The Inkwell: 2010-11-07

The Hotdog Vendor gives out Schnitzels & Snippets

Chili (about 45 minutes to prepare)
recipe by Charlotte Ann©

• 1 lb. Hamburg
• 1 or 2 cans of Kidney Beans
• 1 Can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 Onion, Chopped (as much as you want)
• 1 Green Pepper, Chopped
(ingredient not absolutely necessary)
• About 1 tsp. of Chili Powder (more if you want)

In frying pan, put grease or oil, then add hamburg, peppers, onions. Fry.

Put in big kettle: sauce, tomatoes, cooked hamburg, chili powder, salt & pepper. Simmer about 1/2 hour then add kidney beans. Heat until hot and serve.

** Charlotte Ann© was a great cook, and didn't like to measure much. She was a strong believer that being a creative cook was what it was all about. Whatever her secret, her food was exceptional! Her idea was to add a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

Streetside Florist, Kathleen Baldwin

Monarda didyma, or commonly called Bee Balm

I find this herb completely beneficial...in the garden, for our bodies, for our noses, and for our insect and hummingbird friends. I do not personally use it for skin care. Since I grow a lot of herbs, I use Bee Balm for other things besides skin care.

It is called Bee Balm as the flower attracts bumblebees. Honey bees are unable to reach this flowers’ nectar unless holes have been made by other insects or hummingbirds. And, hummingbirds are very attracted to this flower, as well as butterflies.

The versatility of this herb includes using it as a cut flower, using the dried leaves and flowers in potpourri, as a garden attraction for pollinators, and as a culinary tea. It has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb, but one of my books writes it is no longer officially recommended for medicinal use today.

The aroma and flavor of this herb is likened to Oswego tea or Earl Grey tea when added to a china tea. One of its common names is Oswego Tea. It is very aromatic and very delicious to drink as an herbal tea – hot or cold by itself or added with other herbs. I have drunk several gallons of this tea over the years – I like it hot.

And, while it may not be “officially recommended” as a medicine, I find it is my best natural aspirin of all the herbs I’ve tried. I had read that it relaxes the muscles when drunk as a tea, all the muscles from headaches to menstrual pain. I read it may also relieve nausea, flatulence, and insomnia. I do find it quite relaxing and extremely aromatic. I have drunk this tea with catnip before, and I have drunk it with lemon balm. I like it best by itself, but it is quite good mixed, too.

What? You are asking me if it helps my tension headaches and muscle aches? Is the FDA listening? Yes, it does help – in fact, it seems to be quite relieving in the aches and tension department. :)

If you would like to begin your own herb garden or are expanding yours to include some tea herbs, look for this one. The best way to obtain it is from a friend or neighbor willing to divide it by the roots, or offer you stem cuttings that are very easy to root. Then, you are getting a plant that is already acclimated to your surroundings. Then, sit back, watch it grow, and drink some bee balm tea! Happy sipping!!!

To find out more about herbs, visit http://sweetcreekherbs.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Posted by sbass

photo by Peter Roome

Happy Thanksgiving! It's a time to enjoy that favorite dish, spend time with loved ones...and reminisce of childhood memories. Partaking in the festivities, catching up with family and friends, and bowing your head in prayer are all a part of what makes this day so special. What more, there's the taste test...the famous apple pie, pumpkin bread...and the infamous turkey and stuffing. Let us know what your favorite recipe is; we'd love to hear about your traditions!

WHAT'S NEW: Follow Friday!

Who We Are

WELCOME!

Followers

Blog Archive

Search This Blog

The Hotdog Vendor gives out Schnitzels & Snippets

Kathleen Baldwin's Herb Pick!

Streetside Florist, Kathleen Baldwin

Gossip on the Street

In Memory of Charlotte Ann

Sponsors

ad

Thursday, November 11, 2010

About Us

WHAT'S NEW: Follow Friday!

Friends of INKWELL ALLEY

sashay summer issue

Unless otherwise note, all illustrations by sbass. Inkwell Alley-copywrite.