Monday, February 13, 2012

Ooo La La - Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe


Ingredients
4 ounces or ½ cup Raw Turbinado Sugar
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bath brush…….optional


Directions:
My sugar is a little coarse.   So, to begin, I like to put it in the food processor for about a minute or so until it becomes finer in texture. Add sugar and oil to a Tupperware container and mix thoroughly. 

I try not to use too much oil when making a scrub.  This way it delivers the perfect amount of moisturizer to the skin without the tub getting too slippery.  The finer the sugar the more oil you will need; the bigger the granules the less you will need.  This recipe is based on a finer grain sugar granule.  

Glycolic acid, which is also an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is found in sugar and helps to exfoliate the skin.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains vitamin E and is moisturizing and soothing to the skin. 

Tips and Suggestions:  
It’s helpful to use a bath brush or wash cloth when exfoliating as the brush helps hold the scrub for even distribution and scrubbing.   Feel free to mix it up.  This recipe can easily be changed to sea salt, but you may need a little more olive oil.  The only thing with salt is that if you are shaving or have cuts……you are literally rubbing salt into the wound……some days that’s just no fun!  Salt has benefits too though, as it’s very cleansing to the skin and does not melt when mixing with water. (You can always shave after you're done exfoliating.)  Want a little aromatherapy? Try adding several drops of your favorite essential oil to the scrub,  And finally, have you ever thought of exfoliating your lips? Add a little honey to the sugar scrub and softly massage circles over your lips ……..the sugars will exfoliate while the olive oil with sooth and soften.....ooo lalala……. 

Comfort Food: Delicious Herb Roasted Chicken


My older sister taught me this recipe years ago.  It was the first time I had ever had roast chicken and I thought it was delicious.  I have made it many times since and always think of her when I do.  That’s kind of nice about food, how it reminds us of people, places and good times….This is one of my family’s favorites.  When the days are busy, this meal invites us to sit at the table a little longer....savoring the flavors, the aromas and the warmth of one another.........Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 Organic whole chicken
6 Cloves garlic
½ Large sweet onion
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt, Pepper, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano
Ground Cayenne Pepper

Directions: Rinse Chicken well inside and out.  Pat the outside dry and place in roasting dish.  Slice the garlic cloves in halves and the onion in chunks and place in the cavity of the chicken.  I have an Olive Oil atomizer, but you can simply rub the outside of the chicken down with the olive oil.   I like to season the outside generously with the spices: salt, pepper, basil, oregano and a few dashes of the ground cayenne, but it can also be to your taste.  Place in the oven at 325 degrees and cook anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes per pound.  It’s seriously that simple.   The juices run clear when it’s done and the leg should be loose when moved.   Serve with a beautiful large spinach salad  or steamed carrots with a little butter and nutmeg or even garlic mashed potatoes...mmmmmm