Healthy Spices In A Well-Stocked Kitchen

Good cooks already know how important spices are in meal preparation.  Not only do herbs and spices make food taste better, they may help you live healthier and longer.  So says a slew of experts, including Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen (the "You" doctors), Dr. Andrew Weil (a proponent of integrative medicine) and Alison Gernand (from the University of Texas School of Public Health).  Studies show that adding spices to a diet helps ward off disease, regulates cholesterol and blood pressure and averts upset stomach, amongst other ailments.

So to prepare savory dishes at home, be sure to keep the following healthy spices in a well-stocked kitchen.  Think of it as inexpensive, preventative medicine:

1) Garlic – Good in meat, vegetables, soups and salads.  Lowers blood pressure and is good for your heart.

2) Onion – Also versatile in cooking.  An onion is a heart-friendly vegetable used as a spice. It fights cancer, relieves colds and clears your respiratory system.

3) Parsley – High in vitamin C and iron.  Parsley fights lung cancer and protects you against aging and rheumatoid arthritis.

4) Oregano – It is rich in anti-oxidants and thought to fight breast and ovarian cancer.

5) Rosemary – Good for your eyes; it may reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

6) Thyme – Soothes coughs and has antiseptic properties.

7) Cinnamon – Helps to lower cholesterol, blood sugar and keeps metabolism in check for healthy weight control.

8) Nutmeg – Relieves nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Fights insomnia.  Lowers blood pressure, increases circulation and reduces joint pain.

9) Allspice – You will taste hints of pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It relieves bloating and muscle aches.

10) Clove – Has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.  Eliminates intestinal parasites and bacteria.

11) Ginger – Boosts the immune system, fights colds, soothes upset stomach, relieves gas and is good for your heart.

12) Bay Leaves – High in vitamins A and C.  Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

13) Turmeric – Used in Indian dishes, it has anti-aging properties and fights prostate cancer.

14) Cilantro [aka coriander] – Protects against urinary tract infections.

15) Crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika – Excellent source of anti-oxidants.  Red peppers contain capsaicin, a natural inflammation reducer.  They may help you lose weight also.

You might also pick up basil, tarragon, sage, cardamom pods and star anise.  Although fresh herbs and spices are ideal, substitute dried for convenience.  After you have a well-stocked spice rack, try making this delicious and easy treat:

Authentic Masala Chai

6 cups water

1 inch-thick slice of fresh ginger, smashed with the side of your knife

3-4 cinnamon sticks

2 teaspoons black peppercorns, or ½ teaspoon ground pepper

10 whole cloves

6 cardamom pods, crushed

2 star anise

I add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of vanilla extract.

8 black tea bags (or 8 teaspoons of loose black tea)

2 cups milk

½ cup honey

1. Combine the first 8 ingredients and bring to a boil.

2. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat and let the spices steep for 10 more minutes.

4. Next throw in the tea bags and steep for another 3-5 minutes.  Remove the tea bags, and strain the solid spices from the chai.  This mixture can be stored in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to use, add the milk, vanilla and honey to the chai. Heat in a pot on top of your stove, or microwave until hot.  Enjoy!

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Gerry Rafferty - Right Down the Line

On January 4th, 2011 Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty died of liver failure. Best known for his pop hits, [solo] "Baker Street," "Right Down the Line" and [with band mates] "Stuck In the Middle With You," he was a life long alcoholic, which must have been genetic, because his father was one also. I want to acknowledge him for his distinctive voice and fine songwriting. Not only are his tunes catchy and likable, but his lyrics are crisp, precise and brilliantly simple. When you listen to him, he is really saying something that is universal. Few musicians write about relationships, or the human condition with as much clarity and understanding.  Many artists never have a memorable song.  Gerry Rafferty had three and a good album -- or two.  Not too shabby; it makes you wonder what might have been.  R.I.P. [For more read this from the NYT.]

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Pass The Pepper Mill, Please

It appears I'm going to have to bite the bullet. There's a kitchen gadget I need, and it never, ever goes on sale.  I'm talking about a pepper mill.  Research leads me to a French company.  Peugeot makes a high end pepper mill, which reportedly will last through the years.  The model I have in mind is called “Nancy.”  That's right ... Nancy.  Who knew pepper mills have names?  Could it be a joke the French are playing on Americans?  If so, they'll never admit it.  

