Cinnamon & Spice

Using Spices To Cook Like A Pro

d3bbie66 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:11:18 +0000

Author: Jude Simons

Don’t have the money to make delectable dishes? Or just don’t know the secrets of flavoring with spices and herbs, and making food stretch? The former is never right no matter what your income is. If you have the money to buy enough food to at least feed your family then you have enough money to make whatever you feed them enjoyable, even if it’s a vegetable dish. Yes, with the right spices or herbs, and recipes, the children in your family will come to love vegetables. My family has several favorite veggie dishes, that our kids like so much they want seconds. And the main secret to them are the different spices we use. These dishes range from ratatouille, eggplant parmigiani, to stewed tomatoes and stuffed zucchini (for info on these or other recipes feel free to email me at sweetstuff245@hotmail.com). Just as they do with vegetables; spices, herbs, and sweeteners are the secrets to making all foods delicious. These three food miracle workers can be relatively inexpensive if you know where to look. In most health food stores (and in select supermarkets in growing numbers) there is a wondrous invention called a BULK section. I’m sure everyone knows what this is, but in case you don’t I’ll explain: It’s a section of a store that has all types of different flours, beans, cereals, spices, herbs, and much more. Each of which are in separate containers or large plastic buckets with a scoop, that allows you to buy as much or as little as you want of what ever spices or other food they carry. The store provides you with bags and twist ties, for your convenience. Spices are an excellent example of how cheap it can be to shop in bulk. Most small jars of spices or herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, etc… cost any where from two dollars a bottle to four ninety nine (which is technically five dollars a bottle). In a bulk section you can buy these same spices, getting twice as much (or more) for less than a dollar or a little over. Talk about savings! Herbs and all kinds of spices are much cheaper bought this way than paying the extravagant prices you are charged for a pre packaged bottle of the same spices. Flour and other cooking and baking necessities are also much cheaper if bought in a bulk section Note: buying in a bulk section does not mean you have to buy a lot of everything! You could buy only one cup of flour in a bulk section if you wanted to or one tablespoon of any spices or herbs. Ideally you should shop around at whatever different stores in your area have bulk sections, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the cheapest price. Bring a calculator to the store and be prepared to do a little brain work to figure it out. Another money saving trick is to substitute ground turkey for ground beef in recipes. Here you might prefer the taste of beef but in terms of the money you save it will certainly taste heavenly to your budget. You can spice up bland omelets, scrambled eggs, soups, meat patties and more with the correct spices, and herbs. Here is a recipe for deliciously spicy eggs, that won’t dent your wallet: For scrambled eggs try using 1/4 teaspoon thyme and pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and oregano, and 3 eggs. Mix the eggs, spices, and herbs together in a bowl. Heat a frying pan on medium heat until very hot, then add your oil (preferably olive oil or coconut oil) to the pan. Wait a few seconds until the oil starts to smoke, then pour the eggs from your bowl into the pan. Have a fork in your hand ready to scramble the eggs with, because they’ll start cooking instantly. Scramble the eggs for 30 seconds to a minute. Then use a spatula to scoop them out onto a plate. Do yourself a favor and follow these tips to start saving money today.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/using-spices-to-cook-like-a-pro-1038437.html

About the Author:
Find high-quality rose pictures and pictures of roses at the Types Of Roses website.

Save on Natural Liquid Hand Soaps in July!

d3bbie66 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:49:16 +0000

Formulated with premium natural ingredients and essential oils, these hard-working natural hand soaps create a smooth lather of suds that rinse away, leaving your hands exceptionally clean and smooth. (11 fl oz/325 mL)
• Gentle on hands
• Watkins premium fragrances
• Attractively packaged
Regularly $7.49
Special $6.99

Choose from Aloe & Green Tea, Lemon, Lavender and New Orange Citrus!

Visit my website to order today!

Uses for Salt

d3bbie66 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:46:16 +0000

Common salt can be be used for many applications around the home as a more environmentally friendly alternative to harsher synthetic chemicals. Salt has over 14,000 known uses – here’s just a few.

