Warm Up With Herbal Soups

Image via Wikipedia

These Recipes came from the Herb Companion Newsletter
Nothing takes the chill out of a dark evening like a steaming bowl of stew and a fresh loaf of bread. 
• Chicken and Parsley Noodle Soup
• Arugula, Potato, Chive and Leek Soup
• Herbal Cabbage Soup with Turkey Sausage
• Beef and Root Vegetable Stew with Rosemary Dumplings
• Seafood Cioppino
Online Exclusive Recipe:
• Split Pea and Winter Squash Soup
The winter forecast calls for deliciously healthy, hearty soups and stews, especially since soup season involves flavorful herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme. Virtually any kind of culinary herb is suitable for soup—either featured as a solo act or as a tasty combination of herbal flavors. From the simple to the sublime, seasoning herbs are as foundational to a soup’s overall flavor as a tasty stock.
A steaming bowl of homemade soup can be simmered to perfection and then served, or prepared the day before so it’s ready and waiting to be served at your convenience. In fact, homemade soups and stews are the kind of comfort meals that actually taste better when made a day or two in advance, refrigerated and then reheated just before serving. Allowing the ingredients more time to marry is an excellent way to maximize their flavors for an even greater taste sensation.
What’s more, homemade soups and stews provide the whole- food essentials needed to energize and replenish your body during winter, especially with ingredients such as complex carbohydrates and complete proteins in the form of legumes, whole grains, lean meats, roots and other fresh winter vegetables. So go ahead and simmer up a delicious dimension of herbal-infused soups and stews. The aroma alone is guaranteed to arouse anyone’s appetite.
Page: 1 | 2 | Next >

Related articles

• What Ingredients Should You Always Have at Home to Make a Simple Soup? (blogcritics.org)
• Recipe Linky: Delicious Fall Soup Ideas (momblognetwork.com)

Warm Up With Herbal Soups

Image via Wikipedia

These Recipes came from the Herb Companion Newsletter
Nothing takes the chill out of a dark evening like a steaming bowl of stew and a fresh loaf of bread. 
• Chicken and Parsley Noodle Soup
• Arugula, Potato, Chive and Leek Soup
• Herbal Cabbage Soup with Turkey Sausage
• Beef and Root Vegetable Stew with Rosemary Dumplings
• Seafood Cioppino
Online Exclusive Recipe:
• Split Pea and Winter Squash Soup
The winter forecast calls for deliciously healthy, hearty soups and stews, especially since soup season involves flavorful herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme. Virtually any kind of culinary herb is suitable for soup—either featured as a solo act or as a tasty combination of herbal flavors. From the simple to the sublime, seasoning herbs are as foundational to a soup’s overall flavor as a tasty stock.
A steaming bowl of homemade soup can be simmered to perfection and then served, or prepared the day before so it’s ready and waiting to be served at your convenience. In fact, homemade soups and stews are the kind of comfort meals that actually taste better when made a day or two in advance, refrigerated and then reheated just before serving. Allowing the ingredients more time to marry is an excellent way to maximize their flavors for an even greater taste sensation.
What’s more, homemade soups and stews provide the whole- food essentials needed to energize and replenish your body during winter, especially with ingredients such as complex carbohydrates and complete proteins in the form of legumes, whole grains, lean meats, roots and other fresh winter vegetables. So go ahead and simmer up a delicious dimension of herbal-infused soups and stews. The aroma alone is guaranteed to arouse anyone’s appetite.
Page: 1 | 2 | Next >

Related articles

• What Ingredients Should You Always Have at Home to Make a Simple Soup? (blogcritics.org)
• Recipe Linky: Delicious Fall Soup Ideas (momblognetwork.com)

Slow cooker Mac- n- cheese

ALL DAY MACARONI AND CHEESE 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained 4 cups(16 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Place the cooked macaroni in crockpot that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Add the remaining ingredients, all except 1 cup of the cheese, mix well. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and then cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or until the mixture is firm and golden around the edges. Do not remove the cover or stir until it has finished cooking.

Slow cooker Mac- n- cheese

ALL DAY MACARONI AND CHEESE 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained 4 cups(16 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Place the cooked macaroni in crockpot that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Add the remaining ingredients, all except 1 cup of the cheese, mix well. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and then cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or until the mixture is firm and golden around the edges. Do not remove the cover or stir until it has finished cooking.

