Chocolate Cherries

If these candies are not made carefully, with the cherry completely covered, the action which turns the fondant into the thin juicy syrup will not be complete. The chocolate coating will then be affected- causing granular chocolate and leakage of the syrup.

• 3 cups sugar






• 2 tablespoon of water






• 1/4 cup margarine






• 60 canned maraschino cherries with stems and already contain corn syrup






• 24 ounces semisweet chocolate chips






• Crisco for greasing the pan and the cookie sheet or parchment paper.

PREPARING THE FONDANT

Line 9 x 13-inch baking pan and set aside. Combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy medium saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup comes to a boil.

Clip a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan and cook the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches 240 F (soft ball). Immediately pour the hot syrup into the prepared 9 X 13-inch pan. Let the syrup cool undisturbed until the bottom of the pan feels lukewarm to the touch.
Using a heavy wooden spoon, stir the lukewarm mixture -until it forms a ball. Some of this fondant may stick to the 9 X 13-inch pan. The fondant may also seize into a very hard ball that is impossible to stir.

Drain maraschino cherries well and keep them on a terry cloth towel for several hours to dry as thoroughly as possible. Place prepared fondant into upper part of double boiler, with cool water in lower section. Bring water to boiling, then lower heat and stir fondant, over water, until it is completely melted. Heat fondant to 160 F. for dipping cherries.

If a thicker coating is desired, let fondant cool to 150 F. Use candy thermometer for testing. Keep fondant over very hot water (about 200 F.) during dipping process. If fondant becomes too thick for dipping, a few drops of hot water may be added, or reheat over boiling water. Dip cherries, one at a time, in thick fondant, using fork if possible. Turn each one over quickly into a wax-paper-lined pan.

When fondant-covered cherries are SET and COOL, check for any tiny holes in the fondant. Dip candies into your melted chocolate which has been allowed to cool to about 88 F., and turn over onto waxed paper, and when dipping is completed, let candies stand in a cool room (55 F.) for about 1 hour, then dip bases only again into the chocolate, to prevent leakage and increase keeping quality.

Do not eat right away. allow at least three days for ripening. Hint: If fondant does not cling to cherries, it is too thick. Reheat fondant or thin with a few drops of hot water. If fondant does not harden on cherries within 10 minutes, it was undercooked, or too much water added. If fondant on cherries breaks before an hour, it was too thin. To prevent leakage, dip fondant-coated cherries into chocolate within an hour after coating them, due to the reaction taking place. (However, any holes in the fondant must be repaired with more fondant before dipping into the chocolate.)

Seal the ball of fondant into a 1-gallon plastic Ziploc bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible. Let the fondant rest 1 minute before continuing. With the fondant sealed in the plastic bag, roll the candy with the heel of your hand, pressing down toward the counter. Continue this light kneading motion until the fondant looks smooth and creamy and feels like a firm cookie dough, about 10 minutes. Set the fondant aside, wrapped in plastic, while you prepare the cherries. The fondant can be made up to a week ahead of time and kept well wrapped in the refrigerator.

FIRST DIPPING

Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid. Place the cherries on paper towels to absorb any excess liquid. Butter a large cookie sheet. Line it with wax paper and set it aside. Place the fondant in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water. If you don't have a double boiler, simply place the fondant in a. medium bowl that fits snugly over a pot of simmering water. Stir the fondant until it melts.

Rest a candy thermometer in the melted fondant and continue to stir gently, working around the thermometer, until the fondant reaches 150 F. Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 or 3 tablespoons of the reserved cherry liquid to give the fondant a pink color and a mild cherry flavor. Should the fondant fall below 150 F, turn the heat on low and bring the water back to a simmer just until the temperature of the fondant rises back to 150 F.

To dip, hold one cherry by the stem and quickly dip it into the melted fondant to cover the cherry. Avoid getting fondant on the stem. Place the dipped cherry on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining cherries until all are dipped. Stir the fondant occasionally. If the fondant becomes too thick as you dip, add more cherry liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a thinner consistency is reached. Set the dipped cherries aside while preparing the chocolate for dipping.

SECOND DIPPING

Melt 12 ounces of the semisweet chocolate in the top of a clean double boiler set over hot water. If you don't have a double boiler, simply place the chocolate in a bowl that fits snugly over a pot of hot water. When the chocolate has melted completely, remove the top part of the double boiler or the bowl from the hot water.

Add the remaining 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate and stir until all of the chocolate is melted and smooth. Insert a candy thermometer or chocolate thermometer into the melted chocolate. Its temperature should be 88 to 90 F. If the chocolate is too cold, place it back over the hot water until the temperature reaches 88 to 90 F. If it is too hot, let it cool until the desired temperature is reached.

Hold one fondant-covered cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate to cover the pink candy coating. Repeat the process with the remaining cherries until all are dipped. Stir the chocolate occasionally.

