Make Delicious Cornbread a Part of Your Wintertime Meals

A wonderful addition to any wintertime meal is cornbread. Warm, delicious, and filling, it’s the ultimate in “comfort food” for those crisp days and chilly evenings as the winter closes in. Cornbread is a great substitute for the dinner roll and goes well with a complete turkey dinner or with just a simple bowl of soup. This versatile food can be a great snack or can be dressed up for a formal meal with just the right garnishing. Give your cornbread a festive look in an individual mini-loaf decorated with red and green pepper slivers as a topper for that seasonal look to your seasonal table. Get creative – bake in a cupcake tray or in a dinner roll pan or a muffin tin for a different look. With added cream to the batter for a softer texture, cornbread can be cooked in a skillet on the stove top as “spoon bread” and served as an alternative to mashed potatoes, or it can be dropped free-form on a cookie sheet and served as “Hush Puppies.” Lightly fried up in a pan, it becomes the Southern treat called “grits.”

Cornbread has had an interesting history. A food staple of the New World, it is in actuality millennia old. Native Indians used corn or maize as a basic in cooking for centuries before the European settlers to the New World colonized North America. Coming from a wheat flour based food source to the Americas where wheat was not plentiful, early colonials borrowed from the natives and began using corn-based flour in their breads. Originally known as “Shawnee cake,” this term for cornbread morphed into “Journey Cake” and then into “Johnny Cake” and the Algonquin term “Apan,” meaning baked, became “pone,” thus giving us baked corn or corn pone. During the mass movements of peoples from Africa and India during slavery, British and American slave ships took cornbread staples into the West Indies where huge slave plantations existed. These simple recipes became incorporated into a Caribbean lifestyle and remains a part of their cuisine to this day. Similarly, Acadians expelled from Atlantic Canada in the 1700's settled in the U.S. bringing back cornbread to our region when they returned to the Maritimes in more peaceful times, hence the popularity for cornbread in our Atlantic provinces. No doubt, many families have their own favourite cornbread recipe that’s a family tradition, taking advantage of all those little specialties in ingredients that make it their own. Some people add bacon bits to the batter, others add cayenne pepper or onion bits. Here’s a basic recipe with the piquant flavourings of jalapeño peppers added to it for a unique taste sensation!

Cornbread

• 2 cups cornmeal, yellow or white, preferably stone-ground
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Makes Eight Pieces

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Grease an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking pan.
• Mix cornmeal, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. Mix egg, milk, honey, and oil. Add to cornmeal mixture.
• Slice small bits of the jalapeño pepper and add to the mixture, being careful not to include any of the seeds.
• Stir only until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Pour into pan and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. When cool, cut into 8 pieces, 2 by 4 inches each.

Stone-ground cornmeal is available in specialty food stores and in some supermarkets. Look for it at The Bulk Barn or Corn Crib Natural Foods Ltd. SuperStore sells loaves of organic cornbread in its organic section. Visit area farmers markets for a host of other wonderful breads from all over the world. Nick the Dutch Baker can be found at both markets with his wonderful multi-grains, rye, and flaxseed breads. Also, Croissant Soleil brings the breads of France to the markets with baskets of baguettes, fresh croissant, and loaves of wheat bread. Hofer's German Bakery specializes in organic breads and Emily’s Bakery has been a area favourite with rabbit pies, poutine, and lovely freshly-baked breads of all types. This winter, focus on the basics. Bread – the ‘staff of life’ truly is the ‘stuff’ of life. Enjoy!

Exotic Gemstones to Rival Your Christmas Lights

The most delightful gifts can sometimes come in the smallest packages. Ah, yes! We’re talking jewellery! Always a welcomed gift for the recipient and a thrill to give, jewellery has come to signify those very important hallmarks in a person’s life, not just the least of which is a celebration of love, and with so many lovely gemstones on the market today, there’s sure to be a piece of gemstone jewellery that’ll rival all the lights on the Christmas tree this year!

At the apex of the gemstone world is still the “Fab Four” of gemstones – diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire, but increasingly, precious jewellery has left the realm of luxury and the special occasion to become an everyday accessory to lifestyle. Relatively new to the gem scene is the cool, lilac/blue tanzanite, first discovered in the 1960's and only mined in one place on the planet – the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Originally an exclusive to Tiffany’s, it’s more widely distributed today; yet, ironically, its source is one the brink of extinction. Usually set in white or yellow gold with diamonds, this lovely gemstone is a terrific idea for that special Christmas stocking!

Similarly, the green garnet called tsavorite can only be found in the Tsvar National Park in Central Africa. Known as the pure green colour “emerald wishes it could be,” its unique hue is unlike any other green gemstone and it looks simply dazzling set with diamonds.

We are all familiar with the royal purple of amethyst, but did you know it also comes in green? A light, almost seafoam hint of green makes a cool collectible to any jewellery wardrobe, especially set in white gold with diamonds.

Rich tourmalines, deep gold citrines, cool aquamarines, lime peridot, rosy rubellite, and mysterious iolite are all gemstones that are out of the ordinary and are now increasingly sought after by collectors who are more savvy about the world of gemstones and more educated in their choices, and ocean blue apatite which contains a mineral also found in human bones and teeth proves that our fascination with gemstones is perhaps more visceral than mere aesthetics. Heat treated topazes come in rainbow colours and the ordinary diamond can present itself in canary colours, blues, chocolate, champagne, black, and the rarest red. Sapphires also come in every colour of the rainbow as is the humble quartz which is now elevated to exotic concave cuts, unusual faceting, and even set with the more highbrow diamond. Rose quartz, lemon quartz, and the trendy smoky quartz can provide rings and pendants with that certain “wow factor.” Chalcedony jade, agate, onyx, and pearls are still favourites and have been infused with a new life as popularity for gemstone jewellery “off the beaten track” has increased.

Today, more than any other time in recent history, the “big” look in jewellery is in. Bright and bold, gemstone jewellery is a badge of success – not in mere monetary terms, but as a reward for personal accomplishment, triumph over challenges, to mark pivotal points in our lives, or simply as an age-old expression of love. Whatever the occasion, there’s jewellery to match and this Christmas it’s all about choice. This Christmas, add the glow of gemstones to your Christmas lighting – it’ll be certain to please!

The Greater Moncton Area is home to some of the finest jewellery outlets in Atlantic Canada, ranging from national chains like Peoples Jewellers, Mappins and Ben Moss, and the Maritimes’ own Crescent Jewellers and Charm Diamond Centre, to small independently-owned businesses like Jagoe’s Jewellery in downtown Moncton, The Gold Outlet in Riverview, and the Aladdin’s Cave of Treasures at ItaCast in the Moncton Industrial Park. La Min d’or on Botsford Street features Canadian diamonds from the Northwest Territories and signature timepieces from Tag Huer and Rolex, and Gauvin’s Goldsmithing in the Wedgewood Centre can create custom work and fine jewellery repair. The Parlour on Mountain Road has a terrific selection of estate pieces and a wide inventory of quality brand new pieces as well. One of the best places to pick up lovely jewellery at great prices, it’s a must for shopping for the jewellery collector!

Don’t forget to visit area farmers markets for top of the line jewellery finds as well! Great sterling silver from Mexico can be found at Platamex in the Dieppe Farmers Market and in the Main Street SuperStore Mall, and local crafts people like Sarah Jayne, Rene Sharpe, and Ginette Henrie all create wonderful items containing semi-precious gems set in silver wire, sterling silver, and other metals like copper or brass. At the Marché Moncton Market, Hans Durstling, premiere gem expert, and Amber Ritchie carry wonderful loose gemstones and finished pieces that are works of art. Nalida’s Fashion Jewellery has a distinct “Bling” factor and Crawford’s Creations and Nancy Dixon’s gem and shell jewellery are unique and one-of-a-kind and destined to become wearable art!

Whatever your taste in jewellery items for the Christmas season, the Greater Moncton Area is a treasure trove of jewellery shops with just the right piece to add sparkle to your holidays! Remember that whatever your special holiday is, jewellery is a global fascination. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Enchanting Eid! And Divine Divali!

Au Coin Esthétique

The festive season is your time to shine with all the Christmas parties, get-togethers with family and friends and New Year’s events on your social calendar. This year, take the stress out of the season and look good and feel great with a visit to Au Coin Esthétique. Located at 908 Gauvin Road in the heart of the City of Dieppe, Au Coin Esthétique offers a complete range of goods and services all aimed at the sparkling new "you." Choose from a range of skin rejuvenation procedures and manicures as well as other services such as hair removal and pedicure procedures. Owner Ginette Melanson is a certified nail technician specializing in gel nails. Hair removal and sunspot treatments are done by a new state-of-the-art pulse light machine, which also stimulates collagen and is given in 10 and 20 minute treatments. Au Coin Esthétique carries a full roster of beauty cosmetics and products with the finest procedures for that polished look.

Ginette Melanson of Au Coin Esthétique is very excited about a brand new addition to her salon. A new cellulite treatment machine, which is the only one of its kind in New Brunswick, works with a personalized computer client card for specialized treatments. Using red light and blue light treatments, as well as heated wraps to sweat out toxins, this machine accomplishes weight loss by endo-massage with which one can lose up to10 kilos with the wrap alone and double with the full treatment. Each treatment also includes body mass index (BMI) measurements to arrive at an ideal weight to height ratio. The entire treatment is "like turning orange peel into smoothies," says Ginette. A special Open House due to take place in January on the 5th and the 19th will provide free demos of this fantastic machine. Call to book a time now and be sure to attend the Open House for a chance to win a $1000 gift package on each of the dates. Au Coin Esthétique also offers special gift certificates to tuck into a stocking or gift basket for that special someone on your Christmas list.

Au Coin Esthétique is owned and operated by Ginette Melanson, who brings many years of experience and education in the beauty and esthétique industry to this independent enterprise. With university courses in nutrition, a university level athlete familiar with BMI (% of fat), and a participant in the Canada Games, she has attended conventions and seminars in Las Vegas on related spa treatments. The dream to own her own business has been the driving force behind the vision of Au Coin Esthétique and the excellence Ginette has applied to her business shows in the comfortable and luxurious surroundings of her lovely salon, where she is joined by fellow esthetician Chantal Poirer and Tina Duplessis, a certified teeth whitening technician. At Au Coin Esthétique, the customer is tops. "We strive to give our clients a friendly and relaxing atmosphere with professionalism combined with a personalized approach." Indeed, one visit to Au Coin Esthétique and you will feel the stresses of everyday life slip away. This season, make a visit to Au Coin Esthétique a priority and reap the rewards of a whole new image.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 858-9066 and add your own sparkle to the Holiday Season!

The True Origins of Christmas Evergreen

At Christmas, when we decorate our homes with holly, mistletoe, and swags of evergreen, we are enacting a custom that goes back millennia to the dawn of man’s existence on earth, before the birth of Christ. Hanging evergreen has less to do with the birth of Christ but more to do with pagan – though not unholy – beliefs of early man in the endurance of evergreen flora throughout the winter when all of nature seemed dead. Ancient man’s close spiritual association with nature and his belief in the renewal of the land after the winter months marked the winter solstice as the halfway point in a harsh season and the looking forward to of the birth and renewal of spring.

Early Romans, Celts, Druids, and Vikings all practised a naturalistic form of religion that preceded the Judeo-Christian belief system, and that belief system had such a widespread influence that evidence of their customs can be found in every settlement and culture in every country throughout Europe. These naturalistic customs became integrated into the Christian religion as early Christianity spread throughout Europe and comes down to us today as an integral part of our Christmas celebrations. For example, the prickly holly leaves had pagan meanings but came to represents Christ’s crown of thorns by Christians who also gave red holly berries the symbolism of Christ’s blood. Mistletoe was considered by ancient man to have healing properties, and as a symbol of good luck and welcome, it was hung at doorways. Today’s association between kissing and mistletoe may still have to do with welcome – and who can refute the healing power of a kiss?!

The Christmas tree also has its origins in this ancient custom of having evergreen in the home as a symbol of a living nature, but it was in 16th-century Germany that the crossover from having a full tree in the home departed from ancient custom and became a full-fledged Christmas symbol – a tradition known to us today. In fact, early pilgrims in America, unaccustomed to the Christmas tree, outlawed it as “pagan mockery” and “heathen tradition” that sullied the name of Christ. Strict fines and penalties were levied against those who observed Christmas until the arrival of Dutch and German immigrant groups undermined the Puritan edicts. The concept of the Christmas tree won widespread acceptance with Queen Victoria’s German-born husband Prince Albert’s introduction of this German custom to England in 1846 when the royal family was pictured in the Illustrated London News beside a Christmas tree. With England a major colonizer of most of the known world at that period in history, this custom spread like wildfire to points far and wide, from India and Africa to the West Indies, South America, Canada, and the United States.

Today, the Christmas tree, holly, and mistletoe are accepted parts of our festive season’s decor, and a home decorated with a Christmas tree exudes warmth and welcome of the Christmas season. Yet, as we decorate our homes with evergreen at this time of year, we are re-enacting rituals from the misty dawn of time when early man strengthened a holy alliance with nature in the depths of winter in hopes of the promise of rebirth in the spring!

Wonderful Christmas greenery in boughs, swags, and wreaths can all be purchased from local area crafts people who make them from a variety of natural sources and local flora. Roadside booths abound with freshly cut trees and wreaths and special artisans make lovely handmade offerings which they sell from their homes, studios, or at the local farmers markets. In Riverview, Jeanne Brown of 283 Whitepine Road creates lovely pine wreaths in a variety of sizes. Embellished with festive red or gold ribbons and bows, you can purchase them right out of her front yard or call 854-7166 to order your special custom-made wreath. Drive by her house to see her giant wreath. It’s one of the magnificent Christmas decorations of the season!

At the Marché Moncton Market, Ethel Simmons creates lovely fresh greenery in Scotch pine, cedar, and princess pine all festively decorated with huge red bows, and also at the market, Noella Cormier’s wreaths are truly beautiful and very imaginative. Along with the regular green pine and cedar wreaths, she has taken the wreath to new heights with her unique square wreath and her natural oak leaf, and pampas grass wreath which looks like fur! Accented with a gold ribbon, it’s sure to be a conversation piece for you holiday home.

Corporate photographer, author, and gifted artist Delores Breau also has some of the most unique wreaths of the season. Having created a limited inventory, it’s worth a call to her studio at 382-9833 to inquire about her truly lovely and delightful offerings. A selection of woodland and green pine wreaths are wrought with accent ribbons and decorated with Santa faces, folk art snowmen, and an inventive selection of accent pieces in coordinated colours that impart all the various nuances of the festive season. The work of a true visionary, Delores Breau’s Christmas wreaths are a joy to behold. Get one for your home today! They also make great gifts for family and friends.

Wherever you purchase your Christmas greenery and in whatever way you choose to decorate your home, nothing else reinforces the ties we have with nature than the addition of that simple wreath, bough, swag, or tree to our celebrations. Have a Merry Christmas!