Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Marigold/ Calendula Tea

In thinking of something to make with may lovely marigold/ calendula flowers, I thought tea. Okay, I  almost always think of tea or chocolate  or the like. But they are good.

I wanted something light and sweet, yet a still stronger then a  normal herbal tea.

Sunny Assam tea blend was born.

This tea is great a on a cold all day. It has a mild flavor and  light sweet taste.  As with most of my teas this is a a simple 1:1 ratio.

1 part Assam tea
1 part Marigold
1 part chamomile

So there it is, very simple and quick to make.

Now Marigold tea has some wonderful proprieties, many of the remedies require you to make an infusion. This is just an herbal tea that has been steeped for about 10 minutes are so, this in normally not for drinking. Normally. It can be used that way, as it impart more of the befits of the herb.

I am adding a link as it has the information I was going to give you. Just scroll to the bottom, or read the how thing. ^_^


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Marigold Sugar Cookies

So I wanted to try baking with flowers. This is something new for me. Well, I do not count making fudge with them, but that is more tried and true. So I am adding them in to a sugar cookie mix. Add it gave a nice honey flavor to the cookies. The cookies turn out slightly nutty and butter and sweet with a nice tang.

Ingredients 

Original recipe makes 4 dozen





1 teaspoon vanilla extract























Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. At this time add in a handful of the marigold petals.  Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Monday, October 27, 2014

Herb of the week: Calendula/Marigold



Marigold also known as Calendula has many useful benefits. It has been used medically for centuries.  The flower is the part that is most often used in medical supplements.  It has been used to treat: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites. Calendula today, is being investigated for it's anti-cancer properties. In conjunction with other herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Scorzonera humilis L., and Aconitum moldavicum, there has been evidence of success in treating certain cancers (Heren's carcinoma) according to the Fedkovich Chernivtsi State University in the Ukraine.


Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It can also be used for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).


This is not to be confused with ornamental marigolds of the Tagets genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens. Marigolds of the Tagets genus should not be ingested, but are wonderful for keeping deer away from your  vegetables.


If you have an allergy or sensitivity  Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking calendula.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Slight break. I will be back next week.



So I am taking a break this week. Between work school and life I did not have enough time to make something worth sharing with everyone. It was also my 3rd wedding anniversary this week. So we have been spending tie with family. So stop in next week and learn about Calendula ( Marigold).

Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Friday, October 17, 2014

Coffee Truffles

So after last weeks truffles. I figured I should make those again. Beside you can not have too much chocolate. And to not consume it all myself, I gave it to my co-workers ^-^


Chocolate Coffee Truffles

Makes 24 truffles

¾ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. butter
4 tsp. espresso powder
10 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely
cocoa powder for coating

1. Heat cream, butter and espresso powder in a heavy saucepan stirring often. Turn off the heat just before it begins to boil and stir with a whisk.
2. Pour heated mixture over chopped chocolate and let sit for a minute. Then whisk together until the chocolate and cream are combined, melted and smooth.
3. Pour the chocolate ganache in a small baking pan. Cool to room temperature and then place in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. Use a small scoop to form round balls of ganache and place on a wax paper covered baking sheet. Reshape by hand if needed and return to refrigerator to chill for several minutes.
4. Roll balls in cocoa powder to coat.
5. Keep refrigerated until serving.


http://greatideas.people.com/2014/09/05/bakerella-chocolate-coffee-truffles-recipe/

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

So i wanted to do a chocolate coffee cake, but husband wanted something a bit more classic. Something renaissance of his childhood. So I made that instead. I will get the chocolate one done at some point and post it here.

So this is where we grabbed the recipe from.









Ingredients
topping
1   cup packed light brown sugar
1   cup  all-purpose flour
2   teaspoons  cinnamon
1/4  teaspoon  salt
1    stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut up
cake
2 1/4  cups all-purpose flour
1   teaspoon baking powder
1/2  teaspoon baking soda
1/4  teaspoon salt
1/2  cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1   cup sugar
2  eggs
1   teaspoon vanilla extract
1   cup  buttermilk (or 2 tbsp white vinegar and 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp milk)

Directions

 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil; coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare Topping: In a bowl, blend brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Work butter into flour mixture with your fingertips until crumbly. Refrigerate while preparing cake batter.



2. Cake: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla.3. On low speed, beat in half the flour mixture, the buttermilk and then remaining flour mixture. Spread half the batter into prepared pan. Top with 1 cup of the topping, finely crumbling to cover batter. Top with remaining batter, spreading to cover topping. Crumble remaining 2 cups topping over batter.




4. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Coffee Scrub


This stuff tastes wonderful and smells great. I often comment that now I look and smell like coffee ^_^. It is great or rough patches, like elbows and knees and heels while still being genital.It is similar to Pacific's Kona body scrub and would make a wonderful replacement for that. Now you can use left over coffee grounds, to make this and that is fine. I have not done that, but I going to give it try as I want to make a coffee rinse for my hair. 


Ingredients:
1/2 cup ground coffee
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar. I also use plain white sugar. 
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
This is so easy to make  just mix everything together until well combined. If the coconut oil is  solid, heat gently , until it melts .  I normal just stir it until it breaks up and is a  bit melty. Then I mix and scoop in to an old jam jar or an cold cream jar. I use the cold cream jar while I am in the shower. The jam jar is sometime before then a quick risen or just for my hands.
Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Monday, October 13, 2014

Herb of the Week: Coffee

This is a herb that many people have everyday. It has many benefits. It is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. People how drink coffee have a much lower risk of several serious diseases. 

coffee-ending

It has been proven to  Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter. This is because of the sentimental that it contains called caffeine. When caffeine is absorbed in to the bloodstream it travels to the brain. There it breach the blood brain barrier and the caffeine block the  Adenosine receptors. 
Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat. Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11% The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance because it  stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat.It also increases Epinephrine (Adrenaline) levels in the blood.


A single cup of coffee contains :
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
  • Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
  • Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.


Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes afflicting about 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin. Most  coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There are many beauty benefit to coffee. One is a the break down of cellulite and tighten of skin. We will be making a coffee scrub this week that will help with that. 

Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Book Review: Glamour in Glass


Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2)

Glamour in Glass

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal

Publisher:  Tor Books
Publish Date: April 10, 2012
Series: Glamourist Histories #2
Book Rating 4/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / Barnes and Noble

Publisher's Description 
Mary Robinette Kowal stunned readers with her charming first novel Shades of Milk and Honey, a loving tribute to the works of Jane Austen in a world where magic is an everyday occurrence. This magic comes in the form of glamour, which allows talented users to form practically any illusion they can imagine. Shades debuted to great acclaim and left readers eagerly awaiting its sequel. Glamour in Glass continues following the lives of beloved main characters Jane and Vincent, with a much deeper vein of drama and intrigue.In the tumultuous months after Napoleon abdicates his throne, Jane and Vincent go to Belgium for their honeymoon. While there, the deposed emperor escapes his exile in Elba, throwing the continent into turmoil. With no easy way back to England, Jane and Vincent’s concerns turn from enjoying their honeymoon...to escaping it. Left with no outward salvation, Jane must persevere over her trying personal circumstances and use her glamour to rescue her husband from prison...and hopefully prevent her newly built marriage from getting stranded on the shoals of another country's war.


Book received:  Rented 

Why I Picked it up: I loved the cover. The idea of glamour a slight change of appearance and you are someone else was interesting.  These novel is set after the of Napoleon  and it is safe to travel to the Continent. This is were Jane our heroin and Vincet our hero plan to honeymoon. They end up in Binche, Belgium and quite little place that seems out of the way of intrigue and mischief  but this is not so. 

We learn the going on at the same time our heroin dose, though the hints and clue laced about are wonder add to the richness of the world.  In Belgium, Jane attempts to trap illusions in glass, thus making it able to be mass produced. Her  husband's Sphere Obscurie is sought after by many people and has many uses. 

Why I finished it: This was the book I was drawn to and the reason i read Shades of Milk and Honey. I am glad I read both of them and hope to read the third soon. 



Who I would give it to: Someone want a book written in the style of Jan Austin but with a touch of magic. I would also suggest 
Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate PotThe Grand Tour  and The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After, these are written by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Chamomile Truffles


This is just wonderful. Smooth a rich. Easy and calming. Something that can be given away and quickly made. Yeah...I might be in lust. 



Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups dark chocolate
2/3 cup heavy cream (substitute  whole




milk and butter or evaporated milk. 1 cup heavy cream is = to 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter)
 1 TBSP + 1 tsp chamomile flowers, ground or 4 chamomile tea bags. 
Unsweetened coca powder 

In the top part of a double boiler or in a lager bowl add the heavy cream, and 1 TBSP of ground chamomile or 3 tea bags worth of chamomile.


 Bring to a simmer and then add chocolate. Let them combine and melt. then whisk, until smooth. Pour into a parchment lined dish and chill  until set. This might take a few hours. 

Place a bit of cocoa powder in a bowl and whisk with  1 tsp or 1 tea bags with of chamomile.
Using a melon baller or spoon scrape up a tablespoons worth of ganache and roll into a ball. then roll in powder. Keep chilled.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Chamomile hot toddy

This is wonderful warm drink great for fall and cold night. It is wonderful just before bed. To help the body unwind and relax. I found this recipe here


Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz chamomile honey syrup
  • 4 oz hot water
  • lemon wedge and chamomile flowers for garnish

Chamomile Honey Syrup:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/8 cup hot water
  • 1 tablespoon dried chamomile

How to make the chamomile honey syrup. 
Combine hot water with honey and stir until evenly mixed. Add chamomile, stirring to combine. Let cool, approximately 30 minutes, then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove chamomile.


