13. SPiCE iT UP!

There is just something about the cooler temperatures and longer days of fall that have many people turning to comfort food. Maybe it’s to stave off the chill of impending winter or give people something to look forward to as they cozy up indoors. Whatever the reason, taking favorite traditional foods and turning up the heat on them will give a nice change of pace. Ginger has a wonderfully strong smell reminiscent of lemon and pepper and has been described as hot, tangy, zesty, and spicy. It is known as a stimulating herb and increases circulation by getting the blood flowing. Ginger warms the body from the inside out and brings about a feeling of calmness. Adding ginger to dishes can completely change the mood of a food, giving it a bit of pep. It pairs well with produce (pumpkin, carrots, cauliflower, and collard greens), herbs (basil, lemongrass, and mint), meats (seafood, chicken, and beef), and other ingredients like honey, cream, and soy sauce. Really, it’s up to the imagination and—of course—the taste buds to try food pairings that are worthy of seconds.
Try mixing ginger with soy sauce and using in a beef-and-broccoli stir-fry or a salad dressing with ginger, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon. Ginger will add zest to carrot cake and spice to sweet potato and cauliflower soup. Try this ginger recipe that calls for fresh, chopped ginger.

GINGER VEGGIE STIR-FRY

ALLRECiPES.COM

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root, divided
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 cup snow peas
3/4 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup halved green beans
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tablespoon salt
1.In a large bowl, blend cornstarch, garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger root, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until cornstarch is dissolved. Mix in broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and green beans, tossing to lightly coat.
2.Heat remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook vegetables in oil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Stir in soy sauce and water. Mix in onion, salt, and remaining teaspoon ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp.