Cal Orey's Blog, page 85
November 12, 2020
Roll into the Holidays and New Year with Flavors of Herbs and Spices -- the NEW Craze!
By Cal Orey
From Catalog:
* As more people look to natural remedies as a way to avoid the side effects of pharmaceutical chemical drugs, the demand for information on herbs and spices continues to build. Modor Intelligence reports that the seasonings and spices market has seen substantial growth, with most consumers citing nutritional benefits as the main factor.* Celebrity chefs increasingly promote more natural, plant-based diets that include many herbs and spices for flavor, texture, health and visual appeal.* The Healing Powers franchise is very successful, with the previous eight books selling hundreds of thousands of copies and translated into twenty languages.* The other Healing Powers books address the natural health benefits of Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Coffee, Honey, Tea, Superfoods, and Essential Oils.*Cal Orey approaches her topic with a refreshing curiosity. *She writes easy-to-understand, reader-friendly prose with a down-to-earth voice. It also includes a 16-page color insert. Includes more than 40 recipes for readers to try!
Pre-order for next month! Available at your favorite online bookstore. The Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices: Timeless Treasures...
November 11, 2020
The Healing Powers of Tea Graced with #1 Bestseller Banner on Amazon, November 11
By Cal Orey
It's a perfect read for autumn and winter...days... (Amazon, Kindle Edition special!)
On April 29, The Healing Powers of Tea was attracting readers on a variety of online bookseller websites, including amazon, barnes and noble, walmart, kobo, apple, and google.
This book is #6 in the Healing Powers Series...
Also, the popular, prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Victoria, B.C., Canada will be carrying both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey in their tearoom gift shop. Foreign rights to Estonia! Publisher's Weekly Review! It's a favorite in the Healing Powers Series.
*The Healing Powers of Superfoods, Honey, Coffee, Vinegar, and Chocolate will also soothe you this autumn until The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (pre-order for December!) is released. The only seasonsings book infused with TLC of the Mediterranean herbs and spices for your nose and taste buds and imagination as I whisk you away around the globe!
The Healing Powers of Tea Kindle Edition(Amazon)by Cal Orey (Author)4.9 out of 5 stars 14 customer reviews#1 Best Sellerin Coffee and Tea See all 2 formats and editions
Kindle
$1.99Earn a 75% creditRead with Our Free App Paperback
$10.97 31 Used from $4.4154 New from $10.22
File Size: 1871 KBPrint Length: 321 pagesPublisher: Citadel (December 26, 2017)Publication Date: December 26, 2017Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher ServicesLanguage: EnglishASIN: B06XZQKD4FText-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:Not Enabled Word Wise: EnabledLending: Not EnabledEnhanced Typesetting: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#1 in Coffee Tea (Books)#1 in Coffee Tea (Kindle Store)#1 in Health Reference
November 9, 2020
THE SEASON(ING)S CHRONICLES
By Cal Orey
Welcome to The Season(ing)s Chronicles. The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices: Timeless Treasures will make its debut in December. But now, I'll share tasty tidbits as you wait (pre-order here for it and its companions) for its arrival! Meanwhile, I suggest you try reading The Healing Powers of Tea, Honey, Vinegar and Chocolate to get you ready for my favorite new book!
The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes.
The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more--for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind. Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, saffron, tarragon, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:
*Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!*Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
*Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
*Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
*Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!
With a Foreword by Will Clower, Ph.D., CEO Mediterranean Wellness and author of The Fat Fallacy and The French Don't Diet Plan
November 5, 2020
Tea and Honey are Perfect for Stay at Home Comfort
By Cal Orey
For years, on the South Shore pf Lake Tahoe during autumn I have enjoyed the simple, soothing pleasures of a good cup of hot tea with a good teaspoon of honey. Tea(s) -- all kinds -- especially with honey pack a punch of nutritional and health benefits. And fall is a perfect time to fall in love with discovering new teas for physical and mental energy, weight loss, stress, and sleeping well.
Here are my favorite tea and honey marriages--but there are infinite combinations for both you and me to try. There is no right or wrong combination and what's sweet to you makes honey-tea beverages a sweet sip.
1. Black Tea: The first tea I was introduced to was basic black tea--which does contain caffeine--and I have enjoyed it plain but realized it did need a sweet flavor boost to it. Also, Earl Grey and English breakfast teas (perfect for an Irish breakfast, complete with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and scones) are part of the Black Tea group.
Best Honey Matches: Basswood has a distinct flavor that I've used in plain yogurt for a rich flavor and it can give black tea a kick, too. Sourwood boasts a caramel taste that can make a common black tea come to life with taste. Earl Grey teams well with avocado, blueberry, and eucalyptus honeys, too. It's more exotic and exciting than just a simple all-purpose clover honey that comes without pleasant surprises.
2. Green Tea: Touted for its wide array of health virtues, this Asian tea does contain caffeine, like black tea, but not as much. It's an acquired taste and that's where honey comes into play so you can get the best of taste and nutritional benefits.
Best Honey Matches: Blueberry honey has a fruity taste which can give a nice kick to green tea, not the most flavorful tea. Sage honey is mild, a California favorite of mine that brings out the best of green tea.
3. White Tea--And last but not least welcome to this pale tea. Found in China it is believed to rank number one for its antioxidants. It's a bit sweet and mellow. It's the new tea on the block for tea lovers.
Best Honey Matches: Fireweed honey is light colored and smooth, like white tea--the two complement each other. Wildflower, one of my favorite mild honeys also goes nicely with white tea.
4. Herbal Tea--Herbal teas aka tisanes come from a variety of plants other than the tea plant. They are made from the leaves, berries, flowers, fruits and bark of herbs and spices.
Although most herbal teas do not contain the antioxidant properties of real tea, they do possess other good-for-you compounds that can enhance your health and well-being.
Best Honey Matches: Teaming earthy and warm herbal teas go well with a mild alfalfa, clover, orange blossom, and sage honeys--common honeys that complement distinct herbal flavors.
As a devout tea drinker (I do favor black and chamomile with local alfalfa honey), I believe your choice of honey and tea is a personal choice--like pairing dark chocolate with different fruits, herbs and spices. The selection also depends on the season to your mood. But popular and friendly honeys, such as clover and orange blossom are suitable any time, any place because they are not too strong and will not overpower teas--all types--and you can't go wrong for yourself or if you're serving other people. And note, both teas and honeys are available at your favorite local supermarket and health food store and online.
Adapted from The Healing Powers of Honey by Cal Orey, published by Kensington Books, mass market format 2018. All rights reserved.
-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com
November 3, 2020
Cocoa with Orange Essential Oil for Colds, Moodiness, Energy
By Cal Orey
Hot chocolate is thought of as a longtime, popular drink for pleasure—and for all ages. Medical researchers are discovering that hot chocolate boasts good health and well-being, thanks to the disease-fighting antioxidants in the cocoa.
One day after swimming at our local pool I frequent, I treated myself to hot chocolate. I ordered a cup of what I thought would contain milk—but was surprised that it was a European type with water and a thick texture. I can’t say I didn’t like it, but I can say it was different, and as an American I was surprised.Sure, cocoa and dark chocolate, from bars to chips, contain health-promoting nutrients, including flavonoids, powerful disease fighters that may help to fight seasonal allergies and viruses. But chocolate’s mood enhancers are the good stuff.Think caffeine: This ingredient has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and provides both a boost of mental and physical energy. Its PEA, a brain chemical can increase the feelings of excitement. It has been called the “love drug” because it can mimic feelings of falling in love. But chocolate can do so much more.
Chocolate Healing Secrets
COLDS: Suffering from a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough? You may have a common cold. Drink plenty of fluids, wash your hands, eat right, and treat yourself to chocolate. Chocolate Rx: Eat two dark chocolate truffles infused with immunity-enhancing green tea. Flavonoids, which both chocolate and tea contains, have antiviral and antibacterial activity. Pair the truffles with a cup of black or herbal tea for a double dose of antioxidants.MOODINESS: Both men and women can fall victim to mood swings, which can be caused by daily stressors to out of whack hormones. Chocolate Rx: Try eating a small dark chocolate muffin or biscotti. The serotonin (a brain chemical that can make you feel happier) may help lift your spirits so you’ll not be such a crab.SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Forget the hormonal thing—it may be a seasonal hang-up called SAD. It’s February, and you find yourself with unwanted winter body fat, and fed up with the short days, colder nights. Chocolate Rx: Try a cup of hot cocoa. I recommend the dark 70 percent cocoa content. It’s not the cure-all for SAD, but the feel-good mood boosters can help you become energized again. Plus, it won’t pack on tons of calories yet will satisfy your sweet cravings. Speaking of cocoa, this recipe is inspired by hosting a chocolate webinar this week. While brushing up on the healing powers of chocolate I caved. Here is my version of homemade hot chocolate with a Mediterranean twist.
