocery stores. I get mine at Meijer’s. It’s truly good stuff, which will noticeably enrich the flavor of anything it touches. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Now, I cook by taste, smell, and feel—not just my eyes—as any cook worth their salt should. So, I don’t often use precise measurements. I just do it and use my senses to tell me what’s off. So I apologize if you’re the type of person who follows recipes to the letter. Don’t be afraid to interact with these recipes and add seasoning to fit your taste. That’s part of the magic of cooking. </span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
--</style></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 T salted
butter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 medium
sweet onion</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">5 green
onions</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 or 5 cloves
garlic (minced)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 T<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chopped fresh basil (use ½ T dried if
fresh isn’t available) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 T<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chopped fresh parsley (use ½ T dried if
fresh isn’t available) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 t smoky
paprika</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 t black
pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">smoked salt
to taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb salmon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb
swordfish (or other firm white fish)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">15 crackers
(like Ritz or Keebler Townhouse)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 C
mayonnaise (make sure this is the real stuff not salad dressing)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">vegetable oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Directions:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fry or bake
the salmon and swordfish until done. Set aside to cool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chop the
sweet onion into small pieces and mince the garlic. Place a large, heavy pan
over a medium flame and heat the butter. Add the onions and garlic. Stir until
translucent and tender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove
from heat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a bowl mix
all the herbs and spices: basil, parsley, paprika, pepper, smoked salt. Stir in
mayonnaise and beaten eggs. Then add crushed cracker crumbs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Flake/shred
the fish. Make sure to add it last. Putting it in the bowl first and dumping
everything on top of it will cause it to lose its delicacy. So please wait,
you’ll thank me when you taste them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Shape the
mixture into 12-15 medium cakes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heat the vegetable
oil in a skillet. Make sure it is hot and sizzling before adding the cakes or
they will retain too much oil and fall apart easily. Fry the cakes until one
side is golden brown. I know it’s so hard not to disturb them while they’re
frying, but if you try to turn them too soon they will fall apart. You’ll know
they’re really to turn when you can sort of see that the edges are becoming
golden. Flip with a metal spatula. Repeat until the whole batch is finished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now
traditionally fish cakes are served with some kind of dipping sauce. But since
this is all about strength, why not top the cakes with fried eggs, paprika, and
some chives?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A side of
steamed broccoli with garlic would make a great meal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For dessert
or for those of you who draw your strength from sweets why not try this
delicious toffee cranberry crisp?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I first found
this recipe in <i>Best of Country Cookies</i> on page 94 and fell in love with it.For an extra boost of protein aka strength try adding 1/2 a cup slivered almonds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br />
<b>Cranberry Crisps</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">butter,
softened</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3/4 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sugar</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3/4 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">packed brown
sugar</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 egg</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 teaspoon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vanilla
extract</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1-1/2 cups <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all-purpose
flour</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1-1/2 cups <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quick-cooking
oats</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 teaspoon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">baking
soda</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1/4 teaspoon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">salt</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dried cranberries</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">miniature
semisweet chocolate chips</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 cup <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">milk chocolate
English toffee bits</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Directions:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and
fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda and salt;
gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the cranberries,
chocolate chips and toffee bits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Shape into three 12-in. logs; wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Unwrap and cut into 1/2-in. slices.
Place 2 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove to wire racks to cool.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Yield: </b>5-1/2
dozen.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861150950600733326.post-35268518499624264282012-10-16T16:28:00.000-07:002012-10-19T15:02:49.351-07:00Aphrodisiacs<h3>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 2 1 2 1 8 4 8 7 8;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 65536 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:24.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#345A8A;
mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi;
color:#345A8A;
font-weight:bold;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:83962846;
mso-list-template-ids:567320212;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:228617332;
mso-list-template-ids:-1015123176;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1646355300;
mso-list-template-ids:1713393604;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:1705058805;
mso-list-template-ids:-1093919694;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
</style> <style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>I've long
believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we're talking
about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime
'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure.</i> ~ Anthony Bourdain</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Greetings and welcome </b></span>to the inaugural edition of<i> <span style="font-size: large;">Celeste's Magical Kitchen</span></i>. The basic idea behind this blog is that food is power. <br />
<br />
You may have heard about people taking gingko biloba to improve memory--that's a kind of power. What about chicken soup for a cold? And how many of you have ever left something in the back of the fridge just a little too long? Do you dare open the container? That certainly could have powerful implications if you make the wrong choice!<br />
