Friday 19 August 2016

Cinnamon





Cinnamon

Have difficulty sleeping?  Add I raw banana to Cinnamon and boiling water then strain and drink.

Cinnamon is also known for having anti inflammatory properties, ease muscle spasms, help in lowering blood sugars and in losing weight.


Golden Paste

Golden Paste

Use it in your cooking

Anti Inflammatory
Anti - Carcinogenic
2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
1 Tablespoon of Turmeric Powder
1/2 Tablespoon of Ginger Powder
3-4 turns Cracked pepper.
Combine and Use 1 Teaspoon for Cooking.




Sunday 10 April 2016

Okra or Lady Finger

I think of Okra as a South Asian Vegetable however it also seems to have African origins.  The Okra is also called a Lady Finger.  It is beneficial and contains antioxidants, fibre, calcium, vitamin c and folate.

Okra Curry:  Ingredients Onion, Curry Powder, Turmeric, Curry leaves, Chilli and Salt to taste.




The seeds of the Okra when roasted can be used to make caffeine free coffee.







Wednesday 30 March 2016

Helping Others Quote Dalai Lama


Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can't help them at least don't hurt them.

Dalai Lama

Spice Chocolate Chai

So having made Bolivian Chocolate I decided one morning to make a Spice Chocolate Chai using my Spiced Chai and Chocolate.  First I made a black spiced Chai, then added pieces of the chocolate and finally Soy Milk.  It tasted delicious.... My favourite drinks for winter are my Spiced Chai Chocolate and Tumeric Tea.

Cacao Tea Or Cacao Tisane

Cacao Tea can also be made from the shells of the Cocoa Bean.




Cacao Plant takes 3-5 years to grow and Cacao Pods take 5-6 months to open.  Its amazing what teas or Tisanes can be made.


Tuesday 29 March 2016

Bolivian and Peruvian Chocolate

The Peruvian and Bolivian Chocolate was amazing.  Cacao originated in Central America.  Peru is the largest exporter of Cacao beans while Bolivia is a large producer of Organic Cacao...  I was lucky enough to taste both chocolates.  You can also make a tea out of the Cacao Shells.



Coca Tea or Mate De Coca

Coca tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Coca plant.  Hot water is poured over the leaves and allowed to steep.  Native to Peru and Bolivia this Tea along with oxygen are given to those people suffering from altitude sickness.

But BEWARE this Coca Plant contains alkaloids which when extracted chemically is the base for cocaine.  (The coca alkaloid content of coca tea is such that the consumption of one cup of coca tea can cause a positive result on a drug test for cocaine).  So don't drink it in excess. 


(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea)

Peruvian Vegetables

The Staple diet in Peru is Potatoes, Corn and meat.  As I don't eat meat I survived on Vegetables Empanadas, (which are pastries fried or baked) Corn and Potatoes.  Now look at the colour of the potatoes and corn...


Pisco Sour

I have been on holidays in South America and though I would share some of my food memories with you.

So what is Pisco?  It is a yellow coloured brandy from the wine making regions of Chile and
Peru.  The difference between Chilean and Peruvian Pisco Sour is that the Chilean version does not have any bitters.  Pisco sour originated in Lima Peru and is made from egg white, lime juice syrup and bitters...
Now that I am back in Melbourne I will have to go in search of some great Pisco Sour...






Sunday 31 January 2016

Chai Lassi Recipe

Chai Lassi


2 Cups Chilled Yogurt

2 Cups Cold Chai

Sugar to taste

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger

(Fruit to taste) Optional


Method:  Mix Yogurt and Chai in blender.  Add Cinnamon, Ginger and Sugar.  When Frothy pour in to glasses add fruit and cinnamon to garnish.

Chai mamma Artisan Teas



Its Not Just about Chai.... look out for my new blends Coconut, Cinnamon, English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Green Tea.  

Also Coming Australian Daintree Blends.... 

How To Make A Cup Of Tea






When Making a Cup of Tea its all in the Brewing... the longer you brew the stronger the taste so a minimum 3-5 mins.  Then add your milk and Sugar...


With tea leaves it should be a teaspoon for a cup.  Tea Balls are great for this.



Turmeric Milk Tea





Ingredients:  Soy Milk, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger and Honey.

Can also be made with Almond or Coconut Milk.

Sunday 17 January 2016

Drinking Tea Quote

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”


― Thích Nhất Hạnh

Monday 4 January 2016

Ideal Climate to grow tea


The ideal climatic conditions for growing tea are temperatures between 21c to 29c. i.e hot moist conditions.

Rain fall 150-250cm  minimum 127cm a year.
 Fertile land and no stagnation of water.

High Quality Tea plants are cultivated at high elevations.  The plants grow more slowly but are better quality.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea



Curry Leaves



Curry Leaves are native to South East Asia.  In Hindi it is called karee per  करी पेड़ and Sinhala කරපිංචා  karapincha.  What are Curry Leaves? They are a herb that yes do smell of Curry.  We normally chop them up and put them in to curries along with Onions, garlic and curry powders.

Curry leaves do have some great benefits... for instance did you know that Curry leaves are a rich source of iron and folic acid?  It also relieves indigestion, diahorrea and keeps your hair and skin looking healthy.  It is said it can help prevent greying hair.. try rubbing the juice in to your hair.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree

Mint



Mint was used by the Ancient Greeks to relieve pain.  Mint can also help aide indigestion and irritable bowel symptoms such as cramps and gas.


Just add mint leaves to boiling water or even to black or green tea.  As I get older I prefer to experiment with natural remedies.