Let the cherries sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Place them in the refrigerator overnight, and the chocolate will harden while the centers liquefy. Store the cherries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Valentine's Day Homemade Cookies - Gift basket

Valentine's day is on it's way. These will make perfect treats for Mother, Daughter, Wife, Girlfriend or that someone special. Handmade using all natural ingredients of flour, coco powder, butter, sugar, and icing. The icing was homemade and safe dye was used to color the icing. These come in your Valentine's Day gift basket.

Super Bowl! Gift basket order a pre-made or custom. Email us on our website and ask us about our custom made to order gift basket for any occasion.

Valentine's Day Sale!!!

Valentine's Day Cookies
Made with pure coco and real butter. Cut in the shape of hearts. Topped off with royal white icing on outer edges. Pink sugar sprinkled on top. Order a Valentine's Day basket filled with your favorite bath and body products by That Girl's Bath & Body. A few cookies and a candle accompany.




Funny and Sassy Pink Seed Bead earrings. These earrings are made by hand. As are all That Girl's jewelry. These are one of a kind earrings and we will not be making many just like these anytime soon! Limited Editon! These are sure to go quickly.

Why Buy From Us

• Organic Ingredients - in all products, where possible




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• Oils Blended for Aromatherapy Benefits




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• Alcohol Free

Made from the finest natural ingredients from across the globe, That Girl's are second to none. Because of their high quality, these luxury items are not suitable for the normal stock-and-shelve market. That Girl works diligently through premium market channels to bring our exclusive products directly to the discriminating client, fresh and made to order.

We carry fresh to order natural and organic bath and body products. Our exlusive line of products is made specifically to promote skin health and over all calm for your spirit.

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Valentine's Day Gift Sale!!!

Our products are environmentally friendly, hand crafted!

Looking for a Valentine's Day Gift for your Sweetie? That Girl's Bath & Body is just the right place to find something unique and fun! From our adorable Valentine's Day themed soaps, to our delicious scented candle in gift basket, even Valentine's treats for your favorite furry friends, you'll find the perfect gift to show your love! We're working to add many new and exciting items daily. Our products are environmentally friendly, hand crafted! Don't forget to pick up some gifts for teachers, students, bosses, co-workers, and friends while you're here! A little treat & Pampering for the Diva in you, That Girl is sure to make them SMILE!

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VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT SALE!!

We're having a Valentine's Day Gift sale here at That Girl's! Purchase FIVE of any of our Valentine's Day items and take TWO DOLLARS OFF EACH ITEM! Free Shipping plus Free Gift Wrapping! This must be FIVE OF THE SAME ITEM, perfect for those Classroom or Workplace or other Valentine's Day Parties! Also, take a look at our Indulgent Scents - Sale on our Delicious Dessert Smelling Soaps! Try our Death By Chocolate Soap, Raspberry Chocolate, Cherry Chocolate and More!

Artfire

Have you heard of Artfire.com?

If you're not in-the-know, there is an amazing site out there called Artfire, which allows artists to list and sell handmade items - for $7.00 a month for life! Amazingly, there is no listing fee, there is no selling fee, no commission's and no fee to upload pictures. Each artist can list up to 10 items at a time for free. I myself do not have an account, and I hear it's a great experience. The customer service is suppose to be better than Esty. Esty is suppose to not always have the best google listings making it harder to search for on the web. Artfire has a great community I hear. They even have site statistics. That makes me wonder do other Esty like site charge fee other than commission and just to use their site. You mean some may charge for picture etc? If anyone knew the answer to this question please let me know. Which ones have given you the best results? Ebay, esty, artfire, etc? I have read and heard that you don't have to be computer savy to use Artfire and that it is much easier to list item for sale compare to Esty. I'd like to learn as much as possible about these sites and others like them without having to sign up with all of them. How easy is it to use? Customer Service: how is it? Is it easy to find you store when online using search engine outside of Esty or Artfire. Like google, Yahoo, or smaller ones like Lycos etc.

I just thought this article was interesting and I've seen a lot of women bloggers mention them lately. Another blogger has post on this same subject.

Ashley Pahl at http://ashleybugdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/have-you-heard-of-artfire.html

New Products! Body Souffles, Whipped Body Sugar Scrub, Meringue, Scents, Soap!

It's all about the exfoliation! Sugar and salt scrubs are a great way to remove the excess dead skin cells from your skin. Simply scoop out the amount you need and scrub into your skin. Exfoliation has never been so fun! Scrubs will leave your skin feeling soft and silky. Be forewarned. They are very addictive! We are excited about the new products we have added. Body Sugar Polish Scrub, Meringue New Soap - Scents!, Cuticle Pen much more! Click Here to visit.

Buy any Day or Night Cream. Foot / Eczema Balm and we will donate 5% to the Alzheimer's Cause. Spread the word!

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Sag Awards

Kathy Watermen Jewelry Earrings, and Coral Dress by who wore.

Angela Kinsey the office look gorgeous in her classic black dress and old glam Hollywood hairstyle.

