Cal Orey's Blog, page 133

Celestial Rice Pudding with Chocolate Shavings

By Cal Orey This is the type of dessert that I grew up with in the 20th century and is found in cookbooks around the globe. Rice pudding recipes go back in time to the Tudor period (late 1400s and 1500s in England). A basic rice pudding is made with rice, milk, cream, and sugar and is flavored with vanilla and spices. It can be cooked on the stovetop and/or in the oven.The first time I made rice pudding was back in the ‘60s and the recipe was borrowed from my mother. I recall one foggy morning in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of California, I played hooky from school so I could play chef (and frolic with our new Norwegian Elkhound pup). The pudding directions called for cooked white rice, whole milk, white eggs, and more than less sugar, and cinnamon. I poured the concoction into a rectangle glass dish and baked it inside our wall oven. Sitting on the kitchen floor, reading cookbooks with dog-eared pages and anticipating the pudding to bake was exciting (especially with a fluffy, sleeping pooch at my feet). I was home alone and loving it.
On Tuesday night I went back in time and put together rice pudding with fresh flair. Brown rice (it has more fiber than the white stuff) was the first switch. I added spices for flavor, golden raisins and nuts for texture and the health of it. To give this English-style pudding a sweet European twist I planned to top it off with whipped cream and chunks of dark chocolate to make this treat a sophisticated, healthier but decadent delight.
Heavenly Rice Pudding
1 1/4 cups brown rice, natural whole grain, cooked
2 ½ cups organic half & half2 large brown eggs, beaten¼ cup sugar, pure cane, granulated white1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
Whipped cream Chocolate shavings, dark   Mix cooked rice and half-and-half in a bowl. Add eggs and sugar. Stir well. Add vanilla and spices. Fold in dried fruit and nuts. Pour into 4 ramekins. Place in 8” by 8” dish filled with water. Bake pudding at 325 degrees for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or till firm. Cool and top with dollop of whipped cream and chocolate. Refrigerate. I suggest warming up when you indulge.



Okay. I did perform the taste test. This savory and sweet custard-type rice pudding has a warming touch. I savored it at night while sitting in front of a warm, crackling fire with my Australian shepherd and we watched a dog-and-boy adventure film based in British Columbia (a sign for me to book my spring trip to Victoria, Canada). In the morning, I enjoyed a cup of coffee, chilled rice pudding, and fresh orange juice (fortified with vitamins D and calcium). As another storm series rolls in, this celestial dessert is one to cook up and have waiting in the oven or fridge for you and yours to enjoy and remember for years to come.

Chocolate Powers Ebook on Sale for Heart Health Month-V-Day

Chocolate Ebook on Sale at Amazon.com and Kobo.com-2.99By Cal Orey

By The Writing GourmetTHE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE



By Cal Orey
Kensington Trade Paperback, January 2010
ISBN: 0-7582-3820-7, $14.00/$17.50 (CAN)
Here it is, the brand new Chocolate book (part of the internationally popular Healing Powers series: The HEALING POWERS OF VINEGAR and THE HEALING POWERS OF OLIVE OIL). Announced in 2009 in blog posts, newspapers, and magazines, it is now available. You can purchase THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE right now amazon.com  and kobo.com  or your favorite retailer.

“Decadent” and “sinful” are words commonly associated with chocolate, but they no longer apply. Approximately 4000 years ago, in Central America, the Mayan Indians considered cocoa beans “food of the gods” because of its medicinal benefits. Later, it got tagged as a “bad” fatty food. But by the end of the 20th century, a twist of fate turned chocolate back into a health food.
THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE traces the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar, from centuries ago to the present day. In creating this informative and fascinating book, renowned health expert and author Cal Orey (who lives near San Francisco, one of the nation’s chocolate hot spots) interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient “food of the gods” can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases.

The result is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore to the 20th and 21st century.

From Ancient Folk Medicine to Modern Health Wonder, Discover the Amazing Powers of Chocolate!
Discover the healing powers of dark chocolate and cocoa—now widely recognized as an accepted “health food” and “SuperFood”—versatile cure-all.
Find out how chocolate’s powers can lower the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and weight woes.
Learn how chocolate contains more antioxidants than green tea and red wine—without the alcohol.
Put dozens of chocolate home cures to work for treating acne, anxiety, brain fog, cabin fever, cough, depression, fatigue, and other ailments.
You’ll also find chocolate beauty and anti-aging treatment—from masks, manicures to bubble baths and body wraps—made from antioxidant-rich chocolate teamed with natural plant extracts.

Incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy chocolate recipes, from Sicilian Mole to Dark Chocolate Mousse, THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE is a well-rounded one-of-a-kind resource that will show you why savoring this no longer forbidden “food of the gods” is the 21st century trend.Endorsements:
*Number 3 in 6 books the Healing Powers Series: Pairs well with The Healing Powers of Coffee, Honey and forthcoming Tea* Formerly Featured in the Good Cook Book Club and One Spirit Book Club
* Editor's Fave book in long running Complete Woman magazine (Feb./March 2010 issue)
* The right kind, the right amount of chocolate may just save your life.
Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

Scrumptious Scones By Tea Book Author

  Scrumptious Scones for Snowy DaysBy Cal Orey
Spice an Raisin Scones with
Sweet Glaze The cold and snowy winter season is here. It’s time to fill up on hearty and warm comfort foods. Think home baked scones... 
I remember one winter storm in 1983 when I lived in Santa Cruz mountains. In a house overlooking the San Lorenzo River my concerns of the raging water rising was happening in my unused gourmet kitchen—not baking scones. As a student at San Francisco State University, one night our final exam for a science class was canceled due severe flooding and a power outage—the lights were out. On the way home, food for me was hot cheese and herb pizza slices at the local pizza spot. Baking wasn’t in my vocabulary.But these days in the heavy sierra snowstorm, baking a batch of scones chock-full of herbs is a feat I did accomplish and is well worth the effort. The scone is a popular British bread that is quick to make. Savory scone like a cheese kind (cake flour gives it a light texture) is perfect paired with scrambled eggs, a bowl of chili or simply solo with a pot of tea. A dropped scone is quicker to make than other varieties, has a nice rustic look, and it tastes just as good if not better than the perfect circle shape. And the Mediterranean touch I like to use comes from using European Style butter (creamy and rich) with sea salt--and keeping the portion smaller than larger.
Pumpkin Scones with Herb ButterCheese Scones
2 cup cake flour 2 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 cup European Style butter, cold small cubes  1 cup buttermilk 1 brown egg 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 2 tablespoon yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon chives, fresh, chopped ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Dried Cranberries and Walnuts
for Round SconesPreheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add chunks of butter (sliced in small squares). Set aside. In another bowl combine milk, egg, and cheddar cheese. Fold in onion and chives. Stir till a dough-like mixture forms. Drop ½ cup spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake till light golden brown and crusty, about 12 to 14 minutes.  Cool. Serve warm. Makes 10-12.
The first scone I tasted was a petite vanilla one at Starbucks. Later on when I entered the world of scones I discovered savory types were tasty, too. To enhance a warm scone for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try herb butter (just a small amount). Mix a teaspoon of real butter with a dash of fresh basil and parsley. Or try drizzling the scone with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
This weekend when the sun shines again, I will bake sweeter triangle shaped scones with apples and walnuts with a maple glaze and circle shaped scones infused with currents and dried apricots. Scones are a great way to bring in the New Year with good food, less sweets, and good vibes for the best and worst of times (during a historical California winter storm), with respect to Charles Dickens. And don't forget to make a nice pot of tea--any kind will suffice and fuel your body, mind, and spirit.

Lucky Dessert for the New Year

By Cal Orey Custard and Coffee for New Year’s Good Health, Happiness, and Fortune

