A Christmas Message from Tyler Perry

If you don’t know who Tyler Perry is, he is an African American man who began his life in poverty, was homeless, and has created a huge movie and theatre empire. He is a great role model for all of us.

Hello there,

Merry Christmas to all! Sorry I haven’t written in a while, but these
holidays are tough for me since my mother died last year. But I’m getting
through it. Thank God!

I wanted to write today to ask you a question: If someone said to you, “Go
and get anything that you want free of charge!”, what would it be?

Well, listen to this: Every year I do a lot of Christmas giving to
battered women shelters, feed the hungry organizations, homeless shelters
and so on. Well, this year, Cassi Davis, who runs my foundation, found an
orphanage. I didn’t even know they had orphanages in the US. Anyway, this
place is amazing and these kids’ stories really show you how strong the
human spirit is. They are from the ages of 14 to 18. It is unfortunate,
but as kids get between these ages the probability of them being adopted
is highly unlikely. Hence this great orphanage that houses them until
they’re adults. This place has so much history it should be a movie.

Anyway, I took all of these children to a Target. I gave each one a
shopping cart and told them to go and fill it with whatever they “WANTED”.
Now I thought this would be easy. I had no idea that these kids had a
different idea of wants and needs than most kids in this country. I’m
thinking they are going to go for the video games, toys, make-up and
things that teenagers are into. Well, they didn’t!!

I was shocked because most of them went for cases of water and juice. I
thought, “Water and juice?” Then they went on to undershirts, underwear,
deodorant, soap, etc. You get my point. All the things we take for granted
were huge for them. HUGE!

As they shopped, my staff from the studio escorted them through the store.
A lot of us were tearful watching these kids. They were happy, but so
confused. They couldn’t wrap their brains around being able to have
anything they wanted. How sad is that? They didn’t know that they could
have it all. One child sat in front of two shirts for a long time. One was
10 dollars the other was 30. He was wondering which one to get. It took
one of my folks a long time to explain to him that he can have them both.
After a lot of cajoling and pushing, he finally got it and so did the
other 23 kids. To see their little minds start to believe was a powerful
thing. To go from one level of belief to believing you can have it all in
moments was something to see.

They came to the checkout with their red Target baskets looking like
overloaded Santa sleighs. Boy that did my heart good! I could see my
mother smiling in my mind about this. They were so happy. I wish you could
have seen the joy on these kids faces. It was contagious. I caught it, and
it helped brighten up these rough days for me. It was just wonderful. I
left them on a high BIG TIME! It made me remember to be thankful for the
little things. I hope it does the same for you…

You, too can have it all…

LATER THAT NIGHT!

When I built my house three years ago, I remember having an argument with
my security team because I thought what they were doing was overkill.
After listening to their side, I gave in and let them do what they wanted.
So, on my property there are cameras everywhere, night vision cameras,
sensor lighting, laser sensors, underground laser sensors, a guard dog,
24-hour armed bodyguards and a few other things that I can’t mention. When
it was done, I was thinking, “This is ridiculous, I don’t need all of this
crap!” That was until tonight. Last night I was home in bed on a high from
these kids. At about 3am my phone rings. This special line never rings in
my house, so I knew something was wrong. I answered and I hear this voice
say, “Sir, I need you to be alert. There are three intruders on the
property.” It was my security. I sat straight up thinking, “You have got
to be kidding me!”

The phone rings again a short time later and it was my security team
saying that they had apprehended the intruder and the police were talking
to the person now. When the police asked the person what they were doing,
the answer was they were looking for money. He also recognized this person
from another attempted home invasion down the street from me. CAN YOU
BELIEVE THAT? I was so mad! I have worked my entire life being homeless,
broke, struggling and hungry, but I would never rob anybody. What happened
to making your own way? What happened to honesty and integrity? What
happened to doing the right thing so that God can bless you? Man oh man,
this made me upset!

I will be on the phone with the D.A.’s office and the Chief of Police in a
little bit to make sure that these other people are caught and that all of
them are prosecuted to the fullest. I will give ’till I can’t give
anymore. That’s my heart, but to try and rob, or steal from me! If all
three of them were looking for trouble they found it!

To anyone who may be thinking about doing the wrong thing. To anyone who
may have been in crime, but is trying to go straight–doing the wrong
thing is easy and for cowards! To walk upright when everything is going
wrong is the only true way to success. That takes a real man or woman.
There were many times I could have done the wrong thing–gotten easy
money. But because I chose to do the right thing, God honored that and
blessed me. Choose the blessing and not the curse. It’s for your own good.

Merry Christmas,

Tyler

Christmas Newsletter

                                             

We are planning many very exciting and themed events for the New Year!   So look forward to receiving email invitations for our Clandestine Dinners and Private Exclusive Distinctive Events.   We wish you a love filled, joyous Holiday Season & a very prosperous  & healthy New Year!! AWARD WINNER   Shirley Lang, Owner & Head Chef won the Peoples Choice Award for her Fragrant Moroccan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Fruit Tagine and Amarula Cream Sauce at the Savouries, Sweets & Sips Event.   Thank You Again to my very Supportive Sponsors!   (Please see our Sponsors at the bottom of the page)    Shirley was interviewed by Eric Akis. See the Times Colonist Life Section "Hot Chef" article: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Long+road+kitchen/3698122/story.html       With the utmost gratitude for your support of Kitchens of Distinction throughout the years, Shirley is offering you 20% off of your Holiday Season catering. Expiration date: January 1, 2011 Savouries, Sweets & Sips! "Shirley, Congratulations on the win last night. Your dish was very delicious! The People’s Choice Award, is an important category in those types of competitions. I told you I felt positive energy around your table last night! Best, Eric Akis" Shirley’s article was published in  ‘Exalt Houston’ (Click the photo to link to the magazine to read the article) Call Shirley to learn more about Sensuous Seductive Cuisine 250-858-7777 Naughty & Nice Show Recipe for Romance & Kitchens of Distinction  raised $600.00 towards ‘Santa’s Sack’ in Sooke   Our Newest Aphrodisiac Recipe:   Chocolate, Chipotle & Maple Syrup Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon   Jason Roudette of Flight Centre Tuscany Village and Shirley Lang of Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering have partnered to offer you exclusive savings on exciting culinary experiences in Morocco and Spain. (Click the photo for more information)      Flight Centre Special – Emporda $5299   Flight Centre Special – Marrakesh $2959     Flight Centre Special – Marrakesh $1969     ‘Savouries, Sweets & Sips Event   Shirley with her team member Sarah   Glowing after the big win! UPCOMING EVENT Red Erotic Book Launch   written by January Rogers Thursday, December 9 · 7:00pm – 9:30pm Open Space Gallery 510 Fort Street *Aphrodisiac hors d’oeuvres by Shirley Lang, Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering *Red Erotic Book Launch is the premier publication by Ojistah Publishing. *An evening of steaming hot poetry, and music by Kristie Lane Sinclair *Cash bar, books and Cd’s for sale *Spoken word poetry and readings     At Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering in Victoria, BC, we specialize in Aboriginal cuisine with a contemporary flair, providing our clients with ‘A Diverse Cultural Culinary Experience’ incorporating flavours from around the world. We are committed to using only the finest, freshest, local organic ingredients whenever possible, combined with love, to create a menu that reflects your specific style and highest of standards. We consult extensively with you to design your catered menu to reflect exactly what you want to present to your very important family and guests.   We cater events of all sizes, providing outstanding flavorful dishes and superior customer service. Depending on the amount of guests, your theme, your budget, your location and your dietary needs and flavour choices, we will guide you regarding the option of service staff, table service or buffet service, rentals, entertainment, full catering prices, etc. Contact Us Today! shirley@kitchensofdistinction.ca 250-858-7777 Our Philosophy:   All of our staff are very passionate about food and are committed to following Shirley’s Cree Nation’s Traditional Cultural practices of preparing food.  None of our staff will begin cooking if their mind and hearts are heavy with any form of negativity. We believe that the energy one carries while preparing food will come through the food to the end product, which is then absorbed by our clients. Therefore, we make sure before any food is prepared, that the energy of those who are cooking is ‘clean, clear and positive’, so that the love and positive energy will come through in our food. Nourishing not only your body but also your spirit.     The True Meaning of Kitchens of Distinction I am always asked, why did I name my catering company Kitchens of Distinction? The dictionary defines the word ‘distinction’ as "excellence that sets someone or something apart from others: a novelist of distinction". I feel that the kitchen is the heart and the soul of any home, any where in the world, in any culture. We share the preparation of food in the kitchen, we share the flavours of the food we lovingly prepare, we share laughter, we share secrets and stories in our kitchens, we share our family and friend time in the kitchen. We bond with one another in the kitchen, it is an intimate safe haven. When you are at a party, where does everyone eventually end up at one point or another? Yes, you guessed it, the kitchen, the one place where everyone is on neutral ground. We are all equals in the kitchen, human, vulnerable, and so authentically magnificent. For me, the kitchen has always been warm, welcoming, comforting, safe. My fondest memories are of days gone by as a child, growing up on a large working farm, watching my mother and grandmother cook wonderful comfort meals using the freshest and finest ingredients of the meats and poultry that we raised ourselves, and produce that we planted, nurtured and harvested throughout the seasons. These are heart warming memories of my mother and grandmother, lovingly taking the time, to teach me to cook, to read recipes, to learn measurements. The kitchen was the place that I learned to never give up, if you make a mistake … it can be corrected or adjusted to create something else, to be resourceful. The kitchen was the place that I learned to try new things without fear, to be confident in my abilities. This location and the teachings that took place there, would one day prove to be where all things fundamentally began in my world. No matter what path I took the kitchen was the space that fed my soul, that calmed my world, and that continued to nurture my gifts, allowing me to succeed in other crafts.  The kitchen is today the place that allows me to share my gifts and my passion for food and everything associated with it.   So when I was deciding on a name for my company, knowing the gifts and skills that I wanted to share with others, I couldn’t help but draw from my life experiences. When I think of catering in my client’s homes, I feel that their kitchens are the "Kitchens of Distinction", excellence that sets them apart from all others, authentic and magnificent. In Unity, Shirley Lang   Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering – 250-858-7777 Owner/Head Chef Shirley Lang       www.kitchensofdistinction.ca   Shirley is a Board member of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Assoc. She is also a Member of:  Canadian Culinary Federation, Victoria Branch  World Association of Chefs Societies  Canadian Restaurant & Food Services Association  Better Business Bureau    In addition, Shirley supports many local charities.

Women ONLY Event!! Spice Up Your Love Life!!!

Did You Know Certain Foods Ignite Your Love Life?

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering & Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Invites You to an Exclusive Exciting Evening for Women ONLY

Tuesday August 24, 2010, 7:00 PM

Location: Evedar’s Bistro, 2829 Peatt Rd, Langford

Special Guest: Kim Switnicki, Sex Educator and Sex & Intimacy Coach for Women, Presents The Top 5 Ways to Improve Intimacy

Lingerie Fashion Show Presented by Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Aphrodisiac Specialty Hors d’oeuvres (Sensuous Seductive Cuisine) provided by Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering

Specialty Aphrodisiac Cocktails created by Marc of Evedar’s Bistro (Cash Bar)

$30.00 Advanced Ticket Price (Visa & MasterCard Accepted) $40.00 Cash At the Door              Contact Shirley Lang to purchase your ticket 250-858-7777

Buy Your Ticket Now as Space is Limited Silent Auction!! Door Prizes!!                                                         All Proceeds Towards                             Local Charities

Singles ONLY Event! Did You Know Certain Foods Ignite Your Love Life?

Spice Up Your Love Life!!

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering &  Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Invites You to an Exclusive Exciting Evening for Singles ONLY

Tuesday August 17, 2010, 7:00 PM

Location: Evedar’s Bistro, 2829 Peatt Rd, Langford

Special Guest: Tamara Hide from Island Introductions Match Making Services

Lingerie Fashion Show Presented by Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Aphrodisiac Specialty Hors d’oeuvres (Sensuous Seductive Cuisine) provided by Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering

Specialty Aphrodisiac Cocktails created by Marc of Evedar’s Bistro (Cash Bar)

$30.00 Advanced Ticket Price (Visa & MasterCard Accepted) $40.00 Cash At the Door

Contact Shirley Lang to purchase your ticket 250-858-7777

Buy Your Ticket Now as Space is Limited

Silent Auction!! Door Prizes!!                                                         All Proceeds Towards                             Local Charities

A recipe for BANNOCK: LUSGNIGN in Mi’kmaq

4 cups Flour
3 tbl spoons baking powder (I usually use 2-3 tsp per cup of flour)
1/4 cup sugar (less if you’d like)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Approx. 1 3/4 cups of milk
1/4 cup of either oil, butter, margarine, or lard..Your choice..

preheat oven at 370 degrees

add dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together

make a hollow so you can pour the liquids into it, If you scald the milk it makes it so much better, lol..

mix slowly by hand with a fork until no clumps and mixture is more solid

then knead thoroughly but not roughly or for too long..dough will get too tough
dough should resemble a soft pillow

get a baking pan (could be a cake or cookie sheet)

spread out onto a greased pan 1-1/2 inch thick

place in oven for 30-40 minutes

bannock should be a golden brown

be patient and let cool for about 5 minutes
Try cooking it in a frypan on top of a grate on an outdoor fire fire.
Or with a stick over the fire..note..do not use dry wood and do not tear the wood off a tree..It’s still alive..
You can use this as frybread too..
You can add so many things to bannock if you don’t want it plain..Example..fruit,,vegetables, nuts.
I use this as frybread and add sugar and cinnamon to it after it’s fried. Sort of like a Beavertail.
I know I don’t have to tell anyone how to eat bannock once it’s done, lol..I can smell it now..

Taken from Strong Native Women’s Voices Facebook Page

Cucumber Essentials.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and Voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for a massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life’s everyday problems.

Submitted by a local Kitchens of Distinction fan.

An Article I Read:

If it says ‘SUGAR FREE’ on the label;   DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

I have spent several days lecturing at the WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE on ‘ASPARTAME,’ marketed as ‘NutraSweet,’  ’Equal,’ and  ’Spoonful.’

In the keynote address by the EPA, it was announced that in the United States in 2001 there is an epidemic of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus.  It was difficult to determine exactly what toxin was causing this to be rampant.   I stood up and said that I was there to lecture on exactly that subject.

I will explain why Aspartame is so dangerous:   When the temperature of this sweetener exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in ASPARTAME converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of fire ants.   The methanol toxicity mimics, among other conditions, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus.

Many people were being diagnosed in error.   Although multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, Methanol toxicity is!

Systemic lupus has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially with Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers.

The victim usually does not know that the Aspartame is the culprit.   He or she continues its use; irritating the lupus to such a degree that it may become a life-threatening condition.   We have seen patients with systemic lupus become asymptotic, once taken off diet sodas.

In cases of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, most of the symptoms disappear. We’ve seen many cases where vision loss re turned and hearing loss improved markedly.

This also applies to cases of tinnitus and fibromyalgia.   During a lecture, I said,  ’If you are using ASPARTAME (Nutriara Sweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting, pains, numbness in your legs,
Cramps,
Vertigo,
Dizziness,
Headaches,
Tinnitus,
Joint pain,
Unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss you probably have ASPARTAME poisoning!’   People were jumping up during the lecture saying, ‘I have some of these symptoms.  Is it reversible?’

Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
STOP drinking diet sodas and be alert for Aspartame on food labels!   Many products are fortified with it!   This is a serious problem.   Dr. Espart (one of my speakers) remarked that so many people seem to be symptomatic for MS and during his recent visit to a hospice; a nurse stated that six of her friends, who were heavy Diet Coke addicts, had all been diagnosed with MS. This is beyond coincidence!

Diet soda is NOT a diet product! It is a chemically altered, multiple SODIUM (salt) and ASPARTAME containing product that actually makes you crave carbohydrates.

It is far more likely to make you GAIN weight!

These products also contain formaldehyde, which stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs.   Formaldehyde is an absolute toxin and is used primarily to preserve ’tissue specimens.’

Many products we use every day contain this chemical but we SHOULD NOT store it IN our body!

Dr. H. J. Roberts stated in his lectures that once free of the’ diet products’ and with no significant increase in exercise; his patients lost an average of 19 pounds over a trial period.

Aspartame is especially dangerous for diabetics.   We found that some physicians, who believed that they had a patient with retinopathy, in fact, had symptoms caused by Aspartame.   The Aspartame drives the blood sugar out of control.   Thus diabetics may suffer acute memory loss due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are NEURO TOXIC when taken without the other amino acids necessary for a good balance.

Treating diabetes is all about BALANCE.   Especially with diabetics, the Aspartame passes the blood/brain barrier and it then deteriorates the neurons of the brain; causing various levels of brain damage,  Seizures, Depression, Manic depression, Panic attacks, Uncontrollable anger and rage.

Consumption of Aspartame causes these same symptoms in non-diabetics as well. Documentation and observation also reveal that thousands of children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD have had complete turnarounds in their behavior when these chemicals have been removed from their diet.

So called ‘behavior modification prescription drugs’ (Ritalin and others) are no longer needed.   Truth be told, they were never NEEDED in the first place!

Most of these children were being ‘poisoned’ on a daily basis with the very foods that were ‘better for them than sugar.’

It is also suspected that the Aspartame in thousands of pallets of diet Coke and diet Pepsi consumed by men and women fighting in the Gulf War, may be partially to blame for the well-known Gulf War Syndrome.

Dr. Roberts warns that it can cause birth defects, i.e. mental retardation, if taken at the time of conception and during early pregnancy.   Children are especially at risk for neurological disorders and should NEVER be given artificial sweeteners.

There are many different case histories to relate of children suffering grand mal seizures and other neurological disturbances talking about a plague of neurological diseases directly caused by the use of this deadly poison.’

Herein lies the problem:   There were Congressional Hearings when Aspartame was included in 100 different products and strong objection was made concerning its use. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, and still nothing has been done.   The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets.

Sadly, MONSANTO’S patent on Aspartame has EXPIRED!   There are now over 5,000 products on the market that contain this deadly chemical and there will be thousands more introduced.   Everybody wants a piece of the Aspartame pie.’

I assure you that MONSANTO, the creator of Aspartame, knows how deadly it is.

And isn’t it ironic that MONSANTO funds, among others, the American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association and the Conference of the American College of Physicians?

This has been recently exposed in the New York Times.   These [organizations] cannot criticize any additives or convey their link to MONSANTO because they take money from the food industry and are required to endorse their products.

Senator Howard Metzenbaum wrote and presented a bill that would require label warnings on products containing Aspartame, especially regarding pregnant women, children and infants.

The bill would also institute independent studies on the known dangers and the problems existing in the general population regarding seizures, changes in brain chemistry, neurological changes and behavioral symptoms.

The bill was killed.

It is known that the powerful drug and chemical lobbies are responsible for this, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an unsuspecting and uninformed public. Please print this out or e-mail  to your family  & friends.

Food, Spices and Passion

Strong healthy relationships are fueled by an intense intimacy, both emotional and physical. There are times in some relationships when intimacy is far reaching. When a deep commitment is present, taking the time to learn ways of rekindling or rediscovering intimacy will reap awe-inspiring rewards.

For centuries and in many cultures around the world, many different foods, drinks, herbs and spices have been considered Aphrodisiacs with the sole purpose of increasing one’s sexual desire leading to heightened romantic intimacy.

The dictionary describes aphrodisiac (noun) as:

• a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire: the Romans worshiped the apple as an aphrodisiac with aphrodisiac powers;
• a thing that causes excitement: for a few seconds she’d fallen for the powerful aphrodisiac of music | power is an aphrodisiac.

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering offers privately catered 6 to 10 course menus to suit couples that want to share with their partner a Romantic Aphrodisiac meal in the privacy of their own homes. We customize the menu to suit the couples tastes and desires. Foods that are healthy, with live nutrients, vitamins and minerals, are the most powerful Aphrodisiacs.

For instance we start the menu off slowly preparing for the next course.

First Course: Italian Sparkling Water or Champagne with Sweet Hibiscus Flower

Clean Italian sparkling water or champagne prepares the pallet for romantic foods. The Hibiscus flower is representative of delicate beauty…. the love one shares with another.