Regardless of not knowing why a pepper mill has a proper feminine name, it has a clear acrylic body to be able to see the peppercorns, along with stainless steel grinding mechanisms, so it won't soon become dull through use.  There are several sizes.  Does size matter with Nancy?  She's staying mum.  I'm selecting 7 inches -- not too big and not too small.  And it's easy to handle and refill.  

Nancy replaces a $1.99 no-name pepper mill I purchased from CVS as a test to see if freshly ground pepper makes a big difference in cooking.  Yes, it definitely does.  A world of difference in flavor.  Now I'm wondering if I need a salt grinder too.  I'm thinking no, but please weigh in if you are a cook.  Costs: $28 each.  

Update: I bought the set, and they look so darn cute together.  My mills work great!

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Ringing In The New Year

New Year's Day has come and gone, but the new year has just begun.  I don't make New Year's resolutions, per se.  I think you need motivation, direction and discipline everyday to live a life of purpose, as well as, the flexibility to meet the challenges that will invariably arise.  Nothing earth-shattering here ... stay positive, always do your best, learn from your mistakes and keep trying.  (Sometimes, trying something else.)  I don't believe this way of thinking guarantees you'll achieve every goal, get rich, or avoid all hardship, but I think over the course of a lifetime, you'll find contentment in knowing you were the best you could possibly be.  You will live a meaningful life, and one that you direct.

That being said, there are a few things I'd like to have more and less of in 2011:

More

Laughs with family and friends

Fabulous voices to listen to – (No mosh pits for me!)  Music by gifted performers who really can sing.

Interesting books to read – What will I discover in the new year?

Congress working together – Compromise, government getting the job done

Pilates – Good teachers nearby

Organization of home and work space – Forever makes me happy! 

Wholesome, delicious food to eat – Forever makes me happy!

Patience – Practicing it, receiving it

Generosity of spirit – Possessing it, receiving it

Transparency – Living it, being surrounded by it. Forever makes me happy!

Less

Negative people - Life is too short.

Lindsay Lohan - Her mother, her father 

Kate Gosselin - And the journalists who interview her.

Heidi Montag - Ditto.  Let's go back to, you must have a talent to become a celebrity.

Christine O'Donnell and those like her - "I am not a witch."  Enough said.

Processed food 

Clutter

Movies – That are slight, depressing or pointless.

Facebook – A little goes a long way.

Twitter – A miniscule goes a very long way.

And finally, I'd like to share a clever quote from Suzy Orman, who gives advice on tracking your spending and staying out of debt, “You are creating a life where people come first, then money, then things.”  It's a good thought to start a new year, don't you agree?

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The Twelve Days Of Christmas

Many people probably think the twelve days of Christmas start before December 25th, since what was once a religious holiday has evolved into an over-the-top commercial one; but in Western Christian Churches the twelve days of Christmas actually run from December 25th until January 5th.  It is then followed by The Epiphany on January 6th.  Some Christian traditions count the evening of December 25th and the day of December 26th as the First Day of Christmas and include The Epiphany -- a day remembering that Three Wise Men, or Magi, arrived, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Christ child.  Traditionally, there are three Magi, as the Bible names three gifts, but did you know that the narrative never mentions how many Wise Men came?  Also, many of us know the names of the Magi [Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar], but that's not mentioned in Scripture either.

Although December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in the West, some countries wait until January 6th to exchange gifts.  Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” is January 5th, the last day of the Christmas season before the celebration of the Epiphany.  In some cultures, it is the custom to give Christmas gifts for each day of Christmas.  And out of this practice, we have a well-known song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The origins of the song are equally fascinating … and controversial.  Some historians suggest "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" began as a song of Christian instruction during England's Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century, with hidden references to the Catholic faith.  But other historians disagree, claiming the song was simply a fun parlor game of secular origins.  Because there's no unshakable proof either way, we'll have to wait for scholars to establish the song's true origins with more certainty.

Here 's the Religious Symbolism cited in "The Twelve Days Of Christmas":

1 My True Love refers to God

2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-Laying refers to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-Swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments

8 Maids A-Milking refers to the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-Leaping refers to the Ten Commandments

11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles [minus Judas]

12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed [source: carols.org.uk]

Clearly, it's a spirited Christmas song, fun to sing in a big group, regardless of orgins.  I hope you're enjoying the holidays.  But, don't take down those decorations yet.  There are still eight more days of Christmas to go!