Using salt around the home

Salt in the wrong place can be devasting to the environment – such as dryland salinity; or contamination of water supplies. But it’s also an incredibly useful substance – in fact, our bodies depend on external sources of salt for survival.

According to the Salt Institute, it has more than 14,000 known uses and Americans each use more than 16 tons of salt during over their lifetimes. Only a small percentage of that is ingested (but we still eat too much of it). The single major use of salt is on roads for deicing purposes – again, deicing with so much salt has its issues.

However, salt can be also be used in many different ways around the home as a more environmentally friendly alternative to harsher synthetic chemicals. Being so plentiful, it’s also very cheap – so you can save a wad of money in the process.

Here’s just a few uses for salt:

Salt as a polish

By mixing salt and vinegar into a thick paste, it can be applied to brass silver and copper as a polish. Use a soft cloth to apply and buff, then rinse thoroughly in water and dry well.

Cleanups

This is one I learned as a kid working in a supermarket – for oil and egg spills, cover the area with salt – it’s a lot easier to pick up.

Salt drain cleaner

Equal quantities of salt and hot water poured down a drain can help get rid of nasty smells and dissolve grease, plus help slow future buildup. This probably shouldn’t be used in blackwater systems too often as it may upset the good bacteria that are crucial to breaking down solids.

Frost free windows and windscreens

Wipe down the inside of windows in your home and car with a sponge dipped in a saline solution, then dry. This will help prevent ice forming during freezing weather. Also, by rubbing a small cloth bag of moistend salt on your your car’s windshield, this will help prevent ice from forming.

Scouring pots and pans

Pour rock salt onto greasy cookware before scouring to help cut through the grease

Removing tea and coffee stains

To remove tea and coffee stains on cups and decanters, sprinkle salt onto a sponge and use a circular motion when rubbing over the stains.

Sterilizing sponges

Kitchen sponges are the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria. By soaking a sponge in a heavily saline solution, it will help kill these bacterial.

Pest deterrent

Where ants frequent, pour a line of salt to prevent them from crossing.

Earth friendly weed killer

A mix of 1 part salt to 3 parts boiling water can be poured directly onto weeds to kill them.

Mouthwash and gargle

I use this quite frequently – dissolve around a quarter teaspoon of salt into the equivalent of half a mouthful of warm water. Swish it around your mouth and gargle. I’ve also found this really helpful in dealing with toothaches.

Smelly cutting boards

A smelly cutting board simply means bacteria are present – and this is not only a whiffy problem, but a health issue. Bacteria are killed by salt, so by rubbing salt into your cutting board, let it sit for a little while and then rinse, your board will smell fresh and be bacteria-free!

Fire extinguisher

Keep a box of salt close at hand as an emergency fire extinguisher for grease fires. While it shouldn’t replace a proper fire extinguisher, it makes for a good backup.

Iron cleaner

Over time, irons pick up bits of junk that cause them to stick when you iron your clothes. To remove the gunk buildup, sprinkle salt onto a sheet of paper and then run the iron over it. Ensure you use a shot of steam to clean the jets after doing this and also wipe down the plate with a damp cloth once it cools.

Preventing creasote buildup

If you use a wood burning stove or heater, soot and creosote can build up in the flue, reducing performance and also increasing the risk of a flue fire. A handful of salt thrown on the flames occasionally will help loosen the soot.

Here’s a particularly interesting tip I came across a few times – by adding a pinch of salt to milk, it will keep for a lot longer without noticeably altering the taste!

This only just scratches the surface of the various uses for salt – there’s so many, you could go through many pounds of it a year. One thing to bear in mind though – while plentiful and cheap; too much salt winding up in our waterways or even in your yard can damage the environment; so as with all things, use it in moderation.

Michael Bloch
Green Living Tips.com
Green Living Tips is an online resource powered by renewable energy offering a wide variety of earth friendly tips, green guides, advice and environment related news to help consumers and business reduce costs, consumption and environmental impact .

Living Naturally

d3bbie66 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:03:44 +0000

These days everyone is making a greater effort to conserve the planet’s resources. Words like carbon footprint, sustainability, and green have become common place in our society. We’re all taking a closer look at how our day-to-day activities affect the resources we have for future generations. Watkins has been a pioneer in living naturally since 1868. And here are just a few of the things that we do corporately to support the sustainability of our resources.

Utilize biodegradable packing materials.
Use soy based ink on printed marketing materials.
Adhere to strict paper, plastic and aluminum recycling program.
Employ e-communications and encourage customers, Associates, and vendors to obtain information online instead of in printed form.
Utilize Lean business and manufacturing practices to help eliminate waste and streamline operations.

At Watkins we promise to continue to take measures to insure the sustainability of our planet’s resources for your family and ours

Learn more about Living Naturally and get free downloads!

New From Watkins Natural Home Care!

d3bbie66 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:47:53 +0000

Watkins has harvested a new grove of Citrus Scented Natural Home Care Products!

You will love this new scent! Nothing uplifts and invigorates quite like the scent of fresh squeezed oranges. Clean your home and let the scent of fresh cut oranges energize your spirit. J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care products feature non-toxic, plant-based formulas that are both biodegradable and phosphate free. These ultra concentrated cleaners are naturally derived with coconut-based surfactants and natural palm oil, so they are easy on the environment, your home and your loved ones. No home should be without these products!

Tips:

Spray a small amount of J.R. Watkins Orange Citrus Natural All Purpose Cleaner on a soft cloth and gently rub over switch plates, counter tops, appliances, floors; anywhere you want to remove grime, smudges, fingerprints, you name it!
To clean ceiling fans, use a long-handled brush dampened with J.R. Watkins Orange Citrus All Purpose Cleaner — wipe that dust away!
J.R. Watkins Natural Orange Citrus Room Spray goes a long way — more than 600 sprays per container…that’s less than 1¢ per spray! Not only is it economical, the non-aerosol pump is environmentally friendly too.

Looking for a great work at home opportunity? Visit http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=DM6766/ for more details!

The Dangers of Parabens – Do You Know What They Are?

d3bbie66 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:08:08 +0000

Author: Margaret Bell

The dangers of parabens are just beginning to surface. Weight gain, skin aging and certain types of cancer are suspected to be caused in part by parabens.

It is a fact that up to 60 percent of whatever we place on our skin goes into our blood stream. This is where the danger starts. A paraben is the most commonly used synthetic preservative in many cosmetics. They ensure a long shelf life by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast and mold. But they are suspected of posing grave health risks with long term exposure.

Paraben Dangers Are Minimized By Irresponsible Companies

When asked “Are parabens bad?” The cosmetic companies insist they are not harmful because they remain on our skin and are not absorbed into our bodies. But, recent studies found parabens in human breast cancer tissue. This raises obvious questions about their ability to accumulate in our bodies.

Companies say they use some form of parabens to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Many don’t consider it harmful and have no qualms about adding it to their ingredient label. However, there is also evidence that parabens may disrupt the body’s hormone systems by duplicating the effects of estrogen.

The dangers of parabens are being “swept under the rug” by these big companies.

Trade Secrets Used to Hide Paraben Dangers

Makers of cosmetics are required to list their ingredients unless it is fragrance and that is exempt as a “trade secret.”

However be aware that words like “natural “and “organic” do not mean paraben free. Read the label, and don’t be mislead by the front label. Among the ingredients, printed in small letters at the bottom of the back label is where you will find the parabens listed.

Parabens – How Bad Are They?

So…Are parabens bad? It depends on who you ask. Scientists say probably so, and they would like more testing. Big manufacturers who use them say they are absolutely safe. So why then do they hide the ingredients if that can? What is in the fragrance?

