Lehman’s 2012 Cast Iron Recipe Drawing: Enter to Win a Gift Card!

Lehman’s-”the world’s purveyor of historical non-electric merchandise technology”- is hosting a drawing for a recipe which utilizes cast iron cookware in one of four possible categories:

  1. Main Dish
  2. Dessert
  3. Bread
  4. Breakfast

I want to point out that this is a drawing and not a contest to select a preferred recipe. All submissions/entries must be received by Lehman’s by February 1, 2012 at the latest, and the drawing will occur approximately one week later. One winning entry will be selected per each category, with each winner receiving a gift card, redeemable at Lehman’s for products they sell.

Once the winners are selected, their names will be posted on Lehman’s blog. Please visit Lehman’s.com for full details regarding the drawing, and GOOD LUCK!

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The Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon serves uses beyond bread pudding, french toast, and tea. In fact, Pliny the Elder referenced an unknown native people’s guarding of a pricey cinnamon by “a terrible kind of bats,” circa 77 AD.1 Both bark and flower have their practical application. Following are some important facts about cinnamon which should prove useful to you.

Both cassia and true cinnamon come from the genus Cinnamomum (C.), and the Lauraceae family. Although related, cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum cassia) is not to be confused with true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or Cinnamomum verum). Cassia identifies cinnamon originating from Southeast Asia and which is the commonly available ground cinnamon here in the States.

Constituents of cinnamon include coumarins, gum, mucilage, sugars, tannins, and volatile oil.1

Bark

Ceylon cinnamon and cassia are easily distinguished by their unique roll structures, texture, and colors:

Ceylon cinnamon have an identifiable single roll, are thin, brittle, and tan in color.

Cassia rolls look like scrolls (double-roll), are thick, hard, and dark brown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Typically, the bark of cinnamon is used orally. My copy of Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 2 cites the following ailments/conditions associated with its oral application, as a(n):

  • anthelmintic- used in addressing parasitic intestinal worms
  • antidiarrheal- used to treat diarrhea
  • antiflatulent- used to reduce intestinal gas
  • antimicrobial- kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
  • antispasmodic- used to suppress smooth muscle spasms within the gastrointestinal tract
  • appetite stimulant

Twigs

The Chinese name for cinnamon twigs is gui zhi.

Traditionally, the Chinese use the twigs (gui zhi) to stimulate circulation in the hands and feet, enhancing warmth. Its ability to promote sweating assists in caring for individuals with colds.1

Essential Oil

Cinnamon in the essential oil form is often produced via steam or water extraction from the inner bark of the tree.

References

1 Ody, Penelope. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 1st ed. New York: DK Publishing, Inc.; 1993:  192 p.

2 Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens, K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 5th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2003: pg. 358.

3 EverythingDoTerra, n.d. Cassia Cinnamomum cassia. http://www.everythingessential.me/Oils/Cassia.html. Accessed 2011 November 1.

4 Abundant Health. Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils. Utah: Abundant Health; 2011: 235 p.

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StockUpFood- How do I calculate my food storage?

One of the reasons I have a such a great time traveling to Utah is because of the almost endless amount of creative products & services having to do with Self-Reliance, Homesteading, Emergency Preparedness, and just plain old frugal living. I recently met two brothers who have created the coolest functional and neatest looking site aimed at helping people calculate the basics for food storage…and emergency supplies…

StockUpFood.com!

Please visit this site and set up a FREE account!

Here’s why I signed up with them:

  • I started off with the free version and experienced just how simple it is.
  • After I set-up my account & inputted where I’m currently at, I decided that I wanted to extend my goal & customize my plan.
  • In order to customize your plan, you’ll need to pay for the upgrade…only $3 a month!!!
  • Once you upgrade, you can also input your current inventory of Emergency Supplies & customize that plan too!
  • Their site is super simple to navigate…and it’s a great looking one too!

Another aspect I liked about their customization option is that it allows a family like mine to address dietary requirements specific to our situation…same goes with the Emergency Supplies option in their “recommended account”. The recommended account is their way of referring to the paid version.

Check them out & have a blast!

-HomesteadBasics

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Food Shortages Coming, Buy Commodities: Jim Rogers

foodshortage1

First of all, Homestead Basics is NOT a financial adviser. I am merely showing this article as something to think about in a preparedness sense. I really do not care about the commodities market, but this “FOOD SHORTAGES COMING” part really caught my eye! It is very important to note that analyst are saying that a food shortage is certain to happen in the near future. This is critical! Make sure you go to our food storage, gardening, how-to, and equipment links to make sure you are prepared. This is not to scare anyone, just to get you thinking about it NOW!

Heres the interview: … Continue Reading

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Emergency Preparedness Evaluation-Urban Survival Part 1/4


Are you prepared for an emergency, such as a disruption in utilities or quarantine? How would you cook and wash yourself, what would you drink? Watch as we evaluate our emergency preparedness, as we live in our house for five days without electricity and water from our taps.

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