Category: Spices

Pickled Carrots and DUQQA (dukkah)

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EGYPTIAN Duqqa ~DUKKAH

SPICE OF LIFE! Sesame seeds found on bagels and hamburger buns are now enhanced or “stepped up a notch” with this century old mixture called Duqqa adds protein, rich nuts and spices to make your taste buds sing. 🎵

There are as many recipes for DUKKAH as there are Egyptian cooks. I like the protein from nuts and seeds. Tonight, having rainbow trout that I will dredge in DUKKAH. Sesame seeds are a must. Mix hazel nuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts, and/or pine nuts with the classic almonds.

Egyptian Dukkah Recipe

  • Servings: A Topping
  • Difficulty: easy
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INGREDIENTS

▢ Nuts: 3-4 tbsp each Hazelnuts, almonds and pistachios 
▢ Spices:
▢ 4 tbsp (1/4 cup)Sesame Seeds
▢ 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds
▢ 1 tsp cumin seeds (or powder)
▢ 1 tsp coriander
▢ 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
▢ 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (I use Celtic Salt)

INSTRUCTIONS
Toast/roast the nuts in the oven at 350F. Toast the sesame seeds in the oven in a separate small baking sheet. Watch for doneness!!
Dukkah depends on the freshness of the ingredients. Typically the spices are used whole, then crushed.
Combine the nuts, seeds and spices in a bowl. Crush and blend with the classic mortar and petal, or a food processor.
Pulse the processor until the nuts are well crushed. Do not over process to a powder form.

ROASTING NUTS AND SEEDS

Attempted to toast in a dry skillet on the stove top ends up with a burnt exterior and completely raw, untoasted interior. I have burned my share. Using the oven to toast your nuts is ideal because an oven provides uniform, even heat, which means that the nuts are going to be toasted from the inside out.

ROASTING TIPS🔥

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Oven must be at a low temperature. Use an air fryer for convenience and speed. Cook the nuts only until they start to turn golden (a light brown) with parts still appearing raw. Your nose also tells you when they are done too.

Is Dukkah The Same As Za’atar?

I get asked this question a lot. The answer is: no. While Dukkah and Za’atar are two Middle Eastern blends that can be used similarly, they are clearly not the same in texture or flavor profile. DUKKAH is crunchy and granular. Za’atar , a finer blend, is a mixture of toasted wild thyme and sesame seeds along with sumac.

Pickling Instructions 🥕🥕🥕

Pickled Carrot Presentation

  • Servings: 2-3
  • Difficulty: easy
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INGREDIENTS

▢ 2 cups of pickled carrots (add zucchini + cucumber -optional)
▢ 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (or basil)
▢ ½ cup of home made yogurt (see recipe) ~you decide how much per person)

INSTRUCTIONS/PRESENTATION
Add a large dollop of yogurt on your plate and spread it around
Place carrots (and zucchini) on top of the yogurt followed by fresh chopped mint or basil.
Finish with a sprinkling of DUKKAH on top of the vegetables with a drizzle of your favorite olive oil.

PICKLING PROCESS: Use a vegetable peeler to make carrot/zucchini/cucumber ribbons. Submerge veggie ribbons in a bowl with a mix of 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water. Ready in one hour! Or, refrigerate overnight. I like adding pear ribbons. Tastes great. 🙂

FAST PICKLED CARROTS

You don’t have to roll your carrots and zucchini like I have done here. Alternate with carrot on the outside. Or place in jars randomly. These pickled veggies were placed in a large steel bowl marinating overnight and then placed in jars stored in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. You will use them up quickly. Hint: If you get peckish. Take a veggie roll from the jar and enjoy! Healthy snack!

Pickled Carrots 🥕 Is Good For Your Gut Health

PICKLED CARROTS offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.They are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy snack option. The fermentation process involved in pickling carrots (added mustard seed, 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar) creates beneficial bacteria that support gut health.Cooking carrots depletes nutrients. Consuming pickled carrots in moderation can aid in weight loss due to their high fiber content. Adding pickled carrots to your meals provides additional nutrients.

DUKKAH (duqqa) with hummus is enjoyed as a dip or sandwich spread. Add pickled veggies as a burger topper. Sprinkle the Dukkah directly on the burger, chicken or seafood.

Using DUKKAH on so many foods encourages healthy choices as we develop good eating habits for better living!

Sprinkle Dukkah On Top Of Your Saurkraut/Carrot Side Dish!!

