Cal Orey's Blog, page 125

Healing Powers of Tea--Author's Favorite Sweet Chamomile

By Cal Orey

Apple Chamomile Tea Cake
Sweet apple cake recipes with fresh apples, an autumn favorite, go back centuries. This recipe, my own, has served the years but I continue to make minor tweaks, and this time around it's infused with a bit of special chamomile tea blend.
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
12 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon apple cinnamon chamomile, finely ground loose leaf
1 stick European sea salt butter (save 1 tablespoon to grease cake dish)
1/2 cup Granny Smith apples, cord, chopped, unpeeled
1/2 cup raisins
2 eggs
2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Sea salt caramel gelato

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, spices, and tea. Add cold butter chunks, apples, raisins, eggs, and honey. Stir until mixed. Spoon batter into buttered baking dish or pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until firm and light golden. Cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares. Top with a small scoop of gelato. Serves 16.

Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea (Kensington).
Pages 260-261
Chamomile Secrets That'll Surprise You
Pages 106-108

Herbal Tea and Chocolate--NEW TEA Book Pairs the Two

PERFECT MATCH: Herbal Tea and ChocolateBy Cal Orey
Chocolate and tea can be found as the perfect match in tea rooms to gifts for National Hot Tea Month and February’s  Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day--and year-round. 
Q: Why do you think chocolate and tea are a perfect match?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? 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.
Q: What's an interesting fact about tea that most people don't know?A: You can cook and bake with chocolate paired with tea--leaves or brewed. You can incorporate chocolate and tea in recipes like Chocolate Lavender Torte, and Rosemary-Infused-Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Q: How is your new book The Healing Powers of Tea different than other tea books?A: I focus on teas (black and white) that other authors have not. Also, I pair herbal teas with classic teas and new tea trends to give it an edge. Not to forget the health spin of the superfood is woven throughout the book full of original stories, including my own travels on the road while all types of tea and tisanes are my constant companion.
Q: Do you share chocolate recipes in your new tea book?A: Ah, there are so many sweet recipes for the tea lover to choose from--I'm certain chocolate and honey sweetness sprinkled throughout the pages!  
Healing Herbal Tea--Paired with ChocolateCINNAMON: Cinnamon, like anise and cardamom, the tummy helpers can also be used to treat colds and ease gas and diarrhea, which often accompany the flu. Best Choco Blend: Truffles, cakes, cookies. It is included in chocolate baked goods, hot chocolate, and exotic chocolate and truffles.GINGER: Ginger root is another digestive aid, like tasty cinnamon, that can be soothing medicine for the stomach and intestines, relieving indigestion, cramps, and nausea. Best Choco Blend: It is used dark chocolate bars and combined with lemons in truffles, and in baked chocolate goods.LICORICE:  Another healing herb, licorice may soothe a sore throat. Also, ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians used the “love” root of the licorice plant as one of nature’s aphrodisiacs to enhance sexual arousal and stamina. Best Choco Blend: Dark chocolate truffles.MINT: This spice releases a culinary scent that elicits pleasant memories and sensations of baked desserts in the kitchen. Best Choco Blend: Dark chocolate bars, truffles.VANILLA:  Sweet vanilla enhances the flavor of a variety of foods, like cinnamon, especially in ice cream, chocolate, and coffee. Best Choco Blend: Milk and dark chocolate truffles, cookies, and cakes.Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Chocolate(Kensington). It was previously featured in One Spirit Book Club.Rocky Road Tea Bark* * *7 premium baking chips, 60 percent   cacao bittersweet chocolate or white chocolate7 ounces premium baking chips, milk chocolate1 cup miniature marshmallows1 tablespoon macadamia nut oil½ cup macadamia nuts, chopped                              ¼ cup tea leaves (green tea withcitrus 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.
Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated (Kensington) It was previously featured in Good Cook Book Club.

Celebrate National Hot Tea Month--The Healing Powers of Tea

By Cal Orey

Hot Tea Challenge--10 Questions About Tea Land

By Cal Orey









January  is National Hot Tea Month. 
Here are 10 questions answered by the Healing Powers series author Cal Orey.

1. Black or Green tea?
Black, of course!

2. Hot or Iced?
Iced in summer, hot the other three seasons.

3. Chamomile or Lavender?
I'm in love with chamomile. We've gone through a lot, like a
a best friend.

4. Tea for afternoon or bedtime?
Afternoon always.  It's quality time.

5. Milk or Sugar?
No thank you. Why?

6. Energize or Calm?
Chill time. After a good swim/hot tub it's bliss. Or when arriving at a destination hotel room after traveling for miles.

7. Scones or Tea Cookies?
Fruit and nut scones, homemade please.

8. Ready to Drink or DIY Iced Tea?
Homemade with lots of ice.

9. Before flying--tea or coffee?
Early java, afternoon or night time--tea.

10. Lemon or Honey?
Both, sour and sweet. Fresh and raw.

NEW Tea Book Unveiled--A Winter Wonderland of Goodness

Warm Up this Winter—Wellness in a Cup—Discover the Benefits of Tea for Your Body and Mind!By Cal Orey
5 Tea Home Cures from Your Kitchen One autumn day I found myself getting up at 2:30 A.M. to catch a 6:00 A.M. plane to Salt Lake City, then to Atlanta Georgia, to Montreal, Quebec. Waking up without adequate sleep felt odd and it was the wrong hour to brew coffee. So, I made a cup of my own blend: black and green tea. It gave me enough energy to get on the shuttle bus without acting like a zombie from a sci-fi film.But while tea offers home cures, including beating sleepiness, it can also keep you calmer than java. At the first airport counter café, I ordered a cup of hot water and used my own chamomile tea bag to keep me calm enough for the next fear factor: flying out of the Sierra and into Salt Lake City—two airports known for turbulent flights.
There is a growing trend of at-home tea cures (like I used to achieve my final destination), that’ll wow you with their potential healing powers. I sprinkled in tea wisdom from tried-and-true folk remedies, scientific studies, medical experts, and my own home tea and tisane cures. It’s tea time! Read on.

1. COLDS (Warm Up Baby.) During the fall and winter months, cold season hits more frequently. Also, though, if you are under stress a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if traveling or contracting a virus from someone else. 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.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Also, the tannins may help to stave off viruses like a cold. I recall one doctor’s story about how he turned to tea for comfort. He was traveling in the Alaskan wilderness. While in a van traveling with a lot of people, one had a cold as he did. The doctor had tea and drank the liquid. And it helped the good doctor heal.
2.  COUGHS (Cease the tickle.) Coping with a cold can be annoying, but coughing which can be caused by seasonal allergies, or linger after a cold, a bout of bronchitis, or other things, can be pesky and make your throat and even chest ache.What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew 1 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat as necessary. Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific:  Tacking a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing—and then it’s time to be proactive and deal with the problem. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with honey to your diet repertoire—soon you’ll be doing the happy dance without stopping to cough.
3. FLU (Say good-bye to germs.) 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 flu bug to a super bug that’ll spook you to the point where images from sci-fi films like Outbreak and Contagion will haunt you as you try and shake it.What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea and you won’t be calling the doctor in the morning. Mix it up and sip 1 cup 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 the functional food tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter from your local grocery store to a vacation stop. 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 (Blast the blues.)  Feeling down and sluggish with SAD, coined by Dr. Norman Rosenthal, is another monster to face. 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 hot water and use 1 teaspoon green tea leaves or tea bag. 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 (Treat the pain.) Before a cold you can get a telltale sore throat. Not to forget allergies and even talking too much. Rather than run to the doctor for an allergy medication, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea?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 my reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also, honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, too.
Ginger Lemon Honey TeaGinger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an immunity booster that can keep you healthy this winter and all year-long. 2 cups water 10 thin slices gingerroot, fresh 1 lemon sliced 3 tablespoons honey 1/3 cup lemon juice Bring water, gingerroot, 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 Kensington www.kensingtonbooks.com.
— 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. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)  Her website is www.calorey.com .

