RASPBERRY MERINGUES WITH CRÈME FRAICHE & SUMMER BERRIES

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 10 MERINGUES  Light as air, only slightly sweet and topped with fresh berries, this is the perfect summer dessert.

INGREDIENTS

• about ½ cup powdered sugar for baking sheets
• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups organic sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups crème fraiche
• ½ pint organic raspberries (see Note below)
• ½ pint organic blackberries (see Note below)

NOTE
It is best not to wash berries as they become water-logged, quickly losing their flavor and vitality (not to mention leak their precious color all over the plate and this white dessert).  Instead, just be certain to purchase organic berries and pick them over for any signs of spoilage.  Store berries in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to use.

DIRECTIONS

1.    Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats, (French nonstick baking mats), and sift powdered sugar evenly over the top.  Set baking sheets aside.

2.    Mix together vinegar and vanilla in a small bowl and set aside.

3.    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and salt until they begin to form soft peaks.

4.    Increase speed of mixer; whisking constantly, slowly add sugar a heaping spoonful at a time, until all has been incorporated and mixture is firm enough to hold stiff and glossy peaks. Make sure the mixture doesn’t go beyond the moist, glossy stage, or it will become dry and separate.

5.    Add raspberry vinegar and vanilla mixture to the egg whites and whisk until evenly distributed.

6.    Pipe or spoon small (about 3 ½ inches in diameter) mounds of the meringue onto baking sheets, spacing mounds about 1 inch apart. Use the back of a large spoon to make little “nests” in which the crème fraiche and berries may rest.  Be sure not to make them so deep as to touch the baking sheet.  Dust the mounds with lightly with powdered sugar.

7.    Bake meringues until completely dry to the touch, about 2 ½ hours.  You will know they are ready when they lift easily – without any sticky resistance – from the baking sheet (I like to use a large offset spatula).  The meringues should not brown.

8.    Transfer baking sheets to a wire rack to cool completely, possibly overnight.  Carefully ease the meringues off the parchment.  Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. These meringues are very delicate, so handle carefully.

9.    To serve, whip crème fraiche until it holds soft peaks.  Place a heaping tablespoon of the whipped crème into each “nest” and sprinkle with fresh berries.  Serve immediately.

SUMMER FARMSTAND VEGETABLE & QUINOA SALADWITH MOLE PUREE & AVOCADO

4-6 servings  - This interesting grain salad is great as a supper side to meat or fish, but also serves as a hearty vegetarian dish on its own and a fabulous break from the typical lunch box sandwich.  Actually a seed rather than a grain, quinoa is readily available in most supermarkets or health food stores.  Not only is quinoa high in protein AND fiber, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.  Additionally, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients.  The mole puree is not necessary, but adds depth and complexity to the dish – not to mention, serving chocolate along aside ANYTHING is a good way to get kids (including the grown-up variety) to eat such a healthy, fiberful meal without fuss!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed until water runs clear and drained in a fine mesh strainer
• 1 ¾ c water or stock
• 3 large multi-colored sweet peppers, such as purple, red and orange, cut into ¼” dice
• 3 ears fresh summer corn, shucked, rinsed, and kernels removed
• 1 pint Sungold tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• Sea salt to taste
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or micro cilantro greens
• Mole puree & sliced avocado for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring water or stock to a boil in a small pot.  Reduce heat and keep at a simmer until ready to use.

2. Rinse the quinoa: pour the grains into a fine-meshed strainer set over a large clear or white bowl and run water over it.  Swish the grains around with your hand. Raise the strainer. If the water is clear and there are no bubbles, no more rinsing is needed. If the water is cloudy or sudsy, first check the grains closely and remove any twigs or other foreign matter.  Return the strainer to the bowl and fill it with clean water.  Rub the grains gently against the strainer.  Lift the strainer and empty the bowl.  Fill with fresh water and repeat until the water remains clear and there are no bubbles on the surface. (Red and black quinoa may bleed color, not to be mistaken with dirt or other impurities.)  Allow quinoa to dry in strainer.

