How coffee and hot cocoa can improve your health

Let me start off by saying I don't want to necessarily talk about the benefits of coffee or chocolate (there are plenty, I'll let you look that up on your own).  I want to talk about using coffee or hot cocoa as a delivery system for an amazing supplement called Ganoderma Lucidum.

Ganoderma Lucidum is a rare red mushroom that has been used for centuries with all kinds of amazing properties.  There is a ton of research proving that Ganoderma Lucidum supports the immune system, oxygenates the body, boosts energy (who doesn't need that!), supports blood circulation.  Ganoderma provides more than 200 phytonutrients, 150 of which are antioxidants, it promotes cell rejuvenation, detoxifies the body and also promotes restful sleep.

Back in March a good friend of mine invited me to an event out in Ontario.  It was the launch party of a company called GanoLife.  GanoLife has come up with a line of coffees and hot cocoa that are enriched by Ganoderma.  These beverages are all delicious and are a fraction of the cost of Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or whatever your favorite place is.

Did you know that coffee is second only to water as the most consumed beverage on the planet.  (Something like 2 Billion cups of coffee are consumed every day!)  It's also second only to oil as the most traded commodity.

I know that there are other coffee companies out there, why is this one different?  GanoLife is 100% pesticide free, certified Kosher, and 100% USDA Organic (certified).  GanoLife is also in complete control of all manufacturing, has an in-house distribution process and has total vertical integration.  Since the launch my husband and I visited the home office and were taken on a private tour of the facilities and we were both very impressed.  Erskien has never been a coffee drinker and even he loves these products, you can read his experience here.

I have a new website www.coffeenculture.com you can order products to try there or if you're in the area I'd love to have you over to sample the coffees.  We're looking for people who want to get healthy, save money, make friends, and make a fantastic living, all while drinking coffee, let me know if I can help you with any of those things.

Until next time, Ciao!

Recipe of the week: Kosher Cajun Gumbo

I made gumbo for Mardi Gras with just chicken because we were having friends over and they don't like fish. The last few times I've made it this is what I've done. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! A Vorte Sante!


Kosher Cajun Gumbo

1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp oil (half olive oil half canola oil)
1/4 cup unbleached flour
2 cups onion chopped
1 cup celery chopped
1 small green bell pepper chopped
1 cup okra chopped
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes
3 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth
1-2 cups dry white wine
1 lb chicken Cajun sausage or other chicken sausage
5-6 filets of red snapper or other fish
fresh ground pepper to taste
red pepper to taste
Louisiana hot sauce
rice

In a dutch oven or large pot combine the oil and the flour over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly at first then occasionally for 35 to 45 minutes, to make a dark brown roux, you want it to be somewhere between the color of carmel and chocolate. (I cooked mine for about 40 minutes). Meanwhile, chop all your vegetables. Brown the sausage in another pan, then slice into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
Once your roux is the desired color add the chopped onion, celery and bell pepper stirring until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add the sausage, okra and bay leaf. Stir for 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth and wine. bring to a boil. (Taste and adjust pepper, red pepper and Cajun seasoning.) Cut fish into small pieces and add to soup mixture. Add Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 35-45 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Serve with rice and Louisiana hot sauce. Enjoy! (Serves 4-6)