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Stay Warm With A Goose Down Coat

When you're in the hustle and bustle of a crowned city street look around you.  Everyone seems to own a goose down coat.  Recently I bought one, and now I understand the reason for their popularity.  

Ultra warm and lightweight, it's my new go-to coat.  

Before selecting it, I shopped around and asked lots of questions.  I learned, if you want a warm down coat that needs less layering, it should be at least 70% down, with 600 fill insulation.  

Based on quality and style, I liked three companies: Moncler, North Face and Lands' End.  Each makes a super warm coat that lets you bundle up without bulking up.  Good.  Let's avoid a Michelin Man look.  After I considered a fourth element -- cost verses value, I chose the Down Chalet Coat from Lands' End.  Here's why: Designed as stylish as its competitors, it has all the bells and whistles for a fraction of the cost!  

Lands' End's Chalet Coat is 80% natural goose down with 650 fill insulation, which is comparable to the others.  It has (1) an attractive wind and water resistant polyester shell; (2) snaps and a zipper [double] closure; (3) a goose down insulated, snap-off hood; (4) micro-fleece storm cuffs; and (5) 5 pockets [3 inside and 2 fleece-lined outside].  All 5 pockets zip closed.  And what makes the coat truly warm in the coldest weather is (6) a wind blocking chin guard.  With the chin guard and insulated hood, I don't have to wear a scarf, or hat in 17 degrees F.  So far, I've avoided hat hair and wearing extra layers of clothing.  Plus, I get lots of compliments wearing it.  It's surprising how toasty warm such a lightweight coat is.   

The coat is mid-calf, longer than it photographs and machine washable too.  Extra tip from Landsend: When machine drying your coat, throw in a few tennis balls to fluff it up.

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It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas

Homemade Almond Roca

Every December I become a cookie baker, but my friends Cara S. and Michelle K. are the candy makers.  When Cara visits, she brings me a care package of confectionary delights.  And Michelle, who taught Cara about candy making, rivals Willy Wanka and the Chocolate Factory.  When I stop by Michelle's house, she sends me into the candy room, with a festive paper bag in hand, to pick out whatever I want.  Deciding is a hard job, but someone has to do it.  Everything from caramel-nut turtles and peppermint bark to chocolate covered nuts and chocolate chip cookies wrapped around miniature, peanut butter cups are homemade with dark, milk or white chocolate.  Leave it to faithful friends like me to take some of Michelle's inventory off her hands.  It's a waist expanding experience, but my taste buds couldn't be happier.  Below is a recipe for old fashioned Almond Roca.  I hope the candy makers check in.

Almond Roca

Ingredients:

4 sticks butter

4 tablespoons water

2 cups sugar

2 cups slivered or chopped almonds

1 cup chocolate chips

½ cup finely chopped almonds for sprinkling

Makes about 36 servings.

Directions:

1) Before you start, grease an 18” x 13” pan and put it aside.

2) Combine the butter, water and sugar, one at a time, in a saucepan.  The mixture will be runny, “cheesy” and runny/smooth.  Cook on a high flame, stirring constantly through the three stages.  The runny/smooth stage will turn a caramel brown color.  It will be very hot, so be careful.

3) Remove the caramel mixture from the heat, and stir in the chopped almonds.  Combine well.

4) Next spread the caramel-almond “toffee” on the greased cookie sheet.

5) Sprinkle the toffee with chocolate chips.  After the chocolate melts, spread it across the top.

6) And finally, sprinkle the top with additional chopped almonds.

While the candy is still warm and soft, you can score the top to make it break evenly after it cools, or simply wait to break it up into rustic pieces.  Waiting for the candy to cool is the hardest part of all.

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The Ambiance Of A Brasa Fire

If you live in a house with a fireplace, you know how inviting it is to stay warm by nestling in front of the flames on a frigid, winter day.  Now there are products on the market to safely bring a fire to any room, or tabletop without having to install a traditional fireplace.

Compact and portable, Brasa Fires are ventless and fueled by renewable green energy.  They run on denatured alcohol [bio-ethanol], a biofuel made from agricultural products like corn, sugar and potatoes.  With chic and modern designs, Brasa Fires create atmosphere and add warmth wherever you put them.  Consider placing a Brasa  fireplace in a living room, or choose a slender fire lamp as a centerpiece for a coffee table, or outdoor patio table by a pool -- Ok, I'm dreaming!  