2018 Predictions for the World by Intuitive

By Cal OreyEARTH CHANGESI CAN FEEL THE EARTH MOVE  
2018 FORECASTS FOR THE WORLD
As predicted, 2017 was like a roller coaster ride with twists, turns, and unpredictable changes. Earth changes including harrowing hurricanes, deadly earthquakes in other countries, and twisters in California and shakers in Delaware did happen. The New Year will not be any calmer than last year but happenings will be different and the U.S., and around the globe will be blindsided by events that will make international news. It’s the year to be prepared for more surprises, including shakers in odd regions that may cause a trigger effect, flooding, snowstorms, and droughts—in places they have happened in history as well as make new history in different regions that will raise eyebrows about climate changes. It will be a year of chaos and Mother Nature will be sure to be in the limelight. But note, man versus man will also play a major role in affecting natural disasters, too. Take an up close and perhaps personal peek at what may happen in the United States and around the globe. It’s fair to say it will be a year for people to be mindful wherever they are or go at home, on the road, or in the sky.
A Mixed Bag of Predictions for 2018·        Earthquakes * It almost seems like California has lost its reputation for being a shaky state. The U.S. Geological Survey experts note the risk of a great earthquake increases. As the lull continues the stress builds (especially on the San Andreas). Before spring and summer months, a major shaker (7.0, 70 percent probability) could rock the San Andreas (or faults nearby) in Southern California (Greater Los Angeles or Palm Springs) or the San Francisco Bay Area (the East Bay or South Bay regions as an epicenter. Worse, earthquakes could happen in both areas of the Golden State.* Not to forget the entire West Coast, including Seattle, Washington and British Columbia—the Cascadia Subduction Zone which is capable of repeating history. A great 9.0 followed by a great tsunami could occur, and more likely in the first six months of the year. A major quake and at least a tsunami alert may happen warning the entire West Coast.* An underwater earthquake near Japan and/or Hawaii (due to mankind) may create big waves somewhere in Ring of Fire—affecting the land and food chain up and down the West Coast. * Europe may be challenged by major earthquakes, including Italy and Greece—which were affected in 2017. At least one will be shallow, in a major city, and likely a powerful 8.0 (probability 75 percent and more apt to happen before the fall).
·        Rain and Snow Events As the Earth moves, lack of snow in Western United States in 2018 will make the California flooding and epic snowfall in the sierras of 2017 a memory. A repeat drought in California may continue (despite a few significant snowstorms, mudslides, mega power outages). The winter 2017-2018 Precipitation Forecast points to less snowfall for the West Coast—more for the Northeast and Midwest. I see some flooding on the West Coast in the Pacific Northwest, Northern and Southern California, but overall it will be colder and drier than 2017.European countries including Italy, Spain, and Germany may experience heavy rainfall and major flooding, especially in coastal regions in the winter and summer.
·        Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and WildfiresLack of snow or too much rain can cause problems just as twisters can do. This year tornadoes may hit like hurricanes did in 2017. The Gulf States and Midwest are likely areas for tornadoes in 2018.  Hurricanes may be more severe on the Atlantic seaboard up north to New York and Maine, whereas, the Gulf Coast may dodge disasters this year. Wildfires in the West are likely to continue year-round and cause significant damage.
·        On the FringeAs we deal with shaky ground and wild weather, other challenges will keep us on guard. Politic problems may create a man-made disaster, including earthquakes, tsunamis, or even nuclear fallout. Also, volcanic activity in the U.S., perhaps Alaska or Yellowstone may turn heads with unusual action creating alerts...and more. A major airline, large aircraft, will make the news due to an event that will may be due to a significant event, perhaps caused by severe weather. It could be a flight going or coming abroad to the U.S. and linked to the Atlantic or to an Asian country and the Pacific Ocean. Speaking of flights, another UFO sighting may happen shocking people everywhere.In 2018, while political upheaval will rumble throughout the states and around the globe, earthshaking weather and other natural disasters will often steal the spotlight bringing light to humanity in the darkest times. Despite the erratic Earth changes and climate change, America and other countries will work together when nature causes friction. Love and heroic events will conquer darkness despite the obstacles and challenges God’s creatures, big and small, will face.
Spot-On 2017 Visions That Came True
* Alaska was not rocked by a great earthquake, but it did get a few 6.0 plus earthquakes that spawned tsunami advisories. * The deadly hurricanes and massive flooding forecasted did occur. Another Katrina-type of event (not as deadly but profound) happened in the Southeast, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida during hurricane season. Three Category 4 hurricanes made U.S. landfall:  Harvey, Irma, and Maria in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico* And note, the ground was indeed linked to more wildfires year round—in December Southern California was challenged with horrific wildfires.

1 Week to the Release of The Healing Powers of Tea--the Big Book with Heart

By Cal Orey

The Tea Book with Heart Unveiled December 26

By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3 Sales Soar! Again! 1.99 Ebook Rocks!

