tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46890884150627393312024-03-13T15:31:51.628-04:00Carol's Sweet ThoughtsRecipes, inspiration, ideas all covered in chocolate.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-59190139653680966112009-05-27T11:51:00.005-04:002009-05-27T12:24:07.132-04:00The Trials and Tribulations Out Of The Kitchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/suzi860/RenovationsInProgresspardonourdust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 329px;" src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/suzi860/RenovationsInProgresspardonourdust.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have been missing in action for a while...and feeling 'half-baked'.<br />From the very beginning I have dealt with ongoing issues regarding my webserver and developer. I have spent months negotiating and trying to come up with ways to remedy this. I suppose ever the optimist, things have a way of taking care of themselves...the server went under and took everything (my site) with them.<br /><br />I am now in the process of setting up a new webpage, in the meantime Carol's Candies is still fully operational.<br /><br />Please go to :<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/candybycarol">Carol's Candies Myspace</a><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >Or call: </span><strong style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">631-806-9753 to place an order<br /><br /></strong><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/suzi860/carolscandy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 444px; height: 567px;" src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/suzi860/carolscandy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><strong style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><br /></strong>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-31245686953526288112009-04-21T12:13:00.003-04:002009-04-21T12:48:31.910-04:00Yom HashoahTonight begins Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.<br />And today I share this post with My Dear Friend.<br /><br />The full name of the day commemorating the victims of the Holocaust is "Yom Hashoah Ve-Hagevurah"--literally the "Day of (remembrance of) the Holocaust and the Heroism." It is marked on the 27th day in the month of Nisan--a week after the seventh day of Passover, and a week before Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers). <br /><br />Since the early 1960s, the sound of a siren on Yom Hashoah stops traffic and pedestrians throughout the State of Israel for two minutes of silent devotion. The siren blows at sundown and once again at 11:00 A.M. on this date. All radio and television programs during this day are connected in one way or another with the Jewish destiny in World War II, including personal interviews with survivors. Even the musical programs are adapted to the atmosphere of Yom Hashoah. There is no public entertainment on Yom Hashoah, as theaters, cinemas, pubs, and other public venues are closed throughout Israel.<br /><br />My family lights six candles to remember the six million.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yom Ha Shoah</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fuld5dkHeDw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fuld5dkHeDw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yom Hashoah</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F4GpNvwmrxI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F4GpNvwmrxI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Some Wonderful Holocaust Links:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.yadvashem.org/" target="_blank">Yad Vashem: The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ushmm.org/" target="_blank">United States Holocaust Memorial Museum</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.annefrank.com/" target="_blank">Anne Frank Online</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://gfh.org.il/eng/" target="_blank">Ghetto Fighters' House</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amcha.org/indexEn.htm" target="_blank">Amcha: Israeli Institute for Holocaust Survivors and the Second Generation</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.motl.org/" target="_blank">March of the Living</a><br /><br /><a href="http://history1900s.about.com/library/holocaust/blholocaust.htm" target="_blank">About The Holocaust</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.holocaust-trc.org/" target="_blank">Holocaust Education Center</a><br /><br /><a href="http://fcit.usf.edu/Holocaust//" target="_blank">Holocaust Guide</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36686573@N08/sets/72157615683101579/show/">Then and Now Slideshow</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Today's News</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YyWUEcuuRPI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YyWUEcuuRPI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-90005739140846222692009-03-08T07:34:00.003-04:002009-05-27T12:51:23.147-04:00Starve a Cold & Feed a Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/Sb0h3osp5PI/AAAAAAAABJ0/G4ASiUUqQ8I/s1600-h/chicken_soup_laugh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/Sb0h3osp5PI/AAAAAAAABJ0/G4ASiUUqQ8I/s320/chicken_soup_laugh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313440375068288242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:lucida grande;" >What a month it's been...My house (& me in particular) got hit with a good dose of the flu which is funny in hindsight because this is the first year I got the flu shot! Which brings me to my point..The one thing I can never get straight is that old expression we've all heard, you know...Starve a Cold and Feed a Fever or is it Starve a Fever and Feed a Cold...I can never quite get it right but that could just be because I love to eat and the idea of starving does not sit well with me. So having been hit with a really bad flu season in my house (not to mention me personally) I have gathered together some of my favorite sick (& well) recipes:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br /><br />Mommy's Chicken Soup (my kids can't get enough of this) </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" ><br />Ingredients:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 whole (3-4 pounds) chicken (any fresh chicken will do)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 medium turnip quartered</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 3 ribs of celery with leaves halved</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 12 parsley stems</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 2 large carrots quartered</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 2 large onions quartered</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * Kosher or coarse salt</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * Salt and pepper to taste</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Clean the chicken and discard giblets or any other presents you've been given in the cavity. Salt the entire chicken inside and out liberally with kosher or coarse salt . Let the chicken stand for 35 minutes.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Wash salt from chicken and place in a medium to large stockpot. Cover chicken with turnip, celery, parsley, carrots, onions.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Cover with 4 or 5 quarts of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >then immediately reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer for 1-1/2 to 2</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >hours, occasionally skimming the foam from the top.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Remove the chicken to a large platter when it is still firm and not falling apart. Remove the meat from the chicken and save for the soup and chicken salad . Then take the bones and return them to the pot and simmer for one more hour.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Strain the soup</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >into a large bowl and discard everything in the strainer keeping the carrots and celery to add back to the soup later if you like. Refrigerate</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >long enough to allow hardened fat to form on surface, then simply</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >remove the fat. Bring back up to heat with salt and pepper to taste.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Hint: You can add more vegetables at this point or start the process again with another chicken for a really rich broth.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Toast is another comfort food when I'm sick and while you can get creative with the toppings some of my favorite toasts are "french" :-) Here are some of those recipes as well...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br />French Toast </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 4 eggs</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 teaspoon sugar, optional</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 teaspoon salt</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 cup milk</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 10 to 12 slices white bread</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * butter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * maple syrup or other syrup</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Break eggs into a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate; beat lightly with a fork. Stir in sugar, salt, and milk.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Over medium-low heat, heat griddle or skillet coated with a thin layer of butter or margarine.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Place the bread slices, one at a time, into the bowl or plate, letting</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >slices soak up egg mixture for a few seconds, then carefully turn to</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >coat the other side. Soak/coat only as many slices as you will be</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >cooking at one time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Transfer bread slices to griddle or skillet, heating slowly until</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >bottom is golden brown. Turn and brown the other side. Serve French</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >toast hot with butter and syrup.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >..Cinnamon French Toast </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Ingredients</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Salted butter</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Sourdough bread slices</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Vietnamese cinnamon (sometimes called Saigon cinnamon)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > Sugar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Preheat the oven broiler. Microwave the butter on High (100 percent</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >power) just long enough to soften, but not melt; a stick takes 15 to 20</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >seconds. Smear the butter on one side of each piece of bread; you need</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >only a thin coating, or alternating thin-thick dabs.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Dust with cinnamon, preferably in a mottled pattern, rather than</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >evenly. Finish by layering the sugar on top, about ½ to 1 tablespoon,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >depending on the size of the bread slice. Place under the hot broiler.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Remove when the tops are sizzling and the edges of the crust are one</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >step away from burning. Serve with hot chocolate.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />For the kids, big and little....