Cal Orey's Blog, page 40

Last Week Soulmates with Paws Hit #39 Best Seller in Animal Essays Category

Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails

Author: Cal Orey
Publisher:  AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Fiction / Pets
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
 

Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails  offers a touching view of the human-animal relationship, as revealed through the bright lens of Cal Orey, an author whose love for pets flows naturally from the soul, and whose knowledge of pet nutrition, training, and wellness stands commendable from the first to the last page.

Reading through the chapters does confirm that animals indeed need humans and vice versa. One is drawn to her personal encounters with a widow who would have varying conversations with her dog, a hilarious and incredible act that lights up one’s face in amusement. This is especially notable in the level of shrewdness employed by both the author and the widow in an effort to keep their animal companions on the premises, which was against pet rules and regulations.

Orey’s story tenders a range of questions with the sole objective of helping readers recognize their temperaments and character, a vital exercise that will enable them to figure out which pet fits them best. I found it fascinating that the choice of animal one keeps, tells a lot about them, for example, according to Orey, a person who keeps a charming and sassy Chihuahua has a different personality from one keeping a tough-looking bulldog. In addition to this, it’s admirable to see Orey demystify the pet language, from a dog’s howl, its whines, to a cat’s meow and yowl.

The author has infused some of Dr. Stanley’s findings from the book “The Intelligence of Dogs” which has inspired lots of animal lovers and is a clever addition to the topic therein. Reprints from magazine articles and original essays bring out some amazing adventures of people with their pets.  

“Touched by an Angel” shows a paranormal connection with a deceased cat, and how it kept a watchful eye over the owner.  “Homeward Bound” brings to light the amazing survival stories of pets who withstood the tragic fires in the Berkeley Hills, in many cases being lost for a week or more, and the unselfish and over-the-top care the veterinarians and animal shelter volunteers conducted to find the pet’s owners and make sure the cats and dogs received the proper medical attention.  One miracle story involved an elderly lady, bedridden, who survived a cold night without heat; being kept warm by seven cats and a dog laying over her blankets providing additional body-heat.

The invaluable rapport she’s had with her cuddling animals is a wonder that will positively impact readers into adopting some pets, so as to likewise savor the untapped grace, inner peace, harmony, and satisfaction this bond offers.  Buy on Amazon

Spring into The Healing Powers of TEA

  By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers of Tea is Available Right Here

Pair a cuppa with the new read: Soulmates with Paws!

Nearly 20 years ago I wanted to write a book on the topic of tea. It wasn't the right time. So, I fell into the world of vinegar. Olive oil, chocolate, honey, and coffee followed. Finally, my goal to enjoy Tea Land was met. I took the plunge and discovered amazing things about this superfood to write home about--and I savored every minute of research inside and outside my cabin with tea. 

Here is a quick synopsis (from Kensington) of the sixth book included in the popular Healing Powers Series. Available to you this year just in time for the springtime, Easter, celebration into the summer. Not to forget June 2023 is National Iced Tea Month! So, readers will be ready to sip and savor their favorite cuppa of brew.  Time goes by fast and soon this special book with a fresh perspective on tea will be in your hands to enjoy.
Meanwhile, I'll be visiting a special tea room (or two) in Canada; and I promise to share my experiences with you as The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide to Nature's Special Remedy is in the final stages of production before it's tea time for you. GIFT BOOK: newsmax.com/tea
Wellness in a Cup—Discover the Benefits of Tea for Your Body and Mind!

It picks you up and calms you down, warms you and refreshes you. With black, white, red, green, and herbal varieties, there’s a tea for every taste, and now this time-honored superfood is trending as the drink of choice for health-conscious people of all ages and cultures. 

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. 
 
*Discover how black and white teas are heating up the beverage world with antioxidants and nutrients that lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and fight off inflammation, viruses, and bacteria.
 
*Learn how age-defying spa treatments made from tea can soothe your skin, soften your hair, and give you an all-over glow and peace of mind.
 
*Get the latest knowledge from top medical researchers and tea experts on how the superfood can tackle digestive problems, depression and anxiety, aches and pains, and add years to your life. 

*Stir up over 50 home cures to give yourself more energy, less stress, treat the common cold, insomnia, and more!



*Enjoy comforting and tea-licious recipes like Warm Scones with Jam and Devonshire Cream, Assorted Finger Sandwiches, Scrumptious White Tea Scallops, and Russian Tea Cookies paired with the perfect brew – hot or iced.
 
Better health is just a sip away. With The Healing Powers of Tea (sweetened with lively stories) you’ll learn the hottest tips to improve your health, boost your brain power, and even clean your house!
Product detailsPrint Length: 336 pagesPublisher: Citadel Publication Date: December 26, 2018Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher ServicesLanguage: EnglishASIN: B06XZQKD

Springtime Scones and Tea with Honey

 By Cal Orey

Scones and tea are popular in England and America, including Northern California...  This year during late March it feels more like winter with our extreme weather--snow and flooding...So baking a batch of scones seems perfect. If there isn't a power outage, baking a batch or two of these patries is not only fine to scent up the kitchen but they store well, too. If the power stays on pairing a scone with a hot cup of tea is perfect even when springtime isn't this year. It's all about timing and making scones out of too much snow...
Triangle scones, big and small, can be found at coffee shops abound like our Starbucks—and you can make these semi-biscuit treats yourself, too. This time around, I switched it up and gave my scone recipe a makeover. I changed some basic ingredients, and used different add-ons for a new, springtime Easter flair.
 Goodreads critics love the TEA book!Back in the day right before Easter Sunday (before extreme weather), I was booked at the Roseville Barnes and Noble bookstore for a lecture/signing. I offered a giveaway of Easter candy chocolate eggs and bars; I bought scones for my Easter treat. In between talking to customers, I longed to be with my two dogs kenneled through the holiday.  After a few hours, I fled and played beat the clock. Traffic was heavy.  I called the attendant and begged. “Please wait. I think I can make it in time.” It was close. I sensed the challenge was worth the effort. At six p.m., I ran to the back door. Mission accomplished. I did it. I rescued my happy canine duo, both Brittany and Aussie wagging their docked tails and smiling. The reward: I’d be with my boys on Sunday; I recall savoring leftover scones from the bookstore in the company of my two best friends.   Ready-made scones are good but homemade scones are rustic good. At the store I saw a bag of self-rising flour and wanted to try it and see if it makes the scones thicker and tender. Accidentally, I grabbed a package of premium white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate—but it was meant to be for a lighter flavor and look.
Orange White Chocolate Scones
2 ¾ self-rising bleached flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Dash of cinnamon

1/2 cup European style butter (cold, small cubes)

1 brown egg

1 cup reduced fat cultured buttermilk, 2 % milk fat

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon fresh orange rind, grated

2 tablespoons juice from 1 orange

3/4-1 cup chocolate chips

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Enjoy a chapter on pairing honey and tea Half and half, organic, for brushing 

Raw sugar for sprinkling

Marmalade, jam, cream cheese, or honey for topping

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, mix flour (sift or whisk), granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add chunks of butter. In another bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, vanilla, orange rind, and juice. Combine dry and wet mixtures. Fold in chocolate. Place ball of dough on floured cutting board. Shape into round circle, flatten, and knead several times. Once the disk is a 1 inch circle cut in half, repeat until you have several triangles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with half and half, sprinkle with raw sugar. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes. Bake till golden brown, about 20 minutes. Makes 8-10. Serve with orange marmalade, organic strawberry or apricot jam, cream cheese or honey. Pair with black or herbal tea—hot or iced.

I’ve made fruity and savory cheese scones but chocolate chips and citrus notes are perfect for the season of renewal. The self-rising flour did indeed give these scones height and a fresh  chewy cookie texture with a light crispy crunch. This Easter I’ll be with the dog and cat, and enjoy these special scones with coffee in the morning and herbal tea in the afternoon.