Second Course: Nutmeg Vanilla Cream Cheese filled Strawberries dipped in Dark Chocolate

Nutmeg has been well known for centuries because of its medicinal properties, the spice is embraced for its more sensual properties as a stimulant in raising body heat and sweetening breath. A perfect little red heart, the strawberry is an edible Valentine. Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus. Chocolate has been proven to increase energy levels and release ‘feel good’ endorphins. The Aztecs used vanilla mixed with chocolate which they gave credit to for enhancing their libidos.

Third Course: Caesar Salad with Herb Croutons & KOD Signature Garlic Dressing

Garlic has been proven to be immune boosting making those who eat it feel more energetic and healthy.

Fourth Course: Velvet Asparagus Soup

A Phallic symbol with aphrodisiac chemicals. Being rich in potassium, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E, it amazingly stimulates sex hormones and glandular function. Asparagus, like an all-purpose medicine, can boost up your sex drive and enhance your general well being.

Fifth Course: Cayenne Pepper Chicken

Cayenne boosts your sexual drive. It can heat up your entire body, increase your blood circulation and make your erogenous zones become even more sensitive to sexual stimulation.

Coconut Cardamom Rice & side of Gingered Carrots with Slivered Almonds

In the Caribbean, coconut has a reputation as a love enhancer. Coconut is loaded with compounds that boost the action of testosterone. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Almonds can help boost the sex drive. It is useful in the treatment of some forms of sexual inadequacies (premature ejaculation). Additionally, in Sicily, it is also used to make sweet liqueur and almond-flavored wines, thought to be an aphrodisiac. In some cultures also, they are associated with passion and fertility. Their aroma is alleged to excite women. Cardamom seed produces a good mood, along with a tonic stream that makes your whole body feel better.

Sixth Course: Cinnamon Panna Cotta drizzled with Sexona Spoon

Cinnamon is known for attracting and exciting men.

Seventh Course: Zallouh Root Tea served with Fine Belgian Dark Chocolate

Used in Arabian & Mediterranean countries to increase ones sex drive.

This is just a sample of some of the powers of foods and spices that will assist to bring romance and intimacy into your relationship. There are so many more that will contribute to enhanced health and well-being. Taking the time to research, explore and experience your passions will greatly improve your life in so many ways, benefiting your emotional and physical well-being.  Enjoy!!

Food Funnies: Signs It’s Time to Clean Out the Refrigerator

===========================================================

9. Labels say “As advertised on the new Tele-vision!”

8. Whatever you eat, every meal grows back before the next one.

7. Your teens refuse to open the door.

6. You open the fridge door and SOMETHING pulls it shut.

5. The penicillin from the mold on some of the items can
cure diseases caused by other items.

4. Though the Jell-O still holds its shape, the bowl no longer does.

3. When you open the door, the whispering suddenly stops.

2. The door magnets are molding.

… and the #1 Sign It’s Time to Clean Out the Refrigerator …

1. When you can’t tell if it’s a really new kiwi fruit or a
really old peach.

From http://www.e-cookbooks.net

Gluten Free Cooking or Baking

When it comes to cooking and baking, there are many dietary restrictions that will be encountered along the way. One restriction that is gaining some degree of notoriety in recent years is the need for a gluten free diet. Gluten is a substance that is commonly found in flour products that a large part of the population has a negative reaction to in some form or another. For these people, gluten free isn’t a choice, it is absolutely necessary.

Gluten free cooking  may impose many restrictions and often makes it quite difficult to enjoy something the vast majority of us take for granted – dining out. The good news for those who require gluten free cooking is that more and more restaurants are beginning to acknowledge this serious condition by offering a few delicious gluten free selections. It takes time, just as it did with the low carb craze, to see change.  The high demand for these products will make it worth while for the restaurant industry  to make adjustments in their way of preparing foods.