<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">French Toast Sticks</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Ingredients:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 3 eggs</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 3/4 cup milk</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 teaspoon vanilla</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 1 tablespoon butter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * 4 slices bread, each cut, lengthwise, into 4 pieces</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * Sugar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * Cinnamon</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" > * Maple syrup</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >Melt butter in skillet. Mix eggs, milk and vanilla in bowl. Beat well,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;" >soak slices of bread. Brown the soaked bread in skillet. Sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon and serve with maple syrup.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/Sb0iyVL9rII/AAAAAAAABJ8/hF2vSObKBQY/s1600-h/ist2_6148437-i-love-healthy-eating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/Sb0iyVL9rII/AAAAAAAABJ8/hF2vSObKBQY/s320/ist2_6148437-i-love-healthy-eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313441383443180674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 255);">Enjoy and stay well!!! I know I plan on it...</span></span></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-38195027434077812352009-02-07T08:29:00.012-05:002009-05-27T12:54:08.070-04:00The High Of Low Tech<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Nostalgia is creeping in...happens to me every winter. Some people get cabin-fever, I get these flashbacks from scenes of the 60's and 70's. I think it has to do with remembering snowy winters, hot chocolate and mini marshmallows and commercials that weren't high tech.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >So I give to you low tech:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Almond Joy</span><br /><object height="344" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CjVKUap1HgU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CjVKUap1HgU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Cracker Jacks</span></span></span><br /><object height="344" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mwq_x9QsLzg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mwq_x9QsLzg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SY2gL3BBACI/AAAAAAAABIo/GSGVQnwsR7g/s1600-h/gumrazzles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SY2gL3BBACI/AAAAAAAABIo/GSGVQnwsR7g/s320/gumrazzles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300068462092156962" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">It's A Gum...No It's A Candy!!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SY2gld8TjDI/AAAAAAAABIw/fYwAJx7tpIY/s1600-h/VENT05.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 297px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SY2gld8TjDI/AAAAAAAABIw/fYwAJx7tpIY/s320/VENT05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300068902038113330" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Who didn't love Farfel The Dog?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">N-E-S-T-L-E-S</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Nestles makes the very best...</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102); font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Lifesavers</span></span></span><br /></div><object style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);" height="344" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mhxgZ6x0h78&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mhxgZ6x0h78&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102); font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Toostie Pops</span></span><br /><object style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZ0epRjfGLw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZ0epRjfGLw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><span style="font-size:130%;">And finally a jingle I still can't get out of my head!</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/268/pix2827629524lo7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 187px;" src="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/268/pix2827629524lo7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Once upon a time there was an engineer</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Choo Choo Charlie was his name, we hear.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >He had an engine and he sure had fun</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >He used Good & Plenty candy to make his train run.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Charlie says "Love my Good & Plenty!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Charlie says "Really rings my bell!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Charlie says "Love my Good & Plenty!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Don't know any other candy that I love so well! </span></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-2565876843207327872009-02-02T12:56:00.009-05:002009-05-27T14:55:21.699-04:00Living La Vida Cocoa<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:georgia;" >The Good Life, The Sweet Smell Of Chocolate</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 204);font-family:georgia;" >(<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">guilt free indulgences</span>)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thescentedlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/p222803_hero.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3537/chocolovers0459404yn1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 399px;" src="http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3537/chocolovers0459404yn1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Aquolina started with </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5770">Pink Sugar</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">, a wonderfully sinful vanilla perfume. I had my doubts when they came out with </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5770&contentId=C14484">Chocolovers</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">. Well I couldn't have been more wrong. This is subtle and sexy, hints of chocolate, patchouli, orange and vanilla.