Spicy

I'm not a food adventurer but I do think we can incorporate other traditions and spices from ethnic cuisine. In other words, I'd like to keep the baby but throw out the bath water: that means keeping spices such cayenne but throwing out the cheese and fattening tortillas. I want to keep the cinnamon but not the cereal. I want to keep turmeric but not the curry sauce. Spices can replace excess salt and fat, and can add pizazz and flavor to your favorite dishes. Here are four spices you ought to include in your Lazy Susan:

Turmeric- here's a reason to like mustard. It contains a compound called curcumin which acts as an antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. Benefits include: protection against dementia, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Turmeric works best in soups, sauces and marinades.

Cinnamon- my personal favorite. This works best with smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, or even fruit. I like to dash it on diced apples. Just don't eat Frosted Flakes with cinnamon! There are actually two types of cinnamon. Ceylon is preferred by naturalists and herbalists. Cassia is usually what you find in the grocery stores. It can reduce inflammation and lower blood glucose levels. Whichever your choose, just use it.

Ginger- Used in China, India, Japan, and the Middle East, this is actually made from an underground stem called rhizome. It relieves nausea, inflammation, and can aids digestion. It's kind of a hassle to use. You have to buy the root and then use a cheese grater. Ginger can also treat colds and coughs. Add it to stews, soups, or even smoothies.

Cayenne- This contains the compound caspsaicin, which makes chili peppers hot. Capsaicin can kill and retard cancel cells in the brain, liver, prostate, and the skin. The best way to use cayenne is in chili and stews. You can even add it to sauces when you cook meat, the subject of my next post.


Kevin