If you already have a fireplace, the company also sells burner inserts that can be placed into a masonry hearth, or the built-in fire setting in your home.  

Brasa Fires are suitable for houses and apartments alike.  They are easy to set up.  No installation is necessary.  Costs: $165 - $625.

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Let's Ease Into Christmas With Bette Midler

Christmas is three weeks away.  Tonight I'm attending a tree lighting.  Have you decorated, or completed your shopping?  I'm not quite ready to sing Christmas carols just yet, so I'm going to ease us all into the spirit by sharing a tune, which beautifully expresses what Christmas is all about, even though it's not really a Christmas song.  Next weekend I'll pull out the decorations and Christmas albums.  But I'm not quite there yet.

Also next week, I'll bake my first batch of Christmas cookies.  Called Russian Tea Cakes, they are very popular among my family and friends.  These holiday sweets are often sold in specialty shops, but are simple to make at home:

Russian Tea Cakes

Ingredients: 

1 cup butter

½ cup confectionary sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup chopped pecans [or walnuts]

Directions: 

1) Heat the oven to 350 F

2) Thoroughly mix the butter, sugar and vanilla.

3) Work in the flour, salt and nuts until a dough forms and holds together. (You want a dry dough.)

4) Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet brushed lightly with oil.

5) Bake 10 - 12 minutes until set, but not brown.

6) While warm, roll in confectionary sugar.  Cool and roll in sugar again to look like snowballs.

Makes about 30 cookies.  Costs: Less than $5.

Above ... Miss M is divine, as are the teacakes.  Enjoy!

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Chestnuts Roasting Over An Open Fire, Or In A Toaster Oven

One of the treats I enjoy eating around the holidays is roasted chestnuts.  Like many of you, I associate them with the Christmas season.  But they remind me of a time when my father brought a bag home, and I put some in our toaster oven.  Since they take about 15 minutes to roast, I went back into my bedroom and was resting on my bed reading my homework.  

Meanwhile, my mother walked into the kitchen and sat at the table to do some bookkeeping -- when all of a sudden one of the chestnuts exploded, blowing open the toaster oven door.  It nearly frightened my poor mother to death.  She must have thought she'd been shot!  And in the heat of the moment, she was furious!  

She ran into my room with the rest of the hot chestnuts and told me to make sure to "fresse" every last one of them up!  In her native tongue, you say "essen" for "eat" when talking about a person and "fressen,” to describe the intake of food by a beast.  

I thought the whole thing was so hysterical.  All I could do was laugh, right in her face! -- which only made her madder.  She ended up giving me a REally dirty look before heading back into the kitchen.  

People get angry; animals go mad.  Was my mother angry?  Nah, she was mad!  And I was in stitches!  Accidents are funny when nobody gets hurt, but an unsuspecting person becomes unhinged.

Today ... here I sit eating chestnuts, and they are delicious.  And when I ask my mam'ma , she doesn't remember the family drama.  But, I'll never forget it. 

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The Secret Sisters - The One I Love Is Gone (Live)

You may not have heard of Laura and Lydia Rogers, The Secret Sisters, but you will.  Their new, self-titled album is executive produced by T Bone Burnett. Here they sing a Bill Monroe song.  The duo hail from Muscle Shoals, Alabama and are singer-songwriters. They may be a secret now, but I bet they begin winning artists-of-the-year awards and pop up on televised awards shows in the next year, or two.  Listen to the definition of gorgeous.

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Decorating Your Home With Art

When I decorate a room, I choose art that makes me happy.  My only criteria is, I have to love it.  Whether or not the piece is of great monetary value isn't really a consideration.  An example: For the wall above my computer desk, I didn't look for a certain artist, era, or necessarily, an original.  I remembered a museum painting by a French artist I spotted a few years ago, and I knew I'd enjoy looking at it everyday.  The painting was the right combination of colors and size for my space.  It complemented the area.  So up on the wall it went.  But instead of ordering a poster, then framing it, I ordered an ink “print on canvas.”  It's a more vibrant and dimensional format  -- one that arrives ready to hang.  Guests are always admiring my reproduction, and I never get tired of looking at it.  You can get almost any well-known painting printed on canvas.  And no framing required.  Just pick your favorite, nail it up there and enjoy.  Costs: About $100.

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