<br />
The mind/mouth connection is extremely strong. It often
doesn't matter if foods do what labels say they do, as much as
what we <b>believe </b>they do. Each week I'll take a look at personal attributes or powers and some of the foods connected to them. I'll share a list of foods, some science, history, or folklore about them and some great recipes using some of them. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Aphrodisiacs</b></span><br />
<br />
Hiding the sausage, buttering the muffin, baking cookies, cracking nuts, passing the gravy, going fishing, giving a hot beef injection, pickle tickling, not to mention clam dip and pork--sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference between food and you know what--the baloney pony, popping the cork, sowing wild oats, or stuffing the taco. People have long had a fascination with interchanging food terms for sex. In fact, at the turn of the 19th century a woman who went down to the dock to find "love" was said to make a "lobster kettle of herself."<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Foods of Interest</span></span></b><br />
<br />
Oysters, chocolate, and strawberries rank right up there as some of the world's most famous aphrodisiacs. But did you know that ginger, pears, peanuts, vanilla, truffles, (the mushroom) and raspberries are also considered aphrodisiacs? In days of old ginger was used in love spells. Recent studies haven't focused on love, but have found connections between ginger helping to cure both headaches and hangovers--which in some instances just might be connected to the finding of love. Pears are said to induce lust in the Sacral Chakra, while peanuts are described in some cultures as resembling testicles. Vanilla is known as the Middle C of spices because it mid-range vibrations (not too strong-not too subtle). Truffles--which are rare and difficult to find have also been credited with raising the libido. What girl wouldn't be impressed by a guy that went digging through the mud for her? But perhaps one of the most romantic foods is raspberries. They come from the Rubus idaeus family or rose family. So next time you're thinking of a really romantic gift, why not ask for 12 ounces of raspberries instead of a dozen roses? Okay maybe not. But here is a delicious recipe for a flourless chocolate cake that's just about the best thing on earth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>La Bete Noire</b></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSd3HK-urL2ReAyZ4kAfRugFb3NuSSB0ggJO8N57aYLLqwRnGDZj6x7v_nYRJ7aLCiDEkmig81ILVvj44S9uZ0ShAh1lBEgocG_61iOJy5FnGGJwbXv7zFwJyD82IuvNvNGv1q6TAcE8z/s1600/20121019_172133.jpg" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food and photo by Erika Celeste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some women are major chocaholics--not me. But this is truly one of the best things I've ever tasted. It is so rich and decadent the French call it the Black Beast. Warning: Only take a small slice or you're guaranteed to fall into a chocolate coma. The recipe says it serves 16, but I'd say more like 20.<br />
<br />
I first came across this recipe in the September 2006 copy of <i>Bon Appetit</i>. I believe it was created by Jason Aronen from <i>Wilde Roast Cafe</i>, but I could be wrong. I've made a few modifications to the extras and how to serve, which I'll explain after the recipe. BTW, this will keep for several days--just make sure to cover it well.<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/La-Bete-Noire-235831#ixzz29UIqu7qL"><span style="color: #003399;"></span></a></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">Cake</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 cup water</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">3/4 cup sugar</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1
tablespoon) unsalted butter, diced</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">18 ounces bittersweet (not
unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">6 large eggs</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSd3HK-urL2ReAyZ4kAfRugFb3NuSSB0ggJO8N57aYLLqwRnGDZj6x7v_nYRJ7aLCiDEkmig81ILVvj44S9uZ0ShAh1lBEgocG_61iOJy5FnGGJwbXv7zFwJyD82IuvNvNGv1q6TAcE8z/s1600/20121019_172133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7iza8sLgnALpcQiNYW58l7k3N2NVXymoGd5DcHJLwTq5m0HaJ75Waui7oiNo6p4y-mHhBfH6h-jZ55wnX_X2p6_sdoVwKH9CYFVLo3jB5fjXUSGhp9my-A-WGneUqUNgqVNRUblp6tg0/s1600/20121019_172133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />
<b>Ganache</b> </span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 cup heavy whipping cream</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">8 ounces bittersweet (not
unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Lightly sweetened whipped cream </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>For Cake: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 10-inch-diameter springform pan. Line bottom of
pan with parchment round; butter parchment. Wrap 3 layers of heavy-duty foil
around outside of pan, bringing foil to top of rim. Combine 1 cup water and
sugar in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar
dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Melt butter in large saucepan over low
heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk sugar syrup into chocolate;
cool slightly. Add eggs to chocolate mixture and whisk until well blended. Pour
batter into prepared pan. Place cake pan in large roasting pan. Add enough hot
water to roasting pan to come halfway up sides of cake pan. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Bake cake until center no longer moves
when pan is gently shaken, about 50 minutes. Remove from water bath; transfer
to rack. Cool completely in pan. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">For
ganache:</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />
Bring whipping cream to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from
heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Pour over top of cake still in pan.
Gently shake pan to distribute ganache evenly over top of cake. Refrigerate
cake in pan until ganache is set, about 2 hours. DO AHEAD: <i>Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Run knife around pan sides to loosen
cake; release sides. Cut cake into wedges and serve with whipped cream.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Now here's where I differ. This is so sweet that you honestly don't need regular whipped cream with it, but you will need something to cut the sweetness. So I mix my own whipping cream (the kind that comes in a carton that you beat yourself), but don't add any sugar to it. In addition, I make a raspberry reduction to decorate the plate and drizzle over the cake before adding the cream. Then I garnish it with sugared mint leaves. The icy, crisp leaves, and cream cool the palate while the sweet chocolate warms the soul and the raspberries help put you in the mood!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Raspberry reduction: </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 bag frozen raspberries (usually 12-16 oz)</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">1 to 1 1/2 C sugar</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Pour the sugar over the berries and place on the stove over a medium heat. As the berries melt, mash them and the sugar together. Eventually you'll have a soupy berry-sugar mixture. You don't have to stir continually, but do keep an eye on it so that it doesn't burn--adjust heat as necessary. Keep cooking until it reduces by half. It will become thicker as it cools. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Pour the reduction through a fine mesh strainer to remove most of the seeds. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Erika Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16568644456488995053noreply@blogger.com0