Unity

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. ~ Laurie Colwin

Unity
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. 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. Even as adults a strong support system or united front helps us cope with loss, celebrate benchmarks, or just get through the day. 

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. 

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.

Foods of Interest
Among 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.

Recipe

Mike's Meatballs photo by Erika Celeste

Mike’s Meatballs

2 lbs ground pork

1 T minced garlic (about 4 cloves)

4 T finely diced onion

1 T Italian seasoning (preferably Graziano’s Brothers from Des Moines, Iowa)
1 T finely chopped sage
1 T finely chopped rose petals (make sure they're free of pesticides organic is best)

1 C fresh bread crumbs from day old Vienna bread

1 tube of Ritz crackers (to be more unifying try substituting rice crackers)

2 eggs lightly beaten

½ C marinara sauce

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.

Growth

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. ~ Kirstin Jackson

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.

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.

Foods of Interest

Corn husking at Plimoth Plantation. Photo by Erika Celeste.

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.

 

Artichoke Bamboo Dip photo by Erika Celeste

Artichoke Bamboo Dip

1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts (they’re usually about 6-8 oz)

½ C bamboo shoots (some Asian Markets carry this fresh, but most grocery stores will commonly carry 8 oz cans)

1 C mayonnaise

½ C sour cream

1 C Parmesan Reggiano

pinch of lemon balm or lemon verbena

1 T garlic powder

cooking spray

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, lemon balm/verbena in a bowl. Drain artichokes and bamboo shoots.  Separate artichoke heart layers. Chop bamboo shoots into small cubes. Toss vegetables with the mayonnaise mixture and stir well.

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. 

This is typically served with crackers or toasted bread rounds, however for an extra growth spurt why not try it with tortilla chips?

Luck

Now, don't use the words 'good luck' -- this is blessed food. This is a heavenly dish. This is the real deal. ~ Judy Jones

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!

 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!

Foods of Interest
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. Egyptian priests bit into a ripe fig at the end of important ceremonies to help bring luck to whatever they were sanctifying.

Recipe

Sukiyaki photo by Erika Celeste

Sukiyaki

Thinly sliced chicken ½ lb per person

Green onion

Fresh sliced mushrooms

Broccoli (florets)

Cabbage shredded

White onion

Tofu (cubed)

Glass noodles (bean threads)

3 T Vegetable oil

2/3 C Soy sauce

1/3 C Sugar

¼ water  

Directions:

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.

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.

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.

Wisdom

You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans. ~ Ronald Reagan

Foods of Interest
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.

Thai Basil photo by Erika Celeste

Basil 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. Cayenne Pepper 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. Hazelnuts 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. Ginko Biloba 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. Licorice has many medicinal qualities including elevating low blood pressure and helping smokers to kick the habit--healthy and wise alternatives to synthetic medications. Rosemary 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. Sage 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.

Herb Rubbed Roast

Herb Rubbed Roast photo by Erika Celeste

Approx 3 lb beef roast (shoulders, and sirloins do well)

4 cloves garlic

1 small onion (chopped)

2 T flour

1 cup beef broth

1 T basil

½ T marjoram

1 T rosemary

1 T sage

½ T thyme

1 T Sea salt

2 T Olive oil

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.

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.

Bake at 350 degrees for at least 1 hour. Let roast rest for 15 minutes before eating.

Clarity

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. ~ Ernest Hemingway (A Moveable Feast)

Clarity
Dictionary.com defines clarity as clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding. 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. 

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! 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.  

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!

Foods of Interest
Avocado 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 banana 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. Blackberries 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. Sunflowers 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. Peanut butter 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 red wine, 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), Shark Week, 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!

Recipes

Shitake Sesame is the best. Photo by Erika Celeste.

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!

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.

Dressing:

½ C Olive oil

½ C Red wine

1 t Basil

1 t Rosemary

1 t Thyme

½ t Powdered garlic

Directions:

Mix olive oil and wine. Add herbs and garlic. Shake well. Immediately drizzle over salad.

