Monday, December 31, 2012

The Ultimate Surprise Cookie


Yesterday I made cookies. As My husband bit into his first one sighs of grandeur  came pouring from his lips. With the first bite he started naming ingredients. three cookies later he was still finding new tastes. He never noticed the oatmeal. I thought that was rather funny.

IN A MIXING BOWL ADD
1 stk butter, softened
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 egg
 
MIX WELL AND ADD
1 1/3 c flour
1/3 c rolled oats
1/4 c sesame seeds
1/8 c poppy seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix it all up and drop by spoonfuls on to a cookie sheet. Cook 10-12 minutes and take from oven.
2. Cookies will be soft and so good.

Cool Apple Cider Cups


For cider lovers who want a wickedly easy way to serve your favorite drink to impress. 
You will need:

Large apples
Lemon juice
Apple cider
Optional: cinnamon, star anise or cloves.

Cut the top of the apple and around the outline with a knife. Empty it with a spoon and sprinkle with the juice inside to prevent rust.

To finish, fill up with your apple cider and optionally you can add cinnamon, cloves or star anise spices to enhance flavor. Delicious!


The star anise looks like a spider from a distance. So cute for Samhain  - Halloween.

SPELL TO HEAL PHYSICAL PAIN



YOU NEED: piece of amethyst (as clear as possible), or a piece of Fluorite.

Sit in a quiet place and clear your mind of everything you can.
Take the amethyst (or fluorite)and hold it in the hand that is closest to the hurt.
If the pain is in the center of the body hold it in your writing hand.
Imagine a soothing light collecting at your feet and draw it up slowly towards your
head filling every part of the body. Whilst doing this say silently:

"bright light, shining light
heal my hurts with all thy might."

Repeat this as you move the light up through the body.
When you reach the top of your head expand to fill outside the head with light for about a foot.
Then return to where the pain is most concentrated, push all your healing energy into this area.
If this doesn't work the first time then repeat. You should feel better soon.
To end the spell repeat the verse again but finish with
 "so mote it be"

How To Make Homemade Peppermint Extract


Peppermint extract not only provide a wonderful additional flavor to things like chocolate, it also helps to relieve pain, calms irritable bowels, eases an upset stomach, fights bad breath and is rich in antioxidants. This also works on about any herb you wish to make extract from. Plus citrus peals work well this way.


 Harvest a bunch of mint leaves from your mint plant. Remove mint leaves from stalks and pack leaves into a measuring cup to determine how much mint you have.

for a pint jar use about 1/2 -2/3  cup of mint.
1pint Vodka the higher proof the better
 
Rinse mint leaves in water and squeeze leaves in your hands to bruise the leaves before placing them into a clean glass jar. (Bruising the leaves helps them release their oil when they’re placed in the vodka.)

Pour in the vodka, making sure that use enough to submerge all of your leaves.  Enough vodka to cover my leaves was 1 1/2 cups.
Cover your jar with a lid and allow to steep for about a month in a cool, dark place. After the month has elapsed, you can start tasting the extract to see if it’s developed the flavor and intensity you want. If so, strain out the leaves and use the extract just as you would store-bought extract.

If your mint extract is not yet strong enough, allow it to continue to steep until it reaches your desired flavor.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Beyonce’s Lorraine Schwartz Golden Globes Inspired Beaded Necklace Set


Red Carpet Ready Choker and Earrings by Margot Potter


This chic crystal choker was inspired by the Lorraine Schwartz design worn by Beyonce Knowles to the 2009 Golden Globes awards. I loved the way it filled in her neckline, but still left plenty of open space for light and skin to play. I had to have something like it and being the crafty gal that I am, I spent the better part of my morning devising a pattern. My version is made of Beadalon Satin Silver wire and Create Your Style CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements crystal beads and is a bit more diminutive in scale, so you can bet your sweet bippy this one is a lot more pocketbook friendly than the diamond and platinum version sported by Ms. Knowles. I can’t wait to wear this to an upcoming Swarovski Create Your Style CRYSTALLIZED™ cocktail party I’m attending in Tucson!

Materials
1 12mm crystal a/b flower pendant
9 6mm crystal a/b twist beads
36 4mm crystal a/b bicones
2 11x5.5mm crystal a/b tear drop beads (for earrings)
20 6mm crystal a/b rounds (4 for earrings)
68 4mm crystal a/b rounds (8 for earrings)
1 large silver plated swivel lobster clasp
5 6mm silver plated jump rings
9 silver plated head pins
4 silver plated eye pins (for earrings)
1 3” length silver plated rolo chain
2 silver plated crimp covers
20 silver plated size 2 crimp tubes
.015 Satin Silver Beadalon wire

Tools
2 pairs chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Crimp tool
Mighty crimp tool
Wire cutters
Bead Board

Finished size 15-18” inches with extender chain

1. It really helps to get the core of this design on your bead board so you don’t skip any beads while you’re working along the design. Here is the core pattern: Start with 9 4mm rounds then use the following pattern: 6mm round, 2 4mm rounds, 6mm round, 3 4mm rounds and continue working around the board until you’ve added your ninth 6mm, 2 4mm, 6mm segment. Follow that with 9 4mm rounds.

2. Create 4 beaded head pins each with a 6mm twist bead on the bottom followed by 4 4mm bicones. Loop the tops.

3. Create 2 beaded head pins each with a 6mm twist bead on the bottom followed by 5 4mm bicones. Loop the tops.

4. Create 2 beaded head pins each with a 6mm twist bead on the bottom followed by 6 4mm bicones. Loop the tops.

5. Create 1 beaded head pin with a 6mm twist bead on the bottom followed by 7 4mm bicones. Loop the top.

6. Attach a 20” length of .015 Satin Silver wire to your lobster clasp with a crimp tube using your crimp tool.

7. Add your 9 4mm rounds to the wire. Cut off a 3” segment of wire and create a small loop by threading the wire into a crimp tube. Use chain nose pliers to smash tube flat. Add 13 4mm rounds to the wire. Thread wire into a second crimp tube and round wire so it’s not too stiff, then thread wire into crimp tube leaving a small loop before smashing flat with chain nose pliers.

8. Thread one loop on wire. Follow by your 6mm round, 4mm round, thread on your smallest beaded loop top head pin, another 4mm round, a 6mm round and the other loop on your wire. This creates a mini beaded swag. Move down three 4mm rounds and repeat using another small beaded loop top head pin.

9. This is your pattern for swags along the necklace. Each swag is inserted before and after your 6mm rounds. The swags graduate in size along with the beaded head pins. Here is your pattern: 15 4mm round swag and loop top dangle with 5 4mm rounds, 19 4mm round swag and loop top dangle with 6 4mm rounds and center of necklace is a 25 4mm round swag with a 7 4mm round loop top dangle. Repeat pattern in mirror of opposite side.

10. When you reach your final swag, add 9 more 4mm rounds and secure your necklace closed using a crimp tube and your crimp tool around a 6mm jump ring.

11. Slide a crimp cover over the crimp at the clasp. Use mighty crimp tool to gently close the bead over the crimp. Repeat for other side.

12. Attach a 3” section of rolo chain to the jump ring side of your clasp.

13. Slide a flower bead on a 6mm jump ring and attach to the end of your chain.

14. Create coordinating earrings by sliding a 4mm round, 6mm round and 4mm round on an eye pin and looping the top. Repeat for a second segment. Slide a tear drop on a 6mm jump ring and attach to one of your beaded segments. Attach the top of the segment to another beaded segment. Attach an ear wire to the top. Repeat for second earring.

Valentines day sweets for my sweet

 Stuffed Strawberry's
12 strawberries
3/4 c milk chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet)
3 oz cream cheese
2 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp almond extract
chopped almonds or nuts-optional


1. Halve strawberries lengthwise: core out the center...leave the stem on. Dry on paper towels.
2. Melt chocolate in microwave bowl until melted...stirring regularly.
3. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
4. Hold strawberry by the stem and dip in the chocolate, covering half of the strawberry. Place on the wax paper lined sheet.
5. Beat together cream cheese, honey, and almond extract. Spoon into a pastry bag. Pipe into strawberries. Sprinkle the nuts on top (optional).

Gameday Strawberry footballs

Game day is but days away. Although in the past we have not partaken  in game-day. this year we just may. These are by Pat Duran

This is the recipe from that shop (Sweet Little Thang Dessert and Gift Shop). Hope you make them -they were a big hit !
Cook time: 5 Min  Prep time: 20 Min  Serves: 24

24 lg fresh strawberries, with tops
8 oz chocolate bark candy coating, melted
1/4 c vanilla or white chocolate

1. Line a baking sheet or pan with waxed paper. Wash and pat dry the berries(must be completely dry), leave stems on.
2. Melt chocolate in microwave, stir every 30 seconds until smooth and fluid. Hold berries by stems and dip in chocolate until within top of berries. Hold over bowl to let excess chocolate drip off; then scrape the bottom of berries against edge of bowl.
3. Place on prepared waxed paper pan. Repeat with all the berries. Chill in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes;until set.
4. Melt white chocolate the same as above, then pour in a paper cone or plastic bag with a tiny hole cut into the corner. Draw white line on top and bottom of the chocolate then add the laces in the middle to look like a football. Chill until harden, about 15 minutes.

Red Hot Popcorn from the cauldron wizard

If you are like I love Popcorn its a healthy snack  I love adding spices and finding ways to turn a simple snack into Gourmet Treat  So here is a way to add some  Heat to a Classic Treat


Ingredients

5 cups plain popped popcorn
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup red hot candies Such as Red Hots  or Red Tamales or any hot spicy candy of your choice


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 250F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.



In a small saucepan, combine the water and red hots. 



Stir until candy is melted. Spoon over the popcorn, then toss to combine.



Place baking sheet or Aluminum Pan  in the oven and bake until the popcorn is almost dry,

 about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.


Job Search Spell and Incense

 INCENSE FOR JOB SEARCH SPELL
1 part Frankincense 

1 part Basil 
1 part Sandalwood 
1/2 part Vervain
1/2 part Mugwort 

1/2 part Pansy 
1/4 part Clove 
1/4 part Cinnamon

EMPLOYMENT SPELL

Begin on Sunday.
Light a Gold or Yellow colored candle and speak the following spell:
"A Good Job Awaits me I Know
For Thine Brilliant Light Scans and searches A Place for Me
A Good Job Awaits Me For Thine Goodness is Great
My Faith in Thee is Complete A Good Job waits for Me."
Speak this spell three times. Perform ritual every day until employment is found.
*Instead of "good job," maybe it would help to personalize it and change the words to
"record deal," or something else that appeals to you.

SPELL TO BREAK THE POWERS OF A SPELL




You Need: black candle, water and a black bowl
Place the candle into the black bowl, fix the candle to the bowl using the wax
drippings from the candle so that it stands alone.
Fill the bowl to the rim with fresh water, without wetting the wick.
Breathe deeply and meditate for a few minutes.
When your mind is clear, light the candle.
Visualize the power the spell cast against you as living within the candles flame.
As the candle burns down, it will sputter and go out as it touches the water.
As it is extinguished by the water, the spell is broken.
Finally, dig a hole into the ground, pour the water into it, then bury the candle.

SPELL TO UNDO A SPELL


 
Time: After Midnight any night, waning moon
 

Incense: benzoin Herb: angelica
 

Anoint candles with rosemary oil use white candles as many as you like.
 