To make the cocktail:
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and chamomile honey syrup to a heat-resistent glass or mug.Top with the hot water and stir so that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. For an added chamomile kick, substitute the hot water with hot chamomile tea.Garnish with a half-wheel of lemon and a few chamomile flowers.

This drink can be easily customized. For a sweeter drink add a bit more honey syrup. More tart, add some more lemon. A bit stronger, add a bit more bourbon. Here is to a warm night. 
Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Green and velvet: Dark Mori

So I do not like taking picture of myself, but the outfit sometime look better on a person then lying on the floor. So I decided to give it try. This is another Mori outfit. It seems like I will be going dark Mori for a while as it it is fall and will soon be winter. I have also been feeling a bit blah ....and there is a lovely new strain of the flu going around. Not shown are a pair of boots that added to this outfit. They are brown cowboy boots. The second layer dose not show up that well in this photo.


There it is without the cream lace sweater. It is a lovely olive green jumper. 



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Dress: Forever 21 (here, here and here)  Olive sweater: JCPennys Lace tights: Target  Lace sweater: Deb

Chamomile and Oat Facial Cleaner

This is a quick and easy facial cleaner. It is not a make up remover, but it will help genitally clean the face. I found this lovely replace to my normal cleaner, which had run  out here.


Ingredients

1/4 cup dry rolled oats (uncooked)
 1 tsp of organic chamomile flowers, ground 1 teabag of organic chamomile tea OR 4 drops of chamomile essential oil
1 Tbs. bentonite clay )
Glass jar, for storing the facial cleanser (I used an empty E.F.L cleanser jar)


Instructions


  • Use a grinder, I used food processor,( but a coffee grinder, spice grinder or Magic Bullet)  to grind the rolled oats into a fine powder. It should be soft and powdery, not gritty. (1/4 oat flour could be used in place of this.)




  • In the food processor add 1tsp of the oat powder with 1 tsp of chamomile flowers. Then grind until the chamomile is a fine powder, then transfer to the bowl. If  you are using  the essential oil, skip this step and add the oil directly into the bowl with the oat powder.
  • Stir together the oat powder, chamomile powder and bentonite clay. Store in a jar.



 To use
 Wet face with warm water. Then use about 1/2 teaspoon of the facial cleanser,  and mix with a few drops of warm water. Massage the mix gently over your face before rinsing it off. Avoid the eye area.




Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Monday, October 6, 2014

Herb of the Week :Chamomile

Photo from deliciously organic 

The herb Chamomile is the flower herb of the month of October. It is a  lovely and sunny herb with a wonderful taste and smell. This herb has a long medical past and is also used in beauty. I had a hard time choosing which herb to do this week but the versatility of this herb is more that i can cover in a week. On to the information . We are going to be working with German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) , which Roman or English Chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile) can also be used in these recipes as it is very similar to its cosine.  German chamomile is the most used and studied. I has also be approved by the Commission E ( a heath organization) to be used on the skin to reduce swelling and to fight bacteria. It has also been used as a tea or supplement sot stomach cramps. 

In recent on going studies, chamomiles  has been identified as: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic and sedative properties, validating its long-held reputation. These studies have in conducted over the last 20 years and have provide the traditional uses of the plan. 



Chamomile has bee used to treat 
In theses conditions chamomile is used in an infusion, or bath, or even as a tincture. 

Roman chamomile is great for intestinal tract issues, sleeping problems or menstrual pain. 

Chamomile may:
  • As a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes.
  • As a salve, be used for hemorrhoids and wounds.
  • As a vapor, be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma.
  • Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
  • Relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
  • Aid in digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
  • Relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
  • Speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
  • Treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
  • Reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.
  • Be used as a wash or compress for skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue.
  • Promote general relaxation and relieve stress. Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop taking prescription medications, however, without consulting your doctor.
  • Control insomnia. Chamomile's mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
  • Treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems and various gastrointestinal complaints. Chamomile's reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.
  • Soothe skin rashes (including eczema), minor burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or added in oil form to a cool bath, chamomile may ease the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation. It may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
  • Treat eye inflammation and infection. Cooled chamomile tea can be used in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes and it may even help treat conjunctivitis.
  • Heal mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A chamomile mouthwash may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
  • Reduce menstrual cramps. Chamomile's believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramping.
The Essential Oil is extracted from the  flowers of the plant. The oil is best used for relaxation. It has a calming effect on most people and can help induce sleep, ease frayed nerves, and promoted s sense of clam. It can also be applied to the skin  to help clean wounds, and to protect them form infections.  Ti can also be used to relax muscles, like back aches, cramps. and sore and tight joints. This oil can be blended with creams a to provide relief form rashes and irritated skin. 



