Saturday, August 28, 2010

Fat Burning Vegetable Soup

Ingredients: (Yields 20 Servings)

6 large onions
2 green bell peppers
6 huge, ripe tomatoes or 1-2 large cans of tomatoes
1 bunch of celery with leaves
1/2 head white cabbage
4 carrots
1/2 big can of tomato juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

What you do:

Dice the vegetables and put them in a pot. Fill the pot with water and the tomato juice.

Boil for ten minutes, then simmer till the vegetables are tender.
Season as you go along.

Does it really burn fat? This soup helps you burn calories and flush out toxins. Some diets call for eating solely this soup for seven days. Nevertheless, make this soup a part of your meals for a healthy and hearty boost.

Courtesy of Wifely Steps

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

How to Live to 102 - Secret #33

Get regular check-ups. It is important to get regular medical and dental check-ups to catch illnesses before they become serious. This is especially true for silent killers such as hypertension and diabetes, which can both ravish your body before they show any identifiable symptoms.

Source: Tips For Good Health

Berries Linked to Better Brain Function

A new study from the American Chemical Society shows that a berry-rich diet can activate the brain's cleaning process, removing toxins and inessential compounds that may interfere with brain function. This process is called autophagy where brain cells called microglia are responsible for cleaning up and recycling toxic proteins. When people age, the microglia becomes ineffective and toxic builds up. Foods with polyphenol like berries and nuts stimulate autophagy while inhibiting proteins that shut it down.

Berries have always been consistently considered one of those "miracle superfoods" has tremendous health benefits. They are low in calories, fat free, a great source of fibre and vitamins, and most importantly, full of polyphenol compounds that are linked to anti-aging and anti-cancer effects. In fact, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries have been shown to improve memory in aged animals by protecting the brain with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

There have been many other foods that have been linked to anti-aging. A large U.S. study showed that those with higher intakes of salad dressing, nuts, fish, chicken, tomatoes, fruit, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and low intakes of fatty dairy, red meat and butter were 38% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. A similar report concluded that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and olive oil guarded against Alzheimer's as well.

Source: "Berries may help your brain clean house" The Globe and Mail. August 25, 2010 (L1)

The Great Debate: Fondant vs. Buttercream

{Photo by Leigh Miller}

The battle between Fondant and Buttercream has been raging for decades and seems to be ever more prevalent now that fanciful and elaborate cakes, cupcakes and cookies are all the rage. Each have their pro's and con's and todays post is dedicated to helping you pick which one is right for you. Fondant is great for molding and offers that polished, smooth look so many people love but it doesn't always taste so great. Buttercream, on the other hand, is delicious and is a timeless classic but it can be messy and will melt in the heat. Not so good for those outdoor summer parties.

When I am making cookies for an event I always find myself in a tug-of-war when deciding how I want my presentation to look. Do I want them to be perfect and look beautiful or do I want them to have an old-fashioned look to them and taste amazing?? Do I want to be able to bag them or am I okay with just plating them? Will transportation be involved? What type of location is the event being held at?

I battled the same battle when choosing the cake for our wedding. Guess what I ended up with....BOTH! Yep, that's right. Both. I decided on a tiered buttercream wedding cake and a fondant covered groom's cake. With all of that being said, below I offer my tips and tricks below for those of you who battle the same battle.

{Photo by Leigh Miller}

{Photo by FeatherLove}

{Image courtesy of The Sweetest Occasion}

{Photo by Stephanie Williams}

Fondant? Buttercream? Fondant? Buttercream?

Fondant Pro's & Con's:

Flexibility: You can incorporate more of your overall design with fondant. It's a good base for patterns, objects, 3-D modeling. All can all be done with fondant and helps give your creation that POP! It's a designers canvas...
Prep Time: You can work with your fondant ahead of time when creating flowers, letters, decorative shapes and figurines that will adorn your cake or cookies.
Delivery: Delivery is much easier and safer when working with fondant. It acts as a protective shell for cakes and aids in keeping them cool. When working with fondant covered cookies, you can bag them and tie them off with a sweet ribbon and not have to worry about any smudging or sticking like buttercream.
Taste: Fondant usually is not known for it's taste but companies like Fondarific make a better tasting fondant in Vanilla, Chocolate and Fruit Flavors.

Buttercream Pro's & Con's:

Flexibility: Temperature plays a major role in the stability of buttercream. In the summer it can be a nightmare if the event is outdoors. No matter how much the buttercream is set, it will instantly lose it's shape when exposed to heat. Butter + heat = melting. Also, things tend to stick to buttercream. If you are using one of the many adorable cupcake holders out there, such as this or this, fondant is a much better option as buttercream will leave the wrappers with a greasy look. Buttercream is a flexible medium and there are many piping tips on the market that allows for many different looks.
Prep Time: Standard buttercream recipes are fairly simple to make and can be made at least a day in advance. I prefer to prepare my icing and then let it set overnight to allow the flavors to fully incorporate into the butter and sugar.
Delivery: Unless you don't have to worry about delivery, buttercream will always remain a true test for bakers who are required to deliver their cake, cupcakes or cookies. Some make it out successfully, some end up with disaster on their hands.
Taste: I will say, again and again, that buttercream wins this one hands down. Who doesn't love a huge dollop of sweet, thick buttercream on any cake or cookie? Oh wait, that's right. My best friend. For that, I think she is off her rocker. (Wink.) But hey, each to their own.

And that statement sums it up perfectly. Each to their own. Some love fondant. Some loathe it. Same goes for buttercream. Just make sure whatever you choose, you choose it with love and care and bake it the same way. That's all people are really looking for in their desserts. Love and care.

{Images courtesy of Martha Stewart & The Knot}

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Inspiration Everywhere....

Inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere you look. Sometimes it hits you smack in the face and the "Ah Ha!" moment happens. At other times, you have stretch your imagination and look to the simplest things and places, to come up with the perfect something you're searching for. When I find myself stuck in a rut, I turn to nature. Our natural surroundings offer so many amazing textures, colors and unique settings, it's my number one go-to for a creative awakening.

Here are a few images that capture what I look to when I need a little inspirational pick-me-up....

{Images courtesy of Dirk Begin Photography}

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Squeeze 1/2 lemon into a glass of water, twice daily.

Lemons are an incredible healthy and often delicious ingredient for many foods and beverages. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that is responsible for the tarty taste in lemons. Lemons are also a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life. Lemon water makes a healthy drink that is incredibly refreshing in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

1. Good for stomach

Lemons can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

2. Excellent for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

3. Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

4. Cures Throat Infections

Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Good for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

Courtesy of Life Mojo

How to Live to 102 - Secret #32

When possible, walk instead of drive. Go to the park and play with your children when you can. Moving serves to not only improve your heart function and keep weight off, but also helps to relieve stress.

Courtesy of Ten Tips For Good Health

Mallow Madness ... The Recipe!

Last week I featured a post on Mallow Madness and promised to share the recipe with you. Things have been so busy with work, packing up my apartment getting ready for our big move (hooray!), and taking care of little life details, that sharing the recipe has gotten away from me.

So without further ado, I present the Mallow Madness Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 bag of Large Marshmallows

- White Chocolate and/or Milk Chocolate Bark Coating (Ambrosia)
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes
- Chopped Pecans
- Honey Maid Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Rainbow Sprinkles

Supplies:
- Lollipop Sticks
- Wax Paper

Directions:
1. Melt chocolate in double boiler or microwave
2. Insert lollipop stick into marshmallow(s)
   {I used 2 marshmallows per lollipop stick}
3. Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate and coat thoroughly
   {Make sure the melted chocolate isn't too warm otherwise it will melt the marshmallows}
4. Allow excess chocolate to drip off of marshmallows as too much chocolate coating will cause the
   sprinkles and toppers to fall off
5. Roll marshmallow pop in your favorite topping
6. Set marshmallow pop on wax paper in either a horizontal or vertical position and chill to set chocolate
7. Enjoy!!!

As I mentioned in my last post, the firemen of Kentland Volunteer Fire Department received the marshmallow pops I had made as an after dinner treat! The Fire Chief and marshmallow fanatic, Tony Kelleher, decided to keep the whole batch for himself!!

Of course, that didn't stop my husband from going back for seconds when Tony wasn't looking. As you can see, he is deep in thought on his next pick of deliciousness!

Be Sweet.
-Kristy

Monday, August 23, 2010

A Kodak Moment...

The big moment we were waiting for finally arrived late last week!

Drum roll....please!!!

Our wedding photos were handed over to us by our wonderful, fantastic, amazing, talented, hilarious, considerate photographer, James Woo. If any of you know James or have worked with him, he is an absolute pleasure to be with and to work with, but also one who is meticulous about the details of everything that goes into wedding. And it clearly shows in his work. We are thrilled with the memories and moments James was able to capture.

James - we thank you for all you have done for us. The words of wisdom, guidance, post-wedding and pre-baby advice. We are so thankful to have a friend like you in our lives.

So, with that.....I give you our engagement photos. Ha! I know....I know. You are thinking "WHAT???...That is SOO old news." Believe me, the engagement photos help give meaning and a foundation to our wedding photos.

Wedding Photos.....To Be Continued.

Be Sweet.

-Kristy