Cal Orey's Blog, page 123
March 15, 2018
SPRING FEVER--TEA & HONEY TO THE RESCUE!
Spring FeverBy Cal Orey
Spring has sprung. But the question is, is the flu and cold season over? Often when April arrives the transition of cold and warmer temperatures can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Read on—discover how home cures with tea(s)—a superfood--from your kitchen may be just what the doctor would order to help beat colds, allergies thanks to pollen and other allergens, miserable seasonal affective disorder and winter weight gain, and even a second wave of the flu.
1. 1. Colds: During late winter months, cold season can linger like an unwanted house guest. But, if you are under stress, a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if you’re traveling. If your immune system is under attack, a cold can be prevented or the severity lessened with tea.What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea (hot or iced) with or without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day while symptoms last.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen (a molecule capable of inducing an immune response) in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Known for being rich with antioxidants, tea also contains tannins which may help to stave off viruses like a cold.2. Coughs: Coping with a cold can be annoying but coughing (either from a cold or allergies) can be pesky and make your throat and chest ache.What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew one 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of local honey is especially good for allergies!). Repeat as necessary.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tackling a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with local honey to your diet repertoire.3. Flu: Catching the flu, just when you thought flu season was over, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour bug to a stubborn virus that’ll hang on for weeks.What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea– such as hibiscus.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your immune system strong.4. Seasonal Affective Disorder: Feeling down and sluggish with SAD? Seasonal depression is yet is another monster to face in the colder months. I have tackled the symptoms with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall through early spring.What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of green tea. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of well-being.5. Sore Throat: A sore throat is a telltale sign that a cold or allergies are looming, so rather than run to the pharmacy for medication every time, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea first?What Tea Rx to Use: Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or hibiscus can be a perfect pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Oolong tea may reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also,local honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits and contains pollen to help balance allergies.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Ginger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an immunity booster and detoxifying that can keep you healthy this spring and all year-long. Plus, drinking this potion can help fill you up not out to help drop unwanted pounds for spring!
2 cups water 10 thin slices ginger root, fresh 1 lemon sliced 3 tablespoons honey 1/3 cup lemon juice Bring water, ginger root, and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10 minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice. You can also add apple peel, a piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of chamomile.(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita Sciabica)Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea 2018. All right reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensingtonwww.kensingtonbooks.com
March 14, 2018
Reno, NV Book Signing--Saint Patrick's Day--Tea & Cookies
By Cal Orey
You are invited to a book signing with a local author!
What: TEA and COOKIES will be served, courtesy of Barnes and Noble; a drawing for Healing Powers series books! Saint Patrick's Day Special Signing/Discussion and TEA and HONEY books!
Where: 5555 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502; 775-826-8882 Who: Author Cal Orey
Author Signing (Health and Fitness, Self Improvement)
Saturday March 17, 2018 1:00 PM
Extras: This fascinating book boils down the rich history of tea--as well as the ever-expanding list of health and weight loss benefits found in its leaves. Enjoy different teas and cookies while you may win the entire Healing
Powers collection!
March 9, 2018
Spring into Tea and Tarts
By Cal Orey
Spring is almost here and you can feel it indoors and outdoors. It’s that time to change it up when it comes to cooking, baking and eating. I prefer to make the transition slowly. Rather than go on a detoxifying semi-fast diet, let’s take it bit by bit. As history goes, this is the time of year I go off the hill for book signings and research.
A couple of years ago I traveled to Seattle on the first day of Spring. In the morning it was a Starbuck’s coffee, a plain bagel, and fresh strawberries. Then, onto the hotel pool and hot tub before a book signing event in the early afternoon. It was exciting being in the Pacific Northwest—knowing Canada via train ride, fish aquarium, and British Columbia—a place I’ve been and continue to visit--was next up the next day.But this year it’s Reno for March. The eating style is similar as well as swim and hot tub but here in town. Instead of a big wintertime breakfast, a slice of a semi-homemade fruit tart and fresh brewed hot tea is what I’m dishing up for me and you.
