The Symbol for Peace, Longevity and Excellence

"Except the vine, there is no plant that bears a fruit of as great importance as the olive." ~ Pliny (AD 23-79)


The cultivation and origin of the Olive dates back to about 6000 years ago and is essential to the Mediterranean economy.  Typically, October through March is harvest season.  Green olives are picked from September-November, blonde olives are collected from October-November, and black olives in November-February. 

Because freshly picked olives (traditionally done by shaking the tree) are quite bitter and unhealthy, curing is necessary to sterilize and soften the olive, making it more palatable.  There are several curing processes, such as Brine-curing (packing the olives in plain salt for one month), Salt-curing (packing the olives in salt water solution for a few days) and Freshwater-curing (bathing and drenching the olives in water which is changed daily).  They can then be flavoured by soaking them in herbs, spices such as pimento, lemon zest, wine, garlic, vinegar, and even anchovies!

Throughout history, the Olive has been used not just for food but for medicine, fuel, ceremonial anointments and cosmetics as well!  In Greece alone, there are about 120 million olive trees in Mytilini, Kriti, Corfu and the Peloponnese.  There are over 850 million olive trees that are being grown in the world including France, Spain, Portugal and beyond the Mediterranean Basin. 


Simple Recipes for Cheese Stuffed Olives and Memorable Moments with Family & Friends:


Ingredients:

1/2 cup goat cheese
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

8 basil leaves

1 bulb garlic

S&P to taste

8 oz. extra large olives
1 oz. cheerfulness for every olive 


Directions:

1.  Place all ingredients in the food processor and pulse until smooth and well-blended.

2.  Spoon the filling into the olives.

3.  Serve with vini rossi or bianchi, and finally...

4.  ENJOY and share the love!!

The Way of Ikebana, Rockwell

This traditional Japanese way of flower arranging dates back to the 15th Century under the Shogan rule.  It follows the minimalist principles in a sense that it draws attention to shape, line and form as opposed to the arrangement of blooms. The usually unnoticed parts of the flower, such as its leaves and stems, are the mediums used for creative and spiritual expression.  The disciplined art form symbolizes the harmony among heaven, earth and man.  It is a Japanese custom that the women of the upper class are schooled for this art (along with calligraphy and tea ceremonies) in preparation for marriage.  Therefore, Ikebana is also known as "cha bana" meaning "tea flowers."    To date, this somewhat avant-guarde three-dimensional art form is still highly regarded and being practiced in Japan.

(photo credit:  Jocelyn Zayco)

Communing With Nature, Makati

 

Greenbelt Park, located in the heart of the commercial district (and shopping mall!), is the best place to surround yourself with beauty and get some quiet time in the midst of all the holiday shopping frenzy.   Sculptural works of various local artists embrace the lagoon within this three hectare oasis. There are over fifteen species of palm trees including Royal, Triangle, Date and Foxtail Palms...just to name a few! One can also find over twenty-five tree varieties consisting of Acacia, Red Ficus, Ponytail, Gmelina, several species of Fig, Fire and Butterfly Trees.  The twice awarded six-themed tropical gardens, The Orchid Garden being one of my faves, received international acclaim for its landscape design.  

A Streak of Romance at the City of Love's Place Vendôme, Paris

This had to have been one of my most fantastical visits to Paris.  I unexpectedly came across an amazing exhibition at The Place by a Bohemian sculptress + artist whom I utterly worship and adore (can I share her name?).  Her creations are alive, dynamic, full of vigor and emotion (even without a face!).  I proudly consider myself one of the lucky tourists to have stumbled upon this special, once-in-a-lifetime afternoon treat!  I guess our desperate and wretched hunt for those Chanel contact lenses paid off because it turned out to be a blessing in disguise after all!  Do things happen for a reason?  Why, yes...yes, they do.