Saffron

Saffron is an ancient spice derived from the saffron crocus.  The saffron crocus grows 8-12 inches and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas.  The styles and stigmas are collected and dried as a seasoning and coloring in food. 

All saffron is not of the same quality and strength.  Strength is related to the amount of style picked along with the red stigma.  The more style included means the saffron has less strength because the color and flavor are concentrated in the red stigmas.

Saffron’s aroma is often described as a metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes.  Its taste has also been noted as hay-like and sweet.  Saffron adds a luminous yellow-orange coloring to foods.  It is widely used in Indian, Persian, European, Arab and Turkish cuisines.

While saffron may be the world’s most expensive spice, fortunately a little goes a long way.  Delicious saffron recipes may help boost your mood, including the following Saffron Rice recipe:

Ingredients

·         2 3/4 cups warm chicken stock

·         1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

·         2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

·         1/4 cup chopped onions

·         3/4 cup Arborio rice, rinsed

·         Salt and pepper

·         2 tablespoons butter

·         1 teaspoon cream

·         2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Directions

Heat the chicken stock and saffron on the stove. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil, cook the onion for 5 minutes or until tender, but not brown. Add the rice, stir to completely coat all the rice kernels. Add 1 cup of the hot stock, reduce the heat, and slowly cook allowing the stock to absorb slowly as it cooks. Add more stock as needed. You want the liquid to absorb and the rice to be perfectly al dente. Stir often with a wooden spoon.

When all the stock is absorbed and the rice perfect, quickly stir in the butter, cream, and cheese. Season and serve as an accompaniment, especially for braised lamb dishes.

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse

           Song of Solomon 4:14  Nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, With all the trees of frankincense, Myrrh and aloes, along with all the finest spices.
 

 

 

 

 

Holy Season of Lent +

Ash Wednesday marked the entrance of the Holy Season of Lent, which is a time of fasting and abstinence observed by traditional doctrine of Christian spirituality.  It is a 40-day season of devotion to one’s Christian faith that concludes with the Easter Vigil.

The 40 days represent the time that Jesus retreated into the desert and was tempted by Satan.  The purpose of Lent is preparation of believers for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and the recalling of events linked to the Passion of Christ which culminates in Easter – the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The number 40 has many Biblical references:  the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God (Ex 24:18); the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb (I Kings 19:8); God made it rain for forty days and forty nights in the days of Noah (Gen 7:4); the Hebrew people wandered forty years traveling to the Promised Land (Num 14:33); Jonah in his prophecy of judgment gave the city of Nineveh forty days to repent (Jon 3:4).  Also there is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for 40 hours in the tomb which led to the forty hours of total fast preceding the Easter celebration.

Pause during this Holy season to be reflective and thankful for the gift of life eternal.  There are three disciplines observed during Lent to increase joy and aid the soul in living the fullness of faith:

·         Fasting or self-denial

·         Increased prayer by attending worship and various devotions

·         Sacrificial giving of alms (charitable donations)

 

“O, remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us, and that soon; for we are come to great misery.  Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name; O, deliver us and be merciful unto our sins, for thy Name’s sake (Ps. 78-79)

Valentine’s Day Trivia

1.  What state produces the majority of America’s roses?  (California)

2.  What is the most popular way to say “Be Mine” – Flowers, Cards, or Candy?  (Candy)

3.  What Fruit is also known as the “love apple”?  (Tomato)

4.  What card company is the top seller of Valentine’s cards in America?  (Hallmark)

5.  What percentage of flowers bought on Valentine’s Day are bought by men?  (65%)

6.  Conversation hearts were first made by what company?  (Necco)

7.  What state has a town called Valentine?  (Nebraska)

8.  The giving of Valentines started during which century?  (17^th)

9.  In what year was Valentine’s Day declared an official holiday?  (1537)

10.  What does the word Valentine mean?  (Valor)

11.  How much does the average American spend on Valentine’s Day?  ($75)

12.  Cupid was the son of what Roman God?  (Venus)

 

                Most popular romance movies:

                Sleepless In Seattle                          Pretty Woman                  The Princess Bride

                Gone With the Wind                       Casablanca                        Love Actually

                Titanic                                                   Dirty Dancing                     Breakfast at Tiffany’s

 

“Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Simplify Your Closet

Is your closet harboring clothing that you haven’t worn in at least two years, but you’re planning on wearing it…eventually?

Are your clothes getting wrinkled due to lack of space?

Can you locate what to wear in under twenty minutes?

Do you claim to “have nothing to wear,” yet your closet is overflowing with clothes?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, then it’s time to organize your closet!!

Organize, Organize, Organize:

1.  Define your look – classic, trendy, dramatic, natural, romantic or creative.  Take a style quiz here.

2.  Decide what you wear on a day to day basis – jeans, leggings, suits, dresses.

3.  Eliminate items that haven’t been worn in the past six months; seasonal items in the past year.

4. Eliminate the one or two pieces that don’t mix with you defining look.

5. Keep items that play up your best assets and are always stylish.

6.  Eliminate multiples of every type of item (gloves, t-shirt, tennis shoes, etc.)

7.  Merchandise your clothing by category/color – pants, blouses, sweaters, skirts, dresses, etc.

8. Keep your shoes visible – keep the basic colors – brown, black, blue, red, white)

9.  Color co-ordinate your handbags

10.  Avoid double-hanging items – keep clothing easily visible.

Remember the three F’s – Fit/Flatter/Flexibility

 

Aquarius (Water Carrier) – Jan 20 – Feb 18th

The summation of me that very few people know and understand:

Very few people are privileged enough to be allowed into an Aquarius heart.  Don’t mess it up!

Aquarius is an idealist who believes in true love.

An Aquarius uses their brain more than any other zodiac sign, meaning they are very intelligent but can often over think things.

Some days an Aquarius wants to socialize with everyone, and other days they want to be isolated from everyone.

Quickest way to irritate an Aquarius: be close minded and make every situation about you.

An Aquarius always thinks logically, not emotionally.  Ask them a direct question and you’ll get a direct answer.

What you need to know about an Aquarius:  they never try to be someone they’re not.  They give great advice and make awesome friends.

Instead of getting angry or shouting, an Aquarius will hit you with the silent treatment.  Aquarius always feels misunderstood.

Aquarius woman:  she lets you be you.  She will love you just the way you are….

                                                                HAPPY BIRTHDAY PENELOPE!!!!