Category Archives: Delightful Treats

Breakfast in Bed

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We live in a world where items can be purchased online or in person and be enjoyed immediately, so this doesn’t leave a lot of room when it comes to gift giving. What do you do for a special person in your life, whether it’s your parents, spouse or a friend coming to visit? Consider a kind gesture instead. The act of giving of one’s self without the need for something in return is something the person you do it for will not soon forget.

One of the ways you can do something kind for someone, especially if they are in your home with you permanently or temporarily is to make them breakfast in bed. This shows you care for them and their needs while they are with you, and you want them to be as comfortable and feel as welcome as possible. You can make it a surprise or you can tell them in advance that they need not leave their room for breakfast time since it will be coming to them. Breakfast delivered can be as simple as a black coffee, orange juice and bowl of oatmeal or as fancy as a cappuccino, chocolate crepes and fresh fruit assortment-this is all about making the recipient feel valued.

Once they have placed their order, ask them what time would be best for them to receive their at-home room service and start gathering your supplies. To really make it special, use a large wooden serving tray with placemat covering and fabric napkin. Include a morning newspaper if they so desire and plate their food on a washable plate with silverware-no plastic forks or paper plates! For the final touch, add a handwritten note mentioning how much you appreciate them and the role they play in your life. At the end of their morning meal, they will hopefully be energized, ready for the day and grateful to have a wonderful person like you in their life. Never underestimate the impact of a kind gesture.

The Essentials: Creating Your Spice Cabinet

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Your culinary journey begins in your kitchen. The endless possibilities of foods are at your disposal with the right spices and knowledge. If you are just beginning to create your spice cabinet, there are thousands of spices to explore. However, becoming familiar with a handful of spices can go along way. Here are the top ten spices to begin with when creating your spice cabinet.

Basil

This herb is an excellent start to your spice rack or cabinet. Basil is perfect for helping to spruce up sauces or many Mediterranean cuisines. If you really want to get the full flavor of this excellent herb, you can also invest in fresh basil to keep in your refrigerator or grow your own.

Cayenne Pepper

This pepper is a Capsicum Annuum. It is typically grounded up into a fine powder to use to add spice to food. Try adding cayenne pepper to any dish you are looking to zest up the flavor.

Cilantro

Also known as Chinese parsley, this leafy herb is potent. It can give a distinct flavor to many dishes. Cilantro has a much bolder flavor than parsley. It is also great for bone and heart health, as well.

Cinnamon

Another spice you should have on hand is cinnamon. Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. It has been used in different cuisines for thousands of years while being a staple in many dessert dishes and pairs excellent with sugar. It also has many health benefits from anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and lowers blood sugar levels.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another great spice. It is rich in antioxidants and tastes great. Plus, it can be used in coffee or other dairy-based dishes. Typically, it is used in combination with cinnamon for holiday sweets.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is a very useful spice in the kitchen. Use this to help add the delectable flavor of onions evenly throughout an entire dish.

Oregano

Oregano is excellent to add to sauces or pizza. This herb strongly complements tomato-based dishes. It also is loaded with antioxidants and an excellent source of fiber.

Parsley

Parsley is a milder herb than cilantro. It can be used to accentuate Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisines. Parsley is mildly bitter yet helps lifts the natural flavors in your dish.

Rosemary

This is great for a wide variety of dishes from soups and salads or chicken and fish. Rosemary can help improve digestion and is very versatile. With its distinct lemon-pine flavor, it can easily brighten up any dish you make in the kitchen.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is essential for many baking recipes. It goes great with almost any dessert that you are looking to create. Help make a bland cake taste delicious with this powerful extract.

There are still hundreds of more spices to explore. These spices are great for kickstarting your spice cabinet and beginning your seasoning adventures. What are some of your favorite spices that we did not mention? Let us know below in the comment section!

How to Have the Perfect Tea Time

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Imagine enjoying the beautiful outdoors while slowly sipping on a fresh cup of tea that you made all by yourself. Not only did you brew this tea, but you lovingly filled the tea bag with your favorite herbal blend. Tea is the perfect treat for warm or cooler weather and has an immense amount of health benefits.

Why You Should Drink Tea:

  • Tea contains a high level of antioxidants which help us to look and feel young. Who does not want that?
  • Tea can promote healthy weight loss.
  • Tea is great for your smile. Drinking tea helps fight cavities and unwanted erosion (that is something to smile about).
  • Tea is great for when you are ill. Tea can help boost your immune system and help you to recover faster. Try adding in honey and lemon to your tea for extra benefits.
  • Tea has less caffeine than soda or coffee and a lot of times, it contains less sugar.

Supplies to Make and Brew Your Own Tea Bag:

  • Your absolute favorite loose leaf tea
  • 1 Coffee Filter
  • 1 Writing Utensil
  • 1 Pair of Scissors
  • 1 Needle
  • 1 Piece of Thread

Step One. Pick up your coffee filter and your writing utensil of choice. Now, draw a circle on the coffee filter.
Step Two. Take your needle and thread and begin to sew around the circle you just drew. You will need to leave 1/4 of the circle unthreaded (this is where you will insert your tea leaves).
Step Three. Grab your scissors and begin to cut out the threaded circle.
Step Four. Fill your teabag with your favorite loose leaf tea.
Step Five. After you have filled your tea bag, you will begin to sew the opening closed.
Step Six. Time to brew your tea. Place your teabag in a boiling cup of water and let it sit for about five minutes. If you want to make a pitcher of iced tea, make about ten teabags and let them steep in a pot of boiling water for five minutes. After they have time to steep, place your tea pitcher in the fridge and let it sit overnight. The next day you can pour your tea over a glass of ice and voila, you have delicious iced tea.
Step Seven: Sip and enjoy!

Personalized teabags are great gifts for friends and family members! Next time your loved one is sick, try making them a couple of personalized teabags. Your special touch will make the gift extremely meaningful.