Need a little, ahem, boost? Check out this list of 10 foods to get you and your honey in the mood. After intense research (which means I read a bunch of websites and magazines), I came up with my favorites. Of course, a back rub wouldn’t hurt either…and a foot rub. Oh, and if you do the dishes, that works too.
PS ~ I don’t think this fellow needs any help.

Aphrodisiacs: 10 Foods To Get You in The Mood

1) Hot Chili Peppers: Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more turned on.

2) Avocados: The vitamin E in avocados helps your body churn out hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which circulate in your bloodstream and stimulate sexual response.

3) Dark Chocolate: Cocoa contains the chemical phenylethylamine, a stimulant that conjures just the sort of subtle feelings of well-being and excitement that make sex seem like a great idea.

4) Asparagus: Rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps increase your production of histamine, a promoter of sex life. Proper levels of histamine play an essential role in sex drive for both men and women.

5) Oysters: These babies are brimming with zinc, a mineral that cranks up the production of testosterone, which has been linked to a higher sex drive.

6) Pomegranates: Full of antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them. The upshot? Increased  sensitivity… if you get my drift.

7) Red Wine:  Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps boost blood flow and improves circulation for all
things romantic.

8. Salmon: Packed with omega-3s , which keep sex-hormone production at its peak.

9) Walnuts: Like salmon, these babies are full of omega 3s.

10) Bananas: Don’t laugh. Potassium, a nutrient key to muscle strength. So when you have your “big moment”the contractions will be super intense….hey that’s what they tell me.

Chicken Kale Sautee
Serves 6
12 organic chicken legs or thighs
2 TB olive oil plus 1 TB olive oil
2 tsp paprika
1 leek thinly sliced
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 cup mushrooms sliced
½ cup black or green olives
3-4 garlic cloves minced
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
2 bay leaves
½ -1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup dry white wine
1 bunch chopped kale (about 3 cups)
¼ cup Italian parsley chopped

Pat dry chicken. In a large skillet heat  2 TB olive oil on medium high flame. Place chicken in skillet and begin to sautee–let chicken brown before turning over. Once chicken is browned, sprinkle with paprika & reduce heat to medium, cover with lid. Continue to cook chicken. In a few minutes, add ½ cup chicken broth and cover again with lid and cook for 30 min.  In large seperate skillet, heat 1 TB of olive oil to medium high. Add leeks. Sautee until barely browned. Add red bell peppers, cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, olives, garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and bay leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add kale, remaining chicken broth, & white wine. Cover with lid and cook until kale wilts. Remove chicken from skillet and place in large serving dish. Pour kale sautee over chicken, sprinkle with Italian parsley and serve.

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.  Add onion and leek and cook until softened.  Add carrots, celery, garlic, chili flakes, cumin, turmeric, paprika salt, and pepper.  Cook for 5 minutes and continue to stir.  Add tomatoes, lentils, cilantro and vegetable stock.

 Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes.  Add chopped spinach and let it wilt -about 1-2 minutes. Feel free to sprinkle a little more paprika to make it  pretty Serve.

It’s hard to believe January is coming to an end, but here we are.  Earlier this month, the women of the family and some girlfriends gathered for “High Tea” at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to celebrate my daughter’s birthday.  The food was beautiful and delectable, the atmosphere was both lady like and elegant complete with huge floral arrangements, a grand piano, and silver tea service. The tea room’s stained glass ceiling went up at least two stories and was built in 1909-stunning. It made you feel like you were in a movie set in Paris!

My Aunt Mabel would have loved it.

Family celebrations stir up lots of memories of Mabel. She always had a gorgeous table for special occasions. Fresh linen and lace, crystal stem ware, napkin rings, silver, fine china, place cards, candle sticks and floral arrangements. She loved all things beautiful and feminine. She adored bird and floral motifs. When I watched The Help I couldn’t “help” but think of Mabel.  A bit of southern flair and hospitality likely rubbed off on her during the 16 years she spent in Louisville, Kentucky. She made things pretty and paid close attention to detail, the way ladies of her generation knew how. Less was NOT more for Mabel,  more was more and I loved that about her. She adored babies & children, gift shops at tourist stops, her dogs, African violets, azaleas, knick knacks, wind chimes, garden fountains, humming bird feeders, lemon bars and everything sweet. She made the most wonderfully fattening butter crescent rolls for Thanksgiving. I have to admit, I didn’t care for her aspic..for those of you  born later than 1970, please look it up. There was butter on the table and gravy in a boat. She and my wonderful Uncle Corky hosted numerous Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners over the years as well as fun parties where we played dominoes on the card table and shot pool in the game room. She had a giggle that sounded like Dolly Parton’s and she loved to chat and laugh.  She and Uncle Corky were the quintessential hosts and made everyone feel welcome and important.

Mabel  had an innocent side and frequently spoke unknowingly in double entendres. It was quite charming but more often than not, downright hilarious. Her most famous one came out the night my dad threw a summer barbeque while my mom was away on the trip. I was in my early twenties just out of college and home for a visit.  My dad was excited to host a party for me and break all my mom’s rules. That rebel father of mine was delighted to put BOTH the ketchup bottle and mustard jar on the dinner table AND use paper plates~heaven forbid! (A bit of a running joke, but alas my mom prefers her condiments in serving dishes and thinks paper plates are tacky, but, I digress…) Mabel was asked to bring dessert that night for about 15 people.  She & Uncle Corky showed up with several platefuls of cookies, brownies and at LEAST 5 different pies. Everyone noticed the quantity of dessert, which of course was quintessential Mabel, after all, more is more. After a couple of “wows” and “that’s a lot of dessert” comments, Mabel smiled and giggled, “Well you know, men like pie!” Enough said.
It’s been 5 months since Mabel passed away. I lost my aunt and my mom lost her sister. She raised 5 children, adored her 7 grandchildren, and was blessed to live long enough to welcome 5 great grandchildren into the family. She was married to my Uncle Corky for over 60 years before his death a few years ago. They were the perfect couple who laughed a lot and always put family first.

Many moons ago, she hosted a beautiful bridal shower luncheon for me. She set out her finest china, silver, linen and crystal for the occasion.  I don’t remember what we ate, but I will never forget the wonderful feelings I had that day around the table with my family and girlfriends. The atmosphere made me feel honored, special, and very much like a bride to be. With sterling swans (or were they peacocks?) filled with roses and baby’s breath, all things old fashioned and feminine, the place cards were written in her own hand ~  lovely and curly, over the top cursive…that was signature Mabel.

You’ve heard me talk about my sister’s walnut ranch in Chico, California…right? Every time I see her, I come home with boxes of walnuts, so I am always trying to think of new ways to use them in my cooking. She makes a wonderful walnut pesto, so I decided to have at it and make up my own recipe. By the way, this recipe is FAR superior with fresh walnuts–take the time to crack your own.

Walnut Pesto

2 cloves garlic

2 cups basil

1/2 cup walnut halves

3 TB grated Pecorino cheese

1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup high quality olive oil

1/2 to 1 tsp sea salt

Place garlic cloves in food processor and pulse until garlic is chopped finely, about 30 seconds. Add basil, walnuts and Pecorino cheese and pulse until chopped. Add lemon juice, then with the food processor running on low, slowly pour olive oil in. Add salt to taste.

Fabulous over roasted veggies, pasta, or wonderful for dipping. Makes a great spread for panini as well.

PS-It occurred to me that you may prefer to toast your walnut before making them into pesto. If so, please  spread halves over a baking sheet and pop in the oven at 300 for about 5 minutes–watch ‘em so they don’t burn.

The chickens love a stroll in the Walnut Grove!

Walnut haul down from the ranch ~ SCORE!!

Dear Darlings,
You may have noticed I’ve been semi “off the grid”  for the last a couple of weeks. With the holidays, life always gets busy, but for some reason this Christmas was even crazier. I don’t know about you, but over the last several months, life has thrown me a couple of curve balls.  Actually, I think the exact number is 9, but who’s counting? The interesting thing about last year is that with changes, loss, transition and upset there have also been great big blessings, extraordinary successes, grand epiphanies and personal growth. If I’ve learned anything this year it’s that life is messy, the shit hits the fan sometimes, and people die. I’ve also learned that your real friends come through for you, your family will stand by you, and there can be beauty in chaos. One more thing…it’s okay to ask for help.  Also, that Dinah Washington songs rings through my head (courtesy of my friend Lauren)…what a difference a day made, 24 little hours. How true is that?

A couple of days ago, my old friend Lisa sent me “The Four Agreements”.  She knows me well and seems to always say the right thing at the right moment. She also tells me what I NEED to hear. Thanks Lis! I love these principles–they just make sense. Funny thing is, my husband read this book several months ago and loved it so much, he purchased multiple copies to lend out to friends.  Guess who did NOT read it?  Yeah..ahem..guess the student wasn’t ready.

Seems like NOW is the right time to start working on these…and, oh yeah, Happy New Year!

NN

PS And you came here for a crock pot recipe– HA!

The Four Agreements are:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

**Before you read any further, please note the photograph. Our pool table becomes a gift wrapping station over the holidays…this is a nuisance, an eye sore, and it will never change no matter how much I protest. Okay, keep calm and carry on.

I lied. There won’t be any other annoying questions discussed here today except this one:

“Are you ready for Christmas?”  

It’s usually posed by innocent people with good intentions trying to make small talk. Your manicurist, the bank teller, or that woman on the bake sale committee school that you tried to ditch in Macy’s but couldn’t find a clear path to avoid eye contact.  By the way, if I was ready for Christmas, I wouldn’t be in this dreaded, overcrowded, drive-around-forever-looking-for-a-parking-place mall in the first place!

For the record, I am never ready for Christmas. When the kids were little, it was even more of a challenge. Somehow Santa has keep all those toys and stocking stuffers a secret and hidden until the children are asleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads on Christmas Eve. But, sometimes Johnny & Suzy are jacked up on See’s candy from Grandma and CANNOT sleep because they are SO excited about Kris Kringle’s impending arrival. Finally, they’re all tucked in bed and suddenly remember that we forgot to leave cookies out for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph!  Wearily, we oblige and luckily Santa comes and does his magic.  The crack of dawn always arrives sooner than you think and the kids bust through the bedroom door. Where is the coffee…and the Baileys? (only on Christmas, of course)

Those years are filled with precious memories and I smile when I think of them. But I do remember feeling like Christmas kicked my ass! I think any parent with young children would agree. Nowadays the tables have turned and WE have to roust our kids…you know how teenagers LOVE to sleep in! I find it very amusing.

I don’t mean to sound like a whiner. Overall, I enjoy the holiday season and all the festivities. I love the lights, decorations, the food, the cards, gift giving, music and merry making.  I love the Spirit of the Season and connecting with people from the past and present. BUT…I am never “ready” for it. It kind of sneaks up on me and I do my best to pace myself and take time to enjoy it. Sometimes there is overwhelm and an occasional melt down…just ask my husband.  This year has been a tricky one for me. I’ve had a little “hitch in my giddy-up” and decked only about half of my halls. Some years, with all that’s going on in life, you can’t do it all.  The tree went up late, but she’s a beauty. I’m not done with the gifts, but I’ll get there. I have 11 people coming for dinner on Christmas Eve and I’ve still got more grocery shopping to do. And cooking.  Am I ready for Christmas?”  No.  Some things won’t get done and that’s okay, but you know what? I asked for help and my family is coming through for me.

Ask Nancy~

Lisa from Atlanta, Georgia asks:

“Nancy, I’m looking for a hot non-alcoholic beverage for the holidays that is festive and appealing to adults. No eggnog recipes please!”

Lisa, thanks for making me think out of the box. Non-alcoholic eggnog and mulled cider are good old standbys for our non-drinking guests, but I’m thinking about something a little more fun and less traditional. How about Caliente Cocoa? The flavor combination of chocolate and chili is fabulous and gives your guests a little zing without the alcohol. The Mayans drank chili with their cocoa, why not give it a try? I’ve made this blend a few times and I always enjoy surprising people’s palettes. I think you’ll like it, too ~ cheers!

Caliente Cocoa
Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 4 cups milk (any kind, but better with at least 1%)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon (or 4-6 cinnamon sticks)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chili pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

• Pour milk into a medium saucepan and heat milk until hot, but not boiling.
• Add cocoa, sugar, stir until it’s blended well.
• Add cinnamon, chili powder, & salt. Bring to a simmer.
• Pour into mugs. Optional: top with whipped cream, sprinkle with more cinnamon, chili pepper. Garnish w/ cinnamon sticks.

I know we are closing in on the gift giving window this holiday season, but I thought I’d give you my picks on some fun ideas for the cooks and foodies in your life…or perhaps just for you!  FYI, I am not being paid or compensated by any of these vendors…I just LOVE this stuff!  If you have any new finds or great picks, please share them here in the comments section. I know we can all use a few new ideas this time of year. Enjoy and happy shopping.

1.  Kitchen Shears
I use these ALL the time and still have the pair of I received at my bridal shower 22 years ago! Whether cutting up fresh herbs or a whole chicken, these babies are a “must have”  in the kitchen and make life so simple. http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/cutlery/kitchen-shears/?page=viewall&bnrid=3152801&cm_ven=NBSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=CutleryKnifeSharpenersShearsKitchenShears&cm_ite=kitchen+shears&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=6371808265&OVKEY=kitchen%20shears&url_id=50401609&adpos=1t2

2. Le Creuset French Oven
Well, you know I love ANYTHING made by Le Creuset.The quality and durability of their cookware is impeccable and I ADORE all the colors. They aren’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. You will get serious smooches when gifting with Le Creuset!
http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/category_Round-French-Ovens_10151_-1_20002_10042

3. Pampered Chef Citrus Press
Never been to a Pampered Chef party in my life, but this baby caught my eye and was endorsed my dear friend & B2K’er Jane. I have boatloads of meyer lemons and limes in my garden and find myself always making a juicy citrus mess in kitchen. I could use one of these… about you?
http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=10976&catId=123&parentCatId=123&outletSubCat=

4. Martha Stewart’s Measuring Cups
My dear friend Lauren, “The Holiday Mamasita” gave me a similar set last year for my bday and they are wonderful! Very pretty and great for food bloggers–they look great in your photos–PLUS they are practical. We love Martha and exonerate her on all charges!!
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/martha-stewart-collection-prep-measuring-bowls-set-of-4-porcelain?ID=598897

5. Spice of Life’s Herbs & Spices
Lori and gang at Spice of Life make the best blends and attractive packaging. A fun gift that will make everybody’s cooking taste better. Check out her wares and pick your faves.  Love her stuff. http://www.pasospices.com/

6. Il Fustino Olive Oil & Vinegar
A staple for ANY kitchen. I use olive oil & vinegar practically everyday and LOVE the blends at my local shop. They have high quality, great tasting products and can ship most anywhere. I adore their 25 year old Balsamic on everything from fresh greens to strawberries! A far as their oils are concerned, you can’t go wrong with any of their blends. If you are ever in Santa Barbara, make sure to go in for a tasting and say “hi” to Laura& James. Great place! http://www.ilfustino.com/default.aspx

7. Heavenly Hostess Aprons
I discovered these AMAZING aprons when we moved my son into the dorms at Chapman University. Located in adorable “Old Towne Orange” California, the “Heaven Hostess”, Cynthia Wadell creates  beautiful, glamorous hostess aprons made with satins, embellished lace and organza fabrics, including beading and specialty trims. She also makes expertly designed cotton aprons for everyday use. Simply gorgeous.
http://heavenlyhostess.com/our_products.html

8. Joseph/Joseph Square Collanders
Square collanders. Love these, period. http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-188072/Joseph-Joseph-Square-Corner-Colanders

9. OXO Mini Chopper
Cool & convenient for quick chop-jobs. Great hostess gift!
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-183214/OXO-Good-Grips-Mini-Chopper

10. John Boos  Boos Board/Cutting Boards
Best chopping blocks ever! My husband gave me one of these after building a couple of local restaurants. All the restaurant and professionals use them because of their durabilty–they never wear out. Pricey, but worth it if you are a die hard chopper. I have the 12 x 12 cutting board and use  it every day.
http://www.surlatable.com/category/cat450477/John-Boos?columnsParam=&docSortOrderParam=&cleanMultipleFacets=true&pageSizeParam=&showMethodParam=&paramSizeParam=&docSortPropParam=&docSortParam=&queryMethod=get&modeParam=&howManyParam=&categoryIdClicked=cat450477&trailParam=SRCH%3Acat450477%3A13046%3A20.00-40.00&facetTrailParam=SRCH%3Acat450477%3A13046%3A20.00-40.00&requestChainTokenParam=0069640292