While on the one hand it can be frustrating to be limited to where or if  dining out is an option. However, there can be fun and challenging new ways to explore exciting  and tasty food combinations.  You don’t have to fall into a rut of always relying on the same old foods and flavours that you know you can eat without worry. Consider cooking  and baking gluten free a challenge, rather than a chore and you may find that the process is much more enjoyable. You might even find that you appreciate even more the meals you’ve worked so hard to prepare because of the great sense of accomplishment it brings.

There are many resources available for those who need to eat gluten free foods. There are even more and more ‘convenience’ or prepackaged foods that are designated for gluten free cooking. This means that those who once had no options other than creating meals from scratch actually now have the occasional shortcut available to them. We are even finding cookie and cake mixes that are now gluten free in order to enjoy some of the finer things in life for those who would have been completely deprived only a few short years ago.

Changes are being made and resources are being shared through the Internet that help not only adults that require special gluten free cooking and diets but also support for the parents of children who must have gluten free diets. Cooking for children in the best of circumstances is often difficult. It is even more difficult when there are excessive dietary restrictions that often eliminate the possibility of our children enjoying childhood favorites. That is why it is so important to seek out the many resources and recipes that are available for gluten free cooking.

If you require a gluten free diet and have no idea where to start or what you should be cooking, take the time to check out the many websites and blogs online that address gluten restrictions. You will probably be amazed at the wealth of information that is available. Also, if you have any healthy foods stores or Life Style Markets, Market on Yates/Millstream or Whole Foods stores in your area, most of them either offer or will order gluten free products for your cooking needs.

Gluten free cooking does not have to be the chore many of us think it must be and all gluten free food doesn’t taste like cardboard. Experimenting with spices and flavours from all over the world will broaden your creativity in the process, your palate will love you for it. Spices not only have flavour but many deliver very positive  health benefits. Take the time to get to know the wonderful gluten free recipes that abound and incorporate them one at a time into your cooking repertoire. You will be amazed at how wonderful you feel as well as how great the food tastes!

In my research I came across this very informative and helpful blog specific to Gluten Free diets. #mce_temp_url#

I wish you all the best and immense fun on your Culinary Journey! Shirley Lang, Culinary Explorer

Chocolate Puddle Cookies

I’ve used both 365 organic powdered sugar from Whole Foods, and Hain organic powdered sugar with success. I prefer to use non-alkalized cocoa powder (Scharrfen Berger or Dagoba) but also tested with Droste, which is a Dutch-process cocoa powder. All with success. On the nut front, be mindful of how you toast your walnuts – it’s the single factor that impacts the personality of these cookies most. Using deeply toasted walnuts makes for a much more intense, nutty cookie. Lightly toasted walnuts can sometimes be mistaken for chocolate chips, and make for a much more mild cookie. Both good! Also, cooking time – you don’t want to over or under bake here – over bake, and your cookies will cool too a crisp, under bake, and they are too floppy and crumbly. Also, under baking makes it more difficult to remove the cookies from the parchment paper after baking – you get the swing of it after a batch or two. Use large eggs, I suspect if you use extra-large, the batter will run, and you’ll have to compensate with more powdered sugar.

3 cups / 11 oz / 310 g walnut halves, toasted & cooled
4 cups / 1 lb / 453 g confectioner’s (powdered) sugar

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons / 2 oz / 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder

scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 tablespoon real, good-quality vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 320F / 160C degrees and position racks in the top and bottom third. Line three (preferably rimmed) baking sheets with parchment paper. Or you can bake in batches with fewer pans.

Make sure your walnuts have cooled a bit, then chop coarsely and set aside. Sift together the confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir in the walnuts, then add the egg whites and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

Spoon the batter onto the prepared sheets in mounds of about 2 tablespoons each, allowing for PLENTY of room between cookies. These cookies are like reverse Shrinky Dinks – they really expand. Don’t try to get more than 6 cookies on each sheet, and try to avoid placing the batter too close to the edge of the pan.

Bake until they puff up. The tops should get glossy, and then crack a bit – about 12 -15 minutes. Have faith, they look sad at first, then really blossom. You may want to rotate the pans top/bottom/back/front.

Slide the cookies still on parchment onto a cooling rack, and let them cool completely. They will keep in an airtight for a couple days.

Makes 18 large cookies.

Recipe From 101 Cookbooks: Heidi Swanson