Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Kashmir Sapphire-Is it really a Kashmir Sapphire

The search for a colored stone appraiser with experience in Kashmir Sapphires continues. My buyer is still interested, but frustrated with his efforts to find an appraiser. Kashmir Sapphires originate in Northern India, with weather conditions similar to the Himalayas and the region is only accessible 1-2 months per year. I had tried to make a quest there on my own, but the region has now been taken over by a terrorist cell (believed to be part of Osama Bin Laden's group), so sapphires are occasionally smuggled out of there, but no visits for me in the near future.
APERITIFS-Soda-water should never be mixed with the most popular and violent aperitifs, which are generally called 'pastis' or 'amis'. They are made by secret processes and are generally green (but the Greek equivalent, ouzo, is white and some Provencal home-made pastis is orange). When in bottle, they are clear, but as soon as water is put with them, they become cloudy. They taste of aniseed, and until you are used to them they have a violently stimulating effect. They are among the most questionable and habit-forming drinks known to man, and in their strongest forms are forbidden even in France. In their original strengths they were called absinthe's, and contained wormwood, which is provably a deleterious substance-The Plain Man's Guide to Wine, Raymond Postgate 1951.
I found a new book, which I will not be selling, but would recommend if you can find one. Family Circle, Great Chicken Recipes-207 recipes. Lost recipes I have never seen before, when you were allowed to have skin on your chicken breast. Published in 1968, most recipes will be very easy to update with a lower fat content (in other words, boneless skinless, chicken breasts). A great book, I look forward to trying out many recipes.
One of my favorite authors is Katie MacAllister, her latest book I have just finished is "Sex and the Single Vampire". Normally, I don't read books about vampires, but I read everything by Katie MacAllister. Her books are funny, far-fetched and sexy.
One cookbook, I will recommend that I am selling on EBay (cookbooks or Valerie2901), is "Better Homes and Gardens All-Time Favorite Pies". This is my pie bible and where I learned how to make pies. I create my own recipes, now, but I still refer back to this book and its 169 recipes when I need new ideas.
Tried a chicken and pasta recipe, a friend recommended tonight. Sauteeing 1 lb. of chicken tenders in 2 tbsp. olive oil. Then adding a can of fat-free chicken broth, roasted red peppers and 1 container of Alouette Garlic & Herbs Cheese, cook until warmed through and then pour over a box of cooked bowtie pasta. I made it and it's good, but not great-I feel my friend must have left out an ingredient, but I can't figure out what. If anyone knows, let me know. I know it definetly needed salt and pepper.
Cookbook Val

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