Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Pasta

The ingredients 

Balsamic vinegars

5-6 cups ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped, reserving juice

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1-2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 TBLS. sea salt

1 TSP. freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic (or one clove elephant garlic), peeled 

3/4 lb. thin pasta ( spaghetti, linguine, etc)

1 cup fresh basil (coarsely chopped)

Summer's tomatoes and fresh garlic join basil vinaigrette

In large pot, bring water to a boil

In serving bowl, combine tomatoes, their juice, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Put aside.

Blanch garlic in boiling water 30 seconds.  Rinse under cold water, dry and dice into serving bowl with all ingredients.

Cook pasta in pot 8-11 minutes or until al dente

Drain pasta and add to serving bowl.

Top with parmesan cheese.

Serves 4

Preparation and cooking:  Approximately 30 mins.

Chicken Divan

Your Ingredients:
Chicken, cooked

1 carrot, sliced

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp. salt (optional)

2 - 10 oz. pkgs. frozen broccoli (or use fresh) 

1 - 10 1/2 oz. can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom!)

2/3 cup mayo

1/3 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup grated cheese (I like Swiss)

1 T. lemon juice

1 T. melted butter

1/2 cup bread crumbs

How to cook and assemble:

Cook carrot, onion, and salt 

in Dutch Oven.  Drain.  

Cut up chicken.

Arrange frozen or fresh broccoli in 9 x 13 inch greased casserole pan.

Mix soup, mayo, milk, cheese, lemon.

Pour over chicken.

Put bread crumbs on top and drizzle with melted butter.

Heat in oven 30 minutes at 350.

Peppermint Body Scrub

Melt 6 oz of unrefined coconut oil, over water, on the stove top.
(I use a glass measuring cup)

Put the melted coconut oil on the counter to cool.

When cool to the touch gently stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar, as you wish, to reach 7 oz.

As mix begins to harden and cool further, add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Close lid to capture the essence.

Enjoy:  using either a wash cloth or sonic cleansing system.  A little goes a long way and this is AMAZING!  When I finished making it, I was told, "That smells like you could eat it!  SO good!".   The answer...you can...and it IS!

Notes:  Be sure to use UNREFINED coconut oil.  The nutrients will feed your skin and the fresh, natural scent cannot be duplicated and adds to the aromatherapy benefits.

I use a recycled 7 oz plastic container.  

Healing variation:  April 24, 2013

Updated #spa recipe.Add 2 Tbsp #IndianHealingClay to #peppermintbodyscrub davanadesignblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/pepper… #lossoflovedone. twitter.com/davanadesign/s…
— Jean Elizabeth Barry (@davanadesign) April 24, 2013

Potato Salad Excellence

Potato Salad Recipe (by Mrs. Ellison)

With or without mayonnaise, an amazing side dish

Boil Potatoes (skin on)

Peel and Dice

While hot:

Add:  Diced Onion

Pepper (dash salt if you wish)

Celery Seed

Combine and marinade in:

2 parts oil

1 part vinegar

Let sit for 3 hours (if you can wait!)

Add mayonnaise just before serving

Taco Buffet

Tacos are a favorite for all.  When you can put together a buffet style, make-your-own  taco line-up, dinner couldn't be better.

Invite friends over and prepare the ingredients together or have the spread ready before your guests arrive.  Either way, your dinner parties are sure to please!

1 package, 18 taco shells warmed in oven (or 2 pkgs. tostada shells) 

3 lbs lean ground beef or chicken

2 large onions

2 cans black refried beans

1 package Mexican shredded cheese

1 head iceberg lettuce (shredded)

6 roma tomatos (chopped)

2 cans black olives (sliced)

1 container sour cream

1 jar salsa

3 medium avocados (mashed)

Meat Seasoning:

chili powder (to taste)

paprika

garlic powder

dried onion flakes

dash of basil and oregano

splash red wine vinegar

Cook beef or chicken on stove top.  Drain any fat.  Add a tbsp. olive oil and saute onions until translucent.  Add the meat seasoning ingredients.

Assemble the buffet for guests to help themselves.

Taco shells

Refried Beans

Mexican Cheese

Beef or Chicken (or a veggie mix for those who prefer, sliced peppers)

Tomatos

Olives

And, the condiments: sour cream, salsa, and avocado (guacamole)

Serves 6 guests (hearty portions)