Add pickled carrots to sauerkraut. It softens the tanginess of the SAURKRAUT and adds good flavour. I also shred a raw potato to the sauerkraut and heat it up all together with the pickled carrots.(my German relatives recipe). OPTIONAL: serve with pork chops or sausages. 1 PROTEIN/Fat (sausage/port chops) plus 2 VEGGIES (carrot and cabbage).

Low Carbohydrate !!

Carrots are Complex carbs and Keto friendly. Very low carbohydrates. Carbs A cup (128g) of chopped raw carrots has 12.3 grams of carbohydrates, with 3.6 grams of fiber and 6.1 grams of natural sugars. Carrots are sweet! Almonds are not nuts they are classed as a stone fruit. Cashews are a fruit of the Cashew trees. As olive is a fruit too. The nuts you choose should come from a tree not in the ground(peanut).

AWE NUTS! Tree Nuts?

All these nuts are 15-18 gm weight. Eating dukkah does not involve a lot of calories since it is sprinkled on food.

8 Reasons Why You Should Add Ceremonial Grade Matcha to Your Daily Routine

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Fascinating health benefits posted from “WYNTER WELLNESS“! Well Done!!

Buy Ceremonial Matcha Grade Tea on Amazon and your local stores!

Holier Than Tao's avatarWynter's Wellness

Ceremonial grade matcha, also known as the highest quality of matcha tea available, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. This premium quality green tea powder is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are carefully hand-picked and ground into a fine powder. Unlike other types of green tea, ceremonial grade matcha provides a concentrated dose of antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that may help improve overall wellbeing.

In this article, we will discuss eight reasons why you should consider adding ceremonial grade matcha to your daily routine.

1. High in Antioxidants

Matcha is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your body against harmful free radicals. One study found that the antioxidant activity of matcha was up to 137 times higher than other types of green tea (1). These powerful antioxidants can neutralize free radicals before they cause damage to cells and tissues within…

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Magic Spice Trio

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Warm Spices 🧊 Cold and Flu Tonic 🤧

+++ Many Other Mega Boosters

Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon (T.G.C)

MORNING COFFEE

I always add cinnamon in my coffee -long before it became trending. Years later, Starbucks added vanilla shakers with honey and other spices for your coffee or tea.

I can add this trio of spices to my morning coffee with my usual teaspoon of collagen. Hum-m-m? 🤔
It’s a new day—>TGC

Three’s The Charm ‘powerful medicinal spices’

This is the ratio. I would start here. If you like, make larger batches in the same ratio. I have a sprinkle jar to help blend it and I don’t need a spoon or scoop and no lumps. So many people are selling this with complex ingredients using words like capsicum and gingerol. This is the basic recipe.

1 teaspoonGround Turmeric
1 teaspoonGround Cinnamon
½ teaspoonBlack Pepper (ground)
½ teaspoonGround Ginger
6 cupsYour Favorite Coffee (brewed coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso etc)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger in a bowl and store in an airtight glass container.
2. Add 1/2 tsp of this mixture to your ready coffee and mix well and serve.

Dr Steven Gundry M.D. suggests adding (MTC) coconut oil – few drops in your coffee. Remember Bullet Coffee? That is what MCT is about. Gundry also states that cow’s milk, almond and cashew milk negates the effect of MCT in your coffee. Coconut oil or coconut milk is acceptable.

[1a] ALL ABOUT Turmeric

NOTE: Dr. Gundry MD. supports no milk,almond or any other milk in coffee. It kills pr negates the MCT in your coffee. Dr Axe also, says it best–> MCT

Turmeric is part of the Ginger Family, and an important ingredient for curry dishes. The powerful health component in turmeric is called curcumin. More scientific studies are establishing the benefits of turmeric.

Turmeric Fights 🥊

Turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and other joint disorders, colitis, allergies and infections.Turmeric’s effect on mood disorders, depression and dementia have also been explored. Currently, these studies are small. Some research results show that people who have osteoarthritis reported less joint pain when eating turmeric in recipes. Turmeric is used as a natural coloring agent for mustard.

[1b] Pepper [HELPS with turmeric]

A good marriage is combining turmeric with black pepper –> Pepper is documented to help increase your body’s ability to absorb turmeric’s beneficial compounds. Approximately ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper can be taken with 1 tsp turmeric powder. Pepper helps turmeric to do its job.

Peppercorn is an aromatic fruit picked from pepper vines. Peppercorns exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. They can also be used to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce weight.

