Citrus and Pepper Blend

A simple use for zest is a citrus and pepper blend.  Use equal parts zest and kosher salt (or half if using granulated table salt), add a pinch or two of garlic or onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional).  Use on roasted vegetables or in salad dressings and soups.

Zesting

Remember to zest your citrus before juicing.  You can save the zest for future recipes by freezing it in small bags or ice cube trays.  Frozen and fresh zest are better than dried zest.

Ras al Hanout Spice Blend

You can buy pre-mixed spices pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.
Ras al Hanout:

1 ½ tsp. coriander seeds
¾ tsp. cumin seeds
½ tsp. crushed chili flakes
1 ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. ground cardamom
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground turmeric

Besides the incredible ability to flavor things up, chili flakes are a great source of antioxidants (Vitamin C and carotenoids) that can help improve insulin regulation.

Hungarian Spice Blend

Mix up a large batch of the Hungarian spice blend to recreate this recipe at home! It also works well on chicken, tossed with vegetables for roasting, or added to soups and stews.

1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed fennel seeds
1/4 tsp marjoram
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika

Mix well and store in airtight container.

Thai Laab spice blend

You can buy pre-mixed spices pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.

Laab Mix:
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. corriander
½ tsp. fennel

This laab mix will also work great on pork, chicken roasted carrots, sweet potatoes and a lot of other vegetables! Feel free to rub it all over the meat or vegetables with 1 Tbsp. oil and roast in the oven until cooked!

Open post

Red Curry Paste!

Red curry paste is a popular spice blend that has tons of uses. You can usually find curry paste on your grocery shelves near the rice or soy sauce in 10-14 ounce containers. If you’re using 2 tablespoons for your Khao Poon, that leaves a lot of curry paste leftover!

Red curry paste keeps well in the fridge for a long time, or can be frozen. Simply transfer leftover paste into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Pop out of the tray and store in an air-tight Ziploc bag until you need a couple tablespoons for your next dish or soup.

So, what else can you use red curry paste for?

  • Add 2 tablespoons to your favorite stir-fry sauce for a Thai twist on your usual.
  • Make a delicious curry dish to serve over rice: Combine cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons curry paste and a can of coconut milk until thickened and heated through. Stir in any vegetable your have and serve over cooked brown rice.
  • Stir into your favorite canned soup to add additional spice.

 

Taco Seasoning

You can buy pre-mixed taco seasoning pretty much anywhere BUT blending your own allows you to make sure there is no added salt.

  • 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
  • 1⁄4 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1⁄4 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1⁄4 tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 1⁄2 tsp. Paprika
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp. Ground Cumin

Besides the incredible ability to flavor things up, chili powder is a great source of antioxidants (Vitamin C and carotenoids) that can help improve insulin regulation.

Open post

White potatoes versus sweet potatoes?

So which to choose?? 
Most people consume white potatoes as french fries, potato chips, or loaded baked potatoes, while sweet potatoes often bring up images of pie, candied, added marshmallows… Either potato counts as a starchy vegetable and is best served baked, roasted or mashed with minimal added fats, salt and sugar. 
Sweet potatoes can be subbed for white potatoes in any recipe that uses potatoes. A good swap as they contain way more vitamin A, more vitamin C, fewer calories, more fiber and fewer carbs. Try the swap in the Beef Marsala & Scalloped Potatoes recipe for a more colorful dish! 
Open post

Make your own Thai Sauce!

When remaking the Thai Beef with Basil you can combine whichever vegetables you have or you family likes and make the Thai Sauce from scratch.

You can buy premixed sauce at most grocery stores BUT blending your own allows you to control the amount of salt and other ingredients.

Thai Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons tamari
  • 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Open post

Brussels Sprouts!

Health Benefits
• Contain detoxifying nutrients
• Good source of fiber, which helps your digestive system
• Contain vitamin K, which helps reduce inflammation
Easy Ideas
• Enjoy Brussels sprouts roasted, grilled, boiled, or sautéed.
• Mix Brussels sprouts in a stir fry.
• Add to your favorite pasta dish.

Posts navigation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Scroll to top


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact