Warm Sips

 This is the time of year for a good warm sip of something soothing. it could be a cup of soup or a cup of hot cocoa. We all need something warm to keep us toasty from our heads to our toes. These could be had anytime, from breakfast to late night.

A cold morning deserves a hot drink. Thanks to Dunkin Donuts , Starbucks and Panera anyone can have a good strong cup of espresso to start the day. However it's a cup of foamy cappuccino that 's  also a lift. Morning sips deserve simplicity. Save all the candy bits and whipped cream for later in the day. A good cup of Earl Grey also is the perfect heater for a frosty December morning. You could always make it at home and pour it into a Stanley Thermos Cup. This cup are perfect for hot homemade drinks.Fiil your travel mug or thermos with any of Celestial Seasonings. They now have a Black Enrgy Black Tea that will wake you up, helping you power through a busy morning. They also offer a Green Energy Green tea along with a Fast Lane Caffeinated Tea. These are also perfect for those weekend mornings when you have a lot of to do , from house cleaning to holiday shopping.The same thing can be said for coffee. Try some of the stronger brews like Cafe Bustelo or Chock Full O Nuts Uptown Express. Another good hot sip is Lidl's Bellarom brand.It's tasty with or without  a creamer.

As for a hot sip during lunch time. nothing can beat ramen, whether you;re at home or at work. Nowadays there are so many different flavors from spicy shrimp to chicken. Maruchan has the most flavors.They have everything from creamy chicken to lime chili shrimp. Surprisingly enough  you can make homemade ramen.  It's an egg noodle recipe and any broth can be used. Add fresh veggies bits  like chopped carrots and cabbage.Add a teaspoon of frozen peas and corn to make it more authentic Fresh ginger can zing it up. One of the best warm sips is hot chocolate. Yes there are so many different kinds , from Swiss Miss with its' packets full of marshmallows to Lidl's  Holiday Peppermint and Hazelnut varieties.Then there are the in house brands, from Acme, Shop Rite and Stop & Shop. These in house brands are just as good as the national ones. Instant hot cocoa packs are great for a quick hot sip, especially after dinner when you want something sweet and warming but not too heavy. Add a puff of Reddi-Whip and you can settle in with a good drink and a good book to read.

Hot sips are wonderful during these frosty days.Savory or sweet , they are perfect for warding off winter chills. Have a cup today and enjoy the heat seeping through  you.

What''s On 2024's Menu

 This is the time of year fro predictions.It's no different in th e food and drink industries. What will we be eating? What will be trending? What do we want filling our glasses. These are all big and interesting questiuons.

Regular contributor Kim Severson wrote about this in yesterday's New York Times Food section. She;s not focusing on viral Tiktok trends. There will be plenty of those to follow once the New Year starts. Instead she concentrates on studies regarding small cultural  media and economic data points and watch the trends emerge. Some are reasonable and a natural progressionof some of today's most popular foods. Some seem downright nutty. Foodies and gourmands will still want and demand luxury but also the food's value too.It's not the rairity but is this food the best of its[kind will be the question we'll be most asking.Some trends make sense. Buckwheat will be the most popular grain in the New Year according to Cathy Strange , the Whole Foods Market ambassadoe of food culture. She had a foi gras terrine coated in it in a recent trip to Norway.Buckwheat will even be in hot cocoa and coating such fish as monkfush. YOu;ll see it in traditional dishes like udon noodles and possible waffles, pancakes and bread. Soup is another common food that will be the rage in the next twelve months.There is a rising interest in soups from Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia. grocery stores will see more soups and soup starters on their shelves.

Water - which has been around forever - is also going to be a trendsetter in the upcoming year. More and more people will be pouring powders and syrups into big tumblers of water. There will even be "water sommeliers" in which a sommlier will educate people in the different waters from around the world. There will even be tastings. There will also be an interest in waste water(not what you think)This is taking the cacao water after the cocoa bean has harvested and turning into a tasty drink.Water stewardship will grow as more and more consumers look to companies to use less water in their production. A strange strend is goiung to be food flavored cocktails. Imagine taking a sip of a Waldorf salad at Manhattan;s most innovative bar Double Chicken Please. There's also a Thai beef salad at The Savory Project in Hong KOng. There's also an everything Everywhere drink that tastes like an everything bagel at the Anvil Pub and Grill in Birmingham Alabama. Also looks for florals and botanticals flavoring everything too. Cherry blossom and violet will dominate along with wildflowers in flavors.

There may be other trends in  the new year The one already predicted will be interesting and fun. Everyone should try them.

A Hot Cup On A Cold Night

 The weather around most of the country is frigid. The nights are even worse. We have to stay in anyway. Why not do it with a good hot cup a sweet treat and a good book. It's a perfect way to while away a blizzard or nor' easter. let it snow. You'll be inside, cozy and warm, a steaming mug by your side, with something sweet to nibble on.

As far as drinks, a nice herbal tea is the perfect cup for right now. There are a lot out there right now. What's the best to drink? Celestial Seasonings has the widest array of choices. One of their most popular is the Sleepytime which has a mix of soothing chamomile, spearmint and lemongrass. If you want something fruitier, then brew up a cup of their wild berry zinger or their new watermelon mint (it seems like an odd combo but it actually works.) Another choice is any Earl Grey tea . This pairs great with any sweet, from a simple pound cake to brownies. Twinings is the second tea company that has so many choices. You can try their black and green teas for your evening warm up or their many herbal teas. They have such interesting combinations as grapefruit and basil along with butter mint. Of course there's coffee too, now very popular thanks to the Keurig coffee maker. Remember to always drink decaf otherwise you'll still be wide awake at midnight and beyond. What's the best decaf? Trader Joe's in house brand tops many lists. It's flavorful and rich, the perfect cup on a frosty night. Another good brand is Volcanica which has coffees from around the world. You could easily buy their Jamaica blend or their Cameroonian one.

Sometimes the perfect drink on a frosty night is the most traditional. This is where hot cocoa comes in. You can easily buy the already mixed kind or make it yourself. One of the more popular is Swiss Miss which comes with or without marshmallows. It's a fun, sweet cup that's warming from head to toe. Land O' Lakes, usually know for their butter, also has ventured into hot chocolate. They have a huge amount of choices, from cinnamon and chocolate to raspberry and chocolate. There's even a white chocolate mix for something entirely different. Yet nothing beats the flavor of an old fashioned made hot cocoa. It starts with a really good hot cocoa powder. Droste is one of the best for this. It produces a rich, Parisian like hot cocoa that's full bodied and layered in taste. You could also use Ghiradelli's or Hershey's too. Add a quarter of a teaspoon of milk to moisten the powder into a paste and then cook the milk over a medium heat. DO not let it boil or it will produce a skin you'll have to skim off. Stir and sweeten to taste. You can  sub in almond, soy, cashew, or oat milk if you want a vegan or healthier version. A splash of mint  or hazelnut  flavoring can also be added. Toss a marshmallow or two or a dollop of whipped cream with grated dark chocolate for a lusher drink. 

This is the perfect weather for a cup of something hot. Make a steaming cup of tea, coffee or hot cocoa. Grab a plate of cookies and settle in. It's time to get cozy!

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The Fake Egg Baking Experiment

 Vegan bakers used to have it hard. The very basics of baking involve such animal products as eggs, butter and milk. It was a hit or miss trying to sub in such diverse ingredients as white vinegar or apple sauce . Now there are various subs that actually work.

I decided to use one. Vegg Uncaged Baking Mix. Only one teaspoon mixed with a quarter teaspoon of white granulated sugar and a quarter of a cup of cold water equal one egg. I decided to try it with the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix (which has been sitting in my kitchen for a year - don't worry I checked it is safe to use).

The dough was relatively the same as it would have been with real eggs. Vegg Uncaged is made with nutritional yeast which may be responsible for the cookies lift and flavor.

it was mixed with a stick of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, long a staple in both my cooking and baking arsenal. 

I made the biggest size cookies, which was a tablespoon size scoop.

They took a little longer to bake in a 375 degree F oven. I don't know if it was because of the Vegg or the cookies' size.

The flavor and texture were the same as the ones made with eggs.. The mix's age didn't affect it nor did the Vegg.

They were chewy and buttery, the perfect Christmas cookie with tea or hot cocoa.

Vegan bakers should take advantage of Vegg Uncaged Mix. It works for baking, giving anything from cookies to cakes that eggy flavor and lift. Try it  today for all your holiday baking and for all  those baking days afterwards.

Your Own Holiday Party

 The one aspect of the holiday everyone is missing right now is the holiday party. It could be a lavish office affair or a tree trimming bash. There are no more family gatherings or Hanukkah parties. Yet we can still celebrate - at home among ourselves.

Sit down office parties were always full of good drink and good food. You can still have a lush night in, including getting dressed up. Think about serving small filet mignons to make at home with a side of Hasselback potatoes. The meat can be enhanced with garlic or herb butter or a bagna calda sauce of anchovies garlic, butter and olive oil. Hasselback potatoes are accordion sliced russet potatoes brushed with melted butter and different herbs. Another lush meal would be Cornish game hens with flavored rice and/or mushrooms. Corporate Christmas parties are also known for their many hors d'ouevres. Whip up a bowl of fresh made bruschetta to be piled on toasted and sliced Italian or French bread. Cheese and mushrooms puffs are a must. You can make these at home using already made puff pastry but you can also find trays of both at your grocery's freezer section. The same goes for spanokopita, the miniature Greek spinach pies. Since you're not going to be driving, you can make dinner as boozy as you want. Serve champagne or make a packed

 punch with rum ,orange and pineapple juices. You can also create individual drinks like Cosmopoitans and martinis too.If the kids are involved, then make a non alcoholic one with a variety of juices and seltzer.

