StilettoChef

Want to stay fab this fall and winter without drenching all of your favorite holiday foods in cream, butter and fatty sauces? I mean yes, we all love them.. but this year, save yourself the fatty thighs and treadmill sessions in Jan, just by using some of these smart+clever spices. Who knows ? Maybe you’ll become just that!? Get with it.

Star anise This Chinese spice is similar to regular anise, only more pungent flavor. With a licorice taste and beautiful rust color, this spice plays a star roll in chai tea, Chinese five-spice powder and mulling mix.

Cloves
Cloves are warming, sweet and decidedly fall. They are perfectly paired with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon in pumpkin bread and butternut squash soup. Or simply stud a few in a bowl of oranges for a fragrant
centerpiece, oooh-la-la like Granny’s house!

Ginger
Spicy and full of nutrients like Vitamin B6, helps aid in digestion, ginger complements a variety of seasonal dishes. Delicious in stir fries and Asian dishes, ginger pairs well with both savory and sweet foods. Feeling icky? Grate some fresh ginger with some honey and cover with water, boil for about 10 minutes and enjoy seeped as tea.

Nutmeg Nutty and slightly sweet, nutmeg is a seasonal favorite. Seek out whole nutmeg pods and grate fresh for the best flavor. Try a dash in green beans or spinach for an extra touch of delish. Grate off a bit to finish    mashed potatoes, mac n cheese or your fave creamy pasta dish, diva!

Cinnamon Cinnamon is synonymous with fall. Warming and fragrant with a nod to the holidays, a sprinkle of cinnamon may boost cognitive function and memory dummy.  Place cinnamon sticks in your apple cider, mulled vino or even hot chocolat! Add to a spice rub for a new twist, or to recall which deadline is coming up next week, smartie-pants.

Spices, are not just junk that you’re adding to “BAM!” up a dish, or seem like a “you-fancy-huh?” Kinda gal.. they are necessary for holiday memories and take-me-away-to-that-warm-fuzzy-place! Enjoy and be well! xx ♥ck