Thursday, April 10, 2008

Ginger Snaps!

The ginger root has been around since the beginning of time. It was first and still is used in Asian cooking, imparting a wonderful taste. As a dedicated foodie I recommend cooking with ginger. It adds zing and zest to stir fries while making desserts and drinks extra special. It's also good for the digestive tract as even our Colonial ancestors found out. Eighteenth Century Americans often finished a meal with ginger in some shape or form, whether in tea or as a candy. It's also good for curbing nausea . Moms to be and anyone undergoing chemo treatment should have ginger on the ready to prevent and squelch any queasy feelings.

Where can you find ginger? Surprisingly in your local grocery store. It's become a big part of our cuisine these days that chains have to stock it. If you want more innovative ginger products then visit http://www.gingerpeople.com/ This is a great site where you can find everything from wild ginger sauces to spicy ginger shortbreads. They even have authentic ginger beer which is not for the faint hearted. My faves are their crystalized ginger which is good mixed in hot tea and Gin Gins , energy boosting ginger drops. I'm also mad for their shortbread and sauces.
Their Ginger Lime Marimade and Sauce is perfect for Oriental stir fries as well as for barbecued meats.
Here is my recipe for Stir Fry using the Ginger People's sauce.

Olive or peanut oil for frying
3 cups, chicken, beef, soy chicken or soy beef strips.
1 cup carrots sliced,
1 cup diced onions,
1 cup pepper cut into strips
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup water chestnuts
1 cup caulifower
1 cup Ginger Lime Marinade


Cooking Instructions: In a wok or large frying pan, quick-fry soy meat or soy strips until tender in the olive or peanut oil. When the strips are a pale golden brown, add vegetables and stir. You may want to add the remaining oil as I do or even 2 tablespoons of water to keep meat and veggies moist. Slowly stir in The Ginger People's Ginger Lime Marinade and cook entire stir fry until strips are a dark golden color. Serve with either white or brown rice. Serves 4 . Can be reheated over stove or in microwave. Keep leftovers in a sealed plastic container in fridge. This will keep for three to four days.

Again log on to http://www.gingerpeople.com/ for great ginger based products

Been feeling run down lately? Then try the unique Fyxx Hybrid energy water. This is a great boost for anyone with a full schedule. It will be sold in New York metro stores starting April 17th. If not head to their web site http://www.fyxxwater.com/ for your bottles.