January is always a good time to think about healthy eating and at the same time, do some experimenting in the kitchen. A great way to add flavor and keep things healthy at the same time is to add herbs and spices to any of your recipe creations. Herbs and spices are filled with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that are essential to a healthy diet. In addition, they are low in calories and while still packed with great flavor. Using herbs and spices is a great a way to get healthy in 2010, without compromising taste.At Oil & Vinegar, we have a wonderful selection of herbs and spices to choose from and some great recipe ideas to go with them. Here are some fun facts along with some of my favorite ways to incorporate herbs and spices in your daily life:
• Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties; Add this when making oven roasted potatoes with our Rosa Maria dipper.
• It is said that chili peppers speed up the metabolism; Add a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes to tomato soup.
• Garlic is heart smart; Add a clove to dips, omelets or just shake it on pasta with your favorite olive oil.
• If the gloom of winter is getting you down, coriander (found in our fish wish grinder, masala rub, Mélange de France); rosemary, (in our Rosa Maria dipper) and black pepper, (try our Italian black peppercorns), all have depression fighting properties. Make a delicious crudité and for the dip add Mélange de France to a thick Greek yogurt.
• Saffron is known to have a calming effect, so make some Paella and relax!
• Our Bruschetta mix is certainly the most popular and easy to use product in the store. Make some up, spread it on crusty bread, melt some mozzarella on top and enjoy the many health benefits of the tomato at the same time.
Hope you enjoy these tips as much as I do and just remember a delicious meal is only a couple of pinches away!