3. Toast rinsed and dried quinoa in a small saucepan (whatever you would use to cook rice) on medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until a nutty aroma leaves the pan.  Once the grain smells toasty (about 2 min or so), carefully pour the hot water slowly into the pan with the quinoa (do this slowly or it will boil over).  Add a good pinch of sea salt. Reduce to a simmer over low heat, and cook for approximately 15-17 minutes, until water is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork. \

4. Fold in another pinch of sea salt, chopped vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, lime juice and cilantro.  Adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Serve warm or at room temperature along side the mole puree and slices of avocado.

I want to shout from the roof tops that our very own Susan Nethro, founder and owner of six Intimacy locations nationwide was featured once again on OPRAH today!! I am just so thrilled that Susan has brought such world wide attention to what women are wearing under their clothes.Today’s episode revolved around the five must have bras to help a girl look her best, but better yet FEEL great! My experience is attitude is everything and when you are wearing something that makes you feel good its only natural to have a better attitude! I just know that there will be a show about how to stay cool and look hot and NiteSweatz will be featured - Come on Oprah, baby!! Watch: Intimacy segment on Oprah

A Day with the Women of the Cancer Wellness Center

I recently spent over four hours with the greatest group of inspirational ladies and wanted to share my experience with all of you.

I was invited to speak about NiteSweatz in the Wellness Center of Piedmont Hospital’s Cancer Center. When I arrived I was greeted by such a warm and inviting group of not only employees but also the ladies that were there to hear about NiteSweatz wicking sleepwear and apparel.

Doctors are asked to leave their white coats at the door, to ensure an immediate feeling of warmth and love surrounding you in an otherwise sterile, medical environment.

Many women and men undergoing chemotherapy have found NiteSweatz apparel as a source of comfort to one of the big side effects of chemo… hot flashes and night sweats. This is why Carolyn Helmer asked me to stop by and bring awareness of our unique product line to these women so they can be comforted during this not so comfortable time in their lives.

After my product demo and a chat about me and birth of the NiteSweatz wicking sleepwear concept, I was able to meet and talk with many of the 25-30 ladies and hear about their individual journeys.

One lady confided in me that she had just picked up her wig and this was her first public appearance wearing it (I couldn’t tell it was a wig!) and told her, I was her new best friend, she said!

We were able to give away 5 sets of NiteSweatz as door prizes and the first lady who won was so excited (of course because it was NiteSweatz) but also because she had never won anything before in her life. We used her as an example that her life/luck is changing! She is a winner!

Some had just begun their journey with cancer and then there were some who had come out on the other side and were able to lend support to the others, truly special group of ladies devoted to lifting each other up, no matter what their stage.

Our lunch was prepared by one of the wellness center’s master chefs. She created a delicious all natural, locally grown vegetarian meal for us that as filling, satisfying, tasty and HEALTHY!! As she explained what she had prepared for us, she also gave us nutritional tips and education of why she combined certain foods etc.

I could eat like that everyday - Maybe someday…

The afternoon spent at the Wellness Center made me so incredibly grateful for my own health, but also grateful to know that there is a place to go for support, guidance, education and fun for all of us in the Atlanta area undergoing treatment for cancer.

To learn more about the Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont go to:

Dear Oprah:

Ask and you shall receive. For my entire life, that simple statement has been our family mantra. Whenever I wanted something (for myself or others) my grandma, a pastor’s wife, would simply say to me “Honey girl, just ask… and you shall receive”.  I always believed that God was listening…and if we trusted him, he would in fact, bestow his bounty upon us. I still believe that. 

The other day I was running…mentally reviewing my goals for 2008 and at the top of the list (as it was in 2007, 2006 and 2005) was “Get on Oprah.” After awhile, the list was done, and all I heard for the remainder of my run was ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE… ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE, ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE.  So I’m asking.  

