Earthly Eating

Have you ever wanted to be the talk of your own neighborhood with a garden others around you envy. I have always wanted to capture that with an herb garden that blows away everyone else’s gardens, and they come to me with their questions on how to achieve the same look and taste in their herbs. Of course that is only in a dream world. But, there are ways to focus on the herbs and know that you are getting the best quality and flavor, as well as scent, from some, out of your herbs in your garden or kitchen window garden. Here are three herbs that you should add to your herb garden and know that they are going to give you everything their reputation says they will.

• Gotu Kola: Known as brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola regulates dopamine in the brain, boosting pleasurable feelings and improving focus and memory. Drink two cups of tea daily (one tablespoon of gotu kola in each).

• Chinese Club Moss: The National Institute of Health are funding a study on how this herb’s active ingredients, huperzine, may affect the brain by protecting neurotransmitters. However, Chinese club moss is potent. Take no more than 100 micrograms a day.

• Rosemary: This herb belongs to a category of botanicals called adaptogens, which helps your brain adapt to stress and function better. Smelling the essential oils of adaptogens regulates the stress hormone cortisol, helping you stay alert but free of anxiety. Sniffing rosemary oil can be particularly helpful when prepping for a presentation. It will calm your nerves and trigger memory, just when you need it most.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Angel Lush with Pineapple
Makes 10 servings

1 pkg. (4 servings size) vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in their juice, undrained
1 cup thawed whipped topping
1 prepared round of angel food cake (10 oz.)
10 fresh strawberries

Mix dry pudding mix and pineapple in a medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping.

Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer on a serving plate; top with one-third of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers 2 more times.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries just before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Happy Eating!

• Mincemeat Bundt Cake
Serves: 12

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups mincemeat
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk

Toppings:
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp. grated orange rind
2 tbs. orange juice

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 10-inch Bundt pan, set aside. In a bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time; add vanilla. Stir in mincemeat. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, making 3 additions of flour mixture and 2 of the milk. Scrape into prepared pan, smoothing top.

Bake in center of oven until toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack. Turn out onto cake plate. For toppings: stir together sugar, orange rind and orange juice until smooth; drizzle over cake.

• Applesauce Cake
Serves: 12

1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow or chocolate cake mix
1 bottle (8 ounces) applesauce
1/2 cup sherry, run or whiskey
1 small box (1 ounce, four 1/2 cup servings) instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
2 handfuls chocolate chips

Icing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 stick margarine
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sherry, rum or whiskey

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour tube or Bundt pan, set aside. In a large bowl, blend together cake mix, applesauce, sherry, dry pudding, eggs, oil and chocolate chips. Fold into prepared pan; bake for 45 minutes, then test. Bake until done.

For icing: Heat sugar, margarine and water, then add sherry. Mix well. Pour over hot cake in pan. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove cake from pan; otherwise it will stick.

• Fruit Cake
Serves: 12

2 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 tbs. baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 jar (28 ounces) mincemeat
1 can (1 1/3 cups) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (1 pound) mixed candied fruit (about 2 cups)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 300°F. Butter 9-inch tube pan or spring form pan. Line with wax paper, butter again. Set aside. Sift flour and baking soda together. Combine eggs, mincemeat, milk, fruit and nuts. Fold in dry ingredients. Pour into pan. Bake 2 hours. Cool, turn out on a plate.

• Rum Chocolate Cake
Serves: 12

1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup dark rum

Frosting:
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup dark rum
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened

Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with greased waxed paper; set aside.

Melt chocolate in water over very low heat, stirring constantly. Cool. Cream butter until fluffy, gradually beat in sugar. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift flour with baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add flour and chocolate alternately to egg mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in rum.

Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in pans; turn out onto racks and peel off waxed paper. When cool, fill and frost.

For Frosting: Melt chocolate with run over low heat. Stir in vanilla. Add confectioner’s sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each cup. Beat in butter. Add a little more rum if necessary to make frosting of spreading consistency.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Hot Toddy

1 ounce honey
1/3 ounce lemon juice
3 ounces hot water
1 1/2 ounces whiskey

Stir honey and lemon juice into extremely hot water, allow it to cool slightly, then add whiskey.

Or, warm honey and lemon juice for 30 seconds in microwave. Add hot water and whiskey.

Happy Eating!

• Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Serves: 16

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup + 3 tbs. sugar, divided
3 tbs. butter or margarine, melted
5 pkg. (8 oz.each) cream cheese, softened
3 tbs. flour
1 tbs. vanilla
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crumbs, 3 tbs. sugar and butter; press firmly into the bottom of a foil lined 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition, just until blended. Pour over crust. Gently drop jam by small spoonfuls over top of batter. Cut through batter several times with knife for marble effect.

Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

• Banana-Sour Cream Cake
Serves: 16

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup oil
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1 cup walnut pieces, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 13×9-inch baking pan; set aside. Beat cake mix, eggs, bananas, sour cream and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed just until moistened, stopping frequently to scrape the bottom and side of the bowl. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Beat cream, cheese and butter in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition until well blended.

Remove cake from pan; cut crosswise in half. Place one cake half, top-side down, on large serving plate; spread top with frosting. Top with remaining cake half, top-side up. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Carefully press walnuts into frosting on sides of cake. Store any leftovers in refrigerator.

• Pumpkin Spice Frosted Snack Cake
Serves: 24

1 pkg. (2-layer size) spice cake mix
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 cup dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
3 eggs
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) butter, softened
2 tbs. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan; set aside. Beat cake mix, pumpkin, dressing and eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 32 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition until well blended. Spread over cooled cake. Cut into pieces to serve. Store any leftovers in refrigerator.

• Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Serves: 32

1 cup pecan pieces, divided
1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 50 wafers)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 tbs. flour
1 tbs. vanilla
4 eggs
24 caramels
3 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over the sides of pan. Remove 1/2 cup of the pecans; set aside. Finely chop remaining pecans. Mix wafer crumbs, chopped pecans and butter. Press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Refrigerate until ready top use.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream, flour and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Place caramels in microwaveable bowl. Add water. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until caramels are completely melted when stirred. Pour over cheesecake; top with reserved pecans. Melt chocolate as directed on package; drizzle over cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Use foil handles to remove cheesecake from pan before cutting into pieces to serve. Store any leftovers in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

• Peanut Butter Striped Delight
Serves: 24

35 chocolate sandwich cookies
6 tbs. butter, melted
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3 cups plus 2 tbs. cold milk, divided
1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed, divided
2 pkg. (4 servings size each) vanilla flavor instant pudding
1/3 cup peanut butter

Place cookies in food processor; cover. Process to form fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add butter; mix well. Press firmly onto the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 tbs. of the milk in a separate bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Add 1 1/4 cups of the whipped topping; mix well. Spread over crust.

Pour remaining 3 cups of the milk into a large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Add peanut butter; mix well. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 minutes or until thickened. Top with remaining whipped topping; cover.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Chocolate, Strawberry & Cookie Parfaits
Serves: 4

2 cups cold fat-free milk
1 pkg. (4 serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
6 reduced fat chocolate sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup thawed whipped topping

Add milk to dry pudding mix in a medium bowl. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Refrigerate 5 minutes.

Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture evenly into 4 mugs or parfait glasses; top with layers of half each of the strawberries and cookies. Repeat all layers. Cover with the remaining pudding mixture and whipped topping.

Garnish each parfait with an additional strawberry and serve immediately or store in refrigerator up to 2 hours before serving.

Happy Eating!

Sangria Fruit Cups
Serves: 8

1 cup orange juice
1 pkg. (4 servings size) strawberry flavor gelatin
1 pkg. (4 servings size) lemon flavor gelatin
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 cup pitted fresh sweet cherries, halved
1 cup quartered strawberries (about 8 of them)
1 cup sliced peeled nectarines (about 1)
1 cup thawed whipped topping

Bring orange juice to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the dry gelatin mixes in a medium bowl, stir at least 2 minutes until gelatin is completely dissolved into the orange juice. Stir in cold water.

Spoon fruit into 8 clear cups. Pour gelatin mixture over the fruits. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm. Top with whipped topping just before serving.

Fruit Tart:
Serves: 8

1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) crem cheese, softened
3 cups sliced plums (about 3)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon sugar (3/4 tsp granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon)
1 cup thawed whipped topping

Preheat oven to 450°F. Place pie crust in a greased 10-inch pie plate. Carefully spread cream cheese in a 6-inch circle in the center of the crust. Set asode.

Toss the plums with the sugar and flour; spoon over cream cheese. Gently fold the edges of the crust about 2 inches over the plums, leaving the center of the plums uncovered. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the tarts.

Bake 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and fruit juices are bubbly. Cool slightly before lifting out of pie plate. Cut into slices, top with whipped topping.

Fruit Pie:
Serves: 12

1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)
1 tsp. cinnamon sugar (3/4 tsp. sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon)
1 1/4 cups half-and-half
1 pkg. (4 serving size_ vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 cup thawed whipped topping
1 1/2 cups fresh peach slices ( about 1 large)
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries

Preheat oven to 450°F. Unroll pie crust onto baking sheet; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned; cool completely.

Meanwhile, pour half and half into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with a wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Spread pudding mixture over crust just before serving; top with the fruits. Cut into slices and serve.

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Earthly Eating Recipe

Cookies and Fudge Ice Cream Cake
Serves: 12

1/2 cup fudge ice cream topping, warmed
1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed, and divided
1 pkg. (4 servings size) chocolate flavor instant pudding
8 chocolate sandwich cookies
12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches

Pour the fudge topping into a medium sized bowl. Stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping with a wire whisk until its well blended. Add the dry pudding mix. Stir for 2 minutes or until well incorporated. The consistency of the fudge topping can vary depending on what brand you use. If your fidge mixture is too thick to spread easily, stir in 1/4 cup of milk.

Chop the chocolate cookies roughly into chunks. They don’t have to be the same size. Stir into the pudding mixture. Arrange 4 of the ice cream sandwiches, side by side of a 24×12 inch pieces of foil. Top with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with pudding mixture with the remaining 4 ice cream sandwiches. The layers create a stripped effect inside the cake.

Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped topping. Bring up the foil sides. Double fold the top and the ends to looselt seal the packet. Freeze at least 4 hours before serving. Let stand at room temperature to soften slightly before serving. Store leftover dessert in the freezer.

Happy Eating!

Protect your prostate with this protein. How? Eating whey allows you to retain energy, build muscle, and lose weight. It could also help you avoid prostate cancer.

Whey protein is the liquid byproduct of cheese production. Available in a powder, it can be added to juice, shakes, oatmeal, pancakes, and other foods to boost their protein content. Doing so has lots of benefits. Ingesting whey protein increases amino acid absorption after exercise. Twenty grams or less of whey can stimulate the uptake of amino acids into the muscles.

While other proteins can produce the same muscle gain, throwing together a fruity whey smoothie is fast and convenient; do it within three hours or your workout for best results. Even as it bulks you up, whey may trim you down. A shake made with whey alone may help your appetite for two hours.

Whey also give you get-up-and-go. It may help the body store extra glycogen, which is your chief source of energy.

Whey protein boosts levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant. It is associated with increased antioxidant status, which may be important in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, whey may reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to fatigue during endurance workouts.

Look for whey protein isolate, which contains more than 90 precent protein and due to its clean taste, it is the easiest form to incorporate into foods. (Source: M/E News 2007)

**Mad cow disease is back. Over at Living Without Meat, Sally Anderson has the low down, and where it started this time. Read it here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe-Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets

Cookies and Cream Freezer Cake
Serves: 12

4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
14 chocolate sandwich cookies, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed

Melt chocolate as directed on package, set aside until ready to use. Line 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with foil (Place the foil over an inverted pan, leavings about 3 inches of foil extending over both short sides of pan. Crease at corners to ensure a wrinkle-free liner. Remove foil; turn the pan over and slip liner into the pan) with ends of foil extending over the sides of the pan. Arrange 8 pf the cookies evenly on the bottom of the pan. Crumble remaining 6 cookies, set aside.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Stir whipped topping. Remove about 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture; place in a medium bowl. Stir in melted chocolate.

Spread remaining cream cheese mixture over cookies in pan; sprinkle with crumbled cookies. Gently press cookies into cream cheese mixture with back of the a spoon; top with cocolate mixture. Cover. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove from freezer; invert onto a serving plate. Peel off foil; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly before cutting to serve.

Happy Eating!

Recipe #1:Pizza Breadsticks
Serves: 16

1 pkg. 1 lb. 7 oz. Pizza thin crust four cheese ( Try DiGiorno)
1 tbs. olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)

Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush edges of the pizza crust lightly with oil. Drizzle remaining oil evenly over pizza.

Mix 3 tbs. of the Parmesan cheese and the pepper; sprinkle evenly over the pizza. Place the pizza directly on the center of the oven rack.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cut pizza into quarters; cut each quarter into 8 thin strips. Serve as dippers with salsa.

Recipe #2:
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Serves: 8

1/2 cup Vinagrette Dressing
2 tbs Real Mayonnaise
1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lemon, halved

Combine dressing and mayo, pour into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to evenly coat the chicken with the dressing mixture. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to marinate.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade. Thread chicken and onions alternately onto 16 soaked wooden skewers.

Grill 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, place lemon, cut-sides down, on the grill grate next to the kabobs. Squeeze lemon juice over kabobs just before serving.

Recipe #3:
Layer Salad
Serves: 8

8 cups chopped Roman lettuce
3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
3/4 cups sliced red onion
2 cups frozen peas, thawed (one 10-oz pkg.)
1 pkg. (6 oz.) smoked ham, chopped
3/4 cup real mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbs. sugar
1 cup cheese crumbles
2/3 chopped tomatoes

layer lettuce, onion, peas and ham in a large straight-sided serving bowl.

Mix mayo, Parmesan cheese and sugar. Spread over salad to seal’ cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Top with cheese crumbles and tomatoes just before serving; toss gently.

**With the Super Bowl just around the corner, these recipes will help jump start your food ideas for your Super Bowl party.**

**Over at Paintball Journal, Dana has some last minute Christmas stocking stuffer ideas. Read what they are here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe-Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets

No Bake Cheesecake, Oreo Style
Serves: 24

1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, divided
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz.each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed

Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over the sides of the pan. Coarsely chop 15 of the cookies; set aside. Finely crush remaining cookies; mix with butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping and chopped cookies. Spoon over the crust; cover.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator.

Happy Eating!

Use seedless strawberry or raspberry jam. (Using seedless for this fun treat is better because it won’t have more of a tendency to run faster down the side of the glass.) Or use fruit flavord syrup. The same kind you would buy for your banana split or ice cream sundae.

Be sure and use a glass that has smooth sides on the inside and not a pattern within the glass. This will make it harder for the jam or syrup to stick to the sides of the glass.

Using a spatula or knife, make thin stripes or spirals even down the sides of the inside of the glass. You can make your childs name or even designs of your liking.

It is best to put the glass in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. It will stay on the glass longer this way and not run down the sides of the glass when the liquid is added, plus an added bonus is, the chilled glass is great for ice cold milk.

When you pour the milk in make sure it is in the middle of the glass and not down the sides, so that your jelly or syrup doesn’t get mixed into the milk when it is added.

If you don’t frost the glass in the freezer after adding the the jam the stripes will hold for about 20 minutes and then they will begin to incorporate into the milk.

For a black and white version, try chocolate syrup and while chocolate syrup. For a creamier version try butterscotch or carmel. You can even go as far as melting white chocolate chips in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl and use the melted chips as the stripes. (This fun treat can also be used with sugar-free jams and syrups, as well as soy milk and goats milk.)

**Do you fear god? Bridget Wright over at Spirituality Guide does and she states the reason you should as well. Read them here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe-Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets

Cheesecake Minis
Serves: 12 (Makes 1 dozen)

12 vanilla wafers
1 phg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) Whipped topping, thawed, and divided
1/4 cup Flake coconut, toasted
12 paper cupcake liners

Place 1 wafer on the bottom of each 12-paper-lined medium muffin cups; set aside. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add 2 1/4 cups of the whipped topping; and mix well. Spoon evenly into the muffin cups.

Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Spread tops with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle coconut just before serving. Store leftover cheesecakes in the refrigerator.

Happy Eating!

A popular herbal supplement for menopausal symptoms, black cohosh (Cimiicifuga racemosa), common Name: Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattle Root, Rattleweed, Richweed, Squawroot. It contains phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that mimic the effects of endogenous estrogens. While no epidemiological evidence has linked black cohosh with lower rish for breast cancer. Women taking black cohosh and/or Remifemin (a well-studied proprietary black cohosh extract) have substantially lower risk for developing breast cancer.