Did you know round-shaped sweets are popular good luck foods to savor on New Year's Eve or Day?  Cookies to cakes and other circle-like eats are symbolic of coins and fortune. I can personally attest that certain fare and fate are not just a myth. In the late 20th century, for instance, I recall a hardworking, young French baker who owned a small shop at the end of the main street in San Carlos where I used to live.  He made fabulous European-style custard tarts—all varieties—and displayed them in a showcase but nobody could see his baked goods because his store was hidden by trees and without a sign. During the holiday season, every day my dear octogenarian friend bought his fruit and chocolate tarts adorned with berries and whipped cream and stacked them in my fridge. I ended up giving them to friends and family. I couldn’t eat them all! (I savored coffee to keep my weight in check.)
Sadly, the baker wasn’t selling any of his custard tarts because the city didn’t allow him to put up a sign due to an outdated ordinance. My pal, a wealthy philanthropist made a phone call to the right person and a huge store sign with neon light was put up on New Year’s Eve day. The baker’s sweet pastries sold out. And the New Year was a profitable one for him, thanks to a wise woman with a heart of gold—and a bit of good luck and good custard tarts.
So, as 2016 is almost over, I decided to use one of my very favorite recipes for custard—no tart, no pie. I’m giving you a treat of egg baked custard—the gold color is also a sign of gold. It’s a decadent dish that is best eaten warm, to enjoy the creamy, rich texture with notes of nutmeg and light crunch of a biscuit. This dish can be served for dessert (caffeine in joe can help you stay up and enjoy a late night), breakfast, or brunch. It's easy to make and bake.
Golden Custard
* * *
2 cups half-and-half (organic)
1/4 cup 2% low-fat organic milk
4-5  large brown egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon anise (optional)
Nutmeg, to taste 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (optional) Whipped cream (optional) 4 shortbread biscuits or tea biscuits (found in the cookie aisle) Confectioners’ sugar to dust custard
Place half-and-half and milk in a saucepan and heat till scalded, but do not boil. Set aside. Mix egg yolks and sugar. Add vanilla. Combine all ingredients and stir well. Pour into glass or ceramic custard dishes. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Place dishes in a pan of water. Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour until firm. (Insert a knife and when it comes out clean, it is done.) Cool. Top individual custard with one biscuit; dust with powdered sugar. (If you let sit in the refrigeration it softens it to a nice crust crunch.)  Serve with round fresh fruit (more money symbols) such as grapes or slices of a tangerine. Top with a dollop of real whipped cream Makes four servings.
The rich half-and-half gives this custard a rich and smooth texture. And the earthy, warm flavor of nutmeg is bliss. After swimming, shoveling snow, and walking the dog--the calories/fat/cholesterol are fine. You can enjoy dishes, like this, if you do it in moderation--and keep your portions in check. Pair with a cup of green tea or caramel flavored coffee (you can dip the tea biscuit in your brew).  Or even dish up fortune cookies (store bought in the Asian aisle) and dip in melted dark chocolate. And this golden custard delight may bring you a bit of luck for the New Year.

2017 Forecasts for the World by Author-Intuitive

By Cal OreyEARTH CHANGESI CAN FEEL THE EARTH MOVE

2017 FORECASTS FOR THE WORLD
It’s time to say goodbye to 2016 and welcome a new year with new challenges in our nation and around the world.  The year of 2017 promises to be a rocky ride so fasten your seat belts. Be prepared for surprises, whether it is earthquakes in unlikely regions or shakers in climate chaos where history will repeat itself. It will be a year of uncertainty, self-reliance, and connecting to humanity despite political chaos--due to Mother Nature’s wrath. Take an up close and personal look at what I see happening for the New Year.
A Mixed Bag of Predictions for 2017·        Earthquakes The San Andreas Fault is a continental transform fault that extends roughly 800 miles through California. It forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, and its motion is right-lateral strike-slip. Wikipedia* While the San Andreas didn’t give us a major or great earthquake, California did rock. We endured a quake swarm in Southern California’s Salton Sea region, a December Offshore Northern California 6.5 and 5.0 Northern California quake. These could all be preludes to a stronger jolt this year. * Not to forget the entire West Coast, including Seattle, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska—two shaky states that are also overdue for temblors and if shallow will be widely felt and may produce a tsunami.
* An underwater earthquake may create big waves somewhere in Ring of Fire—affecting the land and food chain.* A great quake like in 1964 may rock California causing a West Coast big wave that’ll cause destruction in infrastructure and fatalities.
*Europe may be challenged by major earthquakes, including Italy, Turkey, and Greece. At least one will be shallow, in a major city, and be possibly an 8.0 or stronger.
·        Rain and Snow Events As the Earth rocks, lack of snow in Western United States will continue, especially in the ski resort industry, including California and Utah. And note, the ground will be linked to more wildfires year round—not just the summer into fall. The Winter 2016-2017 Precipitation Forecast according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, points to La Nina for weather changes. It’s believed that the colder water temperatures may create a drought to South America and potential heavy rain/flooding to Australia and Indonesia. I see more than less rain (mudslides, flooding) in the Pacific Northwest, and visions of snow and flight disruption in the northern Rockies, and Great Lakes. On the flip side, it may be drier than normal for the South. The Northeast and Midwest will also get more than less snowfall throughout the winter and into the spring. And crops in these regions as well as the South may be affected by weather changes, rising costs of produce.European countries including Italy, Spain, and Germany may experience heavy rainfall and flooding in the winter, spring, or late fall.
·        Tornadoes and HurricanesLack of snow or too much rain can cause problems just as twisters can do. This year tornadoes may hit in places like California to other odd regions on the West Coast—it’s no longer just a Midwest phenomenon. While 2016 experienced chilling hurricanes, 2017 may see more of the same. Another Katrina-type of event may happen in the Southeast, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida during hurricane season. The Gulf States and the Atlantic seaboard up north to New York and Maine are potential targets (not to forget the West Coast near Southern California to the Baja)). These states in particular may be facing fierce hurricanes with fierce water surges and levee challenges.
·        On the FringeAs we deal with shaky ground and wild weather, other obstacles will keep us on guard. A shocking terrorist attack in Europe and America may happen, perhaps affecting a nuclear plant or earthquake fault. The catastrophe will maybe spawn martial law for safety and get worldwide attention; events may force us to bond more rather than divide. In 2017, while political fallout will rumble throughout the states, earthshaking weather and other natural disasters will often steal the limelight and bring humans together for survival’s sake, rather than keep us apart and fighting one another. Despite the erratic Earth changes due to Mother Nature, and climate change, we will persevere and grow stronger as humanity prevails throughout the universe.
Spot-On 2016 Visions That Came True
*California did not fall into the sea like the San Andreas film portrayed, but we did get our fair shakes which could be foreshocks for 2017.* Alaska was not rocked by a great earthquake, but it did get a widely felt 7.1 shake near Anchorage in January.*  Japan was hit by a 6.9, triggering tsunami warnings (small waves did happen) in the same region Fukushima where it was devastated back in March 2011.* The Southeast and Atlantic Seaboard did experience a Hurricane 5 and flooding in Eastern states, including the Carolinas which created historical flooding.* An aggressive earthquake swarm did happen in the Salton Sea region of California—near the San Andreas and it had scientists and Californians on edge hoping it wasn’t leading up to the Big One.

