Baking Season!

Since this seems to be the Baking Season for so many of us, thought I’d share this information. Do you know the best way to store your baking products? How long they last? I wasn’t sure on some of this.

To ensure your baking products stay fresh, be sure to store them in their original packaging or transfer them into airtight containers. Depending on what is handy, I use a label or masking tape to write the purchase date, followed by the date I open the package and place on the packaging/container.

How long do some of the most used ingredients?

Flour: 6-8 months after opening

Granulated Sugar: 2 years after opening

Brown Sugar: indefinitely, but flavor tends to fade after 6 months of opening

Baking Cocoa: 1 year after opening.

Even Dogs ...

Lavender and Sleep

Several studies have shown that the Lavender Scent is often all that is needed to help counter Insomnia, Mental Stress and Anxiety. Many times working better or as well as over the counter sleep aids.

Lavender has been used in Hospitals for centuries. In birthing rooms and regular patient’s rooms aiding in relaxation and sleep.

My nieces use lavender to help them relax and sleep when visiting us. Perfect after a day of marathon shopping and other activities. Because of this, a bottle of Lavender Spray is now placed in the Guest Bedroom for all our visitors to use.

 
Ways to use Lavender to aid in relaxing and lulling you to sleep:

Soaking in a warm bath with 8 to 10 drops of lavender added is an excellent way to unwind.

Add a few drops of lavender to an unscented lotion. Use this to massage into your skin as a final step before going to bed. Excellent for small children and the elderly, too.

Been standing on your feet all day? Massage a few drops mixed in Unscented lotion or massage oil into the soles of your feet about 30 minutes before retiring for the evening.

If tension in the shoulders or neck is keeping you from relaxing; massage a few drops to the back of your neck. You should soon feel the tension ease away.

Tension headache or eyes strain an issue? Rub a drop on each temple and/or forehead, being sure to keep out of your eyes.

2 drops placed on your pillow, bed sheets or even your jammies help keep the scent with you throughout the night.

Hope this helps you!

Blessings,

Pamela

A Topic for Discussion

This morning was spent having a long breakfast with a dear friend. The conversation turned to what seems to be a hot topic lately . . . Simplifying.  Which made me wonder . . . .

How many of you have actually traveled down that road?


If you have, are you still on the journey?


Is it what you expected?


What are some ways you have simplified your life?


Would love to hear from you!


Blessings,
Pamela

November!!!

I can’t believe it is already November 9th!!!! Where does the time go?


This is quickly becoming my favorite time of the year. Cool temperatures, the beauty of the fall foliage and the beginning of the holiday season.


Did you know that November is Aviation Month? I had to mention that for my husband’s benefit and several of my friends’ husbands. November is also, among many other things; Native American Heritage Month, National Sleep Comfort Month, Peanut Butter Lovers Month and Good Nutrition Month.


Because it is National Sleep Comfort Month, I’ll be focusing on Sleep! So you know what that means, Lavender will be mentioned a lot.


Lavender is sometimes referred to as the Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils; so many uses and benefits. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects. One of the few oils that can safely be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin.


Blessings,
Pamela

Basil in aromatherapy

First Use with Care:
• Do Not Use Directly on Skin. Must be diluted in a Carrier Oil* First.
• Use in low concentrations
• Avoid on sensitive skins.
• Do not use in pregnancy.

Those who should avoid using Basil Essential Oil include Pregnant Women, People who experience seizures; have epilepsy, cancer or liver problems. Consult a professional before using to treat children.

*Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They carry the essential oil onto the skin. My favorite carrier oils are Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Here’s a list of other relatively easy accessible oils; Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Rose Hip Oil, and Grapeseed Oil. An estimate of 4 drops of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil is suggested.

Skin Concerns: Basil essential oil has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and analgesic properties.

The pain-relieving properties of basil oil also work to relieve pain associated with arthritis, and sore muscles. There are a few ways to apply Basil Essential Oil to such areas.

• 1. A hot compress is a wonderful way to use Basil Essential oil for such pain and soreness. Fill a bowl with very hot, but not boiling water. Add 2 to 3 drops of Basil Essential Oil. Fold a clean folded towel into the water. Squeeze out excess water. Place the wet cloth on the affected area. Leave on until it reaches your body temperature. Can be repeated to up to three times a treatment.
• 2. You can also use blended with a carrier oil as a Massage Oil. Rub it on sore muscles or arthritic joints. Relief should soon follow.