Black Cohosh contains Acetic-acid, Actein, Ascorbic-acid, Butyric-acid, Cimicifugin, Formononetin, Gallic-acid, Isoferulic-acid, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Tannic-acid. It is a powerful cardiac stimulant and has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Research has shown that Black Cohosh root has estrogenic activity and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. Used as an alterative, antidote, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardio-tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), expectorant, hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism. Black Cohosh leaves laid around a room were said to drive away bugs and negativity. Also, menstrual cramps, symptoms of menopause such as, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Black Cohosh is endangered and should be cultivated. Do not harvest from the wild.
Click here to find out more about Black Cohosh.

** World Heavyweight Champion Batista will put himself to the test in the Land of the Extreme, taking on the always-dangerous Elijah Burke. And Scooter over at WWE Daily has the whole story. Read it here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe-Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets

Angel Lush with Pineapple
Serves: 10

1 pkg. (4-servings size) Jell-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 can (20 oz.) Crushed Pineapple in juice, undrained
1 cup thawed whipped topping
1 pkg. (10 oz.) prepared round angel food cake
Seasonal berries

Mix dry pudding mix and pineapple with juice in a medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer (cut side up) on a serving plate. Spread 1 1/3 cups of the pudding mixture onto cake layer; cover with middle cake layer. Spread 1 cup of the pudding mixture onto middle cake layer; top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining pudding mixture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Top with your favorite seasonal berries.

Happy Eating!

1. The Chef’s Knife: A 8-to10-inch chef’s knife is a must in any kitchen. It works for everything from cruching garlic with the side of the blade, to chopping spinach. The large blade provides plenty of surface area for dicing potatoes or a bunch of herbs, plus plenty of sharpness and stength to tackle hard-to-slice items such as a head of ice berg lettuce. If you have smnall hands or don’t feel comfortable wielding a big knife, try a 6-inch or a santoku-style knife. Look for a high-carbon stainless steel is the material of choice for a chef’s knife. It really is the best of both worlds. High -crabon stainless knives are rust-resistant but still hold their sharpness.

2. The Pairing Knife: With its 3 1/2 to 4-inch blade, this petitie kitchen wonder can slice, dice, mince, and peel-although you will probably want to use a chef’s knife for big choppoing jobs like stir-fries and grain salads. Look for a stainless steel model with a smooth blade. Avoid cheap pseudo-serrated knives, but do look for bargans. Because of their size, paring knives can get lost in a pile of peels and accidentally thrown out.

3. The Serrated Knife: Alternate called a bread, carving, deli, or utility knife, this model is defined by its toothly blade that does just as well sawing through a crusty loaf of bread as it does slicing delicate tomatoes and citrus without crushing the insides. Look for 6-to-7-inch blade ones. You don’t need a 10-inch carving knife. The other provides plenty of slicing surface and is much easier to store in your kitchen chopping block.

**Do you love vintage anything? Over at Bead Arts Cindy Lavin has a bracelet that you would just love. It’s a vintage button bracelet and it’s as easy to make as sewing on a button. Read how to make the bracelet here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe- Count Down To Christmas Recipe Of Sweets-20

Rabanadas
Serves: 4

1 cup milk
1 tbs. sugar
1/2 baguette of French bread, sliced into 2-inch thick pieces
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (to taste)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon (to taste)

Measure the milk and sugar. Mix together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat the eggs in another medium bowl. Set aside. Wash your hands every time you handle eggs.

Measue the confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon. Mix together in a third bowl. Set aside.

Dip each slice of bread into the milk mixture, soaking each side competely.

Use a spatula or tongs to dip both sides of the soaked bread into the eggs.

In a large frying pan, heat the oil on a medium-high setting. Fry the bread until browned on each side.

Once bread is fried, use a fork or clean tongs to dip each piece int the bowl of confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon to coat. And serve.

Happy Eating!

Hot cocoa warms your body on winter nights, everyone knows this. But, more good news about hot cocoa is it can help protect your blood vessels as well.

Cocoa can inhibit the platelet activity that causes blood clotting. Potentially fatal blood clots have been linked to long-haul flgihts, as well as to cardiovascular disease, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and extended periods of inactivity (like being laid out with the flu).

A significant increase was observed following the consumption of CocoaPro powder.

Although the drink isn’t available in the U.S., you can purchase CocoaVia Original Chocolate Bars on their website.

Here is a recipe to use with that rich chocolatey candy bar:

Fill a mug with 1 cup of 1 precent milk, then microwave on medium for about a minute; add 2 squares of a CocoaVia Original Chocolate Bar and stir until the chocolate melts. And drink up to your hearts health. To learn more, visit the CocoaVia website.

**Jessica Simpson was a guest on The View and discussed airport security with Whoopie Goldberg, and the rest of the ladies. Watch the small clip over at Simpson Watch by clicking here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Vegetable Pancakes
Serves: 6

1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbs. baking powder
3/4 cup reduced fat milk
1 cup grates zucchini
1 cup grates carrots
Cooking oil spray

In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg, flours, and baking powder. Whisk in milk, then stir in vegetables. Let stand 20 minutes.

Coat a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Pour batter from a measuring cup or a small pitcher onto pan to make pancakes of desired size. When bubbles form on top, turn over with a spatual. Continue cooking just until golden on both sides. Serve with maple syrup, sour cream or unsweetened plain yogurt.

Happy Eating!

1. Add some ginger to your cabinet: It helps aching muscles, upset stomach, as well as nausea. Peel and thinkly slice a 2-inch pice of ginger root and add to a 4 cup glass of boiling water. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the gingerroot and add some lemon juice or slice of lemon and honey to taste. Sip wherever you need it. Make some in advance and keep in the refrigerator to have on hand. Keeps for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 2-3 months in the freezer.

2. How to cut a mango: A. Lay the fruit on one flat side and slice through lengthwise, as close to the pit of the fruit as possible. Repeat with the flat side of the fruit. B. Cut lengthwise and crosswise inot the flesh of the fruit (but not the skin) on each slice of the mango. C. Press up on the skin of the mango to expose cubes of the flesh and slice cubes into a bowl.

3. Keep a sticky situation under control: Keep a jar lid on some sticky products from sticking together and causing a cementing action on the jar by placing a square, larger than the jar lid, of waxed paper under the lid of the jar before resealing it back together. This expecially helpful with jars of product that are in the fridge, such as jelly or jams.

**”Christina Milan has confirmed that her pal Xtina will be adding a little baby boy to the Bratman household come January,” states Robyn over at the Christina Aguilera blog here at 451 Press. Read the whole story here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe: (Day 2 of Week Of Sweets)

Cinnamon Snickerdoodles

Cookie Dough:
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. baking powder
1 stick (4 oz. margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 vanilla soymilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar:
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbs. ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. To make the cookie dough: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a bowl. Beat the margarine in sepearte bowl with an electric mixer until soft. Add sugar, and beat until fluffy. Beat in soymilk and vanilla extract 30 seconds or until smooth. Add flour mixture, and beat 30 seconds or until smooth.

3. To make cinnamon sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon on a large plate.

4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar, and place 1 1/2 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies look dry on tops and are lightly browned on bottoms. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store snickerdoodles in an airtight container.

Happy Eating!

The store shelves are overflowing with little bottles, some with cool names even. But, most people are completely clueless when it comes to spices and using them to cook with. Here’s the low-down on certain spices and once you learn what they are used for and in what dishes it will set you on a flavorful path. There are the five basics and the five options. With the five basics everyone should have them in their cabinet and if you don’t, go get them NOW.

Then there are the five options. These spices are a given in some recipes and a “if desired” in other recipes. If you cook with some of the options quite frequently, you may want to bump them up to the five basics category.

THE BASICS: These five spices should have a pernament place in yor kitchen. They should be stored in airitght containers and away from heat and the light. And just like everyday food, spices do have a shelf-life.

• Black Pepper: Forget the flavorless pepper dust sold in the aluminum or steel cans, Switching to feshly ground black pepercorns is a great way to get a full-flavor addition to any recipe. Look for uncracked kernels with uniform color. Bite into one and inhale it. If it’s fresh, you will feel the heat right away. To avoid overpowering a dish with pepper, grind peppercorns as needed into a seperate dish or piece of parchment paper. From there, add it to a recipe, and adjust to taste.

