LAUDUN TM Elegance Recipes- "Ultimate Eggnog Recipe"

"ULTIMATE Eggnog Recipe"  - Courtesy of www.JamieOliver.com 

"My eggnog recipe is pretty special. It could be that it’s actually flavourful and doesn’t just taste like sweet milk (or maybe it’s just the bourbon, who knows?), but the holidays aren’t the holidays without it.

Creamy, sweet, and full of holiday cheer, my version of this delectable drink starts with infusing milk and cream with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla beans. If a recipe starts that way, it can only get better from there! The warm infused milk is then slowly streamed into beaten eggs and sugar, before you add the bourbon or rum. After a cool-down in the refrigerator and a chance for all of these delicious flavors to marry, it gets an uplifting addition of fluffy egg whites before serving."

Serves 8

• 3 cups (700ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy or double cream
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
• 5 eggs, separated
• 2/3 (130g) cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (175ml) Bacardi Dark Rum, or bourbon

- Photos Courtesy of www.JamieOliver.com 

"In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add bourbon or rum, and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.

Before serving, beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg."

ENJOY!!

WE WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAY SEASONS, FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! - The LAUDUN TM

LAUDUN TM Organic Elegance Recipes- Impossible PUMPKIN Pie CUPCAKES!

We've all heard the saying, "True beauty comes from within."  We want to help everyone boost their natural, organic beauty, their inner organic skin healing and to improve overall health!  So, we are happy to share with you free Organic Whole Food Recipes several times weekly on this Blog.  Please share with all your Family & Friends!

Prep. Time:  35 minutes

Use All-Organic Ingredients:

One 15 oz can Organic Pumpkin puree
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup cane brown sugar
2 large Vegetarian-fed eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup evaporated milk
2/3 cup organic flour or gluten-free flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup muffin tin with silicone liners, foil liners sprayed with cooking spray or just spray the cups with cooking spray. Either of these three methods will make it easy to take the cupcake out after it’s cooked. Paper liners make it difficult to remove the cupcakes.

Combine pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and milk in a mixing bowl.  Add the flour, pumpkin spice, salt, baking powder and baking soda to the mixture.  Fill each muffin cup with 1/3 cup of the mixture.  Bake for twenty minutes and let cool for twenty minutes.  Remove cupcakes from pan and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle more pumpkin pie spice on top.  

Servings: 12 - Enjoy!

Gratitude- the "Miracle Worker"

We are already feeling it- the "stress" of the holidays- we're running around, from one appointment, back to work, to another appointment, making travel plans with family & friends, and of course, countless trips to the grocery store this week for the American Thanksgiving holiday. Sheesh! -Time to take a "time out," to pause, breathe and reflect on what we have to be Grateful for in all of our lives.

I'm not suggesting we do this just because it's Thanksgiving, but to train ourselves to make "being grateful," a regular habit, one that we can strive to do daily. It's actually scientifically proven to help relax us, relieve stress, and improve our health in general. I feel strongly about it, because I've noticed over the years that when I am feeling grateful for all the blessings in my life, I feel happier!

When I am able to focus my thoughts on even the simplest things I have to be grateful for, like having clean, running water or the fingers to type this with -a Miracle happens- my perceptions about myself and my life change dramatically. This practice has a way of putting all worries into perspective. "A Course in Miracles," describes a "Miracle" as simply being, "a Change in Perception," and I have come to absolutely believe this, based on my own personal experience. For example, when I focus my thoughts on what I have in my life right now that I am grateful for, MY THOUGHTS become HAPPY and POSITIVE. -A Change in Perception! -So this is why I call Gratitude a "Miracle Worker," because it always produces a BIG Change in my Perception for the better.

Have you had any experience or proof positive in your own life about how Gratitude can flip a bad day right over into a good day, or a bad mood into a positive one? -If so, we'd love to hear about your experiences, so PLEASE leave your Comments right here on our Blog! In this way we can all help each other to remember to be Grateful, for even the simplest of gifts, every day, so we can feel good, too, every day! Happy, HAPPY Thanksgiving to you and all your Loved Ones! (:

LAUDUN TM Organic Elegance Recipes- Curried Chick Peas & Mustard Greens with Mashed Sweet Potatoes!

We've all heard the saying, "True beauty comes from within."  We want to help everyone give their natural, organic beauty a Big Boost! -and help to improve your overall health.  So, Please Share these healthy & delicious Recipes with Family, Friends & Those you Love!

Organic Curried Chick Peas & Mustard Greens with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Prep. Time:  About 30 minutes

Use All-Organic Ingredients:

4  Sweet Potates, peeled and quartered
1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 tsp grated Ginger
1/2 cup no-salt-added or low sodium Vegetable broth
1 tsp Curry powder, or to tastea pinch Red Pepper flakes, or to taste
1 bunch Mustard Greens, chopped
1 1/2 cups diced / chopped canned Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked Chick Peas or 1 (15 oz) can no-salt or low-sodium Chick Peas, drained & rinsed
1/4 cup Soy, Hemp or Almond milk

Prepare:

Boil the organic sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.  Drain well.

While potatoes are cooking, heat 1-2 TBS vegetable broth in a large saute pan.  Add onion and saute until tender, about 3 mins.  Mix in garlic, ginger, vegetable broth, curry powder, red pepper flakes and mustard greens and cook, stirring occasionally until greens are wilted, about 5 minutes. Add diced or chopped tomatoes and garbanzo beans and cook an additional 5 minutes.

Mash sweet potatoes adding the hemp, soy or almond milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Serve Mustard Greens & Chick Peas Saute with Mashed Sweet Potatoes. 

Serves: 4 - Yumm- Enjoy!

Organic Evening Primrose Oil- Skin & Acne Treatment Wonder!

Essential Oil of Organic Evening Primrose is an incredibly healing botanical oil that has a myriad of scientifically-proven healing benefits for all kinds of health complaints. Most notably, it contains an Omega-6 essential fatty acid, Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) that has actually been licensed in several countries for the treatment of various skin disorders. It is also very effective in anti-aging products for treatment of dark circles, wrinkles and age spots, and is known to improve acne flare-ups and inflammation, due to its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Treatment of Eczema:  In 1982, a prestigious medical journal reported the results of a double-blind crossover study in which 99 patients diagnosed with ectopic eczema, a sore, dry and always itchy rash on the skin, were given high doses of Organic Evening Primrose Oil, and 43% of them reported significant improvement in their symptoms!  A different Scottish study demonstrated that the oil is beneficial to nails that have become dry and brittle. 

Treatment of Psoriasis: The plant oil's anti-inflammatory nature is very healing to skin and also increases circulation.  When applied regularly to the psoriasis lesions, it reduces burning and itching. Simply apply Evening Primrose Essential Oil directly to the affected areas on the skin and nails.  You can mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil, like almond or olive oil.  Significant improvement in symptoms will occur with regular, daily use.  This is a much lovelier alternative treatment to using steroid creams and topical immuno-modulators, which contain chemicals with possibly unwanted side-effects.

Treatment of Acne: Regular application of Evening Primrose Oil to skin greatly reduces blackheads, pimples and inflammation caused by acne. It actually decreases the amount of sebum in the pores of the skin, which prevents pore clogging and the inflammatory symptoms of acne. The significant anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of this natural flower oil make it an excellent way to keep skin virtually acne-free.

All these incredible skin-healing qualities - in a natural, flower essential oil- try some today!

Organic Skin Care with Healing Lemongrass Essential Oil

Organic Lemongrass (Citronelle), or Melissa, is an herb easily recognized by its tall fronds of leaves and strong lemon-citrusy aroma and is native to Sri Lanka and India.   Applying this healing botanical to the skin can help alleviate common skin disorders, such as bacterial infections and even large pores.  In addition, organic lemongrass is commonly used an excellent mosquito repellent. 

Naturally occurring anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties in organic Lemongrass help to discourage bacterial or microbial growth on the skin.  The essential oil reduces the number of skin infections, as well as alleviates skin irritations, like folliculitis and cellulitis, that are caused by bacterial infections.  Lemongrass oil is also fungicidal,  -it clears fungus infections on the skin. 

This healing essential oil from nature's bounty is loaded with unique anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial /antiseptic chemical qualities that make it a very effective astringent.   Facial skin toners, cleansers and soaps containing organic lemongrass oil do a great job of firming and tightening the skin.  When used as an astringent/toner, it is very effective in minimizing skin pores.  It is also known to increase the protective barrier of hard tissue under the skin that guards against daily free radical exposure.

Astringent herbs and oils constrict the skin, contract pores, provide skin firming, limit the secretions of oil in the skin and help to clear and fight the recurrence of acne.  Astringents/ facial toners are meant to cleanse, stimulate and remove excess oil from the skin, leaving it feeling toned and fresh.   Organic Lemongrass essential oil makes an excellent, healing addition to toners and soaps, due to its natural astringent and antiseptic qualities. 

This lovely, lemony-scented organic essential oil is also well-known for its aromatherapeutic qualities to calm and relieve stress. This is very important in healing the skin and body as a whole!  Stress is a large contributor to decreased effectiveness of the immune system, and disease.  Adding organic lemongrass essential oil to your daily skin care regimen or bath is an easy, enjoyable way to increase the healing in your skin care.

Beauty Secrets of Natural Bamboo Extract in Organic Skin Care

For some time I've been wanting to let our readers know about the many organic Beauty Secrets found in Organic Bamboo Extract!  This natural botanical extract is produced from the leaves and stalks of the Bamboo plant. Bamboo Extract is the richest known source of Silica; it contains over 70% organic Silica. Silica has a restorative benefit for many of the bodily tissues and is an essential nutrient as well. In particular, Silica plays a huge part in keeping the skin and hair healthy.  Recent studies have shown that daily supplements of Silica obtained from Natural Bamboo Extract can improve the health and condition of skin and hair, even alleviating the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

It's incredible that the skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for removing many of the environmental and other toxins we are exposed to.  The Silica in natural Bamboo extract provides  nutrients the skin needs in order for it to stay healthy. It actually improves skin health by aiding the body in absorption of essential minerals, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Natural Bamboo extract also contains anti-irritant properties, and is soothing to skin when applied topically through skin care lotions, body scrubs or treatment creams.  Perhaps most importantly, this plant compound contains vital anti-oxidants, which fight off free radicals, work to minimize wrinkles and visual signs of aging and naturally produce a youthful glow.  Bamboo leaves have recently been recognized as a rich source of flavonoids used as antioxidants. The flavonoids can reduce inflammation, stimulate circulation, and inhibit allergic reactions.

Just to recap, Natural Bamboo Extract is known to:

• Prevent premature aging and preserve the youthful radiance of the skin
• Prevent wrinkles and other visible signs of aging
• Reduce inflammation and improve common skin disorders associated with inflammation
• Promote circulation
• Help protect skin from free-radical attack

So, I'm a staunch believer in using Organic skin care products that contain Natural Bamboo's high Silica content, because they are very effective. This is due to Silica's ability to form a kind of "Cellular Cement," as it maintains the balance between elastin and collagen fibers.  This offers added anti-aging protection for the skin, and really helps to keep it looking smooth, supple and young. Voila'! (:

Dare to LIVE Fully!

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -Helen Keller

   Each day we are given new opportunities to offer our unique understanding to others. These opportunities promise deeper levels of awareness and the excitement which comes from an active life. We are simply asked only to trust that we will be given all that we require to be at our best- Today.



We can dare to fully LIVE today, to be grateful for all our blessings and for the new and perhaps challenging opportunities presented to us. In each of these experiences we can find invitations for new growth, to connect to others in caring ways and thus discover more about the people we have the potential to be.  It is important that we take note of every moment of these experiences, today.


   If we choose to isolate ourselves and withdraw from others, we choose to stagnate in our development as human beings. We gain a fuller life from interacting with others and new situations, whether they make us laugh, annoy us or even add stress to our lives. It is ironic that we only find deeper gifts and resources within ourselves when we feel most pushed to our limits.

   So, let's embrace LIFE and ALL that Today brings us- every opportunity for involvement with others, for new adventures and growth! Today will not come our way again- let's remember to appreciate all that it offers, to be involved in our daily activities, to feel deeply - to LIVE more fully.  (:

LAUDUN TM Organic Elegance Recipes- Summer Strawberry & Mixed Greens Salad

We've all heard the saying, "True beauty comes from within."  We want to help everyone give their natural, organic beauty, and inner organic skin healer a Big Boost! -and help to improve your overall health.  Please Share with Family, Friends & Those you Love! LOVE Yourself, LOVE your SKIN- with LAUDUN TM!

"Summer Strawberry & Mixed Greens Salad"

Use All Organic Ingredients: 

• 1 head (about 6 cups) Romaine lettuce
• 5 ounces (about 5 cups) Baby Spinach
• 4 cups sliced Strawberries, fresh organic

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup raw Cashews or 2 TBS Raw Cashew Butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened Soy, Hemp or Almond Milk
• 1 Apple, peeled and sliced
• 2 TBS Dried Currants or Raisins

Assemble the lettuce and spinach leaves on a plate; then arrange the strawberries on top. 




To make the Dressing, blend remaining ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.

Add ample amounts of the salad Dressing over the greens and berries on each plate & serve.

Serves: 3  ENJOY!

Sunscreen / SPF Prevents Skin Cancer- Fact or Fiction?

Over the years, there have been so many warnings to the public about the risks of exposing skin to the sun without using the protection of sunscreen, and every year it seems as though the "SPF" number that is considered to be "SAFE" gets higher and higher.  I've run across several articles recently, which put an entirely different spin on this whole concept.  These articles contain some interesting new research, some of which  I'd like to bring to light for our readers.

In 2004, Bernard Ackerman, MD,(deceased 2008) who was a dermatologist and one of the world's most respected authorities on the subject of sun exposure and the risk of developing skin cancer, published a research article in which he frankly stated: 1) There is no conclusive proof that exposure to the sun causes melanoma; 2) There is no real proof that wearing sunscreen prevents against developing melanoma.

Additionally,Elizabeth Plourde, PhD, a scientist who wrote the book Sunscreens – Biohazard: Treat as Hazardous Waste, provides extensive documentation to support her theory that sunscreens actually pose life-threatening dangers to the environment as well as to people. She demonstrates how sunscreens caused significant increases in malignant melanoma in people who used them over a 30-year time frame. Dr. Plourde further notes that sunscreens are made up of chemicals that are well-known carcinogens as well as endocrine disruptors. The chemicals from sunscreen use by humans markedly pollute our oceans, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and these endocrine-disrupting chemicals have also been shown to kill "coral, and other sea populations."

Given what I've read from what's been published recently- perhaps most popularly by Dr. Oz- I feel it's best to use only botanically-based, organic skin care products -sunscreens that do not contain chemicals, and to limit exposure of my skin to the sun to 20 minute intervals. This allows my skin temperature to cool down between exposures and has radically decreased my actual number of sunburns over the last several years. I find it intriguing that one of our own LAUDUN Family was very fond of using her grandmother's botanical, organic moisturizing skin creme to prevent sunburn, before she would venture out into the Caribbean sun.  (:

So, chemically-based sunscreens, with SPF- Fact or Fiction? The choice is yours.

LOVE Yourself, LOVE Your SKIN!

-Nancy 

Source: Realfarmacy.com- "Scientists Blow the Lid on Cancer & Sunscreen Myth"

Anti-aging Beauty Secrets of Resveratrol in Organic Skin Care- Part II

As mentioned in Part I of this Blog Post we published back in May of this year, people are getting excited about recent scientific studies pointing to the real possibility that the phyto- (plant) chemical compound, Resveratrol, naturally found in Grape Seed Oil, may indeed be the long-sought-after Fountain of Youth! We also noted that in a study published by the National Institutes of Health in 2005, when Resveratrol was topically applied to the skin of laboratory animals, then later subjected to high ultraviolet radiation, researchers learned it actually helped prevent the development of skin cancer.

 
Another recent study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in Oct. 2012 revealed that subjects who were given Resveratrol orally for more than 60 days showed improvements in their skin. Their skin showed reduced roughness, increased moisture, had better elasticity and age spots had decreased in subjects.  

Another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology in 2011, found that subjects who were given a gel containing Resveratrol and used it topically for 30 days, showed a marked reduction in their acne by about 54 percent, based on a Global Acne Grading System (GAGS).

Given what she had learned about Resveratrol in many of these studies, one researcher actually claimed she would be interested in buying a skin care cream containing the natural plant compound. Even if science hadn't yet categorically proven its amazing healthy benefits for skin, she was willing to try it as part of her daily facial care regimen. 
 
Convinced yet?  Could this be a new Miracle of skin protection and Anti-aging in natural, organic skin care today? It's easy enough to try some facial creme made with Organic Grape Seed botanical oil and give it a trial for yourself.  (:

End the Discomfort of Shaving with Organic Botanical Shaving Soap

It's no surprise that most men don't enjoy shaving with their cosmetic shelf shaving cream or soap- commercial mainstream products that contain ingredients that can stiffen the beard, and often irritate skin, leaving razor burn and bumps. More and more men are finding that using an organic, non-toxic shaving soap gives a gentler, closer shave and is also much more eco-friendly. Commercially soaps often contain harmful chemicals, like parabens and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate). SLS is well known as an industrial chemical degreaser and garage floor stripper/cleaner!  It strips away the healthy oils naturally present in the skin layer, irritating and eroding the skin, often leaving it dry, coarse and pitted. 

Happily, more and more Organic Skin Care companies are making organic shaving soaps easily available to men for purchase. Some of these soaps may be made more for their exfoliating properties, while others are created specifically to use rather than commercial shaving creams.  Organic soaps made with botanical essential oils also alleviate common skin irritations due to shaving, like razor rash/ burn, bumps & cuts. The higher the level of botanical oils used, the less the need to use "shaving oil," prior to shaving.

Preparing the facial skin before shaving is very important to achieving a close, healthier shave. Cleansing the facial skin with warm water and a mild, organic soap helps prevent ingrown hairs, infections and annoying shaving bumps. Start by wrapping your face in a damp, warm towel (the same method used by professional barbers,) or by showering before you shave, to open up skin pores & soften the skin and beard.

Many dermatologists recommend the use of a shaving brush and an organic, emollient shaving soap, because the brush is used in circular motions to work the soap into the beard bristles, which also helps make a closer and less irritating shave. A badger hair shaving brush is considered the best for a comfortable wet shave, since badger hair holds onto water and can evenly distribute the soap lather over your beard. These brushes are more expensive than others but will typically last a very long time.

The best organic shaving soaps to use are those made from the "Cold Press" method, and those that don't have a strong fragrance. The “Cold press” process refers to the production method in which the organic, botanical oils in the soap are not heated above 100 degrees centigrade. This results in retention of the natural, organic properties contained in the essential oils in the soap.  Other commerical manufacturing methods overheat and break down these natural properties.

In addition, shaving with a shaving brush is a great, eco-friendly method of shaving, as the brush is highly sustainable. Organic botanical soaps always last longer than commerically available shaving soaps- an average of 2-3 months, and they often are available for purchase in a reusable bowl or mug, as well. Organic Shaving Soaps made using the “Cold Press” process also reduces the impact on the environment, since this method takes less energy than conventional soap manufacturing.  Many organic soaps are produced by local or even home businesses, and so their carbon footprint is far smaller than mass-produced commerical soaps. 
Give organic shaving soap and a bristle brush a try- you will love the close, comfortable shave you get and take good care of your skin and beard, too!

Benefits of Organic Laurel Oil in Natural Skin Care

The Laurel plant (Laurus Nobilis) has a wonderful and colorful history, dating back to the ancient world. The classic Greeks believed the Laurel plant to have powers of prophecy and divination. They revered the plant, believing it could protect men against evil, thunder and lightning, and even contagious diseases.  Many images of the Greek god of medicine, AEsclepius, show his head adorned with Laurel leaves.

In Greek mythology, the Greek name for the Laurel tree, "Daphne," was given to the maiden who was, against her wishes, being pursued by the god, Apollo.  She implored the other Olympians to help, and they magically turned her into a Laurel tree.  Since then, all of the Gods continue to protect the divine Laurel plant. It became the Greek symbol of military glory, as their generals wore the crown of Laurel leaves and often were depicted with a Laurel branch in one hand.  The French word, "baccalaureat," was coined during the Renaissance, when honored scholars were also crowned with Laurel leaves.


Organic Laurel oil, derived from the leaves of the Laurus Nobilis plant, is well-known as an invigorating, more stimulating of the essential oils, that has the ability to clear the mind & relieve headaches. It can also relax & help calm stressful emotions to help us cope in stressful situations.  Laurel essential oil has also been known to improve memory function.  

In natural skin care, the healing botanical oil is highly regarded for having strong antiseptic, anti-viral, germicidal and even skin regenerating properties! 

(Incidentally, our Grandmama Jeanne Laudun knew about these healing properties of Laurel oil. That's why she always used it in her organic skin care recipe for the Shaving Soap she made for my Grandfather, Felix. He would use it every morning!) 

These qualities make organic Laurel oil an invaluable resource for healing wounds and for skin protection from potentially harmful microorganisms.  In recent research on skin-healing natural botanical oils, it is noted as, "highly recommended" for "the treatment of acne and other skin disorders."