Italian Sandwich

I recently had an Italian sandwich that I just have to share with you. You can play with it, change ingredients in and out. Try something totally new and then experiment with the results by testing it out on your friends. They'll love it.

Start with good Italian bread or rolls. My suggestion here is to use a crusty roll with Kalamata olives in it. Then spread fresh, soft cheese, preferably chêvre or fresh mozzarella. Add a layer of baby spinach, then sun dried tomatoes or sun dried tomato paste, and finally a couple of thin slices of prociutto.

I think you could easily go meatless by adding a few slices of cucumber and possibly some alfalfa sprouts, onions or other veggies.

This sandwich is delicious with a simple salad of mixed greens. Top the greens with red onions, Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Oils for Colds

My husband's been sick with a cold for a week now. It's surprising because he's rarely ever sick. Even when one of us catches something, which is also rare, he doesn't get it. But this time he got blasted. Being completely run down is most likely the culprit in his case.

I thought I'd give you some cold remedies we're using.

Eucalytus Oil - Rub a few drops on the chest, like mom used to do with Vicks. This will help break up the congestion in the chest and open up the nasal passages.

Teas - An abundance of liquid is the best thing to wash the germs away, but with teas (using the term to apply to herbs as well) you have the added benefits of healing plants. Here are a few kinds of teas that can help:
      +Lemon & Honey. Squeeze 3+ tablespoons lemon into a mug. Add the same amount of honey, or to taste. Both are excellent for colds and this tea FEELS so good on the throat.
      +Ginger tea. Great for colds, sinus and stomach.
      +Rooibos. A bark rather than a tea, but full of antioxidants. Vary it up by adding lemon and honey.

Steaming Tincture - Use one drop of each of the following oils in a hot bath or in a cold water vaporizer.
      +Thyme
      +Tea Tree
      +Eucalyptus
      +Lemon

Of course there are many other cold remedies using essential oils. Aromatherapy is a fascinating study. "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy" is one of the resources I have on hand at home.