• Cinnamon: Best known for its use in boaked goods, cinnamon also offers surprising depth of flavor and versatility in entrées and vegetable dishes. Look for brands that identify the country of origin. Buy from stores that have a high turnover of spices. Ground cinnamon can lose its flavor in 6 -10 months. Be sure and take a sniff to make sure the flavorful oils are still noticeably strong. If you can’t semll it upon opening the container, the taste won’t be so great either.

• Cumin: A signature flavor in Mexican and Indian cuisines, cumin has a bright, grassy taste, that’s instantly recognizable. It’s one of the main seasoinging in chili. Cumin is potent enought to hold up to roasting and long simmerings, but try adding a pionch at the every end of cooking to get the full flavoring of the spice.

• Herb Blend: Wheather you choose Italian seasoning, or your own miux of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, a basic herb blend can liven up everything from a salad dressing to a savory stew. Intensely aromatic leaves, rub them between your fingers and take a smell. Mix 1 part herb bvelnd with 3 parts coarse sea salt for an all-purpose table seasoning.

• Paprika: Underused spice that can serve as a thickener and flavor enhances for simple dishes. Vibrant reddish-orange powder that smells slightly fruity . If possible, taste a bit on your fingertip, it should be semi-sweet in taste. Steer clear of the various versions that are hot in flavor or spicy in flavor. They are blended with other spices that tend to be VERY hot.

THE OPTIONS: These categories have the classic taste flavors that will round out an spice rack and give you enough variety to season a full load of food and cooking dishes. The options in each category are interchangeable in most recipes, though their flavors are entirely different.

• Chili or Curry Powder: One has Tex-Mex and the other is inspired by the dishes of India, but both are all-purpose belnds that can be used in everything from dips to bean dishes. Salt free beans whose first ingredient isn’t paprika ( in the case of chili powder) or turneric (for curry powder) is what you want to keep your eye out for. Experiment with different brand until you find the belnd that suits your taste buds better and that works best in what you are preparing.

• Fennel or Caraway: These two similer-looking seeds have uniquw, and distinc flavors. Fennel tastes like licorice in a way, and caraway is a woody and plesantly bitter taste. Look for whole seeds that are uniform in color. Crack seeds or grind them completly in a grinder to release flavor. To crack them, simply place desired amount in a reseable plastic bag and crush with the bottom of a skillet or the flat end of a meat cleaver. You may also toast them after cracking to help release even more flavor.

• Dill Weed or Rosemary: Fragrant and hearty, both retain their original flavor when dried and can stand up to stronger ingredients. Rosemary has heady pine overtones where dill is slightly sour in taste. Look for full leaves that are vibrant green in color. Rub between your fingers and smell for freshness. Balance the intesity of these herbs with pungent ingredients, like vinegar in dressings and simmer slowly to capture the full robust flavor of these herbs.

• Mustard or Coriander: Mustard and coriander seeds work best in foods that cook slowly and release their flavors. Coriander has a faint lemon flavor, where mustard seeds are mildly spicy. They work great in brasied cabbage and other leafy greens, as well as spicy stews, sauces, and marinades. Toast the seeds in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to help release the full herbs flavor.

• Nutmeg, Allspice, or Cloves: Each of these spices are strong, but used properly, they can be interchanged in recipes to help boost mild flavor dishes. Look for whole, light brown nutmegs without blemishes and whole, undamaged allspice berries or clove buds. Ground nutmeg loses its flavor within hours, so buy whole and shave as needs using s grater or zester.

COOKING WITH THESE HERBS AND SPICES:

Using Black Pepper: Peppery Spinach with Nutmeg Cream

2 cups low-fat milk
2 tps. ground nutmeg
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 10-ounce package of frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 4 12 oz. custard dished with cooking spray.

2. Place milk, nutmeg, and pepper in a saucepan, and season with salt. Bring to a boul. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, or until volume has reduced by one-third, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and cool 10 minutes.

3. Stir in spinach, cottage cheese, and eggs. Spoon into prepared custard dishes, and sprinkle each with 2 tbs. breadcrumbs.

4. Set custard dishes in a roasting pan and fill pan one-third full with hot water. Bake 45 minutes, or until tops are browned.

Using Cumin: Root Vegetable Chili Soup

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
2 tbs. canola oil
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tbs.)
4 tsp. mild chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 small rutabages, peeld and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 1/2 lbs.)
2 med. carrots, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1/2 lb.)
1 28-oz.can diced tomatoes
1 small russet potato, finely diced (1 cup)
1 banana pepper, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)
1 small red bell pepper, chopped (2/3 cup)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced, optional
1 15-ox. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

1. Heat large pot over medium heat. Add corn, and sauté 2 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in chili powder and cumin, and cook 2 minutes , scraping bottom of pan with spatula.

2. Add rutabages, carrots, tomatoes, potato, banana pepper, bell pepper, jalapeno, if using, and 3 cups of water.

3. Bring pot to a simmer, and season with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 1 hour, stiurring occasionally.

4. Add beans and cook, uncovered, 45 minuteas, or until soup thickend. Serve garnished with green onions or cilantro.

Using Paprika: Paprika Cauliflower Pita Pockets

1 head cauliflower (2 lb.), cut into bite-size florets
3 tbs. olive oil
2 tbs. sweet paprika
1/2 tsp. ground balck pepper
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1 small red onion, diced (1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbs. lemon juice
4 pita bread rounds, halved and warmed

1. Steam cauliflower 7 to 9 minutes, or until tender

2. Heat oil, paprika, pepper, and salt in nonstick over medium-low heat, 2 minutes, stirring constanly. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes more. Stir broth and caulkiflower, and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Serve with pita halves.

Using Dijon Mustard: Dilled Potato Frittata

1 lb. russet potatoes, sliced
3 tbs. cider vinegar
3 tbs. olive oil, divided
2 tbs. dried dill weed, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.), divided
1 tbs. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1 small onion, finely diced (1 cup)
1 small tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese, optional

1. Soak poatoes in cold water wo minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry. Whisk together vinegar, 2 tbs. olive oil, 1 tbs. dill, 3 tsp. garlic, mustard, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Cook poatoies in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and toss with dill mixture.

3. Preheat oven to broil. Heat remaining oil in an oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Sauté onion and tomato for 5 minutes, or unti soft. Transfer to bowl and fold in eggs.

4. Spread potato mixture in the same skillet, and reduce heat to medium. Cover, and cook for 6 minutes, or until crust begins to form on underside. Pour egg mixture over potatoes. Cook 4 minutes, or until eggs are set.

5. Combine yogurt, remaining dill, and garlic in a bowl. Top frittata with cheese, if desirec, and place under broiler for 2 minutes. Slice into wedges, and serve with yogurt mixture.
(Source: Some information pulled from Vegan News 2007)

**Elisa, over at Watching Doctor Who is back from vacation and she gives you not one, not two, but three videos on Doctor Who. And I have to agree with her, John Barrowman is a very handsome man. Makes me want to become an avid follower of his.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe: (Today Begins Week Of Sweets)

Chocolate-Glazed Maple Spice Cake

Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbs. baking powder
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
3/4 cup maple syrup
3 eggs
1 tsp. maple flavor
3/4 cup milk

Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp. maple flavor
3 cups confectioners’ sugar

Frosting:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Whole walnuts, for garnishment

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Coat three 8×2-inch round layer-cake pans with shortening; dust with flour, discarding excess.

2. Cake: Whisk flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a bowl.

3. Beat shortening in a second bowl unitl smooth and creamy. Beat in sugar and maple syrup. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add maple flavor; beat until smooth. On low speed, beat in half of the flour mixture, then milk, then remaining flour mixtrure. Spred batter in prepared pans, dividing evenly.

4. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 28 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in pans on rack for 10 minutes. Remove coakes directly yo rack to cool completely.

5. Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter and maple flavor in a bowl until good spreading consistency is reached. Place cake layer on serving dish. Top with 1 1/4 cups filling. Place second cake layer on top, then remaining 1 1/4 cups filling. Top with third layer.

6. Frosting: In a saucepan, heat cream just to a simmer. Pour over chocolate in a small bowl; whisk until smooth. Cool 5 minutes, until thicker but still pourable. Pour over cake, spreading to allow some to dribnle down the sides. Top with walnuts. Refrigerate 15 minutes before serving.

Happy Eating!