Announcing SHF #45: Berries!

July is a berry-licious month. From the humble strawberry to the playful olallieberry, there is a berry out there for everyone.

Yup, if you look around this month, you'll find blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, red and black currants, gooseberries, juneberries, loganberries, marionberries, mulberries, olallieberries, raspberries, strawberries, and tayberries.

So here's what you have to do: Make a dessert featuring berries, and send it to me by Sunday, August 3rd. Because of a scheduling snafu, Jennifer, the creator of the SHF, asked me to be the emergency hostess this month. Since we're already in mid-July, I've extended the deadline to Sunday, August 3rd, to give you a little more time to submit.

The ideas are virtually endless:

• You could cool off with some berry refreshing pudding, parfait, mousse, ice cream, or sorbet.
  
• You could get all warm and fuzzy with some homemade berry cupcakes, muffins, cakes, scones, or cookie bars.
• You could show your saucy side with tarts, pies, pavlovas, meringues, pastries, and sauces.
• You can get all nostalgic with old-fashioned cobblers, crisps, and crumbles.
  
• You can also go simple yet chic with desserts like galettes and crostatas, berries in wine, berries and cream, or berries with balsamic reduction.

If you’d like to participate, then kindly follow these steps:

1. Post a dessert recipe featuring berries on your blog any time between today, July 13th and Sunday, August 3rd. (Please no back dating or late entries.)
   
2. Please include a link to this announcement and to Jennifer at the Domestic Goddess, the creator of SHF.
   
3. Please attach a resized 200 pixel image with your blog name as your picture file name.
4. Email the following information to foodblogga [at] yahoo [dot] com, and mention SHF Berries in the subject line.

• Your preferred name
• Blog name
• Post URL
• Recipe name

No blog? No problem. Just email your preferred name, location, name of the recipe, and a 200 pixel image to foodblogga [at] yahoo [dot] com, and mention SHF Berries in the subject line.

I will let you know when I receive your entry, so if you don't hear from me in more than a couple of days, feel free to drop me a line.

I have resized two different logos for you. Including a logo is optional but always appreciated.











Here are some berry recipes I've posted, and I've got a few more in the works:

Fresh Blackberry, Oatmeal, and Cashew Cake





Mini Custards with Limoncello-Spiked Raspberry Sauce





Strawberry-Rhubarb Sponge Pudding





Ginger-y Cranberry Walnut Scones (Heart Healthy & Low Fat!)





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Beautiful Bones: An Osteoporosis Food Event

Since I started this blog in January 2007, I have shared a lot of things about myself. One thing I haven’t shared is that I have osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) osteoporosis is "a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break."

I’m not a senior citizen; that really is me in pictured to the right. But as I discovered last summer, you can be an otherwise totally healthy woman in her (let's say 30's) and still have osteoporosis.

Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 8 million are women. In fact, osteoporosis is actually believed to be under-diagnosed which means there are likely many more women who are unknowingly afflicted with it. It is sometimes discovered by an astute internist (which is what happened to me) but unfortunately is often discovered after fracturing a bone (which happens to many women).

According to the NOF, there are many risk factors for osteoporosis in women, including:

• Just being female
• Missed periods (amenorrhea)
• Low estrogen levels (especially during menopause)
  
• Family history (especially mother and grandmother)
  
• Being of a particular race/ethnicity such as Caucasian, Asian, or Latino, although African-Americans are also at risk
• Low Body Mass Index (BMI) (being thin and small)
• Lack of calcium and vitamin D, especially in childhood (this can be a real problem for lactose intolerant people)**
  
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain conditions such as anorexia nervosa and asthma

** Amazingly, 90% of adult bone mass is acquired in girls by the age of 18! That means that after 18, you have only 10% of your bone mass that you can still build.

I have decided to host a food blogging event to alert women to the potential risks of osteoporosis and encourage them to take steps to protect their bones at every age. I am sure that I am not the only food blogga who has osteoporosis and was not aware of it.

Here’s the plan: May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month which is the perfect time to hold an event. If you’d like to participate, then kindly follow these steps:

1. Post one calcium-rich recipe on your blog any time between May 1^st and May 31^st. (Please no back dating or late entries.) And of course boy bloggas are welcome to participate.
   
2. Include a link to this announcement.
   
3. Email the following information to foodblogga [at] yahoo [dot] com, and mention beautiful bones in the subject line.
   
• Your preferred name
• Blog name
  
• General geographic location
  
• Your post URL and recipe name
4. Please attach a 200 pixel image if you'd like an image to appear in the round-up.
5. I would, of course, also appreciate your placing the event logo in your post.
   

