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Fruits and Bulbs - Chilli Peppers, Garlic, Juniper, Peppercons.
The general effect of these fruits is to speed up metabolism or to act as an antiseptic. Chilli peppers and peppercons are both highly stimulating to the circulation; the effect of creating temporary heat in the stomach is to encourage gastric secreations. Traditionally this meant these herbs could be used in foods that might otherwise be toxic, the herbs providing protection as well as flavour.
The classic herb in this respect is garlic, which is not only warming, but helps lower cholesterol levels adn fight infections. Juniper too is a powerful digestive antiseptic. Eating spicy, hot foods can make you perspire more, and this actually has a cooling effect which has long been appreciated by the inhabitants of hot countries.
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Garlic and juniper have a traditional association with meats such as pheasant or hare, not just because their strong flavour calls for stronger-tasting herbs but because game can often be on the verge of going off. Any contamination is minimized by the antiseptic herbs.
Garlic
Garlic is a strongly aromatic bulb crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today it is renowned throughout the world for its distinctive flavour as well as health giving properties. India is one of the world's largest producers where it is a very popular food.
Few Tips:
Use Minced Garlic or Garlic Chips in pasta sauces, stews, and soups. Mix with oil and vinegar and Italian spices to make salad dressing. Garlic Powder can be used in marinades, or mixed with herbs and rubbed into poultry, pork, or beef before cooking.
CHICKEN & CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE
1 tsp. olive oil |
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.) |
1 jar (1 lb.) Ragu ® Cheesy! Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce |
1 small tomato, chopped |
8 ounces rotelle, penne or gemelli pasta, cooked and drained |
Directions
1. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and lightly brown chicken. Stir in Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce and tomato.
2. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. To serve, spoon chicken and sauce over hot rotelle. Garnish, if desired, with crisp-cooked crumbled bacon and chopped fresh basil.
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Chilli Peppers
The irritant effect of chilli peppers is used as a mask for pain from conditions such as rheumatism and nerve pain. Pepper is a universal table condiment used to flavor all types of dishes in cuisines worldwide. It's commonly used in stocks, pickling, and sausages.
FewTips:
Use Black Pepper to spark barbecue sauces, meat marinades, and vegetable stirfries. Sprinkle over chowders, cream soups, and tomato and egg dishes. Mix with sour cream or yogurt for a lively baked potato or vegetable topper.
Juniper
Juniper Berries are used in Northern Europe and the United States in marinades, roast pork, and sauerkraut. They enhance meat, stuffings, sausages, stews, and soups.
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