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5498/hersheysms9799311.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 294px;" src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5498/hersheysms9799311.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">By </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.demeterfragrance.com/">Demeter</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> A whole line of home, bath and body fragrances inspired by fabulous candy scents!! And the prices are just great. There's all kinds of specials on the site.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4262/yhst7413525517973620486.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 204px;" src="http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4262/yhst7413525517973620486.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">From </span></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.themerrychocoholic.com/index.html">The Merry Chocoholic</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> facial products, home products, she is a chocoholics heaven!! Don't forget her to check out all her categories, this store has it all...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fetosoap.com/shop/images/chocomint.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 326px;" src="http://fetosoap.com/shop/images/chocomint.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Chocolate Mint Soap, Chocolate Cupcake Soap, Bonbons and Pudding, Oh My!! </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://fetosoap.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index">Feto Soap</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> is good clean fun!! Trust me, these definitely look good enough to eat!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hardcandy.com/img/product/big/220.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 230px;" src="http://www.hardcandy.com/img/product/big/220.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">What can you say about a company that calls themselves </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.hardcandy.com/">Hard Candy</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> ? You know you just look delicious wearing makeup by made by them!! This stuff is great, and the selection is wonderful.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.southernercandle.com/i/hersheys/main.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 275px;" src="http://www.southernercandle.com/i/hersheys/main.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">You know that commercial where the woman pretends she has been baking all day? Well, here's your chance to make the house reflect your personality!! </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.southernercandle.com/index.html">Southerner Candles</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> has some of the best scents I have seen anywhere, & their packaging is fabulous!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3329/pajamagram2056107780970.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3329/pajamagram2056107780970.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">From </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.pajamagram.com/">Pajama Gram</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">... Just in time for Valentines day!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2009/yhst2238462923221320473.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2009/yhst2238462923221320473.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">The Kama Sutra Chocolate Lovers Paintbox From </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.bridesvillage.com/">Brides Village</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">. Valentine, Anytime?</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thehappywomanstore.com/img/prodb/choccalculator.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 175px;" src="http://www.thehappywomanstore.com/img/prodb/choccalculator.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">A solar powered calculator that looks like a bar of chocolate, smells like a bar of chocolate! Sort of makes balancing the checkbook less tiresome... From </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.thehappywomanstore.com/">The Happy Woman</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 153);"> And finally</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.twinkleandwhimsy.com/ProductImages/sonomalavender/chocolateneckpillowbothsidesx400.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 289px;" src="http://www.twinkleandwhimsy.com/ProductImages/sonomalavender/chocolateneckpillowbothsidesx400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">After all this reading, and all the shopping...what better way to soothe away the stress than a </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);" href="http://www.twinkleandwhimsy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=348">Chocolate Spa Neck Pillow</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">? The warm moist heat feels amazing, the subtle fragrance is relaxing, and you feel like you've just indulged without even feeling guilty!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);font-size:130%;" >Happy Shopping, and of Course, Happy Valentines day!!</span><br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-78280288224747392402009-01-25T11:05:00.003-05:002009-02-02T21:04:53.529-05:00Valentine's Day Slideshow<embed src="http://flash.picturetrail.com/pflicks/3/spflick.swf" quality="high" flashvars="ql=2&src1=http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL290/8939969/flicks/1/6516773" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#000000" name="spiral" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" style="height: 350px; width: 460px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" width="460" height="350"></embed><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Valentines Day is almost upon us...Diamonds may be a girls best friend, but CHOCOLATE is the universal word for AHAVA (LOVE)!! So I suggest, spread some chocolate lovin' around today!</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SYChnGyL40I/AAAAAAAAAhM/4aEKfo2KLaU/s1600-h/Love.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 170px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9kYN6R8-f8/SYChnGyL40I/AAAAAAAAAhM/4aEKfo2KLaU/s400/Love.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296410854995780418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="visibility: visible;"><br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-45672463695635762952009-01-24T09:56:00.003-05:002009-02-02T21:06:02.318-05:00Making The World A Kinder Gentler Place<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2488/chocolateworld1531687fp0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 285px;" src="http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2488/chocolateworld1531687fp0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >My theory is world peace could probably be accomplished if we just sat down with a nice big box of chocolates!</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >So here's my contribution to making the world a kinder Gentler place:</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><br /><br />Crockpot Chocolate Cake</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Nothing could be simpler for the working Mom/Dad, I love this because there is no sitting and timing involved.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />Ingredients</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 pkg. chocolate cake mix</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >4 eggs</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 cup water</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >2 cups sour cream</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >3/4 cup vegetable oil</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 cup dark chocolate chips</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Directions: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > Combine cake and pudding mixes in a large bowl.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >In a separate bowl, beat eggs and water. Add sour cream and oil and continue to beat until smooth.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Pour into a Crockpot coated with vegetable spray. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Makes 8-10 individual servings, which can be topped with whipped cream and strawberry sauce.</span><br /><br /><br /><img style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />Chocolate Pudding Cake</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 package chocolate cake mix</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 large package (6 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 cup water</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1/4 cup oil</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >4 eggs</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 container chocolate frosting</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >pink and red sprinkles</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, and eggs. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 2 minutes. Grease (take butter and smear it over the bottom and sides of the pan) and flour (put about 1/4 cup of flour in the pan after you've greased it and shake it around, covering the bottom and sides completely) a 9 x 13-inch pan. Pour the mixture into the pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until cake tests done (put a toothpick in the center and when it comes out without anything on it, it's done). Allow to cool for 30 minutes to an hour and then frost with the chocolate frosting. Shake the red and pink sprinkles evenly over the top of the cake for added Valentine's Day decoration.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><br /><br />Fudge Cookies</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >2 cups white sugar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1/2 cup butter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1 square semi-sweet chocolate</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1/2 cup milk</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >3 cups oatmeal</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1/2 cup pecans</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >1/2 cup shredded coconut</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, butter, chocolate, and milk. Stir almost constantly. When mixture starts to boil around the edges, start to stir it constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for one minute. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the oatmeal, pecans and coconut. Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets covered in waxed paper. For an added Valentine's Day touch, put a candy heart on top of each one. Put in the refrigerator to set until hardened (overnight works best). Be sure to store them in the refrigerator.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><br /><br />One to do with the kids...</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Valentine Fluff</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" >1 can cherry pie filling<br />1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk<br />1 small can crushed pineapple, drained<br />1 (12 oz.) container Cool Whip<br />Pecans (if desired)<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together and chill (Both You & The Fluff, tell the kids to go & play)<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake Recipe</span><br /><br />Crust:<br />1 1/2 c. chocolate cookie crumbs<br />1/3 c. margarine or butter, melted<br /><br />Cake:<br /><br />1/2 c. raspberry preserves<br />1/4 c. water<br />4 8oz. packages of cream cheese<br />1 1/4 c. granulated sugar<br />1/2 c. sour cream<br />2T vanilla<br />5 eggs<br />4 oz white chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 475°F, fill a large pan with about 1/2 inch of water, and place into the oven while it preheats. Ideally this pan will be big enough to fit your springform (cheesecake) pan down inside.<br /><br />Combine raspberry preserves with water in medium bowl. Microwave for 1 1/2 min. on high. Stir until smooth. Strain with cheesecloth to remove seeds. Let strained preserves cool in the fridge.<br /><br />Mix cookie crumbs and butter in a bowl. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 in springform pan with parchment (or waxed) paper. Using the bottom of a drinking glass (or a large serving spoon) press the crumb mixture flat into the bottom of pan and about 2/3 of the way up the sides. Wrap a large piece of foil around the bottom of the pan to keep the cheesecake in the water bath.<br /><br />Combine cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. mix until smooth and creamy. Whisk eggs and add to cream cheese mixture. Mix until just blended.<br /><br />Sprinkle 4 oz white chocolate into bottom of crust (I usually put enough chips to get a solid layer). Pour 1/2 of cream cheese filling into crust. Drizzle raspberry preserves over entire surface of filling. Use a butter knife to swirl preserves into filling. Be careful not to cut into the crust, and don’t blend too much. You are trying to create ribbons of raspberry. Pour the other 1/2 of the filling into the crust over the raspberry preserves.<br /><br />Place cheesecake in water bath in preheated oven. Bake 12 min at 457° F then turn oven down to 350°. Bake 50-60 minutes or until the top of the cheesecake turns tan.<br /><br />When you take the cheesecake out, it will be puffed up high, and then collapse to about 1/2 the height. This is normal, don’t panic. <img src="http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/happy.gif" /><br /><br />Chill 4 hours before serving.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /><br /><br />Last But <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOT LEAST<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Kiss Me Quick Mousse<br /><br /></span></span><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" align="justify">36 Hershey's Kisses<br />1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows<br />1/3 cup milk<br />2 teaspoons cherry brandy liqueur<br />8 drops red food color<br />1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" align="justify">Remove wrappers from chocolate pieces. Combine marshmallows and milk in small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.<br /><br />Pour 1/3 cup marshmallow mixture into medium bowl; stir in brandy and food color, if desired. Set aside. To remaining marshmallow mixture, add 36 chocolate pieces; return to low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.<br /><br />Beat whipping cream in small bowl until stiff. Fold 1 cup whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Gradually fold remaining whipped cream into reserved mixture. Fill 4 parfait glasses about 3/4 full with chocolate mixture; spoon or pipe remaining mixture on top. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or until set.</p> <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" >Garnish with additional chocolate pieces or fresh strawberries, if desired.<br /><br />Makes 4 servings.<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" ><br /><img src="http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/lines/heart-border.png" /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" ><br />Have A Delicious Valentines Day!!<br />Please let me know how the recipes turn out if you try them!!</span><br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-17237717214446059812009-01-02T10:40:00.001-05:002009-02-02T21:07:23.017-05:00More Reasons To Eat Chocolate<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Fabulous News For A New Year My Dear Friends!!</span><br /><img src="http://jacorre.com/design/images/chocolate_candy.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >10 Reasons To Eat More Chocolate</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />You might think chocolate is sinful, but it's a lot better for you than you think. In fact, it has been used for hundreds of years by medical professionals to cure ailments such as tuberculosis, gout, fatigue, diarrhea, weak digestion, hemorrhoids, low virility, and shortness of breath.<br /><br />Recent nutritional research has identified many health benefits of chocolate. After reviewing these studies, I came up with the following ten reasons why you need to consume more chocolate.<br /><br />1. Reduces high blood pressure - flavonoids in cocoa (procyanids) help balance blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. Researchers from Germany's University Hospital of Cologne found that cocoa consumption lowered blood pressure by an average of 4.7/2.8 mm Hg. The New York Times reported that dark chocolate is almost as effective at lowering blood pressure as common antihypertensive drugs.<br /><br />2. Improves blood flow to brain - a University of Nottingham professor found that drinking cocoa drinks rich in flavanols improves blood flow to key areas of the brain for two to three hours. Flavanols in the cocoa drink are a key ingredient of dark chocolate. Professor Macdonald's study also suggested that cocoa flavanols in chocolate may enhance brain function to help fight sleep deprivation, fatigue, and the effects of ageing.<br /><br />3. Boosts mood - MSNBC reported that caffeine and other chemicals in dark chocolate can improve your mood and ease premenstrual symptoms. Mark's Daily Apple wrote that the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate has been found to trigger feelings similar to "falling in love."<br /><br />4. Prevents cell damage and 5. Improves blood sugar levels - Lisa C. Cohn, R.D., President of the Park Avenue Nutrition Spa in NYC, wrote that flavonoids in pure dark chocolate are responsible for these added benefits. Cohn said, "if you're going to indulge on Feb. 14 or any other day, go for the purest dark chocolate you can find. That's the kind loaded with flavonoids…"<br /><br />6. Reduces risk of heart attack - a researcher from the John Hopkins University School of Medicine said that eating a few squares of dark chocolate every day may reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack by almost 50%. The study found that blood platelets clotted slower in people who eat chocolate.