Brie and Fig Crostini

Brie and Fig Crostini

ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces of brie.
• 4 ounces of fig preserves
• candied walnuts (optional)

instructions:

1. Slice the French bread into 1/3” – 1/2 “ slices lay on a baking sheet and sprinkle olive oil. 
2. Place into a preheated oven at 400 degrees – bake 6-10 minutes
3. Spread the brie on the crostini 
4. Spoon on the fig preserves 
5. Top with the candied pecans.

Cinnamon A Powerful Spice

Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years not just for its aroma, but for its powerful medicinal properties as well. The most important properties of cinnamon are those of its antioxidants. They fight free radicals, which might cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, dementia, and even age-related macular degeneration. It's a powerful spice. 

Today, cinnamon is inexpensive, available in supermarkets and found as an ingredient in various foods and recipes. Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed. When it is dried, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols.

Cinnamon has anti-inflamatory properties.

Cinnamon may improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment.

There are two main types of cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as "true" cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon: The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as "cinnamon."  

Make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses if you're using the Cassia variety.

How To Take Cinnamon

As Cinnamon Powder

You can use the powder in cooking. Just add a pinch of it while preparing your favorite dish. You can even add the spice to your morning oatmeal.

As Supplements 

You can use cinnamon supplements as well. Just ensure you check with your health care provider or nutritionist about the right brand and safety.

As A Liquid Concoction

Add a pinch of cinnamon to plain hot water and drink it up. You can even add a few drops of lemon. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to your morning tea or coffee also helps.

No matter how good cinnamon is, not everything about it is desirable. It does have its share of side effects.

Black Magic Cake

Black Magic Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups sugar
• 1 3/4 Cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 Cups Dark Cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 Cup buttermilk
• 1 Cup strong black coffee
• 1/2 Cup Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven 350
2. Grease and flour 2 9' round cake pans
3. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
4. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla.
5. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes (batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Frost with Mocha Frosting!!

Crumb Coffee Cake

Coffee Crumb Cake

prep time: cook time: total time:

ingredients:

• Crumb topping:
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• The cake:
• Ingredients
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus
• more for pan
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

instructions:

How to cook Coffee Crumb Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Make the crumb topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork. Set aside. 
3. The cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Top with the crumb topping.
4. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

Created using The Recipes Generator

Turmeric Benefits - The Super Spice

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to southern Asia, requiring temperatures between 20 and 30 °C and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive.

Turmeric is one of nature’s most well-known “healing” spices. The distinctive sunny color, has a centuries-old history of medicinal use, in addition to its widespread culinary use in everything from curries to condiments.

Here are just a few benefits.

Reduces Cholesterol

Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. 

Boost Immunity

Turmeric helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.

Heals Wounds

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Helps Diabetes 

Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.

Cooking 

If you love mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes, simply add finely grated turmeric. For the ground dried turmeric: add to your steak, Thanksgiving turkey or chicken rub, add a pinch to salad dressings, or mix into your marinara or hot sauce. Add dressing or sauce will easily accommodate a pinch without changing the flavor much.

Be careful when using turmeric since its deep color can easily stain. To avoid a lasting stain, quickly wash any area with which it has made contact with soap and water. To prevent staining your hands, you might consider wearing kitchen gloves while handling turmeric.

Chicken Pot Pie - Double Crust

Chicken Pot Pie

ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts (9 inches) unbaked
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups chicken breast cooked and cut
• into 1/2" cubes
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 cup green peas, frozen
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons water

instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and add the pie crust to your pie pan. 
2. In a large skillet add the butter, celery, and onions and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent before adding in the flour and whisking well for 1 minute. 
3. Season with salt, pepper and celery seed before adding in the milk and broth slowly while mixing very well keeping the mixture smooth, simmering until thickened (about 6-8 minutes). 
4. Add the chicken, carrots, corn, and peas to the saucepan and mix well with the milk mixture before pouring into the pie dish and topping with the second pie crust, sealing the edges. 
5. Cut some small slits in the top of the pie crust, brush with egg wash (mix the egg and 2 tablespoons of water together to make this) and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Cranberry Ginger Snap Pie

Cranberry Ginger Snap Pie

ingredients:

• crust
• 5 ounces gingersnaps
• 1 cup walnuts
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
• filling
• 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, DIVIDED
• 3 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, at
• room temp and cut in pieces
• garnish
• sugared cranberries
• fresh thyme sprigs or mint leaves

instructions:

