Apple Cider Vinegar for Gorgeous Hair? NOT!

Apple Cider

Vinegar Is Not the Key to Beautiful Tresses
By Cal Orey

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Can you eat your way to beautiful hair? Yes, say experts. But it may be more of a quick fix like turning to apple cider vinegar used internally or externally. Recently, I've read many articles which claim "ACV Can Help Prevent Hair Loss!" Yeah right. And I am Jennifer Aniston. But don't despair. (I'm a baby boomer and I still have healthy, long, curly locks. But it's not because of apple cider vinegar.)

According to research, there's a direct relationhip between what you eat and the health and beauty of your hair. Many of the same nutrients that protect your health also nourish your hair. "Good nutrition is essential for your hair follicles to regenerate to keep your hair in its growth phase," a New York hair expert commonly known as a "trichologist" once told me during my Diet and Nutrition column days for Woman's World magazine.

Since your hair is 97 percent protein and 3 percent water, the experts agree that a diet rich in protein is must to properly nourish your hair. No protein, no thick and shiny mane. But it's not just protein. Vitamin A, B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Essential Fatty Acids, Protein, Biotin, Silica, Iron, Fat, Calcium, and Zinc--are all top hair boosters. And these nutrients shouldn't be replaced with a pipe dream that a miracle cure like ACV will give you miracle hair.

In other words, eat a balanced diet--such as the Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, legumes, fish, olive oil) and exercise regularly to destress.

Let apple cider vinegar do it's work in other areas: good for heart health, health improvements, weight loss, and home cures. So, I'm dishing out a real recipe for your hair health to help you, like me, lose doggone bad hair days and have a crowning glory like a drop dead gorgeous Afghan Hound. One more thing: Fatty fish (such as salmon) contains both good for your hair protein and essential fatty acids. And yes, extra virgin olive oil used topically on your hair and also in your overall diet can protect your crowning glory. (This yum recipe is for humanoids only.)

HAIR VOLUMIZING SALMON

(Roast Salmon with Balsamic Glaze)

5 pound whole salmon center, bone removed

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespon grated lemon rind

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup red wine

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter

lemon slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place salmon in baking dish. Chop together lemon rind, garlic, and thyme. Brush oil over salmon and inside cavity. Rub herb mixture over. Prepare up to 24 hours ahead of time. Roast 40 minutes or until white juices appear on top. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar, wine, and sugar in skillet. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy. Turn heat to low and whisk in butter. Remove skin from salmon. Serve with sauce and lemon slices. Serves 8-10.

P.S. Team this fish plate with a spinach salad and mixed fresh vegetables and nuts to ensure getting more nutrients to feed your hair.

(Source: Recipe from The Vinegar Institute published in The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Revised and Updated by Kensington)

The Sweetest Pancakes for Your Heart

Oat Bran Pancakes with a

Taste of Olive Oil & Dark Chocolate

By Cal Orey

Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

--Lewis Carroll

Tonight I'm regrouping after an "Armageddon"-type week, which I'm sure was mean t0 my heart... But the blood pressure is down to almost normal, at last. On the bright side of life, the laptop computer is fixed. Simon survived the "Spoiled Food Drama." The fish aquariums are clean filled with big, happy fish. And I am getting used to the cold water in the new swimming pool (coping with no posh hot tub) till Lake Tahoe tourists go home after Labor Day. My mantra is "fall, fall, fall."

Right now, I'm trying to tune out the possibility of a double dip recession; a dear friend's hospital test results after a scary fall; a teeth cleaning for me (and Simon); the dreaded woman's deed "a pap smear"; and more news on the news TV channels. "Fall, fall, fall..."

The perfect Rx? I've got heart healthy pancakes on my mind. Tomorrow morning I will get up and start fresh. After a cup of French Roast coffee (with a splash of heart healthy organic milk), I'll hug and feed my pooches (good for the heart and soul), and whip up batch of pancakes.

The ingredients? Oat bran, olive oil, and dark chocolate are all good for your heart healthy lifestyle (no trans fats, low-cal, calcium, and iron; a bit high in sodium but more fruit and veggies throughout the day will balance it out).

The bottom line: Pancakes are a must-have when life's unpredictable punches are tossed on overdrive our way. But sweet pancakes and dark chocolate are good for both the heart and spirit. (Sure, it's best if your sweetie makes 'em for you and serves you in bed.) But hey, life isn't always perfect. I'll settle for savoring these sweet cakes in bed with my affectionate black cat, Kerouac, followed by a good dog walk and good swim. Thank God for pancakes.

Callie's Oat Bran Chocolate Chip Pancakes

1 cup low fat oat bran pancake mix

2/3 cup bottled water

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 60-70% cacoa

1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Mix 1 cup of low fat oat bran pancake mix with 2/3 cold bottled water. Let batter thicken for few minutes. Stir chocolate chips into batter. Pour about 1/2 cup batter per pancake onto an olive oil greased frying pan or griddle. Medium heat is good to go. Cook pancakes till golden brown per side. Hold the butter. Top with syrup and fresh strawberries or blueberries.

The Healing Powers of Chicken & Rice--86 Olive Oil

The Healing Powers of

Chicken "Soup" --
for My Dog and Me

By Cal Orey

“And Tom brought him chicken soup until he wanted to kill him. The lore has not died out of the world, and you will still find people who believe that soup will cure any hurt or illness and is no bad thing to have for the funeral either.” -- John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Ever notice pet emergencies happen on holiday weekends? Yesterday Simon, my orange and white six-year-old Brittany and I entered Nightmare City on Sunday afternoon into the late evening. Picture this: At 12:30 P.M. I'm walking my two Brittanys Simon and Seth. Simon, like a food-loving canine, sticks his mouth into an "empty" and weathered stray sour cream container lying on the side of the road. I pulled him away (too late) and we continued our dog walk.

Twenty minutes later, back home my feisty pooch entered the Twilight Zone--thanks to the carton which I discovered did have spoiled food in it. He grew restless. He paced. He panted. He put his paws on the front door demanding to go out (again). He was in mega hyperactive mode. Outside he tried desperately to eat grass, dirt, my plants--anything. Back inside, I led my "possessed" pooch to the bathroom--the place where I watched him get sick on the floor. But it wasn't over.

My agitated canine's unusual behavior lingered. Umpteen calls to the Vet E.R. (50 miles away) later: Advice kept me both agitated and calm. I was getting mixed messages: bring him in asap to hook him up to intravenous equipment like E.T. (the poor misunderstood alien wanting to go home) to simply monitor him throughout the night. He was thirsty. He was hungry. He was thirsty. Hour after hour passed. As recommended, I began to give Simon tiny bits of water. Later in the evening, a small portion of white rice was on the menu. And yes, he wolfed it down. He settled down. And finally, he was down for the night. He slept.

This morning I followed my vet's orders. I boiled a premium chicken breast (all white meat and made sure it was cooked and not pink) and white rice cooked and simmered in premium bottled Mountain Spring Water. (I didn't want to take any chances.) And now, Simon lies beneath me--comfortable and sleeping. Earlier, he was barking, chewing his bone, playing with Seth. We're back on track. My pack and me are on the road to recovery--thanks to white rice and chicken. What's more, when my best friends are sick--I feel their pain, truly. I couldn't eat yesterday. This time around apple cider vinegar and olive oil weren't my home cures of choice--for the dog or me. Seth (he's sensitive, too), Simon, and I will eat chicken and rice (I'll toss in some cruciferous veggies for me) as we all enjoy the grr-eat healing powers of bland food and TLC--it's the "chicken soup" for dogs and their devoted humans.

Looking for a Sophisticated S'Mores Surprise?

Looking for an Exotic S'Mores Treat?

Try Green Tea & Dark Chocolate

By Cal Orey

“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you; if you are excited, it will calm you.”
--William Gladstone, British Prime Minister

It's the day after Fourth of July and I'm feeling a bit under the weather... I'm sure it's due to the invasion of the Dark Seekers aka "tourists" and the potential of a double dip recession-depression. But it won't be like a second scoop of ice cream and make me feel happy. I now get it. I think the Depression was called just that because it's depressing to lose your stuff.
But hey, life goes on. Last night I heard the fireworks display at Lake Tahoe as I sat sandwiched in between Simon and Seth, my two Brittanys, and we watched a marathon of Nurse Jackie, a new edgy program. (It's tradition to stay with my dogs on this hectic holiday. I act like the loud bangs are normal and the pooches act like it's normal.) Speaking of double dip and happy times, I did try a cool S'Mores treat. Since it was warm indoors, it seemed silly to go for the Classic recipe by warming up hot chocolate and marshmallows on graham crackers. Instead, I used cold green tea ice cream. Chocolatiers create amazing concoctions with dark chocolate and teas. It's awesome.
Here's the healthy concoction. Try it. It may make you forget that yeah, the world is still in the red.

Green Tea & Dark Chocolate S'Mores

1 or 2 graham crackers, low-fat, whole grain

1/2 cup green tea ice cream

dark chocolate chips, 60%-70% cacoa (Ghirardelli)

Forget microwaving the chocolate chips. The crunch is a good stress-buster. Break the cracker in half. Spoon ice cream on one half. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips over it. Top with the other half of the graham cracker. This is a healthier version of the fun kid's summertime treat. Plus, enjoy a large cup of iced chamomile tea (spiked with apple cider vinegar which can calm your nerves or green tea for a boost of feel-good energy--it contains caffeine). If possible, get all of these foods and teas at your health food store or section at the supermarket.

Meanwhile, I've been getting some reports via personal emails and on my Web site http://www.earthquakeepi-center.com/ -- regarding how some cats and dogs are going bonkers. It's post-Fourth of July pet jitters--and the loud bangs go on. Simon is barking. Countless critters, like my Brittany and me, don't enjoy loud sounds--it's a novelty we'd likely pass on. If they're feeling stressed out, give 'em their fave premium treat. And you? Savor a green tea and S'mores treat with a taste of sophistication.

Olive Oil Is for Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Olive Oil? You Betcha!

By Cal Orey

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta." --Federico Fellini

This week has been crazy, full of life's ups and downs for the world and moi... We lost Farrah to the big C and Michael to unknown health-related causes--for now. The stocks plummeted. More job losses. More healthcare premiums. More chaos. There was a 6.0 shaker in the Gulf of California. And Sarah Palin quit her day job. Did I leave anything out?

When I shut my eyes a mixed up cold salad appears. I guess a pasta salad, of sorts, is a metaphor for this mixed up world. And my life as a writer this week? On the upside: The chocolate book is now out of my hands and in production. Chocolate power.The downside: My laptop computer crisis is still unresolved. I think it's time to give my worries about the globe and own woes a vacation like in the film What About Bob. Enough is enough.

Back to olive oil...When I'm a guest on radio talk shows, sometimes (not always) some hosts note that vinegar and olive oil are only good for salad. Uh, yeah. But hold the phone. Nature's liquid gold is also oh-so golden for a host of health improvements, home cures, DIY beauty, house cleaning, cooking and baking. Go figure. (Everthing you want to know but were afraid to ask is in my books The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil.)

So today, I thought of making a pasta salad for Fourth of July. It's easy. It's quick. It's healthy. And this recipe doesn't call for fish. (I'm on non-edible fish overload. BTW: Today, all of my real live fish are alive and happy. It's time to dish out names for my new fish friends. Plus, I got a good swim. The sun is shining. The pool? Not so warm. But it worked.)

Callie's World Upside Down Pasta Salad

8 ounces rotini, whole grain

1 cup chopped broccoli

1/2 cup red or green bell pepper strips

1/2 cup vegetables (your choice)

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup celery

3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup each cheese cubes (sharp cheddar cheese or Swiss, forget low-fat or generic kinds)

1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons your fave fresh herbs (basil, parsley, pepper)

Boil pasta (about 10 minutes), drain, rinse and put in bowl with olive oil. Mix veggies with garlic in another dish. Nuke for a few minutes but don't overcook. Toss with pasta. Put in fridge for about an hour. Toss in your cheeses. A dash of fresh ground pepper. Turn off the news. Bon Appetito!

Drink a Little Java (Before the FDA Bans It)

Treat Yourself to a Cup of Java (for your sanity's sake)

By Cal Orey

Actually, this seems to be the basic need of the human heart in nearly every great crisis - a good hot cup of coffee. --Alexander King

This morning I was awakened by a most pesky courtesy phone call from India... Believe it or not, another untimely death in the family has hit my world. But this time around, it wasn't one of my dear fish. My laptop computer has died. Sadly, it is only 7 months old. Yes, I am sad, mad, and fed up. After our hour long chat with the enterprising tech, I have a bit more faith in the new laptop I ordered than the plan to fix the "old" one. It was difficult to fight for my rights (I have a warranty through November) because I had not had my first and only daily cup of gourmet java. Truly, it was task to spar without it. But hey, I'm looking forward to my new, improved black laptop to be delivered on my doorstep. (Not a box of dark chocolate truffles from Ireland but it will make me smile.)

Now that I put the computer issue on the table, let's talk coffee. Once I hung up the telephone, it was a relief to go into the kitchen and brew a fresh cup of French Roast java. I will not skimp on the quality of coffee. No way. After I let my Brittany duo outside, I came back in and savored sip after sip of the best brew topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. (My computer died!) And yes, coffee can be healthy for you if and if you drink it in moderation. I once wrote in one of those mini mags I penned, that researchers have found drinking two cups of coffee will increase metabolism significantly for at least three hours afterward, according to nutrition studies. And I can personally attest it boosts your mental and physical energy as well as can uplift your spirit.

Then happier, I treated myself to a bowl of homemade granola with organic 2% low-fat milk, and fresh strawberries. This is my second granola batch--it includes peanut butter, chocolate chips, and pecans. (The original recipe made with extra virgin olive oil can be found in The Writing Gourmet archives.) And that's not all...After breakfast I noticed another one of my new fish died. He was floating ontop of the aquarium. (Must be a bad batch. He was nameless. No tears.) Speaking of fish, I just got the swimming pool report for the day. The lifeguards claim they are cold as they are clad in skindiving suits while teaching swimming lessons. Thank goodness for a little good java.

One more thing: I just heard thunder. Uh oh, another loud thunderbolt. I guess there is a God afterall. Read: Not a good day for a swim. It's now raining. Perhaps, another cup of hot java is the perfect prescription for the day.

Break the Rules Cookin' Fries--Use Olive Oil!

Break the Rules Cookin' French Fries

Use Olive Oil!

By Cal Orey

I gotta craving for fries. I won't go to a fast food chain and order fries. No way. Ever notice how the oil used has a ghastly aftertaste? And no, those skinny yellow slices can't be healthy or a fat-fighter for you, right? So what's a French fry lover to do? Canola and olive oil come to the rescue.
In the past, I have fried up a batch of fries and I used canola oil. Did it work? Yep. I did enjoy thick, homemade hot and crispy fries. It worked. But nutritionists from coast to coast will tell you that frying food isn't the healthiest way to go--but it's fun to break the rules on a rare occasion.
Recently, however, I read on a blog that you cannot fry potatoes with olive oil for a host of reasons--from tasting bad to losing the good stuff in the oil. Then, I recalled, a while ago, I spoke with olive oil producer Dan Sciabica. I asked him about frying up a batch of French fries with olive oil. He recommended for me to bake 'em and use olive oil. Dan told me that Gemma, his mother and dear friend of mine (I include some of her wonderful recipes in my books The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil) knows how to do it right.
So, here I sit with one of Gemma's cookbooks Cooking with California Olive Oil: Treasured Family Recipes. On page 224, it could be the potato recipe Dan was thinking of, or if not, it could certainly feed my desire (and yours) for heart-healthy tators with olive oil.

Potatoes, Peppers and Onions

Place 4 peeled and quartered potatoes, 4 garlic cloves chopped, 2 bell peppers sliced, 2 onions sliced, salt, pepper, cayenne to taste and 1/2 cup fresh basil, parsley or rosemary in a lightly greased baking pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup white wine and 1/3 Marsala Olive Oil, toss gently. Cover with foil, bake in 350 degrees oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until fork tender.

No doubt, this easy fix for French fries is much healthier with garlic, onion, herbs, olive oil, and baking it all instead of frying up potatoes. Since I don't drink I'll skip the wine. Thanks Dan and Gemma...You're keeping my heart young, happy and healthy. P.S. If you find a tall, lanky, dark, handsome Italian chef, please put him in a box with a blue bow and UPS him to Lake Tahoe.