As a scientist who seeks proof of theories, but also, a keen observer with an open-mind who needs no scientific proof of the obvious, I became aware of Another Inconvenient Truth: the toxicity of our planet.  Toxins in our air, water, and food have become obstacles to the proper functioning of our body processes and system. Dr. Junger

I do love good foods and an evening without a good wine was just uncivilized.  I noticed my morning energy was low and I was feeling old. No, not yet, no time for slacking.  Time to readjust my approach, to food, to alcohol, to our environment in general.

The holidays, that time between Thanksgiving and New Years, has always been an undisciplined food time for me, and this year it was my good fortune that the scale broke - I took this as a gift!  My holiday weight gain for 2009 remains a mystery.  Historically, I gain fifteen pounds during this glorious season.  Not a worry, as I love to exercise, and I’m becoming better and better at discerning the mechanics of healthy foods.  My educated guess (from the school of tight jeans) was that I started close, on either side, of one hundred forty pounds and after completing 21 days of the detox program, my lowest was one hundred twenty-three pounds.  A good thing, but weight loss wasn’t the only goal.  Feeling and looking healthy was now a mission!

Dr. Wayne D. Hey, Urologist and my son-in-law, doesn’t miss much.  He did the math, ( wine over time) and suggested that the wine, we so happily consumed, effects on the liver, not to mention the brain, are negative. We all know this.  Unfortunately, symptoms of liver disease are vague.  For some, genetics comes into play.  Hispanics, Native Americans and African-Americans are especially susceptible to liver disease.  A routine blood test can measure liver enzymes.  I added this blood test to my yearly wellness exam, and for me, no more wine!  I find not craving wine to be a direct result of detoxing my body… I look and feel healthy.

The liver is the body’s gatekeeper.  Processing everything you eat, breathe, or absorb through your skin.  Now we bring into play everything! The liver has more than 500 responsibilities, maintaining blood glucose levels, ridding the body of toxins, and breaking down fats.  Watch your diet.  Reduce toxin exposure.  Supplement responsibly.

The Clean Programs results, for me, exceeded my expectations, that being said, I was nearly giddy to be done with the regime, and next year I’ll have more techniques to pass the time. (Thinking about fastest “shake” time awards.)

This is a dietary program based on removing all the foods from our diet that are known to cause food allergies, food sensitivities, and cause disruptions in the digestive process.  When we generate allergic responses to foods, our body is consuming energy that could be used to detox and repair functions, or simply contribute to our sense of alertness and physical strength.

Those for whom this is a radical change in habits will respond in many different ways.  While in the long term most people experience profound benefits, the first few days may be the hardest.  Breaking a habit is difficult at all levels. The Clean Program ~ www.cleanprogram.com

Note:  Remember to detox your medicines. Six common medications that can harm the liver.

1. Acetaminophen, Tylenol (with alcohol especially)
2. Statins, Lipitor or Zocor
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or ibuprofen
4. Antidepressants, SSRIs
5. Anti-fungal antibiotics, Sporanox and Lamisil
6. Anti-hypertensives, Ace inhibitors and Diuretics

Here’s to a healthier happier life…

“Never eat more than you can lift.”  ~Miss Piggy

Eco-Certified Skin Care

It’s what’s on the inside that counts!

Gentle Gel Cleanser

Description:

The anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, and anti–irritant properties in this cleanser make this an excellent choice for sensitive
skin that has been chemically, mechanically, or environmentally stressed. Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable
for all skin types.

Functions and Benefits:

• Anti–inflammatory, anti–irritant, and anti–stinging properties help promote the healing process.
• Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types.
• Amino acids increase the natural defenses of the skin.

Key Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Canadian Willow-Herb (Epilobium Augustifolium) Extract – This ingredient contains a bioactive molecule, Oenothein–B, patented for its wide-ranging anti–inflammatory, non–steroidal activity. It’s free radical scavenging abilities soothe inflamed or irritated skin while allowing healing to take place. The potent bioactivity makes it a therapeutic product recommended for irritated, red skin.

Collagen (Vegetable) – This penetrating and hydrating ingredient binds moisture while smoothing and softening. It also helps to regenerate collagen.

Algae Extract and Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) Extract– This complex, rich in amino acids, polypeptides and cell membrane carbohydrates, has anti–stinging, anti–inflammatory, and anti-irritating properties.

AlphaCleanser

Description:

With the balancing elements of calming and soothing ingredients, this cleanser is effective in providing cleansing, purification, exfoliation, and balancing properties to the skin. This unique blend makes it an excellent choice for removing makeup and debris from the skin, as well as deep cleaning the pores of sebum and build up. Because of the decongesting and exfoliating benefits, normal to oily skin types can use it once to twice daily, while drier skin types can
benefit from using it once to three times per week.

Key Ingredients:

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic Acid is derived from natural sugars. A form of alpha–hydroxy acid, it helps to exfoliate dull skin cells, rejuvenates, balances the skin and encourages collagen production, thus smoothing wrinkles and restoring health to sun damaged skin.

Aurantium (Orange) Extract, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Extract and Citrus Nobilis
(mandarin orange) Extract and Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Fragaria Vesga (Strawberry)
Extract and Saccharium Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract – This complex of fruit acids helps with cellular renewal, closing the cuticle of the skin, providing a smoothing quality to the skin.
Lactic Acid – Lactic Acid is derived from vegetables or milk proteins. It exfoliates, refines and clears skin and promotes the growth of new cells and collagen.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – This is from the karite fruit on the African mangifolia. This anti–aging, anti–inflammatory ingredient promotes healing, protects, moisturizes, and soothes.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract – This acute anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, anti–oxidant and anti–allergenic helps with natural healing process. It also inhibits neurosensory discomfort and has antioxidant properties.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Rosmartinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil– This ingredient is used most commonly for oily, sluggish skin that needs the benefits of cleansing and rejuvenating. It’s known to tone, stimulate and decongest while relieving puffiness and swelling.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,600 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

The kinds of diseases we now see have drastically changed to inflammatory – and thus largely preventable – conditions.”

   ~Ted Schettler, MD,MPH

Belief that environmental factors – including everything from exposure to pollutants and toxins,  to diet,  exercise and social connections – are looking to be more important than genetics in determining risk of certain diseases.

“Disease patterns over the last century have expectedly evolved as people live longer.” ~Ted Schettler

Alzheimer’s Disease    Genes may increase risk,  but the actual processes leading to these conditions can be highly influenced by environmental factors.  A study done of the ApoE4 gene in Nigeria shows a picture of  a group of people born with the gene who would be thought to have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  The group lives on a low-calorie, plant-based diet – the findings – there was no significant association between Alzheimer’s and the ApoE4 gene.  A Swedish study concludes by showing ApoE4 alone to modestly increase risk, but when combined with our western diet, tobacco smoking and alcohol, the risk of Alzheimer’s increased.

The studies show how difficult it is to separate genetic and environmental influences.  We can look,  listen,  and continue to learn through studies being done.  The tools we have to employ are the ones within our control – Make informed dietary choices,  limit pollutant and toxin exposure and stay physically and mentally active.

Parkinson’s Disease    A 1990 study revealed those suffering from early onset Parkinson’s - before age 50 – were dealing with a hereditary condition.  Research began to suspect pesticides as catalysts for Parkinson’s.  Links between rural living and drinking well water – between agricultural work and the disease.

There are many cases that lie on the spectrum between the two groups, and are likely caused by a mix of both genetic and environmental factors.  “Inflammation and excessive oxidative stress play critical roles in the developement and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s” -Dr. Schettler reports.  In the case of Parkinson’s, this oxidative stress cause abnormalities in the production of dopamine causing the onset of symptoms.  Reasearch associates risks with exposure to PCBs, heavy metals – manganese, iron and lead,  carbon monoxide,  and air pollution.  Parkinson’s risk may be linked with a dairy-rich diet and obesity.

Environmental factors are strong determinants to health.  Steps we can take to reduce risk…

• DIETARY MODIFICATIONS   Reduce risks of Diabetes, Obesity,  Hypertension, and Metabolic Syndrome.  Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and pay special attention to the fatty acid composition of you foods:  Boosting omega-3s, and limiting omega-6s.
• LIMIT POLLUTANT AND TOXIN EXPOSURES    Insecticides and weed-killers used around the house and in the garden may be toxic.  Air pollution is a cause of oxidative stress.  Garden and eat Organically.
• STAY MENTALLY ACTIVE AND PHYSICALLY FIT    Exercise is key to staying healthy, and is an opportunity to stay engaged with the world around you.  Challenge your brain – keep up with change!

 ENVIRONMENT,  noun.   Refers to biological, physical and social elements.  An environment is the whole of surrounding things.   The physical and biological factors along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism. 

CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING

Serves 12

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees

1 (12-INCH) LOAF CHALLAH, CUT INTO 1/2-INCH CUBES (ABOUT 12 CUPS)

4 CUPS HEAVY CREAM

2 CUPS WHOLE MILK

1/2 CUP DUTCH-PROCESSED COCOA POWDER (SEE NOTE)

Note:  It is important to use Dutch-processed cocoa in this recipe.  Natural cocoa powder will make the bread too bitter.

1 TABLESPOON INSTANT ESPRESSO POWDER

1 CUP (7 OUNCES) SUGAR

8 OUNCES SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE, CHOPPED ( Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips )

10 LARGE EGG YOLKS

Note:  Adjust oven rack to the middle position and have oven temperature set to 300 degrees.  Toast the challah on a baking sheet, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 20 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl.

Return oven temperature to 325 Degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.

Heat 1 1/2 cups of the cream, the milk, cocoa, espresso, and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming and the sugar dissolves.  Pour the warm cream mixture over the toasted challah and let stand, tossing occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring 1 cup more cream to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat.  Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until smooth.  Transfer 1 cup of the chocolate mixture to a medium bowl and let cool for 5 minutes (cover the pan and reserve the remaining chocolate mixture for serving).  Add the egg yolks, remaining 1 1/2 cups cream, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar to the bowl with chocolate mixture and whisk to combine.

Transfer the soaked challah mixture to the prepared pan and pour the chocolate custard mixture evenly over it. Bake until pudding is just set and the surface is slightly crisp, about 45 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes.  Warm the reserved chocolate mixture over low heat, then pour over bread pudding.

Serve…

Notes: Secret to preparing challah bread.

Melted semisweet chocolate adds big flavor, but it’s so thick that it doesn’t soak into the bread.  Soaking the bread in a warm mixture of heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar helps infuse each piece with chocolate flavor.

A match made in heaven…

Enjoy!

Light tomorrow with today!

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3′s, fiber, and antioxidants. I use them to keep my body hydrated on runs and long cycle rides… a really good seed!

VANILLA CHIA PUDDING

A dessert to celebrate!

Makes 4 1/2 Cups  Serves 6 to 8

1/2 CUP CHIA SEEDS

1 VANILLA BEAN, Split and seeds scraped, pod reserved.

1 CUP (5 ounces) CASHEWS, Soaked in filtered water for 2 hours to overnight.

4 CUPS FILTERED WATER

7 MEDJOOL DATED (5 1/2 ounces), pitted

PINCH OF SEA SALT

1/4 TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON

2 TABLESPOONS COCONUT BUTTER

4 TEASPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT

2 CUPS MIXED RASPBERRIES AND BLUEBERRIES

3/4 CUP MAPLE SYRUP FOR DRIZZLING

Place chia seeds and vanilla pod in a medium mixing bowl, and set aside.

Drain cashews, and rinse well. Add cashews, filtered water, the dates, salt, cinnamon, coconut butter, vanilla extract, and vanilla seeds to a blender.

Blend on high speed for two minutes, and pour into bowl with chia seeds and vanilla pod; whisk well.

Let mixture stand for for 10 to 15 minutes, whisking every few minutes to prevent chia seeds from clumping (pudding will thicken quickly). Refrigerate until cold, about 3 hours.

Discard vanilla pod. Whisk pudding. Divide pudding among 8 bowls. Top each with berries, and drizzle with maple syrup.

Pudding can be refrigerated in a covered glass container for up to 5 days.

There are moments when everything goes well…

Enjoy!

“I Cannot Live Without Books.”

Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Adams in 1812.

After the war of 1812 Jefferson sold more than 6,500 books from his personal collection to the federal government.  The books began the rebuilding of the Library of Congress.  He kept about 1,000 of his favorites, and a few years later he expressed this sentiment…  “I cannot live without books.”

I share this sentiment passionately. Books will be an ever-present category of  my view… as they have shaped my focus over the years. The book list will have ongoing parts.   The 2011 group reflects a more non fiction reading experience than many past years. (The choices may reflect the need we feel to fix things.) The fiction on the 2011 list are noteworthy and I am happy to share what has become a lifetime passion.

Michele

NON-FICTION

• WHAT THE DOG SAW Malcolm Gladwell   “Good writing does not succeed or fail on the strength of its ability to persuade.  It succeeds or fails on the strength of its ability to engage you, make you think, to give you a glimpse into someone else’s head.”  Malcolm Gladwell cast light on things we took to be part of the fabric of modern life.  And the lighting improves our understanding.
• BLINK Malcolm Gladwell    Blink is a book about how we think without thinking… And yes, I have mastered this technique!
• OUTLIERS Malcolm Gladwell   Follows the same ah-ha revelations of things we all see.  Note-the only book I’ve had stolen from me.  Update – My book was returned!
• HALF THE SKY  Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn   A passionate call to arms against our pervasive human rights violation: the oppression of women and girls in the developing world.
• THREE CUPS OF TEA Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin   A mountaineer failed to climb K2.  Moved by the kindness shown by the local people, he promised to return and build a school.  Mortenson builds fifty-five schools in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. Astonishing campaign. (Recommendation stands with an eye on reports of inaccuracies.)
• STONES INTO SCHOOLS Greg Mortenson  The continuing story of Mortenson’s powerful campaign for peace and education.  Inspiring! (Recommendation stands with an eye on reports of inaccuracies.)
• SUPERFREAKONOMICS Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner   Challenges the way we think with witty and cleaver questions.
• THE UNHEALTHY TRUTH Robyn O’Brien   How our food is making us sick and what we can do about it.  A must read!
• THE OMNIVORES’S DILEMMA Michael Pollan   A history of four meals.  Eye-opening account of production marketing and deciding.  A must read!
• THE LAST AMERICAN MAN Elizabeth Gilbert.   The true story of Eustace Conway.  An examination of American masculinity, or the cave-man revisited.
• GAME CHANGE John Heilemann and Mark Halperin   WOW! What an interesting behind the scene account of what went on during our last presidential election.  My biggest surprise was John McCain…
• BLIND DESCENT James M. Taboe   The story of the quest to discover the deepest place on earth.  Amazing. Interesting.
• THE TRUMP CARD Ivanka Trump   Appealing and smart read.  Inspiration. Success. Confidence. Passion.  Ivanka received her BA in real estate from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating summa cum laude.
• TONY BLAIR A JOURNEY Tony Blair   A book about the nature and uses of political power.  One of my favorite books this year!  I fell in love with Tony Blair and have rarely seen power handled with such insight and grace.  A great read.
• A CATHOLIC NEW DEAL: RELIGION AND REFORM IN DEPRESSION PITTSBURGH Kenneth J. Heineman   I am privileged to have known the generation studied in Professor Heineman’s work.  An enlightening book to read for all students of business.  I suggest reading this book immediately after Ken Follett’s Fall Of Giants.

FICTION

• FALL OF GIANTS Ken Follett   A new classic.  The first in The Century Trilogy-giving us a powerful account of history.  I loved this book and am anxiously awaiting book two.  An Epic Tale.
• THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE David Wroblewski   Fist allow me to recommend reading this tale in private.  I found myself crying on the plane (and not from dealing with the airline personnel, although a case could be made) A beautiful story especially for those of us with a good dog.  Edgar Sawtelle is a boy without a voice… the language is of friendship.
• KNOWN TO EVIL Walter Mosley   “Rough-edged prose, is totally befitting his character.”  –Chicago Sun-Times   A mystery. Perfect for a weekend escape.
• THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Stieg Larsson   Book one in the Millenium Series
• THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE Stieg Larsson   Book two in the Millenium Series
• THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST Stieg Larsson  Book three in the Millenium Series    “Wildley suspenseful… an intelligent, ingeniously plotted, utterly engrossing THRILLER.”  –The Washington Post   Lisbeth Salander is a memorable heroine. I do love a good pay back now and then.  A captivating tale!

“No Story is the same to us after a lapse of time; or rather we who read it are no longer the same interpreters.”

~George Eliot

The difference between good and exceptional cooking is very often directly related to the quality of the ingredients (very often means always!).  Gourmet Salts have become a must have to we foodies looking to prepare the exceptional dish.  Gourmet salts are less refined, less processed and contain traces of other minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iodine and manganese – These minerals contribute to the flavor but have little (some) effect on nutrition.

Salts vary in taste and texture, and how much you use depends on the dish you are preparing.  To cut down on your sodium intake don’t use as much salt during the cooking process, instead salt your own plated serving.  Professional chefs agree that texture matters most. Look for single-origin salts.  Single-origin salts have a flavor representative of the region found.  These salts cost a little more, but to those who know gourmet salts,  this is a wonderful hostess gift.

THE Season… worth their salt.

My pantry has seen the good and the bad.  The ugly happen once, just once!

My Favorites

PINK HIMALAYAN SALT – Mild salinity, flaky texture, and PINK.

SEL GRIS – Coastal Brittany, France.  Strong mineral flavor, small amount goes a long  way.

BLACK SALT – Indian cuisines, strong sulfuric aroma and taste.

INFUSED SALTS – Always use to finish a dish, adds other unexpected flavors.

FLEUR DE SEL – Light salinity and wonderful texture.  A small amount offers a crunch without ever over salting.

For a creative gift, mix herbs from you garden (or favorite organic market) and a Sensational Salt, for a unique and fun gourmet gift.

ENJOY!

Bread and Custard... Brilliant!

A good bread pudding should have a restrained amount of filling, with a few additional components chosen to accent the bread and custard.

Megan Wycoff

Savory Bread Pudding

NOT A DIET FOOD!

1 ( 18- TO 20-INCH ) FRENCH BAGUETTE, TORN INTO 1-INCH PIECES ( ABOUT 10 CUPS ) – I found a wonderful fresh baguette at Sprouts.

1  TABLESPOON UNSALTED BUTTER

8 LARGE EGGS – This is not a typo:)

3 CUPS HEAVY CREAM

2 CUPS WHOLE MILK

2 OUNCES PARMESAN CHEESE, GRATED ( ABOUT 1 CUP )

2 TEASPOONS MINCED FRESH THYME

2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED

1 TEASPOON SALT

3/4 TEASPOON PEPPER

*

Oven temperature for toasting the bread 425 Degrees.

Arrange the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 10- to 12 minutes, turning the pieces over halfway through the baking time.  Remove the bread from the oven and let cool.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 Degrees.  Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with butter.

Whisk the yolks, cream, milk, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl.  Add the toasted bread and toss until evenly coated.  Let the mixture stand until the bread softens and begins to absorb the custard, about 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.  Make sure your bread has absorbed the liquid.

Pour half of the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup more Parmesan  Pour remaining bread mixture into the dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Bake until the custard is just set, about 60 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through the baking time.

Remove the bread pudding from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Perfect with a soup and salad… back to the gym!

VARIATION – Savory Bread Pudding with Spinach and Feta

Follow the recipe Savory Bread Pudding omitting the Parmesan cheese.  Stir 1 ( 10 ounce ) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, and 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled ( about 1 cup ), into the yolk mixture.

Enjoy!

Mmmm…

Serve as a compliment to fish, chicken or pasta dishes – this low-fat mustard based topping adds a devilish twist to steamed and then baked cauliflower.  The same recipe works with other cruciferous vegetables.

DEVILED CAULIFLOWER

Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees F

Serves 6

1/3 CUP PLAIN NONFAT YOGURT

1/4 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE

1/4 CUP DIJON MUSTARD

1/4 TEASPOON DRIED TARRAGON

1 SLICED WHOLE WHEAT (Whole-meal)  SANDWICH BREAD, MADE INTO CRUMBS

1 TABLESPOON CHOPPED FRESH TARRAGON  OR  1 TEASPOON DRIED TARRAGON

1 TEASPOON OLIVE OIL

2 LB CAULIFLOWER CUT INTO FLORETS

Coat an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

*

In a small bowl, stir  together the yogurt, cheese, mustard, and dried tarragon.

In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, tarragon, and olive oil.  Stir vigorously to coat the crumbs with oil.In a large pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 2 inches water to a boil.  Add the cauliflower, reduce heat to medium, cover, and steam until just tender, about 8 minutes.  Spread the cauliflower evenly in the prepared pan.

Spoon the mustard mixture over the cauliflower and stir gently to coat.  Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top.  Bake until the crumbs are crisp and well browned,  15 – 20 minutes.

To serve, divide among each plate.

The most important ingredient you can bring to it  (your  recipe)  is love of cooking for its own sake.

-Julia Child

Bon appetit!