Eva Longeria Parker is very Stunning but her pink coral gown is too prom like, or figure skater with the nude mesh. Eva's hair a little is also a little sever or severe.

Liked Christine Applegate Green Jewel Tone Gown. Love the green color with her blonde hair. Earrings too large like Saturn and the fit in the dress was off. Ne bright designer make her dress. New trend is all about green and jewel tones.

ANNE HATHAWAY looked stunning in a white gown and short wave hairstyle . A lot of stars are going old glam Hollywood or very long cascading casual hairstyle. Ms. Hathaway cared it well, huge steps forward in fashion. Hard to pull off dark hair pale and white dress but she did. Didn't blow me away but stunning.

Kate Wisnowlate looked lovely in her blue jewel tone gown. Form fitting, looks great, color great fashion forward. Midnight blue flawless.

Brad Pitt looked great in his black tuxedo and white under shirt. Angelena Jolie Looked lovely with a partly updo with slight finger wave hair. Blue gown and daring low cut back in a V shaped. Perfection, no tie on brad looked great.

Star blonde female from house in a lovely strapless tube top pastel pink dress and long loose wavy hair.

A lot of color on the red carpet.

American Ferria diamonds stunning and hair. Shoulder up beautiful but dress a miss.

Michelle Obama has made the one shoulder a came back. Like Desperate House Wives. If cool in design, but not my favorite - like .

Nichole Sheridan very Studio 54 trannie like, and a lot of dress. Too much dress.

Violet purple different shades of dress, purse and shoes looked stunning on actress...continue later. To some it up then has been many diverse looks this year for the 2009 sage awards.

Face Shapes How to Contour

How to contour using blush for all face shapes:

ROUND shape - BLUSHER on cheekbone to warm the complexion. Soft Blusher is place along the outside of face area just below cheekbone area. This gives a face a slender look (marked xxxx's)HIGHLIGHTER is used between eye and blush area and along hairline for extra height and maybe use a tiny bit on top of chin.(marked with /////)

The OVAL face type is considered to be perfect or classic. Contours and proportions form the basis for modifying all other facial types. The eyes, nose and mouth are in ideal proportions and the face is gently oval. To determine your shape, pull hair back, look in mirror, and draw your facial outline with lipstick or damp soap into the mirror. It is then simple to draw over this, an oval - you can then see your face shape and where it needs to be contoured to bring it to the illusion of being oval.

Apply BLUSHER to warm the complexion. It reaches from top to bottom of ear at side of face and in along bone structure (which you can see when you smile slightly). Do not apply blush closer towards nose than halfway between ear and nose.
HIGHLIGHTER can be applied very lightly between eye and blusher to give an almost invisible sheen. It accents and highlights both eyes and cheekbones. (Use a softer blush shade here) on drawing the stroke type lines are highlighter, and the larger area is blush.

DIAMOND shape. BLUSHER is used in small area close to the hairline about the cheekbone line, to reduce width across the face and "just a touch" on top of the chin.Use a Softer blush colour in the area where crosses (xxx) are in front of ear area. Blend well with a good blush brush.

HIGHLIGHTER (shown by ////) use just a touch up near the forehead hairline and on either side of the chin area. If you dont have a highligher (a creamy eye shadow colour), then use a lighter foundation in that area.

HEART SHAPE -- BLUSHER is used to minimise the width across the top half of the face, as necessary. Sometimes it may only be needed on the edge of the cheekbone near the ear. (the clear area on drawing). Use a Softer blush colour near ear up past eyebrow as shown on drawing by xxx's.HIGHLIGHTER is used just above blush and down on sides of jaw (marked with /////) to
increase width across the lower jawline and between eye and blush.

PEAR shape - BLUSHER is used on cheekbone area to warm the complexion. Soft Blusher is continued down jawline to slim down fullness in lower cheek, jawline area (marked xxxx) - sometimes blush can be carried under the chin. Its barely seen with this soft colour. HIGHLIGHTER is applied lightly between blush and eye, and to create illusion of width across forehead, apply around hairline. (marked /////)

SQUARE shape -- Use BLUSHER softly on cheekbones, to give softness and warmth to face. Use Softer blush carefully give a shadow effect on squareness of the jawline which is often predominant.HIGHLIGHTER is used between eye and blush to highlight eyes and cheekbones (marked with /////). (soft blush is shown as xxx's and Blush is the open space). _- by Kelley

Winter and Cracked Skin

Question:


Hi, In the winter, I get cracks around my fingernails. What product do you recommend for this? Also, my feet get severely dry and callused. How about for that? Thanks.



Answer: Number one thing I always suggest is the Eczema Balm. That has the most powerful oils and quickest results. Next would be the Intense Night Repair Cream. Finally we will be adding a new product on our online store http://thatgirlsbathandbody.com/ , a cuticle pen. You might try the Cuticle oil brush pen. Those are my suggestions. Hope it's helpful.



How? Because it carry's borage oil, tea tree or other essential oils, shea butter etc. You can find out about these oils by checking out the rest of the blog post. Click the borage oil, tea tree or shea butter hyper links takes you directly to the pages. Want more then go to our store http://www.thatgirlsbathandbody.com/ingredients.html

Click on link to go to older post

2009 Golden Globe Awards

Julie Benz (description below) .

Evan R. Wood

Jennifer Morrison (House)

( Christina Applegate )

( Kate Winslate )




( Renee Zellweger )

( Seal & Heide Klum )

( Kate & Leo )

Kate Beckinsale


( Ann Hathaway )

( Drew Barrymore)

( Glenn Close )

( Renee again )

One of the earlier arrivers was Lisa Edelstein in a beautiful black dress that fits her body and a great bling of ice bracelet and earrings that make a statement.

Actress Jennifer Morrison (House) wore a beautiful blue jewel tone gown that fit her like a glove. Dress is by Oscar de la Renta and jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. Her hair was impeccable in a elegant updo and wonderful unique earrings, designer bangle bracelets and silver clutch.

Demi Moore Beautiful as always in her peach ruffle gown. I'm not a fan of her dress but she's pretty and the color works well for her. Long wavy brown hair, Silver Clutch and jewelry ( bracelets ), and of course her best accessories Ashton.

The Hot Theme or Trend at the 2009 Golden Globes was:

• Jewel tone colors and classic black was also seen on the carpet. Jewel Tone colors ranged from Red, to blue, to almost every shade of purple.



• Big Jewelry pieces like earrings, rings, and bracelets. I didn't see many necklaces but I did notice Beyonce wore earrings and a diamond bracelet with plenty of bling and a equally stunning dress in the same white gold color and looks of sparkle, texture and pizazz.



• Lots of Belts



• Dark nails was worn by a few.



• Most makeup was minimal with soft lips and eyes though some chose a more smokey dramatic look.



• Form fitting curvy shapely dresses.
  
• Bangle Bracelets
  
  
  
  
  

Actress Olivia Wilde attends the 66th Annual Golden Globes Awards in a beautiful Pastel Purple Dress adorned with lace and ruffles arranged on the bottom half of her gown. Top half was strapless and Look at all the detail on this full ballroom dress. Paired with a Slim jeweled belt and large earrings and soft makeup. She kept her hair long and simple which gave her a just enough understated look to not take away from the drama of her earrings and fab dress. This was my favorite look of the night. She owed the red carpet tonight. Will make for some amazing photos.

Actress Taraji P. Henson was a picture of femininity as her black dress. It was form fitting showing off her curves and the added ruffles gave it a soft touch.

( Pictured at top of page )

The cast of "Dexter," I loved Julie Benz's dress in a soft pastel metallic color of Green and a matching belt. While most wear the shade of black or Jewel tone bright colors some kept it soft and starry. Her makeup as most was pretty yet simple and natural. Large diamond dangling earrings adorned her earlobes and her blonde flaxing hair was in a pony tail.

Miley Cyrus: I enjoyed the sweet and greek inspired white and gold gown. Miley's hair as most was down and had soft wavys. Gold bracelets and large daggling earrings finished the look. She kept it pretty and sweet, soft and starry. The dress fitted her well.

Eva Mendez usually looks stunning but while up on stage presenting she was seen looking like a Big Mess. Her hair was in shambles while the once elegant up do became disheveled. It looked like a very bad case of bed head after a tornado. What was her stylist thinking?! Eva Mendes wore a white gown from Dior with a hefty turquoise necklace. Her large blue green necklace was nice but her white or cream colored dress was just not hot. The big blugg of fabric gathered in the front did nothing for the dress or for Mendez. Sorry Mendez I like you but please fire your stylist crew and buy some mirrors.

Singer Beyonce Pretty Gown and accessories in a white gold, yellow gold shoes, and dark polish.

Actress AMERICA Ferrera worn a pretty taupe silk gown. I think the design was different and very interesting. I didn't like her hair style, but she looked attractive.

Jennifer Westfeldt dress in amazing black ruffle number and reminiscence of other dresses on the 2009 Red Carpet 66th Annual Golden Globes.

Actress Debra Messing was dressed in a lovely midnight blue, halter top, ruffled gown. Accessories of gold hard clutch and bangel bracelets. Large glamours earrings and ring. She was one of the few that went with dark smoky eyes and nude lips. Debra Messing dress is with Zac Posen. The gown is, taffeta and iridescent. Her emerald teardrop earrings provide a contrast. That is how you can tell a stylist pulled this look together.

Of Hollywood's Hottest Couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Best Actor-nominee Brad Pitt paired aviator sunglasses with his tuxedo while Best Actress-nominee Angelina Jolie glittered in a silver Versace dress.

Not my favorite was Jennifer Lopez. She was stunning but her dress was less. A pretty gold slim fitting number but very similar to her daring low cut green gown a few years ago. Large diamond earrings, gold bangle bracelets, gold clutch, soft natural makeup and bronzer. I would have enjoyed this dress more if it hadn't been a repeat. Her jewelry is by Lorraine Schwartz and plunging gold Marchesa dress.

The best dress is:

Amy Adams was wearing a beautiful Gothic chic dress, which is very popular (think of all the vampire books, movies, and t.v. shows of late, and black nail polish). The gown was made by Oscar de la Renta. A floor length black gown and long train in lace. You can tell a great deal of work and attention to detail in this number. She worn interesting large green and gold leaf earrings, hair was down and half pulled back while a few strands were arranged around front. Now hair makes the whole look so I will say if the hair had been better than this would have been my favorite complete look 2009 66Th Golden Globe Awards at on The Red Carpet.

Actress Eva Longoria Parker in a stunning red vibrate gown and minimal makeup and accessories. I loved her clutch. Some may say she looked like a hydrate walking down the run way and most would. Eva can pull it off and I can't wait until she's glam again on Desperate House Wives.

Evan Racheal Wood arrived in a black ruffle and lace number. Very pretty femme and vintage gown. Not my all time favorite because it is busy but some how it works. Simple accessories like most of the actresses on the red carpet. Simple yet stunning and natural is in this season. Old Hollywood feel as a lot of actress seem to be channeling 20's to 60's. Some looks had a greek or middle evil look but with a modern twist.

Actress Christina Applegate arrived in amazing yellow gown. I noticed gowns on the Red Carpet with the same top silhouette. Beautiful hair not a helmet head or too loose just right. I love her large necklace and earrings. She completed the look with a slightly darker different shade of yellowish gold purse and shoes, but in the same family.

Glenn Close I sure others will not agree but I liked her mature woman classic two piece suite. I think it fits her personality well. The golden color and top pattern of embellishment keeps it from being too boring. While the bottoms are silk gold. Her hair jewelry and shoes works with her attire. I give this 2 thumbs up.

Rumer Willis looks delectable in her purple dress complete with a belt and very little jewelry.

Kristin Scott Thomes pretty gold number up do and simple classic jewelry.

Kate Winsowlet or Winslate gorgeous as every with a simple yet updated black dress, belt, and simple diamond earrings and bracelet.

Actress Salma Hayek stunning and sexy as always in this neutral tight gown showing that curves are in. Makeup, hair updo, and diamond earrings look stunning and pull the look together.

Actress Blake Christina Lively (Gossip Girl as Serena van der Woodsen.) resident beauty in her blue green tight gown, that made her look curvy. Like Salma Hayek her top half of her gown was bust enhancing. She looked very lovely. The lips and cheeks had a nice hint of color and her eyes pop with their dark liner and long lashes.



( Susan Saradon )

Worst Look:

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal gown was awful. The Blue-green and black animal print number with black thick belt was just too much. Now she did keep her accessories to a minimum the only piece of jewelry being earrings and a ring. Also simple black shoes and updo but her red lips and colorful animal print gown was just too much for me. I found the dress shapeless it did nothing for her figure. She could take a lesson from many of the other actress that night. To awful to even picture here.

I'm sure that no one will give actress Susan Saradon top dress award but her look was pretty, clean, simple, and classic. Her chic look maybe too tame for some or too safe and not enough drama. I loved her classic black clutch with diamond brooch it add a little something to her ensemble. The look fits her casual personality and her low cut top. Long 1920's flapper style necklace was a nice touch. Hair loose and curl but It would have been nice to see her a little more Hollywood Glam.

Drew Barrymore I know her family has been around in Hollywood a long time as that is the only reason I can understand why she is called an actress. I sometimes like her looks and she seems to be a nice person but she missed her mark here. Her over the top big hair was pretty but looked like her mom styled her hair at home, not by a professional. Her hair was not the only mistake. Her dress was in a pretty shade of gray with matching eye shadow. I didn't think the matchy matchy look IS back. The coloring of the dress worked well with her skin tone but I didn't find it was the best for her and did not enhance. I did not like the sleeves and what is with the tacky red satin clutch! She also had some bulge she should have wore a body shapier underneath. The only part I liked was the pearl bracelet.

Actress Anne Hathaway I loved this dress in a dark navy blue. Sparkly at the top and soft taffey at the bottom, very feminine. A mix of old, bold and modern without being over the top. I didn't love her hair and you would think after last year she would learn. That hair, makeup and accessories makes or breaks any outfit.

Heidi Klum is usually best dressed and I though could do no wrong, but this dress is just soo wrong. What's with the big bow anyways? The picture I featured above was the best most of the other shots were not flattering. Everything else looked great so I will no hate on her too much tonight.

Renee Zellweger: What can I say about this Black Gown other that awful, atrocious.

Men:

Simon Baker looked soooo sexy in his tudexo. Brad Pitt hot as usual.

Benefits of Borage Oil

Borage Oil and why we use it in our night cream
By Dr. Dennis T. SeppSource: Les Nouvelles Esthtiques Date Published: May 1998


Borage oil is a little known secret for keeping your skin healthy. It is natural oil that not only restored moisture and smoothness to dry and damaged skin, but can also provide relief to people who suffer from chronic skin disorders such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Borage, (borago officianalis) is a wildflower commonly called the starflower. It is a relatively large plant (1.5 ft tall) with star shaped, bright blue flowers and it is found wild in almost all parts of the world. It is a well-known herb that has been recognized and sued for over 1500 years. The Roman historian Pliny writes of the virtues of borage and it is suspected that borage leaves, steeped in wine, was the mysterious nepenthe elixir that Homer writes of, which causes absolute forgetfulness when drunk. In the middle ages borage leaves were commonly brewed into a medicinal tea.1


Today, however, the borage plant is grown and harvested not for its leaves and stems but rather for the very valuable oil found in its seeds - borage oil. The great value of this oil is that it is the richest known source (24%) of an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
Biochemistry


Our body is capable of naturally producing gamma linolenic acid. In order to do so, it must have as its starting material linoleic acid (LA). This is an essential fatty acid that our body is unable to produce and we must ingest it as part of our everyday diets. Fortunately, we get plenty of linoleic acid in our daily diets since it is commonly found in almost all edible vegetable oils.
Once linoleic acid is ingested it is acted upon by an enzyme called Delta-6-Desaturase (D6D) which biochemically converts LA into GLA. This is how we normally get our daily fix of GLA.



Note the importance of the enzyme D6D, without it we would be deficient in GLA no matter how much linoleic acid we got in our diets. GLA is further converted via a sequence of biochemical steps into a very important compound called prostaglandin 1 (PG1) which is a key molecule for maintaining healthy skin. PG1 exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and also is very effective in regulating water loss and protecting the skin from injury and damage.2


The D6D enzyme is often referred to as a "lazy" enzyme. That is to say, it can be slow in doing its job, and under some conditions may actually be impaired. People with skin disorders such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis show increased levels of linoleic acid with a simultaneous decrease in gamma linolenic acid.3 This evidence strongly suggests a reduction in the activity of the D6D enzyme. And as a consequence the resulting decrease in the synthesis of PGI may be responsible for the characteristic dry skin and trans-epidermal water loss observed in these people. It is here that the importance of borage oil with its rich source of gamma linolenic acid becomes evident. Used as a dietary supplement or even applied topically borage oil can circumvent a "lazy" or impaired D6D enzyme by supplying the body directly with GLA, thus allowing the production of normal levels of PG1.
Borage oil in your diet and for your skin


Several recent studies have indicated that borage oil taken orally increases PG1 levels in the skin and suppresses chronic inflammation.4,5,6,7 Evidence from animal studies indicates that skin disorders associated with fatty acid imbalances can be corrected through dietary inclusion of borage oil. Similar research with humans has confirmed these findings.8,9 In fact, a recent study,10 has shown that dietary supplementation of borage oil for patients with skin disorders can result in a direct improvement in the condition of their skin.


Not only is borage oil excellent for your skin when taken internally, but there is also more than enough evidence showing that when applied topically to your skin, borage oil as the same positive effects on clearing up various skin disorders.11,12
A very interesting experiment measured the effects of skin creams containing borage oil on dry or damaged skins. Twenty healthy subjects who had either dry (but otherwise normal skin) or had surfactant induced dry, scaly skin were tested over 14 days. Results indicated that the cream containing the borage oil was superior in restoring moisture and smoothness to both the dry skin as well as the surfactant damaged skin.13 This experiment was interpreted as strong evidence for the role that borage oil plays in restoring the intracellular moisture barrier of adult skin that is either chronically dry or has been environmentally damaged.




Babies and borage oil


One of the more powerful demonstrations of the benefits to the skin of topically applied borage oil is a clinical study14 done on 48 infants suffering from severe infantile seborrheic dermatitis, a common condition in infants known as "cradle cap." This condition is characterized by dry scales and crusts on the scalp, eyelids, face, armpits, breast and groin. The infants were treated twice daily with topically applied borage oil and the condition cleared within two weeks. Not only was there improvement in the areas where the borage oil was directly applied but also in the areas where it was not. This result indicated that the borage oil was effectively absorbed through the skin and became available throughout the body as a source of gamma linolenic acid for the biosynthesis of prostaglandin 1. If the treatment was discontinued, the symptoms came back within a week. However, if the treatment was maintained until the infants became seven months old and was then stopped, there was no relapse.


The authors hypothesized that these infants were born with an immature D6D enzyme system and were unable to produce sufficient gamma linolenic acid on their own, thus giving rise to the symptoms of "cradle cap." The borage oil treatment corrected the symptoms by supplying GLA until the infant's own enzyme system caught up.
Conclusions


There is ample evidence from research on both humans and animals showing that borage oil has a significant effect on improving the health and appearance of skin tissue. Clinically, borage oil has been shown to be a very effective agent for treating skin disorders and for alleviating the inflammatory symptoms associated with these disorders. For everyday use, borage oil has been shown to be very effective in treating the redness, inflammation and moisture loss associated with dry skin.


Whether you take borage oil orally or apply it to your skin it appears to positively affect the texture, suppleness and moisture content of the skin. Dennis T. Sepp is a Ph.D. chemist with a degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He has taught chemistry at the university level and has conducted research in medicinal chemistry. He is the owner and chief formulator for ShiKai Products, a cosmetic company specializing in natural cosmetics.

You can find this oil in our Body Cream, Heel Balm / Eczema Balm, and Night Cream.

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRoYXRnaXJsc2JhdGhhbmRib2R5LmNvbQ==

Petit Fours & Fondant

Fondant, the basis of all French candy, is made of sugar and water boiled together.

Petit fours, is French for small ovens, they were a way for pâtissiers to use up leftovers while the ovens cooled down. A Petit Four is a small cake generally eaten at the end of a meal or served as part of a large buffet and these old world treats have become a holiday tradition for my family.

Typically, petits fours consist of alternate layers and butter cream topped by frosting and are approximately 1 inch square and about 1.5 inches high. They are covered with fondant and are decorated with piped icing, candy, nuts, or other sugar embellishments. Often made in pastel colors.

Fondant is a thick, creamy white sugar mass used in different forms for decorating cakes and cookies with; it can be rolled and draped over a cake, poured as a glaze or sculpted with. Fondant is also the basis of many candies. It can be in the center as a filling of a chocolate-covered cherry. Fondant originates from the word "fondre" which means to melt named so because it melts.

This is my petite four pre-done. I have not cut it into shape yet. Now I did not use any pre-mixed bases. My petits fours and fondant where made from scratch, but I find it's easier to use a box cake mix, candy thermometer and electric mixer when first starting out.

Some still call this a fondue but for now I will call it a glaze. This will be used only to glaze your petit fours. Heat water and sugar in a pot until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil and turn off heat. Let cool. Easy chemistry lesson for today. Fondant is formed by supersaturation sugar in water. So the sugar is cooked at a high enough temp to dissolve and make into fondant, a cream filling. Then the sugar and other ingredients are cooled and then stirred vigorously. Poured fondant (cream filling) should not be boiled, but poured fondant makes a better petit four.

This is the almond flavored filling I made for the petite fours. *Note* never let the fondant get too hot, so be careful. The bottom of the pot should never get so hot you can't put your hand on it comfortably. If the fondant gets too hot you will notice that the fondant looks dull on the cakes and have a gritty texture. Tip: Do not over fill pan, it should not be over two thirds full.

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Fondant is a cream confection used as a filling or coating for cakes, pastries, and candies or sweets. In its simplest form, it is sugar and cooked to the soft-ball stage, cooled slightly, and stirred or beaten until it is an opaque mass of creamy consistency. Sometimes flavor is added to the mixture, mainly for taste.

Fondant is best when made with a small quantity of cream of tartar to prevents sugar from granulating. Make into soft ball, 238°F. With practice you will be able to decide when syrup has boiled to the right temperature. This can be done two ways by sound while boiling, and by testing in cold water. These may seem difficult at first, but only a little experience is necessary to make fondant successfully. Until then a sugar thermometer is often employed because it makes it easier to achieve the right temperature.

Here a finished product with out fancy pastel colored icing and other embellishment. My family eats my deserts up so quickly I rarely have the time to take proper pictures. The recipe I will list below will more than likely not be the one featured here in the pictures, but I may add the recipe for old fashion fondant.


Here is a sample of an old fashion recipe I used and then a sample of a more simple recipe.

Need a tooth pick, large bowl a electric mixer, baking pan of 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan, sauce pan, large wooden spoon, wire rack, knife, a pasty brush.

How to make Simple Poured Fondant:

Heat sugar, water and corn syrup to the soft-ball stage (238°F; 114°C). Pour into the food processor fitted with the steel blade. Wash the candy thermometer well and reinsert into the syrup. Let the syrup cool undisturbed in the work bowl to 140°F (60°C), about 30 minutes. Remove the thermometer. Add any coloring or flavoring (vanilla, almond extract, etc.) and process 2 to 3 minutes, until the syrup completely converts from a glassy syrup to an opaque paste. When thoroughly cooled, store sealed at room temperature for 24 hours. Use or refrigerate for later use.

Next is the simple verison of making Petite Fours:

Now everyone has a prefence on using wax paper, parchment, spray, or greasing the pan then lightly dusting the pan with flour. I have found that greasing the pan and using flour is my first choice. As well as using parchment because, unlike wax paper, does not need to be greased, less damage, and is easier. I recommend you lightly grease or line your cake pan, but is not absolutely necessary.

1) Bake 1 white cake mix in an 11 x 15 inch pan. Spray with cooking spray then lined with parchment and set oven to 350 degrees. If you desire, you may use shortening instead of cooking spray. Make sure to apply to both the bottom and sides of the pan. Next, lightly flour the pan, but only if you don't use parchment. Now I prefer to also grease the parchment and I have found this way is the best.

Now if you are greasing and adding flour to your pan here's a tip. Shake the pan to spread the flour. Next turn it upside down and tap on it to remove excess flour. I find unbleached white flour is best for dusting your bake pan. Non stick spray, oil or shortening is best to use for greasing your cake pan. Salted Butter or non salted margarine are not recommended because they do not work as well.

2) Sift dry ingredients. Beat all ingredients in a large bowl, except egg whites, with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on high for 2 minutes then add egg whites. Beat in egg whites to mixture on high speed for 2 minutes until combined. Fold eggs gently into batter. Pour batter into pan. If starting from scratch then also hold off on adding sugar along with the eggs and follow above directions. (Tip: Separating eggs are easiest while they are cold and blending them is easier when they a warm. Break your eggs into a bowl while they are cold and then let them warm up in room temp 5 mins or microwave eggs on low for a few seconds. Follow with mixing the eggs together.) Bake until toothpick in center comes out clean or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in center. If this is your first try bake until set, about 25 minutes and keep watch ,every oven is different. Remove from oven and let cakes cool about 1o minutes. Remove from pan and allow cake to cool on a rack. Cool completely for 1 hour.

3) Once cake is completely cooled, ice only top part of cake with a thin layer of buttercream. Apply a sheet of waxed paper over the buttercream making sure to get all the wrinkles out of the waxed paper. Wrap well in plastic wrap and put in freezer. Let cake freeze for at least 12 hours.

(Why do you freeze? This important technique is used to reduce the amount of crumbs that get into the run-over fondant when pouring. )

4) Next day mix up poured fondant ingredients in a 3 qt. pot with handle. Poured fondant recipe is 3/4 cup of water (depending on your preference) stirred in a measuring cup with 1/2 cups of light corn syrup, then mixed in the pot with 2 lbs. ( 1 bag ) of confectioner's or powdered sugar, next add 1tsp. almond extract, right before pouring. If you choose to you may want to add 1 teaspoon or more of hot water.)

PETITE FOURS TIPS . 1. I sometimes like to use Dry Candy Fondant. Add water to consistency (color and flavor). Heat but NEVER boil or get too hot. I forget what the exact temp is then I remember temp should not reach over 100 degrees! Re-heat when it cools too much. Use of a candy thermometer is a great way to keep safe on heating. (Heating too much causes icing to thicken - add more water if this happens). 2. Petit fours take a long time to do and are consequently very expensive!

5) While fondant is warming on stove on lowest heat; remove cake from freezer. Unwrap and cut off all edges with a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water then wiped dry. (Tip: keeping the knife hot and clean will give cleaner cuts. I dip my knife in water and wipe dry after every 2nd cut.)

6) After edges are cut off take a ruler and toothpick and measure 1 1/2" increments around the cake. This will insure uniform-size cuts. Make cuts using sharp knife dipped in hot water then wiped clean. Cut one sheet in half. Wrap the other half and the other full sheet for other use. With a large serrated knife, cut the cake into two layers.

Tip: Running a Knife Under the Cakes Once All Cuts are Made Makes Them Easier to Pull Off Parchment.

7) In the process of making these cuts I periodically stir my poured fondant. As I stated before Make Sure Pot Doesn't Get Too Hot! If you feel it is getting too hot while you are cutting your cakes take it off the burner for a bit.

8) Put individual cakes on a wire rack placed over a 12 x 18 cake pan. Make sure they don't touch sides.

9) After all cakes are cut and placed on the wire rack, stir fondant again making sure all lumps are gone; then add almond extract; mix well and begin pouring. (Tip: Pour directly from the pot; starting in the middle of the petit four cake and then circling around the edges until all sides of each cake are covered.) Continue this process until all fondant is poured. Put a thin coat of buttercream icing on the petite fours before spooning or pouring the fondant over them. Your fondant has to be just right. Too thin and the cake will show through - Too thick and they are not pleasant to eat. To hot and it is too thin - Too cold and it won't pour.

10) Take wire rack off of 12 x 18 pan so that you can scrape fondant from the pan with a plastic spatula back into pot ; reheat; adding just a drop of water if necessary to thin it a bit. Reheating shouldn't take more than 2-4 minutes. Remember, bottom of pot should not get so hot you can't touch it. Repeat pouring process until all cakes are coated.

11) Transfer cakes to cupcake papers using a wide icing spatula and decorate as desired.

Hope this helps someone!

I have several receipes on Petit Fours and Fondant. I will next be post a blog on homemade pumpkin bread, homemade whip cream, chocolate covered cherries, and Organic plum, apple, and nut bread. Each are made from scratch I have taken a few pictures and will post them all with the receipes or exsperience.

Coming up next: Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip cookies, Plum Bread, Homemade Whip Cream, Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Pie. Here two pictures below until the next baking post. Please enjoy and leave a comment.

Organic Sugar Plum Bread: 2 lofts made out of two different pans.

Pumpkin Spice Bread