Springtime Scone and Tea with Honey

 By Cal Orey

Scones and tea are popular in England and America, including Northern California...  This year during late March it feels more like winter with our extreme weather--snow and flooding...So baking a batch of scones seems perfect. If there isn't a power outage, baking a batch or two of these patries is not only fine to scent up the kitchen but they store well, too. If the power stays on pairing a scone with a hot cup of tea is perfect even when springtime isn't this year. It's all about timing and making scones out of too much snow...
Triangle scones, big and small, can be found at coffee shops abound like our Starbucks—and you can make these semi-biscuit treats yourself, too. This time around, I switched it up and gave my scone recipe a makeover. I changed some basic ingredients, and used different add-ons for a new, springtime Easter flair.
 Goodreads critics love the TEA book!Back in the day right before Easter Sunday (before extreme weather), I was booked at the Roseville Barnes and Noble bookstore for a lecture/signing. I offered a giveaway of Easter candy chocolate eggs and bars; I bought scones for my Easter treat. In between talking to customers, I longed to be with my two dogs kenneled through the holiday.  After a few hours, I fled and played beat the clock. Traffic was heavy.  I called the attendant and begged. “Please wait. I think I can make it in time.” It was close. I sensed the challenge was worth the effort. At six p.m., I ran to the back door. Mission accomplished. I did it. I rescued my happy canine duo, both Brittany and Aussie wagging their docked tails and smiling. The reward: I’d be with my boys on Sunday; I recall savoring leftover scones from the bookstore in the company of my two best friends.   Ready-made scones are good but homemade scones are rustic good. At the store I saw a bag of self-rising flour and wanted to try it and see if it makes the scones thicker and tender. Accidentally, I grabbed a package of premium white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate—but it was meant to be for a lighter flavor and look.
Orange White Chocolate Scones
2 ¾ self-rising bleached flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Dash of cinnamon

1/2 cup European style butter (cold, small cubes)

1 brown egg

1 cup reduced fat cultured buttermilk, 2 % milk fat

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon fresh orange rind, grated

2 tablespoons juice from 1 orange

3/4-1 cup chocolate chips

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Enjoy a chapter on pairing honey and tea Half and half, organic, for brushing 

Raw sugar for sprinkling

Marmalade, jam, cream cheese, or honey for topping

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, mix flour (sift or whisk), granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add chunks of butter. In another bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, vanilla, orange rind, and juice. Combine dry and wet mixtures. Fold in chocolate. Place ball of dough on floured cutting board. Shape into round circle, flatten, and knead several times. Once the disk is a 1 inch circle cut in half, repeat until you have several triangles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with half and half, sprinkle with raw sugar. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes. Bake till golden brown, about 20 minutes. Makes 8-10. Serve with orange marmalade, organic strawberry or apricot jam, cream cheese or honey. Pair with black or herbal tea—hot or iced.

I’ve made fruity and savory cheese scones but chocolate chips and citrus notes are perfect for the season of renewal. The self-rising flour did indeed give these scones height and a fresh  chewy cookie texture with a light crispy crunch. This Easter I’ll be with the dog and cat, and enjoy these special scones with coffee in the morning and herbal tea in the afternoon.

Easter is Coming Soon with Soulmates with Paws...

 By Cal Orey

As a Catholic girl, I have always loved Easter--a time of renewal. When I was a kid, my mom would make a mega ordeal out of the holiday. After Sunday mass, she'd bake a honeyed ham, sweet potatoes, greens, and a bunny shaped coconut cake. Not to forget my dad who always gave me and my siblings Easter baskets full of chocolates. And, we colored boiled eggs and hid them around the house and backyard.
One year as a grown woman with a heart of a child, I admit I purchased gourmet jelly beans and chocolate squares. I almost put together a basket complete with milk chocolate eggs, and more. But then I remembered Easter goodies are good but there is something even better.  Also, ago here on the South Shore of Tahoe, the Easter Bunny (well, sort of) delivered me something special but not edible.

A new male kitty I chose from a Sacramento rescue organization greeted me at the front door. He was a Siamese mix with blue eyes, black and tan markings, and a long black tail--my Easter gift. That night was challenging with two Brittany spaniels and a new feline, like a white fluffy rabbit, in the cabin.

I do recall making baked egg custard paired with chamomile tea (more than one cup) for me. The Easter cat? He was hiding underneath the love seat, and eventually sitting on the cat trees while sizing up the dog duo. But in time, we all adapted. So, this week I put together a version of baked egg coconut custard and give credit to my beloved senior Scooter cat who was renamed Zen.

Egg Custard with Toasted Coconut

2 1/4 cups half and half

4 eggs yolks

¼ cup granulated sugar (or a bit more to taste)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ground nutmeg to taste

Whipped cream

3/4 cup coconut, toasted

Basil leaves, fresh (optional)

Berries, fresh (blackberries or strawberries)

In a saucepan warm up the half and half. Do not boil. Remove from the stove top. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Slowly pour the half and half in the egg mixture. Tip: This will help to keep your custard smooth without lumps. Pour the unbaked custard into ramekins. Sprinkle tops with nutmeg. Place dishes into a large baking pan filled with hot water. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until firm. Remove and cool.

Top with whipped cream, and toasted coconut. (Place in shallow pan. Turn oven up to 400 degrees. Stir a few times. In about 10 minutes or less it will be light golden brown.) Garnish with basil and berries. *For a festive effect use colored sprinkles or chocolate shavings. Serves 4 to 6.

This dessert is creamy and rich. Eggs (one of the 20 picks in The Healing Powers of Superfoods) and nutmeg in The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices can help satisfy a sweet tooth; and help you to not overindulge in an Easter basket of candy. Also, herbs and fruit are a nice touch for presentation, flavor, and some good-for-you nutrients. No doubt this custard is easy to make, fun and pretty to serve, and is calming without a lot of sugar. Truth be told, getting an Easter kitty is as good as it gets—but custard with a crunch of toasted coconut will give you a Zen-like feeling.

Chilly Spring Calls for Comfort Food Says Healing Powers Author

 By Cal Orey

Fresh fruit in late March at Lake Tahoe isn’t as fruitful as it is in the summertime. However, finding sweet fruits, including honeycrisp apples, can be done. These favorites can make a sweet English-style fruit crumble like the Brits favored because the sophisticated dish is uncomplicated to make...

During one spring visit to the South Shore, before I became a local, the unpredictable weather like in Hawaii or Alaska, was an introduction to how meals and plans can change in a heartbeat. My sibling and I were en route to having a picnic on a sandy beach. But due to a thunderstorm we had to resort to plan B. “We can eat sandwiches and fruit while watching the rain at the Lake,” I offered, thinking the novelty of winter-like weather in the spring was exciting even while sitting in the car.

The funny thing is, years later I forgot how this month can be cold one day and warm the next. Last weekend I purchased fresh fruit to make tart. It snowed. Well, it hasn't stopped since late 2022. So, that is how I switched things up and my fruit (not as flavorful and juicy like it is in the summer) morphed into a warm dish topped with white vanilla ice cream to stay with sign of the times.
Apple Crumble Serve crumble with coffee or tea 5-6 apples, peeled, chopped

1/8 cup (each) brown and granulated sugar¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 lemon cut in half, all the juice

Crumble Topping

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 stick European style butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar

¼ cup old-fashioned quick oats (not instant)

½ cup walnuts, chopped

Whipped cream or ice cream (choice depends on the weather)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl put chopped fruit. Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and juice.  Mix well. Set aside. In another bowl, combine butter, sugar, oats, flour. and nuts. Dish fruit evenly into ramekins. Top each with crumbly topping. Bake approximately one hour. (If you live in high altitude it may take a bit longer.). It's done when crust is golden brown and fruit is tender and bubbly. Best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream. Serves four.

Making an apple crumble in spring seems a bit fallish, but creating simple fruit crumble dishes works whether it’s chilly or not. The oatmeal makes it crumbly not sugary like a fruit crisp. Served warm with coffee for breakfast or cold with iced tea for dessert definitely works. Come summertime repeat with cherries or rhubarb. It’s a sweet and comfort food from nature’s finest for life in the mountains and guaranteed to please whatever Mother Nature decides to do.

Soulmates with Paws Hits #39 Best Seller in Animal Essays Category

  Hollywood Book Reviews

Soulmates with Paws (Animal Essays: #39 Best Seller on Amazon)Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails

Author: Cal Orey
Publisher:  AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Fiction / Pets
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
 

Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails  offers a touching view of the human-animal relationship, as revealed through the bright lens of Cal Orey, an author whose love for pets flows naturally from the soul, and whose knowledge of pet nutrition, training, and wellness stands commendable from the first to the last page.

Reading through the chapters does confirm that animals indeed need humans and vice versa. One is drawn to her personal encounters with a widow who would have varying conversations with her dog, a hilarious and incredible act that lights up one’s face in amusement. This is especially notable in the level of shrewdness employed by both the author and the widow in an effort to keep their animal companions on the premises, which was against pet rules and regulations.

Orey’s story tenders a range of questions with the sole objective of helping readers recognize their temperaments and character, a vital exercise that will enable them to figure out which pet fits them best. I found it fascinating that the choice of animal one keeps, tells a lot about them, for example, according to Orey, a person who keeps a charming and sassy Chihuahua has a different personality from one keeping a tough-looking bulldog. In addition to this, it’s admirable to see Orey demystify the pet language, from a dog’s howl, its whines, to a cat’s meow and yowl.