By Cal Orey

Welcome to the third edition of the VINEGAR book. Readers love this big book--the one that ignited the Healing Powers series which goes back to 2000! However, this edition is bigger and better--with more research, more recipes, more home cures--and heart!
Currently, for the holidays the ebook is on sale for 1.99 at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and kobo.com. And, and, and it is the number one bestseller in many categories, including healthy cooking, natural foods, and naturopathy! Whether you like an ebook or tradecover paperback (gift size cutie due out next year this time) it is a timeless wonder that is a super gift for all people, all ages.
Yes, vinegar(s) can help you to pare pounds, look and feel younger, more energized, and well, its virtues are endless. Grab a copy in either format and enjoy!


With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness
“A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read.” —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar “The essential book on vinegar—the number-one superfood of all time!” —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of The Fat Flush PlanFrom Folk Medicine to 21st-Century Favorite—Discover the Amazing Powers of Vinegar!Revised and updated, this comprehensive book draws on the latest scientific studies and interviews with top health researchers to reveal how apple cider and red wine vinegars—as well as balsamic, fruit, rice, and herb-infused vinegars—can help you stay healthy. You’ll also find proven home health cures, innovative cosmetic secrets, lively anecdotes, and environmentally friendly household hints—from making countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.Take advantage of vinegar’s natural therapeutic, antioxidant, and culinary virtues as this 5,000-year-old healer evolves in new uses and products—from sipping vinegars to home-cooked foods.Learn how vinegar helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and bone loss.Discover how vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria, and may help prevent tuberculosis and combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothaches, sunburn, swimmer’s ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.…and discover much more in this invaluable resource to help you slim down, shape up, and enhance longevity!“Vinegar is right there in your cupboard—waiting for you to open its health properties for you and your family. Cal Orey’s book can show you how.” --Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness

Tearooms and Scones Afternoon Delight

By Cal Orey
A few weeks ago, I was chilling in a hot tub after swimming. A tourist and I engaged in a conversation. When I shared my recent experiences at tearooms in Canada, her interest soared. She said, “My friend wants to open up a tearoom on the South Shore. What do you think?” There was a pregnant pause as I thought, “Gee, she stole my idea!” But as time passed, I arrived at the conclusion a tearoom may attract tourists in the winter for hot tea and summer for iced tea—but during off season a tearoom would be like an empty tea cup or two. And I told her that, speaking from experience and my heart, well, sort of. 

But just because a tearoom may not be in the cards for the South Shore doesn’t mean enjoying vanilla petite scones at Starbucks or munching on homemade scones aren’t something to savor. So, since I  bought fresh berries and walnuts, they were used in this tearoom chat-inspired recipe. It’s truly easy to make, will please folks of all ages—and gender (not just fussy women) because they are countrified and well, real food.
Blackberry-Walnut Holiday Scones 2 ½ cups cake flour, sifted (a bit extra for cutting board) ¼ cup granulated white sugar 1 cup low-fat buttermilk, premium brand 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 stick European style butter, cold, cubed ½ cup walnuts, chopped ½ cup blackberries, fresh (or blueberries) 2 teaspoons orange or lemon rind (optional) 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for sprinkling tops after removed from oven)
In a bowl combine flour and sugar. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Fold in butter, nuts, and berries.  On a floured cutting board mold the dough into a circle. Place on a plate and put into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Remove and slice the circle like a pizza into 6 triangles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake scones in a 425 degree oven for 18 minutes or until bottom of scones are light brown. Do not overbake. Dust with sugar. Makes 6 medium scones or 12 mini sized ones.Using cake flour makes these scones have a light texture. The fresh berries is a naturally sweet delight as we near wintertime. The powdered sugar is a nice touch and most of you hope it’s foreshadow for snowy days ahead. These scones with nature’s berries and nuts are a sweet pleasure to eat and share any time, day or night. Pair it with a cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream and a candy cane or a cup of hot ginger, peppermint, pumpkin spice or chamomile tea. Because they are rustic mountain-style food and not a perfect and dainty cookie cutter shape, you’ll enjoy them all the more whether you’re a local or tourist.
— 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. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)  Her website is www.calorey.com 


The New Healing Powers of Tea author wrote The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition...Today, it is #1 bestselling book on kobo/amazon--1.99 sale price!

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#1 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Naturopathy#1 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Healing#1 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Cooking by Ingredient > Natural Foods