What’s in Momma Evelyn's Teacup? Spice Mixture Update!

Hello Darlings,

When I first posted this tea recipe, I was missing three key ingredients that would  make this tea as close to the Chai tea sold in stores as possible. 

Here is my updated recipe and it will make your taste buds turn loops in your mouth. :)

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What’s in Momma Evelyn's Teacup? 

My favorite tea is a rich combination of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan black teas that I import from overseas. Check your tea ingredients. 

To make the spice mix add the following ingredients  in a bowl:

1 tbsp. of ground Saigon Cinnamon

1 tbsp. of ground Ginger

1 tbsp of ground Cloves

1 tbsp. of ground Black Pepper

1 tbsp. of ground Nutmeg

1 tbsp. of ground Coriander

1 tbsp. of ground Cardamom

Pour all these ingredients into a jar, cover and shake until the spices are mixed well. Then using a funnel pour the mixture into a 1.75oz  unused spice jar. With this jar of spices you will have mixture for several pots of tea. 

Now, to make a pot of tea using the spices, add 1-1/2 teaspoon of the spice mixture into a standard size ceramic tea pot. 

The amount of tea you use may vary. However, when I use my favorite tea, I pack the tea ball with 1 ¼ tablespoon of loose leaf tea for richer flavor. You can use more or less tea per your personal taste. After placing your favorite tea into the tea ball,  put it into the ceramic tea pot. Filled ceramic tea pot with water.

Finally, I brew my tea in the microwave (Yes, the Microwave) using the 'Beverage' setting for three minutes and ten seconds.  When the brewing is complete I let the pot sit for 2 minutes. Then I stir it and brew the tea for another minute. 

Using a pot holder, I remove the pot from the microwave and let it cool a few moments. I then pour myself a richly tasting cup of the tea to which I add 1-2 teaspoons of artificial sweetener. You can sweeten it with sugar or  honey if you desire. 

There are several ways to make this tea. However, the best way to find the right combination of tea and spices that suits your  palate is to experiment with the various spices available on the market. 

You can also brew the tea with ground Chicory.

I believe you will enjoy my is Chai Tea copycat. It is the best mixture I have uncovered to date.

For downloading and printing:

http://pdfsr.com/pdf/update-what-s-in-momma-evelyn-s-teacuppdf.pdf 

Chow, Darlings!

Tip: Save your empty store bought spice and seasoning jars. You can wash them and add new spices and seasonings as you buy them.

Cornrow Caps: How To Use And Style Them

Freetress Braided Cap (Finished Braided Pattern on a Cap)

Hello Darlings,

For centuries women of color have been cornrowing their hair. In some area of the US the hairstyle is also known as French Braiding. However, regardless of its name, the hair is braided tightly to the scalp in continuous braids and in various designs. 

Why  use a cornrow cap for weaving hair? 

Although the reasons might vary, some women might want to increase their length, or just have a personalized no fuss style for busy work week or social schedules. In addition, for some women with thin hair cornrowing is not an option. Thus, this lack of hair volume makes weaving a challenge as well, but using the cornrow cap eliminates this challenge, and adds a natural hair look to the weave from above, unlike that of the plain nylon caps. Like full wigs and front lace wigs, using cornrow caps also helps to reduce salon fees.

Whatever the reason, there is a product that will help make weaving your own wig easy, and also spare you the maintenance and damage problems encountered with weaving directly to your scalp. Or, if you prefer, you can sew the cornrow cap directly to your own hair and then, using a sewing term, tack it to your own hair as a stay put wig. However, on this last, I recommend that if you tack, use a lighter thread for easy removal and for less damage to your natural hair.   Check out these how to videos below. 

The above Freetress Braided Cap (Finished Braided Pattern on a Cap) can be found at Wig Types. Like Black Hairspray, which is closing its doors, Wig Types is an online wholesale hair product store.

Until next time, 

Chow.

All Roaman's Wide Calf Boots Are On Sale

Hello Darlings,

It is never to late the get those most wanted boots before winter ends.  Right now Roaman's had a great selection of hard to find wide calf boots in all the popular lengths, styles and color. With prices  as low as  $59.99, it time to hurry on over and get yours before them are all gone. Check out wonderful looking boots. These are just few of the styles on sale today.  

