First thing, and don’t let it scare you, is that the next time you roast a chicken you need to save a little of the chicken fat. That ingredient is also known as schmaltz, which you can make from scratch and keep on hand.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand, or if you decide against it, you can still bake this lovely breakfast bread. Just know that the chicken fat adds a certain “je ne sais quoi pas” that is fabulous. Know that it can add flavor to noodles and vegetables, too.
It will feed a family of 6, unless they are swept away by your wonderful home baking talents and gobble more than their fair share.
As with all recipes, you can substitute the fat that you feel best using, add the raisins or not, etc. but if you want the authentically delicious taste, stick with the recipe.
Yeast Raised -Approximate Cook Time
Prep time: 3 hours 30 min Cook time: 1 hour
Ready in: 4 hours 30 min Yields: 6 people
Ingredients
5 cups Flour, Sifted
1 Tbsp. Sugar
Small amount Water, heated
1 package Yeast
1 Tbsp. Chicken Fat, melted
1/2 lb. Butter
1/2 stick Margarine (or butter)
3/4 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
1 Rind of Lemon, grated
3-4 Egg Yolks
1/4 tsp. Vanilla
2 cups Golden Seedless Raisins
2 cups Warm Milk
Cinnamon and Sugar, Mixture
Place flour in a large bowl and make a hole in the middle.
Add yeast, sugar, and warm water in center to activate the yeast. Let stand 1/2 hour.
Cut up butter, margarine and add chicken schmaltz. Then add to flour mixture with the 3/4 cup sugar, salt, lemon rind, vanilla, egg yolks, and warm milk.
Knead until bubbles appear.
Let dough rest until it rises.
While waiting for dough to rise, soak raisins in some hot water for about an hour. Squeeze out water and then add to risen dough.
Then knead dough well. Allow dough to rest.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a large tube pan (angel food cake pan).
Divide dough into 2 pieces shaped into balls. Roll out each like thick pie dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and roll up tightly.
Twist each into a rope, braid together, then spiral into the angel food pan.
Allow to rise for final time in the pan, then bake for an hour at 350 degrees.
Oma’s Tube Pan Breakfast Coffee Cake
German cooking has a layover with Eastern European countries such as Hungary, and Czech Republic. Certain cooking techniques are common to many cuisines, thus this video will be a great guide.
Another Name For This Coffee Cake
German’s call this type of cake Kugelhoph
More eggs, less fat, and I love Oma’s helpful tips.
My grandmother’s recipe has more shortening and is a rolled dough, rather than a soft batter cake.
You may notice in some of the old recipes that the amount of eggs and fat can seem more than what you are used to. I think many of the changes came about when sugar was not so dear, and before the large amounts of egg and fat became frowned upon.
Speaking of fat, many older recipes called for lard, and until recently that was the preferred shortening for pie crust. It is still considered more a more flavorsome ingredient than vegetable fats.
When I was first cooking in the sixties and seventies, you find “Oleo” or margarine is widely called for. This is no longer considered a more healthy choice, and I haven’t bought margarine in years.
If you want a healthier diet the answer is probably to take much smaller portions of the carb-laden cakes and add fruits to bring out full flavor, make it more filling and satisfying. I am of the opinion that it isn’t cutting out desserts, but cutting down amounts that is the answer. Maybe that is a cop-out because I love them so much.
European Directions for Similar Coffee Cake
It is sometimes confusing when switching from European to English measures (and vice versa). Yet many solutions online make the process easier.
Using Bundt Pans for Coffee Cakes
Many coffee cakes are simply baked in square pans, but if you have a larger recipe like this one a bundt pan gives a much prettier presentation. In line with the original intent of serving a simple delicious sweet when company drops by, makes this pan a real boon to the baker.
While there are variations in form, most have a decorative shape with a central opening. This center circle is perfect for some flavored whipped cream! Or simply dust the finished, cooled cake with confectioners sugar.
Bundt forms have some beautiful curves for drizzles and glazes, too.
Don’t underestimate how this shape will add to the tempting look of your cake.
Fat In Your Diet
People who give you Hungarian recipes so often say, “It isn’t for dieters” or tell you it is unhealthy in some way. The recipes do traditionally incorporate plenty of dairy and fat, usually in the form of sour cream and butter. But also with nuts and eggs, etc.
The new nutritional information that is transforming what we know about healthy diets is that fat is no longer the bad guy.
Usually what we need to watch out for is the modern inclusion of antibiotic and hormones, along with other things that are so different from our grandmother’s food sources; things that cause inflammation in our bodies. Some fats are necessary and they certainly are a source of flavor that make the foods more satisfying to our appetite.
What are you going to do? Tailor your diet to your own health needs, and use the best nutritional information available.
I remember a special jar to save bacon drippings that was always in my mother’s and grandmother’s kitchen. I don’t do that, but I think the idea of using schmaltz might have a place in my cooking future. Jewish cooking often includes it. It is what makes the difference between plain old noodles and delicious noodles, for me.
From One Chocolate Lover To Another, My Favorite Chocolate Dessert Recipes
I freely admit to my love of chocolate, but I’m very picky about how I like that chocolate, especially in recipes. Not everyone agrees with me! I must have walnuts in my brownies and I like cake-like rather than fudgy, for example, but I do think you will appreciate many of these tested recipes which I have made many times over the years.
The one thing all these desserts have in common is the addition of rich chocolate flavor as the main ingredient. Do not only read, gaze and dream- bake and eat!
chocolate batter on mixer beaters
The Velvety Richness of Real Chocolate
Rich dark chocolate cake and fudge icing, easy brownies full of cocoa flavor and walnuts, Auntie Mary cookies with melting chocolate filling, and a cream cheesecake with sweet chocolate flavor… delve in and indulge.
My kids loved to lick the spoon, …and the bowl … but the best part is the final result: cake with the buttercream frosting, or the delicate “Auntie Mary’s” with a hot cup of Christmas tea, or just baked brownies cut in generous squares.
Now you can enjoy these recipes with your family.
brownie dessert
Moist, Extra Rich Cake with Fudge Buttercream frosting
best-chocolate-cake
Chocolate Velvet Cake
Deeply satisfying, rich chocolate cake with a smooth chocolate frosting. Make the best double chocolate layer cake for any occasion.
Melt chocolate chips with ¼ cup water in saucepan over low heat until smooth.
Sift flour, soda, and salt together.
Combine sugar, butter, and vanilla, beat well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
Blend in melted chocolate to egg mixture
Stir in flour mixture alternating with 1 cup water.
Pour into two greased and floured 9" cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes @ 375° . Cool.
Frosting:
Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler.
Add milk, vanilla, and salt; mix until well blended.
Beat in confectioner's sugar gradually.
Frost and fill Chocolate Velvet Cake.
Auntie Mary Cookies
title=”Good for any special event, a rich cream cheese cookie with velvety chocolate filling.”
Folded inside rich cream cheese pastry is a melty chocolate filling. – The melted chocolate in the center makes this a very special treat. One of my family’s favorites.
Auntie Mary Cookies
This is -hands down- my children's favorite cookie. It is very rich and due to cream cheese dough is not a long keeper, but it is meltingly delicious. Try our family favorite, and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
1 Baker's German sweet chocolate4 oz. pkg. -melted and cooled.
Equipment
1 10 inch pie pan
Method
Instructions
Add sugar to cheese in a bowl, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.
Measure 2 cups of the cheese mixture and fold in melted chocolate. Pour remaining cheese mixture into well-buttered 10 inch pie pan or 9-inch square pan.
Add spoonfuls of the chocolate-cheese mixture and zig-zag a spatula through batter to marble.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Cool; then chill. Cut in 9 inch wedges.
*** for just chocolate flavor add 1 more pkg. Baker's German sweet chocolate and mix all together in batter.
I Love Chocolate
…just like millions of you do!
And I want my chocolate desserts to taste a certain way.
The Best Chocolate Flavor Should Be…
Full of chocolate flavor and highlighting the best ingredients in a way that fulfills my desire for the way the baked goodies ought to taste. Moist or cakey, fudgy and rich – it doesn’t matter as long as it is the best incarnation of its kind in a chocolate dessert.
rich chocolate brownie
My Favorite Brownies – the best brownie recipe
I don’t usually frost my brownies, but there is an icing recipe included, for those of you who do.
(hint) Don’t ever overbake brownies.
Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Rich and dense cake-like texture makes decadent and addictive brownies
Melt butter and chocolate in double boiler. Cool slightly.
Beat eggs until foamy and add sugar gradually. Add butter and chocolate mixture, blend. Add the flour. Add nuts. Stir together and pour into greased 9x9x2 " pan.
Bake at 325° for 40-50 minutes.
Notes
Optional chocolate icing:
2 c. sugar 1/2 c. white corn syrup 3/4 c. heavy cream 1 square chocolate 1 tsp. vanilla 3 T. butter Melt first three ingredients to the softball stage, add the resulting syrup to butter, add vanilla and beat well.
The Good News about Chocolate
The good news is that it is healthy for you. Of course that news is tempered by how much and what kind of fat you mix with it or the amounts of sugar you ingest, but indulging in this favorite flavor can be good for your health.
Tips:
Dark is better
High Cacao percentage is healthier
High levels of flavonals
mocha walnut cookies
Mocha Walnut Drops
Mocha Walnut Drops
A favorite for Christmas... though I didn't include it in my Christmas cookie collection yet....
Ingredients
Don’t ever burn chocolate… not even a hint of it. That is why melting chocolate calls for a double boiler. Basically that is cooking the pan of the chocolate over a pan of hot water, just to melt the chocolate.