1. 1 Set oven to 350F 
2. 2 Put the gingersnaps in a food processor and process until they are fine crumbs. (this should be a heaping cup) Add the walnuts, and sugar and process again until everything is finely ground. Add the butter and process briefly to combine. 
3. 3 Pat the crust into a 9-inch pie plate, and up the sides. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool. 
4. 4 Put the cranberries, 1 cup of the sugar, and 1/4 cup water to a simmer in a saucepan. Lower the heat and simmer the cranberries, uncovered, for about 15 minutes until they've popped and the mixture is quite thick. Let cool slightly and then puree until completely smooth. 
5. 5 Whisk the puree, the eggs, yolks, salt, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup sugar together in a saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, this will take about 10 minutes or so. Stay by the pan the whole time and stir! 
6. 6 Push the curd through a mesh strainer, using the back of a spoon to get it all through. 
7. 7 Let the curd cool for a few minutes and then drop the room temperature butter in, bit by bit, while you stir to melt it. 
8. 8 Pour the curd into the pie crust and smooth out evenly. Chill the pie until it is firm, about 2 hours or so.

How I Clean Everything

If you suffer from migraines or are allergic to just about everything including food as I am you know that all those chemicals will just about put you into a coma. And that I'm just one wrong move away from being covered in hives -  it's all connected. Too many smells at the same time is just setting myself up for a migraine.

So... I keep cleaning simple. Starting with the bathroom - the magic eraser. I have the worst water in my city. Everything turns red and I have bad calcium buildup. You know that white stuff. I use the eraser dry for the all the fixtures. I use the magic eraser in the shower while I'm taking a shower. I use it from top to bottom. I have clear glass shower doors and every drop of water shows so in between cleanings every person using the shower must use the squeegee. It makes a difference. Takes seconds to use.
From floor to ceiling walls and all - it's the magic eraser. There's a magic mop - too.

Yes, in the toilet bowl as well - suck it up clean often and use gloves - thick gloves. There are zero chemical smells when I'm done. 

Okay - so there's one place I will use a chemical and that's on the mirrors. I use a spray foam window cleaner - yup aerosol spray. Invisible Glass Automotive Glass Cleaner.  It's the only smell I can tolerate. I clean the mirrors last and leave the fan on or open the window and shut the door.

Cleaning the red water stains off the grout is still an issue for me. I try to keep up with the magic eraser but sometimes it needs more power. For that my husband will use CLR when I'm not around.

He transfers into a spray bottle. That also gets rid of the calcium buildup you see on your faucets. And keeps away that ugly mold.

So I have learned through trial and error that you can use the magic eraser throughout the house. Including the oven and even frying pans. Takes move elbow grease but for me, it's worth it.

There are certain scents I can handle and as time goes by I've been able to de-sensitize. Then there are times people walk by me and reek of some cologne and I'll get an instant headache.

I make my own (directions here) > Air Refresher because I can handle that scent. I don't know what I'd do without Downy April Fresh.

The whole point of this is I read an article something like 30 ways to clean your house and I thought wow - that's 29 more chemicals that I can't handle.

Think of all the money saved.

Next up candles. Boy do I love candles - but some brands I get an instant headache and some give you a nasty surprise - black soot all over your house. I've been researching...

Update
AND... One more the eraser works great on your glass oven door!!!

Mother's Day Gift Basket Ideas

Sweet treats, savory snacks from Harry and David.com. 

New England Breakfast form GourmetGift Basket.com

How about a  DIY gift basket.

A traditional fruit basket - any fruit in season and you can find a basket at the dollar store.

Her favorite soaps, lotions, and spa products.


Mom did so much for you that it’s about time she got something that was just for her. 

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover (Updated)

This is the original shellac cabinets with copper hardware.
About 10 years ago we sanded down to the wood, painted white and added brass hardware. But they looked like a home DIY project.

We decided they needed something more.  So we added molding to give some character to the doors and drawers. We used the same brass hardware - but we painted every hinge and door handle black.

I wish I had all those pictures to add to this story but a few years ago I lost everything on my computer. This is pretty much all I have on that remodel.

So... fast forward to this week.

After 10 years the cabinets needed freshening up. I'm not one to go out and buy new. I love the challenge of making old look pretty again.

Once again we took off all the hardware, took the doors off and sanded. If you're not going to take the time to sand - then don't bother painting. We washed the inside with Dawn dishwashing liquid.

We debated on the hardware

As you can see from the picture the black is wearing off and you can see the original brass. The question was do we want to (again) sand and paint or do we buy new. One important thing to keep in mind is to keep the same hole diameter on the handles otherwise you will have to fill each hole and drill new holes. Make sure to measure from the center out (CC).
We decided this time around to buy new - but they were expensive.

These are $5.99 each not including the hinges. The hinges were $2.99.

The total would have been over $178.00 if we had purchased from a local box store.  I spent a few hours on the internet looking for a better deal.  I found ours on eBay - for $68.99 with free shipping - they sell single and in packs of 25.

  For the paint, we used Benjamin Moore white semi-gloss.

They also sell cabinet paint.
A small foam roller and a paintbrush. I highly recommend using Benjamin Moore - it's a thick paint so no drips and it lasts.

 The next project is the backsplash - I hate that fruit but want to keep the white tiles

We have new tiles.

This will go behind the oven/stove.

Here's the update! Now all I need is a new stove. I'm looking for a good deal.

This will cover the individual fruit tiles.

One more improvement we made -  that I love. We ordered 2 more door handles that are 12" long and placed them in front of the sink for towels.

This spruce up was pretty inexpensive. The paint was $35.00 the new hardware was $68.99. The tiles ran about (I forget exactly) 19.99 for a 4 pack. I guestimate another $75.00 - still Not bad!! Every penny I saved goes toward the new stove!

Another update.

New stove and vent hood

On a side note: While I was researching how to just take off the gloss and not sand for another project. I read several articles about "liquid sanding." There are several deglossing products out there.  Chemicals are not a go for me so I began looking for more natural ways. Some stated vinegar and water (which worked for a small table) but I would not use on kitchen cabinets. Simple green was also a top idea. But then I started to read about TSP - which I thought you could use for cleaning the grease off and you can - ONLY if you are going to repaint immediately. Well, that was a big whoopsy for me - I used TSP several times just to clean. Which now answers the question as to why we had a gunk like mess of paint around areas we touch often - like the handles. And now know why the original paint job didn't last.

Italian Anchovy Salad

Italian Anchovy Salad

prep time: cook time: total time:

ingredients:

• 6 tins Pastene Anchovy (flat)
• 6 bell peppers - yellow, red, orange and
• green
• 3 12 oz jars Pastene artichoke hearts
• 2 jars of Italian olives
• 2 jars of Spanish olives
• 2 jars black olives
• 3 jars mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic sliced thin
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 cup Red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar

instructions:

1. Remove seeds and core from bell peppers, slice thin vertically and boil in water al dente' drain and let cool
2. Drain all jars in a calendar add to a large bowl 
3. Drain anchovies add to mix 4 Add peppers and garlic 
4. Add oil, vinegar, and sugar 
5. Mix carefully 
6. Let marinate in the refrigerator overnight stir occasionally 
7.  Serve cold

Ideas for Air Filtering Indoor Low Maintenance Plants

Spider Plant

I want to liven up my home with plants and not spend a lot of time maintaining them. Not only do real live plants help clean the air inside your home, but there is also something so cheerful about a house plant!

My porch plants

This Spider is my favorite plant. Spider plants look great hanging, especially when they flower and eventually sprout “babies.” The offshoots can be removed and placed in soil or water and will grow into a plant of its own. The elongated leaves of the spider plant can be either solid green or variegated green and white, and they do indeed resemble a spider. Exposure to indirect light and moist soil are the only care requirements.

My 3-year-old pothos 

Pothos is arguably the easiest of all houseplants to grow, even if you are a person who forgets to water your plants. This trailing vine has pointed, heart-shaped green leaves, sometimes variegated with white, yellow, or pale green. While pothos likes bright, indirect light it can thrive in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight or have only fluorescent lighting. One advantage of growing pothos is that they are high on the list of plants that can help purify indoor air of chemicals such as formaldehyde, trichloroethene, toluene, xylene, and benzene.

Peace Lilly - indirect light

Like many popular indoor plants, peace lilies enjoy medium to low light. Which kind of light you need to provide will depend more on what you want your peace lily plant to look like. Peace lilies that are placed in more light tend to produce the lovely white spathes and flowers more, while peace lilies in low light will bloom less and will look more like a traditional foliage plant.

Pothos, Lilly, Chinese Evergreen Indirect Light

Apple Pear Crisp

Apple Pear Crisp

ingredients:

• 2 pounds apples (6 apples) I use a mix Granny Smith and Jazz
• 2 pounds ripe pears (4 pears)
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

• Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup quick cook old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
2. Peel, core, and slice thin. I prefer slices but you can chunk this as well.
3. Place the apples and pears in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour into a 9" by 12" baking dish.
5. Make the topping:
6. Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl.
7. Mix on low speed for until the mixture is in large crumbles.
8. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.
9. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly.
10. Add additional time if you chunk the fruit.
11. Service with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream