New Year's Eve and some traditions from around the world

New Year's Eve Is Just Around The Corner. It's Time To Celebrate The Start Of A New Year. Some People Feel New Year Brings Good Luck And Some Pray For Prosperity,

And almost everywhere in the world people stay late to see the old year out and the new year in with bells ringing, horns tooting, whistles blowing, sirens shrieking, people laughing, cheers and singing.

Here is the New Year traditions around the World for you to explore the different customs.

Italy: eating seafood before midnight supposed to mean good luck and plenty to eat. Wearing red underwear for good luck in love.

South America, Spain, and all Hispanics countries: eatting 12 grapes right at midnight, one for each strike of the clock and to symbolize the twelve months of the year.

Denmark: Throwing broken plates at your friends' homes is a symbol of friendship, jumping off of chairs at midnight to leap into the new year, believing this will bring luck.

The good old USA:Kissing someone you love at midnight will bring good luck.

Southern U.S.: eating black eyes pea, bring good luck for the coming year

Austria: they eat suckling pig. The pig symbolizes good luck.

Belgium: At midnight everyone kisses, exchanges good luck greetings, and drinks toasts

Belgium farmers wish their animals a Happy New Year for blessings.

Chinese New Year: Chinese people believe that evil spirits dislike loud noises so they decorate their houses with plastic firecrackers. The loud noises are intended to frighten away evil spirits and bad luck that the spirits might bring. Lucky money is given out in red envelopes with the family name and good-luck message written on them in gold. They are given on New Year by relatives, but, only to the unmarried as well as the children of the family.

German New Year: In Germany people would drop molten lead into cold water and try to tell the future from the shape it made. A heart or ring shape meant a wedding, a ship a journey, and a pig plenty of food in the year ahead.

Korean New Year: New Year's Eve: People place straw scooper, rakes or sieves on their doors and walls to protect their families from evil spirit sin the new year.

Japanese New Year: To keep out evil spirits, they hang a rope of straw across the front of their houses, which stands for happiness and good luck.

Greece: Special New Year bread is baked by all the family members. A coin is buried in the dough which is considered very auspicious.

In Columbia, Cuba and Puerto Rico, Dominican Rep. families stuff a life-size male doll with things and then they dress it up in old clothes from each family member. At the stroke of midnight, this 'Mr. Old Year' is set on fire. This is done with the simple belief that a doll thus stuffed have bad memories or sadness associated with them, and that the burning of these will help one to do away with all past grief's and usher in happiness in life with the coming year.

In Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico, those with hopes of traveling in the New Year carry a suitcase around the house at midnight. Some even carry it around the block to ensure traveling at greater distances.

Jewish New Year

The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when Jews recall the things they have done wrong in the past, and then promise to do better in the future. Special services are held in the synagogues, children are given new clothes and New Year loaves are baked to remind people of harvest time.

American resolutions

40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year. And these ranges from debt reduction to giving up bad habits to what not? But the ones that are the most common deal with weight loss to exercise to giving up smoking.

Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle

Decorate with children in mind

Top Safety TipsIf you decorate a tree, avoid these top decorating mistakes: Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches where small children can reach them.Natural trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree within three feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.Never leave a lit tree or other decorative lighting display unattendedInspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not run an electrical cord under a rug.Do not burn tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in a home fireplace. Mistletoe berries, Holly Berry and Jerusalem Cherry can be poisonous. If they are used in decorating, make sure children and pets cannot reach it.Artificial snow can be harmful if inhaled, so use it in a well-vented space.Keep alcohol, including baking extracts, out of reach and do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended.In a poison emergency, call the national Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are named for the papal gardens of Cantaloupe, Italy, where some historians say this species of melon was first grown.

Cantaloupe with its refreshingly rich flavor and odour and minimum number of calories, is the most popular form of melon. Cantaloupe is also referred to as a netted melon because it has a ribless rind with a distinctive netted skin. It has evolved as an excellent source of vitamin C.

One cup of cantaloupe contains 112.5% of the daily value for this well-known antioxidant. Cantaloupe has antioxidants that help us fight heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, aging, etc. Cantaloupe is also a very good source of potassium, vitamin B6, dietary fiber and niacin (vitamin B3)

The combination of all these B complex vitamins along with the fiber found in cantaloupe make it an exceptionally good fruit for supporting energy production through good carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar stability. Cantaloupe is fat and cholesterol free, and is a good source of Folate.

Healthy Cantaloupe Recipe

Cantaloupe Ice Popsicle

Ingredients:

• 1 small Cantaloupe
• 1/3 cup Honey
• 1 tsp. Fresh mint leaves
• 1 Lemon

Cut the cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds and peel. Puree the flesh in a food processor together with the honey. Add the finely chopped mint leaves. Squeeze the lemon and add its juice to taste. Pour the mixture into the Popsicle molds and leave in the freezer for 1 hour or until they begin to set. Arrange the Popsicle sticks in the middle and put back in the refrigerator until completely frozen. Alternatively, you can add some low fat yogurt or milk to the mixture for a more creamy texture.

Pineapple is one of those foods that is heaven to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar.

In addition to being a delicious food, there are many health benefits of pineapple.

Pineapple Strengthens Bones

One of the benefits of pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people

Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs

While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.



PINEAPPLES: NATURE'S HEALING FRUIT
Want to give your body a boost in health and healing?
Then you may want to add some fresh pineapple and pineapple juice to your diet.
This delightful tropical fruit is high in the enzyme bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C, both of which plays a major role in the body's healing process.
Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that has many health benefits and encourages healing. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. This powerful anti-inflammatory effect can also help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and reduce postoperative swelling. Additionally, the bromelain contained in fresh pineapple can relieve indigestion. This enzyme helps break down the amino acid bonds in proteins, which promotes good digestion.
Pineapples provide an ample supply of vitamin C too, a commonly known antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the immune system.
TIP TO BUY PINEAPPLES
When choosing a fresh pineapple, do not judge ripeness solely based upon color. There are several varieties on the market that range from green to golden yellow. The most important factor in determining ripeness is smell, let your nose help you decide. Ripe pineapples give off a sweet, fresh tropical smell. Avoid pineapples that give off an unpleasant odor or have any soft spots or areas of dark discoloration. Once home, let the pineapple sit on your counter at room temperature until ready to use. This will preserve its sweet and tangy flavor.
Tropical Fruit Smoothie
__________________________________________1 frozen banana
1 cup fresh pineapple
3/4 cup soy milk (FOR COLESTEROL FREE) but if you prefer used 2% regular milk
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Blend all of the above ingredients in a food processor or blender for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Makes about 2-3/4 cups (2 servings)

GOOD SEASON FOR TOMATOES

I love to share this information

According to the National Cancer Institute, there is now enough data to show that people who consume large amounts of tomatoes and tomato products have a significantly decreased risk for prostate, lung, and stomach cancer. There is some evidence that people who consume a lot of tomatoes may also have a lower risk of pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers.

...And for those with heart problems

The tomato help to dissolve animal fat in foods such as in butter, cheese, eggs, pork, beef, and many deep-fried foods, thereby preventing hardening of the arteries.
Tomato is also useful in reducing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases and stroke.
Lycopene, present in abundance in red tomatoes, is a potent antioxidant. Recent research has demonstrated that lycopene is at least twice as effective as b-carotene in protecting blood lymphocytes from NO2 radical damage.

Potassium is very important for the kidneys. Potassium was found to reduce high blood pressure. One jumbo tomato (approximately 3 inches in diameter and weighing about 7 oz.) contains nearly 450 mg. of potassium.

Its good to know

Tomatoes contain lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and other nutrients. Their claim to fame includes everything from lowering blood pressure to boosting immune function. So what better way to be healthy than by making homemade tomato juice? Try a spicy tomato cocktail or how about a hot tomato drink?

Other facts about tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes juice boosts sugar formation in the blood, acting as an excellent natural energizer when feeling exhausted

1. Contains antitoxin elements, protecting the liver and stimulating its activity. 
2. Fights negative effects of increased fat intake, otherwise rapidly absorbed by the body
3. Is an excellent remedy against sunburn: tomato slices applied on burned skin for 15 minutes decrease inflammation and accelerate regeneration; lycopene protects skin against bad UVs, reducing the risk of sunburn

What have in common tomato, watermelon and pink grapefruit? Yes, all are healthy and taste good, but, more then this, all are red. Responsible for this red color is Lycopene, a carotenoid that seems to be a valuable compound for a healthy diet. Tomato contains, per gram, more lycopene then any other vegetable or fruit.

You may also want to know that:
Tomato gives you as much as 10% of daily dose of Vitamin A,13% of Vitamin C,1% of Iron and 1% Calcium.

For those of us who garden and grow tomatoes, there often comes a point in the summer tomato growing season in which the bounty greatly exceeds one's ability to consume it, in its regular tomato form. If you find yourself in this position, and you love tomato juice, V8, Bloody or Virgin Marys, I highly recommend making your own tomato juice. My dad announced the other day that he was going to make some tomato juice and I thought nothing of it. But after one taste, wow. This is how V8 should taste

Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe

Some tomatoes are sweeter than others, depending on their ripeness and the variety of tomato. Use the ripest tomatoes you can. Added sugar will balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, use more or less to taste. Tabasco hot sauce is also to taste, depending on your desired level of spiciness.

What to do with the leftover tomato pulp? Try frying it up with some eggs for a tasty scramble.YUMMMMMM

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds very ripe garden tomatoes, cored, roughly chopped
• 1 1/4 cups chopped celery with leaves
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pinch black pepper
• A couple shakes of Tabasco sauce, about 6-8 drops (to taste)
  
  

  METHOD

  1Put all ingredients into a large non-reactive pot (use stainless steel, not aluminum). Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until mixture is completely soupy, about 25 minutes.

  2Force mixture through a sieve, chinoise, or food mill. Cool completely.

  Store covered and chilled. Will lasts for about 1 week in the refrigerator.

  Makes about 1 quart.

"THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT QUICHE"

Since I'm in the mood for cooking (always in The winter seasons)
here is another recipe I love " There Is Something About Quiche" 
Its full of flavors and makes a great meal anytime.
Serve with smoked salmon and fruit for brunch, or with a salad for supper.
I also eat it with fruit for breakfast'

 

Mushroom and Fontina Quiche

Ingredients 

• 1 refrigerated pie crust (half of 15-ounce package)
• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 2/3 cup chopped shallots (about 3 medium)
• 5 cups sliced assorted mushrooms (such as chanterelle, stemmed shiitake, oyster, crimini, and button; 12 to 14 ounces), large mushrooms halved
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups (packed) coarsely grated Fontina cheese (about 7 ounces), divided

Preparation 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Unroll crust completely. Press firmly onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter deep-dish glass pie dish. Bake until light golden brown, pressing on sides of crust with back of spoon if crust begins to slide down sides of dish, about 17 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sauté until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté until mushrooms are tender and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate; spread out to cool slightly.

Whisk eggs, half and half, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg in large bowl to blend. Stir in 1 cup Fontina cheese and sautéed mushrooms. Pour filling into crust. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over quiche.

Bake quiche until puffed, golden brown, and just set in center, about 45 minutes. Cool 30 minutes. Cut into wedges.

 

 

I love pumpkin! How about you?

So when I saw this recipe I jumped on the hay ride
I'm seriously cannot wait for the weather to get cold so I can enjoy some pumpkin cooking.
I have some pumpkin  recipes,  ...and here I go straight to the cooking board.  Let me start with the soup, its so wonderful to come home to a hearty hot bowl of soup specially when the weather out side is direful.    

Black beans and pumpkin soup MMMMMMMMM!

Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tsp cumin seed
2 cups vegetable broth, or fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
15 oz pumpkin
1/4 tsp cilantro, finely chopped
1 ancho pepper
1 cup water

Cooking Directions:

Heat ancho pepper in dry skillet over medium heat until softened; remove chili and discard veins and seeds. Add cumin seeds to skillet; cook until toasted, about 30 seconds (watch carefully and do not burn). Process ancho chili, cumin seeds, black beans, onions, garlic, broth, and water at high speed in blender until smooth. Transfer bean mixture to saucepan; stir in pumpkin and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 5 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls; sprinkle with cilantro. This soup can also be served chilled. You can make this soup 2-3 days in advance; it can be frozen up to 2 months. Courtesy American Dry Bean Board.
try it and let me know the results


If that one do not push the taste but How about his one?

Pumpkin with Oregano Tomatoes Oh yeah! 

Ingredients: 1-1/2 lb pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 in. cubes 1/2 tsp oregano, or 2 tsp fresh, chopped 1/8 tsp white pepper 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes 1/3 cup water or chicken stock 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed Cooking Directions: Heat oil in a heavy nonstick pan over medium high heat. Add garlic and onions and reduce heat to medium. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion begins to turn golden. Stir in remaining ingredients and salt to taste. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cover pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally or until pumpkin is tender.

BE THE LIGHT

By your shining example.

Seek only Godliness. Speak only in truthfulness. Act only in love.

Live the Law of Love now and forevermore. Give everything, require nothing.

Avoid the mundane. Do not accept the unacceptable.

Teach all who seek to learn of Me.

Make every moment of your life an outpouring of love.

Use every moment to think the highest thought,

say the highest word, do the highest deed.

In this, glorify your Holy Self, and thus, too, glorify Me.

Bring peace to the Earth by bringing peace to all those whose lives you touch.

Be peace.

Feel and express in every moment your Divine Connection with the All, and with every person, place, and thing.

Embrace every circumstance, own every fault, share every joy,

contemplate every mystery, walk in every man's shoes,

forgive every offense (including your own), heal every heart,

honor every person's truth, adore every person's God,

protect every person's rights, preserve every person's dignity,

promote every person's interests, provide every person's needs,

presume every person's holiness, present every person's greatest gifts,

produce every person's blessing,

and pronounce every person's future secure in the assured love of God.

Be a living, breathing example of the Highest Truth that resides within you.

Speak humbly of yourself, lest someone mistake your Highest Truth for a boast.

Speak softly, lest someone think you are merely calling for attention.

Speak gently, that all might know of Love.

Speak openly, lest anyone think you have something to hide.

Speak candidly, so you cannot be mistaken. Speak often, so that your word may truly go forth.

Speak respectfully, that no one be dishonored. Speak lovingly, that every syllable may heal.

Speak of Me with every utterance.