Considering its proximity to Mexico, it makes sense for California to have some of the best, most authentic Mexican food around. I can say that with confidence because I’ve actually eaten Mexican food in Mexico on numerous occasions, since I have family members from there. I’m a Northern California girl, but I must admit that some of the Mexican food in Southern California is better than what I’ve come across up north.
The first time I got my own place, I imagined a kitchen stocked full of all the dried herbs and spices I could possibly desire. I wanted to have everything on hand so no dish would go without. Hitting the spice aisle, I quickly realized I had no idea where to begin. Stocking up on spices for a new kitchen can be mind-boggling when you don't know where to begin -- not to mention expensive. Other than salt – which you’re using in nearly every dish – which herbs and spices are the most convenient to have on hand
Poultices are some of the most interesting medicines. A poultice is a warm medicated dressing. To make a poultice, you just crush up different plants, herbs, and other healing medicinal items into a paste and apply to the affected area. It really is one of the simplest medicines to make, with incredible results.
Cold? Cough? Stomach a bit upset? Make a ginger garlic broth that you can sip as a soup, or have with rice to detoxify your system and heal yourself with these Ayurvedic ‘heating’ herbs.
As children, we were all guilty of slipping the family dog(s) some table scraps when nobody was looking. It’s harmless, right? Wrong. I know they’re your best friends, but you cannot let those big ol’ puppy eyes get to you. Many common foods that may be somewhat healthy for us can actually send your pets to the vet (or worse, unfortunately). You may be tempted to share the wealth of food with your furriest family members, but it’s in the best interests of all parties involved to just toss them their favorite dog treats.
If you haven’t heard of quinoa, the superfood, by now, it’s time to get out from underneath that rock. For those of you who are still unsure of how to say it (let alone spell it), it’s pronounced “keen-wah.”
I am a predictable eater, especially when I know what I love to eat. Beets are one vegetable for which I will always reach, and so I find ways to incorporate them into classics…like this bright and beautiful beet ginger hummus, pulsing with warming, slightly spicy flavors I love. This recipe is awesome not just for the flavor, but because it brings some real vibrant color into the kitchen during the winter season. It reminds me of the strong magenta of a peony or a really rich summer fruit, and the ginger in it warms like the feeling of summer sunlight. It’s delightful!
Nothing can warm your insides quite like a good bowl of split pea soup! The potatoes and carrots in this recipe create a hearty meal while the garlic, onion and seasonings blend with the peas for a rich and delicious flavor. You can also feel good about getting a large serving of veggies, since the peas alone have high levels of vitamins C, A and protein!
*Serves 6-8 people
Ingredients:
3 cups split peas, dried
7 cups vegetable stock (or water)
2 teaspoons salt
Gyoza is a pan-fried dumpling from Japan, similar to pot-stickers, that commonly has a filling of protein, vegetables and spices. This recipe has been veganized by adding in some fried tofu instead of the traditional meat for the filling, but you could put any type of protein or flavor combinations that you like. The green onion, garlic and chili peppers give this recipe a traditional taste that goes well with your favorite teriyaki or soy dipping sauce.
*Makes about 40
Ingredients:
Mother Nature literally provides us with everything we need, in every aspect. This first aid kit is made from simple plants or plant products that are easy to come by and well-known.
These 7 items I am going to discuss are the very basic components of Mother Nature’s First Aid Kit. It’s possible you have all of these items in your kitchen or growing out in your yard already. That’s right, the very weeds along your sidewalk could be benefiting you in a big way!