Through history women used massage oil with basil essential oil to improve skin tone and add shine to their hair.

It can also relieve acne, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings and other insect bites. Remember always use in a carrier oil first, never directly onto the skin. While relieving the pain, it will also help with the itching, and irritation while eliminating the risk of infection that comes with any skin puncture or irritation.

Respiratory Concerns: Using Basil Essential Oil in a diffuser or simply in a pot of low simmering water on the stove is great during cold, allergy and flu seasons. Besides the fresh scent being a delight to the senses, it has been said to help break up congestion in the chest and sinuses.

Digestive Concerns: It is believed that the oils in Basil can help relieve flatulence and excess gas almost immediately upon ingestion. So chewing a few basil leaves might be just what is needed in these situations.

Psychological Concerns:
Basil Essential Oil . . .
 lifts the mind
 clears mental fatigue
 helps in enhancing creative awareness
 clarifies thought processes

A few good ways to use Basil Essential Oil to gain these benefits . . .
o In a diffuser
o Placing a few drops on a cotton ball and sniff from time to time
o Rub a tiny bit of the massage oil on your wrist. This will allow the scent to fill the air as you move your hands, even during such a simple task as typing.
o You use a warm or cold towel compress around your neck.
Soon you will feel restored and stimulated.

Female Concerns:
Hot Flash: Inhale a blend of Basil and Peppermint Essential Oils.

Menstrual Cramps and Bloating: A hot towel compress helps reduce the discomfort, as well as relieve muscular aches and pains.

Basil and Symbolism

I find symbolism and cultural folklore fascinating. Since I was thinking about Basil a lot lately, thought I share some interesting facts I found.


In its native country of India, basil was held in great reverence and used by Indians to swear their oaths in court upon.


Basil is considered a good luck charm in some folklore. It is reportedly used in exorcisms, for protection and to attract wealth.


Victorian language of flowers reflects its dual nature. It signifies both hatred (for common basil) and best wishes (for sweet basil).


To the ancient Romans, it was a symbol of hatred, yet basil eventually became a token of love in Italy.


It has been used in love spells, and to ward off insects and evil spirits


Basil and Love


Italian suitors signaled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair. Young maidens would wear a sprig of basil in their hair to profess their availibility.


In Romania a boy accepts a sprig of basil from a girl, it means he will fall in love with her and they will become engaged to be married.


In Mexico it is carried around in the hope of returning a lover’s roving eye.


It has been considered an aphrodisiac by some, is associated with the pagan love goddess, Erzuli.


Basil and Religion


Holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum, is particularly sacred in Hindu tradition. It is thought to be the manifestation of the goddess, Tulasi, and to have grown from her ashes. It became a symbol of love, eternal life, purification and protection. The story is very interesting and easy to find by doing an internet search.


In Christianity it is associated with St. Basil. His feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1 by having basil blessed at church.


It has been used in certain religious rituals as a symbol of fertility.


Basil and Death


In Europe, basil is placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey.


In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God.


The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed that it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.


Basil and Money


Folklore Magic has long associated Basil with money. One source recommends: To attract increased money, inhale the aroma of Basil and visualize any image you associate with money and wealth, such as your bank balance increasing.

Reasons to eat more Basil

The term "basil" is based upon the Greek word "basilkohn", which means "royal". Among ancient cultures, basil was held in extremely high value, not only for its wonderful taste but also for its health effects.

A great source of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps prevent damage to the cells by free radicals and preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Also present is Magnesium by helping relax the heart and blood vessels which improves blood flow.

Basil also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

The antispasmodic properties make it a favorite among Herbalist. Who recommend Basil for nausea, motion sickness.

The strong taste promotes production of saliva, letting the body digest food properly.

Many believe it aids in providing good eyesight, healthy skin and hair.

Fresh basil contains folic acid.

Dried basil is a good source of potassium, iron and calcium.

Blessings,
Pamela Dawn

Freezing Basil

The first time I used the freezing method, I prepared the leaves as I would when using it fresh. Cleaning and drying the leaves.

Then I chopped the leaves and placed as many as possible in ice cube trays. Pouring water into each cube until it was full. Freezing and then popping the cubes out and placing a few into a small freezer bag.

Each cube should equal approx. 1 tsp or Tbsp depending on the size of your ice cube tray. When cooking sauces or soup, I would simply drop the necessary amount of cubes directly from the freezer.

Remember when using these freezing methods in cooking you need to use it as if it were fresh. This means adding near the end of the recipe to preserve the flavor. Added too soon allows the heat to dissipate the Basil's volatile oils.

Another way is by adding oil instead of water and blending into a puree.

Clean and dry the Basil leaves as you normally would. Place leaves in blender or food process with a little olive oil-just enough to allow the blender to chop the basil.

If the basil doesn't chop and blend well, add a little more olive oil. Taking care not to add too much.

Freeze the chopped basil and olive oil in plastic ice cube trays or in very small freezer containers. After the basil cubes are frozen, seal in a freezer bag.

This method works well when adding to sauces, dressings, pesto, soups and so much more. Let your imagine run wild. I like to toss it in with some steamed or roasted veggies.

Also good to thaw and use to baste chicken or pork.

Top toasted bread with a mixture of the basil oil puree and sundried tomatoes. Simply Heaven!

Blessings,
Pamela Dawn

Drying Basil for the Winter

Drying the basil is a very simple and quick way to prepare your basil for storage. The best way is to let it air dry as oven drying even at low temperatures can destroy the essential oils and flavors.

As with any method is it important to first rinse the stalks under cool water to remove dirt and insects.

Pat dry with a paper towel.

Gather a few Basil stems together, tying some twine or string around the bottom portion.

Hang the basil in an area where it can dry. An area that has a gentle breeze either naturally or via fan or air conditioner vent. This will keep air circulating and prevents mold from accumulating.

If you feel uncomfortable leaving the leaves exposed try adding this step. Put the herbs in brown paper sacks. Poking with a few ventilation holes in the bag for air circulation. Gathering the opening of the bag around the bottom portion, allowing the stems/leaves to hang inside the bag. Use string, twine or a rubber band to close the bag.

The important thing is to allow the moisture evaporate slowly and naturally, leaving the precious essential oils behind.

After about two to three weeks, once the basil is dried thoroughly, remove the leaves from the stems. Leaving them whole or crumbling is up to you. Store it in airtight containers, placed away from the heat and light. They will keep for up to one year.

Dried Basil works will in sauces, sprinkled on pizza or tossed in a salad or top of soup.

Next time: Freezing Basil.

Blessings,
Pamela Dawn

A Nice Sunny Day!!!

Today was a beautiful day! Sun was shining and temperature was delightfully cool. After so many days of clouds and rain, I couldn’t let the chance to work outside pass me by.

I spent a good bit of time cleaning the raised bed and container gardening areas. So glad to see the pepper plants are still going strong, as is the basil. As I moved about the garden, my arms brushed against the basil leaves on many occasions. The fragrance the leaves released was pure heaven.

Knowing the weather will turn before I’m ready, I began thinking of the different methods of storing those last basil leaves for the winter. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some tips I’ve learned over the past few years. These are just guidelines and by no means set in stone.

Basil leaves contain the most oil/flavor just before they begin to flower. If they have already flowered, no worries. They will still be good for drying.

Best time to harvest basil or any other herb for that matter is mid-morning. Just as the morning dew has evaporated and before the leaves are heated by the sun. Early evening also works in most areas.

Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut large stems or branches from mature plants.

Gently shake each branch to remove insects.

Remove old, damaged or diseased leaves.

Rinse each branch in cold water and dry with towels or paper towels to remove all visible water. Basil in particular are very high in moisture content. So it is very important to dry quickly to avoid mold forming and ruining the whole bunch.

Didn’t grow Basil this summer? No problem. I’m sure you have seen the *Live* Basil in many of the grocery stores. I’ve purchased these plants in the past and had great success with them not only staying fresh, but continuing to grow for several weeks.

Anytime you have extra basil cut basil, don’t throw it away. Want to use it in the next day or two, wrap the leaves in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag in refrigerator. Want to store them longer, simply place the stem in a glass of water, cover it with a plastic sandwich type of bag, and it should keep for a week.

Next time I’ll share some freezing and drying methods I’ve used.

Blessings,

Pamela