Salad:

Baby spinach

Avocado

Strawberries

Sunflower seeds

Directions:

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.

Peanut Butter Stuffed French Toast

Stuffed French Toast. Photo by Erika Celeste.

Ingredients:

Peanut butter

Banana

Berries

1 T sugar

2 Eggs

1 t Vanilla

¼ C Milk

Bread

butter

Directions:

Spread thick layer of peanut butter on bread slices. Close the sandwich with a top layer of bread.

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.

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.

Society is seduced by beauty but food must have a soul, too. ~ Carme Ruscalleda

Beauty

Beautiful by Christina Aguilera, Beautiful Dirty Rich by Lady Gaga, Everything is Beautiful by Ray Stevens, Beauty and the Beast by Celine Dion, What’s Beautiful 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.

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.

Foods of Interest

Avocados 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 beer in ancient times. Even the Puritans drank beer. In those days it was dangerous to drink plain water.  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. Beets 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. Catnip, 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. Honey 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. Milk is not only the essence of feminine energy but also of nutrition for offspring everywhere. Have you ever seen a baby that wasn’t beautiful? Roses 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.*

Turkish Delight

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 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

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.

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.

Ingredients:

3 C granulated sugar

2 ½ C water

3 T light corn syrup

1 C cornstarch

1 t cream of tartar

1 t vanilla

2 t lemon juice

3 T rose water

red food coloring or you might try a couple drops beet juice for added beauty

1½ confectioner’s sugar

cooking spray

Directions:

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.

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.

Reduce heat and let simmer for an hour. Stir it every few minutes to avoid crystallization.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hot Turkish Delight

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.

2 cups milk

2 oz Turkish Delight plus extra for garnish cut into small cubes

½ cup cream

½ t honey

2 tsp rosewater

pinch cinnamon  

finely chopped pistachios

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk and turkish delight, bring to a boil, stir smooth and remove from heat.

In another bowl beat cream, rosewater, honey and cinnamon until stiff

Divide milk mixture between 2 drink glasses or cups.

Top with the whipped cream and garnish with small cubes of Turkish Delight and chopped pistachios.

*Maria, Cara Santa. "Beauty Studies Show Ratios Explain Human Attractiveness (VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 29 Jan. 2012. Web. 07 Nov. 2012. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/29/science-of-beauty_n_1239858.html>.

Energy

Wait. Why am I thinking of Krispy Kremes? We’re supposed to be exercising. ~ Meg Cabot, Big Boned

Energy

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.

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!

Whether you’re using your energy to power your home or just your body the following foods will be of great help.

Foods of Interest

Amaranth 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. Red peppers 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. Caraway seeds 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.  Some magical circles believe that cinnamon 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. Garlic 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. Ginger 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. Nutmeg 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!

Recipe

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.

Curry

3 lbs pork roast cubed

1 can coconut milk (12 oz)

¼ C chicken broth

1 C fresh cilantro (chopped)

1 green onion

1 T fresh ginger, grated

5 garlic minced

1 stalk lemon grass, finely chopped

1 shallot, minced

olive oil

1 ½ curry

1 t mace

½ t turmeric

2 t paprika

¼ t cinnamon

¼ t nutmeg

¼ t black pepper

½ t cayenne

½ t cumin

Directions:

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.

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.

*"Harvesting Energy From Humans." Popular Science. N.p., 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-01/harvesting-energy-humans?page=2>.

Concentration

Hunger in adults produces nervousness, irritability, and difficulty in concentration. From a 2005 survey by Food Life Line

Concentration
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.

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.*

• Get a dedicated space, chair, table, lighting and environment
  Avoid your cellphone or telephone
  Put up a sign to avoid being disturbed or interrupted
• Stick to a routine, efficient study schedule
  
• 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
• Create an incentive if necessary for successfully completing a task,
  such as calling a friend, a food treat, a walk, etc.
  
