Zesty Turmeric Vinaigrette

February7

Do you know what this is?

Make this tasty Turmeric Vinaigrette to help decrease inflammation in your body!
No, it’s not grub worms. This is fresh raw turmeric—nature’s own ibuprofen.

Ever slathered yellow mustard on a sandwich? Then you’ve had turmeric. Like curries? Yep, turmeric gives it the bright yellow color. Even the iconic Kraft Mac and Cheese now uses turmeric to enhance the intense cheesy color.

Make this tasty Turmeric Vinaigrette to help decrease inflammation in your body! Turmeric is bright orange on the inside, with a knobby light brown skin. The flavor of the tuber is a little bitter, but with a subtle bite, like ginger, with hints of black pepper. Some people think it tastes a little like an orange.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps decrease the amount of harmful inflammatory chemicals in the body. If you’re dealing with any inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, fibromyalgia or other auto-immune issues, you need to add turmeric to your diet.

Turmeric also reduces bloating, helps reduce the pain of a sunburn and, some believe, it helps slow the aging process (WHAT??? Research needs to be done into that RIGHT NOW).

But here’s the thing: In order for your body to absorb the curcumin, the turmeric has to be combined with black pepper. Which is why black pepper is one of the ingredients in this easy Turmeric Vinaigrette.

I don’t peel my turmeric when I make the vinaigrette. I wash the turmeric, throw everything into the blender, pulse for 5 seconds and then let it rip until the mixture is smooth. Turmeric Vinaigrette is great on heavy greens like kale, and is wonderful when tossed on roasted Brussel Sprouts or other vegetables. I’ve even stirred it into tuna and chicken salads for a taste sensation!


 

Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves

January20

Steaming Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves is a great way to eat healthy without adding extra fat or calories. The leaves add a subtle, exotic flavor! Who said that healthy eating means boring same-old-same-old eating? No! 

Here’s a great way to eat healthy without piling on extra fat or calories: steam your fish in banana leaves!

Wait… you’ve never heard of cooking with banana leaves? In many parts of Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, food is wrapped in banana leaves and then barbecued, baked or steamed. The leaves add a subtle, exotic flavor, unlike parchment paper or foil. Banana leaves are also known as plantain leaves.

Banana leaves are particularly handy when it comes to steaming fish because fillets often fall apart in a steamer. Using the banana leaves not only helps the fillets keep their shape, but if you add vegetables, you’ve got a meal in a packet. Handy-dandy, wouldn’t you say? Click here for the recipe.

You can find banana leaves in ethnic markets or large supermarkets and they are usually frozen. You can also  order online here.

Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves is a great “first recipe” if  you’ve never cooked with banana leaves. Get creative! Substitute chopped chicken, beef or pork for the fish and add whatever veggies you have on hand. The cooking time will change, so adjust the recipe as needed.

Steaming Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves is a great way to eat healthy without adding extra fat or calories. The leaves add a subtle, exotic flavor!

How to Make Chermoula

November21

How to Make Chermoula -  Mama's High Strung

 

Chermoula is the most delicious sauce you’ve never tasted.

Born in Morocco, this somewhat spicy, lemony sauce goes well with everything: fish, chicken, grilled meats… even veggies. Learn more about this delicious condiment and, of course, how to make Chermoula. Click here to get the recipe!

GingerDEAD Men Cookies

October27

This is a repost of one of my favorite Halloween recipes… GingerDEAD Men Cookies!

Mama's High Strung GingerDEAD Men

I wrote this recipe for my friends at Right@Home. What makes this recipe so simple is the “secret” ingredient: boxed cake mix! Let the kids help decorate these little men with their favorite candy or sweet topping. Make them scary or BOO-tiful… but get creative! Fun Gingerdead Men Cookies for a great Halloween!

 

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Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com