Rolled Fondant Icing

I have been asked to make and decorate a cake OUCH !!! not my specialty lol. So I have come up with an idea to decorate my cake with Fondant Icing ( cause I am really bad at making icing look nice).
 Then I will just decorate with some flowers , I probably will go see my local Florist and see what he has to offer of simply buy a bouquet from the grocers ,We'll see.
 Anyways here is a recipe for the fondant '

If anyone tries this please comment on your success , I will be sure to do the same and add pictures
.
___________________________________________________________________________
Rolled fondant can be rolled over a large work surface and placed over cakes and fruitcakes and coloured fondant is often shaped to make fondant flowers.

If you're not experienced with working with fondant, experiment with the recipes to see where they lead you.

Making fondant is a little like playing with playdough. Fondant making can be fun and fondant frosting can be a new artform - especially if you are new to it.

If you're planning to make your own wedding cake, both these fondant recipes may come in handy.

1. Fondant Icing Recipe

This Fondant icing is used to glaze petit four frais. It can be flavored and coloured. Knead then flavour and colour as desired, roll out, cut and dip in chocolate or roll and dip in garnishes or in chocolate.
2 c sugar
2/3 c water
1 T glucose (no substitutions)
Prep: Sprinkle a large slab of marble or a large, heavy, smooth surfaced baking sheet with cold water.
Over medium heat, stir very gently sugar, water and glucose in heavy saucepan until the sugar has dissolved. Increase temperature and bring to boil. Cover pot and boil for three minutes.
Remove lid and place in candy thermometer. Continue to boil until the temperature reaches 240°F, soft ball stage. Remove from heat and immediately dip the bottom into cold water to stop cooking.
Pour this hot syrup onto the prepared marble and leave to cool for a couple of minutes. Using a damp metal spatula or metal scraper, lift the edges of the syrup and fold back into the center.
Keep doing this until the mixture turns glossy, and is pale yellow in color. Then use a heavy wooden spoon to work the mixture in a continous figure eight for about 5 to 10 mintues.
Keep doing this action until the mixture turns white, is crumbly and stirring with the spoon is extremely difficult. Moisten hands and knead the fondant for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture feels moist and is perfectly free of lumps.
Use the metal scraper to lift the fondant if it sticks to the surface. Form the fondant into a ball and place in on a moistened plate. Cover with damp cloth, and leave it in a cool place for 12 hours to ripen.
Dust your work surface with sifted powdered sugar, and place the fondant on that. Press it out flat. If coloring, make slits in the fondant and drop the colouring into those slits. Knead well and use as desired.

2. Rolled Fondant Recipe

Rolled fondant is the fondant that can be rolled over a large work surface and placed over cakes and fruitcakes. It can be shaped and can be coloured.
1 1/2 t plain gelatin
1/8 c water
4 c powdered sugar
1/4 c light corn syrup
1 1/2 t glycerine
Vegetable oil, for oiling hands and spatula
Sprinkle gelatin over water in small saucepan. Let sit for 5 minutes, then over low heat stirring frequently, stir to dissolve gelatin. Cover saucepan to keep warm.
Place the sugar in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add corn syrup and glycerine; do not mix in. Pour the warmed, dissolved gelatin into the well over the top and mix in with a lightly oiled rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
Mix until the dough is too stiff to stir. Because the dough will be very sticky, oil hands with a small amount of oil. Knead dough until of the sugar is incorporated.
Transfer to a lightly oiled surface and continue to knead until smooth and satiny. This will be the texture of clay. If the fondant is too dry, add in a few drops of water and if it is too dry, add in a bit of powdered sugar.
Shape the fondant into a ball, flatten slightly and wrap well in plastic wrap. Let rest for 20 minutes before rolling and using.

Related articles

• A Couple of Cake Decorating Ideas (notecook.com)
• How to Apply Edible Cake Art (plentyonyourplate.com)
• Every inside joke should be wrapped in fondant for your birthday. (ask.metafilter.com)
• 
  There are a lot of ways to decorating wedding cakes. What this page is about is decorating your wedding cake with fresh flowers.
  The type of fresh flowers that can be used to decorate your wedding cake are :
• roses
• pansies
• petunias
• easter lilies
• tiger lilies
• daisies
• orchids, etc.

But make sure that these flowers are not sprayed with pesticides. Or else you can't eat them. People have the tendency to believe that whatever is served on plates, they are eatable.
That's why it is also a good idea to use edible flowers. Edible flowers are like carnations, chrysanthemums, dandelions, fuchsias, gardenias, gladiolus, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, pansies, marigold, lilac, primrose, violet, etc.


It is also a good idea to match the flowers of your bouquet to the flowers for your wedding cake decoration. That way, everything seems to be in-theme.
But, how do you decorate the cake using fresh flowers?
Good question.
There are several ways to decorate the cake.

• the easiest way is to sprinkle flower petals all over the cake.

• have the cake tier made of flowers.

• place a bouquet of flowers on top of each tier.

• place a cascade of flowers on the top tier and have the flowers flowing down to the bottom tiers.

• place flowers on the side of each tier, surrounding the cake.

Depending on your preference, you can choose how you want to decorate your wedding cake.
If you do not prefer fresh flowers, here are other alternatives to decorating wedding cakes with flowers:

• use gumpaste to make the flowers. Gumpaste is like candy clay, can be shaped into flowers. When it dries up, it is strong and holds into place.

• use marzipan to make the flowers.

• use fondant to make the flowers.

• still use fresh flowers but have them sugared. Basically, you just paint the fresh flowers with egg whites and sprinkle with fine sugar.

•  

Rolled Fondant Icing

I have been asked to make and decorate a cake OUCH !!! not my specialty lol. So I have come up with an idea to decorate my cake with Fondant Icing ( cause I am really bad at making icing look nice).
 Then I will just decorate with some flowers , I probably will go see my local Florist and see what he has to offer of simply buy a bouquet from the grocers ,We'll see.
 Anyways here is a recipe for the fondant '

If anyone tries this please comment on your success , I will be sure to do the same and add pictures

How To Make A Bird Seed Wreath

This was taken from a wonderful 
Bird Website
A wreath on your front gate says welcome to family and friends and if you make a bird seed wreath, wild birds will also stop by to get a taste of your crafting skills.

I make two types of bird seed wreaths. In late summer and fall I make a "nature's harvest" bird seed wreath.


When nature is brimming with ripening fruits and berries and seed heads are forming on grasses, I collect everything that I would eat if I were a wild bird. In nature, I look for vines of wild grapes and bittersweet, for privet berries on the hedge and seed heads forming on weeds. In my garden I look for sunflowers, zinnias and ornamental grasses going to seed. To learn how to make a bird seed wreath like this one, click here.

When I run out of materials for making my "nature's harvest" bird seed wreaths, I make a bird seed wreath that is perfect for winter. Since this project requires the use of gelatin, temperatures should be close to or below freezing. If you live in an area where winter temperatures stay near 50, you can substitute peanut butter or rendered suet for the gelatin.

Making a bird seed wreath is a messy project that can be a lot of fun for kids.

How To Make A Bird Seed Wreath

This was taken from a wonderful 
Bird Website
A wreath on your front gate says welcome to family and friends and if you make a bird seed wreath, wild birds will also stop by to get a taste of your crafting skills.

I make two types of bird seed wreaths. In late summer and fall I make a "nature's harvest" bird seed wreath.

Decorating with Herbs

Dried Herbs

Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.

Bottled Herbs

Collect various shapes and sizes of glass bottles and fill them with olive oil or vinegar, to which you add dried herbs. Use old condiment bottles or decorative glass bottles from craft stores. Tie ribbon or raffia bows around the bottles. A row of these bottles on a windowsill, shelf or counter top is both colorful and practical. Use the flavored oils and vinegars in salad dressings and sauces.

Wreaths or Swags

Make a wreath or a swag to go over a window or door from herbs. Attach bunches of different kinds of herbs to a straw wreath form with florist's wire. Layer the herbs all the way around the wreath and finish with a raffia or ribbon bow. For a swag, attach bunches of herbs to a grapevine arch. Mix and match different colors and textures of herbs.

Dried Arrangements

Arrange dried herbs in bouquets in stoneware jugs or old canning jars. Mix different colors and textures of herbs, such as lavender, oregano and yarrow. You can also pin springs of dried herbs to the ribbon around the crown of a straw hat for a casual wall decoration.

Read more: Craft Ideas for Decorating Kitchen With Herbs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5783771_craft-ideas-decorating-kitchen-herbs.html#ixzz16OfzWcAg

Related articles

• Outdoor Wreath Decorating Ideas (brighthub.com)

Decorating with Herbs

Dried Herbs

Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.

Bottled Herbs

Uses for Turmeric other then Cooking

Image via Wikipedia

Turmeric is an important ingredient in home remedies and herbal treatment. In ayurveda (the traditional form of medicine in India), turmeric combined with salt is used as a nasal wash to cure sinusitis. Turmeric powder or even the ashes of the burnt root are used locally to treat boils.
In India, turmeric has special significance in religious and social ceremonies. Letters such as wedding invitations are marked with a daub of turmeric. Moreover, turmeric is applied on the forehead of a new born baby to bring good luck.
Thai monks dye their robes with turmeric color, derived from drops of the juice which comes from the rhizome. Apart from being a fabric dye, turmeric is also used as a natural hair colorant.
Turmeric can be used to repel insects and termites. The oil can be used as bio-pesticide.
Though turmeric is commonly known as a culinary ingredient, it has other important functions too. It is used for skin and hair problems, coloring and home remedies. Moreover, it has social and religious significance in some countries.


Read more at Suite101: Culinary, Cosmetic and Other Uses of Turmeric http://www.suite101.com/content/culinary-cosmetic-and-other-uses-of-turmeric-a235443#ixzz16JgdJ1gx

Uses for Turmeric other then Cooking

Image via Wikipedia

Turmeric is an important ingredient in home remedies and herbal treatment. In ayurveda (the traditional form of medicine in India), turmeric combined with salt is used as a nasal wash to cure sinusitis. Turmeric powder or even the ashes of the burnt root are used locally to treat boils.
In India, turmeric has special significance in religious and social ceremonies. Letters such as wedding invitations are marked with a daub of turmeric. Moreover, turmeric is applied on the forehead of a new born baby to bring good luck.
Thai monks dye their robes with turmeric color, derived from drops of the juice which comes from the rhizome. Apart from being a fabric dye, turmeric is also used as a natural hair colorant.
Turmeric can be used to repel insects and termites. The oil can be used as bio-pesticide.
Though turmeric is commonly known as a culinary ingredient, it has other important functions too. It is used for skin and hair problems, coloring and home remedies. Moreover, it has social and religious significance in some countries.


Read more at Suite101: Culinary, Cosmetic and Other Uses of Turmeric http://www.suite101.com/content/culinary-cosmetic-and-other-uses-of-turmeric-a235443#ixzz16JgdJ1gx

Turkey Recipes

Herbed Turkey Rub

Deep Fried Turkey Rub

Herb Turkey Rub2

Holiday Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing

 Roasted Dijon Apple-Glazed Turkey Fruit Stuffing

 

 

Turkey Recipes

Herbed Turkey Rub

Deep Fried Turkey Rub

Herb Turkey Rub2

Holiday Roast Turkey with Herb Stuffing

 Roasted Dijon Apple-Glazed Turkey Fruit Stuffing

 

 

Natures Bandaid (re-post)

 Taken from Herb Companion Newsletter

St. John's Wort comes in handy for those bumps and bruises.
While it’s tempting, never pop a blister. Doing so just invites infection. If a blister breaks on its own, wash the area with soap and water, then dab the blister with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil. Dubbed a “first-aid kit in a bottle,” tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial with antiseptic properties. Cover with a gauze bandage and change the dressing daily.
Bug Bites
If you live in a humid climate, you’re all too familiar with the drone of mosquitoes and other flying insects. The best way to deal with these hungry critters is to thwart their attack with an herbal repellent. But forego commercial brands formulated with deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a pesticide that studies show can be neurotoxic to children. Instead, look for a natural herb-based insect repellent or make your own by combining 2 ounces of a carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed oil) with 1/2 teaspoon of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil. Or try fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which Korean researchers have found offers up to 84 percent protection for 90 minutes.
If your child suffers a minor bite or sting, use a poultice made from equal parts echinacea (Echinacea spp.) tincture, water and bentonite clay to draw out the poison. You also can add a few drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to boost its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. While most bites are just a temporary nuisance, take your child to the doctor if she suffers from a headache, fatigue and body aches, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash, since these can be symptoms of West Nile virus.
Bumps and Bruises
The best herbs for treating bruises are those that discourage swelling. Topping the list is St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an effective anti-inflammatory herb that also helps reduce pain. Herbalists also turn to arnica (Arnica montana) to ease swelling and thwart bruising. Both herbal tinctures can be mixed with water and used as a compress on the affected area. Just be aware that arnica must be diluted 4:1 to prevent irritating the skin.
Burns
Whether it’s a kitchen mishap or too much time in the sun, nothing is more painful than a burn. For any type of burn, it’s important to take immediate action. First, cool the burned area by immersing it in cold water—the cold numbs the pain and prevents further injury. Then reach for the herbs.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>

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• Lavender: Its Many Medicinal Purposes (homeopathy.suite101.com)
• Reduce Spider Veins with These Herbs (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• Echinacea - Nature's Antibiotic and Antiviral (herbal-properties.suite101.com)
• Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent (thegreenists.com)
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Natures Bandaid (re-post)

 Taken from Herb Companion Newsletter

St. John's Wort comes in handy for those bumps and bruises.
While it’s tempting, never pop a blister. Doing so just invites infection. If a blister breaks on its own, wash the area with soap and water, then dab the blister with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil. Dubbed a “first-aid kit in a bottle,” tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial with antiseptic properties. Cover with a gauze bandage and change the dressing daily.
Bug Bites
If you live in a humid climate, you’re all too familiar with the drone of mosquitoes and other flying insects. The best way to deal with these hungry critters is to thwart their attack with an herbal repellent. But forego commercial brands formulated with deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a pesticide that studies show can be neurotoxic to children. Instead, look for a natural herb-based insect repellent or make your own by combining 2 ounces of a carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed oil) with 1/2 teaspoon of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil. Or try fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which Korean researchers have found offers up to 84 percent protection for 90 minutes.
If your child suffers a minor bite or sting, use a poultice made from equal parts echinacea (Echinacea spp.) tincture, water and bentonite clay to draw out the poison. You also can add a few drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to boost its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. While most bites are just a temporary nuisance, take your child to the doctor if she suffers from a headache, fatigue and body aches, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash, since these can be symptoms of West Nile virus.
Bumps and Bruises
The best herbs for treating bruises are those that discourage swelling. Topping the list is St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an effective anti-inflammatory herb that also helps reduce pain. Herbalists also turn to arnica (Arnica montana) to ease swelling and thwart bruising. Both herbal tinctures can be mixed with water and used as a compress on the affected area. Just be aware that arnica must be diluted 4:1 to prevent irritating the skin.
Burns
Whether it’s a kitchen mishap or too much time in the sun, nothing is more painful than a burn. For any type of burn, it’s important to take immediate action. First, cool the burned area by immersing it in cold water—the cold numbs the pain and prevents further injury. Then reach for the herbs.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Lavender: Its Many Medicinal Purposes (homeopathy.suite101.com)
• Reduce Spider Veins with These Herbs (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• Echinacea - Nature's Antibiotic and Antiviral (herbal-properties.suite101.com)
• Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent (thegreenists.com)
• Healing Your Pets Naturally with Herbs and Oils (brighthub.com)
• 5 more fresh articles...

Headache Remedy Tea

Click to Purchase

Developed for a customer who gets migraines, this blend of Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint is fragrant and soothing to the spirit and the nerves.
The gentle, floral fragrance of the Lavender is relaxing and soothing, while the vapors from the mints help to clear the head.
Internally, mint is a vaso-dilator, relieving the tightness and constriction of the bloodvessels in the body (especially in the head) allowing the blood to flow more freely. Since a major cause of headache is constriction of the bloodvessels, this is a big help.
Mint, along with Lavender, is also a muscle relaxer, thus lessening the tension in the head and neck region - another main cause of headaches.
And, since it is totally caffiene-free, there is no chance of a caffiene-induced worsening of the headache, or of a rebound effect.
Ingredients: French "Super-Blue" Whole Lavendar Blossoms, Spearmint and Peppermint Leaves, Rose Petals.
Use 1 Tablespoon per 16-24oz pot.
Use Very Hot (195ºF) Water.
Steep for 3 to 5 minutes
Caffiene Free

Headache Remedy Tea

Click to Purchase

Developed for a customer who gets migraines, this blend of Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint is fragrant and soothing to the spirit and the nerves.
The gentle, floral fragrance of the Lavender is relaxing and soothing, while the vapors from the mints help to clear the head.
Internally, mint is a vaso-dilator, relieving the tightness and constriction of the bloodvessels in the body (especially in the head) allowing the blood to flow more freely. Since a major cause of headache is constriction of the bloodvessels, this is a big help.
Mint, along with Lavender, is also a muscle relaxer, thus lessening the tension in the head and neck region - another main cause of headaches.
And, since it is totally caffiene-free, there is no chance of a caffiene-induced worsening of the headache, or of a rebound effect.
Ingredients: French "Super-Blue" Whole Lavendar Blossoms, Spearmint and Peppermint Leaves, Rose Petals.
Use 1 Tablespoon per 16-24oz pot.
Use Very Hot (195ºF) Water.
Steep for 3 to 5 minutes
Caffiene Free

Chinese Ceramic Tea Cup - The Gaiwan

How to Brew and Drink Tea Using a Gaiwan Cup

Jan 14, 2010 Jeremy Suizo

The gaiwan has been the favored vessel of tea drinking since the Ming Dynasty - representing the ideal means of enjoying the flavor, color, and smell of tea.

The gaiwan is a three-piece Chinese tea cup first created during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Gaiwans consist of three pieces: the bowl, the lid, and the saucer. Each piece fulfills a role in the act of drinking tea and adds to the overall functionality of the gaiwan. Aside from holding the tea, the bowl acts as brewing container and can be drunken from directly. The saucer insulates the bottom and allows the drinker to lift the cup without getting burned. Finally, the lid doubles as insulation and tool for stirring and holding back leaves while drinking.
Tea connoisseurs praise the gaiwan as being the ideal vessel for drinking tea. Aside from the functionality of the cup, serving as both drinking and brewing vessel, the gaiwan has aesthetic value. Most gaiwan cups are made of either porcelain or glass. The whiteness or clearness of the cup contrasts with the color of the tea leaves and adds to the visual enjoyment of tea drinking. Gaiwans also bring out the subtle aroma of teas as the lid helps to capture the smell of the tea leaves as they steep. Lastly, gaiwan tea cups allow the drinker to experience tea authentically, as they would drink tea during the Ming Dynasty.

How to Brew Tea Using a Gaiwan

Although the vessel may be different, the steps to brewing tea in a gaiwan are exactly the same as how you would brew loose leaf tea normally.
Simply add the desired amount of loose leaf tea into the bowl of the gaiwan and add a little hot water to rinse the tea leaves. After a few seconds, empty out the water, using the lid to hold back the leaves, add more hot water, cover with the lid, and steep the tea leaves as long as necessary. The tea can then be sipped straight from the gaiwan. The time and temperature for steeping is dependent on the variety of tea one is drinking.

An alternative method of using the gaiwan is to brew the teas within the gaiwan itself and then to decant the ready tea into a separate teapot or into small tea cups à la the Gongfu tea ceremony. This method is better when serving tea to multiple people in a semi-formal context.

How to Drink Tea Using a Gaiwan

Once the tea is steeped and ready to drink, take hold of the saucer, placing it onto the palm of your hand, and with your other hand push back the lid so that there is enough of a gap to sip from, but not too big so as to allow tea leaves to escape the bowl. Hold the lid down with your hand as you bring up the saucer and cup to drink.

What Tea to Drink in a Gaiwan

Any loose leaf tea is drinkable from a gaiwan tea cup, however, green teas and white teas are the preferred tea to use. The delicate and subtle aroma and flavor of those teas match the aesthetic of the gaiwan better than the hearty and robust black teas. On a practical note, the gaiwan is a better alternative to clay teapots which tend to over-brew lighter teas.

Chinese Ceramic Tea Cup - The Gaiwan

How to Brew and Drink Tea Using a Gaiwan Cup

Jan 14, 2010 Jeremy Suizo

The gaiwan has been the favored vessel of tea drinking since the Ming Dynasty - representing the ideal means of enjoying the flavor, color, and smell of tea.

The gaiwan is a three-piece Chinese tea cup first created during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Gaiwans consist of three pieces: the bowl, the lid, and the saucer. Each piece fulfills a role in the act of drinking tea and adds to the overall functionality of the gaiwan. Aside from holding the tea, the bowl acts as brewing container and can be drunken from directly. The saucer insulates the bottom and allows the drinker to lift the cup without getting burned. Finally, the lid doubles as insulation and tool for stirring and holding back leaves while drinking.
Tea connoisseurs praise the gaiwan as being the ideal vessel for drinking tea. Aside from the functionality of the cup, serving as both drinking and brewing vessel, the gaiwan has aesthetic value. Most gaiwan cups are made of either porcelain or glass. The whiteness or clearness of the cup contrasts with the color of the tea leaves and adds to the visual enjoyment of tea drinking. Gaiwans also bring out the subtle aroma of teas as the lid helps to capture the smell of the tea leaves as they steep. Lastly, gaiwan tea cups allow the drinker to experience tea authentically, as they would drink tea during the Ming Dynasty.

How to Brew Tea Using a Gaiwan

Although the vessel may be different, the steps to brewing tea in a gaiwan are exactly the same as how you would brew loose leaf tea normally.
Simply add the desired amount of loose leaf tea into the bowl of the gaiwan and add a little hot water to rinse the tea leaves. After a few seconds, empty out the water, using the lid to hold back the leaves, add more hot water, cover with the lid, and steep the tea leaves as long as necessary. The tea can then be sipped straight from the gaiwan. The time and temperature for steeping is dependent on the variety of tea one is drinking.

An alternative method of using the gaiwan is to brew the teas within the gaiwan itself and then to decant the ready tea into a separate teapot or into small tea cups à la the Gongfu tea ceremony. This method is better when serving tea to multiple people in a semi-formal context.

How to Drink Tea Using a Gaiwan

Once the tea is steeped and ready to drink, take hold of the saucer, placing it onto the palm of your hand, and with your other hand push back the lid so that there is enough of a gap to sip from, but not too big so as to allow tea leaves to escape the bowl. Hold the lid down with your hand as you bring up the saucer and cup to drink.

What Tea to Drink in a Gaiwan

Any loose leaf tea is drinkable from a gaiwan tea cup, however, green teas and white teas are the preferred tea to use. The delicate and subtle aroma and flavor of those teas match the aesthetic of the gaiwan better than the hearty and robust black teas. On a practical note, the gaiwan is a better alternative to clay teapots which tend to over-brew lighter teas.

5 Inexpensive but Good Thanksgiving or Christmas Table Wines

As according to this editorial piece I ran across related to being a Cheapskate for Christmas on CNN. lol

1. 2008 Smoking Loon Syrah ($8)us
2. 2008 Substance ($15)us
3. 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages ($10)us
4. 2009 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay ($10-$13)us
5. 2009 Yalumba Y Series Viognier ($11)us

Related articles

• Thanksgiving Wine (seattlewineblogger.blogspot.com)
• Seeking easy answers for a Thanksgiving wine (sfgate.com)

5 Inexpensive but Good Thanksgiving or Christmas Table Wines

As according to this editorial piece I ran across related to being a Cheapskate for Christmas on CNN. lol

1. 2008 Smoking Loon Syrah ($8)us
2. 2008 Substance ($15)us
3. 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages ($10)us
4. 2009 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay ($10-$13)us
5. 2009 Yalumba Y Series Viognier ($11)us

Related articles

• Thanksgiving Wine (seattlewineblogger.blogspot.com)
• Seeking easy answers for a Thanksgiving wine (sfgate.com)

Sage

 Resources on HerbMentor
Sage is a wonderful astringent herb and can be used to tighten and tone tissues. It has a special affinity for the mouth and can be used to relieve pain and heal mouth ulcers, canker sores, bleeding gums, spongy gums, and cold sores. Sage is a common ingredient in many tooth powder and mouthwash recipes.
The astringent and antiseptic qualities of sage make it perfect for sore throats. I like to combine sage tea with some lemon and honey for this purpose.
In fact, sage is effective for a variety of discomforts that can accompany a cold or flu. Taken as a warm tea it acts as a stimulating diaphoretic, making it a good choice for fevers when the person feels cold and is shivering. As an herbal steam it can help to decongest the sinuses and loosen congestion in the lungs.
You'll notice that sage is listed as being both warming and cooling. Taken as a warm tea sage can open your pores and increase sweating. But taken as a lukewarm or slightly cold tea it has the opposite effect; it actually decreases excessive secretions.
These two qualities may seem contradictory in nature but sage, like so many plants, has the ability to bring balance to the body.

Herbalist Kiva Rose explains:
When reading some of the seemingly contradictory actions and indication in the description of Sage, it will be helpful to keep in mind that the herb seems to act primarily as a balancer of fluids in the body, whether there is too much or not enough.
This ability to stop excessive secretions can be helpful in a variety of ways.

• To stop excessive diarrhea.
• To stop the excessive sweating related to night sweats or fevers.
• To stop the flow of breast milk in the weaning process.
• To stop the excessive flow of mucous in the sinuses.
• To stop excessive vaginal discharge, for example discharge associated with yeast infections.

The red sage of China is well known for its affinity for the blood, but our culinary sage can also be used for a variety of stagnant blood conditions such as blood clots and varicose veins. In the Earthwise Herbal, herbalist Matthew Wood describes using sage on multiple occasions for dissolving blood clots. The term for this in traditional herbalism is "blood mover".
As a blood mover, sage can be used for those with poor circulation resulting in cold hands and feet. Improving the blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, sage is also well known to improve cognitive function and can help prevent memory loss and clear foggy thinking.
Sage is singularly good for the head and the brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengthening the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members. –Gerard