• Changing the subject you study every one to two hours for variety
• 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.
• Take regular, scheduled breaks

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!


Foods of Interest

Cappuccino in Hong Kong. Photo by Erika Celeste.

Mayans and Aztecs thought chocolate 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. Coffee 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. Fish 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. Another food that helps slow the aging process and thus helps keep the brain mentally up to par is ginkgo biloba. 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. Ginseng works quiet similarly to ginkgo biloba. It is also associated with the first chakra stamnia and energy. Nuts are high in vitamin E which is also an antioxidant. Eating a handful a day can greatly improve concentration without fat or sugar.

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.

Chocolate-Coffee Cupcakes

Wedding cupcakes. Photo by Brian Glick.

Cupcakes:
1 C butter
½  C soda water
2/3 C cocoa powder

2 C all-purpose flour
1 C light brown sugar

1 C white sugar

2 T instant coffee crystals
½ t salt

½ t grated ginseng

½ t ginkgo biloba
1 ¼ t baking soda
3 eggs
½ cup sour cream

½ applesauce

Directions:

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.

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.)

Pour the cooled liquid mixture into the dry mixture. Mix together. Add the eggs, applesauce, and sour cream. Cream everything together until smooth.

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.

Frosting:
1 C butter
4 C confectioners sugar

1 T meringue powder

2 T cocoa
4 ½ T coffee (brewed or instant)

milk
chopped almonds

Directions:

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.

* "Study Guides and Strategies." Concentrating While Studying. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.studygs.net/concent.htm>.

Longevity

The foods that promote longevity, virtue, strength, health, happiness, and joy; are juicy, smooth, substantial, and agreeable to the stomach. ~Bhagavad Gita

 

Longevity

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) 

 

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:

 

"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..."

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!"

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.

 

When we eat foods that please us our bodies release the endorphin, 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 Applied Psychology 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!

Foods of Interest:

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.

Blueberry bush in Maine. Photo by Erika Celeste.

Blueberries 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 http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/readarticle.php?AID=15039

Carrots are said to carry masculine energy the Chinese say they are good luck due to the slightly red color.

Fennel was sacred to the Greek God Dionysus. The Greeks believed those who ate it were purified and healed.

Kale is another super food rich in antioxidants.

Lemons didn't become widely used until the Middle Ages. But when they became popular it was thought that they increased longevity.

Maple syrup is alchemically associated with long life because the syrup is said to carry the spirit and strength of the trees from which it comes.

Mushrooms 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.

Pineapples 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.

Rosemary 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. 

Longevity spinach is actually an herb 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 baby spinach leaves, and is said to have many healing properties from lowering blood pressure to helping treat cancer.

Sweet potatoes are a healthy fiber that help with digestion. As one of the staples of the Okinawan diet they have been classified by the University of The Air Okinawa Study Center as a longevity food.

Recipe

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.

Fennel au Gratin. Photo by Erika Celeste.

Fennel Au Gratin

2 large fennel bulbs

1 carrot (regular)

1 medium sweet onion

1 cup sour cream

2/3 cup half and half

1T granulated chicken broth

½ rosemary

4 T butter (pulgra)

2 T flour or corn starch

¼ Swiss (grated)

¼ parmesan reggiano (grated)

salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

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.

 

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.

 

Lightly spray a 2 quart square/rectangle baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish. Add french fried onions on top. Cover.  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.

 

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.

 

 

 

1-Joelving, Frederik. "Multivitamins Don't Help US Women Live Longer." Http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/idUSL3E7LB07P20111011. Reuters Health, 10 Oct. 2011. Web.

2- Yates, Dinana. "News Bureau | University of Illinois." Study: Happiness Improves Health and Lengthens Life. N.p., 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. <http://news.illinois.edu/news/11/0301happy_EdDiener.html>.