You should take action to prevent exposure to chemicals we suspect are dangerous. When a product ingredient is strongly suspected of being harmful to our health we should eliminate the use of this chemical and find a safe substitute to replace it. We should not expose ourselves to the dangers of parabens when safe alternatives do exist and are already being used by some cosmetic companies. Do a little research like the author of this article did and you will find that parabens are bad.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/the-dangers-of-parabens-do-you-know-what-they-are-544336.html

About the Author:

Margaret Bell is a diligent researcher of skin care systems and a dedicated advocate of living a healthy lifestyle. Visit her site at: http://www.aHealthyRadiantSkin.com to discover which paraben free products Margaret recommends and uses. Be sure to sign up for her free Health newsletter for new updated skin care information.

Chemicals Affecting Human Health

d3bbie66 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:30:07 +0000

Author: Steve Dimeck

Copyright (c) 2008 Steve Dimeck

Manmade chemicals are an integral and vital part of our modern lifestyle. They are found in a vast range of consumer products – from furniture, clothing and toiletries to electrical appliances, car interiors and cleaning products. While they have undoubtedly improved the quality of our lives, many would present you with serious health problems.

They can be harmful to health and many can persist in the environment and accumulate in the bodies of wildlife and people.

This has resulted in ecosystems and people all over the world being contaminated with a cocktail of manmade chemicals. Examples include the chemicals DDT (an insecticide) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls – used in electrical components), which despite having been banned for decades, are still found throughout the global environment.

In more recent years, modern chemical compounds such as brominated flame retardants (used to prevent fire in plastics e.g. TVs, computers and textiles e.g. furniture, carpets) and perfluorinated “non-stick” chemicals, (used for waterproof and stainproof coatings) have followed PCBs and DDT to all corners of the globe.

Some chemicals can also interfere with hormone processes in the body – these are known as “endocrine disrupting” chemicals (EDCs). Examples include phthalates, primarily used to soften plastics and found in numerous consumer products, from vinyl flooring to cosmetics.

There is a large body of scientific evidence on the adverse impacts of manmade chemicals on wildlife species. Research and studies have also consistently shown that humans all over the globe are too exposed to a cocktail of potentially hazardous chemicals including DDT and PCBs, as well as brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated chemicals (non-stick cookware), artificial musks (used as synthetic fragrances in many consumer products) and phthalates.

Many of these chemicals have been detected in young children as well as adults, and in some cases at higher levels in children than in adults.

Alongside this, there is growing concern over possible links between certain chemicals (particularly endocrine disrupting chemicals) and human health impacts such as cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, asthma, allergies, behavioral problems, disruption of infant brain development, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Many well known scientists are becoming increasingly concerned as there is mounting evidence linking persistent, accumulative and endocrine disrupting chemicals with negative health effects.

However, despite our exposure to these chemicals, there is currently insufficient health and safety data publicly available to assess the potential impacts of most of the chemicals in use today.

The short term exposure to these chemicals is unlikely to cause direct, immediate health effects, but there are concerns over the effects of long term, low level exposure to chemicals in the diet, especially on the developing fetus, infants and young children.

There is also the wider issue of the use of hazardous chemicals that continue to contaminate the global environment and the food we consume.

Until the persistent, bioaccumulative and endocrine disrupting chemicals are all phased out and replaced with safer alternatives there is no reason why we should continue to risk our health when safer alternatives exist.

Inform yourself about the chemicals in the products you are using and consuming daily and stop buying them and stop using them. Look for alternatives or safer products. If governments fail to change the industry by making it safer, consumers indeed can by simply buying safer alternatives that do exist.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/chemicals-affecting-human-health-560133.html

About the Author:
For more information on harmful chemicals in common goods that we use daily, go to http://www.myproductalert.com/chemicals-in-common-goods.html

Chocolate Truffles

d3bbie66 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:39:45 +0000

Ingredients
6 oz/170 g semi-sweet chocoate
4 oz/113 g cream cheese
1-1/2 cups/375 mL powdered sugar
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Extract of choice
Baking Cocoa, powdered sugar, chocolate, nuts, etc. for decoration

Cooking Directions
Melt chocolate in microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir and continue cooking on high for another 30 seconds or until completely melted. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until well-blended. Stir in chocolate, vanilla and extracts. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Shape into 1-inch/25-cm balls. Roll in cocoa, sugar, nuts, etc. or dip in melted chocolate. Store in refrigerator.

