Pistachio and Chocolate Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away, but for some moms the holiday doesn’t guarantee a day off from cooking. When I was growing up my dad did most of the cooking (he loves creating new recipes) so having him whip up a Mother’s Day feast was nothing special. However, there was one thing he wouldn’t attempt in the kitchen regardless of how special the occasion—-BAKE. That’s where I came in. Being the only daughter in a family of six I learned how to bake at an early age. I might not be the world’s best baker; however I … Continue reading

Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake

I love peppermint and of course, my darling spouse hates it. He was only too thrilled when they started making orange and cinnamon flavored toothpaste so that he never had to endure the minty taste of peppermint again. So as much as I hate to say it, this dessert will never grace my table. On the other hand, today marks the beginning of a massive, several days long, menu planning session that will include feeding a crowd of fifty, as well as a couple of potlucks and some other gatherings that require food. So if I want a taste of … Continue reading

Bite-Sized Holiday Treats

Tis the season to be eating… and eating… and eating. I’ve been stuffing my mouth for the past week and Christmas is still five days away. Wherever you go during the holiday season, there’s usually some type of Christmas goodie to be devoured. Bite-sized treats are my favorite because you can sample a variety of recipes without feeling guilty. The following mini treats are among my holiday favorites: RASPBERRY BRIE BITES Ingredients: 4 ounces Brie 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 1/4 cup sliced almonds 12 phyllo cups Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash raspberries. Cut Brie into 12 … Continue reading

Do You Floss?

Flossing is good for your pearly whites… but a lot of people don’t bother unless there’s something stuck. Why is flossing important, anyway? Dental floss is the best way to get plaque out from between the teeth and right at the gumline. Since a lot of periodontal disease tends to start at the gums, flossing is a good way to prevent problems. Brushing alone doesn’t always clear all the plaque. Here’s the way to do it, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association: Get about a foot and a half (18 inches) of floss. No, you don’t need to measure … Continue reading

Should Menthol Flavoring in Cigarettes be Banned?

There is a bill before Congress right now that would ban some flavor additives in cigarettes: mint, clove, and vanilla. These flavorings are under fire because they’re seen as appealing to young people. One flavor that isn’t on the list? Menthol. According to government estimates, menthol is a pretty popular cigarette flavoring among certain groups of smokers. More than seventy-five percent of black smokers choose menthol cigarettes. That translates into nearly thirty percent of the entire cigarette market. Some members of the American Medical Association — including some who served as government health secretaries under several administrations — are opposing … Continue reading

Seven Ways Scent Can Enhance Your Health

Your nose is as much as ten thousand times sharper than your taste buds. That can make your sniffer a pretty powerful tool for your health! Here are some ways you can use aromatherapy to boost your health. Food scents can actually help you lose weight! A study from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that sniffing food scents like apple, banana, and peppermint could help stave off cravings. Try keeping your favorite food scent handy and see if you a whiff of something delicious can keep your stomach happy. Use rosemary to boost brainpower. … Continue reading

Hyssop

Back as far as the seventh century, hyssop was in use as a cleanser. The herb was scattered on the floor in kitchens and sickrooms in order to improve the smell. Hyssop does have a very strong smell. It is a member of the mint family, but has a scent more like camphor. The name comes from the Greek word hussopos and the Hebrew word esob — meaning holy herb. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been spread across North America. Traditionally, hyssop was used for cleansing — inside and out. One seventeenth century herbalist suggested … Continue reading

Cookie Exchange: The Nanaimo Bar

There is some speculation as to the origins of the Nanaimo bar. But it’s thought to have been named after Nanaimo, a city in British Columbia. It was submitted to a magazine in a national recipe contest by a housewife and when it won, it garnered national attention. Some other stories suggest that the bar originated in New York. Regardless, apparently, the city mascot of Nanaimo is known as the Nanaimo Barney and has the appearance of a giant nanaimo bar. There is even an official recipe of the city although various variations exist. Essentially, a nanaimo bar consists of … Continue reading