And before I ask again, I want to tell you a story. A year ago today, my mother passed away. ALS took this beautiful, strong, successful woman – my friend, my mentor and my hero. In 2004 she had yet to be diagnosed, but her speech was significantly impaired. That didn’t stop her from communicating. On the morning of Dec 24th she proudly displayed (in my presence) my newest business creation, NiteSweatz™, to a friend of hers. She was so excited and wanted so badly to tell her friend all about my “baby” that she grabbed the first piece of paper she could find (a Christmas grocery shopping list) and on the back wrote:  “Oprah 6 months.” 

That night, I cleaned up the kitchen and threw that grocery list away, only to wake up in the middle of the night to brave the outside elements and dig it out of the garbage. It is now framed in my office — a visual reminder of my mother’s unswerving support and transcendent belief in my abilities.  NiteSweatz™, a line of moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating sleepwear and apparel for women experiencing discomfort caused by a variety of heat-generating conditions, like menopause, chemotherapy and pregnancy, debuted in June 2004.  It’s a very unique line and we were thrilled to be featured in the February 2008  “Does Your Underwear Need an Overhaul” story in O, The Oprah Magazine.  Due to my distinctive approah to business and family and passion to help others, I have also been a guest on “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” and will be featured in the March issue of Entrepreneur Magazine.  

At this point, I am just not sure how to approach you in the furtherance of my (and my mother’s) dream for this truly life-changing line of products. I have sent many samples to you on many separate occasions. Should you request it, I will send more. I have a wonderful business model, great manufacturing, solid distribution channels and funding to allow my business to thrive. I have hired a PR firm to spread the message of NiteSweatz to a demonstrably receptive public.  I have done my due diligence and I am ready.  I don’t know what the “politically correct” next step is, so I will simply ask… May I please be a guest on your show? 

There. It’s done. If I didn’t ask, it would have been a denial of the strongest inner urgings and convictions I have had in a very long time – not to mention that mantra of which I spoke. It would have meant not being true to myself and to the belief that my dear mother had in me. I hope you read this letter. I hope you feel compelled to at least talk with me further about NiteSweatz and the golden opportunity it presents to your fans and audiences all over the world. And I thank you so much for your time.

Lesley Hatfield
Founder, CEO,
NiteSweatz Inc.
www.nitesweatz.com
5895 Olde Atlanta Pkwy
Atlanta GA 30024
770.617.3033
800.611.0069

Today was full of mixed emotions for me and several members of Team NiteSweatz.

We participated in an ALS walk/run event to help raise money for Emory University’s ALS research center. Those who know me, know that my mom passed away in January 2007 of Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is a difficult disease to study as most of the people die within 3-5 years after diagnosis. My mom fought with such grace, strength and courage as it slowly paralyzed EVERY muscle in her entire body (starting with her tongue) yet her brain was perfect!

Can you imagine living like that for 3-5 years?

We cant, so we fight!

Today we were honored to help raise awareness and donate money so that one day a cure will be found for this dreadful disease! We ran for those who cant and for those who are no longer with us… But will forever be in our hearts!!

In the last year of my mom’s life she wore NiteSweatz ALL DAY/EVERYDAY as she was completely bed ridden unable to move a single muscle in her body and refused to wear anything else. NiteSweatz kept her cool and dry while laying on those plastic covered mattresses, she felt like it was NiteSweatz that helped her not get a single bed sore!

Last winter we donated over 300 outfits to the ALSA chapter in the South/East. We thought that if NiteSweatz comforted her so much that others fighting this disease may also be comforted. We extended this offer also to caregivers of PALS (people with ALS) as these people are truly angels on earth.

Today we got to meet and hear from several recipients of those gifts. In listening to the stories it reconfirmed to us that we are in the right business, providing solution products that make a difference in the lives of women! I encourage everyone to find a cause that touches your heart and in doing so you not only help others you help yourself!

Enjoy the day!

FORE!!

{Braggin alert} I didn’t have to say that once while playing in a wonderful charity golf event for GIRLS INC this week.

Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

I was honored to be a part of a great team to support a wonderful cause. It was about 100 degrees (this is where technology clothing helps) but we had such a great time despite the heat.

Thanks Amanda Harley of Gifford, Hillgrass and Ingwersen here in Atlanta for inviting me, we laughed so hard and played so bad it all evened out! Without Susan, we may still be out on the course!

So I never had to say “FORE” but we wont mention how many balls were left on the course …or in the water!

Up at 4:00 a.m. For my “commute” to Newark and CNBC’s the Big Idea show. I arrived at 9:00 to a very cold and rainy New York! My driver, Avi, didn’t bring me an umbrella (I feel like such a brat) but I was going to be drenched not to mention sick if I went out in that downpour without an umbrella! He gave me his coat (and he got soaked, maybe next time he’ll remember!).We drove to the CNBC station about 30 minutes from the airport where the awesome Patti and Laura tag teamed me in the hair and makeup room to get me dried off and camera ready (this is so much fun, I feel like a movie star!)In the green room today was my counter part in crime Laura Udall, she was not only going to help me “judge” but was The Big Idea of the show. Laura Udall is an entrepreneurial mother of three who was distraught about the health risks her kids were facing from carrying their heavy backpacks. She knew she had to do something!Her quest led to the forming of ZUCA, a company dedicated to creating healthy products for the mobile lifestyle. Youhave got to check out these bags they have everything from back packs and rolling carry ons to full suitcases. They are so unique you have to see them to understand what I am talking about www.zuca.com my favorite feature is that they have compartments (actual shelves and drawers) in the suitcase and carry on bag! Great idea and a fascinating woman!The product under review for the Minutes to Millions segment today is Momspit. Yes, you read it right, Momspit. Easy to use and easier to install than plumbing, they say.MomSpit is about immediate gratification with style in the elimination of dirt, wherever you are and whenever you need it most. It contains no alcohol, mousses brilliantly, moisturizes gently, absorbs quickly and feels great. It’s not gel. It’s not sanitizer. It’s MomSpit - the universal no-rinse cleanser for hands and face. Works like magic, smellslike heaven, cleans like soap and water without the sink.www.momspit.com MomSpit

1. Name, I like it, its gross, it’s disgusting, but its memorable! Everyone knows that a mom spits on their kid to clean them up in an emergency!
2. Packaging, I didn’t really think its was that great, in an effort to look non toxic and pure, I think it looks cheap. Donny disagreed and thought they were trying to balance the name with the package, and maybe so, but with a name like Momspit, shouldn’t you come out bold and shocking?
3. Target market, moms of kids ages 1-7 I thought that was about right, that is the age of dirty little monkeys!
4. Price point $9.00 for 2 oz and $18.00 for 7oz. I think this is really expensive, don’t you? Even though they say you can get 200 applications in the 2oz bottle, I am a little cheap in that I would just use wet wipes from Costco 500 wipes for something like $3.00 and then you have something to wipe your hands on and throw away… Maybe I am missing something? Or I would just spit on my kid if I was in a pinch… I am not organized enough to remember to pull out a container of momspit to clean off Jack…
5. Big idea? I really didn’t think so… Sorry girls, I think its cute, I think you will sell lots of product especially to speciality shops and as gifts to first time mothers, but I just cant see many price conscience moms paying this as a regular way to clean off their dirty kids, especially when there are all the Purells of the world as sanitizers and not just cleansers.

I admit, there is far too much anti bacterial stuff on the market and we are over using (and we would never use germ X on our kids faces) but I am a little more concerned with germs then dirt on my 2 year old.The great thing about Donny Deutsch is that he WANTS you to succeed! Even though we all thought that Momspit had some work to do he challenged them to come back in 6 months and prove him wrong. He made a deal with them that ifthey proved him wrong he would have them back on the show, take off his shirt on national television and would do 50 pushups!! Come on Momspit, for all of the ladies out there that would love to see Donny without a shirt…SUCCEED!!