Berry Goodness

Berries such as cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries have been known to dodge UTI.  According to experts, The bioflavonoid epicatchin in these berries stop infection-causing E. coli from adhering to bladder tissue.  Here’s a simply delicious way to enjoy the gems.

Mini Ginger Pancakes

For this recipe you will need:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup blueberries and/or strawberries, divided
• 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 1 cup all-purpose baking mix
• 1 egg

Directions:

In food processor, puree sour cream, 1/2 cup berries and sugar 1 minute; set aside.  In large microwave-safe bowl, microwave milk and ginger 30 seconds.  Let cool to room temperature; whisk in baking mix and egg.  In greased skillet over medium heat, pour 1 1/2 tablespoons batter per pancake.  Cook in batches 3 minutes, turning once.  Repeat to make 12 pancakes.  Serve with berry sauce and remaining berries.

Fruity Treats

The holidays is all about treats. Since I love sweets, I’m giving my friends sweets this Christmas. I’m sending out fruity treats to all my friends. Time is what I’m concerned with and baking takes time. So I’ve enlisted the help of Cherry Gifts to fill the rest of my presents. I’m sure my friends wouldn’t mind since they all know this is the busiest season for me. It’s the love that goes with giving that counts.

Baking Tip (12)

Oh, sure you did everything right -  you greased the pan and you let the cake cool.  Still, the goodie was stubbornly stuck.  Next time you’re baking, try this little trick:  Butter the baking dish, then chill it in the fridge while you are preparing the batter.  This gives time butter to resolidify, so when the mixture is poured in, the grease will stay adhered to the pan instead of melding with the batter.  Once your cake is cooked and cooled, it’ll slip out easily.

Nature’s Way

Everyone’s going back to basics. You are now eating organic produce. Restaurants are going fresh and tossing out canned goods altogether. Gone were the days of synthetics and processed products. More and more people cook at home than take out greasy, unhealthy foods. I myself would rather cook for my family than go to some fast food chain to grab a quick bite.

Medicine has joined the bandwagon and is relying more on all-natural vitamins and supplements. I am now particular with what my family takes in. This is why I now read the labels more carefully to make sure that what I give my loved ones has no synthetic substances. My friend suggested that i get my vitamins at NaturesBest which carries the best that Mother Nature has to offer. She adds that it’s the quality that separates it from the rest. She makes a very good point as not all medicines are created equal. Quality of the ingredients is what makes it a cut above the rest.

Our ancestors relied on nature for their medical needs. Pure natural ingredients is what their medicines contained. If you care what goes into your family’s system, then do what I do. Nature has all the the answers. Be and stay healthy the natural way.

What To Give

With just over a week before Christmas, I have yet to finish my shopping. I can’t decide what presents to give to my friends. I do not have the slightest idea what to give each and everyone of them. I want them to feel special. I’ve been to the mall several times just to get a few gift ideas for them. I came upon a new store that specializes in baking utensils and equipment. We all love to bake. In fact, we even share our recipes. I finally know what to each and everyone of my dearest friends.

The shop had everything. They even have personalized aprons which I think would be a wonderful gift for the entire gang including me. I decided to get everyone of them similar presents just to have uniformity. I bought each one a set of pastry molds, mittens, measuring cups and of course, the lovely apron. I feel ecstatic and couldn’t wait to see their reaction to my presents.

Our common passion  for baking has kept our group together for almost two decades. Having the same things would surely make that bond stronger. This will definitely be a very unique Christmas for all of us.