(Exclusive...will be published Jan. 1 2017, Oracle 20/20 Magazine)

Coffee Has Perks

INTERVIEW EXCERPT WITH AUTHOR CAL OREY
Coffee Has Perksby Cal Orey
(On sale, ebook 3.99 amazon.com,kobo.com, barnesandnoble.com)
Lose weight, fight cancer and help your heart. The author of The Healing Powers of Coffee tells why a good ol' cup of Joe is being recognized as a hot new health food.
In her new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee, Cal Orey pours over the research to brew up some incredible facts about these magical beans. Here, she sits down for a little coffee Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how coffee can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay trim, but also reduce your risk of chronic diseases--even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack.
Author Cal Orey interviewed on
The Healing Powers of Coffee
(former diet and nutrition columnists)
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.


Q: Do certain types of coffee have more benefits than others? A: Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Q: What about the benefits of green coffee beans?A: Green coffee refers to the new or unroasted [beans] of Coffea fruits. It has been praised for its weight-loss benefits on the popular "Dr. Oz Show." One study published in January 2012 in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Journal shows 16 adults using green coffee bean extract lost an average of 17 lb in just 22 weeks. It's believed that chlorogenic acid slows absorption of fat from food intake and also boosts metabolism of extra fat. Evidently, it may be a better source of chlorogenic acid than traditional brewed coffee.
Q: What's an interesting fact about coffee that most people don't know?A: You can cook and bake with coffee. You can incorporate coffee in recipes like Cappuccino Biscotti, Thai Coffee Spiced Chicken Sates, Coffee Cheesecake and Maple Espresso.

Santa's Faves for Holiday Heaven

Santa’s Favorites  with an English Twist
                                                                                                                  By Cal Orey

When I was a girl homemade chocolate fudge was a part of the holidays in suburbia of the San Francisco Bay Area, where I grew up. On Christmas Eve morning my mom used the stovetop, candy thermometer, cocoa powder, and elbow grease to make the decadent treat. That night, my family sat in the living room around a white flocked tree with colored lights, a warm, stoked fire, and Dalmatian, Casey.  My job was to put out a plate of homemade chocolate fudge squares on top of the glass dining room table for Santa before going to bed. Then, late at night I’d hear the words “Ho, ho, ho!” and the front door close. I’d run out to see Santa and his reindeer--but only presents were left under the tree and the fudge was gone.
This season living in the mountains on the South Shore, I’m breaking tradition a bit. As a snowstorm is rolling in, it’s the perfect time to whip up comfort food and make a fire--the first one of winter for me. Enter hot Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage pie, a dish from the United Kingdom for countryside workers back in the 18thcentury. It is a concoction of meat (beef or lamb) and a topping of mashed potatoes. Also, instead of chocolate fudge, I’m giving you a no-cook fudge that a child can make and will appease taste buds for kids and grownups.