Hanukkah parties are special times that can still be celebrated. Homemade latkes are a must but these can have different spins. Try making them in a waffle iron for an all over crispiness. Add sweet onions and horseradish for some zing and heat. Veggie laced latkes are a different and flavorful twist. Think about adding in chopped leeks or scallions along with carrots and onions. A true treat is a brisket and latke sandwich, made with melt in your mouth brisket and hot crisp latkes. A fun dessert is sufganiyot , the holiday jelly doughnuts. Also have some chocolate coins for the dreidl games later. A family tree trimming party can still occur. You could give it a Mexican spin with fresh made guacamole and salsa or a plate of loaded nachos. The last are tortilla chips topped with pulled chicken or ground beef  and smothered with cheese, sliced jalapenos and black olives. You can also toss in diced tomatoes and peppers too. Another tree trimming party idea would be a plate of English muffin pizzas. Everyone can put on whatever toppings they want like pepperoni and extra sauce. You could even include garlic knots too and extra pizza sauce for dipping. Finish with a platter of homemade cookies and hot cocoa , tea or flavored coffee.

You can still have delicious food and drink. Just do it at home. It may not be the same as those parties you're used to but it could easily be tastier. Celebrate this holiday season however you want. It's your party.

Tea And The Perfect Kettle

One of the best things about chilly winter days is a soothing hot cup of tea. It's more refreshing than a coffee and lighter on the palate than hot cocoa.What makes the perfect tea? The perfect kettle, of course!!

What is the perfect kettle? I had to ask myself that today as I browsed both the Target site and Target's actual shelves. Our old kettle's handle broke, ending thirteen - fourteen? years of constant service.(it's seen in this blog's signature photo) We not only heated water for endless cups of tea - but also for instant espresso, hot cocoa ,oatmeal and instant soups. It could have lasted for another decade - save for the plastic handle breaking.  A tea kettle is vital to any household, especially one as tea addicted as mine. Going out to buy one was a must.I had wanted a stainless steel one, like our other. That was until I saw this beauty.

It's from Chantal (29.99 from Target) and what drew me to her (is she like Mrs.Potts from Beauty And The Beast?) is the sleekness. I love the ergonomic handle that makes her easy to lift and pour. Another big selling point was the lever on the handle's underside, It automatically lifts the spout cover. This is a huge plus  because it  was a pain to always lift the old kettle's cover.That required a a pot holder to do this. She is also a whistler - another bonus.

This tea kettle is a bit more delicate than the other. It is completely coated in enamel which means it can't handle intense heat for long periods of time.If the enamel melts she becomes  a fancy watering can for the garden.She  also only holds two quarts while the old kettle could handle about three and a half to four quarts.Still, she is a beauty , especially with that glossy, shiny navy blue coating.She is going to be handled with care. .The interior needs to be washed if there are any mineral build up which unfortunately will happen  thanks to us having hard water.. Luckily there is an instruction booklet and it suggests washing  away any mineral build up  by boiling white vinegar and water for twenty minutes. How can you tell when that happens? The kettle's interior will have a white powdery deposit, thanks to a high  magnesium and calcium content,It can be a real pain to remove if left untreated for long periods of time.

What makes for a good cup of tea? My Chantal tea kettle. I look forward to many cups of tea with her.

Lolli and Pops A New Fashioned Candy Store

Everyone of a certain age  has memories of their local candy store. It was a place to enjoy favorite treats and to try new concoctions. Sadly they went the way of Main Street America - that was until Lolli & Pops came along.This is an old fashioned candy story with a modern twist.

I discovered this fun paeon to all things sugary on a trip to my local mall. I hadn';t been to it in a long time.(three years!!!) and was curious if it had changed. It had and one store stood out  -Lolli & Pops, It looked intriguing .It smelled heavenly.The aroma of chocolate lured me into this Candyland of a shop. At first glance it looked like James Candy in Atlantic City. There were homemade sea salt caramels, homemade marshmallows, cocoa dusted truffles and rich bars, filled with peppermint or nuts. Those alone were dazzling but other treats caught my eye . British sweets such as the tangy Wine Gums and creamy Maltezers, There were marshmallow gummy treats from China along with rice candy (!). Mexican Chupa Chup lollipops shared the spotlight with German Kindereggs.There's a whole section dedicated to gummy bears  with even a giant seven foot bear in the middle of the display.. Every color, every flavor was there  in plexiglass tubs waiting to be put in plastic bags to take home.Not to be outdone, there was a section devoted to American classics, that is a shrine to every Yank's youth  Cow Tales, those brown and white wonders share a shelf with those crazy Eighties Pop Rocks and traditional Necco Wafers.You can satisfy a Smarties craving at Lolli & Pops too..

Chocolate is big here. I  bought the dark chocolate covered dried cranberries. but had the choice of other milk and bitter  chocolate goodies. The cranberries were tasty with the right amount of chew and glossy chocolate. Next visit ,I'm definitely buying the chocolate covered blueberries. Other fun aspect of the store is that you can also buy macarons in almost every flavor imaginable.Again these are on my radar to try and to gift. They also have rich petit fours - definitely unusual for a sweet shop. Alongside of these are hand dipped caramels , bonbons of every flavor and orange slices.It wouldn't be a candy store without candy bars.Lolli & Pop's have ones that have toffee laced through them as well as ones riddled with almonds and peppermint.Some are filled with unusual flavors such as pretzels and potato chips. The store even has its' own hot cocoa, sold in quaint old fashioned milk bottles.Again another fun thing on my radar.What is great about Lolli & Pops is that they also make up  amazing gift baskets. They are reasonably priced and reflects every candy and chocolate lover's passion.

Lolli & Pops are the new old fashioned candy store. Chocoholics and sweets lovers will have a field day here. They really will feel like a kid in a candy shop.

Lose That Holiday Fat

The worst thing about January is dealing with all that post-holiday fat and bloat.The best thing is making a resolution to eat better and healthier. It's just  matter of adjusting and making wise choices.

We're probably all cookied and candied out. After all, our nibbling involves every kind of holiday cookie, from sweetly decorated sugar cookies to homemade chocolate chip with maybe a few shortbread and oatmeal types thrown in. It's tempting to continue this, for dessert or snacking. Resist. Thanks to the wonder of importing, we can buy all sorts of fresh fruit, from blueberries to pineapples. Finish a meal with some watermelon or cantaloupe chunks. Snack on some blackberries or grapes.If you don;t want to deepen your carbon footprint by buying any of these imports, then think about canned fruit in water or a light syrup. Also, a cup of hot cocoa,is only one hundred fifty calories. Have it with low fat whipped cream for a decadent dessert Better yet , consider yogurt as a nice alternative. Yoplait has those mousse like Whips which taste and feel like a more decadent dessert.Chobani has the fun flips, a mix of yogurt, nuts and chocolate or fruit. It's a way to indulge that sweet tooth without gaining a  pound.

Chobani also has saviory yogurt mixes, perfect for those of us who still crave holiday party chips and dip.Their new Meze style dip is a smart combo of veggies and Greek yogurt. Best of all they 're only twenty-five calories  and have only ten fat calories. The flavors range from roasted red pepper to chili lime to three peppers to Parmesan onion. Dip the ever low calorie Triscuit in them for some crunchy fun. Pretzels also make a good low-calorie snack too as does popcorn, During the holidays we tend to reach for sodas or mixed cocktails to celebrate. All that sugar will only add on an extra jeans size. Go back to water and seltzer. They 're also much more refreshing, even on a chilly day.Go for refreshing and calming herbal teas after a season of pumpkin spice or peppermint lattes. After three months of ingesting basically liquid cake,a soothing cup of chamomile or green peppermint is a nice way to end a busy day It's also a good time to go back to eating, healthier meals, Instead of continuing with gravy laden holiday roasts. Think a lower calorie ratatouille instead of roast beef or turkey with gravy. if you want still want roast, think of a chicken with rosemary and no gravy.

 The holidays were culinary  fun  but it's time to get back to decent eating again. This means better and wiser choices with nutritious foods and drinks. Not only will you feel better but lighter too,

That Holiday Baking Guilt

Yes, it's that time of the year when all home chefs are expected to magically transform into bakers. That's great if they have a lot of time along with having a knack for turning their kitchen into a Keebler tree. As for the rest of us? Uh oh, here comes that holiday baking guilt.

We all feel that our families deserve the best especially around the holidays. We want them to have the best presents, the best Christmas meal, the best time ever.In other words, a nearly impossible experience only exacerbated by giving them store-bought cookies to go with that Christmas morning hot cocoa or leaving Oreos out for Santa. There are a couple of solutions here. One is the classic  Pillsbury Slice and Bakes which gives the same homemade taste without all that work. As we can all attest the chocolate chip ones taste exactly like the Toll House recipe.The chocolate is gooey, even hours out of the oven and the cookie itself has rich brown sugar taste.There is also their sugar cookie flavor which is perfect if you have little artists who love to decorate. The snaps can even be turned into sandwich cookies thanks to the addition of a super easy cream cheese filling. It's just the cheese (or Neuchatel if you want to go fancy ) confectioner's sugar and a small drop of vanilla. Roll in red and green colored sugar for a fun holiday look.

Of course the second, easiest of the easiest holiday cookie solutions is bakery cookies. Some, such as the century old B&W Bakery in Hackensack, New Jersey have an amazing array of recipes that have been passed down from the bakery's original German owners. What I love about them is that they don;t follow trends. You're not going to see anise curry cupcakes or pistachio basil macarons. These are just simple butter stars and plain almond macarons.

You can see just how home made looking the butter stars are, with just a drop of green or red sugar in the middle, affixed with a simple egg white wash or glue. They are mouthfuls of pure butter and sugar, light, crisp and delicate. B&W's macarons' are the perfect holiday cookie, too. These bite size rounds have just the right amount of sweet chewiness with the perfectly laid back taste of almonds - and nothing else. I don;t feel guilty when I serve these to family and friends as a holiday treat.To me they're a holiday tradition, Also, with the cookies already taken care of, I can concentrate on wrapping and cleaning,No guilt there, just relief that I have more time freed up.

If you;re too busy to bake, don't. There are a few alternatives to scratch cookies, from Pillsbury to your favorite local bakery.Everyone can still have tasty sweet treats and be happy. No need to suffer any regret from not making the perfect cookie.

A Soothing Cup Of Tea

This election has not only been the most contentious in US history, It's also the most anxiety causing too. Many are worried as to what Wednesday morning will bring. The solution to all of this - a soothing cup of tea or any comfort food to settle nerves.

Nothing beats a calming cup of tea  the night before or even the day of a stress inducing event.The herbal ones are the best. One of my favorites is Twinings Nightly Calm. It's a non-caffeine herbal tea made with chamomile. It's a great tea too to have if you,ve got a nasty stomach flu or just ate too much. Chamomile calms the stomach along with boosting spirits - which may come in handy if your candidate loses.It also helps with sleep and insomnia. Another favorite is Celestial Seasonings Sleeptytime  Extra Tea. This is a great tea for those who have problems sleeping, Along with chamomile and spearmint it also has valerian, a natural sleeping aid. To sweeten it try the Carmel Honey Company's Honey Stix. These are plastic straws filled with the company's signature wildflower honey, a sweet earthy taste that pairs well with the tea. As much as you want to indulge in a chocolate and caramel laced latte, don;t. All that sugar and caffeine will make you more wired than a kid with a mouthful of candy,The same goes for hot chocolate. It is comforting to drink when you;re watching the election  however it'll keep you up until dawn Not the best thing, especially if you have a full schedule  or an all important meeting or exam on Wednesday morning.

Are there any calming foods to watch as you're cheering on your candidate or cursing his or her opponent? Turkey comes to mind, thanks to it being loaded with tryptophan. Eat four ounces of it for dinner for a blissful night of sleep. If you can't roast a turkey,, then head to your grocery's deli counter to get it. Serve it with jarred gravy on top of a sliced roll or bread. Sub in Stovetop Stuffing or Arrowhead Mills All Natural stuffing.Have it with a side dish of asparagus which also is a calming food.It not only promotes sleep but also lessens stress and anxiety. Swiss chard is another green guaranteed to calm an antsy voter. It's loaded with magnesium which can also de-stress the body,Surprisingly olive oil is another stress buster. Create a salad with it, greens and turkey strips. Add pumpkin seeds which also help.Grains, too, can lessen that agita over who's going to be in the White House. Have a slice of toast with butter and honey along with a cup of tea as you're watching the intricacies of the electoral college. A big bowl of cereal is another dish that will help you chill. Just stay away from the sugary and chocolate laced ones. Stick with the all natural kinds like Moms Best brand, Plain cereal without milk is a nice nibble too.

Tomorrow the fate and history of the country will be decided. It has been a stressful nineteen months. Destress from it with a sleep inducing meal or a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Sleepy Time Foods

Springing forward time wise means a lot of good things. Spring is here. The days are longer with sunsets beginning at seven PM. Summer is just around the corner. However it also means being wide awake at eleven PM or midnight This screws up our Circadian rhythms and makes for a bad wake up call the next morning. What to do? Eat foods that will make you sleepy.A few bites and you’ll be craving your pillow and forty winks.

Just what foods will do the trick? One of the best is celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Extra herbal tea.It has soothing chamomile along with spearmint  lemongrass and hawthorn. Valerian, a long used sedative for millenia is also thrown in for guaranteed drowsiness.There are the other Sleepy Time blends such as the original recipe along with ones that have echinacea  and ginger. Another snooze inducer is that classic warm milk. It has tryptophan in it, the same chemical that’s in turkey. You can add a tiny pinch of nutmeg along with the smallest drop of vanilla extract for more flavor. Milk can be heated in the microwave so you can make it there without the threat of it being scalded. Surprsingly tart cherry juice can also bring on sleepiness , thanks to the release of melantonin. The juice can be bought at GNC or online rather than at your local grocery store. Everyone thinks that a cup of hot cocoa will do the trick but that’s a wrong assumption. Chocolate has caffeine which will keep you up all night along with sugar which again can keep a person from getting a good night’s rest.

As for foods, yes you could have a nighttime snack of that leftover turkey. It may be a bit too heavy though so consider lighter options. Pretzels can do the same job. They’re full of carbs which can make you feel sleepy. Another snack option are bananas.They’re chock full of Vitamin B 6 which is essential in the melantonin synthesis .They’re also loaded with potassium which causes muscles to relax. Have one two to three hours before going to bed.Peanut butter is another snack guaranteed to cause zzzs thanks to the nuts being high in niacin, an essential key in creating serotonin.. What you eat at dinner can also affect the way you sleep. This is when the turkey can come in handy, especially paired with a salad. Lettuce , along with kale and spinach are loaded with calcium which aids the brain in using tryptophan. Even hummus can help you fall asleep. It starts off as L-tryptophan once it’s been processed by the body but then turns to 5HTP which releases relaxing serotonin. Serve it with mixed veggies or toasted pita wedges.Fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut share the same Vitamin B6 as bananas along with being very high in tryptophan too. Eat any of the three to ensure a sound night’s sleep.

Don’t let this new time ruin your sleep habits. Eat the right foods before going to bed to feel drowsy .Doing such will guarantee a good night’s rest and an easier wake up in the morning.

Organo Beverages: Tea with A Touch Of Mushroom

Can a mushroom add anything to a good cup of coffee, hot cocoa or tea? Most people would probably laugh and say no. Yet there is one company,Organo that adds Ganoderna lucidum, a mushroom used in Asian medicine to make their beverages super healthy. This fungus adds a  boost to that daily cup of tea or joe.


What is this mushroom? It is  a fantastic-looking mushroom, resembling something supernatural, or straight out of Alice in Wonderland. The Ganodermas  are unique in that they grow on wood, mostly out of large trees (living or dead) in forests in the more tropical regions of Asia. They're like your average everyday mushroom  however their coloring is unique. Their long woody stems are brown while their caps are a bright  orange.,They thrive in such heavily forested areas. The fungi were first discovered in 1888 by westerners however  they have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. They can help in lowering blood pressure as well as protecting the liver. They are antibacterial and antiviral .It's also called reishi in Japanese where its ground up into a powder. Many add it to their foods as an additive however it can also be added to beauty products like soap and toothpaste. The founders at Organo,Bernardo Chua, and Shane Morand  realized rhis and started the company in 2008 .The company has expanded to include all sorts of products, from coffee and teas to hot cocoas and powdered spores.

 I would drink their teas and coffees even if there wasn't Ganodermas Lucidum in them. Their green tea is a great way to start the morning.It is crisp, an adjective not usually associated with green tea. It has a nice aftertaste and is good hot or cold.Their coffee is the same. It makes for a nice rich brew, perfect to balance a rich dessert or a hearty breakfast. What I also like about it is that it it comes in little sachets with the right amount of coffee. There's no second guessing.It comes out perfect every time. Organa also makes an instant latte that's just as good as what you'd get ant your favorite coffee shop along with a sinfully rich hot cocoa. There are also teas from the uber healthy red to black. For Kruepps lovers there are all sorts of cups, with  yummy flavors such as chocolate almond, toasted hazelnut and caramel vanilla>These come in twelve packs so there' good for a little over a week. Organo also sells the Ganoderma spores in easy to swallow capsules along with grapeseed oil.Organo also sells toothpaste and soap with the fungi blended in.

Coffee and tea have benefits  but Organo's has the extra boost of that amazing mushroom, Ganodermas LUcidum.This makes the beverages super healthy and the perfect drink for those aware of their health.Not only that they are delicious - something that normally doesn't go hand in hand for good for you.

Winter Fuels

Cold weather almost dictates that we eat more than we usually would just to provide the fuel to keep going during these frigid times.The problem is we reach for sugar and fat laden foods and drinks instead of going healthy. The best bet is reaching for the same fuels we do in the summer. The healthy stuff is always the best.

Most of us reach for a hot cocoa .  This is fine , comfort drink, perfect once in a while, after a day after shoveling. However it's loaded with sugar That  doubles if you pile on marshmallows and whipped cream on the cocoa   It is true that the winter dehydrates us (just look at how much  body and hand lotion you go through right now ) but don't just drink anything like it , soda or a sugary coffee drink.Think water or a healthy juice like the BAI 5 brand. Another choice is hot herbal tea.A good chamomile or peppermint work just as well as a soothing hot chocolate without all those extra calories. Any herbal tea is perfect to drink before bedtime. There's no caffeine to give you a second wind and most are blends that bring on feelings of peacefulness and restfulness. Choose these too when you go to your favorite coffee shop. Again they're not loaded with whipped cream or syrups  yet still warm you up. If you must have a sweetened drink, then add natural dark honey to it.

We tend to eat more in during these cold snaps too. Many pile on the calories , feeling the fatter you are the less you'll feel the cold. That's not true.Your body  deserves to be fed healthy foods no matter what the season.Take advantage of the cold weather to create homemade soups and stews. You can start off with any kind of stock from vegetable to chicken to beef and fish. Add an assortment of beans, veggies and whole wheat pasta or brown rice . A great chill chaser along with being  heart healthy is chili. It's chock full of so many good nutrients from proteins to all important vitamins and minerals. Another booster is Vitamin D foods. There tends to be more cloudy days now and we don't receive the amount of this all important vitamin. Choose rich in Omega 3 foods like salmon, mackerel and egg yolks to combat this.. Beta carotene is another needed nutrient and is found in yams, carrots and sweet potatoes. Bake sweet potato chips with olive oil and sea salt for a fun good for you snack. If you are craving a sweet then go for an oatmeal raisin cookie.These have fiber and are usually made with brown sugar and whole wheat flour instead of the usual bad white stuff.

Cold weather requires fuel. Feed your body with good for it drinks and foods to run properly. You'll feel better and ready to conquer those snowy days and icy blasts..

A Real Chocolate Bar

Where can you get any kind of chocolate,from hot and whipped to heavenly cocoa filled croissants to to a river of molten dark liquid cacao? At Max Brenners ,across between a confectioner's and an updated chocolate house.Just walking into the dessert shop/ chocolatiers is pure heaven.The air is filled with the sweet, seductive smell of chocolate.Free samples abound and it's hard not to hate this place.It's hard not to leave too.There's a plethora of and dipped and handmade treats. The bonbons are in almost every flavor chocolate can marry.Hot Mexican peppers are added to bite size melt aways, a nod to chocolate's Mayan heritage. There are sea salt and lavender.Go and savor their crunchy sweet chocolate candy that's completely addictive.Max Brenner also sells home made marsh mallows ,macaroons along with croissants and cookies , all perfect with a steamy hot cocoa. speaking of which the hot cococa is truly one of the best tasted.I ordered mine with marshmallows ,but there is a plain one along with a spiced Mexican version and an Italian panna cotta influenced one.Mine camevwith a double head of mini marshmallows. Also get a shot of eresso with syrup, however that's more of an afternoon pick me up.They also have sweet waffles with a variety of toppings.For a real treat try, Max 's Brenner's chocolate fondue a fun way to spend an afternoon.Also every order is served with a carton of milk chocolate for drinking.How yummy os that? Max Brenner's is where chocoholics come to die.Every kind of chocolate or chocolate infused treat is there.Go visit one in your neighborhood for the ultimate cocoa famtasy.

A Hot Cup Of Love

Today is Valentine's Day and usually it's a day rserved for champagne or wine. However there's nothign like a good hot cup of cocoa or even a mocha latte. Love may be better with bubbly but it's more cozy andcomforting with something hot and sweet. What better than with a rich, steamy chocolatey drink.

There are a lot of good powdered chocolate mixes out there. You can use the Dutch based Droste which is the closest in taste to a rich Parisian chocolat chaud. Be warned with this one however. You do have to add sugar to bring its' flavor. Droste is a bitter cocoa that's used more for baking but it could be used for chocolate or even a malted. Another favorite is surprisingly the supermarket fave, Land O ' Lakes' Usually the company is associated with butter and eggs but they've branched out into the hot cocoa and instant cappucino arenas. Their Chocolate supreme is heavenly but also try their mint and amaretto infused hot cocoas.

A good mocha coffee on Valentiness Day is another cup of warm, snuggly love. Mocha coffee is easy to make. You can just add any syrup or mix in a hot cocoa mix to your average cup of joe. You could also try Maxwell House's International Brands. These are great. Just add hot water and a blob of whipped cream and you're good to go. They 're sweet and tasty with almost a home brewed taste.

Champagne is fine for this day but even better is something hot and sweet. Make yourself and your sweetie a hot cup of coffee or mocha and cuddle up. It's the perfect night for it!

What's Wrong With Plain Hot Choolate?

During a mini cold snap here recently I turned to hot chocolate for some comfort. After all there's nothing like a cup of steaming pure cocoa for an after dinner evening treat. However my hot cocoa had another flavor -hazelnut. It made it taste like a fancy coffee or a brand name chocolate. Not what I expected.

It seems hot cocoa is going the way of coffee and tea.It' s gets to be multi flavored. Is this a good thing? I don't think so. Thee are different flavors now and even a white cocoa mix (which Iwonder looks like steamed milk or is beige??), like the said hazelnut, raspberry and mint. In my opinion these make the drink taste most like a liquid cake. In fact I did need a drink of water after my cup. It was too sugary and sweet tasting. I didn't find it all that enjoyable. A real hot chocolate should be a rush of bitter cocoa followed by the rich sweetness of milk or cream.

I don't mind when a hot cocoa brand puts mini marshmallows or extra chocolate in their hit cocoa mixes. It only enhance the drink.It brings out the rich cacao flavor and adds to the creaminess. I do mind when extra flavor is added. After all hot chocolate is a drink - not a pastry ,not a coffee or a tea. It's just a simple drink, that's all.

What Makes A Good Hot Cocoa?

This is the time of year when a good hot chocolate is greatly appreciated. It revives us after a hard day at work. It's the perfect pick me up after hours holiday shopping. It's soothing heat after a frigid afternoon outside. As much as we love and need hot cocoa, we unfortunately don't make the best. Most people tend to stick with the instant kind where you just add water and get a pale version of the real thing. The best hot cocoa is the old fashioned kind - with real cocoa , milk and some sweet topping.

The first ingredient to consider is what kind of cocoa to use. I like the Dutch brand Droste. This is a bitter sugar free one - not unlike coffee. I simmer mine with warm milk and then add a teaspoon or two of sugar. This kind of hot chocolate reminds of the ones I used to drink in Paris. Not too sweet, with a slight edge . Served with a buttery croissant it's the perfect breakfast. Some people make a variation of this mix by adding sugar and a dash of vanilla flavoring to the cocoa powder. This is good too. You can also meld in other flavors simply by adding a dash of cinnamon or peppermint oil. If you want more of a mocha flavor then whip in a small 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso.For a truly original hot cocoa, add some chili pepper to give it a bite The taste will be similar to the kind the ancient Aztecs made when they first drank it.

Sometimes hot cocoa needs flourishes. Home made whipped cream is the best. It gives an added richness and creaminess to the drink. Some true addicts go over the top by sprinkling bitter chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candies on top of huge whipped cream blobs. This is fine if you want a liquid version of cake. Some prefer to scatter a heap of mini marshmallows on the hot chocolate's surface. This is good and gives it more sweetness.but it looks messy. A better way is to stick with one or two homemade marshmallows floating on top.


Nothing beats true hot chocolate on a cold winter's day. Treat yourself to the real kind and enjoy it;s soothing warm and rich goodness. It's the perfect antidote to this stressful holiday madness.

Quick Hot Meals

Quick and hot don't normally go together when describing a meal, yet you can make one none the less. It's important for us to have something warm and filling in us during these cold wintry days. The problem is time. How to come up with something that will be oven fresh in a minimum of minutes?

The best of anything hot and hasty is a good soup. Of course the homemade kind does take hours to create. You can cheat here by using instant soup and adding some ingredients. Toss in some extra veggies or steak strips to a minestrone. Throw in some rice to a tomato to make it heartier. You can also serve hot biscuits with it or toasted Italian bread. You can also serve it over a huge hunk of the last to make it more rib sticking.

Other quick and hot meals include grilled cheese and panini. These are great because you can vary the cheeses and stuffings. Try some slabs of ham or a layer of bacon under sharp cheddar . Paninis could be stuffed with grilled veggies such as peppers, onions and eggplants. Add chicken or ham to round it out.

You can create quick and hot meals. It doesn't take a lot of time and effort. Just a few minutes and a few cans of soup or slices of bread.

A Nice Hot Sandwich

Nothing beats a hot lunch during these cold times. There's something so satisfying as oven fresh meat on bread slathered with gravy. Not only that , it gives you fortification when you're facing a hard day and freezing temps.

Sandwiches began with the Earl of Sandwich wanting something quick and fuss free to eat during his time at the gaming tables .His cook's creations were a variation of the hot sandwich, cold roast beef on toasted bread. The first real hot sandwich was the BLT, a variation of a Victorian tea sandwich. Move to fifty years later when diners are all the rage in America. They were the first to serve hot open faced sandwiches, using roast and turkey along with ladles of gravy.

Other countries have their variations on this. Italian has the hot pressed paninis while the Cubans create their version , full of hot pork and ham. The French have that yummy fried cheese, the croque monsieur which is a lovely blend of Gruyere cheese and ham fired golden brown in butter. (they also have a croque madame which subs turkey for the ham).

However you slice it there;s nothing like a hot sandwich on a cold day. It;s the perfect buffer for those cold temps and an empty, growling stomach.

To Drive The Cold Winter Away

Today's title come from a Loreena McKennett album (I'm one of her biggest fans). It also means the warm food and drinks we have to drive the winter away. Yes it's January and we need that extra dollop of heat to keep us from turning into Popsicles.

What to eat? Spicy chilies are good and easy to make. Add a extra flip of chili turning it from a one alarm to a three alarm. You can also heat up your hot cocoa this way too. Make Mexican hot chocolate for yourself by using Droste plain cocoa powder and a pinch of chili powder. Add a drop or two of hot water to make a paste, some sugar to taste and then the hot (not boiling ) milk. You may have to experiment with this to get the taste right . The first time may result in a five alarm drink. Another heat generator is curry. Curry powder lends a wonderful taste to beef, chicken or vegetables not to mention keeps you toasty.

January is the month for , comforting soothing soups and stews. You can make creamy corn or lobster bisque's for a delicious hot supper. Add toasted bread and a salad and you're good to go. A big slow cooked pot of beef stew is not only perfect on a cold snowy day, it's also nutritious. Add some carrots , leeks, onions and turnips for needed vitamins and minerals. Make dumplings to go with it to create a dish that will stick to your ribs.

Don't let the cold temps get you down. Warm up with some hot drinks and hot food during this January. Treat yourself to yummy foods that will certain drive the cold winter away.