Amazing health benefits of parsley underrated



Curly parsley often used as a garnish  - far too nutritious
to be limited to that





Flat-leaf / Italian / Continental parsley
known for it's stronger flavour

I have grown parley successfully in our small plot, and what's more, from seed. It likes rich, well dug soil and a sunny position (it grows in part sun in our plot). What I like about it that it keeps on growing, actually being a biennial and is always ready to be harvested to be used in salads, savoury dishes such as pasta and as a garnish. I read that in USA it is most often used as a garnish, but it is far too good for just that! Keep reading and eat more parsley.

Clara
petroselinum crispum
Parsley is one of the most important herbs for providing vitamins to the body. It's like an immune-enhancing multi-vitamin and mineral complex in green plant form.
With more vitamin C than any other vegetable - three times as much as oranges and about the same as blackcurrants, twice as much iron as spinach, rich in Vitamin A it also contains folate, potassium, calcium and flavonoids that act as antioxidants.


Raw parsley cleanses the blood, maintains elasticity of blood vessels, and is said to benefit the sexual system. Chewing parsley prevents bad breath!

History
The English introduced it to the world after getting it from the Romans who got it from the Ancient Greeks who thought that Hercules used a garland of parsley so they would crown the winners of games and war with garlands of parsley in honor of the great feats of Hercules. Greek soldiers fed parsley to their horses so they would run better.

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Fern balance restored in Sydney garden

Hi there fellow gardeners


You allowed for  the perfect photo shoot

 A garden is a microcosm of life - it can be about position, size, power - when one plant dominates, another fades through lack of life-giving light  And no - the meek shall not inherit the earth. 
But that is not to say that some hardy, less dominant  varieties won't outlive and survive other plants, by being  more adaptive to climate change and other conditions, by sending out roots for the future.   Or sometimes they are more useful and productive,  with their  patience, persistence and reciprocity, assisting  the balance of nature. 
Today, following so much spring rain, with a cool breeze and the sun on my back, it was a perfect day to establish equilibrium in my garden.  

Here are the results - and I thank my fellow snail which allowed the perfect photo shoot conditions.
Clara

Me and my shadow





Before



Before





Timber!!!!!



After







There's space for everyone now!







The wow factor - Back of fern frond - all these spores
 lined up to go to form another fern. 



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Anise stars in this all-in-one Asian Hot Pot



Radish or Parsnip??? Actual name - Daikon (white radish)
often used in Asian cooking



Fragrant Asian spices for this all in one Hot Pot



Anise is the star

Hi R

Our radish is actually called 'daikon' and here it is in this fragrant dish.  As you know we mistook it for a parsnip, used it successfully for cruunch in a salad but now I know it's true identity as a vegetable often used in Asian cooking. Not hugely nutritious, mildly hot, but absorbs the flavour of the dish -one of life's little mysteries solved on Grannycircle! 

This is a divine recipe -  soooo easy and quick but guaranteed to tantilise the taste buds.  Of course, if you don't have Daikon, you could easily substitute with green beans or broccoli etc, adding in the last 10 mins so it remains a little crunchy. Don't leave out the star anise - it is so pretty with amazing flavour!

Clara 

ASIAN CHICKEN HOT POT

to serve 6
1/2 to 2/3 cup shaoxing (Chinese rice wine)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tsp chopped ginger

1 medium onion quartered or 6 spring onions, sliced

2 to 3 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 kg / 2lb chicken thighs (each thigh cut into 4 slices or breast cut into approx 6 pieces)

3 carrots, sliced on the diagonal
1 daikon (white radish), cut into chunks
8 fresh shitake mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup coriander and/or basil
cracked black or white pepper


Rice to serve


Preheat oven to 180C / 355 F.  In an ovenproof casserole dish, mix chinese wine, soy, garlic, ginger, spring onions, star anise and cinnamon then add chicken. Cover and bake for 3/4 hour or until chicken is just tender. Add carrot, daikon and mushrooms and cook uncovered for a further 15 minutes

Place rice in bowl, add chicken and vegetables. Ladle over sauce. Sprinkle with coriander and pepper.

Boneless chicken breasts / thighs:

Average per person:- buy 5 oz / 150g

or to serve 6 - 2lb /1kg

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The Art of the Table

Clara,
You would love this table by Robert Therrien. It measures ten feet high, twenty feet long, and twelve feet wide.  It's the center piece for Art of the Table,

an installation show at the Milwaukee Art Museum this weekend. In conjunction with the show is a marketplace of unique gifts that I was fortunate to be part of. I put together a collection of my pewter jewelry, 70 some pieces and am happy to report lots of them have already found new owners!  We had lunch at the Calatrava Cafe in the museum, an art of the table experience in itself. We need to add that to our "to do" for your next visit.

R

http://www.mam.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=2186&year=2010&month=11

Small herb plot yields antiageing greens

Hi R and other lovers of leafy greens

Today was a beautiful day in Mosman following serious serial rain - Spring / Autumn to me are the ultimate seasons where the humidity is low, the breeze can be cool but the sun on one's back as you view the clear horizon, is divine.  But we are missing out on this; and soon it will be hot and humid. You have the opposite as I see some white precipitation in your photos.

As you know I am passionate about leafy greens and herbs, so today G and I sowed some seeds - flat leafed parsley, known for it's excellent flavour, spinach (perpetual leaf, easy to grow with continuous cropping - according to the packet), some shallots for salads which harvest in 8-12 weeks, to join the existing rocket which can be sown all year round - love the peppery flavour added to roasted veges, and wilted rocket is divine. Our basil crop is doing well - this part of the land has a few hazards re survival of the species - insects, possums (protected).

It was  a good day, as G & I worked our little plot which doesn't have quite enough sun and even though the yield isn't huge, I adore being able to pick a few leafy greens, knowing that they are such a powerhouse re antiageing qualities.

Clara
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December Babies supported by family and friends

Hi there December Babies and those who valiantly support us through our tough times

I'm the December Babe in arms

And here was I thinking that I had an original thought in thinking up the name 'December Babies' for what has become an annual get together.  For some reason I Googled it, and lo and behold, there is a blog about it!  I tell you what - there ain't nuthin' that Mr Google hasn't addressed.

There was even a survey which I have included part there of - people around me haven't actually committed these offences but my empathetic self knows that it is an absolute pain to my family and friends that I had the misfortune to be born so close to Christmas.  I feel their pain as they attempt to stretch their already limited time and dollar to make me feel wanted and loved. 



The R&R factor - 3rd to the right

 I decided the best thing to do was to change the date which I did when my offspring were in their teens.  My daughter thought it was a good idea and dutifully went along with it - however my son said "It isn't your birthday, Mum."   I weakened to logic and reason and let it go. Damn! 

 However, I leave you with this thought - potential parents -  beware the 'Ides of March' re conception!  September Babies conceived during the holiday season  are ultimately better off.  However, I forgive my parents, since I was conceived during R and R leave - I won't tell you which war.  It had quite an impact on me when I realised the R & R factor - it  offered me a romanticised view - where my ordinary  mum and dad could have been part of a movie script, with my conception having the dramatic background of war.  I am here as a result of wider, more important need; that is, to replace those who died in the war, or at the very least,  conceived in a real moment of passion perhaps the result of long absence.  from www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/1940's1.htm

Thanks to my  friends and family for your support.
Clara


The blog I stumbled across which expresses the dilemma of DB

December Babies share many common experiences throughout their birth month; some are good but unfortunately many are bad. Help us compile the December Babies Criminal Code by letting us know what are the worst offenses you’ve seen or experienced around your birthday?



•The Party Lump: Birthday parties get “lumped” in with other family or friend get-togethers.
•The Lazy Card: Holiday cards read: “Oh yeah, Happy Birthday, too”
•The Wrap Job: Birthday gifts are wrapped in holiday-themed wrapping paper.
•The Fake Cake: A surplus holiday fruitcake with a few crooked candles jammed into it masquerades as a birthday cake.
•The Combo Gift: No, not the tasty snack! The dreaded “combo” combines birthday and holiday gift into one convenient unit.
•The Party Snub: Having a December birthday party that no one attends because of other commitments, workplace parties.......


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Pewter pieces take on their own unique character

Hi there
Behind the scenes - as R prepares for her Pewter Jewelry Collection for the Art of the Table Marketplace at the Milwaukee Art Museum November 18th - November 21st.

Look forward to seeing the whole collection next week;  I admire the bold nature of the pewter work as each piece takes on its own unique character.
Clara






R is not just a pretty face



She means business!



Iris My Case...November 10th

Bluestone...November 9thThree months to go!

Sending Flowers...November 8th

De Pendant...November 6th





Similar pieces can be purchased at
 http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/

 












 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

The world welcomes OJ - It's a Boy!



It's a Moet kind of day!

 Hi there
Welcome to Baby OJ,  born today, a little early and very hungry.  I have to wait until Sunday to meet him but I already know he is very very special.

Mother and Baby are doing well - the best words in the world to hear when you are waiting for that phone call.

One can't help but be reflective when your daughter gives birth - I hope OJ brings her and J much joy.
Clara








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Clara is back - come away with her

Hi there Back in Australia so time to share images and purpose with you.

Walk with a purpose around Mosman




Balmoral Beach - North Head and Middle Head

If you are lucky, as I am, you may have friends who invite you to lunch at Balmoral Beach  Club which is at the North end of the beach. The photo shows the view as you sit in sandless comfort, bring out your picnic lunch, maybe a glass of crisp white wine and absorb the timeless beauty. I never tire of this view towards North Head and Middle Head as it leads me from our harbour to the open sea. 

Children have enjoyed and frolicked on this beach for decades if not centuries, as is shown in the photo gallery in the club room. Exercise with a purpose in this instance was running after two little 5yr old friends, as they collected shells, built sand castles etc, but as you can imagine there are many great walks; or my favourite is simple to hold hands with G and promenade along the beach.

Come away with me - Clara
ps - for fabulous picnic food - go to http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/ then click on the label Picnic Food (on right hand side)


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Loved being part of the warm spirit of USA

Hi there guys and grannies

Here I am back in Oz - missing you and your warmth and generosity of spirit there in the USA. 

I remember the sense of loss which I had, when I left the USA 30 yrs ago - back home to my wonderful Oz  homeland - and yet I missed so much of your energy and goodwill.  When I was there, everything seemed possible and probable with heaps of options...... On my return - things became more conditional somehow. We have something to learn there.
Loving the injection of positive - can do - moving forward spirit - I call it DeBono's yellow hat.
Clara
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SOFA

On Friday I took the train down to Chicago and spent the day at SOFA, the International Exposition of Sculptural Objects, Functional Art. It was a beautiful day in the windy city and the show was spectacular. My good friend Karen Halt was an exhibiting artist there. I got to spend some time with her and veiw her latest creations.  For more on Karen's work, go to

http://www.portalsgallery.com/Artists/halt/halt.htm

Renotta's week of creative miracles

Hi R and other friends out there
A week has passed since I arrived back from Wisconsin - so it is time I revisited R's 'One a Day blog' to see the miracles she has achieved in that time.

You can admire the creative energy but you can also wear these pieces.  Contact Renotta on her website http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/  .
As I have said before, it is lucky that there are more hours in the Northern Hemisphere!
I especially love seeing the pewter work as this was R's project at the time so I was there at the creative coal front,  and actually produced a piece myself!


Clara's Valiant Effort

 Proudly Clara



















 Wearing a Wire...November 5th

Part of my Pewter Jewelry Collection for the Art of the Table Marketplace at the Milwaukee Art Museum November 18th - November 21st












Lace Up...November 4th

Button Up...November 3rd

Woolrich...November 2nd

Woolworth...November 1st

Spooktacular...October 31st

Fallen Leaves...October 30th

Needlework...October 29th

Throw Your Hat in the Ring...October 28th

Keep the Ball Rolling...October 27th

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Spicy chicken cakes with Asian dipping sauce a versatile winner

Hi there

Yesterday's baby shower was a huge success - more finger food - I love it!!
Versatile little morsals, chicken cakes can served hot or cold, are great finger food, perfect for picnics, a starter served on a bed of rocket or spinach (dressed with a little of the dipping sauce) or as a main for lunch with a salad.

For a different spin, form mixture into small balls and serve as finger food using tooth picks to serve or pile mixture into a loaf tin and slice to serve.


Clara






Spicy Asian Chicken Cakes
Chicken mince – half kilo / 3/4 c breadcrumbs
1 onion or 2 Spring onions - chopped
Grated rind of 1/2 lemon or lime (no pith)
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
1 egg, beatenfinger
1-2 cloves garlic & 2 tsp chopped ginger
Coriander leaves and stems – 2-4 tbsp chopped
Salt & freshly ground black pepper


Spoon mixture into an egg ring to make a round shape - place on oven paper spray with oil. Cook in preheated oven (medium to high) for about 20 mins.


Can be reheated before serving with a dipping sauce of equal amounts of fish Sauce, sweet chilli sauce and lime juice – add choppedClick on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
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It's all about identity - Well done Ruth Faerber!

Ruth reinvented herself as an artist
in her 80's to employ new technology
such as inkjet printers

Hi R and other inspiring women
From our local paper, The Mosman Daily - 'Portrait of lady as reborn artist'  written by Kate Crawford.


Thanks Kate, for your inspiring article on Ruth Faerber - she's 88 and has no intention of retiring and giving up her identity as an artist. She is exhibiting her work at Artarmon Galleries alongside works on paper by late artist John Coburn.  She says, "I find it oddly engaging that the passage of time is represented  by the generation links in the show." 

The exhibition features Faerber's recent digital prints - she reinvented herself as an artist about six years ago to employ new techniques such as inkjet printers.  "I discovered amazing things that could not be done in other ways - the result is not a photograph  but a graphic." she says.

The exhibition continues until next Tuesday, November 9, at Artarmon Galleries at 479 Pacific Highway, Artarmon.  I can feel a 'walk with a purpose' looming on Sunday. 
Clara
ps - Hope we can be written up in the local paper when we are 88. Inkjet/photoshop/etc  Grannies? 
Well done Ruth!


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Is It a Parsnip or a Radish?

It's really impossible to tell unless you do the taste test which can get you into some trouble at our market. So I highly recommend reading the descriptions. At any rate, parsnips are a  lovely base for a meal of spinach and baked salmon. Simply simmer the chopped parsnips till soft, add a small amount of butter, season to taste and mash. Top the parsnips on a bed of sauteed spinach and finish off with your baked salmon. I like to bake the salmon in white wine and seasonings and then add a spicy mustard and brown sugar and broil for a few minutes. Walla!

Notice the new dinnerware.  R

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Grannies have fun Photoshopping.

Hi there
Technical matters - I decided to give us an Autumnal hue to fit in with the current theme.  Quite like it actually.  Wouldn't it be good if  life was like Photoshop where we could adjust ourselves.  An undo function would come in handy as well.

Yes I did yesterday's Wild weather video in Photoshop and today I changed the music - Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' - Autumn to Winter.

There are apparently many women bloggers out in cyberspace - where they are becoming a force to be reckoned with - not online nerds, but sharers.  According to an article in the SMH 'Conquer the world, one blog at a time' by Julie Power, "In the old days, women marched to win change.  Now they blog.  Change starts with talk.  and these conversations are happening among the 42 million American women  who blog, tweet and update their social networks every week........ The cliche is that blogs are little more than an online diary.  but scratch around most blogs, and you'll find most women want change... whether is is healthier school lunches, more flexible hours at work, more buses or help with the kids." 

Personally it's therapeutic to express ideas and particularly satisfying to share ideas rather than to conquer or win change.  I'll leave that to Photoshop.
Clara    

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