Cal Orey's Blog, page 124

TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series a Question!

By Cal Orey
Chocolate and Tea--a Perfect Pairing for V-Day

Q: Why do you think chocolate and tea are a perfect match? A: Both superfoods have amazing powers to help nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Pairing this mighty duo is like apple pie and vanilla ice cream or salt and pepper. Chocolate and tea are Mother’s Nature’s finest work and deserves kudos. Q: Do you have a favorite chocolate and tea pairing? A: This is a Sophie’s Choice question. If I have to make a decision today in the middle of winter with snow covered ground in the mountains, I’d choose a dark almond chocolate muffin with a cup of White Peony Tea.



Rocky Road Tea Bark* * * 7 premium baking chips, 60 percent   cacao bittersweet chocolate 7 ounces premium baking chips, milk chocolate 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1 tablespoon macadamia nut oil ½ cup macadamia nuts, chopped                              ¼ cup tea leaves (green tea with  citrus notes) crush into bite-size bits                                             Melt dark chocolate chips in microwave for about two or three minutes, stir occasionally until melted. Stir the dark chocolate and spread it onto a nonstick cookie sheet (or line with parchment paper). Spread and shape into a rectangle. Chill in freezer for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, nuke milk chocolate chips. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in marshmallows and nuts. (Save half of the nuts for the top.) Take out dark chocolate from freezer and frost with rocky road mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and tea on top. Put back into freezer for 10 minutes. Take out and pick up the entire chocolate candy slab, place on a plate. If you use parchment paper, take off. Break into peanut brittle-like square pieces. Place in airtight sealed containers and keep in refrigerator.

TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series a Question--Get an Answer

By Cal Orey

QUESTION:  What type of tea should I drink if I get SAD? No sunshine, colder days is making me feel depressed. Help!

ANSWER: Tea comes to the rescue! 

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.   Brew 1 cup of green  tea. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.
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. But chamomile calms you and can also make you feel warm and fuzzy without caffeine! And don't forget classic black tea! It'll provide you with a pick-me-up and you may be smiling!

Tea Time: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author a Question! Get An Answer

By Cal Orey The Healing Powers series Author Valentine's Superfoods--  Tea and Honey
QUESTION:  Why do you think honey and tea are such a wonderful pair? ANSWER:  These two gifts from nature go together like America’s favorite apple pie and vanilla ice cream.  Both functional foods contain good-for-you ingredients and are flavorful, comforting and complement each other perfectly! QUESTION:   Do you have a favorite honey and tea pairing? ANSWER:  Ah, I am a Libra and making a decision like this is a challenge! How about black tea with orange blossom honey? Or chamomile and lavender honey? Bliss. It’s tea time.

TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author a Question!

By Cal Orey

Tea Home Cures from Your KitchenQUESTION: Can tea help with a cold? Help!  ANSWER: You bet! Colds: During the fall and winter months, cold season is at its peak. 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.  Honey is contains anti-inflammatory components and can coat the throat to help stop that tickle and soothe soreness.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.

TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author A Question!

By Cal Orey

"Tea takes me to a place I love."
--The Healing Powers of Tea
Victoria, July 2017


Question: So, what inspired you to begin this tea book adventure?  Answer:  Tea has provided me with balance–it continues to nourish my mind, body, and spirit. Versatile tea is like a dear family member–it’s a constant.  Tea–many types–are my friends and relaxes me during ups and downs in life. I cannot imagine my world or travels without it. Tea takes me to a place I love.


Both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey will be carried by the Fairmont Hotel tearoom/gift shop in Victoria, B.C., Canada.   Plenty of stories about teas and tisanes in both HONEY and TEA books... and more to come in the forthcoming #7 Healing Powers series book.

TEA TIME: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author Question!

By Cal Orey

"Tea takes me to a place I love."
--The Healing Powers of Tea
Victoria, July 2017


Question: So, what inspired you to begin this tea book adventure?  Answer:  Tea has provided me with balance–it continues to nourish my mind, body, and spirit. Versatile tea is like a dear family member–it’s a constant.  Tea–many types–are my friends and relaxes me during ups and downs in life. I cannot imagine my world or travels without it. Tea takes me to a place I love.


Both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey will be carried by the Fairmont Hotel tearoom/gift shop in Victoria, B.C., Canada.   Plenty of stories about teas and tisanes in both HONEY and TEA books... and more to come in the forthcoming #7 Healing Powers series book.

Tea Time: Ask the Healing Powers Series Author a QUESTION!

By Cal Orey


QUESTION: Do you prefer different types of honey for different seasons?


ANSWER:  I love antioxidant-rich dark honeys such as medicinal amber-orange manuka and rich buckwheat with black tea and a bit of honey for the fall and winter–both can stave off pesky health woes during seasonal changes.
I turn to light golden wildflower paired with white tea for the spring and summer. 
And clover honey is super with spice teas, my friends for life, especially in the autumn. Oh, and alfalfa honey with chamomile! It was given to me by a local beekeeper to keep both spring and fall-time allergies at bay!

Tea Time Column: Ask the Healing Powers Series' Author a Question!

By Cal Orey

Ask the Question! Get your answer from the veteran 
Healing Powers series' author!













If you've got something on your mind about tea, honey, vinegar, chocolate, coffee, or olive oil-you've come to the right place! Health? Home cures? Cooking? Baking?  Beauty? You are at the right place!

Dish out the question, and your answer may be found right here! Send your words to COrey39184@aol.com --get your answer soon!


      — Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington and available at bookstores. The collection was featured in the Good Cook Book Club. Her website is www.calorey.com.

QUESTION: Why do you think honey and tea are such a wonderful pair?  ANSWER: These two gifts from nature go together like America’s favorite apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Both functional foods contain good-for-you ingredients and are flavorful, comforting and complement each other perfectly!QUESTION: Do you have a favorite honey and tea pairing? ANSWER: Ah, I am a Libra and making a decision like this is a challenge! How about black tea with orange blossom honey? Or chamomile and lavender honey? Bliss. It’s tea time!

'Tis the Season for Snow and Muffins

By Cal Orey
Ah,  yes... It’s feeling like normal wintertime in the mountains. As the storm rolled in I was inspired to bake a batch of fresh fruit muffins. Back in the late 20th century, eye-catching, super-size muffins were a super thing. While people may have thought the muffin craze was a healthful phenomenon, think again. Portion control is important as well as the type of fat used and sugar added. So, yes, folks were getting there muffins on but probably packing on unwanted pounds, too.

Enter the 21stcentury healthy muffin. Last year as we were coping with the Snow Apocalypse I was in desperate need of assistance. Buried in white powder at lake level I posted an ad on a Tahoe website. It read something like this: “Help! Will pay one million dollars, give up purebred dog, toss in the fish aquarium, and brew a pot of fresh coffee with baked goods for anyone to shovel my deck and yard.” Two days later, a young, energetic man appeared at my doorstep. He shoveled and shoveled piles of white power, making doable trails so I could walk the pooch and get back to normal.

This morning I awoke to several inches of snow, which is fine with me and the canine. After one cup of Joe, fresh squeezed OJ, and a fresh apple muffin it was time. In Cal-ese this means walk the dog, go swimming, and enjoy the winter wonderland scenery without worries of getting up on the roof to shovel off mounds of white stuff. In the afternoon another muffin (warmed up) for afternoon tea seems like a plan. As we’re back on track weather-wise, here’s my down-to-earth recipe for you to put to use.
Fresh Apple Mountain Muffins 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour sifted (you can also use half of each) ¼ cup granulated white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup olive oil 2 eggs, brown, organic ¾ cup buttermilk ½ cup apple juice (without added sugar) 1 ½ cups Granny smith apples, cored, peeled, chopped Topping 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon
      In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Add oil, eggs, buttermilk, and juice. Fold in apples. Use an ice cream scoop and spoon batter into cupcake lined tin pan. Sprinkle sugar mixture on top. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. Makes 12. Serve warm. (While you don’t need frosting, you can use it. Try a mini dollop of cream cheese or vanilla frosting. Or you can dust muffins with confectioners’ sugar to remind you of snow.)These fresh muffins are healthier than cupcakes and are flavorful with bites of apple and notes of cinnamon. Not only are they easy to make, but they are versatile during chilly weather. Serve them warm for breakfast. Or savor an apple muffin with a cup of hot apple cider or tea at night. And rest assured you’re filling up not out on an earthy treat with a semi-sweet apple muffin.
      — Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington and available at bookstores. The collection was featured in the Good Cook Book Club. Her website is www.calorey.com.

Hot Soup and Tea for National Hot Tea Month

A Toast to Hot Soup and  Tea  for Winter--
National Hot Tea Month
By Cal Orey
Colds, Flu, and the stomach bug. Oh my! Each time I turn on the news or log on to the Internet I am overwhelmed of the statistics that it’s the season to be sick. But you don’t have to relinquish control and get ill. It’s the time to take care of yourself, be more mindful when outdoors, and indoors it’s the perfect time to make soup and tea (it is National Hot Tea Month) before a cold or flu spooks you and takes you down!
As a self-professed hypochondriac, after hearing all the doom and gloom virus reports for 2018, I thought a cold was paying me a visit. On the upside without snow to shovel or crackling fires to make, not to forget walking the dog on black ice, I decided to prepare. A store run for water, sore throat lozenges, orange juice, fresh vegetables, herbs, and tea were stocked and ready for me to be woman down. During the three day holiday, I escaped to the bed. My refuge included clean flannel sheets with cozy comforters,  two companion animals, put one log into the fireplace with the promise to burn 4 ½ hours), and the popular TV mini-series “Big Little Lies”—and tea. On day two, I was surprised. After chilling, making soup and drinking tea—no cold, no flu. I survived. So, here’s the recipe to prevent a cold that may be coming to visit you.
 Vegetable Soup for Winter Health
1 carton (32 ounces) organic low-sodium vegetable broth ¼ cup red or yellow onion2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced½ cup celery, chopped¼ cup fresh basil, chopped2 tablespoons Italian seasoning2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped½ cup carrots and cauliflower, chopped1- 1½ cups cooked whole grain spaghettiSea salt and ground pepper to taste1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese (garnish)
 Pour broth into a large pot. Bring to a boil. In another pan boil until tender, onion, garlic, celery, basil, seasoning, carrots, cauliflower, and tomatoes.  Drain and place in broth.  Simmer for 15 minutes. In another pot boil pasta for several seven minutes until cooked. Add pasta and salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Top with cheese. Serve with slices of local artisan sourdough French whole grain bread and real butter. Serves 6. This easy to make vegetable soup tastes much better than the stuff from a can. The scent of garlic and onion fills the kitchen and it feels like you’ve been cooking home-style soup all day. Pairing a bowl of hot soup with a slice of fresh, warm bread will warm you up and give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, too.
Not to forget, brew a pot of premium black or herbal tea. Use tea bags or leaves. Add fresh lemon and local honey—two more good-for-you foods to boost your immune system. Sipping tea before and after this meal adds good-for-you disease-fighting antioxidants. And this, my friends, will help you keep the cold and flu at bay. Is it worth the trouble to make up a batch of DIY soup and make a tea potion? You bet, especially if you want to be ready for the next storm.
      — Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington and available at bookstores. The collection was featured in the Good Cook Book Club. Her website is www.calorey.com.