1 pie pastry (Pillsbury)
3 large, firm pears, washed, peeled, cored, sliced
2 tablespoons European style butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Fresh lemon juice to taste
1 egg white
Confectioners' sugar
Take pie pastry out of the refrigerator, let rest for 15 minutes. Slice pears. In a bowl, mix pears, butter, sugar, flour, and juice. Place pastry on foil. Brush egg white on top to keep crust firm. Mold into a rectangle and crimp edges nicely like a border. Place pears inside. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1 hour or until crust is golden brown and fruit is bubbly. *Try warming up your favorite apricot or strawberry organic jam and spread the glaze on top. Cool for 15 minutes. Cuts nicely in squares or rectangles. Sprinkle with sugar. Sliced almonds (optional) and fresh pear slices can pretty it up.
Adding crumbled blue cheese and/or not peeling pears gives the tart a rustic appeal. Also, strawberries and walnuts works for the change of seasons, too. Serves 6. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch pastry or dessert as we enjoy more sunshine and longer days.
So, this pear tart is ideal for Saint Patrick’s Day and the change of seasons. Also, it’s a perfect starter for thinking lighter with less calories, less sugar, and less fat. It’s a time to lose unwanted winter weight but there’s no rush. Do it the easy way, like a day trip instead of a week getaway and a tart instead of pie.
Spring is almost here and you can feel it indoors and outdoors. It’s that time to change it up when it comes to cooking, baking and eating. I prefer to make the transition slowly. Rather than go on a detoxifying semi-fast diet, let’s take it bit by bit. As history goes, this is the time of year I go off the hill for book signings and research.
A couple of years ago I traveled to Seattle on the first day of Spring. In the morning it was a Starbuck’s coffee, a plain bagel, and fresh strawberries. Then, onto the hotel pool and hot tub before a book signing event in the early afternoon. It was exciting being in the Pacific Northwest—knowing Canada via train ride, fish aquarium, and British Columbia—a place I’ve been and continue to visit--was next up the next day.But this year it’s Reno for March. The eating style is similar as well as swim and hot tub but here in town. Instead of a big wintertime breakfast, a slice of a semi-homemade fruit tart and fresh brewed hot tea is what I’m dishing up for me and you.
1 pie pastry (Pillsbury)
3 large, firm pears, washed, peeled, cored, sliced
2 tablespoons European style butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Fresh lemon juice to taste
1 egg white
Confectioners' sugar
Take pie pastry out of the refrigerator, let rest for 15 minutes. Slice pears. In a bowl, mix pears, butter, sugar, flour, and juice. Place pastry on foil. Brush egg white on top to keep crust firm. Mold into a rectangle and crimp edges nicely like a border. Place pears inside. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1 hour or until crust is golden brown and fruit is bubbly. *Try warming up your favorite apricot or strawberry organic jam and spread the glaze on top. Cool for 15 minutes. Cuts nicely in squares or rectangles. Sprinkle with sugar. Sliced almonds (optional) and fresh pear slices can pretty it up.
Adding crumbled blue cheese and/or not peeling pears gives the tart a rustic appeal. Also, strawberries and walnuts works for the change of seasons, too. Serves 6. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch pastry or dessert as we enjoy more sunshine and longer days.
So, this pear tart is ideal for Saint Patrick’s Day and the change of seasons. Also, it’s a perfect starter for thinking lighter with less calories, less sugar, and less fat. It’s a time to lose unwanted winter weight but there’s no rush. Do it the easy way, like a day trip instead of a week getaway and a tart instead of pie.
March 8, 2018
New Books--Spring into the New Season with Tea and Honey!
BUZZWORTHY CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN --
FOR SPRING
By Cal Orey
(Fight allergies, get slim, energized!)
Discover Honey's Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers& Tea(s0
Did you know?... Known as Mother Nature's "nectar of the gods," honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.Drawing on the 21st century honey buzz, health author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington) (NEW gift size 416 pages just released! Available at all fine bookstores!)
Here are common health ailments from A to Z and amazing at-home honey cures. These are tried-and-true folk remedies based on scientific studies, real-life stories, medical doctors, researchers, and beekeepers. But caution, consult your health-care practitioner before putting to work any honey cure.
* ALLERGIES (Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.
What Honey Rx to Use: Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live). *BLACK TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It's worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens--and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.
* ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) during summer blues to tourist madness, you know it like when an earthquake strikes. Anxiety can wreak havoc on your nervous system and up your odds of experiencing heart disease, stress eating, and other health problems.What Honey Rx to Use: If you're under pressure and feeling high anxiety or sense a stressful event is in the works, make a cup of chamomile tea. Put in 1 teaspoon of your favorite honey. Repeat twice a day as needed. *CHAMOMILE TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey--all hundreds of varietals--is touted by folk medicine healers for its calming effects. The natural superfood can help sooth your nerves rather than put you in higher anxiety mode. The relief if provides may be due to its multiple vitamin B content--anti-stress vitamins.
* ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your zen back is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets? Liquid gold may be the answer again.What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association's Energy Drink recipe: ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people. *WHITE OR GINSENG TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you'll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.
* WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge... if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.What Honey Rx to Use: Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake. *GREEN OR BLACK TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach. So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to an infant.)
FOR SPRING
By Cal Orey
(Fight allergies, get slim, energized!)
Discover Honey's Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers& Tea(s0
Did you know?... Known as Mother Nature's "nectar of the gods," honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians.Drawing on the 21st century honey buzz, health author Cal Orey reveals enlightening honey home remedies, straight from the book The Healing Powers of Honey: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar! (Kensington) (NEW gift size 416 pages just released! Available at all fine bookstores!)
Here are common health ailments from A to Z and amazing at-home honey cures. These are tried-and-true folk remedies based on scientific studies, real-life stories, medical doctors, researchers, and beekeepers. But caution, consult your health-care practitioner before putting to work any honey cure.
* ALLERGIES (Stop seasonal misery): Dealing with annoying sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing is no picnic, thanks to seasonal pollen. But honey may come to your rescue.
What Honey Rx to Use: Try eating a tablespoon of locally produced honey. Proponents of honey tell me that your immune system will get used to the local pollen in it (it should be within a 50-mile radius from where you live). *BLACK TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: By taking the honey cure, you may lose your allergy symptoms. It's worth the effort and is less pricey than a visit to the doctor or an allergist. Honey may enhance the immune system to build up a better arsenal against airborne allergens--and help you breathe easier. Honeycomb may line the entire breathing tract.* ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) during summer blues to tourist madness, you know it like when an earthquake strikes. Anxiety can wreak havoc on your nervous system and up your odds of experiencing heart disease, stress eating, and other health problems.What Honey Rx to Use: If you're under pressure and feeling high anxiety or sense a stressful event is in the works, make a cup of chamomile tea. Put in 1 teaspoon of your favorite honey. Repeat twice a day as needed. *CHAMOMILE TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey--all hundreds of varietals--is touted by folk medicine healers for its calming effects. The natural superfood can help sooth your nerves rather than put you in higher anxiety mode. The relief if provides may be due to its multiple vitamin B content--anti-stress vitamins.
* ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your zen back is a good thing, but then what if your energy plummets? Liquid gold may be the answer again.What Honey Rx to Use: Each morning include a teaspoon of bee pollen in your breakfast. Go ahead and take it solo. Or try The Honey Association's Energy Drink recipe: ¼ pint orange juice, ¼ pint natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons clear honey. Place all the ingredients in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses. Serves two people. *WHITE OR GINSENG TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. That means, you'll get a quick energy boost with long-lasting effects. Athletes include it in their daily diets. It was even used by runners at the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.
* WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge... if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.What Honey Rx to Use: Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake. *GREEN OR BLACK TEAWhy You'll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach. So go ahead and use the type of honey advised or your own preference; all-natural, raw honey, dark varietals are recommended for best results. (Warning: To avoid infant botulism, do not fee honey to an infant.)
March 4, 2018
Spring into Feng Shui--by the Healing Powers Series Author
Spring into Feng Shui for a CleanerSpirit and SoulBy Cal Orey
Spring has sprung. It’s time to move forward and get moving into spring cleaning mode. The cleaner your kitchen is, the cleaner your spirit and soul, which is a good thing for you, yours, and your environment…
Welcome to the world of Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. Its goal is to bring you harmony. By putting stuff in the right spots in your kitchen it may enhance the flow of positive energy and zap negative vibrations. The end result: good health, happiness, and fortune.1 Declutter Your Stuff. Ditto. Getting rid of things you don't use will up your energy. It's true.
2 Brighten Up with Lighting. During the colder days without sun you'll want to have sunny-type lighting which can up your energy and mood--linked to good health. 
3 Bring on the Water. Fish aquariums provide positive energy in the dining room, especially with a gentle filter Ever notice Asian restaurants and the calming ambiance of fish?
4 Fish, Fish, Fish. Goldfish can bring you good luck and prosperity. In fact, nine is the lucky number. The colors? Gold and one black one. (Go smaller rather than bigger in size = less cleaning.) 5 Bring Out the Fresh Fruit. I've got several plump healthful seasonal fruits on display and ready to eat, such as pears placed in a stainless steel colander. According to feng shui consensus, a full bowl may lead to a full life. Think 6, 7, and 9 for lucky numbers. Always fresh!
6 Hang Wind Chimes with Crystals. Feng shui gurus recommend hanging chimes in the doorway to the kitchen or over the stove sings good energy. And sit down, exhale, enjoy!
March 2, 2018
Tea Time: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author a Question!
By Cal Orey
Q: Help! I think I caught the flu. How can I feel better--and fast, naturally?
A: Tea and honey come to the rescue! Here are two superfoods that'll help you heal!
Flu: Catching the flu, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour bug to a stubborn virus that’ll hang on for weeks.
What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea– such as hibiscus. Repeat as necessary in moderation. Add honey, nature's finest anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory to soothe a sore throat. Also, a cup of chamomile can help as well as be an aid to get a good night's sleep.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet (hot soup is a folk remedy that can help you feel better), you’ll be keeping your immune system stay strong or bolstering it--and if down will be back up faster. Staying hydrated will also help make you feel better along with rest and relaxation.
Q: Help! I think I caught the flu. How can I feel better--and fast, naturally?
A: Tea and honey come to the rescue! Here are two superfoods that'll help you heal!Flu: Catching the flu, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour bug to a stubborn virus that’ll hang on for weeks.
What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea– such as hibiscus. Repeat as necessary in moderation. Add honey, nature's finest anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory to soothe a sore throat. Also, a cup of chamomile can help as well as be an aid to get a good night's sleep.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet (hot soup is a folk remedy that can help you feel better), you’ll be keeping your immune system stay strong or bolstering it--and if down will be back up faster. Staying hydrated will also help make you feel better along with rest and relaxation.
February 24, 2018
Fruit Tart and Tea for Pre-Spring
By Cal OreyIt's late winter at Lake Tahoe--a time to cuddle with my Aussie, enjoy a fire in the fireplace, and finish proofing the #7 Healing Powers series book. Outdoors the air is cold (in the teens at night) but the snow is not sticking at lake level. Translation: No shoveling.
It's a time to savor hot treats--healthful comfort foods--like a fresh fruit tart with a cup of tea or coffee. Less calories, sugar, and fat than a double crusted apple pie, a fresh fruit pear tart is a perfect way to ease into pre-springtime.
1 pie pastry (Pillsbury)
3 large, firm pears, washed, peeled, cored, sliced
2 tablespoons European style butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Fresh lemon juice to taste
1 egg white
Confectioners' sugar
Take pie pastry out of the refrigerator, let rest for 15 minutes. Slice pears. In a bowl, mix pears, butter, sugar, flour, and juice. Place pastry on foil. Brush egg white on top to keep crust firm. Mold into a rectangle and crimp edges nicely like a border. Place pears inside. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1 hour or until crust is golden brown and fruit is bubbly. *Try warming up your favorite apricot or strawberry organic jam and spread the glaze on top. Cool for 15 minutes. Cuts nicely. Sprinkle with sugar. Serves 6. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch pastry or dessert. *The Healing Powers of Honey is available 2-27! Gift Size, 400 pages! The Healing Powers of Tea is found at fine bookstores...a book that'll take you to the place you love.
NEW Honey Book Gift Size Released 2-27! Lose 10 Lbs.+ by Spring
By Cal OreyCan honey help you lose weight?
* WAIST WHITTLER (Blast belly fat): Twitches to tummy bulge... if you have a bulging tummy, you'd probably consider a sore throat is easier to get rid of. But wait; there are things you can do to get a flat tummy.
What Honey Rx to Use: Both morning and night, drink an 8-ounce glass or mug of tea (dandelion or parsley boasts diuretic effects), with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Team this potion with grazing and watch your fat and sugar intake.
Why You'll Bee Happy: Honey and apple cider vinegar contain the bloat-busting mineral potassium. Also, turning to honey will help you to eat fewer sugary treats and enjoy a flatter stomach.
February 23, 2018
TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author a Question!
By Cal Orey
Coffee or Tea?
Q: What inspired your interest in coffee?A: I have penned the Healing Powers series--books on superfoods. Since coffee gets a bad rap, I thought it would be fascinating to write about a vice that has gone to virtue. The health benefits of java are controversial, but groundbreaking research shows that it's got perks. Coffee has been touted as the "newest health food."
Q: What gives coffee its many health benefits?
A: Coffee's amazing antioxidant power is what makes it special. Two mighty antioxidants--chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid--have been given credit for its health benefits. Coffee boasts other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
As the author of both coffee and tea books, I will say I cannot live without either superfood. Coffee for the a.m., and tea for the afternoon. It's the best of both worlds year-round.
Coffee or Tea?Q: What inspired your interest in coffee?A: I have penned the Healing Powers series--books on superfoods. Since coffee gets a bad rap, I thought it would be fascinating to write about a vice that has gone to virtue. The health benefits of java are controversial, but groundbreaking research shows that it's got perks. Coffee has been touted as the "newest health food."
Q: What gives coffee its many health benefits?
A: Coffee's amazing antioxidant power is what makes it special. Two mighty antioxidants--chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid--have been given credit for its health benefits. Coffee boasts other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
As the author of both coffee and tea books, I will say I cannot live without either superfood. Coffee for the a.m., and tea for the afternoon. It's the best of both worlds year-round.
February 14, 2018
Warm up with Tea, Bread and Thou
By Cal OreyThis time some years ago, a dear friend of mine drove up in the snow to visit me on her birthday. Thrilled to have company, I opened up my cabin to her. At that time I wasn’t a “Food Network” addict, and cooking wasn’t on my favorite to-do list. So, French bread, cheese, and bottled water was the plan. We rehashed our travels up and down California during a book tour for my earthquake prediction book. We were certain a shaker was going to hit Palmdale, and I was even on TV—but the Earth did not move that night in the hotel room as we munched on spinach pizza and watched the film 10.5.
This week when I made a Spinach Dip and Sourdough Bowl it reminded me of that book tour and how I am preparing to go again--somewhere out of the state or country. However, I miss the comforts of home, including the cozy cabin, companion animals, swimming at a pool amid trees in the mountains. Spinach Dip and Sourdough French Bread
½ cup cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with olive oil 1 cup plain Greek yogurt ½ cup sour cream 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped, dry 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped fine 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 small round artisan whole grain sourdough bread 1 tablespoon European-style butter, melted
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add spinach, scallions, seasoning, salt and pepper. Put in refrigerator. Meanwhile, slice top off bread. With a knife cut out bread to make a bowl. Spoon chilled dip mixture into bread bowl. Brush bowl with butter. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until bread is golden brown and dip is bubbly. Serve hot. Cut or break off bread pieces and dip. *You can cut the scooped bread into cubes and serve baked or not. Serves 6-8.
