Category: Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings

Caribbean, Cooking Techniques, Easy, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Latin, Low-Carb, Oils and Dressings, Sauces and Condiments, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Understanding Spices

Achiote (Annatto) Oil

Achiote (Annatto) seeds have been used in Mexico, the Carribean, and the Philipines to impart a deep orange-yellow color and fruity mildly peppery flavor to food. I make a cup of this oil and use it for recipes from these regions. Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cup INSTRUCTIONS Add both […]

American, Appetizers, Snacks, and Dips, Asian, Breads/Rolls, Desserts, Easy, Family Favorites, Heart Healthy, Ingredient Substitutions, Low-Fat, Quick Meals, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Vegetarian

Baked Wonton Chips

I found this recipe in a magazine from the local organic supermarket in Solon, Ohio. What a great idea for a healthy version of chips. They crisp up beautifully and can be made either savory or sweet depending on your choice of topping. They took minutes to make and turned out so pretty that I […]

American, Desserts, Easy, European, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Low-Fat, Sauces and Condiments, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cinnamon Sugar

I keep this sugar in my pantry to add a punch of flavor over baked goods like sweet-tasting bread or muffins. I have used it over fresh berries and as a chip seasoning. It’s easy to make and keeps well in a glass jar. Hands-on time: 3 minutes Yield: 4 ounces INSTRUCTIONS Add both ingredients […]

Asian, Beverages, Breakfast, Easy, Family Favorites, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Indian, Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Understanding Spices, Vegan, Vegetarian

Masala Chai

Masala chai has gained a lot of popularity in the West. However, it is a common drink in many Indian homes. Masala means powdered spice or spice paste. It can be comprised of any spice in crushed form. Hence, garam masala means “hot” masala (it’s hot because the spices used in it generate heat in […]

Asian, Beverages, Easy, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Home Remedies, Indian, Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Understanding Spices, Vegan, Vegetarian

Indian Cold Remedies Part II

My daughter is sick again due to stress, air travel, and lack of sleep. Here is what I plied her with yesterday. I make this tea daily for myself for general health purposes and to help jump-start my day. It is made of my formula for Masala Chai plus two other ingredients for health. By […]

Asian, Easy, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Home Remedies, Indian, Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Understanding Spices, Vegan, Vegetarian

Indian Cold Remedies – Part I

There is a cold going around and all three of my children have gotten it in turn. Here’s what I do when this happens to help relieve the runny nose, fever, headache, nausea, throat ache, and body aches. INSTRUCTIONS Boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover, the first five ingredients for 10-15 minutes. […]