Makes approximately 3 dozen truffles.

Natural Healthy Cleaning With Tea Tree Essential Oil

d3bbie66 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:22:09 +0000

Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular of the essential oils. It is one of the strongest natural antiseptics, commonly referred to as the “Universal Antiseptic.” This quality makes it one of the most worthwhile ingredients in homemade cleaning recipes. Tea Tree oil is also well tolerated having no known allergic reactions.

The time has come for us to reject the chemical-laden, air-polluting, health destroying, hazardous, commercial household cleaning products. There is something wrong when big corporations are using, “Trade Secrets,” which means they are free to put harmful chemicals in the products that we use everyday in our homes. Manufacturers are not required to list them on the label.

There are some companies that provide us with many excellent eco-friendly, nontoxic-cleaning products, but it is more economical and satisfying to make our own. You may notice that once you start using natural, safe cleaning products, you will not want to go back to using chemicals. The change is so pleasant to our bodies physiologically, and so soothing emotionally that we can’t go back to harsh chemicals.

Clinical studies have documented the value of Tea Tree oil, which date back to the original work conducted in 1923 by Dr. A. R. Penfold, an Australian government chemist. He found that Tea Tree leaves contained an essential oil, which showed antiseptic and bacterial properties 13 times stronger than carbolic acid, the accepted standard of the time. In 1930, Mr. E. M. Humphrey published an article entitled “A New Australian Germicide.” He identified that Tea Tree oil’s disinfectant action on the typhoid bacilli was sixty times greater than that of ordinary hand soap. So important was Tea Tree in the 1940’s that it was standard issue in first aid kits for army and navy personnel.

Tea Tree oil turns out to be one of the most useful of all essential oils, especially as an antiseptic. The antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, antibacterial immune-boosting qualities of Tea Tree oil make it applicable to a wide range of health conditions. In addition, the antiseptic benefits of the oil allow its use as a natural cleaner and disinfectant within the household environment.

Tea tree oil has many uses for housekeeping. You can prove to yourself how well it works to kill mold and mildew with this simple test: Put 2 teaspoons of Australian tea tree oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Spray the mixture on something musty. Let the smell dissipate (it will take a few days). The smell of mold and must will be gone, too, never to return as long as the source of moisture has been removed.

You can make your own cleaning supplies with antibacterial properties that nature provides. You’ll feel a whole lot brighter and energetic after a few hours with essential oils than you will after breathing the fumes of toxic chemicals.

About The Author

Sharon Delia is a writer and researcher in the field of environmental health. She has co-authored a website with Richard Cocchia on the subject of environmentally safe home cleaning. To learn more about creating a healthy home for your family visit: http://www.healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com.

Broiled Tarragon Salmon Steaks

d3bbie66 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:48:38 +0000

Ingredients

3 tbsp/45 mL Original Grapeseed Oil
1 tbsp/15 mL fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Tarragon
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Onion & Garlic Pepper
3/4 tsp/4 mL Marjoram
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Lemon Peel
Freshly-ground, to taste, Sea Salt
4 salmon steaks, cut 1-inch/2.5-cm thick (about 2 lb/908 g)

Cooking Directions

Combine all ingredients except salmon steaks in small bowl. Preheat broiler. Place salmon steaks on pan coated with Watkins Cooking Spray. Brush with half of seasoned oil. Broil 5 minutes. Turn steaks carefully and brush with remaining oil mixture. Broil 5 to 7 minutes longer or until salmon flakes easily.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories 340;
Protein 34 g;
Carbohydrates 1 g;
Sodium 80 mg;
Fat 21 g;
Saturated Fat 3 g;
Cholesterol 94 mg;
Dietary Fiber 0 g