Sage -
the Herb of the Season
 Sage is a wonderful herb throughout the year. It's aroma and earthy tones enhance foods and fragrances. But it seems that Thanksgiving time seems to call to sage the loudest. Here are a few things you might not know about this seasonal favorite.
* Sage was rubbed on the teeth to make them whiter in nineteenth-century America.
*Sage leaves are also used to flavor vermouth and various bitters.
*The herb Sage is a member of the mint family.
*It is thought that Sage is similar to Rosemary in its ability to improve brain function and memory.
*Arab physicians in the 10th century believed that Sage promoted immortality, while 14th century Europeans used it to protect themselves from witchcraft.
*It is said that in the 17th century, Sage was in so much demand in China during the 17th century, the Chinese traded three cases of tea leaves (camellia sinensis) to the Dutch for one case of sage leaves.
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Celtic Chairde Creations is a proud member of:
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November is the time of giving thanks. We are so thankful to our customers and supports and the inspiration you give to us. To express our gratitude, we're offering free shipping for all orders placed through our website. Go raibh maith agat! (Thank you!)
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Smooth & Soothing -
New JP's Shaving Foam
 When my son was looking for a new shaving cream, something natural, I accepted the challenge. The result is a light foam that gives a wonderful shave.
JP's Shaving Foam blends natural castile soap, soothing aloe vera gel, light but invigorating hydrosols, nutritional and moisturizing hemp seed and jojoba oils, and subtle essential oils. Shake the foamer bottle and give a few pumps. This foam is finer than the heavy foam from commercial shave cream. But the lightness is the secret. Smooth on and your razor will glide across your skin. After I first made this foamer, I gave some to my husband. He's the kind of guy who doesn't get 5 o'clock shadow, it's more like noontime shadow. He's used this since the first time I made it and raves. It leaves his skin smooth much longer than anything else he's used, There's no drying and no need to wash off his face after he shaves. One things for sure, if he didn't like it he'd let me know that too.
My son's a big fan too. And since it was his idea - I named it after him!
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It's All About the Spice - Allspice
Herbs are always our friends and allies, like Sage, but the colder weather also brings out our spice side. Cinnamon, clove, ginger, star anise, and nutmeg not only tingle our noses with their bright aromas, their flavors warm and invigorate us during the colder months. And then there's Allspice. This little dried berry has a flavor that seems to combine cinnamon, clove and ginger together with just a hint of fruitiness.
 The great things about all of these spices is that they aid with digestion. Since we tend to eat a little heavier in the depths of fall and winter, these additions to our diet can come in handy.
But back to Allspice. These berries comes from evergreen trees, native to the West Indies, the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America, and Mexico. It's the immature berries of this plant that are harvested and dried to give us this aromatically flavorful spice.
There are many benefits to Allspice, besides great flavor. It helps prevent disease causing germs on food, can ease digestive issues like nausea, exhibits antioxidant properties, and even might reduce arthritis pain.
There are many wonderful ways to use Allspice in your food to take advantage of its health and yum benefits. Here are two recipes that will become a part of your holiday repertoire.
ALLSPICE FOREVER
Well, almost forever. This make a nice little gift for your friends that bake.
Find a pretty little bottle. Fill the bottle about 1/4 of the way with whole Allspice berries. Cover with vodka or rum. Seal tightly and let sit for about 4 weeks. Give it a shake every now and then. You've now made Allspice Extract that can be used the same as whole or ground in any recipe. As you use the extract, just add a little more vodka or rum.
recipe for allspice extract (forever allspice), recipe for mulled cider. Skin care or essential oil benefits too.
MULLED CIDER
1 quart of good Apple Cider
1 teaspoon Allspice (or a teaspoon of the above extract)
1 2" stick cinnamon
4 whole cloves
2 or 3 cardamom pods
1 small orange or two clementines (sliced)
1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
1 cup spiced rum (also optional)
Put all of the ingredients in a non-corrosive pot. Bring to a simmer and let warm for about 20 minutes. When it's done ladle into coffee mugs. Serve with just a dash of nutmeg on the top. Perfect for a chilly winter evening.
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Only A Few Shows Left this Season!
November 22 10 am - 4 pm
Thompson Middle School, Middletown NJ
A great place to start (or finish) your holiday shopping! We'll be in our usual spot - room 135, so come in and see all the wonderful new products we have - just in time for the holiday season!
12th Annual Colonial Christmas at the JVH 2014 December 29 & 30, 2014 10 am - 4 pm
The Jacobus Vanderveer House and Museum
3055 River Road Park, Corner of River Road/ Routes 202/206 South, Bedminster, New Jersey Enjoy a colonial style Christmas gathering with fine crafters from around the state.
December 5, 6 & 7
Tuckerton Seaport
A charming shopping village in covered, heated tents along the seaport. It is truly a magical event.
Although these are the last shows of the season, you can still find out what's new and order your favorite items by visiting our blog and website.
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