Any chocolate chips can work, but better quality chocolate means better tasting final product.
melted chocolate1
Double Boiler – To Melt the Chocolate Perfectly, A Double Boiler
The number one thing to remember when cooking or baking with chocolate is to never, I mean never, let it burn. Even allowing it to melt at too high a temperature can prove harmful to the flavor.
If you care enough to buy high quality chocolate, then it is more than worthwhile to have a double boiler in your kitchen. The bottom pot hold water which is heated directly from the burner, while the upper pot holds the delicate ingredient which is desired to bring to melting temperature. This help the squares to turn to silky liquid form without danger of burning.
This is a good quality, while not too expensive double boiler pot. It is serviceable for all your chocolate melting needs I think. I’ve used Farberware pots, my mother and my grandmother used them. They last, and they look good. More importantly they cook and clean well. Buy Now
Directions for Melting Chocolate in a Double Boiler
checkerboard cookies
Checkerboard Cookies
Makes 60 checkerboards.
Bake some yummy cookies to have during your next board game bonanza. These are usually just vanilla and chocolate but one inventive foodie has made them into something that looks and tastes special.
Checkerboard Cookies
Makes 60 checkerboards.Bake some yummy cookies to have during your next board game bonanza. These are usually just vanilla and chocolate but one inventive foodie has made them into something that looks and tastes special.
:: Make the strawberry dough by placing the butter, sugars, salt, strawberry powder, and sumac in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy, about three minutes on medium. Add the vanilla extract and split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds into the batter. Add the egg and beat to incorporate.
:: Add the flour in three portions, beating to incorporate between additions, scraping down the sides with a large spatula. Once the flour is blended in, divide the dough in half and pat the dough down into a 6 x 6 x 1/2 inch square. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (about 20 to 30 minutes). Repeat with the second half of the dough.
:: Make the chocolate dough by placing the butter, sugars, and salt in the same bowl (don't bother cleaning it) of the standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy, about three minutes on medium. Add the vanilla extract and split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds into the batter. Add the egg and beat to incorporate.
:: Place the flour, cocoa powders, and instant coffee in a small bowl stir vigorously with a balloon whisk until well blended. Add these dry ingredients in three portions, beating to incorporate between additions, scraping down the sides with a large spatula. Once the flour is blended in, divide the dough in half and pat the dough down into a 6 x 6 x 1/2 inch square. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate (about 20 to 30 minutes). Repeat with the second half of the dough.
:: Take the doughs out of the refrigerator. Brush the top of one of the strawberry dough 6 x 6 squares with water completely. Place one of the chocolate dough squares on top of it, and press down firmly to adhere the dough. Brush the top of this chocolate dough with water and place the remaining strawberry dough square on top of that, pressing down firmly. Finally brush the top of this strawberry square with water and place the remaining chocolate dough on top of that, pressing down firmly. You should have a 2 inch thick stack of 6 x 6 square dough, alternating in layers. Wrap with plastic wrap and place back in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
:: Once the dough has firmed up, trim the edges of the square to make a completely square piece of dough. Set the trimming aside for marbled zebra cookies (instructions to follow). Cut a 1/2 inch strip from the square. Place one strip flat, and then brush it top of it with water. Cut another 1/2 inch strip from the square and rotate the strip 180 degrees so it alternates with the bottom strip. Place on the strip brushed with water and press firmly down. Wrap with plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough. Chill until firm (another 20 to 30 minutes).
:: To make marbled zebra cookies, brush the top of one trimming with water and place another trimming on top, alternating dough strips. Repeat until all the trimmings are placed on each other. Flatten and twist the trimmings together, turning clockwise with one hand, while counterclockwise with the other. Roll out the dough to a 12 inch length, and fold over once. Form the dough into a thick 1 1/2 inch roll pressing firmly down to make sure the different doughs stick together. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill until firm (another 20 to 30 minutes).
:: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line two baking sheets with silpats or parchment paper. Once the dough has firmed up, slice the dough into 1/2" thick cookies and place on the baking sheet, about an inch apart. Bake in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to brown ever so slightly. Cool on the sheet for ten minutes before moving them to a wire cooling rack.
The Best Brownies Should Always…
– be the way I like them 🙂
brownies in a baking pan
Cakelike or Gooey?
I say cakelike brownies are the best way to enjoy them, and add walnuts while you are at it; my kids say fudgelike and no nuts! What is your opinion?
What is your opinion on the texture of the best brownies?
What’s Your Experience with Vibram 5 finger Barefoot Shoes
Vibram shoes
The Funny Shoes That Feel Good
My Vibram Shoes
I own two pairs of Vibram Fivefinger shoes. The first pair was bought in the kangaroo leather “preforma” style, and I soon felt that they were only for indoor workouts. I loved them, and didn’t want to wear them out by exposing them to hard outdoor wear.
How I Discovered The Barefoot Shoes
A post on an exercise site, one which listed this very shoe on the wishlist of the personal trainer who ran the site, made me want a pair for myself. She described the shoes as being super comfortable and great for workouts. The idea of barefoot comfort was compelling.
So I ordered a purple pair, just like the ones I saw in the post. They were so comfortable for yoga and dance workouts that it seemed important to have a pair for outdoor activity. Soon I had my stronger constructed Vibrams.
My feet have been intolerant of poor shoes for a number of years now, so Vibram shoes were a “godsend”.
Sizing
Sizing is different, so pay attention to the directions for getting the proper size fit.
Five Fingered Shoes Look a Little Weird
Gray 5 finger shoes by Vibram
Why Buy A Pair Of These Shoes?
They are comfortable
Vibram shoes are manufactured in different styles for specific activities
Vibram shoes are constructed well
Their barefoot running technology are believed to be healthier for feet than normal shoes
I own two pairs of Vibram fivefinger shoes and I love both of them. I have a very soft flexible pair for yoga and indoor exercising, a more durable pair for outdoors.
— Ilona
Women’s Bikila – Made for running
3
Notes on Sizes
– there are stores that carry Vibrams and they will fit you expertly.
– there are instructions on the Vibram company site
Shoes that are good for runners. “Keep runners on their feet.”
Different Models for Different Folks
There are different models of shoes made by the Vibram company. These are known by the names given the shoe, not just a mere style variation. There are 16 models for women to choose from.There are 13 shoe models for men.
Below is an example of some features of three of the men’s models.
https://youtu.be/uzeZluK6tOM?si=pYVJjU-fsC3E3HuT
3 Men’s Styles
Komodo
Bikila
Seeya
best for gym and running
best for running
walking
reputed to be most comfortable
thicker and more sturdy
lighter construction
LS=laces
laces or straps
3 Women’s Styles
KomodoSport
CVT Ls
KSO EVO
running and fitness
casual wear
casual and fitness
stitch-free footbed
lightweight
lightweight,sole grip
support and comfort
slip-on with laces
speed lace
Cleaning Your Shoes
Most of them are machine washable using the gentle cycle. You might try simply making sure your feet are clean before using your barefoot shoes, and I’ve never had a “smell problem”, but for those who do a sports wash may be a good idea.
Now that I’ve worn Vibram shoes for awhile, would I buy them again? A resounding yes, I would.
My favorite use of these shoes is for indoor yoga, which is an activity I do barefoot, normally. I like the feel of the shoes and they give me traction.
I bought a heavier model for outdoors, but find I don’t use them as much. When I used them during my trip to the arid West they got very dusty, which I dealt with my simply whacking them on my hand.
In my normal climate of Ohio it can get very muddy, with heavy dew in the mornings even in dry months of summer. I don’t want to ruin my shoes with mud. In fact, I’m careful to use shoes I don’t care about in muddy conditions here. That means street shoes, athletic shoes, etc. So, it is no reflection on the barefoot shoe, just a fact of life in rural Ohio that has a muddy season.
Boys Running Shoe
Great for light trekking, running, fitness, watersport or casual wear.
This unique footwear comes in sizing for kids, too.
From Their Website: Barefoot Running Training Schedule
Barefoot Running Guide Guide for getting used to “barefoot running”. Strengthening your feet.
I am over 50 and looking for some great summer fashions. I am searching for outfits that are stylish and that I will enjoy wearing without looking too young—you know, the “trying too hard” and “no she didn’t!” look.
Yes, what I want is breezy, easy-to-wear fashion that is on-trend but will carry me through the summer. I want some panache in my wardrobe. There are plenty of women like me who have put on a few pounds over the years, and the cuts and styles that once looked amazing on us suddenly look frumpy, highlighting all the wrong places.
So, what to wear? I’ve been trying to find some great looks and readjust my clothes, makeup, and hairstyle to emphasize my best features, which have changed a lot from when I was 20.
Here are some tips that will hopefully help you on your journey to summer elegance. May we continue to grow, thrive, and find what makes us look great.
Fashionable summer look with capri pants
Summer Fashion Tip
Wear clothes that skim your silhouette. Don’t try to hide your body—streamline it.
Summertime Colors
Summer colors are fresh and bright, so choose clothes that reflect that. Say goodbye to the darker colors of fall and winter, and say hello to fresh pinks and purples, sunny yellows, and spring greens.
Brights and Jewel Tones
Summer is perfect for bright colors. Going monochromatic with brights is always a super flattering look for women over 50. It creates long lines and elegance with very little effort. Don’t forget to smarten up your bright clothes with a fabulous, eye-catching accessory. A chunky necklace or patterned scarf does nicely.
Jewel colors like emerald and cobalt blue are classic, fresh, sharp, and crisp—especially for women with gray hair. Pink almost always works for older women. Also, using fresh and unusual colors is flattering and so stylish. Lemon yellow and purple? Orange, mango, and turquoise? Absolutely marvelous!
Of course, you don’t have to stick with citrus colors. Try adding some aqua and turquoise to your summer wardrobe. A word of warning: be careful of wearing blush and beige, they can wash you out and make you look unwell.
I love this yellow and turquoise combination!
Classic Color Pairings
When thinking about summer, I always picture nautical styles. Navy and white with yellow accessories is classy and flattering on most skin tones.
Gray with a contrasting bright color always looks chic. In fact, I think gray is the new black for us in the summertime. We can wear it anywhere. Be careful to pick a gray that suits your skin tone. Even though it’s a neutral, gray can be a warm tone or a cool tone, so pick the one that makes your eyes sparkle and your skin glow.
An easy go-to color combination that is always a classic is black and white. I like to wear it when traveling because mix-and-match pieces extend your wardrobe choices. Black and white looks sophisticated and crisp—important considerations for hot, sticky days in the city.
Monochromatic gray can be slimming.
Neutrals
Summer neutrals are a classic, and they’re so versatile, going from morning to night with ease. No worries about mixing and matching while traveling either. The main thing about neutrals is the fact that they often look casual or sporty, which is a look that suits me fine. For someone who loves drama, however, neutrals may not be ideal. Color means drama in most cases, and strong contrasts add to that type of look. So if neutrals are not for you, look into building your wardrobe with strong contrasts like navy and white or strong splashes of color. I find I often wear neutral, gray, or tan. To freshen the look, add orange accessories—something with spice or pattern.
All-over denim is another one of my favorite slimming looks. It creates one long line and draws more attention to your face. It’s comfortable, and you can wear either shorts or long pants. I have a couple of lightweight denim shirts (one with short sleeves and one sleeveless) that I can’t wait to incorporate into an all-denim look. This look goes from working in the garden to grocery shopping to grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
Collection featuring an all-denim look
Patterns
The color-block trend is one of my favorite ways to wear a pattern. It’s simple, bold, and unusual—think Mondrian. Keeping to two or three really big chunks of color will give you the look. It is a pattern that women over 50 can easily wear without being too busy. It’s also great to use when traveling. I think that is why I lean towards color-block choices for my summer wardrobe.
Like Metallics?
They make a big splash every summer! I don’t feel very comfortable in metallics myself, but if you like them, summer is a great time to use metallic accents.
Building Your Outfit
I usually choose my top first, then match the shoes and the pants to complete the look. For example, a soft peach top and capris in a bright mango would look fabulous with striped ballet flats.
Boho looks are one trend I really like, and the flowing blouses and skirts are flattering on most body types. Loose dresses in summer are airy, cool, and just make you feel good.
How to Build the Perfect Outfit
Scarves are Your new Best Friend
One way to accessorize your look is to find a great, lightweight scarf that you’ll want to wear everywhere. Scarves are a versatile fashion accessory, quickly adding color and disguising a less-than-youthful neck. They’re also great for finishing a look and tying it all together.
I love the Van Gogh iris-print scarf pictured below. I would wear it with yellow and turquoise pieces, then choose sandals or flats that work well with the look.
Van Gogh iris scarf
Scarves come in many shapes and can be tied in unique ways. Bring a flattering color close to your face.
Fashion Tip
Keep shoes refined-looking and classy. Heels need not be too steep or trendy.
My idea of showing off is relatively conservative, but like most women, I do like fashion-forward shoes. Shoes are an easy way to make a statement without your entire outfit screaming, “Look at me!” The most important thing for women in their 50s is for their shoes to be comfortable. I won’t last ten minutes in high heels if I have to do any walking. So something with a low heel keeps a smile on my face.
I like a bright orange or radiant orchid-colored shoe. Both colors are appropriate for a dinner date, but they’re also nice for casual shopping trips and being out and about. Sneakers with a new and unusual look can also be a fun way to make a statement without compromising comfort.
Mules are one of my favorite types of shoes to wear in the summertime. They come in many colors, and they are so easy to slip on when you’re in a hurry. I personally like them to have some fancy details and a bit of a romantic feel. With some flair and sophistication, mules are still a classic summer look. If you have good-quality shoes in a classic style, they will look chic for years.
Summer Fashion Tip
Say goodbye to baggy clothes. Flowing and breezy is much more flattering.
This summer Fashion’s Top Wearable Trends
Full of neutral colors, textures, and very wearable shapes for older women. Note the looser silhouette, especially regarding pants.
Longer, Wider, Looser?
Tips to Make the Most of Your Look
Find a great-looking pair of glasses or sunglasses. Your face will look stylish every day. Nothing says chic more than a pair of beautiful sunglasses.
Don’t get carried away with the bling. You don’t want to become a caricature. You want to accentuate you.
Add pops of color to neutral outfits.
Dress for your body shape and dimensions. Always try to draw attention to your best features (an important fashion rule!).
Go for darker jeans that are narrower and fit well. Jeans are important in your wardrobe, so take time to get the ones that fit your shape nicely.
Find some good shoes. Don’t underestimate the value of a great pair of shoes.
Use the best and most flattering skirt length for your body. Mine is right around the knee.
Why is this now important? Because with rising health care costs we must be proactive about our health, and one segment of this is to use alternative sources for learning to treat ourselves. Vitamins and herbal supplements are readily available, but we need more than faddish promotions of the "latest thing"; we need to be informed of actual alternative and herbal treatments and how those will impact our health.
I've been studying this subject for years, implementing it and using myself as guinea pig. I'm very conservative in approach, because, after all, some very powerful drugs and toxins have their origins in herbs. Digitalis, opium, and belladonna quickly come to mind. The links I list for this subject reflect my prejudice: I like scientific, straightforward facts on medicinal herbs. Claims for medical applications can arise from several sources, which makes the information confusing and potentially mistaken. I sift through and try to discern the category of origination to judge whether the herb is safe and useful.
Common Sources of Herbal Information
Not all sources of information on herbal uses are reliable or trustworthy. Here are a few categories you will come across:
Doctrine of signatures - this was an idea that if a plant mimicked something human, it was good for it. Example: Hepatica leaf resembled the liver, so..... I'm sorry, I don't trust this.
Astrological influences - Here, an herb is assigned to a zodiac sign (sort of like the way pagan gods and goddesses were "over" something). What's difficult about this is whether the writer assigned the powers to the herb because of what sign it belonged to or whether it was assigned based on its known effects. Unreliable.
Folk medicine and native Indian medicine - This combined with whatever scientific studies one can find yields the most promising answers. These older societies looked for what worked, although there was some superstition and shamanism thrown in, no doubt. I give more weight to these claims and along with newer information to find the most likely help.
Homeopathic Medicine - This is a whole separate category based on specific premises and with a great deal of precision in dosage, preparation, etc. And I think it's best to deal with someone well educated in this if you're taking that route. I'm not even qualified to provide links in this area (it intrigues me, though).
So, what have I tried? For those nasty "adult acne" breakouts (pimples at forty?) a hormone balancing cream with wild yam works well-this is rubbed on the body. A face cream with yeast in it worked well. Evening Primrose capsules seemed helpful, too.
Some essential sandalwood oil mixed into Nivea cream as a carrier was good for the neck area, and it smelled so nice.
For eye pressure and redness, I'm experimenting - and haven't quite figured what exactly is helping me.Here's my combination,so far:
Exercise (this has to be part of it)
Herbs of Bilberry, Eyebright, and Gingko Biloba
Vitamins A, C, B complex, Lecithin with some Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc tablets. A vitamin combination for eyes worked well (it had selenium in it).
I'm not getting older, I'm getting better - so why doesn't my body get the message? Anyway, for increasing attacks of PMS, the Evening Primrose/Wild Yam stuff works well along with increased Vitamin B complex. Sometimes extra Folic acid and B6 thrown in...try these the week before the event.
Also, I should lay off caffeine - my absorption and utilization of B's and calcium would be better. If you can quit coffee and chocolate, you're a better person than I presently am.
My husband has taken Saw Palmetto; information on it indicated that regular use could stave off future prostate trouble.
For relaxation, Chamomile tea is effective and, during pregnancy, red raspberry leaf tea is soothing.
Usually, I err on the side of under using medication of any sort, but two strong herbal remedies which I've used were (1) Blue Cohosh for after delivery. I also used it during the labor, but it was more useful for me afterwards. It's extremely bitter, and I wasn't sure whether it caused some problems with the baby's nursing. Some babies are sensitive to flavors in breast milk. (2) An Ayervedic "de tox" tea. This was strong stuff! It did seem helpful. This tea cleanses the 'everyday living' type of toxins which seem to abound in our modern society.
A word here, about herbs during pregnancy: I think you should always consult with knowledgeable people on this ("in the multitude of counselors..."). Many times an herb is recommended for a certain part, like blue cohosh during the labor, but not during the pregnancy (it can act as an abortifacient). Also, anythingat the beginning of a pregnancy is taking chances with a crucial development time. Pregnancy is not a sickness to be medicated, it is a time of health awareness -good food, moderate exercise, positive thoughts, good feelings....a valid reason to take extra good care of you. Herb info
If you are pregnant you may like my Childbirth Page -it has loads of important information on Pregnancy and Childbirth.( It is temporarily off line)
Food
One of the most powerful things we can do to keep healthy is to eat right. Eating raw food, whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, are all basic ways to improve our health.
Sometimes we ignore the simplest facets of building a healthy body. I know it is hard to change poor habits... I experience that now, and I know if we just make the small choices every day to pick whole foods that benefit us over the empty foods that drain our resources instead of nourishing us, we are making progress. Don't be discouraged, but be determined to eat better. It will pay off in the long run.
Gillian Anderson at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con, the same year she began starring in “The Fall,” a feminist take on the British mystery genre.
Prime Suspect and Beyond
If you love crime TV genre and British shows, you know there are plenty of dedicated, strong women characters who make up part of the crime solving teams. For those who have yet to see women take the helm, here is a short list of some of the best ones to watch.
Some I have discovered on Netflix, some on PBS, and others through Amazon. In my present addiction to British style detective series, I have found the women characters to be some of the most fascinating. There is a wide range of subject matter, and the range is from gritty to humorous, but the entertainment value is always top notch.
9 Great British Female Detective Series
Vera (2011–present)
Prime Suspect (1991–2006)
Broadchurch (2013–17)
The Fall (2013–16)
The Bletchley Circle (2012–14)
Murder in Suburbia (2004–05)
Happy Valley (2014–16, 2023)
Agatha Christie’s Marple (2004–13)
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012–15)
1. Vera (2011–present)
Starring: Brenda Blethyn, Jon Morrison, David Leon, Riley Jones
Not your usual heroine, DCI Vera Stanhope is a middle aged, rather disheveled career policewoman. She is something like your mum, and plays that maternal side to get to the bottom of even the most difficult cases. It doesn’t hurt at all that DS Joe Ashworth, her sergeant, is so dishy.
The show has gained an international audience, which is testimony to the staying power of a heroine who is mature, matronly, and no-nonsense holding the top billing of the competitive TV Crime drama genre.
You’ve got to love the British for giving us so many great women crime solvers of quite ordinary looks, and extraordinary brains. buy the DVDs on Amazon:Verahas become my top favorite British detective show.
After a long run, this series has come to an end, but there are plenty of past episodes to enjoy.
2. Prime Suspect (1991–2006)
Starring: Helen Mirren, John Benfield, Tom Bell, Jack Ellis
Helen Mirren, of course, brings sex appeal and glamour to any role she plays, but this one has an edginess and grittiness that gives us the flawed hero realism of our favorite crime shows. Fighting her way up the ladder in a predominately male dominated time and career has left its marks, but her intelligence and focus gives this character a believable persona.
Helen Mirren as Detective Superintendant Jane Tennison is believable. You know she has paid her dues and has the ability to win her place in the macho world of crime and detectives. I think Prime Suspect is one of my all time top picks for great TV, especially in this genre.
Prime Suspect: Tennison
For those of us who became fans of the gritty portrayal of Jane Tennison, Prime Suspect: Tennison held a lot of promise during its six-episode run in the spring of 2017. The show was a prequel, telling us the back story of how the Mirren character became a strong leader, with Stefanie Martini playing the title role.
It was interesting as a longtime fan of Prime Suspect, but it lacked the spirit of the original. While the series did a great job reenacting the time period, the characters, including Jane, failed to connect with viewers. It was short-lived and probably only of interest to those who are curious.
3. Broadchurch (2013–17)
Starring: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan
You might be drawn, as I was at first, to watching a show with your favorite Dr. Who in the starring role, but this is a dark show with the focus on the development of Detective Sgt. Ellie Miller. At first passed over in what might have been her investigation, she grows into the driving force in finding the perpetrator of a child’s murder.
Not just the impact on the family, but upon an entire community is dramatically portrayed with spot-on acting and filming. The transformation of individuals, families, and town is sometimes grueling and gruesome, and sometimes redemptive and strong. It makes for a compelling story with many threads and entanglements.
This remote Dorset resort town may not have provided much opportunity for crime work, but Miller evolves as a person and as a detective within her tight knit community. The interaction between her and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy grows into a balanced respect and admiration, but not without its turns and pitfalls, all the while trying to find the truth about a most perplexing murder.
With two seasons of Broadchurch, one wishes for more Sgt. Ellie Miller and D.I. Alec Hardy crime solving exploits.
4. The Fall (2013–16)
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan, Bronagh Waugh, John Lynch
Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is a long way from Dana Scully. Tough and brittle in manner, she is drawn in clearly feminist terms. In fact, the show was named “The Most Feminist Show on Television” by Amy Sullivan of Time magazine.
With a truly creepy criminal, a set of missed cues allows him to murder and live his double life. All the while the police are trying to get their act together. Eventually Gibson gets her investigation team and plan together to close in.
Fraught with tension of harrowing scenes and missed opportunities, eventually Stella gets her man. She is not the most likable, but she is definitely effective. Be forewarned that there is plenty of “language” and sex in this show.
How Do You Like Your British Detectives?
Go ahead and answer in the comments!
5. The Bletchley Circle (2012–14)
Starring: Rachael Stirling, Julie Graham, Sophie Rundle, Anna Maxwell Martin
Women of different temperaments who proved to be a formidable team of decoders, later are reunited in an amateur group who use their skills in detective work. The backstory of their feelings of meaning and usefulness while working in the war effort, and their search for its replacement in their post war lives gives an added layer of plot to their efforts to catch a killer.