Please consulate with your doctor in all case about your health.
Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-chamomile-oil-for-skin-health-and-hair/

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Chocolate coffee Cake

This is a great cake recipe. It is quick and easy. I found it at Averie cooks. her pictures are just lovely. But now on to the good stuff. She totes that this takes just one bowl, no creaming and no mixer. Okay, Challeng Accepted.



So it was not that hard to make and it turned out lovely. Below is the recpice
YIELD: one 9-by-9-inch square cake, 12 generous pieces
 
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: about 25 minutes
 
TOTAL TIME: 90 minutes, to allow for cooling

INGREDIENTS:

Chocolate Cake
1 large egg
1 cup granulated sugar
6 ounces plain, vanilla, or chocolate yogurt 
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup brewed coffee, room temperature or warm
1/2 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
Chocolate Ganache
9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (about 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips)
3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or optionally use 1 to 2 tablespoons rum, bourbon, coffee-, orange-, raspberry-, chocolate-flavored liqueur)

DIRECTIONS:

Cake - Preheat oven to 350° F.  Line a 9-by-9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking or grease and flour a 10-inch round cake pan; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine egg, sugar, yogurt, oil, vanilla, and whisk until smooth and combined. Add coffee, cocoa powder, and whisk vigorously until batter is smooth and free from lumps.
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and whisk vigorously until batter has just combined, about 1 minute. Note about coffee: The coffee does not make the cake taste like a coffee-flavored cake. Rather, it brings out and enhances the flavor of the cocoa powder and adds depth of flavor; I highly recommend coffee but use water if you must. The coffee can be any temperature other than piping hot; you don’t want to scramble the egg.
Pour batter, which is a loose and fairly runny batter, into prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until top has set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pan completely, at least 30 minutes, before adding ganache or frosting the cake, or before slicing and serving. Unfrosted cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or store frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Chocolate Ganache - Place chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 1 minute to soften chocolate; set aside.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, heat the cream (I used half-and-half) on high power just until it begins to bubble and show signs of boiling, about 60 to 75 seconds.
Pour hot cream over chocolate and let it stand about 1 minute. Whisk vigorously until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth and velvety.
Add vanilla or optional flavorings and stir to combine. Set bowl aside for about 10 minutes, allowing ganache to cool and thicken a bit. Whisk mixture briefly before pouring all of it over the cake. Lightly smooth and spread the ganache with a spatula or offset knife. Allow ganache to set up for at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving the cake; or speed this process up by placing pan in the refrigerator or freezer briefly.

Chamomile Ingrown hair remover

Having a ingrown hair is painful. Trying to remove one is hard and painful. So this is a method that I have tried and it works. And FAST.

This should only take 30 minutes of wait time. So kick you feet and watch a short show on Netflixs. It only takes a few moments to whip this up if you have all the ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tsp raw honey

1/3 cup good quality Bentonite Clay

5 drops vitamin E oil

Essential oils of Chamomile, tea tree and lavender for a total of ~10 drops.


Directions
1. mix all dry ingredients in  a little bowl.
2 Add all the wet ingredients and then add water until it becomes a past.
3 Apply the past to the affected area or areas and let dry. Leave on for 30 minutes, the rise and moisturize. I use cocnut oil.


There should be dramatic improvement in 30 minutes and more by the next day.

Most ingrown hairs are due to shaving too close.

1 Do not apple pressure while shaving. Do not stretch the skin before you shave.
2.Keep moisturized
3. Try not to scrap, squeeze or pick a the site of the ingrown hair. This could damage the skin, increase healing time and even cause an infection.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Manga Review: Kimi ni Todoke

Author:  Karuho Shiina

Publisher:  Viz

Publish Date: August 9, 2009
Book Rating 5/5
On going


Publisher's Description Sawako Kuronuma is the perfect heroine...for a horror movie. With her jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor, she's often mistaken for Sadako, the haunting character from Ringu. Unbeknownst to but a few, behind her scary façade is a very misunderstood teenager. Shy and pure of heart, she just wants to make friends. But when Kazehaya, the most popular boy in class, befriends her, she's sure to make more than just that--she's about to make some enemies too!.

Manga Review 4/5

Book Recevied : Own


Why I Picked it up: The cover art looked good. The slice of life style of manga is enjoyable. Also that is not perfect but want to make friends. 

Why I finished it: The story thus far is fun and light, but still has depth to it. It is a fun read and you want to find out more. 



Who I would give it to: Someone who wants a look inside an outsider life.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún