winter Rx

for a little winter health boost, i made my own version of the somewhat spendy organic aisle elixer:  apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne, black pepper, turmeric (anti-inflammatory), ginger (anti-bacterial), sea salt and hint of grade B organic maple syrup.

post-holiday parties, my body also seems to really like a daily dose of milk thistle (liver-cleansing) and echinacea.  i have times where i feel like i'm fighting germs, but haven't been sick this year, even around 350+people a week at school! 

in fact, heading to the grocer can be a pharmacy boost not only for you but also for your pocketbook at this time of year.  it takes a bit more time, but can be really fun if you plan for it.

for starters, i'd like to introduce you to two fabulous chefs i met via their cookbooks from the library:  marcus samuelsson and tara o'brady.  perusing their recipes, making a list, organizing my shopping by pantry section and eating before i went to the market made for an enjoyable time.

i let myself wander the aisles and explore new foods and flavors.  because of this i discovered a delicious coffee from new orleans called "french market" that is a medium-dark roast blended with chicory, giving it less caffeine and more robust flavor.  (i'm sipping it now).  then cooking ahead for the next week and a half commenced (i gave myself two days for the planning, shopping, chopping and cooking).  light a candle and turn on some music, you'll be so excited for your next meal!

you'll start to find your palette.  mine tends toward the rich and spicy, so i stock up on quality:  cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, nutmeg, vanilla, peppercorns, sea salt, dark chocolate and smoked paprika.  i also stock basics for sauces and spreads such as:  tahini, fish sauce, red & white wine, rice & white or apple cider vinegars, organic lime & lemon juices, cocunut oil, balsamic, and plenty of extra virgin olive oil.

i have my own chicken eggs, so i usually add cocount milk, yogurt, soft & hard cheeses to the diary list. a friend shares organic beef with me which i alternate using between trips to the local seafood supplier. lentils, chia seeds, flax meal and quinoa round out the grains.  and, while we're waiting for spring, the produce aisle can be a dose of sunshine.  i was craving the vitamins and minerals in:  pomegranate, papaya, blood orange, black cherries, mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, cilantro, onion, basil, kale, fennel, tomato and avacado.

from all of this i was able to make:  chia pudding & golden tumeric sauce w/fruit, organic beef and tomato vegetable stew over couscous, asian rice salad wraps with peanut sauce, and homestead egg and potato fritters with fresh basil and mozerella.

what is your favorite food Rx?