The story hinges strongly on the personalities and interactions of women who find strength in themselves and in each other. The struggles of women who have tasted meaningful work and are then expected to sublimate their talents and dreams into the lives of men. More a celebration of the individual women than the blatant feminist moralism that it might sound like, interest ranges from their codebreaking days to the good detective story at its heart.
I liked the period feeling that is carried throughout with costume, manner, and the general color palette. Surprising how using certain color, and filming technique instantly transports us into a time period. The women of Bletchley took on new challenges and put their talents together in San Francisco in a new series.
I am sorry to report I didn’t like it near as well as the original, but if you are fans of the first series you might overlook the comparison and enjoy this new version.
Starring: Caroline Catz, Lisa Faulkner, Jeremy Sheffield, Glen Davies
I always like actress Caroline Catz, who plays one of the leads, Inspector Kate Ashurst. In this one she plays the posh side of a customary formula of police partners from contrasting class backgrounds. Her partner Scribbins is working-class and saucy.
Interesting and fast moving, the criticism I would give this series is the lead actresses are a bit too frivolous and light hearted while going about their crime solving duties. It gives a feeling of smugness to the show.
But this is one of those detective series that doesn’t take itself very seriously, the very opposite of one like Prime Suspect. I’d compare it to Midsomer Murders, but more modern and urban. Lots of humor and a sense of fun are the earmarks of this set of mysteries.
7. Happy Valley (2014–16, 2023)
Starring: Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran, Shane Zaza, Charlie Murphy
Happy Valley is anything but, of course. This gritty police drama centers around policewoman Catherine Cawood as she seeks justice for her daughter, tries to pull her family together and struggles as a grandmother who must now raise her grandson.
Tough, and sometimes misunderstood, she garners respect and bulldogs it through some harrowing experiences. All the characters grab the imagination and attention of the viewer, Even Cawood’s sister, who is sometimes on and sometimes off her latest rehab is a fully fleshed out profile of a woman with both strengths and weaknesses.
The streets of the town which has seen better days, the inside workings of those whose job is to keep those streets safe, and the heartache of a strong woman who sometimes finds “keeping it together” a challenge gives this series its hook. I give this show top rating for those who love crime shows.
2023 Revival
A third and final season of Happy Valley aired in 2023, seven years after the conclusion of the second series. The six new episodes show Sergeant Cawood preparing for retirement while trying to have a relationship with her now-16-year-old grandson, Ryan.
According to the show’s executive producer, Will Johnston, “It definitely isn’t coming back—and again this is from Sally (Wainwright, the show’s creator) and Sarah (Lancashire) who completely and rightly feel that you can have too much of a good thing.”
8. Agatha Christie’s Marple (2004–13)
Starring: Geraldine McEwan, Julia McKenzie, Stephen Churchett, Greg Bennett
In this incarnation of the Marple Character, Geraldine McEwan plays a very chatty, spry Miss Marple. She is elderly, but with quite a bit of energy and lively curiosity. Agatha Christie was such a marvelous crafter of story that even though we know how the plot turns out, the power of the story and the beloved protagonists ensure great programs. We want to see the interplay of the characters and the display of human psychology.
Miss Marple
It is fun to see what different actresses have done with the stories, whether the more frail Hickson or this redoubtable rendition of why it is never a good idea to underestimate old ladies! If you are not familiar with the Agatha Christie stories or if you have not yet seen any of the televised series, it is time to become acquainted with them, starting with this series.
How About Those Aussies?
Too good to leave out, Miss Fisher Mysteries takes her place among the British shows. An Australian drama television series worth watching, with many similarities to British TV: great character development, intriguing plots, and attention to period style.
9. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012–15)
Starring: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Ashleigh Cummings
From the Roaring Twenties comes a humorous, slightly risqué, leading lady. Miss Phryne Fisher hails from Australia; she isn’t British, per se, but close enough. Maybe that explains her crossover from humble beginnings to lady of wealth and leisure who has plenty of time to investigate all these mysteries while dressed to the nines!
Phryne has her own private detective career, and exemplifies the free wheeling “modern girl”, without the American speakeasies or mobsters that we often equate with those times. That makes her character represent today’s women, but allows her to retain some sense of unspoiled playfulness. Which is a part of the fiction, perhaps.
These are light, breezy episodes for the most part, although they occasionally touch on serious social issues. There is a certain amount of sexual tension between Fisher and her main contact in the police department, DI Jack Robinson. He is obviously smitten with her. Any sex in the show is alluded to, not portrayed.
Miss Fisher is a new take on TV’s rendition of female detectives, although those who love mystery fiction recognize these as grownup Nancy Drew stories, I think. Always a fun adventure in sleuthing with a bit of danger thrown in.
Related Reading
Great British Detective Shows (page coming)
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