Cooking With Essential Oils

 

Good Morning!

Cooking With Essential Oils
 

Rich and aromatic plant oils are most often associated with aromatherapy and are usually used in massage oils, incense and are diffused in the air for a soothing and healing affect. The benefits of essential oils can also be found with their tantalizing use in the kitchen. Cooking with essential oils is just another way of being creative with food preparations.

Essential oils are classified into three main categories and explain their benefits. The oils are classified as notes, top, middle, or base notes. These single notes have a general rule of thumb:

*Top notes: are the fastest acting and quickest to evaporate. Lasting 3-24 hrs.

*Middle notes: are the moderately volatile, affect metabolisms, body functions. Last 2-3 days.

*Base notes: are slower to evaporate, the most sedative and relaxing oils. Last up to approximately one week.

When cooking with essential oils, it is important to know that because they are extracted as nectar, they are very concentrated. Essential oils therefore, can add zest to any recipe and enrich the flavor of your creation. The FDA considers essential oils as a food additive and regards a majority of these oils as safe for use. Their safe use requires they be used in moderation and with proper care.

Here is a list of Essential Oils Certified as Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) and Food Additives (FA) by the FDA.

Angelica, Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Roman, Chamomile, German, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus rind (all), Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Dill, Eucalyptus glob., Frankincense, Galbanum, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Juniper, Jasmine, Laurus nobilis, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa (lemonbalm), Marjoram, Myrrh, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Orange, Oregano, Patchouli, Pepper, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary, Rose, Savory, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spruce, Tarragon, Tangerine, Thyme, Valerian, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang.

The flavor of these herbs and fruits are concentrated in their volatile oils, which are extracted by different methods in order for us to benefit from them. With this many oils at our fingertips, making tasteful, mouthwatering culinary dishes can be fun and inventive. Here are some general guidelines for certain groups of oils:

Fruity oils: such as lime, lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit and mandarin can add zest and a full flavor to drinks, desserts and sweet and sour recipes. Because these are generally top note oils, they evaporate quickly so adding them into your recipes toward the end is recommended.

Acrid or Spicy oils: such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cumin and ginger are warming oils. A little of these oils go a long way. These are great oils for winter recipes or whenever you want to add a little spice to your food. They also are considered aphrodisiac oils.

Cooling, Mint oils: such as mint, peppermint and spearmint are great in recipes that call for a hint of mint such as jams, jellies, sauces or in a cooling tea for reducing heat in the body.

Floral oils: such as geranium, jasmine, lavender and rose are versatile and full-bodied in scent and essence. It takes thousands of petals to produce an ounce of rose oil. Lavender oil is rich in scent and flavor and can be added to meats, desserts or any creative recipes you make. These floral oils can entice and bring out the best in any culinary adventure.

Herbal oils: such as basil, dill, fennel, marjoram, mellisa, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme are rich and flavorful oils that only need a hint in any recipe to embody an herbaceous taste.

When making recipes with essential oils, a little goes a long way. The rule of thumb is to add the oils toward the end of the simmering, baking or boiling process. The heat will evaporate the oils quickly; so in order to take advantage of the oils scent and flavor, adding them into the recipe at the last minutes prolongs the goodness.

The possibilities for flavoring are endless. The best way to try your creation with essential oils is through trial and error. It is recommended that 2-3 drops of oil in a recipe would have its greatest effect. Below are some general guidelines and suggestions for oils by groups.

For meat dishes consider: such as basil, clove, dill, fennel, marjoram, mellisa, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme

For fish and seafood consider: black pepper, fennel, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme.

For poultry consider: basil, dill, fennel, lemon, marjoram, mellisa, orange, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme

For salad dressings consider: basil, clove, lavender, lemon, lime, rosemary, sage and thyme.

For desserts consider: cardamom, cinnamon, clove, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, spearmint and tangerine.

For refreshments and drinks: cinnamon, grapefruit, lavender, lime, lemon, mandarin, orange, peppermint, spearmint and tangerine.

Seasonal recipes can spark up any celebration, new moon or gathering. Adding essential oils to these recipes allow us to take advantage of the herbs and oils of that particular season and offer a taste of what the holiday will bring! Here are some seasonal recipes that can be created now or anytime!

Spring Chicken

Roast, grill or bake a whole chicken. Add 2 drops each of rosemary lemon and sage oils in a mixing cup. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil to the essential oils. Brush the cooked chicken with the mixture, cover the chicken and place it back on the heat for 10-15 minutes. Allow the oils to penetrate the chicken for a full-bodied flavor. Serve.

Summer Cooler Treats

To a 2-quart pitcher of water add 2 drops each of two of these oils of cinnamon, grapefruit, lavender, lime, lemon, mandarin, orange, peppermint, spearmint and tangerine. Stir the mixture and add ice and a sprig of mint or rind of orange for color. Serve.

Fall Pot Roast

Add 2 drops each of basil, clove and tarragon oils in a mixing cup. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil to the essential oils. Brush the mixture on the uncooked meat. Roast the meat in the oven. You may want to consider roasting in a roasting bag to keep in the flavor and juices from the meat. Once the meat is cooked, remove the pot roast and brush the meat again with the mixture. Place it back on the oven and let it roast for 10-15 minutes longer. Serve.

Winter Warmer Meatloaf

Make a mixture of hamburger, ground turkey meat, ground chicken meat or a combination of these, into a bowl with your other ingredients (which may include tomatoes, oats, breadcrumbs, egg whites, spices). Add 2 drops of dill, fennel, mint and sage to the mixture. Form into a loaf. Bake. Serve.

Fantastic Fall: Alternative Remedies for Autumn/Prevention is key.

 

Good Morning!

Fantastic Fall: Alternative Remedies for Autumn

Fall is the season when certain disorders are more prevalent than at other times of the year. Asthma, allergies and skin disorders can affect almost any one susceptible to them.

Prevention is key. The lung and large intestine are the internal organs related to Fall. These organs are associated with the emotion of taking in and letting go. They are considered the main organs for detoxing and cleansing the body during this season. Therefore, this is a good time to do a cleansing.

Taking in through the nose and mouth such as the breathe of life is important as we transition from the hot season of summer to the cool season of Fall. The nose is the opening to the lungs, therefore, colds and flu are easier to catch. Keep your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a netti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus.

Constipation is often prevalent in the Fall as the process of "letting go" can be a difficult one.

Sleep difficulties are more prominent due to the changing balance of light and dark.

1. Cleansing the Body

This is one of three processes that should be done 4 times a year. Using the seasons as a guide, allows us to work with the "flow of nature" and change as our bodies change. Consider a healthy detox or work with the power of an herbal cleanser.

Here is a nice Detoxification Bath to get you started:

Detoxification Bath
2 Cups Sea Salt
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder
Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes
Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body
and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done
2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This forms a gelatinous mass and keeps the feces hydrated and soft. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.

De-cluttering the space around you can make all the difference in the way you feel. Start small. Try organizing a drawer or desk, your closet or one room in your house, first. Then move on to a bigger project. Learn the secrets to de-cluttering and re-organizing your life with the proponents of Feng Shui

2. Cleansing the Mind

This is the 2nd in the trilogy. Learn how to think in "affirmations" that are positive! These are statements that you make either aloud or to yourself. Always approve and accept yourself. You cannot love yourself unless you first, approve of and accept yourself.

A disciplined mind is a free mind.

Gain control over your thoughts and you maintain control over your life. Retrain your mind and you regain your freedom. Calming the mind is a behavioral technique used to interrupt, minimize and eliminate "psychological noise". Obsessive, repetitive thoughts, anxiety and fears are all apart of negative, self-destructive patterns that can benefit from the positive affirmations and mind quieting.

Here is a wonderful affirmation you can use daily for empowerment:

"Love Thy Self"
I am perfect, whole and complete NOW, the way I am.
I deserve all that I require.
I am worthy, loveable and strong.

3. Cleansing the Spirit

This is a life long lesson and third in the trilogy. Utilize the strength of yoga therapy. What is your belief system ? Does it serve you well? How about discovering some great meditations !

The Sun Salutation in yoga is a great wakening and cleansing exercise. This is a flowing combination of some of the asanas in hatha yoga.

Sun Salutation

Stand in Tadasana (feet together arms by your side), take a deep breath, clasp thumbs in front of you
and raise arms in front of you over head. Arch back from the waist.  Now, fold over at the waist as you exhale, placing palms on the
floor, Uttanasana, step your right leg back into Lunge, step your left leg back to Plank, come into Bhujangasana, flow into Adho Mukha
Svanasana, step your right foot forward to Lunge, left foot forward for Uttanasana, inhale up to Tadasana. Repeat, stepping your left leg
back into Lunge.

Cleansing Meditation

Breath is life! Exchange of electrons. Flow of energy. Air is the primary nutrient. Survival without it is measured in minutes. It is
so important that you do it without thinking. Your breathing is the voice of your spirit. It's depth, smoothness, sound, and rate reflect
your mood. If you become aware of your breath and breathe the way you do when you are calm you will become calm. Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing. With the addition of music and it's rhythm, the "musical breath" can even help stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders. Fall into the rhythm of the music and breathe. Focus on your breathing and the music.

Focusing on the breath is one of the most common and fundamental techniques for accessing the meditative state. Breath is a deep
rhythm of the body that connects us intimately with the world around us.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply and regularly, and observe your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Give your full attention
to the breath as it comes in, and full attention to the breath as it goes out. Whenever you find your attention wandering away from your
breath, gently pull it back to the rising and falling of the breath. Inhale through your nose slowly and deeply, feeling the lower chest
and abdomen inflate like a balloon. Hold for five seconds. Exhale deeply, deflating the lower chest and abdomen like a balloon. Hold
for five seconds. Do this three or four times, then allow your breathing to return to a normal rhythm. You will begin to feel a
change come over your entire body. Gradually you will become less aware of your breathing, but not captured in your stream of thoughts. You will become more centered inward. You will just "be there."

 __,_._,___

Recipe: Crescent Moon Cookies

 

Good Morning!

Recipe: Crescent Moon Cookies

The cycles of the moon are important when doing any kind of empowerment work in order to manifest what we want in life. When working with the energy of natural cycles, you are likely to get better results with the cycles of the moon since they have great power over the tides of our emotions.

Food has been used all over the world to help celebrate rituals and festivals and food associated with the moon is no different. Enjoy these wonderful ideas for your moon ceremony.

Crescent Moon Cookies are delightful treat often eaten during various moon celebrations or rituals. They are made in the shape of the crescent moon, and the whole hazelnut in them represent the Full Moon that is to come.

Ingredients:

9oz whole wheat flour
3oz soft light brown sugar
6oz butter or vegan margarine
A handful of hazelnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300F or 150C. Beat the butter or margarine with the sugar until blended.

2. Add the flour, and mix together to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface. Gently work the whole hazelnuts through it, flatten out to a depth of about half an inch.

3. If you have a moon-shaped pastry cutter, use this to form the biscuits. However, you may want to cut the moon shapes yourself with a small sharp knife. You can even add a few features, or Moon symbols, to the surface. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, and put in the oven until light golden brown.

Makes about 18 biscuits