Jali Wide Calf Boot by Comfortview®

$59.99 - $64.99

Monica Wide Calf Boot by CV Flex by Comfortview® Now: $79.99 - $84.99

Transit II Plus Wide Calf Boot by Bella Vita®

Now: $114.99 - $119.99

Keep watching those prices.

Chow Darlings.

Seven Ninety Seven Has Added Ashro.com To Its Selection of Top Shops

That's right darlings. Ashro,com gas been added because of its great selection of Afrocentric and  Social apparel for every occasion.

Check out this lemon yellow Marji Skirt Seton. The outfit  has a drawstring on top and skirt adjusts hemline, creates ruched look. Top has V-neckline and 3/4-length dolman sleeves. Skirt has elastic waistband. 38" l. it is ,ade of rayon/spandex knit and is machine washable. Imported. It is on sale now for $59.95.

Now look at this Afrocentric elegant Odelia High-Low Jacket and Dress Set. This outfit is described as a stunningly royal metallic appliqué and embroidery. Jacket: button-loop close, scallop-wave high-low hem. Sleeveless dress: full waist seam, bust darts for shape. Back zip, side slits. 52" l. Bonus scarf. Rayon/cotton/flax/polyester; dry clean. Imported. 

 

Available only in Purple/Gold. 

 

Price for this treasure run at $139.95 for misses and  women $149.95

Ashley Stewart Fabulous Diva Dash Sale!

Hello Darlings,

Today,  Ashley Stewart has a amazing Diva Dash sale with items as low as 35% off their regular retail price. I mean really cute mix and match or create your own outfits starting with this  'Coming And Going Denim Shirt' Item # 402009106941 for  $25.67. 

And  to complete this look you can also purchase this Polka Dot Tulle Skirt - Item # 402009130274 for $25.67.  

If you are interested in this darling little combo you'll have to hurry because the sale ends at 3PM EST Today.

Chow,  Darlings.

Passing On The Goods:: When to add reice to your slow cooker?

Hello Darlings,

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to make a one-dish meal in a slow cooker that called for rice? However, you didn't know when to add the rice so that it would not end up mushy, and therefore making a mess of the whole meal. 

Recently , I found myself in just this situation. So, lacking the proper recipe I turned to the web in the hope of finding a suitable one. And eureka, I found the perfect one at The $5 Dinner -Mom's One Dish Dinner website (cute title).

I borrowed it and placed it below.  For more of  Mom's One Dish Dinner check out her rss feed on the sidebar of this site. Enjoy!
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When Do I Add the Rice to Slow Cooker So It Doesn’t Turn Out Mushy?!

Add the rice to the slow cooker that is cooking on high, when there is 2 hours left in the cooking time. If your slow cooker is set on low, add when there is 2 hours 45 minutes left in the cooking time.

• If you are cooking a soup or stew and you wish to add rice to make it a one dish soup or stew and not have to dirty another saucepan or rice cooker, then add it when there is 2 hours left in the cooking time. Add hot water or broth if necessary. (See note in next tip about liquid amounts.)
• If you are making a chicken and rice casserole like dish in the slow cooker, you can add the rice when there is 2 hours left in the cooking time.  You will have to look at the amount of liquid that is in the slow cooker when you add the rice.  If it looks dry, then you’ll want to add some hot water when you add the rice.  Rice works on a 2 to 1 ratio in the slow cooker, 2 cups water to 1 cup rice, just as it does when cooking on the stove top or baking. So if there is about 2 cups of liquid already in the slow cooker, then just add the rice.  If there only seems to be 1 cup, then add in an additional cup of hot water or broth.

This will help keep the rice nice and firm, and perfect for when you are ready to eat.  It will not sit in the liquids all day and won’t have time to get mushy!

Also, You can use your slow cooker as a rice cooker. Simply spray the sides and bottom with a non-stick cooking spray. Add the amount of water plus rice that you’d like to cook using the 2 to 1 ratio (explained above).  If you are using brown rice, add an additional 1/2 cup, or use a 2 1/2 cup water to 1 cup rice ratio. If you wish to season the rice, do so now. Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 2 hours.  Fluff lightly before serving.

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For the rice alone do the following:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water
• cooking spray

Directions

1. Spray  your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray
2. Pour in rice, water and salt.
3. Cover and depending on your slow cooker, cook the rice on High 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. For brown rice add up to an additional 1/2 cup water or your favorite broth 

Chow Darling!