The author has infused some of Dr. Stanley’s findings from the book “The Intelligence of Dogs” which has inspired lots of animal lovers and is a clever addition to the topic therein. Reprints from magazine articles and original essays bring out some amazing adventures of people with their pets.  

“Touched by an Angel” shows a paranormal connection with a deceased cat, and how it kept a watchful eye over the owner.  “Homeward Bound” brings to light the amazing survival stories of pets who withstood the tragic fires in the Berkeley Hills, in many cases being lost for a week or more, and the unselfish and over-the-top care the veterinarians and animal shelter volunteers conducted to find the pet’s owners and make sure the cats and dogs received the proper medical attention.  One miracle story involved an elderly lady, bedridden, who survived a cold night without heat; being kept warm by seven cats and a dog laying over her blankets providing additional body-heat.

The invaluable rapport she’s had with her cuddling animals is a wonder that will positively impact readers into adopting some pets, so as to likewise savor the untapped grace, inner peace, harmony, and satisfaction this bond offers.  Buy on Amazon

Spring into a French Apple Tart with Tea

 By Cal Orey

Hello Spring! Today is the first day of a new season.  'Tis time for a slice of a fresh fruit tart and cup of herbal tea. A typical French Apple Tart boasts a custard and cake-like shell for the fruit. However, in the 21st century many chefs take another route and forego the heavy filling and cake. Instead, a simple pie crust, plain apples, and a glaze give the dessert tart a rustic look, like the French treat, but it’s easier to make and it can be healthier, too.

Visitors often like to drop by to see me and the fur kids in the summertime but not during late March with our unpredictable snow and rain. I recall one spring night a friend drove over the hill to pay me a visit. She brought gifts. My two dogs were spoiled with squeaky toys and bones, and my cat was busy investigating his new cat tree. In the morning she was gone. An hour later there was a voice on the doorstep.  “Knock, knock.” I said, “Who is it?” “Land shark.”  “Land shark who?” I asked laughing while opening the door.  It was my best friend with her arms full of a bag stuffed with pastries, like the ones we ate at hotels during my earthquake book signing tour in California. I dedicate this semi-homemade fresh fruit tart to my gal-pal with the heart of gold and the Golden State, a place touted for its fruit orchards and nut groves.

California Apple Tart

1 store bought single pie crust 

5 Granny Smith apples, firm, cored (or use Fuji apples)

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

½ orange, juice

½ cup apricot jam, organic

1 tablespoon water

Confectioners’ Sugar for dusting

½ cup walnuts, rough or fine chop

Vanilla or vanilla caramel gelato

Book covers arrived, new TEA book at
printer for galley...#6 in
Healing Powers SeriesPlace the refrigerated pie crust roll on the counter for about 20 minutes. Put it into a pie dish.  Crimp the edges with your thumb to give it a rustic look.  On a cutting board, quarter apples, leave skins on, cut into thin slices and put in bowl. Mix the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Squeeze juice over the mixture and fold it in.  Assemble apple slices in a circle around the pie crust and repeat until the apples cover the pie dish. Layer until the fruit reaches the top.  Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and apples are bubbly.  Cool for about 10 minutes. Warm up jam with 1 tablespoon water and spread over apples.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Dust with sugar and sprinkle nuts on top.  Serves 8-10.  Optional: Add a small scoop of gelato.

A double crusted apple pie is more for autumn and winter, whereas, an apple tart is lighter for spring with the apricot sweetness on top of the green apples. The savory spices give it an earthy flavor and are a perfect treat as we slide into a new season but have snow and rain with winter’s chill. It’s a versatile tart and can be served for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack paired with black tea, or dessert at night. Enjoying hotel and coffee shop pastries are good, but the scent of apples baking in your oven, and taking the first bite of a tart you made is great for you, your family, and unforgettable friends who make the trek to Tahoe year-round.

TEA Tiime with a Tea Book Author on March 17

 

Friday, March 17, 2023
By Cal Orey
Over the decades I've been an author at dozens and dozens of book signings. 

