Moctail Recipes

Virgin Mary

Genesun Han

As a non-alcoholic version of the Bloody Mary, the Virgin Mary is a tomato juice drink that you can drink anytime. It's the ultimate spicy drink for healthy breakfast or brunch. You can also make this with clamato juice for a variation of a Bloody Caesar.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
• celery salt
• ground pepper
• hot pepper or Tabasco sauce
• celery stalk for garnish
• pickle garnish for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Build the liquid ingredients into a highball glass over ice cubes.
2. Mix well.
3. Add the seasonings to taste.
4. Garnish with the celery stalk. 

 

Cinderella

Glass Guide- Cocktail Glass

The taste of tropical fruit comes to life in this refreshing mocktail. If you'd like a more elegant looking Cinderella, cut all of the juices and ginger ale in half and serve it in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with both pineapple and orange slices and don't forget that little paper umbrella for an extra finishing touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz ginger ale
• Dash of grenadine
• Pineapple and orange slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the juices into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled collins glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with the slices of pineapple and/or orange. 

 

Banana Smoothie

Glass Guide- Hurricane Glass

This is a tasty recipe for a non-alcoholic Banana Smoothie that is easy to make and fabulous for summer afternoons with the whole family. One of the best parts of this mocktail is that you probably have the ingredients right there in your kitchen. If you want to spike this drink add 1 ounce of banana liqueur or vodka. If you're really crazy, you can use a flavored vodka like vanilla or banana (it's hard to find but out there).

Ingredients:

• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 sliced bananas
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt

 

 

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a blender in the following order: honey, vanilla extract, bananas, vanilla yogurt and ice.
2. Gradually increase the blending speed and blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the drink into a chilled hurricane or cordial glass.

 

See More About:

• fruit cocktails
• non-alcoholic drinks
• mocktails

Apricot Gingerini

Glass Guide- Cocktail Glass

When I first read through Natalie Bovis-Nelsen's book, Preggatinis™ (published by The Globe Pequot Press) the Apricot Gingerini stood out as an amazingly flavored drink - one I'd like to add a little gin to - and then I read the reason behind the combination and I see why she added this mocktail to the first trimester section of the book. White grape juice is recommended for the early stage of pregnancy, cloves and ginger are an old-fashioned cure for nausea, and they just happen to mix perfectly with apricot.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz white grape juice
• 3 oz apricot nectar
• 1 oz ginger-infused simple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground clove

Preparation:

1. Pour grape juice, apricot nectar, ginger-infused simple syrup [find a recipe for vanilla-ginger simple syrup here and skip the vanilla], and most of the ground clove into a mixing glass fill with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, then strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with the remaining ground clove atop the drink.

 

Cardinal Punch

Glass Guide- Collins Glass

Cardinal Punch is an easy, fruit-filled punch that is great when hosting any type of party, especially outdoor events in the spring and summer. You can keep the same ratio of ingredients and adapt this recipe to fill a punch bowl. I also like to keep a pitcher of the juice mix stored in the refrigerator. It's more complex than the straight bottled juices and, with a bottle of ginger ale on hand, can be transformed into this refreshing mocktail.

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz Ginger ale
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• lemon and orange slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the juices into a collins glass half filled with ice cubes.
2. Top with the ginger ale.
3. Garnish with orange and lemon slices.

 

Coco Colada

Piña Colada Cocktail

Photo Courtesy: © CocktailTimes.com

A Coco Colada (or virgin Pina Colada) is a non-alcoholic version of the Frozen Piña Colada. This refreshing blended mocktail is perfect for summer afternoons. The other, much easier, option to make this drink is to blend ice with one of the non-alcoholic Piña Colada mixes which are readily available. Despite being just a little bit quicker to make, this made from scratch version is considerably better tasting.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz coconut cream
• 1 cup ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

1. In a blender, add 1 cup ice, pineapple juice and cream of coconut.
2. Blend until slushy.
3. Pour into an chilled hurricane glass.
4. Garnish with an orange slice. 

Hot  Not Toddy

Photo Credit: © Shannon Graham

A Hot Toddy is great but sometimes you want that warm soothing mix without the liquor and that's where the Hot Not Toddy comes in. Okay, so this is really an enhanced cup of warm tea, but you get the point. Choose your favorite hot tea and watch it be transform it into a delightful winter mocktail by adding some the non-alcoholic elements of the traditional toddy. This is not only great for the non-drinker but to share with kids and it is a soothing relief of cold symptoms - kind of like chicken soup.

Ingredients:

• 7 oz hot tea
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Grated cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Grated nutmeg
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. In an Irish coffee glass pour the honey, lemon and spices.
2. Top with hot, brewed tea.
3. Stir.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

Stress relief from around the world

Stress: a universal language

By Aviva Patz
From Health magazine

Holidays can be helladays. If it's any comfort, our friends around the world are juggling a lot now, too. "What constitutes stress is not having the time or help to meet demands in your life, whether you're in Texas or Taiwan," says Alice Domar, PhD, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Boston. "Holidays further strain our resources."

You knew that, but you might not be aware of stress relief tactics—centuries-old practices, in some cases—that people in these foreign locales rely on. And not one involves lavender candles. 

 

France

"When I come home from a stressful day, I relax with a petit aperitif—the French ceremony of having a small glass of wine with a side of cashew nuts or pita chips with hummus and olives. Then I'm ready to cook dinner!"—Ingrid Jackel, CEO of Physicians Formula; Toulouse

What you can do: "Wine is a relaxant, that's true, but more important is having a ritual to separate the chaos of work from the comfort of home," Domar says. Any ritual you look forward to will do the trick, whether you wash up and change into sweats or zone out with a game of Words with Friends.

Russia

"Russians go to the banya, a hot sauna, and since moving here I do that, too. The daily stress level is high and work is constant. Just sitting in the extreme heat to sweat is a miracle invention to salve the soul." —Amanda Lynn Hinson, 35, writer; Khabarovsk

What you can do: Hit the shower—and make it a warm one. Just a few minutes can wash away tension, and it's not just the feel of pulsating water on your skin: Research from Yale University indicates that the enveloping warmth you get from a hot shower can trigger brain and body responses that mirror emotional warmth, boosting your mood. Just get out after 10 minutes to avoid drying skin. 

Denmark

"It gets dark at 3:30 p.m. in the winter here, so Danes have gotten good at creating hygge, or 'cozy.' We come and go casually to each others' houses on evenings and weekends. It's about being happy at home with no one rushing to go anywhere." —Mette Borring, 48, finance executive; Copenhagen

What you can do: It's very simple, but key: Don't fuss too much. "One of my Secrets of Adulthood is: 'Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good,' and I apply this to entertaining," says Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier at Home. "If we worry about inviting people to the perfect holiday party, the task seems overwhelming. So I lower the bar to a manageable level. I had a holiday party that was dessert and drinks—so much easier than serving dinner, and very festive!"

Thailand

"Massage is a science here. It's often vigorous, with knees and elbows applying pressure, and much stress reduction." —Pam Sangsingkeo, 39, university lecturer; Bangkok

What you can do: Knead the nape of your neck and the surrounding area. "Stimulating pressure receptors releases serotonin, a natural antidepressant," says Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami. Better yet: Get your partner to do it.

Argentina

"People drink maté, a hot herbal drink, passing it around a circle of friends like a peace pipe. It makes me feel connected and strong, able to face down any stress." —Desirée Jaimovich, 35, journalist; Buenos Aires

What you can do: Forget social media; try social eating. Sharing food releases a surge of calming oxytocin, Belgian research shows. Notes anthropologist Michael Gurven, PhD, of the University of California–Santa Barbara: "Bonding over communal eats says, 'You're a valued part of my network.'" Skip the communal tea during flu season; think a pot of melted chocolate for S'mores (without double-dipping).

India

"Every morning, I do a laughter exercise—I smile, wave my hands, and jump. The more I do it, the more vital I feel." —Rashmi Vyas Aparajit, 45, health program director; Mumbai

What you can do: Yuk it up! The contracting stomach muscles trigger a surge of feel-good endorphins, according to a study from Oxford University. Even a couple of minutes of belly laughter can be calming—a good reminder to tape your favorite late-night show and actually watch it. 

Ireland

"In the cold-weather months, it's not just a matter of bundling up our kids to get outside for fresh air—you always find adults taking winter walks. It revives my brain and energizes me." — Phoebe Holmes, 40, blogger; Dublin

What you can do: Head outside for a brisk stroll. In a 2012 study, people who rode a stationary bike for 30 minutes and then saw disturbing photographs were less anxious than people who sat quietly before viewing the photos. "Exercise not only reduces anxiety, but helps you maintain that feeling when confronted with distressing events," says study author J. Carson Smith, PhD. With less mood-boosting natural light around, it's especially helpful to get outside.Dress for the weather (layers! Thinsulate!)and you'll truly enjoy it.

Sweden

"In Sweden we enjoy fika, taking a coffee break with friends. It's been a part of our culture since the 1700s. In many companies, people take fika breaks around 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; they head to a café for lattes, tea, or smoothies with a cinnamon roll, muffin, or macaron. Fika has something very friendly and peaceful about it."—Sarah Melin, 42, manager at a TV production company; Stockholm

What you can do: Program a break reminder into your smartphone, heed the beeps, and grab a friend for coffee in the office kitchen. Don't feel guilty for slacking off; in a study from MIT, people who got up to socialize during the work day ended up being 10 to 15% more productive than those who didn't.

China

"Women do a foot soak called zu yu before bed. I put hot water in a big pot and sit on my sofa as I read a book or surf my Weibo, Chinese Twitter. Sometimes I lean back and fall asleep, it's so relaxing." —Frances Wu, 37, office clerk; Shanghai

What you can do: Soothe your mall-trodden feet with this remedy from Cornelia Zicu of Red Door Spa: Dunk feet up to the ankles in hot water in a plastic bin or the tub, adding a handful of Epsom salts and 2 spoonfuls of baking soda. "After 15 minutes, swelling goes down and circulation improves," Zicu says. "It's amazingly relaxing." 

Turkey

"We have keyif, which means relishing pleasurable things. I have keyif when I listen to music or stretch my legs. I'm in the moment and not thinking about anything stressful." —Asli Çavusoglu, 42, nonprofit program coordinator; Istanbul

What you can do: Distract your brain from whatever's riling you up. "Stressful thoughts often come from a presumption that something bad is going to happen," points out Ellen Langer, PhD, a Harvard psychology professor. "If you can focus on a positive, you can help derail those thoughts." Jot down a list of Good Things in your life on iPhone Notes, and eyeball it next time you have a holiday freak-out. Your iPod can also come in handy; in one study, people subjected to freezing-cold compresses were less likely to notice the discomfort when listening to music.

10 Reasons You are not having sex

You're not alone

By Leslie Goldman
From Health magazine

Not getting any? You’re not alone: Women today have less time for sex than their 1950s counterparts. And it’s estimated that 40 million Americans have what experts call a sexless marriage (having sex less than 10 times a year).

A regular sex life is good for your health. It can satisfy all sorts of emotional- and physical-intimacy needs and help partners stay close, says Anita H. Clayton, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Virginia and author of Satisfaction: Women, Sex, and the Quest for Intimacy.

So why the dry spell? You can chalk it up to a sheer lack of time, but there are a slew of other reasons, too—from weight gain and perimenopause to technology overload (stop texting now) in the bedroom. Here’s how to beat the top 10 sex busters.

Your bed isn’t sexy anymore

We hear it over and over again: The bed should be used for sex and sleep only. So why do so many of us insist on bringing third parties—laptops, PDAs, Law & Order—into the boudoir? All that technology and distraction can cause insomnia and put a damper on your sex life. After all, it’s harder to initiate sex if your spouse is hiding behind a newspaper or glued to the TV or if your hands are busy exploring the Web rather than his body.

Sex Rx: At a minimum, make the bedroom a no-technology zone, Clayton suggests. Then take a hard look at your life (from romance and work to entertainment and family), and give sex the priority it deserves. If you have to schedule sex like you do a meeting, do it!

Your meds are stealing your sex drive

Oh, the irony. You start taking oral contraceptives (OCs) so you can have worry-free sex. Then the magic little pills start sapping your sex drive. Why? OCs contain estrogen, which increases the production of a protein called sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), says Michael Krychman, MD, medical director of sexual medicine at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. SHBG can trap testosterone, affecting your sex drive. Other potential sex-drive-stalling meds: those that reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and acid reflux, and antidepressants.

Sex Rx: Ask your doc about the sexual side effects of all of your drugs. You may also want to try a contraceptive method that doesn’t use hormones, such as condoms, a diaphragm, or an IUD.

Your crazy-busy life

You spend your days working, cooking, working out, taking care of the family. And, still, at 11:30 p.m. Besides totally tuckering you out, the chronic stresses of modern life can also trigger a cascade of hormonal changes that mess with your body’s sexual-response cycle. And here’s another modern sex buster that adds to all the craziness: today’s always-connected technology.

Sex Rx: With spontaneous sex almost out of the question, you need some serious “life management” to work it in, experts say. Put a lock on the master bedroom door and set a technology time limit. Shift gears with a soothing bath, suggests Los Angeles–based sex therapist Linda De Villers, PhD. Plunging into warm water takes you away from the laptops and cell phones that clog up your day. Add a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil; the aroma is thought to heighten sexual feelings.

You don’t like your body

Many women find themselves withdrawing or not willing to experiment sexually if they’re overweight or have a change in shape due to pregnancy, Clayton says. “Emotionally, we’ve bought into the media’s idealization of what is really sexy. The message is, you have to look a certain way in order to have really good sex.”

Sex Rx: “Women have a talent for disliking the very things about themselves that other people find very attractive,” De Villers says. Feel free to ask him what he likes about your body; his compliments can help you feel more positive. But don’t underestimate the mental boost of shedding some pounds. In a recent Health.com survey, 37 percent of respondents said losing weight makes them feel sexy. In fact, even a five-pound weight loss has been shown to jump-start sex drive.

You’ve hit perimenopause

Prior to menopause, hormonal shifts—specifically decreasing estrogen—lead to physiological changes that can make sex seem about as appealing as running a marathon with a pebble in your sock. Sensitive vaginal tissues become less lubricated, the ensuing dryness leads to pain, and painful sex quickly turns into no sex. Hot flashes don’t help matters, either.

Sex Rx: Talk to your physician about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may lessen menopausal symptoms. New research shows an estrogen cream or suppository may ease dryness without the risks of HRT. Lubricants can also help, especially if pain during intercourse is a problem.

Your man’s just not that into it

You may actually be raring to go, but your partner’s engine seems stalled. Perhaps he’s emotionally withdrawing, says Bob Berkowitz, PhD, co-author of He’s Just Not Up for It Anymore: Why Men Stop Having Sex, and What You Can Do About It. “The usual problems between husbands and wives can play out in the bedroom,” he says, especially if your partner has a hard time expressing his feelings properly. Or, he may want you to be more sexually adventurous.

Sex Rx: Talk it out in a blame-free way. “It’s understandable that a woman would feel rejected,” Berkowitz says. But don’t confront him with ‘What the hell is going on? Are you cheating on me?’ or he’ll shut down. If a man’s sex life is not working out, he may feel he’s failed as a man, because men invest so much of themselves in their sexuality,” Berkowitz adds.

You’re depressed

When you’re feeling down in the dumps, desire can take a big hit, particularly if you’re female. Women tend to isolate themselves, Clayton says, and that can strain even the strongest of romantic relationships. Antidepressants may lift the dark cloud, but some affect your ability to have an orgasm.

Sex Rx: If you notice your sex drive takes a nosedive after you start a new medication, tell your doctor; she may be able to prescribe an alternative. Consider different avenues of treatment. “Psychotherapy doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction and is effective, especially in mild-to-moderate depression,” Clayton says. Exercise also helps; it enhances mood and energy, and it boosts blood flow to the genitals.

Your man is Viagra-ized

The “Viagra-ization” of men isn’t just happening to seniors. Younger men are taking the erectile-dysfunction drug, too, sometimes just to enhance performance. The result can be a physical and emotional disconnect. “The man takes the medication and is ready to go, but the woman needs more time to get aroused, to get connected.”

Sex Rx: Clayton suggests finding time for some nonthreatening and nonjudgmental sex talk (not in bed), during which a woman can discuss what she needs in bed to even the playing field.

You like your vibrator better

Reaching for your Rabbit more often than your honey bunny? This is more common than some might think, De Villers says. A vibrator is simpler and more accessible than a cooperating penis. While there’s nothing wrong with incorporating sex toys into your love life, becoming reliant on a vibrator—or even preferring it over your partner—can be a serious problem.

Sex Rx: If you really are addicted to your vibrator at the expense of your relationship with your partner, talk to a therapist to gain some insight about your relationship, De Villers recommends. If the vibrator gives you more satisfaction than sex with your partner, talk about trying some new moves or even using the vibrator together.

Most delicious foods in the world

Rendang, Indonesia

Beef is slowly simmered with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chilies, then left to stew for a few hours to create this dish of tender, flavorful bovine goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 inch ginger roughly chopped
• 4 large cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 4 large shallots roughly chopped (about 7 ounces)
• chili pepper flakes to taste (I used about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds beef shanks or shortribs cut into large cubes
• 2 stalks lemongrass white part only, smashed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 inch galangal sliced into coins
• 2 packs freeze dried coconut cream rehydrated in 2 cups of warm water, or 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar brown sugar can be substituted

Instructions

1. Add all the salt, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes to a food processor and run until there are no clumps left and you have a smooth spice paste. You'll need to scape the bowl down a few times.
2. Add the oil to a heavy bottomed pot and heat over medium high heat until shimmering. Fry the beef in batches, allowing each surface to brown before turning. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl and repeat with the remaining meat.

1. Add the lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal to the hot oil and fry until fragrant. Transfer to the bowl with the browned beef, leaving the oil in the pot.
2. Turn down the heat to medium low, and then add the spice paste. Fry, stirring constantly until very fragrant and most of the moisture has evaporated (about 10-15 minutes). If the paste starts burning, reduce the heat and add a bit of water. Add the coconut milk and palm sugar, and then return the beef and herbs to the pot, stir to combine the turn the heat down to medium low and loosely cover with a lid (you want some steam to escape). Stir the rendang periodically and simmer for 3-4 hours until the meat is very tender.
3. Once the meat is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 4 hours), remove the lid and turn up the heat. You'll need to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning, but you want to evaporate as much liquid as you can without burning the meat. At this point there should be quite a bit of oil in the pot from the meat so you're essentially frying the sauce and concentrating the flavors.
4. The rendang is done when there is almost no sauce left and the meat is dark brown. Ideally you'll let this sit overnight for the flavors to evenly distribute into the meat. During this time, the meat will turn chocolate colored and the flavors will deepen. Serve the beef rendang with steamed rice.

Massaman curry, Thailand

Emphatically the king of curries, and perhaps the king of all foods. Spicy, coconutty, sweet and savory, its combination of flavors has more personality than a Thai election.
Even the packet sauce you buy from the supermarket can make the most delinquent of cooks look like a Michelin potential. Thankfully, someone invented rice, with which diners can mop up the last drizzles of curry sauce.
“The Land of Smiles” isn’t just a marketing catch-line. It’s a result of being born in a land where the world’s most delicious food is sold on nearly every street corner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 pound chicken pieces OR chopped chicken breast/thigh
• 1-2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 14 ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk (not lite)
• 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil OR vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup onion, sliced
• 1 thumb-piece ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 red chili, sliced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. chili flakes/cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup good-tasting chicken stock
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced, OR 2-3 Tbsp. frozen/bottled prepared lemongrass
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews (+ handful more to finish)
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. whole cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp. white pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cardamon
• 1 tsp. tamarind, or substitute 1 Tbsp. lime juice*
• 3/4 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian stores)
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp. palm sugar OR brown sugar

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok, large frying pan, or soup-type pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the oil and swirl around, then add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes to release the fragrance.
2. Add the stock plus the following: lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric, chopped cashews, ground coriander, whole cumin seed, white pepper, cardamon, tamarind (or lime juice), shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir with each addition and bring to a light boil.
3. Add the chicken, stirring to coat with the spicy liquid, then add the coconut milk and potatoes. Stir and bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat to low, or just until you get a good simmer.
4. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken and potatoes are tender. Add red pepper and tomato during last 10-15 minutes of coooking time. Tip: if you prefer a more liquid curry sauce, cover while simmering. If you prefer a thicker curry sauce, leave off lid.
5. Taste-test the curry, adding more fish sauce for increased flavor/saltiness, or more chili if you want it spicier. If too sour, add a little more sugar. If too salty or sweet for your taste, add a touch more tamarind or lime juice. If too spicy, add more coconut milk.
6. Add a handful more cashews and fold in. Transfer to a serving bowl, or plate up on individual plates or bowls. Top with fresh coriander, if desired, and serve with Thai jasmine rice. ENJOY!

*Tamarind Substitution Tip: Tamarind paste can be tricky to find, hence I have offered a substitute here. Yes, lime and tamarind are two very different fruits; however, they provide that same sourness you're looking for in this curry (it is balanced out with the palm sugar or brown sugar). Whenever I run out of tamarind paste, I find lime juice works in a pinch. In fact, I have witnessed accomplished Thai chefs create tamarind-based dishes purely with lime juice (such as pad Thai) - good to know if you can't find tamarind paste where you live!

Amazing Apple Recipes

Apple pie and other healthy recipes

Whether your fave is the tart Granny Smith, juicy McIntosh, or sweet Golden Delicious, there's nothing better than biting into a fresh, crisp apple.

And few foods can rival the apple when it comes to health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and relatively low in natural sugars, a medium-sized apple is only about 90 calories.

Here are  recipes you can use to wow friends and family with apple deliciousness.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Simple and sweet, this French treat couldn’t be easier to make. Other versions call for anywhere from one-half to an entire stick of butter—ours uses only 2 teaspoons, so you can dig in guilt-free.

Ingredients: Apples, frozen puff pastry dough, butter, brown sugar
Calories: 201 per slice
 

Updated Waldorf Salad

Use low-fat mayo mixed with apples, grapes, dried cranberries, celery, and walnuts for this chunky salad that renews a classic and curbs mid-afternoon hunger.

This dish delivers a serving of low-purine nuts and fruits. Plus, apples, grapes, and cranberries all contain malic acid, which may counter gout-promoting uric acid in your body.

Calories: 153

Apple-Spinach Chicken

The tart flavors of the Granny Smith apples blend with the bitter spinach to make a tender chicken recipe. It's a little low on fiber, so add a piece of multigrain toast to complete the meal.

Ingredients: Vegetable oil, boneless chicken breast, garlic, spicy brown mustard, apple cider, Granny Smith apples, baby spinach

Calories: 202


Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients: Dough: active dry yeast, 1% low-fat milk, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, honey, butter, teaspoon salt, egg Filling: butter, apple, apple juice, ground cinnamon Glaze: powdered sugar, honey, apple juice, ground cinnamon

Calories: 214

Apple-Mascarpone Parfaits

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy cheese with a distinct, rich flavor. This recipe combines it with cottage cheese to cut down on fat, and the cheese mixture enhances the tartness of the Granny Smith apples while still bringing the dessert together with its smooth texture.

Ingredients: Butter, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, lime juice, ground ginger, cottage cheese, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla extract  Calories: 265  (sources: health recipes food)

Amazing Apple Recipes

Apple pie and other healthy recipes

Whether your fave is the tart Granny Smith, juicy McIntosh, or sweet Golden Delicious, there's nothing better than biting into a fresh, crisp apple.

And few foods can rival the apple when it comes to health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and relatively low in natural sugars, a medium-sized apple is only about 90 calories.

Here are  recipes you can use to wow friends and family with apple deliciousness.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Simple and sweet, this French treat couldn’t be easier to make. Other versions call for anywhere from one-half to an entire stick of butter—ours uses only 2 teaspoons, so you can dig in guilt-free.

Ingredients: Apples, frozen puff pastry dough, butter, brown sugar

Calories: 201 per slice

Healthy Seafood

Great seafood recipes

By Benjamin Plackett
Crunchy crab cakes. Savory shrimp. Luscious lobster. So tempting and delicious, almost everyone has a seafood type they can't resist.

And luckily there's no need to. In general, seafood is great for your health (as long as you avoid the breaded, deep fried kind, and fatty and calorie-laden sauces).

Take shrimp for example; one 3-ounce serving delivers 28% of your daily value for selenium, 23% of vitamin B12, and 21% of protein.

So eat up! Here are 17 great recipes for healthy seafood.

Confetti Crab Cakes

Just 23 minutes from the word go and you could be serving these tasty and healthy crab cakes.
The red pepper and scallions give the patties a colorful confetti look and add an extra crunch.
The crab meat is high in protein and vitamin B12, which plays an important role in metabolism.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed (2 2/3 cups)
• 1/2 cup unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon canola oil or butter
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine crabmeat, breadcrumbs, scallions, bell pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and ground red pepper (if using) in a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice; mix with a fork. Form mixture into 8 patties about 3 inches in diameter.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Fry crab cakes until browned on the bottom (about 4 minutes); turn and cook 4 more minutes, or until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the crab cake reads 155°. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Scallops With Roasted Pepper Butter Sauce

Sprinkle some salt on the skewered scallops and then just toss them on the grill. When the scallops are done, serve with the red pepper sauce and garnish with basil.

Like most shellfish, scallops are high in protein and vitamin B12. But the red peppers in this dish bring two more ingredients to the table: vitamin C and fiber.  

Ingredients :

• 30 sea scallops (about 2 1/4 pounds)
• 4 medium red bell peppers (about 2 pounds)
• 2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• Fresh basil (optional)

Preparation:
Thread 5 scallops onto each of 6 (12-inch) skewers. Cover and chill.
Preheat broiler.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal and let stand 10 minutes. Peel peppers, and discard skins. Place peppers, broth, and wine in a blender; process until smooth. Combine pepper mixture and basil in a skillet. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low; gradually add butter, stirring until melted. Cover and keep warm.
Prepare grill.
Sprinkle kabobs with salt; place on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with bell pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Lobster Panzanella

This panzanella, a bread-containing Florentine salad, combines lobster, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Lobsters are rich in protein and potassium; a 3-ounce serving contains 32% and 7% of the daily value, respectively.
Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups cooked lobster meat, coarsely chopped (3/4 pound)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus additional leaves for garnish
• 4 slices whole-wheat bread, cut into 5- x 3-inch pieces and toasted

Preparation:

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients (through black pepper) in a large serving bowl. Toss in the lobster and the next 4 ingredients (through basil). Stir to combine, and let stand 15 minutes.
2. Arrange the toasts on serving plates, and top evenly with lobster salad. Let stand 5 minutes for juices to soak into the bread. Garnish with additional basil leaves. 

 

Best beauty secrets and tips for women

Beauty Advice

Surprise! Concealer is only half the battle when it comes to fixing flaws. To perfect your complexion (no matter what your skin tone), try lipstick in a warm pink. "It distracts people's eyes from blemishes and other imperfections," says makeup artist Morgan Schick.

Read more: 

Overzealous tweezing can lead to emaciated brows and bald patches, where hair only grows back irregularly. Use a protein-spiked brow gel to stimulate healthy growth and brow fillers to shade in problem areas.

Sure, it's chilly in your bathroom in the morning, but don't be tempted to crank up the heat in the shower. Hot water followed by cool, dry air leads to rough skin. To lock in moisture post-shower, pat — don't rub — yourself dry, and coat skin in a thick alpha-hydroxy lotion.

Read more: Best Beauty Tips - Beauty Advice - Beauty Secrets - Marie Claire

 

Trying to look well rested when you aren't? Avoid piling on the foundation. Use a tinted moisturizer instead, followed by a beige eye pencil — it counteracts any redness around your eyes.

Large pores are caused by two things: genetics and age. Want to shrink them? Go to a dermatologist or a spa to get microdermabrasion treatments, a type of facial that gently sloughs off the dead surface layer of skin.

 

To accentuate your upper lash line without creating overly spidery fringe, apply a strip of false lashes meant for your lower lashes from corner to corner. They're shorter than traditional falsies, so they'll thicken your lash line without elongating it too much.

Keep your eyes open when applying liquid liner — otherwise your line will look uneven. Apply by drawing three dashes, one on the corner, one in the middle, and one on the inside corner of your eye. Then go back and connect the dashes for a smooth line.

For full lips go for a glossy look. Try first outlining the perimeter of your lips using a concealer brush dipped in bronzer two shades deeper than your skin tone. Then, top pout with gold, peach, or coral gloss.

"To make the waist look narrower, use a white pencil liner to dot an egg shape on each side, starting below the rib cage. Fill in just this area with a self-tanner one shade darker than your natural skin and blend," says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare spas.

Rose and lavender work wonders in calming skin inflammation, according to Michele VanLandingham, ingredient information specialist for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care.

Prevent dead-skin pileup by using a pumice stone in the shower — and don't be tempted into using a razor. That will only cause more skin to grow back. Pamper your feet with moisturizing facial masks.

If you're looking for a dramatic eye, try liquid eyeliner. Choose an eyeliner brush that's small with angled bristles for a cleaner line.

We love the look of a perfect sheer manicure on long, tapered talons as much as the next woman, but let's face it: It takes time, patience, and money to keep it up. For equally elegant, less fussy nails, go short, round, and dark. File your nails so they line up with the tips of your fingers and round off the corners.

To keep eye shadow from creasing, eliminate as much oil as possible from your lids. To do it, use an eye shadow base or pressed powder before applying color.

Naturally pale but want a healthy glow? The good news is that you don't need a lot of makeup to achieve great-looking skin, says New York makeup artist Paula Dorf. For natural-looking results, apply glow products to the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, your hairline, and chin.

When waxing at home, apply tooth-numbing cream in the area you plan to wax about half an hour prior to your session. It will temporarily numb the skin, making the experience a little less painful.

Want eyelashes that are full and thick, not clumpy? Use an eyelash curler only on clean lashes, and start at the roots.

Treating your neck like your face doesn't work. "Your neck ages in its own way and so has special needs," explains Adrienne Denese, M.D., Ph.D. "Neck tendons shrink through the years and become more visible and the thin skin in this area doesn't respond to lasers and peels as well as your face does." She suggests good posture and neck stretches.

To add length or volume to your hair, steer clear of extensions in not-found-in-nature colors and textures that don't blend with your own. Also, since it's difficult to disguise the point of attachment, use hairpieces just to lengthen a ponytail or fatten an updo.

 

 

Celebrities treatments

Jennifer Anistons

Actress Jennifer Anistons beauty treatments apparently cost her awhopping US$. 90,000 every year.A website that came up with a breakup of the former Friends stars expenditure based on the products and services she uses revealed the star blows US$. 250 daily on beauty treatments, reported Sun Online.The actress yoga sessions with her own personal instructor cost her US$. 600. Whats more, she splashes out US$. 380 on haircuts, and spends US$. 200 on highlighting her locks. Aniston was recently named Hottest Woman Of All Time.

 

 

 

Rihannas collarbone dons a small cross tattoo

The 24-year-old R&B star Rihanna has got a small cross tattooed on her collarbone. It is another add on to her assortment of body art. According to Ace showbiz, Bang Bang, her favourite tattoo artist, did the honours same as the rebelle tattoo which decorates her neck elegantly. She decided to have the small cross, inked on her collarbone, so as to hide it with a necklace whenever theneed be. "She loved it. She always flips out when it's done and jumps up and down like a 16-year-old girl getting her first car," Bang Bang added. Its the 13th tattoo on her body by the artist.

Madonnas daughter refuses to meet Guy Ritchie

Guy Ritchie gets a cold shoulder from Madonna and Carlo Leaons daughter, Lourdes. She abandoned the trip of meeting the Guy Ritchie, director of Sherlock Holmes, who is alsothe ex husband of the Queen of Pop. 15-year old Lourdes opted to stay to herself rather than visiting Guy Ritchie, more so as she will be accompanying Madonna for her upcoming world tour. Lourdes has recorded some of the backup vocals for a yet to be released album. Madonna and Guy Ritchie parted ways in 2008 post 8 years of staying together. Rocco, their son and an adopted Malwian baby, David, both were flown to London from New York.

 

 

Robert Pattinson finds sex scenes scary

Hollywood star Robert Pattinson says filming sex scene with girlfriend Kristen Stewart for Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 was scary.In the movie, the 25-year-old actor has a raunchy scene with the brunette beauty where the two break the bed.Although the actor managed to shoot it, he admitted the entire experience was scary, Contactmusic reported."I've never done a sex scene where it's kind of scary because you think something is going to fall on you! There was a whole stunt set up with three guys, who do all the explosions and things, all lying under the bed. I spent the whole time looking at them for a signal. It was funny, though!" he said.

 

 

 

21 Celebs Who Embraced Natural Medicine

Steve Jobs

Although pancreatic cancer is often life-threatening, Jobs actually had a rare, treatable form of the disease. But the tech visionary, a practicing Buddhist and strict vegetarian, pursued alternative therapies for nine months before eventually electing to follow a more conventional path. Although he had hoped to avoid an operation, Jobs had surgery in 2004, but by then the cancer had already spread.

Some have speculated that had Jobs proceeded with conventional treatment for pancreatic cancer from the start, he may have won the battle.

Farrah Fawcett

The Charlie's Angels bombshell was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. To complement her chemotherapy treatments, she reportedly traveled to Germany for "natural supplements and also immune treatments" that aren't approved in the United States, according to Access Hollywood.

Fawcett lost her battle with cancer in 2009.

Credit: Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow

A regular proponent of various too-good-to-be-true-sounding cleanses, Paltrow is no stranger to natural remedies. In 2004, the actress showed up to a premiere with circular spots across her back, the telltale signs of a procedure called cupping.

The process involves warm glass cups, which are placed on the skin to make a vacuum. It's said to increase blood flow, open pores, and allow toxins to leave the body.

Jenny McCarthy

When the actress's son was diagnosed with autism in 2005, she went looking for answers and came across Generation Rescue, a community of families who believe vaccines and antibiotics are to blame for their children's autism.

McCarthy now serves as president of the organization, which promotes "recovery" from autism. Despite repeated debunking of the decade-old study that alleged vaccines cause autism, many parents continue to question vaccine safety and reject the conventional medical practice outright, putting their children at risk of potentially deadly diseases

Oprah Winfrey

The media mogul has drawn criticism for her promotion of unapproved treatments and alternative therapies. Several natural-medicine proponents have appeared on her TV show, including Jenny McCarthy.

Although she said in a statement that she believes viewers understand she is merely presenting information and not endorsing natural medicine or any of the procedures she has discussed, she has, given the widespread affect she has on her audience, undoubtedly convinced many viewers that these treatments can—and do—work

Dr. Oz

No surprise here, given that Mehmet Oz, MD, was a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The cardiologist-turned-TV-host has integrated alternative treatments into his conventional practice. He has taken flack from the mainstream media for his methods, but he says he continues to use alternative therapies both in his practice and at home.

He also regularly practices Transcendental Meditation (a type of concentrative meditation where a person focuses on one sight or sound) and has been doing yoga daily for more than 20 years, a ritual he calls the most important health practice I have adopted.

He recommends to patients other alternative treatments, such as mud baths for people with arthritis or other joint problems and aromatherapy oils to reduce stress and ease muscle aches.

Princess Diana

The Princess of Wales was a regular at an alternative-medicine treatment facility called Chinese Clinic, according to People magazine. She is said to have taken part in reflexology treatments, a stimulation of the feet, hands, and ears that aims to impact other, more troublesome parts of the body. Some of the clinic's most popular alternative treatments included colonic hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation of the facial muscles for an instant "lift," and Australian herbal remedies

Elle Macpherson

Nicknamed "The Body," supermodel Macpherson spoke with U.K. magazine Fabulous in 2010 about her "Chinese medicine perspective" on health, which she said "promotes and maintains wellness rather than treats illness."

She said she has undergone regular acupuncture treatments and seen a doctor who treated many of her ailments with herbal remedies.

Tom Cruise

In 2005, the actor publicly criticized Brooke Shields's treatment for postpartum depression after the 2003 birth of her daughter. Cruise spoke out against the use of antidepressants, saying Shields didn't understand "the history of psychiatry."

When Matt Lauer asked him to explain on the Today show, Cruise expressed doubts about the existence of depression, saying, "There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance."

Christy Turlington Burns

The supermodel-turned-documentary-filmmaker told Psychology Today that she started practicing yoga at age 18, and was eventually introduced to Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian holistic science about discovering individual balance. This ancient theory of medicine emphasizes healthy habits such as massage, meditation, and healthy eating to prevent and treat illness.

Kate Moss

After checking into rehab for cocaine addiction, her career on the line, the supermodel was photographed leaving a friend's house with two bandages on her right ear, thought to be covering the marks of acupuncture treatment, according to the BBC.
The therapy may reduce withdrawal symptoms and even prevent relapse in people who are addicted to drugs.

Richard Gere

One of Hollywood's most famous Buddhists, Gere started meditating at age 24 and continues to do so daily. He told PBS that it's a creative process involving finding "the space between thoughts" and that it's different for him every time.

The relaxation technique can ease a range of ailments—including chronic pain, depression, and insomnia—and it may even help smokers quit

Olivia Newton-John

Along with chemotherapy, the singer and actress used complementary treatments such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, meditation, and visualization to battle breast cancer. When she was first diagnosed in 1992, she even considered forgoing chemotherapy entirely in favor of homeopathic treatments and acupuncture, but eventually "common sense prevailed," she told CNN.

Maintaining a positive mindset throughout the experience also helped her heal, she said.

Russell Simmons

The hip-hop mogul may not seem like the typical meditation practitioner, but he's been getting his om on for over a decade.

In a 2010 blog on the Huffington Post, Simmons wrote that meditation "has given me energy, strength, health, wisdom, and access to my own inner stillness, inner silence, inner bliss. It is my connection to myself; it is my connection to the universe."

Madonna

After claiming that urinating on your feet is a cure for athlete's foot on The Late Show With David Letterman in 1994, it's not surprising that Madonna has ascribed to some strange natural cures. Today, the buff performer is a fan of more mainstream alternative practices, such as yoga.

James Hetfield

A sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll-loving guitarist and singer isn't the typical poster boy for natural remedies. But in 2008, Metallica's Hetfield told the Houston Chronicle in order to get through the band's tour to promote that year's Death Magnetic album, he was trying out some alternative treatments, including reflexology, acupuncture, and drinking a "secret vegetable concoction."

Steve McQueen

The bad-boy actor was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lung lining, in 1979. He traveled to Mexico in July 1980 to be treated with pancreatic enzymes, a controversial therapy developed by a dentist who had since been "blacklisted" by the American Cancer Society, the New York Times reported.

McQueen is also said to have received 50 daily vitamins and minerals, psychotherapy, coffee enemas, and injections made from sheep and cattle fetuses, all while taking part in healing massages and prayer sessions. After additional treatments with laetrile, a controversial apricot-pit-based injection, McQueen said he was in recovery, but he died shortly thereafter, following surgery to remove cancer from his abdomen and neck.

Suzanne Somers

The actress is no stranger to alternative treatments, having cited unregulated hormone creams, around 60 vitamins and supplements, and estrogen injections directly into her vagina as her personal fountain of youth.

But after surgery and radiation treatment for breast cancer in 2001, Somers opted for a drug made from mistletoe extract over chemotherapy, and wrote a book promoting the work of some very unconventional physicians

Nick Nolte

In a 2000 visit to Larry King Live, the Oscar nominee sat down with well-known alternative-medicine practitioners Dr. Weil and Eric Braverman, MD, to discuss the hormonal injections Nolte was receiving.

He also said he was undergoing treatments in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, a practice that involves breathing pure oxygen inside of a specially pressurized tank to promote healing

Sarah Ferguson

The former Duchess of York (and her daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, now famous Stateside thanks to those unforgettable royal-wedding hats) are said to have undergone bioenergy treatments from a Russian energy healer.

Energy healing is similar to Reiki. Both treatments are said to harness positive energy, whether through touch or close proximity, to break negative thoughts and promote the body's natural healing processes

Andrew Weil

Of course Andrew Weil, MD, an integrative-medicine specialist, digs herbs and tinctures. But he sees the wisdom in conventional medicine as well. He surprised some when he famously said, "If I'm in a car accident, don't take me to an herbalist. If I have bacterial pneumonia, give me antibiotics. But when it comes to maximizing the body's natural healing potential, a mix of conventional and alternative procedures seems like the only answer."






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