Sage is commonly used for menopausal complaints such as night sweats and hot flashes. Herbalist Phyllis Light says sage is "specific for the transition from fertility levels of estrogen to post-menopausal levels. In other words, it helps the adrenal cortex take over the manufacture of sexual hormones as the gonads atrophy". It is specific for symptoms of "drying out".
Sage can relieve pain and increase circulation and, keeping this in mind, we can see that sage lends itself well to external use. It can be infused into oil and used for massage.  It can be infused in witch hazel or alcohol and used for varicose veins. Infused in vinegar it can both relieve the pain of sunburns and soothe the dry heat. A tea of the leaves or a diluted vinegar infusion can be used as a wash to remove dandruff.
Sage can also be used for a variety of pain ailments. Culpepper recommends it for headaches, rheumatic pains and joint pains.
Maude Grieve lists this sage recipe as a cure for sprains. Bruise a handful of sage leaves and boil them in a gill of vinegar for five minutes; apply this in a folded napkin as hot as it can be borne to the part affected.
There are many sage varieties from around the world that are revered as medicine.
In China, Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been used for thousands of years as blood tonic.

The white sage of California (Salvia apiana) is used extensively, both historically and in present day, in ceremonies.

Botanical Description
Sage grows anywhere from 1-3' high. It's a member of the mint family and has square stems and opposite leaves.
The leaves are lanceolate (long oval) and are grayish green in color.
Sage has blue flowers on terminal spikes.
Typically, sage is gathered just before flowering.
There are so many ways to use sage. (Remember to share the ways you are using sage in the forums.)

• tea
• tincture
• oil, salve
• wash
• steam inhalation
• essential oil
• tooth powder
• vinegar
• butter
• wine

 
Sage is generally considered safe for everyone. However, sage is contraindicated in pregnancy. It can also dry up the flow of milk during lactation so, unless the mother is wishing to wean, it is generally contraindicated during nursing. 
 

Related articles

• Sage Health Benefits (brighthub.com)
• Sage And Wise (dragonintuitive.com)
• Excessive Sweating Home Remedies (brighthub.com)
• Sage advice for a safe Thanksgiving (blogs.consumerreports.org)
• How To Preserve and Over-Winter Your Outdoor Herbs (thekitchn.com)

Sage

 Resources on HerbMentor
Sage is a wonderful astringent herb and can be used to tighten and tone tissues. It has a special affinity for the mouth and can be used to relieve pain and heal mouth ulcers, canker sores, bleeding gums, spongy gums, and cold sores. Sage is a common ingredient in many tooth powder and mouthwash recipes.
The astringent and antiseptic qualities of sage make it perfect for sore throats. I like to combine sage tea with some lemon and honey for this purpose.
In fact, sage is effective for a variety of discomforts that can accompany a cold or flu. Taken as a warm tea it acts as a stimulating diaphoretic, making it a good choice for fevers when the person feels cold and is shivering. As an herbal steam it can help to decongest the sinuses and loosen congestion in the lungs.
You'll notice that sage is listed as being both warming and cooling. Taken as a warm tea sage can open your pores and increase sweating. But taken as a lukewarm or slightly cold tea it has the opposite effect; it actually decreases excessive secretions.
These two qualities may seem contradictory in nature but sage, like so many plants, has the ability to bring balance to the body.

Herbalist Kiva Rose explains:
When reading some of the seemingly contradictory actions and indication in the description of Sage, it will be helpful to keep in mind that the herb seems to act primarily as a balancer of fluids in the body, whether there is too much or not enough.
This ability to stop excessive secretions can be helpful in a variety of ways.

• To stop excessive diarrhea.
• To stop the excessive sweating related to night sweats or fevers.
• To stop the flow of breast milk in the weaning process.
• To stop the excessive flow of mucous in the sinuses.
• To stop excessive vaginal discharge, for example discharge associated with yeast infections.

CLEVER IDEAS WORTH KNOWING

CLEVER IDEAS WORTH KNOWING Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.  If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.                                                   Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.  It will stay fresh much longer and not mold! Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.  Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.           Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of  Spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.  Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste  of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!   Reheat Pizza  Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-lowand heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this onthe cooking channel and it really works. Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.                                  Expanding Frosting  When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.  Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.               Newspaper weeds away.  Put layers around the plants overlapping newspapers as you go. Cover with mulch and for-get about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.                                                    Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip t o pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.                         No More Mosquitoes  Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.                                         Squirrel Away!      To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it. Flexible vacuum  To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towelroll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.  Reducing Static Cling Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... At DA! .. Static is gone. Measuring Cups Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.                      Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!                                  Re opening envelopes  If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.                                        Conditioner     Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.                       Goodbye Fruit Flies  To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!                                        Get Rid of Ants     Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!                               INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS      The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something;   he took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material .. I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well .... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very longtime (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!  Note:  I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it .. the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!