The French Toast

Let’s Go French

The French are vibrant   moving and irresistible.  Beneath their elegance, they respond to atavistic and primitive impulses.  They are unembarrassed people made for special occasions.  They may behave badly, but they always act superbly.

I have never been to France, but it gives me interest to go French in this article because of their contributions to the world in terms of  food,  religion,  family, elegance, and language, among others.  And don’t forget the French kiss.

Check this:

Anatole France is the pen name of Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault,.  He is a French writer and editor.  He wrote the Lady’s Juggler.

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) is the founder of Franciscan order of monks.

Louis Braille is the French inventor of embossed reading system for the blind.

“Bonsoir” is French for “Good evening.”

“Bon appetite” means eat well or enjoy your food. Brouhaha uproar, hubbub

“Coup d’etat” is a sudden overturn of a government.

“Faux pas” is a social error or blunder.

Noblesse oblige explains “Nobility obliges, or has its obligations.”

Vis-à-vis is face to face.

The linguistic bequest of the French to the world has been indispensable.  They are (Avant-garde) creators of new ideas and  many French artists and writers are unorthodox .

They invented body language.  In conversation, their hands are never still.  Their hands act the shape, form and size of ideas.  They have signs for approval, superiority, apology, surprise and frustration.  So they consider it impolite to talk when one’s hands are in the pocket (The Xenophobe’s Guide to French by Nick Yapp, Michel Syrett).

Moreover, where others use the inflections of the voice to show how they feel, the French use eyes, hands, lips and shoulders to reveal a full range of emotions.  In work, they have mastered the art of invisible work.  Secretly, they must bless the inventions for the word processor.  In food, enjoyment in a good restaurant or home cooking is a spiritual experience like a neo-religious ritual.

And the French kiss?  Go figure.

Home French  Toast (my recipe)

Beat 2 eggs and put some milk (evaporated).  Set aside.

Prepare cream bread.

Prepare butter.

Dip cream bread (sliced loaf)  per piece in the mixture of egg and milk.

Put 1 table spoon of butter  in a pan (Teflon or any hotcake pan).

Cook the dipped bread (both sides) like cooking pancakes.

Lay in serving dish and serve with syrup, cream and/ or fruit.

Rose Flores Martinez

IShallcookandeat

Ishallwrite

Mango and Coffee?

Cooking Time2

Cooking Time

Travel: Caramoan ( check on the abundant seafood)

CARAMOAN: The Mayor’s Inn


Discover these questions asked about places for vacation:

“Is the place really beautiful?”

“Would I/we have fun?”

“Is it exciting? Is there something special about the place?”

Travel is binding some time with parts of the earth, learning life, and having fun. It renews connections to where man couldn’t be alienated to water, wind and soil.

Whether travel is vacation, work, education or binding time with special people; it paves ways sowing seeds of life’s precious moments.

Paul Theroux claims, “It’s the journey, not the arrival that matters, and creates anew the adventures of getting there, via the Orient express, the old Patagonians Railway, and other memorable means of locomotion.”

Let’s visit the Philippines. The island is composed of 7,107 islands. It is a rich niche of natural beauty and resources.

The latest vacation favorites are nearby places to Metro Manila like Tagaytay, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pangasinan.

Tagaytay has a cool weather abundant in tropical fruits and vegetables.

Bulacan has spilling food delicacies.

Pangasinan has large quantities of seafood.

Laguna and Batangas have falls, hot springs, and churches.


Away from Manila, aside from Palawan, and Davao, one popular place today is Camarines Sur.

The latest sites of the “Survivor” film series (France “Koh Lanta” 2008, Israel 2009, Bulgaria 2009, Serbia 2009, Israel 2010) is Caramoan in Bicol.

Caramoan waters is very rich and virgin. It is free of impediments brought about by busy cities. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain climbing, fishing will surely give the zeal of your vacation spree.

Way back, I remember one teacher told me, “It’s a forbidden Island,” because typhoon always inhabits that island; but then, “She forgot that it’s a haven of virginity and beauty. Something pure can never be forbidden.” All throughout history – no traveling casualties were reported on the waters of Caramoan (The Virgin Mary is queen of the waters and she is the patron saint of the Bicolanos).

Climb a mountain; see an image of “Mahal na Ina” on top, walk through St. Michael Parish (angel that defeated the devil) and feast on seafood!

Check on “Mayor’s Inn” if you want to trace “Firsts” of history:

The Mayors Inn is an Ancestral home named in honor of Glicerio O. Alarkon, first elected Town Mayor since the Philippines independence (first election campaign center of the Liberal Party). It was first visited by nation’s ex-President Diosdado Macapagal. The house is the base of the first “Botica” of the mayor’s wife Luz (first licensed pharmacist), medical clinic of first municipal physician (Dr. Nilo Roa), optical clinic of first town optometrist (Asela), first dental clinic of another mayor’s daughter and her husband (Celeste and Edmundo), “all” serving the community for many years.

Caramoan is the oasis of my grandparents. Two sons Glicerio,Waldemar, and daughters Lydia, Gracia plus other six siblings ( all10 professionals) worked hard to take care of a modest heritage to share in “Tawog’s” splendid history of culture and beauty.

Truly, nature and firsts can never be altered. Visit now!

Rose Flores- Martinez
RoseVoc2

Love Notes and Candies

September 26, 2010

Love Notes and Candies

“Writing love notes,” some say “…are for high school students.” Way back in time, inside candy wrappers were love and caring notes: “Kiss me, I miss you, I love you… and a lot more.” They’re chocolates, hard candies, mints, sour balls and mallows everyone loves to eat.

But did you know that even adults are fascinated with these love-note craze? It’s the same attending a wedding reception and everyone in the party becomes excited from the notes in the cake flowers, like “You’ll soon meet your prince charming,” or “ Next week prepare for a romantic dinner.”

Some teenagers use candy wrappers to make scribbles and give to friend, designed with stickers and with real candies and chocolates.

Loot bags come filled with messages and notes of specialized posters given during parties both for the young kids and the Mommy’s. These are packages that culminate a gathering and occasions.

How to write love notes and make candies/chocolates:

1. Love Notes

Be creative.
Write from your heart’s desire.
Get inspired with people, books, and life.
You can print from a computer, or write long hand.
Tuck notes with candies/container safely.
Be sure to make surprising effects.

2. Candies

You can roll powdered milk with some amount of condensed milk, then sugar. Mould in a tray, cut and wrap.

You can also make into small balls, then roll into sugar.

Or:

Make “Yema” balls. Boil a can of condensed milk around an hour (estimate till condensed milk turns brown)

Form balls. This is ready to eat. Or if you want, dip into newly cooked caramelized sugar. Wait till candy hardens.

3. Chocolates

Bars can be cooked in low heat or microwave (as directed in the chocolate bar baking time). Quickly pour chocolate into molder. Wait till chocolate hardens.

Or: you can have marshmallows, cornflakes, cookies, strawberries, nuts in your chocolates before putting it to molder.

These are your personalized candies and foodie treats that could go with the love-note you’ve created.

However, if you are busy and cannot cook and prepare the candies and chocolates; varied sweets are around supermarkets and stores. Just take your pick of M&M’s, LifeSavers, sour balls, Hersheys, marshmallows, chocolate pies, cookies, gummies - and attach the note that you’ve written for your friend on a card or gift tag.

What more? Halloween is coming, Christmas is coming, New Year and Valentine. Sweets never go unwanted they’re sought and will make special gifts for friends, families, and everyone special. Please don’t forget the orphans and the needy kids!

Rose flores martinez
IShalleatandcook
RoseVoc2

For Mama Mary

For Mama Mary

Net Scribbles

Net Scribbles

You Are Beautiful

You Are Beautiful

Online Class

http://petjfoundation.intuitwebsites.com

Blogging Forever?

Blogging Forever?


Thank GOD, I survived the 100-Article Challenge of Ezine Articles. Com.

From here, I thought… what would be the next?

Now, I am trying to test if I could be a professional blogger? I mean, work and at least earn in this aspect of writing. I will do that and see the possibilities…

I know it won’t be easy, nothing came easy in serious work. But then, work becomes light and happy if you love what you’re doing, like blogging forever? Watch out!

1. I have read about the cookware in Maureen Sander Blog, and surely cookwares must last a long time and could be passed to your children and your childrens' children. The price is right because the guarantee of it is durability and safety.

There are different name brands for cookwares : affordable and expensive, something to fit your budget or splurge on something useful.

We have got “Soligens,” and a lot more…some are imported from different countries like India, US, and Japan. They’re good to cook for your kids meal; breakfast, lunch, dinner.

2.

I also came into seeing the monsters in “iplay.com.” They’re called “Moshi monsters.” Moshi monsters is a new free game online for girls and boys where you can create your own virtual pet and care for it with your friends.

Before, my kids loved these pets and they fed the pet monsters.

There was also that twinkle brass and cool copper cleaning kit. I love cleaning, mothers love cleaning “easily.”

I also ran across Coco Blog and My Global search.com

In Susanne Dukes, I felt like shopping. Yes, a Worldwideweb mall to access new products like bead curtains and beach play sets, among others.

Roseannebevil.Easyworldwide mall is a showcase, you don’t need to tire yourself just to shop. You can do it online.

Foreign students love to shop online. Most of them are professionals with busy schedules, so shopping online helps in saving time travel time.

Jewelry, and even sophisticated pendants are available like the “Scalar pendant.”

Of course, shop at best Amazon associates and get discounts.

Let us see if we’re doing it right. I’ll finally come to it! Read the texts and enjoy!

Opps.. what do you think my future in blogging would be? Would I get rich, or so bored, or always updated or descending? Ezine taught me how to make it quickly…it’s worth it: the time and effort building a good community, after all.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Rose Flores Martinez 2010
IShallWrite
IShallEatandCook
8.9.2010

Simple Omelet Recipes

Simple Omelet Recipes


Here are simple, nutritious, and yummy omelet recipes for everyday cooking:


1. Cheese Omelet

Scramble 4 eggs. Set aside.

Grate or slice cheese strips ( around ¼ of regular size cheddar cheese) You can add more cheese if you like.

Put cheese into the scrambled eggs. Mix.

In a pan, heat quickly 4 tablespoon of butter in low fire.

Pour in the mixture of eggs and cheese in the pan (with butter).

Mix quickly. You can have the omelet in circles or just the mix it with fork. Don’t over cook. Serve and eat while hot. Kids love this recipe.

Serving: Good for 4 people.


2. Fish or Tuna Omelet

Scramble 6 eggs. Set aside.

Slice in small cubes 4 tomatoes and 4 onions.

Saute fish meat or tuna in oil, tomatoes and onions. Cook vegetables till oil is reddish.

Put sautéed fish meat or tuna (remove excess oil) in the beaten eggs.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

In a small cup, put ¼ water and dissolve 4 teaspoon flour. Pour this into the mixture. You can add flour if needed.

You are ready to fry in a wok/pan. Heat oil.

Pour in 1 scoop of the mixture in the oil (using a serving spoon/medium size). You will make omelet circles and it will look like small pancakes. Flip when omelet is reddish orange. Make it to be a bit crispy. You can add flour if you need to make omelet more solid.

Serving: 10-12 small circles of omelet. Kids love this.

You can use ground beef or ground pork if you like, in place of tuna or fish meat.


3. Vegetable Omelet

You can use eggplant/ aubergine. Boil eggplant, then peel. Set aside.

Dice carrots and bell peppers in bits. Slice small cubes of tomatoes and onions.

Scramble eggs and put a dash or salt and/or pepper according to taste.

Pour in diced carrots, bell peepers, and sliced onions and tomatoes in the beaten eggs.

You are ready to fry.

In a heated frying pan, put an eggplant (aubergine), 1 whole eggplant with stem or half of it. The scoop mixture of the eggs and vegetables. Wait and cook (low fire) until brown, you can flip if you like. The eggs here will cook quickly.

You can eat this omelet with catsup, or soysauce with lemon. This recipe comes good with rice and/ or fish or meat.

From surveys, eggs are good eaten twice in a week.

Happy eating!


Rose Flores Martinez
Ishalleatandcook
7.22.10
RoseVoc2
Ezine Articles.com

Breakfast Ideas For Kids

Breakfast Ideas For Kids


Kids need to eat a delightful breakfast to be healthy and strong.

Check this out:

1. Cereals Cereals can be eaten with milk or chocolate poured on the cereal. Kids love Coco crunch, Kelloggs in various flavors like Frosties, and Cornflakes, among others. You can still add sugar if you want. Cereals can be eaten with no problem in preparation. It can be topped with fresh fruits like banana, strawberries, apples, cherries, or blueberries.

2.

Rice/Fried rice and meat with an egg can make up various meal sets.

Rice must be newly cooked.

Fried Rice is a good substitute for plain rice. The fried rice can be cooked in little oil with garlic or prepared with bits of meat, peas, and carrots.

With one recipe of the following:

2.1With Fish

Dried fish (“daing or tuyo”) goes well with fried rice.

Fried fish fillet with rice (can be dipped in any sauce or catsup).

Fish in sauce goes with rice.

Tuna (sautéed in garlic, onions and tomatoes)

2.2With Meat

Meat in soysauce and vinegar (adobo) goes well with any kind of rice or fried rice.

Beef steak ( garnish with yellow/white onions cut in circles) goes yummy with newly cooked rice.

Hotdogs ( fry well)

Tocino (in tiny slices)

Tapa (in tiny slices)

Corned beef (sauteed in tomato and onions)

Longganisa (cooked well)

Ham ( sliced or scraps) top with syrup or honey

Spring rolls (with catsup or sweet and sour sauce)

Teriyaki ( small pieces)

2.3With Chicken

Fried Chicken (forever)

Eggs (scrambled, hard boiled, or sunny side up)

3. Chocolate drink or fresh milk

4. Orange or strawberry juice

5. Champorado with milk toppings

6. Fruit

Banana or melon. Children love banana, melon, peaches, oranges, and apples.

7. Side dishes fried banana (“saba”) or fried sweet potatoes (“kamote”) or french fries

8. Make a sandwich

Spread in bread mayonnaise or butter.

Put egg, meat like ham or hotdog, etc. Add a slice of cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes. Spread some catsup or mustard as desired.

8. Water and a lot of water and a lot of water










Try this Recipe:

How to Make Fresh Milk with Gello

Get 1 box of fresh milk (1 liter)/ Chill
Get ready-to-eat gelatin/ gello Slice into small cute cubes
(the children can do this/ use knives without sharp edges/adults must help)

Pour fresh milk into 2 glasses of water
Put 5-6 tablespoons of cut gelatin or at least ¼ of the glass size

Stir slowly. Your fresh milk with Gello is ready now.

(Original Recipe of Wenzi Jeanne F. Martinez, Ma. Riza F. Martinez)


Good morning! Thank you dear God for the food!


Rosalinda flores martinez
7.28.2010
IShalleatandcook
IShallWrite

The Water Problems of the Poor in the Philippines

July 29, 2010


THEY(Newly Elected Set of Gov’t Officials): Have To Solve Problems for the People


I have read commentaries from newspapers and online communities today. But I haven’t heard much from the news on TV.

How are the surveys going? I hope the media wouldn’t stop after the elections. We – and experts- and the people have to SAY something to awaken the Filipinos.

The SONA had its specifications of roles and visions, but then I read from the columnist Conrado de Quiros (Inquirer) that “… it was bitin…”

On the net; worst when translated into English – the translations were inexact.

Moreover, from Manila Times columnist Giovanni Tapang, that president and the government must solve necessities first, before we go to business matters.

Truly, the basic needs of the people and especially the poor must be met. At most, this month, we had water shortage around the country. They have to do something about this problem; it’s an urgent case.

If the working class couldn’t be provided with their primary needs, the next ladder of human needs will not be met. The poor will become poorer and the rich will become richer. Take the high interest rates that poor people can’t pay. It’s parallel to “buying more expensive water” than paying the regular water bill/budget. These are small problems but root out to branch bigger problems in the country now and in the next years.

I also read about the Nuclear Power Plant. It’s evident that we don’t need it at the moment, if we could not provide water to so many Filipinos, why would you spend millions on the Nuclear Plant which has no workable feasibility study at this time. Hey guys, don’t gobble up the marshmallows ---- we need EXPERTS. And we don’t have them yet.

Do you know the history of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant? The pioneer expert engineers and specialists are dead now. They worked with experts (foreign and native), and they themselves lived there to sustain its development. If so, you will be needing expert workers, scientists, and engineers here. Not politicians, not businessmen.

STOP with “building up sweet PRESS Releases.” The Philippines needs solutions to problems not those “cutie things.” Let’s face it, the Filipinos are poor and many of us need jobs. We need jobs and education --- but first, give us WATER!

Press release and advertising be careful with your packages! I’ll quote from Daily Tribune Newspaper: “No Fear, No Favor.”

Another thing: I’m not into politics, but let us pray for the politicians. They have to STUDY and learn experiences neatly and honestly. I worry because many of them came from show business and I don’t know if they can even brainstorm in the Senate or Congress. The size of their minds are questionable! Education can only be equaled by learned experiences. And if they don’t have this… we are likely to be doomed! We all, will become part of their PRACTICE Set. The rich, they will laugh when the government fails… because the government would compromise. Please settle honestly, not compromise. I hope they’re not complacent with some workshops and study abroad – here and there. Your brains should work, YOU, and you have to serve honestly not just for a few, but for all the Filipinos – for our nation, for everyone.

Philippines, let us work hard, help and remind each other. The Filipino people has to check and correct the government servants so we could work hand in hand.

And please: Don’t mess up with the lands we inherited from our ancestors, where you build airports, malls, and produce too much pollution --- we need to breathe fresh air.

Know that I am talking about real life here; you will not understand life if you hadn’t put any effort to be one with the poor and become one of them.


Rose Flores – Martinez
IShallWrite
RoseVoc2
July 29, 2010
Submit date: July 30, 2010
ishalleatanddrink.blogspot.com
The Daily Tribune Newspaper

Simple Omelet Recipes

Simple Omelet Recipes


Here are simple, nutritious, and yummy omelet recipes for everyday cooking:


1. Cheese Omelet

Scramble 4 eggs. Set aside.

Grate or slice cheese strips ( around ¼ of regular size cheddar cheese) You can add more cheese if you like.

Put cheese into the scrambled eggs. Mix.

In a pan, heat quickly 4 tablespoon of butter in low fire.

Pour in the mixture of eggs and cheese in the pan (with butter).

Mix quickly. You can have the omelet in circles or just the mix it with fork. Don’t over cook. Serve and eat while hot. Kids love this recipe.

Serving: Good for 4 people.


2. Fish or Tuna Omelet

Scramble 6 eggs. Set aside.

Slice in small cubes 4 tomatoes and 4 onions.

Saute fish meat or tuna in oil, tomatoes and onions. Cook vegetables till oil is reddish.

Put sautéed fish meat or tuna (remove excess oil) in the beaten eggs.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

In a small cup, put ¼ water and dissolve 4 teaspoon flour. Pour this into the mixture. You can add flour if needed.

You are ready to fry in a wok/pan. Heat oil.

Pour in 1 scoop of the mixture in the oil (using a serving spoon/medium size). You will make omelet circles and it will look like small pancakes. Flip when omelet is reddish orange. Make it to be a bit crispy. You can add flour if you need to make omelet more solid.

Serving: 10-12 small circles of omelet. Kids love this.

You can use ground beef or ground pork if you like, in place of tuna or fish meat.


3. Vegetable Omelet

You can use eggplant/ aubergine. Boil eggplant, then peel. Set aside.

Dice carrots and bell peppers in bits. Slice small cubes of tomatoes and onions.

Scramble eggs and put a dash or salt and/or pepper according to taste.

Pour in diced carrots, bell peepers, and sliced onions and tomatoes in the beaten eggs.

You are ready to fry.

In a heated frying pan, put an eggplant (aubergine), 1 whole eggplant with stem or half of it. The scoop mixture of the eggs and vegetables. Wait and cook (low fire) until brown, you can flip if you like. The eggs here will cook quickly.

You can eat this omelet with catsup, or soysauce with lemon. This recipe comes good with rice and/ or fish or meat.

From surveys, eggs are good eaten twice in a week.

Happy eating!


Rosalinda Flores Martinez
Ishalleatandcook
rosevoc2
ishallwrite

Restaurant Review: "I'm Not Okay"

What to do if you had to write a bad restaurant review?

Say "I'm not okay!"

One will really not be okay, especially if it's about love, next one is about food. Writers who write restaurant and food reviews can attest to this.

Usually food writers promote healthful products and restaurants that serve heavenly food.
Most writers are fond of food. I had been a contributing writer for Cook and food magazines so my mouth is supposed to showcase the different taste buds.

"You have to say the truth. You always have to tell the truth so the food recipe and restaurant could improve it," food experts assent. "Tastes buds have different preferences, and your visit is also due of good service and cleanliness around."

Restaurant reviews have no exact form. It states restaurant features, name, location (map/how to get there), food price, meal discounts, estimated costs per person, and the various menu. Appetizers to desserts, beverages, and dishes are enumerated to please customers and inform the public.

Restaurant ambiance is also discussed. Is it fine dining? A buffet? Is it a fast food setting? Pictures and posters are distributed for the presentation of food.

An overview of the restaurant's food specialty is given a highlight with commendations from famous people, specific consumers, and cooking experts.

A commentary (positive or negative), an essay of appreciation, and a culinary climax in any form are given a press release.

Sometimes a simple recipe of the menu and its ingredients are given away. Health benefits derived from the food are analyzed by nutritionists.

During my first restaurant review of a Japanese Restaurant in Makati (Thank's to Cook Magazine); I was really ashamed because I didn't know how to use the chopsticks. All the press people were using the chopsticks, and I was the only one who asked for a spoon and fork. But it was cool because "I have learned to managed and asked for a fork." From then on, I practiced using the chopsticks.

I thank Cook Magazine for this. "The restaurant was exquisitely marvelous and sushi was fresh. Everyone loved the menu and it came one at a time served by waiters."

Truly, personal reactions of both the food and restaurant are solicited by consumers as it becomes part of popular culture.

Overtones of sad and happy experiences give authenticity of restaurant reviews. Detailed analysis of specific outstanding dishes - good and dismal are helpful for the different food groups that will patronize such food and restaurants.

"I'm not okay" is okay for food and restaurant reviews.

Rose Flores - Martinez
ishalleatandcook
ishallwrite
ezine articles.com

EZine Articles Platinum, Rosalinda Flores - Martinez

Ezine Articles, Rose Flores - Martinez

Herbal Supplements

Folklore would not be complete without its many traditional, and oftentimes herbal medications, remedies, and healing methods. In fact, different countries have methods and treatments that are unique. The healing power of herbs – whether culled from the people of yore or learned in a 21st century lab – has effects that cannot be denied.

Among the world’s earliest civilizations, food and medicine were inextricably linked, and many plants were eaten for their health-giving properties. For example, armies of slave workers who laboured to build the Egyptian pyramids survived on a meal which included a daily ration of garlic in order to ward off pestilence and fever.

Consider too, the dark age of Europe, into the medieval period, when herbs were painstakingly grown in monasteries. Each monastery had its own “Physics” garden, abounding in herbs that were used to treat the ailments of both the monks and the local folks who dwelled in the surrounding areas.

From indigenous local fruits and vegetables that are organically grown come combination of extracts for healing, stamina, and as body supplements. The mode of extraction follows a traditional method, like the fruit fermentation process, among others.


I. For treatment requiring the use of plants, take the following guides

1.Use only one plant medicine at a time. 2. Use only stainless or earthen cooking utensils (Aluminum reacts chemically with medicinal elements in plants. 3.Don’t cover cooking utensil when boiling (to release toxins). 4.Take decoction either hot or cold. Strain before taking it. 5. Wash thoroughly leaves, barks, flowers, roots. 6. Individual with allergic reactions to with some plants are not encouraged to use herbal medications.

II. Herbal medication for constipation

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Have a regular time to sit down on the toilet bowl. Have a regular exercise. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.

Papaya/Carica Papaya (ripe fruit). Eat one big slice every morning for breakfast.

Yellow Bell. Boil 5 leaves in 2 glasses of water for 10 minutes. Drink at least 2 glasses a day.

Malunggay leaves/Horse Radish tree. Eat one cup boiled leaves with meals.

Take this caution: Remember that healing wonders of herbs are not substitutes for the doctor’s prescription. Consult a doctor if necessary.

III. Check out samples of healing herbs

Healing Herb/Plant Scientific Name

1. Sweet Basil Ocimum basilicum L.
2. Garlic Allium sativum Linn
3. Guava Psidium guajava L.
4. Betel-nut Palm Areca catechu L.
5.Betel Leaf Pepper Piper beetle L.
6. Cocoa plant Theobrama cacao L.
7.Black Plum, Java Plum Syszygium jambulanum
8.China Rose, Hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.
9.Ginger Lily Hedychium coronarium
10. Carrots Daucus carota Linn.
11. Horse Radish tree Moringa oleifera Lam.
12. Papaya Carica Papaya



/rose flores martinez
2.18.2010, for ezine articles.com
http://ishalleatandcook.blogspot.com

Food of the Gods

Food of the Gods

The story of chocolate began in 600 AD in the jungles of the Yucatan, where the Mayans established the earliest know plantation for growing cocoa tress which produce cocoa beans.

At this early date, the beans where valuable commodities to which mystical and religious significance was ascribed. The beans were also used throughout Central America both as forms of payment and as units of calculation.

For culinary purposes, the Indians of Central America roasted, grounded and combined the beans with liquid. Sometimes, it was beaten until frothy and thus was born the chocolate drink. The bitter concoction, however, bore little resemblance to the sweet, milky chocolate drink we know today, yet its uniquely pleasing taste worked its magic on the early consumers.

By 1200, Aztec had conquered the Mayans and the Toltecs. In recognition of their supremacy over the rest of Central America, the Aztecs imposed delivery revenues of coca beans as tribute from conquered tribes.

In 1502, on Christopher Columbus’ journey to the New World, he landed in Nicaragua and saw coca beans being used as currency. He brought several specimens of the beans to King Ferdinand. But it was Hernando Cortez, in 1519, in successfully conquering Mexico, who was the first European to taste the chocolate. He did not like it, but he found out that it was a very important drink because of the high esteem in which the natives held it.

Meanwhile, when the Aztec Emperor Montezuma first drunk a potations of cocoa with Cortez, the bean was considered so precious that just 100 of them could buy a slave.

In fact, the cacao tree’s botanical name “theorama cacao” was translated from the Greek “theorama,” meaning “food of the gods.” The cacao is the seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made. They are fermented, then washed to remove the sticky coating , and dried. It is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the “starculia” family.

The Dutch developed the famous “dutching” process, which made chocolate easier to drink, and the Swiss developed milk chocolate, adding milk to it.

To this day, chocolate is considered a treat, a luxury. It makes one crave for more and often provides one with solace. It also, makes the best gift as in eating it, one feels good.


Rosalinda Flores -Martinez, 2010
For Ezine Articles.com
http://ishalleatandcook.blogspot.com
http://rfvietnamrose09.blogspot.com