Some book events I've teamed with well-known people featured in my books.  We were greeted by TV cameras, radio station hosts, a microphone and rows of people in the audience. Others, guide dogs to adoption cats upstaged me, the author, and nobody wanted me to speak out or sign a book. You just never know what's going to happen at a book signing--and the thing is, I continue to get booked and go on the road for the thrill of the unknown...
Last weekend on Saint Patrick’s Day, for instance, I took a leap of faith and drove over the snow shrouded mountain (with my Australian shepherd in tow and survival food) to attend a book discussion/signing for number six, the Healing Powers series tea tome.  So much for lucky holidays and numbers, I thought. The roads were icy, cars were moving at a snail’s pace, and a couple of times I mumbled, “I’m turning back.”After all, Stephen King made an appearance. "How can I follow an act like that?" Not a chance. Ironically, the bookstore manager called me two days before my book signing. Her news was that my box of more than 40 books sold out. I should have called it a signing...But no, I offered to make the trek and bring more tea books.
Knowing I was stocked up on granola bars, salt and vinegar potato chips, bottled water, and canine chow seemed a bit calming for a snow day raining on my parade. While there were a few close skidding out of control moments, no “Misery” car crash for this food book series author. 
On the way home, I wondered, “Why didn’t I bake chewy cookies and bring tea?”  A sobering flashback of hitchhiking in my twenties through
a blizzard in Wyoming with my black Lab (not a snow-loving dog) paid me a visit and reminded me, "This too shall pass." We survived--and this time around, too.Worse, the manager served up iced tea and bits of cookies. It looked like a Jim Jones Kool-Aid event. I was embarrassed. Why not serve hot tea and petite scones? After an hour or less--I left and rescued my pooch. If my books sold on their own, they'll sell again, I thought.
Back in the cozy cabin I made a fire, brewed a fresh cup of hot chamomile (two cups, actually), and cuddled with my action-oriented Aussie and zen-like Siamese. After a day of adventure, cravings for fresh coconut macaroons were on my mind. 
After all, it’s still winter-like weather in the Sierra and a home-baked cookie (filling the house with a sweet aroma) paired with an over-sized cup of my favorite beverage is super comforting and takes me to a place I love. This recipe is inspired by my new tea book The Healing Powers of Tea (infused with soul, thanks to pro chef recipes and gritty, heartwarming stories, and tearooms I visited both in and out of the country during research in Tealand).
Snowflake Cookies

5 tablespoons whole wheat flour (good for high altitude so cookies don’t spread in the oven)

¼ cup granulated white sugar

6 ounces sweetened condensed milk

1 capful each almond extract and pure vanilla extract

7-8 ounces (approximately 2 ½ cups) sweetened coconut, premium

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon lemon or orange rind (optional)

Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting) (optional)

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, milk, extracts and coconut. Set aside. In a mixing bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in coconut mixture. Add orange rind. Use 1/3 cup ice cream scoop or 1 teaspoon (shaped like a Hershey’s chocolate drop), and place cookie dough on a cookie sheet (parchment paper is nice to use to avoid sticking). Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes or till bottoms are golden and cookies are firm. Remove immediately. Dust cookies with confectioners’ sugar. Makes about 10-12 cookies; depending on size.  Store in airtight container and put in fridge or freezer.

(Tip: I cut the recipe in half because these cookies do contain sugar and fat. If you love chocolate, melt white or dark chocolate chips in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, 30 more seconds till melted. Dip on one side of the cookie or on the bottom.)
While the drive in a post-snowstorm wasn’t as horrific as I had thought it could be, the chips were super stress reducers, but herbal tea and warm homemade cookies would have been more soothing. Next time around during a drive in the snow or rain, I’ll pack a thermos of tea and snowflake cookies.

--Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the book series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs & Spices) published by Kensington and available at fine bookstores everywhere. (The collection has been featured by One Spirit, Literary Guild, and the Good Cook Book Club.)  Her website is www.calorey.com Also, the Gift Book is offered by newsmax.com/tea

Spring into Honey Rx for Allergies, Colds, Flu, Viruses

    By Cal Orey

The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy & Green Choice to Sweeten Packed with Immune-Boosting AntioxidantsThe Healing Powers of Honey has been graced with the Bestseller Banner again.  UPDATE:  The honey book sold thousands of copies -- all formats -- in the summer! It's been graced many times with the #1 Best seller banner on at Amazon! Part of: Healing Powers (9 books)#1 Best Seller in Antioxidants & Phytochemicals (and other categories; paperback/ebook)By Cal Orey
HONEY CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN

Discover Honey’s Amazing Bee- Healthy Powers

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)

Here are 10 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.