[2] All About Cinnamon

Cinnamon is deemed as the highest antioxident spice (or herb). The leaves on this tree smell spicy. One of the most beneficial spices on earth. Cinnamon health benefits come from its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, immune-boosting, heart-protecting and cancer-fighting properties. But, easy to make at home. Watch:  cinnamon. I reduced the scientific terms to a layman’s approach.

Here’s how it works

* Controls insulin levels (which means less calories stored as fat)

* Helps to burn belly fat (cinnamon is said to impact abdominal fat more than fat found in other parts of your body)

* Speeds metabolism (so you burn more even at rest)

* Suppresses appetite (so you stay full longer)

The honey and cinnamon face packs is known throughout the world. Egg whites face mask encourages the production of collagen on your skin. You can mix it in your facial or alone. Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon produces high quality cinnamon. It has more oil than cassia cinnamon (found in the rest of the world). 50–63% of the oil (from Sri Lanka’s cinnamon) is called cinnamaldehyde, which explains its mild flavor but very tasty.

[3] All About Ginger

This woman in Hawaii is holding mild, perishable, Pink “Baby Ginger“(only sold locally). If you can buy it, store in the freezer. Grate frozen rhizome into recipes and put right back into the freezer. Store your regular ginger in the freezer too; lasts longer.
Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant based on research. Ginger, cinnamon and sesame oil together has a stronger effect for joint pain. Picture: ginger grown in Hawaii.

Ginger contains gingerol. Maybe that’s how Ginger Ale got its name.

Ginger is a popular brain food. There’s also some evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function directly. And, as in Alzheimer’s prevention, Tests show weight lose is supported by Ginger. Also, Osteoarthritis (OA) is curtailed to a certain extent.
There’s also some evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function directly. In a 2012 study of healthy middle-aged women, daily doses of ginger extract were shown to improve reaction time and working memory.

Feed the brain with Collagen and MCT (coconut) oil. And, Spice up your life with TGC !! 💖

Buy As A Supplement In Teabag Portions

Make it your daily spice mixture of turmeric, ginger and cinnamon (T.G.C.) Made up of two roots and the (inner) bark of a tree. Supplements you can shake from your own dispenser. Be adventurous. I am baking Oatmeal cookies today. I will add some triple goodness for “Spicy Oatmeal Cookies”!

A friend pointed out –>

One tablespoon of cinnamon contains 68% manganese and 8% calcium and 4% iron. Manganese is a trace mineral. It is vital for the human body, but people only need it in small amounts. The body can not make manganese. Manganese may help promote strong, dense bones when combined with other nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.

Measure Of A Good Chef ~Paul Prudhomme

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How do you measure a good chef?  A good chef like Paul Prudhomme ( 1940-2015) is constantly tasting at various stages of preparation.  Paul is one of my favorite chefs of all time. A consummate chef.  When asked to write down his recipes, Paul had to make an educated guess to conform to classical measurements (since he never measured anything). Paul called it ” Best guess” and, “When you taste it, that’s when you know if you have to add a little more of this or that.”  I can hear him now.

At K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans, Paul was not always in the kitchen after his popularity soared and demanding TV appearances were eating up his time. I am happy to say, I did have a meal when Paul was cooking up some spicy Louisiana dish in his restaurant. What luck!  S-o-o-o good! There is truly a difference!

Before food network (1993), I watched an episode of the magic man himself. Paul, made a peach pie. I taped it on my VHS player. But alas, I no longer have it. As the adage goes – the memory is still alive. He was so entertaining; listening to Paul talk about food with his soft, New Orleans accent. Today, when I make peach pie, I always think of Paul Prudhomme for a brief moment!

Seasoned Pie Dough /Crust

My Recommendation: The BEST Pie Crust: Half butter and half shortening. (They always win at the county fair!)

CHEFS ~ Measure ‘To Taste’

Measure To Taste.

Blackened Redfish Debut 1980

After 3 failed restaurants, Paul went to Denver and managed a restaurant that stayed afloat. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Paul came back home to New Orleans. One of the first things Paul did was joined the Commander’s Palace as a lunch chef and became their head chef the following week! Soon after, Paul introduced his spicy Cajun cooking. It started when Paul’s Cajun popcorn turned up on their menu! Paul left Commander’s Palace to pursue his dreams once more and opened K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen with his signature dish ~ Blackened Red Fish. After opening, to a packed restaurant, the lineups began on the 2nd week. The magic man put New Orleans cuisine on the culinary map and became a household name. You may have guessed that there was a shortage of red fish..in the area for a short while. Unbelievable! Paul truly brought spice to America for the first time..in a big way! Now, we cant live without turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Some time later, Paul packaged his signature spice blend. You can still buy his signature spices online – or make it yourself. (see recipe below)

Blackened Seasoning Spice – by Paul Prudhomme

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (or less) cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Mix together and add cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp at a time. REMEMBER: After you measure out the spices, etc., taste and adjust accordingly. [Taste on a piece of buttered bread]. Store in a tightly lidded jar in a cool, dark cupboard.

