ELDER FLOWER, SHWEPPES GRAPE FRUIT AND LEMON GRASS DRINK

SOFT DRINK COCKTAIL

The yellow brick road cocktail mix- non alchoholic

I found this recipe from the Schweppes collection, which uses elderberry liqueur that contains 20% alchohol-

For my general readers, it will  be more of a non-alchoholic cocktail / drink mix recipe and I have improvised on this by replacing  liqueur with elderberry cordial.

Elderflower teas and cordial are traditionally used in herbal medicine of the Yugoslav region.

The cream colored flower heads are honey scented blossoms that are crisp and somewhat juicy, with a highly aromatic smell and flavour.

These elder flowers are used to make the cordials… a  drink  since roman times.

However, the cheaper canned fizzy "elderflower drinks" and "elderflower sodas" often use a synthetic cheap elderflower flavouring – plus, as well as a real elderflower extract, This is not recommended for this recipe.

The yellow brick road cocktail mix- non alchoholic drink

Ingredients

2 tbsp elderflower cordial

2 mango slices

1 lemon grass sliced  (6- 7 fine slices)

1 chili (half) - optional

500 ml Schweppes Apple and Grapefruit mineral water

1 stalk lemon grass (garnish)

Add all ingredients and leave to infuse for 15 minutes before serving

Serve in a pitcher. Garnish with 1 stalk lemon grass

COMMENT/ TIP from my great blogger friend Jasna -   link here
Beautiful post...In Bosnia (and surrounding countries), Elderflower is used for making syrup for soft drink. 
Its good for respiratory organs. 
Thank you very much for the tip and your generousity Jasna-wan

CARDAMON DONUTS AND VANILLA FROZEN YOGURT

Haagen Dazs

cardamon donuts with vanilla frozen yogurt      This special recipe comes from Haagen Dazs
Ingredients: 2 1/4  cups all-purpose flour 2  tsp baking powder 1/2  tsp salt 1/2  cup brown sugar 1/4  cup sugar 1  tsp cardamom 1  tsp cinnamon 1  egg 1/2  cup milk 1/4  cup heavy cream 6  tbs melted butter 1  tsp vanilla extract 1  tsp coconut extract 2  cups canola oil (for frying) 14oz.  container Häagen-Dazs® Vanilla frozen yogurt
Preparation:  Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugars and spices in a bowl and wisk.  Then in a separate bowl, combine milk, cream, melted butter, eggs,  extracts and blend.  Add the milk mixture to flour mixture until dough comes together. (more flour should be added if dough is too wet)  Cover dough with plastic wrap and let sit for 30 – 40 minutes. Place dough on floured surface and roll out to 1/2" thick. Lightly flour 2 1/2" round cookie cutter.  Cut out round circles and set aside.  Reroll the scrapes of dough to 1/2" thick and cut circles.  Poke a hole in the center of each doughnut. Fill a deep heavy pot with oil and turn on to high heat until oil reaches 350° F. Line a baking pan with paper towels and set aside. Fry 3 – 4 doughnuts at a time. Turn the doughnuts until brown on each side. When brown transfer doughnuts to lined baking pan. Let cool. Dust doughnuts with cardamom powdered sugar mixture.  To serve, place one doughnut on a plate with one scoop of ice cream then top with a spoonful of orange honey compote. Cardamom  Powdered Sugar 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tsp cardamom, pinch of salt Sift powdered sugar, cardamom, and salt into a bowl Orange Honey Compote 1 orange segmented 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup honey pinch of salt Peel and segment orange, set aside. Heat orange juice, honey and salt. Reduce by half until liquid is thick and bubbly. Turn off and let cool. When liquid is cooled add to orange segments. 12 doughnuts

RED SPINACH AND SHITAKE SOUP RECIPE. SPINACH HEALTH BENEFITS

RED SPINACH AND SHITAKE SOUP

SPINACH HEALTH BENEFITS

Green leafy vegetable spinach is often recognized as one of the functional food for its nutritional, antioxidants and anti-cancer constituents.
Spinach  is very low in calories and fats (100 g of raw leaves provide just 23 cal), but has a good amount of soluble dietary fiber.

Fresh 100 g of spinach contains about 25% of daily intake of iron; one of the richest among green leafy vegetables. Iron is important for red blood cells production.

-Zea-xanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the  eyes. It is an antioxidant which protects  light-filtering functions.
-This helps protect the eyes from "age related macular disease" (AMD), especially in the elderly.

-Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin, mucus membranes and is a must for vision. Vitamin A and flavonoids helps against lung and oral cavity cancers.
-Vitamin K plays vital role in strengthening bone mass by promoting osteotrophic (bone building) activity in the bone. 

-It also helps patients with Alzheimer's disease by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.

-Spinach also contain  B-complex vitamins like vitamin- B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin, folates and niacin. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the offspring.

100 g of farm fresh spinach has 47% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C.

Potassium helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Manganese and copper are antioxidant co-factors.
Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
Zinc is an enzyme co-factor which helps growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Link here    and various sources

Regular consumption of spinach in the diet helps prevent osteoporosis (weak bones), iron deficiency anemia and is believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases, colon and prostate cancers.

On safety profile

Do noit reheat spinach left-overs.  It may cause nitrates to be converted by certain bacteria (into poisonous nitrites and nitrosamines).
This usually happens on nitrate-rich foods, such as spinach and many other green vegetables..

Because of its high vitamin K content, it interferes with drug metabolism. Patients taking anti-coagulants such as "warfarin" are encouraged to avoid spinach in their food.

Some vegetables , like spinach contains oxalic acid. The oxalic acid  may crystallize into oxalate stones in the urinary tract. People with known oxalate urinary tract stones are advised to avoid oxalic acid veggies.     
Matured old spinach leaves (boiled) are known to be good for vision and heart health..

It may also contain goitrogens which may interfere with thyroid hormone production . Avoid spinach if you have thyroid dysfunction

RECIPE

RED SPINACH AND SHITAKE SOUP

Ingredients

10 stalks red leaf spinach- cut

100 grams inoki mushroom/ shitake or

10 pieces oyster mushrooms (halves)

1 large onion- cut into 4

10 pieces medium size anchovies/ half cube anchovies paste

1 tbsp mushroom paste (from canned  soup)

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper

2 green chili/ chili pepper

The  healthy way to cook

Fill up cooking pot with 3 cups of water, shitake, anchovies, mushroom paste and onion. Bring to boil

After boiling for 7 minutes, add in spinach, salt, pepper, sugar. The minute spinach wilted al dente, put off fire and immediately remove pot from hot stove.  

The spinach should be of fresh color and not wilted. Serve with rice and simple fried fish/ simple spicy fried chicken etc.

LEMON DRINK WITH STARFRUIT AND GINGER

Relax and have a long cold drink in the hot afternoon….

Especially with lemon

LEMON DRINK WITH STARFRUIT AND GINGER

You need 1 1/2 glass mineral water, blend with

2 ripe star fruits  (remove pith)

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp young ginger root juice

Sugar to taste

Instead of mineral water, I prefer ginger ale- hmmm delicious !!

BUT you may prefer green tea instead… so nutritious !!

Serve with ice cubes – makes two glasses.

Ginger ale is  a carbonated drink flavored with ginger. I love shweppes 

EYES- VITAL FOODS AND TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES. RAW FRUITS AND VEGGIES DRINK AND SALAD MIX. GET RID OF EYE BAGS .

EYES- VITAL FOODS  AND TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

RAW FRUITS AND VEGGIES  DRINK  MIX/  SALAD MIX

GET RID OF EYE BAGS 

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help protect against eye disease and help your overall health. * Research supports this. 

To keep our eyes healthy, we should eat foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are called antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep our cells and tissues healthy.

LIST OF FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS FOR EYE HEALTH	Antioxidants Related to Eye Health
*Eggs, kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas, Brussels sprouts.	Lutein and Zeaxanthin
*Red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers,  tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit, and orange.	Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
*Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, avocados, wheat germ, and whole grains.	Vitamin E
*Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, eggs, and green leafy vegetables.	Vitamin A and Beta carotene
*Salmon, sardines, flax seeds, soybeans, and walnuts.	Essential Fatty acids
*Red meat, poultry, oysters and other  seafood, nuts, dried beans, soy foods, milk and other dairy products, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals.	Zinc

link here.      

Antioxidant for eyes  - prevents age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and other eye diseases. 
The highly  pigmented fruits and veggies have more concentration of antioxidants…and best eaten in raw form.

Cooking , freezing and drying  takes away the nutrition by degrees.

- Cold water fish (sardines, cod, mackerel, tuna.) with excellent DHA (Dicosahexaenoic acid) provides structural support to cell membranes, and is recommended for dry eyes, treatment for macular degeneration (AMD), and sight preservation.  

Vegetables with Lutein, a yellow pigment, protects the macula from sun damage and from blue and ultraviolet light.

Studies have shown that oral administration of lutein, or eating spinach, can increase the level of lutein in the retina. This is especially important for AMD.

-Eggs are rich in cysteine, sulfur, lecithin, amino acids and lutein. Sulfur-containing compounds protect the lens of the eye from cataract formation.

-Garlic, onions, shallots and capers  are also rich in sulfur, which is necessary for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant for the lens of the eye.

-Soy- Low in fat, rich in protein, contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E and natural anti-inflammatory agents.

-Fruits and vegetables The yellow/ orange vegetables wit carotenoids, such as carrots, cantaloupe, apricots and squash, are important for daytime vision.

-Fruits and veggies with anthocyanins (red/ blue color) such as eggplant, blueberries beets, red cabbage and grapes. (but not cherries and strawberries)

Anthocyanins help improve night vision. A cup full of blueberries, huckleberry jam, or a 100 mg bilberry supplement should improve dark adaptation within 30 minutes.

-Vitamin C is an important structural component to strengthen capillaries and build collagen. It maintains the shape of the eye cornea. Vitamin C is the second most common antioxidant in the lens, and prevents cataracts from developing, whether due to sunlight exposure or oxidative stress.

-B Complex vitamins These vitamins are necessary for nerve function. The --retinal receptor cells send all their messages through nerve fibers into the optic nerve, and into the brain.

B-12 is especially important, as it is the most common deficiency in elderly individuals.

--Nuts and berries These are nature's most concentrated food sources. Grains, such as flaxseed, are high in the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize cell membranes.

-Virgin olive oil This is a mono-unsaturated oil, and is a healthy alternative to butter and margarine. 

-Alpha Lipoic Acid is a very important nerve stabilizer and is helpful in diabetics, and in patients with glaucoma, to protect their remaining optic nerve fibers.

-N-Acetyl Cysteine needed for  the production of glutathione. Glutathione is produced and released by the liver, is a major antioxidant in the lens of the eye.

-Magnesium is important in nerve conduction and it dilates blood vessels, maintain blood flow to the eye and brain in the case of  AMD or diabetes.

-Gingko biloba This herb has been used for millennia for eye and central nervous system problems. It increases circulation to the back of the eye and for AMD treatment.

LIVER, THE KEY ORGAN FOR THE EYE

The liver is the key organ for the eye, since all the fat soluble vitamins and glutathione are stored there. The B vitamins are activated in the liver. The eye is subjected to bright light throughout the day and the important ingredients for repair are stored in the liver. When the liver is overburdened, eyesight will be compromised.

RECIPE_ You are at liberty to combine any of the raw veggies and fruits above to make a drink or 
To prepare as raw salad with any salad dressing of your chice with some parmesan

link here

GET RID OF EYE BAGS

Get plenty of sleep. Sooth the eyes and reduce the swelling which creates eye bags, maybe  by the usual warm teabag or cucumber.

To soothe the eye area- Put a teaspoon in the fridge until cold (around 3-6 mins) 2. Gently roll the back of the spoon over your closed eye. 3. Hold for 5-15 seconds.

To fade dark circles from under your eyes with grated potatoes. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is a skin lightener often used in cosmetics. 
Mash potato or cut into paper thin slices and apply it directly to the area beneath your eye for about 20 minutes and rinse.

If there is blackness and swelling then you might be allergic to something you ate.

Mix ground coffee with a few drops of water and gently rub it under your eyes

Dinking water like 8 glasses a day  is proven to remove eye bags. 

A spice named Fennel seed (jintan manis)

Fennel may be an effective diuretic and a potential drug for treatment of hypertension.

In the Indian subcontinent, fennel seeds are also eaten raw, sometimes with some sweetener, as they are said to improve eyesight.

The ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight. Root extracts were often used in tonics to clear cloudy eyes. Extracts of fennel seed have been shown in animal studies to have a potential use in the treatment of glaucoma.

As you can read in my comment box, Balvinder Ubi used fennel seeds for her eyes, thanks Balvinder for such a great tip.

HOW TO MAKE AN ALL PURPOSE SPICE RUB. SPICE RUB FOR CHICKEN RECIPE. SPICE RUB FOR SEAFOOD SEASONING.

ALL PURPOSE  SPICE RUB.

SPICE RUB FOR CHICKEN RECIPE.

SPICE RUB FOR  SEAFOOD SEASONING.

A paprika vendor in Budapest

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetable substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or as food preservatives. Sometimes a spice is used to hide other flavors- wiki

A spice may be available in several forms: fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried. Generally, spices are dried. 

A whole dried spice has the longest shelf life of about two years

Ground spices are better stored away from light and has about six months shelf life.

The "flavor life" of a ground spice can be much shorter.

The Mulus harvesting pepper..impression from a French edition of
 The travels of Marco Polo

The flavor of a spice comes from compounds that oxidize or evaporate when exposed to air. Grinding increases a spice surface area and makes oxides or evaporate more. Thus, store your spice whole and grind only when needed, is the best way to it’s maximize flavor. 

Dried peppercorns- black and white

Black pepper

Black pepper is the world’s number one most popular spice and next is cumin. It’s odour has a citrusy, woody and floral notes with a hot taste in flavor. Dried black pepper are known as peppercorns.

White pepper refers to pepper seeds, where the darker colored skin of the fully ripe red pepper berries are removed by soaking them in water for about a week.

Cumin spice

Cumin can be used ground or as whole seeds. It helps to add an earthy and warming feeling to cooking, making it a staple in certain stews and soups, as well as curries and chili. It is not related to Nigella sativa, though both are sometimes called black cumin. It is also sometimes confused with Caraway seeds.

Fennel flowers

A spice called Fennel seed (jintan manis)

Fennel may be an effective diuretic and a potential drug for treatment of hypertension.

In the Indian subcontinent, fennel seeds are also eaten raw, sometimes with some sweetener, as they are said to improve eyesight.

The ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight. Root extracts were often used in tonics to clear cloudy eyes. Extracts of fennel seed have been shown in animal studies to have a potential use in the treatment of glaucoma.

Spanish smoked paprika

Paprika

Paprika is a spice made from ground, dried fruits of bell and chili peppers. It is rich in vitamin C with flavors varying from mild to hot. The vitamin C contents  retained in paprika is more by weight than does lemon juice.

Ceylon cinnamon (left) and Cassia

Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon, using only the thin inner bark, has a finer, less dense, and more crumbly texture, and is considered to be more aromatic and subtle in flavour than cassia. Cassia has a much stronger flavour than Ceylon cinnamon, is generally  reddish brown, hard and woody in texture, and thicker as all of the layers of bark are used.

A spice shop in Jordan

HOW TO MAKE SPICE RUB

A spice rub is a mixture of salt, herbs, and spices. A spice rub can be as simple as a large amount of pepper or as complex as 100 spices. (and yes, that many spices do exist)

In order to make a successful rub, you need to balance flavors and when you find a good rub, you will use it often...link here

ALL  PURPOSE SPICE RUB RECIPE

Ingredients

1-cup paprika (most versatile important ingredients)

1/4 cup salt

1/2 cup black pepper

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup dehydrated lemon peel

1/4 cup dried rosemary

2 tbsp cayenne pepper

Method- Combine all ingredients in an airtight container.

This writer said “ Store in a cool, dark place this will last until your family tree ends. And everybody else's.

I think the author has a great sense of humor….  until the 12^th of never? never!! Ha ha

SPICE RUB FOR SEAFOOD SEASONING RECIPE  
- link here 

Ingredients    

§  6 tbs butter-flavored salt

§  1/2 cup sweet paprika

§  4 bay leaves, torn

§  3 tbs celery seed

§  3 tbs dehydrated lemon peel

§  1 tbs dehydrated lime peel

§  2 tbs dried rosemary

§  3 tbs dried thyme

§  3 tbs dried oregano

§  1/4 cup smoked paprika

§  1 tbs freshly ground cinnamon

Method

Pulse everything in your spice grinder until relatively smooth. If your spice grinder doubles as your coffee grinder, make sure you pulse some rice after. Keep in an airtight container with a shaker lid for up to a year.

For cooking varieties, I like the  flavor of lemon/ lime peel  and paprika being added to the above recipe.

SPICE RUB FOR CHICKEN RECIPE   -link here

Ingredients

§  2 tsp black pepper

§  2 tsp cayenne pepper

§  2 teaspoons ground celery seed

§  2 tbsp garlic powder

§  ½ cup paprika

§  2 tbsp kosher salt

§  1 tbsp dried thyme

Mix all spices into a bowl. Rub on chicken, inside and outside.

Let stand for a few minutes before cooking.

For cooking varieties, I like the flavor and aroma of Lemon grass juice and ginger  in my chicken marinade. After about four hours, will rub in fennel seed powder, chili and pepper seasoning and let stand for another 30 minutes. 

What's your favorite spice? and why.....