1 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).

Why 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.

2 ANXIETY (Beat the jitters monster): When anxiety hits (often worsened by stress) 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.

Why 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.

3  COUGH (Outfox irritating hacking):  A cough is another unwelcome visitor and can make you feel terrible. Let’s face it, cough medicine can be pricey, doesn’t taste good, and may or may not do its job.

What Honey Rx to Use:  A teaspoon of buckwheat honey is recommended before bed. Or you can make syrup of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Repeat each remedy as needed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  A group of Penn State College of Medicine researchers discovered that honey may be the cure. The findings showed that buckwheat honey at bedtime was more powerful for curing a cough in children than a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications. It is believed that honey will act as a sedative to the nervous system.

4 ENERGY DRAIN (Beat low energy): Getting your cough under control 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.

Why 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.

5 HEADACHE (Bye-bye, pain): Fatigue and headaches are not to be taken with a grain of salt, because it can hurt oh, so bad. There are different types of headaches, and some kinds may benefit from the honey bee’s gift.

What Honey Rx to Use:  One cup of tea with 1 teaspoon of honey (the darker the varietal the better) is the remedy. Repeat as needed. Also, drink plenty of water and relax.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  “The way honey might work for tension headaches,” says New York Headache Center’s Alex Mauskop, M.D., “is by treating hypoglycemia, which can cause tension and migraines.” He adds that some antioxidants can help prevent headaches, as can magnesium and vitamin B. So turning to antioxidant-rich honey may be a sweet remedy.

6 INSOMNIA  (Find sweet dreams): Getting rid of a headache is a challenge, but not getting adequate shut-eye can have long-term effects, too.

What Rx to Use: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of your favorite honey, especially before going to bed. Try sipping a cup of 2 percent low-fat milk with a dash of cinnamon. The tryptophan in milk will help to calm you.

Why You’ll Bee Happy:  It’s a magic trick, according to The Honey Revolution author Ron Fessenden, M.D., providing needed glycogen to the liver so the brain doesn’t go in search of extra fuel in the earl A.M. hours when you should be in Dreamland. “Consuming honey before bedtime also reduces the release of  adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate,” adds the honey guru.

7 SORE THROAT (Take the sting away): Not sleeping is miserable, but a sore throat can drag you down, too, where don’t feel like walking or talking. Honey has been used as a home for centuries to help sooth one of the symptoms associated with a common cold—namely, a killer sore throat.

What Honey Rx to Use:  For relief of symptoms, take a spoonful of your buckwheat honey, as often as you need, to relieve irritation. In between, sip a cup of tea with honey. Also, try pure honeycomb and honey sticks. Don’t forget all-natural honey-lemon lozenges, which also coat the throat for quick relief.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: One, honey will coat your sore throat, the symptom of the cause. Two, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help heal the culprit causing your pain.

8 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.

9 WOUNDS (Heal cuts and scrapes):  Once you get a flat stomach, what do you do if you stub your toe or cut your finger? Honey is believed by scientists, such as Dr. Peter Molan to be one of nature’s most powerful wound dressings, which really works.

What Honey Rx to Use: Try manuka honey, available in many forms. It’s available online in lotions, creams, and bandages. Apply as directed.

Why You’ll Bee Happy: Honey can numb pain. It is osmotic and attracts water. Since bacteria are mostly made of water, they are sucked dry in the presence of honey. Bacteria are further inhibited by honey because the golden liquid produces hydrogen peroxide and is acidic (like vinegar). Honey activates the immune response by providing glucose for the white blood cells. It speeds up the healing process.

          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 a baby who is younger than one year.)

GIFTS FROM THE HIVE

v Eating antioxidant-rich honey can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even help reduce body fat and unwanted weight!—and increase longevity.

v Pure, raw, unprocessed honey is a healthier sweetener than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. It’s chock-full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins—and only has 21 calories per teaspoon.

v Super “bee foods” (including nutrient-rich bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) are used and touted for their healing powers by beekeepers and medical experts in the present-day.v You’ll also enjoy Cleopatra’s milk-and-honey beauty treatments and eco-friendly beeswax household uses—all made with the amazing honey bee’s gifts!