No blog? No problem. Just email your preferred name, location, name of the recipe, and a 200 pixel image to foodblogga [at] yahoo [dot] com, and mention beautiful bones in the subject line.

The recipe can be for any type of dish you like as long as it contains at least one calcium-rich food as a main ingredient.

Calcium-rich foods:

• Dairy products: all types of cheese, especially mozzarella and Parmesan, milk, soy milk, yogurt, soy protein or whey protein (for smoothies)
• Soy: edamame, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and other soy products
  
• Nuts and seeds: all kinds, especially almonds and sesame seeds
• Legumes: all kinds, especially black beans, black-eyed peas, and navy beans
• Seafood: oysters, salmon, sardines, and shrimp
  
• Green leafy vegetables: beet greens, collards, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens
• Other vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, avocado, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cremini mushrooms, fennel bulb, garlic, green beans, okra, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, romaine lettuce, summer squash, tomatoes (yes, it's a fruit, but come on)
  
• Fruits: bananas, blackberries, cantaloupe, grapes, kiwi, lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, watermelon
  
• Whole grains: (grains that are not milled) such as barley, cornmeal, oats, popcorn (no kidding!) quinoa, rice, rye, spelt, and whole wheat flour
• Spices and herbs: black pepper, caraway seeds, cinnamon, coriander seeds, dill seed, parsley, oregano, poppy seeds, rosemary
• Others: leavening agents, such as baking powder; corn tortillas; calcium fortified juices, breads, and dairy products

Meal ideas:

• Breakfast: frittatas, granola, muffins, oatmeal, quick breads, scones
• Lunch: burritos, salads, sandwiches, soups, stuffed potatoes, wraps
  
• Dinner: pasta, pizza, grain dishes, seafood, stir-fries, tofu, vegetarian entrees
• Appetizers/Snacks: bruschetta, crostini, cheese, dips, nuts, popcorn
• Desserts: cakes, cookies, fresh fruits, ice cream, pies, puddings
• Drinks: milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt drinks

During the month of May, I’ll write several posts for this event, sharing information about osteoporosis with you and providing a recipe with each post.

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments you may have in the comment box or email me directly at foodblogga [at] yahoo [dot] com. I'm looking forward to your bone-building, delicious submissions!

Logo was adapted from an image from the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Australia and New Zealand: Christmas Cookies from Around the World 2007

Cookies are flying in fast. Click the map to see where they are coming from. Click here to see all of the cookies.


Submit your cookies from Australia or New Zealand, and you might win a copy of Sherry Yard's new cookbook. See details here.

Would you like to participate? See details here. You have until Dec. 24th.


Arfi of Homemades from New Zealand. It seems a lot of people will be receiving yummy homemade cookies this year, like Arfi's neighbors. The boys will get to feast on Arfi's decadent Bailey's chocolate truffles and these festive Chocolate Snowdrops. Not only are these snowdrops chock full of almond pieces and rich cocoa, but they're also easy to make. What's not to love?

Arfi of Homemades from New Zealand. Arfi's delightfully named Zebra Cookies are as elegant as they are scrumptious. Chocolate-y, buttery cookies are dipped in rich, dark chocolate and drizzled with royal icing. Oh, my.

Melinda of Melbourne Larder from Melbourne, Australia. Melinda shares a special Christmas cookie with us: her Aunt Margaret's Lebkuchen. These Austrian Christmas biscuits have been a favorite of Melinda's family for years, and this Christmas, Melinda finally obtained the recipe and made them herself. Now, she will continue the family tradition. Check out her post for her lovely story and delicious recipe.

Anh of Food Lover's Journey from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Anh presents delicate yet "dangerously addictive" Swiss Bettinas, mini-tartlets filled with chopped walnuts and rich caramel. Not only are these tartlets lovely to look at, but they are also easy to make and quite versatile. Anh says that the tartlets can be baked up to a week in advance then filled with delectable chestnut cream, melted chocolate, or fruit jam. I'll take her suggestions and try all three.

Daphne of More Than Words from Perth, Western Australia. Is there anything not to love about a cookie named Nutella Dark Chocolate Cookies? Daphne knows the answer to that question, which is why she's making these sinfully decadent cookies for a party. Be warned, Daphne says you can't stop at one.

jenjen of Milk and Cookies from Sydney, Australia. jenjen had relationship problems with Martha. Yes, that Martha. You see, jenjen had one to many near catastrophic recipes from Martha and was ready to sever ties indefinitely. Until she made her Double Chocolate Cookies. Since savoring these remarkably moist, intensely chocolate-y cookies, jenjen envisions halcyon days in their future.

Cakelaw of Laws from the Kitchen from Australia. Cakelaw shares her sweet Spiced Gingerbread cookies which are not only delicious to eat but also make adorable Christmas tree decorations. What child (or adult) wouldn't delight in a tree covered with aromatic gingerbread cookies?

Melinda of Melbourne Larder from Melbourne, Australia. It's crunch time in Melinda's kitchen. With only a few days until Christmas, she has a lot of whipping and rolling and decorating still to do. Melinda's making homemade gifts for friends and family and wouldn't think of not including her simple-to-make, easy-to-transport, and delicious-to-eat Spiced Biscuits.

Daphne of More than words from Perth, Western, Australia. With only five days left until Christmas, what we really need are some fast and easy cookie recipes. Daphne shares a winner with us today--her Santa's Little Buttons. They can be made in less than 30 minutes, and you don't even need an electric mixer! Pretty, colorful, and satisfyingly sweet, these cookies are just what you've been looking for.

Carol of Oh for the love of food! from Perth, Western Australia. Carol sends her wishes to all for a happy and safe holiday season. She also shares a recipe for Mary's Butter Balls that make a lovely Christmas present if you're still looking for some last minute gift ideas.

Carol of Oh for the love of food! from Perth, Western Australia. Now that Carol's Christmas shopping is complete, she can do what she really wants to do: spend quality time with her family. Carol, her husband, and her two beautiful daughters had a marvelous time baking Christmas Gingerbread Cookies, and she's sharing the recipe with us today.

Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe from Melbourne, Australia. Johanna was tentative about making cut-out cookies this year because sometimes they seem to be a little more style than substance. Not so with this unique recipe for Cranberry Choc Cookies that are made with sweet, rich condensed milk. These chewy, moist cookies are simply sensational when drizzled with melted chocolate. Style and substance. Definitely.

Tania of The Sweetest Gift from Perth, Western Australia. How could you not smile when presented with these splendidly decorated Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese? They will bring instant cheer to anyone who sees them and a whole lot of contentment to those who eat them.

Canada: Christmas Cookies from Around the World 2007

Cookies are flying in fast. Click the map to see where they are coming from. Click here to see all of the cookies..


Submit your cookies from Canada, and you might win a copy of Sherry Yard's new cookbook. See details here.

Would you like to participate? See details here. You have until Dec. 24th.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Are you missing the warm breezes of summer and cool, creamy banana splits? Sarah is (remember she's from Canada, where it's pretty darn cold right now). So she came up with this ingenious recipe for Chipper Banana Split Cookies, studded with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows. Mmmmm... good.

Vibi of Le casserole carre from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Vibi shares her recipe for Florentins which are baked with colorful dried fruit and rich dark chocolate. Vibi's remarkably chewy, satisfyingly sweet Florentins would be a delicious and elegant addition to any Christmas feast.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah shares a recipe for her Mom's Shortbread Cookies, a Christmas classic. Always a favorite with Sarah's family, these cookies will quickly become a favorite of your family's as well. Whatever you do, Sarah says to use plain old fashioned butter, nothing fancy-shamcy needed here.

Sara of I Like to Cook from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Sara was so pleased with a new recipe for Chunky Toblerone Shortbread Cookies that she decided to share them with all of us. (Thanks, Sara!) I always have Toblerone around the holidays but have never baked cookies with it. Now that I have this delicious and easy recipe, that's definitely going to change.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah shares a recipe for Chocolate Coconut Cookies. For Sarah, these cookies elicit holiday joy and wonderful memories of her high school friend Vicki, from whom she got the recipe.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah has made Santa happy this year by baking him a batch of Divinely Dark Cookies. Not only are these cookies intensely chocolate-y but they're also wheat and gluten free. Yummy and good for you, now that's a special cookie recipe.

Elizabeth of blog from OUR kitchen from Toronto, Canada. Aren't these Colored Sugar Cookies absolutely delightful? Since the dough is colored, it's especially easy for the wee ones, like Elizabeth's two year old niece, to make their own. Of course, it isn't just kids who will adore making these animal cookies--Elizabeth and her sister shared plenty of laughs too creating those adorable pink pigs and green elephants.

Renee who posted to Taste T.O. from Toronto, Canada. Renee is feeling the Christmas spirit and has been baking lots of goodies to give to friends. Renee's friends are really lucky this year; they'll be receiving prettily wrapped elegant Melt-in-Your Mouth Shortbread.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah is afraid that eating too many unhealthy cookies isn't good for Santa's health. So today she made him a healthier treat made with whole wheat flour. These crispy, light Caramelized Christmas Cookies aren't short on flavor since they are infused with maple and vanilla flavoring. I think Santa will definitely like them.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Vegans will be happy to try Sarah's self described "veganized" and "semi-healthified" Tri-Flour Sugar Cookies. They're nutty, chewy, and and perfectly sweet, especially to Sarah's dad who loved them. Aren't dads great?

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah's playfully named Nuttiest Rainbow Cookies not only taste good but are pretty good for you too. Made with whole wheat flour, low-fat yogurt and low-fat peanut butter, Sarah cut back on fat and cholesterol but not on flavor.
Elizabeth of blog from OUR kitchen from Toronto, Canada. Elizabeth had no idea that when she and her husband visited the Art Gallery of Ontario, they would leave with a recipe for the best shortbread they ever tasted. This Shortbread recipe is from The Grange, a lovely 19th century estate located near the gallery. Thanks to Elizabeth's generosity, we can enjoy this shortbread too right from the comfort of our own homes.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Kids and adults alike will gobble up these Smartie Pants Cookie Drops. No wonder. A cookie with candy baked in? Who could resist?

Kevin of Kevin's Closet Cooking from Toronto, Canada. Chances are you're familiar with Tchaikovsky's famous ballet The Nutcracker, which means you're familiar with the dance of the sugar plums fairies. But do you know what sugar plums are? Thanks to Kevin, you do. Sugar Plums are simple-to-make sweet concoctions chock-full of crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruits and dusted with snowy icing sugar.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah shares three more creative cookies with us. Her Fusion Cookies are a savory East-meets-West cookie made with creamy sesame tahini and chewy dried fruits.

If you like Oreo Cookies (and who doesn't?), then you'll love Sarah's Perfect Cream-Filled Chocolate Cookies. Even better than the real thing, these cookies are just as delicious but are wheat-free, egg free, and vegan. Who wouldn't like that?

Sarah's Soetkoekies hold a special place in her heart. These Dutch cookies are a cherished treat in South Africa, and since Sarah's dearest school teacher, Verity, was from South Africa and of Dutch descent, these cookies bring back lovely memories of her.

Elizabeth of blog from OUR kitchen from Toronto, Canada. Elizabeth doesn't normally bake a lot of cookies throughout the year, but at Christmas time, she feels compelled to. That's good since she shares two tasty recipes with us today: one savory, one sweet, both delicious. Her savory Cheese Cookies would make an unusual appetizer, much better than ordinary crackers.

Her Ginger Shortbread Cookies made with fresh ginger are as aromatic as they are delicious. Plus Elizabeth uses tiny cookie cutters, so her guests can eat more than one without feeling guilty.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Sarah's been on a brownie binge lately (thank goodness) and is sharing two delicious recipes with us today. In honor of a favorite childhood show that Sarah used to enjoy, she named her first recipe Sharon, Lois, and Bram's Brownies. Made with chocolate chips, cocoa, and mini marshmallows, these brownies are a true kid-pleaser.

For an adult-pleaser, look no further than Sarah's Holly Brownies. They may just be the fudgiest, moistest brownies ever. Made with dried cherry "holly berries" and laced with fresh, aromatic mint, these festive brownies will be much more memorable than any Christmas sweater you might receive.

Lisa of Lisa's Kitchen from London, Ontario, Canada. They're a little bit cookie, a little bit truffle, and whole lotta yum! They're Lisa's Best Ever Rum Balls. These easy-to-make and versatile cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser which is why Lisa has been making them for three years and plans on making them for many more.

Elizabeth of blog from OUR kitchen from Toronto, Canada. Don't think there can be a cookie called "Food For the Gods" that's also easy to make? Think again. Elizabeth says these cookies are so simple you'd even have time to squeeze in a batch on Christmas Eve. I might have to see if she's right because these regal cookies contain my favorite ingredients: graham crackers, chopped dates, and chopped nuts.