<br /><br />7. Helps ease chronic fatigue syndrome - a study found that adults with chronic fatigue syndrome who eat 1.5 ounces of 85% cocoa dark chocolate were less fatigued after they eat chocolate.<br /><br />8. Raises HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol - a Penn State study found that diets high in cocoa powder and dark chocolate (with high flavonoid content) are related to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when compared with diets low in flavonoids such as tea, wine, coffee, and onions.<br /><br />9. Improves processing of blood sugar - an Italian study found that dark chocolate consumption increased the body's metabolism of blood sugar and may reduce the risk of diabetes.<br /><br />10. Eases a persistent cough - a UK study found that theobromine, a component in cocoa, may be more effective as a cough medicine than standard drug treatments. The research showed that "theobromine acts on the sensory nerve endings of the vagus nerve, which runs through the airways in the lungs to the brain."<br /><br />Many chocolates can be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. To maximize the health benefits of chocolate, avoid eating processed chocolate products that have refined sugar and milk fat.<br /><br />Instead, choose the purest dark chocolate you can find - the more raw and unprocessed, the higher the flavonoid content. The best dark chocolate to eat has at least 60% cocoa solids.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >Enjoy!!</span><br /></span>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-59249371915816961362008-12-27T16:08:00.005-05:002009-02-02T21:08:34.628-05:00Before I was a Mom<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.happynews.com/living/crafts/handprint-wreath-kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 184px;" src="http://www.happynews.com/living/crafts/handprint-wreath-kids.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:100%;" >I hope everyone's holidays were happy! I'd like to share with you a beautiful piece that reminds me how blessed I am to have five wonderful children.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >If you know the author of this, please share with me.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4 style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" align="center">Before I was a Mom<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I made and ate hot meals.<br /> I had unstained clothing.<br /> I had quiet conversations on the phone.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I slept as late as I wanted<br /> And never worried about how late I got into bed.<br /> I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I cleaned my house each day.<br /> I never tripped over toys or forgot the words to lullabies.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.<br /> I never thought about immunizations.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I had never been puked on<br /> Pooped on<br /> Spit on<br /> Chewed on<br /> Peed on<br /> Or pinched by tiny fingers.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I had complete control of my mind<br /> My thoughts<br /> My body<br /> And I slept all night and got plenty of rest.</h4><br /><h4 style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" align="center">Before I was a Mom<br /> I never held down a screaming child<br /> So that doctors could do tests or give shots.<br /> I never looked into teary eyes and cried.<br /> I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.<br /> I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.<br /> I never felt my heart break into a million pieces<br /> When I couldn't stop the hurt.<br /> I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.<br /> I never knew that I could love someone so much.<br /> I never knew what love at first sight really meant.<br /> I never knew I would love being a Mom.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.<br /> I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.<br /> I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.<br /> I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.<br /> <br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> I had never gotten up in the middle of the night<br /> Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.<br /> I had never known the warmth<br /> The joy<br /> The love<br /> The heartache<br /> The wonderment.<br /> I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much<br /> Before I was a Mom<br /> <br /></h4><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">~Author Uknown</span><br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689088415062739331.post-17052830915119384632008-12-15T16:22:00.004-05:002009-02-02T21:03:50.822-05:00My Chocolate Slide-Show<div style="visibility: visible;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></span></span><embed src="http://flash.picturetrail.com/pflicks/3/spflick.swf" quality="high" flashvars="ql=2&src1=http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL290/8939969/flicks/1/6517001" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#000000" name="stack" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" style="height: 350px; width: 430px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" width="430" height="350"></embed></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >A Slideshow of my candy creations.<br />Please visit <a href="http://www.myspace.com/candybycarol">Myspace</a> or my <a href="http://www.candybycarol.com/catalog/index.php">Webpage</a> if you would like to learn more about my products or order anything.</span><br /></div><p style="margin-top: 10px; height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/misc/counter.fcgi?link=%2FphotoFlick%2Fsamples%2Fpflicks.shtml&cID=924"></a></p></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864807294437292957noreply@blogger.com1