TIP: My friend made this and said it was okay. Remember: Everything has to be fresh: even garlic and onion powder. I would maybe add smoked paprika. I would use red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper. ( I do not live near a cayenne pepper farm–like Paul P. did in Louisiana. It’s not the same. Also, dry your own thyme and oregano leaves before grinding. Grow your own herbs. Store all spices in a glass jar with a tight lid and a dark cupboard. Or, just buy Paul’s spice blend!

Fresh Is Best

Buy peppercorns, course salt, even onion flakes to grind. Fresh spices are the best choice. Some herbs like dill or parsley will keep longer in the freezer (stored in ice cube trays).

Paul Prudhomme outside of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen

Chef Paul Prudhomme had already built his reputation as the executive chef at Commander’s Palace . After he left Commander’s Palace, Kay and Paul Prudhomme opened K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Chartres Street in 1979, and soon drew local popularity followed by national acclaim as the Spiciest Chef in Louisiana!

Kay Pruhomme
Portrait of Paul Prudhomme and Kay hanging inside K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen.

The Independent Restaurant Coalition predicts that 85% of the country’s independent restaurants will close by 2021 due to financial strains caused by COVID-19.

K-Paul’s is one of the many beloved restaurants around the country to recently announce its closure due to COVID-19. This weekend, New York City diner Odessa announced it would be closing after 26 years in the East Village, citing a significant loss of business over the past few months. Other high-profile closures have included McCrady’s in Charleston, Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City, and Blackbird in Chicago, among thousands of other restaurants that haven’t made the news.

K-Paul Closes Its Doors May 2020

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen closed in May due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will not reopen, says chef Paul Miller and Brenda Prudhomme ( a niece of Paul Prudhomme). Latest bulletin: the building is now up for sale.

Chef Paul Prudhomme and his then wife Kay Hinrichs Prudhomme opened K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Chartres Street in 1979, a landmark in culinary history. A bygone era that will be missed!

Spice Jars~Holiday Gifts

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VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!

How about giving you friends and family a spice jar this holiday season?
  I had a few people over for dinner the other night and they were raving about the shredded Mexican chicken I had prepared. I surprised them all when I gave each one a jar of ‘holiday’ spices. When I fill my spice gift jars, I add enough spice for two meals.
This dry mix of spices will add a unique zing to any chicken dish. Most of these spices you will have in your own cupboard. Try the suggested chili powders for this mix. My spice blend has just the right amount of heat and flavor to make all your guests ask for the ‘secret’ recipe.  In fact you can give them a jar of spices as a gift this holiday season! If you are able to prepare your own fresh ground cumin adds a great dimension to the dish. Fresh is always more fragrant and the taste is sensational. Do you want great flavor without adding a lot of heat? This would be a good mix. THE REAL GIFT IS THE RECIPE!

Combine the spices in the Mexican Chicken recipe and package. This is the perfect hostess or other gift to give along with the printed recipe!

Combine the spices in the Mexican Chicken recipe and package. This is the perfect hostess or other gift to give along with the printed recipe!

INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons ground cumin (grind you own in a mortar and pestle )
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon powdered red chili ~ i.e. Ancho, chile de arbol, New Mexican Chile.
Dash of Cayenne pepper ~ or ~  to taste
1 teaspoon salt  ( use Kosher,  sea salt or Himalayan pink salt )
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Mexican Shredded Chicken ( recipe inside ), Chocolate Chili Truffles ( in box )

I like giving my friends and neighbors little treats this time of year, spreading happiness and good wishes.
holiday-hugs-snowman
didyouknow2DID YOU KNOW? Spices not only  excite your taste buds but are composed of an impressive list of phyto-nutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness. Spices have been part part of our food ever since the spice trade began and when salt was a form of currency. Today we value healing spices even more. Thanks to the Arab and European explorers, whose contributions in spreading them from their place of origin to the rest of the planet has immensely broaden their use and popularity all over the world!

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Mortar & Pestle, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper &  Ancho Chili Powder