 COTTAGE PIE

3-4 yellow or Russet potatoes 
¼ cup organic 2 percent low-fat milk 1 tablespoon European style butter 1 teaspoon chives, fresh 1 tablespoon olive oil or European style butter 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced                                 ½ cup mushrooms, fresh, sliced 1 cup cruciferous vegetables (broccoli florets, cauliflower, carrots) or fresh baby spinach 1 large Roma tomato, sliced thin 1 cup beef, turkey, ground (optional)        1 cup Italian cheese mix, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional) Ground pepper to taste
In a large pot, fill with water and place four washed, peeled, quartered potatoes. Boil until tender. Put potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add milk and butter. Mash until smooth. Fold in chives.  Set aside. In a skillet, use oil or butter and sauté onions (add turkey and cook till brown).  In individual ramekins (round or oval) place a bottom layer of onions, fresh vegetables (and meat or poultry). Spread with a top layer of cheese, mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with a layer of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until cheese bubbles and top is slightly golden.  Serves four to six.

LOW-FAT PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

1 cup European style butter with sea salt 1-1/4 cups low-fat, creamy peanut butter (or use regular for richer flavor) 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (use a whisk if you don’t have a sifter) 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract ½ cup walnuts, chopped 1 tablespoon European style butter (for greasing dish)

            In a microwavable bowl, melt butter and peanut butter. Watch it closely for about one minute. Add vanilla. Stir in sugar. Fold in walnuts. Line an 8 x 8 square dish with foil. (A smaller dish will provide thicker fudge squares.) Spoon in mixture and spread evenly. Put in fridge for a few hours to firm. On a cutting board, turn out and remove the foil and cut the fudge into squares. Cut in squares, place in cupcake paper liners, and put in container. Makes 16 pieces. Store in airtight containers; place in refrigerator or freezer. This Shepherd’s Pie is a filling dish full of healthful ingredients—vegetarian or meat. The fudge is a treat where less is more. These holiday eats are a good fit for Santa and Santa’s helpers. 
P.S. I'll put the fudge squares on a plate from yesteryear and a pot of hot herbal tea on top of the now antique glass table with sweet memories of family, two-leggers and four-leggers, love and hope. (Santa brought me a white Christmas at Tahoe, my new book cover for The Healing Powers of Tea, a new memory foam gel mattress with flannel sheets, the resort pool/spa is open, and a soon to book trip to Victoria.)

Java Jolt: A Coffee Lover's Mini Quiz

JAVA JOLT: A COFFEE LOVERS QUIZ
By Cal Orey
It’s the beverage we can’t live without—yet few consume it without some guilt. But the wonderful truth is that coffee has abundant health benefits.  It’s time coffee’s bad rap is debunked. Start by taking our coffee lovers’ quickie, eye-opening quiz—straight from The Healing Powers of Coffee: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Surprising Superfood--to discover more reasons why coffee is the “newest” health food.


Wake Up to the Amazing Perks of Coffee!
1. According to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant centuries ago.  YES or NO2. Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. YES or NO3. Coffee is the number 1 source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet. YES or NO4. Coffee can relieve a host of ailments, including fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and a lackluster libido. YES or NO 5. A cup of joe can help you slim down and shape up! Its caffeine provides extra energy to help you exercise (burning calories and boosting metabolism at rest), curb your appetite, stimulate water loss, and keep you regular for a flatter belly. YES or NO6. Coffee can boost longevity in conjunction with a healthful diet and lifestyle. YES or NO7. Decaf has 20 percent less antioxidants than caffeinated coffee but it still has health perks. YES or NO8. Java juice has more fiber than OJ. That means, coffee can help lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol, lessening the risk of developing heart disease. YES or NO9. Women say that drinking coffee “is a good way to relax,” while men indicate that coffee “helps them get the job done.” YES or NO10. While antioxidants are the health perk of coffee, its caffeine can help remedy a headache, pain, hangover, and even poor handwriting. YES or NO


SCORING:  The more yes answers you circled above, the more likely your coffee is working for you. Still not sure what it all means?  Find out more reasons how your cup of joe is your best friend in The Healing Powers Coffee—and savor coffee because it can help boost your mood, energy and well-being for life. (Available in paperback and ebook 3.99 sale at amazon, kobo, and barnes and noble.)

The Pumpkin Cranberry Gift for the Holidays

The Pumpkin Cranberry GiftBy Cal Orey
During my childhood in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, I often baked quick breads because they were fail proof. As a grown-up I turn to easy, superfood recipes for the health and ease of it. Welcome to pumpkin bread with a holiday twist. Pumpkin is often used in fall and winter dishes, whereas, good for you cranberries and nuts give it a festive flair. This is the season for savory and sweet breads like I savored last autumn in Vancouver, British Columbia. I woke up in a 30th floor hotel room with a panoramic view of the English bay, Stanley Park, the mountains, and private balcony.  The glitch: I had to take the elevator down to the ground floor for wake-up coffee. One morning I ordered a latte and a slice of pumpkin bread. During a bout of homesickness for Tahoe I thought, “When I get back home I’ll whip up my own pumpkin bread and brew a pot of coffee.” And I did just that this week.As we edge into winter I enjoyed a slice (more than one) of the warm, spicy pumpkin treat fresh out of the oven. No million dollar city-water view but towering pine trees with the cat and dog nearby are year-round presents. This is my favorite 20th century recipe with a new twist for the mountain lifestyle.
Pumpkin Cranberry Loaf Cake
1 cup and 2 tablespoons cake flour (for a lighter, moist bread) 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2  teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon  ½ teaspoon allspice ½ cup granulated white sugar ½ cup European style butter with sea salt (plus a bit for greasing loaf pan)  1 large brown egg 1 cup all-natural pumpkin puree ½-3/4 cup dried cranberries ½ cup nuts, hazelnuts or almonds, chopped 1 teaspoon orange rind (optional) ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Grease one standard size loaf pan with butter. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Set aside. In another bowl cream sugar and butter.  Add a beaten egg and pumpkin. Stir well. Mix in dry ingredients.  Fold in cranberries and nuts.  Scoop mixture into loaf pan. Spread with a spatula to make batter even. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour or until it’s golden brown and firm to touch. Cool. Turn out and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serves 8-10.This pumpkin loaf turned out perfect. The cranberries gave it a sweet and tart taste, hazelnuts a crunchy texture, and I used more than less sugar for a hardy fall flavor. Pair with tea or coffee. Tie a green or red bow around a loaf (in the pan) and give the baked good to friends and family. It’s the perfect gift for the holiday season.Motto:  Whenever you wish you were somewhere else, remember you are right where you are supposed to be.

— 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 .

Chinese? DIY for Health's Sake

By Cal Orey
“As long as there's pasta and Chinese food in the world, I'm okay."
-- Michael Chang
2 hours ago
"The Healing Powers of Olive..." is ranked #1,199 out of over one million books in the Kindle Store. Holiday sale http://1.99--amazon.com 
Chinese food. I remember paying $25 for Chinese--enough rice, veggies, fried shrimp, and two fortune cookies for two. The best part, homemade Chinese food costs less, and you can healthy it all up which is great...and perfect when it's too cold to go outside and easy to make during the hectic holidays.
Shrimp Stirfry
* * * 1 cup brown or white rice (more fluffy) 1 1/2 cups cruciferous vegetables mix, pre-cut jumbo shrimp, pre-cooked  (about 3-4 shrimp per person; warning high in cholesterol) Extra virgin olive oil to taste 1 teaspoon butter 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional) garlic, chopped (optional) pepper as desired
Simply follow the cooking rice instructions on the package. Sautee veggies in oil. Repeat with shrimp (no more than two minutes on medium heat). Fold in al dente vegetables and fish with rice. Serves four or makes four meals for one.
But don't stop there! Include antioxidant, immune boosting green tea. And for dessert serve chocolate dipped fortune cookies. This tasty and easy to cook meal cuts the price a lot. Rice is budget-friendly. A large bag of cruciferous vegetables is less than five dollars. The shrimp (low in saturated fat, a good protein, vitamin B12 and iron source)? I got more than less for five dollars. I always have green tea, olive oil, ginger, and pepper. Not to forget no MSG. The vegetables aren't tainted with a meat sauce.

And the cookies? And chocolate dipped fortune cookies--the traditional or festive ones--are frosting on a flavorful and healthy homemade Chinese meal. Tip: Pick up a copy via online or at your local bookstore. (Or order online an ebook 1.99 holiday sale The Healing Powers of Vinegar or The Healing Powers of Olive Oil for a cookie recipe).