Hot Chocolate
3/4 cup organic low-fat chocolate milk ½ cup organic half-and-half ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (use dark 70% cocoa content) Marshmallows or real whipped cream 1 drop food grade orange essential oil
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a saucepan, heat milk and half-and-half. Do not boil. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips in the microwave (watch closely so they don’t burn) and stir into milk mixture. You can also drop chips into the milk mixture in the pan, stir until melted. Both methods do the double chocolate trick. Add a toothpick drop of orange food grade essential oil. Pour hot cocoa into mug. Top with marshmallows for the Tahoe snowish thrill of it. Serves 1. For more flavor, add a peppermint or cinnamon stick. Or you can grate chocolate chips for shavings. I admit countless nights I have poured organic chocolate milk into a large mug and nuked it for quickie hot chocolate. The thing is, when you put more TLC into a cup of cocoa, whether it's this version or adding real cocoa powder and milk with quality chocolate chips, essential oil--and kid-nostalgic marshmallows--wow. It is a cup of flavorful comfort in every sip of hot cocoa. –Adapted from The Healing Powers of Chocolate by Cal Orey
Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices ) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com . * The Healing Powers of Chocolate 1.99 and Essential Oils 2.99 SALE for autumn.
November 1, 2020
Cinnamon Sticky Buns for Tough Times
Cinnamon Spice Sticky Buns to Love
By Cal Orey
This is not the time to feel guilty when cravings hit to indulge is “forbidden” foods. Right now a little bite or two of love is what the world needs. Enter warm, out of the oven fresh sticky buns. As a kid, I loved sticky buns. My mom bought them from some chain restaurant. Instead of traveling back in time to a place that is gone, you can whip up this quick biscuit version in the comfort of your Tahoe kitchen.
One morning this week when it was oh-so cold in the morning, I grabbed several ingredients from the pantry. I’m talking nuts to syrup. I thought, “My mom used to bake pies, cakes, cookies but why not these sticky buns.” No matter. Once I put the dressed up the quick store-bought biscuits in the oven, I peeked about 10 minutes later. And that is the moment I knew I was onto something good.
These gems do not have frosting – it’s more of an ooey-gooey sweet and savory treat chock-full of deliciousness that will make you take a pause and simply savor every bite. They were inspired by my mother who knew how sweet bread, like these, can make challenges seem a little less challenging.
Cinnamon Sticky Buns
3 tablespoons European style butter (salted)
¼ cup maple syrup (organic)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: a dash of allspice or nutmeg
½ cup pecans
1 tube refrigerated biscuits (I used Grands)
In a square 8” by 8” baking dish or round pan pour half of the melted butter and syrup onto the bottom of the dish. Place biscuits close to each other (they’ll rise higher) in rows. Set aside. In another bowl combine sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Top with mixture. Then, spoon on the rest of the butter and syrup. Bake at 335 degrees for about 25 minutes. Do not over bake. Remove from oven and turn over immediately onto a dish or foil. Serve immediately or store in a foil lined air tight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Serves 8.
* Optional: You can us a vanilla glaze (1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, half-and-half until desired consistency). So, will these buns make your life during uncertain times go back to normal? Well, yeah, sort of. It’s a pleasure blast from the past when things were simpler. Go ahead – bake a batch and pretend it’s pre-pandemic days. These buns will give you a taste of 2019 when things were normal. Pair ‘em with a cup of quality coffee of you favorite tea -- cinnamon or chamomile and lavender with a drizzle of raw honey. Have two – yes, they are that good even during the best and worst of times, with respect to Charles Dickens.
Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) For more information, http://www.calorey.com
October 30, 2020
Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd ed. Autumn Sale! Lose Pandemic Pudge, Win DIY Home Cures
By Cal Orey
Currently, for the holidays the ebook is on sale for 1.99 at 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 (read the article on how The Healing Powers of Vinegar shows how ACV can help burn fat), 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
October 29, 2020
Autumn Sale The Healing Powers series on Kobo.com Cal Orey
The Healing Powers of SuperfoodsDid you know the keys to a long life and vibrant good health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket?
Apples, leafy greens, shellfish, yogurt—even ice cream and pasta. The latest scientific studies reveal that many of the classic foods you’ve always loved are superfoods that can supercharge your health! Not only are they delicious, they’re affordable—plus these essential farm-to-table favorites can work with any diet plan, from the balanced Mediterranean Diet to the hunter-gatherer Paleo plan.
With over 50 recipes for both cooked and raw dishes, including smoothies and soups, a detox juice fast and a jump-start pounds-off diet, this down-to-earth guide will show you how to get healthy and stay healthy with body-friendly superfoods.
*Boost your immune system with citrus and nutrient-dense berries, including fresh, frozen, and dried.
*Enjoy the healthy fats in eggs and nuts, including nut butters, to fight inflammation, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
*Trade white sugar for antioxidant-rich sweeteners like maple syrup, the newest superfood!
*Create home remedies designed to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brainpower and enhance energy.
*Keep your home spotless for kids and pets using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas.
*Pamper your mind and body with the same food-based treatments that health spas use, including ingredients like seeds and seaweed.
Now you can indulge in a Pesto Pizza or Berry Basil Smoothie, a Chicken Bone Broth or dark chocolate gelato, while chilling with an ancient-oats facial or relaxing in a warm, herb-scented bath. Infused with heartwarming stories and inspiring legends, The Healing Powers of Superfoods will take you to a world of wellness that starts at home with our favorite foods from Mother Nature—enjoyed in a new way with an exciting twist!
October 26, 2020
Hunker Down this Fall/Winter with the Healing Powers series
By Cal Orey
Bundle Up with the Healing Powers Series this Autumn
By Cal Orey (Vinegar, Olive Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee,Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices -- pre-order for Dec.)
Did you know the keys to a long life and vibrant good health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket?
Apples, leafy greens, shellfish, yogurt—even ice cream and pasta. The latest scientific studies reveal that many of the classic foods you’ve always loved are superfoods that can supercharge your health! Not only are they delicious, they’re affordable—plus these essential farm-to-table favorites can work with any diet plan, from the balanced Mediterranean Diet to the hunter-gatherer Paleo plan.
With over 50 recipes for both cooked and raw dishes, including smoothies and soups, a detox juice fast and a jump-start pounds-off diet, this down-to-earth guide will show you how to get healthy and stay healthy with body-friendly superfoods.*Boost your immune system with citrus and nutrient-dense berries, including fresh, frozen, and dried.
*Enjoy the healthy fats in eggs and nuts, including nut butters, to fight inflammation, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
*Trade white sugar for antioxidant-rich sweeteners like maple syrup, the newest superfood!
*Create home remedies designed to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brainpower and enhance energy.
*Keep your home spotless for kids and pets using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas.
*Pamper your mind and body with the same food-based treatments that health spas use, including ingredients like seeds and seaweed. Now you can indulge in a Pesto Pizza or Berry Basil Smoothie, a Chicken Bone Broth or dark chocolate gelato, while chilling with an ancient-oats facial or relaxing in a warm, herb-scented bath. Infused with heartwarming stories and inspiring legends, The Healing Powers of Superfoods will take you to a world of wellness that starts at home with our favorite foods from Mother Nature—enjoyed in a new way with an exciting twist!
(Back cover excerpt from The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, pre-orders at available fine bookstores everyone, including online)
October 25, 2020
Roll into the New Year with flavorful herbs and spices!
By Cal Orey
Pre-order The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices: Timeless Treasures
The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen . . .
Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more—for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry—or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden—can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind. Discover how to use nature’s gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:
*Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism—at any age!
*Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
*Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
*Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects—and trigger feel-good endorphins—using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
*Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