You Need: one bead from a necklace you own (preferably a pearl-faux or not)
 

A small patch of black cloth, some string for tying. Incantation:
 

"I cast a spell asking , I now ask the favor of having the spell removed.
I understand to take back a spell means giving up something of my own to show my spirit
is true and my intentions are good, I give this pearl/bead from a necklace I own.
I transfer the spell into the and render the spell dormant.
No harm may come from the cancellation of this spell.
No further power shall it have. This is my will -so be it."


Place the pearl/bead in the black cloth - add your angelica herbs -
tie up tightly in the string until you have wrapped the pearl/bead entirely in the cloth.


Dribble a bit of wax from the candles on your final knot you tie and
Then throw the small package away far from your home. Close circle and give thanks.

SPELL FOR BREAKING A BINDING SPELL



Some binding spells can cause physical manifestations.
You feel as if invisible strands of hair or thin strings are wrapped around you.
You can't see them but you can feel them and nothing you do can make that sensation stop.
Here is a way to dispel a binding. 


Cut a bit of your own hair and set it in a small bowl.

Light 3 candles, 1red, 1 white and 1 green. 


In a fire safe bowl or incense brazier, light a piece of charcoal and add some myrrh, patchouli and sandalwood incense (powdered kind not cone or stick).

Take a sterile needle or pin and prick your right index finger.


Squeeze three drops of blood into the smoldering incense.


As you drop the hair onto the lit incense repeat these words:


With blood, candle and scent times three
No longer shall this binding be
Free to live and free to soar
Let me leave the house once more.
As I burn this hair, a part of me
Let my heart and soul be free!
And for those who doth cast despair
Binding me with sightless hair
I send to them this well-earned curse
Let their evil spell reverse!
Teach them mercy and love's sweet gift
Once learned, this simple spell shall lift.
As is my will, so mote it be!


Let the incense burn out and scatter the ashes outside.
Lifting the binding spell should take care of the problem.
Keep an eye on those around you. Someone who wished you ill will start to experience the
torment they put you through. Once they understand that what they did was wrong, then the
sensation will fade and they will be back to normal.

TO UNDO A LOVE SPELL





You need:
- Picture of both parties together or write the names on a piece of paper
- A burning dish

Cut the paper between the two of them and say:

As I cut their tie let the bond between them be broken
Burn both halves of the paper apart. Say:
As I burn the tie let the bond be ever severed. So Mote it be!


Thank the deities and dismiss the circle if you have used one.
At last, bury or scatter the ashes.

REVERSE MAGICK



When one feels under psychic assault or if concerned that they are the recipient of adverse
magic, one solution is to use reverse magic. 


One effective method of implementing this is utilizing candle magic. A reverse candle is one that reverses whatever the individual who is attempting to harm may be doing. 

If there is a specific individual in mind (an ex-spouse, an ex-lover, an ex-employer, etc.) then write his/her name on the candle (red on top half, black on bottom half) using permanent markers or some other indelible method. 

Each night for three nights, burn about a third of the candle.
While the candle is burning, visualize positive outcomes (such as a move to a new location for
the other party, a move to a new location for you, successful mediation of a problem, etc.) and
how the situation can get reversed for the good of you and any other individuals who may be
involved (children, elderly parents, etc.) including the individual who's name is inscribed on the candle.
 

When the candle is burned down to a stub dispose of it immediately by taking it to a body of fresh water.
 

Once the candle is in the water, turn and walk away. If it is winter or if you can't get to fresh water
then bury it in the earth (not near your home) or dispose of it in a dumpster or some other waste
area as far away from your home as possible.
 

When you return to your home after the disposal, return by a different route from the one you
took to get there. It is critical to think positively during the process. Negativity will bog the
process down. Upon your return home create a positive spell outlining what you want the
situation to be -- use a white candle or one that represents the positive to you.

HEX BREAKING OINTMENT .



3 parts Galangal, 
2 parts Vetivert, 
1 part thistle, 
2 parts dried ginger root

Steep herbs in shortening, strain, cool and anoint body at night.

MIRROR SPELL ~ to send bad vibrations back to their source


Needed: 
Hand Mirror, 
Black Candle, 
Incense, 
Black string, 
Bell.

Call the Spirits to witness the rite using the bell. Say:
 
"I am immune to their hate, their malice.
I will not accept their guilt or their intolerance.
Their words and thoughts are no bane to me."

Hold the mirror behind the candle and say:

"As this mirror reflects back the light of this candle
so shall these things be reflected back to their sender(s)
and as the mirror neither adds or detracts from the reflection
I shall add no malice to nor subtract any from that which I send back. As it comes to me so shall it return to them."

Tie the black string in three knots. As you tie each knot say:

"With this string I bind this spell, As I will it, So mote it be."

Dismiss the spirits. Let the candle and incense burn out on their own.
Place the string in a special box set aside for spells and leave it there always.

Making Your Own Smudge Sticks



I thought these series of images of how to make your own smudge sticks was quite good. I have made my own sage sticks.

SPELL TO REVERSE NEGATIVITY OR HEXES



Try this spell to reverse any negativity or hexes being sent your way.
Visualize all blocks in your life-path being removed.
Anoint a purple candle with Rosemary oil.
On a piece of white paper write the following in black ink:
All blocks are now removed.
Fold the paper three times. Light the candle and burn the paper in a bowl, ashtray, or any
fireproof dish. Invoke the power of fire and its elemental spirits by repeating three times:
Fire drakes and salamanders,
aid me in my quest,
protect me from all evil forms,
turn back the negativity being sent.
After the third repetition say: So mote it be.

UNCROSSING AND CROSSING SPELLS



If you have been having bad luck for a long time or are suffering from an unnatural illness
but you have no known enemy and no one has ever openly declared themselves against
you, you may have been crossed or jinxed, or someone has put roots on you. You may not
know who did it...but you may suspect and even be able to remember how it was done.


One common way to cross someone is to sprinkle Crossing Powder, Hot Foot Powder, or
Goofer Dust across their trackway or doorstep, or dress their socks or shoes.


Another way to fix a person is to get something personal of theirs and stop it up in a bottle
with roots and nails, pins, or needles. Your hair may have been gotten this way, or a piece
of your clothing, or your personal concerns. This trick may have been done to you by an
enemy to control you, dominate you, or get revenge on you by destroying your happiness
in love and money matters.


If you want to undo this sort of work, it helps to know who put the jinx on you so you can
call their name back at them, but even if you don't know who did it or how it was done,
there are things you can do to take off the jinx.


Check around your home and see if you can find something that anyone could have
secretly put there to jinx you, like burying something in your front yard. If you find
something, like a bottle with personal effects, roots, or hairs in it, dig it up and burn it
or throw it away in running water. Even if you can't find such a thing, you may have
been fixed with some mess sprinkled on your food or on your shoes.
You need to get 2 white offertory candles for uncrossing and some Uncrossing oil to dress them.
Also, and this is important, before lighting the candles, take a bath in some purifying
herbs or Uncrossing type bath preparation. The hyssop herb bath is something you
can make up yourself from hyssop leaves or you can buy ready-made Uncrossing
Bath Crystals with Hyssop, or -- for a really strong job -- you can use the 13 Herb
Spiritual Bath, which contains hyssop and 12 other uncrossing herbs.
Use 13 packets of 13 Herb Spiritual Bath and take a bath every morning for a
total of 13 days to clear away a really bad jinx. Hyssop is what is recommended
for purification. Call upon the deity of your choice.
To prepare the bath, you either brew up the herbs into a tea and strain it or dissolve
the mineral crystals in warm water. Then you recite an uncrossing spell of your choice
as you pour the bath water over your head. If you are taking the 13 Herb Bath, you
pour the water and recite your prayer13 times for each morning's bath.
When you have finished the bath, step out of the tub and light the 2 white candles
that have been dressed with Uncrossing Oil. Stand between the candles. Do not dry
yourself with a towel -- let the bath water dry on you in the air as the candles burn.
Recite voice your request in your own words that the jinx be lifted and the one who
put it on you be struck down. Pinch out the candles (don't blow them out) if you intend
to work this spell for the full 13 days. If you do ill only be doing it for one day, just
let the candles burn until they go out, no matter how long that takes.
After taking this bath, some people then use the remaining bath water to wash down
their floors and especially the doorstep of the house. Mix the bath water into a bucket
with some Chinese Wash to make it even stronger. Wash from the back of the premises
to the front. Sweep out the front doorway area while the floor is still wet. Once you are
done with the wash water, carry whatever remains out of the house and pour it on the
ground outside (not down the drain).


Do this every morning upon awakening -- bathing, praying, lighting the white candles,
and washing down the house -- for 13 days and this will bring you relief from crossed conditions.
If you know who has put this crossed condition on you and you want to reverse the spell
onto them, the best thing to hope for is to find the mess they put down -- whether that be
powders, a doll, or a bottle spell. If you find it, just burn it all up or throw it into running water.
Not only will this take the root work off of you, it will send it back to the one who sent it.

Most times, unfortunately, you will not be able to find what they put down to hurt you.

In that case, one well-known way to reverse their work back onto them is to burn a black
candle on their name (putting their name on a paper beneath an overturned saucer under
the candle) or carve their name on the candle. 


If you use a black candle in the figure of the Devil and carve their name on it, dress it with Cast Off Evil Oil and things will go harder with them.
 

If you don't know the name of the person who did this trick to you, carve the words "My Enemy"
on the candle. 


Burn the black candle on the toilet tank, a little bit each night, pinching it out between burnings. 

Burn it while the moon is growing smaller -- and on the dark of the moon, the darkest night of the month, turn the burning black candle upside down and extinguish it in the toilet bowl, saying 

"Thus will you, [name of enemy], meet your fate!"

Throw the remaining black candle stub and wax into a crossroads -- or into the yard of the
person who had put the roots on you or jinxed you.

SPELL TO BREAK A STREAK OF BAD LUCK



SPELL TO BREAK A STREAK OF BAD LUCK
Go for a walk and pick up seven twigs from the ground, one to represent each day of the week.
Traditionally the twigs should be ash for Monday, beech for Tuesday, elm for Wednesday, oak
for Thursday, horsechestnut for Friday, yew for Saturday, and elder for Sunday. Take them home,
snap them into pieces, and burn them in the hearth or bonfire. Say:
Ill luck is broken, As these words are spoken.

The dreaded New Years Resolution

                              My Christmas Cactus is in Full Bloom as we start into 2013.
                                 A sign that at least something still works around here.


As we start into the new year with our resolutions ready, I find most people " Do NOT" have a firm grip on reality. I was on another site and they had the question up what is your resolution for the new year. Well I wrote mine and them I looked at the other answers. Mine read like this.

My new years resolution is to shop locally and only buy American made. I plan on making all my Christmas presents next year and am asking that people giving me gifts to make something instead of buying. I quit all the companies that threatened their employees to vote their way in the past election, and also those who treat their employees badly with low wages and no insurance.  Some of the many companies I am boycotting are Chic filet, coke, Walmart and Applebees. Walmart for many reasons but mostly because a few years ago they had a ad running about buying only American made. Then they sold out and most of their stuff comes from China. Thank you A-hole Romney and his group of goons for selling out the nation. Applebees is solely  for the disrespect it has for the American people, their ads saying we don't care to know what is in their food, just eat it.

Then I looked at the six resolutions before me. All were things like I want to loose 10 pounds. (10 pounds really, my toes are about that much) four more were loose weight, and the last one was relax more. ( I can just picture him coming home after a day at a cushy job and laying around while the wife is caring for the kids, cooking dinner, washing cloths and making cookies for the school fair.) So I stand by what I said people are not dealing with reality.

We are at such a tense time on the history of the earth, the US economy is faltering, and those diet Pepsi drinking fools are wondering how that drink they just drank is making them fat. HELLO it is in the chemicals they put in it. food and drug administration are in bed together. Pass a food that makes you fat and give the public a drug to take it off. Your diet drinks are not made to make you thin just dependent on the drugs they offer for that.



A wonderful craft to start the new year off. Your kids will love doing these. They are so pretty. In the spring they will melt and give your plants a drink while they are at it. It is a pretty win-win situation.

SPELL TO CHANGE A SITUATION FROM BAD TO GOOD

A Friday Spell




SPELL TO CHANGE A SITUATION FROM BAD TO GOOD

Burn 7 white candles at 7pm on a Friday evening.
Place another shorter candle into a pot of soil.
After 10 minutes, blow out the white candles in turn and allow the shorter
candle to extinguish itself in the soil.

Are mermaids real

Animal Planet Mermaids US Navy Cover Up of Intelligent Life Found in Ocean



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wbWVDk68BOI

Calcite


Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of various types of energies. 
This transparent crystal can be found in a variety of colors

Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of various types of energies. This transparent crystal can be found in a variety of colors and forms. including clear, green, pink, orange and blue.
All calcite's emanate a gentle energy - cleansing, revitalizing. Calcite opens energy channels.

Calcite stimulates the Fire Element to assist in moving blocked energy through the chakras.

Each color of calcite has specific energies:
  • White Calcite - Cleansing and healing 
Simply a  powerful amplifier and cleanser of various types of energies.
  • Green Calcite - emotional balance, stress relief 

Draw money and prosperity by burning green candles placed around green calcite for a short while each morning.

Green Calcite draws money and prosperity to your doorstep.

Healing properties of Green Calcite

Green calcite can assist in dissolving old rigid belief systems, restoring balance to your mind. It aids any transition from a stagnant to a positive environment. It is also used to stimulate the immune system and absorb negative energy (such as arthritis and bacterial infections). Crystal Healers use it with bone adjustments, and constrictions of the ligaments and muscles.
  •  Blue Calcite - psychic ability, astral travel
  • Blue Calcite:
  • Increases psychic ability
  • Assists in astral travel
  • Brings about stability
  • Calming stone
  • Stimulates trust in oneself
  • Enhances memory
  • Effective against laziness

Healing properties of Blue Calcite

Blue calcite can be used as a healing stone when worn or placed between blue or purple candles. It is often used in purification rituals. Some of its healing uses are:
  • stimulates metabolism
  • strengthens the immune system
  • stabilizes the rhythm of the heart
  • lowers blood pressure
  • dissolves pain
  • Clear Calcite (Iceland Spar) - Clarity and insight, forgiveness 
  • Clear (Iceland Spar) variety displays an optical illusion called double refraction - when you look through the crystal, it splits the light rays in two, producing a double image. For this reason, it is often used in magic rituals to double the power of a magic spell. Optical calcite amplifies images and helps you to see double meanings hidden in communication.

    Healing properties of Clear Calcite

  • Reduces tension
  • Heals the eyes
  • Relief for migraine headaches 

  • Orange Calcite - Creativity, sexuality, confidence 

Orange Calcite properties

Orange Calcite can be used to get positive energy moving in the areas of sexuality, and creativity.
Orange Calcite has strong energizing and cleansing properties.
  • Balances emotions
  • Removes fear
  • Overcomes depression
  • Dissolves problems standing in the way of achieving your best potential

Healing properties of Orange Calcite

  • Heals the reproductive system
  • Alleviates intestinal, gallbladder disorders
  • Reduces mucous
  •  
  • Honey Calcite - Persistence, intellectual power 
  •  Honey Calcite Super rich honey hue into white, calcite is a healing stone with special calming properties. It is also known for bringing better decision making abilities.
    Use it during meditation to find your spiritual path. Honey calcite is also used to facilitate astral projection.

    Honey calcite activates the root chakra, solar plexus chakra and third eye, bringing these into harmony and balance

     

     Pink (Mangano) Calcite - Well being, empathy, health, love 

Mangano Calcite

Mangano calcite (pink calcite) is a heart crystal. It is associated with angels.
This is a soft stone of forgiveness that brings unconditional love. It is used to:
  • Release fear and grief from the past that is trapping you
  • Assist in developing self-worth and self-acceptance
  • Heal nervous conditions
  • Lift tension and anxiety
  • Prevent nightmares

The loving energy of mangano calcite dissolves resistance. 

Red Calcite - Vitality, Power, healing, money

Red Calcite opens the base chakra, bringing vitality and increased energy.

It stimulates the senses, giving a new appreciation for physical experience. It is a grounding stone and works well in combination with hematite, ruby, red garnet, smokey quartz and black tourmaline.

Knowing your Stone's Rhodonite and Prehnite

Rhodonite 
 
Rhodonite is a fabulous crystal for self-esteem, self -love, and unconditional love. It helps yin/yang balance, mental unrest, confusion, stress, memory, and making music.
Rhodonite calms and soothes. It is a wonderful for treating arthritis, throat infections, heart, bones, light sensitivity, and schizophrenia.

Healing properties of Rhodonite

Rhodonite raises self worth and helps ward off negativity. It has been known as a "rescue stone".
Rhodonite is used for:
  • Raises self-worth
  • Nurtures love and brotherhood
  • Aids in recovery from abandonment or betrayal
  • Lends supportive energy
  • Heals emotional shock and panic
  • Balances the Heart Chakra

Rhodonite Gemstone meaning

Rhodonite soothes the nervous system. This gemstone vibrates with love. Just holding this gemstone promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well-being. This is a balance gemstone and is used to clear the psychic centers.

Healing properties of Rhodonite

Rhodonite raises self worth and helps ward off negativity. It has been known as a "rescue stone".



Prehnite meaning

Prehnite is a stone of unconditional love. It is said to connect to the archangel Raphael. Prehnite enhances inner knowledge, showing the path forward to spiritual growth through attunement to divine energy.
Prehnite connects the will and the heart. In so doing one's actions attain the highest good.

Wear prehnite to strengthen your intuition and recognize truths.

Used as a stone of vision, it works well during meditation to access higher levels of awareness, stimulating the third eye chakra.

Healing properties of Prehnite

Prehnite can assist in finding the root cause of an illness. Healers use it for the kidneys and bladder, thymus gland, shoulders, chest and lungs.


Chakra:
Solar Plexus, Heart
Energies:
Love, Power, Healing, Protection


Saturday, December 29, 2012

~ Three Ways to Find an Animal Totem ~



(Written by Lupa and posted to llewellyn.com - http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2333)

Any animal species that ...has ever existed has a totem. (The same goes for plants, fungi, and the like, but we'll stick to the critters here.) Even better, we're not limited to working with just one totem. People often ask me, "How do I find my animal totem?," to which the response may be, "Well, which one?" Mind you, I'm not talking about a set number of totems. In my experience, we don't all have a template that we have to fill up with our own totemic menagerie. The nature and number of totemic relationships we have are unique to each of us.

The most common way people find animal totems is through guided meditation. This usually involves traveling a path or down a tunnel that comes out into a place where you can meet your totem. (One example may be found here.) The benefits of this method are that you have enough structure to get you into a meditative state of mind, while having enough freedom to allow whatever totem wants to meet you to show up.

But what other options are there, especially for those who may not want to grub around in metaphysical tunnels? A deck of totem cards is simple, but severely limits the potential range of totems that can come up (since there is just one totem per card, and you can only fit so many cards into a deck). Animal sightings in dreams and waking life may or may not have significance, but most of the time the former is a matter of your brain picking out animal symbols at random while you sleep, and the latter involves living animals going about their daily business without a care for any human's spiritual business. Your favorite animal isn't necessarily your totem, either; totems most often choose us, especially those who shake us out of our familiar comfort zones.

So what's an aspiring totemist to do? Here are a few possibilities that may work for you.

Totems of the Four Directions
First, make a list for each of the four cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West). In each list include all the qualities and correspondences that you associate with that direction.

Next, set up a ritual space and set each list in its corresponding quarter, along with any other symbols of that direction you like. (Avoid any animal symbols, as they may subconsciously bias you toward the species depicted.)

Start with North. Settle yourself comfortably in the Northern quarter. Meditate on all the qualities of North that you wrote down, and any others that come up. As you do, be on the lookout for animals that come up in your stream of consciousness. If you like, quietly call for a totem to step forth out of the North, and see if anyone shows up.

You may find you get a very clear answer, or you may just get hints of a fin or wing. Either way, once you're done meditating in each quarter take down as detailed a set of notes of your meditation as you can, before moving on to the next quarter. If you only get definite totems in some quarters, start working with them, and then "check in" with the other quarters periodically to see if any totems show up after time.

Meeting the Totemic Self
When Carl Jung wrote about archetypes in the first half of the twentieth century, he wasn't just talking about "the archetypal dragon," but rather about deep impulses in the shared human psyche that took on particular forms. For example, the Shadow archetype embodies our most hidden (and sometimes shameful) drives, the things about us that we may find very frightening. The Persona is not who we are, but who we present ourselves to be, the mask of being a social creature.

In my own totemic system, the totem that most people think of as "my" totem is what I call the primary totem. (While you can have more than one primary totem, I'm going to refer to a singular primary for the time being.) In many cases, the connection a person has with their primary totem isn't just a very strong bond; it stems from the Self, who they are and what makes them an individual. While Jung's original conception of the Self isn't in animal form, and it shouldn't be seen as exactly the same as an animal totem, one's primary totem can represent the Self in a convenient personal shorthand, as it were. On the other hand, your primary totem, and the totem that represents your Self to you most closely, may be two entirely different species.

Some of you may already know exactly which totem(s) are your Self totems. If not, ask yourself these questions: Have I ever thought of myself as a (non-human) animal, in play or symbolism? Do I feel a particular resonance with another species? Have others thought I reminded them of a type of animal?

If you've never thought of yourself in animal terms, take the time to do so now. If you were going to be any other animal, what might it be? Spend some time reading about animals around the world, watch some documentaries, and otherwise immerse yourself in finding out about the great diversity of beings on this planet. Do any of them remind you of yourself?

Don't assume that the animal(s) that come up when you answer these questions are totemic, but they are starting points. Again, you can check with the totems themselves through meditation to ask them whether there is a real connection, or if it's just wishful thinking on your part. Also, the Self is a very deep archetype, and the totem(s) you associate with it may not be the sum total of what that archetype is, just as you are not limited to your totem. Over time, though, you may discover very intricate relationships among you, your Self, and the totem(s) you are closest to.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider Totem
As the Self totem brings you to your deepest inner workings, so Bioregional totems take you to explore the world around you. Your bioregion (also known as an ecoregion) is the natural area around you, often defined by a particular type of ecosystem, or delineated by the boundaries of a given watershed. Bioregions may also overlap and even contain each other.

Your first step should be to identify your bioregion(s). Wikipedia has a listing of ecoregions by country that you can use as a starting point. You're welcome to hone your focus even more finely, sticking to perhaps a mile radius from your home as an example.

You may already be familiar with the local fauna; however, if not, this is a great time to get out and get to know the area and its nonhuman inhabitants better. While a lot of them, especially the smaller critters, are sleeping here in the Northern hemisphere as winter approaches, others may be out and about (and on the other half of the world everyone's waking up, being born, and otherwise making a fuss!) And, of course, you can continue your explorations indefinitely.

While you're exploring your territory, as it were, you may find that certain animals really jump out at you (hopefully not literally!) These may just be the most noticeable of the local fauna, but there's also a chance that their totems may be willing to help you connect to your area. If you do think that a particular bioregional totem may have a special connection with you, again take the time to ask it directly. This is especially effective when done in a place where you see the physical animals quite a bit, if possible. And if it does turn out that this totem wants to work with you, take special care to get to know the habits and adaptations of its physical counterparts in the places where you find them. Understand their relationship with their habitats, and you'll have a good, strong start to knowing both your totem and your bioregion better!

Checking Your Work, and Other Troubleshooting
One of the potential pitfalls of trying to identify one of your totems is letting your expectations get in the way. For example, many people think that their totems should be big, powerful animals like Gray Wolf or Bald Eagle. Sometimes they may be right, but other times they may be ignoring totems that are a better fit for them, like King Salmon or Western Telipna Butterfly or even Organ Pipe Coral.

If you want, use the guided meditation I linked to early in the article to go and talk directly to the totem you think may be contacting you. It could be a case of mistaken identity, but it could also be the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Also, the proof may be in the pudding—over time, anyway. If you find that a totem's presence in your life is disruptive, or simply doesn’t seem to be a good fit, you may have misidentified the totem, or the relationship may simply not be a good match.

If more than one totem shows up during your explorations, don't assume you have to choose among them! As I mentioned before, there are no hard and fast rules as to how many totems you can (or must!) have. It may be that you have three totems that want to show you different parts of your bioregion, or four different totems that each represent the direction of South depending on what season it is.

Finally, if you don't get a totem to show up immediately, don't fret. Sometimes the totem that's the best match may not feel ready to approach you, or may not feel you're ready to work with it just yet. You could be having trouble concentrating enough to get a good connection (this is especially true for those who are fairly new to meditation and other spiritual practices). Give yourself a few weeks or even a couple of months off from trying, and then give it another shot!

(Artwork by WhiteSpiritWolf - www.whitespiritwolf.deviantart.com)

*The Coven Avalon claims no rights to this artwork, or any on our page. If this work belongs to you and you would like for us to remove it, please contact us and we will certainly do so. Being a non-profit educational site, we operate under the Fair Use rule of the US Copyright Law - please refer to the page information for full details. Blessings!

Give it a wet or dry rub



A Carolina BBQ Rub

Try this rub next time you want to make a traditional Carolina Pulled Pork.



2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup paprika

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well; use as a dry rub on beef, chicken, lamb or pork.


Aztec Rub

This wet rub is heavy on the cumin and contains liquid smoke to enhance the smokiness of your barbecue. The olive oil will help to form the spices into a thick paste, which sticks well to any meat.

1 cup cumin seeds crushed
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup minced garlic
1/4 cup liquid smoke
3 tablespoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients, except oil in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Slowly add oil with the motor running until it forms a smooth paste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 2 cups.



Barbecue Brisket Rub

The cumin and cayenne pepper in this rub, adds a nice Southwestern flavor to brisket.

2 tablespoons kosher or coarse salt
2 teaspoons black pepper, ground
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano leaves, dried
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Mix ingredients together in bowl and apply rub to brisket 2 to 4 hours before cooking. Refrigerate meat for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours to enhance flavor.



Basic Pork Rub

This classic pork rub is perfect for smoked pork roasts. This rub recipe is a particular favorite for pulled pork.

1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup paprika
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons cayenne

Mix all ingredients. Work 1/2 half mixture into meat 12-24 hours before cooking. Apply remaining rub before smoking. Makes enough for about 5 to 6 pounds of meat.


Beef Rib Rub

This rub combines the flavors of sweet and heat. You can adjust the heat by using mild or medium chili powder. If you really want to make spice it up, then add an extra tablespoon of cayenne.

1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup mild or medium chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Apply about 2 tablespoons of rub to each side of the rack. Prepare smoker and add ribs.


Best Odds Brisket Rub

This traditional brisket rub is most commonly used Texas. Though simple to make, this rub contains what you need to make a delicious smoked barbecue brisket.

1/2 cup paprika
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons oregano

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Work into the surface of the brisket, especially over the exposed meat.



Best Odds Pulled Pork Rub

This traditional pulled pork rub will give you the best odds for making a great batch of Carolina Style Pulled Pork.

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne
2 teaspoons dry mustard

Mix all ingredients. Work mixture into meat about and hour before it goes on the smoker. Save some of the rub to sprinkle on during the smoking process to replace rub lost during turning.



Best Odds Rib Rub

This rub is your "best odds" to smoking great set of ribs. This savory rub will add a lot of flavor without detracting from the natural flavor of the meat.


1/3 cup paprika
3 tablespoons dry mustard
3 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons ground basil
1 tablespoon red pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt

Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. When applying to ribs, coat heavily and massage into the meat. If you want to make a sweet rub add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.


Brisket Brown Sugar Rub

This is a good, sweet brisket rub that you will need only one measuring cup for. Of course, you can adjust the heat by using mild or hot chili powder.

1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup salt (coarse salt works best)
1/3 cup paprika
1/3 cup chili powder (choose a hot or mild powder depending on your tastes)
1/3 cup ground black pepper

Mix ingredients and pack firmly around brisket 12-24 hours before smoking. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in a large plastic bag.



Cajun Turkey Seasoning

This is a great basic Turkey rub with enough heat to make it interesting. You can use this rub on all poultry, no matter how you prepare it.

4 tablespoons salt
4 tablespoons ground onion powder
2 tablespoons ground garlic
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

Mix ingredients together and rub over the entire surface of the turkey, inside and out. Do your best to work the rub in under the skin. Let sit for about 2 hours.




Chef Paul's Chikky Rub

This is a great all purpose rub with loaded with herbs, spices, and flavor.


1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 tablespoon sage, dried
1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
1/2 teaspoon rosemary, dried
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dark place



Chili Pepper Rub for Brisket

This is a good, simple rub for beef, particularly barbecue brisket
You can adjust the heat by using either hot or mild chili powder.

1 cup brown sugar
1 green chili finely chopped
1/2 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon cayenne
ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients together. Pack all around a 10 pound brisket and refrigerate 24 hours before smoking. Place in smoker, careful not to dislodge the rub. Smoke for 8 hours



Chipotle Dry Rub

This rub has the great flavor of chipotle peppers. Just make sure that the rub is finely ground before using it.

2 dried chipotle peppers (use 3 to heat it up a little)
3 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried cilantro leaves
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground dry orange peel

Combine all ingredients in a spice mill or blender and grind until even and fine. Store in an airtight jar. Will store for about 6 months in the freezer. Great for brisket, steak, and pork.



Ciaotebaldi's Rub

This rub has a great combination of flavors that really adds a wonderful flavor to most anything. If you brush vegetables with olive oil and then sprinkle on this rub you'll get a great flavor off the grill.

2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon ground bay leaf
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon mace
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

Mix thoroughly. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place up to 4 months. Use to season poultry, fish, beef, vegetables, and sauces.




Citrus-Rosemary Turkey Rub

This rub has more of a paste consistency. Be sure to mix the ingredients well and to get the rub under the skin as well as placing it on the surface of the turkey.


1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
6-8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
zest of one orange
zest of one lemon
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Place all ingredients in food processor container and process until blended. If not using right away, place in airtight container and refrigerate.



Couzan Billy's Cajun Dust

The BBQ Guru posted this Cajun-style rub that works well on any fish, meat or poultry. If you have a recipe that calls for Cajun seasonings, use this recipe.

1/2 cup paprika
6 tablespoons Kosher (coarse) salt
1/4 cup black pepper, coarsely ground
3 tablespoons basil, dried
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons oregano, dried
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons white pepper
2 tablespoons thyme, dried

Mix and use for blackened dishes and any other dishes that call for Cajun seasoning.



Creole Rub

This rub will add a delicious Creole flavor to anything you want to grill or smoke.


1/2 cup Creole mustard
1/2 cup minced onion
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup dry Cajun seasoning blend


Mix cajun seasoning and other ingredients together. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.




Creole Turkey Rub

While 25 bay leaves might seem like a lot, this rub is just perfect for turkey. Especially, if you plan on deep frying it.

25 whole bay leaves
3 tablespoons Creole seasoning
3 teaspoons dried thyme
3 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper


Grind bay leaves into a fine powder. Combine Creole Seasoning and other ingredients together. Divide into 3 equal parts. Rub one third on the inside of the turkey, one third over the breasts and one third over the rest of the turkey. For best results refrigerate the rubbed turkey overnight to allow the flavors to sink in.




Custer's Old Fashioned Turkey Rub

This rub combines everything you need for a delicious turkey. Remember when rubbing poultry you want to get it under the skin. Skin blocks flavor, and while you might get some tasty skin it won't help the meat any.

1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil

Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container. Makes enough rub for a 20 pound turkey.
Don't have poultry seasoning on hand? Try this poultry seasoning recipe




Deep Fried Turkey Rub

This recipe calls for a lot of bay leaves. It's actually about 1/3 cup, so if you have crushed bay leaves you can use that. The real secret to fried turkey is to get the rub well on the surface of the turkey before it hits the oil.

25 medium whole bay leaves
3 tablespoons hot Creole seasoning
3 teaspoons dried thyme
3 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns

In a spice grinder, grind the bay leaves into a fine powder. Place in small bowl. Grind thyme, oregano, peppercorns similarly. Add all ingredients to bowl and mix together. Divide into three equal parts. Rub one part on the inside of turkey. Rub the second third under the skin around the breasts. And rub the last portion over the outside of the turkey. Refrigerate overnight.




Derrick's Hot Rib Rub

This is a very basic rub, but it's hot. Try using medium or mild chili powder to tone it down a little.

1 cup hot chili powder
2 tablespoons cayenne
2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper
4 tablespoons garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool and dark place.



Dry Jerk Rub

If you enjoy Caribbean flavors then this is the perfect "Jerk" rub for you. The great mixture of herbs and spices adds a kick to any meat, particularly chicken and pork.

1 tablespoon onion flakes
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ground thyme
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoon dried chives
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This rub will last several months.





Ethiopian Spice Rub

Okay, this isn't a simple rub, but it is a great one. There are a lot of flavors in this mixture and you might not have everything on hand, but it is a great spice rub for anything.

10 small dried red chilies
2 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black cardamom seeds
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

In a small frying pan over a low heat, lightly toast whole cloves, cumin seeds, fenugreek, cardamom seeds, peppercorns, and coriander seeds for about 2 minutes. Allow to cool. Remove stems from chilies and grind with toasted spices. Add remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight jar.




Greek Seasoning Rub

This is a quick and easy way to add a great Greek flavor to most anything you want to cook. This is one rub you'll want to keep close at hand to rub in or sprinkle on most anything.

2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon beef-flavored bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg


Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool dark place.




Herb Turkey Rub

This is a great rub for turkey anyway you plan to cook it. It really is best that you use fresh rosemary because you want the oils from the rosemary to season the turkey.

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon white wine
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
4 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
4 teaspoons onion, minced
4 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in the refrigerator.




Hog Rub

This is a good general rub for any kind of pork, but specifically for large pork cuts. It can be used on a whole hog or pork shoulders to make great Carolina Style Pulled Pork

1/2 cup ground black pepper
1/2 cup mild chili powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup coarse salt
4 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons cayenne

Mix together and store in and air tight container.



Jerk Rub

This is a great Jerk - wet rub. The combination of the onion, scallions, peppers, and spices give this rub a fantastic flavor. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the amount of peppers in the recipe.

1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup scallion, diced
4 habanero peppers, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to one month.