Sweet heat warms the heart

Written by Robin Glowa
Wednesday, 16 February 2011 00:00

Ginger ... the name conjures up a spicy, sexy, sassy image. Ginger Rogers epitomized high energy, glamour and grace. I think that fresh ginger is just about one of the sexiest, sassiest and most glamorous ingredients going.

Just when you’re weighted down by yet another carb-heavy winter meal, along comes ginger, with super seductive flavor that adds sweet heat to stir-fries, salads, soups and desserts.

Ginger’s aromatic zestiness brings a vigorous warmth to the body. As a fresh root, powdered, crystallized or candied, ginger is packed with potent healing power. Consuming ginger is an effective way to combat nausea or morning sickness, induce a healthy sweat during colds and flu, and may be effective in relieving arthritis symptoms.

 

A good source of magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6, ginger will add fantastic flavor to fruit salads, spark up sautéed vegetables, add sizzle to salad dressings, and invigorate tea or lemonade. Fresh ginger root is available year round, typically in the produce section of your supermarket.

I recently received samples of some wonderful ginger products from The Ginger People. This company specializes in creating an amazing array of pure ginger products that will tantalize the tastebuds. A minor tummy ailment was vastly relieved by one of their Ginger Chews; the scintillating spice gave me immediate relief. A jar of bright, fresh grated ginger brought new sparkle to my shrimp spring rolls and Asian lettuce wraps. There was also a bag of coffee ginger chews that are my new favorite treat, the rich coffee flavor melding perfectly with the ginger heat.

The Ginger People have luscious cooking sauces, crystallized ginger, chocolate covered ginger, ginger syrup, ginger beer and lots of other items. I love their products and urge you to check them out at gingerpeople.com.

Glam up your delicious life with ginger; you might just find yourself dancing with delight!

 

Fresh Ginger Tea

(to relieve nausea or the chilling bite of winter)

Steep 2 1/2 slices of fresh, peeled ginger in a cup of very hot water. Remove ginger after about five minutes and add a little organic honey if desired.

 

Ginger Butter

(fantastic on steamed carrots or on toast or muffins)

1 stick organic, unsalted butter

2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger

1 tablespoon organic honey

pinch of sea salt

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Transfer to a small crock when blended.

 

Ginger Fried Rice

3-4 servings

2 teaspoons peanut oil or canola oil

2 large eggs, beaten

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

2 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger root

1-2 minced garlic cloves

3 cups cold cooked rice

1 cup frozen peas

3/4 cup thinly sliced carrot

3/4 cup thinly sliced pepper strips

1 cup bean sprouts (use fresh mung bean sprouts or canned bean sprouts)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

In a skillet or wok, heat peanut or canola oil. When hot, but not smoking, add ginger, garlic and scallions. Sauté until garlic is just turning golden, one to two minutes. Add carrots and peppers, stirring and cooking for two to three minutes. Add rice, bean sprouts, peas, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, stirring and cooking until well mixed and warmed through. Add eggs and stir until eggs are cooked and well mixed into rice. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil, if desired.

Reach Robin Glowa at theconsciouscook.net.