Italian Strawberries and Cream

Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream.
Strawberries are combined with tangy and sweet balsamic vinegar and creamy ricotta in this quick and simple dessert.

INGREDIENTS
1 c ricotta cheese (drained of liquid)
1 T honey 1/2 t pure vanilla extract
3 T Balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 T brown sugar 16 oz strawberries, (leaves and stems removed) and quartered
1 T fresh basil, cut into fine ribbons

DIRECTIONS
Open container of ricotta cheese, empty ricotta into colander (sat onto a plate for liquid to collect) by turning container upside down and and allow ricotta to gently slide onto colander so that drains of all liquid (about 15 minutes then discard liquid).
Spoon 1 cup of cheese into a mixing bowl of a food processor. Add honey and vanilla. Process for 1 minute until mixture is smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolved. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, heat for 3 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool completely.

In a mixing bowl combine the strawberries and basil with vinegar mixture. Divide equally among 4 glasses. Top with ricotta cream. Serve chilled.

Number of Servings: 4

Tea’s Elevate Health Benefits

 ”Kava kava Tea has been used to treat anxiety/nervous disorders, migraines, hyperactivity in children, insomnia, menstrual cramps, UTI and bladder problems.  Kava was used by the Germans in the 1890s for pharmaceuticals relating to blood pressure; before then, it was utilized by the Polynesians”.

Today, Kava is used as a non-addictive way to sooth nerves and relax. In , small recommended doses, no side effects have been found for Kava. However, large dosages of Kava can have a sedative effect, which means that one should avoid alcohol, driving, and operating heavy machinery when taking heavy amounts. Talk to your doctor before consuming Kava tea if you have liver disease.

The “kava” lactones, which are the plant chemicals that produce the desired effects, have been studied in the use of relaxing stiff muscles by blocking signals in the user’s nerves.”

Additional safety studies have been done on Kava.  Negative research has been denounced by Polynesian countries who have used  the plant’s health benefit’s for 3000 years.  Leading others to put into question how the plant is processed and sold  in such countries as Germany and Switzerland.  It should also be noted that the Polynesian lifestyle has been recognized for their longevity, to which Kava has been a contributing factor.

Black Tea  is grown from a tree in higher elevations of China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka. The healing benefits of  black tea has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes. It helps relieve diarrhea, lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent tooth decay. The tea has a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses because of its tannins. To get the maximum benefit for diarrhea let the tea steep for a full 15 minutes.

Black teaimproves circulation,  by opening the capillaries and normalizing blood pressure (bp).  Benefits are noticed by simply drinking 2 cups of black tea 2x’s a day for 3 weeks.  Additional benefits are contributed to the theophylline in black tea that helps improve cholesterol levels. It also has been known to expand the airways, improving on easier breathing for asthmatics.  Black tea also helps with preventing tooth decay due to the Fluoride, a trace element found in black tea, which strengthens tooth enamel.

Oolong Tea  is made by allowing the raw leaves to sun-wilted and bruise, which exposes their juices to the air, so the leaves oxidise and start to turn brown like a cut fruit. They oxidise only partially, giving them a rich, floral flavour. The tea is then dried fully; locking in the rich flavors that oolong tea is known to offer. Oolong’s unique drying process creates a tea that has many metabolic stimulating attributes, therefore, it comes in a wide range of tastes and aromas from teas very close in taste to green tea to those very close to black tea.

Health Benefits

Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea and has become the most popular tea designed to accelerate weigh loss!!!  Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism and blocking the fattening effects of carbohydrates.

Large quantities of polyphenol in Oolong tea:

  • • promotes strong, healthy teeth;
    • improves cognitive functioning and mental well-being;
    • preventing eczema, allergies
    • clarifies your skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow and
    • strengthens your immune system.
  • Studies show in Japan and USA that it may be an effective adjunct to treating Type 2 Diabetes.

Only three teas have been discussed, however, many varieties are known to bring a wide range of health benefits.  Try ending your day by unwinding with a cup of Chamomile tea. 

By: Kimberly Crocker

Literature Research