Oregano Oil Recipe

One Jar
Fresh Oregano Leaves
Vegetable Oil

Place fresh oregano leaves in the jar "enough to fill the jar but not packed" then add in the vegetable oil. Then shut the lid and leave in a sunny place for 12 to 20 days. The longer it goes the more potent it will be. This reciepe can be used for cooking and medical. Go less on the days for cooking and longer for the medical.
Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan oregano (O. dictamnus) is still used today in Greece as a medicine for sore throat.
Oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. It also has shown antimicrobial activity against strains of the food-borne pathogen.

History of Chocolate Goes a Long Way...

Chocolate history began in Latin America in 1000 BC. The people who lived in that time has left nothing behind on if they even used chocolate, all we know is that they lived among the cacao beans. In 250 - 900 AD the Maya lived and they did leave history with them that not only did they live with the cacao beans but they used them as currency, with only 10 beans you could buy a rabbit for dinner. Even back then there was such a thing as counterfeit, for some very intelligent people found that you could imitate the cacao bean by simply carving it out of clay. These clay beans was used as currency until the 19th century!!
The Maya didn't only used cacao as currency, they also found a way to make a chocolate drink from it and used this chocolate beverage in rituals sometimes even to replace as blood, they used this drink in marriage ceremonies and even had a cacao God to worship.
Now the Maya only used cacao for drinking only, solid chocolate wasn't invented till after the 18th century.
The Maya prepared their chocolate beverage by harvesting the beans, fermenting them, drying them out, roasting, removed the outer layer and finely griding it to make it into a paste. With this paste they added hot water, chili, vanilla, annetto, allspice, honey and types of flowers. They then frothed the chocolate drink by pouring it back and forth between two containers. The Maya believed this was not only the best part, but the most important.
Later on the Aztecs came along and conquered the Maya and their land. The Aztecs continued using the chocolate traditions and even drank this chocolate drink cold. Around 1200 - 1500 AD the Aztecs figured out how to patten and sell, by trading their cacao beans. The trade started in Texas and moved on from there.
In 1502 Columbus was the first white man to see cacao plants, however blew his chance to be the first white man to discover the beans since he saw little important to the beans.
In 1518 Cortez 'discovered" the cacao beans and conquered the Aztecs for the beans and the land.
Later on the Spaniards realized that after adding sugar to the bitter chocolate drink that it became pleasant to drink, they kept the adding of the sugar a secret to themselves for some time.
Spanish doctors had all agreed that chocolate cured fevers, body pain, aiding in digestion and cooling the body, so doctors started to subscribe chocolate as medicine. The Church also approved chocolate to be a nutritional supplement for eating while fasting. However this did not last long, for people did not want chocolate for only a supplement and medicine they wanted to consume it more often and so they did.
Chocolate then spread throughout Europe, it was all the rage, and the first time caffeine has ever arrived in Europe. Even though caffeine is very low in chocolate, tea and coffee had not shown up in Europe just yet. After chocolate showed up in Europe there was a high demand for chocolate, so plantations sprung up and thousands of people were enslaved to produce cacao beans. The cacao beans were later moved from Central America and was planted in Venezuela, Java, Sumatra, West Indies and Africa. However the only difference was is that Central America used Criollo which is a higher quality cacao bean. Everyone else used Forastero for it was easier and cheaper to grow, even though the quality was not as good. To this day 90% of chocolate is made by the Forastero and not the Criollo.
After 1800's chocolate inventing began!
1850's and Englishman named Joseph Fry made the very first solid Chocolate Bar by adding more cacao butter to cacao powder and sugar and less water.
1875, Daniel Peter and Henri Nestle added condescend milk to solid chocolate and made the first Milk Chocolate Bar.
1879, Swiss Chap Rudolphe Lindt invented the Conch, a machine that rotated and mixed chocolate to a perfectly smooth consistency.
1907, Milton Hershey's factory was making 33 million kisses per day for consumers.

Its amazing how chocolate was made, discovered, fought for, reinvented and how we use it today. It is said that is you let chocolate melt slowly in your mouth that your heart and brain begin to race faster than is you were passionately kissing someone... Is it true... not sure... Maybe I'll try it...
Thanks for Reading!!

-Ioanna and Raven
Pique Season Cuisine
www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering
www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine
www.twitter.com/#!/PiqueSeasonC
piqueseasoncuisine@gmail.com

Quicky Before I Forget...

Macaroons:
So we plan to attempt the Macaroons again, its going to be next week!! I'm hoping we get it right the first batch, but we will buy enough for six more batches... The entire day will be devoted to Macaroons. Lets hope it works out, because if the first batch does work out the other five batches will be made and many people will be happy because we will be giving them away and asking on how they feel about them. Because we are going to want that feedback!

Other Projects Going On:
We are still woring on flavor profiling for vegan pies
We are trying to make gluten free vegan bread
We are working on vegan soups
We are working on the easiest ways to make Mock Chicken
After all these recipes are perfected we do plan to share the recipes and directions on how to make them, right now we have Vegan White Bread on our YouTube page go check it out and tell us what you think! www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine

Future Projects:
Recipes and directions on how to make homemade Greek Yogurt
Holiday Cookies
Holiday Cakes
Holiday Beverages
Holiday Dinner Recipes

Please email us or comment if there is anything specific you would like us to do, write about, recipes, or questions about us.
Thanks for Reading!!

-Ioanna and Raven
Pique Season Cuisine
www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering
www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine
www.twitter.com/#!/PiqueSeasonC

Aphrodisiacs

"In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive. One of the key issues in early times was nutrition. Food was not so readily available as it is today. Undernourishment creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates. Substances that "by nature" represent "seed or semen" such as bulbs, eggs, snails" were considered inherently to have sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulating by their "physical resemblance to genitalia"

It's important to realize these food substances were identified (documented) by the likes of Pliny and Dioscordes (ancient Greeks) first century AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century. Later more credence was given to foods that "satisfied dietary gratification".

Other foods deemed to have these aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology. Aphrodite, the love goddess was said to consider "sparrows" sacred because of their "amorous nature" and for that reason were included in various aphrodisiac brews.

There was not always agreement upon what foods were actually aphrodisiacs or "anaphrodisiacs" (decrease potency). But the ancient list included Anise, basil, carrot, salvia, gladiolus root, orchid bulbs, pistachio nuts, rocket (arugula), sage, sea fennel, turnips, skink flesh (a type of lizard) and river snails.

The ancients suggested you steer clear of dill, lentil, lettuce, watercress, rue, and water lily." http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Nutrition-Health-Food-Labeling-646/aphrodisiac-foods.aspx

Now that ancient time has passed and science is progressed at least according to the western side of modern medicine there has been no true fact that foods like this exist, scientist say that its all in the mind, that simply because people believe it now days. Back then it was said to help with nutrition, but now that in most countries there are greater sources to better the lack of nutrition only the belief that aphrodisiacs truly exist are left behind. So the question is are aphrodisiacs really true and the scientists have it wrong, or do we just have an amazing excuse to eat all these wonderful things just make make another romantic wonderful thing happen. I guess we will never be sure. But then again, almost every single culture had their version of an aphrodisiac, so maybe its something that science doesn't understand yet, so they say its not true. Aphrodisiacs are meant to awaken the passions... Regardless if its true or not I like the fact that it brings people closer together, men and women can get very inventive and making a night of just dinner a really fun romantic night to remember. I love, Love. But here are a few food items that you may or may not know that are Aphrodisiacs.

Aphrodisiac Foods List

• Almond

  A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

• Aniseed

  A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.

• Arugula

  Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

• Asafetida

  Any Indian dried, powered herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicky flavor.

• Asparagus

  Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".

• Avocado

  The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the Male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

• Bananas

  The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

• Basil (sweet basil)

  Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

• Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)

  The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.

• Chocolate

  The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us temp you with our recipe for Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.

• Carrots

  Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

• Coffee

  Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

• Coriander (Cilantro seed)

  The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

• Fennel

  In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogen's. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".

• Figs

  An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

• Garlic

  The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

• Ginger

  Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

• Honey

  Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.

• Liquorice (licorice)

  The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.

• Mustard

  Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (fillet Mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

• Nutmeg

  Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening.

• Oysters

  Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

• Pine Nuts

  Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

• Pineapple

  Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

• Raspberries and Strawberries

  Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

• Truffles

  The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

• Vanilla

  The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

• Wine

  A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

Thanks for Reading!!

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com

www.wikipedia.com

 

-Ioanna and Raven

Pique Season Cuisine

www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering

www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine

www.twitter.com/PiqueSeasonC

piqueseasoncuisine@gmail.com

 

Man-Raised Salmon...

Farmed Raised Salmon...
Seven reasons why you should avoid it:
1. They have 7 times the levels of PCB's as wild
2. They have 30 times the number of sea lice
3. They are fed chemically modified pellets made from chicken feces, soy, genetically modified canola oil and fish that have high toxin levels of their own
4. They are fed Chemical dyes to keep their pink/red color
5. Are given a high concentration of Antibiotics that are the highest than any livestock
6. Have less Omega 3's due to lack of wild diet
7. Are crowed into small areas inhibiting movement, and causing disease

Wild salmon rarely eat other fish, in fact they feed on krill which mostly are toxin-free and the krill is what naturally gives salmon their rich red color. They farmed raised salmon turn naturally gray in color do do their lack of wild diet and movement, so they are fed chemical dyes to give their pink/red color.
Because they are forced to be contained in such a small area it causes them have more diseases and sea lice, forcing farmers to give them antibiotics, however to keep them healthy the levels of antibiotics given to these farmed raised salmon are so high that not only is it the highest level given to any livestock, but that consumers of the farmed raised salmon build up a resistance to antibiotics.
Depending on where the farmed raised salmon is purchased depends on the levels of PCB's that are in these fish. FDA recommends to not eat more than one meal of salmon a month. Some salmons are so high in PCB's that its recommended that it shouldn't be consumed more than six meals a year!!
Why are PCB's bad? PCB's can help develop and raise cancers into humans, making eating farmed raised salmon less appetizing. Over 23 million Americans eat Salmon to this day and more than once a month. Making the levels of increasing your risk of getting cancer very high.

WHAT CAN YOU DO... to reduce your exposure to PCB's:
1.Trim the fat of the farmed raised salmon before cooking it.
2.As a cooking method choose broiling, baking or grilling these cooking methods allow the fat where most of the PCB's are to cook off the fish, frying it will just cause it to cook back into the fish.
3.Try not to consume more than once a month of farmed raised salmon
4. When possible choose wild caught Alaskan Salmon instead of Farmed Raised

The first picture is a man-farmed-raised Salmon containment unit, as you can see how much room they have to roam. The second picture is of how the farmed raised salmon looks like before it is fed the chemical dyes for its coloring. And the third is of what Wild Salmon looks like.

Hope this was helpful if you would like to see the sites that I went to they are:
www.ewg.org
www.purezing.com
www.cnn.com the article on that one is "is farm-raised salmon as healthy as wild"

Thanks for Reading!

-Ioanna and Raven
Pique Season Cuisine
www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering
www.youtube.com/usuer/piqueseasoncuisine
www.twitter.com/PiqueSeasonC
ppiqueseasoncuisine@gmail.com

Pie Number One

So the Spinach Strawberry Pie has got some great reviews from many people, employees, random people and family. So I Think its a winner to go on our vegan menu options!!

If you have any other great ideas please let us know, so we can give it a try!! We are still perfecting our Lemon Ginger Pie, we have a 60% dislike and a 40% like right now we want to make it a 90 to 100% like...
We want to add at least two more pies to our vegan options to our menu, after pies we will be moving on to cakes and cupcakes!! That will be really fun!!
Thanks for Reading!!

-Ioanna and Raven
Piques Season Cuisine
www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering
www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine
www.twitter.com/#!/PiqueSeasonC
piqueseasoncuisine@gmail.com

Pies, Breads and More...

Wow, so much baking that I think I can do it in my sleep!!! The pies we tested out yesterday turned out pretty good!! I plan to post up pictures soon with the descriptions next to them, we are trying to come up with new kinds of pies to give vegans a variety to choose from and intrigue the non vegans to give the pies a try! So if you have any ideas, no matter how crazy it sounds let us know, we might try it out. Just because you hear the word pie doesn't mean it has to be a dessert, it can be savory too!! We would love to hear some ideas!! Well have to get going I hear my name, looks like I'm needed. Write to you soon!!!
Thanks for Reading!!

-Ioanna and Raven
Pique Season Cuisine
www.wix.com/piqueseasoncuisine/catering
www.youtube.com/user/piqueseasoncuisine
www.twitter.com/#!/PiqueSeasonC
piqueseasoncuisine@gmail.com