Bust Magazine is Sweet on Le'Saric Gourmet Caramels

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 Wow!!!

There we are. Read more of what they said about our caramels.

 Thank you so much Bust, we are so happy you are enjoying our caramels.

Thanks to a shipment of incredibly delicious Le'Saric gourmet caramels, we're starting a little early over in the BUST office. We've been snacking on smokey chipotle, lavender vanilla, butter pecan, and old fashioned caramel all day long. There are a lot of other flavors for sale over at the Le'Saric website -- cranberry, white chocolate, macadamia nut, and espresso are just a few examples. Check it out and get your sweet tooth on!
photo courtesy Le'Saric

http://www.bust.com/blog/2009/10/30/friday-snack-time.html

"We have been eating your DELICIOUS caramels here (at Bust Magazine) -OMG sooooo good! I can’t stop, I’ve had 3 already! Delightful! Thank you so much for sending them....Thanks again! xxoo, Susan"

We’re Baaaaack.....

                       Eric and Lil'Joe Last of our Moving

Where have we been, you ask? Moving, working on a new adventure and pretty much doing what we do best… flying by the seat of our pants and forging our own path.

                                          Fawn waiting for Mom

We have moved back to the Boston Harbor area of Olympia and just love it. Not long after we moved in, we were sitting on the deck enjoying a morning cup of coffee when we noticed a 1 or 2 day old fawn come out from under our deck. Thank goodness Li’l Joe didn’t see it or he would have gone totally bonkers. We picked up Li’l Joe and Remington and scurried back into the house to watch the events unfold. Here was this little helpless fawn, born under our deck, wandering around looking for his momma. He looked around for a couple of minutes, then lay down in the tall grass at the top of a bank just feet off our deck. Lisa was worried that the momma had left and abandoned the poor thing.

                                                                                               

                                                                                        

                                         Looking for Mom

We watched for about half an hour as the little guy just lay there not   moving. It was a hot day too, about 75 degrees or so, but he laid there not moving a muscle. Lisa took a couple of pictures and we decided to get our day going filling orders. We weren’t gone from the window more than a minute and the little guy was gone.

We went on about our day discussing the fawn and what had happened to him… It was the topic all day. That late afternoon, we had just gotten back from a trip to town, and were enjoying the nice weather on the deck, when Li’l Joe just went ape… Yappin’ and barking like nobodies business. Lisa was up jumping around yelling at me “look, look” I was busy chasing Li’l Joe before he took off the deck. Finally I got a hold of Joe and about the same time a baby fawn ran by the deck screaming “baaaa baaa”, one way, then turned around, ran right back the same way screaming “baaa baaa” again, three or four times this happened. While his mother and 2 sisters (Yes I said TWO sisters) stood on the side hill and watched him totally freak out. Finally he jumped in a thicket between two cedar trees and disappeared.

                                Mom with her Triplets after all the drama

This was only the second time in my life that I have seen a deer with triplets. On the farm in Montana, a Whitetail Doe had triplets and now here in Washington, a Blacktail Doe with triplets. It’s more fun here, ‘cause Lisa and I get to watch them grow up… Just last night they were in our apple trees eating the apples on the ground… Momma and three babies.

                             Triplets in  front of our garage this past summer

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes Recipe

Fresh Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

This is our favorite recipe for pancakes, we have been making them for years.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream (8 ounces)

1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries

1) Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

2) In separate bowl beat the eggs.

3) Add milk, sour cream, vanilla and butter, mix well.

4) Stir into dry ingredients, just until blended.

5) Fold in blueberries.

6) Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto greased (we use Pam spray) hot griddle.

7 ) Flip pancakes when bubbles form on top of pancakes.

8) Cook until golden brown.

You can keep the blueberry sour cream pancakes warm in an oven heated to 175 degrees while making the rest of the pancakes.

Serve with Blueberry Sauce (recipe to follow) and butter.

Makes approx 20 blueberry sour cream pancakes depending on size of pancakes.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes Pictures

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl In a seperate bowl beat the eggs,

add milk, sour cream, vanilla and butter mix well. Stir the "wet" ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Fold in the blueberries. Pour approx 1/4 cup onto greased hot griddle,

turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes.

Cook until golden brown.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes, just sit down and

Enjoy, Le'Saric

Mediterranean Meatballs Recipe

Mediterranean Meatballs

2 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces

1/2 Cup milk

2 Tblsp. finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

3 cloves finely chopped garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg lightly beaten or Kirkland Real Eggs (egg beaters)

1 pound lean hamburger (ground chuck)

6 Tblsp. freshly grated Romano cheese

1 Tblsp. olive oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 Tblsp. oregano

1) Soak the small torn pieces of bread in 1/2 cup milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze them dry an discard the milk.

2) In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, beaten egg, beef and sausage with the remaining ingredients.

3) Knead the mixture with your hands until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

4) Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

5) Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet

6) Cover the meatballs with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

7) Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a heated, 10−12 inch skillet

8) Cook the meatballs over a medium high heat, shaking the pan constantly to roll the meatballs and keep them round.

9) Cook 8 to 10 minutes, the meatballs should be brown outside and show no trace of pink inside.

Add more olive oil to the skillet as needed.

Check back for recipes to use the

Mediterranean Meatballs in.

There not just for spaghetti

Enjoy, Le'Saric

How to Make Powdered Sugar (Confectioner's Sugar)

How to Make Confectioner's Sugar or as most of us call it powdered sugar. It is so easy and you have it on hand most of the time. Why pay for something you can simply make at home.

1) Place a cup of granulated sugar in a blender (not a food processor) for each cup of powdered sugar needed.

2) Blend on high speed until it becomes powdered.

3) Use right away or sote in air tight container.

If desired and improve thickening ability, add 1-2 Tablespoons of corn starch for each cup of sugar made.
Granulated Sugar may scratch your blender, especially if it's made of plastic.

Le'Saric

Olive Oil Benefits

Over 750 million olive trees are cultivated worldwide, 95% of which are in the Mediterranean region. Most of global production comes from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The Different Grades of Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil - comes from virgin oil production only, contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior taste.
Virgin olive oil - comes from virgin oil production only, has an acidity less than 2%, and is judged to have a good taste.
Pure olive oil -oils labeled as Pure olive oil or Olive oil are usually a blend of refined and virgin production oil.
Olive oil - is a blend of virgin and refined production oil, of no more than 1.5% acidity. It commonly lacks a strong flavor.
Olive-pomace oil - is refined pomace olive production oil possibly blended with some virgin production oil. It is fit for consumption, but may not be described simply as olive oil. Olive-pomace oil is rarely sold at retail; it is often used for certain kinds of cooking in restaurants.
Lampante oil - is olive oil not suitable as food; lampante comes from olive oil's long-standing use in oil-burning lamps. Lampante oil is mostly used in the industrial market.

Health

Some clinical evidence suggests that it is olive oil's phenolic content, rather than its fatty acid profile, that is responsible for at least some of its cardioprotective benefits. For example, a clinical trial published in 2005 compared the effects of different types of olive oil on arterial elasticity. Test subjects were given a serving of 60 g of white bread and 40 ml of olive oil each morning for two consecutive days. The study was conducted in two stages. During the first stage, the subjects received polyphenol rich oil (extra virgin oil contains the highest amount of polyphenol antioxidants. During the second phase, they received oil with only one fifth the phenolic content. The elasticity of the arterial walls of each subject was measured using a pressure sleeve and a doppler laser. It was discovered that after the subjects had consumed olive oil high in polyphenol antioxidants, they exhibited increased arterial elasticity, while after the consumption of olive oil containing fewer polyphenols, they displayed no significant change in arterial elasticity. It is theorized that, in the long term, increased elasticity of arterial walls reduces vascular stress and consequentially the risk of two common causes of death,heart attacks and stroke. This could, at least in part, explain the lower incidence of both diseases in regions where olive oil and olives are consumed on a daily basis.
Another health benefit of olive oil seems to be its property to displace omega-6 fats, while not having any impact on omega-3 fats. This way, olive oil helps to build a more healthy balance between omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats. Eating about 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Skin Care

In addition to the internal health benefits of olive oil, topical application is quite popular with fans of natural health remedies. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the preferred grade for moisturizing the skin.

Culinary Uses
Olive oil is the main cooking oil in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Extra-virgin olive oil is mostly used for salad dressings and foods to be eaten cold. Used cold, its strong flavor is able to stick out while not being compromised by heat. It is also used for sauteing ingredients. Choosing a cold-pressed olive oil can be similar to selecting a wine. The flavor of these oils vary considerably and a particular oil may be more suited for a particular dish. Also, people who like lots of tannins in their red wines might prefer more bitter olive oils. The taste of the olive oil is influenced by the soil that the olive trees grow on, but also by the moment when the olives have been harvested and ground.
Olive oil has more uses than just for food, it also works as a natural and safe lubricant. For example, lubricating the machinery that is used within the kitchen (grinders, blenders, cookware, etc.)

Watch this video of a factory in Crete that produces olive oil, its very interesting to see the process of something so good for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyQO0a1nisE

Keep a look out for our delicious recipes using olive oil.

Enjoy, Le'Saric

Remember we are not Dr's, we are just sharing some great info.

Great For Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the perfect decanter, for keeping extra virgin olive oil within easy reach. Plus it looks great! Take a look click here at Artistica Italian Hand Painted Italian Ceramics to find your own.

2008 Tax Law Changes

Tax requirements have changed for 2008.

It is that time of year... Again. It's the time of year to see if we are going to cry, due to owing all of our hard earned money to the IRS or if you (it won't be us) are smiling, downtown, cash in hand to blow on that new Plasma TV or Bose system you have been dreaming of.

Here are some of the new tax laws:
New tax brackets for all taxpayers: The brackets for both 2008 and 2009 have been adjusted for inflation, and that's probably good news for you. You can check out the tax law changes click here
Standard deduction goes up: The standard deduction is higher and broader this year. The deduction amounts will grow again in 2009. There's a new break on real estate taxes that may boost the standard deduction for some taxpayers in 2008 and 2009. For 2008, the personal exemption per family member rises to $3,500 from $3,400 in 2007. In 2009, the personal exemption will go up to $3,650.
Personal exemption moves higher: These changes for 2008 and 2009 affect all members of your family. For 2008, the personal exemption per family member rises to $3,500 from $3,400 in 2007.In 2009, the personal exemption will go up to $3,650. You can claim the full amount of the personal exemption for a family member even if he or she is born on Dec. 31.
High gas prices boost business-mileage rate: Because fuel prices shot up so much in the first half of 2008, the IRS boosted mileage rates for business and medical and moving activities. Mileage rates drop back in 2009. Read about it, click here .
Homeowners get a new break on property taxes: If you pay property taxes but don't have enough deductions to itemize, Congress gave you a new break for 2008 and 2009. Check it out, click here and read part 5
Alternative minimum tax exemption rises for 2008: This helps taxpayers who might have too many deductions. But unless Congress acts, the exemptions could fall in 2009, raising taxes for thousands of taxpayers.
Adoption credit rises for 2008 and 2009: This credit will benefit most taxpayers who add children to their families through adoption.
Teachers get a popular break extended: This break, good for 2008 and 2009, lets teachers claim up to $250 in unreimbursed expenses as a deduction. And they don't have to itemize.
College tuition deduction is extended: This tax break lets you deduct up to $4,000 in qualified education expenses for 2008 and 2009.
A new tax credit targets first-time home buyers: The credit is worth up to $7,500, but you have to buy a house by June 30, 2009.
Sales tax deduction extended through 2009: Congress extends the sales tax deduction, which aims to level the playing field for taxpayers in states without income taxes.

This is just some of the information

Go to the IRS here to read more.